ã€ŠFalling In Love With The King Of Beastsã€‹


 Chapter 1: The Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 1:The Nightmare</h4>

    Elia blinked a few times, but the scene before her of a forest of twisted trees under an indigo moonlit sky was impossible, so she closed her eyes and tried to wake up.

    She had been at the Patron''s Ball in Henderson House at the University. And she''d been drinking¡ªthis must be a drunk dream.

    She opened her eyes again, but now her view was blocked by the face of a woman with a very thin, angr face, tilted sideways, staring at her from just a few inches away.

    Elia gasped and tried to push herself back, away from the strange woman, her hands scrabbling on dirt. She very definitely wasn''t at the university anymore. And she wasn''t at home in bed, either. This was no dream.

    "Wh¡ªwhere am I?"

    The woman knelt in the dirt in front of her, very graceful as she sped her hands in front of her. Her face was kind, but her features very sharp. "You''re in Wildwood," she said in a high voice and tipped her head to the side again, as if Elia should know where that was. "Look around you, child, meet your destiny."

    "My¡ªwhat?"

    The woman extended her hand, the long, bell-like sleeves of her thick robe swinging like a bird''s wing as she opened her hand to the forest around them and Elia turned and gasped, scrambling to her feet.

    She was in an almost perfectly round clearing surrounded by trees whose branches twisted and twined together. The trees were silhouetted in moonlight so bright, it made everything look silver and cast shadows on the dirt and grass. Shadows of a hundred people or more stood shoulder-to-shoulder between the trees.

    "The sacrifice is frightened," a shaky voice whispered behind her, and was immediately shushed by others. "What? It is only the truth!"

    "Lane, shut your mouth, or we''ll put you back into the nursery herd and you''ll have to wait another year for youring out." The angry bleat¡ªdeeper, a man''s voice¡ªcame from the same direction.

    Elia whirled to see where the voice came from, but the trees were thicker behind her, so she found only the silent figures, strangers staring at her.

    "What is this? Where am I? How did I get here?"

    "Your questions are normal, of course. But really quite pointless. The ritual is about to begin. You would do better to make peace with your god if you have one," the woman in front of her said.

    "Tell me where I am, and who are these people?" her voice shook¡ªand so did her body.

    The woman sighed and fluffed her thick robe.

    "If you wish to spend your final moments in the search for truth, very well. But know your questions will only bring more questions. You are in Wildwood. You were brought here as a sacrifice¡ªone who fights for the pleasure of the King. It is a rare honor, though I know you were not raised in your world to appreciate it. You will likely not survive the night, but your death is not in vain. It will assure the survival of the Anima. You should take great pride in it."

    Elia''s mouth dropped open. "A sacrifice? What king? Who the hell are you people?"

    The woman sighed and made a small clucking noise. "You see, I did tell you, the questions would only bring more questions. Hear me, then prepare yourself: When the drums begin to beat, the others will enter and the fighting will begin. Show yourself worthy for the choosing. Die with honor."

    "Die?! I''m not fighting anyone¡ª"

    "You do not have a choice." The woman ruffled the robe again. "If you do not fight you will be in. It is not an honorable death."

    "Stop talking about me dying! I''m not dying. This is a¡ªa dream, or a hallucination, or something!"

    "No," the woman said firmly and stepped close. So close, Elia put her hands up to stop her in case this fighting was about to begin. Her fingers brushed the woman''s robe¡ªit wasn''t fur after all, it was feathers. Soft, tiny feathers. But Elia didn''t have time to consider what that meant before the woman continued, her eyes fixed on Elia''s with a fierce light. "This is not a dream. You are no longer in your world, and the chances of you ever returning to it dim with every moment you refuse to fight. You must ept that your life has been altered and meet the challenge before you, or you will die, Elia."

    "How do you know my name?"

    "You were chosen for this. Selected by¡ª" A deep, rhythmic boom rang between the trees and the crowd shifted, whispering. The woman cut off and turned, staring in the direction of the moonlight. "Hees," she said breathlessly. "And the other sacrifices also. Give your life to please him and you will be honored by the tribes." Then she bowed to Elia, muttered a few words under her breath, and with a snap of her robe, disappeared to join the circle under the trees.

    Gaping, Elia turned in the direction of the drums. Between the tworgest trees directly under the full moon, more than a dozen people walked slowly, their steps taken in time with the drums'' beat. There didn''t seem to be lines or order to how the people were gathered, but they moved in clusters, all of them walking before a tall figure, still deep in the dark under the more distant trees, a drummer at his elbow keeping the time, and several behind him in a line, their instruments echoing in the chill night air.

    As the first of the people at the front emerged from the shadows and she could finally see them in the silver light, Elia covered her mouth with her hands.

    They were all women.

    They were all painted, their bodies dotted and lined in swipes of some kind of paint that glowed white in the moonlight, making patterns on them that resembled spots, stripes, feathers, and fur.

    But, other than the paint¡­ they were allpletely naked.

    Elia looked in every direction, searching wildly for a way out, an escape from this nightmare¡ªwho were these people? And what were they going to do? But everywhere she turned, she met eyes fixed on her, sometimes teeth bared, and a wall of bodies that did not move to give her ground.

    Then the drums stopped.

    Elia turned on her heel as the man who was clearly this King the woman had spoken of, finally stepped out of the darkness and into the moonlit clearing.

    Head and shoulders taller than anyone near him, and a chest so broad he seemed to threaten the trees, he stepped into the circle bringing with him an air of violence only barely leashed, a sense of sheer animal power. His hair fell into his eyes, and the thick, fur cor of his vest that looked like a massive lion''s mane framed his angr face and light eyes.

    Under the high-cored vest that fell to sweep around his knees, he wore leather pants and no shirt. His biceps, chest, and abdomen were oiled and shining in the moonlight.

    He was perhaps the most carnal man Elia had everid eyes on, and he scanned the clearing as if it¡ªand everyone within it¡ªbelonged to him.

    There was a rustle in the trees and Elia realized everyone watching had bowed to him¡ªincluding the naked women who had spaced themselves around the circle, each of them facing him with their heads bowed. Everyone, that is, except Elia. She swallowed hard as they all straightened, the watchers in the trees leaning in, breathless and waiting for him to speak.

    But Elia froze. Because as he raised his great head and scanned the clearing, his eyes locked on her and for a split-second the light of recognition burned in them. There was a crystal moment during which their gazes held and Elia would have sworn he called her name¡ªyet his lips didn''t move.

    She blinked and sucked in a breath.

    But his face remained a t mask. Then he dragged his gaze to her left, and as he continued to scan the crowd, opened his mouth and began to speak.

 Chapter 2: The Rite

    <h4>Chapter 2:The Rite</h4>

    RETH

    He hated this.

    Every step alongside the drums grated on Reth like a w drawn down his spine.

    He knew his people needed the ancient traditions, to feel the instincts of their ancestors speaking in the tribes. But the Rite of Survival was brutal. Uncivilized. Deadly. It appeased the flesh, but did nothing for the mind.

    So, he dreaded every step he took towards the circle. And hated that as King he couldn''t denounce it¡ªthe opposite, in fact. He had to protect the traditions no matter how terrible they were. This night would end with blood on his hands, with the copper tang of it in his mouth.

    Reth let a low growl flicker in his throat. The drummer next to him eyed him warily.

    Slowly, slowly they made their painful way towards the bloodbath. While there was no doubt he''s seen that the Pure humans were often marked by weakness of both body and mind, it was also true that were he a human ruler he''d likely never find himself overseeing a fight-to-the-death in which the females fought to be his mate.

    There were some things the purists got right.

    The drums pounded on until finally Reth took his first step into the clearing, turning, nodding to show himself to his people, who murmured and chattered their excitement as they bowed their submission to him. Most of them. He knew some bowed with gritted teeth and unsheathed ws. But, at least for now, they disguised their treason.

    Reth scanned the circle slowly, letting his scent call the devotion of the loyal.

    Until he reached the northern end of the clearing and his eyesnded on the Pure One that had been chosen.

    It was like a set of ws to his belly. Only years of training and discipline stopped Reth''s jaw from falling open in shock.

    "Elia?" he breathed to himself.

    It wasn''t possible. It couldn''t be possible.

    It also couldn''t be a coincidence. Yet, no one knew. And if she was here¡­ she was destined for death.

    The thought turned his stomach cold.

    She froze in his gaze¡ªnot because she recognized him, but because some long-buried instinct within her understood the danger he posed. She responded to his presence, not his person.

    How was it possible that she was here?

    Instinctively he turned to look at the wolves. He was certain this was their doing. But he couldn''t let himself show her any special attention¡ªor let them know they''d seeded in unsettling him. So, after he''d met eyes with every single Alpha in the packs, he moved on to the other tribes. But his mind turned back to her with every passing breath.

    "Wee, Anima!" he called across the night to the answering chorus of barks, coughs, calls and apuse. "Youe tonight in memory of your ancestors. The sacrifices you offer will ensure the strongest blood continues to flow in the veins of Anima''s Rulers. These offerings will be honored for generations. The n Leader and his father, and his father''s father thank you."

    He paused for effect¡ªand to receive their apuse¡ªbut he was forced to suck in a deep breath to brace himself. "Tonight the future of Anima will step forward. Tonight the Tribes receive their Queen!"

    The response would have sounded chaotic to human ears, but Reth could pick out the Chitter of warning from the birdlike Avalines, the nicker of submission from the horse-blood Equines, the snarls of the wolfish Lupines¡ªeven the toadlike Amphines raised their croaks, along with the other tribes. All of Anima was represented tonight, and despite their different hopes for this night, all anticipated the next step.

    Even Reth.

    He didn''t know how the Wolves had found Elia, but he knew the Lupine battle strategy was second to none. He could do nothing to save her without weakening the position of the entire Kingdom. The thought tore a snarl from his throat that echoed across the chatter and silenced the crowd.

    He let the silence hang in the air to remind the wolves who was in control.

    He kept his face nk of emotion, knowing they''d be watching him closely. "Only on this night, once per generation, do we bring the Pure to Anima to offer them the chance to prove their blood. And so, I call on the Tribes to recognize our human sister, the Pure." He swept a hand toward Elia, and the Tribes answered with their hisses, croaks, barks, and bleats, each calling to her ancient human blood in their own tongue.

    It was tradition to give the Pure sacrifice a chance to speak words to be remembered by. And so as they quieted, Reth held his breath, forcing himself to pretend disinterest in what she might say, despite his entire body yearning to lean closer.

    She stared, open-mouthed at the crowds, and at him, as they all waited. It took her a moment to realize they wouldn''t speak until she did. But it was with a sinking heart that Reth heard her words.

    "I¡­ I don''t even know you people! Why am I here?"

    Murmurs rose in the circle¡ªsome with difort, others amused. There was a great variety of opinions about continuing the tradition of bringing a Pure One into the Rite. But no matter how soft-hearted, Anima would never respect a show of fear.

    Reth didn''t miss that as the crowd murmured their thoughts to each other, Lucine¡ªthe Lupine sacrifice¡ªwidened her eyes at Elia and drew a hooked finger across her throat. To anyone from Anima, she would have wed her belly to make the threat. But she knew enough of humans to understand that they would miss the reference to the wolves'' practice of disemboweling prey.

    "Let''s get this shitshow on the road," he muttered under his breath. He nodded once and the drummer next to him snapped his stick down on the drum three times in quick session. "Let the Rite begin!" Reth roared and was answered by the crowd as the women within the circle leapt to life¡ªor rather, to death.

    Elia didn''t deserve to die because he had been too weak to finish his enemies.

 Chapter 3: Fight to the Death

    <h4>Chapter 3:Fight to the Death</h4>

    ELIA

    That terrifying man roared amand to start, and all the women in the circle immediately tensed from their almost prayer-ful stances, to half-crouched on the balls of their feet, as the crowd surrounding them cheered.

    Briefly, no one seemed to know what to do. The women all looked at each other, but no one moved. For a single breath, Elia hoped perhaps none of these women were going to fight. Until a feminine snarl erupted from Elia''s right and she turned to watch a woman¡ªgraceful, though clearly strong, and painted entirely in fur¡ªleap on the back of the woman closest to her, who was painted in swirls and spirals. The fur-painted woman took the other''s head between both hands, and twisted her neck with a mighty jerk that snapped her spine.

