Chapter 9
Zalik
Seeing my kit and keeshla together has been one of my greatest moments.
There is no physical resemblance between them, but Riley’s love for Stella is more than obvious.
We have visited the river, healers’ tent, as well as the food and weapons stores.
Now we stand at the top of the rise looking down into the training arena.
“This is where I spend much of my time when I am not hunting or scouting. All Tavikhi learn to fight down there. Benham was my teacher. He is the large, scarred male who escorted Dane and his people to the settlement.” An assignment he regrets because it brought danger to my mate and kit.
“All Tavikhi learn to fight? Even the girls?” Riley acts surprised.
“Only if they choose to. Remi and Abby learned. Cecily is still honing her skills, but she is doing well for a kit of only thirteen or fourteen human years.” I suspect she will be nearly as good as Talek by the next warm season, perhaps even sooner.
“Is Cecily human?”
“Aye. She, Talek, and Bazel are of the same age. Sorin as well, although he belongs to the Krijese tribe.”
Riley adjusts Stella’s carrier slightly. “They’re the other alien tribe that lives up in the hills, right? The ones who used to attack the arriving human ships?”
“That was during King Armik’s leadership. Once he was killed and the few remaining Krijese—who only wanted to live in peace—moved to their own village, they have become our allies. Kala, their leader, is even mated to a human female with two kits of their own.”
Riley nods. “I think I heard something about that.”
“If you are worried about Stella being made to learn to fight, then you should not. Only those who are truly interested in learning are taught. There are many other tasks that need to be done to keep the village running smoothly. Stella can choose whatever she would like to learn.” No one is forced to do anything they do not wish to do.
Riley chuckles. “I guess I’m so used to parents forcing their kids into things that I’m not used to allowing them to choose for themself. I witnessed it all the time with Lara’s parents. Always making her do things she didn’t want to.”
It is understandable that she would have concerns. “There are certain aspects of the upper tier that are nearly as bad as the bottom tier, yes?”
“Hmm. I guess I never really thought of it that way, but you’re absolutely right. We had it rough down in the bottom tier, but at least I always knew how much my mom loved me. She never would have forced me to do anything against my will. I suppose I should count myself lucky in that regard.”
“And we will never force Stella to do anything against hers.”
Riley leans over and kisses me. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome.” I thread my fingers through hers. “Let us head to the central fire and see what there is to eat for the midday meal.”
“I am getting hungry.”
“No mate of mine will ever go hungry.”
“What if I eat so much food that I gain a ton of weight?” Riley raises one of her brows. “I know there are men who care about that sort of thing.”
I stop walking so she must as well and I wait until she faces me. “My soul light does not shine for you because of your size. I see you with my heart, not my eyes, and my heart will always find you beautiful, no matter what.”
Riley scans my face, as if testing my sincerity. I meet her gaze without hesitation. There is nothing for me to hide. She is perfect in every way.
“You really are too good,” she says finally.
“Wait several turns after sharing my tent before saying that. I may have a few unique traits that annoy you. Evren and Rojtar have both said their mates pointed out a few annoying habits they tolerate. Perhaps you will find my habits annoying.” I grin.
Riley laughs which brings me joy. “And I might have some annoying habits as well. It’s all part of the wonderful mated life, I suppose.”
“Mated life truly is wonderful.”
I squeeze the hand I still hold and we continue on toward the central fire where the scent of the midday meal floats on the breeze.
Riley breathes in deeply. “Whatever’s cooking smells delicious. The food here is so different than the food back on Earth.”
“Did you also eat the protein bars?” I have never seen one, but Abby has described them to us and they sound terrible.
Riley nods. “Not after Lara moved me into her family house when I turned eighteen. Even before that, growing up, Lara would make sure I ate when and what she did. It was one thing I weirdly felt guilty about. Knowing that, although I was a member of the bottom tier, a lot of the benefits of the upper tier were available to me.”
“You should never feel guilty for enjoying something that should be readily available to everyone.” Although I do understand why she would feel that way. Riley has a kind heart.
“But it’s hard not to.”
We reach the central fire where several people have already retrieved their meal and are seated enjoying it. Of those people are Evren, Astrid, and Niella. Astrid spots us first and waves us over to join them.
She rises to greet us with their kit attached to her the same way Stella is to Riley.
“Welcome. I’m Astrid and this is Niella. You must be Riley.”
The two females shake hands.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Riley tells her.
