“But your past has also made you. Not everyone’s past meshes.” The corners of Orik’s lips quirk up.
This whole time I’ve known him, I thought he loves life and treats it as a joke, but there is a serious side to him. For a moment I wonder if he is hinting that I should choose him, but even as the thought forms, his gaze drifts up the path to Bridget. He is waiting for her to choose him. Though what will he do with his male lover? Or is she supposed to choose them both?
We’ve drifted back from the three at the front.
“You are wondering about her,” I say.
“I’m not sure if I want to risk what I have, or if I want to risk the rut. It does not seem pleasant.”
I manage a laugh. “Why would any man want it.”
He is silent for a few paces. “We are raised, well not fourth sons, but my older brothers and the other males, were raised to believe that being chosen to mate was an honor. They were the ones who would have children. Who would have influence in the tribe. It was not something I ever wanted or thought of, given that I have three older brothers.”
“And now you need to think about it?”
“I think Vari will want it, and if I want Vari, then I need to consider it.”
“She might choose someone else.” And Vari may not want Orik anymore if he is chosen by Bridget. “Why is it all up to the woman?”
His lips curve as he shrugs. “It seems that way, but it’s not. Several males might vie for attention, they might even prove what kind of mate they’d be, but usually the decision is mutual. I have two sisters, so I gained an understanding that some lack.”
I stare at him. “Your mother had six children?”
“Seven. My younger brother didn’t survive. The fifth sons never do.”
My mouth opens, but I can’t find any words. “You don’t have any birth control.”
“Birth control?”
Did the device not translate my words? “Birth control is medicine. It means the woman doesn’t risk getting pregnant every time she has sex.” The colony makes sure everyone uses birth control until it is deemed their time to reproduce.
He gives me a look as though I said something unbelievable. “Human women can get pregnant all the time, not only twice a year?”
Their biology is so different, and I am making assumptions based on what I am used to. “Every month.”
“Huh. And how long do you carry for?”
“Nine months…nine Earth months." I correct. "Which is seven and a half months here.” I remember that from school. “Your women?”
“Longer. Ten months.”
Orik tilts his head. “Edilk is telling the others about what we found. Are you happy now? Or do you still want to cry?”
“You deliberately distracted me?” He’s more dangerous than he appears, and he read me far too easily.
“Did it work?”
While I still don’t know what I’m going to do, I wasn’t thinking about it for a few minutes. “It did, thank you.”
Three men walk toward us. Like the other aliens, their hair is long and decorated with braids and beads, their clothing is well worn, and they wear swords. One strides toward me and Orik. Orik closes the distance, and they embrace, holding each other tight before easing back enough to kiss for longer than friends. I don’t need to read their minds to realize there is more than convenience and affection between Orik and Vari.
Bridget watches them.
Whatever Orik and Vari are saying is silent and for their ears only. They drop back behind me, hands linked. I don’t rush to catch up with Sabine and Bridget and the two new aliens who talking silently to Edilk.
“We have dinner prepared,” one of them says aloud, then he raises his voice. “Maybe Sunif will join us.”
That is all they say for the benefit of our human ears as they once again fall back into their silent conversation.
