Laylla couldn’t show weakness. She was the leader of this group of hunters. She was supposed to be strong. Always in charge. In their society, strength was worshipped. The weak were preyed upon—when it came to the females, anyway. Even though she had known these women for years, she did not fully trust that they wouldn’t take this opportunity to challenge her for leadership and at the moment she was not up to fighting a challenge.
“I will mix you up something for the pain,” Sirya told her as she tucked up the bandage around Laylla’s chest. Caria held up a lit torch for light.
Laylla shook her head. “Do not bother. It is not that painful.”
They glanced at each other, then down at her.
“Go. I am fine. Bring me the male and Amira.” She used her most commanding voice.
They had told her that Amira was guarding the male and she was grateful for that. Out of everyone, she only trusted Amira. That trust hadn’t come easily. Laylla was the strongest fighter in the village. A good provider. But there was always someone who thought they were better, someone who wanted to prove they were faster, stronger, smarter.
Sometimes, it was a tiring way to live.
Laylla knew Amira would never challenge her.
They left, and soon Amira stepped inside, carrying a torch. Behind her, the male crouched and entered. It was very tight with the three of them, and he stumbled slightly, catching himself with his hands which were bound in front of him with Amira’s hair. She ran her gaze over him, noting that he seemed unhurt. Relief filled her. She had not wanted to ask Sirya and Caira about his health and risk letting them know that he meant something to her, especially when she wasn’t capable of defending any claim on him.
“What happened?” Laylla demanded.
“I was on watch and saw the two of you leave. I was coming to check everything was all right when I heard you yell out. I saw the nankle beast was about to attack the male. Thankfully, I managed to shoot and kill it before it could attack him.”
“Rich,” Laylla told her.
“What?”
“His name is Rich.”
“You spoke to him?” Amira asked.
“I only understood his name,” Laylla explained, shifting so she could sit. Sweat broke out on her face, and the male jolted forward. But Amira pulled him back, scowling at him.
“Laylla, you need to rest,” Amira insisted.
“It is not so bad. Just a few scratches. You know I cannot appear weak.”
Amira looked out worriedly. “I will stand watch over you tonight. In the morning, we will assess. We may have to wait another day until we can take the stampa beast back.”
Laylla shook her head. “The beast has to be taken back tomorrow or the meat will spoil.”
“Then I will wait here while you rest more,” Amira told her stubbornly. “Besides, your male needs close watching.”
“Why? What happened? Is that why you have him bound?” She still didn’t like that the other female touched him. Even though she did not have a claim on him.
“He attempted to escape,” Amria told her, shocking her.
“Escape? Where did he think to escape to? He would not last out there on his own.”
Amira nodded grimly. “I know. I caught him sneaking out the side of your shelter. I have kept him close to me since. I did not punish him, though. I thought you would take care of that once you are well.”
Laylla nodded grimly. She did not relish punishing her male, but it would have to be done. A wave of dizziness washed over her. Later. Once she was well.
“Laylla, you need to lie down.”
“Let the male go and leave. I will take care of him now.”
“Are you certain? I can still keep watch—”
“Leave,” she snapped out, then she took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I apologize for my sharpness. I am grateful for your help, but I can take care of the male.”
Amira nodded, but her face was tense. “I will remain outside.” She removed her hair from Rich’s hands, and he rubbed them, talking to himself.
Laylla whipped her hair out and twisted it around his wrists. He glared at her, but she ignored him, angry that he would choose a moment when she was weak and injured to attempt to sneak off. Where did he think he was going? Back to his ship? Did he not realize it was a wreck? Did he not know that he belonged to her?
No, because I have not claimed him. Am I claiming him?
Uneasiness filled her.
“Lie down. Sleep,” she barked out as she lay back, groaning quietly.
Surprisingly, the male moved closer to her and lay down. He gently touched her chest and asked something in his strange language.
“It will be fine,” she told him coolly. “Go to sleep.”
***
It was foolish to feel bad for trying to escape. He was being held prisoner, of course, he was going to escape. And yet, every time his princess looked at him with reproach, he felt lower than low.
Okay, it probably wasn’t cool that he’d attempted to sneak off without finding out that she was all right. Especially as it had been his fault they’d been there in the first place. But he’d seen an opportunity, and he’d taken it. If the chance came again, then he’d have to take it.
The other females had left at daybreak, riding their two-headed beasts and dragging the carcass behind them. Laylla and the female with the limp had seemed to argue about something before the other female left as well.
Now it was just the two of them.
And why did that seem kind of ominous?
Rich sat there, impatient and bored as Laylla slept. He stared down at his bound wrists and let out a growl. Obviously, that tattletale told her that she’d caught him trying to sneak off because Laylla hadn’t let go of him all night. He’d hoped her hold on him might loosen as she slept but it was as tight as ever.
“You know, I really don’t have time for this. I have things to do, places to be…well, I will have. As soon as I’m rescued.”
And that couldn’t come soon enough. Laylla moved then made a whimpering noise as it obviously hurt. Something stirred in him. Something that wanted to take away her pain, that made him wish it had been him who was injured, who’d protected her.
But that was ridiculous. She was the fighter, not him. This was her planet, she knew the risks. Still, he didn’t like that she was injured. And he really didn’t like that they’d been left on their own. What if one of those damn beasts came back? She was in no condition to fight it off, and Rich didn’t have any weapons with him. They would be sitting ducks here.
Suddenly, Laylla’s eyes opened, and she watched him solemnly. She pulled herself up, so she was sitting. Rich reached out without thinking to help her, and she tugged his hands back with her hair, frowning at him.
Okay, so she didn’t want any help. Roger that.
He just watched as she painfully stood and walked out of the shelter. His wrists were tugged, and with a groan, he got up and followed.
“So where are we going?” he asked. “What’s the plan now? Why are we here alone? Where did your people go? Will they come back for us?”
She didn’t reply. Not that he expected her to, but it was better than walking around in silence. She quickly relieved herself then waited for him to do the same.
“You’re really taking all the mystery out of this romance,” he told her as he finished. She drew him over to a stream and waited while he drank before doing the same. Once more, with his wrists bound by her hair, he had to follow behind as she made her way back to the shelter. She pulled a pack out from the back of the shelter, and opened it, drawing out what looked like dried jerky.
She held some out to him. He took it, staring at it dubiously. “Jesus, this looks as bad as the crap I’ve been eating on the ship.” He took a bite then chewed. “Yep, tastes as bad as it looks.” He put it down, but she picked it back up and pressed it to his mouth.
“Urgle.”
“Thanks, but I’m not hu—” She pressed the food into his mouth, and with a sigh, he started to chew. “Fine. But you know you won’t always get your way, right? As soon as I’m rescued…”
He wouldn’t see her ever again. Too bad, really. She was gorgeous, and if they were in a different setting, he could teach her that he was the one who liked to give orders not take them.
She finished eating and lay back down again, closing her eyes.
Fantastic. Looked like he was in for a few more hours of boredom. He laid down beside her, closing his eyes and started practicing his inaugural speech for when he was sworn in as High-Councillor. He smiled.