Astrid gestures to Evren who has also risen to join us. “This is my mate, Evren.”
“We met briefly already,” he says. “But it is nice to see you again.”
“You as well.” Riley nods.
Astrid bends slightly closer and smiles at our kit. “Hello, sweet Stella.”
Riley smoothes Stella’s hair back. Of course, our kit does not reply, but she does offer her own watery smile in return.
Astrid straightens. “Would you like to join us for lunch?”
My mate glances at me as if searching for approval, or perhaps permission, but the decision should be hers to make.
“That would be lovely, thank you,” she finally says.
“I will go get us some food, if you would like to sit.” I gesture toward the bench that is nearest to where Evren and Astrid were seated.
Once Riley has made herself comfortable, I head to fill our bowls with what smells like dreri stew.
With both of them in hand, I return to find my mate and Astrid laughing together.
For a moment, I pause to merely observe her.
Seeing how relaxed she appears to be for the first time is perfection.
The weight of worry is gone from her face.
I am sure it will return, but I am glad she appears able to enjoy the company here.
As if sensing my attention, she glances my way and the smile grows larger.
My heart skips a beat and then races. Deep inside my body, my soul light shines brighter.
Riley blinks as if blinded by it. Other warriors have said it has taken some time for their human mates to be able to see their soul light shining from their eyes. Is my mate able to see it already?
Someone bumps into me and jostles the bowls I carry, reminding me of my task. I close the distance between us and offer my mate her meal.
“Mmm, this smells delicious.” Riley holds it up to her nose and breathes in deeply.
“Deer stew has become one of my favorites,” Astrid tells her.
“Deer?”
“Technically, it’s dreri, but they look similar to an Earth deer, so that’s how I think of them,” Astrid clarifies.
“Oh, yes, I’ve seen them when the human hunters at the settlement bring back their kills for the day. I’ve never really given much thought to what they’re called, I suppose.” Riley takes a bite of her stew. “This is really good.”
“I am glad you enjoy it.” I would have found her something else if she did not.
Stella reaches out and tries to grab my mate’s bowl, but it’s quickly moved out of reach.
“You can’t have this, silly little girl.” Riley giggles at our kit who returns her laughter.
Of course, she tries reaching for the bowl once more like it is a game she is playing. Again, my mate moves it out of reach. If the game continues, my keeshla will never be able to finish her meal.
“Would you like me to take her while you eat?” I set my own bowl down so my hands are free, but Riley waves me off.
“We’re okay. I got used to it taking me a little longer to eat. Watching her have fun makes me laugh.”
“If you change your mind or would like a break, you need only ask. Remember that you are no longer alone.”
Riley squeezes my leg and her touch goes straight to my cock. “Thanks…Dad. Baba.”
“Tavikhi dads are amazingly helpful,” Astrid says.
“It was just me and my mom growing up. Then, of course, there was also Lara. But, yeah, no dad around.”
Astrid nods. “A far too common occurrence in the bottom tier.”
Riley’s gaze shifts away from the other female and there is a faraway look in her eye. As if she is lost in her memories. I imagine I get the same distant glaze when I think of my nene and baba.
Evren and Astrid finish eating before we do. My tribe brother takes their bowls back to the central fire for cleaning and returns for his mate and kit. Astrid glances at Riley.
“It was great meeting you. Feel free to stop by our tent anytime. We can chat while the girls nap or during play time.”
“I definitely will.”
Evren places his hand on Astrid’s back who waves before they depart. Other Tavikhi have come and gone while we ate .
“Astrid is nice,” Riley notes.
“Each of our tribe sisters are kind and a blessing to the village, but there is something special about Astrid. She has always been the first to extend her hand in friendship to all the new mates that have joined us.” She is well-admired by everyone for her gentle soul.
Riley studies me a moment longer. “It kind of sounds like you have a crush on her.”
Confusion fills me. “Crush? I do not know this human word.”
“Nothing. Never mind.” She shakes her head, but remains rigid.
A sudden understanding rushes through me and I bite back my smile, because Riley’s tone had held a note of hurt.
I move to kneel between my keeshla’s legs and wait until our eyes meet.
Once they do, I palm each side of her head and kiss her long and deep like I have dreamed of doing.
Only when she is breathless and clutching hard at my shoulders do I end it.
“You, Riley of Earth, are the only female I have a crush on. In my eyes, no others exist but you. Understand?” I will kiss her again and again until she does.
She nods shakily. “I understand.”