Her Alien Commander

by Mira Maxwell

  “It has to be hard for them,” Savannah says. “They live such a different life here. Cut off from the city. No hope of a family. No loving wife, no children running around. You gave Cardyk a taste of what it might be like to have those things. And he has to deal with the fact that he never will.”

  “What about you guys,” I nod to Diana and Margo. “You’re all getting your happy endings. Why can’t I?” I refuse to cry at the banquet in my honor, but it takes some doing.

  “I know you don’t believe it,” Diana says, “but it’s impossible to deny your fated mate. You know Cardyk isn’t yours. You can’t expect him to give everything up for something as uncertain as-“

  “Love? You’re right, I don’t believe in fated mates. I wish I did. I wish I had first hand experience in that department.” I’m attracting strange looks from warriors at nearby tables, and I realize I need to lower my voice. “But I don’t. And, truth be told, if I guess maybe there’s magic in falling in love the plain old-fashioned way.”

  “Mina, I didn’t mean-“

  It’s too late. I push away from the table and storm off. I thought spending time with the other women, my friends, would make me feel better. But I don’t think anything could make me feel better right now. And I’m so envious of their happiness that it only makes things worse. There’s really only one person I want to talk to right now, and he doesn’t want anything to do with me.

  I hold off the tears until I’m out of sight, and then I crumple to the ground behind the small stone bunkhouse assigned to the Earth women. I cry so hard I can’t catch my breath, and it feels good to finally let it out. I can’t make a scene with Cardyk sitting across the lab. That would be too hard on both of us.

  I hear footsteps approaching. I pray it’s him. It’s not. I’ve never been less excited to see Diana in my entire life.

  “I didn’t mean to say the wrong thing, Mina,” she sinks into the snow beside me. “You know I’m just not the best with words.”

  I pull myself together, wiping away my tears and sniffling. “I know. I’m not upset with you. Just frustrated with the situation.”

  “It kind of snuck up on you, huh? I know it did for me. It was like a whirlwind.” She rises to her feet and extends a hand to me.

  I take her hand and stand up, legs shaky underneath me. “More like a tornado,” I say. We link arms and return to the party.

  “Don’t look now, but there’s someone waiting for you,” she says.

  My eyes dart to our table, and I see Haddyx standing near my empty chair. “This could get ugly,” I say. Diana gives me a questioning look, so I fill in some of the blanks. “I flirted with him the other night and drew him away from his post so Cardyk would free the wanderer.”

  “Ah,” she says. “That explains why Mallyk is so furious with him.” She slows our pace to give us extra time to dish. “Does Haddyx realize you were the diversion?”

  “How could he not?” If he didn’t, I could be in a world of hurt. It’s bad enough the warrior I want has cut off everything between us. I don’t need another one romancing me. Feigning interest could really come back to bite me.

  “You’d be surprised what men can overlook when a pretty woman is involved.” “Maybe he thinks you’re really interested, and it’s just a coincidence that the captive escaped while he was gone.”

  “So he’s probably going to either cuss me out or ask me out,” I say. “Either way, I better think of something to say, fast.” We’re almost back at our seats and Haddyx has noticed our approach. His eyes light up when he sees me, and my stomach sinks like a stone.

  “Haddyx, it’s wonderful to see you again,” I say as I reach him.

  “You as well, Mina.” He pulls out my chair for me. “I’m so happy your research is a success. You must be thrilled.”

  “I am. I can’t wait to finish up and get home to Earth.” I’m trying to let him down gently, hoping he gets the hint. “Are you enjoying the food?”

  “Very much. But I’m enjoying the company even more so.” I smile and nod, but inside I’m starting to panic. I look around frantically. I haven’t seen Cardyk yet tonight, and I wonder if he’s here. I get the feeling these sort of events are mandatory attendance for the warriors, and I don’t want him to see me talking with Haddyx, not after what it led to last time. I need to quash any hint that what I need is a younger man on the rise. I’m totally lost in my thoughts and anxieties when something Haddyx says jolts me back to reality.

