Tier’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “That’s wonderful. Rohahen, you really did it.”
Ro shook his head. “Declan did it. I just brought May over sometimes, since Geir seems to like her.”
“No but you… you knew what was needed.”
The Sentry Leader agreed. “I’ve been sending over messengers for decades with no response. You had the right approach of welcoming him back into the community.”
Ro felt his face grow warm. “Er, well, he’s a pretty nice guy once you get to know him. Oh, and Declan wants to see if he can work with one of the artists in the tribe to teach a joint art class for the kids.”
“Of course,” Tier agreed. “They’re both welcome here.”
“Can you make the request?” Kayla asked, sticking to business.
“Sure. I’ll ask him soon.” Ro agreed.
“Well, that should make things much easier.” Kayla turned toward the door. “I’m going to start looking into chips that aren’t already embedded.”
Kayla could be pretty single-minded about some things, but Rohahen privately thought that she was trying to give them some space. His heart was hammering now, knowing that he and Tier would be alone in the room together.
It was just like every other day, and at the same time, it was completely different. Because Tier had scent-marked his house.
Hesitantly, he crossed the room and delivered the basket he’d been holding to Tier’s desk. “I brought you some biscuits.” He was feeling unusually shy about delivering them.
Tier opened the cloth in a small puff of steam. “Oh! These are still warm. And there are far too many for me. Um, Rohahen, would you like to join me?” It sounded like he felt just as awkward as Ro did.
“Sure,” Ro pulled up a chair, the bulky desk with its outdated computer and scattered papers still between them. “This is the first batch of preserves from this year’s crop.” A crop that he had watered and grown and picked, with the help of his assistants.
Ro watched Tier carefully as he spread the preserves, giving it all of his attention. When he passed the knife back, their fingers touched, and Ro felt a little jolt of pleasure. Did Tier feel it, too?
Rohahen could still remember those warm fingers sliding down his back yesterday, the way that Tier had touched him for maybe just a few extra seconds when he’d untied the clinic gown.
Ro felt his cock stiffen and focused on preparing his own biscuit. He couldn’t think of what to say now. Usually, eating with Tier was peaceful, the conversation flowing easily. Today, he was at a loss. Why had Tier groomed his ears if he wasn’t going to talk with him today?
The silence stretched thin between them. Finally, Ro looked up, only to find Tier’s eyes still fixed on the biscuit that he hadn’t yet tasted. Was he feeling embarrassed and regretful for his display yesterday? Or was he just as interested and fighting his conscience?
Ro regretted once again that he was dependent on body language for clues, since he didn’t have the benefit of heart-singing. He could see that Tier was nervous but couldn’t determine what lay underneath.
He wanted to break the silence, though, and keeping everything businesslike had been the safest so far. “So, how has the search gone for the tribes of the last few kids?”
Tier sounded relieved when he answered. “Oh, good. There are just three left. We found Nina’s family. She’s the one that the men were after when they got Declan. Did you, um, hear about that?”
Ro nodded. “From three sources now, though Declan hasn’t talked about it. I’ll have to ask him about it later.” For all that Declan had been playful and silly this morning, it must have been traumatizing. Maybe he’d open up to Ro about it later, if he needed to. Or, Ro sighed internally, maybe Declan should just go see a real heart-singer.
“Good, well, um, it turns out that Nina’s family lives in Alaska. She told us as much as she could about finding them, but they’re off the grid and we don’t have any connections there, so it took longer. It looks like they’ll need another week to come get her, given flight schedules and their remote location. We’ll need to make sure that she’s settled in somewhere until then. And she needs to be interviewed and assessed.”
Tier finally lifted the biscuit to his lips. As important as all of the tribe’s business was to Rohahen, this was what he was always waiting for.
As soon as the pastry touched Tier’s tongue, his eyes drifted shut and let out a soft hum. He closed his teeth neatly over one small bite and relaxed back in his chair, his tense shoulders dropping. Ro adored seeing him like this, the focused, determined man made soft by some small gift from Ro’s own hands.
