He gently squeezes my fingers. “On my honor, I will continue to do everything I can to remain worthy of that trust.”
Katem’s so earnest that I have no doubt he will.
We walk hand-in-hand toward the settlement, and not once am I tempted to ask him to release his hold. The simple gesture of affection feels too good, and I want to savor it for as long as I can.
“What was that animal Evren was carrying?” I’ve seen ones like it before but don’t know their name.
“A dreri.”
“Dreri.” I repeat the word slowly to make sure I have it right.
“That is perfect.”
My cheeks grow warm from the praise. It’s been a long time since I’ve had it. Maybe my whole life. Which is kind of sad when I think about it.
While we walk through the forest, Katem points out some other wildlife including a couple adorable critters called leburin, which look like alien rabbits to some degree, and ketri, whichremind me of some rodent that used to exist on Earth, but the name of which I can’t recall. A pair of yellow birds fly over us as well.
“What about those?”
“Mellenje.”
Through a break in the trees, I spot the long field that leads right up to the settlement. There’s a wave of disappointment to have reached it already. I guess I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to Katem yet. So, instead of telling him I’d be fine the rest of the way like I had yesterday, I let him walk me all the way up to the entrance.
I stop at the closed doors and face him. “Thank you for the escort.”
He fists his chest. “It was my pleasure.”
“So, I guess I’ll see you in the morning then?” I nudge a clump of grass with my toe.
Katem lifts my chin with a finger so he is able to look me in the eyes. “All will be well,keeshla. Remember that.”
I nod.
“Then yes, I will be here just after the sun crests the horizon.”
“I’ll make sure I’m awake and ready.”
His gaze intensifies, and for a second, I think he’s about to kiss me. Instead, Katem drops his finger from my face and fists his chest. “Until then.”
My heart doesn’t stop racing until he crosses the field and is swallowed up by the forest. Only when he’s no longer visible do I let out a loud sigh.
Chapter 5
Katem
As I head for the main entrance of our village, several warriors not present during the previous turn’s evening meal offer their congratulations on my mating. An event I continue to reel from. I, Katem of the Tavikhi, have finally been gifted with a mate. One who is not only beautiful in looks, but also in spirit.
Piper radiates kindness.
There is something else as well. Some other emotion that feels heavy. I have yet to determine what it is exactly. It almost has the weight of grief, but I am not fully certain.
“You are off to visit your mate?” Rassim asks from his post.
I nod. “Piper has a wish to see something called the…I cannot recall the Earth name, but it is a large body of water. I am taking her up into the hills to show her the ujera and hope it is close to what she is seeking.”
“The weather is perfect for the trip. I hope she enjoys it.”
“As do I.” I fist my chest, and he returns the gesture.
