Page 26 of Fated to the Alien Protector

Silence falls between us again as we draw closer to home.

“I’m sorry,” Abby says some time later, disturbing the quiet that settled. “For questioning you. Nothing you’ve done so far leads me to think you’d lie to me.”

A mellenje calls out and I answer it with one of my own. Several beats later, we exit the forest and cross through the large bari field to enter a second, smaller group of trees. We pass through to reach a narrow field and the front gate of the village where two warriors stand guard. Their gazes land on me and widen at the sight of the mating marks that now decorate my body. They dart several glances between Abby and me as we walk past them, but neither say anything.

“Would you like me to take your kills to the tanning tent, or would you like to deliver them yourself?” I glance over at her.

She pauses for a beat before deciding. “I’ll take them, if you don’t mind. Then I need to change clothes. I don’t want to wear this shirt any longer than I have to.”

Nor do I want her to wear another male’s coverings. Especially that male’s. I nod in acknowledgement. “I will see you at the evening meal then?”

Again, Abby hesitates. “I’ll be there.”

I watch her walk away before going in search of Zander. While he still leaves for the occasional hunt, he most often remains within the village and helps Benham train the younger warriors to fight. Especially since he and London will be welcoming their first kit soon. I am happy for the shefir and shefira, but also envious. Not only of their mating, but of the fact they have created new life and another member of our tribe will be born.

Talek was one of the last kits to arrive amongst a mated pair. In fact, Zander and London were the first to have formed a mate bond within our village since Talek’s birth. Up until then, it had been every unmated Tavikhi’s fear that he would be the last of us since it had become clear that there would be no more mates among our people. Every turn since the shefira arrived on this planet with the rest of her tribe sisters has been a celebration of hope.

Something I had almost given up on. Until now. Until Abby.

Chapter 13

Abby

It feels like everyone I pass on my way through the village is staring at me. I know it’s only my imagination, but I can’t help but glance around. No one’s gaze meets mine, except for a mated Tavikhi couple who do nothing more than nod. But it’s like they’re taunting me with the knowledge that according to their customs and religion, I’m now allegedly mated to one of their people as well.

Cripes. Just the thought of Rojtar and his mating marks is enough to make my palms sweat and for so many reasons. Not the least of which is what he’ll do if he ever finds out my secret. But also because despite what he’s shown me of his character, it’s hard to unlearn a lifetime of lessons in seeing what people are truly like.

I make it to the tanning tent just as another warrior steps out. It’s the same one Rojtar had been standing in line and laughing with at last night’s evening meal when he and I ate together at the river. He glances at the load in my hand.

“A successful hunt, I see. Can I take them for you?”

There’s only a slight hesitation before I pass the rabbits—leburin—over. Our fingers brush, but unlike the few times Rojtar and I touched out in the forest, nothing happens. No spark of electricity stings my skin. No tingle rushes up my arm. No warmth gathers in my belly. I glance up at the warrior and something like disappointment flashes in his eyes, which makes me believe he felt nothing either. There’d been no mistaking Rojtar’s reaction to my touch. He most definitely experienced possibly the same things I did.

A small, but sad smile curls his lips. “I thought perhaps it might have been too much to hope.”

Before I can say anything, the Tavikhi disappears back inside the tent with the leburin and leaves me standing there. With nothing else left to do, I head for my own dwelling. I pass more people who must be heading to the central fire for the evening meal. I’m still not quite used to everyone gathering together for food and conversation. It’s certainly not like that back at the human settlement.

I swing aside the flap and step into the dim interior. Carter stands at the water basin washing his hands. He glances over at me and grins, but it swiftly turns upside down.

“Whose shirt are you wearing? And why are there leaves stuck in your hair?”

Knowing I’m going to have to tell him the whole story, I cross over to my side of the tent and prop my spear against the hide wall.

“It’s Lewis’ fault.” I reach up and try to pluck out all the foliage. “He…attacked me while I was out hunting.”

Carter throws down the cloth onto the table and rushes over to me, panic in his eyes. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

I clutch his trembling forearms gently. “I’m fine. Really. Rojtar showed up and protected me.”

My brother’s shoulders relax and sag with relief. It reminds me he’s still just a child. “Did he kill Lewis?”

“No.”Because you stopped him. “But I don’t think I’ll have to worry about him again.”

“Good. I hope he got what he deserved though,” Carter sneers.

The image of Lewis’ battered face springs forth. “He did. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d really prefer to put on my own clothes. Can you give me a minute and then we’ll go get something to eat?”

He nods. I grab a clean shirt, a cloth for washing, and move behind the hung blanket. As I take Lewis’ shirt off, it brushes against the back of my neck and a small hiss of pain escapes. Without a mirror, I can’t see what my skin looks like, but I suspect I’m going to have a massive bruise if one hasn’t formed already. I quickly wet the cloth and wash myself, scrubbing a little harder than necessary as though to rid myself of that asshole’s touch.

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