Page 42 of Valka

She turned and walked into the cave at her back. She walked slowly around it, taking it all in.

“It is small, but it is easy to warm in the coldest months. And it is sturdy, a good shelter. I could have had other caves, but I do not want them.”

“It’s a good home. Valka’s is too large, and difficult to warm I would think.”

“It is.”

“You are sure that you want me here?” she asked.

“I am very sure, Bettina. You will see.”

“Alright, then. I choose you, Katva.”

Katva grinned and followed her inside his home. “Everything I have is to provide for my female. Anything you want is yours to take. If you are hungry eat. If you are cold, wrap yourself in furs. If you are tired, sleep. There will only be anger if you do not take what you need.”

Bettina watched his face as he spoke, and knew how sincere he was. “Thank you, Katva.”

He nodded, then took a single step closer to her. “If you do not want to give me sex, you do not give me sex. It is not a condition of your survival.”

Bettina’s breath caught. He’d listened to her, really listened to her and understood what she’d said.

“You are not my first male.”

“I know that,” he said.

“Many others.”

“But I am the last.”

Bettina smiled and closed the distance between them, holding him close. “Yes, you are.”

Chapter 13

Delia opened her eyes and looked first to the right, then to the left. When she turned her head to the right again, Valka was there, about three inches from her face.

Her hand came up and she pressed it to her chest. “Don’t do that to me!” she rushed out.

“Do what? You look for Valka. Valka here,” he said.

“I didn’t think you were, then you’re right there!” she said.

Valka smiled. “Valka make fire warm Delia.”

“Thank you.”

“Delia hungry?”

“A little, yes.”

“Valka make food!”

“Dried fish?” she asked.

“No! Valka make soup!”

“Soup? You know how to make soup?”

“No! Katva mate show Valka.”