Page 31 of Claimed By the Krijese

“At least we can both agree on that. So, what exactly happens next?”

Chapter 15

Iris

“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” Astrid asks while I pack up the last of my few possessions.

Kala waits for me at the central fire with Zander and the other Tavikhi people.

“I think this is everything, but thank you.”

“Just let me know if there’s something you missed or forgot and I’ll have Evren take me to the Krijese village so I can bring it to you.”

Astrid’s always been the one to initiate hugs between us, but on impulse I move first this time and throw my arms around her. “Thank you for your friendship and for welcoming me so warmly here. I appreciate your kindness more than I can ever say.”

“It was my pleasure. Don’t think you’re getting rid of me so easily now that you’re moving to Kala’s village though.” She chuckles. “I plan on visiting on occasion so we can catch up on all the girltalk and you can tell me all about what it’s like to be a mother. I’ll need someone to give me pointers.”

I draw back, but don’t fully release her. “Astrid! Are you pregnant?”

“Not yet, but let’s just say Evren and I are doing our best to make it happen soon.”

“Good luck. I know you’ll be an amazing mother.”

Her cheeks flush. “I think so too. We both really want kids.”

“I hope you get as many as you wish for.”

“Thank you.” Astrid gives me another quick hug. “All right, don’t keep your soon-to-be mate waiting any longer. I’m sure Kala is anxious to get back to his village and introduce you to everybody.”

The thought makes my stomach a little woozy. What will the other Krijese think of me? Do they know I even exist? Will they take one look at me and think I’m not strong enough or good enough to be Sorin’s new mom? God, I think I might get sick.

“Breathe, Iris. Everything’s going to be fine.” Astrid grips my biceps and gets right in my face so I focus on her.She breathes deeply in and out and I follow her rhythm until mine slows back to normal. She keeps breathing and nods in encouragement.

“I’m okay now.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.Thank you again, Astrid. For everything.” I step back and pick up my overstuffed bag. My handbag is slung across my body.

“You’re so welcome. Don’t forget I plan on coming to visit you.”

“Please do.”

Together, we walk out of the tent I’ve made my home since arriving on this planet. Who would have thought that two months ago I’d leave a shit life in the bottom tier on Earth only to move to a second alien village to become a mate as well as a mother?

People wave and nod as we pass by on our way to the central fire. I may have only been in the Tavikhi village for just under two weeks, but this place has felt more like my home than any place else. I only hope Kala’s village feels the same, if not better.

We get close to where everyone is gathering for the meal and I instantly go on the lookout for Kala. It only takes me a second time find him, because like the last time he was here, he towers over the lot of them. Well, all of them except for Benham, who stands at his side. The two of them are speaking, and I can only assume they’re planning their next hunting trip since they often go together, along with Talek and Cecily.

As though he can feel my gaze, Kala shifts his attention away from Benham and our eyes meet. The shadows I now believe are real and not imagined swirl in the depths of his. There’s no shimmery silver spark like Sorin has, but there’s definitely something in them. I can’t wait to get a closer look and see if I can figure out exactly what they are. I smile to let him know I’m glad to see him.

He doesn’t return it, but there’s just enough shift to his expression and the lines around his eyes and forehead that tell me he’s happy to see me too. Of course, I could be making my own assumptions about his emotions, but I’m sticking with it.Kala glances away briefly, says something to Benham, who turns his head in my direction, and then departs from the Tavikhi’s side to head straight for me.

“Let me carry that.” He takes the suitcase from my hand before I can protest. Not that I’m going to, because sometimes it’s nice to let others do the heavy lifting.

“Thank you.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot people approaching so I turn. Zander and London—who’s carrying their daughter, Dasha—walk toward us.

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