Requital

CHAPTER 11

Deianira

Walking back home alongside Father and Leith is bittersweet. Yes it's only been a week since I've been there, but much has changed. The longer I've had to think about what Tarkik has done to me the more the hurt turns to anger. What did I do to deserve his hate, his bitterness. As close as we were and what he said to me two weeks prior had me believing there would be a whole other outcome. I was so wrapped up in where he was, what he was doing, and about completing the mate bond I never even celebrated my own birthday. I figured once I turned eighteen I would finally figure out what I am and it would help me figure out where I'm from. Who I'm meant to be. Instead I feel nothing, no change whatsoever, and that just frustrates me even more. All I've done my whole life is do good, be good, kind, and what has that gotten me. All these thoughts swirl in my head. They make my blood boil. "Everything okay love?" Leith says. Am I okay? Not really but I can't worry him. "I'm fine" I smile a fake smile and turn to look at my father. He looks so tired. How long had he been out here looking for me? Reading my thoughts he says, "Since you've been gone." Guilt slams into me. It wasn't my fault though I need to remember that. Credit is due all to Tar. "I'm sorry father, I only left because of Tarkik he.." "I know we overheard him and Apaay the night of the celebration. As soon as we heard I went off in search for you. I feel like I've been around in circles. I thought we lost you. Being alone all by yourself in this snow." His voice cracks. I stop and pull him into a hug. "It's okay Leith saved me. He's kept me safe, I didn't think after Tarkiks banishment anything would be done. I didn't think.." "You're our daughter Deianira, our family. Just as much as Koko was, you are ours. I would go to the ends of this realm and back a thousand times over to find you."I love you father I'm here now. I'm safe, we are going to see mother and visit. That's all that matters right now." We stop hugging and I look up and him and smile "Let's go" I say.

Being back feels my heart with warmth , but it also makes me nervous. We have to meet Yutu first to make sure I'm even welcome back. Tarkik is his son and next to take over. His word is just as good and final as his father's. As we are making our way through the village someone suddenly crushes me into a hug. From their scent I instantly know it's Apaay. "De, I've been worried sick I'm so happy you're home. I'm so sorry about everything you have been through. What Tarkik did I just don't know what has gotten into him. You want me to beat him up for you like I did when we were kids. He could be pretty mean sometimes huh?" No he wasn't mean really he just liked to pick on us often in a playful matter. My hurt aches to think about just how much we've been through together. How he could do what he did is mind blowing. "No my dearest friend I do believe the honor is mine." I laugh but it's forced. I look at Apaay who eyes Lieth curiously,"whos this?" I smile up at Leith and take his hand. "This is my mate Leith, Leith this is Apaay my bestfriend I've been telling you about." "Wonderful to meet you, both of you." He turns toward my father. They both smile and say the same to him. After introductions we continue through the village to the cheifs home. Stepping on the porch with determintation I knock and the door swings open. Ahnah steps out "Deianira," surprised she says "you shouldn't be here you must leave now." My heart sinks once again. I knew father finding me was to good to be true. Now his parents don't want me around, this guts me. Out of nowhere my mother appears. Father must have told her through their mate bond where we were. "Ahnah, I have respected you and Yutu's choices always since the beginning. You were there for me when we lost Koko, we are family. When it comes to Deianira I will always be by her side, my daughter. She has been your family too. Yutu saved her. Why would you speak to her and treat her this way after all these years. Did they mean nothing?" "You don't understand Alasie its for the best it..." "For the best, maybe for your son. If he wants to disrespect the mate bond and act like a spoiled child then that's one him. This is her home just as much as it is his. Chief's wife or not do not disrespect my daughter." I've always been in awe of my mother but right now she not only feels me with love, but gives me the strength I need to face this. I speak ,"It shouldn't matter anymore. Tarkik has rejected me therefore the gods have blessed me with another." And as Leith steps up taking my hand in his, Yutu and Tarkik walk out the door....