“Yes.” I nod. “I regret my words and that they brought much needless worry.”
“I was terrified, at first—really furious at you—but in a way, it was a good thing.”
“How so?”
“It showed me that even the grumpiest man of Tempest could come around to caring for my people, and that gave me hope others would, too.”
“Or perhaps I was trying to get rid of you.”
A smile curls on her lips. “Perhaps.”
“Is that all?”
“No.”
I sigh again.
“I spoke with Asha about you.”
My jaw tics. “Why must you chatter?”
“It wasn’t chatter. I’m just telling you what was said.”
“Why?”
“Because you tried to help my people, and I want to help you.”
“You think you, of all the Penticari, who waddles around the village eyeing food and occasionally being accompanied by a woldoven, could help me?”
She giggles. “Sir Gene may be the first animal we take into our tribe.”
I look over at Harold, letting him know that despite our many disagreements, he is seen.
Elena giggles louder.
“I care not to hear what was said,” I huff.
She rolls her eyes. “You’re always so stubborn.”
“And you are long-winded.”
“I was just trying to say that I spoke with Asha about you, and I regret what I said.”
Suddenly interested, I blurt, “And that was?”
“That I didn’t think you were capable of making her happy. That even if you were to couple, you’d be too stubborn and aggressive to be a suitable partner.”
My stomach twists, and I look down at the earth. “Is that all?”
“No.” She shifts uncomfortably in her spot. “I wanted to say you should prove me wrong.”
“You think I care to?” I scoff.
“Yes.”
“You are?—”
“Stop being contrarian!” Elena scolds.
