Page 37 of Infala: The Alien's Bond
“Warning implies a danger, and there was none. And now your meal is more enjoyable. An all-around positive outcome, in my opinion.”
Darla was considering a sharp reply but ultimately decided to just let it go. It wouldn’t accomplish anything anyway. She was stuck here with this troubling man, like it or not. Instead of arguing, she took a bite of the pancake on her plate.
“Hmm,” she murmured.
It wasn’t at all what she’d expected. Where Earth pastry was sweet and fluffy, this was savory, with an interesting umami flavor lending it a distinctly alien taste. There were several layers to its complexity, each unfolding as she chewed.
Heydar watched her with interest.
“What? Was that another test?”
He chuckled. “No. I was simply curious if you would enjoy the Rammisti cakes. They are something of an acquired taste.”
“Consider it acquired. You know, I could get used to this stuff.”
“Good. Eat well and replenish your strength,” he said, rising to his feet and gathering his plates. “Your tattoos should be fully healed when I return.”
Darla jumped out of her seat. “Whoa, hang on a minute. What do you mean, when you return? You can’t just leave me here.”
“I have considered what you said,” the alien replied.
“What do you mean?”
“You said it yourself, others held aboard the Raxxian ship may have survived. Some may even have been from my world, held in separate locations. I am going to search for them. If they crashed down close by, I may be able to retrieve them before a Raxxian recovery party reaches this world.”
Darla picked up her plates, following him to the washing station. “No way. I’m coming with.”
“You are too small. Too weak. This trek will not be an easy one.”
“You’re talking about me as if I’m some kind of child.”
“I do not mean to offen—”
“And I’ll have you know, I’m stronger than you think. So I’m coming with, and you can’t talk me out of it.”
Heydar’s eyes flashed amusement, along with a bit of admiration at the fire within this human woman. Full of surprises, she was, even for one so small and soft. His mind flashed to the way her body reacted to his hands the prior day. He quickly forced those thoughts down. There was a task at hand, and it would not be an easy one.
“Very well,” he finally said. “But you will need to carry your own weight. I will be moving quickly and will not slow for you.”
“Fine. Whatever,” she grumbled.
Darla shoveled her food into her mouth, eating as they walked to deposit their soiled dishes. From across the dining area, Zepharos watched with a curious gaze. One that while hot, was also a little disconcerting now that she had heard of his exploits.
But still hot, there was no denying.
She looked to Heydar, his calm eyes watching with a disapproving look.
“What?” she asked, defenses on high.
“Nothing.”
“Go on. You want to say something, so say it.”
The tall alien took a deep breath and sighed. “I know his type and would offer one bit of advice. Be careful.”
“Oh? And what’s his type as opposed to yours? You’re both big alien men.”
“We are complete opposites, he and I.”
