Page 58 of The Ranger

“That’s because you weren’t watching. Trust me, if my father had been around when we were bonding and didn’t know anything about it, you would have found yourself on the first flight back to Dalrovia.”

“Dalrovia no longer exists in your time,” he pointed out.

“Germany then, or wherever. My point is, he would have run a background check on you and had you arrested if he could.”

“But we’re bonded mates.” Vale ran a hand through his hair.

“And look how long it took you to figure that out, and that’s with help! A lot of it.” She studied Markhel again.

Markhel watched her, a hand over his belly, and waited for the pain to worsen, but it didn’t. Not yet. “Thank you for being here.”

Makama smiled. “People helped get us through this. Now it’s our turn to help others.”

He was about to comment when it hit. Markhel screamed, the sound echoing across the prairie. He briefly wondered if the people of Clear Creek could hear it, then didn’t care. The pain was too great. Emptiness wrapped around him and squeezed like a vice. A bone chilling pain that seared his heart and mind. He couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe, and prayed Maida wasn’t experiencing the same. She couldn’t survive it.

“Let it come,” Zara advised.

He was vaguely aware of her hands on his shoulders, holding him up. Kwaku was at his side, supporting him as well. The touch of their hands gave some comfort, but not much. He felt as if his very soul was being sucked out of him. He cried out again, unable to help it, and doubled over.

“It will pass soon,” Kwaku said. “But do as Zara says. You must let it come.” He bent to his ear. “She Calls, young cub. She Calls and soon you will answer. Once your heart awakens.” He gave Markhel a fatherly pat on the shoulder then rested his hand there.

Markhel had no pride in that moment. He sagged against the Azurti warrior, his tears flowing freely. There was nothing to be done, there never was. It was part of being who and what he was. No Muiraran, be they Time Master, ranger, or even royalty. None could escape the birthing of one’s heart, or the bonding that took place soon after. But once it was over, and his inner heart had found it’s home with Maida, all would be well.

But there were obstacles. Like any Maiden, she would have to give herself to him willingly. After tonight, he knew her father was against the idea of his daughter taking a shine to someone like him. And her grandfather would be no different. How was he to win her when they would be fighting him every step of the way?

The pain subsided a little, and by the time they reached town, he was able to climb out of the wagon with Kwaku’s help. He staggered into the hotel, Kwaku and Zara supporting him, and almost ran into an old woman cutting through the lobby.

“Goodness gracious, watch where you’re going why don’t you!”

Markhel looked at her, and recognized the face of Fanny Fig. “Excuse us, Mrs. Fig.”

Kwaku and Zara steered him to the staircase.

Fanny narrowed her eyes at all three. “Wait a minute, I know you. You’ve all come to town before.” Her eyes narrowed further as she studied him. “Been to the saloon, have you? Shameful! You ought not to let him drink himself under the table like that!” She harrumphed then exited the building.

Markhel winced. “She will talk.”

“Of course, she will,” Zara said as they guided him up the stairs. “Her heart thrills at giving news of other’s suffering.”

“She is harmless,” Kwaku said. “A gossip and noting more.” They half-carried him to his room and after digging the key out of his pocket, deposited him inside. Lany Mosgofian joined them, having stayed behind rather than visit the Cookes.

“Uh-oh, I see it’s started.” He pulled Tylahs out of his pocket. “Time to go to work, little buddy.” He waited for Kwaku and Zara to put Markhel on the bed, then set Tylahs on his chest.

The tiny Sarian bounced up and down a few times then grinned. “Hello, rangersssk!”

He raised his head just enough to look at him. It hurt. “Hello.” His head fell against the pillow with a softthudas Tylahs walked a circle on his chest and settled himself. As soon as he did, he began to purr.

The sound rattled Markhel’s bones. That’s how fragile he was. This was disconcerting. He was vulnerable in this state, and easily snuffed out. He trusted those he was with, but what if someone came along that he couldn’t trust? This land was still wild, and outlaws came through the area now and then. He ought to know, he’d patrolled around Clear Creek at different times for years, keeping the less savory characters out. He couldn’t protect the town in this state and had to concentrate on Maida when he was able.

He looked at Kwaku. “You are here because?”

“Your heart needs to be fed, cub.” Kwaku grinned. “And you are clumsy.”

“What?” Markhel closed his eyes, and noted how wonderfully warm Tylahs was. “Clumsy…”

Kwaku shook his head. “He knows noting of de ways of love.” He glanced at Lany. “But you…”

Lany’s hands came up. “Hey, I’ve been married for years; I’ve got three kids. The early stages of wooing are way past me.”