Page 33 of Saved By a Barbarian

Scrubbing the back of his neck, he grimaced again, looking uncomfortable speaking with me. He didn’t look angry or anything, like he had the last time he cornered me alone. But I didn’t trust him one bit. Richard had played the kind act before, and it nearly got me killed. I wasn’t going to give Saneth the benefit of the doubt. He hadn’t earned that right.

“I was wondering if you planned on bonding with Verus.”

My brows snapped together, and I studied him carefully. “Why?”

His lip twitched in a scowl, but he masked it, shaking his head. “It’s not important. I?—”

“I’m not answering unless you tell me why,” I insisted. I didn’t see why my bonding with Verus mattered to him unless he planned on doing something to fight it on Tavik’s behalf. Would he hurt me if I said I wanted to? Or did he plan on interrupting the ceremony that Finn had told me about?

“Forget it,” Saneth snapped, spinning around to leave.

He got as far as the opening of the tent before letting out a frustrated growl and turning back around. His glare wasn’t reassuring in the slightest, but his explanation surprised me.

“Tavik won’t give up on the idea of Verus. Not even after being bested in a brawl and Verus saying it will never happen between them. If you plan on bonding with Verus, maybe he will finally let it go and move on.”

Stunned, I sat silently for a moment. I knew Tavik was interested in Verus. It was hard to miss with the comments he’d made before.

“Do you think it will make a difference?” I queried softly.

Saneth rolled his eyes, but his expression turned uncertain, and he frowned down at his feet like the answer was hidden in the dirt. “I don’t know. Verus saying he intended to leave with you should you wish it should have been enough. It is clear he only has eyes for you. But Tavik still has not let it go. I’m unsure if anything will change his heart on the matter.”

I wanted to be overjoyed about what Verus had apparently said, but my attention was stuck on the pain in Saneth’s voice. I thought maybe he was just worried for his friend, but why would he be in pain just because Tavik wouldn’t let Verus go? Unless…

“You like him, don’t you?”

He made an irritated noise, glaring at me, and crossed his arms defensively over his chest. His lack of answer was answer enough for me, but my silence bothered him, and he growled in frustration.

“No. I don’t like him. I love him. I always have. But he only has eyes for Verus.”

I had to bite back a wince at that statement. I wasn’t sure what was worse: having to live with the idea of never finding love, or being in love with someone you knew you couldn’t have. I doubted it was a recent development; Yamileth had said that Saneth and Tavik were always together. The thought was a painful one.

“Does he know?” I asked uncertainly.

It felt weird to be discussing this with him after the way he had treated me, but it looked like he needed someone to talk to.

He shook his head, his expression clouded. “No. We have been friends since we were children. He only sees me this way.”

Feeling awkward having him standing there while I sat, I gestured to the empty stool nearby. While he sat, I considered his words. I’d never had a relationship before Verus, so I wasn’t sure how to handle it.

Finn arrived before I could come up with an idea, and he pulled up short when he noticed Saneth beside me. Saneth looked ready to bolt, but I felt bad for him. Finn had been in a relationship longer than I had. Maybe he could help.

“He’s just here to talk,” I reassured Finn, gesturing him closer. Looking at Saneth, I asked, “Do you mind if I share with him? He might have an idea of what to do.”

Saneth didn’t look happy about the idea, but his shoulders slumped in defeat, and he waved me on with a sigh. “Go on.”

Finn looked confused, his gaze flicking between us and his head tipped slightly. “Share what?”

“Saneth has feelings for Tavik, but he says Tavik only sees him as a friend. I’ve never had a relationship before. Do you have any ideas about what he can do? Aside from me bonding with Verus. We haven’t discussed that yet, so I don’t want that to be the only plan. I’m not sure it will help.”

“Um… It might,” Finn agreed with a bob of his head. “Bondings are sacred. Tavik might not like it, but he’ll have to respect it. He could be kicked out of the clan if he tries to get between the two of you.”

I liked that my bonding with Verus was a foregone conclusion to both of them. It made me feel like I wasn’t being silly having hope.

“So you do plan to bond?” Saneth demanded. “He will have to move on if you do.”

I shrugged. “Maybe. I’d like to. But we haven’t talked about it yet. And while Tavik might be forced to let go of Verus, that doesn’t mean he will turn to you instead. Not unless you do something about it.”

Saneth cringed at the thought, ducking his head. “I am afraid. He is my closest friend. I do not wish to lose him.”

---