FOUR
It only took Kalia a few minutes to arrive at Mali’s tree. She looked up to see her younger sister’s feet dangling from one of the highest branches. She grabbed the lowest branch to begin to climb up towards her sister, but at the same moment, Mali realized who it was who had intruded upon her solitude and Kalia could not remember a time when her sister had ever looked so happy to see her. Mali scurried down the tree, and threw her arms around her sister, pushing her back against the tree and knocking the wind out of her.
“Sister, I've missed you so much,” Kalia said with a smile.
“Kalia, you're back!” she squealed, holding her even tighter.
“I can't breathe,” Kalia whispered, gasping for air.
Mali let her go then and looked horrified. “Is he smothering you? Is it awful?” she asked before grabbing her sister again and holder her even tighter.
“No, because you are squeezing me so tight,” she gasped.
“Oh, sorry. I've just missed you so much,” Mali said, looking apologetic.
“I've missed you, too,” Kalia said, pulling her sister in to an embrace.
“You look well,” Mali said, looking a little surprised.
“I'm well, Sister,” she said with a laugh.
“So you're not miserable?” she asked in disbelief.
“Not in the slightest,” she laughed, unsure of what she could say to convince her sister of just how happy she was with her mate.
“Even with Luke as your mate?” her sister asked bluntly.
“Especially because he is my mate,” she said gently.
“But he is so awful and serious. Does he ever smile?” she asked sadly, clearly not believing that her sister was truly happy.
“Yes, he does. He has a wonderful smile,” Kalia said, thinking of his sweet smile the night before and how much it meant to her.
“Well, I'll believe it when I see it,” she scoffed.
“He's a wonderful mate. We'll have a solid and happy life together,” she said, thinking that that might convince her sister that she meant what she was saying.
“Does he love you?” Mali asked boldly. The look on her face told her that she already suspected the answer.
“No, I don't believe he does, but he appreciates me. That is more important than you could possibly know,” she said.
She had been telling herself that the entire day. She was sure he did appreciate her and respected her. That was as good a foundation for a life together as she could think of and she only hoped he might realize one day that he loved her, too.
“Do you love him?” Mali continued.
“I think I do. No, I know I do. He is very dear to me,” she said with a thoughtful smile.
“You can't be serious,” Mali gasped.
It did not surprise Kalia at all that her sister was so horrified. She had never been very practical and she'd always been impulsive. She would expect nothing less than full love and devotion on the very night of her mating. Kalia knew better than to expect that from Luke. He was warming to her, but he was still a serious and practical fellow. Such feelings would never appeal to him.
“I am. He is sweet and smart, not to mention hardworking. He is kind and tender with me. There is so much more to him than I ever knew,” she answered.
It amazed her that she had never even seen a hint of the man he truly was before their mating. She had been too entranced by the showier warriors to realize just how wonderful he was.
“You've only been mated a few days. How can you know you love him already?” Mali argued, clearly bothered that her sister loved a man who did not love her. In a way, Kalia found it very sweet.
“I just feel it,” Kalia said, unsure of what else she could say to explain something that she did not even fully understand herself.
“Even though he doesn't love you?” Mali demanded.
“That is not how it works.” She laughed. “If people only loved those who loved them, where would love stories and sad songs come from?” she teased.
“I thought maybe he'd sent you back to us. I was sure he would find your joyful nature annoying,” she said with a smirk.
“No, I'm afraid not.” She laughed, enjoying the feeling of bickering with her sister again.
“So why are you here?” she asked.
“He suggested I come home for a visit,” Kalia explained.
“What's your new home like?” she asked, clearly trying to change the subject to something more neutral.
“It was a rather rustic tent when I arrived, but I've already accomplished quite a bit. The sewing you and mother helped me to do before I left helped immensely,” she said with a smile. She was very proud of her little home.
“I'm glad to hear it. That way, a little piece of us is always with you,” Mali said with a sad smile.
“Yes, it is,” Kalia said, hugging her sister close.
“Well, that's something, isn't it,” Mali smiled.
“It's everything. Now, let's get up to the house. I'm sure the boys are driving mother mad waiting for us,” she said with a laugh.
“Wait, I have one more question before we join the rest of them,” Mali said hesitantly.
“Sure, what is it,” Kalia said, eager to know what kind of question Mali might have that had her so nervous.
“Does it hurt you to be in love with a man who's not interested in loving you,” she whispered, so low that a human would not have heard her.
