Page 37 of Fated to the Alien Rebel

I thread my fingers through hers. “I do not believe that is a thing anyone can get used to.”

“Gitesh and I are proud to call you daughter and would be more than honored to serve as your nene and baba.”

Sage’s eyes fill with water but it does not spill out. “You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you.”

The conversation turns to other things until I can sense Nene’s fatigue. Baba has long since fallen asleep. I removed his prop earlier and gently laid him back on his furs. His soft and gentle breaths have been a small comfort.

“Thank you again for dinner.” Sage embraces Nene who then lays her brow bones against my mate’s bare one aside from the furry lines over her eyes.

“You are always welcome in our tent, daughter.”

Sage nods and then Nene pulls me down so our brow bones meet. She releases me and I guide my mate out of the tent. The sun is barely visible behind the hilltop and one of our two moons has crept fully over the horizon. The sky has darkened but gives off enough light to makeeverything within the village still visible. I take Sage’s hand and we walk. I have not forgotten about my earlier need.

“Will you still allow me to craft your image, or do you need to return to your tent?” I am not ready to part company with her.

“I would love that, but I should swing by and check on Sorin. Make sure he’s doing okay.”

Sage will make a good Nene. She has a kind and fiercely loving heart. My mind brings up a picture of what our kits might look like. Will they have her pale skin and fire-colored hair? Or perhaps they will be lacking in a tail, but have my bari-colored hair and my skin color. It will not matter to me, because they will be made up of both of us.

We reach the healer’s tent and I swing the door flap back for her. Warmth hits us from the fire burning in the center pit. She steps past me and enters. I am right behind her. Kala sits on a wooden seat next to Sorin’s bed and the two of them are deep in conversation. The kit turns in our direction and his mouth slit opens into what I believe is supposed to be a smile.

“Healer Sage,” he exclaims with a hint of pleasure.

“Are you feeling okay?” She swiftly moves across the length of the tent and lays her hand on his brow. “You sound much better than you have been.”

“Yes, my chest does not pain me like it had been.” He releases a small cough, but it does not have the wet sound like it did when he and his baba first arrived.

“Did you eat your evening meal? Take your medicine?”

Sorin nods toward his baba. “Gogo has made sure I ate well and that I drank the healing liquid.”

“Good. I’m happy to hear it.” Sage adjusts the furs surrounding the kit. “Do you need any water or anything else?”

“Not at this time,” Sorin tells her. “Gogo and I were talking about returning to our village soon. He is needed.”

Her gaze snaps to the elder Krijese. “Do you really think that’s a good idea? Sorin still isn’t completely well.”

Kala rises. “I will make sure he does not worsen.”

I step close to Sage and wrap my tail lightly around her waist, squeezing gently. The Krijese is his baba and would not do anything to put his kit in harm’s way. It is best not to question him. She must sense my warning because she backs down. At least as much as my stubborn mate can. “I hope you will reconsider.”

The Krijese nods but does not speak.

“Come, Sage. Everything appears well here.”

With a longing glance over her shoulder, she lets me lead her out of the tent. The moment we step outside and the door flap hits the hide, she whirls on me.

“He’s barely recovered and his father is going to take him back to their village where they don’t have enough to eat and can’t even keep their children warm.”

“I will speak with the shefir about sending some of our food stores with the Krijese when they leave.” I’m not sure he will agree to it, since we are in just as much need as the Krijese, but for my mate, I will do this.

Sage grabs my hands. “Do you think Zander will do this?”

“I cannot guarantee it. We also have our own people to feed, but I will ask.”

She throws her arms around me and buries her face against my chest. Her warm breath glides across my skin heating it all the way through and causing my mating marks to tingle and burn again. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“Do not thank me yet. He may say no.”

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