    The body sagged in her hands and she let it drop, standing over it as it twitched for a handful of seconds while she scanned the clearing.

    For a moment, their eyes met and the fur-painted woman smiled and raised her eyebrows, but then darted across the clearing to a spot where another woman was rising, shaking, from a body in the dirt in front of her.

    All breath left Elia''s body. What nightmare was this?

    Bile rose in her throat and Elia whirled, thoughtless of the carnage behind her, looking to clear her mind of the gore and death happening around her. Instead she found a circle of people cheering and screaming, barking and growling, like animals on the hunt. Their eyes passed over her with looks of contempt as she rushed to the tree nearby and leaned on it, throwing up thests of the alcohol and appetizers she''d had at the Patron''s Ball.

    As she coughed and spat, her entire body trembling, there was a great thud and a shriek nearby. Elia whipped around to find two women¡ªone painted in feathers, the other in a strange set of lines and dots¡ªwrestling in the dirt, teeth bared.

    It was instinct to get away, to hide, but there were so many people¡­ without thought, Elia grasped the lowest branch of the tree and pulled herself up, running her feet up the trunk like she had as a child. The ridiculous high heels she still wore slid on the bark, but she clung and the thick denim of her nicest jeans gave her traction on the branch as she hiked a leg over and pulled herself to sit against the trunk.

    "Is she allowed to do that?" the young voice she''d heard earlier whined.

    Elia froze, but several people shushed the young one and no one came to tug her down, so Elia braced herself against the trunk of the tree and tried to catch her breath. Not that it worked. Her entire body trembled, humming with fear. She knew being up here only dyed what had to be an unavoidable end. Whoever these people were, they didn''t hesitate to kill.

    She peered between a gap in the leaves to see the fur-painted woman chase another across the circle, snarling, teeth bared, andunch herself on the other woman. They rolled and tumbled through the dirt together, and when the dust settled, the fur-painted woman was the one to rise, her face dark with the other woman''s blood.

    A strange noise erupted from Elia''s throat.

    Where was she?

    How the hell had she gotten here?

    And how long did she have before she died?

    ****

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 Chapter 4: Wolf Brothers or Foes?

    <h4>Chapter 4:Wolf Brothers or Foes?</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    The wolf-daughter, Lucine, was ruthless andmitted. A machine. She''d been the first to take a kill which had the Lupines howling their pleasure and excitement. And she was making her way through the other opponents with efficient, deadly grace.

    Lucan would be strutting for weeks.

    Reth growled in his throat. He was distracted for a moment, watching her tear out the throat of the Avaline sacrifice¡ªan unnecessary reminder of the merciless nature of the wolves. But he turned quickly, unable to stop himself looking for Elia, and in the same breath wishing he never had to see her here.

    It was with a deep grief he realized she was already down. Gone.

    For a moment his memories flickered to a tiny, human girl, so kind and un-self-conscious. A little girl who had ignored his strange behavior, and instead simply shared his love for animals. Had made herself his friend. Defended him to her peers¡ªand to her parents, who were wisely wary of the neighbor boy who demonstrated such strange behavior.

    Thank the Creator he''d never transformed in front of them. His control had been patchy at best back then.

    With stinging eyes he inhaled to scent her, intending to locate her body in the circle, so he could returnter to bury her himself¡­but instead his senses tingled with the smell of hot blood, still pumping, her unique scent still impossibly alive.

    But¡­ where was she?

    Turning his head left and right as if he were scanning the rite, he continued to scent until he''d identified her scent mixed with the disturbed bark of the tree on the northern end of the circle.

    She''d hidden herself.

    Reth blinked. His two natures argued about how he should feel: The Anima within him, the blood of his predator-ancestors, growled and shook itself. It had nothing but contempt for the prey-behavior. But his humanity¡­ it apuded her resourcefulness¡ªthat she sought an answer other than bloodlust.

    Both perked their ears as his heart beat faster because she was still alive. Then he blinked, and turned away from the tree before anyone else noticed his attention.

    The Rite was almost finished. The clearing already littered with bodies. Lucine was in the dirt, far to his left, straddling the Equine sacrifice, strangling the life out of her. The girl had stopped fighting, only one of her legs still kicking¡ªweakly.

    It wouldn''t be long.

    But with no other battles at y, he would be forced to watch Lucine y Elia.

    "Fuck," he muttered under his breath.

    He had always enjoyed the human curses. They were very¡­ visceral. And no doubt he''d utter a few more before this night was done.

    The wolves began howling and pping as Lucine pushed her to feet, obviously exhausted, but smiling that wolf-grin that she knew made the herds shiver.

    She turned towards him and bowed, then started forward.

    Reth realized she¡ªand the wolf packs, apparently¡ªweren''t aware of Elia, still hidden in the tree.

    Lucine was so confident, so sure, she''d used only her eyes, not scenting for her enemies. It was a fatal mistake and one he prayed she''d correct before she reached him for the offering. He wouldn''t be able to ept it and she would be shamed.

    Unfortunately, she was too busy epting the cheers of her people, howling for the moon as she stumbled towards him, her body spent, to realize her error.

    So, when she reached the dirt just feet in front of him and swept a bow, he was forced to speak before she made her offerings of devotion.

    "There is still one left, Lucine," he growled.

    She blinked, but to her credit, she didn''t argue. Just dropped to a crouch and began scenting the clearing behind her. It took her only a few more seconds than it had taken Reth himself to locate Elia. Such a pity she was a wolf¡ªand would be shamed by this moment. She would make a formidable Alpha one day.

    With Reth watching, yearning for this to end any way other than what it must do, Lucine tracked the scent straight to the tree. Without hesitating she leaped and grabbed for Elia, who shrieked like a wounded rodent in the talons of an owl.

    Reth was torn between contempt for her weakness, and grief for the girl she''d been to him as she was dragged from the heavy branch.

    He was about to close his eyes, not wishing to see the moment when Lucine tore the life from her¡ªbut one of Elia''s feet kicked out as she attempted to stop herself being pulled from the tree, and the wicked heel on it caught an overly confident Lucine right in the face.

    The wolf-woman yowled like a cat, flinching and letting go with one hand.

    For a moment Reth''s heart rose¡ªbut only for a moment. because a secondter, even as Lucine held her eye with one hand, Elia lost her grip on the tree and tumbled awkwardly to the ground on top of the wolf.

    Reth braced himself for the bloodbath, forced his expression to an unfeeling mask, knowing even a tired Lucine would take pleasure in ending the Pure One.

    But a murmur rose from the crowd on that end of the clearing, many of the Anima shifting uneasily. Reth''s heart raced, but he forced himself to stillness as a Elia stumbled to her feet, staring open-mouthed at Lucine on the ground¡ªwho wasn''t moving.

    Elia took a step back, then jerked to look left and right at the people surrounding the clearing, around as if someone else might attack her.

    Reth scented Lucine, but her scent did not have the pale chill of death. She was still alive, but apparently unconscious. Yet, Elia continued to back away. Then she turned to look at him, her eyes and mouth wide.

    "She is not yet dead," Reth growled. "Finish her."

    Elia''s entire body pulled away from him. "I''m not killing her."

    The clearing shook with the fierce reaction of the crowd¡ªall the tribes in agreement on this point, at least. The Rite must be fulfilled.

    Reth snarled and they quieted, but the wolves were pacing, all the herds stamped their feet, and the Avalines kept ruffling their cloaks.

    Reth snorted the scent of her from his nose in disgust¡ªthe only counter to his rage was the awareness of how Lucine''s father, Lucan, must be quivering with shame. His daughter was already humiliated by this loss¡ªbut to be dered too weak to be killed in good conscience¡ªand by an untried human! Reth would have given his left testicle to hear Lucan''s thoughts in that moment.

    His enemy''s difort aside, Reth growled his own anger. She would not force him to be the one to end this! He started toward her, the tribes chittering in response to the tension in him, their King lion on the prowl.

    "She is a sacrifice," he snarled. "Just like you. Kill her."

    But for the first time on this horrific night, Elia showed a spark of the strong and vibrant child she had been. She straightened and turned to face him fully, locked eyes with him, clenching her hands to fists, and yelled back, "No!"

 Chapter 5: A Time to Kill

    <h4>Chapter 5:A Time to Kill</h4>

    ELIA

    The rage in his eyes was terrifying, but if she was going to die tonight, it wasn''t going to be with blood on her hands.

    So, with trembling knees, she stared him down, gulping when his eyes shed and for a moment she thought she was staring into the eyes of a lion.

    Unable to hold the prating gaze, she looked at the fur-woman, crumpled at her feet. Elia knew she''d be sore the next day, that fall had been awkward and the ground was hard. But she''d felt her elbowe down as she reached out to catch herself. She''d taken the women in the temple. It was an ident, but it felled her like a tree.

    "Kill. Her," the King snarled, thest word guttering in his throat like the big cat he reminded her of.

    Elia looked down at the woman again. There was no doubt she deserved to die. Elia had just watched her kill several other women.

    She could feel the eyes of the watchers on the back of her neck. But she took another step away from the woman and shook her head. "I''m not going to kill her."

    The crowd gasped, but no one said a word and Elia felt their attention shift to their leader.

    As did he.

    He seemed to swell under the scrutiny, he pulled his shoulders and head back, though his chin stayed low. "You would exchange your life for the life of a proud woman who would have torn out your throat without a second thought? You do not know what you do," he barked through his teeth.

    Elia shivered, but forced herself to hold his gaze. "I don''t even know where I am! But I know life and I know murder." She pointed at the fur-painted woman. "If I have to die tonight, I''ll do it with a clear conscience¡ªunlike her."

    He lifted one hand, bare inches, and the noise stopped, though Elia could hear the people moving now, hissing their dissatisfaction to each other now that he''dmanded them to stop yelling at her.

    She swallowed hard, and the King''s eyes narrowed. She would have sworn that look of recognition passed behind his eyes again, but his expression didn''t change. He huffed a breath and she thought he would speak, but suddenly there was noise to her left and she turned to find a man running hunched over, teeth bared, snarling, "You will not shame my sister!"

    Still twenty feet from her, the man leapt and in the dark he looked for a moment as if his limbs had be legs, his hands were paws, and his open mouth grew fangs that shed in the moonlight as they came for her throat.

 Chapter 6: The King of Beasts

    <h4>Chapter 6:The King of Beasts</h4>

    ELIA

    As the shadow of the man descended upon her, Elia froze, utterly certain she was facing her death. Then, out of nowhere, a massive weight hit the dirt in front of her and a roar that echoed for miles deafened her.

    As a huge shadow rose directly in front of her, then leapt forward to meet the attacker, Elia realized the King had leaped to put himself between her and the man. The two now rolled inbat, snarling and snapping, moving so quickly her eyes yed tricks on her and made her see silver fur and a ck jaw tumbling in the dirt with a massive, tawny hide and a golden mane.

    The sound was horrific, growls that rattled her ribs and snarls of bloodthirst.

    "You will NOT break the rite! You will not shame our people!"

    There was a moment where the man twisted under the King''s hand, then made a small sound, and his body slumped. It reminded her so much of the sag of the dead body earlier, Elia wondered if he''d died. But no. As soon as he cked, the King let go of his neck and straightened, but remained standing over him.

    The man slowly got to his feet, his eyes alight with rage, but he didn''t meet the King''s eyes, or make any moves towards her. He stood, head bowed, shoulders hunched, as the King growled instructions and the man bowed, then turned on his heel and ran back to his ce in the circle.

    The audience was utterly silent.

    Then the King turned and stared at her, his chest shifting up and down with this breath. She waited, but he didn''t speak. Instead, he walked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur cor of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle and he peered at her through it, like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn''t make a sound.

    "Wh-who are you?" Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her¡ªand didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

    "I am the King." His voice was a dark and husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of coughing cheers, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. "And you are?"

    "Elia," she breathed.

    "Elia," he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. His eyes dropped to her throat and he leaned in suddenly, and ever-so-lightly dragged his nose along her corbone, inhaling deeply. Her skin prickled wherever he touched her. It was reflex for her to put her hands to his chest, to stop him pressing any closer. When she touched him, he went still as a hunted animal. Then he straightened, meeting her eyes warily. His face remained in that t, expressionless mask. But his eyes glowed with a feral light that delivered a shot of adrenalin to her gut¡ªand a tingling thrill to areas she didn''t usually think about.

    "Elia," he rasped again.

