Own to Obsess, page 16
“I didn’t realize your tribe was made up of so many families,” Shaya murmured.
“What did you think the tribe was?”
She shrugged. “On the ship there were… men and women. And most of the men looked like warriors.”
“When I traveled to your Lands, I took unpaired men and women with me from every family. The men were all trained in at least one combat style and the women also each have a skill they’re developing. But the tribe isn’t just men and women. Family is at its heart, and the community that many families make. It is the same for all tribes. Only the clans live differently.”
“That’s interesting,” Shaya said, trying and failing to stifle a yawn. “So the children live with their parents until they are paired?”
“Yes.”
She twisted to look up at him, blinking sleepily. “So if your parents are no longer on this island, who are your family?”
Kardos lowered down and kissed her. “The pack is getting tired, and so are you. But I’ll show you tomorrow.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
SHAYA
Shaya gasped as a blustery orgasm seared through her.
She arched her back and fought against Kardos’ grip on her, but he held her too tightly to escape him and she didn’t truly want to anyway. His mouth on her nipple felt incredible as it always did, and when he gently suckled her while driving himself deep into her core so rough and wild, the bliss was all consuming. He'd made her ride him that morning and yet he still dominated her, gripping onto her hips, the back of her neck, her shoulders, her breasts, and pinning her whichever way he wanted, rotating her hips on his cock, and fondling her nub so expertly.
Shaya collapsed onto his chest as he pumped her with his seed, groaning as he slammed her hips down onto his knot and finally encircled her with his arms.
She panted, limp on his sweaty chest, and when he began to purr, she pressed her cheek harder against him, eager for the deep vibrations of his purr to penetrate and soothe her, but she knew she wouldn't sleep.
This morning he was supposed to be taking her to introduce her to his family, and she couldn't help but be intrigued. In fact, she found it interesting learning about the Southern Isles and its people, at least in Nyek, and she couldn’t deny the outings had lightened her mood. The tribe was completely different than she’d thought. The people she’d seen on the ship were a culmination of vast skills. On her journey here, they seemed like fierce warriors and stern women, but in their homes, they were… normal, just people trying to survive this harsh land. In truth, the Nyek people impressed her, and she longed to take all of the pretty things they’d offered but she was still guarded.
Her conversations with Kardos had been… interesting. His perspective on what was happening between them was skewed, and she was tired of trying to see things from his point of view—when he never saw anything from hers. She hoped she managed to get through to him when she told him exactly how much her hair meant to her, but it was clear to her now that her life was to be a series of responsibilities for both the Southern Isles and the Alpha she’d chosen to bite. She had come to realize that wouldn't change, and that was a bitter realization to accept, especially now that her hair, the visual reminder that all ties to her past—and her sister—were now gone.
The first few days after being attacked, a deep, cold, clawing feeling of loss revolved her stomach constantly. Sometimes it lessened when Kardos secured her with his weight or was inside her. Now, she was able to forget about it for a couple of hours while she was on the tobo experiencing new sounds and sights that she couldn't deny were exhilarating, but that would not make her forget.
She was an Omega symbol. And that’s all she would ever be, or be valued for.
She had an inkling that wasn't the case for some of the families she’d met, but she couldn't forget the way they’d turned their backs on both her and Kardos when they returned from the temple the first time. Surely there were many who thought like the woman who’d cut her hair.
Even so, excitement began to build when Kardos dressed her. He refused to let her do it herself, even though she was completely capable.
Soon, they were speeding along the Nyek landscape in the tobo, the wind against her face and her Alpha at her back. She couldn't deny that it was an exceptional experience. She had never felt freer, moving so quickly along the startlingly amazing landscape. Glittering silver, leafless trees and bushes among a white background complemented by shades of gray rock, glassy lakes, and contrasted by surprising bursts of color—so uniquely breathtaking.
She kept herself alert, eager to see who Kardos considered his family, as the tobo slowed to a stop near a cliff that ran along the side of a river and Kardos slowly disembarked from the tobo carrying her with him.
From what she’d seen yesterday, the tribe had been in awe of him when they saw them both. They clearly loved him dearly and Kardos had obviously visited their homes many times because they knew things about him, mentioned past meals he’d enjoyed or their children he’d seen grow up. She couldn’t understand how the behavior was so different to before. Could the tribe be significantly polarized about them?
The pack of sled-dogs immediately settled, even the little wild one and it was clear they had been here regularly.
Kardos didn't put Shaya down. He simply carried her toward the wall of rock. As they came closer, the sound of trickling water came from inside. Surely no one lived inside this cliff?
Kardos surprised her by turning into a near invisible opening in the cliff wall and strode through a semi-dark passageway that opened up into a cavern.
On one side a waterfall cascaded down into a pool, and in front of the pool, a large cushion was positioned next to a small table with cups and saucers on it. From an overhead crevice in the rock, the sun shone directly onto the area from an angle above, sparkling water and brightening the whole area.
