Alien Barbarians' Mate Read online

  Mikaela sat quietly for a few moments after his departure and I wondered if she were sad that he had left. Now, she and Dey sat drawing pictures in the dirt and trying to teach one another small and useful words—such as thank you, please, and hello.

  English, I was learning, was a difficult language and made me wish that Mikaela would pick up on more Eilahasan as Ella had done. But this only showed me yet another key difference between Ella and the female I was now pursuing.

  “She seems to do well with the drawing,” Dey remarked.

  I nodded, keeping silent as I watched.

  “Aye, this Earth—their world, that is, seems to produce intelligent females,” Veruka agreed.

  “Do you think she will learn to speak Eilahasan as Ella has done?” Dey asked Veruka.

  “She does seem to want to,” I observed.

  “Well, naturally, who wouldn’t want to? Do you not wish to communicate with her? All of you have already begun the courting process. Surely, you wish to know her more than just physically,” Veruka said.

  I glanced toward her. I knew she wouldn’t do much to influence Mikaela’s decisions, but she was Arh’s mother which meant she would do anything she could to direct him onto the path that would lead to what he wanted most—to be Mikaela’s mate.

  “Aye, but it seems more difficult for us than it was for my brother, Karr, and Bahl,” Dey recognized.

  “Well, she is her own person. You must stop comparing her to Ella—they are entirely different females. It would be no different than comparing me and Julene,” Veruka warned.

  “Would you have your son have her?” I asked, no longer able to keep my suspicions to myself.

  Veruka turned and smiled knowingly. “Arh deserves the passions of a mate as equally as both you and Scar do, and I will never add my influence to the choices of the female. She will choose on her own, but I do warn you the time of keeping her here is coming to an end.”

  “You mean she is becoming well enough to be brought before the council?” Dey said.

  “Aye, did she not venture out of the home cave when she thought none of us were around? Yes, and this is why she must soon be brought in front of the council so that if she should choose to form a triad, the true courting period can begin.”

  “But, as you have said that is only if she wants to. Ella seemed more keen on doing so—this female seems apprehensive about staying here,” I said.

  “Indeed, but my son did not uncover any way for her arrival let alone discover a way for her to leave. It would seem to me it isn’t her choice whether she gets to go or not, but it is her choice whether she wishes to become a part of our tribe,” Veruka said.

  “Should we continue to house her if she does not wish to be a part of the tribe?” I asked.

  “Aye, she is a female. Would you have her die in the mouth of a dragon or leech?” Veruka asked.

  I could tell she was displeased by my statement though I did not mean any harm by saying it. I only wanted to avoid the pain I had seen—the fiery rage that had blown through Arh when Ella had rejected him.

  “No, of course not. I couldn’t imagine us doing that to her,” I said.

  “You seem distraught, Scar. What has you unnerved?” Veruka asked.

  I shrugged. The female was far too wise for her own good and I did not wish to reveal my feelings before the likes of everyone—including Dey.

  “I am fine. I assure you—I only speak of what I observe,” I said.

  “And yet your demeanor tells another story—I feel there’s something you’re not telling me,” Veruka announced.

  “No, I just sense that Mikaela isn’t happy to be here. Somehow, it seems to me that it is unlikely she would desire to participate in our customs when she doesn’t even want to stay on Eilahas,” I muttered, but I knew Veruka didn’t believe me.

  I wondered what I had to my advantage when it came to becoming a possibility for Mikaela. Maybe I would end up just as upset by my own rejection as Veruka’s son had been when he had received his.

  I determined that my best solution was to try to get close to Mikaela when nobody else was around.

  “Well, I believe that even Ella tried to run away a few times, Scar,” Dey said matter-of-factly.

  “Yes, but I feel there are some clear differences between the two of them,” I replied.

  Dey pursed his lips and sighed.

  “Are you afraid that you won’t be selected?” he asked me curiously.

  “No, why should I be afraid?” I asked.

  Fear had never dissuaded me of anything I wanted, and some thought it was foolishness that had landed me my scar. Truly, it was my own persistence, and I did not completely fail. I only failed not to acquire marring from my venture.

  “The obvious reason would be your name,” Veruka said calmly. “But I have always recognized the value of your rare courage, Scar. Why else do you think I allow your unending company?”

  I sighed slowly. I hated the reminder of my scar, and I recognized my name was an ode to my own mistakes—neither of which pleased me.

  To think that Mikaela would fall into the same cultural judgments, considering Ella had chosen only one hunter for her triad, was preposterous to me. Wasn’t there a chance that with my part in healing her she might favor me?

  I felt torn—I didn’t want to set my hopes on something I wasn’t sure I could obtain but I also knew that I couldn’t stay away from her. As long as she was at Veruka’s I wanted to spend all my time learning all I could about her. It may be the last opportunity I would have.

  “I have always held you in high regard, Veruka. You have always treated me in a way none of the others have. This is why I have never fought with Arh. I could never do anything to cause ill will between us,” I admitted.

  “I know. For that, I will always be thankful,” she murmured.

  I gave a nod, knowing the time for speech had come to an end.