    "Yes?"

    "I am Reth." He said the name with a strange, guttural roll that reminded her of a growl. "I am the King of Beasts. I am n Leader of the Anima. And I am Alpha of all." Several snarls rose behind him at thest statement, but he ignored them. Elia swallowed and opened her mouth, but he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek and said, "And you will be my mate."

    The forest behind him erupted.

    ****

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 Chapter 7: Challenges

    <h4>Chapter 7:Challenges</h4>

    ELIA

    "She is no queen!"

    "This is not the intention of the rite!"

    "A human? Did he just say he''s taking a human as mate?"

    The chaos was swift and noisy, punctuated by howls and other noises that made Elia startle. But Reth didn''t even break eye-contact. When the protests didn''t die down, he barked, "Silence!" and the crowd cut off immediately, shifting on their feet and murmuring, but no one raised their voices again. Only after they''d settled did Reth turn to look at them. "If you would speak to me, speak inly and show yourself. I will not give an audience to cowards hanging behind a crowd."

    "She won by a deception," a deep voice barked from Elia''s right. She whirled as Reth chuckled and swung his massive body slowly around to face the man, as if he was not afraid to have that menacing voice at his back.

    "You of all people condemn the use of deceit and strategy in battle, Lucan?" Reth said, his voice strong and good-natured, though she could see the gleam in his eye. He did not trust this man. Some in the crowdughed too, but it died quickly.

    "I condemn using deceit when you do it because you''re a coward, or to hide weakness," the man growled.

    "An interesting statement," Reth said through his teeth. Every inch of his body appeared at ease¡ªhis weight back on one leg, his hands loose at his sides. But Elia could feel the coiled tension in him. "Whose Tribe selected the Pure One?"

    "Mine," the man replied.

    "The call to find the Pure One is clear: Identify the best bloodline. The strongest contender. The best and most challenging opponent to bring to the rite, so if she were to win, her blood would run in the veins of our kin. And so she was measured by your people to be the strongest of those you could find in the human world, yes? Unless there was some other n afoot that did not fulfill the terms of the Rite?"

    The crowd murmured. Lucan didn''t move or reply immediately and to Elia it seemed the entire circle leaned in, waiting for his answer. "We did our best choosing a candidate," he said finally. "But she was untested. Her response here has proven she is not the Queen we need."

    Everyone turned to Reth.

    "How convenient," he muttered, so quietly Elia wondered if anyone but her was able to hear him. "The Rite is in the hands of the Creator," he said, his voice low, but carrying through the chill night air. "The wolf-father should be grateful for the mercy of our Queen that means his daughter remains alive at this moment."

    Lucan looked at the woman on the ground and his upper-lip curled. "She is shamed by the human. She fought like a true wolf, and her efforts were not recognized¡ªher opponent deemed her¡­ incapable?"

    Elia blinked. "What¡ª?"

    Reth snapped his head to re at her with such dark warning, her mouth closed instantly. After an ufortable moment, he turned back to Lucan. "The Pure One does not know our customs, or the Rite. In her world, mercy is a measure of value. She measured Lucine''s life as more valuable than taking the win for herself. Motives matter, Lucan." Thatst statement dripped with such weight and venom, Elia wondered what stood between the two men, what previous conversation did Reth refer to that made Lucan go still again.

 Chapter 8: Not Strong Enough

    <h4>Chapter 8:Not Strong Enough</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia held her breath as Reth took first one step, then another, then another, stalking towards the man who stood, chin low, but body braced for impact.

    When they were mere inches apart, Reth stopped. "Do you make a challenge for the throne, Lucan?" he said in a low purr that invited the man to say yes so he would have the opportunity to ughter him.

    But with the tiniest shift of his body, Reth suddenly seemed to loom over Lucan. "Make your choice, wolf," he growled through his teeth. "Submission, or death?"

    The shift was so subtle, Elia almost missed it. But something in Lucan changed. Though he didn''t break eye-contact his chin lowered slightly, and the tension went out of his body. Reth stepped in closer until they were almost chest to chest and he stared down at Lucan who seemed to shrink. Reluctantly.

    But Elia knew she''d understood this correctly when the crowd began to murmur again, whispering their thoughts about the exchange. And Reth turned away from Lucan to address them. "I still do not hear a valid counter to my im of mate, is there more?" He turned the circle, his hands open to invitement.

    The people shifted, looking at each other, whispering. But then one man stepped forward. He was long and lean, naked above his leather pants, and whip-strong. He moved with an odd grace that reminded Elia of a snake, or a fish in the water.

    "Majesty," he said loudly enough for the entire hearing to clear. "Regardless of her selection, the goal of the rite is to identify the strongest queen, the best to mother the royal line. She did not even fight. She does not possess the battle spirit needed of a leader."

    "Really, Seerus?" Reth gave a cold smile and Elia''s skin crawled. "She faced me down and refused my direct order to kill Lucine. Would you measure her heart weak? Unless you see me as an easily dominated opponent?" There was a collective gasp at that and Reth''s smile got even colder as he stared down at this man, Seerus. Reth sauntered up to him, his body loose with a lethal grace.

    "Does your King," he asked menacingly, ck knowledge of battle, or the courage in it, that a Battle Queen is needed to pick up the ck?" A sense of barely contained power suddenly rolled off Reth in waves.

    Seerus'' throat bobbed.

 Chapter 9: Who Questions the King?

    <h4>Chapter 9:Who Questions the King?</h4>

    RETH

    Reth let himself feel his Kingship¡ªhis strength, his power, his authority¡ªlet it all roll around in his head and fill his blood with the pulse of it. He was the King of Beasts! Then he let the male serpent¡ªand anyone else who cared to pay attention¡ªscent him. His dominance. His sheer masculinity.

    It was this sense of himself that had made him dominant to begin with. Even as heir, his position could be challenged. He''d had to earn it. He remembered the ways he''d grown and strengthened, filled himself with the pride of his position, then let all the males scent him and decide if they wanted to fuck with him.

    Inside, he begged one of them to snap ande at him, give him a chance to unleash.

    He almost taunted Lucan. But that was the difference between a wolf and a lion. Lions made decisions that were best for the pride as a whole. Wolves, while pack animals, still centered on themselves, or their family groups.

    Let Lucane at him and he would tear the man''s head off. But he would not be the one to lose control¡ªor push someone else to it. He would lead by example.

    "No, sire, but if something were to happen to you¡ª"

    "Did my mother lead in battle, Seerus?"

    "No, Majesty."

    "Did my grandmother?"

    "No."

    The King stared down at the man, who broke eye-contact and dropped his head, stepping back to his ce in the circle of watchers as Reth snarled at the rest of them. "You demanded the ancient Rite as was your due, and I fulfilled is as your King." He turned to stare towards Lucan and the wolves. "You chose the contenders for my pleasure, and trained your sacrifices. The result stands before you: A n that will not need to grieve their daughter''s death, and a Pure One as Queen for the first time in twenty generations. You asked for the Rite to show you the future of the ns, and so it has. That future is now. Anima, meet your chosen queen!"

    The Tribes all responded as they should, raising their voices in their battle cries. But he sensed the tension in them. The question.

    Well, let them question. They were the ones who''d brought this about.

    Then he turned to face her. She stood there, hands at her sides clenched into tiny fists, dressed in the manner of the human world, her eyes wide and her hair falling from its twist.

    "Elia, I am sorry that you were pulled into our world without choice, but you have earned the greatest honor the Anima can bestow upon you." It was unfortunate that he had to have this conversation with her publicly, but it was perhaps even more important for the Tribes to hear it, than she herself. "You are now one of us and I will not leave you unprotected. All that is mine is yours¡ªmy wealth, my strength, my body¡ªeverything my position as King offers. But you need not fear me. The Anima may have animal blood in our veins, but we are first hearts and minds. You need never fear that I would force myself upon you. You will rule with me, but you will do so untouched until you would choose differently."

    Everyone in the circle gasped and Reth had to bite back a smile. Let them chew on that.

    "But¡­ Sire¡­" one of the lionesses spluttered.

    Reth had to swallow a snarl¡ªhis own tribe would question him on this?

 Chapter 10: Until Dawn

    <h4>Chapter 10:Until Dawn</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    He turned to face Aymora who was a Leonine wise-woman. As such, she carried her own dignity and authority. He would do well to take care with her. "Yes, Mother," he said gently, using the title she''d earned even before he went to the human world.

    "The Royal Line¡ªyou must have an heir!"

    He nodded. "And there is a great deal of time until I''m stalking the tundra in the sky, Mother."

    "But if she isn''t mated¡ª"

    "You doubt my ability to tempt a female in heat?" he said with a smile. The tribesughed¡ªa couple of the women shrieked their giggles.

    But Aymora gave him the t-lipped stare of a parent unimpressed. "Do not be childish. The whole point of taking a mate is to enjoy both the union and the fruits of the mating, Reth. I know your mother raised you to understand this."

    "And should my mate choose to take me, I''ll enjoy the union greatly, Mother, I assure you," he said dryly. Many of the menughed this time, but his attention was caught elsewhere.

    He could smell Elia''s embarrassment as blood rushed to her cheeks. Ah, that was right, he''d forgotten how much more careful the humans were in speaking about the acts of love. Their customs were different. Speaking of the mating was generally done in private, between couples. Ah well, she''d need to get used to this. She was Anima now.

    "None of us knows the future," he called to the gathering. "We know only what the Creator has chosen to reveal today¡ªand that is my queen. So let us return to the caves, then to the ceremony, and celebrate!"

    As his people cheered¡ªeven if it was half-hearted¡ªhe turned back to Elia, approaching slowly, then offered his arm for her to take.

    She looked at him, and hesitated.

    Everyone was too busy talking or gathering their things to have noticed yet, but it wouldn''t take long.

    "I understand that this has been a difficult night for you," he said, under the guise of pulling a piece of her hair back behind her ear. She flinched when he touched her, which made him feel sick. "But you must understand that unless you''re known to be under my protection, you will not be epted here in our world." He stared at her then, willed her to remember him, to sense the truth of him, to trust. To at least feel the sense of safety that rested in him. "I spoke true, Elia. I will never force you to anything. Please,e with me back to the caves." He offered his arm again and she looked at it like she wasn''t sure what it was. But her throat jumped, then she wiped her hands on her jeans, and took his arm in both of her hands.

    He tucked her arm under his and started back in the direction of home. He could feel her trembling under his touch and huffed his displeasure, though she didn''t catch it.

    He just prayed he could drag her through the rest of the night¡ªwhich would seem even more foreign to her than the Rite had. Because some of his people were staring at her with looks he did not like.

    *****

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 Chapter 11: Know You By Your Scent

    <h4>Chapter 11:Know You By Your Scent</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia stared at the broad arm he offered and swallowed. There was a set of white, jagged lines across his forearm, as if some beast had swiped him with ws. His shoulder topped her head, and his chest was so broad¡ªnot to mention bare under the open vest¡ªthat she couldn''t see past him when he stood in front of her.

    He was huge and scarred and¡­ feral.

    If he was truly a protector, she would be safe from anything. But if his words couldn''t be trusted¡­ They stared at each other, and he shifted once, a breath of wind bringing her the sc of pine and rain and something uniquely him¡ªand yet somehow familiar, though that was impossible.

    He took one look over her shoulder, then nudged his offered arm closer, with a pointed look. Others must be noticing. Elia took a deep breath and reminded herself that if she was dying tonight anyway, it would be better to die touching him than that fur-painted woman.

    She put her hands on that arm¡ªit felt like warm steel, though his skin was surprisingly soft¡ªand they started walking. As they disappeared into the shadows under the trees, they were surrounded suddenly by many of the people from the circle. Mostly big, tall men with straight shoulders and loping strides. At first Elia flinched whenever a new body popped up out of nowhere. But as the men very clearly made a circle around them and gave their sharp attention to watching for anyone else nearby, Elia rxed. Sort of.

    It was hard to rx walking through a dark forest in high heels on the arm of man who looked like he could snap your spine if he hugged you too hard. At one point she caught a tree root and her heel slid off, turning her ankle. She gasped and almost went down, but he just stiffened his arm and put his hands over hers to keep her grip secure, using himself as a counter-weight to swing her back into step and onto her feet.

    "Stupid, human shoes," he muttered under his breath so only she could hear. "You''d be better off barefoot, of course. But if you can''t stomach that, I''ll have some boots found for you back at the caves."

