Page 23 of Fated to the Alien Healer

Carefully, I close the distance between us, making sure to step over her pallet of furs and not on it. I cradle her cheek and a rumble of satisfaction nearly bursts from my chest when Zara leans into my touch. “Perhaps a little chaos is not such a bad thing. Maybe this is why Deeka chose us as mates. She knew that we would bring out the best in each other and encourage us to be more accepting of our differences. I believe we are the perfect complement to one another.”

Wetness gleams in mykeeshla’seyes. “If you’re trying to get me to fall in love with you, I’d say you’re doing a damn good job of it so far.”

My heart nearly bursts with joy. Everything I have dreamed of since I was a kit is coming to me. I lean in and pause just before my lips touch Zara’s. “Then I must keep trying until you have completely fallen.”

With that, I claim her mouth with mine. I thread my hand through her hair and tilt her head to deepen our connection. Aflicker of something against my lips has me drawing away and staring down at her. Is this a new form of kissing?

“Sorry, did that gross you out or something?” she asks.

“Not at all. I was only unsure of what it was. Is this a different style of kissing?”

Zara swallows and nods. “It’s considered more intimate when partners kiss with their tongues.”

Kissing with tongues? “I would like to try this more intimate kiss with you again. Please.”

This time it is she who initiates. She rises up on her toes and presses her lips to mine. It starts out as the few other kisses we have shared, but then there is that flick of a touch again. I part my mouth, and she sweeps fully inside, engaging my tongue with tentative swipes as though testing out my flavor. It is the most divine sensation I have ever experienced. Wanting more, I move closer and pull Zara against me.

She cries out and breaks the kiss. I release her in an instant and curse myself for causing her pain. She cradles her arm more tightly to her chest.

“Apologies,keeshla. I never meant to hurt you. Please forgive me.”

“It’s okay,” she says in a soothing tone. “We both got a little carried away.”

I jerk my chin in her direction. “May I?”

Zara nods.

Taking great care, I examine her arm. “I need to adjust the splint. It has come loose.”

She grimaces, but braces herself. “Can you do it standing or would it be easier if we’re sitting?”

Sitting would be best, but I will let her decide. “Whichever you are most comfortable with.”

“Then my answer is neither.” Zara chuckles but releases a sigh. “Let’s just get it over with. I’ll try not to whine too much.”

She moves to her pallet and settles onto it with her legs crossed. I take my place directly in front of her and mimic her pose. She slips her arm out of the support and I gently take it in my hands. Working as swiftly as I can and doing my best to make the process as painless as possible, I adjust the sticks that comprise the splint and tighten their bindings.

Zara flinches a few times, but otherwise doesn’t move until I finish and replace the length of cloth cradling her injured limb. She raises it up and down before setting it back in her lap. “It actually does feel better now. Thank you.”

“You are most welcome.” It is my honor to serve her. “Do you need anything more for the pain?”

She shakes her head. “I’m good. I don’t want to rely too heavily on it. Besides, it’s not going to kill me to have an ache or two here and there.”

“Or perhaps, I suspect, it is because you are tired of drinking shit.”

Laughter explodes from Zara. “I think I’m a bad influence on you. I’m not sure I have ever heard a Tavikhi curse.”

“We do, but it most likely does not translate into your Earth language. Although, I understand the shefir has adopted one of the human’s curses. Fuck, I believe it is?” It is not a word I haveever spoken until now, but hearing it come from my tongue, I can understand why Zander might like it.

“Oh man,” Zara says with evident amusement. “You can’t go wrong with fuck as a curse. It’s one of my favorites. Teach me one of your curse words, will you?”

I pause for a moment while I consider one she might like. “There is budalla. Or what about dhise?”

She smiles and it is so bright it is as though the light of an entire sky full of suns shines down. “I really like budalla. What does it mean?”

“In your language it would closely translate to the cock of a dhibani.”

“Oh my God, that is absolutely perfect. I’m going to start using that.” Zara cackles like a burracak. “Man, Clifton and Priscilla would shit over that one. I can see Priscilla’s lips pinched in disdain already. And Clifton looking down his stuck-up nose.”

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