I was cuddled against Tyos’s chest, listening to his heartbeat with a sappy smile on my face as I traced over the necklace he always wore unless he was bathing. He’d told me what it was, a gift from his father given to him when he came of age and joined in providing for the clan. When I’d asked him if his family would be disappointed that he ended up with a man, he swore vehemently that they would have no issue with it and would only care that he was happy. I wanted to make him as happy as he made me, so I hoped that meant they wouldn’t hate me.
Tyos’s fingers drifted along my back in a soothing way that made me sigh happily, his tone just as dreamy as I felt. “Next is bonding. Then bigger tent. Then forever.”
I couldn’t help the smile that completely overtook my face, though I tried to hide it against his chest. He wouldn’t allow it for long, lifting my chin with a gentle grip before peppering me withkisses that made me smile so hard, my cheeks began to hurt. “My Arlen. Gods blessed me when finding you.”
“Oh gods,” I practically sobbed, covering my eyes with my hands to block out at least some of the onslaught of emotions. If I got any happier, I was worried I’d burst. “How can you be so sweet? I didn’t stand a chance when it came to falling for you, did I?”
His tone was a little wicked when he replied, “No, kolrav. I stop at nothing to win your heart.”
Then he twisted to put me back underneath him and pulled my hands away from my face, pinning them above me so I couldn’t hide from him any longer. He plundered my mouth in a kiss that stirred my arousal back to life, and when he nudged my legs apart to settle between them, I gasped at the feel of his weight against me. We’d only rested for a short period before he was making me crave him again.
I got the feeling we wouldn’t be sleeping much tonight.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
TYOS
Whenever Arlen suggested leaving our tent, I dragged him back to me and claimed his lips, distracting him until he melted in my arms and no longer cared to leave. It was selfish of me, he was still new and had lessons to attend, but having him in my tent, being able to touch him as I pleased and burying myself inside him whenever I had the chance, it was too perfect for me to give up willingly.
“Tyos! You cannot stay in there forever! You have duties!” Dras called through the tent. He didn’t enter without my permission, it was my space and respected as such, but his tone was exasperated. This wasn’t the first time he tried to get me away from Arlen.
Pretending not to hear him, I drew the furs over our heads, covering Arlen’s ears and pressing a kiss to his forehead in hopes of keeping him asleep. I’d kept him busy the past few days, and he was tired. He needed his rest.
I heard murmurs outside my tent, and I strained to listen and hear what was being said, but whoever spoke did so too low forme to understand. It wasn’t until the flap of my tent rustled that I finally dragged the furs back down, mouth opening to snarl at whoever dared enter my tent. I nearly swallowed my tongue when I realized who it was.
“Clan leader…”
His expression was flat and annoyed, and I felt my heart stutter in my chest. Perhaps we’d been in here too long…
“You are neglecting your duties, Tyos. For what reason do you do this?”
Before I could answer, Arlen shifted, making those sweet sleepy sounds that tugged at my heartstrings as he pulled the blanket off his face. He looked around with a frown, and when his gaze landed on Idrull, it took him a long moment to recognize the visitor. When he did, his eyes went wide, and he yanked the furs back up, hiding himself from the clan leader’s wrath. I almost wished I could join him, especially when Idrull’s expression darkened and locked on me.
“Tell me you have not been keeping Arlen from his lessons to indulge yourself.”
“Uh…”
I searched my mind for some sort of excuse, but I could think of none. I had been selfish. I couldn’t help it when it came to Arlen.
A delicate voice cleared their throat just outside the tent. “Can I come in?”
Idrull stepped aside for his bondmate, opening the flap for her. I felt my face flush. Idrull was a strict leader, though not unkind. His bondmate, however, would not hold back from shaming me for my actions. I didn’t wish to put Arlen in a bad light just before claiming him.
Frida stepped into my tent, giving the mess that had accumulated over the past few days a cursory look before raising her eyebrow at me. “I’ve heard rumors you intended to claimsomeone but have yet to meet the man. Why are you hiding him away?”
“Because he is self-indulgent and–” Idrull began, only to be cut off by Frida’s elbow in his gut. He rubbed at the spot she’d elbowed him, frowning at her. “Why do you injure me, kolrav? It’s true.”
“And for all you know, his bondmate can understand you,” Frida countered. She turned her attention to the lump that was Arlen under the furs, a smile tugging at her lips as she switched to the common tongue. “You can come out, you know. No one will shame you here for being with the one you love.”
Slowly, Arlen peeked out, only pulling the furs low enough to expose his eyes and his mussed hair. His face was bright red, and when I realized he looked close to tears, I immediately pulled him into my arms, giving my clan leader a pleading look. “We will join the clan for the morning meal. Give him a moment. Please.”
Idrull was not unfair. He must have understood Arlen’s expression as I did because he nodded, taking Frida’s elbow to guide her out. She spoke over her shoulder, giving Arlen a soft smile. “You’ll come eat with me. I want to meet our newest clan member. See you soon.”
The moment they were out of sight, I gave my full attention to Arlen, my tone apologetic as I hugged him close. “I’m sorry. I didn't think my absence would draw their attention. Please don’t be upset.”
Shaking his head, he buried his face against my chest. “I… I thought for a moment you were in trouble. For being with me…”
A sharp twinge in my chest made me ache. Arlen spent his whole life terrified of others finding out of his interests. Having my clan leader come in here looking cross like he had must have been terrifying for him.