    Caves? They were going to caves? Of course they were going to caves¡­ If it weren''t for the bruises and smells, Elia would still have told herself this was a dream. But she didn''t ever remember a dream that smelled quite so¡­ uniquely.

    They''d been walking silently for several minutes when anotherrge man appeared from ahead of them on the path they were following. Elia gripped Reth''s arm and shrank back¡ªthe man was a foot taller than Reth, he had to be well over seven feet! Yet his limbs seemed long and thinpared to his barrel of a chest and strong back.

    He approached quickly, though almost silently, and swept a bow before falling into step with Reth, who hadn''t even slowed his pace. Elia took almost two steps to his every one.

    "Interesting night," the man said in a low, deep voice.

    "The winds," the man said through tight lips, as if the word was sarcastic, "would suggest a full fist to watch the Your Majesty''s back, and another to patrol the caves after the ceremony. Tensions are high."

    Reth grunted and his hand tightened over hers on his arm. "I''ll allow watchmen at the mouth and clearing, but no patrols. My people aren''t so angry yet. Besides, after the ceremony things may die down."

    The tall man turned his head to give Reth a very skeptical look, but he only nodded and kept walking.

    A momentter, Reth''s fingers tightened on hers again. "I''m very sorry, Elia, it was rude of me. I had forgotten you haven''t met anyone¡ªthis is Behryn, Captain of the Guard, and my personal Defender."

    Without thinking, Elia pulled one hand from under Reth''s and extended it past his chest towards the man on his other side.

    Both men just stared at her hand, then at her face. She flushed and pulled her hand back quickly. "I''m sorry, do you not shake hands?"

    Reth growled something under his breath. "My apologies, again. I had forgotten the human tradition of shaking hands. Our customs are different. Here we simply allow ourselves to be scented."

    "Scented?"

    The men both nodded. "Everyone''s smell is unique," Behryn exined. "Once we''re familiar with yours, we''d never miss it. And since it seems we''ll be spending a lot of time together in the future, it would be most useful to me if I could be familiar with yours."

    Elia frowned and they both stared at her. "Well, of course, but¡­ how exactly would I stop someone from¡­ scenting me?" she asked faintly.

    Behryn blinked, then brayed augh so loud, Elia startled. But the man clutched his stomach and almost doubled over. "She has a p-point, Reth," he brayed. "I can''t believe I never¡­ we never¡­" and he was off in wheezingughter again.

    They continued walking until Behryn had himself under control again, then as the people outside their circle of guards spread out, the tall man''s face went deadly serious. "Are you certain, Reth?" he asked quietly, his deep voice barely a rustle in the leaves of the forest.

    "Utterly," Reth said without hesitation.

    The tall man sighed. "Then I''ll circle the warriors while you prepare for the ceremony. We''ll have a fist prepared to stay clear-headed, just in case. But they''ll have to remain out of the smoke."

    "I doubt we''ll have anything to worry about during the mes," Reth growled. "As long as they keep their wits for after, we''ll be fine."

    "They''ll keep their wits. She can dance naked through the vige if she wishes. We will see her home safely."

    Reth grunted again, then looked at his man. "Are you sure?"

    "Utterly," Behryn said, straight faced. Then he grinned wickedly. "It''s safer for us under the foot of the lion, than in front of his jaws."

    They bothughed so loudly it echoed in the trees.

    *****

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 Chapter 12: The World Keeps Turning

    <h4>Chapter 12:The World Keeps Turning</h4>

    RETH

    Behryn disappeared into the trees and Reth turned his nose to the wind. Tensions were high indeed. He could smell it on every Anima on the breeze.

    Even on Elia, though the scent of her was so sweet to him, it was near intoxicating. He''d never forgotten her smell, but now that she was no longer a child, the smell of her that he''d enjoyed as a cub¡ªthe smell that made him feel safe, epted¡ªhad bloomed, from a single, frail flower, to an entire bouquet.

    "What were you two talking about, mes and smoke?" she said cautiously. The fear in her voice broke through his thoughts and grated on him like fur rubbed the wrong way. No woman should be afraid to walk among the Anima¡ªmost especially when she was on his arm! But not only was itpletely understandable that she was terrified, it would have been a lie for him to tell her the risk was past.

    His people were not yet satisfied. He ground his teeth, but tried to keep his face rxed so she wouldn''t pick up on his tension.

    "The mating ceremony, we call it the mes. And the smoke¡­ well, you''ll see. It''s quite enjoyable, don''t worry. No more killing tonight." At least, he prayed that was the truth. The wolves had run off far too quickly for his taste.

    "M-mating ceremony?" She looked up at him, her mouth open like a fish.

    Reth nodded. "Whenever our people dere their intention to mate¡ªas bonded pairs, not just for fun¡ªwe hold the ceremony. Tonight''s will be special. A King only takes the mating ceremony once." Unless his wife died, but that didn''t seem a wise point to make when she was already shaking at the knees.

    "Is it like¡­ are we getting married?" Her voice went up too high at the end and again he cursed the plots that had brought her here, now.

    "I know this is a lot, Elia," he said quietly, calmly. "I know it''s a shock. But I have to ask you to walk through this with me. For your own safety, and for the peace of my people. Anima is your home now, for better or for worse."

    She turned her head away, but didn''t let go of his arm. He could see the tears in her eyes.

    She chewed on her lip and stared forward into the forest, where the trees were beginning to spread out and the night air lighten as more moonlight filtered through. "I believe you," she whispered finally. "I don''t know why, but God help me, I believe you."

    "The Creator will bless you for it," he replied honestly. "Truth is always useful. And it is the one thing I guarantee you''ll always receive from me: I will not pretend to be what I am not, and I will not ask you to, either."

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Please, Elia, we are almost to the caves. When there is more time¡ªtomorrow perhaps¡ªwe will sit down together, and I will answer your questions. I know you have many. It is unfortunate that your first night here must be so¡­ eventful. But life is life, and the world turns. Tonight you will be called my Queen. Tonight Anima will make you one of us. Tomorrow we can worry about the rest."

 Chapter 13: The Caves

    <h4>Chapter 13:The Caves</h4>

    RETH

    He''d hoped she''d be distracted by his promise of their arrival, but Elia red up at him and didn''t rx. "How would you feel, I wonder, if you were suddenly ripped out of your entire life here and taken to my world, thrown into a fight for your life, then forced to marry someone you didn''t even know? Would you be willing to hear ''tomorrow we can worry about the rest''?"

    She had a point, but it wasn''t a convenient time for her to make it. As they walked through the trees, Reth had already shortened his strides for her. But they couldn''t afford to dy. The women would already have the mes prepared, and she needed to change into appropriate clothing for the ceremony.

    "I understand, Elia. I do. Perhaps more than you realize. But if I''ve learned anything as King, it''s that sometimes life forces your hand. The Creator knows what is needed to bring us to the right moments, the right decisions. Perhaps¡­ perhaps this was just what was required to bring you to the life you were supposed to have?"

    "You don''t know anything about my life," she spit.

    She stopped mid-step, turning to stare at him, open mouthed. The Guard all crouched, looking for the intruder that made them stop, but Reth just shook his head to the Fist Leader, then turned back to Elia.

    "How could you possibly know that?" she whispered, looking around as if to make sure no one else had heard.

    "I know because those are the terms for the Rite. The Pure One from the human world must be¡­ pure. Unmarried. Unmated. And unattached. We are not without hearts, Elia. We would not tear a woman from her family to bring her here to die."

    "But a woman with no family is just amb to the ughter, to you?"

    He blinked. Actually, no. But he couldn''t afford to tell her that. Not until she better understood the forces at work in the Anima Kingdom. With a nce at the Guard who were all bing restless, he patted her hand on his arm and began walking again, urging her to follow. When everyone''s attention was elsewhere, he muttered under his breath so only she could hear.

    "I don''t expect you to understand. I will try to exin it when there is time and¡­ privacy. But be certain of this, Elia, you were chosen because you were seen to be better, not worse, than others of your kind."

    "Better at what? Dying?"

    He had to swallow augh, because he suspected she was closer to the truth than she was supposed to be. The wolves¡­ He sighed. "Better for Anima. Better for me. Better for yourself. Better to be in this world. There is a great deal of work and strategy that goes into selecting the Pure One for the Rite. You were not chosen at random, I assure you."

    She opened her mouth to protest again, but he squeezed her hand and nodded ahead. She''d been so busy looking at him, she hadn''t noticed the trees opening, their approach to the Caves. "Elia, this is your home. For better or worse, this is where the Creator has brought you. I know you don''t know me yet, cannot trust me, but I speak the truth: You will not be harmed here at my hand, or by any other if I am able to prevent it. So,e. Come see your new home. Come see your new world. I think once you get past the shock, you''ll find it quite enjoyable."

    Then they broke through the trees into the clearing and Elia''s mouth dropped open.

 Chapter 14: Welcome Home

    <h4>Chapter 14:Wee Home</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    When he''d said they were going to the caves, Elia had envisioned cold, hard rock and a yawning, ck mouth, with cobwebs and crawling things.

    Instead, she walked into a city that looked like it had grown there naturally.

    Her mouth dropped open as they emerged from the trees, directly into arge clearing, surrounded on one half by an almost sheer, rocky mountainside, peppered with brightly lit cavemouths and pathways, and on the other by trees so tall, they had to be hundreds of years old. They were widely space, but their branches twisted long and low, thicker than a man''s waist, and only curving up to the sky after running alongside the ground for feet at a time.

    If Elia had been brought to this ce as a child, she would have thought she was in heaven.

    People were everywhere, and yet somehow they blended into the environment, their movements blending into the nighttime shadows. Despite thete hour, there were people walking the paths through the forest and mountain face, and even children crawling in the trees, running along the lowest branches, and swinging from vines that twisted between them.

    And as Reth appeared in the clearing, everyone in sight turned and began to call to him¡ªsome in greeting, some pping or cheering, others howling or making noises that to Elia sounded like nothing more than animals. Though he kept his face calm, she felt the pride swell in him¡ªand the tension. Because even as his people celebrated him, they also saw her. It was impossible to miss the shock on their faces, how much of the apuse died quickly¡ªand that the people from the circle began to circte among the others, leaning into their ears, whispering, turning to look at her.

    Reth''s eyes narrowed, but he led her through the clearing, raising his hand or nodding to many who still called his name, or blessings to him, then directed her to a path that wound past the main clearing and into the trees, but followed the face of the mountain.

    They continued to walk as the noise and bustle of the cave city was swallowed up behind them by the forest. The guards hadn''t left them, Elia noticed, even though they were now apparently in his city. She looked up at him. His eyes were t, piercing, and fixed on the path ahead of them, his jaw twitching with his tension.

    Elia was torn. She wanted to point out that the people clearly didn''t want her, and perhaps he should just let her go. She didn''t want to marry¡ªor mate¡ªa stranger. Let alone this man¡ªKing, or not¡ªin this foreign ce. But she was desperately aware that without him she was surrounded by a brutal people who would kill her without thought.

    "Ignore them," Reth said quietly as they took a turn in the path and the moonlight began to trickle through the trees ahead, painting the ground in silver and white. "They are surprised. They thought the oue was decided before we even entered the Rite. It will take very little time for them to adjust."

    "Is there any chance they would¡­ hurt you, because of me?" she asked.

    He cut her a dark look that spoke volumes about his opinions of anyone who might try.

    They continued walking and soon broke through the trees again, into another, much smaller clearing, but this one was breathtaking.

    While the central clearing had been vast and functional, beaten smooth by all the feet of the city''s people, this one was a small meadow of thick grass, flowers, and peppered with small bushes that became trees at its edge.

    It was beautiful. Breathtaking, if Elia was honest. The whole ce made her want to justy in the grass and stare at the sky. But the fear and disbelief in her wouldn''t allow her to enjoy it. She just turned her head to look in every direction as they walked through it. "It''s beautiful," she breathed.

    Reth grunted. "It''s my home," he said, but she could tell he was pleased that she liked it.

    The clearing was a wide bowl that was hugged on one side by the forest, but tapered at the other end to a V-shaped crevice in the rock mountainside. At its peak, there was an open cave mouth¡ªbut rather than a ck hole, it too glowed with warm light that turned the dark rock walls into smooth, warm stone.

