Page 25 of Fated to the Alien Healer

“What is wrong? Where are you hurt?”

My cheeks heat with embarrassment over trying to dry hump him and I wave him off. “I’m fine. This damn arm keeps getting in my way.”

Kyler studies me for a second and I can almost swear he knows exactly what I’d been doing. I try not to flinch under his steady gaze. Finally, he blinks, and the connection is broken. He sits up and I brush off the fact my feelings are a little hurt that he didn’t even try to kiss me good morning. Maybe he was just being nice when he said my breath didn’t stink. I brushed my teeth last night, but that doesn’t mean the freshness hasn’t worn off.

He turns slightly and stares down at me. “Are you hungry? I will bring us something to eat before I must go back to the healer’s tent to check in on the wounded again.”

“I’m okay. You go ahead.” I push myself upright. “I’m going to go find one of the girls to help me with a bath. I’m so ready to feel clean again.”

“You will be careful?” Kyler asks.

I nod. “Of course.”

He hesitates for only a second, and as though sensing my disappointment, he leans forward and kisses me. It’s brief, but no less powerful than any others we’ve shared. Except I want more. I thought I’d get it last night, but then this stupid broken arm had to go and cock-block me. Kyler draws away and gets to his feet.

“I will see you at the midday meal?”

That long?Jesus, when did I become such a needy bitch? “Yes, I’ll see you then.”

His eyes stay locked on mine for a minute until finally, he dips his head and walks out. I stare at the flap, waiting for him to come back, but it remains closed. With a heavy sigh, I flop back onto my furs and sling my good forearm over my eyes.

I’m not sure how long I lay there, but there’s a slapping sound against the door flap. “It’s Eloise. Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

I move my arm to expose one eye and squint at the light that shines in through the entrance as she steps inside.

“You okay down there?” she chuckles.

“I’m wasting away from the lack of dick.” I slowly push myself to sitting again and huff in annoyance. “Why can’t these Tavikhi males be a little less gentlemanly?”

“Because they love and respect their women and sometimes tend to be a little over-protective.”

Eloise and I share a look before bursting out laughing.

“Okay, so maybe a lot over-protective,” she clarifies. “But that’s what makes them such amazing guys. They’ll do anything for us. Especially when they think we might get hurt. It’s in their DNA to care for their mates.”

“I know. This stupid broken arm isn’t doing me any favors though.” I raise it. “How long do bones take to heal, anyway?”

She winces. “Usually around eight to twelve weeks.”

“Two or three months?” I croak out. “Are you telling me that Kyler isn’t going to do more than kiss me for the next two or three months?”

“I mean, I’m sure there are things you could do to persuade him otherwise.” She shrugs. “It’s not as though you don’t have any feminine wiles. Use them.”

This is why I like Eloise. She isn’t above doing what needs to be done to get what she wants. From hearing her tell it, she’s the one who seduced Zedam. I’m not above seducing Kyler. I just wish this stupid splint and sling weren’t in the way. It’s hard to be sexy when I’ve got this thing strapped across my chest.

“You’re right. I have wiles. They might be a little rusty, but I definitely have them.” At least, I think I do. “Let’s start with getting my stank-ass clean. Because I do not feel sexy in any way smelling like socks that have been soaked in sweat and piss for ten days and then set out in the desert heat to cook the scent in.”

Eloise makes a gagging sound. “That is not the visual I needed.”

She holds out a hand, and with her help, I climb to my feet. “Let me grab some clean clothes and soap.”

I rifle through everything in the pile I know is actually clean and manage to snag what I need, although I have to sniff the jeans to make sure they aren’t really dirty. Eloise helps me carry some of it. As we leave my tent, I get my first good glimpse of the village in the daylight.

“So much was destroyed.” My eyes burn seeing the destruction as I take it all in while we walk toward the river.

“It was, but we’re rebuilding,” Eloise says. “Even some of the humans from the settlement have been here to help.”

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