Meet Me Under The Stars

Keme POV

The transition from the Great Lakes has been tough for me. Losing my sacred home to the blaze Pachu’a set has grieved my animal. At night when I finally give in to sleep from pure exhaustion I still see and smell the bodies burning.

I tried to save them. I really did. My fellow shifters worked tirelessly to pull them out. Even Talon and Nikan showed up by some miracle and began to follow my lead, saving who they could. But it wasn’t enough.

Only thirteen families out of fifty one survived. My tribe, on the verge of extinction, soot covered and burned, looked to me for direction.

I brough them to Talon’s new home. He is our rightful leader and I knew in my heart I was not fit to lead these beautiful people. I failed them once. I was determined never to do that again.

The Wolf tribe welcomed us with open arms just three weeks ago. Most have acclimated, grateful to be alive. While some of us struggle. I miss the open skies and blinding blue lake. I feel cooped up here in these woods. The lake here more like a pond.

Shrill laughter and stomping feet tear me from my inner thoughts. I roll my eyes. The she wolf, Violet, is always making a grand enterance. I’ve yet to get close enough to examine her but I have heard all about her.

I hear the whispers. Her antics make many question why she was born a wolf shifter instead of a wildcat. Tonight is our first patrol together. The wolves, she bear, and eagles have been working together and adjusting to the new area and routine.

Violet bounds through the forest, barreling towards me. I brace myself. Fake a smile, Keme. Play nice. The young she wolf can’t be that bad.

“Wait up, Vi!” Thom, her younger brother chastens.

“Keep up, I am already three minutes late to patrol. Robert will kill me.”

“He switched shifts with Keme. You’re stuck with the stoic eagle. I have patrolled with him twice. He has yet to smile let alone speak.”

Violet groans in frustration. I must say I am slightly offended that they find me so awful. I’ve always been serious, unable to tell funny jokes, completely talentless, and absolutely a recluse. I love work, tending to my people, and flying, not much else.

“Well, you know me. I’ll talk to the wind if I have to.” Thom chuckles.

I internally groan. Somehow I believe her. She’s going to fill the beautiful sounds of nature with meaningless chatter. This is going to be a long night. Creator help me. At least I will be distracted and unable to think of the horrible things always on my mind.

“Cut him some slack, Vi. Don’t torture him on his first patrol with you.”

She laughs and the sound is pretty. I can hear their footsteps drawing nearer. I hold my breath, steeling myself for the encounter.

“I bet I can get him to talk.” Violet challenges.

I’m not mute. I do speak, I was just so grieved last patrol that I had nothing to say. I was too consumed to care about idle chatter with Thom. Maybe I offended him.

“You’re on. If he doesn’t speak you will get Iris to go out with me.”

“And what do I get when I win?”

“I will get Zach to take you out.”

“Deal! He is fine. That’s one fine specimen of a man.” I bristle at her banter.

She speaks of another eagle and it upsets me. We are not playthings. We are protectors and we take fate seriously. Zach will not mate until he finds the other half of his soul. Are wolves not aware of the sacred traditions? In our tribe we honor mates and refuse to date anyone until we find the one.

Thom pushes forward from the trees and greets me with a wave. I nod, a slight smile on my lips, arms across my chest. Violet is right behind him, bare feet on the pine floor of the forest. Her toes are painted bright pink. As my eyes travel upwards I see long, tan legs barely covered by a mini skirt, a delicate white t shirt, and long hair flowing in waves down her breasts.

I swallow down every impure thought that suddenly races through my brain as I stare into eyes like umber. This girl is barely twenty, eleven years younger. Pull it together, Keme. You were just judging her for the same behavior.

But I can’t because my animal is wild within me. Violet stares at me in shock. My face must mirror her horrified expression. Heaven help me. This piece of work is my mate.