Page 22 of Warrior's Purpose

“You’re not a burden,” he insisted, looking remorseful for having lost his temper.

“It’s okay. I understand.” She tried to smile to let him know she truly meant what she said. Ash had every right to be frustrated, he was screwed.

Ash was just being kind when he said she wasn’t a burden. There was a long list that said otherwise. She’d been so worried about ditching him earlier. She thought because Ash was an alien on her planet, he might need her. But that was foolish. He was infinitely more capable than she was. He probably would’ve been able to get to his ship last night if she wasn’t hanging around his neck. Even something as simple as talking to her was a chore. Every time he spoke, he had to lift his wrist out of the water, just so she could hear the translated words.

She grew quiet as she swam beside him. Ash was twice as wary as before. Whenever he heard a boat or helicopter coming, he swiftly tugged her against him and ducked beneath the water. It wouldn’t have been that bad, if Ash’s sense of hearing wasn’t so much better than hers, and she had forewarning. But she wasn’t about to complain.

She was physically and mentally tired by the time they finally left the river.

“This looks like it connects to the main land,” he commented as they waded on ashore.

Abby looked around to get her bearings.

“I think you’re right. That looks like the causeway over there.” She pointed to the area half a mile downstream.

Ash held back branches as they hunted for a spot to settle in, making sure they didn’t slap her. Except the undergrowth was so dense, a broken limb still managed to scrape across her bare thigh.

“Ow dammit,” she mumbled.

Ash spun and looked down at the red swath across her leg. She was almost used to prancing around in her skivvies, but now wanted to cover herself with the way he stared at her. Ash’s brow furrowed as he reached toward the welt.

“It’s fine.” She attempted a smile, and they continued hiking.

Abby felt silly for making a peep as she studied Ash’s muscular back. Among the swirling black tattoos there were numerous scars. She doubted he even noticed when he earned half those marks, just like he shrugged off the wound on his bicep and thigh.

The man said he was in a war, for God’s sake. He’s a living, breathing gladiator.

“How about here?” she asked, after Ash bypassed a few places that looked good.

“No, we’d be visible from overhead.” He looked up through the break in the trees.

“Oh, okay. You’re right.”

She clamped her mouth shut, trying not to become disenchanted as her feelings of being a giant helpless anchor magnified.

Ash paused, looked around, then nodded at a tiny clearing. Abby grabbed a large branch and started tugging it out of their way.

“I’ll get that.” Ash took hold of the limb, like it was a mere twig, and tossed it into the undergrowth.

“Okay. I’ll hang up our clothes, so they’ll finish drying.” She picked up the snakeskin bag and started tugging at the knot. “Dammit.” It refused to give.

“Here.” Ash held out his hand.

“No! I got this,” she snapped.

She fought with the knot some more, wanting to scream in frustration. It was the stupid straw that broke the camel’s back. It didn’t help Ash was staring at her. Abby threw the snakeskin onto the ground, as angry tears started to leak from her eyes. She spun, facing away, so Ash didn’t see her cry.

“Peanut?” he said in confusion and concern.

She shook her head frantically. If Ash did or said one more sweet, considerate thing for the damsel in distress, she was going to lose it entirely. She swiped at the tears streaming from her eyes, but they kept coming.

“Peanut,” Ash said softer. He put a large palm on her shoulder and gently urged her to turn.

“I can’t, Ash.” She shrugged him off. “I’m having a little moment here, but I’ll get over it.”

“I am sorry I was curt with you,” he rumbled deeply and the words translated where his hand hovered by her shoulder.

“Don’t apologize. Please!” Abby spun and looked up at his face framed by his disheveled silver hair. His expression was remorseful, making her feel even worse. “I’m not upset with you. I’m upset at me. My people are a bunch of assholes. They took your friend. They’ve got my dad. They stole your ship, and shot at us.” She weepily gestured with fluttering hands at the injuries he sustained. “And now we’re hiding out naked, and I can barely stay alive, let alone help you with a damn thing. You have enough to worry about. I know you said I’m not a burden, but that’s bullshit, I am. All of this is.” She waved at the world at large.

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