Page 87 of A Lick of Flame

“I had better gather firewood,” I say, uncinching Midnight’s saddle. “I am sure that you will want a hot meal.” The truth is, I want to get away. I need time to sort through my emotions, which are all over the place. Orion doesn’t owe me anything and yet his comments stung. I need to get myself together.

“Look at that water.” Thesha sighs. “I would love to take a bath.”

“Me, too,” Xander says. “We’ve been riding for days. We knew where you were headed. We found and followed your tracks into the beastfae realm. Thesha is a master at tracking.” He looks at her with admiration.

“It wasn’t easy. You led us on a wild goose chase,” Thesha tells us. “I thought I’d lost you when we saw vultures circling.” She takes a drink from her skin.

“You killed a couple of humans,” Xander tells Orion, who nods.

“They gave me no choice.” He squeezes the back of his neck.

“The third set of tracks almost put me off,” Thesha says, grinning. “But I soon realized that the third horse didn’t have a rider, so we followed.”

“From there, it was easy. As soon as we saw the tracks leading into beastfae territory, we knew it had to be the two of you.” Xander smiles. “And it was. Thesha is an asset.” He puts an arm around her, and from the way she leans into him, it is clear that they are together.

I feel an ache inside.

“I’m glad you continued tracking us,” Orion says. “It’s good to see you, Alexander. I am glad that I won’t have to continue this quest on my own.”

Because all I am is a thorn. A pest. Someone who would follow Orion everywhere if he just asked me to. But I am no Thesha. I am not good with a sword or at tracking prints in the sand. Orion is ashamed of me.

“About that swim…” Xander pulls his tunic over his head.

“Sounds wonderful.” Thesha starts with the lace ties that hold her leather jerkin in place.

I don’t say anything. I gather my skirts and make for an opening in the trees. I want to get as far away from them…from him…as possible.

“I’ll help you with that firewood, Maya. We’ll give the two of you some time to clean up,” he tells Xander and Thesha. “Wait for me, Maya,” he shouts after me.

No!

No!

I pick up the pace. Maybe he will get the hint and leave me alone.

“Maya,” Orion calls after me. Are all men this dense, or is it just him?

I walk faster, pushing through some thicker shrubs and then stepping over a tree root. I hear him behind me and keep going. I wish he would get the hint and go away, but he doesn’t. He must be really thick-skinned. I pick up the pace, and so does he.

What is wrong with him?

“Maya…wait! Maya, hold up! Please,” he says from somewhere right behind me. “What is wrong?”

He clasps my arm, but I pull free from his grip and turn. “Nothing is wrong. I wanted some time to myself, but you keep following me. That is all. There is plenty of wood over there.” I point in the opposite direction to where I am going.

I’m not sure why I’m so angry. I shouldn’t be, but I am. I’m vibrating with the emotion. I turn and start walking again. My legs are much shorter than his. At this point, I am practically jogging.

“What’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”

“For the last time, I’m fine! Go back to your friends.” I stop and face him, pointing in the direction we just left. “Just leave me alone.”

“I don’t want to go back to them. I want to talk to you.” He closes the distance between us and takes my hand in both of his. “I didn’t tell them for you. That’s why I said what I did.”

I pull away again. “Don’t do me any favors. I am a grown woman. I can decide what I want for myself. We spent a night together, and I am not ashamed of it. If you are, then that is on you.” I turn and walk away. Looking into his beautiful green eyes is making me feel worse.

“Maya! Maya! Wait! Hell’s damned teeth, woman, will you stay still for one goddess-be-damned minute so that we can talk?”

“No, and do not speak of the goddess in such a way.” I spin and almost collide with his chest. Orion grips my arms but lets me go almost immediately.

---