“No, just because he does not love me now, doesn't mean he could not grow to love me one day. All I can do is be the best mate and partner to him and hope he comes to feel something for me,” she said with a sad smile. It certainly was not ideal, but she could imagine many worse ways her mating could have ended.
“That sounds painful,” Mali said, taking her sister’s hand to comfort her.
“No, it's odd, but it is actually an incredibly hopeful feeling. Plus, I have a lifetime,” she said with a forced smile, trying to show Mali just how happy she truly was, even if Luke did not yet love her.
“I suppose you do, unless your mating is challenged,” Mali blurted out, clearly regretting the words as soon as they slipped out.
Kalia thought for just a moment of telling Mali of her strange visitor, but she didn't want to worry her. Besides, she was sure that her sister would tell her mother and there was no need for everyone to be concerned about something Luke told her he was handling.
“Oh now, if someone were to challenge it, they would need to do it before the month ends and I can't imagine who would want me that badly,” she said, laughing to try and relax her sister.
“If someone did, do you think he would fight to keep you,” Mali asked, unable to keep her curiosity in check.
“If we are being honest, he is a very practical man. It's not practical to fight for a woman you don't love, when you could simply take another mate after she is gone,” she said bluntly.
The thought of it made her very sad, but she did her best to hide that from her sister. It made no sense for them both to worry about it. However, her efforts could not keep her sister from realizing what thoughts were on her mind.
“I'm so sorry,” Mali said, putting her arm around her sister’s shoulders.
“There's no need to be sorry because it's not going to happen,” she said, pushing the thoughts from her mind.
“Yes, of course, you're right,” Mali said with a smile.
“I usually am. Now let's get up to the house. I told him I would be back before dark,” she said with a half-smile.
“Over protective, isn't he?” Mali asked, wondering if her sister was right about her mate not loving her. Being home before dark seemed like the kind of request that a man would make of a woman he cared about.
“I don't think that's the problem,” she said with a laugh, trying not to think about the stranger and the reasons that he wanted her home before dark.
“I'm glad you're happy,” Mali said as they walked towards the house.
“Thank you. Soon enough, it'll be your turn to mate,” she said with a knowing smile.
“Hopefully not too soon. I have a lot to learn,” Mali said, looking nervous.
“It all comes much more naturally than I ever thought it would,” she said to comfort her sister.
“That's very good to know,” Mali said, though she didn't look any more relaxed by the thought.
“I love you,” Kalia said, unsure of what else to say.
“I love you, too,” Mali said as they got to the cabin’s front door.
The entire family spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon fishing in the stream as they had when all of the children were very young. It brought back lovely memories and it warmed her heart to be able to spend such quality time with them.
Soon enough, she looked up at the sky and the sun’s position told her that it was time for her to begin her journey home. Her mother insisted she take some of the fish home with her to cook for dinner. Though the boys both cried when she said goodbye, her mother and sister only hugged her and wished her well. Everyone asked that she visit again soon and only let her leave when they had her promise she would be back as soon as she could for another visit.
Then, she was back at her tent. Their home seemed oddly quiet after being surrounded by children all day. She made a silent wish that it would not be long before they had children of their own, then she went to work preparing the fish for dinner. It was nearly complete when she caught Luke’s scent, approaching at high speed. In a matter of seconds, he was in their clearing, his eyes filled with anxiety and then relief as soon as he caught sight of her.
“Hello,” he said gently. He opened his arms to her.
“Welcome home,” she said with a smile, going into his extended arms.
“Did you have a nice time today?” he asked, still holding her close.
“It was wonderful to see my family. Thank you,” she said, resting her head on his chest.
“You can go to them anytime you like. I would never keep you from them,” he assured her.
“I know that,” she told him.
“Were they glad to see you're doing well, despite being the mate of such a serious fellow?” he said with a smirk on his face.
“They were a bit worried you had sent me back to them because my nature was displeasing to you,” she said with a grin.
“You mean they worried your joyful nature was not a match for my sour one,” he said, looking a little saddened by her words.
“Why do you let people think that way about you when it isn't how you really are at all?” she said, asking the question she had been thinking for days.
“I don't care much for what anyone thinks,” he snapped.
“Oh,” she said, unsure how to take that. She knew, of course, that he did not need to care what she thought, but it stung a bit.
“I do care what you think, though,” he added tentatively.
“Oh,” she said, unsure of what else to say.
