Page 7 of Healing His Mate

It is a nice thought, and not incorrect, but I am not ready to face that reality.

As if reading my thoughts, Elle-noor continues, “But I don’t think that’ll happen, honestly. Even if her memories come back, you’ll be closer to her than you ever were before. That vague idea of who she thinks you are won’t hold a candle to the version she’s gotten to know.” She pulls a wet bowl from the drying tub and begins wiping it with her rag. “This will work.”

Two elders approach and I fill their bowls with stew and drop a thick slice of junasii bread on top of each. I think over this plan Elle-noor has, and it does sound intriguing. “When do we begin?”

She makes a clicking sound with her tongue as she places the dry bowl on the table with the rest of the clean, dry dishes. “Right now, my friend. Right fucking now.”

CHAPTER 4

NALBA

Kaiva descends the stairs into the med room early the next morning to find me wide awake and restless. “What is wrong, Nalba? Are you in pain?”

“No,” I bark out, tired of lying here, staring out the giant windows onto the main path of the village––a place I have no memory of. I wish to explore this new home we have built. I am eager to see my shop and return to my projects. “I am wasting away in this bed. A useless heap of bones and skin. I have things to do, Kaiva.”

She chuckles, unbothered by my tone. “Your mind has always been busy, busy, busy. It is a wonder you were able to keep up with it.” She gently removes the bandage on the side of my head, checking the wound. She looks pleased. “You are healing well, my dear.”

“And . . .” I add, willing her to give me the freedom to leave.

“And I think you should be fine to return to your shop. But–” she presses me down onto the bed the moment I begin to rise, “you must take it slow. Allow yourself the time to get reacquainted with your surroundings. Be kind and patient with yourself. Your body does not work as quickly as your mind.”

I nod, agreeing to her terms. “My memories will return once I am in my shop again, yes?”

She pauses, dropping her hands to her sides. She does not answer.

“I spend all my time there, do I not? It is only logical to assume my shop holds the most memories I have made over the last five years. Right?”

She smiles, but it is tight, forced. “Yes, that is a logical assumption, Nalba. And that could indeed happen.”

Kaiva’s carefully chosen words make me feel better despite the obvious reluctance to agree with me or give me any degree of hope. I know she does not want me to be disappointed if my memories do not return upon entering my shop, but I believe they will. My projects, both completed and in progress, will trigger them.

“Morning!” Aye-vah greets us with a bright smile upon entering the room. She is quite beautiful, Ahlvo’s mate. The human face still seems a bit odd to me, structurally speaking, but Aye-vah has a kind of magnetic appeal to her. Your eyes land on her and you want them to stay there.

“Hello,” I reply. “I am leaving today! Kaiva has just given me approval to return to my work!”

“Wow, that’s wonderful news!” Aye-vah replies as she sets her small shoulder sack on the table closest to the door. “Would you like me to walk you over?”

I am inclined to say no, so I have the chance to explore this unfamiliar place on my own. Any form of exploration is most enjoyable without company, I have found, but I suppose it will help to have someone at my side who can provide names of people and places I have forgotten. “Very well.”

“Don’t sound so excited,” Aye-vah says with a chuckle.

“Did I sound excited? Because I truly am not, but I appreciate your assistance,” I tell her honestly.

“Mmm. I do value your candor, Nalba.”

I nod. “I am told it is one of my best qualities.” Kaiva hands me the boots and pants I came in with, and relief washes over me as I put them on. Though I have only been conscious in the med room for one day, I know I have spent many days here following my injury, and I am eager to return to the life I have been living.

Before Aye-vah reaches for the door, I place my hand on her arm. I turn sideways so I may address both her and Kaiva. “I am happy here, yes? In this place, doing the work I do––would you say I have been happy?”

“Um,” Aye-vah replies, hesitantly. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Happy is not the word I would use to describe you, Nalba,” Kaiva says. “You are more focused, driven. But I would not say you are unhappy.”

I suppose that is an answer. Not necessarily the one I was seeking, but certainly provides a bit of insight. “Ah. Well, thank you.”

Following Aye-vah outside, I am immediately taken aback by the lack of direct sunlight. “How does anything grow here?”

Aye-vah tilts her head back, following my gaze. “Yeah, the trees cover most of the village. There are little pockets of sunlight that peek through, though. And we have no trouble with crops. We’re also entering the cold season, so sunlight will be less frequent.”

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