The Alien Chief's Bargained Bride

by Dominica Bolden

  “Her name is Mallory,” Alek’dar growled, and I could feel his feathers ruffling under my touch.

  He lifted his hands briefly, “My apologies my friend.”

  “I forgive you. This time,” he added with a note of warning in the tone of his voice.

  “Noted.”

  “So, you are the human I’ve heard so much about,” he murmured, taking a step closer as he inspected me. My eyes were drawn to the crown like ridges that crested his brow and all of a sudden I was stricken by how alien they were—or rather—I was.

  I gave him a small smile. “All good things I hope.”

  He shook his head, “Sadly, not many around here have a high regard for your species.”

  “Oh….” I wasn’t entirely sure what to say after that so I just went quiet.

  “Why have you come?”

  Alek’dar straightened his spine, flexing his wings the slightest bit before answering, “My mate requires some supplies for the coming winter. I had hoped you would be neighborly and assist us.”

  It looked like Lirar was thinking it over, and after a moment nodded his assent. “I suppose that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.”

  “Thank you, old friend.”

  “I shall have a guard escort you to the market and anywhere else you deem to roam. I would not recommend allowing your bride outside of arm's reach,” I shivered at the thinly veiled warning.

  Apparently that was the end of that because he turned his back on us, shouting orders in what I assumed to be their native tongue. Almost immediately, the others went back to their various tasks.

  “So who was that?” I murmured as the lizard man walked away, unable to tear my eyes off of him and the others that surrounded us.

  “He is Lirar, the chief of the Vrun.”

  “Oh.” I fell silent again after seeing several of the Vrun eyeing me.

  When things were settled and the vrun men that would be accompanying us had spoken with Alek’dar, we made our way through the colony.

  We passed a bunch of Vrun covered head to toe in cloth, and I couldn’t help but stare. From the looks of it, that was their women…? Maybe. They were curvier than the males surrounding us.

  It was kind of surprising, since I was so used to the Striss being more… bare. But from what I knew about lizards, which wasn’t much to be honest, was that they were cold blooded. Maybe the Vrun were somewhat similar in that manner.

  I didn’t like making too many assumptions because I couldn’t just randomly compare them to what we knew so I made a mental note to ask Alek’dar more about them and their species when we got back home.

  And to think I had been so excited to finally meet someone from their species. I made sure not to stare at anyone for too long, regardless of how curious I might be. Being ignorant of their customs, I really didn’t want to offend anyone by gawking at them.

  Upon arriving, I found myself entranced by the sights and smells exuding from the area.

  He informed a few of the Vrun men of some items I required that they could gather while we searched for the rest.

  I squeezed his hand, drawing his attention to me. “I’m sorry to be such a burden,” I murmured.

  He gave me a reassuring squeeze back, “You’re not a burden, aashra.”

  I shrugged. “Well, I hate to cause a rift between you and your friend.”

  “You’re not the cause.”

  “So then, why do they hate humans so much?”

  “I’ll explain it later when we get home.”

  “Okay.” My eyes were drawn to a booth to the right of him and I caught myself admiring the jewelry on display. In particular, there was a pretty purple one I couldn’t stop staring at. “Oh, those are pretty.”

  “Would you like one?” Alek’dar inquired from beside me.

  I shook my head, “No, I don’t need it.”

  “That’s not what I asked, aashra.”

  “I’ll be fine. Thank you though.” I grabbed his hand, tugging him away from the booth and its wonders. “Let’s go see what kinds of clothing they have so we can leave. I don’t want to disturb them more than I have to.”

  Thankfully, the Vrun had plenty of variety to choose from fashion wise. I picked out a few of the simpler looking long sleeve dresses made of a better quality fabric than most humans had access to. They were thick but light so I didn’t have to worry about feeling like I was drowning in fabric.

  I was definitely happy with my choice to go with the Vrun clothing rather than human. To be honest, to find anything of similar quality in the human Settlement would cost an arm and a leg.

  And your first born baby.

  I was definitely under the impression that they might imbue the fabric with some kind of technology as well because of how well it regulated my temperature when I tried it on.

  The sheer differences in their technological advances compared to humans simply amazed me.

  ***

  Alek’dar

  Once I had Mallory safe and sound back in Striss territory, I still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. It had only amplified with our visit to the Vrun which had set me further on edge.

  To be greeted in such a way was insulting. I found myself clinging to what little bit of self control I had and summoning all of my patience not to throw away years of peace over their vendetta against humans. Mallory was an extension of myself, and how they treated her was despicable.

  I would be well within my rights to challenge Lirar.

  But I refrained from doing so only to appease my mate. And with the festival mere hours away, I hadn’t the time on my hands to deal with the Vrun and their disrespect so I put it aside for the meantime.

  Thankfully she was able to find some serviceable clothing that suited her needs for the upcoming winter that would keep her warm.

  While our home had been adjusted and many of the openings sealed off, she would still need the protection outside.

  It tended to get dangerously low in temperature that even the Striss had to start covering ourselves with more clothing.

