15. Kira

15

Kira

Drasuk says nothing as I pick the remnants of bark out of the skin of my knuckles with detached annoyance. Its laughter... his laughter, whatever, subsided a while ago, and he has settled for staring at me with his amber-gold eyes.

The silence between us is comforting in its own way. My mind keeps drifting back to his scent and the unexpected reaction it provokes in me. I shake my head, focusing on the task at hand.

We need resources if we're going to survive, and there's only one place I know to find them.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Before we start laying any plans, I say we head back to the crash site," I suggest, keeping my voice steady. "There are supplies there from the aliens I killed. We could use them."

Drasuk makes a rumble of agreement, standing up and stretching his massive frame.

"Lead the way, little one," he says, his tone still carrying a hint of mockery.

I roll my eyes at his continual refusal to use my name and start walking, the dense foliage parting slightly as I move.

Behind me, Drasuk follows, his heavy footsteps crashing through the underbrush. I clench my fists, my irritation rising with each noisy step he takes.

Just as loud as ever with his giant stupid body , I think to myself, a small part of me still irritated that I've picked up such a pushy, insulting stalker.

I'm better off alone.

The silence between us stretches, broken only by the sound of Drasuk barreling through the foliage gracelessly behind me. Eventually, I can't take it anymore.

"If you're going to be that loud," I say over my shoulder, "you better have excellent hearing because you're making it impossible for me to hear anything else."

Drasuk snorts, a sound that's almost a laugh. "Do not worry, weak human. I can keep my pet safe. Besides, if your hearing is that bad, you clearly need me."

I grit my teeth, trying to keep my temper in check. "Not your pet," I snap. "And I don't need you. In fact, you could do us both a favor and go away."

Drasuk's eyes gleam with amusement. "You know, for someone who doesn't need me, you seem awfully keen on having me around."

I stop walking and turn to face him, my fists clenched at my sides. "Listen, lizard face," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "I don't know what you think is going on here, but I'm not interested in playing your games. I'm trying to survive, and your constant noise is going to get us both killed."

Drasuk's forehead spines shift, his expression one of mild curiosity. "You have strong opinions for such a small creature," he says, taking a step closer. "But your anger is misplaced. I'm here to help you."

"Help me?" I scoff. "You've been nothing but a pain in my ass since we met. If you really want to help, then start by being quiet and letting me do what I need to do."

Drasuk chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound. "Very well, little one. I'll try to be quieter. But don't think for a moment that I'm going anywhere, whether you like it or not."

I turn back around, muttering curses under my breath as I continue walking.

Men are exactly the same no matter the species. They want to feel needed.

I don't need them, so there lies the rub.

The banter and insults continue as we make our way through the forest, each comment a fresh spark of irritation. Despite my annoyance, I have to admit he is clever and that my anger with him is a lot easier on my mental health than wallowing in despair.

It's infuriating and confusing, but for now, I push those feelings aside.

Finally, we reach the crash site. The area is still and silent, the bodies of the alien hunters lying where I left them. I glance around, scanning for any signs of danger before approaching the green-skinned one.

Drasuk watches me, his eyes sharp and alert.

I kneel down beside the alien, my fingers deftly searching its body for anything useful. I find food, water, and some medical supplies, stuffing them into my pack. There's ammo, too and I strip the thing of its armor, though it's a ridiculous gold color.

Not to mention my boobs aren't going to fit, but poor fitting armor is better than no armor.

I wipe the green blood off it and my hands on nearby sand before folding the surprisingly flexible material and shoving it into my pack.

Not much, but plenty to keep me going for long enough to find another hunter. I glance over at Drasuk and refuse to include him in my ration calculations. The big idiot can take care of himself, regardless of our truce.

Besides, he doesn't seem concerned and isn't snatching up weapons. I glance down at his claws and over to the tail I'm pretty sure would wreck me if he swung it my way. I guess he's his own weapon.

We can be together and still fend for ourselves. It grates against my training, but he isn't my responsibility.

As I stand up, I feel Drasuk's eyes on me. "What?" I snap, my patience wearing thin.

"You're very resourceful," he says, his tone almost admiring.

I roll my eyes. "Gee, thanks. Now let's get out of here before more of them show up."

We leave the area, transitioning back out of the open desert with almost no cover and back into the trees, where I breathe easier.

Soon, we're moving quickly and quietly through the forest. The uneasy alliance between us holds, but I'm still on edge, my senses sharp and my dagger ready.

As we walk, I'll admit to feeling a sense of relief that his hulking form is here with me, even if I'll never admit it to the annoying jerk. For all his bluster and arrogance, Drasuk seems to be a capable ally.

Maybe once I get my feet under me, I can convince him to beat it.

We walk in silence for a while. The forest is dense, every shadow a potential threat, but with Drasuk by my side, I feel slightly more at ease. His presence, as irritating as it is, is useful.

All my waffling on his utility is another layer of annoyance, this time with myself.

There's also the irritating fact that having him this close is doing things to my lower regions that are making the latex-like material of my pants really irritating to have on at the moment.

My body is telling me all kinds of wicked things that I'd usually be completely on board with, but not with him. I try to think about that bouncer at the club, but I get caught up in wondering if he helped them throw me in a van.

Then I'm right back to thinking about Drasuk and how much I'd like him to say something clever again. I mean, I hate it, but it's hot.

I don't know what the fuck I want right now.

Ridiculous.

Suddenly, Drasuk breaks the silence. "You smell better again. Why is that?" he rumbles, his voice low and curious.

The question throws me off, and I can feel my cheeks heating up. "I don't know what you're talking about," I mutter, trying to sound nonchalant.

The truth is, I do know. The scent, the arousal, is because of him, and it's infuriating.

Drasuk chuckles, a deep, throaty sound that sends another unwanted shiver down my spine. "You can deny it all you want, little one, but I can smell it. Your body betrays you."

I clench my fists, anger flaring. "Just keep your nose to yourself," I mutter, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

This is the last thing I need right now.

"Very well," Drasuk says, his tone amused. "But if it becomes a problem, do let me know."

I glare at him, but he simply rumbles out a taunting sound and continues walking.

The silence stretches again, but this time it's filled with a different kind of tension. I try to focus on our surroundings, on fucking staying alive, but my mind keeps drifting back to Drasuk and the confusing feelings he stirs within me.

I let out a breath. "Hole in rear."

"As eloquent as always," he deadpans, and I brush past him in a huff.