    As they moved through the clearing, towards the cave, the Guards spread out around and behind them, taking positions around the clearing, facing out into the trees.

    Elia looked over her shoulder as they walked inside and from this angle, with the moonlight overhead, and thenterns under the trees, the ce looked magical.

    How could just a massive and ruthless man live in such a beautiful ce?

    "This is my sanctuary," Reth said quietly as they took the first steps into the cave. "On a normal day, no one would interrupt us here unless we asked them to."

    "But today isn''t normal," Elia said, her voice shaking. The cave mouth led to a corridor that turned to the right so the opening couldn''t be seen from inside. And as the rock closed in around her, she became aware of the scars on his skin, his massive size, the way he''d beaten that other man in a heartbeat¡­

    "I will never harm you, Elia. Do not fear me," he said softly, almost tenderly.

    They reached a door at the end of the corridor, somehow made from raw wood that seemed to have grown into a shape to perfectly fit the arch of the rock walls and ceiling. Reth dropped his arm to reach for a massive, iron ring on the door and even though thenterns here were bright, the cave seemed to darken as Elia found herself suddenly cold without his steel arm to steady her.

    He pulled the door open easily, then stepped back, swinging it wide and smiling at her as he bowed his head slightly. "Wee home, Queen Elia."

    ****

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 Chapter 15: Different World, Different Life

    <h4>Chapter 15:Different World, Different Life</h4>

    ELIA

    The cave itself was warm and inviting, a wide and tall space that should have echoed, but there were rugs on the stone floor, and curtains and tapestries hanging over the walls to give the big room afortable feel. Elia swallowed. If she''d been able toe here by choice, to explore and then go home, she would have wanted to stay a very long time.

    Although the furnishings were simple, they were also thick and warm, and clearly of great quality¡ªif a little too masculine for her taste.

    At the narrow end of the room, nearest the direction of the clearing, a firece had been carved into the rock at the front of the space and there was a couch and several chairs scattered around arge, dark wood coffee table in front of it.

    The rest of the room was made of different areas with rock tforms for seating, benches, and wooden cupboards and drawer sets where they were needed. He had a full kitchen with a woodstove, though it looked like it had never been used.

    There was no natural light in the cave, but a string ofnterns circled the space and bowed across the ceiling, bringing bright, warm light to every corner.

    And at the back, the room seemed to curve to another area. This was the direction Reth led her, his steps faster than they''d been outside. "We don''t have a lot of time," he said as they rounded the corner through a narrow, natural arch in the rock that opened out into a much smaller room, dominated by a massive stone tform at its center covered in furs and pillows.

    Elia blinked. This was clearly the King''s bedroom.

    He walked past the bed tform¡ªthat was actually three tforms on different levels, she noticed¡ªto a set of wooden doors to the right, pulling them open and humming his approval. "They made it ahead of us, good. This one, I think," he said, pulling something out of the space and walking it over to the bed where he ced the pieces down.

    Because they were fur, at first she had trouble telling what was part of the bed, and what he''d taken out of the closet. But then he lifted one piece that was clearly a single-shouldered top in soft, gold fur that would cover the chest modestly, but leave the stomach bare. He extended it towards her, frowning. "It might be a little tight, but I think they judged it well."

    She blinked at the tiny top. "You mean too small for you, right?" she snapped.

    Reth''s face stayed expressionless. "I won''t be wearing a top," he said dryly, then raised an eyebrow at her. "It will be warm at the mes, you''ll be grateful for the lighter clothing," he said nodding at her suit jacket and jeans. "And¡­ while I appreciate that the shoes were effective in the Rite, there will be no need for them tonight. The ground at the Square is smooth."

    Elia looked down at herself and realized, suddenly, how out of ce she must look to these people. Everyone she''d seen so far wore clothing of natural fibers, fur, leather and linen¡ªif they wore it at all. And she didn''t think she''d seen a pair of shoes among them at all.

    Then she looked up at Reth, at this huge man¡ªthis King¡ªand the impossibility of her situation hit her all over. She dropped her face in her hands. It had to be a dream.

    "Elia," he said softly, gently. She could hear him moving toward her, but she didn''t look up, couldn''t bring herself to face the truth. Couldn''t let herself believe she''d somehow ended up here¡ªwherever here was¡ªand with this man and now she had to marry him? "Elia, you are safe. You did it. You survived. And now you''re here. I know it''s a shock and I don''t expect you to smile about it. Yet. But¡­ this is the life you''ve been given by the Creator. Tonight''s ceremony is a celebration. It will bind us before the people of Anima so that you''re known and understood to be my mate, and the queen."

    "What does that even mean?" she replied. "How can I be queen of a people I''ve never met? How can you expect me to just¡­ be here? Send me back! I won''t tell anyone about this ce. I won''t try to make trouble for you. I just¡ª"

    "That isn''t possible," he said firmly, but withpassion. "The barrier between our worlds isplicated, designed only for the Anima. As a Pure one you gained entry safely. But if I was to send you back, the likelihood is that you would end either dead, or insane."

    "What? Why?"

    "Because the human mind was never intended to see the worlds," he said frankly. "You were only ever granted ess one way across the barrier. Only Anima may go back and forth. If I sent you back, the barrier would fight you. I don''t know why, it is the Creator''s way."

    He said that as if it were an exnation. Elia waited, but there was nothing more. "So, that''s it? My life is gone?"

    "Yes." His stark tone, his unbending expression¡­ Elia wanted to scream.

    His brows pinched in. "But¡­ it is?"

    "But¡­ you can''t¡­ if your life¡­" she spluttered.

    Reth stepped across the final inches between them, his eyes burning with intensity as his presence seemed to suddenly fill the room and Elia was left shaking, forcing herself to hold his gaze and not back down.

 Chapter 16: Hard Truth

    <h4>Chapter 16:Hard Truth</h4>

    ELIA

    "You say your life is over," Reth began.

    Elia coughed. "I don''t just say it. Whoever stole me from my world killed me¡ªended my life¡ªjust as surely as if they''d murdered me on the spot. To everyone who knew me, for everything I''ve ever done or been involved in¡­ it''s over. They''ll never know where I went, what happened to me. I''ll never finish anything I started. My life, in my world, is over."

    "And you grieve it?" he asked.

    "Of course I grieve it!"

    He frowned. "But was it such a life that it was worth holding so tightly? The sacrifices from the humans are selected, it''s true¡ªbut only from certain situation. You are an orphan. No family. Clearly you had no lover. Can life be full without family or a mate?"

    Her mouth dropped open and she gaped like a fish on a hook. "I would have¡­ There was a man I thought... Those things would havee. I only needed time."

    A strange expression crossed his features that she couldn''t read. He looked down for a moment in the most uncertain she''d seen him since he appeared in the clearing. Then he looked up again, his eyes locked on hers. "What happened to your parents?" he asked softly, gently. If he''d asked in any other tone she would have told him to mind his own business. But it was as if he actually cared.

    She swallowed. "When I was in myst year of high school they were in a car ident. My mother died on the scene. My father held on for a few days, but¡­ it was better that he didn''t wake up." She cursed the tears threatening again. She was so sick of crying! Of feeling weak! But this night¡­ it had all been too much.

    As she cursed and tried to wipe the tears from her face, his face dropped and she saw lines next to his mouth for the first time.

    "I don''t know if it''s afort, but that is one manner of death you do not need to fear in the WildWood," he said carefully. Then he cleared his throat. "I''m very sorry that your parent passed. They were¡ªI''m sure they were good people."

    "How would you even know that?" she snapped, trying vainly to stop her tears.

    "Because they raised you," he said.

    She blinked and frowned at him. "You don''t know me."

    "I know enough."

    "No, you don''t!" she snapped, d for the anger that kept her grief at bay. "You ripped me out of my life and brought me here and¡­ and¡­"

    "And made you Queen," he said simply. "I promise you, my decision was not made in pity."

    "Then what did make it for you?"

    His eyes never left hers as he approached, and reached for her hands. She was so overwhelmed she just let him take them.

    He raised them to his mouth and kissed her knuckles, never breaking eye-contact. She knew she should be awed. But all she could feel was a boiling rage twisted up with teeth-chattering fear.

    "Elia, no matter what else you may feel, this is real. You are here. And here is very different to your world. Here, we have learned to ept what we cannot change. Fighting it only brings pain and steals peace. And right now the thing we cannot change is that we have been thrown together¡ªand we must publicly be seen to be together for the good of my people, and for your own safety. I understand that you''re afraid. I wish I could change it, but I cannot. For tonight, at least, you must be Anima. You must be the Lioness who will rule her people. And you must do so in the furs of a woman who is desired and strong. The mes¡ªthe smoke¡ªwill help. I promise. But until we get there you must pretend. Show a stronger front than you feel. I will be here. I will not let you fall. But where the choices are yours¡ªthe words, the actions¡ªthey will measure you for what you do, what you say. You must ept this and walk into the new life the Creator has given you. One step at a time. And this is your first step."

    She took a deep breath and swallowed all the feelings back. Then she took her hands back. Then she turned to the clothing on the bed and sighed again.

    "Very good, Elia," Reth said. While she leaned down to take off her high heels, he turned back to the closet and shrugged off the vest he''d been wearing with its Lion''s mane cor. As he hung it up, his back was revealed in the light of thenterns, Elia swallowed.

    His muscles gleamed, crawling likedders from his trim waist to the wide expanse of his shoulders. The line of his spine made a deep crease down the center of his back. But here and there, all over his body, his smooth skin was marred by white, puckered scars, some in deep, parallel lines, like ws. Others in half-moon punctures like teeth. And one at his shoulder de that made Elia swallow to think what must have done it.

    Then he unbuckled his belt and shoved his pants down and Elia''s eyebrows shot up and she turned, trying to ignore the clinking and rustling soundsing from where he stood that must mean he was removing all his clothing.

    Reth chuckled. "I will keep my back turned until you tell me otherwise, Princess. But this is one thing you''ll need to be ustomed to. The Anima are unashamed of our bodies."

    If she looked like that she''d probably be unashamed too, Elia thought. She swallowed hard. "It isn''t¡­ I just¡­"

    He turned only his head, to meet her eyes for a silent breath. Then, "You''re safe here. I will not disrespect your wishes and look. Take your time." Then he turned back to the closet and muttered something under his breath that sounded like sweet girl, but she couldn''t be sure.

    Elia looked at the clothing on the bed that amounted to not much more than a bikini. His word from a moment before echoed in her head: Here, we have learned to ept what we cannot change. Fighting it only brings pain and steals peace¡­

    For a moment she let the unfairness of it all wash over her. She shook with the fear and frustration and rage. She would give herself just one, slow breath to feel it and then she would push it away and try to ept. But before she''d taken that second breath, Reth''s voice rose softly from behind her.

    "For what it''s worth, Elia, I''m truly sorry that you were brought here against your will."

    She didn''t answer. She didn''t know what to say. Didn''t think there was anything she could say. So she just lifted her hands in a desperate shrug, then started unbuttoning her blouse.

    It wasn''t untilter that she realized he hadn''t said he was sorry she was there. Only that she''d been brought against her will.

    *****

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 Chapter 17: Show Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 17:Show Yourself</h4>

    RETH

    The look on her face set his teeth¡ªlike a cub that had lost its pride and saw its own death in the winds. Which, in a way, he supposed was true. She''d unbuttoned three buttons on the silky shirt she wore before she looked up and met his eyes.

    His eyes widened and he turned quickly back to the closet. "Apologies."

    She gave a little huff that wasced with humor and he grinned, though he prayed she couldn''t tell. The sound of her clothingbined with the smell of her soon worked on his body¡ªalready taut with the tensions of the night, and knowing what was toe. As he pulled his kilt out of the closet and began to wrap it around his waist, he spoke more to cover the sounds of her, than because he needed to say it.

    "Being my mate wille with great responsibility, but it will also provide you a great deal," he said quietly. "Humans in Anima live longer than those in their own world. And as my Queen you can live out your days here¡ªyou will not be required to share a home with a pride, or work for your living. You will be free to pursue whatever you were made to do."

    "What if I don''t know what I was made to do?" she said in a small voice. "Nevermind, don''t answer that. I need to stop looking ahead because right now it''s hard enough to figure out what I''m supposed to do right now. Tell me about this wedding ceremony or whatever it is. What will I have to do? Is it anything like our weddings on¡­where I''m from?"