  “I’m sorry, what did you just say?” I ask.

  “I said I’ve never felt this way before, and I wish to claim you as my fated mate.” He must be joking. But, the thing is, he looks entirely serious. Young, earnest, and crazy in love with me. If only he could be the man I wanted.

  It feels like my eyes bug out of my head and my mouth hangs open. I’m momentarily speechless. Luckily, Margo isn’t.

  “I beg your pardon?” she says. “You can’t just claim her – she has a say in the matter.”

  He opens his mouth to reply and Diana cuts him off. “Besides, you should be having this talk privately. Not in front of everyone in the middle of a celebratory feast.”

  “This is the way it was done in the old days,” he says. “When a man wished to claim a woman as his mate, he would announce it to everyone. Why shouldn’t I do the same?”

  “Because I don’t want to be your mate,” I say. This has gone on far too long and I need to set him straight.

  He looks genuinely confused. “You are my mate. It is not for you to choose. The gods have already chosen for you.”

  “No, I’m sorry,” I say. I wish he’d get the hint, but I’m through messing around. I know I created this whole mess, but I’m going to end this. “I’m in love with another.”

  Saying it out loud hurts worse than I could have imagined, but he doesn’t even notice. He doesn’t hear me at all. He’s too busy climbing on top of the wooden table.

  “Oh my God,” I mutter. “Somebody get him down right now.” Diana clutches at his lower leg but he kicks her away.

  “My brothers!” He’s shouting at the top of his lungs and a hush falls over all those in attendance. Warriors turn to see who’s causing the commotion. “Today, in front of you all, I claim the Earth woman Mina as my mate.”

  “Wow,” Savannah says as she takes a drink. “They’re really going all-in on this fated mate idea.”

  “I suppose that’s to be expected after Diana and I broke the seal,” Margo says. “A ray of hope after years of celibacy will make a guy do crazy things.”

  I bury my face in my hands. How is this happening?

  None of the warriors share my reticence in accepting the match. They jump to their feet and cheer at Haddyx’s announcement. The noise is overwhelming and I feel faint. I raise my face and look around the yard.

  I finally see him. He’s the only person as stone faced as I am. I see a mix of emotions in his expression. Sadness, jealousy, betrayal, and anger. I hope he knows I had no part in this. And that I want no part in this. My heart is his, and I’m starting to think it always will be.

  I need to talk to him. Now. I make my way to him, but the warriors gathered around Haddyx slow my progress. By the time I break free, Cardyk is gone.

  Fourteen

  MINA

  I don’t see him, but I suddenly hear him. His voice practically echoes throughout the yard as he yells to the warriors.

  “Haddyx! I challenge you to Kallax Knax for the hand of the Earth woman Mina!”

  His voice sends chills through me. I turn and see him standing alone, with his battle staff raised above his head. I’m terrified and proud and thrilled, all at the same time.

  “Ladies,” Savannah says, “can somebody tell me what’s going on?”

  Diana rubs at her forehead. “I’m a little fuzzy on the details, but it seems that Cardyk has challenged Haddyx in a ritual fight-to-the-death for Mina’s hand.”

  “Maybe you should go find Mallyk,” I say.

&nb
sp; “I definitely need to find Mallyk,” she agrees as she jogs off in search of her husband.

  “They don’t really fight to the death though, right?” I look questioningly at Margo and Savannah, but neither of them can answer my question.

  “All I know is Diana better hurry,” Margo says. She’s right. The warriors have already cleared a makeshift battle circle in the center of the yard, and Haddyx and Cardyk have stripped to their breechcloths and are choosing their bladed weapons.

  “Oh my God.” I try to fight my way into the ring, to talk to them and stop this foolishness, but it’s like pushing against a wall of rock. The warriors have worked themselves into a frenzy of battle lust. I pound on their backs and arms with my fists, trying to force my way through, and they don’t even notice. I step on my tiptoes and catch a glimpse of Mallyk and Diana across the yard, but what I see is not what I had hoped for. They’re arguing, and I know what that means.

