I cannot help but track the same path and appreciate just how intact she is.
“Greetings, female,” Rojtar calls out as he and Evren come to stand beside me.
She grins broadly. “Oh, hello. Are you Katem’s friends?”
The damned male nods and grins back. “I am Rojtar and this is Evren.”
Instead of fisting their chest as they both would have normally done, Evren reaches out in the way Astrid taught him to greet people.
Piper places her small palm within his and despite him being mated, an urge to rip him away from her rises up inside.
“It’s nice to meet you Evren. Rojtar. I’m Piper.”
“The pleasure is ours.” Evren glances at me and a devious spark flares in his eyes. “Katem was just speaking about you.”
I stare at him with retribution in my gaze.
“Oh?” she asks. “He was probably telling you what a menace I am and how he so kindly offered to walk with me yesterday when I was exploring the forest.”
“You are not a menace.” I am quick to defend her. Piper should not speak of herself so.
“That’s kind of you to say, but we both know you were frustrated by what you see as a disregard for my safety, both yesterday and again today.” She chuckles.
“I was not frustrated, merely concerned.”
“It may not appear that way, but I really do appreciate your concern.”
“We suggested to him that it would be nice if he asked you to go on another date,” Rojtar says, as if he is helping the situation.
Piper’s cheeks darken. “What do you mean ‘another’ date?”
Rojtar gestures between himself and Evren. “Our mates are human and they have described various kinds of dates humans go on back on Earth. We have gone on these so-called dates with them, which includes pleasant walks with each other.”
“Yes,” Evren adds. “Since Katem is still unmated and he has an interest in you, we were encouraging him to court you.”
I curse the males who are supposed to be my brothers. If it would not affect the entire village, I would wish for them to fail at hunting for the rest of the season. Instead, I will have to take my revenge in the training arena.
Although the amusement has returned to her eyes, Piper’s face turns an even darker color. One I did not know was possible for humans. She coughs so hard I worry she will hurt herself. I move to gently tap her back, but stop short of touching her.
“Are you well?” I ask her instead.
She holds up a finger, coughs a couple more times, but finally manages to clear her throat. “I’m fine now, thanks.”
“Please ignore them.”
“I think it’s sweet that they’re trying to play matchmaker for you.” Piper grins.
Sweet? Shurup nectar is sweet. The scent of the flowers on the lulebore bush is sweet. These two males are not sweet. They are devious.Theyare menaces.
“So,” Evren begins. “Would you consider allowing Katem to court you?”
Annoyed, I walk away and send a prayer up to Deeka that she punish the males who are supposed to be my brothers in whatever way she sees fit.
Fast approaching footsteps sound overly loud. Far too loud to be either Evren or Rojtar. Which leaves Piper.
“Katem, wait, please. They were only teasing you.”
I slow my pace, but do not stop. While she is correct—and under normal circumstances it would not bother me—lately, I have become increasingly less quick to accept the good-natured jabs at my continued unmated status. It is no longer something I can tolerate, especially from those who Deeka has blessed. I am only further reminded of how lonely I am.
