Page 22 of Fated to the Alien Rebel

“Yeah,” Zara interrupts my thoughts. “She’s pretty incredible.”

She shoulder bumps me with a chuckle.

“You’re not so bad yourself.” I nudge her leg with mine.

We continue our meal with Zara leading most of the conversation although every once in a while Remi or London joins in. Zydon speaks briefly with Jodah about a hunt they should go on when he’s well enough. At last, we finish eating.

“All right, you two.” Zara stands. “I’m going to leave you guys alone, so you’re not stuck with a third wheel all night. Thanks for having dinner with me.”

“You are welcome to eat your evening meal with us any time. Your friendship with Sage is important to her,” Jodah says and the flicker brightens in my chest.

To my shock, Zara blushes. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

When she’s out of sight, I swivel more in Jodah’s direction.

“Thank you. For including her.”

“You are most welcome.” He dips his head. “I understand what it is like when those around you are mated while you are not. It is a lonely feeling.”

I didn’t realize how lonely it was until recently. I’ve never been a particularly religious person, but I say a short prayer to Deeka that Zara finds a mate who cares for her soon.

“If you’re not doing anything now, I’d love to see your drawings.” Jodah didn’t have a chance to do so this morning and I’ve been curious to see them. Plus, it’s an excuse to spend more time together.

He stands and when he holds a hand out to me, I place mine within it. That sharp sting of electricity pops again the minute our skin touches and inside my chest it grows warm. I can’t explain it. I really should talk to Kyler. Have him check me over.

I wave to everyone. Jodah doesn’t release his gentle hold on me as we leave the central fire and make our way through the village to his tent.

“You said your dad—baba—is unwell. What’s wrong, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“He was on a hunt many seasons ago up in the hills searching for a herd of dhibani. While up there, a wildwindstorm came in and felled a large, rotting tree. It pinned him to the ground. By the time the other hunters were able to get him out from beneath it, it had been too late to save one of his legs. Kyler was forced to remove it, and he has never been the same since,” Jodah’s voice softens. “I nearly lost both of them, but, like you, my nene worked fiercely and tirelessly to keep him alive.”

I squeeze his hand. “I’m so sorry. They both sound like strong people.”

“They are. I have only hoped to become even half as good a hunter as my baba had been.”

Finally, we reach his tent. He grabs the torch from outside, pushes the flap away from the entrance, and gestures for me to go first. Inside, it smells just like Jodah. That mix of sweet smoke and mint. The fire in the center burns low so there’s a slight chill in the air. It’s smaller than the one I share with Zara, but it’s neat and tidy.

He steps past me and plants the torch in the ground to help illuminate the interior.

“Let me stoke the fire.” While he adds a log to it, I draw my gaze to the pallet at the back of the tent. It’s stacked with furs which helps ease the guilt that I might have taken one he needs. A narrow table with a basin of water similar to the one found in every tent sits to the left with what appears to be a few personal belongings. Against the right wall are two chests, each one bigger than mine.

Jodah rises from his squatting position and faces me. Another quick scan confirms there’s only a single stool for sitting, not that I’m not used to being on the ground.

“Let me get you a fur.” Instead of heading to one of the chests, he grabs one straight from his own bed and spreads it out near the fire, but on the right side of the tent. “Please, sit.”

I’m not sure if he plans on sharing it with me, but I leave enough room for him just in case. To my delight, Jodah lowers himself directly in front of me. We both sit cross-legged and his knees brush against mine, sending tingles up my leg to land straight in the center of them. I try not to squirm.

He glances quickly in my direction, and I pray he can’t read my thoughts.

Thankfully, Jodah leans over and opens one of the trunks, but pauses with hesitant expression. “They are not perfect. Some I did when I was a kit.”

I lay my hand on his arm. “You don’t have to show me if you’re uncomfortable with it. I hope you don’t think I’m pushing you to do something you don’t really want to do.”

If anyone knows about not consenting to something, it’s me.

He shakes his head. “No, it is fine. I just did not want you to be disappointed.”

“I’m not sure you could do anything to disappoint me.”

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