Alien Savior (Zerconian Warriors Book 5) (21 page)

He cleared his throat. “Koran suggested a solution.”

“What? Are your friends gonna stay and help us rebuild. We can’t let them do that.” Besides, feeding the huge Zerconians would bankrupt them.

“No. He suggested that your people move.”

“Move. Move where? Build somewhere else on Joyadan? Why?”

“Not move somewhere else on Joyadan. But move to Zerconia.”

“Zerconia?” She gaped at him. “Why would we move there? Why would your people want us to move there?”

“We feel some guilt over what happened. Koran feels he should have guessed the Coizils might plot revenge. He thought they would seek revenge on us, not your people. He does not like to be wrong.”

“You guys have nothing to feel guilty about. Shit happens.”

“Umm, yes. Well, Koran spoke to the Crown Prince. He has issued an invitation for your people to live on Zerconia. Or we will help move them to wherever they wish to go. However, we cannot guarantee the Coizils will not return here.”

Oh crap. She hadn’t thought of that.

“What did Rye say?”

“He’s about to put the idea to your people.”

“I need to be there.” She swung her legs to the edge of the bed, gasping as the room spun.

“You are going nowhere. You need to rest.”

“I’ll rest when I’m dead. I need to be there for this.”

He scowled then nodded reluctantly. “Fine. But I will carry you. When it is finished you will come immediately back to bed and take that inhibitor. No arguments.”

“You’re the boss, beast man.”

“If only I believed that was true.”

***

“So there it is,” Rye finished up. “You can move to Zerconia. They’ll provide shelter, food and jobs. Or I will help you find somewhere else to live. It is entirely up to you.”

Someone held up their hand. A thin, rough-looking man. “Why don’t we rebuild here?”

“It’s no longer safe here, Lenny,” Rye replied. “The Coizils could sent another warship.”

Everyone started talking at once, arms moved in agitation as their voices grew louder. Darac did not blame them for their upset. Their homes had been destroyed and they had to leave everything they knew.

Finally, Rye held up his hands and they fell silent. “I don’t like this any better than you do. But we need to make a decision and quickly.”

“Why do they want us? What’s their reason for helping us?” Another man asked, glaring at the Zerconians.

Rye glanced over at Koran who stepped forward. “We wish to offer you protection and aid. Darac is our friend and fellow warrior. We wish to help him and his mate’s family, which extends to include all of you. But we do have an ulterior motive.”

Everyone muttered to themselves and Steele let out a sharp whistle. They fell silent, staring at Koran.

“You may not know this, but our population is shrinking. There is only one mate for each Zerconian, and few of us are finding our true mate. We recently found out that we can mate with humans.”

“So you want to mate with us?” One of the females asked in horror.

This was not going well.

“No one would be forced into anything they did not want,” Darac told them. “That would be hugely dishonourable. You would always have a choice. Even if none of you are mates, we would still offer our help and protection. My people helped save you. They cannot just leave you now to come under attack again. If you all choose to move elsewhere then we will help you do so. No one has to come to Zerconia. It is completely your choice. But my mate is worried about you and I do not like when she worries. So we will make sure you are all safe before we leave.”

“Talk among yourselves. I will give you an hour.” Rye turned and walked away.

***

“Thirty-eight of them are coming with us. That’s thirty-eight more than I thought would.” Willa lay back on the bed, trying to stifle her sigh of relief. God, she felt like crap. Another ten more minutes and she was pretty certain she would have collapsed in a heap on the ground.

“We will transport the others to where they wish to go. Then we will go home. You need to take a pain inhibitor.” He held up the small injection.

She waved it away. “I’m fine.”

“You are not fine. You are pale and in pain. I can feel it. You are taking the pain inhibitor, Willa.” It was a grumbled order that brooked no defiance.

She glared at him challengingly, but he met her gaze calmly. She knew he wasn’t about to budge.

“Fine.”

He held the injector to her arm then pressed it down. There was a small pinprick then blessed relief from the pain engulfing her.

“Are your people really going to be okay with that many refugees moving to their planet?” she asked, sleepily.

“Not everyone will be pleased to have your people. Our planet has been closed to visitors for many years, so it will be a shock. But the Crown Prince is determined to change that.”

“It will be a shock for us as well, I imagine.”

“If your people desire it, the Crown Prince has stated that we will build onto our city, providing your people with an area of their own.”

“Wow, that’s generous.”

“And if you wish it, then we will live there as well.”

She smiled at him. “Let’s just see how we go, huh? I want to see where you live first. I might decide it’s too much of a bachelor pad.”

“Bachelor pad?”

“Single man’s house. You know, with dead animal heads on the walls, dirty dishes everywhere, and pictures of half-naked women on display.”

He simply gaped at her. “Half-naked women and dead animals?”

She grinned. “Yep, every man’s dream.”

“Not every male.”

“No? And what is your dream, beast man?”

“You are all I ever dreamed of and more than I deserve.”

“Even though I’m never going to let you wrap me in a protective bubble?” she asked.

“You do have your faults, I admit. But so do I. You are brave, loyal, and loving.”

Her heart melted.

“And mine. All mine.”

Books by Sadie Carter

Alien Warrior
Alien Lover
Alien Mate
Sweet Alien Savage
Alien Savior