  Which usually took place around now.

  “Is it time to go already?” Mallory inquired from the nest, curled up under some heavy furs.

  “Yes, aashra.” I turned towards the doorway, “The Festival is this evening and I must make sure that everything is in place.”

  “Okay, let me get up then.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Mallory

  With the festival looming overhead, Alek’dar had been gone far more often than not making sure everything was coming to fruition. In a way, I was kind of glad because it meant I got some space.

  But it was lonely.

  Thankfully the festival was starting in a couple of hours. I had actually been looking forward to it for a while. From what everyone told me it was going to be a lot of fun.

  And on the ground, thankfully.

  Though apparently that was because of the Vrun—they often attended so to make them feel more welcome, they moved most of the events to the ground.

  While I was almost used to being stuck up in the trees for most everything, I still couldn’t help but miss the feeling of my feet on the ground.

  So I definitely wasn’t complaining even though I doubted that any run-ins with the species probably wouldn’t go over well.

  I’m still not entirely sure what humans had done to them, but they definitely did not like my species one bit. Maybe I’d be able to learn what happened and be able to bridge the gap in the future, but I didn’t allow myself to dwell on it right now.

  I shivered slightly at the brisk breeze that wafted through the grounds, huddling closer to Alek’dar to steal some of the warmth that was radiating off of him in droves. I was definitely jealous of how hot they ran. And their thicker skin.

  As if sensing my discomfort, Alek’dar pulled me up against his side, his wing blocking some of the wind. I gave him a smile and pressed a kiss to the underside of his jaw.

  “S
o, what all is left to do before the festival kicks off?”

  “Not much, really. It’s pretty much done,” he murmured, eyeing the grounds. There were lots of tents set up, and many Striss milling about setting up shop for the big event.

  “So are we needed for anything?” I inquired, brushing my fingers lightly across his taut chest.

  “Not necessarily.”

  “Well, I can think of something else worth your while that we can do to pass the time,” I murmured, a warmth spreading through me as his eyes darkened with desire.

  Before he could respond, someone interrupted us.

  “Chief, there’s been a situation,” the soldier reported, landing lightly on his clawed feet in front of us.

  Alek’dar sighed, glancing back down at me. “I’m sorry, aashra.”

  I shook my head, placing a palm on his chest. “No, no. Go. I understand, Alek’dar.”

  “I will make it up to you, I promise.”

  “I’ll hold you to it,” I replied, giving him a smile. He hesitated, I gave a small laugh, shooing him away. “Go, I’ll be fine.”

  He stepped away, and I felt a pang of longing squeeze my heart.

  Rather than just stand around looking quite pathetic, I might add, I went in search of a familiar face.

  It took a while, but I did manage to locate In’ka. Though, she was busy talking to someone and from the looks of it it might have actually been flirting. So I didn’t interrupt.

  Instead, I ducked into a food stall and sampled some of the offerings instead, careful to be on the lookout for anything Rinna had warned me about. I did not want to end up with food poisoning again.

  ***

  “Having fun, are we?” In’ka asked, startling me.

  I almost choked on the mouthful of food I was eating. Turning my head, I saw her standing beside me. She was, thankfully, wearing some clothing. For the Striss women to cover themselves up, well it was a testament to how cold it had gotten over the course of a couple of weeks.

  “Yes,” I replied, nodding eagerly. “We humans don’t have very many traditions,” I pursed my lips, thinking out loud, “Well, there is one coming up in a few months that is celebrated throughout all of the colonies called Christmas. And for those of us planetside, we have the Landing Day, in remembrance of when we first arrived. But all planetary colonies have those specific to the planets.” I shrugged, “To be honest, there used to be a lot more, but people started caring about them less and less as time passed until they were completely forgotten.”

  “That’s sad. Well don’t worry, little sister, we have plenty for you to celebrate with us.” Her easy remark of calling me her little sister tugged on my heart as tears pricked my eyes. Eyes wide, she started, trying to make sense of my reaction. “What’s wrong, why are you crying?”

  I sniffed, wiping the tears away. “These are happy tears. You called me your little sister.”

  “Don’t be silly, you’re family.” She clasped my shoulder, gracing me with an easy smile. “Speaking of family, where’s Alek’dar hiding?”

  “A soldier came looking for him earlier. Something about a situation.” I shrugged, taking another small bite of food off of my plate. “I don’t know much else.”

  She grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Lovely. That means you’re all mine until he returns. Now, come on. We’ve got so much more to do!”

  I giggled, and allow her to tug me up before following her out of the stall.

  While spending time with my sister in law had been interesting, I found my concern growing as time passed. I still hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Alek’dar by the time the festivities were wrapping up for the evening.

  I tried to keep it from my face, but I think she noticed because when she took me back to my home, she told me that she was sure everything would be fine. And to not worry about Alek’dar. He was their Chief for a reason.

  Still, even after she left, I couldn’t help but wonder where my husband was, and what was keeping him. It had to be serious if it kept him from the festival. It was one of their most important celebrations.

