Page 32 of His to Claim
She smiles sweetly and nods. "Mine."
We hold tightly to one another, enjoying the feeling of being connected. The bond between mates is unlike any other relationship I've experienced. I want nothing more right now than to spend every day with her. To have her always be by my side. Forever.
The sound of voices reaches our ears. When we look away from one another, we spot some aliens moving through the tall grasses. Their skin tones vary greatly. Most appear dark brown while others are light yellow, tan, or olive green. All carry spears and swords strapped across their backs. One carries a bow slung over his shoulders. Others wear leather armor made from animal hides. It's quite impressive how well-armed these men are.
They stop and stare at us curiously as they approach.
"Who are you? Where do you come from?" asks a young man wearing a fur cape.
His accent is thick and difficult to understand. However, Emma understands him perfectly and answers quickly. Lucky for her the Valkryans installed a translator.
"We're not from around here. We came here via a portal."
Several of the warriors chuckle and shake their heads.
"There is no such thing."
"Yes, there is! And it led us straight here!"
One of the older males steps forward. His eyes glisten brightly in the sunlight.
"You must leave immediately. You cannot stay here. This is forbidden ground. No outsider may set foot upon this sacred land. Leave now if you value your life."
* * *
I frown."We mean you no harm. We are lost. We wanted to get back to the planet Bellaria but somehow we ended up here."
He shakes his head again.
"There is only one way off this planet. If you wish to return home, go to the portal near the cave entrance. It will take you to Bellaria. Do not attempt anything else."
Another warrior adds, "And don't even think about going into the forest. Many dangers are lurking within those woods. Stay away. Or risk death."
"What danger?" I ask, confused.
"Do not question us. Just obey what we say and leave this place."
"I am Dhakar, leader of Bellaria and I obey no one," I reply.
"And I am Zarat, ruler of Vestia and you are not welcomed here," the old male speaks.
"This is our planet. Not yours. Go away. Now. Before I change my mind and decide to kill you both."
Emma gasps behind me.
"Now!" the older warrior yells.
As soon as he says the word, several arrows fly toward us. Two hit me in the arm. A younger alien grabs Emma before I have time to react.
"No! Let her go," I shout angrily.
Two more arrows strike me in the chest. My vision goes black and I fall to my knees.
My world turns dark.
* * *
I openmy eyes slowly and blink several times until everything comes into focus once again. I'm lying flat on the ground. My arms and legs feel numb. It looks like I'm on a sandy beach. Emma is nowhere around here.
