Edilk’s markings flare blue against his skin as his charge flows through him.Be careful, Yva. You might win against other banished, but I am now mated.
I hold my breath, hoping that Yva will see sense. Attacking our leader, however unofficial, will bring no good. Being around newly mated couples is difficult and makes the longing for a mate rise. And Yva has always loved a fight.
Orik angers fast, but he snaps and stalks off, while Yva will seek a physical solution. The pain of being born a leader’s son, and raised as one, only to be banished the same as every fourth born in a heavy burden and one he has not always shouldered well.
Yva and Edilk jam each other’s signals. Teeth bared and eyes narrowed.
Then Yva lowers his hands and looks away.I will gather my blanket and set the fire.
Edilk must have said something to him while they were mid-standoff. He was always good with his words.
Edilk glances at me. “Take the shelter. I will stay here by the fire with Sabine. Sunif and Mia may use the boat for one more night. Agreed?”
“Agreed.” When we want the women to understand, we now speak aloud. Something we all started doing without discussion.
“Thank you,” Mia says.
Bridget is still standing.
Sabine is sitting silently.
I would like to be walking along the beach with Yva and Hrad, and then drinking enough gol to forget. But I need to put down blankets for my mate.
I glance at her. My lessons were so long ago, and never used with a woman, that I’m not sure what to do with my new mate.
She isn’t rushing into my arms or smiling with joy. Instead her gaze flicks to the dark in the direction Orik walked as though it is him she wants. Then why not just choose him?
15
BRIDGET
My hands are sweating, and my heart is racing as if I’ve made the worst decision of my life. No. I could’ve made a worse one. Yva demonstrated that.
This choice was about choosing the best mate, and I’ve done that.
But have I lost a friend in the process?
I can’t run after Orik and nor can Vari, though I’m sure that’s what he wants to do. I wipe my hands on my pants and then walk toward Vari.
We will work this out. I will make this work. I will convince Vari that I need two mates in the same way he needs Orik.
This is my life, and I will make it a good one.
Vari steps closer and clasps my hands.I will be a good mate.
His words fill my head and my heart. I don’t love him. But I like everything I’ve heard about him, and the way Orik loves him. I’m not sure if I’m attracted to the alien guys. I like them well enough, and I’m intrigued by them and their culture.
And while Vari doesn’t love me, they understand love even if they don’t have the words. Orik showed me that.
I smile, keeping my teeth hidden. Love can grow, but it needs time. Something I didn’t have.
His hands are warm around mine and for a few moments, I want to believe that we will grow to love each other, or at least form a bond that is more than I ever hoped for in the colony.
And I want Vari to be happy too, but that will take more than me.
Something flickers across his face, and I wonder if he heard my thoughts or just felt my doubts.
We can talk in private.
