Page 35 of Fated to the Alien Protector

“That’s nice of him.” Abby continues to speak with much more ease and most of the tension appears to have left her. She does not hold herself as rigidly as she had when Kala and Sorin first spoke to us.

“He likes people to think he does not care, but I have watched him slip Ashrif an extra portion of dreri when he thinks no one is looking.”

“Enough talking,” the elder Krijese lightly scolds the kit with a gently squeeze of his shoulder. “We have much more hunting to get done before we can return to our village.”

Abby flinches, and Kala’s mouth seam presses together. Sorin dips his head. “Yes, Gogo.”

“Come,keeshla. Let us see if we are able to bring down a couple more dreri before we make our way back home.”

Before she can protest, I sling my kill over one shoulder and hers over the other. She will need to preserve her strength if we manage to find the rest of the herd. As I suspect, she does not approve of me taking the burden of both beasts.

“Here.” She rushes forward with her arms outstretched. “Let me at least take the one I killed.”

“You can carry the next one after we track them.”

Abby stares. “That’s assuming I’ll manage to hit another.”

I grin down at her. “Of course you will.”

Chapter 17

Abby

To my great shock, Rojtar’s right. I manage to bring down a second dreri. Granted, he has to put it out of its misery since I didn’t throw a kill shot, but I’m still proud—and also a bit guilty—of my accomplishments. I feel bad about the animals dying, but I’m trying my best not to think about it. Maybe Idohave a soft heart.

“Excellent job, Abby,” Rojtar says and not for the first time.

I can’t help but preen under his compliments. “Thanks.”

No one’s ever treated me the way he does. I shouldn’t take as much pleasure out of it as I do, but I can’t help it. I’m so tired of keeping people at a distance. Or at least keepinghimat one. A voice inside my head whispers to brace myself when he disappoints me. It’ll take great pleasure in saying “I told you so.” For once, I’m ignoring it.

“It is early, yet, but we should return to the village with our spoils. We have had a successful turn.”

Although I want to improve my hunting skills, there’s no way I can carry two of these deer. One’s going to be hard enough, but I refuse to complain. “You’re probably right. I also don’t want Carter to worry if I’m gone too long.”

As independent as my brother’s getting, he’s always making sure I’m okay. Rojtar faces the two Krijese I’ve done my best to avoid without making it obvious I’m avoiding them. I feel bad about it considering they haven’t done anything wrong, and Rojtar trusts them.

“Thank you for joining us on our hunt. I wish you continued success,” he says.

The massive male inclines his head making his black, rope-like hair fall farther over the front of his shoulders to his dark inky chest that shimmers with hints of green. “Give our respects to Healer Sage.”

“I will.” Rojtar turns to me. “Are you ready?”

Yes, but there’s something I need to do first. “In just a second.”

My steps are slow and measured, but I keep my chin up and my back straight while I approach Kala and Sorin. The elder’s pitch black eyes focus on me and the two small tusks on either side of vertical seam that splits his mouth and hides his teeth shift. I come to a stop directly in front of Kala and well within his reach, but keep my arms loose at my sides.

“I’m sorry for the way I reacted when you and your son first appeared. Thank you for remaining kind in spite of it and for joining us on our hunt.”

He doesn’t respond at first, and I force myself not to flinch under the intensity of his stare. Behind me, Rojtar hasn’t moved either. Kala’s expression remains impassive, but there’s a slight shift in the color of his eyes. So slight I’m not sure I’d have noticed if I weren’t so close and focused on him.

“My people have been feared for generations. Rightfully so. We have warred and killed and destroyed. But where has that gotten us? To the verge of extinction is where,” Kala says solemnly. “Being feared is all I have ever known. Until now. Now my people know what peace feels like, and I do not want to lose that. Not only for myself, but for my son. So, in spite of those who still fear us, I will still show kindness so I can teach Sorin that the Krijese are able to change. To be better than we were before.”

“Sorin is a lucky young man.”I give him a brief nod and walk to where Rojtar still stands over the dreri. The fact I’m giving my back to a person I feared straight down into my soul a few short hours ago isn’t lost on me. Where I’ve found the courage to do so is a mystery. Maybe it’s the utter trust that the man I’m heading toward has for him. Does that meanItrust Rojtar with the same utter certainty? It should scare me how much I want to say yes.

When I reach him, his tail twines around my waist. The weight of it is comforting. I should be pushing him away with its hint of possessiveness. Before my brain can process what I’m doing, I rest my hands on his chest. My body feels like it is a separate entity making all the decisions. So much heat radiates off Rojtar and the mating marks that color his skin darken. This is the first time I’ve touched any part of him aside from holding his hand.

The soft, buttery leathered texture against my fingertips is decadent. Logically I know Kala and Sorin are still close by, but I can’t find it in me to care just yet.

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