Page 93 of Stranded with the Alien

“And she’s decided that I’m yourkalehsha.Is she mad?”

Vahn gave a short laugh.

“Lately I have wondered that myself. But when your mate is revealed to you, it is an entirely visceral reaction. It hits you here…” he touched his chest, “…and here.” His belly. “The feeling is so intense, I am not surprised my people believe it is a message from the goddess herself.”

Kara wasn’t sure what to make of hiskalehshanonsense. But she had to admit, it made her feel warm inside. Warm and turned on. Because this big, strong Vraxian warrior was so in love with her, he would do anything for her. He would die for her.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she leaned against him.

“Tell me about Vannla.”

“She was a fierce fighter, the most ruthless of the gods. At the beginning of time she led an army against the mortals who had the temerity to challenge them for the right to rule Vraxos. The battle was long and bloodthirsty. But one day the mortal leader, a young man called Ayanlesh, saw Vannla fighting and was captivated by her.”

“Ah.” Kara nodded knowingly. “He had the hots for her.”

“Yes. Very much so. Ayanlesh fell in love with Vannla and one night he went to her with an offer. He lay his sword at her feet and asked her to do the same, so they could rule Vraxos as one.”

“Ooh. A peace deal. What happened?”

“Vannla gave him seven days to persuade her. If he could make her fall in love with him in that time, she would lay her weapon aside. But if he failed, she would run him through and win the war.”

“Let me guess. He won her over.”

“For seven days he wooed her relentlessly with ballads, sonnets, and gifts. On the seventh day she realized she was in danger of losing her heart so she tried to escape. But wherever she went, Ayanlesh followed. When she finally accepted her fate, she laid down her sword and gifted him with water from the divine Fountain of Zandarr which made him immortal. They consummated their love in the garden of Shamhoreth and went on to fill Vraxos with their children.”

“Hang on.” She sat up. “Are you saying Vraxians think they’re descended from gods?”

“Of course. Surely our superb physiques and noble bearing make that obvious?”

He grinned and she slapped his arm.

“Another joke. You’re improving.”

“You are rubbing off on me.”

“Regardless, it was a good story. Thank you for telling it to me. But I think Vannla’s fucked up this time. As soon as our beacon is found we’ll have to go our separate ways.”

Vahn knew she was right. It didn’t stop the pain in his heart being any more excruciating. Kara saw the sadness in his eyes and immediately regretted saying anything. She raised her hand to his cheek.

“So tell me, if I’m yourkalehsha,what does that make you?”

“Nothing, because you do not believe in it.”

“But if I did.”

“Then I would be yourkalehshun.”

“Kalehshun.” She drew his face down to hers and brushed her mouth across his. “Then listen up. I don’t have to believe in gods to know that I love you, mykalehshun.We’re the only two people on this planet and we may as well make the most of it.”

“I concur.” He studied her mouth intently. “Does your monthly cycle prohibit you from…?”

“Nope.”

She shrugged off the furs and pulled him down on top of her naked body.

Forty Four

Days passed. Then weeks. The rainy season ended, something Vahn and Kara had prepared for by making nearly a hundred animal-skin water bottles for storage. In the end, they didn’t need them.

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