Page 8 of Fated to the Alien Protector

Carter jumps in front of me. “Don’t blame him.”

I place my hand on his shoulder and squeeze gently. While I appreciate what he is trying to do, I do not need the kit to defend me.

“Perhaps it would be best if we spoke privately somewhere.”

“We aren’t talking about anything, because there’s nothing to talk about,” Abby says sharply. “We’re going home, Carter. Now.”

“No.”

She rears back and hurt flashes in her eyes. “Excuse me?”

“I’m not going back, and neither can you.” He moves and takes his sister’s hands in his. “I know you don’t like owing people, and you especially hate asking for help. I don’t understand your reasons, and I don’t need to. But there’s a really good chance that Lewis is going to hurt you if you don’t get out of there. So I’m asking you—for both our sake’s—to please stay here.”

The two stare at each other for several beats. It is more than obvious Abby is resisting the idea. I sense the moment she gives in. Defeat emanates from her and her shoulders drop. She releases Carter’s hands and wraps her arms around her waist, closing herself off.

“Is everything okay?” Soft footsteps accompany the question.London, Zander’s mate and our shefira, approaches. When she reaches his side, his tail twines around her. She sticks out her hand in the human greeting.

“Hi. I’m London, Zander’s mate.”

Abby’s gaze bounces over all of us and comes to a stop on the other female. It doesn’t escape my notice she pauses at the sight of Zander’s hold on her. She glances at the shefira’s outstretched appendage and slowly clasps it. “Abby. This is Carter.”

She gestures toward the kit and London dips her head. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” he replies.

“We’re just about to eat. You’re welcome to join us if you’re both hungry,” London offers.

Abby and Carter share a look and finally the female slowly nods once. “Thanks.”

The shefir and shefira turn and head toward the central fire where it would appear the majority of the tribe have finished gathering. The kit moves first and his sister reluctantly follows. I match my steps to hers and arrive at her side. She stiffens, but continues walking.

“I am sorry you feel as though I am to blame for this situation.”

“Situation?” she hisses under her breath. “This is more than just asituation. We’re talking about my life. My brother’s life. And the fact that because of your interference in our lives, we have to pack up everything we ownagainand leave the place we had made our home.”

Abby’s anger is understandable. I am unable to imagine what it would be like to leave Tavikh for another planet filled with aliens, finally settle into a village, and then get uprooted again for some place new. It does not matter that I had been trying to protect her. I have made her feel more unsafe by having to leave what is familiar.

“You are right. It is my fault, and for that, I am deeply sorry.”

Abby comes to a halt. I stop one step later as well and glance back at her. She stares at me with a narrowed gaze and rattles her head just slightly, blinking several times before moving again.

“I appreciate the apology,” she says finally, although I sense the reluctance behind the words. “It doesn’t mean I forgive you though.”

I will do whatever it is I can to earn her forgiveness. Something has made Abby hard. I do not know how I know this, but there is a voice whispering in the far recesses of my head that tell me I am right. I will not find out what that thing is this turn though.

We have reached the central fire and all the tribespeople gathered around it. Carter has joined Zander and London in line for the meal. Abby stands behind her brother, and he glances back at her. Neither speaks to the other before Carter ducks his head and faces forward again. I do not like the friction between them or the fact I am the underlying cause. Perhaps it would be best if I did not remain at the fire for the evening meal. If I am absent, then Abby can let go of the anger she holds for me. At least for a little while.

Once I have a vessel full of food, I head for the tent I share with several other warriors to eat my meal. Tonight I will let the shefira and her tribe sisters make Abby and Carter feel welcome. Tomorrow, I will go about discovering how I might make amends to Abby and earn her forgiveness.

Chapter 5

Abby

The Tavikhi warrior surprised me with his apology and acceptance of responsibility. Especially because of how sincere it appeared to be. I’ve never met a man before who actually admitted he was wrong. Not even my father. It feels like a trick. A tiny amount of guilt trickles in that I may be holding onto a grudge unnecessarily, but experience has proven time and time again that the second I think the best of someone, they show me otherwise.

I take my bowl and follow Carter, who still trails London and the guy I recognize as the Tavikhi tribe’s leader. Up until tonight, I’ve only ever seen him from a distance. They join a group of couples all seated on stumps and crudely constructed benches not far from the fire. My brother and I share a narrow bench on the perimeter. A few people glance our way, but I shift my body’s position to face Carter and hopefully discourage conversation. At least until after he and I talk.

“You had me worried.” I finally break the silence, keeping my voice low. “What if you’d gotten lost?”

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