    He chuckled. "No. Nothing like those," he said. "The mating ceremony is¡­ a deration of intention. In our world, nothing worth having is gained without fighting for it."

    "Fighting¡ª?"

    "Why do you sound like you want tough?" she said darkly. "Are you messing with me?"

    "Not at all," he assured her. "I was actually thinking of Lucan''s face when he watches me kiss you."

    "Kiss?!"

    Reth wed his hand through his hair and cursed himself for speaking without thinking. "Like a wedding kiss, Elia. A¡­. a statement of our union. Something to show the other males that you aren''t to be touched. That is all."

    Elia shoved out a breath and muttered something he chose not to hear. "Anything else? What do I have to do?"

    "You simply have to choose me," he said, his voice gruffer than he''d intended, the idea much more prickly than he''d realized. "When the timees, if I have protected you, if I have shown myself worthy, you just have to choose me over the others."

    "Worthy? On what would you not be worthy of me? Surely you mean it the other way around?"

    He started to turn at the pure shock in her voice, then caught himself, his hands clenched to fists. He needed to see her, to read her, to think through his words.

    "You can turn around," she said with sigh.

    "Thank you," he rumbled and turned. "The worthiness is only a matter of¡ª" he''d kept his eyes down, just in case, nned to give her space if she was feeling self-conscious in the clothing that was much more revealing than what she''d apparently been used to. He''d expected her to be shrinking in on herself, covering herself with her hands, or at least looking ufortable.

    Instead, when he lifted his gaze he found a proud woman standing with her feet shoulder width apart, fur hugging her breasts and an angled fur across her hips and thighs that was just snug enough to hint at the curves underneath. But instead of positioning herself with the loose, suggestive air that most women would have adopted if they''d stood in his bedroom dressed like that, she stood with her hands on her hips¡ªwhich only emphasized her waist¡ªand stared at him with a set jaw and a light in her eyes that made him wary when he saw it in any female. It was a look that said he''d pay if he said the wrong thing.

 Chapter 18: I Choose You

    <h4>Chapter 18:I Choose You</h4>

    RETH

    Reth mentally scanned back through the previous moments of conversation. What had he said to her that would make her angry? He''d only spoken about her choosing him. Why would that anger her?

    Human women were strange. She had him tied in knots and she wasn''t even trying.

    "Well?" she snapped.

    "I''m sorry, what did you ask me?" he said, then cleared his throat. She really was stunning when she wasn''t cowering.

    "I said, on what would I have to choose you? You''re the King. You''re the rutting stag. I''m the¡­ what did they call me? The weak human? The coward? Why would the choice be mine?"

    "Because you''re the female," he said, confused. Had he so badly misunderstood the mating rituals in the human world? "The female always chooses¡­ at least, for the mating." He cleared his throat again and scratched the back of his neck. Her sensitivity to the subject was beginning to rub off on him, which was ridiculous.

    "In the animal kingdom it is always the same: The males either fight for female favor, or demonstrate their ability to provide. In the end, it''s always the females who choose their mates. We are not animals. But old instincts die hard. As King, of course I have a choice. But when I''ve made one¡­ it''s up to her¡ªto you¡ªto ept me."

    Elia shook her head slowly. "This is crazy," she breathed. "I can''t do this."

    "Of course you can," he said gruffly. "All you have to do is turn down any other offers, then ept mine."

    "Offers? What offers?"

    He rolled his eyes. "It''s theater, like I said. But during the ceremony, other men will attempt to take your attention from me. Simply refuse them." He paused and indicated his own chest. "Let''s be honest, you''d be crazy not to." He winked at her then, and for a split second her eyes shed with humor. But it died as quickly as it appeared. And she looked uncertain again.

    Reth sighed and approached her, let his hands rest lightly on her upper arms. "Look at me, Elia," he said. When she did he held her gaze. Her eyes were a blue so deep and bright they were almost purple. He remembered them from her childhood. He ached to stroke her face, but he knew she was already pulled tighter than a toad. He couldn''t do anything to trigger her to panic.

    "We will go to the mes," he said softly, "and there will be long boring speeches about the pleasure of the King, h, h, h. Then they''ll put herbs on the fire that create a haze of smoke that is¡­ intoxicating. It will free your mind and your inhibitions. And then the males will try to tempt you. It''s all for show. But in Anima, it has purpose: By forsaking others, you show your willingness to mate for life. Then, when I fight for you, I show my willingness to fight to keep you. And at the end, when I''m the only man standing, you choose me. We kiss. Then we''ll leave."

    "That''s it?"

    "That''s it."

    Elia blew out another breath, then nodded. "I can do that."

    "I know you can. I''m hoping you can do that soon, because we need to get out there."

    "Okay." Her shoulders rose and fell slowly. "Onest question?"

    "Sure."

    She swallowed. "What are you getting out of this?"

    Reth blinked. The question was so unexpected. No one ever asked him that. "I''m sorry?" he said, to buy himself time.

    "You said you fight for me¡ªpretend fight, whatever. My point is¡­ you had to do that already tonight. At the Rite. And now you''re going to do it again. You said all I have to do is choose you. But why¡­ if it''s not pity¡­ why would you choose me? What do you get out of it?"

    It was on the tip of his tongue, the whole story, their history, how he knew her, why he cared what happened to her, but the words died in his throat. He couldn''t put that on her now, on top of everything else. Trying to exin all that¡ªmake her believe he wasn''t the one who''d chosen her toe to Anima¡­ it was too much.

    So in a sh, he told the only other truth that he could. He gave her wicked grin and leaned into her ear. "I get to stop having to deal with women who look at me and only see an unmated King. And, perhaps more importantly, their mothers."

    Her eyes went wide. "They¡­ pressure you?"

    He shrugged. "Annoy me, would be closer to the truth. But yes there''s always political pressure on a leader¡ªespecially in Anima, where ancestry is so important. There are always tribes looking to improve their standing, or women hoping for an easy life¡­"

    "And they''ll stop pressuring you after tonight?"

    "Yes. So while I''m sure we''ll have a wonderful life, Elia, no matter what, I''ll live in eternal gratitude that you don''t look at me like I''m a prize pelt, and that your presence will have stopped the others doing it, too."

    "Delicious," he said honestly.

    Her eyes slid down then, from his face, to his neck, his chest, his abdomen, and he felt her gaze like she''d dragged her fingers down his skin. There was the slightest hint of arousal in her scent that made his groin clench. Then she swallowed and he turned and offered her his arm before he embarrassed himself.

    *****

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 Chapter 19: The Dance

    <h4>Chapter 19:The Dance</h4>

    ELIA

    The problems only started after they put those herbs on the bonfire.

    But then the drums started. Reminded of the Rite earlier, Elia''s heart raced and she started to shake. Reth took her hand and leaned into her ear, "No more killing, I promise."

    She nodded, but her heart didn''t slow.

    Then the woman who had questioned Reth after he chose Elia as mate walked forward with arge basket that she ced on the massive fire. The first curls of smoke smelled strongly, but it wasn''t offensive. It reminded her of Basil, or Thyme. But then the smoke began to bloom, curling over itself and expanding, fingers of dark grey twisting together and waving through the air like snakes until the smoke. Elia''s first inhale after it had wafted over them turned into a cough¡ªas did many people around her. But as the cloud became a haze that enveloped the entire clearing, Elia found herself¡­ well¡­ buzzing.

    It was an odd feeling, but not unpleasant. As if everything was slightly unreal. The night, the mes, Reth¡ªthey all had a slightly dreamlike quality. And for the first time since she''d opened her eyes in the clearing for the Rite, she felt herself rxing. She turned to look at Reth. He had a small smile as he stared down at her.

    "I told you," he whispered in a rumble. "This is the fun part."

    Elia found she didn''t really feel like talking, so she just nodded and took another, deeper breath. The smoke pinched her throat a little, but the rest of her tingled deliciously. She looked down at her own arm and touched it, marveling at how even her own touch made her skin fizz, and the little hairs stood up under her hand. Then Reth took one finger and pushed a strand of hair back from her face, to behind her ear, and she shivered.

    "Oh, yes," he said, his voice so deep it seemed toe up from the ground itself. "This is definitely the fun part."

    The drums¡­ the drums weren''t beating a funeral march anymore. They were keeping the beat of a song she could only just hear, as if the melody floated in the smoke and when you tried to grab it, it just slid through your fingers¡ªonly to curl around your skin and stick to you anyway.

    A smallugh bubbled out of her throat and she pped her hand over her mouth. When she looked at Reth, he was grinning. He opened a hand to her and said, "May I have this dance?"

    Unable to resist, she ced her hand in his and let him walk her forward, closer to the heat of the mes, where he pulled her into his chest until they were pinned together and he loomed over her as they swayed together.

    She was about to say they couldn''t dance because everyone would watch, when she realized that everyone else was up on their feet and swaying to that distant music too.

    She had no idea how long they swayed, and turned and leaned¡ªmore than once Reth bent her backwards over his arm until she was stretched almost back onto her own head. But instead of worrying that her tiny top would slide up, or legs might give way, she just rxed into his grip and let her skin tingle under his touch.

    Her breath came faster, but not because the dance was difficult. Rather, because his closeness, his scent, made her blood fizz the way her skin did when he touched her.

    Everything within her suddenly wanted more. But more of what?

 Chapter 20: Follow Your Instincts

    <h4>Chapter 20:Follow Your Instincts</h4>

    ELIA

    She swayed, her skin lighting up everywhere Reth touched her, until she wanted to purr.

    Then he turned her so her back was to his chest and they swayed again. The drumbeats picked up, or maybe there were just more of them. Whatever it was, the entire crowd closed in until her skin was pebbled with goosebumps from the warmth and brush of countless hands and arms.

    She put one of her arms up and back, looking for Reth''s neck¡ªsomething to grip to keep her centered in this ocean of bodies. His hand found her wrist and slid down, down, down her arm as she arched back, lighting fireworks in her blood that followed the trail of his touch.

    Then he dropped his chin to her shoulder and whispered into her ear, "One piece of advice before we go any further." His lips brushed the shell of her ear and she shivered.

    "What is it?" she whispered back.

    "Follow your instincts." His breath was heavy and it puffed across her neck sending the goosebumps all the way down to her thigh on that side.

    His hand slid to her waist and this thumb strummed her skin like a guitar.

    "I''m a human. I don''t have instincts," she gasped, dropping her head back against the wall of his chest.

    "Yes, you do," he breathed, then nipped the lobe of her ear. "They are buried deeply, but they''re there. Follow your instincts. Follow your gut. Don''t doubt yourself. And don''t doubt me," he rasped.

    "Why would I doubt y¡ª" she hadn''t even finished the words when the warm solidness of him disappeared behind her. She began to topple backwards, but was quickly caught by another set of hands, another warm, broad chest.

    She was about to protest, but his fingers danced down her side in a sparkle of sensation the left her breathless. "Who¡ª?"

    As quickly as the man had appeared, he was gone, and reced by another. And as the effects of the smoke heightened her senses, it also dulled her fear, until Elia found herself dancing, turning, swaying from man, to man, to man¡­

    *****

    At first he worries she''s too weak for the smoke and she''s been ovee. Feeling her liquid and rippling in his arms had been intoxicating even without the smoke. But when he was forced to give her up to the males, every instinct in him roared against it. Wrong, wrong, wrong!

    It had been an act of sheer will to let her go instead of pressing closer. But he knew they needed this¡ªhis people, and he and Elia.

    Everyone needed to know where they stood. And the ceremony would provide that.

    As long as she didn''t lose her mind.

    His eyes followed her, the eye at the center of a storm of male bodies, hands, and smiles. At first, she gave herself up, swaying and dancing, her arms over her head, her hands sliding on the nearest shoulder, whomever it might be.

    Despite the smoke, he tensed, and it was only the restraining hand of Behryn on his arm that kept him from diving in and ruining his own mating ceremony.

    "Caution, brother," Behryn murmured, his fingers tight on Reth''s bicep. "I know it''s hard, but just watch. And let your scent call to her."

    Reth grunted. If it weren''t for the smoke the entire city would be smelling him by now¡ªhis frustration, his tension, his desire.

    One of the men wrapped a hand possessively at her waist, and Reth snarled.

    Behryn stepped into his eyeline and wouldn''t move until Reth stared up to meet his eye. "We all went through it, Reth. I''ll admit, I doubted yourmitment¡ªI thought this was a convenience. Or a plot. But I can see it in you. Smell it. Be well, brother. Watch. Call to her."

