Page 18 of Fated to the Alien Healer

My brow bones shift downward at this new Earth saying. What do crossed fingers have to do with anything?

“You’re getting the full human language experience and education today, aren’t you?” Zara asks, clearly sensing mycontinued confusion. “Fingers crossed is sort of the opposite of jinxed. It’s like trying to call in good luck.”

“Thank you for sharing your language with me. I am intrigued by your various words and manner of speaking.” I want to learn everything there is to know about my mate.

I sense the difficulty she has talking and breathing at the same time, so I let the conversation lapse until we rest. Just as I feel Zara has reached her limit, Zydon raises an arm and calls a halt.

“We will make camp here for the night.”

“Thank God,” my mate gasps out as she bends partway at the waist, supporting her broken arm with the other while she struggles for breath. “I think I’ve done enough cardio today to last me a lifetime.”

“You have done well.”

Zara turns her head toward me with a small smile and she slowly stands upright. “Thanks. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.”

“You could never be a burden.”

Her expression falls and she no longer meets my eyes. “I’m not sure that’s true.”

I study my mate. Someone has hurt her. Did someone from her past make her feel like a burden? Anger fills my blood with heat. If I ever meet the one who made Zara feel anything but worthy, I cannot promise not to harm them. She deserves to know her worth, and to me, she is nothing but a blessing.

“Come, let us find a spot to rest and ease ourselves.” She lets me guide her to a flat area of the forest where several large rocks lie in a formation.

Zara sits against one of them and breathes out a sigh. She swipes her damp brow with the back of her hand. I pass her the skin filled with burim root-infused water. She drinks without prompting.

“I’ll never get used to the taste of that stuff, but I suppose after a while it doesn’t pack quite the shitty punch as it does the first time.” She wrinkles her adorable nose and gives me back the skin.

“It is an acquired taste.”

“Well, let’s hope this is the last time I ever have to acquire it.” Zara makes a sound of distaste that makes me chuckle.

“Fingers crossed.”

A laugh explodes from her. “Look at you.”

“I am learning your human phrases.”

“Nice one.”

I dip my head. “Thank you.”

We both turn at the sound of someone approaching. Remi draws near and comes to a stop before us. She squats next to Zara.

“How you feeling? You pushed yourself hard today.”

My mate blows out a harsh breath. “My legs feel like limp dick and my arm aches like a motherfucker, but other than that, I’m super swell.”

Remi’s laughter fills the air. “Sounds about right. Luckily, we should be home tomorrow night, if everything goes well.”

“That’s a big if. There’s still a lot of time and space between now and when we reach the village,” Zara points out.

“Jesus, pessimist Patty.” Remi bumps shoulders with my mate. “I know who not to come to for a pep talk.”

“If you wanted rainbow-shitting unicorns, you should have brought Maeve.”

My gaze bounces between the two of them, trying to decipher the human phrases they use, but only half of what they are saying makes any sense. One thing I am noticing is that Zara has an unusual fascination with excrement.

“Yeah, she’s a much better cheerleader than you. Although, under normal circumstances, you’re not too terrible.” Remi nudges her again and then slaps her hands on her thighs. “Since you appear to be in good hands, I’m going to head back to my mate. Holler if you need anything.”

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