Page 33 of Fated to the Alien Healer

I face Zara. “Once the Bohnari returns and brings his tribe brothers back, we can go to the ship and meet with the healer. He most often remains aboard.”

“Okay.”

Normally, the tribespeople would have all dispersed by now to go about their day, but not this time. Only the few whose task it is to clean up after the meal have left with all the eating and drinking vessels to head for the river to wash them all. They will return though. It is a day of celebration and rest for everyone else.

Chapter 17

Zara

Only a couple days ago I swore I wasn’t leaving the village borders ever again. Yet here I am about to not only step foot outside of them, but to enter a ship belonging to aliens I’ve never met before today. The Tavikhi know and trust them, but that doesn’t mean a person can’t betray that trust on a dime. I should know.

My stomach is all tied up in knots as Kyler and I walk past the two Tavikhi warriors guarding the main entrance. Six of the Bohnari people returned with Alik and Zydon. Each male resembled their leader in coloring and size, but their horns were all slightly different and each had their own distinct facial features in the same way Tavikhi vary from one another.

“Is all well,keeshla?” Kyler asks the farther we get from the safety of the village. Which is ridiculous, because it’s not as though I can’t still see it.

“I’m just a little nervous, I guess.”

Kyler comes to a halt and brings me with him. He palms my cheek. “We do not have to go if you are uncomfortable. Nothing says we cannot turn around and walk back into the village.”

“No.” I release a heavy sigh. “If their healer can fix my arm so I’m back to normal again, then I want to do it. It’s only been four days, and I’m already over this shit.”

His gaze bores into me. “If you are sure.”

Yes. No. Not really.

I take his hand. “C’mon, let’s go.”

Together we continue traipsing through the trees where small animals scurry away from the sound of our footsteps, and out the other side. I finally get an up close and personal look at the Bohnari ship. It’s a matte black so dark and flat it doesn’t even reflect the light from the sun. In fact, it’s almost as though it absorbs it. What it lacks in color it makes up for in sleek, sharp lines.

At our approach, there’s a slight hissing sound, and a ramp lowers at the back of the ship. Either we were expected—which is the most likely scenario since Alik was here a short time ago—or they have surveillance equipment that spotted us which activated it. I’m not sure which one I prefer. As though sensing my trepidation, Kyler squeezes my hand in reassurance.

We head toward the metal slope, but before we reach it, a shadow along the surface grows until a pair of black boots appear followed by legs encased in black pants, then a torso in a matching shirt that molds to the owner’s body, until finally the person is fully exposed. Unlike Alik’s grin which was purely flirtatious, this guy’s is sincerely welcoming. His eyes light up with excitement.

“Kyler, my friend. How wonderful to see you again.” The Bohnari jogs down the ramp toward us.

“Vornak.” There’s an echoing pleasure in my mate’s tone. “Welcome back.”

The two males clasp forearms, and the Bohnari pounds Kyler on the shoulder before his gaze travels over his mating marks. If anything, his grin widens, and then he glances over at me and down to where my mate still holds my hand.

“Vornak, this is Zara. Mykeeshla.”

The male bows and crosses his fist over his chest. “It is an honor to meet the mate of this fine, worthy male. Congratulations to both of you. It would appear as though the gods and goddesses are smiling down on both the Tavikhi and Bohnari. I, too, have found a mate after all this time. There is hope for our people yet.”

“By Deeka’s flame, that is wonderful news,” Kyler says and I sense his genuine happiness.

“Come, I will introduce you. She awaits in the med room.”

The tension that had been wound up inside me loosens. Vornak seems friendly enough, and I don’t get any weird vibes from Kyler about him. He truly likes this guy. Plus, he can’t be that bad if he has a wife. Right? We climb the incline that bounces a little with each step, and the metal clinks under my shoes. The interior is far less dark than it appeared from the outside.

It smells like metal and fuel. We traverse several hallways behind Vornak until he comes to a stop in front of a door. He places his palm on the biometric reader, and it slides openbringing with it a brightly lit room. Kyler and I step inside. We both come to an abrupt halt.

“Holy fucking shit. You’re human.”

The woman laughs and hops down off the counter to land with a metallic thunk. She approaches with an outstretched hand. “Hi there. I’m Johnna, Vornak’s mate.”

I shake it in numbed shock. Of all the things I could have expected today, meeting another human wasn’t anywhere on the list. Then her uncommon name hits me. “Wait. Did you say Johnna?”

She cocks her head and wrinkles her forehead. “Yeah.”

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