Page 152 of Sohut's Protection

“What are you ladies talking about?” Sohut’s eyes found her immediately and he moved to stand by her side.

“Sohut, this is the other human I was telling you about.” Riv all but growled the words. “She is called Nee-ya.”

Sohut pulled his eyes away and they landed on Nia. “Nice to meet you.”

When Nia met his gaze, there was no recognition there. Still, sadness lingered behind her eyes. “Nice to meet you too.” She smiled. “Well, this is nice! You’re all paired up!”

Sohut pulled Cleo closer against him.

“I’m delighted to be,” he said.

There was a beat before Lauren spoke up.

“Well, it’s almost dinner time! I hope you like rai and braised meat!” Lauren grinned as Riv pulled her small body against his.

“Everybody loves rai and braised meat,” Riv growled, casting a serious eye their way that said they shouldn’t protest.

Chuckling, the party headed into the house.

As the three beings walked ahead of them, Cleo slowed her steps and Sohut turned a questioning gaze her way.

“Clee-yo…is something wrong?”

Cleo moved her gaze from the Sanctuary and the view of the plain beyond to the man that had literally entered her life and turned it completely around.

“No, I just…”

Sohut moved close to her and pulled her into his arms. “I know it’s not much, but—”

“It’s perfect,” she interrupted him. “It couldn’t be more perfect.”

Tears filled her eyes and she willed them back.

She wasn’t the emotional type, damnit.

Sohut reached a finger to her face and wiped a tear away, just as Wawa pushed his head out from under the hood.

“I’m not making her cry,” Sohut said to Wawa and Wawa bumped his head against her cheek.

Burying her face into Sohut’s chest, she wrapped her arms around him.

“Clee-yo?” Sohut whispered.

“I just…that day when I escaped from the orc’s cart, I never imagined I’d ever have this…”

Sohut was silent for a few seconds and when she looked up at him, there was a bewildered look on his face.

“But your eyes leak…are you not…happy?”

Cleo chuckled and sniffled at the same time.

“Oh, Sohut, I’m more than happy.”

Sohut pulled her into him. “Sure?”

“Sure.”

They stood like that for a few moments before she whispered into his chest, “I love you.”

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