15.3 Interest

The voices quickly silence after you stumble out of the makeshift tent. A half angry, half embarrassed flush swiftly spreads across your face. Several pairs of eyes are sharply focused on your partially bare form.

"Where," You begin absentmindedly, suddenly aware of your **** position. "Where am I?"

As you hesitantly glance over the group of people before you, your eyes finally fall on the man who brought you here. One of his brows is raised in a mixture of confusion and amusement. Casting the others a quick look of apology, he quickly steps towards you. Your blush deepens when he places a hand across your uncovered shoulder.

"It's okay," He says in a seemingly assuring voice. "This is what's left of our reservation."

You look up at him in surprise, before looking back over at the group. A few other men are standing ahead staring back at you warily. The elderly man in the middle seems the least interested or intimidated, his eyes briefly glancing over you before looking away. To his left stands a tall, lanky man with dark, short hair. His light brown eyes regard you coldly, sending a small shiver down your spine. Turning your attention to the last man, you can see he is the youngest of the group. Hazel eyes peer back at you tentatively, partially covered by a messy crop of light brown hair.

"I didn't think I'd find anyone." You mumble, running a hand across your shoulder as you attempt to cover some of your torso.

"Neither did we," The man to your side replies, taking another step towards you. "Until we saw your plane."

You had momentarily forgotten how you even arrived here. Looking back at the man, you bite the inside of your lip anxiously.

"There's no need to be so worried." He goes on to say, obviously picking up on your apprehension. "Maybe if we introduce ourselves you feel more at ease?"

You pause before giving him a soft nod. While he and his companions have done nothing to earn your distrust, you can't help but remain wary. You carefully study the man as he begins speaking again.

"I am Kai and that is our elder, Mato." He gestures to the elderly man. "And that is Ty and Seth."

Your eyes glance back over at the indifferent man then his younger companion. You feel yourself relax marginally as you realize if they meant you harm they likely would have already done so.

"I'm sure you're hungry." Kai remarks, placing his hand back on your shoulder.

Just the mention of this reminds you of how long it has been since your last meal. Somewhat sheepishly, you give him another nod in affirmation. The man smiles softly before using his hand to guide you forward. A moment later you're seated a few feet away from a small fire. You graciously accept the bowl of food that is handed to you. You're surprised to taste actual flavor when you place the first bite in your mouth. It would seem this group is far more resourceful than the others you have come across. Keeping this in mind, you surmise it may be beneficial to work with them.