Page 31 of Made For The Alien Warrior

“Deal.” She extended a hand.

He stared at it.

She smiled, took his palm and slid their hands together. Pumping it once, she nodded. “This means we’re in agreement.”

“Is that a human custom?” Tiegan asked, following her as she moved slowly through the foliage.

She shuffled forward. He longed to whip her into his arms and carry her, but the calling seemed to weaken when he was around her. Tiegan suspected he’d been able to ward off the voice when he held Sim-pony in his arms during the night.

She wanted to find the source of the calling and he wanted her to find peace. Even if it meant putting his life in danger to protect her.

“Sh.” She placed a finger to her lips.

Tiegan watched her tilt her head. Her tongue darted out to wet generous lips.

“This way,” she said absently, pointing toward the mountains. “It’s this way.”

He stopped himself before he asked how she knew that.

The journey was long and arduous, but Sim-pony was determined. They walked far too long. Exhaustion carved lines in her dark face. Sweat beaded on her upper lip. At one point, she stumbled and Tiegan reached out to catch her.

She held on to his hand and did not let it go. He supported her, keeping one eye on the weakening human and another on his whereabouts.

They seemed to be drawing near to the cliffs. The rocky expanse jutted into the sky, piercing the stars. It was a challenging climb, even for a Plutonian warrior in his prime.

Tiegan glanced at Sim-pony. Her eyes were fluttering shut and she fought to keep them open. Her chest rose and fell, shuddering on deep gasps. Dark fingers pressed into his. The other hand swung limply at her side.

She could not make this climb on her own. Even if she insisted, he would not let her.

Stepping in front of the stubborn female, he lifted his chin. “This is far enough.”

“I hear it.” Her voice a tired croak, Sim-pony begged. “Tiegan, it’s getting stronger. We’re close.”

“You are about to fall unconscious,” he informed her through gritted teeth.

“It’s not far.” She collapsed against him.

Tiegan wrapped his arms around her, alarmed. “Sim-pony. Sim-pony!” He shook her shoulders, his heras pounding. “Sim-pony, open your eyes.” Tiegan saw her pry her eyelids apart and almost exploded with relief. “We must get you back to the Healer.”

She was so weak, she could not even replay or argue with him.

Tiegan gritted his teeth, wishing he had brought his zapten. The machine would have sped them back to the sacred damas easily, but he had left the zapten behind, assuming that Sim-pony would not have gotten far.

“Heeee!” A faint voice filled the air just as he turned Sim-pony around.

He went still.

“Heee,” the strange, feminine tone scraped his ears. “Iz ani der?”

“Tiegan.” Sim-pony moaned.

He lowered his head to hear her.

“It’s the voice.”

His eyes widened. He searched the inky darkness, surveying the jagged rocks. Plains surrounded him, stretching out until it hit the cliff.

“Let’s go,” Sim-pony urged, trying to wiggle out of his arms. “We need to help her.”