“I wouldn't want you to think that I'm a dour man, incapable of giving you joy and happiness,” he continued, looking very uncomfortable.
“I don't think that,” she gasped, unsure how he had come to think such a thing.
“I'm glad,” he said, smiling down at her.
“I don't think that at all. You make me very happy. I think we'll have a good life together,” she said truthfully.
“As do I,” he said, seemingly relieved that the awkward topic had been addressed and was now passed.
“I am very glad you were chosen as my mate,” she said while she had the chance to. She was not sure when she might have another opportunity to be so open with him and she needed him to know that she valued him.
“As am I,” he said, surprising her a bit. “When did you return home?” he asked casually.
“An hour or so ago,” she said, returning to turn the fish as it cooked.
“Well before dark then,” he said, obviously pleased.
“Yes,” she said, smiling at him.
“Thank you for that,” he said, walking towards her and kissing her on top of her head.
“Is that because of the strange visitor from the other day?” she asked boldly.
“Yes,” he said without elaborating.
“Alright,” she said, unsure what to do next. She had a bit of an answer now, but no more details than she had before. Not knowing had always been something very difficult for her.
“What did you do with your family all day?” he asked in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
“We went fishing,” she said proudly.
“Really?” he asked, a little surprised at how she had spent her day at home.
“Yes, we took our bear forms and went to the river. I caught quite a bit of trout so I have some cooking for dinner. I hope that's alright,” she said, checking the fish again so see if it was nearly done.
“Yes, that sounds very good,” he said, sniffing the air to take in the delicious aroma.
“It'll be done in about half an hour,” she said apologetically. She had hoped to have it done when he arrived home, but he came back sooner than she had anticipated.
“I'm glad to hear it. It smells too good to wait much longer than that,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you,” she said, blushing at his compliment.
“No, thank you. In only a few short days you have made this place feel more like a home than it ever did before,” he said sincerely.
“I'm glad to have been able to make you more comfortable here,” she said, feeling her blush spread.
“You're a remarkable female,” he said, looking at her with appreciation.
“Thank you very much,” she said, unable to keep from grinning at him and his sweet words.
They spent a quiet evening together, lying in each other’s arms and talking about their lives and their dreams. They made sweet love before sleep finally took him. She lay awake for what felt like ages, watching her brave, strong warrior sleep beside her. She drifted off to sleep even more in love with him that she had been when the day began.
***
When she awoke alone in the morning, she felt it like a physical blow. After the sweetness of waking up beside him the morning before, anything less felt empty. It was then that she heard someone outside the tent. She dressed quickly and rushed outside, sure that the stranger had returned but found a way to mask his scent from her. Instead, she found Luke leaning over the cooking fire.
“What are you up to?” she blurted out.
“I'm making you breakfast,” he said cheerfully.
“Why?” she asked skeptically.
“Well, you've been working very hard around here and cooking all the meals on top of that. It seemed like the least I could do,” he said with a relaxed smile on his face.
“I can take over, if you like,” she offered, feeling strange standing there, watching him do her job.
“Don't be silly. I can cook breakfast. I did have to feed myself before you came along,” he laughed as he stirred the eggs in the pan.
“Thank you for this,” she said with a warm smile. It was wonderful to be appreciated.
“It's my pleasure to do something for you,” he grinned, clearly happy to have pleased her.
“I really appreciate that,” she said, feeling a bit awkward suddenly.
“I thought maybe we could spend the day together,” he said, looking up at her as though he thought she might tell him she did not want to.
“Really?” she cried with excitement and disbelief.
“Yes, the new warriors’ training is coming along nicely. I think the others can handle it for the day. You won't mind spending the whole day with me, will you?” he asked, clearly wanting a definite answer from her.
“I would love it.” She threw her arms around his neck as proof of just how excited she was.
“Good, then it's settled,” he said, looking a little stunned by just how happy she was.
“Yes, I suppose it is,” she laughed.
“What do you want to do today?” he asked, realizing he'd made no more of a plan than just spending the day with her.
“I don't know. I hadn't really thought about it,” she said. Her plans for the day had all been centered on work at the tent.
“If you have no objections, I thought we might hike,” he suggested, as though he had planned it all along.
“Hike?” she asked a little surprised at the human nature of his suggestion.
“Yes,” he said with a smile.
“In our human forms?” she asked for clarification.
“Yes,” he said, chuckling at her question.
