Page 21 of Fated to the Alien Healer

My breath catches when two dimples appear on either side of Kyler’s curled mouth instead of one. Did I say I’m a sucker for a guy with dimples?

“I would very much enjoy that,” he says.

“Me too.”

After that, the day progresses and as though we all know we’re getting closer and closer to home, our pace picks up slightly. I somehow manage to not slow us down. We stop once for food, water, and to pee and then finally, at long last, the light of several fires is visible through the thinning of the trees. I almost cry with relief that we actually made it. In fact, I can feel the tears well.

“The village knows we are coming by now,” Kyler tells me. “The scouts would have let Zander know. I am sure your tribe sisters will be waiting for us to arrive.”

Knowing my friends will be waiting makes the tears fall. The only person in my life I knew was a true friend had been Amelia. Until I met London, Remi, Maeve, Sage, and Eloise, that is. Those five women have taught me what genuine friendship is supposed to be. Each and every one of them is like having another sister. I can’t always express how much I love them, but I do. More than they’ll ever know.

We finally break through the trees to level land near the area of the village where all the elders live. Their central fire burns brightly, and surrounding it appears to be the entire tribe. Somany people—Tavikhi and human—stand around and several of them break away and move forward.

The tiniest body rushes toward me. “Zara.”

A sob catches in my throat when three more people follow quickly behind her until before I know it, I’m engulfed in the biggest group hug by all my friends. Maeve is bawling and even London, Sage, and Eloise are wiping away tears. Including mine. My arm hurts like a motherfucker, but I don’t care. This right here is worth the pain.

“Careful guys. Zara’s hurt,” Remi lightly scolds them.

“It’s…o—okay,” I stutter through the tears, not quite ready for them to let go. “I’m okay.”

Still, they release their hold but stay closely circled around me.

“We’ve been so worried about you,” Maeve manages through her sobs.

“I was worried about you guys, too. I’m so glad you all are safe.” My gaze travels beyond them to the crowd of people and the village behind them.

Despite the sinking sun, it’s obvious how much the village has changed while I was gone. There’s definitely a fewer number of tents than there were before I was taken. I remember seeing so many of them on fire and all the smoke that day. My heart aches for everything we’ve lost.

“Holy shit.” London gapes at something behind me.

Everyone’s gaze shifts in that direction and several people suck in breaths. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I can literally feel the heat of a warm body as someone stands close. Idon’t have to look to know it’s Kyler, and yet, I turn my head and meet his eyes over my shoulder. Just knowing he’s here helps calm me for some reason. I face my friends again.

“I guess some good came out of me getting abducted.”

London laughs. “Only you could get kidnapped and come back mated.”

“What can I say? I like to keep things interesting.” I grin widely.

Someone approaches, and I glance in that direction to find Zander joining our group. He stands next to London and wraps his tail around her. It hits me that the only time Kyler has done the same is when he’s stopped me from falling on my face. Will he, too, one day wrap it around me as a sign of affection?

Then, to my surprise, Zander takes a step forward, reaches for my free hand, and presses his brow bones to it. “We are so happy to have you home, sister. You have been greatly missed. And blessings on your mating.”

Goddamn it. The tears that just dried up flow again. He releases me and returns to London.

“Thank you Shefir, but Zara needs to rest,” Kyler’s voice comes from almost right next to my ear.

A warm hand settles on my back, and I want nothing more than to lean my weight against him. Wait, why shouldn’t I? He’s my mate, right? Fuck it. I move into his space and press myself to his side. I wanted a bath, but now that we’re here, all I want to do is sleep for days.

“Go. Take all the time you need to heal,” Zander says.

Being careful with my arm this time, the girls each give me one last hug before everyone disperses.

“Come,keeshla.”

I let Kyler guide me through the village. It isn’t until we’re standing outside my tent that I realize where we are. I glance at him in surprise. He must sense my confusion.

“As much as I would like for you to join me in my tent, I am sure you would prefer being in your own furs for the time being,” he says by way of explanation. “We have the rest of our lives for you to sleep in my furs.”

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