Page 15 of Made For The Alien Warrior

Sah-ah insisted that Sim-pony had arrived on this planet with her arm missing. What had she endured on earth for all this time? How much was she enduring now to be jerked away from everything she knew and flung into a world not her own? He did not want them to give her a limb only to take it away.

“We will keep her safe. Do not fret.” The Healer tapped his shoulder. “She will be healthy, have all her limbs and be able to choose a mate if she so wishes.”

He scowled. “She is in no state to mate.”

“Even if that mate is you?”

Neh, Tiegan would not think of Sim-pony with any thoughts of having her as his mate. Beyond her physical weaknesses, there were still so many questions surrounding her sudden appearance on the planet.

“What of the others?” Tiegan changed the topic. “How will we get to the other human females that you sensed?”

“I am still thinking about that.” The Healer tugged on his beard. “I have studied the sacred damas and it seems to be restless. There is a current creating a whirlpool in the center.”

“Indeed, it was trying to drag Sim-pony down and drown her.”

“It’s like a calling.” The Healer glanced up. “Perhaps a sign.” He shook his head and let his tail fall limp. “But these deep thoughts are more suited to warriors who have sufficient rest. There is no purpose in worrying now, Tiegan.”

“I will retire.”

“Here?”

Tiegan felt his ears burning. “She may awaken in the middle of the night and request assistance.” Or try to run away. But he would keep that thought to himself.

The Healer pulled his lips in as if trying to hide his amusement. “Rest well.”

He settled down for the night, sleeping lightly until he felt someone touching his face. Tiegan startled, going instantly on the alert.

“Whoa, chill, Tiegan,” Leel said.

Light burst through the corridor, chasing away the shadows of the night. From the slant of the sunshine, Tiegan realized he had slept for longer than he wanted.

Leel studied him, her thick eyelashes fluttering. “Hi,” she handed him a flask, “I brought you some water.” Her eyes trailed over him. “But I guess I should have brought you a pillow too.”

He nodded his thanks and undid the top of the flask. The dama dripped down his cheeks as he guzzled it. Turning slightly, Tiegan tried to peek into Sim-pony’s room. Had she risen yet? She had not eaten as the nano-tech upset her stomach. Should he go in search of pith for her to eat?

Leel saw where he was watching and stepped into his line of sight. “Why did you stand guard out here?” She paused and seemed to think about it. “Wait, you’re not scared of her are you? I heard she’s a human just like us. Well, except with a bionic arm. Which is too cool…”

He placed a hand on Leel’s shoulder to quiet her. “Sim-pony is still resting.”

“Oh,” she whispered, her eyes wide and innocent, “sorry.”

Tiegan gestured to the corridors. “Did the others come?”

“Yes, Simone, Kia, and Emma are here.” She rolled her eyes. “Although they’re a little busy cozying up to their mates in the kitchen. You’d think they spent weeks apart instead of just a couple days.”

Tiegan’s gaze swept to Sim-pony’s room again. He thought of the Healer’s prediction— that she would find a mate amongst the tribas—and it agitated him all over again.

“I’m the only one who hasn’t been mated yet.” Leel pouted. “Everyone else made a connection with the women they rescued.”

“Hm.”

She placed her hand on his arm.

Tiegan watched her pale fingers. She did not used to touch him before. She had gotten bolder. Perhaps it was desperation that made her cling to him despite his lack of encouragement.

Leel was sought after by many. Why she insisted on pestering him caused Tiegan much confusion.

“Don’t think that because you’ve rescued two women, you have a choice,” she said, her voice light and playful. Despite this, he saw the somberness in her eyes. “Based on how everyone else met and got together, you’re still technically engaged to me.”