Page 33 of Fated to the Alien Hero

Evren

I do my best not to be offended that the Bohnari and his mate thought for even a single beat of my heart that I had been the one to break Astrid’s arm. As if I were that dishonorable to hurt not only mykeeshla, but a female in general. No matter how difficult it might be, I will forgive them, because I do not want to be the reason for any strained relationship between us and our allies.

The strange machine Astrid lies in makes me nervous. Not that I believe she will be hurt, but I do not trust technology. It is not natural. There is a slight hissing sound, and the top of the machine lowers, enclosing her within. It is followed by a sharp click. There is a small clear section in which I can see her face. She appears calm, so I try to be as well. A light colored similarly to the bloom of the nenuphar flower—blue, Jodah calls it—moves down Astrid’s body. Along with it, there are chirps of some kind.

Many beats of my heart pass before the blue line runs over her again. A single chirp sounds, then hissing, a click, and the topof the machine slowly rises. I coax it to hurry, but it moves with increasing slowness until, finally it opens fully. Astrid shifts to sit up and I reach for her to help.

“That thing was so cool,” she says the moment she is upright. “I can already tell the difference. My entire body feels different, actually.”

She carefully rotates and bends her arm in different directions as well as her wrist. Wiggling her fingers is next. She twists and turns her upper body as well. A large grin appears on her face.

“If you would push against your mate’s hand, please,” Vornak instructs.

Our palms align, and Astrid presses firmly against mine, adding more pressure until she eases off.

“Any pain?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “None whatsoever.”

“Good.”

I help her down off the machine, and Vornak approaches. He taps his fingers on a different piece of technology and makes a soft grunting noise.

“What?” Astrid cocks her head.

“I am just looking over the list of injuries that were repaired. They were extensive, and several of them are old.”

My mate’s coloring changes. “Let’s just say my arm isn’t the first bone I’ve had broken.”

“The abusive husband?” Vornak’s mate comes to stand beside him.

“Yeah.”

Her answer makes the rage I’ve managed to squash at the mention of her former mate rise to the surface again. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering she had to deal with.

“How long?” Johnna asks.

“Almost three years.”

“Are you sure we can’t make a stop on our way out?” she wants to know again.

Astrid smiles, but there is a sadness behind it. “No, but thank you. Truly.”

Johnna breathes out heavily. “Fine.”

“If there’s anything you need before we leave, you’re welcome to return,” Vornak says.

“You have my thanks.” I fist my chest and he returns the gesture.

“You have mine, too,” Astrid tells him. “I appreciate your help.”

“Of course.”

“We’re heading to the village to see Eloise now. Care if we walk with you guys?” Johnna asks.

“Not at all,” my mate replies.

The four of us leave the healer’s room with Vornak and Johnna in the lead. As grateful as I am for the Bohnari’s assistance in healing Astrid, I am glad to be leaving the ship. It is too enclosed and confining. I do not like that I cannot see the sky or the trees. The smell is unnatural as well. It has the scent of metal and other substances I do not know the name of and cannot identify. Wehave only been inside for a short time, and already I miss the fresh fragrance of the forest and the village.

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