  Mikaela

  Dey seemed truly surprised by my request, but he seemed to understand it. After speaking with Scar and Veruka, he brought me out of the cave and tossed me a doeskin jacket of some sort, which I slid over my arms.

  There was no way I was leaving Tremor with any of them, so I tied his leash to my wrist and held him in my arms as Dey led the way down the footpath toward what I presumed would be Ella’s house.

  We had been walking for about five minutes now, and I began to wonder how far apart the cave systems were spaced. My question was silenced quickly, however, when Dey drew us out of the forest line and we emerged in an open meadow.

  I glanced around and noticed strewn fish parts and a smell that was horrendous instantly hit my nostrils. I coughed slightly and lifted my hand to cover my mouth and nose.

  “Ugh, that’s freaking nasty!” I exclaimed as we approached the cave’s mouth.

  The smell was downright repelling and I wondered how Ella stomached it—what with being pregnant and all.

  Dey paused before the cave’s entrance and called out—presumably to his brother, or Ella. I couldn’t be sure.

  I pursed my lips as a younger-looking male suddenly approached us. I watched as Dey slid one arm around the younger male and gently hugged him. Obviously, whoever this guy was he was important to Dey.

  I perked a brow as Ella came hobbling toward us.

  “Hello, Mikaela,” Ella said.

  “Hello,” I muttered.

  “Was there something you needed from me?” Ella asked curiously.

  I gulped.

  “Yes.” I glanced between the two males and back to her. “But, first—who is this guy?” I asked.

  “Dew is Dey’s younger brother. He is also my mate,” Ella explained.

  “Okay.” I pursed my lips considering how to word my question.

  I needed Ella’s expertise, but I didn’t want to offend her. However, that didn’t settle my curiosities. She was a woman who had agreed to be in a threesome relationship and found herself pregnant. I had to know how.

  �
��So, I know this is going to sound hella fucked up but I’m really not sure how else to ask.” I coughed slightly and continued, “Were you already knocked up when you got here? Or how exactly did that happen?” I asked.

  To my surprise, Ella immediately began laughing.

  “Um, well—I mean, you do know how babies are made, don’t you?” she asked me.

  “Yes, naturally.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Okay, so you already know about the triads. I told you about this before. Actually, I’m a little surprised they haven’t already talked to you about your own selections,” Ella said.

  “Um, why would they?” I asked.

  “Because you are a female and they have a shortage of those around here. If you haven’t noticed,” Ella said.

  “Honestly, the only female I have seen other than you is Veruka,” I admitted.

  “Yes, but that is because there aren’t very many of them. I don’t know very much about it, but what I do know is that disease seems to be the main cause. I think that is why they expect one woman to handle three men—or else some of them might not ever find a mate,” she said.

  “What do you mean disease? And you still haven’t explained to me about your pregnancy. Do you even know which of your three is the father?” I asked.

  Ella shrugged.

  “The Eilahasan males do not care about that. Each child is treated as if it were the child of only one and therefore has three fathers to abide. If you think about it, it’s not so strange. After all, it does take a village to raise a child,” Ella stated matter-of-factly.

  “And there really isn’t any argument or jealousy? How can you do that?” I asked.

  I just didn’t get it. I was certain no man could withstand sharing his woman with another—let alone two others. It seemed like a strange kinky scenario that just didn’t suit my flavor of tea. It was kombucha where I only enjoyed a nice Earl Grey, if you know what I’m saying.

  “No, because they all know that I am theirs and they are each mine. I have no fear of another female coming to steal them,” Ella said. “Besides, the fact that I have already shown myself fertile makes me all the more desirable. And, should my child be a girl it will be the first female born in well over forty-five years. Imagine that?” Ella asked.

  “And then, what will happen? She will be revered and raised to one day choose her own three males also? What if she does not want to do so?” I asked.

  “I don’t really see that happening since it is customary here. Nurture and nature, from what I hear, are the two main components to child-rearing,” Ella said.

  “Will I be forced to undergo this triad ceremony crap too?” I asked.

  Ella shrugged. “It seems highly probable. I mean, you are a female and entirely eligible.”

  “I don’t want to stay here. I really don’t understand why you do,” I said.

  “I am happy here. I’ve found what I could never secure for myself on Earth. Why would I jeopardize that? Besides, let’s be realistic—I am carrying the hybrid offspring of a purple alien. How well do you think humans will process that? I mean, we already know racism has yet to be obliterated on Earth,” Ella explained.

  “I guess with that in mind, you’re right, but I still don’t see how you could just throw in the towel so easily,” I said.

  “See, that’s where you are wrong. I didn’t necessarily give in so easily. I actually ran off right after my triad selection,” Ella admitted.

  I perked a brow. This was surprising news to me, but I supposed I shouldn’t have assumed.

  “Really? Somehow, I am a little surprised by that,” I confessed.

  She seemed like she was entirely sold on the purples, and it seemed a little strange that she was telling me she had initially balked at it. I had to learn more.

  “Yeah, I mean, I wasn’t quite happy with some of the way things were. Particularly, when it came to Arh’s behavior when I chose only Karr and no other hunter.” She frowned suddenly. “I take it you aren’t a vegetarian?” she asked me.