  So, instead of tossing and turning in bed, I sat down on the landing pad to gaze up at the beautiful scene above me.

  “Wow!” I murmured. I hadn’t ever really got the chance to see it quite like this. I couldn’t believe that the light pollution was so bad back in the village. But, then, I could see how it was in comparison to the Striss.

  While we had been dirt poor, there was still a difference between the Striss village and my own. The Striss chose to live simpler. The differences between the two species and how they lived was as vast as an ocean.

  Alek’dar actually gave a shit about his people and their well being. Whereas the human Council only cared about the bottom line. They cared about how they impacted the planet while we jumped ship if the consequences for our actions started getting out of hand.

  And it showed.

  In all my twenty years, I’d never seen the stars or the colorful planet that took up so much of the sky so clearly.

  I’m not entirely sure how long I stood there just taking in the sight above me, but eventually I heard the tell-tale signs of wings.

  Alek’dar.

  I could barely make him out as he neared, but waved to him nonetheless, excitement bubbling over as he landed easily beside me.

  Before I even knew what came over me, I was throwing my arms around him, burying my face against his clothed chest. “I’m sorry for my absence, aashra.”

  I pulled back, murmuring, “Don’t be, Alek’dar. I know you’re a busy man.”

  “Still, I should have been there.” He cupped my cheek pressing his forehead against mine.

  “It’s okay. I had fun with In’ka.”

  He gave me a small smile as he straightened up. “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Cocking my head to the side, I looked him over, asking, “So, what kept you, anyway?”

  He swallowed hard, glancing away as if debating internally, before sighing. “I… there was a group of bizanl nearing our territory. I had to assist in driving them back.”

  I frowned, “What are bizanl?”

  “They are highly intelligent animals. Deadly and ferocious,” he didn’t elaborate, so of course my mind went wild with worry.

  “You didn’t get hurt did you?” I asked, breath hitching with worry as I began looking him over for wounds.

  “I am fine, aashra,” he murmured, capturing my roving hands with his. “I’m fine.”

  I stilled, softening against him. “I know. I just worry about you.”

  His fingers brushed through my hair before settling on against the nape of my neck, “I will always return to your side, aashra.”

  I nodded, tears pricking my eyes. With every fibre of my being, I knew I loved him. The thought of him getting hurt scared me, but like In’ka told me, he was the Chief for a reason.

  And I had to put my faith in him.

  So, rather than dwell on something outside of the scope of my control, I lifted onto my tippy toes and brushed a kiss against his soft mouth.

  His arm tightened around me, and he pulled me against him with a growl. I giggled, clasping my hands around his neck as he carried me into our home.

  The festival might have been over for the night, but our evening was just beginning. And we would spend tonight—and the rest of our days—together.

  The End

  Appendix

  Avekshaa - observation

  Suraapaana - alcohol

  Aashra - Beloved

  Bhavi - future

  Harati - the taking

  Maata - mother

  Putra - son

  Sutaa - daughter

  Haasji - The name of the planet the story takes place.

  Striss - The name of one of the native intelligent species on the Haasji planet. The Striss have grey skin, wings, and clawed feet. All males have a set of horns. Halflings do not necessarily have all of these features, though all known halflings have wing
s. They make their homes in the trees.

  Vrun - The name of one of the native intelligent species on the Haasji planet. The Vrun tend to have neutral color scales that cover their entire body. They have clawed hands and feet, and spiked tails. The vast majority of them live in caves.

  Amphod - The name of one of the native intelligent species on the Haasji Planet. The Amphod are an amphibious species that live primarily in the oceans but can survive on land due to their lungs. They have gills located on the side of their throats, blue skin and fins. They secrete a deadly poison in their saliva.

  Estran - A native animal to the Haasji planet. They are similar to horses in that they can be ridden and can pull wagons and such. They have long tongues and big black eyes.

  Bizanl - A native animal to the Haasji planet. They are the single most deadly creature native to the panet. They have six eyes, two sets of forelegs and a single set of hind legs. They have leather-like hides, and razor sharp teeth and claws. They are attracted to the color red and possess a high level of intelligence.

  Coming Soon

  The Exiled Alien’s Unlikely Bride

  Her sister had married an alien. It hadn’t even truly registered with Stephanie Delour that Mallory was gone until she found herself standing in front of their old home locked out.

  She knew that Mallory had scrimped and saved where she could. But with the discovery that her sister had resorted to selling herself to an alien for enough credits for the treatment, she pushed herself through recovery.

  Running off with the money wasn’t an option.

  So, Stephanie decided to find her sister to, well, she wasn't entirely sure what she was going to do. She just knew that a life amongst the stars wasn't as appealing as it used to be. Not with Mallory's fate looming over her head. Not without Mallory by her side.

  Qui’da had come to regret not giving his sister-in-law a chance all because she was a human. And now the entire flock, his family included, had turned their backs on him. Given the option to either lose his wings or work with the humans, he chose the latter.