“We better get you back home before you lose anymore blood,” Orsu teased in a light tone, but I could hear the anxiety in his voice.
I began to look down, but Orsu stopped me. “Don’t. It’s not worth it. Rest, and I’ll get you home.”
That was the last thing I remembered. Now I was here with bandages wrapped around my shoulder and leg. I sat staring at my mate who looked far too tired for my liking.
It took a lot of effort but I managed to sit up. Next I swung my feet over the side of my bed and tried to stand. The pain was too much for me to bear and I fell back down into the furs.
If this was my condition after Sozu had tried to heal me, I must have been close to death.
“You’re awake!” My mate rushed over to my side and looked me over.
“Don’t get up. Your leg has a deep gash. You shouldn’t put any pressure on it yet.”
I looked down at my leg that had been tightly bandaged and thrummed with pain.
“Is Sozu going to stop by again?” I couldn’t help but ask. I’d love to move this healing process along.
Fatima’s face paled and I knew something was wrong.
“You don’t remember do you?” she ask with a puzzled expression on her face.
I shook my head.
Fatima nodded and began again. “Sozu and...another hunterwent out to check their traps together and ran into Gil. Gil kidnapped Sozu and ran off before the other hunter could catch up to him.”
It was strange how she kept referring to “another hunter” instead of the person by name, but I let it slide. I was more concerned about Gil taking another member of our dekes.
“You look tired,” I commented, turning my attention back to my mate. “Have you eaten today?”
“I’ve eaten,” she replied but wouldn’t meet my gaze.
“What have you eaten?” I questioned again.
“Don’t worry about me,” Fatima gave me a tired smile. “I’m fine, you’re the one who needs to rest.”
Her lack of response was all I needed to know she hadn’t been taking care of herself like I would.
“I will rest later,” I grunted as I stood up trying not to put any pressure on my bad leg. I steadied myself against the wall and moved toward the fire.
“What are you doing?” Fatima gasped.
“I’m making you...” I had to look out the window to figure out what time of day it was. The two moons were high in the sky.
“I’m making you dinner,” I huffed. Once I made it to the hearth, I started to gingerly lower myself down to the ground.
“Don’t you dare sit down!” Fatima scolded me. “You get your ass right back into that bed.” She pointed angrily at the furs.
I met her gaze with a smile as I continued my descent and sat on the floor in front of the smooth cooking stone.
Fatima huffed with annoyance and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m going to get Orsu, and he’s going to carry you right back to bed.”
“Do what you must,” I shrugged. “Dinner will be ready by the time you return.”
“You’re so stubborn! You know that?” she huffed again.
“I know,” I gave her a wide smile. She could huff and puff all she wanted, but I was going to take care of my mate.
“If you’re going to get Orsu, will you ask him to bring some more pancake mix. I’m running low.”