  Mallyk will not end it. The fight will go on.

  I’m filled with raw panic. I know Cardyk is a gifted warrior, but Haddyx does have the advantage of youth. And he’s impervious to battle wounds. It’s not a fair fight. Not even close.

  They circle each other in the ring and my heart pounds against my chest. The roar of the crowd is deafening, but they focus only on each other. I can’t watch, but I can’t seem to tear my eyes away, either.

  Haddyx lashes out like a serpent and lands the first blow. His blade slices Cardyk’s chest. A superficial cut, from what I can tell, but it bleeds like hell. It certainly doesn’t slow him down. He blocks a second strike from Haddyx and responds with a blow from his mighty fist that sends his opponent sprawling on the dirt.

  The crowd erupts in cheers and I realize my love has the home court advantage. The warriors are rooting for their retired leader. I just hope it’s enough to sway the battle in his favor.

  They continue this way, slashing and punching at each other, until both are dirty and bloodied. I don’t want to admit it, but Cardyk is starting to look tired the longer the fight drags on. I can tell he’s trying to conserve his energy while looking for an opening to attack.

  Haddyx launches another attack in a fresh flurry of motion. He knocks Cardyk back off his feet, and I cry tears from my throat.

  “Get up,” I yell with the rest of the warriors. He stumbles to his feet and cradles his injured arm. I feel like someone doused me with a bucket of ice water. It’s like I’m frozen in place. This can’t be happening. I start to pray that Haddyx shows him mercy.

  I’ve underestimated him. The injured arm is a ruse, and he springs into action when Haddyx hesitates for a single moment. He kicks up a spray of snowy dirt, blinding the young warrior, before tackling him to the ground. He straddles him, pounding him with his fists. He screams with rage as he does so, and I look away when he grabs his battle blade and raises it into the air.

  “Yield,” he commands as he stabs the blade into the dirt next to Haddyx’s head. I’m so relieved he has decided to spare his opponent. But most of all, I’m just glad he’s alive.

  “I yield,” Haddyx shouts. Cardyk throws the blade aside and staggers to his feet. The warriors begin to disperse, now that the fight has finished. I push my way through the crowd and throw myself at Cardyk. He pulls me into his arms and hugs me to him tightly.

  “I’m sorry,” he says, “I wasn’t strong enough to let you go.”

  “Thank God for that.” I look up at him and kiss his lips. Then, I take as much of his weight as I can bear and help him walk to our barracks. Savannah jogs ahead of us and I know she’s going to prepare a bed for him and collect her medical kit.

  She leaves the door cracked and I kick it open when we reach our bunkhouse. “A little help,” I say. His breathing is labored and he’s struggling to walk under his own power. Diana and Margo appear out of nowhere and help us along. The ease him onto the bed and I start collecting water and bandages.

  “I’m going to be fine, little love.” He reaches out and takes my hand. “Do not trouble yourself.”

  “You’ve been nothing but trouble,” I say as I crouch down next to him, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  As expected, he heals slowly. I stay by his side for the night and we move him to the lab the next morning. Mallyk assigns us new guards as I continue to process the Eclaydian and Cardyk heals. It gives us plenty of time to talk.

  “Stop fussing over me,” he says as I take a break to check his bandages. “I’ll be up and around in no time.” I don’t argue, because I’m still traumatized by how close I came to losing him. But he’s not even close to being back to normal. The swelling of his face is finally going down, but his bruises are still blossoming into different colors. I lost track of how many stitches Savannah ended up doing, but it was excessive. He’ll survive, but he’s going to be on his back for a while.

  “I can’t help worrying,” I say as I lean in and kiss his bruised lips. He pulls me onto the sofa with him, which we’ve finally pulled out into a makeshift bed. I roll onto my side next to him, enjoying the feeling of his closeness.

  “I’ve been thinking about it a lot,” he says. He lazily strokes at my hip with his fingertips. “I’m going to Earth.”

  “Well, then we have a problem, because I’m staying here on Attala.” I plant a line of kisses along his jaw.