“I used to do that quite often. I think it sounds marvelous,” she said, remembering taking her sister on the trails when they were young girls to get away from the crying of the baby twins when they were newborns.
“Excellent,” he said, clearly pleased.
“Thank you!” she squealed, going up on her tip toes to kiss him.
“I'm glad to be able to spend the time with you. I'm sorry I have been gone so often since our mating,” he explained.
“I know you have other responsibilities,” she said. She understood that he had a life outside of their home together. She was just glad she had a mate who was considerate enough to care what she thought.
“You're an understanding woman,” he said, pulling her close again.
“Yes, it's easy to be so understanding with a mate as solid as you are,” she said sweetly.
“Thank you,” he said, kissing her gently before they sat down to the breakfast that he had made.
They spent the day together, exploring the woods they had both grown up in and seeing them through brand new eyes, the eyes of their love.
*
After their day of hiking, their relationship fell into an easy rhythm. She continued to work at making their tent a true home while he worked hunting and training the next generation of warriors. They spent their evenings making sweet love to each other and drifting to sleep in each other’s arms. Every morning, she woke up in Luke’s arms and it was the happiest that she had ever been. Every day, her love for him grew deeper and deeper. She was beginning to suspect he had developed some sort of feelings for her. She was sure it was not yet love, but she was confident that the seeds of such feelings could grow.
On one particularly sunny morning, he'd pledged to take another day away from his work to stay with her and her heart had skipped a beat in her chest when he had said it.
“It's a lovely day,” he said, unable to take his eyes off her as they sat across the table from each other.
“Yes, my dear. As usual, you are correct,” she said as he sat there with a silly grin on his face she'd never seen before. He looked so relaxed and it warmed her heart.
“What do you want to do today?” he asked gently, though the gleam in his eyes told her that he already had a plan.
“Oh, I don't know," she said noncommittedly.
"I would actually just like to lay here with you today and every other day. It's actually becoming a problem,” he said with a laugh, leaning back as he took a sip from his coffee. She could not imagine waking up to a better sight.
“Oh, it is? Perhaps I should try to be less appealing to you. I could stop bathing as often,” she said with a giggle. Many of the other werebear females did not bother too much with human hygiene but she had always loved the feeling of clean, freshly scented skin and it had not taken her long to realize just how much her mate appreciated her efforts.
“I don't think even that would stop me from wanting to spend every minute in your arms,” he said, rising from his chair to lean down and give her a lingering kiss.
“You say the sweetest things,” she said when he had finished, trying to catch her breath.
Suddenly he froze, putting his nose in to the air. “Do you smell that?” he asked, pulling her up from her chair and placing himself between her and the direction from which the scent was coming. It was moments like this, when he acted so quickly to protect her that she wondered if his feelings might be growing just as quickly as hers.
“Yes, who is that? It is familiar,” she said, going up on her tip toes to look over his shoulder to see if she could make out who was approaching them. Luke growled and pushed her further behind him, which was, though frustrating, rather sweet.
“It's my father's aide,” he said, turning quickly to her as he spoke. Though she would've thought the knowledge of whom was approaching would relax him, but it did not.
Jarthen had been his father’s most trusted aid for decades, but something about his pending arrival had Luke even more on edge. He gripped her arm to keep her close to him and she wondered what thoughts were running through his head. He clearly sensed a danger that she did not. Perhaps her love for him was clouding her wild bear instincts.
“What do you think he wants,” she asked, clinging on him as closely as she could. His physical proximity brought her comfort, no matter that the situation.
“I don't know, but I don't like it,” he grimaced. Still, he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek to reassure her.
“Me either,” she said, a shiver going down her spine.
“It'll be OK,” he said as they saw Jarthen enter the clearing.
The look on his face was not comforting. He seemed just as uneasy as they were, which told her that he might not be the threat, but he was bringing them news of something that could ruin their happy life together.
“Luke,” he said, bowing slightly. He stayed a respectful distance from them, but she felt as though he might as well have taken a hammer to their peaceful little world.
“Jarthen, what are you doing here?” Luke asked without taking his hand off Kalia.
“Your father and the elders sent me,” he said, shaking his head and clearly showing his displeasure at the news that had brought him to them that sunny morning.
“Whatever for?” she asked, earning her a surprised look from Jarthen and an amused smile from Luke. In their culture, women did not take part in such conversations when their mate was present, but Luke didn't seem to mind. She'd come to realize that he appreciated her spunk and individuality.