    Then, with a hand ofradery right where Reth''s shoulder met his neck¡ªthat also just happened to be ced perfectly to catch him should he try to move¡ªBehyrn turned him to face where Elia was, now more surrounded as even the younger, unestablished males began to stalk her as well.

    Reth''s entire body went rigid.

    *****

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 Chapter 21: Meat Market

    <h4>Chapter 21:Meat Market</h4>

    RETH

    Reth wanted to tear every man''s throat out, but for the first time, Elia seemed to find a coherent thought. She turned her head as one male trailed his fingers through her hair. She was searching for something. Reth swallowed, silently pleading with her to look in his direction.

    And she did, finally, her eyes catching on his and widening, just as another male¡ªone of Behryn''s warriors¡ªstepped between them, so tall he blocked her view. He swayed for a moment and seemed to lean into her ear, but then she appeared, stepping around him, her steps loose and a little shaky. Another man slid into her path, his hand at her waist, and neck and she paused, looking up at him, distracted. But as he rolled his hips and pulled her in, she slipped around him and came forward again.

    Again, and again, the men tried to tempt her, to distract her, to seduce her. But like a thread braided between sticks, she always found a way around them, or between them, until there was no doubt she was walking towards Reth. And with every step her eyes cleared, and her legs became stronger.

    Sensing the shift in her, how she''d found her focus, the males stopped stroking and tempting her, and instead began to circle, creating a barrier she would have to struggle to get through to reach him. The first time she tried to slide between two of them and they closed the gap instead, she red up at them and pushed one aside.

    "Good girl¡­ that''s it," Reth murmured under his breath, letting her see him watch, letting her see him want her close.

    Behryn pped him on the shoulder and chuckled. "Good luck, my friend," he said.

    "For what?" Reth said, without taking his eyes off of Elia.

    "For surviving the wrath of that woman when she sees you pawed by half the city," heughed.

    "I''ll¡ªwait, what?" Reth tore his eyes away from Elia to find Behryn grinning at him, tipping his head to their right where a dozen females prowled closer with every breath.

    Damn. He''d forgotten about that part.

    When the first female reached him she was a lupine, of course. The wolves were always the first to stake their ims. She didn''t immediately touch him, but instead, looked up at him through hershes, and swayed in a way that brought her body close to his, her breasts just barely brushing his abdomen as she turned, then let her backside rest against his groin as she arched back against him, humming her approval.

    But even as she snarled her displeasure at his rejection, four other handsnded on his shoulders, his back, even in his hair.

    Where the males had tried to seduce Elia, to tempt her, the females were far more forward, knowing, he supposed, that his flesh would betray him. One of them had even approached bare from the waist up, one hand circling her own breast as she stared at him with a wicked smile.

    Reth groaned and tore his eyes away, searching for Elia, still navigating her own sea of bodies, but now almost through the men so that those at the back were giving up and beginning to stand back and watch.

    But then, just as their eyes met and Elia''s shed with relief, Reth felt a hand between his legs and he snarled, whirling to find the vitor.

    *****

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 Chapter 22: Mate

    <h4>Chapter 22:Mate</h4>

    SHOUT OUTS to: alpha_sierra, helloP30ple, jp87, Stacey_Corbett_2924, queenroper, [emailprotected]</a>, akshaya_vanne, and Citrus_Time for taking the time to review! (I also wrote you a message on my Instagram: @aimeelynn_author)

    ELIA

    When the smoke first poured over them, she''d found Reth''s touch electrifying.

    Then he''d disappeared and her body had betrayed her. She''d been distracted by the other men whose eyes were lit up, their hands trailing over her skin, through her hair, and that tingling was delicious. But their touchedcked the thrill she''d found in Reth''s and she wanted it back.

    She''d been confused, turning to find him, but he was gone, and another set of eyes, another pair of hands, had found her. It was distracting, but not for long. She pushed past, weaved through, always looking for him. It was as if she could sense his presence, somehow¡ªshe''d known what direction to take even when she couldn''t see him. And even when the touches of the males were alight on her skin, something inside kept tugging her towards him.

    Then their eyes met and she took her first deep breath since the smoke began. Something in her chest tugged and a yearning bloomed inside her.

    She took another step, beginning to smile, but suddenly there was another man in the way¡ªthis one more insistent. It took her a moment to find a way around him. But after him there was another, then another¡ªmales standing shoulder to shoulder, forcing her to find a way through.

    And when she finally did¡­ Reth was surrounded. There were women everywhere near him, they were five or six deep, and those closest to him pawed at him as if he were a toy, their hands on his shoulders, sliding down his back¡ªeven in his hair!

    Elia stumbled forward intending to push her way through¡ªthat pull within her yanking now, demanding that she get closer. But when she reached the circle of women, those closest turned on her, hissing, growling, eyeing her¡ªif they''d been cats they''d have had their ears t back against their heads.

    And they spoke in hushed whispers, and muttered curses.

    "Weak woman. He isn''t for you. He needs someone so much stronger."

    "You don''t belong here. We will make sure you never seed."

    "Human woman, you don''t have what it takes to handle a King!"

    "Child. You''re nothing but a child."

    "A coward, that''s what you are, taking our King through deception and fear!"

    On and on and on, her worst fears, her certain thoughts, her confusion, all whispered in her ear, hissed to her heart. And Elia felt herself want to falter, felt herself question.

    She searched for Reth, but most of the women were so much taller than her, she was pushing between them on instinct alone.

    Then, suddenly, there was a roar from the center¡ªa raging snarl and the circle of woman loosened for a moment. Elia saw her chance and darted through a small gap between two women who were so broad, they looked like males from the back.

    The circle closed again quickly, but Elia could see him now, his eyes wide and darting as he whirled and cuffed at hands that reached for him, turning from naked bodies that wanted to press in. And always, his eyes, left and right until theynded on her and he spoke her name.

    She couldn''t hear him over thethe women, but she saw his mouth make her name and she sighed, pushing forward again.

    Then a pair of lips pressed against her ear and hissed, "A lovesick fool with no spine¡ªthe wolves will end you the first chance we get!"

    Elia hesitated, turning to find the woman who''d spoken, but there were several so close they could have leaned in, and all of them shifting to try to stand between she and Reth, their eyes narrowed and sharp.

    She''d seen those looks before, knew what they meant. It seemed thenguage between women did not change between worlds.

    These women wanted him for themselves. And they would fight to keep her away from them.

    She stopped, midstep, and looked for Reth again, finding him with her eyes¡ªhis wild and rolling. But when he caught her, he paused. There was a crystalline moment between them, eyes locked, where it felt like something in him spoke to something in her.

    But then a woman, her back to Elia, slid her hand down his chest¡ªdown, down, down¡ªand Elia saw Reth''s body recoil when she found what she was looking for. He roared again, twisting. But now there were more women, all holding him, stroking him, pressing against him. He was overrun¡ªnot enough hands of his own to remove all of those that touched him.

    Elia trembled.

 Chapter 23: Awakening

    <h4>Chapter 23:Awakening</h4>

    ELIA

    A noise tore out of her throat and she shoved forward, heedless of the hands that gripped her arms, or the bodies trying to stand in her way. She called his name and fought, tooth and nail, scratching, shoving, kicking, to force the women back.

    And Reth fought too. She could see his rigid shoulders, the veins popping in his neck, on his arms. He fought, but with concern not to harm those that were harming him. He fought for his own freedom, but not at the cost of the women who were hurting him.

    Well, fuck that, Elia thought, and threw herself into the fray.

    She pulled hair, she scratched, she took more than one elbow to the ribs, and gave a couple of her own until finally there was only one woman between she and Reth.

    Two women either side of him fought to keep hold of his arms so the woman in the front could kiss and lick at his chest, and neck. He roared, and something in Elia snapped.

    She grabbed the woman by the hair and threw her to the ground, putting herself between the woman and Reth. "Keep your hands off my mate!" she screamed in a voice she didn''t recognize.

    Many of those watching stepped back. The two women who held Reth''s arms went wide-eyed as Elia turned on them. "Let. Him. Go."

    The woman on the left dropped his arm immediately, bowing to her, but the woman on her right bared her teeth and hissed a curse.

    Elia sucked in a breath¡ªand more smoke with it¡ªand turned to Reth. "Do you want her?" she yelled over the rushing in her own ears.

    "No!" Reth roared back. Elia''s heart leapt, but she turned back to the woman¡ªwho was almost a foot taller, and clearly stronger.

    Then she remembered what Reth had said. Listen to your instincts.

    Her instinct was to kick this woman''s ass for touching her mate. No one touched her mate except her.

    It filled her then, the yearning, the thrill¡ªand the fire-eating rage. Elia''s chin dropped but her eyes never left the woman''s.

    The woman crouched to meet her, but she had both hands busy, holding Reth''s arm. Elia snarled at her and stalked forward, eyes locked on the woman who had her teeth gritted, but wasn''t looking away.

    *****

    RETH

    Watching Elia stare down a dominant lioness was about the sexiest thing Reth had ever seen. As she stalked forward, eyes ming, hips rolling like a big cat''s, he wanted nothing more than to lift her into his arms and take her back to the Cave, and to hell with the ceremony. And her scent¡­ she was always delicious, but there was a new thread now, something hot and prickly¡ªsomething that wanted.

    His own body responded. He was panting¡ªand not because of fighting off the women. A growl vibrated in his throat, and Elia''s skin pebbled¡ªhe could see it, and he could smell that high in her, the wave of desire and possessiveness she was giving herself over to.

    He was unable to stop the mating huff that erupted from his throat¡ªthe deepest of his calls, and one he''d never made before.

    The entire clearing hushed.

 Chapter 24: What it Means to be King

    <h4>Chapter 24:What it Means to be King</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    The call erupted from his throat¡ªso deep it came from his toes. It ordered the other males around the fire hear and submit. They all fell back, away from both Reth and Elia, giving the women room. But most of the females were giving up too. A momentter, only the lioness that challenged Elia remains. Much as Reth would have liked to tear his arm out of the female''s grip, this had to be Elia''s fight. He watched her continue to stalk towards the woman touching him and he repeated the call, saw her chest rise and fall in response.

    She padded over to the woman, so close her scent was strong despite the smoke, and Reth huffed again. Without taking her eyes off the other female, she lifted a hand to his chest and spoke through her teeth.

    "Let go of him," she said through her teeth.

    "Why?"

    Elia blinked. "Because he''s my mate. You''re handling my mate like he belongs to you."

    "But you don''t want him," the woman growled.

    "You wouldn''t even fight for him!"

    "I am now."

    The lioness sneered, her eyes narrowed and her hands wed into his forearm hard enough to leave half-moon cuts where her nails pierced his skin. "He deserves more than a queen in name. He is King. He deserves a mate. A wife. A partner and¡ª"

    "He''ll choose for himself what he wants. We''re talking about what I want. And I want your hands off him. Right now."

    Reth felt¡­ proud. Elia stood, her hands in fists, her chest and shoulders heaving with her breath and the lioness trembled. She was the dominant female of the pride, a wise-woman, and one of his dearest friends. But Elia didn''t know that, he realized.

    She only knew what she felt¡ªand what the smoke was giving her the courage to speak. His hope that she would choose him truth, not just in name, rose.

    "I don''t want to see any more blood on the ground tonight," Elia snarled. "But if that''s what it will take¡ª"

    "It won''t," his friend sighed. "But know that you choose a good man. One of the best among our kind. If you don''t appreciate him there are many that would happily take your ce."

    Elia stepped forward so they were chest to chest, though she was several inches shorter. "Let. Them. Try."

    And her scent was rock-hard. Certain. Unshakeable.

    Reth roared and his people called back, breaking into a shuffling dance that circled them as the lioness faded away into the crowd and he pulled Elia into his chest.

    She was trembling. Not untouched by fear, he realized, but staring it down and moving ahead anyway.

    True courage.

    "You''re amazing," he whispered into her ear, then pulled back far enough to meet her wide eyes as the people circled them, shifting, calling and weaving, but leaving a few feet of space around them.

    Traditionally, the dance was a recognition of the couple''s belonging to the people, but even more to each other. He knew she didn''t appreciate what was happening, but found he didn''t care as she never took her eyes off him, and she let her head drop back as he buried his hands in her hair and kissed her, open-mouthed.

