Page 23 of Fated to the Alien Hero

Evren’s head jerks slightly. “Why would I not believe you? Is what you have said not true?”

“No, no, itistrue. I really have seen it.” My whole body shakes. “I just figured you’d tell me I was imagining it.”

“Why would I tell you that? The soul light exists, and you have seen it. What is there to imagine?” His confusion is as obvious as mine. Except his makes my heart sing.

Tears well in my eyes. For the first time in longer than I can remember, there’s not this crushing weight of worry on top of me. Worry that I’ll say something wrong. Worry that I’ll be punished for it.

“I can’t tell you what that means to me.” I squeeze Evren’s hand tightly.

He leans in and rests his brow ridges lightly against my forehead. The feel of his skin against mine sends a shiver of awareness down my spine. “I willalwaysbelieve you, Astrid. Always.”

Chapter 11

Evren

The more I dwell on it, the more I understand why Astrid would think I would say she imagined seeing my soul light. It is because of the human male, Grady. He is the one who has made mykeeshlahave fears and doubts. This is one more reason for my hatred of him to grow.

“Would you like to have a date with me?”

The human courting ritual of dating is apparently important to the females, so I will do this thing with mine.

Astrid draws back and stares. “You mean, like adatedate?”

“Are there different kinds?” I have only ever heard of the walking one.

“I suppose there are, but what kind of date are you talking about? I didn’t know Tavikhi knew what dating is.”

“There is only one date we have been taught, but I am willing to do another kind if you prefer.” Spending time with Astrid is the most important thing.

“What is this date you’ve been taught?” she asks in a wary tone.

“A walking one.”

“A…walking one?”

I nod. “Yes. Where we walk around the village with no destination in mind and no other purpose except to walk. And date.”

A slow smile curls her lips. “I see. Then, yes, I think I would like to have a date with you.”

“I am so glad.”

We stand, but before we can walk away from the fire, there are raised voices. I glance in the direction they are coming from and go rigid. One of the human leaders from the settlement is heading this way flanked by two warriors. His wide gaze is locked on the female at my side. I sense the moment Astrid realizes. She attempts to hide behind me, and through the hand I still hold, I feel her entire body tremble, and a soft whimper spills from her lips. I tighten my hold on her in reassurance.

“Oh my god, Astrid,” he calls out and quickens his pace.

He reaches us far too soon, but even in the time it has taken him, Zander and Benham stand before us with arms crossed, blocking his view of my mate. He attempts to lean sideways to see her, but Zander sidesteps into his line of sight.

“Greetings, Gary of the human settlement. Is there something I may help you with?” the shefir asks in a neutral tone.

“I came to ask for your help in finding one of our missing people, but it appears she’s already been found. We’ve been so worried when Grady came back from hunting and said a wild animal attacked and dragged Astrid off. He said she was dead, but I was hoping we might still be able to locate her.”

“Is that the story the dishonorable male told you?” I snap, my anger getting the best of me.

The human leader takes a step back with wide eyes. “I’m sorry?”

Zander raises his hand, and I stand down.

“Why is this Grady not with you seeking our assistance with finding the female?” he asks the human male.

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