by Shay Savage
“Beh loves Ehd.”
“Luffs!” He clearly isn’t pleased by the lack of intimacy, but he does follow me as I leave the cave again. With the children asleep inside, we don’t go far. Though they are both blessedly sound sleepers, there are many dangers for a baby, and it’s not as if the cave is childproofed.
When the tree is decorated, I start thinking about suitable presents for everyone. I find some very pretty fungi around the base of a tree near the edge of the ravine and think one of them would be pretty on top of the tree, but when I try to grab for one, Ehd stops me.
“I know you can’t eat them,” I say, “but they have bright colors and might look nice.”
Ehd pulls me back from the poisonous fungus.
“Fine. You are probably right. It could fall off, and Lee is definitely at that stage of putting everything in his mouth. I’m still not sure what to do about gifts for the kids. All they really care about is milk. They are both old enough to start trying other things, though.”
My mind begins to wander.
“I don’t think there’s anything around here that counts as citrus. I wonder why you never got scurvy. Since Dad gave me the vitamins, it isn’t a problem now, but what about before you met me? I think that might have been a real problem. I know there are some vegetables with vitamin C in them, but I don’t think I know of anything around here. Maybe the berries. I don’t know for sure. Even then, they are only around in the late summer. What about getting through the winter? How quickly can you get scurvy?”
I glance over at Ehd. He’s rubbing his temple and shaking his head slightly as he glances at me sideways. He doesn’t like it when I talk to myself a lot.
“Tough shit,” I say to him. “I’ve got no one else to talk to, so I am my own best company. I just hope Lah and Lee continue making sounds and eventually start using words, or I just might go crazy after a few years.”
Near the cave, I find a pile of driftwood under the snow. I clear the ice off a couple of pieces, determining that they are smooth enough and large enough not to be a danger.
“I think the kids would like these,” I say. “Then again, they are also perfectly happy playing with an old piece of leather, so they’ll probably just entertain themselves with the wrapper. Ha!”
“Ha!” Ehd grins as he repeats the sound.
“Really?” I reach up and tap him on the lips. “Are you going to start repeating sounds just like the babies?”
Ehd leans down and kisses me without another sound.
“Ha!” I say again, but he just stares at me. “Fine. Let’s head back to the cave.”
I hold Ehd’s hand as we return. Once inside, he focuses on building up the fire, and I start our midday meal. I try to add as much as I can to make the stew flavorful so it will count as Christmas dinner.
“I guess there aren’t any turkeys around here,” I say. “You never try to catch birds, do you? I wonder how you would. I don’t think a spear would work. Hmm.”
I look down at the mat on the floor and wonder if I could weave bits of sinew into a net to catch birds. It would be nice to have more variety in our diet.
“A net could be useful in general. I wonder what else it could be used for?”
With dinner cooking, I start collecting long strands of sinew and lacing them together into something vaguely net-like. I’m not successful.
“I sucked at mats in the beginning, too,” I say. “Maybe I’ll figure it out with some practice.”
Lee wakes and begins to babble immediately, which wakes up Lah. She begins to cry, and Ehd picks her up to comfort her.
“There is some benefit to silence.” I nod to myself as I pick up Lee and take him to sit by the tree. Ehd joins me with Lah on his lap.
“How are you going to feel when the three of us are all talking, but you can’t?” I touch the side of Ehd’s face. The thought makes me sad. “Maybe since you don’t understand any of it, you don’t really mind. You don’t know what you’re missing. Still, I feel bad for you.”
I lean against my caveman, and the babies reach for each other’s hands as they squirm in our laps. The fire warms the small cave, making it perfectly cozy despite the temperature outside. I can smell the stew cooking and the pine needles on the tree.
Recalling similar smells from my past causes a brief pang in my heart but doesn’t detract from the love and warmth I feel here and now with my family. I never could have predicted myself in this setting, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Ehd wraps his arm around my waist and holds me close. I turn to look at him, and he runs his nose along the bridge of mine.
“We are going to have a long and happy life together, Ehd,” I say softly. “I already know how this story ends, but it’s really all about the journey, isn’t it? It’s about you and me together.”
“Luffs!” Ehd nuzzles my neck.
“I love you too.” I snicker and turn my head to capture his lips with mine.
When I was in my own time, I never could have imagined a life like this. Now I can’t imagine existing any other way. Just me and my caveman and our children together here in this cave. We have our family and our love.
Or as Ehd would say, “Luffs!”
~~THE END~~
Author’s End Note
Thank you all for taking the time to read Luffs! I really never thought I’d write any of this, but I had fun revisiting these characters. I hope this answers a few questions readers might have had when reading Transcendence and that everyone enjoyed this little journey into Beh’s head!
Ehd and Beh will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope they do for you too!
Now, onto the next project!
Shay Savage
More Books by Shay Savage
Unexpected Circumstances Series:
Book 1: The Handmaid
In a bold political move, Sir Branford claims a handmaid as his bride instead of the expected princess in an attempt to spark a war. Poor Alexandra knows little of how to behave as the wife of a future king and knows nothing of the man who is suddenly her husband.
