I laugh again.
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. Despitemy 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.
