Barbarian Alien(51)

Earth trees, not the Not-Hoth trees.

The other alien with him looks decidedly less friendly. He’s got the same charm-school glower that Raahosh does, but that’s where the similarities end. He’s a pale, milky blue, almost as muscled as the one at his side, and has a strong nose and square jaw that make him look pissy as hell. His hair is shaved on the sides and the long crest on top is braided and falls on his back.

They’re both wearing simple leather tunics and pants, and armed to the teeth.

Not a friendly hello, then.

“Raahosh! We’ve been looking everywhere for you.” The friendly one moves forward to clap Raahosh on the back, but Raahosh bares his teeth and glares at him, pulling me behind him. The newcomer looks surprised at this reaction. “You knew we’d be out. Vektal set us after you the moment we didn’t resonate.” He claps a hand to his heart and pretends to be grieved.

The other one has no expression whatsoever.

“Hi, I’m Liz,” I say, stepping out from behind Raahosh and offering my hand.

They look at me like I’m crazy, and the unfriendly one pulls his spear back.

“No, I’m not reaching for your weapons. This is a human greeting.” I shake my hand with the air. “You know, like an introduction.”

Raahosh grabs me and pulls me back before they can examine my hand more closely. “She is my mate,” he grits out. “We resonate for each other. There is nothing to discuss.”

I smack a hand on Raahosh’s arm, because now I’m getting annoyed. “If you’re done being an utter Neanderthal, I can speak for myself, thank you.”

The newcomers exchange a look. “I am called Aehako,” says the friendly one. He gestures at his buddy. “This is Haeden.” Aehako smiles down at me. “You are Leezh?”

“It’s a short I, actually. Liz.” I correct his pronunciation.

“It does not matter,” Raahosh says, and tries to pull me back again. “They should refer to you as Raahosh’s mate.”

I frown at this. “Hold the fuck up. I don’t get my own identity anymore?”

“You do,” Aehako assures me. “He’s simply being overprotective. Happens with every resonance.” He looks nonplussed, but I see a sneer cross Haeden’s face.

Haeden lifts his chin. “Just like your father, I see. Ignoring the rules as you see fit. Impulsive, headstrong, and foolish. You are your father’s son.”

It’s clearly not a compliment. Raahosh bristles visibly. His mouth curls and I see a flash of his teeth. “I did not wish for my story to end like yours.”

Haeden snarls and lunges for Raahosh, knocking him backward into the snow.

I scream as the men push me aside, Aehako pushing his way forward to break the two men apart. I stumble backward, falling on my ass into the snow. Raahosh snarls again, and then the next thing I know, he’s pushed both of the men aside and is tenderly helping me to my feet. He pulls me against his chest once more and strokes my braids, and I can hear the hammer of his heart in his big chest.

‘Simply being protective’ is perhaps an understatement.

“I’m fine,” I say, patting him on the arm. “I just don’t understand what is going on.”

“Get your things,” Aehako says in a careful voice. He scans the skies. “We have a few hours before the suns go down, and we can get started back to the tribal cave. Rokan says there will be a storm coming in a few days, and you know he is never wrong.”

I look to Raahosh.

He touches my chin, the look on his face thoughtful.

“Do not make this harder,” Haeden warns.

Raahosh just strokes my jaw. “We’ll go with you.”

It takes about an hour to get back to the small, cozy cave that Raahosh and I have called home for the last while. Aehako’s the only one that talks, carrying on a cheerful monologue. Raahosh is silent and Haeden is, too. I’m quiet because I’m watching all three of them, trying to determine my place.

Fact is, they’re aliens. Their culture is different from mine, and what may seem innocent on the surface might end up being a big problem later. So I’m watchful, and I try to absorb everything.

To their credit, they speak English as we go, so I don’t feel left out. Aehako expresses surprise at the sight of our cave, and claps Raahosh on the back for setting himself up such a cozy place ‘right under their noses’. Raahosh doesn’t look pleased, though. He’s pretty good at keeping his emotions under wraps but I can sense his anger and frustration.

“What is this?” Aehako asks and holds up my bow.

“It’s a weapon,” I tell him, slinging it over my shoulder as we pack our things. I make sure I have it and the quiver full of bone arrows. “I use it for hunting.”