Page 1 of Fated to the Alien Hero

Chapter 1

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Astrid

For the first time in more than a year, I’m not covered in bruises.

I flinch and suck in a sharp breath while slipping my shirt over my head. At least not visible ones. This morning, I’d sewn a crooked seam in Grady’s pants. Three days ago, I forgot to put fresh water in his bucket for coffee.

Once I’m dressed, I tidy our small tent, making sure everything is in its proper place. There’s nothing Grady hates more than looking for something that’s not where it’s supposed to be. Even if that place is changed. He does it on purpose, but tells me I’m being ridiculous and forgetful. Stupid, actually. It’s been that way since shortly after we got married. Since the first time he hit me.

Not wanting to be accused of lollygagging and suffer the consequences, I hurry outside and grab the bucket near theentrance. It’s been difficult adjusting to life on this planet. Back on Earth, I had people to do things for me. Now, on Tavikh, I’m the person doing the things. Badly, as I’m told every single day. Grady’s voice echoes inside my head, playing each belittling comment on repeat.

“A child could spill less water than that, Astrid.”

“Where did you learn how to fold a shirt? You’re making me look sloppy.”

“Maybe you should cut down on what you eat. You’re getting a gut.”

I’ve always been on the heavier side, but my gut isn’t any bigger than when Grady married me. In fact, I’ve lost some weight since we landed on Tavikh. Not a lot—I must be one of those people whose body says, “this is the smallest size you’re ever going to get.” Fat sorta just sticks to me.

There’s never been anything wrong with my curves and rolls. I love them. At least, I did. They made me feel soft and squishy. Womanly. Exactly the way my mom was. Her hugs were the best because I was able to melt right into her. She was always so warm.

I can still hear her every once in awhile. When Grady’s voice goes quiet, although it’s not often.

“You’re beautiful, Astrid. Inside and outside. Your heart and soul are pure. Genuine. Every hill on your body is just as lovely as the valleys. Every stretch mark is a work of art. Other people can’t always see that beauty, but that’s their problem. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad about your shape, your size, or your looks, because they’re what make you Astrid. Be proud of who you are. There’s no one else like you in the world,”she’dtell me.“One day, there’s going to be a man who takes one look at you and he’ll be done for. You will be the most perfect, stunning creature to him. Until then, don’t let any man, or woman, make you feel small or worthless or ugly. That shit will stay with you far longer than all the compliments you’ll get in life.”

I swallow down the rock that lodges in my throat. “I tried, Mama. I really did.”

With the bucket in hand, I head toward the side gate of the settlement and the river a short distance away. It’s a nice warm day, and the sun shines brightly. The lavender sky is so pretty with its yellowish rays of light.

In fact, everything about Tavikh is beautiful. The deep, dark purple leaves of the trees contrast so well with the coal black of the trunk and branches. Within the forest on the other side of the river are pops of blue and red from different flowering bushes.Then there are the giant yellow alien birds that live within the treetops. It’s so different from Earth.

Even the smells are unusual. Not in a bad way though. On some days I can almost get a hint of eucalyptus, but it’s not quite the same. Other days, there’s a sweetly spicy scent I’ve discovered is the wood of the trees. I don’t know if there’s a name for the kind they are, like oak or maple. Not that there are many trees left of either type back on my home planet.

I pass a few other women on my way and want to smile at them, but the memory of what happened the last time I tried to make friends is fresh in my mind. Tears prick my eyes. I’ve done everything I can to ignore the loneliness that burns inside me. I tell myself it’s better this way. People will always disappoint me in the end. Grady is the only person I need.

Except deep down, it’s not true. But there is no one else. He’s seen to it. Not for the first time, I berate myself for being so dumb and not seeing the signs sooner.Stop it, Astrid. Self-pity doesn’t do you any good. I stop at the river’s edge and kneel to scoop up a bucketful of water. There’s such a clean, fresh scent to it, and the crisp taste is too tempting to ignore.

Once the bucket is near to overflowing, I set it on the ground next to me and dip my hands in to gather up some of the refreshing liquid. I sip it, the slurping sounds ringing out loudly in the otherwise quiet. Branches crack and leaves whistle as a gentle breeze blows. My hair flutters in front of my face, and I tuck it behind my ear so I can drink without getting it wet.

Thirst quenched, I sit back on my heels and tilt my chin up to enjoy the warmth of the sun beating down on me. I spend far too much time in our tent and not enough time in the sunshine, enjoying nature. I’d live outside if I could. There’s so much to love about being out here. The sights, sounds, and smells are all organic, unlike the filtered, manufactured ones of the upper tier back on Earth.

For a moment, a wave of homesickness washes over me. Not necessarily for Old York City, but for my mom and dad. For the people I was forced to leave behind long before the ship transporting Grady and me left the planet. I’d been alienated from them so slowly that I hadn’t even noticed it happening until it was too late. Now, I’ll never see them again. I’m not sure they even know where I am. Everyone I loved probably thinks I’m dead.

I take in a shuddering breath and will myself not to cry. Tears won’t change anything. I do my best to shake it off. I grab the heavy bucket and turn toward the settlement. I’ve barely madeit all the way around when I collide with a hard body and spill water down the front of it. Ofhim.

“Goddamn it, Astrid. Why are you so fucking clumsy?” Grady tugs his wet shirt away from his chest.

Apologies spill from my lips and I shrink back, bracing myself for the latest strike. Only, it doesn’t come. Not trusting the fact, I remain wary and tense. But mostly…confused.

“What are you doing out here, anyway?” he asks, mimicking the question I want to ask him but won’t. I know better. “I told you I wanted you to come hunting with me today.”

I can only stare blankly. Grady has been gone from our tent for at least two hours. Not once before he left did he mention hunting. In fact, he’s never asked me to go with him. I’m too slow to keep up. Too weak to carry any dead animal back.

“I’m sorry.” The words are automatic. “I must have forgot.”

He shakes his head slowly and stares at me with eyes full of sympathy. As though he pities me for being so stupid to have forgotten. “Take the bucket to the tent and meet me back out here. Don’t dawdle, either.”

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