“My appetite really isn’t there, but I should try to eat a little bit. Thank you.”
I dip my head. “I will be right back.”
Quickly, I get to my feet and head for the main fire where there is always some food left over from the evening meal. The elders will look after Piper for the short time I am away.
Maeve and Benham linger near the central fire. Before they were mated, Maeve would disappear nearly as soon as the meal was over. Apparently she came to Tavikhi with many secrets, although the only people who know them are Benham, the shefira, and their other three tribe sisters. Perhaps she could become a close tribe sister to Piper.
“Greetings, Benham and Maeve.”
“Katem.” The large warrior acknowledges me and his mate smiles and waves.
“My mate is visiting with the elders while I get her some food. It would be an honor if you were able to meet her. She is a bit nervous.”
Maeve strokes Benham’s chest. “We should go and make her feel welcome.”
He sighs, but nods. “Zara has already taught our kit several bad habits. I am sure longer in her presence will not make it worse.”
Maeve grins, but ducks her head, so only I witness it.
“Thank you. Let me grab a bowl, and I will take you to her.”
Perhaps if Piper sees how welcoming everyone is, she will realize sooner that this could be her home. I swore I would not ask her again to move here, but that does not mean I cannot show her how wonderful being a part of our village is.
Chapter 10
Piper
I scan the direction Katem walked off to, searching for him and hoping he returns soon. My nerves are a wreck . My knowledge of Tavikhi customs is practically non-existent. What if I commit some egregious mistake and it makes not only me, but Katem, look bad?
A warm hand clasps mine and I jerk my head up to find Nellora watching me. “You are safe and welcome here.”
I give her a shaky grin. “Is my fear that obvious?”
“Yes, but there is nothing to fear from any of us. Deeka has chosen well for Katem.”
A harsh breath escapes. “I’m not so sure.”
Nellora cocks her head. “What makes you say that? Do you think it is Katem who is not worthy or you who is not?”
“Oh, it’s definitely not Katem.” No way do I want her to think it’s him. “He’s shown himself to be more than worthy. Nearlyperfect, in fact. It’s kind of annoying if I’m being honest. I mean, the only flaw I’ve found so far is how unruffled he is. It’s like he doesn’t let anything bother him or make him mad.”
“Ah, yes, I can understand this. My Gitesh is like this.” Nellora smiles, but it’s one that seems inherently sad. “Or at least he once was.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, but he is still among us. At least physically. His spirit will slip away soon. It has been holding on for far too long. I can feel it. Once that is gone, then I will join him. Our soul lights will find each other again in the lands of the goddess.”
Sorrow fills me. “Are you saying that when he dies, you will too?”
Nellora nods. “That is the way it is. Once ignited, our soul light cannot survive without its mate’s. So, when one burns out, so does the other. But there is nothing to fear, because they are seared together for all eternity and will burn again when they are reunited.”
Does that mean when I die, Katem will as well?
“What about the humans? We don’t have soul lights, right? So, what if one of them dies? What happens to their mate?”
“We do not have that knowledge yet.”
The panic inside me builds.No! Katem can’t die. It’s not right. God, why did he have to touch me? This can’t be happening.
