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“You’re welcome. It was...” I faltered, emotions welling I wasn’t prepared for. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, hoping it conveyed what I couldn’t find words for.
We sat that way awhile until Kate gave a small shiver in the night air. I put my arm around her instinctively and she nestled against my side. My heart pounded at her nearness. Her hair brushed my chin, its floral scent surrounding me. Neither of us spoke for some time.
Finally, I found my voice again, though it came out husky. “We should get some rest. Busy day tomorrow.”
Kate nodded and drew back. I instantly missed her warmth. We walked slowly to Alya’s house, hands still joined. At the door, she turned to me.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” she asked uncertainly.
Every part of me wanted to say yes and take her in my arms. But I also knew we needed to take this bond between us slowly.
I brushed a stray hair from her face, letting my fingers linger against her soft cheek. “Not tonight,” I murmured. “But someday soon...”
I thought she looked disappointed but she simply said, “Goodnight, Kian.” She started to turn away but I caught her hand once more. Without thinking, I bent and brushed my lips gently to hers. A spark seemed to leap between us and Kate’s lips parted. For a moment, I thought my self-control would vanish and I’d sweep her up and carry her inside.
But with great effort I pulled back, giving her a last lingering look. “Goodnight, Kate.”
I walked away before I could change my mind, a riot of emotions swirling through me. This intriguing alien had slipped past my guard when I least expected it. But I knew in my heart this growing bond between us was right. I went to bed dreaming of our camping trip and the future that lay ahead.
Chapter 6
Kate
The suns were setting over the rocky ridges surrounding Dust Gulch as I helped the Surlon women prepare for the evening meal. A cool breeze wafted through the village, bringing welcome relief from the day’s scorching heat. I breathed deep, taking in the exotic scents of Surlon’s desert plants. Though this world still felt so foreign, I was starting to adjust to my new home.
As I chopped vegetables, I glanced over at Kian talking with some of the men by the central fire pit. He wore his usual serious expression, but I noticed the corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled. Ever since our ride together, I felt drawn to him in a way I hadn’t expected.
Once the food was ready, everyone gathered for the communal dinner. I sat down next to Alya, who had become like a sister to me. Her husband, Rorn, joined us, greeting me warmly. I was touched by how accepting most of the Surlons had been, considering I literally dropped out of the sky into their village.
Conversations filled the cool night air as we passed around bowls and platters of roasted meats, vegetables, and flat bread. I was ravenous after a long day’s work. As I ate, I studied the Surlons’ unique features - their tall, strong frames, long white hair, and blue skin that reminded me of skies back on Earth.
My gaze settled on Kian sitting across from me. His eyes met mine, and something stirred inside me. I quickly looked away.
“Tell us about your home planet, Kate,” said Alya. “What is Earth like?”
I launched into descriptions of Earth’s sprawling cities, diverse cultures, and technological marvels. The Surlons listened intently, though much was beyond their frame of reference living on this rustic world.
“It sounds chaotic,” muttered Vala. Some of the elders nodded in agreement.
“Parts of it are,” I admitted. “But there’s also great beauty.”
As I spoke about mountains, oceans, and landscapes both familiar and alien to the Surlons, I felt homesickness creeping in. I missed my family and friends, my ship, the hum of hyperdrives and neon-lit space stations.
My thoughts were interrupted when Turok, one of the village elders, stood up. His weathered face was grim.
“While we share this meal under the sun gods’ graces, we cannot ignore the growing threat beyond our valley,” he rumbled. “The rustlers stalk ever closer.”
Murmurs rippled through the group. I glanced questioningly at Kian.
“Rustlers?” I asked.
Kian’s jaw tightened. “Outcast Surlons who raid remote villages and steal animals. They live outside the law, driven only by greed and violence.”
I shivered, remembering his stories of how the rustlers killed his father years ago. A hush fell over the gathering.
“They have no honor,” Kian continued, anger creeping into his voice. “They rejected our people’s ways long ago.”
“How so?” I asked.