  “You hate it here.” He nearly chuckles as he says it.

  “What can I say? It’s grown on me.” I raise myself on my elbow and look down at him. “Plus, I started running some samples I collected from that day in the cave, while you’ve been sleeping. There’s so much to be discovered here. I was so focused on hating the ice and snow that it blinded me to the vibrant ecosystem right beneath the surface. There could be so many applications that could help people back on Earth. And we’ve just tapped the surface of what could be out there.”

  “I love how excited you are.” He tries to hold onto me as I rise from the sofa.

  “The only way you’re going to see me more excited is once you have those stitches taken out, and we’re cleared for a roll in the hay.” I give him my best flirtatious smile and he easily drags me back down with him.

  “I’m perfectly capable now,” he says as he cups my breast. “In fact, I think it’s just the thing to help accelerate my healing.”

  I squeal and struggle to get away from him and we both laugh. God, it feels so good to be happy again. I think of everything that’s happened to me over the past few weeks: discovering a way to unlock the power of the Eclaydian, falling in love with Cardyk, capturing a wanderer and then helping to free her. The way everything has worked out is a load off my mind. But, the true source of my happiness is Cardyk. To know that we have a future together. That our whole lives are stretched out before us, and we have so many adventures out there just waiting for us.

  A knock at the door interrupts us. I stumble to my feet, still giggling like a school girl, and activate the outer door. The warriors assigned to the lab work in pairs and insist on staying outside, but I insist they come inside for warm meals and coffee. Maybe someone needs to use the facilities.

  Nobody is at the door. I stick my head outside and look to the left and right, to check for them. I spot them, 100 feet away, walking the perimeter and staring in the opposite direction. By chance, I look down before I close the door and I see a small tin with a piece of paper.

  The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I reach for the mysterious gift and quickly bring it back inside.

  “Is it Lennyx?” Cardyk asks. “Tell him to come talk to me for a spell. I’m going crazy laying here.”

  “It’s not,” I say. “Someone left something on the stoop.”

  I open the small crinkled note. For your man. It’s written in simple, childlike script. I open the tin and stare at the fluorescent blue paste inside. I know immediately who sent it. I’m happy to know she’s safe, and intrigued to think they’ve still been watching us closely enough to know of Cardyk’s injuries.

&n
bsp; “What is it?” he asks.

  I hold up the tin for him. “A gift from our former captive. For freeing her, I’m guessing.” I lift it to my nose and sniff. It smells medicinal and I suspect it’s meant to aid in his healing.

  “Want to give it a try?” I ask. I dip my finger in the tiny canister to test the consistency.

  “I’d try anything that has a chance of getting me out of this bed sooner,” he says. He peels a bandage off his chest, exposing the angry cut beneath.

  “I’ll start with a tiny bit.” I sit on the edge of the bed and dab a little on the edge of his wound. I can’t hold back a gasp when his skin heals before my eyes. It only takes seconds. A blink and you’ll miss it type of miracle. I spread more on his cut, and within seconds it’s impossible to tell where the wound even was.

  His face is filled with joy and wonder, and I think this small gift could go a long way in changing how he feels about the wanderers. Me? I want to find her to see how we can get more. Or, better yet, to learn how they produce it.

  He starts removing all his bandages, and I slather the blue goop all over his injuries. We both stare in wonder as he’s transformed to his pre-fight state. Of course, he immediately wants to suit back up and visit the men inside the walls. I have to nip that in the bud and force him back into bed for at least another day.

  “We don’t know what the side effects of the medicine are,” I say, ”and like it or not, you’ve still been through a terrible bodily trauma. I don’t want to see you get up today. No excuses.”

  “You know,” he says with a delightful twinkle in his eye, “if you’re going to hold me hostage here, you’re going to need to make it worth my while.”

  He pats the mattress next to him and gives me a wink. I know I should resist and let him rest, but I just don’t have the heart to tell him no. I stand before him and let my clothes drop to the floor. He lifts up the covers for me, and I slide beside him. And everything is right in my world.