Page 37 of His Human to Learn

"Thank you," he tells Nia, taking the food and walking to the dining room. He loudly sets his food down and pulls out a chair. Once settled, he looks back at us and gives us a confused look. "What? She just said I can come and go whenever. I have decided to stay. I assumed that was included."

Beren laughs. It's a strange sound that we only hear occasionally. It's short and out of place, but it causes a smile tosplit Nia's lips and a reluctant one to form on Thro's. He shakes his head, decides to be angry again, and turns his attention back to his food.

"Are we okay?" Beren asks Marron and me from where he's kneeling on the floor. "I genuinely feel terrible. I did not think of how it would make you feel. I am on edge after last night, but I should not have treated you that way."

"Tell us what happened last night, and we'll forgive you," I say before Marron can tell him that all is forgiven.

Marron knows I can hold my own against the stupidity of dumb males. He's probably more upset about how worked up Thro was about the whole thing. He tries to keep Thro from hardships since he's already been through so much, and Beren just brought all of the past up without meaning to.

Instead of giving me a hard time about my question, Beren sighs loudly and returns to his seat on the couch. "Lyath, Nia, and I went to have a conversation with Joll and his friends."

"A conversation?" I lift one of my eyebrows, telling him I don't believe him. I take a sip of my water while I wait for him to continue.

"I am not lying." Beren looks at me as though I've grown a pair of horns. "We told his mother of how he lied about wooing you and how he grabbed you in the mating ceremony when you did not want him to. She forced him to pack his bag, and we helped her pack the rest of the house. She was embarrassed by her son's behavior. Was scolding him the entire time."

"And the other two?" I ask. "What happened with them?"

"They were staying with Joll's family. His mother was chastising the three of them the entire time." Beren tilts his head to the side, his brows pulling together. "What did you think we did?"

Marron steps in front of me, and this time, I let him because I don't want to explain to Beren that I thought the three of themmanaged to abduct and murder three males during the night and dispose of the bodies without alerting anyone.

"Before you get upset at me, know that I think you would do anything to protect those you care for," Marron starts.

"Of course I would," Beren snarls, his lips pulling back to reveal his teeth. Then the expression falls, and his eyes widen like he's realizing the unspoken words that Marron is about to say. "You thought I killed them?"

"I told you about Joll grabbing Tori, and you were very upset," Marron says. "We did not know where the three of you were during the night, and when Erkoz and Xoth asked us—"

"Erkoz and Xoth?" Beren asks, his brows pulling together. "I spoke with Ralleth and his mate this morning with Joll's mother to let them know why they were all leaving. Erkoz and Xoth were nearby but seemed more interested in their mate than getting up to mischief."

"Wait, so they knew that they all left?" I ask. "So we lied to them for nothing?"

"You lied to them?" Beren asks. "Why? You did not know if anything even happened."

"You are not the only male who protects those he cares about. We told them you three were celebrating our mating for most of the night."

Beren's face screws up at the thought of spending the whole night of my mating with Marron and me. He's not the only one. It's not like we want it to be a reality. After the disgust settles, a look of admiration seems to cross his features before he settles back into his happy face, which is his neutral face with slightly crinkled eye corners.

"You lied for us, to protect us," Beren succinctly wraps up this morning's events.

"For no reason, it seems." Marron shrugs. "I imagine Erkoz and Xoth now think we are very much liars, but I suppose thatis better than being creatures who would not protect their blood. Not to mention, they are liars themselves."

"They cannot hate you," Thro calls out from the dining table. "You are brother to the most favorite male. Not to mention, you are blood to the only farmers in the tribe. I am almost certain you could do much before they think less of you."

"We are not the only farmers anymore," Beren says. I assume you showed your mate your new home."

"I did. We are very excited to have it. Thank you."

"Do not thank him," Thro calls out again. "He does not deserve it today. You can thank him tomorrow."

Beren's lips press together, but he gives us both a short nod of understanding. "I think I am meant to go to work today. It shall be your reprieve from me."

"Yes, go be busy so I may be mad at you in peace."

Thro waves Beren through the door with his fork. Beren shakes his head as he leaves, but doesn't counter anything Thro says. As soon as the door is closed, Thro turns his eyes to Nia with a sheepish look.

"I have forgiven your mate, but I will be making this worth it."

"He deserves it. Are you two staying, or are you heading back home?"

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