  I shook my head and frowned. “Oh, hell no! I couldn’t be a tofu-farting person even if I tried!” I said. “Why, are you?”

  “Yes, and Arh kept bringing me meat—I mean, grotesque and nasty fresh meat—for some reason, I can’t even imagine why. Has he done that to you yet?” she asked.

  I blinked and shook my head.

  “No, but he has brought me some excellent cuts of prime meat. The most delicious meat I think I’ve ever tried,” I said with a nod.

  “Well, consider yourself lucky because I got entirely different treatment and it was appalling. To make matters worse though, Arh threw the biggest tantrum ever when I decided to go with what my heart wanted and he took off into the woods. Actually, I was really concerned when he reappeared because I was certain the three of us were on his shit list, quite literally,” Ella admitted.

  “You think you were on his shit list?” I asked.

  “I rejected him and by Eilahasan standards, he is considered to be quite a catch. Of course, I didn’t know that at the time. I’ve learned much more about their culture since coming to terms with my place here and getting pregnant,” Ella murmured.

  “Wow, I guess there really is a lot that I don’t know. Okay, so how was it that you began to learn their language and customs?” I asked.

  “I used my own intelligence and began drawing pictograms. They are a very smart tribe and they know a great deal about what plants to use for just about any ailment. They know their seasons and have very ornate holidays. They even have a pantheon belief system that has a supreme deity-creator and everything,” Ella said.

  “So, you mean they have their own god systems? Are they like Mayans or something?” I asked.

  “I’m not entirely sure. I mean, I don’t even know if there are other races here on Eilahas like there is on Earth. So far, this tribe is all I know and they saved me from some crazy creatures,” Ella admitted.

  “Wow, that’s a lot to absorb at once,” I said, blinking and closing my eyes for a moment as I let out a long sigh.

  It really was a lot to think about and while I had gotten some answers—I still had a million more pop up where they had come from.

  Eight

  Dey

  I watched as Ella and Mikaela began speaking at length and approached my brother, Dew, with my own set of questions that I was hoping he could shed some light on.

  I was happy to see Mikaela finally able to do normal things such as socializing, but asking my younger brother for advice was a perplexing situation for me.

  I pursed my lips and glanced toward the females with a sigh. “Tell me something, brother,” I said.

  “What can I do?” Dew asked.

  “How did you get Ella to begin learning our tongue? What worked best for you?” I asked.

  “Ella seemed intent on wanting to learn how to bridge the gap of communication with me and I am certain that helped quite a bit, but more than that I refused to give up on teaching her once I learned of her wit.”

  He lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “After that, she did most of the work. I have learned a few things from her, of course, but I would wager to say she has learned a great deal more than I,” he admitted.

  “Hm, I am worried that I am not going to stand out above the rest. What if she doesn’t choose me for her triad?” I asked.

  “Has the council heard of her existence yet?” Dew asked, completely avoiding my question entirely.

  “Not to my knowledge, but it is clear that Mikaela has overcome the dificia beetle’s toxin. She was found roaming around Veruka’s meadow with the creature she is so fond of,” I said.

  “Dog. The creature is a dog,” Dew said. I perked a brow.

  “A dog? What is that?” I inquired.

  “A pet. On their planet, it is common to keep an animal as a companion. This is what the creature is to Mikaela,” Dew explained.

  “Did Ella tell you all this? I mean, I did understand it was a companion to her but no
w that you are telling me her kind keeps pets. What other sorts of strange things do they do?” I asked.

  “Well, you said you found Mikaela roaming the meadow unaccompanied save for her pet—apparently it is common for females to travel alone and to have their own free access to doing so,” Dew said.

  “You mean that Mikaela is accustomed to being with nothing or nobody other than her dog?” I asked.

  “Yes, just that. You are aware that Arh was angry about his rejection from Ella’s triad, yes?” Dew asked.

  “Of course, I think everyone at the ceremony could see that, brother,” I said.

  “Then you understand that these females have already shown to have their own thoughts and systems. It is clear that they are nothing like our own. Ella does not eat meat and Veruka has been forced to give her special supplements in order to keep her in prime health during her pregnancy. If she was to eat protein this would not be necessary but because of my knowledge of fruits, herbs, and vegetables, she is fed well enough to remain healthy. These women are not like our Eilahasan females, but that is not to say they are not smart or strong in their own regards,” Dew said.

  “So, tell me what you did in order to win Ella’s favor above Arh,” I said.

  “I honestly did nothing but listen to what she wanted and abided by her desires. It wasn’t that hard. I just paid attention to what she liked and made sure that I provided those things,” Dew said matter-of-factly.

  “She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with someone who cared enough to learn her language and teach ours without being too domineering,” he continued. “It was the one thing I would attest to being her cause for rejecting Arh. He was insistent that he was right and refused to hear what she wanted.” He shook his head.

  “So, what would you advise I should do to make Mikaela happy?” I asked.

  “Well, you said she was caught in the meadow alone. Maybe you should start taking her out of the cave more often? Spend some time with her away from the confines of darkness and show her some of our world. I would also recommend befriending her pet,” Dew said.