Page 60 of Stranded with the Alien

“Then let’s go.”

Vahn tucked the bird into his belt and collapsed the tent. Kara had already set off and he had to walk fast to catch up.

“I estimate two days to reach the highest point,” he said. She didn’t answer. He tried again. “After that we should find somewhere to set up camp. We have no way of knowing how long it will take for the signal to be answered.”

She grunted noncommittally. Vahn was starting to get irritated.

“This is going to be a long walk if you do not communicate with me, human.”

Silence.

“You will talk to me eventually.”

She flipped her middle finger at him and lengthened her stride. Vahn’s jaw tightened as she pulled ahead.

Drek.

He’d forgotten about her temper.

But perhaps it was for the best. If she stayed annoyed with him, he could keep her at arms length. And then maybe, just maybe, thekalehshbond would wither and die.

Because if it didn’t, he would be mated forever to a human. His heart and soul owned by the enemy.

Unable to find love with a Vraxian. With anyone. It was unconscionable.

He had to fight it, even if that meant fightingherat every given turn.

He tried to ignore the fact that it might be too late. That when he thought of Kara in danger, or hurt, or sad, his chest constricted as though it was being squeezed in a vice.

But he had to try. He had to make her keep hating him.

“You are being ridiculous,” he told her receding back. “Are you angry because I wouldn’t makevastrawith you? It would have been an act of treason and you know it.”

Kara whirled round.

“Don’t put it all on me, you blue bastard. The whole thing was your idea. I should have punched you in the mouth when you suggested it.”

“If it would improve your countenance, go ahead.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“I doubt you can hurt me,nedekhuman.”

Smug alien prick.

She marched up to him and swung a fist at his chin. He leaned away from it, laughing.

“You will have to do better than that.”

Kara dropped her backpack to the floor. Turning sideways on to him, she took up a fighting stance with fists raised.

“Let me show you how much better I can do.”

He stopped smiling.

“I do not wish to hurt you, Kara.”

“Don’t worry. You won’t.”

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