“I know, but once my dad and my brothers know you are part of our family, our pride will defend you until the death.”
Kane leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. The only family he had ever known was his uncle. Now he was about to be thrust into a pride, and then one day soon he would meet his mother, the woman who might, or might not, have betrayed his father.
“Maybe we should just run off and live alone,” Kane said half jokingly.
“You know it would be easier,” Amara said. “But we could never be happy. We both need this resolved. For the sake of our children, if nothing else.”
He sighed. His life was all too complicated now, but as he held her warm hand in his, he knew he would never go back to the man he had been on the other side of the border. That man was dead.
22
They drew into Amara’s small village, in the Satoma Pride Lands, at dusk. Amara was sure she was going to throw up. She had no idea who, if anyone would greet her, or whether they would ask her to take the trouble she brought with her to someone else’s door.
“It’s OK,” Kane said quietly. “They’re your family, you must love each other very much.
“I’m not so sure,” she said worriedly.
“The contract only existed because your father was duped into thinking he owed money. The debt wasn’t yours to pay; surely they will know that and be grateful to you.” He was looking out of the window at the deserted streets. “Is it usually this quiet?”
“No,” she said. “The market is often still open at this time of day. And people mill around, usually swapping news, and talking and drinking. We’re a social bunch.”
Yet the streets were empty. Only when they drew closer to the middle of the village did there begin to be signs of life. A shadow flitting here and there, but no one approached.
“There’s my house,” Amara said and Frasier turned off down a side street and pulled up in front of a large wood-framed building that looked well maintained and well loved. The sound of wind chimes filled the air, and on the porch outside a rocking chair and a swing seat sat empty around a table with glasses on. There had been people here, but they had hastily gone inside.
“Are they hiding?” Kane asked.
“They don’t usually hide. Normally any strange vehicle would be approached. We aren’t suspicious, not unless given good cause.” She glanced sideways at Frasier. “It’s not your truck, is it?”
“What do you mean?” Frasier asked, stopping but leaving the engine running.
“Well, you are a finder aren’t you? So maybe you have a reputation,” she said, trying not to hurt his feelings.
“Not the kind of reputation you are insinuating,” he said bluntly.
“Sorry, had to ask,” she said, and then turned to Kane. “Listen, this isn’t right, so why don’t we get out while Frasier stays here. At least if there is any trouble, we can make a run for it and make a quick getaway.”
“Sure. Is that OK with you, Frasier?” Kane’s tone also had the underlying question you won’t run out on us, will you laced in it.
“Engine running, foot on the accelerator. You go see if anyone is home, Amara.” He sat back in his seat, his eyes flicking to the side mirrors, and then out the front window, and Amara knew this wasn’t the first time he had done surveillance duty.
“Thank you, Frasier,” she said, kissing his cheek quickly, much to Kane’s horror, but she had the pleasure of seeing Frasier blush and he mumbled something incoherent.
“What was that for?” Kane asked stiffly when they were walking up the path leading to her house.
“It was to make sure he is still there. I know your uncle paid him, but we don’t know if he would run to save his own skin. But if he likes us, he’s more likely to stay around.”
“So you kissed him?”
“Thought he would appreciate it more than if you kissed him instead,” she said and laughed quietly. “Come on, let’s get this over with. I think if I get any more nervous, I’ll throw up.”
“Hey, it’s OK. I’m here. I know I don’t know how things work over in the Prime, but I am here for you all the same. We’re mates. Right?” He took her arm and turned her towards him. “I will always have your back.”
“Thank you, Kane,” she said and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Should I knock?”
“It’s your house. Would you normally knock?” he asked.
“No. But they will not be expecting me, will they,” she said, and couldn’t help feeling out of place here in the village she called home. Despite only being away for a short time, it felt like an eternity, probably because she had changed more in those few weeks than she had in her whole life.
Raising her hand, she knocked. Then took a step back, trying to think of what she would say when her mom opened the door, or would it be her dad? She wasn’t sure which one of them would be easiest to deal with. None of them. She should go, it was a mistake to come back here. They should sort Kane’s problems out first.