“He didn’t.” Orik steps back. “He is the right choice…because if you choose me, and I can see it in your eyes that you are thinking about it, he will never come around to the idea.”
“You believe there’s a chance?”
“No.” He shakes his head and glances back at the group. “I only returned to make sure you didn’t end up with Yva.”
I laugh. “That was never going to happen, and Hrad isn’t sure about human women because our eyes are too small.”
“He’s not wrong…but by your standards, mine must be too big.”
Orik’s right. “They are. However, I wouldn’t have called you ugly.”
“Hrad is more diplomatic than that.”
So maybe he didn’t say that exactly, but that’s what was implied. I’m beginning to understand why Mia wanted to be chosen. She wanted someone to fall for her. She wanted to be loved in a way that she wouldn’t have experienced in the colony. There is a certain appeal to that. While I might have my choice of men, what is the point if they are reluctant?
“Will Vari be happy with me?” Will he want me?
He draws in a breath and doesn’t meet my gaze. “I think Vari has always wanted a mate. He made do with me.”
“He wasn’t making do…”
Orik lifts his gaze. “That’s what attachments are. They are making do. Most men don’t get mates, so they make do and take comfort where they can.”
I don’t know what to say. That’s not what I saw when Orik talked of Vari, or when I saw Vari greet him. But I have seen so little of them and know so little of their culture that I can’t argue.
“They’ll eat all of dinner if we don’t join them.” He starts walking, leaving me to follow.
I wish I had his big eyes, as then I’d be able to see in the dark as well as him.
They left us space on the log with Edilk and Sabine. Hrad, Yva and Vari all sit together, and I wonder if Orik should be sitting with them. He doesn’t, though. He sits with me.
His hand brushes my leg.They are expecting you to choose now that you have asked your questions.
Already? Can’t I have more dates? But do I need more, when I know I don’t want Yva, and Hrad is unsure?
I accept the offered bowl of food and eat what appears to be meat with something like potatoes and vegetables on the side. There’s a spoon in my bowl, but Orik uses his knife and fingers to eat.
I need a knife, though someone will have to make one for me. My hand goes to the pocket in the pants where the wooden hook is. I can’t wait to test it even though there is work to be done on the fibers first. Hrad used some rocks to trap some river water and soak the stalks, but tomorrow they will need peeling and turned into fine rope, something I’m not sure how to do.
Vari knows.
I glance at him, but his gaze is on the fire. Does he think I have chosen Orik? Is that why he looks so glum?
Yva stands and stretches and looks at me. “We spent the day talking and answering your questions about who would make a good mate. Now we will show you our skills as a warrior.” He strips off his shirt, muscles golden in the firelight.
Next to me, Orik groans.
I grip my spoon a little tighter, not wanting anyone to be hurt. “I don’t want to watch you fight.”
Yva glances at Edilk, who must be telling him what I said. I need to learn their language, because relying on the devices, or touch, or someone else, will not work forever.
Yva’s gaze settles on me again. “Then what else do you want to see before you decide?” His hand settles on the laces of his pants.
I definitely do not want to inspect anyone’s junk.
Orik’s thoughts fill my mind.I can assure that Vari’s is superior, and he knows how to use it.
I glare at Orik. If by superior he means size, I might be better picking someone with a smaller dick. “That’s not as reassuring as you think it is.”
