Page 82 of An Alien for Her Heart
My brow furrows as I stand and head to the door, peeking out to see the Kari I’d seen that day. The one who apparently lives a few doors down. The moment I appear, his gaze shifts to me.
“A successful rut,” he says.
I’m momentarily surprised by his greeting. It’s not exactly the thing I expected him to say. Varek steps before me, partially blocking the stranger—what was his name again? Tovan?—from view.
“Yes, successful,” Varek growls. “The females here are mated. They are not looking for a suitor.”
Zynar growls in agreement. With him and Varek standing together, I’m suddenly given the image of them both fighting side by side.
They look impressive even now. Even here.
The other Kari male lifts his arms in a placating gesture, a wry smile on his face. “Peace, friends. I mean no disrespect. After hearing the extent of that rut, I simply wished to offer my congratulations.”
Heat fills my cheeks. Heheardus?!
Varek remains tense, his stance still protective, but he gives a curt nod. “Gratitude. Your well-wishes are appreciated.”
The male’s gaze flicks to me, curious but not invasive. “You are a lucky female,” he says. His yellow eyes pierce me but his voice is sincere. “To be the kahl of a warrior as fierce and loyal as Varek…may your bond be blessed with strength and joy.”
I’m a bit taken aback, but I incline my head in acknowledgment. “Thank you. I am indeed fortunate.”
Varek’s posture relaxes slightly at my words, and he reaches back to take my hand, twining our fingers together. The gesture is both possessive and comforting.
The other Kari’s grin widens, becoming more genuine. “I will not keep you any longer. I simply wanted to pay my respects, and to let you know that if you ever require assistance, my door is open to you.”
Varek’s brow furrows, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. “Why would we need your assistance?”
The male shrugs, his expression turning serious. “These are uncertain times, my friend. With you two finding yourkahls…it is wise to have allies. Even unexpected ones.”
His gaze meets mine again, and there’s a depth of understanding there that surprises me. As if he knows, better than most, the challenges that come with being an outsider in this world.
“Thank you,” I say again, meaning it this time. “We will keep that in mind.”
He nods, satisfied, and with a final respectful bow, he takes his leave. Varek watches him go, his jaw tight, before turning to me with a sigh.
“I don’t like him,” he mutters.
“Me neither,” Zynar agrees.
I squeeze his claw, leaning into his side. “I don’t think he meant any harm. He was just being neighborly.”
Varek and Zynar snort.
“He wants his own kahl, but you are mine.” He pulls me against him.
“We could always introduce him to Donna,” Eleanor says as we step back into the room.
“Donna?” I turn to her. “Do you think she’d be open to it?”
Eleanor shrugs. “Can’t know till we find out, can we.”
The thought fills my mind as the door closes and Varek heads to the kitchen for food for our guests. As we settle back into the comfort of Varek’s quarters, the idea of introducing Donna to the neighboring Kari takes root in my mind. It’s a tantalizing possibility—a chance for her to find the same kind of life-altering connection that Eleanor and I have discovered.
But even as the thought excites me, a flicker of uncertainty follows close behind. Donna is my friend, and I want nothing more than her happiness. But is pushing her towards an alien mate really the answer?
I think back to my own journey—the fear, the confusion, the exhilarating rush of finding a love I never dreamed possible. It wasn’t an easy path, but I wouldn’t trade a single step of it. Because it led me here, to this moment, surrounded by the warmth of Varek’s presence and the steadfast support of newfound friends. Family.
Donna seems secure and happy already. But I know better than most that it’s easy to hide the pain we bear. Displaced from our home, perhaps this is what she needs most right now. Notnecessarily a mate, but a family. A place to belong, to heal, to discover her own strength.