Page 43 of K'Vella

I frown again, narrowing my eyes at the male's back. Thankfully, K'Vella can stand on her own, even though I've been working hard to tire her.

She looks around the room once more once she's standing in front of me, and a small smile plays on her lips. Yes, a lot is happening, and yes, I'm sure it's overwhelming for her. When she's taking it all in with nothing but joy? How can I not hope for things I have no reason to hope for?

Even if she takes to being a Rytharian, we can't stay here. It won't be healthy for either of us to wonder if it's the day the blocker will break or become dislodged. I can't put K'Vella through that kind of stress.

"I need to visit my clan leader," I murmur into K'Vella's ear.

She stiffens, but I get us moving toward where Sloane is sitting in Jovi's lap, pressing herself to him in ways that tease her other mate. At least she isn't still dancing because there's no way I'd leave K'Vella to dance with the unmated females.

"Is everything okay?" K'Vella asks me, shooting me a worried glance.

The male who told me to follow him seems to understand that I wish to leave my female here so she isn't bored with whatever he and the clan leader want to discuss. It's partially that and partially that I'm eager to sink into K'Vella.

The longer I'm around her, the more I want to do that. It'll help me end whatever this meeting is about sooner as well. The sooner it's over, the quicker I can be inside my mate.

"Everything is fine." I press a kiss to her temple. "They probably have questions about when I left and how long I plan to stay. It's nothing to bore you with. You'll have more fun with Sloane and Essa."

"And me!" Helna wraps her arms around K'Vella and gives her a wide smile. "You're so soft, did you know that? Do you think the babe will be soft?"

I make a low coughing sound because I didn't know my sister knew how K'Vella and I came to be in one another's company. I shake my head, trying not to think too hard about it because I'm not the biggest fan of my sister knowing I'm being used for my virility.

"I'm pretty sure the babe will look like their father," I say, placing my hand over K'Vella's on her abdomen.

She tenses in my arms, but I assume it's because I'm leaving her soon. I focus on Helna, who's looking at me with wide, unblinking eyes and tapping her fingers together like she used to do when we got up to mischief, and our mother found out about it.

I shake my head again, remembering that I need to get done with the clan leader, and then I can worry about whatever this is that's happening with Helna.

"Keep my mate company, okay?"

Helna finally blinks. "Yes, yes, of course."

She takes two of K'Vella's hands and pulls her away from me before I can steal another kiss, which I was planning on doing. I frown down at my sister, who isn't even paying any attention to me but is apologizing to K'Vella. I have so many questions, but I don't get to ask any of them before I'm ushered away by the other male.

"I truly am sorry, but tonight was the best night since my mate's going into heat soon." The male rubs the back of his neck. "You have the blocker, so we figured you won't be affected even if she's close. Haral is already planning on running through the fields tonight with Sythel, so they won't want to keep you for long."

"No, it's fine. I don't understand why my sister's acting so strange."

I run a hand over my braid, ensuring it's somewhat presentable as we head out of the great hall. I want to stay because things only get more and more debauched as the night goes on, and I've already gotten K'Vella out of her top once.

Now, I have to leave her when she's already warm and aching to be filled. I gnash my teeth at the air, and the other male gives me a sympathetic pat on the back as though he understands my struggles.

"My mate will be quick, I promise. Especially when I tell her the good news."

"Good news?" I ask, unsure of what he's talking about. When he doesn't answer me immediately, I look at him and see him eyeing me with confusion.

"Nothing," he says, smiling and rubbing his hand over his face. "Nothing, sorry. I meant it's good you're back and have a mate. She won't want to keep you from her for very long."

Thankfully, the male doesn't live far from the great hall. As soon as we get to his house, I'm greeted by a familiar face that has my heart attempting to beat out of my chest.

Glinn was—is—friends with my sister. She was always at my house growing up since she lived nearby. She was a little older than me but enjoyed hanging out with Helna. Even if I didn't remember her from the day I left, I would remember her from all the times she ate dinner with us.

I turn around quickly, emotions filling my chest and throat, and memories of years ago flooding back when I worked so hard to forget them.

I've mostly come to terms with what happened that day, but it was never me who was truly hurt. Glinn must've dealt with so much more, and she didn't have the benefit of running away.

"Is he okay?" a childish voice asks from behind me. I rub the back of my neck and suck in deep lungfuls of air, trying to calm myself down.

"He's fine," the male I came with says. "Just give him a second."