18
KOJO
Kendra is using my chest as a pillow, rain on dry earth and wild honey filling my lungs with each breath. I cannot sleep. How can I when the curve of her breasts presses against my side, her leg wrapped around mine, her soft snores the only sound in the room. Her hair catches at my chin, the tight coils lit faintly by the window.
This is magnificent, Alemayehu,my Bouda says, his voice low and pleased.She feels the pull of the bond already. Her body seeks yours even in sleep.
I do not respond. Words would shatter this moment, and I am selfish enough to want it to last. Kendra stirs against me, nuzzling closer, searching for a more comfortable position. Her hand slides across my chest, fingers spreading wide.
We have work to do,my Bouda reminds me.This cabin is not suitable for a queen. She deserves far more than this temporary shelter. We must begin preparations immediately.
I nod and rub her back, the heat of her skin reaching me through the thin fabric of her shirt. My life has always been service. Duty to the clan. Duty to the Matriarch. I understood that arrangement completely. This is different. I want Kendra,not just as my queen, but as my mate. I did not realize there was a difference until now.
My body responds to these thoughts. I shift, trying not to wake her. This is not the time. She does not understand what we are to each other yet, and I will not push.
You are finally feeling it,my Bouda observes.The true pull of the mate bond. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever acknowledge it.
I ease out from under her, holding still when she stirs. She rolls to her side, still deep in slumber, and I pull the sheets up to cover her shoulders. I stand beside the bed, watching her. The curve of her hip beneath the blanket, the stillness of her face.
“She is so beautiful,” I whisper.
Just a few more minutes of staring?my Bouda asks, amused.We need to find our mate fresh meat. This will please her. We must demonstrate our ability to provide for her immediately.
“She is not ready,” I say under my breath.
She will be,my Bouda says with certainty.The bond is already working through her. Did you not notice how she reached for you in her sleep?
I look at her frame one last time, her chest rising slow and even, and then I turn away. The bathroom is still damp from last night. I brush my teeth and wash my face, then begin cleaning. I wipe down the shower walls, scrub the sink, and organize the toiletries she left scattered on the counter. I work fast, stealing glances at her through the doorway.
She is so tired. I do not like that. Her body carries the exhaustion of someone who has been running too long without rest. I will give her this morning of peace, at least.
When the bathroom gleams, I gather our used clothes and slip out of the bedroom. The stairs creak slightly beneath my weight, but not enough to wake her. The scent of cleaningsolutions hits me before I reach the bottom step. Zaki is already awake.
My sister stands at the kitchen table, wiping it down with a cloth. She wears one of the dresses Leah brought, a simple blue garment that falls to her knees. I have never seen her outside of her tribal garments. She looks different, almost softer, though her posture remains that of a warrior.
I smile at the sight. Zaki glances up and frowns.
“Do not smile at me in this garment,” she says sharply. “I am a warrior, not a civilian.”
I bow my head. “Good morning, sister.”
She returns the gesture, her ridge lying flat. “Good morning, brother.”
We must begin hunting for food,my Bouda urges.Then we need to locate the House of Zorah and discuss establishing a proper clan village. This temporary shelter is beneath our queen.
I look around the main floor. Zaki has already swept and mopped. The kitchen counters are spotless, and the food containers from last night have been disposed of properly.
“I want our queen to wake to order,” Zaki says, noticing my gaze.
I walk over to the table and take the cloth from her hand. She stares at me, her silver-ringed eyes narrowing slightly.
Zaki is troubled,my Bouda observes.Something weighs on her mind.
“What is bothering you, sister?”
Zaki’s face changes.”I believe more of us are scattered,” she says. “I stalked the poachers for three years. I needed to know why they wanted us dead.”
“What did you find?”
