“Kala is one of our Krijese tribe brothers,” Katem says. “You have nothing to fear from him.”
Holy shit, sothat’sa Krijese. No wonder those back at the settlement always appear unsettled when they’re mentioned. As if sensing my stare, Kala shifts his gaze from Zander and it lands on me. It’s only for a second, but that’s long enough to feel the cold chill creep down my spine.
“He’s not as scary as he looks.”
I turn to find a curvy woman with a large birthmark covering half of her face. In her arms is a small bundle. Peeking from it is a dark-colored head with the same thick roped stalks that stick up everywhere.
I wince in embarrassment. “It was rude of me to stare.”
“It’s an understandable reaction.” The woman—it’s also noticeable now that she’s missing her left hand at the wrist—smiles slightly and it changes her whole face. Whereas before she was pretty, now, she’s beautiful. “I’m Iris, Kala’s mate, and this is our daughter Jiasha.”
Even if she hadn’t told me, it’s obvious the baby in her arms is a mix of both their features. Her facial features themselves look decidedly human, but her skin color and that hair comes most certainly from her father.
“She’s adorable.”
“Thank you.”
“Momo, look who is awake.” A mirror image of Kala strides toward us, although he doesn’t appear to be more than maybe ten or eleven. Holding his hand and toddling along beside him with a slightly unsteady gait is a Tavikhi-human child. The mini Krijese takes slow and careful steps, not rushing his tiny friend. They join us after a short time.
The little boy’s gaze lands on me and he outstretches his arm. “Greetings, new female. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Sorin, and this is Makahla. She does not understand yet how to properly greet people, so I am teaching her.”
I laugh at how sweet he is. “Well, you’re doing an excellent job. I’m Piper. It’s nice to meet you both.”
“We are on our way to speak with Gogo.” With that, Sorin walks away.
“He’s obsessed with her.” Iris shakes her head, but there’s a smile on her face. “I better go over there and mediate so my son doesn’t take Makahla around to every tribe person just to show her off. It’s nice to meet you, Piper.”
“You as well.”
Iris heads for her mate and son. When she reaches them, she leans against Kala and he wraps an arm around her waist, tugging her close. Then, he does the most interesting thing. He nuzzles his cheek across the crown of her head.
“Even the Krijese tribe is slowly growing,” Katem says. “Jiasha is hopefully the first of many kits for Kala and Iris.”
“They really are friends with you guys.” It’s still hard to believe after all the stories that’ve been told of them.
“Kala is the only Krijese of his tribe that visits our village, but many of his tribe brothers have come to our aid when we have needed it. Jodah and Healer Sage visit them often as well so that Sorin may see Makahla. He also has a great fondness for Healer Sage, since she saved his life during a recent cold season.”
Katem’s hand goes to my lower back and he guides me forward until we come to a small wooden bench big enough for two people. The scent of seasoned meat makes my stomach growl and I’m surprised to find I have an appetite tonight. “It’s no wonder he admires her so much. She seems like a kind person.”
“We are lucky to have her. She and Kyler are passing on their knowledge to Iris and one of their elders. The Krijese number so few and no longer have a healer of their own.”
I glance at the small Krijese family. “Have they considered merging their people with yours?”
Katem shakes his head. “I do not know if that is anything Kala and the shefir have spoken on. The Krijese still do not fully trust outsiders, even the Tavikhi. It is just their way.”
I’m not sure how the humans who live here would react to the other tribe moving here anyway.
The rest of the tribe people trickles forward, and finally Katem and I get in line for food. My anxiety is high knowing that tonight will be the last night I spend at the human settlement, but as I glance around the central fire, I’m also excited to be surrounded by people who are actually living life the way I want to.
Chapter 13
Katem
I have dreamed of this since Piper became my mate. At last, she will share a tent with me. It brings me joy to know that neither of us will be lonely any longer. There is another part of me, though, that is worried. While I may not understand human illnesses, I am concerned by the fact that a simple infection in my mate’s lungs would cause her to cough up blood.
She has lost some of her weight. It is obvious in her face, with her sharpened cheekbones and a slight narrowing of its shape. Her hips are also not as rounded as they were a few short turns ago.
There is also the fatigue she has experienced, especially when we traveled to see the ujera. I loved the feel of Piper in my arms, but I have never known any of the other females growing so tired by walking that their mate needed to carry them.
