my eyes traced her silhouette and memorized her stance. She couldn’t know that her bravery and will captivated me, nor that her intellect and fortitude fascinated this hunter. As VELMA announced her ability to manage the robot, I admired the human woman at my side and found a reluctance within to share her with the others.
But of course, that was nonsense. Our group was stronger together, and we needed every hand if we were to survive the coming days. But as CeCe acclimated to her new armor, she grew from the tortured and weak human to a powerful female in her own right. She didn’t flinch at danger or complain of hardship. I couldn’t imagine a woman more perfect to fight alongside, but again, my thoughts were rampant and irresponsible. I was a lone hunter, destined to remain without a heart mate even as this perplexing woman evolved into a mighty huntress.
I hadn’t intended to share with her my feelings for my sire, but the story of my helmet unfolded with ease along with the attendant thoughts I would normally have kept to myself.
Yet she listened, a peaceful recipient of my words and a solid companion.
When we neared our destination, we heard their voices, and I looked at CeCe to see her reaction. I had expected a similar ebullience to what the others had displayed upon finding their companions, but her reluctance to send comms—and the concerns she had divulged to me when we broke bread—both suggested she dreaded the reunion.
“CeCe, hold,” I said, and she stopped in her tracks. I removed my helmet and waited for her to do the same. “You must know that I am no emissary for the Theraxl people. Esra’s mate, the hunter who leads us, Naraxthel, is bold and true. We give him our respect willingly.” Pausing, I looked around the cavern in which we stood, its rough walls lit with scattered bead lights. “Natheka who belongs to Amity is playful and kind; Raxkarax, Joan’s mate, is hard-working and sober, and Hivelt, Pattee’s companion, is crass, yet helpful. I tell you these things because there is naught to recommend me, but I hope you may trust my words. The human women chose these hunters. They were not forced nor cajoled. And they are quite—happy. As odd or as impossible as it may seem in a place as harsh as this.”
“Why are you telling me this?” she asked.
I bowed my head and inhaled, detecting notes of confusion and trepidation. Fear and regret.
“I know what it is to have altered the course of another’s life,” I said and placed my hands on her shoulders, ensuring she would look into my eyes. “But your human fellows have embraced their new lives with open arms and open hearts.” I searched her face, and a pure wisp of green, the fragrance of new shoots and seedlings, drifted to my senses. Hope. “Be not afraid to rejoice with your friend. With your people.”
Tears gathered in her eyes, and I felt a lurch in my chest, but I did not break our gazes.
“Thank you,” she said, at last. “But you’re wrong.”
Raising my brow, I waited for her argument.
“There is much to commend you,” she said, her voice low and earnest. “Much more than you may ever know.”
At that, she turned on her heel and marched into the alcove that led to flickering light and lilting female voices in the cave beyond.
And I followed her.