Chapter 18
Ahstahl
Night has fallen by the time we finish breaking down Keelie’s camp.
It was decided that even though the sun was descending, we would break camp and sleep on our ship.
The nights have become progressively colder, and neither Aercek nor I will fit in her tent to share body heat.
A large pile of items is stacked next to her Bronco, and she’s standing next to it, staring at her conveyance with a look of dismay.
Our ship is technically large enough to fit all of her belongings, but because of certain rules on my planet, she won’t be permitted to bring much more than personal items and clothing with her. The governing body is quite strict about what is allowed planetside.
Trying to ease the sting a little, I offer, “We can come back in the morning to get the rest of your things. You mentioned you wish to stop by your residence before we depart. It would be easy enough to leave your vehicle and all your wilderness items at the same time.”
Keelie perks up, and the overwhelming scent of her gratitude eases some of my dismay.
“That would work perfectly! I don’t want to abandon my Bronco out here in the middle of nowhere.
It’s a classic, and I know that someone will get a lot of enjoyment out of it once the world figures out I’m gone.
” She grimaces a little, but forces herself to continue.
“I’m sure it’ll be a little suspicious that my truck is parked under the carport and all my stuff is back in the shop, but it’s far too wasteful to just leave it all out here.
Plus, I spent most of my adult life preventing idiots from doing the same thing. Polluting nature is abhorrent.”
Her words drive home how perfect she is for us.
During one of our many talks, she told us of her work as a park ranger, in which she cared for and maintained public nature areas in her home state of Texas.
As warrior-hunters, Aercek and I are devoted to the care of our people, but also deeply respectful of every environment we encounter.
One of our mottos is “leave no trace.” It’s twofold, as we cannot be discovered on planets such as Earth, but also serves to remind us all that nature is to be honored, not used and abused.
“That is an excellent notion, Keelie.” Aercek intones before glancing over at me.
I’m holding the pack full of personal items our mate insisted she take with us.
Seeing that I’m ready to go, he stalks over to where Keelie is fussing with the lid on a container and scoops her up in his arms, ignoring her screech of surprise.
“Dangit, Aercek! Make more noise, would you?!”
Snorting out a laugh, he nuzzles her cheek with his. “I’m sorry, little mate. I’ll endeavor to make more noise in the future.”
Huffing, she folds her arms across her chest in an adorable display of faux pique, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “See that you do!”
KEELIE
I’m shocked that it doesn’t take any longer than an hour or so to get to the guy’s ship.
Looking around the meadow, I don’t see anything, and Aercek smirks at my unspoken question.
Ahstahl types something into the wristwatch-looking thing on his left forearm, and a vessel roughly half a football field in length appears out of nowhere.
I know I’m rubbernecking like the backwoods hick I am, but I don’t realize my jaw dropped until Aercek gently closes it with the tip of a thick finger.
“Best you close this, my anima, or else you will have insects flying in there.”
Snapping my teeth at him, I retort, “Oh, fuck off. Sue me for gawking over a SPACESHIP. It’s not like this is something I see every day.”
“It will be going forward.” Is Ahstahl’s snarky reply.
Well, he’s got me there.
Suddenly, a door opens, and a ramp extends down just like out of a movie. Ahstahl smirks and lopes up the ramp.
Aercek pauses and asks, “You’re sure? Ahstahl and I will happily take you back to your campsite if you’re not comfortable or have changed your mind.”
Reaching up with both hands, I pull his face down to mine and press a tender kiss to the end of his snout. His massive body freezes at the contact. “Thank you for asking, sweetie, but I’m good. I haven’t changed my mind, and I’m ready for my next adventure.”
And with that, Aercek follows Ahstahl up the ramp and into the ship.