Page 46 of Roping the Alien Cowboy

I went to him, taking his hands in mine. “I don’t know,” I said. “But when I touched them, I could feel their thoughts...see their history.”

Kian’s expression softened into awe. “The gift has awakened in you,” he murmured. “I’ve never seen an outsider capable of this.”

He pulled me close, one hand tenderly caressing my belly. Our daughter kicked out strongly. We both knew then that she had inherited the Surlons’ power.

“It’s her,” I said. “Our baby somehow gave me this ability.”

Kian shook his head in wonder. “Surlon blood flows in her veins.”

He turned back to the siroccos, who were watching us calmly. Kian approached and sent out a psychic call. The stallion greeted him, their minds connecting through the gift they shared. Kian communed silently with the herd before returning to me.

“They have accepted you as kindred,” he told me, smiling. “You are one of us now.”

My heart swelled. I had yearned so long to truly belong here.

Kian drew me into his arms again. “No one can ever deny you’re worthy again.”

I nodded, blinking back tears. We stayed awhile longer, simply observing the siroccos until dawn’s first light brightened the eastern sky.

Hand in hand, we walked back up the winding trail to the village. The Surlons were already up and about their morning tasks. They greeted us, then stared in surprise as Kian loudly announced the awakening of my gift.

Excited murmurs broke out. Turok stepped forward, brow furrowed skeptically. “It cannot be,” he rumbled. “No outsider could possess our power.”

Kian’s eyes flashed. “I witnessed it with my own eyes. Kate touched minds with an entire sirocco herd in the valley.”

“It’s true,” I added. “Our daughter gave me this gift.” I placed a hand on my stomach.

The villagers glanced at each other, marveling. Turok was silent, considering. Finally, he looked at me with new respect.

“If this is so, then you have indeed become one of the Surlon,” he declared. “From now on, you shall take your rightful place among us.”

The crowd cheered. Alya rushed forward to embrace me joyfully. As my friends surrounded me, welcoming me into their fold fully at last, I met Kian’s proud gaze. No longer would I be viewed with suspicion for my differences. I had found unconditional belonging here.

That night, a great feast was held in my honor around the village fire. I sat beside Kian at the head table as a cherished member of the community. The Surlons celebrated late into the night, singing and dancing in jubilation at my integration into their people.

When Kian and I finally retired, I felt I would burst from happiness. We lay tangled in each other’s arms, our hearts and minds joined as one.

“I’m home,” I whispered. And I knew it was true. This rugged planet and its kind-hearted people were my destiny.

Kian kissed me tenderly. “We are blessed,” he said.

I drifted off to sleep cradled against his chest, our daughter’s kicks reminding me of the bright future ahead for us all.

* * *

’I stared down at the beautiful amulet in my hands, hardly believing this was really happening. The polished blue stone glinted in the firelight, etched with intricate symbols representing the Surlon tribe. This amulet signified I was now a true member of the Surlons, bonded to them through my marriage to Kian. After months of struggling to find my place here, I finally felt like I belonged.

Kian stood before me, his expression solemn yet full of love. “With this amulet, I name you worthy to stand among the Surlon people as my mate,” he said, his voice resonating through the silent crowd.

My heart swelled with emotion. I had come here a stranger, an outsider who crashed onto this rugged planet by accident. Now Kian himself was proclaiming me one of their own.

I bowed my head respectfully as Kian fastened the amulet around my neck. The stone felt pleasantly cool and smooth against my skin. Straightening, I met Kian’s gaze. Pride and affection shone in his golden eyes.

Cheers erupted from the villagers gathered around us. I smiled bashfully, still getting used to being the center of attention here. Musicians began playing a lively celebratory tune as the Surlons broke into dancing.

Kian drew me into his arms for the dance, matching my steps gracefully to the music. His hands were warm and sure at my waist. I let myself get lost in the joyful moment, my earlier worries fading away.

Later, as the moons rose high overhead, Kian led me gently by the hand away from the festivities. My heart quickened. Did he plan for us to...? I felt a thrill of anticipation.

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