His father slows his steps.
“Being stubborn is a positive character trait, I say.” I refuse to believe otherwise.
The young boy nods so fast I’m scared his head’s going to topple right off his shoulders. “I say so too.”
Man, this kid is funny. The best part is, I don’t think he’s actually trying to be. I glance around and finally spot the central fire where several people have already gathered, including a Krijese male who’s even bigger than Ortak. Standing tucked into his side is a curvy blonde with a bright birthmark covering half her face.She’s also missing her left hand. This must be Iris. Which means the lumbering Krijese is their tribe leader.
The closer we get, heads turn and observe our approach. My cheeks grow hot from the attention. It wouldn’t be so bad if Ortak wasn’t carrying me like we’re about to cross our marriage threshold. Might as well make the best of it. I wave at those standing around the fire with a big smile on my face like I’m some kind of pampered princess being delivered by her trustworthy attendant.
Most of the people aren’t known to me, but there are a few faces I recognize like Kyler and Zara. There’s also Astrid and Evren. Riley and Zalik, who has baby Stella secured in a support sling that’s wrapped around his chest and shoulders. They all wave back and laugh. Others continue to stare without making it look like they’re staring. Finally, we reach the small crowd that’s gathered and Ortak carefully lowers me to the ground. He doesn’t remove the arm from behind my back, a fact I’m grateful for since I’m feeling a bit unsteady and out of breath still. Gannen slides in close on my other side, and I feel strangely protected.
Kala and Iris walk over.
“Greetings,” the Krijese tribe leader says with a shallow incline of his head. “Ortak and Gannen have spoken of you often. I am Kala, and this is my sivalla Iris.”
To my surprise, he sticks out his hand in offering. I must take too long, because Gannen nudges me and leans in close.
“You are supposed to shake it,” he says in a whisper that isn’t anywhere near a whisper.
I rattle some sense back into myself and chuckle as I grasp Kala’s hand. “Sorry, yes. It’s nice to meet you both.”
Iris offers me hers next. “Gannen told us all where they found you. I am glad to see you are healing well.”
“Thank you. I’m definitely feeling better than I was that day, that’s for sure.”
She grins. “I imagine so.”
“Elodie is sharing a meal with us,” Gannen announces.
“We will let you get settled then,” Iris tells him and turns to me again. “It is lovely meeting you, Elodie.”
“You as well.”
Kala inclines his head and leads his mate over to where a new couple I haven’t met yet has joined. The scarred Tavikhi towers over everyone, but most especially over the woman next to him. Their hands are threaded together and the enormous guy is rubbing his thumb over hers is a soothing gesture.
“Baba!” A lavender toddler with chin-length blond hair rushes toward them on chubby legs. He doesn’t stop until he collides with the giant warrior with the jagged scar on his face. The male scoops him up and rubs the bones across their foreheads together while the little one giggles.
“That is Benham and Graham. Hiskeeshlais Maeve,” Ortak says quietly, gesturing with his chin. “He is the Tavikhi weapon maker as well as the head warrior who teaches the rest how to fight.”
“Do you know all the members of the Tavikhi tribe?”
“Only the ones who are mated to humans, a few of the older kits, and all of the halflings.”
“You must spend a lot of time here.”
“First, let us sit. You need to rest your legs.” Ortak helps me over to a bench that’s long enough for all three of us to fit.
He sits on my left and Gannen on my right, the latter practically in my lap. I’m not going to complain though. While I may only be able to offer my friendship, giving him a bit of affection and comfort won’t hurt.
“Okay, you were telling me about how often you’re in the Tavikhi village.”
Ortak nods. “More so in the last sun cycle than ever before. The shefir has asked Kala to consider merging our tribes since there are so few of us left.”
My eyes widen. “Whoa, seriously?”
“Aye. Kala has not made a decision yet,” he tells me. “There may not be many Krijese, but we have already uprooted our tribe once when we left our village ruled by King Armik. When we settled in the hills, it was with the knowledge that we would spend the rest of our lifespan there, living in peace. Our elders are the biggest concern. They know they do not have much time left and while they no longer go to battle, it may not be possible for them to live with people they were bred to hate.”
I reach for Ortak’s hand. He jolts at my touch. “I can see how that might be difficult for them. It couldn’t have been easy for you either.”
