Page 62 of Saved By the Alien Hybrid

“If this is really because I’m female, then Nyx and Pandora and Lyra…” Worry pinched her features.

“They will be safe. Haerune was of the same mind when we left. He will ensure that the others don’t get too close until he understands what’s happening.”

Her shoulders sagged. “Well, at least that’s something.” Her gaze went distant again, drifting over his shoulder. He followed her gaze to where the sun had begun to spill through the windows of the lodge.

Daybreak.

“We can figure it out later,” she said distractedly. “For now, you should shower, and we should get something to eat. Then we get to work. We need to get moving if we’re going to find the others before the Aurillon do.”

Reluctantly, he nodded in acquiescence.

CHAPTER 27

Cordelia cursed under her breath,smacking the big metal appliance she’d seen Rentir using at the base to cook and rehydrate the weird foil ration packs that seemed to abound on this planet.

“What’s wrong with a fricking electric kettle?” she muttered.

They had rations that worked in a similar way and only needed a bit of hot water to rehydrate. She had to admit that the taste and texture of the alien rations were better, probably due to whatever extra steps this stupid, unworkable appliance involved.

“Allow me.”

She jumped, whirling so fast she banged her elbow against the aforementioned device. The corner caught her right in the joint of her elbow, sending white-hot pain pin-prickling up her arm. A wheeze of pain escaped her.

“Ah, I apologize,” Melam said, holding up all four hands. She was still learning what tail-flicks meant what, but she could have sworn his wasamused. “I heard you struggling. Would you like me to show you how to use the rehydrator?”

“You should probably give me a wide berth,” she griped. “Rentir thinks the wolf-man routine has something to do withbeing around a female. If you go rabid on us, I don’t think even both of us combined can put you down.”

He seemed entertained by the thought. “No, I am sure you could not,” he agreed, taking a step back.

Rubbing her elbow as she glared up at the big alien bastard, she stepped aside and jerked her chin at the machine. He really was a giant—he had to be seven feet tall. He was covered in the same tattoo-like markings Haerune had. That hair that would have been the envy of a mermaid was braided down his back.

She watched with stoic resentment as he showed her which order to press the buttons, and a few moments later the small door sighed open. The scent of hot food nearly made her eyes roll back. Ravenous hunger was one of the lingering symptoms of cryosleep. She’d probably be punishing three times the normal amount of calories for the next month.

Muttering thanks, she carefully took the two hot plates from the rehydrator. Melam followed her as she carried it back to one of the dining tables, and she hovered awkwardly by a chair.

“Um… I only made enough for me and Ren, but I can…?”

He snorted, shaking his head. “I woke and took my breakfast hours ago. I’ve been out in the forest since dawn hunting game. No need to feed me.”

Relieved, she sagged into her chair. “Well, if you don’t mind watching me eat, you’re welcome to have a seat.”

“Am I?”

Embarrassment made her cheeks flush as she realized she was inviting him to have a seat in what was essentially his own home, but she shrugged it off. “If you want.”

After a moment’s deliberation, he took the seat across from her. His chair creaked as he leaned back, crossing all those bulging arms over his broad chest. “How did you?—”

“Do you have?—”

They both spoke at the same time, halting abruptly. He blinked at her, the third eye out of rhythm with the other two, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

Freaky.

“You may speak first.” He waved a blue hand toward her.

“Do you have any means of transportation here? We need to be able to cover more ground than we can on foot.”

“Why?”