Page 38 of Blood and Fate

She nodded once. “I’m just hungry.”

Bram, who had been watching their interaction carefully, placed a hand on the small of her back and pressed gently, ushering her toward the man serving the meal. “Well, then, let’s get you some food.”

An enormous cauldron-like pot sat in front of the man, and he ladled out a large scoop of the stew inside. Chunks of meat, carrots, and potatoes swam in the brown liquid, and fragrant steam billowed from the bowl as he handed it to Satori. She waited until Bram received his bowl and then found a seat.

“May I, Princess?” Bram gestured at the chair across from her.

She smiled. “Satori. And you may, please.”

“Satori.” He spoke her name so softly as though it made him uncomfortable. “Thank you.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

KAIS

Bram seated himself with her like it was expected. Like he was an old friend. A pang of jealousy hit Kais, and he turned away. That was twice that day he had found himself jealous of another man where Satori was concerned. He moved toward where Teague and Sawyer sat. The men were still unhappy with him about the crossing, but he felt he would be more welcome with them than if he tried to seat himself with Satori and Bram.

She was still afraid of him. He had thought for a moment it had been unease about the whip, but he realized it was him. She was afraid of him. What had he done to give her cause to fear him? Neither he nor any of his men, that he was aware of, had made one threatening move against her. On the contrary, he had given up supplies for her, prepared a tent for her, set a guard for her, bought clothes for her, and ensured she was fed. What could it be that still caused her to mistrust him?

“General? Kais?”

He looked up, the sound of his name pulling him from his thoughts.

A frown line creased Teague’s brow. “Are you alright?”

Not at all. “I’m just fine.”

Teague looked like he didn’t believe him for a moment. He turned to Sawyer. “Would you excuse us, please?” Then Teague stood, grabbing his coat from where it was hung over the chair. “Sir, may I have a word, please? Outside?”

Irritation sparked in Kais’ chest. Now what?

He stood. “Of course.”

Kais followed Teague as he weaved through a number of tables where men sat, eating. They exited the tent, into the chill air, and moved far enough away so their voices wouldn’t be overheard.

“Kais, I wasn’t going to say anything, but I’m concerned. Are you alright?” Teague’s brow was drawn together and a deep crease sat above the bridge of his nose.

Kais looked left and right, making sure they weren’t overheard. “Come with me.”

They walked silently for a few moments while Kais sorted out his thoughts, trying to figure out how he would put them into words.

“I didn’t tell you everything.”

He could feel Teague’s gaze heavy on him. “What does that mean?”

“I asked if you believed in blood mates.” Kais halted his steps so he could look Teague in the eyes. “I didn’t tell you that I’m sure—sure, Teague—that that woman is my blood mate.”

The words felt odd leaving his lips. Teague must have thought he had lost his mind.

Teague’s mouth opened and then closed again, a breath issuing heavily from his nose. “It’s a myth, Kay.”

Kais shook his head just slightly. “It’s not a myth. I don’t know how to explain it, but I can feel what she feels.” His hand curled into a claw like he was holding an invisible ball, and he pressed his fingers into his chest. “It’s how I knew she was having a nightmare the other night. It woke me up! It’s how I knew she was in trouble today.”

The expression on Teague’s face clearly showed that the man was unconvinced. “Kais—“

“Kezia knows too,” Kais cut him off. His stomach lurched as he spoke her name. Every time he thought of her and her words, he felt ill.

At the mention of Kezia Teague’s chin tipped up, his eyes becoming more alert. Even Teague knew that Kezia’s words were not to be questioned. She had told them what would happen with Silas, that he would die. None of them had wanted to believe it. And he’d forgotten about her words until after it was all over. But she had told them, and they had written her off.

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