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Despite my concerns, I’d loved every second of what we’d done. And if not for his obvious desire for the whole white picket fence dream, I wouldn’t have a second of hesitation.
But what were the chances I even had to worry about any of it? The vaccines were failing. Molev’s blood alone was killing the volunteers. If that didn’t scream incompatible, I don’t know what did.
“Okay,” I said. “I’m willing to try again. But if it hurts even a little and I tell you to stop, you need to respect my answer and give me more than twenty-four hours to recover.”
His frown faded, and he pulled me into his arms.
“Did I truly hurt you that much?” he asked.
“You’re big, Molev, and I did a lot of stretching to accommodate. I heal slower than you do. How long would it take you to recover from a pulled muscle or a light abrasion? Double that for a human.”
His lips pressed down on the crown of my head.
“Forgive me.”
“I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”
“Then forgive me for wanting you so badly right now that I am considering running with you again, even knowing you are hurt. It would be better if you returned to the house and waited for me.”
I pulled back and looked up at him.
“You had self-control enough not to behead the people who shot at you. I think you have enough self-control not to run away with me.” I patted his chest. “I’m staying. A little bit of movement will help me loosen up for this evening.”
“Hey,” a familiar voice said from nearby. “Roni sent me over for Molev. She needs you for the next demonstration.”
Molev’s grip on me tightened briefly before he kissed the top of my head and turned to face Cory.
“Tell her I will return in a moment,” he said.
Cory nodded and looked at me. “You okay? You look exhausted.”
“I’m fine,” I said, smothering my grin as Molev slipped an arm around my shoulders. “All the training is just catching up with me.”
“I hear you. I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. Might be due to the fact that it was an actual bed and not the ground, though.” His gaze shifted back to Molev. “If you have time before we leave, I’d like to hear more about how you and your brothers coordinate supply runs. I’m hoping it’s something some of us civilians can start doing on our own, too.”
“I wouldn’t recommend it,” I said, even though he wasn’t talking to me. “The military can barely manage it with their armored vehicles and weapons.”
“That’s exactly why I think we need to try,” he said softly. “It won’t be long before there isn’t a military left to protect the barrier and gather food.” He looked at Molev again. “You said that teaching us these basic defense skills might save our lives. A lot of these people think you’re saying that because wemightsomeday face an undead. I don’t think that’s what you mean at all. The undead are coming, and if some of us are lucky, what you’re teaching us today might save us when they do.” Cory tucked his hands into his pockets. “I’ll let Roni know you’re coming.”
He left us, jogging back to his group, where Roni smirked in our direction.
No doubt, she’d meant to cause trouble, but based on the way Molev’s hold on me had eased, Cory had changed Molev’s opinion of him.
“He would make a good addition to our community,” I said. “My problems with him were never because of who he was as a person. I just couldn’t see myself settling down with him. Ever.”
I tipped my head back to look up at Molev, and his mossy green eyes met mine.
“He would work hard and support unity. And more importantly, he would never become a reason for you to be jealous.”
Molev exhaled heavily. “When I look at him, I wonder if he touched what I now touch and remembers the soft sounds you make when you sleep. Those thoughts make me want to send him far away from you.”
“I heard he got engaged after we broke up,” I said. “He hasn’t said anything about a fiancé or wife, though. Like everyone, he’s probably gone through hell since the earthquakes. Life experiences shape who we are, Molev. They change us. And sometimes, what was once important changes too.”
Molev grunted.
“Go help Roni,” I encouraged. “I’ll take it easy until it’s time for us to train together.”
The rest of the morning passed quickly. Molev always seemed to know where I was and what I was doing, no matter what he was doing. I liked knowing he was paying attention to me.
