A rumble of pleasure echoed down the dim path. “He would like that, I’m sure.”
There were many opportunities for a student as bright as Kiri. Clever, charming, and friendly, he could likely accomplish anything he set his mind to with the right push. Maeve wouldn’t tell Soren, of course, but she’d already begun thinking about bringing Kiri with her to Dundúran. Although not Gleanná, Dundúran still offered opportunities neither of them could find in the countryside.
A bright student, a novelty like a manticore youth, could very well open doors for them both.
Mercenary of her, yes, probably. But she knew very well how stifling the countryside could be. She saw the same potential in Kiri that she had in her younger brother Calum. Both were curious, with a natural urge to learn. Calum had had a far easier time leaving home for university since Maeve had charted his way, of course, and he hadn’t looked back. Blaire too could be bound for university…if she’d the inclination.
Village life would bore someone like Kiri. There was so much out there, a whole world of things to see and people to meet—and people would definitely want to meet him. He’d be not simply a novelty but potentially an ambassador of his people. He could bridge worlds.
So much opportunity and promise—she just had to get them out of this little corner of the world.
She was also very sure his older brothers would protest. Peeking at the one who’d seemed to have the largest hand inraising him, Maeve wondered if Soren would come to hate her for suggesting Kiri go away.
First his mate and then his little brother.
Her stomach swooped.
Different subject, change the subject.
“Are manticore children often raised by their fathers?” It made her curious that the five of them were all males—no sisters or wives had come with them on their journey north, and they rarely spoke about female manticores.
“Much of the rearing is commonly left to the father, yes. Although it depends on the couple. Our situation was…special.”
Yes, their exile. Kiri had mentioned it before, but Maeve figured that might be another soft subject for Soren.
“Still, it must’ve been difficult. You were all young yourselves. Had you…reareda child before?”
“No, none of us were mated.” And, quietly, as though to himself, he added, “I wouldn’t have been allowed to.”
“Well, you’ve done excellently with him.”
“Balar was responsible for all of us, and Diar and Akila were barely men themselves. I took charge of Kiri—it gave me purpose.”
Maeve’s brows rose. This was the most he’d spoken to her on their walks. He could be counted on to talk more when it was about Kiri or the other students, true. Still, Maeve couldn’t help but be touched—it was clear how much he loved raising Kiri.
He’ll want children of his own.
A sucking ache pulled at her stomach. Even if she planned on staying, Maeve wasn’t sure she wanted children herself. At least, not for a long while yet.
His mate, his brother, his chance for a child…
Could manticores have children with someone other than their fated mate?
She nearly broke out in a cold sweat—fates, she hoped so. Forhis sake.
“You remind me of my sister Sorcha,” she found herself saying. “Taking care of everyone else.”
Maeve…perhaps hadn’t been the most devoted older sister to Calum, Blaire, and Keeley. Honestly, if she’d tried, Sorcha probably would’ve corrected her or felt her toes had been stepped on. Sorcha was the eldest, the third parent—that was her territory and she guarded it jealously.
“That’s the way of a pride, no matter the size,” said Soren. Peering down at her, his gaze far too soft, he said, “You would understand that, of course. Your family is large, too.”
“Toolarge sometimes,” Maeve sighed. It was easy to get lost amongst so many siblings.
“You…would still leave?” he asked, voice dropped so low it was almost a whisper. “Although your family is here?”
Fates, they were straying close to a soft subject again.
“I’m not like Sorcha, you see,” she said with a forced smile. “I prefer my own path.” No one had ever accused her of being sentimental or self-sacrificing. The bonds that knotted their family together didn’t feel so tight around Maeve—and she didn’t think it was entirely her own doing. Still, “Although, I’m close with some of my siblings. Niall and I have always gotten on.”
