Page 40 of Blood and Fate

“You didn’t say that, no.” Teague shrugged a helpless gesture. “But how could they not be connected? Everything else started with her.”

“You expect me to just dump her off in the closest town and hope she gets home okay?”

“Why not? I mean, obviously, make sure she’s safe and a letter is dispatched to her home. But why not?”

“You were there today, Teague! We would be leaving her at the mercy of men like the ones who had her.” Kais’ voice rose as he spoke, “She would never see her father again, and if she did . . . what would she be going home to?” He took a drink. “A father trying to barter her off to the highest bidder? An advisor that—“ His words stalled.

He didn’t know, not really, what had happened. Even if anything had happened. He only knew what he felt from her when the man was brought up.

“That what?” Teague asked, his tone growing quieter.

Kais ran a palm over his mouth. “I don’t know. She didn’t tell me. I just know, whatever he’s doing, it makes her extremely uncomfortable.”

Teague blew out a heavy sigh. “She’s not your responsibility, Kay.”

She’s not your responsibility. The words rang in his head, and his stomach rolled.

He looked up at Teague. “Isn’t she?”

Disbelief crossed Teague’s features. “No. Kay, you didn’t even know this girl less than two weeks ago. Take her home and move on. She’s—“

Kais held up a hand, halting Teague’s words as warmth rushed over him. It was such an odd feeling, but at the same time, it was so welcome, like being wrapped in comfort. He gave a shake of his head.

He lowered his voice when he spoke, knowing she was in her tent. He placed a hand on his chest. “She’s in here. It’s too late. Whether she hates me or fears me or loves me. It doesn’t matter because she’s in here. I couldn’t leave her like I couldn’t leave you.”

“What happens when you have to leave her?” Teague sat again, his voice also growing quieter. “When you take her home to her father like you promised?”

“Will I even be alive to see it?”

“Shut up,” Teague said. “Respectfully, sir. If I have anything to say about it, you will definitely be alive.”

“In that case, we’ll have to see what comes of it all.”

He relaxed back into his chair, closing his eyes and allowing the warmth of Satori’s presence to rest on him. Did he care about her, or was it just the strange bond? Or was that part of the bond? Real, genuine feelings? He didn’t know the answer, but he knew he couldn’t just dump Satori in the next town and forget about her.

“Is she here?”

Kais didn’t open his eyes, only nodded once with a soft, “Mmmhmm.”

Silence sat for a moment. Kais could feel Teague’s attention pressing on him.

“What does it feel like?”

“What?” Kais asked, still not opening his eyes.

A small laugh breathed out of Teague. “I don’t know. Whatever it is you’re feeling. However it was you knew she was walking by. You look . . . I don’t know. Peaceful.”

Kais smiled at Teague’s description. He hadn’t realized it, but that was how he was feeling. Peaceful. He still had the cares and issues, but they all seemed to quiet in her presence. Did she feel the same with him? Based on what he felt from her, she did not feel peaceful around him. On the contrary, she felt fear.

But hadn’t Kezia said that, as well? That Satori would fear him? Of course, the thought of Kezia’s words coming to pass was, ultimately, not a comforting one.

“Kay?”

Kais realized he hadn’t answered Teague’s question. He opened his eyes and looked at the other man.

“It’s like . . .” How to articulate this feeling? “It’s like you’re chilled, and someone brings a warm blanket. Not just a blanket, but one that’s been baking by the fire so it will be extra warm, and drapes it across your shoulders. It’s warmth and comfort; you want to relax into it, pull it tighter, and just be. That’s what it’s like when she’s near me. But when she touches me . . .”

Teague’s eyes widened at the inference.

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