Chapter 47: Conversations Between Women

"My name is Ariel," I said, finally introducing myself. "And while they are my mates, we haven't…" I trailed off, not sure how or why I was going to admit my level of intimacy with the guys.

"I understand. You must not have gone into heat yet. Don't worry. It only happens once you find your mates… so romantic if you ask me," continued Emily, prattling on as a few women exited the buildings around us.

They glanced briefly over me before centering their attention on my four mates behind me. I watched out of the corner of my eyes as they started whispering behind their hands, their words too soft for me to be able to hear them.

But I didn't need to.

I had seen those looks too many times in the commune when the younger men walked around. When you were 15 and married to a 70-year-old like so many of the women were, you couldn't help but want something else.

The problem was that they were my males.