Page 1 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
ChapterOne
ARIANA
The sun peeks over the horizon as I rub my crusty eyes. Sleep? Who needs it? Apparently not me, especially after the nocturnal jam session of the local wildlife outside my cabin. The walls are meant to keep the weather out, but I doubt they can withstand an ill-tempered squirrel, let alone one of the ravenous beasts that prowl planet Atraxis.
I wonder if I should ask my best friend Maya if I can crash at her place. Her husband, a huntsman, has secured one of the new fancy brick-and-wood dwellings within the cozy confines of the town’s barricaded walls. Lucky them. Me? I live out here with this alien planet’s version of raccoons and owls, courtesy of my job as a farmer.
As I contemplate the idea of imposing upon Maya, the thought of her husband, James, comes to mind. I don’t know him all that well, but our interactions always make me feel like I am walking on eggshells. Would Maya be cool with me moving in? Sure. Her husband? Probably not. So, I decide to suck it up and face the situation.
I grab my gear and waltz out the door in my work suit, which clings to me like a second skin. Nothing says confidence like feeling naked and exposed. Great!
Still, the material has special properties that repel dirt. That alone makes it worth wearing when visiting the mines. At least I don’t have to do laundry every day while toiling away.
I don’t have much of a choice about visiting the mines. The pressure from Walter breathing down my neck is intense. If I don’t pay off that loan, he’ll literally be breathing down my neck. Not a pleasant thought. My stomach threatens to rebel, but I have no extra snacks and can’t afford the questionable “food” offered at the mines. I mean, I’m not picky, but I have standards.
Approaching the stone walls of the colony, the “Eve’s Rest” sign creaks melodramatically in the breeze. I hate that name. Sure, it’s meant to honor my late friend Eve, but it just reminds me of broken dreams and promises. Eve had been my friend. We had planned to establish homes on this planet together. It was a dream that never had a chance.
Surprisingly, I always savor my strolls to the mines. The landscape is enchanting, with its blue grass, beige-trunked trees, and awe-inspiring sunrises. The plants that flank my path range from delicate baby blues to rich, vivid purples. I yearn to spend my days exploring.
My heart sinks as I contemplate another day within the mine’s gloomy depths. Everything about them is lackluster: the monotonous gray dust, the melancholy blue guiding lights, and the inky blackness that seeps into your very soul. The sight of the mines dampens my spirits further. I don’t want to be there, but I have no alternative. To make matters worse, there he is, standing before the gates: Walter Sullivan. The last thing I need is Walter Sullivan, the colony’s resident heartthrob, waiting for me at the mine entrance. Women swoon over him, but I’ve never seen the appeal. He wants everything to do with me, even though I want nothing to do with him.
He chats with the mine manager but still manages to look around like a hawk, scanning for prey. As his gaze locks onto me, his smirk makes me feel like a deer caught in the headlights. It takes all my willpower to keep walking in his direction, my feet losing momentum and dragging in the packed dirt as if they have a mind of their own.
“I knew you couldn’t resist my charm,” Walter says, standing on a wooden box to lord over the miners.
“I don’t have much of a choice,” I reply, trying not to roll my eyes.
If I could choose, I’d spend my days surrounded by beloved plants on my farm, basking in the company of friends like Maya and Stacy. I actually like them. But alas, that isn’t in the cards.
Walter steps down and faces me, proposing his ridiculous solution once again. “Marry me, Ariana. All your financial problems will go away.”
I resist the urge to laugh. Does he know how ridiculous he sounds? “I’m just here for some ore, Walter. Just like everyone else. I need the money for seeds,” I say,
“So, you didn’t trek all this way just for little ol’ me?” Walter asks, squinting at me, making me wince. Like I’d ever come all this way for his company.
Awkward silence engulfs us. The mine manager standing beside Walter chooses that moment to make himself scarce. He bolts like a frightened rabbit. I shoot daggers at his retreating back. Thanks for the backup, buddy.
“Fine, enjoy working for it then. You’ll find it’s not so easy without my help.” Walter says, arms crossed. “You ain’t welcome here in the mines. Not anymore.”
“What? You can’t do that! I have a mining license!” Shock and fear transform into a volcanic eruption of anger. “Without those seeds, I’m toast. My farm will fail!”
Walter smirks at me. “Those are my terms. I’ve waited and chased you long enough. You’re not welcome here anymore.”
I am furious, but Walter doesn’t flinch. It’s like he’s daring me to beg or give in to his demands. No way.
“Fine then! I’ll find another place to mine. I don’t need you,” I say through gritted teeth.
Walter’s eyes widen in surprise. “Don’t be a fool. There’s beasts out there. You could be killed.”
“Then call me a fool!” I say, spinning on my heel and marching away.
As I leave, I notice some of the miners grinning in my direction.
But one thing is certain—I am a desperate, stupid fool.
* * *
I still can’t believeI did that. Did I really just tell Walter to go stuff himself? Boy, am I an idiot. The words keep floating through my mind, repeatedly taunting me.
