Page 60 of Charmed By the Alien Warrior

Beside him is a young hunter, with shaggy hair and a lean, wiry build. He’s clutching an old, rusty sword in his hand. His jaw is set, but his gaze is wary, darting around as if he expects an attack at any moment. This must be Sevix.

The last two are elders. One is stooped with age, his back curved and his steps shuffling. The other has milky white eyes, his sight clearly long gone, though his hand rests on Sevix’s shoulder for guidance.

The man with the crutch clears his throat and draws his shoulders back. “I am Kael of the Xeniiv tribe,” he begins, his voice hoarse. “We have come seeking mercy from the Anuriix.”

Draggar’s gaze fixes on him. “Where is Sevvern?”

At the mention of the Xeniiv chief, Kael spits on the ground, his face drawing tight with anger and grief. “Gone,” he says bitterly. “He abandoned us. Five nights ago, he took his loyal warriors and left. He was heading for the Tussoll village. He has some mad plan to become a king.”

A murmur of shock ripples behind me and I realize we’ve drawn a crowd. I glance around and notice my friends just feet away, tension on their faces as they listen to the tale. Even Emily is with them, her face pale and her eyes wide.

“King?” Chief Daggir’s voice is low and deadly calm, but there’s a simmering anger beneath it. His shoulders are tense and his jaw clenches as he processes the words.

“Yes,” Sevix says, his voice cracking. “And now, the Xeniiv are no more. Only the four of us remain in the village. We came here because we have nowhere else to go.”

Kael takes a shuffling step forward, his gaze meeting Daggir’s with quiet determination.

“We have made mistakes,” he says, his voice steady despite his pain. “But those who stand before you now, we are not your enemies. We seek only refuge and survival.”

Daggir’s silence stretches as his piercing gaze sweeps over the group. The tension radiating from him is palpable, a weight pressing down on all of us.

Finally, he asks Kael, “Why are you not with the other warriors?”

Kael lowers his head, shame flickering in his silver eyes. “I disagreed with my chief. He punished me and demoted me back to a hunter when I told him he was wrong.”

“You defied your chief?” Daggir’s tone shifts, sharpening with interest.

Kael nods, his shoulders straightening despite the weight of his words. “What he wanted to do, it… it wasn’t right.” He swallows hard.

Daggir’s gaze lingers on him for a moment longer before he finally nods. “Then welcome to our tribe.”

Chapter 21

Mara

“Why didn’t you tell me?” The question bursts out, breaking the heavy silence between us.

We’ve spent the last few hours dealing with the aftermath of the fight. Sorrin and I both had injuries that needed tending to, and thankfully, the medics from some of the Laediriian tribes have worked together to keep the Ancestors’ Ship well-stocked with basic first aid supplies for any injured warriors. Or in my case, an injured human.

But now, hours later, it feels strange to sit here, safe and warm, after all the danger we faced today.

After we finished patching ourselves up, Sorrin got to work dragging the bodies of our attackers out to the hills. He said they deserved no less than to be left for the wild predators to devour, that it was a traitor’s fate, and I agreed with him. Let them rot for all I care. They earned it.

Neither of us felt like traveling after the morning we had, but we didn’t want to hang around the ship for too long. So, once the bodies were removed and our injuries tended to, we set out and managed to make it to a cave a good distance away before the sun set.

And now, Sorrin stands nearby, his aqua skin gilded by the flames of the fire that lights up the darkened cave. There’s a shadow in his eyes that I’ve never seen before, and I can feel a knot of anxious energy in my chest that I don’t think is coming from me.

“Tell you what?” His voice is low and cautious, and I almost smile. This big, strong warrior who battles dinosaurs and bigfoot and traitors without flinching is scared. Of me.

“That we’re amoris mates.”

The words hang heavy in the air, and though it seems impossible, his shoulders grow even more rigid. For what feels like an eternity, he doesn’t move. Then, finally, he exhales, the sound heavy with resignation, and lowers himself to sit beside me near the fire.

“How could I? You were taken from your home against your will. You’ve been through so much already, had so many decisions ripped out of your hands.” He stares into the fire almost as if he’s scared to meet my gaze. His voice drops even lower, raw and almost vulnerable, when he continues, “I didn’t want to burden you with this, too. I didn’t want you to feel trapped, like you had no choice. Once the amoris bond is accepted by both mates, it’s strong. There’s no undoing it.”

There’s a beat of silence, and the weight of his words hangs between us. It feels like we’re standing on a precipice and the next thing that happens could lead to heartbreak or bliss.

“Your life is your own, Mara. Yours to live as you choose. But know this…” His gaze lifts to meet mine, and the intensity in his eyes steals my breath. “Whether you accept it or not, both of my hearts beat for you. And they always will.”

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