Page 18 of Fated to the Alien Protector

A few minutes later the scent of campfire reaches me and up the rise, I spot the peak of several tents. With my back already killing me and shortness of breath, I trudge up the gradual slope until I finally reach the top. As much as it pains me, I have to stop for a second to recover.

Rojtar has kept going, but then he glances back and turns around to walk back to meet me. “You have done well today, Abby. We are almost there.”

My opinion of him rises with those two simple sentences. Most men would have assumed I’d been hoping he’d offer to carry the animal the rest of the way, but the fact he didn’t is a huge point—several points, actually—in his favor. I’m probably crazy for being glad he didn’t offer, but I don’t care.

I nod succinctly and heft the weight of the dreri to reposition it slightly. “Let’s go.”

Rojtar sets off again, and I’m right behind him. We pass the area of the village where the elders reside. They’re gathered around their own central fire with the evening meal cooking over it. I asked the third night we were here why they don’t join the rest of the tribe at the main fire and was told some do, but the majority prefer to remain close to their homes and with the company of others their age.

Sage and Zara step out of the healer’s tent just as we walk by.

“Hey, Abby,” Zara calls out while Sage waves.

I let go of the front legs of the alien deer only long enough to raise my hand back at them. “Hey.”

Finally, we reach the tanning tent where Rojtar sets his kill on the ground. With far less ease, I drop mine on top of his and wince.Sorry about that. It’s only then I notice my shirt is damp. I pull the collar forward. The entirety of it is soaked in blood. I shudder and gag.

“Oh my god.” I wretch and shake my hands around.

“What is wrong?”

I hop in a circle, still flailing. “I’m covered in animal blood. How did I not notice that?”

Rojtar reaches out, but jerks his arm back before touching me. “Head for the river and I will ask one of your tribe sisters to bring you a clean chest covering.”

“No. No.” I stop moving and take long, cleansing breaths with my eyes closed as if that will help rid me of the image. “I’m okay. It’s okay. I’ve got this. It’s fine.”

The self pep talk continues for another minute until I manage to calm and open my eyes again. Rojtar still stands there. My face heats. “You probably think I’m being a big dumb baby who’s overreacting about something so stupid as a little bit of blood.”

“I do not think you are any of those things,” he says solemnly.

“Really?” I cock my head in disbelief.

“Truly.”

There’s no way this guy can be that nice. Can he? “Thank you.”

“You are welcome, although I did not really do anything but speak the truth.” Rojtar grins.

“Well, I still appreciate it. But seriously, I need to get out of this disgusting shirt.” I glance down at the animals. “Do we need to skin them?”

“Only if we wish to. Otherwise, whoever is assigned the task will take care of it.”

That’s always been my least favorite thing when it comes to hunting so if I don’t have to do it, then I won’t feel bad about letting someone else. “All right then. I’m going to go clean up, I guess.”

He nods and I walk away, but stop only a couple steps later and turn.

“Hey, Rojtar?”

He’s squatting over the alien deer, but glances up.

“Thank you. For today.” I gesture at the animals with my spear. “For all your help, I mean.”

“You are welcome.”

We stare at each other for several long seconds, until I jerk myself out of whatever trance I’m in and hurry away with a fluttery sensation in the pit of my stomach. The last time I felt like this, my whole life came crashing down around me. I don’t plan on a repeat performance. Still, as I walk back to my tent, I can’t stop myself from bringing up those yellow and purple-black eyes or the long flowing yellow-gold hair. Not to mention the tail that’s made me wonder how sensitive it is.Stop it, Abby.

My pace quickens as if I can outrun the images in my head until at last, I reach the privacy of my tent. I’m not surprised to find Carter absent. Ever since I reluctantly allowed him to spar with the other kids, he’s spent all his time down in the training arena or exploring the nearby hills with Talek, Bazel, and Cecily. I’m not fully onboard with him traipsing off outside of the village borders, but I tamp it down because I have to accept the fact he’s growing up.

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