Page 61 of Blood and Fate

There was definite sarcasm in the woman’s reply. Satori focused on Kais. Maybe if she could figure out where his emotions stood, she would know how to react to this woman. Then Lena turned her attention to Satori.

“Who’s this?”

Kais stepped once toward Satori. “She’s a friend.”

Lena’s eyes cut to Kais. “Of yours?” She glanced at Teague. “Or yours? Or are you sharing?”

“Hey!” The word was out of Satori’s mouth before she could stop it.

Who did this woman think she was to imply that Satori would even be okay with Kais and Teague sharing her? What in Helias was this woman’s problem?

“Really?” was all Kais said.

Lena rolled her eyes and then shook her head. “I don’t even care. I have laundry to get to. Addie?”

Adalyn’s face had crunched with the adult’s exchange. “Can I stay, Mama? Please?”

Lena blew out an exasperated-sounding breath, and with a dismissive wave of her hand, she turned and walked away.

Kais turned to Satori. “I’m sorry about that. I’m not her favorite person.”

Satori was about to say, “clearly,” when the emotion hit her. Grief. Kais seemed to be mourning something, but Satori couldn’t tell if it was his marriage, Sawyer, or something completely different.

Then it was gone, and Kais was turning to the men. He clapped his hands. “Alright. Follow Teague, grab a tent from Marta, group up, set up, and then rest up. In three hours we distribute goods. Then you can relax.”

Kais turned to Satori. Hesitation edged his thoughts.

“What is it?”

“I don’t know if we have enough tents, or if Marta has enough tents, for you to get one on your own.”

Was he joking? “I’m sorry?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Don’t worry, Princess. I won’t make you stay with any of the men. You can stay with me and Teague.”

Her stomach fell. Stay with them?

Then Kais started laughing. “I’m sorry. I can’t continue. Don’t worry; we’ll make sure you get your own space. Even if we have to sleep four to a tent.”

She breathed out her relief, but then felt guilty for inconveniencing others so that she could get her own tent.

“Don’t feel bad. The men are used to sharing.” Kais began walking, waving at her to follow. “Come on, let’s go get you a tent.”

When Kais and Satori got to Marta’s, there was a line. Teague stood at the front, tossing tents to men and shouting out numbers. Satori followed Kais to Teague’s side.

“Single, please.”

Teague glanced up, surprised at the request. Then his eyes drifted to Satori, and he nodded. He stepped inside the small storage space and emerged with a tightly wrapped, deep green bundle.

“Smallest one we have.” He held the tent out toward Satori, but Kais intercepted it, taking the bundle.

“While you’re here,” Teague said, and reached inside again, coming out with a bigger bundle. “Ours.” He handed it to Kais as well.

Kais took the tents and looked at Satori. “Ready to build some tents?”

“I am.”

Kais’ eyes grew wide, almost playful. Speaking as though he was about to embark on an adventure, he said, “Follow me.”

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