Chapter 14
Over the last forty-eight hours, the primal rhythm of the tribe had reached a fever pitch. With more females entering their cycles, the nightly air was thick with the raw, melodic calls of males finally being accepted by their chosen partners.
Wayne was no exception to this atmospheric tension. His care for Euphoria had become even more meticulous, and the way he looked at her was burning with an increasingly fervent heat.
On the fourth day of Euphoria's period, the relentless rain finally broke. At twilight, the sun spilled over the western horizon, painting the retreating storm clouds in violent shades of crimson and gold.
Euphoria, who had spent most of the week indoors, joined Wayne to roast meat over the fire. After eating, she lingered in the cooling air until the stars emerged before retreating into the stone house. As the moon climbed, the tribal calls began anew—an audible haze of desire that made sleep impossible. Euphoria lay perfectly still, listening.
