Page 74 of Lorran
He nodded. “You and me.”
Lorran might not have been caught off guard if she had not been there, but if she hadn’t been there, he might have suffered worse than having his shoulder dislocated and his other arm clawed to ribbons. She might have pulled the trigger, but Lorran kept it distracted enough for her to make that ridiculous shot. She said, “We brought it down together.”
“My huntress,” he whispered, then nuzzled the side of her face.
“Oh my God, you’re getting monster brains all over me.” Apparently, she cared a little.
“I’m marking you with your kill.” His thumb swept across her cheek, no doubt rubbing the monster brains in her skin.
There might have been a little residue on his lips. She didn’t want to think too hard about that. Wyn considered saying as much and then scrubbing her mouth clean, but the serious expression on Lorran’s face kept her silent.
“All the warriors will be jealous!” Lorran clapped her on the back, moment over. He retrieved the rifle and paced around the fallen beast. “I will butcher it here, before we return to the facility.”
“You want to field dress it?” Her stomach always felt squeamish from the act. “What makes you think that monster is edible?”
“It certainly believed we were edible.” Lorran crouched down to position the animal, knife at the ready. “If you would prefer another meal of rations—”
“No,” she said quickly, eliciting his cocky grin. “It’s just…we can scan for parasites, right? And it’s probably all stringy.”
“It is a predator.” He slapped the back flank. “We honor its spirit and sacrifice when we consume its flesh.”
Once done, he buried the offal and lifted the carcass into a firefighter’s carry. Wyn worried about his injured shoulder and arm, but he assured her he healed fast.
“I cannot wait to tell all about my mate, the huntress,” he announced, pride audible in his voice.
Lorran
Mylomon intercepted them before they returned to the base. The sun had dipped near the horizon.
“What is that?” the male said in a tone that demanded answers.
“Dinner. My mate took the killing shot,” Lorran announced proudly.
“Did she?” A questioning look replaced his signature scowl. In response, Wyn made finger guns, complete with sound effects, which made Mylomon resume his scowling.
“Because we are such good friends, you will not object to butchering and preparing a fire while I tend to my injuries. There is more than enough to feed us all.” Lorran dropped the beast at Mylomon’s feet.
“We are not good friends,” Mylomon said. “I will do this only because I am tired of rations.”
“But you do not deny that we are friends. Can this day be any better?” Free from the burden of carrying the beast, he rolled his shoulders and stretched. His shoulder still complained, but it would until he had a good night’s rest. Mahdfel healed quickly, but they were not miracle workers. Healing took energy and rest.
“I think a shower would make it better,” his mate said. “Let’s get your arm cleaned up.”
Once inside the base, Mikah rushed to greet them. “Did you go hunting? Was it hard? Did you get attacked? Is that why you’re bleeding?”
“I battled a considerable opponent.”
Wyn cleared her throat.
“We battled a fierce beast,” he corrected. “My mate had the killing shot.”
“She did? Where is it?” Mikah’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Wyn, as if he doubted Lorran.
“I hunted enough for all. The beast is outside with Mylomon,” he said. That morning he had only intended to feed his mate. The hunt proved bountiful. He had enough to share with the entire party. “We do not have the capability to roast meat inside. I plan to build a fire and cook our meal. Tell your mother that I have a portion for her. She may join us at the fire if she wishes,” Lorran said.
Mikah ran off. Wyn held her comment until he was out of earshot.
“You’re such a softie,” she said.
