Chapter 76

“I promise to check it out. Please believe me.”

“I believe you.”

“Now, tell me what you got.”

She blinked. Then she looked down at the boxes. “Oh.” Maya visibly struggled to get back to normal conversation, but she succeeded as she nodded. “Food. For everyone. Different kinds. But the cupcakes with the cartoon toppings are for the kids.”

This was the woman who was after his heart without her even knowing it. He held it close, keeping silent instead of pointing out how much she loved the children already. Casually, he picked up the boxes.

“Thank you. So, just food?”

Silence.

“Yes. Just food.”

“Cool. Let’s take it to the others, then.”

She smiled. But the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

***

Maya still accepted him in her tent or slept in his bedroom, their unofficial relationship more open to the rest, but the details were still private. His kin just seemed to accept it, anyway, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. They still made love, and she still mingled with the oth