Page 31 of Fated to the Alien Rebel

Wracking coughs shake Sorin’s entire body. He can barely catch his breath. The male Krijese growls out a harsh sound.

“We’re going to get you some medicine, okay?” I know I shouldn’t say it, but I can’t help it. It’s just that if I say it out loud, it’s real. A promise.

“The water is ready,” Jodah announces.

I move to add the burim root, but Kyler interrupts. “Stay with the kit.”

He grabs the pot of burim root and dumps a small handful into the water. “Now what?”

“Bring it over here, please.” I brush my hand over the boy’s burning hot forehead. “Sorin, I’m going to put a pot in front of you and I want you to breathe in the steam that comes from it okay? Don’t touch it. Just breathe as best you can.”

Within two furs, Kyler holds the homemade humidifier. Or at least the attempt at one. I glance at Jodah. “Bring me one of the furs from the other bed, please.”

The healer has the pot before Sorin and looks at me, silently asking what’s next. I focus back on the little boy. “I’m going to put a fur over your head to keep the steam in. Just lean forward and keep breathing.”

I nod at Jodah who moves to my side. As gently as possible, I guide Sorin so he’s slightly bent over the steaming hot water. Once in position, my mate carefully drapes the fur over the little boy’s head and moves to his other side to help me hold him in position since he’s so weak. The whole time I just keep talking to him and slowly everyone fades away leaving just the two of us.

“I’m so proud of how strong you are. I know you’re hurting, but we’re going to get you better. Just keep breathing.” I pause. “Think about the warm season again. How the sun shines down on you and warms you right up. Before you know it, you’re going to be running around your village again.”

I’m not sure how long I keep up the one-side conversation, but every few seconds, I lay my hand on Sorin’s back to make sure he’s still breathing, even though I can see he is. Hear it as well. The crackling sounds from his lungs is still present and I hope I’m not imagining that they’re not as bad as they were. When I think the water has gotten too cold, Jodah lifts the blanket and the male Krijese—whose name is Kala—steps in to help by pouring more boiling water into the pot. I still don’t stop talking to Sorin. After so long, my voice grows hoarse.

“Let’s try some more melokk juice.”

Jodah removes the fur while Kyler pulls the pot away and sets it on the neighboring platform. He grabs the bottle of cough remedy and pours a small dose in a cup. He passes it to me and I stroke Sorin’s forehead again. It feels cooler than it has been.

“Can you drink this for me? It’s more medicine.”

This time, it’s much easier to get it down him. When he’s swallowed all of it, I carefully lay him back on the stacked furs, keeping him propped up halfway. His eyes flutter open and he reaches a hand out to me. I clasp it in mine and gently squeeze, but I don’t let go. Neither does he.

A rustling sound snaps my head up and my eyes fly open. My heart leaps in my chest but quickly settles at the sight of Kyler adjusting the furs around Sorin. He’s finally resting after two days of one breathing treatment afteranother, along with the liquid medicine we use for coughs.

“He is doing well thanks to you.” Kyler steps away from the boy and crosses over to his supply table.

I rub my face and stand from the stool I’ve occupied at Sorin’s bedside since he got here. My butt’s gone numb from being seated so long, but I ignore it. A cursory check shows Kala still lying on one of the empty platforms. The fact that I was able to fall asleep in the presence of a Krijese amazes me. But it was pretty clear after the first day that his only concern was his son.

Kyler brings over a cup of water and a steaming bowl.

“I’m glad he’s better.”

I’d put as much effort into keeping Sorin alive as I had Jodah.

Not that I hadn’t worked just as hard to treat the other warriors I’ve helped since coming here. But somehow my mate and this little boy are different. There had been some unnameable force driving me. My stomach rumbles at the smell of the stew I’m holding, reminding me I haven’t eaten since yesterday’s evening meal.

“What time is it, anyway?” I take a long drink and dig into my food. “Thank you for this, by the way.”

“The mid-day meal has just begun. And you are welcome,” Kyler says. “Although, I cannot take the credit for it. Your mate brought it in for you. He went to get his own meal and said he would return with it.”

Warmth fills me at the thought of Jodah. He has spent nearly every moment in here with me. While Kyler slept, both he and Kala assisted me with Sorin’s breathing treatments. He also made sure I caught a few hours sleep.

A groan comes from the other occupied platform and Kala pushes himself to sitting. His gaze immediately darts to his son and the relief is evident on his face. He shifts it to us. Particularly to me. To my surprise, he climbs down and approaches. I force myself not to take a step backward. Now that it’s pretty clear Sorin is going to be okay, and Kala got what he came here for, is he going to turn violent?

“You saved my kit’s life and I am in your debt.” He bows his head and raises it again. “You only have to ask and it will be repaid in any way I am able.”

“That isn’t necessary. I would help anyone in need.”

“It does not matter. I am still indebted to you.”

I shift and glance away. “Um, okay, thanks.”

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