I bite back on a laugh.
“I’m aware that is not going to happen,” Orik says.
Vari considers him for a moment. “How can you tell?”
I feel him shrug. “Not every woman took two in my tribe, but when they did, it was always with two warriors who were close. She chose one, with the understanding that they would both choose the other. And most of the time, it worked out.”
“And when it didn’t?” Vari presses.
“It was because someone changed their mind, and the other warrior was never selected. It created bitterness all around, and usually the one left out moved to a different tribe. It didn’t happen often, and it was frowned upon because of the tension it created.” Orik releases me and lowers his hand. Then he steps back. “But if you can’t stomach the idea of sharing your mate, I’d prefer if you stopped my heart. Because I can’t lose everything again.”
“No! If you kill him I will…I will leave you to suffer the rut alone.” It’s the worst thing I can think of.
“I’m not going to kill him,” Vari grinds out. “He’s being dramatic. But I would agree to anything at the moment because of the rut, and I don’t want to make a mistake.”
Behind me, Orik's energy surges. “Do you think your scent has no effect on me?”
I turn so I can see them both and put my hands on their chests, fingers spread, well aware that if I were Honey, I’d be threatening them both. The hair on my arms stands on end because of the static they’re creating.
Vari bares his teeth and so does Orik.
“Stop it!” It’s nice to be wanted, but this is a bit much. “We can have sex, so you can think clearly.”
Orik snorts. “If he thinks adding me is a mistake, then what is the point? I love you and that’s not enough.”
He uses my word for love, which makes Vari frown.
“You were like a mate to him.” I offer a translation. “He’d have done anything for you.”
“And I you, that’s why I left, so Bridget could choose you.”
“Yes, and that worked out great.” I can’t keep the sarcasm out of my voice. “Don’t make me regret choosing you. I don’t want to be the reason you broke up. I don’t want Orik to be dead or miserable. And he would’ve been even if I’d chosen him because he’d be longing for you.”
“So why choose me?” Some of the charge leaves him.
“Because Orik told me to, because he thought you’d come around to including him.” I risk a glance at Orik. “You could’ve waited a little longer before wanting more.”
A few more days and Vari might have come around on his own since Orik and I had both mentioned it to him.
He shrugs. “It’s hard watching you both and then being relegated to sleeping on the beach. Yva snores after too much gol.”
“You really think this can work?” Vari looks at me. “You want two mates?”
“Yes.” I think a part of me has been considering the idea from the moment Orik told me about Vari and his tribe. “I hoped you’d see that adding me to what you have with Orik would be good for everyone.”
“You are viewing this as if Orik and I are the mates?”
Orik sighs. “Because we were. Bridget was always going to change things between us, and not only because of the rut. I too would’ve liked more time to discuss this with you, but you broke up with me and Yva got sparky.”
“I know you are expected to make your mate the center of your life, Vari, but I don’t want that responsibility. I can’t be what Orik was to you…”
Vari is scowling. “So you did make a mistake?”
I draw in a breath. “Yes, by not choosing both of you that night and then telling you both to get used to it. That is the mistake I made.”
“That’s not how it’s done,” Vari grits out.
“I don’t give a fuck how it’s done in either of your tribes. So there.” I cross my arms. “Either you both become my mates, or I’m done.” Dragging this out is only going to cause more tension between them. I see the way he looks at Orik. He still wants him; he just can’t accept that he wants a warrior and a woman.
