My heart picks up speed in my chest as I touch the table top. The words seem to spill out without my permission, “you’re ourToralleh, and you know I never wish to overstep.”
Ghenie turns towards me. “Speak your mind.”
“Are you sure these traditions are the best for our people? As time goes on, there will be more and more people intermixing with ours. First it was the humans, but soon, I have a feeling others will try our program as well. Is it truly fair to keep these traditions as they are?” I pause, watching as Ghenie processes all I have to say. “Someday, someone will come here who’s unable to complete the trials we have. Or aLayperrywill be born whocannot fight as a warrior. Someday, we might have to change our ways so everyone has a chance at love.”
Ghenie touches my wrist. “You’ve given me much to think about, friend. Thank you.”
A smirk plays at my lips. “Also,” I add, just because I can, “it might help if you stop antagonizing the poor man. He thinks you have a stick up your ass.”
We both laugh at that. “It’s not my fault he’s even more growly than me!”
Christian and Miles step over and I reach my hands out, smiling as Miles passes Druim over to me. I lay my babe against my chest, getting warm feelings of recognition passed to me through our bond. I lean down to kiss his head, his antennae soft against my cheek.
I touch my mate’s hand.Has Christian decided?
He looks at me for a long moment, his eyes looking sad.He’s still not sure this is the right place for him. But thankfully he’s still undecided.
I nod, bringing his hand up to my mouth and kissing the back of his knuckles. Just then, a few people bring out their instruments and the square fills with soft music. A few couples step into the middle of the square, beginning to dance, twirling each other around as they go.
I never thought the exchange program could bring me my life partner but I’m so pleasantly surprised that it did. I have my mate, I have my babe, I have my brothers and best friend. Gendry finds his way to our table, joining us as the music swells all around us. I look over at Christian and Ghenie, seeing the way Ghenie’s usual white cheeks have a tint of pink to them. I send up a quick prayer to the ancestors, asking them to guide Ghenie with our traditions, hoping someday love will come more easily for our people.
Miles touches my cheek and I look into his pretty brown eyes, smiling at his beauty. “I love you, Timalah,” he whispers before pulling me into an achingly soft kiss. Just as always, it feels like coming home.
“I love you too,Corn,” I say back, laughing when my mate punches me in the arm. Christian laughs right along with me and the night goes on like that, filled with joy, laughs, and merriment, surrounded by the people I’m privileged to call family.
The End
Bonus Scene
Miles
The tall grass nips at my ankles as I run and I’m careful to dodge the overgrown twigs and branches as I go. My breath comes out in harsh pants, my lungs screaming at me to slow down. But I just keep going, needing to get away.
“Fuck,” I blurt out as I trip over a tree root, my hands falling against the dirt. Pain lances through my palms but I shake it off as quickly as I can, knowing if I stay still too long it’ll be over. As I get myself back on my feet, I look over my shoulder in panic. I see no one behind me. Good. Maybe I’ll actually win this time.
My legs are starting to ache and sweat drips from my temples. Why must this planet be so freaking humid? Not that I’mreallycomplaining. I love it here. But man, having a refreshing breeze right now would do wonders for this chase.
The trees all around me provide cover and shade, not to mention perfect places to hide. My eyes scan my surroundings, finding the perfect tree to hide in. I leap up, grabbing the lowest branch and using it to pull myself up. I keep climbing until theleaves and branches underneath are sure to keep my hiding spot a secret. And then I hold my breath and wait.
My timing is nearly perfect because only a few seconds later, I hear footsteps below me. I chance a glance down, finding Timalah standing below my tree, looking around. I put my hand over my mouth, keeping myself as silent as possible despite a giggle trying to weasel it’s way out of my throat.
“Oh, Miles!” Timalah calls, his blue tail flicking behind himself. “Come out and we can call today a draw.”
I keep silent, rolling my eyes to myself. Why would I call today a draw when I could possibly win? No thanks.
“I already know where you are, my mate! I’m just giving you the option of an early surrender.”
I narrow my eyes even though I know for a fact he can’t see me. There’s no way he knows I’m up here. I had a clean escape and I’m getting better at making sure I don’t leave an easy trail behind me. I call his bluff, keeping still and silent.
A few tense moments pass before Timalah is letting out a long sigh of disappointment and moving on. Excitement wells up inside my belly and I smile, not caring I must look borderline feral. I’m ready to turn this game of cat and mouse around. Instead of being the prey, I’m about to become the predator.
I carefully climb back down, landing solidly on my feet at the bottom. Adrenaline courses through me, making me run just a little bit faster as I go the way Timalah just left. Lucky for me, the little bit of wind happening today is blowing in my favor, not giving Timalah the chance to smell me sneaking up on him.
A twig snaps in front of me and I crouch down, using the bushes as a shield. I’m so glad I decided to grab my black hat before coming out here, hiding away my golden hair which would have acted as a giant neon light pointing Timalah straight towards me.
Timalah is circling a large tree, one I’ve used in the past to hide inside, using it’s hollowed out trunk. I’m glad I didn’t try that trick twice. My steps are near silent as I creep behind him. His back is to me and it’s almosttooeasy for me to plant a hand on his lower back, shoving him up against the bark of the tree with a satisfying grin.
“Gotcha,” I hiss out, my mouth against the back of Timalah’s sweaty neck.
