Page 16 of Claimed By the Krijese

Astrid stops me with a hand on my arm causing me to turn and face her. “I think the idea has merit if you possess the skills for it, yes. You won’t know if you have them unless you practice, right? I’m not saying you should do it if it means getting hurt or if you aren’t fully trained and prepared. But if you discover you’re good at it, then why not?”

On impulse, I hug Astrid. “Thank you.”

She chuckles and pats my back. “You’re welcome.”

We break apart and reach the central fire. I can’t believe I’m giving serious consideration to this idea. Actually, it’s more than consideration. I think I’ve already decided to take Kala up on his offer.Kala’s about a head taller than any of the Tavikhi. He’s also much bulkier. Not fat, but solid muscle. I felt the hard lines of his chest and stomach when he caught me. The memory of them won’t be easy to forget. It’s probably the closest I’ve ever been to a half-naked man before. None of the Tavikhi wear shirts either, but for some reason I haven’t looked twice at any of them. At least not after the first day.

The Krijese, on the other hand, is…compelling. Maybe because I’m trying to reconcile what I’ve heard about his people and the fact that he is nothing like what I expected. Meeting Sorin firstprobably helped since I didn’t know he was Krijese and I only saw a little boy, albeit an alien one.

Kala spots me and although his eyes are a solid black, there’s a slight shift in their color. Not a lot, but certainly enough to be noticeable from this distance. I don’t know what’s caused it. He touches Sorin’s shoulder and the young boy swivels his head until his gaze lands on me. He bears his teeth in that different smile of his and weaves his way through the various tribespeople approaching the fire until he reaches Abby and me.

“You came.”

“Of course I did. I said I would, didn’t I?” I tug on a lock of his rope-like hair.

“Gogo said I should not be disappointed if you decided you were unable to join us after all.”

I glance over at his ‘Gogo’ and back to Sorin. A wave of fierce protectiveness rushes through me.

“You should know one thing about me, and that is: I don’t break my promises. Ever. If I tell you I’m going to do something, I’ll do it. Okay?”

“Okay.” Sorin jerks his head in a short nod. “Come, let us get Gogo and find a place to sit.”

He snags my hand and I let him lead me toward his father.

Chapter 9

Kala

A shift happened within my gut when Iris arrived to the central fire. I had not actually expected her to come. There could have been many reasons for her absence, and while I find I would have been disappointed, I would not have been surprised. It has taken many moons for the Tavikhi to fully accept me. For a human to do so within only a few ticks of the sun across the sky—it is unusual. Then again, my head tells me there is something different about Iris than the other humans, although I cannot say for sure what it is.

Sorin leads her over with his hand clasped in hers. Affection comes so easily for him since his introduction to the human healer. I am glad for the fact. He has learned much about emotions and softness from the human females, especially Healer Sage. I will always be in her debt for that alone. There is nothing in this world I would deny her if she asked. She will not, though, because that is not her way.

Iris and Sorin come close and stop at my side. More Tavikhi join the growing number of people around the fire, including a few of the elders, as well as the human families who live in the village. Benham and I have spoken often during the various hunts we have gone out on together about their human tribe-brothers and -sisters. They had reluctantly joined the Tavikhi at the beginning, and merely for protection from King Armik and the rest of our former tribe. It is promising to see they have fully embraced the Tavikhi as their people.

“I am glad you were able to join us.” I dip my head at Iris.

“Sorin got the impression you thought I would bail.”

Bail? I do not know this word, but given my only thought was that Iris would not come, I can guess. “I did not know if you would do this ‘bail’ thing or not.”

She narrows her gaze. “Like I told your son, I don’t say things I don’t mean.”

“That is a good way to live. Following through on commitments is important.”

“Of course it is.”

“Not everyone believes as you do.” Far too few people do.

“Those aren’t the kind of people I want in my life, then.”

This feels important. “I will be sure to remember that.”

“Gogo, we should sit before all the good spots are taken.” Sorin tugs on my hand.

I glance down. “I was unaware there was such a thing. Perhaps it is best if you show Iris and me where they are.”

Without releasing the hold he has on either of us, he leads us to a narrow bench that is far enough away from the smoke being released by the flames, but close enough to where several Tavikhi and human kits sit.

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