Above us, something rustles and squeaks.
I flinch.
It’s okay, they are small leaf eaters.
“Did you know I was watching?”
“Of course. You aren’t silent and I felt you draw closer.”
“Why didn’t you stop?”
He shrugs. “I wanted to be found.”
We step out of the shadows and into the illumination of the fire. Bridget is eating, and Orik is pacing nearby. He isn’t glowing which means Bridget hasn’t chosen him. Does that bother him?
He nods when he sees us. “How does it feel, brother?”
Sunif pauses for a moment.
My cheeks must be glowing with the heat they are generating.
Bridget looks at me, but I can’t tell if she is surprised or dismayed as that leaves only her. Does Orik expect to be chosen? Or does he not care because he already has a lover?
“Like the rush of a fight only more enjoyable, and the pleasure is more intense than any attachment,” Sunif says.
Is he going from memory? Did he seek pleasure with men before he found a mate?
I know nothing about him beyond one small slice of his past.
“Does that mean you will remain here, for a few days instead of returning to the boat?” Orik hands Sunif meat on a stick.
My mouth waters at the scent and my stomach rumbles even though it doesn’t look appetizing at all. Will I die if I eat it? Bridget is eating as if she isn’t concerned.
Sunif offers me the first bite.
I grimace, not sure how I am supposed to eat it, while he holds the stick. I settle for taking a small bite from near the top and chew slowly as I determine if I like meat or not. My stomach doesn’t seem to care what it tastes like, only that it is food.
Orik tilts his head and his expression changes. I feel Sunif’s body shift and I know they are talking silently, sending thoughts their via their kam.
I take another bite since he is busy discussing things with Orik, and rudely doing it so I can’t understand. He is touching me, but he can control what I hear and what Orik hears. I’m sure he can hear everything I am thinking.
His lips twitch.We are discussing the dangers and if it is better to wait for Edilk and Sabine to rejoin us. If we remain here to complete the mating and get through the rut, then Orik and Bridget must go on alone.
“We left Sabine and Edilk alone.” I say once I have swallowed my mouthful.
“They are not that far back. Not an entire day’s walk.” Orik says. “We should wait.”
Does he want extra time with Bridget before reaching the boat?
They aren’t allowed to raid the colony as part of the agreement for getting us, but the warriors who stayed on the boat will be angry that they do not get the same chance. Or maybe they will not heed the warning and will attempt to steal more women? Or will they be disgusted because we are not like them?
I am assuming they all want a mate, but since Sunif didn’t so perhaps there are others who also do not.
“I agree. Though there are not three blankets.”
It takes me a moment to understand Sunif’s concern. He will share with me. Since Bridget and Orik are not mates, they will not share.
Orik stands and tosses the stick he’d been eating off into the fire. “I do not need a blanket.”