“Someone lives here?” Shaya whispered.
“Yes.”
Shaya looked around carefully, trying to see if anybody was in the space with them, but it looked empty. Kardos lowered them both down to the bench; Shaya looked at him quizzically. “I don't see anyone here?”
“Not yet.”
Shaya was quiet for a moment as Kardos removed his furs, folded them up and put them beside him on the bench. He did the same for her, and although she was going to protest, she realized it was significantly warmer than it was outside.
Her eyes kept being drawn to the waterfall—it truly was a beautiful sight. The water cascaded gently over a rock ledge in one wide smooth sheen of water that glistened in the light, and fell into the pool. It wasn’t as loud as she thought a waterfall would be.
“When will they come?” she whispered again at Kardos.
Kardos smiled and stared at the waterfall. “I will tell you a story until they arrive?”
Shaya nodded and curled up on his leg, watching him.
“There was a family of three who traveled across known Lands before settling here,” he began. “They had picked up many skills along the way—carpentry and woodwork from the infamous carpenters of the Eastern Lands, the magic of potions from the potion masters from the royal families in the Western Lands and everything in between. They saw wonders and learned what they could from the people around them and the natural environments they discovered. They very much appreciated and respected nature. Like you.” He smiled at her, and Shaya tried to ignore the annoying swoop in her stomach. “In order to continue their love of traveling,” he continued, “they learned to adapt to oceans and deserts, drawing on the knowledge of local people to help them survive. Because of that, they were able to survive most of nature’s surprises when they came here.”
“They came straight to Nyek?”
Kardos nodded. “They came to Nyek first, but they also traveled to the Southern Islands and lived on them for a while to see what they were like, and to see if all the islands suffered the same weather.”
“And the other tribes allowed that?”
“This family traveled freely at a time when the tribes were few,” Kardos explained. “The tribes used to change islands depending on their wealth and influence.”
“Change islands?” Shaya frowned. “How?”
“You remember the map of the Southern Isles?”
Shaya nodded.
“The islands are numbered, because, in the past, the tribes used to move from island to island. If a tribe lost a lot of its wealth, or many of its people died in a snowstorm, they would move to an island better suited to their size. So a tribe who became poor on island number four, for example, would move to island number nine. Tribes also used to combine and split frequently—they were much more fluid.”
Shaya stared back at him. “So that doesn’t happen anymore?”
Kardos shook his head. “Not much. The tribes stabilized and defined themselves as more was discovered about the Isles, but they have on occasion combined or broken up into clans.”
Shaya thought for a moment. “But the Nyek people actually live in mountains. How can they move?”
“Tribe Nyek has moved the least. That’s why we are so entrenched in our land. Even if we lost our wealth and influence we wouldn’t move; we’d simply break up into clans.”
Shaya frowned. “Why”
“Because it could only happen if I were dead or imprisoned—there isn’t another who could lead, right now.”
A coldness gripped Shaya’s heart. “Why would you die?”
“Anything can happen at any time.” A fierceness grew in Kardos’ eyes as he turned his gaze on her. “I am going to kill whoever attacked you. I don’t care if it is the high chief himself; anyone who was involved in attacking you will cease to exist once I discover who they are. I promise it.” His jaw clenched as he turned back to the waterfall. “I don’t know what will happen to me after that.”
A somber silence filled the cavern and Shaya struggled with the horror of what would happen if Kardos died. Surely it would impact her now she was bonded to him. How would his people treat her if he wasn’t around?
“Shaya,” Kardos said softly. “You don’t need to worry.”
She looked up to see him gazing down at her. “You just said anything could happen—”
“Yes, but you will be looked after. And anyway, things usually happen the way I want.” He kissed her as his hand slipped up her leg, sending pricklings of desire to her stomach. His voice lowered until it was growly and deep and his eyes darkened. “And guess what I want?”
Shaya inhaled his scent deeply as her stomach swooped and her slick gathered with a warm tingle. No matter how many times they mated, he always had this effect on her. “Your family could be here in a moment,” she whispered. “You haven’t finished telling me the story.”
Kardos grinned against her lips and then pulled back, but kept his hand on the inside of her thigh. “The family spent time on all of the islands, then decided to settle on the central one because of its beauty. They built a home and were happy for a while, but then a blizzard hit.”
“The high chief mentioned blizzards,” Shaya said thoughtfully. “It seems they are really bad.”
“They are,” Kardos confirmed. “The blizzards are rated from level five to level ten, and anything between eight and ten is extremely dangerous.”
“What are they like?” Shaya asked, curious. “Like rainstorms but with snow?”
Kardos shook his head. “They’re like nothing you would have experienced in any other Land,” he explained, his voice low. “It’s like a snowstorm, where snow and wind are rampant and wild, but the amount of snow that falls is more than double. It's as though the air is filled completely with snow and it makes it difficult to see or move at any speed. On top of that, spiraling tunnels of wind form all over the Isles and destroy everything in their path. Within them are jagged white bolts of fire, so anything alive nearby dies instantly. And the tunnels can pull in objects from over a hundred feet away, so it's not safe for anybody.”