“You are both to report to the elders' lodge right now,” he answered with a grim look on his face.
“Immediately?” Luke asked, looking as though he might transform to his bear form from the sheer anger he was experiencing.
He was shaking and she gently put her hand on top of his to calm him. Transforming in that moment would only have delayed their trip to the elder’s lodge and she knew he was just as anxious as she was to know why they had been summoned.
“Yes, I did say right now,” Jarthen snapped, clearly not used to anyone questioning the messages he carried from the chief.
“What's the meaning of this?” Luke asked, working hard to keep his temper in check.
“My only instructions were to go and fetch you both,” he said, looking a bit sympathetic.
The sympathy in his eyes made her more anxious than the spark of anger and annoyance she had seen before. For a man who had seen so much to look upon them with pity, she knew something awful was coming their way.
“But why?” Luke pushed, unwilling to enter the situation without some indication of what they were to be facing.
“I cannot tell you. You'll know soon enough,” he answered, giving Luke a stern gaze that might have made a lesser man cower, but it did not phase Luke in the slightest.
“Alright. Go on ahead and we'll be there as soon as we can,” Luke said. Though he knew they had no choice but to do as they'd been told, he would do it on his own terms. He didn't intend to be escorted by a babysitter sent by his father.
“Alright, but don't dally. You're expected soon,” Jarthen said, raising his finger in warning.
She could tell from the expression on Luke’s face he very much wanted to tear the finger from his hand. Instead, he squeezed her hand tighter and inhaled deeply. Maiming his father’s emissary would do no good in the long run.
“We'll not be long but we need to be prepared to face the elders. We need to be at our best.”
“I understand,” he said, before turning on his heels and walking away. He knew Luke well enough to know pushing him further would do no good.
“Thank you,” Kalia called after him as he vanished. “What's happening?” she asked, turning to look at Luke’s face and waiting for his answer.
“I don't know,” he said, shaking his head. He pulled her close to him and she inhaled his scent, savoring this last moment they had before whatever trial they were about to enter presented itself.
“This can't be good,” she sighed, wishing they could just run the opposite direction. She didn't care about the tribe or customs, all she cared about was Luke and their life together.
“It'll be fine. I'll make sure you're OK,” he promised, holding her even tighter.
“I trust you,” she said honestly.
No matter what was to come, she knew that he would make sure that she was safe. She only wished that she were brave enough to tell him how much she loved him before that happened. Still, it was one thing to suspect your mate didn't love you back, but having him respond badly to her confession would be another thing entirely.
“Come on, if we don't get there soon, they'll come for us,” he said, looking as reluctant as she was to leave their sanctuary.
They made their way quickly towards the elder’s lodge. Kalia had only been there after her father had passed away. It was there that the elders had performed the afterlife ritual and ensured his spirit traveled to the afterlife. She was fairly sure Luke had spent more time there, being the son of the chief. He didn't hesitate as he made his way there, telling her she'd been correct in her assumption. Still, her mind had time to consider a multitude of reasons why they could've been summoned and none of them brought her any peace of mind.
As they entered the antechamber, Kalia’s senses began to tingle. She knew then something was wrong, and it had something to do with not just Luke, but her as well. She knew it the second she smelled her mother’s scent radiating from behind the doors to the elders’ meeting room. She'd thought the tribe itself was facing a danger that required the chief to call his son in to service. She'd thought Luke was going to be pulled away from her to lead warriors in battle. Now, she knew they were the target of whatever threat presented itself.
“Something's really wrong,” she whispered to him as they waited to be announced to the chief.
“Why do you say that?” he asked, looking at her with genuine concern.
“My mother's here. I smell her scent,” she revealed. Her words seemed to impress upon him the seriousness of their situation. He looked pensive, but still he seemed to be so much more confident than she was.
“Something's amiss,” he whispered, “but it'll be alright. Whatever it is we'll be alright.” His words were the only thing that calmed her. If he told her that it would be alright, then it would be. Even before she had come to be his mate and to know him intimately, she'd known he was honorable and a man of his word.
“OK,” she sighed, doing her best to appear brave for him. She didn't want him to think that she was weak. She needed him to know that she could be the brave wife of a warrior. It was then that a male she had never seen before came to fetch them for the chief.
The lodge was just as she remembered it. The walls were lined with the thrones of the elders, with the largest throne positioned along the furthest wall that was reserved for the chief. He and the elders were all in their places and she saw her mother and siblings sitting in the gallery of extra chairs on the other side of the room.
