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We spoke for a while on others who might be able to take my place, but it truly looked like I was the best option. And because I’d never spoken with Orthorr about my intentions with Simon, he assumed I would not be bothered by leaving him.

“We can introduce Simon to the clan, since he has proven he will not act recklessly and run. I’m sure he will be fine on his own while you’re gone.”

Simon did not look pleased at the thought of my leaving. I wanted to take hope in that reaction, but it was still too early for me to leave his side. I worried what would happen if I left before he accepted my claim. What if, while I was gone, he found another who suited him better?

“I don’t need a babysitter, and I’m not interested in being paraded in front of your clan like a piece of meat. Why can’t I go with him?” he demanded with a surly expression.

The idea wasn’t any better than leaving him behind. If he found someone to his liking in another clan, I wouldn’t even have a chance to earn his favor. We were friendly with mostother clans, but it would not be well received if I argued against another brother’s claim.

Thankfully, Orthorr refused immediately. “No. Your behavior has not given me any indication that you would act politely. I don’t want you insulting other clans.”

Simon scoffed but did not argue. We all knew better than to trust him to behave. The most he behaved was for Maman, and she wasn’t able to go with us to watch him. An idea struck me, and I turned to Simon.

“I worry about leaving Maman. She likes you. It would make me feel better with you watching over her.”

I’d make the same request of her, essentially having them both watch over each other. That way, the two most important people in my life were safe while I dealt with this journey, and Simon would be kept away from most of the clan. He did not need to be introduced while I was gone.

With a frustrated growl, Simon relented. “Ugh. Fine. I’ll stay with Maman. But you better not be gone too long. We just started having sex, and I don’t like going without it.”

Orthorr looked shocked at Simon’s comment, but Simon didn’t stick around to explain. He stomped off, disappearing into the tent Maman had gone into in search of Yamileth. I trusted that he was safe with her and gave my focus to Orthorr instead.

“Is what he said true?” the clan leader asked.

He was not angry about it—he had no problem with same-sex relationships—but he was good friends with my father, and I’d known him all my life. My sudden deviation in preferences clearly took him by surprise.

“It is,” I said with a quick nod.

“I admit, I’m surprised,” he said, studying me carefully. “You have not shown any interest in males before now.”

Pursing my lips, I considered it. “I still have no interest in other males. Simon is special. I only want him. If he chose another, I don’t think I’d try again.”

SIMON

I was annoyed that Feigrind was leaving. He went on and on about wanting me to stay, and he was just leaving me behind? What was that about?

When I went looking for Maman, I hoped she’d back me up and make him stay. She’d already argued against him leaving before, and Feigrind loved his mother. He’d do as she asked.

I found her in what the barbarians probably considered a kitchen. It was a big tent with a fire in the middle and food and herbs being prepared. Patrick sat on a stool to one side, talking to his bondmate, who sat by his feet like a big puppy. I ignored them and instead turned to the two older women on the other side of the tent, whispering to themselves. Given Maman’s temperament, I felt like that didn't bode well.

“What are you planning over there?” I demanded, planting my hands on my hips. Maman beckoned me closer, pointing at an empty stool beside hers.

“Sit. Make yourself useful.”

She handed me a basket with beans in them, and I handed it right back. “Absolutely not. I’m not a cook, and I don’t want to be responsible for someone choking on their food.”

The other woman, who I hadn’t been introduced to yet, snorted. “At least he doesn’t pretend he is more useful than he is. I’ve lost track of the number of people offering to help me who only cause me trouble.” Her beady eyes flicked to me, and shesized me up quickly. “You don’t eat enough,” she said, plucking a fruit out of a nearby basket and tossing it at me. I sighed and set it aside.

“I work hard to maintain my weight. I don’t need to put on any more. I need Maman’s help. They’re going to send Feigrind away, and I’m not putting up with another stupid barbarian demanding I join the clan and become someone’s bed warmer.” I crossed my arms in a huff.

Maman frowned at me. “Did Feigrind say that was your purpose?”

I rolled my eyes. “No. But what else am I supposed to think? You don’t have people showing up just to join, do you? Could some random townsfolk join your clan and become barbarians willy nilly? No. You need to be married off to be here. And since I’ve got no skills outside of sex, I know what that will mean for me. I’d go out of my mind with boredom waiting around for some man to come home each night.”

“I would not know how someone would be received asking to join the clan,” Maman said with a frown. “It’s never happened before, aside from Patrick. He was a special case.” She cast a glance at her friend. “Did it happen in your clan before your husband moved here, Yami?”

The other woman shook her head. “No. Townsfolk are too fearful of us. They believe they will be torn apart for getting too close. None have been brave enough to ask. Even Patrick was terrified when he first arrived.” She turned back to look at me. “Why? Are you looking to become a warrior? You are small but probably quick because of it. You’ll need to eat more if you want to put on the muscle, though.”

I wrinkled my nose in distaste. I was not going to bulk up just to join their clan. “I like how I look, thank you very much. And no, I’m not interested in joining the clan at all. I’m just proving my point.”