Page 18 of Fated to the Alien Hero

“Who are the Bohnari?”

“They are another race of people who live on the neighboring planet of Bohna. We have been trading with them since before I was born,” Evren explains. “They usually only come at the tail end of the cold season and then mid-way through the warm season. When they were recently here, it was discovered that our tribe sister, Eloise, who crash-landed on Tavikh and mated one of our warriors, had a tribe sister who crashed on Bohna and mated the Bohnari healer.”

“Wow. I guess they were both lucky.” I couldn’t imagine crash landing on an alien planet. At least I came here knowing what this place was, even if it didn’t turn out to be exactly the way Grady had described it.

“Yes, they were,” Kyler confirms. “The Bohnari are also far more technologically advanced than us and have several machines on their ship they call a med pod. When they return, I am sure Vornak will allow us to use it to repair your arm.”

“Zara mentioned something about that when she was here earlier.” I’m not opposed to the idea either. Not that this is the first bone I have ever had broken, but knowing it can be repaired in the matter of minutes compared to months? Whowouldn’twant that?

“When they arrive, I will ask,” Kyler says.

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

He dips his head in acknowledgment. “Is there anything else I can get you, while I am here?”

“I don’t believe so, but thank you. In fact, I’m actually feeling a bit worn out.” I’m sure the last hour or so being up and moving around with Evren didn’t help. Not that I haven’t enjoyed my time with him, but it was only just yesterday that I nearly died.

Kyler’s gaze shifts between Evren and me. “I shall leave you to rest then. Do not hesitate to ask for me or Sage if there is anything you need before one of us is back to check on you.”

“Thank you.”

The healer walks outside, giving me a brief glimpse of the bright, sunny day before the door flap closes. We’re enclosed back in the dimness that’s only illuminated by a hole above us and the fire that burns in a deep pit in the ground. Carefully, I lie back on the padded ramp that supports my head and back.

“Are you cold? Do you need a fur?” Evren asks, hovering over me like a mother hen.Or a devoted mate.

“No, I’m okay. Just a little sleepy.”

“Do you wish for me to stay while you rest?”

I think about it for a minute. As much as I don’t want to be alone, in case the nightmares return, I also don’t want to take Evren away from whatever important things he might need to do. Plus, I need to learn how to not be afraid.

Knowing I shouldn’t, I reach for his hand.“Thank you, but go take care of whatever you need to take care of. I’ll be fine.”

He squeezes my fingers lightly and releases me. “If you are sure, then I will let you sleep. Send someone for me if you need anything at all. Please.”

“I will.”

Evren stares at me for several more seconds before finally nodding shallowly and walking away. I don’t take my eyes off him or the tail that swishes almost anxiously behind him until he ducks out through the doorway. The flap closes to seal me alone inside with nothing but my thoughts.

Chapter 9

Evren

I do not like leaving Astrid alone, but this is my chance to search out the shefir and speak with him about this thing she calls divorce. Unsure where I might find him at this time—although most likely he is down near the training arena—I head there first.

Sure enough, he and Benham stand at the perimeter observing the kits sparring. Much has changed these last two seasons with the arrival of the humans. Scarred and prickly Benham, the biggest warrior in the entire village, is somehow mated to the smallest, quietest, and previously most fearful of all the human females. It is only recently that she has found her true voice and realized she has nothing to fear from any of us. The change in her since becoming mates with Benham has been remarkable.

They glance over at my approach. I lay my fist over my heart in a sign of respect and dip my head.

“Greetings, Shefir. Benham.”

Both return the gesture.

“Greetings, Evren,” Zander replies. “Is all well?”

“There is something I would like to speak with you on, if you have time.”

He claps my shoulder. “Always. Come, let us go to my tent.”

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