Page 22 of Tiger's Destiny
“Hmm,” she smiled appreciatively. “You are welcome.”
Ren growled softly, and Mr. Kadam finally broke the tension.
“Perhaps, we had best begin our journey. Unless you have more to tell us . . . Goddess?”
Durga immediately took a step away from Kishan, who looked at her like she was a tasty morsel he wanted to devour. She returned his gaze, and the looks that passed between them were steamy enough to melt the stone floor.
Durga glanced at Mr. Kadam and nodded her head. “I have said all that is necessary. Until we meet again, my friends.”
Her features began to solidify and desperately, I asked, “When will we meet again?”
Durga smiled and winked at me. Then flames rose around her body, obscuring our view, and when the fire diminished, she was an eight-armed statue once again. I stepped up to the dais and held out my arm for Fanindra, who stretched out and wrapped herself around my upper arm, settling into her normal position.
As I turned back, I jerked, shocked to hear an angry voice echoing in the quiet temple.
“Thatwas entirely inappropriate!” Ren spat at his brother and punched him in the face.
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Kishan rubbed his jaw and glared at Ren.
“If I ever see you treat Kelsey that way again, I’ll do a hell of a lot more than just knock some sense into you. I highly encourage you to apologize. Do I make myself clear, little brother?” Ren’s tirade continued.
Kishan’s eyes widened, and then he nodded meekly.
“Good. We’ll wait for you outside, Kelsey,” Ren said and left, with Mr. Kadam trailing in his wake.
“He’s right. I apologize. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry, Kells.” Kishan wrapped his arms around me. “You’re still my girl, aren’t you?”
I nodded against his chest, and he took my hand and led me outside.
“You can be mad at me if you want. Go insanely jealous and beat me down. I deserve it.”
The odd thing was . . . I wasn’t jealous. I was more curious than angry. Making a mental note to discuss it with Mr. Kadam later, I hurried along the path and was shocked to see that all the ice and snow around the temple had melted.
Going down the mountain path was much easier than going up, but both brothers insisted on holding my arms as we descended, just in case I slipped. By the time we passed Katra, I was dead tired and not sure I could make it the last mile.
Mr. Kadam, who was usually so accommodating, insisted that we keep going and even suggested that one of the boys carry me. I sighed and trudged on slowly until Kishan picked me up and cradled me in his arms. I was asleep by the time we finally arrived back at camp.
While I rested my sore feet by the fire, I was able to sneak in a private conversation with Mr. Kadam.
“Mr. Kadam, I . . . well, I just wanted to know what you thought about Durga and Kishan. I’m not sure how I feel about what happened in the temple. You saw it too, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I . . . yes, I noticed.”
“Should I be concerned? About Kishan, I mean?” I squirmed under Mr. Kadam’s gaze. “The old myths talk about gods falling in love with mortals and even having children with them. Do you think Durga has a thing for Kishan? I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about that.”
Mr. Kadam looked up at the starry night sky and then smiled at me. Gently, he said, “Howdoyou feel?”
“I feel . . . like I should be really upset, but I’m not, and that bothers me a little. I trust Kishan. I believe he loves me.”
“You’re right about trusting him. Kishan wouldn’t be with a goddess when he has you. He loves you.”
“I know he does, but Ren was so upset.”
Mr. Kadam sighed. “Ren . . . loves you, too. He confronts anything that threatens those he loves. He has always given of himself, even to the point of setting aside his own desires, to make sure that others have the things they need. In war, he would rather ride to the front lines and place himself in harm’s way before allowing his men to die.”
Yep. Sounds like Ren.I nodded. “I’ve seen this first-hand. He broke up with me because he couldn’t save me when I almost drowned. He sacrificed himself so Kishan could get me away from Lokesh’s henchmen. He constantly pushes me away to save my life.”
