Possessive Alien’s Mate by Luna Hunter
Chapter Eleven
Thiray
“Eat up.”
Viliana offers me a spoon filled with an unidentified, brownish liquid.
“What is this?”
“Chicken soup.”
“I am already ill, farlin. Why are you trying to poison me further with this poultry broth?”
“Ha ha. I can tell you really are sick by your sense of humor, or lack thereof. Now try it. I will force-feed you, mister.”
I humor the female and accept the spoon.
“Very good.”
“You are lying. You hate it.” She places the bowl on the nightstand, dejected.
“It’s not what I would make for myself, but I don’t hate it, because you made it for me, little one.”
So even though it tastes like wastewater, it still means the world to me.
“So, are you going to tell me what bug you have?”
“Does it matter?”
“It does. Tell me the symptoms and I’ll look up what’s wrong with you. I can tell you’re burning up. How is your throat? Are your muscles sore?”
She is resourceful, this human female. Always proactive, always wanting to help those in need. Even if I don’t tell her, she will put the pieces together in the end. Viliana is as brilliant as she is tenacious.
“The bite,” I say. “The Crokkal.”
Her eyes widen as her hand moves to her arm instantly. “That gator?”
“Yes. I purified the toxins from your body.”
“And absorbed them yourself!” She says. Viliana hits my chest gently. “You absolute idiot! You poisoned yourself. You shouldn’t have done that!”
“And let you die? Never, farlin.”
“Was there no other way?”
I shake my head. “Not in time, no.”
“So, it’s my fault. You are dying, and it’s my fault.”
“Never! That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
I reach and grab her hand. Damn, how I missed her touch. I wanted her in my bed every night, but I know our goodbye is coming. I didn’t want to make it any more painful than it already was.
It seems in my effort to avoid pain, I have only inflicted more.
“It was my choice to save your life,” I stress. “Mine alone. You cannot hold yourself responsible for every injustice in this world, my little one.”
She nods, but I doubt she believes me. “What happens now?”
“I must travel to my homeworld. There, I will be saved by Yssadril.”
“So, what are we waiting around for?! Let’s set a course! We can always go to Doxhar later!”
I shake my head. “This ship is too slow. It will take too long. The poison will have stopped my hearts before we reach Thulara.”
“You’re screwed?” She asks. “That’s it?”
“No, I have a needle-cruiser in the deck down below. An extremely fast ship that will get me to Thulara in time.”
“Why are you still here then?”
“It can fit only one person. I cannot leave you girls alone on my ship, unguarded.”
“We’ll be fine!” She insists.
“No, I made a promise to Commander Dhauk. I swore I would protect you and the other females. That is what I will do.”
“Until it kills you?”
“If that is what it takes, then yes.”
“No way. You’re taking that vessel, and you’re taking it today.”
“My brother is coming, remember?” I explain. “He will take over my duties. Only then will I depart. Not a moment sooner.”
“When will he be here?” Viliana asks.
“Soon, farlin. Soon.”