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So stupid.
“You should go home,” Bo said. “I’ll talk to Tia. Just go home.”
“No,” I said vehemently. “No one knows that’s me. You obviously know, but no one else knows.” I fought hard for my voice not to break, but I was failing. I took several calming, deep breaths.
“Besides, if I leave now, I don’t want it to look suspicious. Not that they would anyway. They don’t know me. For all they know, there could be a whole other heart-crushing reason I’m crying.”
I couldn’t finish because I was too busy sobbing and Bo was awkwardly trying to pat my back.
“Please let me kill him,” she pleaded. “I already told you I am not good at this comforting stuff. I’m so much better at the hunting-down-and-skinning-them-alive stuff. You’ll see. I swear.”
I finally quieted. It took up almost all the tissues in the bathroom, but I dried up somewhat.
“What are you gonna do now?” Bo asked.
“If it’s all right with you, I’m just going to crash on campus,” I said. I practically lived there anyway. “Besides, it will give me a chance to solve more of Snowden’s Labyrinth hypothesis. If I finish it early, maybe I’ll have a better chance at that internship.”
“I’m going to miss having a roommate,” Bo said
“I don’t want to abandon you. But he knows you are my roommate, and he knows how to find you. And therefore, me, and I don’t want to be found anytime soon.”
Bo sighed, anger still shining in her eyes. “No problem. He won’t find you. And you’ll always have a place with me or my tribe. Just remember that. They don’t get back from their hunt for another week. So at least we have time. You don’t have to run right this minute. At least for tonight, let’s watch some movies and eat popcorn until we pass out on the couch,” she said.
I nodded and washed my face. With a few more jokes, she pepped me up so my smile looked less watery. Not that it mattered any longer. By the time we left the bathroom, the orc ladies had left.
At least I didn’t have to be reminded about Declan’s perfect future mate.
Chapter Seven
LOST IN TRANSLATION
Declan Tharraka
The hunting party was in high spirits tonight in the cabin. Thanks to Rothgar and Jalen, we led our clutch to a good hunting ground. All together, we had record kills. We left a generous portion as tithes to the Goddess and the old ones in the forest, and headed toward the hunting cabin to our much deserved rest. We would return to the mountain in the morning.
The captain stated we should find our heart mate more frequently, as it clearly did wonders to our focus and thus, productivity. I could not disagree with him.
At the cabin, the central fires brought out the storytellers even among the first-timers. I was not in the mood, so I watched from afar in a comfortable corner where I would not be pulled in to participate. An orc’s first big hunt was always fuel for the ego, and I would not spoil their moment when thoughts of Capricorn consumed me.
I wanted to get back to her. It was not right to leave her when the dhara bonds between us were new and delicate, especially since our claim on her was not properly acknowledged. At least, the tedious rites of announcing my new intended mate had begun. I informed the clan leaders, including my Uncle Kharag, head of Clan Tharraka, that Rothgar, Jalen, and I had found ourselves a witch for a mate, so he must ready the contracts.
He had not believed us, and so Jalen shared with the clan leaders our night with Capricorn. They had been most pleased with how she had taken all three of us, especially commenting over her lusty cries. Kharag and House Tharraka’s esteem rose among the five families at that moment, and my hearts soared to hear their unanimous support in acknowledging Capricorn as our intended mate–if she would have us.
Her consent and acknowledgment would be the next step, and I was eager to get that started.
Kharag himself volunteered to be present at the council meeting of elders at Elfhame Academy in order to see to her protection and care until we could return. I was relieved until he sent word this evening that he could not locate her.
He had asked about her at the tavern, and every single employee, including Tia, pretended not to know the name ‘Capricorn Jade.’ There were those in the community who should have been able to see her on campus or at the Bespelled Brews. Unless there was some elaborate prank, for which heads would roll, Capricorn had vanished.
“You worry too much, Declan,” Rothgar said.
I glared at him, which did little good as he was watching Jalen’s video of our night with Capricorn yet again. “And you do not worry enough. There would be no reason for her to leave the Tavern.”
“Perhaps she had projects she wanted to get started,” Jalen offered. “After all, she seemed to be very concerned with her academic performance. She probably wanted to get a head start. Which would be good.”
It was true; her academics were important to her, and it showed as she was one of the best in her class. She studied under Professor Snowden, who was known for the high rate of turnover among student aides. That she had been his aide for almost two years was notable.
Two years…that was another mystery I intended to unravel. How she had evaded me for so long…
