Strong hands grip my arms and my name is being called, but I can’t breathe. I can’t focus. Katem is probably going to die soon, and I’m the one to blame.
“Piper, look at me,keeshla. Look at me and breathe.”
Finally, the voice and words penetrate and my gaze focuses on the male in front of me. Katem’s face is marked with concern. He releases my arms and palms both sides of my head, staring deep into my eyes. “Breathe. All is well.”
Tears spill down my cheeks. “No, it’s not. Nothing is well anymore.”
“It is. On my honor, I swear.”
I slam my hands over his and clutch them so tight my nails burrow crescent shapes into his flesh. “It’s not. You aren’t supposed to die. It’s not fair.”
Katem lifts me into his arms and I bury my face against his neck, my tears soaking his skin, as he carries me somewhere. I sob out my sorrows and curse whatever higher power decided my life was no longer worth living. Worse, thatKatem’slife is now irrevocably tied to mine, which has been significantly shortened.
Eventually, my sobs slow and my tears dry up. I don’t want to leave Katem’s embrace though. If only I could stay wrapped in his arms forever, ignoring the outside world and the fact I’m dying. I’ve tried accepting it, but I’m sometimes still in denial and also so damn angry.
Katem strokes my hair. Has anyone ever done that for me?
“I’m sorry.” I rub my face against his chest, nuzzling him and breathing in his scent.
“Never apologize for having strong emotions. They are what make us who we are.”
I draw back and wipe my nose. “Stop being so damn nice.” There’s no force to my words though.
Katem grins. “Do you really wish for that?”
“No.” I shake my head.
“I did not think so.” He thumbs away a stray tear that clings to my lashes. “I brought you food as well as one of my tribe brothers and sisters I wanted you to meet.”
I glance up in horrified silence at the younger Tavikhi-human couple who stands over us. The large and impressive male stares at me with a good deal of fear, while the tiny human at his side looks at me with something close to understanding. Frantically, I try to dry my face. “Oh, my god, I’m so embarrassed.”
“Do not ever be ashamed of expressing your emotions, no matter how big or small they might be. Not ever.”
The woman crouches down. “I’ve had my own fair share of panic attacks. You won’t see any judgment from me or anyone else, I promise. I’m Maeve, by the way.”
She gives me her hand and I quickly swipe mine along my pants to dry it before giving it to her. “Piper.”
“Congratulations on your mating.” She gestures at the enormous Tavikhi who looms over us. “This is my mate, Benham. Ignore his cranky face, he always looks like that. But underneath the grumpy exterior, he’s a marshmallow.”
“Do not give all of my secrets away,keeshla,” Benham says in a gruff tone, but I could swear there’s a small hint of a grin he’s holding back.
To my surprise, some of the mortification fades. “It’s nice to meet you both. I’m still sorry you had to witness that.”
Maeve waves me off and rises with a smile. “Don’t think twice about it. Katem tells us Alesha is going to teach you pottery?”
“Yes. That’s why I’m here tonight. To talk with her, because she had some questions for me.”
“She’s a lovely female. Will treat you like a daughter.”
The thought warms me. It’s been far too long since I’ve had a mother.
“Thank you for being so kind to me.”
“You’re one of our tribe sisters, now,” Maeve says, like it should be so obvious. “When you’re feeling better, I’m happy to give you a tour of the village. Just have Katem set up a time.”
She takes Benham’s hand and the two of them leave. I turn to Katem and glance over at the elders, suddenly aware of where I am. None of them are staring at me like a weirdo. They all just talk amongst themselves, passing the jug of alcohol as if nothing out of the ordinary just happened. It does make me feel a little better that they’re not paying us any attention or at least not making it appear as if they are.
“Not how you thought you’d come back and find me, huh?” I try to make light of it.
