Page 19 of Fated to the Alien Protector

I practically tear my shirt off behind the new blanket I hung and reach around it to dip the cloth in the water basin. Once I’ve scrubbed myself and prayed I removed all the blood, I put on a clean shirt. With a hand full of the berries the Tavikhi use for soap, I take my soiled garment and head toward the river. I can’t afford to throw this one away or burn it, even if that’s what I’d prefer to do.

By the time I make it back to the tent, Carter’s returned.

“When did you get back?” he asks, propping his sparring staff up against the wall of the tent near his pallet.

“Not long ago. Twenty minutes or so. I got blood all over my shirt and took it down to the river to wash.” I hold up the wet fabric.

His eyes widen and he scans me over quickly. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It wasn’t mine.” The panic leaves his face. “I was out hunting and Rojtar came across me. We found some of those alien deer and brought a couple back.”

“Seriously?”

“What?” Why is he acting all surprised?

“You were actually hunting with Rojtar?” Carter gapes. “I thought you didn’t like him?”

My chest and neck get hot. “I never said I didn’t like him.”

He glares in disbelief. “Could have fooled me. You’ve been avoiding him for a week, and before that you weren’t ever very nice to him.”

I cross my arms. “It wasn’t because I didn’t like him. Look, it doesn’t matter, okay?”

“If you say so.” Carter washes up at the water basin. “Talek said they’re having dhibani for the evening meal. Do you mind if I eat with him and Cecily?”

Ever since he started hanging out with the other kids, I barely see him. I miss him. He’s been my best friend—my only friend. My heart aches. “No. Go ahead.”

He jumps in excitement and heads for the door. “Thanks, Abby.”Suddenly, he comes to a stop, turns, and rushes over to throw his arms around me. “I love you.”

Before I can reply, he takes off out of the tent. “I love you, too,” I sigh out to the empty space.

I hang up my wet shirt and contemplate skipping dinner, but my growling stomach makes the decision for me. The village is teeming with activity as I walk to the central fire. From what London told me, around ninety or so people live here, including humans. Based on the amount of both Tavikhi and humans wandering around, I’m guessing most of them have the same idea as me.

When I get to the center of the village, it’s a busy hotspot. People line up at the fire to be served, while a large number of them are already seated around the circle eating. My gaze lands on one of the warriors in line. He’s laughing at something another warrior says. I couldn’t even begin to guess Rojtar’s age, but seeing him in this moment, he appears younger than before. I wouldn’t go so far as to say more innocent, but definitely more youthful.

I have no business being curious about the Tavikhi warrior. None whatsoever, and forsomany reasons. Yet, I find myself walking forward to get in line knowing full well I’ll have to pass right by him. Just as I suspect, the moment I’m almost close enough to touch him, Rojtar turns his head, and our eyes meet. When he smiles at me, I have to catch myself from stumbling.

“Greetings, Abby.” He inclines his head but, that’s it. He doesn’t ask me to join him and or introduce his friend. It’s like the entire day spent together never happened.

“Hi.” I keep walking, wondering why the hell my feelings are a little hurt, and go to the end of the line.

It goes fast, and before long I’ve got my rough-hewn plate laden with dhibani and some type of root vegetable, as well as an imperfect clay tumbler filled with water. I glance around the fire but don’t spot Rojtar. As nice as the rest of the women are, I don’t really have it in me tonight to sit amongst them and their mates. They don’t intentionally leave me out, but being the only single person is awkward. Especially since I don’t have Carter to talk to.

Without making eye contact in case they try to call me over, I skirt along the outside of the circle and head toward the river. The weather is nice and I’ve come to enjoy the quiet as well as the scenery. It’s a far cry from the dirty, over-populated bottom tier where we were surrounded by nothing but stacks of buildings, warehouses, and factories nearly piled on top of each other. No matter where I turned I’d been surrounded. Blocked in. Even now the claustrophobic sensation is hard to get rid of. But being in nature with all the trees, flowering bushes, and open sky helps.

The soothing sound of flowing water reaches me before I see it. I crest the small rise and there, before me, is the wide river. It appears like I’m not the only one who thought eating beside it is a good idea. The warrior seated on a tree stump turns and I immediately recognize him. Not wanting Rojtar to think he’s scaring me away, I continue ahead and don’t stop until I’m next to him.

“Do you mind if I join you?” I gesture to the other small stump.

“Not at all.”

I take a seat and set my water on the ground next to me. “It’s a pretty night.”

“Yes, it is,” he agrees. “This is my favorite kind of night. Sitting by the water, listening to the forest creatures, and enjoying the peace it brings.”

Rojtar’s right. It is peaceful out here. Although, somehow, without even trying, he’s most certainly disturbing my peace of mind.

Chapter 10

---