21. Harper

21

HARPER

I t’s mid-morning when I receive word from Ruby that Yva is awake. I leave the laundry to see him, hoping that he wants to see me.

When I arrive, he’s propped up in bed, his expression grim. I want to rush over and hug him, but instead, I close the door and walk over. He watches me without moving.

Is he in pain? Should he even be sitting up?

“How are you feeling?” It’s a lame way to start the conversation, but I don’t know what else to say. I don’t know how to do this.

“Like I was trampled by several hundred thigh-high animals.” He pats the edge of the bed, inviting me to sit.

I perch on the edge of the bed so I can look at him. “I’m glad you survived.”

“I want more than surviving.” He places his hand over mine. “I may never hunt again?—”

“Good. I don’t want to be worrying about you.”

He stares at me. “I may not be able to make a charge.”

I shrug. “Neither can I.”

“I’m giving you the reasons I am no longer a good mate, so you can make a proper choice.”

I consider him for several seconds, not sure if he is pushing me away or being honest. In his tribe, his reasons might matter, but here they do not.

“I already made it. I made it on the walk back to my room yesterday morning. I don’t care if you can make a charge or hunt or win fights. I enjoy being with you, listening to your stories, and the way you make me laugh. I feel safe with you.” I lean in and press a soft kiss to his lips. “I choose you, Yva.”

He cups my head and deepens the kiss, his tongue seeking mine.

“Apparently, I am not allowed to do anything that will cause the rut until I have given my body a chance to heal.”

“You’re thinking about sex even though your chest is full of stitches?” I shouldn’t be surprised.

“I want the mating bond to make it official.”

I shake my head. “When you are better. Until then, it will remain unofficial to your people…but I can make it official with mine.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can request a move to your rooms and put in the paperwork to say we are together. Then when you leave the hospital…”

“As soon as I can leave, I am going to taste your pussy the way I have been aching to.”

“You don’t want to wait until the feast?”

His friends have delayed the feast until he is out of hospital. They have been busy preparing the animals and showing the humans how it is done, and how they use all the parts of the animal. I had the misfortune of seeing the mess because I helped bring them breakfast. I am not looking forward to washing their clothes, as they are stained with blood and dirt.

“I do not want to wait a moment longer than I need to.” He kisses me again. “You truly do not care if I can never make a charge?”

“I care about you. You are alive and that is all that matters.”

He smiles and pulls me close. “I chose my mate well.”

I lean into him, careful not to put any pressure on his chest. “You did.”