Living arrangements

"What Arakan means," Nobu stares incredulously at Arakan and Teruma, " is that we have discussed your safety and have decided on a way to keep you safe. You will live in each of our villages for two weeks each. Then the last week, you will choose your future mate and live that last week with him. We drew lots and Arakan is first, I am second, and Teruma is last."

Arakan beems and states "that's what I said, she is going to live with me."

"For TWO weeks," Teruma reminds him, his tail slowly swishing by my leg.

"Right then, let's remember what we have agreed on," Nobu interrupts, looking like an annoyed teacher. "You, Willow, you be in a house."

"Or tent!" Arakan interrupts.

"Or tent," Nobu sighs and continues " that you will share with one of us and a female of the tribe. This is so you can feel more comfortable."

"It would be more comfortable with just two," Teruma purrs.

"I appreciate having another female with me." I reply quickly. Teruma looks crestfallen.

"Finally," Nobu huffs, "there is to be no mating activity until after she chooses her mate." Nobu is looking Teruma directly in the eyes as he says this.

"All we ask is that you stay in the tribes and not wonder away. You are free to talk to anyone and do as you wish otherwise." Nobu's finishes.

"Thank you," I start " I know that it's not your choice to have to take care of me either. I appreciate you risking your lives to recuse me. "

"My life was never in danger! I would never let a little spider still my mate!" Arakan states.

"She not your MATE, she hasn't decided yet." Teruma quips as he puts his whole tale over the lower half of my body.

"That is enough!" Nobu interrupts as he reaches down and picks me up in his arms like a child. I would laugh at how ruffled he seems but being this close to him and feeling his strong arms and beating heart makes me lose my words. All I can manage is "oh".

He sets me down gently and looks away, but I think I can see his cheeks turning red as well.

"My village is ready for us, can we go now?" Arakan asks impatiently.

"Fine, but in two weeks I will come to being her to my village. " Nobu reminds Arakan.

"Keep her safe for me," Teruma adds.

"I'm not the one who lost her last time." Arakan replies in a serious tone.

Teruma leaps to his feet, with a deadly look in his eyes. The two men face each other, Arakan a full head taller than Teruma.

"Stop!" I yell. The two men back down but still eye each other.

Arakan walks over to me and picks me up, and again I am being held like a child. my face flushed and Arakan smiles. He looks at Teruma when he says "time to go to your new home" as he starts to leap for the other edge of the river.

"For TWO WEEKS" Nobu and Teruma yell in response.