Shaya was silent. That did sound horrendous.
“When the blizzard appeared, the family didn't know what to expect. They tried their best to protect against it, but their child died.”
Shaya jolted. “There was a child?”
“Yes. It was a family of three.”
“But I didn't know that one of them was a child!” she exclaimed.
“Does it make a difference?” Kardos asked. “They were family, a unit; they learned things together and spent all their time together.”
“But maybe they should have settled somewhere else if they had children?” Shaya suggested. “Maybe it would have been safer for the child?”
Kardos shook his head. “That is not the way of life they respect. They believe that family should be together and experience everything together, the good and the bad. The child was born while they were traveling, and their child gifted them with even more experiences—they never regretted having her.”
“It was a girl?” Shaya asked, a deep sadness creeping into her chest.
Kardos nodded. “They managed to find her body and bury her, although usually in blizzards, many are not found.”
“What happened then, how come they stayed here?” Shaya asked, almost wishing not to know, but she had to.
“After they grieved,” Kardos said, “they studied the weather and ways to survive it, not only for themselves, but for the other people who lived here. They made great improvements with the help the skills they learned from their travels. But of course they never got their daughter back.”
“That is so sad,” Shaya murmured.
“Perhaps,” Kardos said. “But without the death of their child, they would never have influenced the Southern Isles like they have, and through their knowledge generations of Southern Islanders have survived the conditions here.”
“Generations?” Shaya asked, confused. “How could they inspire generations?”
“The man of the couple was an Alpha called Azethos, the woman was an Omega named Shraila. They are Az Eshra.”
Shaya took a sharp inhale in. “Az Eshra?” She struggled to find something else to say. “But I thought, I thought…”
“You thought they were spirits? Gods?”
Shaya lifted her shoulders. “Treska didn't have any word for them in the Common Tongue, but she said they were everywhere.”
“Indeed,” Kardos said. “They are everywhere because we honor them everywhere. We honor the loss of their Omega daughter and how much strength they had to remain here. To uncover the secrets of the Isle to make it safer for the people that lived here at the time.” He locked his gaze with hers. “We feel them in everything we do and every time we take a breath, or harvest, or survive another storm. Just like your sister is anywhere that you choose to honor her, not just with your hair. But with everything you are; your strength and your ability to adapt and survive.
Heat blazed through Shaya at the sudden change of topic. For a moment she didn’t know what to say, and then her brain caught up. “I don’t have any of those things.”
“No?” Kardos said, an eyebrow quirking up. “You do not think it is a mark of strength for someone to agree to travel to the unknown, with an unknown people to spare someone they love? You think that just because you suffered punishments that your achievements were not recognized? You think that just because you are here when you didn't plan to be, that it means you don't belong here?”
Shaya opened her mouth to respond, but couldn't find the words.
“You may not think that you have those qualities, but I assure you, you do. It is how I know you would make an excellent chieftess.”
Shaya breathed heavily, unable to believe that it was Kardos saying these things to her. She lifted her eyes to his. “But you were angry when I bit you. Not just in the bond, but you destroyed your bedroom.”
Kardos' jaw clenched and he looked away from her for a long moment. “I was so close to becoming high chief that day, I was… disappointed it slipped out of my reach again. I didn’t intend to scare you, Shaya.”
Shaya exhaled out, and as she did, some of the stress and worry and despair that she had been feeling left her body. “I know it’s important for you to get the seat, but—”
“You do?” Kardos said sharply. “Tell me why.”
Shaya stumbled over her words, realizing that she was about to disclose what Rozalia had told her. She quickly shut her mouth and thought carefully, it wasn't as though she heard about the prejudice from Rozalia. “The other shinnos… They think you are not suitable for the throne because of… your coloring. I know they have a prejudice—”
“That has nothing to do with why I want the seat,” Kardos growled. “It is an important element of it, and no doubt if I get it, it will change opinions across the entire Isles. But that is not the most important thing to me.”
Shaya straightened, sensing something strange about the way he was speaking, and something bloomed in the bond the first time since her hair was cut. “Then what is it? Why do you want it so badly?”
Kardos was silent for a long moment. “I don’t remember my mother. When she died, it didn't occur to me to honor her.”
“How come?”
“I had not learned about honoring the people we love at that age,” Kardos said. “My father honored her frequently, and he was so distraught that he rarely spoke to me. I should have been honoring my mother with him.”
“But you can honor her now, can’t you?” Shaya asked.
“Yes, but I barely remember her now,” Kardos said, his voice devoid of any emotion. “I know she had the whitest blonde hair that I've ever seen, and I know she was beautiful, but I cannot remember her.”
“How old were you when she died?”
“Four.”
“Not all four-year-olds would remember their mother at that age,” she said softly. “It doesn't mean that you would have remembered her if you honored her.”
