himself, his tail snapping behind him, Rhyst emerged from his room and made his way to the main room. The females stood side by side, their arms laden, as Cha’lii looked around his dwelling wide-eyed.
“I am afraid a humble a’sankh dwelling will have to do for you,” he said, embarrassment filling him. “My apologies if it does not meet with approval.”
Cha’lii turned him, her eyebrows raising. “Actually, I’m in awe. I’ve never been in a home with so much space before. Even walking around in the market felt as cramped as I’m used to. This is really something.”
Ag’hana eyed him with a smirk but he deliberately ignored her, giving all his attention to Cha’lii.
“You are saying that it does not bother you that there is little furnishing, that the walls are plain, and I possess next to nothing?” he asked skeptically.
Her lips parted in a grin. “I’ve never been able to own much either, and at least your walls aren’t threatening to fall down around you or suffocate you, with just enough room between them to barely turn around. This is probably the nicest home I’ve passed a night in.”
He read the honesty in her face and was at once relieved that she did not think less of him for not providing a more comfortable place to lodge, by his species’ expectations. He also felt a sadness tighten his chest before working its way to his throat as he realized just how little she had. His eyes fell among the numerous packages and his lips tugged upward.
“You have been busy, Ag’hana.”
Cha’lii flushed. “I told her I didn’t need all of this…”
“She needed it,” Ag’hana spoke over her with a feral grin. “Certainly you do not object that she has these few modest comforts.”
“Of course. It is an honor to provide,” he stated firmly.
“You see now that I spoke the truth.” Ag’hana snorted mirthfully, her shining eyes focused on Cha’lii.
The human nodded, her lips curving enticingly.
“Yes, you were right, Ag’hana,” she agreed, her eyes dancing with amusement at him as if they shared a private secret over his sister’s antics.
The feeling of warmth climbed higher through him as he returned her smile.
“Excellent,” his sister exclaimed as she thrust the packages in her arms at him before spinning around. “I am leaving now. My mate is impatient for me to return home. I would hate to disappoint him by being further delayed,” she purred. “I will be back tomorrow to keep Cha’lii company while you see to your duties with the king.”
“Many thanks, Ag’hana,” he murmured after his sister’s retreating back.
She raised a hand in acknowledgment before disappearing out the door.
His tail flicked as he regarded Cha’lii. It was ridiculous that he should feel nervous after the time they had spent together traveling through the mountains, but now everything felt new and different. She smiled and shifted the bundle in her arms.
“I don’t suppose you have anywhere I can put these?”
He gave the packages a rueful glance. “I may have a basket. I am afraid I don’t have much, since a’sankhii do not require things like clothes. One of the benefits that we acquire during our transition is the density of fur that covers us.”
“A basket’s fine,” she said. “I don’t need much.”
He paused, uncertain of how much he should say and risk sounding foolish.
“I… enjoy providing for what you need,” he replied.
He growled, caught off guard as she stepped toward him. She raised an eyebrow and advanced again. One hand reached forward and caressed a lock of his mane. His upper hand snapped up and wrapped around hers, stilling it.
“What are you doing?” he demanded.
She backed away, and his grip tightened.
“You are afraid of me,” he accused in a low growl.
“Oh, please. I am not,” she snorted indelicately. “If anything, it seems you’re the one who’s uncomfortable here. If you don’t want to be touched, just tell me so and I won’t touch you. I’m trying to show much I appreciate every kindness…”
“Appreciate my kindness?” he spat in disbelief. “I do not require you to offer your body to me in some sort of exchange and token of pity. You wish to touch me? Then do so, but be aware of what you are inviting.” He prowled forward, backing her against the wall so that all four of his arms could come up and cage her there in place, unable to escape him. “I can prove easily that you lie and are afraid of me. You say you wish to touch