Brexl had been quiet before, but after he started shifting, he withdrew even more. I always got the sense he was protecting us from himself. If he struggled to form friendships with us shifters, how much more would he struggle to form a relationship with a hu-man?
“That rat Scaron took her.” Kayla frowned.
“Humph, doesn’t surprise me.” Axon added.
Scaron was only slightly taller than Axon, but because Scaron was so insecure about his height, he constantly made fun of Axon for being short. It made no sense to me, but actions driven by insecurity never did.
“Two others went with him.”
“Brexl against three hunters? Should we send help?” Gabby looked to her mate.
Tarak shook his head. “Three hunters against Brexl, is an even match, but they’ve never seen him in action before giving him the edge.”
“He said if he wasn’t back with Taylor in five rotations to send help.”
All the hunters nodded their heads inagreement with this timeline. No one was as fierce as Brexl.
“Well, I’m happy you two are home, and I’m sure Brexl will bring Taylor back soon.” Gabby tried to lighten the mood. “I’m sure you two need some rest. No more questions, everyone.” She addressed the room. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Actually, I’d like to stay out here. After spending a few days with the other dekes, I really need some time with my friends.”
Gabby smiled and nodded and Hai grabbed her friend’s hand and led her to a pile of cushions on the floor.
I sat down next to her, and a fulfilling peace washed over me. We were home.
Chapter 30
Kayla
“Here, I made this for you.” Hai handed me a clay bowl while doing her best to hold back a laugh.
I couldn’t help the cackle that escaped me the moment I took in the sight of this train wreck of a vessel.
“I’m sorry,” I said, trying to catch my breath after laughing so hard.
“It’s so awful, isn’t it?” Hai was laughing now too. God, it was good to be back home. I needed this. I needed a deep laugh with Hai over our shitty pottery skills.
I looked around the cavern at everyone enjoying themselves. Orsu and Julie were making dinner. He cracked a joke while chopping vegetables and Julie laughed while stirring a pot of stew.
Tarak and Gabby sat together as they chatted with Drondia and Neelu. His tail wrapped around her waist and her hand rested on his knee.
Jax, Sarah, Sozu, and Talia were off in one corner, playing a rustic-looking strategy game. Jax touched Sarah’s shoulder to get her attention, and sheblushed. Sozu’s tail wrapped around Talia’s leg. She gave him a shy smile, and he apologized and wrapped his tail around his arm lest it make its way to Talia again.
Hai ran their fingers through their short hair as they made eyes with Lumod, and Fatima rolled her eyes at Hai, who clearly wasn’t paying attention to the conversation.
Axon and Rhaz were doing their best not to look at the females while they sharpened spears while Ashely and Anusha walked arm in arm to the ridge to get some fresh air.
I leaned back against Drovo, who had me in his lap.
“It’s good to be back, isn't it?” He asked.
“It is. It’s good to be home.” I smiled up at him and he held me tighter.
Home with my mate. What could be better?
Epilogue
3 days earlier
