Page 33 of Fated to the Alien Rebel

“He is doing better,” I note as Sorin and Sage slowly walk together. The sight reminds me of the times she and I made rounds in here during my recovery.

Kala’s gaze drops and tracks my mating marks. After he has completed his observation, he turns his attention to my female. “She is your mate.”

It is not a question, but I answer anyway. I am not sure I like the way he stares at her. “Yes, she is.”

He nods, his eyes still focused on Sage. “Mine died of whatever disease and decay slithered its way through our people when Sorin was less than five sun cycles. There areso few females left and none of them behave with the gentleness your mate has displayed with my son. It is not our way.”

“Perhaps it should be.”

Kala looks at me again. “Perhaps.”

Sorin’s and Sage’s pace has slowed and fatigue is written all over the kit’s face. She carefully guides him back to the platform and assists him onto it. Once he has settled onto the sloped support I crafted for him, like the one I made for my baba, my mate brings him more of the medicine to drink.

The elder Krijese crosses the length of the tent to stand at his son’s side. Sage returns the now empty cup to the supply table and walks over to me. My mating marks tingle, which has become a frequent occurrence recently. I do not believe I am imagining they are slowly darkening in color as the other mated males’ do.

When she is within close enough range, I let my tail wrap around her and draw her closer. She stumbles slightly, but I catch her within my arms. Her hands go to my chest and a warm heat transfers through my skin. Sage winces and shifts her upper body.

“Are you well?” I would hate it if I had unintentionally hurt her.

“Yeah, it’s just this stupid heartburn again.”

Sage has complained of this human ailment frequently. Worry fills me that she is becoming ill. “Have you spoken to Kyler? Is there some remedy you can take?”

“I’ve meant to talk to him about it, but I haven’t had any time.”

We will make time. I do not want my mate to be in pain. I raise my hand to cup the side of her face and stare into her eyes. “The next moment you see him, please make the time. Will you promise me this?”

Sage returns my gaze. “I promise.”

“Good.” I loosen my hold, dropping my tail, and take her hand. “Now, we are going to my nene and baba’s tent for the evening meal.”

She gestures toward the kit and tries to withdraw from me. “I need to stay with Sorin.”

Once again, I pull her to me. “He is perfectly fine here with his baba. If they need something, they can send someone to fetch Kyler.”

Sage hesitates.

“Please.” I will beg if need be.

She loosens a long breath and nods. “Fine.”

“Thank you. Now come and I will show you my surprise.”

Before we can move to the door, Sage pivots to where Kala and Sorin have been speaking to each other softly. “If he starts coughing again, get Kyler immediately.”

Kala dips his head. “It will be done.”

There is another brief pause before finally, she allows me to guide her outside and toward the elders’ tents. Morecold dust has covered the ground over the last two turns. It reaches nearly to the middle of my lower leg and it has only just begun.

I glance down at my mate as we walk. “May I ask you a question?”

Sage lifts her gaze to meet mine. “Of course.”

“You are a wonderful and skilled healer. Over the last few turns I have admired how well you have taken care of Sorin. Except you are not taking care of yourself. It is one thing to be focused on who you are treating, but you appear to do so to an obsessive degree. At least when it came to me as well as to the kit. It is not healthy for you. And I do not understand what it is that is urging you to do this.”

“You both would have died if I hadn’t.” Sage tries to drag her hand from mine, but I do not let her. Instead, I bring us both to a stop in the middle of the path.

“I am most grateful I had you to make sure I did not, but that still does not explain why you would refuse to eat and refuse to sleep. Kyler has been our healer for half his lifespan. He is well-trained to treat all ailments and illnesses. Both Sorin and I would have been well-cared for by him.”

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