His pink tongue darted out, catching a crumb, and all Ro could think about was kissing him, sharing the taste of blueberries between them. Without opening his eyes, Tier took a second bite, savoring the flavors. Ro watched his strong jaw move as he slowly chewed, the way that his throat bobbled as he swallowed.
Ro wanted to lick every inch of that coppery skin, to curl up in his lap and feed him more.
Of course, he couldn’t, as another strength sharer. Maybe if Tier weren’t the Chief, they could get away with it, off in a little cabin somewhere, just the two of them. But the tribe was too important to both of them. Even if Tier was interested, which now felt increasingly unlikely, he would never sacrifice the balance of the tribe just for Ro.
The idea of fitting his bulky body onto Tier’s smaller lap was preposterous, too. Tier was a perfectly sized man, slim with an athletic build. As much as he lived at his desk, he took his training with Kayla seriously and worked out every day. Anyone would see him as handsome and powerful.
No, it was Ro who was too big. He did nothing but work on the farm, his burly physique conditioned only by the natural labor. Yet his muscles bulged and his legs were meaty. His belly was round and a little saggy. He liked his body when it could do things for him, but when he was around Tier he sometimes wished he could be small and cute like Declan. Declan could crawl into someone’s lap and look cute.
Rohahen could completely understand why the Chief wouldn’t be interested in him. He had probably been reading things all wrong.
The Chief opened his eyes, then awkwardly cleared his throat. He looked at Ro like he was trying to figure something out, and it wasn’t going well.
Suddenly, Ro wasn’t feeling so hungry anymore. He shoved the biscuit into his mouth anyway, tasting nothing. He was a good advisor, he knew. But he had made too many assumptions.
“I’ll help get Nina settled in,” he said, grasping at the last thing they’d talked about. “I can interview her, too.” He stood, then carefully placed the chair back where it belonged, avoiding turning back to look at Tier. “Enjoy the biscuits.”
“I, um, was hoping that you would enjoy them with me,” the Chief returned, sounding no less awkward.
“I have to check in with the farm crew. And then I’ll visit Nina. Where’s she staying now?”
“At the heart singer’s home with the others.”
“Good. I’ll let you know how it goes.” He quickly exited and closed the door behind him.
What had he expected? That Tier would throw him over his desk, overcome by lust? That he would take him in his arms and confess his undying love? Rohahen was so pathetic he would have settled for just a touch of his hand.
It all seemed stupid now. Declan had been wrong about everything.
Rohahen stomped down the stairs. He still had plenty of work to do. And if he put all of his energy there, he wouldn’t have to worry about anything else.
Chapter 3
Tier
Tier watched Rohahen’s retreating back. His brawny shoulders filled the doorframe, but he looked small and discouraged.
This was Tier’s fault. He knew it. He just hadn’t been able to figure out what to say.
He had a duty to the tribe. That duty had always filled him with purpose and connection. But recently, when Rohahen came into his office every day with that shy smile, his obligation
s had felt heavy.
He gave so much of himself to the tribe, working long hours and rarely taking time off. Would it be too much to ask to have this small thing? If necessary, could he give up his role to be with the man who mattered most to him?
He was still lost in thought as he walked over to the clinic. The most important meetings were now held in the beautiful space that Rohahen had envisioned.
He opened the door from the west, quietly noticing the Elders who were walking clockwise through the medicine wheel inlaid in the floor. Some were already sitting, and some hadn’t arrived yet, but no one would hurry to start the meeting until they had all had time to walk around it. This was an important part of the meeting, seeking the wisdom of the Creator and Mother Earth, through the messengers of the Four Winds, before making decisions on behalf of the tribe.
Tier always found it meditative to move through the directions, but today he came to the circle seeking answers.
