Page 8 of Fated to the Alien Hero

“Oh, okay.” I still don’t understand what I said that made them all act so weird.

“If you’re all right for now, we’ll leave you with Evren,” Sage says.

“I’m fine, thanks.”

The three of them share a passing glance like they’re talking to each other without words before Sage and London walk outside and I’m alone with him. Now that the pain isn’t consuming me, I study Evren more closely. The fading sun offers enough light through the top of the tent to give me a good view.

He’s much younger than I remember, although maybe all the Tavikhi look like they’re in their early twenties. I picture the other three warriors with him when they found me. Jodah and the one without any marks on him looked about Evren’s age, maybe a couple years older, but the fourth warrior definitely had more than five years on him. His face showed a bit more age.

“How old are you?” The question slips out before I can stop it. “If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”

Evren closes the distance between us again until he is right next to me. I rein in the urge to hold his hand again. Don’t want to make things awkward for a second time.

“I have seen twenty-two warm seasons a few turns of the sun ago.”

I’ve been told time passes differently here than it does on Earth, but it’s close enough that it sounds like he just turned twenty-two. We’re the same age then. “Me, too. Although, I don’t really know when my birthday is by a Tavikhi calendar.”

Evren cocks his head. “Calendar? I do not know this word.”

I chuckle self-consciously. “Sorry, yeah, it’s just something back on Earth we used to mark the passing days, months, and years.”

“Perhaps you can teach me how this…calendar of yours works.”

My cheeks heat at the thought of spending that much time with Evren. What is wrong with me? I shouldn’t be reacting to him—toanyman—in this way. “Sure, maybe.”

“Oh,” Evren exclaims and reaches for the discarded bowls he’d left on the nearby platform. “I cannot believe I forgot. I brought us something to eat. It should still be warm, but if it is not, I will return to the central fire and get you more.”

He moves to hand one to me, but pauses. Oh, yeah, broken arm. Feeding myself is going to be a challenge. I duck my head in mortification.

“May I help you?” he asks quietly. Gently. Kindly.

“Your food will get cold, though.”

“There is plenty more on the fire,” Evren assures me. “I will get a hot portion when you are finished eating.”

“Are you sure?” Grady would never let me eat before him. Never.

“I am most sure.”

It’s either let him help or embarrass myself by probably dumping half the food down my lap. Neither prospect is appealing, but having him feed me will be the least humiliating, I think.

“Thank you. I’d appreciate it.”

Evren inclines his head and sets the second bowl off to the side before spooning out a portion of what appears to be stew. Why can’t it be meat or something I can pick up with my fingers? It has to be something fed to me like I’m a baby.

The first bite is an explosion of flavors. It’s way better than any food I’ve prepared for Grady and me. I know there’s a limited option of spices back at the colony, but this is incredible.

“What is this? It’s delicious.”

“I believe I heard someone say it is leburin stew.” Evren offers me another bite, which I happily take despite not knowing what leburin is. Maybe I’m better off that way.

“It’s really good.”

He smiles, and I can’t help but admire how straight and white his teeth are. It makes me a bit self-conscious about my two crooked top front teeth. I’d wanted to get them fixed, but my dad said they gave my face character.

“I am glad you enjoy it.”

Bite by bite, I slowly finish the stew. It stings the cut on my mouth, but the taste is worth it. Plus, I’m not going to complain about something so insignificant. It’s not the first time I’ve had a split lip, although I pray it’s the last.

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