Page 45 of His to Worship
“True, but it goes pretty deep for them.” She picks at her food while listening to me. “We don’t feel what they feel quite as much, but apparently, for them, it’s like a strong ass biological drive. And it’s really important in their culture.”
I pause and consider my next words carefully, but I feel that she needs to know. Even if it might give her additional anxiety she doesn’t need.
“Kuvier told me that people might not respect their ‘claims’ over us. Meaning that other randos might try to, like, steal us or something because they don’t feel like our dudes are worthy or whatever.”
She reels back at that, glancing between me and Enikk’s direction. “What the hell?”
“Yeah, there’s a mark and shit that’s supposed to tell others that we are spoken for.” I gesture between us. “Neither of us have fully completed the process, so it means that other people can challenge Kuvier and Enikk for our hands, basically.”
“Like, hands in marriage?” she exclaims, alarmed.
“Sorta, just without the paper and priest.” The joke falls flat in the face of her horror.
“So, basically, my options are let Enikk claim me in marriage, or get shoved off onto some other goat dude that I know even less?” I grimace at the wording.
“Well, when you put it that way…”
“There doesn’t really feel like another way to put it.” She groans and rakes her hands through her wild hair. “Look, I get that this is easier for you. You and Kuvier, like, love each other already, or whatever, but this is a nightmare for me.”
I open my mouth to correct her about the love part, but I can’t seem to form the words. Instead what comes out is, “I’m sorry. This is sucky.”
“Yeah,” she huffs roughly, “no kidding.”
We sit in silence for a moment, and I think about how to approach what I need to say next.
“I, uh, I know this isn’t ideal,” I begin hesitantly, “but of all the people to have forced on you, Enikk isn’t all that bad.”
Amari levels me with a fierce glower. I hold up my hands in defense. I know what I’m saying sounds terrible, but for her sake, I need her to hear it. She might think Enikk sucks, but I have a feeling she’d feel worse with someone less sweet and understanding.
“I’m just saying, whoever puts up a fight for us could be worse. And old.” Her expression crumples as she realizes how big of a possibility that is. “I’m putting my eggs in Kuvier’s basket, and I know that it isn’t the same for you, but I think you should put yours in Enikk’s. Even if it’s just in a friendship way.”
Amari's brow furrows in a mix of frustration and resignation. It’s a long moment before she speaks again.
“I get it, I do. This is a different world, a different culture, and I’m going to have to adjust. Especially if Samra can’t get us out of here.” Her voice is tinged with uncertainty as she continues, “But this is everything I didn’t want anymore.”
“Do what’s best for you. Regardless of what that choice is, I’ll support you.” I tell her, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.
Amari’s gaze is distant as she considers my words. We sit in silence for a while after that, until everyone is ready and packed. The time to go arrives, and we quickly set off for our second day of travel.
TWENTY-EIGHT
- kuvier -
“Enikk,” I call, walking a bit further up the path away from the females who are huddled around a small fire, eating and warming their hands.
Enikk leaves his spot where he watches his mate from several feet away and finds his way to me.
“We are close to the cave,” I state when he is within hearing range. Even for us, our hearing is impeded by the whistling wind.
“Yes, I know.” He looks back at his mate. “I would not like to go ahead this time. My Amari seems strangely on edge today, and I do not wish to leave her in such a mood.”
I do not like this. I also would not like to leave my Sedona behind, but fairness is fairness. He has already left once, it is only right that I make the same sacrifice.
I nod in understanding. “Very well. I will tell my mate that I will be walking ahead.”
Enikk claps me on the shoulder. “Thank you, clansman.”
We break apart, and he returns to watching his mate from afar while I go to my Sedona. She sits huddled closely with the female who knows all of our words. I have practiced her name, Xiomara. My Sedona told me that the other females do not like only being addressed as ‘female.’ I do not understand this as, if they simply called me ‘male,’ this would be nothing. But, she was adamant that I practice their names. I remember some better than others.