The next morning the first sliver of sunlight that pierced through the gaps in the thatched roof of their hut roused Karee from sleep. She stretched, her muscles protesting the unfamiliar position, and looked around the small space. The bed of hides, was empty. Rontu was nowhere to be seen. She sat up and swung her legs out, a familiar sense of disorientation settling over her. This village, Rontu's home, was a far cry from the bustling city she had left behind. The air was thick with the scent of wood and the earth, the sounds a symphony of birdsong and rustling leaves. Yet, she found herself strangely at peace here. "Rontu?" she called out, her voice echoing through the hut. Still no response. She walked out onto the small main room, the morning air crisp and cool against her skin. Kaden, had slept on the pelts there the previous night but he was nowhere to be seen either. “Hmm,” she muttered to herself. “Where could they be?” Her gaze wandered led her out the door to look around. Down the path that led to the heart of the village, her eyes catching a glimpse of movement in the distance. As the figures came closer, she recognized Rontu and Kaden, their long strides carrying them swiftly towards their home. Rontu, broad-shouldered and strong, carried a heavy stone vase, the familiar sound of water sloshing filling the air. Kaden, taller and leaner, walked beside him, his arms laden with a freshly-killed deer. They both wore smiles, their faces radiant with the joy of the hunt. "Karee!" Rontu exclaimed, his voice warm and welcoming. "You're awake!" Kaden followed suit, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Good morning my love." he said, his voice full of affection. "Good morning," she replied, her heart warming at the sight of them. "What took you so long?" She asked jokingly. "We went to fetch water and hunt for our breakfast." Rontu explained, his eyes twinkling at her. "We wanted to surprise you." He carefully placed the vase on the ground, the water sloshing gently inside. Kaden, with equal care, laid the deer down beside the vase. Their hands brushed as they moved, a silent language of love and companionship passing between them. "Your cooking breakfast?" Karee asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "Not yet," Kaden chuckled. "But we're getting a fire going right now so we can start." He gestured towards the back of the hut, where a small pit had been dug in the earth the edge of the pit covered in small stones. A few logs and kindling were already laid out, ready for the flames. "You made a fire pit while we were asleep?" Karee questioned, her tone filled with admiration.

"We told you it was a surprise love." Rontu said, his smile widening. "We wanted to do something special for you, and we thought having a pit here would save you from having to go all the way to the doctor's hut. We based it off the one there but made it slightly bigger." Kaden said smiling at her as he ruffled her hair. They led her towards the pit, their hands gently guiding her. Karee couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth and gratitude for the love and care they showed her. These men, fierce and strong yet tender and gentle, had become her world. She had never imagined she would find such a fulfilling life in this village, but their love had woven a tapestry of joy and happiness around her, a love that transcended boundaries and cultures. As Rontu and Kaden worked together to build the fire, their movements smooth and coordinated, Karee watched, her heart overflowing with affection. She felt a deep sense of belonging, of being part of something larger than herself. She was home, with her mates. She paused at that thought, when had she started counting Kaden as a mate? Sure he was caring and kind but she still hadent known him long. She looked back at the two men as Rontu cleaned the deer her eyes focused on Kaden. She watched as he stoked the fire, his face illuminated by the flames, his dark skin shimmered with an iridescent glow in the firelight, and his eyes held a spark of curiosity that seemed to absorb the wisdom of the world around him. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, a sense of contentment she had never known before. His movements were graceful and efficient, each flick of his wrist and turn of his body a testament to his hunter's instincts. Lost in her own thoughts Karee failed to notice that Kaden's gaze had met hers. A mischievous grin spread across his lips as he spoke, his voice soft yet tinged with a playful taunt. "My lady," he said, "your unwavering gaze is hotter than the flames in front of me, i belive it could set fire to the heavens themselves." Karee's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. She had never intended to stare at him so intently, but Kaden's words had ignited something within her. It was a realization that slowly dawned upon her. She didnt know when it happened but her feelings for him had indeed blossomed into something more than mere friendship and she wasn't mad at it one bit. Despite her realization her cheeks still burned pink in embarrassment. "I...I'm sorry, i didn't mean to stare at you. I was just watching your fire-tending skills." She muttered, averting her gaze. "No need for apologies," Kaden said, his voice full of playful confidence. "It's a pleasure to be admired by you." Karee, unable to maintain her composure, let out a laugh, "You're impossible," she said, unable to suppress the smile that threatened to bloom across her face. "Impossible to resist, perhaps?" Kaden retorted, his eyes holding hers with a magnetic intensity as a flirtatious smirk spread across his face. Karee felt a warmth spread through her chest, a feeling unlike anything she had felt before. Rontu who had finished cleaning the deer and had been watching them from a small distance, aware of the unspoken tension between them, approached them and nudged Karee gently towards Kaden. "Why don't you two take a walk after we eat?" he suggested, his voice laced with mischief. "Perhaps you can discuss Kaden's fire-tending skills in greater detail." Kaden raised an eyebrow at Rontu's words taking in what had been said before looking back at Karee his gaze fixed on her. Karee, acutely aware of Kaden's gaze lingering on her, felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The walk, she knew, would be filled with a new kind of fire, a fire that burned with an intensity that threatened to consume her heart. "I think I'd like that." She said smiling at Kaden a softness in her eyes.