He started at the west, the direction of the setting sun whose winds brought thunder and rain. This direction represented the end of life, the necessary loss of the autumn that made way for new growth. Was it time for him to end some part of his life? Being the Chief to the People had been his identity for so long that he wasn’t sure who he would be without it. But he had been contemplating it for these last few days. Perhaps it was time to allow this part of himself to die, making way for some new Chief who could marry a heart-singer.
He walked counterclockwise, to the north of winter winds and hardship. This direction was about endurance, standing strong like the bison with their heads facing into the storm. Rohahen was always strong like that, the perfect embodiment of his other form. Tier had been, too. Pushing forward and waiting for so long. But the winter winds were also cleansing, bringing honesty and harsh truths. Tier wasn’t sure that he could continue being the Chief that the tribe needed when he was so divided inside. His distraction with Rohahen’s health during the raid on the kidnappers had only been a symbol of the daily tension that he carried.
He walked slowly toward the east, the direction from which the sun comes, the beginning of new life in the spring and the start of each fresh day. East brought the light of wisdom and understanding, the path toward knowing how to live a good life. He could see that life for himself, working side-by-side with Rohahen for the good of the tribe. He knew already that he would feel balanced and whole, serving as Chief with Rohahen as his mate.
With that vision before him, he continued his journey to the south, the direction of warmth and growing with the sun at its highest peak. It brought pleasant winds, but also the power to draw life from the Earth and nourish the People. The Chief was supposed to marry a heart-singer for the balance of the tribe, bringing health and prosperity both symbolically and through their work. But wasn’t that already what they had? While Tier had formal leadership, Rohahen worked behind the scenes, listening with an open heart, bringing people together, making quiet suggestions, and easing people’s minds. With Rohahen as his mate, not only would he be stronger, but he could see a path where the tribe would flourish as well.
Tier stood there for a long time, letting the wisdom of the four winds sink into him.
When he opened his eyes, he found all twelve of the Elders sitting on the cushioned benches that ringed the room. Unlike in past traditions, rather than a Council of Matriarchs making the decisions, there were now three strength-sharers, three heart-singers, three healers, and three who had only the gifts of their bodies and minds. Some were talking quietly, others merely waited, lost in their own thoughts. None of them seemed hurried, for which he was grateful.
He knew all of them as personal friends and advisors, but he didn’t know what they would say. Kayla was there, and he suspected he would have her support. His mother, who trained most of the young healers, sat beside her. His grandfather, the current Guide for the tribe, and one of the few male heart-singers, sat alone, watching him. What would all of them think?
Tier continued clockwise until he found a seat along the western wall, positioned where he could see everyone.
Tier’s grandfather, acting in his role as Guide, picked up his drum and started a low chant. He usually shared only the music, but today he chanted care and support as well, the emotions bringing a physical warmth to Tier’s chest. That was encouraging.
When the chant ended, the Guide looked to the Sentry Leader. “I believe that Kayla has the floor.”
Kayla picked up the notepad beside her. He already knew that whatever was written on it would be illegible. They’d gone over the agenda together, though, focusing on three or four issues of security, two new partnerships with tribes whose children they had rescued, and then hopefully getting to some of the topics that had been on the docket before the kidnapping, like the roof repairs for the school.
One of the other Elders opened a laptop, preparing to take minutes for the meeting.
Kayla stood for a moment. “I have a long agenda here, so we’ll try to move through it quickly.” That got a few chuckles. It never happened. “But I believe that the Chief has something more pressing. Chief?”
What? Now? He hadn’t planned on asking anything until the end of the meeting. Maybe even at the following meeting when he’d had more time to think.
Kayla winked at him, which didn’t help. She attacked everything head on, and probably wouldn’t understand why he needed to prepare his request, as well as preparing himself emotionally for whatever might come.
A respectful silence filled the room, and he realized that he would have to make himself ready.
He took a deep breath. “Leading the tribe has been an honor, one that I always hope that I am worthy of.”
