7 Heart Palpitations

The storage room was located behind the throne room and deeper than the rest of the place. We carried a torch-like stick with super illuminated grass that moved as though in water. It was very light and felt like the hairs inside corn when you shuck it. I found myself distracted by it for the longest time and when I looked up Lonna, Kian, and Lock were looking at me, amused.

"You're like a child." Lonna said with a giggle.

"It's her first time seeing these things." Kian explained. "Do you remember your reaction when you first saw our grass torch? Or even the field where this grass originally grows? We were just like her."

"True brother. We take these things for granted now." I couldn't quite figure the way Lock was looking at me. Whether it was with interest or hidden annoyance.

Together, we walked down rock stairs that seemed long and deep.

"Why is it so far down?" I asked.

"It keeps all our goods in better condition and for longer." Lock said when we finally reached the storage.

Entering the storage room, there was yellow glowing grass growing on the walls. It swayed gently as we stirred the air in the room. The light it projected seemed to fill the room without bothering your eyes when looking directly at the plant.

The room was filled with goods. Furs, food, hay, wood kegs of some kind of drinking fluids, feathers, leaf-cloth, and tools. Crocodiles are winter hibernators where I'm from, maybe these guys just sit it out down here?

"Is this for your people during the winter?" I asked.

"Most of it. But we have some reserves for those is need. The elderly, lone females, and the crippled." Lock walked over to a stand with a book on it. The book looked to be made of leaf, like their clothes. How easy would it be to not have to make paper and cloth back in my own world? I thought this would be harder, but so far it seemed fine. And luckily when I came here, I already had my menstrual cup in and it is reusable. I'm set thus far… wait… where do I go to the bathroom? What about bathing? What about shaving? I'll ask Lonna when we aren't around the men.

"Every lone female can have seven articles of clothing, one basket of fruit,…. You won't be needing tools since you live with Lonna for a short time… One gallon of Toxicity… one pound of grains… That should be good for your duration here." Lock said.

Kian pulled a small cart filled with all the goods over. I found myself watching him pull the cart, muscles taking a more defined shape as he made his way over.

"Looks like you're excited for some goods huh Wren." Lonna nudged me.

Woken from my stupor, I blushed and looked at Lonna and Lock. Both were looking at me with near hidden smiles. But not hidden enough for my liking. I looked back at Kian and he had a slight smile.

"So what?! He's attractive!! You should see the men where I came from! They're all soft from playing Internet games!!"

"What kind of games?" Lonna asked.

I paused… How do you describe screens and electricity to people who have never had nor heard of it?

"The males from your world are soft? How do they protect their females?"

"Weapons." I said.

They all looked at each other and I could see the questions building. I held up my hands, "Look, I don't want to talk about my world. It was horrible there. People killing each other for stupid things. Hurting each other for property or even selfish desires. They lie to each other and cheat each other. I hated it so much that I wished for a happier life. Then I was sent here."

"And you want to be happy with me?" Kian said.

"Oh my gosh. I merely find you handsome. A lot of you are handsome. You're all decked out like freaking gods!!"

Kian's smile widened, "If my call doesn't get answered, I'll leave with you. I'd be honored to be your mate." Kian said.

"Kian… This time could be different. And if not, you don't just throw your effort away! Your life mate exists. What if you mate with Wren and then your true life mate is left to this world alone?" Lonna asked.

"It's been several age cycles Lonna. I really don't think one exists. And perhaps she is the reason why. Perhaps the moon goddess wants me to follow her on her journey here. Perhaps I am one to make her happy."

My face was going to explode from the heat building up. He actually LIKES me and he's talking about it like it's just…so easy to say those things!!

"Wren?" I looked up at Kian.

"You're face is completely red!! Are you sick? Maybe you're allergic to something in here?" Lonna started looking around. "Did you touch anything?"

"I'm ok Lonna. I'm just not used to discussing attraction and mates so openly."

"You may want to talk with father before you make such a commitment." Lock said.

And didn't Jinn want to be with him? She seemed pretty familiar with him and confident that she would hear his call. Perhaps she is the one he's been calling for and doesn't know it? So I should put it out of my mind. After all, I'm not a croc. I need to keep these things in mind because all these reasons not to get involved with Kian, a man…beast I barely know, might still the rapid beating of my heart. Besides, I just got out of a relationship. Wouldn't Kian just be a rebound and end up being a mistake that could hurt him in the end? He's already been through so much, trying to find his true mate. I don't want to cause him more pain.

On the way back to Lonna's place, I asked, "When do you guys do your mating call?"

"After our coming of age. It's said that it's possible to be attracted to your true mate and start developments early on. It can also help you meet the call." Lonna said.

"Are you going to do the coming of age thing or did you already do it? You said you came of age a few days ago?"

"Yes I did, but I haven't received my blessing from the goddess, so me and two other females will be dancing for her in a few days."

"You dance for her?"

"Yes. It's been told that the desire to dance overcomes a female when she's ready. It's a spiritual link between her, her beast and the moon goddess. It unifies the three of us and makes us better able to receive her guidance and gives our beast form strength."

"Wow. That would be amazing to see."

"I don't know if you'll be able to. It's very spiritual. It's up to our king."

Even if he says no, I'm totally going to watch from a tree.