Page 10 of Fated to the Alien Protector

A shallow pit is dug in the ground in the center and outlined with rocks. On either side, but a fair distance away from it, are two pallets piled with hides and furs from various animals. I move closer to the middle so Carter has some space and glance toward a sturdy looking table that sits against a wall. Even from here, I can tell the large round basin centered on it is filled with water.

“This is way nicer than our tent back home,” Carter notes with a hint of awe and plants his torch in the ground near the fire pit. He slowly turns in place and studies the place like I had. Coming to a stop, he looks at me. I stare back, my anger and disappointment making themselves known.

“I’m sorry,” he finally says. “I didn’t mean to worry you by coming here alone. But it was the only thing I could think of to get you away from Lewis.”

“That wasn’t your decision to make, Carter.” I stab my own torch into the dirt as well. “I’m the adult and you’re the child.”

“I’m almost thirteen. Besides, I made a promise to Dad.” He crosses his arms.

“What promise did you make?”

“That I’d look after you,” he admits. “He said I’m the man of the family now and I should be the one protecting you. Not the other way around.”

Since when has any man protected me?

The Tavikhi did.

I don’t even know his name, either. Not that it matters. It’s not like he and I are friends. I shake off the thought.

“Look, Carter. I appreciate you trying to protect me. I really do. But Dad never should have made you promise that. It’s not fair to you and not your burden to bear.” I soften my tone. “Regardless of the fact you’re nearly a teenager, you’re still a kid who should be doing kid stuff. Not adult things like worrying about your big sister. You’re growing up fast, and I want you to enjoy your childhood. Have fun. Get in trouble…but only a little bit. And only a couple times. Do you think you could do that for me? Please?”

It takes a few seconds, but Carter finally uncrosses his arms and drops his shoulders with a short nod. “Fine.”

“Thank you.” I close the distance between us and venture for a hug, which he reluctantly lets me do. “I love you. You know that, right?”

“I know. I love you too,” he adds a little begrudgingly.

I’ll take it though, because he doesn’t often let me embrace him anymore and rolls his eyes when I tell him I love him. Something I should say a lot more than I do, even if he thinks he’s getting too old to hear it.

“All right. We should probably try and get some sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll go back and get our things.”

Carter picks the pallet closest to the door and crawls within the furs. I use the piece of cloth on the table and wash my face before settling in my new bed as well. I’ll admit it’s a bit more comfortable than the pallet of cheap blankets at the settlement.

“Are we really staying?” he asks after several minutes.

I bite back that I don’t really have a choice since he refused to leave. He’s nearly as tall as I am now so it’s not like I can pick him up or drag him kicking and screaming and forcibly return him to the settlement. Instead I keep it simple. “Yeah, I suppose we’re really staying.”

Chapter 6

Rojtar

Despite the fact the second moon is still visible in the sky and the sun has barely risen, news of Abby and Carter’s arrival has been the latest topic of conversation in the village. Although it has mostly been about Abby and the possibility that she could be thekeeshlaof one of the warriors. I fully understand now, Benham’s previous irritation with those of us who spoke of nothing but the human females and our constant distraction from hunting and sparring.

Every time one of the younger warriors mentions Abby’s name, an irrational spike of anger—and perhaps jealousy—bubbles up from my gut. We have not even touched, yet somehow I already think of her as mine. It was a realization I came to during the night when sleep would not come. All I could do as the moons traveled across the sky was picture her in my mind.

My fingers grip my sparring staff hard to soothe myself from the need to touch her and see if my mating marks appear. Once again, the soft female voice whispers in the far recesses of my head that Abby is my fated mate. I can only assume it has been Deeka speaking to me. The rushing sound of air is the only warning I get before Jodah’s sparring staff strikes my side.I groan in pain and drop my own staff to clutch my injury.

“You are not focused,” he scolds. “The pain would be far greater if it had been your head I aimed for.”

With an aching soreness, I slowly straighten, but my hand remains covering the deeply throbbing spot where he struck. “My mind is elsewhere.”

Jodah plants the end of his stick in the ground and leans on it. “The new female.” It is not a question.

“Yes.” There is no point in denying it. My sparring partner is a few seasons older than meandmated. He must understand the hold these human females have over us. “I cannot stop thinking about her. Zander and Zydon both spoke of the tug they felt for their mates. Before I met Abby, there has been no other female—human or Tavikhi—I have been drawn to. She is different.”

“You think she could be yourkeeshla, then?” Jodah’s eyes widen.

“I do not know. The only thing I am completely certain of is no Tavikhi female is my fated mate.”

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