Tiger's Beginning

Chapter 17: Origins

My head was spinning from the result of my “moment” with Anik. He showed a side of himself I wasn’t used to, and it unfortunately drew me even more to him.

Kamala didn’t say much thankfully, but did give me a few smug glances. I was honestly surprised she wasn’t more annoyed at her brother’s flirtatious behavior towards me; I guess she wanted me in the family. Or she knew that her brothers were good men, and either would be a good choice.

Sigh, why is my life all of the sudden bursting at the seams with complications.

 

Essentially at the “meeting,” Ren and Kelsey talked about tactics to use against different creatures, terrains, or obstacles. I wanted to really enjoy their stories of their adventures, but it was a little bit difficult with a sun god sitting next to you.

Not only was Anik emitting a lot of body heat, which I figured was due to his tiger half, but I kept fidgeting because in my peripheral vision I could see his profile that looked like it was carved out of marble to be displayed in the Met. It’s unfair really.

Also across the room, Raj kept to himself in his own moody way, his long hair falling over his eyes just enough to cast a shadow but allow me to see the sea green color from behind his mop of silky hair. They seemed to glow almost with unnatural light, though who am I kidding none of them are natural.

Raj seemed to be purposely ignoring me, and just when I thought we were ok. Honestly he was giving me whiplash from all this back and forth.

Kamala surprisingly was listening intently; I think she was a little more anxious than she let on. That comforted me, but at the same time made me a little nervous as well.

From what I was able to gather, Kelsey and Ren were fighters. My mere three weeks of training had barely left me with any skills except if kicking someone in the crotch counts, but I don’t even know if what we will face will have crotches.

They faced dragons, gigantic metallic birds, and a demon. There were also very modest about everything, but I had a feeling they were very capable.

They spoke highly of Kishan and Mr. Kadam, both who had visited me in my dreams. Kelsey got a little teary-eyed talking about Mr. Kadam, but did say he made a great sacrifice for them.

Afterwards Ren and Kelsey were discussing things in hushed tones privately, and Raj got up and left without a word. Kamala said she needed to shower, and told me goodnight. I got up, and started to walk towards the stairs up to my room.

A light touch to my leg made me look down, and I was surprised to see Anik in his tiger form. He usually tried to be human around me because he knew it freaked me out, like a lot.

Hesitantly, I reached my hand out to his furry head, and he leaned into my touch, purring. I couldn’t stop the smile coming over my face.

“Oh you like that huh? Well that’s all you’re going to get because tomorrow it a big day, and I have to get my beauty sleep.  Good night Anik.

I turned on my heel and made my way upstairs, half expecting him to follow me but he didn’t.