Page 15 of Fated to the Alien Protector

“Perhaps one day Deeka will make herself known to us in the physical realm, and we will be able to see, touch, and smell her, as you say.”

“Perhaps.” I’m not holding my breath.

The rest of the trip is spent in silence until finally the Tavikhi village comes into view. Carter has gotten over his huff and waits for us at the gate where two sentries stand. They fist their chests when we pass, and Rojtar returns the gesture. Unlike yesterday, the tribespeople don’t all stare. Instead they give us a passing glance at most. We walk the length of the village, past the healer’s tent, until we come to a stop in front of where Carter and I spent the night.

“I can take this inside if you would like,” Rojtar raises the shoulder that balances the trunk.

As much as I don’t want him in my personal space, he might as well since he’s here. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Carter grabs the door flap and lifts it. The Tavikhi swings the trunk off his shoulder and holds it by the handles on either side. He ducks into the tent and I follow him and then my brother, dropping the duffel on the ground just inside.

“Put it here, please.” I walk to where I slept last night and point at a spot against the wall of the tent near my pallet.

Rojtar places it where I indicate and steps back. He glances at me. “Before I go, is there anything else I can help with?”

I wrap my arms around myself. “No, that’s everything.”

“I will take my leave then. It has been an honor, Abby.” He fists his chest, bows his head, and spins on his heel before disappearing out the door, leaving me alone with Carter.

Chapter 8

Rojtar

Seven turns of the sun have passed since I have spoken to Abby. I have seen her many times, but only briefly. She and Carter sit with the rest of the tribespeople at the evening meal, but I have chosen to eat alone by the river or in my own tent. Each turn, I wake with the hope she seeks me out, but she has yet to do so.

On the other hand, Carter has found me often. At least Abby took my words to heart and has allowed him to spar with the other kits.While not as skilled as Talek—or even Cecily—yet, he shows promise. One day, I suspect he will become a great warrior. In the meantime, his skills continue to slowly improve.

I stride through the forest, my steps light and silent as I search for signs of my prey. I have been tracking a pair of dreri for the last half a turn, and I am getting close. Signs of their nearness have been scattered along the forest ground. It is only a matter of patience.

The crack of a branch halts my progress. I remain still, barely breathing while I scan the area. A flash of color up ahead draws my eye. Carefully, I make my way forward and heft my spear to launch it. I peer around a tree and come up short. A short distance away is Abby. She also carries a spear, although it is far too large for her and she appears to be having some difficulty holding it. She trips, nearly dropping her weapon, and releases a curse.

Despite the fact I told her she would not have to see or speak to me again, I cannot help but call out.

“Is all well?”

She whirls with a screech and jabs her spear in my direction. At the sight of me she straightens. “Jesus. You scared the shit out of me. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to sneak up on a person like that? You about gave me a heart attack.”

“My apologies, Abby.”

“What are you doing out here anyway?” she asks.

“The same thing you are, I believe. Hunting.” Although from the looks of it, neither of us are faring well. “Perhaps if we worked together, we might be able to bring back more than enough.”

For a moment, it appears as though she will refuse my request, but at last she jerks her head. “You’re better at this than me anyway.”

“I would be happy to help you hone your skills if you would like.” I brace myself for the rejection, but Abby surprises me once again.

“If you’re sure it’s not a bother.”

My heart thumps louder at her response, or perhaps I only imagine it does. “It is no bother at all. I am not the best hunter in the tribe, but I have managed to contribute my fair share to our stores. Come, let us walk and search.”

Together we stride through the forest while I point out different markings to watch for that indicate possible prey nearby. Abby nods and makes a few noises that I take for understanding.

“On the turn I came across you and Carter, you were hunting.”

“Yes,” she answers although it was not a question.

“Your snare technique would have worked if the burrow hadn’t been abandoned, but perhaps I can offer an easier way to set one?”

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