Page 25 of Fated to the Alien Protector

“Why? I mean, why did you come looking for me? Oh god, is Carter okay?” Her pace quickens.

Since I no longer have to restrain myself, I clasp her arm gently and she stops to stare down at where we are connected. “Carter is fine.”

She slowly relaxes.

“I came to find you to make sure you were all right and to see how your hunting fared since I have not yet had the chance to get you a smaller spear.” It is something I will remedy as soon as we reach the village.

“Oh. I thought you’d forgotten.”

“I did not. Before you head out the next time, I will make sure you have it.”

Abby jerks. “You’re not going to forbid me from going out hunting anymore?”

My brow bones shift. “Why would I do that?”

She gapes and gestures behind us. “Because of what happened back there.”

My jaw clenches. “Thatwill not happen again, because you and I will be hunting together from now on.”

I take off walking again and Abby catches up quickly. “What if I don’t want you coming with me?”

“Then while you do your hunting I will do my own in the same vicinity. You will not even see me, although I will be nearby to hear you call out if you need me.” While I do not understand why she never wants to ask people for help, I will respect her choice to the best of my ability while also making sure she remains safe and unharmed.

She does not speak for several beats, but I can sense her gaze on me still. We continue moving with quiet between us until Abby once again breaks it.

“Are we going to talk about those marks that appeared on your body? I mean, I understand what they are, but not how it is going to affect things.”

I am surprised she is acknowledging them. I suspected she would do her best to ignore the fact they appeared and that she is the one who triggered them. “I am not sure there is anything to talk about.”

If Abby fears I will force her to be my mate, then she would be wrong. She has made it more than clear what her thoughts and feelings are in regards to mates and kits. It does not matter that my soul light burns hotter than the sun within my chest. Her wishes are important.

Once again, she grips my arm and forces me to stop. I stare down at her and wait.

“Well, I’m pretty sure thereissomething to talk about.” Abby gestures at my shoulder and chest with her finger. “Those are mating marks.”

“Yes.”

“They showed up after I touched you, which I can only assume to mean you think I’m your mate,” she says.

“I do not think it. Iknowit.”

She’s already shaking her head. “That’s not possible.”

“Why is it not?”

“Be—because,” Abby sputters. “Because I don’t want to be your—anyone’s—mate. It’s nothing against you personally, so please don’t think that.”

“It does not matter what either of us want. Deeka has decided.”

She groans. “I don’t care what your goddess has or has not decided.”

I have to smile at her annoyance. “It does not work that way. But if you worry I am going to force you into accepting our mate bond, then you can set the fear aside. I swear to you on my honor, Abby, that nothing will change between us unless you choose otherwise.”

Without waiting for her response, I continue the trek back to the village. She will either believe me or she will not. Once again, her footsteps follow and she is at my side again.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“One of these days,keeshla, you will no longer question my honor. I do not say things I do not mean.”

---