CHAPTER THIRTEEN
KOBRIK
I’m not sure what finally convinced Kenzie I’m not human, but the shock on her face is clear. My insides knot. She’s looking at me differently. With suspicion, as if I am no better than the grud who kidnapped her.
“I’m zyanthan. This is not a costume.”
“I guess I was too wrapped up in Halloween to believe you. You reallyarean alien.”
To my relief, there’s no fear in her face.
“You’re injured and should rest,” she adds, but keeps her distance. “Unless you prefer to go to a hospital to get stitches.”
I rotate my arm. Besides minimal throbbing, it feels better. “No hospital necessary. Your healing methods are admirable. As good as any medic who’s ever worked on me.”
When I stand to leave, her hand slips into mine. “Don’t go.”
“Are you sure?”
“I have to apologize to you, and I’m not sure how.”
“Speak your heart, Kenzie. I do not wish there to be any lies between us.”
She takes a deep breath. “You told me the truth from the beginning, but I didn’t believe you. I should have taken you at your word.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Aliens are not commonplace here. I really thought you were teasing me.”
“Would you have kissed me if you had believed I’m not human?”
Her eyebrows scrunch together as she considers my question. “I’m not sure. I’ve never known any aliens. I’d only seen the one grud when I was a child.”
My horns rise with worry.
“I think I would have kissed you. I liked you from the start, Kobrik. Still do, very much.” She chuckles, but it’s not a true laugh. There’s sadness in her eyes. “We both worry about being accepted by humans. You, because you’re an alien and me because I’m not good at fitting in.”
“What other humans think of me is irrelevant, Kenzie. I only care about what you think, what you feel.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh.”
“You don’t believe me?”
“I do. I’m… surprised. Guys don’t seek me out. And I must look different from the women of your species.”
“Different, but exceedingly beautiful, even dressed as a grud.”
Red seeps into her cheeks. In most races, that indicates arousal, but she keeps her distance.
“Does the fact that I’m not human, that I have horns, claws, and blue skin, change anything between us?”
She laughs. “I was looking forward to seeing how far down that paint goes, but now I have my answer and no excuse to explore.”
I open my arms wide. “Female, you may explore any part of me, any time.”
“That is an offer I cannot refuse. But I have a… question,” she says, growing very serious. “I don’t mean to sound stupid, but can a human and zyanthan… I mean…” The color in her cheeks intensifies.
“Mate?” I say, as I see the reason for her hesitation. It’s the unknown, not fear of me or my people.