Alexandra knows she is being used as a pawn and must do her best to avoid scheming noblewomen and the scorned princess, accept her position as her husband ascends to the throne, and overcome her fears of the man with whom she now shares a bed.
Sir Branford is determined to have it all – the kingdom, a wife of his choosing, and the revenge he seeks for the death of his father. He doesn’t expect the naïve handmaid to become more important than he ever could have foreseen.
Book 2: The Seduction
As Alexandra tries to conform to her new life, she soon discovers that betrayal lies inside the castle walls. When noblewomen plot against her, Alexandra ends up on the receiving end of Branford’s rage. Earning the trust of her wary husband will be no easy task for the young handmaid.
Branford may know his way around their bedchamber, but he’s finding himself ill-prepared to handle the duties of both prince and husband. His missteps bring down the wrath of the queen, and he will have to do everything in his power to atone for his transgressions. Branford must find a way to open his heart to his new wife if either of them has a chance of overcoming the treachery ahead.
Book 3: The Consummation
With steady patience, Sir Branford teaches his young wife the pleasures to be found in their marital chambers. Though still unsure of herself, Alexandra begins to open herself to the possibilities and opportunities of her new life. As Branford expresses his desire to have more than a marriage of political contrivance, Alexandra finds facets of her new husband that promise protection, loyalty, and maybe even love.
As she gains a deeper understanding of her husband, Alexandra soon discovers there is more to being Sir Branford’s wife than sharing his bed. Queen Sunniva had told her to be “noble of heart,” and when the lives of aristocrats rest in Alexandra’s hands, she finally begins to understand the importance of
her position in the court and in her husband’s life. Soon, Branford begins to appreciate how valuable a gift Alexandra is to his kingdom.
Book 4: The Shortcoming
As the bond between Alexandra and Branford deepens, they each have their hopes for the future. Branford aspires to lead his kingdom with both wisdom and a firm hand while Alexandra fervently wishes to give her husband an heir. As Alexandra learns to embrace her noble role, she finds friendship with the girl she rescued from an abusive owner. It seems as though their lives have finally rewarded them with the happiness they have sought.
But happiness comes at a price, for war is on the horizon.
The neighboring kingdom of Hadebrand has amassed an army, and against insurmountable odds, Branford must lead the fight for his people. Alexandra is terrified but cannot let her fear show for she must serve as an example to their kingdom.
The war must eventually end, but there is only one thing on Branford’s mind—to continue the royal lineage. But how will Alexandra overcome her heartache when she can’t give her husband the one thing he must have?
Book 5: The Concubine
Royalty requires sacrifice.
As King Camden’s health declines, the need for an heir becomes crucial, impossible to ignore. With no other viable choice, Alexandra must stand stoically by when Hadley comes to the court of Silverhelm as Branford’s concubine. The queen’s edict of duty echoes through Alexandra’s mind as she accepts the loathsome conditions for the sake of the kingdom. The only person more devastated by the circumstances is Branford himself.
As Branford spurns Alexandra’s affections and King Edgar continues to press his post-war advantage, all seems lost to the young couple. Treachery still lies deep within the castle of Silverhelm, and the revelation of the traitor will come from the least likely of sources.
Book 6: The Apprehension
With two traitors removed from their midst, Branford and Alexandra rekindle their faith in one another. Branford insists on remaining at Alexandra’s side at all times to protect her as he rallies his allies against King Edgar and the kingdom of Hadebrand.
Alexandra’s grace and humility touch the hearts of the people of Silverhelm, and the couple is surrounded by the love of their people. When the long-awaited news of an heir on the way reaches the people of the kingdom, all rejoice along with their king and the commoner queen.
But treachery still lives in the hearts of those who wish to see the destruction of Silverhelm and they would be willing to cause Alexandra harm to achieve their goal. King Edgar still will not relent, but will his role in past events be exposed? Branford is not invincible, and despite his vows to keep his wife safe, Alexandra is still vulnerable. When the unthinkable happens, Branford may not be able to survive the loss.
Book 7: The Devastation
Although Branford is broken and desperate, he finds himself with no choice: He must declare war against Hadebrand, or Edgar’s evil darkness will envelop the commonwealth. Silverhelm’s army is grossly outnumbered, but Branford underestimates the people’s love for their commoner queen. The people rise up in support of their beloved regent, and Branford sees a glimmer of hope for his wife. He becomes more determined than ever to make up for his previous failures and secure the future of his kingdom.
With their murderous intentions, the treacherous King Edgar and Princess Whitney must pay for what they have done. They must not be allowed to destroy everything the people hold dear.
With but faint hope in his heart, Branford gathers his people and marches toward the castle in Hadebrand, gathering allies along the way. With the support of other noble families, Branford will have to find the strength to fight for the very survival of his own family and the entire kingdom.
He sees only one path: the annihilation of his enemy.
Surviving the Storm Series:
Surviving Raine
As the captain of a schooner catering to the elite on the Caribbean Seas, Sebastian Stark does his best to avoid any human encounters. Interacting with people isn’t his thing, and he prefers the company of a bottle of vodka, a shot glass, and maybe a whore. There’s no doubt he’s hiding from a checkered past, but he does well keeping everything to himself…
…until the night his schooner capsizes, and he’s stuck on a life raft with one of the passengers.
