“She belonged to another,” I answered for him. “Tyal refused to leave her behind. She is safe with him.”
The younger male grunted, unsatisfied with the answer but having no room to argue more. The clan leader spoke instead, gesturing toward a large tent away from the fire. “Let’s talk inside.”
My gaze dropped to Briar, and I grimaced. “They are cold. Can we talk out here?”
The clan leader tipped his head, his expression softening. “Not for long. This area will become crowded once the morning meal is served. But I can have furs brought for them both so they can be warm. And a meal will help with that as well. Please, join me. I’m sure you could all use a rest.”
I wasn’thappy about being pulled away from the warmth of the huge fire, but I didn’t have a chance to get cold again. Warm furs were brought into the tent we were led into, as well as bowls of what smelled like porridge. There was even fruit and honey in it. I hadn’t seen such foods since I was taken. While Khrull fed me regularly, the meals mostly comprised different kinds of meats. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the variety.
I sat in Khrull’s lap, his warmth and the furs keeping me toasty warm while I ate. I didn’t bother listening to their discussion, since none of it made any sense to me. Instead, I checked on the woman, who ate slower than me and seemed to lean heavily on Tyal.
“Do you need help?”
She shook her head slowly. “I’m okay. Sore.”
From the bruising, I wasn’t surprised. I couldn’t even imagine what she’d been through. But from the gentle way Tyal held her, I figured she was in good hands. As long as shewas okay with him randomly grunting and growling with no explanation.
“A healer is coming to check on you both,” a heavily accented voice said. I jerked around to face the older man, who gave us both a soft smile. “Are you still hungry? There is always more if you need it.”
I glanced down at my empty bowl. I hadn’t even realized I’d finished it. It was just so good, I inhaled most of it. When his head tipped slightly in question, I realized I hadn’t answered his question. I shook my head quickly. I didn't want to overstay my welcome by eating up all the food.
“Are you with them willingly?” the barbarian standing behind him asked, his eyes narrowed and suspicious. He didn’t trust our barbarians, and I wasn’t sure why. I still had no idea what was going on.
I felt Khrull stiffen and his arms tightened ever so slightly at the man’s tone, though I was certain he didn’t understand since they were speaking the common tongue. Putting my hand on his chest, I offered him a reassuring smile before answering the man.
“I wasn’t at first, but Khrull has cared for me since I was brought to his clan. I am happy with him.”
I could have told him no and asked him to take me back home, but I didn’t have a home to go to. It wasn’t safe for me to go back. The only place I felt safe anymore was in Khrull’s arms. He may have been part of the clan that kidnapped me, but he was a gentle soul and I’d never been as happy as I felt when he was wrapped around me.
Seven
After a long discussion between our two barbarians and the new clan, we were brought to a large tent to rest. Pallets of furs were brought in, as well as warm water to bathe with and new clothes for me and the woman, who told me her name was Rebekah. We got clean and were ushered off to bed by our barbarians for a much-needed rest. When Khrull climbed into bed behind me, I immediately turned over and buried my face against him, soaking in the safe feeling I got whenever I was wrapped in his arms. He sighed happily, and I felt the tension leave him as he settled around me. And when I woke a few hours later, he was still there, sleeping soundly with his arms wrapped so tightly around me, I couldn’t move.
Voices behind me caught my attention. I had to wriggle to turn over, and I squeaked when Khrull hugged me tighter and buried his face in my hair with a grumble before settling again. A woman with a long dark braid was sitting beside Rebekah, putting something on her injuries. When she looked at me, a smile tugged at her lips.
“We are all teddy bears to them. I’ve learned when my bondmate gets too aggressive with it in his sleep to pinch his side. He always lets go when I do.”
I thought about it but decided against it. I liked the way Khrull held me. “I’m okay.”
She nodded, her smile sweet and understanding. “I’m Zoya, the clan healer. Do you have any injuries that I need to look at?”
“No,” I shook my head. “No one has hurt me since I was given to Khrull. He’s gentle with me.”
“All the good ones are,” she agreed, before turning back to Rebekah. “We’ll treat your other injuries in the healing tent.”
Rebekah looked over her shoulder toward where Tyal sat watching them, his eyes sharp and his body poised for action. It was a little intimidating, actually.
“I, uh… I’m not sure he’d allow that.”
Zoya smiled, unconcerned about Tyal’s behavior. “Don’t worry about him. All protectors act that way. He’ll settle once things are explained to him. Do you know any of the language yet?”
We both shook our heads, which she seemed to expect.
“We’ll teach you. I know how hard it is to be in a clan without understanding what’s happening. You’re safe here. Our clan doesn’t hurt tributes.”
It took some work to wriggle free of Khrull’s hold enough to sit up. I was pretty sure he only allowed it because he could still feel me when I rested my back against him. If I had moved away, he would have woken up.
“Do you know what’s happening?” I asked curiously. “One minute I was napping with Khrull in his tent, then they both went a little crazy and suddenly we were here.”
