Page 7 of Fated to the Alien Healer

She drinks more but then turns her head away. “Okay, that’s enough.”

“Man, they really did a number on you, didn’t they?” Remi lightly strokes Zara’s forehead.

“You should see the other guy,” she jokes and then tries to lift her head. With a pained groan she lowers it and closes her eyes. “If I’m not dead, I assume those bastards are?”

“Yes. You are safe,” I assure her, not wanting her to be afraid.

“Good.”

Just then, Kala and the other Krijese return.

“There is no sign of any Njeri, but we would be wise to start back to your village in case they are not far behind.”

I shift my gaze to Zara, who is still pale. Travel is going to be difficult for her. She will not be able to ride on my back like Remi has done with Zydon. I also am not sure what to make of the fact she has not mentioned my mating marks. Perhaps she is in too much pain to have noticed.

Or perhaps she is trying to deny they exist.

Chapter 5

Zara

The pain is making me delusional and I don’t want everyone to know I’m losing my mind so I’m not going to ask if Kyler has mating marks. He sure didn’t have them on whatever day these Njeri assholes took me from the village. They can’t be because of me. There’s no way the Deeka goddess chick is going to pair up a dude like the healer who has his shit together with the hot mess express that is Zara Black.

Weren’t you the one who told Sage not so long ago the goddess doesn’t make mistakes?

Shut up. No one asked you.

See? A delusional hot mess express who both talks to and answers herself.

“As much as this is going to suck, Kala’s right. It’s a long way back to the village, and god only knows if there are more Njeri heading this way,” Remi says. “We don’t want to get caught out here with no reinforcements if we need it.”

Man, this reallyisgoing to suck. My entire body is killing me and I have zero energy. I’ve already caused everyone so many problems by getting snatched in the first place. I shift to try and push myself upright, but a lightning bolt hits and I grab Remi’s arm. “Wait, are the girls okay? The guys?”

“They’re fine. Worried about you, of course.” She smiles, but it dims. “We did lose some people though—Tavikhi and human—and there’s several more who still may not make it.”

Damn it. More anger bubbles up and I half turn onto my good side to get my elbow underneath for leverage to sit up. An arm cradles my shoulder and back and I dart a quick glance sideways. My eyes meet yellow ones with a feline-like vertical pupil a purple so deep and dark to appear black. A jolt, almost like a shot of electricity zings through me, and my skin tingles as if it’s hovering over live wire. This is as up close and personal as I’ve ever been to one of the Tavikhi warriors, and it just so happens to be the guy I’m hallucinating has mating marks.

“Careful.” His warm, husky voice sends heat straight to my lady parts and my cheeks turn to fire.

I dip my head in barely a nod, cradle my arm against my chest, and let Kyler help me to my feet. It’s slow going, and the pain is so excruciating I have to grit my teeth, but I finally make it. Except the minute I’m fully upright, dizziness hits. I sway and frantically blink to try and keep myself from passing out. The scent of eucalyptus—which should smell medicinal but doesn’t—along with a hint of some kind of sweet fragrance filters into my consciousness as I breathe it in deeply. It actually somehow helps to center my awareness and I send a grateful smile to the male keeping me from falling over. At the same time I try to put some space between us because being this close to the healer is doing things to my body.

“Thanks. I think I’m okay now.” God, how embarrassing.

What might be disappointment flashes across Kyler’s face, but it quickly disappears. “If you would rather someone else assist you, I understand.”

I jerk slightly and wince as pain shoots through my arm. Nausea clenches my belly as well. “No, it’s fine. I just needed a second.”

“If you are certain.”

Why ishethe one who doesn’t sound certain? “I appreciate your help.”

Kyler reaches into his satchel. “Then may I bind your arm to you? It will provide support.”

He brings out a length of leather and with a gentle touch, creates a sling I can rest my arm in. I try desperately to ignore his closeness and the way his breath caresses my ear as he ties it behind my neck. A shiver I can’t stop runs down my spine, and the hairs on my forearms stand on end. Kyler’s gaze drops to my mouth, and I realize I’m biting my bottom lip. I release it and take a step back. His eyes shutter and a pinch of guilt hits me.

Acutely aware of everyone staring at us, I take tentative steps toward the forest in the direction I think the village lies. Each one sends a small jolt of pain through my throbbing arm. I drank almost an entire cup of nasty ass water. How much more could I be hurting if I hadn’t? I have a feeling I’ll find out before we get back to the village.

Kyler has released his hold on me, but he remains so close while we walk we’re practically touching. So much heat radiates off him, my side is almost sweating. I take a closer look at our small party. I’m shocked to find three Krijese speaking quietlyamongst themselves. My guess is Sage had something to do with their presence. I might have to actually hug her as a thank you.

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