Page 75 of Stranded with the Alien

Now more than ever, he knew he had to put distance between them. He couldn’t be around her, not with his emotions running wild.

He knew she was furious. She had every right to be – he’d treated her abysmally. But there was nothing he could say to excuse his shameful behavior short of telling her the truth. And that was something she would never understand.

At least Rocky seemed more at ease with him so the charade had not been entirely pointless. The animal had disappeared into the woods, presumably to hunt, without snapping at him once.

“The shelter is ready,” he said at last. “And I have built a fire so you can…”

“You are such a fucking dickhead.”

“Ah good. Your temper is back. I had quite missed it.”

“What the fuck wasthatall about?”

“That what?”

“That thing where you almost kissed me, then threw me out of your lap like I was day-old vomit.”

“What a charming analogy. I thought we were only acting for the hound’s sake?”

“Don’t give me that bullshit.” Kara’s eyes flashed warningly. “What the hell is your problem?”

“My problem is you.”

Kara jerked as if he’d physically struck her.

“Me? What haveIdone?”

Vahn sighed.

“I think we should split up. The beacon is transmitting now. Sooner or later your people will come for you. I will leave you the blaster and…”

“Hang on, hang on. You’releaving?” She looked at him in disbelief. “You’re going to leave me on my own?”

“You will not be on your own. You have your pet.”

“No. Uh-uh.” She shook her head decisively. “You’re not going anywhere. I won’t allow it.”

“I am not giving you a choice.”

“Screw that. If you go, I’ll follow you. And if you try to sneak off, Rocky will just track you down. So forget it.”

Vahn let out an explosive sigh.

“By the Temple of Ayanlesh, human, why are you so stubborn?”

“Because you haven’t given me one good reason why you have to go.”

“I do not have to share my reasons with you.”

“Yes, you do. After everything we’ve been through, after everything we’ve done together…”

“That is why I have to go!” His roar resounded through the forest and she went still.

“What do you mean?”

His jaw tightened. She wanted the truth? Fine.

“Being stranded on this planet with you has affected my biological responses. Tricked my body into thinking of you as a mate. And that has resulted in the creation of pheromones which are affecting you.”

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