Page 39 of Exiles on Earth

“Okay,” she allows, the grudging edge to her voice warping my satisfaction at being chosen. She walks off immediately, saying over her shoulder, “But I don’t have time to explain everything, so follow my lead.”

“Yes, El-len.” I press my fist to my forehead and jog to catch up. She strides quickly on the uneven ground, as if she knows the location of every dip and mound, and in silence we reach a small building filled with stacks of blocks of dried grass. A flurry of four-legged creatures with thick white, gray and black fur press against the fence opposite, making jarring noises like a saren beast in heat.

She grabs a bale and produces a small blade. “Right, so we cut these?—”

I snap the wire binding them together.

“Cool. Now, put that in the trough.”

I lift it easily and place it in the metal receptacle at the beasts’ feet. Instantly they jostle to get to it, clearly appreciative if not thankful as they tear hunks with their flat teeth.

“Great, that’s one down. Come on.”

I hoped El-len might talk to me, but as we move between fields, she seems absorbed in her own thoughts, the starhound-like creature trotting faithfully at her heels. I haven’t even tried speaking to the animal yet.

“Hello, Floss,” I say, walking alongside them. “How long have you been on Earth?”

El-len chuckles, her expression finally brightening. “She’s a native. Don’t you have dogs on your planet?”

“No. I thought she was a starhound. She looks very much like one.”

“What’s a starhound?” Her curiosity sparks for the first time today.

“They’re four-legged, with fur and a tail, as with Floss here. They travel between star systems as explorers—not because it’s their purpose, like me, but because they enjoy it.Once, I managed to save a young one from being killed by a less intelligent creature.” The memory surfaces, sharp and bitter, and my fists clench. “He was in a crude cage when I found him, badly hurt. I freed him and brought him to Oloria for healing.”

“Sounds like you saved his life.” El-len reaches down, her fingers gently ruffling Floss’s fur. “So, can you talk to starhounds? If they explore, does that mean they can speak?”

“They communicate, but only with those they choose to connect with. The pup I saved never spoke to me—he lost consciousness before I got him to the ship, and after that, the females on Oloria took him into their care.” I glance up at the stormy sky, my voice softening. “I’ve often wondered where he explored next. I hope he learned to avoid danger on that planet.”

El-len follows my gaze, her expression wistful. “It’s incredible to think you come from somewhere so far away. That there are entire worlds and cultures we can’t even imagine.”

I step closer, shielding her from a sudden wind gust. “I’d be happy to tell you about them.”

Her lips curve into a small smile, but it fades almost immediately. “Probably shouldn’t,” she murmurs.

The refusal cuts deep, sharp as a blade. Why not? The question burns in my throat, but I can’t ask, can’t question a female’s decision.

She sighs, weariness settling over her. “Sorry. Let’s just finish up here, okay?”

“Of course.” I keep my tone steady even as disappointment twists inside me.

We continue feeding the beasts. On the last field, she hefts a block into her hands. “Let’s take this to the lambing shed at the top of the ridge.”

“I’ll carry it.” I sweep the crackly grass into my arms.

El-len seems surprised. “Thanks. I’m not used to help around here.”

“I’ll assist you with whatever you need, any time of day or night.”

Pink crests her cheeks once more. Why does that shade make me think her thoughts verge toward carnal? Especially when her gaze rakes my chest.

One of the animals bites my leg, teeth clamping down on my scales. I harden them, but El-len shoves the creature back with a cry.

“Oh, no, did she get you? Are you okay?” She bends to attend me, and my cocks surge to erect attention as she takes hold of my thigh.

“I… uh…” I drop the hay behind me, clasping the fence at my back as if it will keep me upright. “I’m not hurt. Don’t… don’t kneel, you’re a…a?—”

Scowling, El-len snaps, “Stop with the ‘You can’t do that because you’re a woman’ shit. I’m checking on you, so put up with it.”