Raine’s young, she’s cute, and Bastian would probably be into her if he wasn’t suffering from alcohol withdrawal. As the days pass, DTs, starvation, and dehydration become the norm. Even the most closed person starts to open up when he thinks he’s going to die, but when she realizes their traumatic pasts are connected, it’s no longer the elements that have Bastian concerned.
He has no idea how he’s going to survive Raine.
Bastian’s Storm
Sebastian Stark just isn’t cut out for normal life with a girlfriend in the hot and humid city of Miami. All in all, he’d rather be back on the island where it was just the two of them, and he could keep everything in balance. The bar down the street tempts him daily, but he’s determined to remain strong. Adjusting to normal life is difficult, but Bastian is doing his best to keep himself together and the nightmares away. Raine’s happy, and that’s what matters most to him.
But not all nightmares can be driven away.
When Bastian’s former mentor comes into the picture and presents him with an ultimatum, Bastian slips into old habits. Though he wants to shield Raine from the truth, the shady circumstances of his past provoke a hurricane he can’t control. In an effort to protect her, Bastian has no choice but to throw himself back into his old job—death match tournaments—one last time.
Dropped into the arctic wilderness with weapons loaded, Bastian has to compete against representatives of major crime lords from all over the States. He’s studied his competition. He knows their weaknesses, and he’s ready to battle for the woman he loves. There’s only one opponent in the mix that causes him any concern. In order to guarantee Raine’s safety, Bastian will be pitted against the key hit man for Chicago’s largest mob family—a guy who’s known as one hell of a shot.
A guy named Evan Arden.
Evan Arden Series:
Otherwise Alone
Former Marine Lieutenant Evan Arden sits in a shack in the middle of nowhere, waiting for orders that will send him back home—if he ever gets them. Other than his loyal Great Pyrenees, there's no one around to break up the monotony. The heat is unbearable, but he makes do with the little he has. He’s accustomed to harsh conditions and simply exists as best he can. The tedium is excruciating, but it is suddenly interrupted when a young woman stumbles up his path.
She’s lost; she’s cute, and he can’t resist the temptation of luring her into his bed. Why not? It’s been ages, and he is Otherwise Alone.
Otherwise Occupied
Evan Arden is a hit man for a Chicago mob boss and moves through life with darkness in his soul and a gun in his hand. Those who know him for what he is fear him, and those who find out the hard way never get a chance to tell anyone else. The few people who get a glimpse inside his head wish they never had. A merciless killer, his only loyalty resides with his employer, the man who calls the shots that rain from Evan’s weapon.
As a POW of the Gulf War, Evan spent months in captivity, and the memories of his confinement merge with thoughts of the woman he left in Arizona. He lives his life day-to-day with little more than the company of his dog, Odin. As insomnia overtakes him, he seeks comfort from an unlikely source, but will confiding in her be his undoing?
He’s struggling to forget his past and to keep himself Otherwise Occupied.
Otherwise Unharmed
After Evan Arden was imprisoned by the enemy for a year and a half, he returned from the desert, a military hero. He’d suffered some minor injuries during his captivity, was discharged from the Marines with a touch of shellshock, but was considered otherwise unharmed. Now he wonders how he ended up where he is—incarcerate
d in Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center for using his sharpshooting expertise to terrorize the neighborhood park with a high-powered sniper rifle and multiple rounds of ammunition.
Lia Antonio, the woman he rescued from the desert heat the previous year, is the only person who can bring him out of his sleep-deprived psychosis and mounting PTSD. When she does, Evan knows he can’t just let her go again. He’s never considered leaving the business before—who retires from the mafia?—but he’s determined to get both Lia and himself out of harm’s way.
Evan faces overwhelming forces from multiple directions as a deal to get him out of jail turns more dangerous than he imagined. With a mob war on the horizon and the feds holding evidence over his head, Evan has no choice but to throw himself into the middle of another war zone.
In his efforts to make things right, Evan crosses the wrong man and finds himself on the business end of the crosshairs. With his acute perception and intelligence, he tries to stay a step ahead of his former co-workers, but this time, it isn’t just his own life on the line—he’s got to protect Lia from the man who once called him son.
Isolated
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome. The mantra is good enough for the Marines; it’s good enough for me. Improvise . . . Near the top of the world, I fight for my life against my opponent, Sebastian Stark. He has the upper hand in strength, but I have the cunning to turn the tables on him. I battle the elements, my demons, and him until Stark and I manage to strike a deal to ensure freedom for us both—and the women we love.
Adapt . . . Being alone comes naturally to me. I’ve spent most of my life alone. Sharing my experiences, opening up to another human being, developing a relationship—all these things are foreign to me. Sometimes I wonder if companionship and love are even meant to be.
Overcome . . . I’ve been away from Lia for far too long, yet I still have commitments I must keep. When I make my way home, I will tell her I have decided to end the life I have led and move on to become the man she needs. I can overcome my demons; I must. But will Lia be willing to wait?