6. Koda
CHAPTER 6
KODA
I watch from our usual corner as Mia catches up with Zoe and Olivia, their heads close together as they share stories of magical portals and mate bonds. But even deep in conversation, she can't help drawing others in. Every few minutes, her laugh rings out, clear and musical, making the children who've gathered nearby giggle in response.
For a moment I see all three of them look our way before breaking into fresh round of excited chatter.
Girls sure love to talk. I just wish I know what they were talking about.
Why do I care? But I know why... I know perfectly well why. It’s pointless trying to deny it to myself.
Elowen...
"You're staring," Kalen remarks, sliding into the seat across from me.
"I am not," I grunt, but even I can hear the lie in my voice.
"Look," Thokk rumbles, joining us. "We've been there. That pull you're feeling? That knowing? It only gets stronger."
I think of Whisper's face earlier, how he actually smiled - really smiled - for the first time in ages. "She got him to come out of his shell somehow," I admit quietly. "He even asked her if she played Cubicles and Chihuahuas.” Kalen just laughs at that.
"Yeah, if there was any doubt about Elowen and her spell, well, I think it just went out the window.” Thokk says.
“Can’t argue with you, but I’ll be damned if I get how the hell it works,” Kalen adds. “She just appeared in this temple thing? First the watchtower, then my storage room of all places, and now this? There must be some rhythm or reason to it all. I just don’t get what it is.” With that, the two depart to join their mates.
I shift uncomfortably in my seat.
My eyes are pulled back to Mia. I can’t seem to help myself.
Great. What did they always say on that old Star Trek show?
Resistance is futile.
Real trouble is I don’t think I want to resist at all.
Later, as the evening crowd thins, I find Mia watching intently as Zoe points out the sights in Fablewood on an old map on the tavern wall. As I approach the pair, Zoe departs with a little smile, while Mia continues to trace the faded lines with her fingers.
"I was wondering when you would come over,” she says, barely taking her eyes off the hand drawn image.
“I wanted to give you the opportunity to catch up with your friends.”
“It was... informative,” she says, giving me a mysterious smile. But before I can even react, she shifts topics.
And did she just take a little step closer to me too?
“This map is so cool. And tell me these markings don’t remind you of some of what we saw in the temple," she says excitedly, as I join her in examining the old depiction.
I move closer to see where she's pointing, suddenly even more aware of her proximity.
She definitely is moving closer. As I am to her.
That electric feeling crackles between us as she turns to face me, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.
"Maybe there's more to discover," she whispers, and I realize we're barely inches apart now. Her scent - wild flowers and something uniquely Mia - fills my senses. Without thinking, I lean down as she tilts her face up. I bring a hand to the small of her back. For a moment I gaze at those cute little lips of hers. I can’t fight it any longer...
"Chief Koda!" The booming voice makes us jump apart. Three members of the sasquatch council stand in the doorway, their expressions grave. "We must speak with you. Immediately."
What timing...
I step slightly in front of Mia, though I know it's too late to hide her presence.
"We've heard disturbing reports," Stonefur's fur bristles with indignation. "A human on our sacred grounds?"
"This is beyond acceptable," Oakmane rumbles. "The rest of the council must be informed."
My heart races, but only for a second or two. Sometimes I forget how much the council members love the sound of their own voices. But nine hells, does this lot have bad timing.
"We demand answers," Ridgerunner announces.
"This is most irregular." Stonefur is looking particularly puffed up.
"I have everything under control," I rumble, doing my best to keep my tone in the range of ‘placating.’ Now why don’t you go get yourself some drinks, or whatever you’d like – on me. I insist.”
I focus on the council members' bristling fur and stern faces, though every cell in my body seems aware of Mia standing just inches away.
"Very well,” Ridgerunner offers as they all grumble a bit, but we will be discussing this further.”
"Most thoroughly." Oakmane adds. Their stern faces could curdle milk. But this doesn’t seem to stop them from taking me up on my offer and heading to the bar. I give Kalen the high sign that whatever they want is on me.
"Wow," Mia whispers as they leave. "Do they practice looking that stuffy, or does it come naturally?" When she turns those sparkling eyes on me, I forget about all about the council members, sacred grounds, and everything else for that matter. All that remains is Mia... and her lips... and how badly I want to pull her against me and finish what we started.