Luke made a direct line to his father, pulling her along with him without ever relaxing his grip. He seemed unwilling to allow even an inch of space between them, and she was glad for it.
“Luke, Kalia, thank you for coming here on such short notice,” the chief said, attempting to look welcoming, though she could sense that he was no more pleased to have to call them there than they were to have been summoned.
“Yes, sir,” Luke said respectfully. Still, the edge in his voice was apparent and his father definitely took notice.
“I have unsettling news,” the chief continued, having no interest in beating around the bush.
“What could it possibly be?” Luke demanded.
“Your mating has been challenged,” the chief said bluntly. A series of gasps erupted from those assembled and hushed voices filled the room.
“What?” Luke asked, looking murderous.
“No,” Kalia cried, her eyes locked on Luke as though she was afraid he would vanish right in front of her eyes.
“Who's done this?” Luke demanded.
Kalia was still in shock. Moments before, she'd been considering how lucky she was to be so happy. Now, she knew she was facing the loss of that. He didn't love her. She knew he would let whomever have her and move on to a new mate, forgetting her entirely. He was a practical man and practical men did not risk their lives for women they did not love.
Any girl of the tribe could easily do what she did for him. They could cook and clean and give him the pleasure of their bodies. It would be as though his mating with her had never happened. Meanwhile, she would belong to another, serving his every need, both domestic and carnal. The thought of it broke her heart in to a million pieces.
“Bertram has challenged it,” the chief answered directly.
The thought of having to give herself to him made Kalia’s blood run cold. He had seemed like such a dark soul on the one occasion they had met and she could picture no version of her life where she could be happy without Luke. But the thought of belonging to Bertram was so much more painful. Knowing Luke was letting her go to a man he hated would be all the proof she needed that he had never loved her at all.
“I'll kill him,” Luke seethed through clenched teeth.
Through all of it, he had not loosened his grip on her and that brought her some comfort. She tried to memorize his scent and feeling of his grasp before he came to his senses and turned her over to Bertram.
“You'll have to if you choose to accept his challenge,” his father warned, his eyes locked on his son.
“What else would you have me do?” Luke demanded and Kalia dreaded what was to come.
Now, she knew, he would realize that it would be better for the tribe and for him if he let her go. All she could do was hold her head high as it happened. She would not beg or grovel. She was the daughter of a warrior. She would beg for no one.
“I don't care to see you die for a woman. You could take another mate after,” the chief said without looking at her at all.
She held her breath, waiting for the blow of Luke choosing to sacrifice her. What happened next was something she'd not even imagined in her wildest dreams.
“No,” Luke said steadily, tightening his grip on her arm. She looked up at him, unable to hide the shock on her face. Luckily for her, his eyes were locked on his father, challenging him to dispute his choice.
“What?” the chief said in disbelief. He was clearly not a man who was used to being told no. He was also not accustomed to his son doing things he deemed reckless. Still, Luke did not flinch under his gaze.
“No, I accept his challenge. When does he want to do this,” Luke said, looking murderous, as though he would have torn Bertram’s heart from his body had he been standing there in front of him.
“Tomorrow. That's all the time he will give you,” the chief warned.
“That's all the time I need. Kalia, are you ready to go?” Luke asked, addressing her for the first time since they had entered the ceremonial hall. His gaze nearly took her breath away and she found it hard to find the words to speak.
She was finally able to muster a “Yes.”
With that, he swept her from the room without the chance to speak to anyone else. He dragged her through the woods at top speed, never stopping to take a breath or to look back, dead set on putting as much space between them and the elders as he possibly could. It was not until they reached the clearing that surrounded their tent that he slowed down.
Still, he did not speak. Instead, he pulled her in to a bone crushing embrace that calmed the fury of thoughts in her mind. Through the entire journey home, she'd tried to imagine why he'd chosen to fight for her. She did all she could to keep herself from believing it was because he loved her. If she allowed herself to consider it and it proved not to be true, her heart might never recover.
She chose to simply savor the feeling of being with him, surrounded by his scent and his warmth. There, in the silence of their sanctuary, it felt as if the whole world was far removed from them and she felt safe in his arms. It felt as if nothing could touch them there and she knew that very soon, the outside world was to come crashing in on them. Luke would either have to kill or he would be killed, and the thought broke her heart. She pushed it from her mind and wrapped her arms tighter around him, willing him to never let her go.