Warmth flooded her and pooled low in her belly.
A swell of voices rose over the music, drawing Callie’s attention to the game. Many of the vrix, including Garahk, were holding their sticks high in the air.
Cole thrust his arms straight up, raising his stick in both hands. “Victory!”
The broodlings holding onto Urkot dropped to the ground and scurried to their fathers as the game dispersed. Mandibles raised, Ketahn swept his son up and greeted Ivy with a dip of his head, pressing his headcrest to hers. Callie’s heart squeezed seeing the tenderness and love they shared.
Cole leaned his stick on the rack with the others and jogged toward Callie and Urkot, grinning. His bare chest and arms glistened with sweat.
“That was a fucking blast,” he said.
Callie chuckled. “You looked like you enjoyed yourself. You rocked it out there.”
“I can hold my own, doesn’t matter how big they are.” He ran a hand through his damp hair as he smirked at Urkot. “You’ll have to join next time. I’ve got wins against Rekosh and Ketahn now. You and Telok are next on my list.”
“I must say no,” Urkot replied.
“Too scared?”
“No, I am protective of my tribe. Your pride would take a wound too big for you to survive.”
Cole laughed. “Ouch, man. When you strike, you strike deep.” He looked back to Callie and swept his gaze over her. “Damn, you look hot in that dress.”
“Aw, thank you.” Grinning, she grasped the sides of her skirt and spun in place, letting the silk flare. “Probably the prettiest dress I’ve ever owned.”
He waggled his eyebrows and leaned close. “Do I get a victory kiss?”
Callie pressed her fingers to his chest and gave him a push. “Even if you weren’t all sweaty, it’d be a no.”
Growling, Urkot gnashed his mandibles, making his fangs clack as he inserted himself between Callie and Cole. “Come, human. I will give kiss.”
Cole chuckled and took a step back. “Nah. I’m gonna pass on that.”
“You want a kiss for victory, or kiss from her?” Urkot pressed, advancing the same distance Cole had retreated. There was tension in him that hadn’t been present a moment ago, making the muscles of his broad back taut.
“It was a joke, Urkot,” Callie said softly, placing a hand atop his hindquarters.
He let out a heavy breath, and she watched him gradually ease.
“Just a joke, man. Besides, I’m not into spiders.” Cole lifted his hands to his face to mimic mandibles. “These just don’t do it for me.”
The remaining tension bled from Urkot, and his mandibles fell. “You think I am ugly?”
Callie scoffed. “Cole! How could you?”
“Woah, woah!” He threw his hands up. “I never said that.”
Urkot looked at Callie, bowing his head. “He does not like me.”
She didn’t miss the mirthful glimmer in his bright blue eyes.
Cole lightly patted Urkot’s shoulder. “I’m sure you’re a fine specimen…for a vrix.”
“Callie, do humans have other words for much big sad?” Urkot asked.
“Jesus,” Cole said as he ran a palm over his face. “Look, it’s not you, it’s me, okay?”
Callie propped her hands on her hips. “Really, Cole? You’re going to use that line? Like that makes it better after the damage you’ve done to this poor vrix?”
