forest and get a chance to run. I don’t see much changed about it.”
“With us.” Linc walked over and poured himself a mug of the fragrant brew. “That’s what would be different and that’s what would make him angry and me as well. I’m looking forward to the run today.”
“But you could run on your own.” She didn’t understand what the problem would be unless they were concerned for her safety. “Laed and Kynar aren’t anywhere near here yet, so there’s no need to shadow me.”
“We’re not afraid that you’ll be attacked while you’re out. We want to be with you.” Linc shook his head. “I know you’re fighting the attraction hard, but try to remember that we aren’t.”
She blushed, because she hadn’t thought about their perspective. Admittedly, she was still angry, so that could be part of the reason she hadn’t been at her most perceptive.
“Now I haven’t seen that before.” The chatar came closer and stared at her face.
He leaned closer. She leaned back because he was getting in her space. She wasn’t so comfortable with that.
“What?” Colm’s gaze sharpened and he stepped closer. “Oh, I don’t think that’s happened before. At least I didn’t notice it if it had. I don’t think I would have missed it. Linc?”
“No, I definitely haven’t seen that.” Linc stepped close and now she had three men around her, staring at her face.
“What?” Her hands balled into fists and her voice rose.
Colm blinked. Almost before she saw his hand move, she felt his fingers close around her wrist. “Calm down. Take some deep breaths.”
She narrowed her eyes, unwilling to let them sidestep the issue. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. At least, I don’t think it is. We’ve just never seen anything such as this before.” Linc frowned.
“Haven’t seen what before? You’re all looking at me as if I was some strange new creature.” She pulled back, trying to get Colm to release her wrist. She wasn’t out of control. He didn’t need to be ready to take some of the excess.
“Well, you’re not strange, but what’s happening with your eyes is. They’re glowing gold right now. By glowing, I mean if it was dark, I wouldn’t have any problem finding you. Have you ever seen them do that?” Linc’s hand settled on her shoulder. “Relax, he just wants to make sure that he’s there for you should you need it.”
“But I don’t need it. I’m angry and a little nervous because I’m being crowded again, but so far the levels are manageable.” She met his eyes and hoped he could see that she was sincere. “And no, I’ve never seen or been told before that my eyes glow. I’m sure someone would have mentioned it before. Look at your reactions.”
“That’s good.” Linc smiled and his hand tightened in what was probably meant to be a reassuring squeeze.
“Can you take this discussion out of my kitchen?” The older woman turned with a spoon in her hand and pointedly looked at all four of them. “We’re trying to get food ready in here and you’re in the way. It will never get done with all of you here.”
Cami saw Colm’s lips twitch. “As soon as I get my dorin, we’ll go somewhere else to work through this.”
The woman poured a mug of dorin and handed it to Colm. Her eyes went to the door in a pointed reminder. Cami bit her lip to keep the laughter inside. Colm took the cup and smiled at the woman. Those two might rule the Thent, but this kitchen was hers.
“Come with me. We’ll see if we can find any mention of this thing happening before.” The chatar led the way out of the kitchen.
Cami scowled. She didn’t want to sit around and search through books and scrolls looking for any mention of glowing eyes. She wanted to be outside, to climb, run, hunt and chase. It wouldn’t be a short search either. If the chatar didn’t know about it right off, she’d bet it was pretty obscure if there was any information at all. The man seemed to know almost everything. Him not knowing anything about it was a little scary.
“Don’t worry. We’re not going to stay too long. We’re looking forward to that run as much as you are.” Linc paced beside her, but simply kept even with her. Colm was in front of her and still held her hand. She thought that Linc might not want to make her feel any more confined than she already did.