Page 15 of Fated to the Alien Rebel

“You were the first human to come to our village or to even attempt learn about us. What made you decide to become Kyler’s apprentice?”

A troubled expression crosses Sage’s face, but swiftly disappears. “I wanted to do something meaningful with my life. Not that what the other humans do within the settlement isn’t meaningful, but planting and harvesting food wasn’t for me. I also can’t make clothes—coverings—at all. I just want to help people.”

“That is a worthy desire.”

She raises her shoulders in a way I have seen the humans do. “It just feels right. What about you? What is it you like to do when you are not out hunting or sparring?”

Only a few tribespeople know of my interest. It is not as though I am ashamed of it, but I have not heard of another warrior doing what it is I do, only kits. But I should tell my mate, if for nothing more than to know what her reaction will be. Better to discover it now rather than later. “I craft images on stones.”

Sage cocks her head. “You mean like drawing?”

“I do not understand what your human word means.”

“Drawing means you paint an image on a surface of something. For example…” she glances around and then raises her bowl. “I would take a brush with ink or a sharpened stick with ink on the end and I would make an image on the surface like this.”

She uses a fingertip and traces lines along the outside of the bowl. “If I had ink on my finger there would then be a picture of something visible here.”

I nod. “Ah, yes, then…drawing is what I do.”

Sage’s eyes widen. “I would love to see some of your work. If you’d be willing to show me, I mean.”

Yes, I think I would like that. “Once I am healed and return to my dwelling, I would be happy to show you.”

She smiles. “I’ve always been jealous of people with any kind of artistic talent. It’s not something I have at all.”

“I could teach you if you would like.”

She laughs and gently shakes her head. “I’m afraid I’m a lost cause. Many people have attempted to teach me, and there’s no hope for it. But I would still love to see what you’ve created.”

“Then I would love to show you.”

We both return to eating and this time the silence that lands between us is not one filled with discomfort, but rather of gentle intimacy. It is pleasant to sit quietly with this female. Soon though the fatigue grows heavy. Except I am tired of resting. It is all I have done for nearly nineturns of the sun. How much sleep do I need until I can make it through more than a single meal with my mate?

We both finish eating and Sage rises and reaches for my empty bowl. “Let me take that for you. Can I get you some more water?”

“Yes, please.” Although now that my stomach has been filled with good food and plenty of water, I am in need of some privacy.“Would you be able to locate Kyler for me, first?”

She quickly sets the bowls down and rushes over. “Is everything okay? Are you hurting? Do you need to lie back down?”

“No, none of that. I just need his assistance with something…personal.”

Sage does not speak, but then her eyes widen, and her cheeks darken in color. “Oh. Yeah, sorry, I’ll run and find him for you.”

I nod my thanks and she dashes out of the tent carrying our empty bowls with her. Only a few short moments pass when the healer enters the tent. “You are looking well.”

“I am still growing tired far too quickly.”

“That is to be expected. You nearly died.” He approaches. “Sage said you requested assistance. Let me help.”

Carefully, Kyler assists me to my feet and guides me to the other side of the tent. Once I have finished with my personal business, he escorts me back to the platform. I liedown again, and he gives me the cleansing berries and water to wash my hands.

“When will the fatigue pass?”

“It will pass when your body has healed enough. Be patient and give Deeka time to work,” he scolds lightly.

He is right, but I do not like my mate seeing me as an invalid. I cannot even take a piss without help.

“I am glad to see you and your mate together and speaking,” Kyler says. “Are things more settled between you?”

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