Mara felt she had to explain his behavior, “He’s not much of a talker”
“Well, my partner isn’t much of one either. But I am determined to be fast friends by the end of this thing.”
Mara looked over at the Cyborg who showed no expression or emotion. It would be like making friends with a car.
She laughed. “Good luck with that.”
“You must be hungry. Have some food.” He handed her a large cup with a handle.
She was about to accept when Vaelor suddenly loomed over them. He growled, surprising both of them.
“The female has her own food rations,” Vaelor said.
What the hell was this guy doing? If she wanted to eat Blaine’s food, she would. But maybe it wasn’t a good idea to take food from a stranger. Mara didn’t know Blaine any more than Vaelor, but Vaelor had an interest in getting her to the end of the games. They would fight it out then over who would win.
She smiled at Blaine and tried to ease the tension, “He’s right. I have my own food rations. I don’t want to take yours. Thank you for the offer. Besides, I am exhausted and want to get some rest.”
Mara stood up and headed to the newly set up tents. She didn’t have to look back to know that Vaelor followed her. She stopped to try to figure out which one was hers. The tents all looked the same.
“The left one is yours,” he told her from behind.
His voice was deep and smooth, a slow warmth that washed over her, sinking beneath skin and bone. It left her body humming, responding in ways she didn’t want, and couldn't stop.
“Thanks for setting up the tents. What time do we leave tomorrow?”
“Just before sunrise.”
“I’ll be ready.”
She entered her tent and closed the flaps so that the seams melded together with any kind of zipper. Immediately, she felt the heat of the tent adjusting to her body temperature. Looking around, she found her pack in the corner.
Vaelor had done the bare minimum. He set up the tent but left everything else to her. She was grateful for what he did. She could handle the rest.
Opening her pack, she pulled out the standard mobile bed. It was a cross between a sleeping bag and an inflatable bed. She pressed the button on the side, and it inflated. It had a single blanket attached. No pillow. It wasn’t the best camping set up, but it was not the worst.
She would sleep in her biosuit which would continue to keep her warm. Grabbing the packaging that had her food rations, she sat on her bed and tucked her legs under her.
What a day. If the next twelve days had as many surprises, she wasn’t sure how she was going to get through it all. Her father’s advice when she went to college came to her. It applied even now.
One day at a time. One challenge at a time.
“I miss you daddy. I’ll come home soon.”
Chapter 8
Vaelor
The female—Mara—confused him. Her delicate frame was the complete opposite of her inner core and determination. She pushed herself to keep up with him. Granted, he did slow for her. His protective instincts and honor as a warrior would not let him leave her behind. Besides, he wouldn’t be able to win without getting her to the end.
He knew he would be able to set up their tents quicker without her and told her to sit by the fire to warm herself. What he didn’t expect was this strange feeling he got when he noticed the other human—a male—was talking to her. Talking wasn’t the issue. It was the way that the male subtly moved closer and closer until they were almost touching. It took all his self-restraint to keep from tearing the male apart. No one should ever be that close to Mara.
Vaelor kept himself busy putting up the tents, though it didn’t take that long. While he did that, he listened to the conversation, taking in all the information that the male named Blaine told Mara.
He dismissed the names of his opponents as non-consequential, but he carefully observes them while their focus is on Mara and Blaine.
The Cyborg sat absolutely still. His eyes were open but seemed blank. It was odd and chilling. It occurred to Vaelor that the male… creature… The machine was probably saving his energy. Where other beings sleep, the Cyborg has to power down somehow to recharge.
The Rasilian and Slurchan, who have not shown up yet, were clearly lost. The two Bestials, though not partners, were sharing a tent. The sounds coming from that direction made it clear thatthey were sharing sex. That would be a distraction. Especially since neither one of their actual game partners, the Aquatic and the Felon, looked particularly happy about it. The two females were trying to gain the attention of the other two males at the campfire.