He received many nods of approval.
“I think I have found… my balance. The person who will help me grow in wisdom and help the tribe thrive in harmony. He is a good man, an asset to our community and a friend to everyone who knows him. Perhaps he cannot be the next Guide. But… perhaps he can. Or some other accommodation can be made.
“If not, I… I do not know if I can continue in my role with that part of me missing. I am not trying to give an ultimatum. But I have difficulty seeing the right path forward. I seek your wisdom.”
Silence fell over the room again, and Tier kept his gaze focused on the center of the medicine wheel.
Finally, Kayla snorted. “Do you want to tell us his name?”
Tier felt his face burning. Hadn’t he mentioned it? His heart seemed to beat to his name. He looked up toward the Sentry Leader and his mother caught his eye. Her expression conveyed fondness for him and even pride. Maybe he could do this.
He meant to project his voice, but it came out as a whisper. “It’s Rohahen.”
Chapter 4
Rohahen
Rohahen followed the narrow path to the heart-singers’ home. It was nestled back in the woods, away from the bustle of the central plaza. Before he even reached the door, a warm calm settled over him. He watched the bees buzzing lazily over the lavender, chamomile, and clover that lined the path.
This tranquility was exactly what he needed after such a tumultuous morning.
A moment later, the quiet hum was interrupted by a tremendous crash, accompanied by a surprised yowl and an affronted huff. He followed the sound around the cabin and found May with her tail raised, hissing at a pile of previously stacked firewood. Even with her hair standing on end, she was still hardly larger than a loaf of bread.
He bit back a chuckle. Actually, this was exactly what he needed today.
On top of the jumble of wood sat an indignant bear cub who could only be Nina. He watched her try to pick her way out without upsetting any more of the wood, her childish focus clear on her innocent, furry face. It was the type of thing that would be hilarious once he wasn’t worried that she might break a bone.
“Can I help you?” he asked, keeping his voice calm to avoid startling her.
She huffed at him, her expression clearly stating that sh
e could handle this herself.
He didn’t want to let her do it alone, but he also wasn’t going to pick up a child he’d never met while she was recovering from unknown trauma. “At least let me stabilize the wood,” he compromised. He stepped up to the edge of the unsteady mess, wedging his boots up against the nearest pieces.
She took one hesitant step with her front paw, her thick, black fur gleaming in the sunlight. The wood held. Looking carefully between her legs, she lifted one back foot. On the third step, something resettled and Rohahen held out his hands, but she recovered. That was one of the benefits of having four legs.
She poked her pale brown snout forward a bit more cautiously this time, then bunched up her whole tiny, black body. She leaped off the pile in an awkward scramble. It resettled behind her with another crash.
As soon as Nina was free, another small bundle hurled itself at his knees.
“Uncle Ro! You came to get me! Can we show Nina the creek?”
Rohahen considered. It seemed like one place was as good as another for conducting an interview, and Nina and May both needed to play and move. “I’ll have to ask,” he said, knowing better than to promise anything. “You have to get dressed first,” he added automatically.
As soon as he said it, it left him feeling uneasy. When the kidnappers had come for the two of them in the woods, May had shifted fast, but she’d gotten tangled in her dress and lost valuable time to flee. Watching May hiss and struggle in her kitten form while Rohahen’s arms grew heavy and his vision went dark from whatever they’d shot him with had been the single most horrific moment of his life.
May pouted, and he swung her up into his arms despite her nudity, holding her close and scenting the kitten-baby smell of her hair. And peanut butter. That must have been what she had for lunch. She clung to him just as tightly.
His throat warmed as he sent his thoughts of love and safety and happiness with her. If he were a heart-singer, those feelings would wash through her body, helping her feel complete and whole. As a strength-sharer, he wasn’t even sure that the message would be transmitted.
The Hummingbird's Gift (Hummingbird Tales Book 2) Page 3
