Page 32 of Claimed By the Krijese

“Congratulations on your future mating,” the shefir says when they reach where Kala and I stand.

“You have our thanks,” Kala returns.

“Yes, thank you. For everything.” I’ll never forget how they both accepted me into their tribe.

“Of course. You will always be welcome here.” Zander inclines his head.

London gives me a one-armed hug since her other is filled with a young toddler. “I’m so happy for you and Kala. If you need anything at all, please ask and I’ll make sure you get it.”

Tears of happiness threaten to fall, but I sniff them back. “I really appreciate that.”

She releases me and moves closer to Zander who wraps his tail around her waist. I love that the Tavikhi males all do that to their mates. It’s such a sweet, affectionate gesture. Kala doesn’t have a tail, but maybe he and I can come up with our own gesture of affection. Maybe a head nuzzle or something.

“We best leave if we would like to make good time. I am sure Sorin is wondering where I have gone.”

The two males fist their chests in a show of respect and then Kala places his hand on my lower back and we’re on our way through the village toward the front gate. I wait until we’re outside of it and into the forest before I ask my question.

“Sorin didn’t know you were coming here?”

“He has not been speaking to me since the day of our attempted training.”

I wince. “I’m sorry to have caused a rift between you.”

“You did not cause any rift. All the fault lies with me.”

From his firm tone, I decide it’s best not to argue. Pick my battles and all that. If he really wants to take the blame, then I’ll let him even if I know it’s not the full truth. I’m equally at fault.

“He will be happy to see you,” Kala says.

I can’t help but smile. “I’ll be happy to see Sorinas well. I’ve missed him.”

We fall into a comfortable silence as we trek through the field toward the hills. The sun is just setting and the first moon has already risen partway into the sky. It was weird seeing two moons that first night and discovering the days are a lot longer here than they are on Earth and the nights are much shorter. There have been some nights where it’s been hard to sleep because it’s still too light out and then it feels like it’s time to get up just as I’ve finally fallen asleep.

Out of nowhere a thought occurs to me. “What sort of things will I be responsible for in your—our—village?”

“Taking care of Sorin will be most of it.”

I side-eye Kala. “What else? I mean, Sorin is nearly ten and he doesn’t need a lot of ‘taking care of’. Love and affection, on the other hand? Absolutely he needs that and I’ll give him as much of it as I possess.”

“You can assist the elders with their tasks if you would like.”

“Okay and what tasks are those?” I’m not sure why Kala is making this a difficult question to answer.

“Moshi and Ashrif spend the most time preparing and serving the meals.”

Now we’re getting somewhere. “I’m happy to help them in whatever way they need. Any other tasks?”

“Sadly, we are not as organized and regimented as the Tavikhi are,” Kala admits. “Most of our time is spent just surviving. I should have made that more clear before you accepted my offer to be Sorin’s momo.”

My steps falter for a second, but I catch myself. ‘Just surviving’? I spent my entire life on Earthjust surviving. Now I’m leaving a place where I feel like I was actually thriving and going back to survival mode? A heavy weight settles in my stomach.

“Iris?”

“Yeah, sorry.” I wave off his concern. “Just thinking.”

Kala stops in the middle of the field. “We can turn back if you wish, and we will continue on as before. I will not think harshly of you if you have changed your mind. I know your life was difficult back on Earth. I do not wish for your difficulties to continue.”

I swallow and for an instant I almost take him up on his offer, but I shake my head instead. “No. I made a commitment to both you and Sorin. What kind of person would that make me if I gave up already because it might not be easy?”

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