Page 111 of The Delver
Ketahn flattened a hand on Urkot’s chest and patted gently. “You can barely carry yourself, Urkot.”
Without a word, Telok strode to Urkot’s side. Will and Diego moved out of his way, and he lifted Callie off Urkot’s hindquarters, cradling her against his chest. She looked small, sickly, vulnerable.
A flare of possessiveness stiffened Urkot’s muscles, and instinctual rage flooded them with heat. Callie was his mate,his, and no other male could touch her, could tend to her. Especially not when she seemed so fragile.
But the growl died in his chest, and his body eased. Telok was part of his tribe, his friend, his brother, and Urkot trusted him completely. He also trusted Diego and Will. They were healers—the only ones who could help his mate now.
“Make way,” Nalaki shouted as Telok carried Callie to the bridge, followed closely by the two male humans. The thornskull onlookers quickly cleared the bridge and the platform it led to, allowing Telok and the others to pass.
All the humans trailed after them.
“Come, we will follow,” Rekosh said before he and Ketahn led Urkot toward the bridge.
Urkot’s legs moved now, but he knew he remained upright only because of his friends’ continued support…and even with their help, the journey was not easy. Many thornskulls cheered and greeted him as he came into view.
But his attention remained split between keeping his legs moving and searching ahead to see his mate.
Telok was moving much faster than Urkot, allowing only glimpses of Callie’s legs or an errant lock of hair.
“You are lighter,” Rekosh said with an uncertain buzz.
“I do not feel lighter,” Urkot replied, taking another trudging step. “But…I do feel hungry.”
Ketahn chittered gently. “We will bring you food.”
“Any you desire.” Rekosh bumped a foreleg against Urkot’s. “As much as you desire.”
Urkot shook his head. “Later. When I know she is well.”
By the time he reached the platform that held the human dwellings, Diego and Will were already inside their large den with Callie and Telok. The other humans, along with Garahk,Nalaki, and a few thornskulls, had gathered outside. The mood in the air was strange, seemingly at odds with itself—a confusing blend of relief and worry, of happiness and fear.
Not without some effort, Urkot urged Ketahn and Rekosh aside and stood on his own. He longed to go inside with Callie, to hold her hand through whatever she’d have to endure, to smooth back her hair and wipe the sweat from her brow. But he knew he’d only be in the way, especially in his current state.
Telok swept aside the cloth hanging in the den’s entryway and stepped out. All eyes fell upon him. His mandibles snapped, making the fangs at their tips clack together, and his hands curled into fists.
“She will be fine.” In Telok’s rough, raspy voice, those words had an edge of harshness, but that couldn’t taint them for Urkot.
His mate would be okay. Shewould.
Exhaling, Urkot tipped his head back. The patches of clear blue midday sky were vibrant against the green of the leaves. The familiar scents of Kaldarak filled his nostrils as he breathed in—plants and wood, drying meat, a hint of burning spinewood sap and waterfall mist. A warm, soothing breeze flowed over his hide.
When he lowered his head, Telok was immediately before him, intensity blazing in those green eyes. Growling, Telok grasped the back of Urkot’s head and brought their headcrests together.
“Thought you were gone,” the hunter grated. There was no missing the trembling of his limbs.
Urkot threw an arm around his friend. “You are not rid of me yet.”
They remained that way for a time, Telok still tense, still bristling, but not ungentle. Once he withdrew, Ketahn and Rekosh made similar gestures, as did the humans. Kaldarak’s leaders were the last to approach.
Nalaki settled a big hand on Urkot’s shoulder, squeezing it. “Kaldarak is grateful to have two of ours back safely.”
“We are glad to be back,daiya,” Urkot replied.
“I must ask, Urkot…” She lowered her hand, her posture not quite so solid and sure as normal.
His stomach tangled into a knot, and his chest constricted. “We were across the chamber from the others when it collapsed. We found only Zotahl in the rubble, already gone. If you could not find any of the rest from the other side…”
“It is not what I hoped, but it is better to know. Thank you.” She bowed her head and made the sign of the Eight. “They have earned their rest.”
