Page 42 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
Now I’m the one fighting back laughter.
I find it amusing to hear someone else describe Taccit as a brute. So, I’m not the only one who thinks his crass demeanor and rugged looks are a bit much. It’s nice that Melvall shows some consideration for me, the poor, lost human.
Even if my husband is the butt of the joke.
Wait, what? Did I just think of Taccit as my husband?
I expected to feel more shocked. We’ve only known each other for days, after all. But oddly enough, the idea doesn’t bother me nearly as much as it probably should.
Melvall’s gaze flicks back and forth, searching my face as he awaits my response.
Finally, I speak, shaking my head. “He is... given the circumstances, I am surprised at just how happy I am with my ‘brute’. But thank you.”
Taccit’s gaze locks onto mine, his shocked expression turning into pure glee, his eyes melting with desire. My face flames, recalling how he looked at me like that just before we bathed.
Melvall smiles, and I quickly realize this is the first time his lips have curled with a genuine expression. He addresses me while eyeing Taccit. “I am glad my friend has found you then. If anything, I hold him to a higher standard. He is a man who can accomplish things when he sets his mind to it.”
The men exchange a knowing glance. Whatever Melvall is referring to, it’s something they have discussed many times before without resolution.
Melvall breaks the stare, looking back at me. “Is there anything you miss from... well, wherever you are from?”
I sigh and shake my head. “I fear I have lost everything from home. Most of what I had with me were basic things for survival more than comfort. Honestly, the only thing I miss is my necklace, and even that was more sentimental than anything.”
I spin to face Taccit, whose face suddenly becomes guarded. “No! No foolishness, remember? You can’t go back to the colony.”
Turning back to Melvall, I find he has retreated a few steps, visibly taken aback by my outburst. I offer an apologetic grin. “Sorry about that. I guess, for now, I just need the basics to help me survive out here. It is probably for the best to assume I have nothing.”
As my shoulders sag, it hits me that I really have nothing left to my name. The only remnants of my life before venturing into the wild with Taccit are my bow, a single arrow, and my boots.
Melvall asks cautiously, “What does your people’s jewelry look like, if you don’t mind me asking?”
I muster a smile. “I had a necklace on a silver chain, with a tiny, shiny gem about the size of my pinky nail that hung right here.” I tap my collarbone. “It wasn’t all that valuable, but my sister gave it to me before I left Earth.”
“Was the gem something like this?”
Melvall casually unstraps a mysterious trinket from around his wrist and presents it to me for inspection. I lean in to examine this intriguing curiosity, finding myself awed. My eyes widen as they take in the very fine, almost impossibly so, metal woven into intricate patterns to create a magnificent band. At its heart, a round and gleaming stone is carefully threaded and secured.
Upon first glance, the stone appears black, but as the light catches its surface, millions of colors come to life—purples, pinks, blues, reds, and fiery yellows.
I suddenly recognize what Melvall is cradling in his hand—it’s sorium ore that has been refined to look like a flawless gem. The amount he is holding is worth an absolute fortune.
With the swiftness of a magician, Melvall whisks the stone out of my reaching grasp and reattaches the band to his wrist.
I blink, feeling as though a spell has been broken. My reverie is shattered by the cold bucket of reality being dumped on my head.
Taccit’s body presses close to mine, and I find myself leaning back into his warmth.
Melvall and Taccit exchange a long, knowing glance with one another, before Melvall offers a nod of approval. “Please, rest here for a while while I retrieve your supplies. I won’t charge for your mate’s belongings—consider it a gift to celebrate your mating. Just the normal fee is fine.”
“Thank you,” Taccit says, his deep baritone voice sending shivers down my spine. His hands come to rest gently on my shoulders, steadying me within the protective fortress of his embrace.
Melvall casts a final enigmatic smile in my direction before slipping gracefully towards the edge of the river. In one fluid motion, he propels himself from the sandy bank and dives beneath the water’s surface, leaving behind barely a ripple. It’s as if he was never here.
ChapterEleven
TACCIT
“Taccit?” Ariana’s hand gently shifts to mine as it lies upon her shoulder. I worry for a brief moment that she’ll push me away, but instead, she tenderly strokes my fingers, sending warmth to my heart.
