Chapter 11
Katem
In spite of the weight of the three dead dhibani and two dreri weighing down the sled I haul behind me, my pace is quick. Normally, I would begin skinning and preparing them myself once I returned to the village and took them to the tanning tent. However, Zalik offered to do it for me this turn so that I might spend my evening with Piper.
For the past seven turns I have risen early—far earlier than I normally would—and traveled to the human settlement to escort her back here for her lessons with Alesha. While she spends the turn with the elder, I spend it hunting or scouting. When I return in the evening, we gather with the rest of the tribe around the central fire to eat before she and I walk back.
This turn, however, we begin Piper’s swimming lessons. We only have approximately one moon cycle left until the water cools to a temperature that is no longer comfortable for the humans. My mate has said on several occasions that she does not wish to wait until the next warm season to begin.
Ahead of me lies the village entrance. With it that close in sight, my already quick pace hastens further. My muscles ache from hauling the load, but in a good way. Especially as I have frequently caught Piper studying my form. Each time, when our eyes meet, her cheeks darken, but there is a change in her scent. The muskiness of her desire keeps my cock semi-hard at all times when I am in her presence. Far too often, I have had to leave the tent I share with Daveel and Zalik just so I can relieve the burning need I have for her. My seed has found its way to the forest ground more times since meeting Piper than it has since the previous cold season. While I remain patient, I pray for the turn when my mate shares my furs with me and it is her cunt that milks my essence instead of my hand.
“Greetings, Katem,” Zydon calls out from the other side of the field, dragging his own beast-laden sled. At his side, is Remi, who carries several leburin in her hand. “It would appear we all had a successful turn hunting.”
“Deeka has certainly blessed us. The creatures that roam the land have been far more plentiful this season than in seasons past. Considering how quickly our tribe continues to grow, this is a boon.”
Together we walk through the gate and head straight to the tanning tent, where Daveel, Zalik, and several other hunters have already arrived with their kills.
“You have my thanks again.” I fist my chest at Zalik.
“When I find mykeeshla, I know you will do the same for me,” he says.
“May Deeka bless you as she has me.”
I leave my sled with him and go in search of my mate. I find her in a small tent set up outside of Benham’s forge. Zander had it erected and stocked with all the tools and supplies Alesha and Piper would need for clay making. The elder asked for it to be close to the forge so they did not have to carry their creations far to fire them.
Piper lifts her head from her work and her eyes widen in delight at the sight of me. She jumps to her feet and rushes over.
“Welcome home.” Her arms go around my waist, and I hold her tightly.
We embrace for a moment and separate, except she doesn’t go far. Rising on her toes, Piper brushes my cheek with her lips. She started doing this the first evening I brought her here, but each time, her mouth moves closer to mine. This time, she caught the corner. Perhaps, the next turn our lips will fully touch. I look forward to finding out.
“Did you have a good day of hunting?” She keeps her arm around my middle and tips her head back to stare up at me.
“It was extremely successful. How was your lesson today?”
“Oh, come see what I made.”
Piper leads me over to a table on the other side of the tent from where Alesha is seated on the ground still crafting her piece. On the surface is a roughly hewn bowl. It is slightly crooked, and there is an indentation on one side, but my mate beams with pride at her creation.
“When you have finished it, I hope you will let me be the first to use it. It is lovely.”
Piper’s laughter is a sweet sound to my ears. “It’s all wonky, but, yeah, it is kind of lovely. Thank you.”
“It was made by your hands, so no matter what flaws you think it might have, to me, it is perfect.”
“You really are too good, you know that?” She rises up once again—balancing herself with her palms on my chest—and this time, her lips caress mine.
The kiss is sweet and far too short, but I cherish it regardless.
“I must go find Wakiel, but I shall see you again the next turn.” Alesha has risen without notice and stands at the door flap of the tent.
Piper waves. “Thank you for everything.”
The elder female dips her head and ducks out the entrance, leaving me alone with my mate in the dimly lit interior. Neither of us move, but rather, continue staring at the other with an awareness that grows with each passing turn.
Unable to resist, I pick up one of the long spirals of her hair and twirl it around my finger. It is so different from mine, and yet, so beautiful. I release it and it springs back into place.
“I am proud of your accomplishment. Alesha says you are quite skilled for a beginner.”
