Page 9 of Fated to the Alien Protector

“I’m not dumb, you know.”

“I never said you were.”Lord, give me patience. “It doesn’t change the fact that you took off into the forest without knowing exactly where you were going or what you might have come across while trying to get here.”

Carter shrugs. “I had a general idea where the village was, and I knew that once I got close enough, the Tavikhi scouts would give me directions the rest of the way.”

“How did you even know there were scouts out there?” I didn’t until one made me aware of his presence.

“Because I pay attention,” he says with a hint of exasperation. “Plus, Felix and I followed one of the warriors more than halfway here once shortly before winter. I wanted to make sure I knew where to go if we ever needed help.”

I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s not like I didn’t know the two boys were often outside the settlement walls exploring the area.

“You should have told me.”

“Why?” Carter mumbles around a mouthful of soup. “You’re the one who refuses to ever ask anyone for help.”

There’s no reply I can make that would change the fact he’s right. Except now I’m being forced to accept it. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. I choke down the rest of my meal and observe everyone around me. While the majority of the people surrounding the fire are Tavikhi—and to my shock, some are female and children—there are also humans. They’re not sitting apart, either. Why I had assumed they would be I’m not sure.

“Zander tells me you and Carter will be staying in the village,” London finally says.

“It would appear that way.” I have enough wherewithal to wince at how ungrateful I sound. “Sorry. Yes, we are.”

She smiles. “We’re happy to have you. I know Talek, Cecily, and the rest of the kids will enjoy making a new friend. And once you two get settled, I’ll show you around and introduce you to everyone.”

While I’m glad there are children near Carter’s age he can hang out it with, I’m not on the look out for new friends. “I appreciate the offer, but you don’t have to do that. I tend to keep to myself.”

London holds up a hand. “Well, if you change your mind, just let me know.”

I won’t, but I nod. One by one, people finish their meal and take their bowls to the fire, including London and Zander. They add them to two stacks already forming and I watch as two others—a Tavikhi female and human male—each pick one up and head away from where everyone is gathered.

“They’re taking them to the river to wash,” a tall, fit brunette carrying a long wooden staff says from a few feet away. “Everyone here pitches in with the chores. We rotate every few days.”

“We’ll carry our weight.”

“See that you do.” The woman walks away and joins a Tavikhi warrior standing nearby. His tail twines around her waist and they leave together.

“Don’t mind Remi,” another female voice says and I turn toward it.A petite blonde strides forward. “She’s a little over-protective of the tribe. I’m Zara, by the way.”

“Abby.”

“And Carter.” She waves in my brother’s direction. “Yeah, I know. Word travels pretty quickly around here. I heard you all were moving in, as well. So, if you want to leave your bowls over there and follow me, I’ll take you to your tent.”

He and I exchange a glance and let Zara lead us after we add our dishes to another growing stack. The sun has mostly set behind the low mountain range that runs along the back of the village. Both moons are out and still give off enough light to see. I take in everything. Tents are scattered throughout, some bigger than others. People wander and voices travel in the air. Kids dart around, each one laughing without a care in the world.

“That’s the healer’s tent.” Zara points out. “You’ll see me in there every so often, since the healer’s my man. And these are your new digs.”

We stop in front of a decent size tent, certainly bigger than the one Carter and I slept in back at the settlement. Two torches spear the ground in front of the hide flap door. The blonde gestures over her shoulder.

“The river is that way, and if you head toward it and make a sharp left about a hundred feet before you reach the banks, you’ll find a couple tents that house the facilities. You can wash up in the water when you’re done,” Zara says. “Tomorrow, someone can take you back to the settlement for you get your things. Someone’s already sent word that you’re here, so no one worries about your absence.”

“We don’t need an escort.” Carter and I got here just fine on our own. We can certainly do it again.

“You’re not really a people person, are you?” Zara laughs not acting offended by my rudeness in any way. “I’m gonna guess bottom tier. Am I right?”

I stiffen involuntarily. She nods. “Thought so. London and Maeve have told us a lot of stories about living there. How it can harden people. I get it, truly, I do. But you should realize something if you’re going to stay in the village. We’re not your enemies. Neither are the Tavikhi.”

Zara salutes me and walks away with a short wave. I stand there until she disappears inside the healer’s tent before I turn to Carter, who’s been far too quiet for too long.

“Let’s go inside.” I grab one of the torches and enter the tent we’ve been assigned.

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