Page 37 of Fated to the Alien Hero

“Please. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just want to tell you how sorry I am. So goddamn sorry.” Grady takes another couplesteps forward and this time I’m slower to move, but I managed to hop back a short distance, although he’s still far too close. “I’m sorry, Astrid. For everything. I know you probably can’t—won’t—forgive me, but I want you to know how sorry I am.”

Once again he comes closer. This time, I hold my ground.

“You’re right. I won’t forgive you.” How dare Grady even ask me to. “I willneverforgive you. The fucking nerve you have to even mention that word. For close to three years I’ve endured your abuse. You put your hands on me, Grady. You tried tokillme. How in God’s name could you possibly think I might ever forgive you for any of that?”

He’s close enough to touch now, and as much as I want to slap him across the face, I won’t stoop to his level. Grady reaches out and clasps my shoulders. I shudder in revulsion at his touch. Our gazes lock and one side of his mouth slowly curls.

“You always were so fucking stupid.”

Chapter 17

Evren

My spirit is light as I hurry back to where Astrid waits. While she and I chose the location where we’d like to put down roots, the shefira had sent word to Katem, Rojtar, and Zydon asking for their assistance in getting mykeeshla’sand my dwelling up. Between the four of us, it should not take long.

Once our tent is up, Astrid and I can bring my belongings over. Then, on the next turn, if she wishes to go back to the human settlement for her own belongings, I will take her so she no longer has to borrow from the other females if she does not want to.I have also already asked some of the other tribespeople who are skilled in making coverings to craft several new items for my mate. That way she has things she can call her own. They will be my mating gift to her along with the luani fur.

I am almost where I left Astrid. Except she is no longer there. Did she go to the healer’s tent? The Bohnari healer said she was perfectly well, and even she said she felt better than she hadbefore. I scan the area. Perhaps she went to visit some of the elders, since we will living nearby.

Something catches my eye. Marks on the ground that should not be there. Or at least ones I do not believe should be. I kneel down and study what appears to be that marking of a human foot covering. Several of them, in fact. Most of them are small, but the ones that have caught my attention are much larger. While there are many human males who live in the village with their human mates, I have not witnessed any of them moving around this area. That does not mean they have not, but my gut is warning me that something is wrong. Astrid would not have left here without reason.

“Is all well, Evren?”

My three tribe brothers approach carrying the building supplies, including Zydon, who is one of our best trackers.

“Astrid is missing. She wanted to remain here while I spoke with the shefira, but she is gone. There are also several large human foot covering prints.” Perhaps I am overreacting.

“Do you think she might have gone with any of the other females for something? Maybe Sage to get something for pain?” Katem asks.

“Astrid has already been to the Bohnari ship and seen their healer. She said she no longer hurt anywhere.”

“Rojtar and Katem, search the village. Evren and I will search the hills just to be certain.” Of the four of us, Zydon is the eldest. He is also the shefir’s brother.

The two other warriors nod and take off. Zydon turns to me. “Come, let us see if we can find yourkeeshla.”

We race toward the narrow, overgrown path that some of the elders used to use to travel through the hillside when they were younger, but has since been mostly abandoned. Zydon leads the way and barely makes it a short distance up before he stops and studies the ground. He glances up at me.

“There are signs of a struggle. See these foot covering prints here? They are scraped across the ground like the person was dragged some of the way. Add that to the bari that is crooked and broken.”

He stands and together we keep moving up the path, our steps quick but precise. I scan both sides of the trail, desperately searching for anything that might indicate Astrid came this way, whether voluntarily or by force. Off to one side, through a narrow gap between the trees, there is a flicker of movement and then a cry of pain. I veer off the path and run toward the noise. Zydon is right behind me.

I do not even bother to be quiet. Not when I recognized the sound as Astrid. We burst into a clearing and a vicious roar erupts from deep inside my chest. I charge the male standing over my mate, who lies still on the ground at his feet. My shoulder connects with his gut and we both fall to the ground. I straddle his chest and pound my fist into his face time and time again until blood covers it. Even then, I do not stop. Zydon grabs my arm.

“Cease, Evren. See to your mate. I will deal with this worthless male.”

His words slowly penetrate my mind and I stare down at this despicable human who dared touch Astrid. I stand and spit on his body. Quickly, I make my way to my mate, trusting Zydon to take care of Grady. I kneel at her side.

“Astrid.Keeshla. You are safe now.”

“Evren?” She winces and cradles the side of her face that is already becoming discolored.

“I am here.”

“Grady?” Astrid gasps.

“Zydon is guarding him. He will never hurt you again. I am sorry he was able to do so this time. Please, forgive me for not protecting you.”

She grabs my arm and tries to stand. I help her up and her gaze lands on her former mate who groans in agony while he remains lying on the ground. She turns to me.

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