Page 73 of Stranded with the Alien

“And how, by the Fountain of Zandarr, am I to do that?

“Well, pretending you like me would be a start,” she snapped. “Just put your arm round me or something.”

“You want me to put on a display of affection for ananimal?”

“I’m not thrilled by it either, snake-boy. But it’s either that or risk getting your face torn off every time you come near me.”

Swearing irritably, Vahn sheathed his blade while Kara shrugged off her back-pack. He went to put his hands on Kara’s shoulders and Rocky’s ears flattened.

“This isdrek’aaintolerable,” he said through gritted teeth. “The animal is deranged.”

“Lighten up. I’ll hugyouif you prefer. Here, sit down so I can reach.”

Grumbling beneath his breath, Vahn allowed her to pull him down into a sitting position. She put her arm awkwardly round his shoulder. Rocky wrinkled his muzzle, unimpressed.

“I fear the wretched hound is not deceived,” muttered Vahn.

“Why am I not surprised? You have to make it convincing.”

With a muttered oath, Vahn scooped her up and deposited her in his lap. He wrapped both arms around her, making his movements slow and exaggerated, then circled her with his serpetri for good measure.

“Is that better, human?”

“Um, yes. That should do it.”

“And how long are we to stay like this?”

“Until Rocky gets it into his dog-brain that you’re not a threat.”

“It would be easier to behead it. Or I can use the blaster and…”

“No-one’s offing anyone, buddy. Now look into my eyes and pretend we’re friends.”

He did so and for a long moment they stared at each other.

Human eyes were strange, he thought. But not unpleasant. Kara’s were so dark they appeared liquid. He could almost drown in them.

Kara held his gaze, fascinated by his irises. They didn’t seem as alien as they had before. Not as yellow as she’d initially thought. More a pale gold. Or was she just used to them now?

And his scent. He smelled good. Impossibly so, for someone who’d walked so many miles. A fresh, earthy mix of leather and citrus that was undeniably masculine.

She realized they’d been staring at each other for a while.

“Um, I think Rocky probably knows we’re friends now,” she said, flustered.

“Hm.” He seemed in no hurry to let her go. “Andarewe friends then, Kara Singh, daughter of the President of Earth?”

“I… well, aren’t we? I think maybe we are.”

“Is it even possible for two such different species to be friends?” His expression turned thoughtful and he brushed a strand of hair from her face. “There are so many things that mark us apart. Your appearance. Your fragility. Your ability to dream.”

“Doesn’t being friends mean seeingpastthe differences?”

“Or maybe it’s seeing the similarities.”

“The… similarities?”

The intensity of his gaze set her belly fluttering. He touched her browbone, a feather-light caress which made her tingle.

---