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You stood alone on one of the mid-level platforms, arms crossed tightly over your chest. You remembered Tarsem's order during afternoon patrol: Stay with the main group. Do not scout ahead alone.
You hadn't listened. Instead, you slipped away to check a cluster of rare healing herbs you'd spotted earlier, certain you knew the paths already. But a low growl had sent you scrambling back; just in luck, the patrol regrouped. Right in time to see Tarsem's narrowed eyes find yours, then look away without a word.
Footsteps approached; you didn't turn until he stopped at a respectful distance.
"Oel ngati kamele," Tarsem said quietly, his voice held with warmth, as it usually was while talking to you. You finally faced him, his ears tilted back, as his expression was stern.
"Oel ngati kamele," you returned, softer than you meant. "Tarsem-" he raised a hand.
"You know why I am here." You swallowed, "I... yes." He stepped closer, "I gave an order for the safety of the patrol. For your safety." His gaze never wavered. You chose to ignore it.
You looked down, suddenly ashamed. "I... I did not mean to worry you." He exhaled, the sound almost pained. "You did more than worry me," he said softly, "when I realized you were gone- I thought." He stopped jaw-tightening.
"I thought I might have to tell your family that I had failed to keep you safe." Your breath caught, he stepped forward. "I'm sorry," You whispered. He studied you, then reached out slowly, sliding his fingers into the nape of your neck, threading them into the base of your hair.
"Show me," he said, "show me you understand." He said lowly. You blinked up at him, "How?" A small crooked smile ghosted across his lips, almost boyish- it was unfairly charming.
"On your knees," he said softly. "And tell me again that you are sorry ... while looking up at your Olo'eyktan." Heat flooded your face, tail lashed. "You are ... enjoying this." You accused, voice breathy.
He leaned down until his lips brushed the shell of your ear. "You disobeyed your leader. It seems only right that he reminded you who gives you orders."
You sank slowly to your knees on the soft moss, keeping eye contact the whole time, "I am sorry, ma Olo'eyktan," you said, your voice soft and sweet, "I was reckless, I will not disobey again." His tail curled in visible satisfaction. A soft purr started deep in his chest. He reached down his hand, sliding under your chin, tilting your head to him.
"Good," he breathed, he leaned down- voice dropping into a velvet purr, "very good."
Then his mouth was on yours, his teeth grazed your lower lip, and his tongue swept in when you gasped. One of his hands stayed knotted in your hair; the other slid down your arm. Pulling you closer until your chest pressed flush to his thighs. He finally drew back, breath hot and uneven.
"You do not get to throw yourself into danger again," he murmured against your lips. "Swear it."
"I swear," you whispered.
"Louder."
"I swear it, Tarsem!"
He then sank to one knee and cupped your face. His ears slightly lowered, "I was scared," he admitted again, almost boyish. "Do not do that to me again." You reached up, brushing your knuckles along the sharp line of his cheek, "I won't."
He turned his head and pressed a lingering kiss to the inside of your wrist. "Then we are done talking," he said, voice dropping back into a velvet command, "for now."
"Stay on your knees for a little longer, yawne." The endearment slipped out fondly, "Let me remind you exactly who you belong to tonight."
And you stayed exactly where he wanted you.