A Different Species

Chapter 17

June was never a violent person. She never looked for nor caused trouble and handled conflict better than many of those around her. It always amazed others how patient and respectful June was even when things were ugly. That's who she was—naturally. She knew lowering herself to the same level as others would only make things worse.

But in this moment, her patience was thin, blood slowly boiling. This was not your normal June.

She mentally laughed at herself. Out of all times to lose her cool, she was pissed someone ruined her chance to kiss Kargon.

I was really about to kiss Kargon. I was really about to kiss an alien. Another laugh. Stockholm syndrome is really doing its thing.

She was a captive, but only because Kargon wanted to protect her from the dangers of his planet. Maybe it was also the fact that he was the only male she had come across since the explosion. Maybe it was because she fully accepted she'd never find another human male in her life. Maybe it was the weird fruit she ate that knocked her out. Maybe she hit her head hard enough during the impact that she lost all sense of logic and crushing over an alien was totally okay. Not that he lacked in anything, in fact, Kargon was the better option over human men.

Her face grew hotter with every thought she had of how capable Kargon was in many aspects. The fact that her body was right up against his didn't help diminish her thoughts.

Yeah, she was really screwed in the head.

Meanwhile, Kargon's blood ran cold at the sound of Fajra's voice, but he didn't move. He didn't say anything. June remained as she was.

They waited until Fajra had left. She called out a few more times for him, but she never went into his home to see if he was actually there. Kargon knew that by the tone of her voice Fajra was worried. Their last conversation did not end well, as did many others before, and so Fajra went looking for him to apologize. Kargon didn't blame her though. Things had changed between them since the incident when he was a youngling. He'd find her later to talk. He should be the one to apologize.

His thoughts went back to the present moment when he felt June move off of him. She began to apologize. That was the least thing he wanted her to do. She did nothing wrong.

Once they stood, things were quiet and awkward. The two had much they wanted to say, but it would be useless due to their language barrier. Another thing that was beginning to anger June.

Kargon opened a nearby chest and retrieved a black and gold robe. He placed it on but didn't tie it closed. He also didn't remove his mask. June didn't say anything, but she was beginning to get the idea that the mask meant something to Kargon. None of the tribe members wore masks, but they did have extra layers of clothing besides their loincloths.

At last, Kargon spoke. Again June didn't know the exact translation, but she got the message that he wanted her to follow him.

He led her through the tribe. She noticed most of their homes remained towards the outer parts, closer to the walls. Their businesses were at the center. They reminded her of a flee market. She could immediately tell what everyone's profession was as Kargon and her passed by.

Once again, no one approached them, not even Fajra. There was no sight of her anywhere. As June felt their stares, she noticed Kargon kept his gaze forward, never once looking around him. June slightly frowned.

Eventually they went inside one of the tents. Two women greeted them, one older seeming older than the other. Their eyes widened a fraction when they noticed June, but it didn't last long.

They nodded after whatever Kargon had told them and turned to June with broad smiles. Kargon introduced the two women, Zaera being the older woman and Andreika the younger one.