Forty Three
They sat side by side watching the rain fall. The fire flickered under the shelter and Rocky lay stretched out in its warmth.
Night was drawing in. Kara had bathed in the river, scrubbing at her skin until it was red. She thought she might never be free of the stench of the creature’s lair.
Both of them had washed their clothes and were now wrapped in furs, waiting for them to dry. Neither had spoken much on the walk back to the camp but for entirely different reasons.
Vahn was struggling to control the hope rising in his chest like a joyous balloon, while Kara was wallowing in regret and embarrassment over her outburst.
“I’m sorry I over-reacted just now,” she said eventually. “I was just so relieved to see you were all right. Forget I said anything.”
Vahn was silent and Kara cringed inwardly. He must think I’m crazy.
“Vahn, please say something. You’ve barely said a word since I told you that I… you know.”
“Was it true?”
Her face burned.
“Look, you keep saving my life, and we’ve done the friends-with-benefits thing, so it’s only natural I have feelings for you. It’s not a big deal.”
Vahn sighed.
“Shall we be honest with each other, human? I am tired of hiding behind words. Do you love me?”
Kara looked away and swallowed hard.
“Yes. I do, okay? But you don’t have to worry about it. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“You are wrong. It means everything.”
She peeked up at his face and his expression set her pulse racing.
“What do you mean?”
“Before, when you asked me to translate kalehsha, you were not far off when you suggested soul-mate.”
She frowned.
“But… you called me that when we barely knew each other. When we were still enemies. The first time you said it you were delirious.”
“It was how I felt about you then, though I scarcely knew it myself. And it is how I feel about you now.”
He let her digest that for a moment.
“So you’re saying you… you love me too?”
He closed his eyes briefly. How to explain without scaring her? What he was about to say would sound demented to a non-Vraxian. He took a breath.
“It is more than that. Kalehsh is a love fated by the gods themselves. An entwining of hearts that lasts for eternity. A bond that endures until galaxies crumble and stars fade. The compass of my life points only to you, Kara. I was made to worship you. Protect you. Die for you. That is what it means to be my kalehsha. ”
There. I have said it. And now she will laugh.
Kara didn’t know what to think. Vahn’s words were heavy with emotion and yet they made her feel as light as air.
“You think we’re destined to be together forever?” she asked hesitantly.
“Does that seem insane to you?”
“You’re describing us as fated mates. But we wouldn’t even have met if we hadn’t both crashed on this planet. How the hell could the gods have predicted that?”
“They are all-knowing.”
“I don’t believe in that crap.”
“And yet here we are.”
Kara paused. He had a point.
“So you’re saying despite all the gorgeous Vraxian babes who no doubt hurl themselves at you offering shaa’baara every five minutes, you’ve been stuck with a human?”
“If it is any consolation, I do not understand it either,” Vahn offered. “My feelings for you are as incomprehensible as they are uncontrollable. But Vannla fated it so I have no choice but to accept it.”
“Vannla. I’ve heard you mention the name before. Is that one of your gods?”
“Goddess. She is one of the most powerful deities in our culture. A fierce warrior, but also the embodiment of love.”
“And she’s decided that I’m your kalehsha. Is she mad?”
Vahn gave a short laugh.
“Lately I have wondered that myself. But when your mate is revealed to you, it is an entirely visceral reaction. It hits you here…” he touched his chest, “…and here.” His belly. “The feeling is so intense, I am not surprised my people believe it is a message from the goddess herself.”
Kara wasn’t sure what to make of his kalehsha nonsense. But she had to admit, it made her feel warm inside. Warm and turned on. Because this big, strong Vraxian warrior was so in love with her, he would do anything for her. He would die for her.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she leaned against him.
“Tell me about Vannla.”
“She was a fierce fighter, the most ruthless of the gods. At the beginning of time she led an army against the mortals who had the temerity to challenge them for the right to rule Vraxos. The battle was long and bloodthirsty. But one day the mortal leader, a young man called Ayanlesh, saw Vannla fighting and was captivated by her.”
“Ah.” Kara nodded knowingly. “He had the hots for her.”
“Yes. Very much so. Ayanlesh fell in love with Vannla and one night he went to her with an offer. He lay his sword at her feet and asked her to do the same, so they could rule Vraxos as one.”
“Ooh. A peace deal. What happened?”
“Vannla gave him seven days to persuade her. If he could make her fall in love with him in that time, she would lay her weapon aside. But if he failed, she would run him through and win the war.”
“Let me guess. He won her over.”
“For seven days he wooed her relentlessly with ballads, sonnets, and gifts. On the seventh day she realized she was in danger of losing her heart so she tried to escape. But wherever she went, Ayanlesh followed. When she finally accepted her fate, she laid down her sword and gifted him with water from the divine Fountain of Zandarr which made him immortal. They consummated their love in the garden of Shamhoreth and went on to fill Vraxos with their children.”
“Hang on.” She sat up. “Are you saying Vraxians think they’re descended from gods?”
“Of course. Surely our superb physiques and noble bearing make that obvious?”
He grinned and she slapped his arm.
“Another joke. You’re improving.”
“You are rubbing off on me.”
“Regardless, it was a good story. Thank you for telling it to me. But I think Vannla’s fucked up this time. As soon as our beacon is found we’ll have to go our separate ways.”
Vahn knew she was right. It didn’t stop the pain in his heart being any more excruciating. Kara saw the sadness in his eyes and immediately regretted saying anything. She raised her hand to his cheek.
“So tell me, if I’m your kalehsha, what does that make you?”
“Nothing, because you do not believe in it.”
“But if I did.”
“Then I would be your kalehshun. ”
“ Kalehshun. ” She drew his face down to hers and brushed her mouth across his. “Then listen up. I don’t have to believe in gods to know that I love you, my kalehshun. We’re the only two people on this planet and we may as well make the most of it.”
“I concur.” He studied her mouth intently. “Does your monthly cycle prohibit you from…?”
“Nope.”
She shrugged off the furs and pulled him down on top of her naked body.