Page 25 of Warrior Rescued

“It’s a depressing subject but how has life kicked you in the teeth?” she asked.

“It’s a fair question. My people had been at war for as long as we could remember, generations. I’d grown up never knowing my clan. Most males have the mark of their mother and sire’s clan here.” He pointed to the empty patches of flesh on his chest.

“You were orphaned in the war?”

“Found in rubble.” He nodded.

“I’m sorry.” She frowned.

“But I met Agister. He became like a sire, teaching me everything I know about flying.” He smiled, recalling the old male, then his smile faded.

“He died.” She nodded in understanding.

“Aye. In the same war.” He sighed. “I am truly sorry for your loss.”

“And I yours.”

Elena reached out, her tiny fingers interlacing with his, and she squeezed his hand tight. It was strange how the weight on his chest lifted in response to such a simple act. He smiled at where their hands joined, then looked at her lovely face.

She’s truly miraculous.Perhaps, with Elena he could have the things he’d never dared hope for.

“So, enough of these depressing stories. How about something funny.” She pulled him from his wistful musings as she playfully shook his hand.

His smile broadened and he looked at her expectantly.

“Oh, it’s my turn to go. Okay, hmm, a funny tale,” she mused then grinned. “All right, so, me, my dad, Tía Camila and my cousin Luis were carpooling to the big reunion at the campground. We’d been cooped up in the car for way too long, which was an hour, but that’s sometimes long enough. We’d parked at a fast-food place and my tía was inside using the bathroom. My dad is wandering around outside the car, stretching his legs, when he finds a coin. So, he kept wandering the parking lot looking like a weirdo, hunting for more change,” Elena giggled.

Payim smiled seeing how amused she was recalling the event.

“I look at Luis and we both grin as I pass him a handful of change. He starts tossing quarters toward my dad. My dad seriously thought it was his lucky day as he finds one coin after another. It wasn’t until the third one hit the ground that my dad realized what was going on and hollers at Luis. My dad’s really giving it to my cousin as he stomps back to the car. As Dad gets in, he grumbles something about ‘finding all three.’ Now you must understand, I’m my dad’s angel. Okay, maybe not an angel, but better behaved than my cousin. Well, my dad is looking at me like I should be commiserating with him, when I innocently say, ‘You only found three? Hmm, I think I gave Luis four quarters.’ Then I gave him an evil grin,” she giggled maniacally.

Payim grinned, loving her impish laugh.

“You have a rotten side,” he chuckled.

“Yeah, I do,” Elena laughed harder.

“It sounds like you have a wonderful clan.” He nodded, appreciating the way her clan obviously teased each other.

“They’re pretty great.” A hint of sadness flickered in Elena’s eyes but she quickly banished it as she turned to him. “Now, it’s your turn.”

“Hmm.” He thought carefully, wanting to share a good tale just to hear her wonderful giggle.

Elena

“You’re joking? Your bony friend seriously rescued a cougar thinking it was a house cat,” Elena snorted.

She was stunned to learn Payim and his allies had been to Earth to help protect her planet and was even more surprised that several women now lived on Payim’s world.

“He did and it completely tore up Aculus’ quarters,” Payim chuckled.

“That’s crazy.”

“Elena?!” Payim paused, glancing from her to the towering mounds ahead.

She’d forgotten how great it was to talk and share stories. She was so engrossed in conversation that they’d made it to the wasp mounds before she realized it.

“We should still be covered in wasp repellent.” She sniffed her arm to confirm and nodded.

---