“And what is that?” The chief nodded his head towards Squire, looking at him like he was dung on his shoes. “Why is it in here?”
“That’s our prisoner—” N’Ashtar started.
“He’s helping us,” I cut him off. “He knows a lot about the Caterri forces and he saved me when he could have killed me instead. He’s a good guy.”
The chief narrowed his eyes, the slits red in a way that really reminded me of a creepy possession-style horror movie. “V’Kor will take the Caterri and the human may accompany Hetta and Jackie to see their friend.”
N’Ashtar’s eyes flared the same red that his father’s had, and I tried to tighten my grasp on his hand so I could warn him, but he didn’t seem to pay attention. I didn’t want things to get out of hand, because what would happen if they got in a fight? There was no doubt N’Ashtar was more important to the tribe than I was. It was just what it was.
“We go together,” N’Ashtar said pleasantly. He lifted my hand and kissed the back of it, all without moving his gaze from mine.
I didn’t arch an eyebrow, but dear god, I wanted to. He couldn’t have been clearer if he had peed on me.
For a second it looked like his father was going to have a stroke, then he turned on his heel and stormed back to the largest house, the second N’Akron at his side. From the small, barely there breasts, and the difference in scale color, I had to assume she was his wife. No introductions, which made it more difficult, but they clearly didn’t care about my comfort.
Great.
N’Ashtar pulled me closer and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and I tried not to relax too obviously into the comfort his solid body provided. It was nice, having someone to rely on. I just didn’t want to lose it now that I had found it. I loved him, and I hated that our fate seemed to be up in the air. We had exchanged marks, yes, but would he really choose me over his whole tribe?
“My father is [N’Ket], my mother is [N’Shur],” N’Ashtar murmured. “V’Kor is in charge of the chief’s guard and is my father’s best friend.”
“Thank you,” I whispered so they couldn’t hear me, grateful that I would actually be able to keep up with who was who and maybe even address them correctly. None of the N’Akron stopped as they strode inside the short door, a pair of the elders seeming to duck before they formed a rough half-circle on the far side of the room. N’Ket stood in the middle, N’Shur next to him. I could see how her face was a touch more feminine now, although it wore the same dark disapproval that N’Ket’s did. V’Kor took Squire to the corner furthest away from us and shoved him to the floor, leaving him crouched awkwardly.
I opened my mouth, because fuck that, but N’Ashtar gently squeezed my shoulder. “Not now,” he murmured. “Please.”
I scowled and let myself mutter a few choice words under my breath before letting out the air I had been about to use to shout. Then I crossed my arms over my chest and lifted my chin, making it clear that no one was about to bully me. I’d survived worse.
N’Ashtar stayed by my side as he showed me to two chair-like stools that weren’t far from the entrance into the surprisingly shed-like building. It looked sort of like a tent had perched on top of a small cabin, the walls of the tent surrounding the insides. I wasn’t sure whose idea it was, but hey, it was unique.
Everyone stared at me as I sat down, but I didn’t budge an inch. They weren’t going to get to me like that. I kept my head up, proud, ignoring all of the eyes on me and instead turning to N’Ashtar. It was his meeting, so I would follow his lead, because I had no idea what I was doing.
Except before N’Ashtar could talk, his father did.
“What in the scales do you think you’re doing?” N’Ket asked harshly. There were four elders to each side of him, all men, all wearing the same disapproving expression. “There are plenty of suitable women here that could have made you a mate. Instead you disappeared out of nowhere for this…this…female.”
Guilt fluttered in my middle, the worry over being reduced to my cooter as if it was the only thing important about me. But I was more than that. I had to be, right? A warmth bubbled through me as I looked at N’Ashtar and saw a calm rage on his face.
“Dana is far more than just ‘some female’,” he said evenly, although his gaze was scorching. “She’s a good mate and a strong leader. Our people will be in good hands with her at my side.”
Part of me wanted to laugh, because the way N’Ket’s eyes were widening, he looked like a balloon about to explode. Or maybe it was just how ludicrous the whole situation was.
“And why is…that here?” N’Ket spoke again, the disgust more than obvious as he barely spared Squire a glance. “Why would you bring the enemy into our midst?”
I stood, shaking N’Ashtar off because my patience was officially gone. “He helped me,” I spat. “He saved me when he could have killed me, and he helped N’Ashtar and the rest of us even when they bound him up like a trussed pig. He’s a good person.” I did stand that time and moved in front of Squire, shielding him from the N’Akron that were supposedly socially advanced. If I had to leave, I would.
“He is a Caterri,” N’Shur said flatly, and I was surprised how musical her voice was. It sounded almost like it was a little distorted, but it was kind.
Or would have been, if what she was saying wasn’t so disturbing.
“He’s a person, just like we all
