Steph's Outcast

I need to do that again. Soon.

The golden male returns later in the day, babbling his words. He brings with him a male that is a deep blue, his horns curiously shiny and his arms covered in black markings. I study him, trying to determine which clan he falls into, and then decide that he is no clan, just like me. Just like Steff. I know that there are others without the clan markers in their group, but it is strange to see yet another this close, a male who does not resemble Shadow Cat or Strong Arm. Perhaps Tall Horn, but his shiny, shiny horns are all wrong. It is just…strange.

The newcomer taps his chest. "Mardok."

I glance over at Steff, uneasy. Is this meant to be M'dok or is he an Outcast? She just comes to my side and touches my hand, smiling. She talks a steady stream to them, occasionally patting my arm. When Pak goes to her side, she pulls him into her arms and tickles him, which makes him giggle.

Mardok pulls out something that looks long and shiny, like his horns, and has a very pointy end. He gestures at the pointy tip, then at my ear, and then his mouth. He does this over and over again, and when Steff does too, I realize what they are telling me. This sharp thing goes in my ear. It will put the pebble there and then I will hear their words.

I am…skeptical of this, but U'dron said it to be the truth. Steff gives me another encouraging nod, my hand tight in hers, and as they look at me, waiting, I gesture for them to put this pointy thing in my ear. If it is dangerous, I will not let Pak get it, though. I will protect him.

But I trust Steff. I watch her as the male moves behind me and rubs something wet behind my ear. I try not to frown as a hot pinch happens, sending a stab of pain through the back of my head.

"Sworkin?" Steff breathes, glancing back and forth from the males to me. "Can he understand us?"

My ear twinges again, and I rub it. I have a headache, but it is not the worst I have endured. "I can understand you, yes."

Steff's eyes light up with excitement. "Wonderful!" She squeezes my hand and then gives me a shy look. "Hi there."

I grin at her, loving the bashful expression on her face. "Hello, my mate."

16

STEPH

Oh. His mate.

Not pleasure mate. Mate.

I think we've had a miscommunication somewhere. I've fucked up. I keep smiling, even as Pak gets the translator and then bursts into tears because it hurts. He clings to Juth's shoulders and he soothes his son, rubbing his back, while Mardok and Ashtar look abashed. "I hate that we hurt the kid," Mardok says. "It's just a twinge, but I guess it feels like more when you're little."

Pak turns around and sniffs, his expression angry. "I am not little!"

"You are a strong, fierce hunter," Juth agrees, tousling his pale hair. "And now the pain is over and you can say a greeting to Steff."

I beam at him, my mind racing a mile a minute. At what point do I pull Juth aside and explain we've somehow crossed wires and I'm not his mate? That we were just fooling around and having a good time? That I got carried away and forgot that these guys think a hand-job means forever mating?

This is…awkward. I don't know what to do. I don't want to hurt Juth's feelings—especially not in front of the others. How is it that I'm the one that prides herself on being able to talk my way through any situation and I find myself here?

"Is it all right to talk to the others, Papa?" Pak asks in a whisper.

Juth nods. "I have decided."

"Uh, this is great and all but…mate?" Mardok asks, glancing over at me. "You two resonated?"

Juth's expression changes to one of barely reined-in anger. He steps in front of me, and his tail practically batters my face. "We did not resonate. We have chosen to mate."

"Happy for you both," Mardok says mildly, shooting a glance over at me.

I just bite my lip. I can handle things with Juth, but it'll have to be in private so he doesn't feel embarrassed.

Ashtar claps Juth on the shoulder, all smiles. "This means you will be joining our tribe, then? You can't stay out here alone. Not with a young son and a mate to take care of."

"Oh, I don't think—" I begin, hating that Ashtar is putting Juth on the spot over something that's a sensitive subject with him.

To my surprise, Juth nods. "We are joining if we are invited, yes. This has shown me that we cannot be a clan of two. We need more people." He looks at me, a soft expression on his face. "We would not have made it without Steff and her gifts of food. She has shown me that a clan is not always bad. That even if we are Outcasts, we will still be fed. I do not think Shadow Cat will like us there."