Page 28 of Claimed By the Krijese

The Tavikhi returns the gesture. “You are always welcome in our village.”

“You have my thanks.”

Kala inclines his head and takes off again through the trees, forcing Sorin and me to follow. Evren watches the two of us pass, and I force myself to smile. Astrid’s husband is a nice guy who’s also been as friendly to me as she has. I’ve observed them at dinner and his love and devotion to her makes me yearn for someone to feel that way about me. Instantly, my gaze shifts to the back of Kala.

Not that I had any expectations he could—or would—be that someone. But he’s the first guy—alien or human—that’sremotely interested me. Or maybe I’m just projecting the adoration I have for Sorin onto his dad. I’ve never been so confused in my life. That much I do know.

At last, the front gate of the Tavikhi village comes into view as well as the two guards who man it. Kala stops just before he reaches it and waits for us to join him. He still won’t look directly at me. Sorin and I come to a stop and the younger Krijese releases my hand and moves to stand next to his father and doesn’t take his eyes off me.

When the silence extends to a greater level of uncomfortable, I figure it’s up to me to break it. “Thanks for letting me practice.”

Kala dips his head, but remains silent. I rock back on my heels and forward. Well, I guess that’s that then. Since it’s clear Kala’s finished with me, I turn my gaze to Sorin.

“Thank you for being my friend.” I sniffle, because this feels like goodbye. Although judging by his father’s tense form, it probably is.

Before I can blink, the little boy runs forward and hugs me tightly. I wrap my arms around him, breathe in his woodsy scent, and kiss the top of his head, just so he doesn’t forget what it feels like. He holds me far longer than I suspect Kala wants him to, but I’m grateful that he doesn’t rush us. Finally, Sorin releases me and tips his head back. To my surprise, the shiny silver sparks in his eyes are slightly tarnished.

“I love you, Iris.”

Son of a bitch. The tears I didn’t want to fall do. “I love you, too, Sorin.”

He returns to his father’s side and Kala’s hand goes to his shoulder. Together they turn and walk away from not just the village, but away from me.

Chapter 14

Kala

It has been several turns since we left Iris at the Tavikhi village and nothing has been the same since. Most especially Sorin. Gone is my inquisitive, playful kit. In his place is a sullen, quiet one who no longer laughs or smiles. Not once has he asked to go to the Tavikhi village. Nor has he asked to see Iris. Or Talek. Or even Healer Sage’s kit.

My hunts have been on my own, because any time I look for Sorin to join me, he is nowhere to be found. He no longer sits beside me at meals, but with the elders. No longer does he seat himself across my legs and rub the side of his face up and down my chest, lightly scratching me with his mouth claws. That is what I miss the most, I believe.

“You need to fix whatever is broken between you and your kit,” Moshi says from his place at the main fire where he works to prepare the evening meal and opposite of where I sit.

“I thought you said you were not the wisest counsel.”

The elder Krijese glares at me. “I may not be, but even I am wise enough to know there is something wrong that needs to be corrected. Things have not been the same since you returned early from your training session with the human female.”

I glance at him in surprise. “I did not realize you knew of that.”

Moshi snorts. “The entire village knew of that. Your kit made sure to tell every one of the tribespeople that his Gogo was teaching the female how to throw a war axe so that she could join you on hunts. He spoke of this Iris constantly. Now, he never mentions her name.”

I sigh. “It is my fault.”

“Then you should fix it.”

“What if I do not know how?” No matter what I do it will lead to heartsache for either my kit or for me. My own I will deal with, but I do not want Sorin to suffer.

Does he not already?

“You will figure it out,” Moshi says matter of factly.

If I want Sorin to return to who he was previously, then I must. Which means I need to speak with Iris and make things right with her. Only then can I make things right with my kit.

“Will you keep watch over Sorin? I am going to the Tavikhi village.”

“Go. He will be fine with Ashrif and me.”

“You have my thanks.” I incline my head.

---