Page 13 of Fated to the Alien Protector

Carter hesitates for a second before he takes off. I breathe out a heavy sigh and sink down to the ground next to my trunk. Carefully, I remove everything from it and press the bottom until it clicks and releases. I lift the top of the secret compartment and pick up the large envelope that lies hidden within. I don’t need to open it to know its contents, but I do it anyway.

Inside is a birth certificate along with other legal documents. I stare at the certificate for several long seconds before I return everything to where I found it, secure the lid to the compartment, and repack the entirety of my belongings. When there’s nothing left in the tent except for the blanket I hung for privacy, I grab the handle of my trunk and drag it outside.

The Tavikhi warrior stands close by, his gaze scanning the settlement. I observe him for a moment. He’s handsome, I suppose, in an alien way. His leathered skin is lavender in color, and in place of eyebrows he has two bony ridges. I can’t forget the long, prehensile tail that drags on the ground behind him and slightly swishes back and forth. When I glance back up, he’s turned his head in my direction, and my eyes meet his feline-like ones with their yellow coloring and purple-black vertical pupil. A small flutter hits my belly, but I squash it down before it can do anything else.

“As soon as Carter gets back from saying goodbye to his friend, we’re leaving.”

“I am in no hurry.”

Is he willfully misunderstanding me or is he truly that oblivious? “I meant you don’t need to wait. We’ll be fine.”

“I do not mind.”

“Look…” It occurs to me that I don’t even know his name.

“Rojtar.”

“Look, Rojtar, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but it’s not necessary.” I do my best to keep my tone measured. “Carter and I know the way back to your village. You can trust us to find our way just fine.”

“It is not you I do not trust,” he says. “I know you do not care for me or my intrusion, but please allow me to walk with you and make sure you arrive safely. Once we return to the village, you have my word, I will not bother you or speak with you again.”

Great, now I feel like a complete bitch. This guy has been nothing but nice and has kept Lewis away, which is a feat in and of itself. “Fine.”

Rojtar inclines his head and gestures toward my trunk. “I do not want to overstep, but that appears heavy. Would you like me to carry it?”

An instant rejection reaches my lips, but I bite it back. As much as I don’t want to ask for help, I also don’t relish trying to drag this thing for nearly thirty minutes. Because he’s right. It is heavy.

“Thanks.”

“It is my pleasure.”

The last word rolls over me in a way I don’t particularly care for. Suddenly uncomfortable, I tap my foot and scan the settlement in search of Carter. Thankfully, I spot him heading in our direction with Felix at his side. Their pace quickens until they’re nearly running and then skid to a halt in front of the Tavikhi.

“Hey Rojtar, this is my friend, Felix. He wanted to meet you and look at your sword.”

The Tavikhi fists his chest. “Greetings, Felix. It is an honor to know one of Carter’s tribe brothers.”

He withdraws the weapon from its sheath around his waist and lays it in both hands like an offering. The boys ooh and aah over it until Felix reaches out to touch it. Rojtar gently moves it out of reach.

“A warrior always keeps his blade sharp. I would hate for you to get injured on accident.” He returns it to its place on his belt. “It has been a pleasure to meet you.”

Carter and Felix exchange their special handshake and the latter tells me goodbye before he takes off. My brother watches him for a second and then turns.

“I better get my bag.” He disappears inside the tent.

Rojtar moves and startles me. I jump back a step and he stops. “I merely meant to get your chest.”

“Yeah, right, sorry.” .

He picks it up by the handle and hauls it onto his shoulder, just as Carter comes out of the tent with his duffel bag. My brother’s eyes bug at the sight. Whether it’s from surprise that Rojtar is easily carrying it or the fact I’m actually allowing him to do so, I’m not sure.

“Would you like assistance with that as well?” he asks Carter, who shakes his head.

“Nah, thanks, I think I got it.”

“If you change your mind, let me know.” Rojtar glances at me. “I am ready whenever you are.”

Since there’s nothing left for us to do, I start for the main gate. Lewis is standing off to the side, propped up against a tree. I shiver at the hatred in his eyes. Before I can glance away, something large moves into my line of vision, blocking my view. It’s Rojtar.

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