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Ortak’s presence behind me is unnerving. Not because I’m worried he’s going to hurt me or any such nonsense like that. Rather, it’s as if I can literally feel him thinking. There’s this aura of intensity pulsating around him that keeps ricocheting off my body. It’s that sensation sending chills down my spine.
I smile and nod and make all the appropriate sounds while listening with half an ear to Gannen as he recounts his story of the successful hunt he and Ortak had today. I’m beyond excited for him, because I can tell how much it all means to him.
“If the shefir and shefira do not mind, perhaps Gogo and I can share the evening meal with you before we return to our village,” Gannen says, and then, as if, considering, adds. “That is, if it is alright with both you and Gogo.”
This kid. “If your gogo isn’t in a hurry to get back to your village and no one minds if you stay, then I’d be happy to eat with you. We can make our way toward the central fire and find out. I’m pretty sure it’s almost time for the evening meal anyway.”
We both turn to Ortak who has finally moved around to Gannen’s other side to stand. I’m not sure how much longer I could have taken with him looming behind me.
“So long as we are welcome, we will stay.”
I reach for the crutches that are propped against the bench on my other side and use them to help me stand. Gannen stays close to my side as we leave the riverbank, like he’s watching to make sure I don’t stumble.
“You navigate well with those,” Ortak tells me.
“Thanks. It’s not the first time I’ve had to use a pair, although, it was never for as long as I’ll need to use these ones.”
“You have broken other bones before?” Gannen asks.
His question makes me chuckle and flush. “I might have been something of a wild child, trying to gain any kind of attention I could from my parents. Even if that attention was negative and included being sent to the hospital.”
Both Krijese look at me in confusion, but I merely shrug.
We slowly travel through the village until we make it to the central fire. Sure enough, several people have already gathered, including London and her two children. She glances our direction, and after a quick word to the others, she heads our way with a warm smile.
“It’s so nice to see you again Ortak.” She turns. “And you too, Gannen. I hope you both are well?”
“We are, and you have our thanks, Shefira.”
London shifts her gaze to me. “I’m glad to see you’re still getting around pretty easily.”
“Rojtar was a total lifesaver with these things.” I gesture to my crutches.
“Good.”
“Nene!”
The shefira glances over her shoulder and back to us. “My apologies, but I’m being summoned. Enjoy your visit, and I hope we’ll see you both again soon.”
London returns to her children and picks up the youngest who had been the one to call out. They’re too far away for us to hear what’s being discussed, but I suspect a lesson in patience might be coming at some point.
“Why don’t we find a place to sit?” I point in a general direction of the multiple benches around the fire.
“I will find us a spot,” Gannen announces.
“Lead the way.” I grin.
Ortak and I follow him over to a bench only long enough for two people, but also has a single, child-size stump slightly in front of it. To my surprise, Gannen sits on one end of the bench and pats the open spot next to him. “Elodie, you can sit here if you like.”
Biting back a laugh, I take a seat and glance up at Ortak. “I guess you’re stuck there. Unless you want to switch?”
The older Krijese huffs. “No decent male would ask a female—especially one with a broken leg—to sit on this thing. I am happy to do so.”
“Well, thank you.” I’m actually surprised Gannen didn’t orchestrate it so his dad and I sat next to each other. Sage had shared with me what a matchmaker Sorin had been with Iris and Kala. Maybe Gannen is biding his time.
Another thought hits me. One that is weirdly unwelcome. What if he’s not interested in me being his mother anymore? Or what if he doesn’t consider me good enough to be his dad’s mate? But if he would like me to consider being his mother, why wouldn’t he also consider me as a mate for his father? Why the hell am I even thinking and spiraling about this?
“Elodie, are you listening?” Gannen asks, dragging me out of the mini meltdown I’m having over something so ridiculous.