    She clung to his shoulders and kissed him back, and the crowd called again.

 Chapter 25: Hold On

    <h4>Chapter 25:Hold On</h4>

    She didn''t know what was happening to her¡ªshe was driven to be close to him, tingling at his touch, desperate for his kiss. She didn''t know this man, yet somehow she did. Something in him called to her, and she couldn''t deny it.

    When he kissed her¡ªsomehow tender and taking in the same breath¡ªher knees shook even worse than the rest of her. She wished they were alone. She wished she understood what was happening to her body. But she was certain of one thing: She didn''t want to be away from him. Not yet.

    So when he finally groaned and broke off the kiss, roaring to his people¡ªand they all shouted, cawed, or growled back¡ªshe dropped her forehead to his broad, t chest, letting her hands trail up his sides.

    She felt him twitch under her touch and a spear of desire shot through her belly. It took her breath. Everything in her yearned to lean into him, to get closer, to touch him more. And yet something held her back. This ce was impossible. This man was impossible. Everything that had happened in the past few hours¡­ she couldn''t trust anything¡ªnot even herself.

    As if he felt her falter, Reth wrapped his arms around her and shifted her closer. She could feel his heartbeat against her temple as their chests rose and fell in time.

    There, inside his arms, with her eyes closed the drums¡ªthe colors and lights in the dark¡ªall faded until all she was aware of was his heartbeat, his skin under her hands, his warmth in the chill night. She felt peaceful for the first time since she''d opened her eyes in the clearing for the Rite.

    Then he stroked a hand through her hair and her skin came alive again. She wanted. Him. She swallowed hard, but it was true.

    She wanted him.

    She''d never really wanted a man before.

    How had this happened. Was it just because of the smoke?

    Unable to answer the question for herself, she pulled her head back. He released her immediately, but she didn''t step out of his massive arms, just leaned back to meet his eyes. He stared down at her.

    The feral light in his eyes had only increased during the ceremony, but his tenderness was in there too¡ªin his touch as well as his gaze. He used one finger to draw her hair back from her face and looked a question at her, his nostrils ring.

    "I''m d it''s you," she whispered.

    He blinked and his bottom lip fell open. He searched her eyes as if not certain he''d understood. But she couldn''t exin it. It was just¡­ true.

    So, she dropped her head to his corbone again and sighed.

    His fingers trailed up the back of her neck, raising goosebumps in their wake, his arm cradling her back. She felt his chin rest on the top of her head and suddenly wanted to cry.

    What was happening to her.

    She shivered, and his arms tightened.

    "Do you wish to leave?" he asked quietly, his voice a deep, rich hum in his chest under her ear.

    She nodded.

    "Then you need to be strong, just for a few more minutes. Elia?"

    She sighed heavily and raised her head to look at him. His forehead was lined with concern, but his eyes were gentle.

    "We have to fight our way out," he said with a lopsided smile. When she tensed, he held her tighter. "Not like that. Just¡­ a show. I think¡­ I think maybe you should get on my back and let me do the swinging? Do you have enough strength left to hold on?"

    She didn''t, but she''d do it anyway. But her voice failed her. She just nodded and a shadow passed behind his eyes, but he touched her face. "Just a few more minutes, then we''ll be in the quiet," he said.

    When she nodded again, he sighed and let her go. She felt cold and wanted him back immediately, but he dropped to a crouch in front of her, one hand syed on the ground to brace himself, the other leaning on his thigh. He looked up at her with a such delight, she was breathless.

    He was a massive man¡ªmuscr, every part of his body honed for strength. And he crouched in front of her like a child waiting for orders in game.

    Elia blinked, ovee suddenly by a fierce sense that she''d been here before, had seen him in this position before, knew him in a different time and ce¡­ but as fast as the feeling came, it was gone.

    "Elia, are you well?" he murmured.

    She blinked and came back to the moment, realized he was waiting for her. "I''m sorry," she breathed. "I just¡­"

    "Don''t worry. Hop on. I''ll get you out of here," he said with a wicked grin that was so adorable, she couldn''t help but smile back.

    Circling hisrge frame, she looked at his back skeptically. Even crouched, he was huge, and it wasn''t like she had a stepdder. She''d be aware of the people near them, circling, watching, and smiling.

    Then Reth put his free hand backwards, cupped, as if to take her knee, and over the stomp and shuffle of the feet around them he said, "Just lean into my back. I''ll lift you."

    Elia blew a piece of hair out of her face and for a moment was struck by just how beautiful he was¡ªhis broad back lined in muscle, that divot down his spine.

    If the girls from her sses could see him, they''d be shrieking at her to stop dying. She knew it.

    For once, she was going to listen.

    Swallowing hard, she leaned into his back, putting her arms around his neck and her chin at the spot where his neck met the broad ne of his shoulder.

    His fingers slid from her ankle, up the back of her leg, to her knee, then he stood, pulling her higher as he reached his full height.

    She hugged his warmth and giggled, but her head spun from the smoke, and she was shaking.

    "Don''t worry, Elia, I won''t let you fall."

    His voice rumbled against her breasts and she swallowed for different reasons¡ªfeeling him tense beneath her.

    But all he said was, "Hold on!"

 Chapter 26: Why Me?

    <h4>Chapter 26:Why Me?</h4>

    RETH

    He could feel her breasts pressed against his back, and desire rose in him like a fire in his belly. As soon as he had her secure and began to move, the crowd turned to face them.

    The fight to leave the ceremony was traditional¡ªand supposed to be little more than y. But Reth noticed more than one face set in disapproval, or anger¡ªand more than one wolf snuck an elbow or fist to his ribs hard enough to leave a bruise.

    Elia buried her face in his neck and just held on.

    It only took a couple minutes for him to break through the circling mass and reach the edge of the fire''s light, and the smoke. When he did, he turned and roared and his people answered¡ªmostly with genuine excitement. Then he turned for the path to his cave, made eye-contact with Behryn as he stepped out of the smoke, and started to jog through the trees.

    His head cleared immediately, but he could feel Elia''s shaking increase the closer they got to the cave and for the first time it urred to him that the smoke might affect a human differently than it did the Anima. He prayed she wasn''t ovee and made a mental note to have one of the guards call a healer if her head didn''t clear soon.

    It was only minutes until he rounded the crevice in the mountain and his clearing opened up before them. He considered putting her down there, but in truth, he was enjoying the way she clung to his neck. And the way she was trembling, he wondered whether she''d be able to keep her feet without help.

    So after a quick turn to lock eyes with Behryn and make sure the fist were in ce to guard the cave, he ducked under the lip of the cave mouth and stepped inside. He didn''t let Elia down until they''d made it to the greatroom and he could slide her onto the wide benchseat in front of the fire.

    When she was seated, he knelt in front of her touching her face to test for fever¡ªbut really just because he wanted to touch her.

    She continued to tremble in waves, but her eyes were clear¡ªand free of tears, for which he was grateful. She had been through a lot.

    He froze, still kneeling in front of her, searching her eyes that were red from the smoke, but not badly so. When she didn''t speak, he cupped her face again. "Are you okay?"

    She nodded. "I shouldn''t be. But I am. I feel¡­ safe when you''re close, Reth," she whispered. "What''s happening to me? Why do I feel like I know I can trust you? I don''t even know you! Was there something in that smoke that¡ª"

    "Shhhhh, no, sweet one. It heightens your senses, rxes you. But it doesn''t change you. I promise. You haven''t been tricked. Is your head clear now? Can you think?"

    "Yes," she breathed, staring at her own fingers as she curled them, her nails catching on the stubble on his jaw. "That''s why I''m wondering¡­ the way I feel¡­ the way I''m thinking¡­ it doesn''t make sense."

    Reth chuckled and her eyes shed. He could smell desire spike in her and resolved to chuckle far more often in herpany. "I told you to follow your instincts," he said quietly. "That''s all you''re doing."

    Her breathing picked up, though he doubted she''d know he was aware of it. She blinked and swallowed, then moved her hand to his bare chest, her fingers trailing from his jaw to the t spot right over his heart¡ªand she followed them with her eyes.

    Reth''s breathing may have picked up a little bit under her touch, too.

    "Why did you choose me?" she asked, hushed, then brought her eyes up to meet his.

    Reth went very still. It was an opportunity to tell her of their history, to give her the gratitude she was due for the kindness and love she''d shown a young and frightened Heir to the throne. And again, he almost spoke the words.

    But the lines in her forehead spoke of the stress she still felt.

    The shadows in her eyes shouted her questions.

    And her human nature¡ªusually so cynical and suspicious of anything outside the realm of their familiar order¡ªwould tell her it was impossible that he hadn''t known they were bringing her. Though it was true.

    No, she needed to know Anima better¡ªknow him better¡ªbefore he exined that.

    *****

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 Chapter 27: Not the Wedding Night of Choice

    <h4>Chapter 27:Not the Wedding Night of Choice</h4>

    RETH

    She was still frowning at him, waiting for an answer. But, instead he took her hand, kissed her knuckles, and said, "You may be different than our kind, Elia, but you are one of us. I watched the wolf in you make a n and stick to it. I watched the steed in you push forward even when you were exhausted. And I watched the Lion in you roar. Ignore the taunts and questions of my people. They just haven''t looked closely enough, yet, to see what I see. You will find your ce here. You will be an excellent Queen."

    "But¡­ why me?"

    Reth sighed. "I didn''t choose the sacrifices, Elia. You can ask any Anima and they''ll tell you¡ªthe ns choose, each in their own way. And the choice of the Pure One is always given to the strongest n below the King''s. I did not know you would be in the circle tonight, but once I saw you there¡­ had it been up to me, I would have chosen you then." It was pure truth, but it only brought a deeper confusion to her features, puckering a little V between her brows.

    "But¡­ why?"

    Reth shrugged. "Who can exin it beyond the Creator? Some people are meant to be together. Tonight we learned that we are. I cannot answer why¡­ I can only tell you that I''m certain of it."

    "You learned that tonight?" she said, a hint of hope in her tone.

    "Didn''t you?" he asked softly, surprised by the tenderness in his chest. As if she could bruise him with the wrong answer.

    "I thought it was just the smoke. I thought it made us all feel¡­ good."

    He shook his head. "I''ve been in dozens of ceremonies. Touched hundreds of females¡ªwith the smoke, and outside it. I''ve never felt that certainty before. Never had trouble controlling myself."

    She frowned, and he wondered what he''d said wrong.

    "What control did you lose?" she asked.

    Reth chuckled again. "A dear friend had to put a hand to me to stop me tearing you out of the grip of all those males. He could feel how close I was to the edge. He said he''d felt the same way when he and his wife were mated. It''s a sign of¡­ rightness."

    She nodded and something in her eased. Reth waited, letting her think through everything she''d seen. When her eyes drifted back up to his, he held his breath.

    "So we''re married now?" she said, her voice husky.

    Reth sucked in, kept his hands clenched on his thighs so he wouldn''t grab her. "Yes."

    When he spoke, her eyes cut to his mouth and her desire spiked again. Reth wanted to roar, but he kept himself very still. He didn''t want to frighten her. Let here like the doe in the forest, picking her way carefully, alert.

    Her eyes trailed down his neck and chest again, to where her hand still rested on him. His skin hummed when she stroked him there, just once. Then she locked eyes with him again.

    Reth could barely breathe. It was always the females'' choice¡ªalways. But he wasn''t certain if her signs would be the same as an Anima woman''s.

    Actually, he knew they weren''t. Any Anima female would have leapt on him like a frog by now. He''d heard that human women were much more careful¡ªthey lived in a world where the choice was often taken from them. A thought that made Reth want to bite something.

    No, he couldn''t urge her. Had to let her make the choice for herself.

    She dropped her eyes again, watched herself stroke first his chest, then slide her hand up to cup his neck in a way that made him pray she would kiss him. But then she met his eyes again and¡­ nothing.

    The silence between them stretched, until finally she sighed and pulled her hand back to her ownp. It was as if she''d turned off a light. Everything in her darkened and Reth grieved it.

    "Thank you¡­ thank you for caring about how I feel. For making me safe," she said quietly, though Reth was off-bnce now, because she sounded sad.

    He curled his hands to fists again, but this time to stop himself from grabbing her and pulling her back to his chest.

    "Are you¡­ tired?" he asked uncertainly.

    She nodded sadly, still looking at her own hands in herp. "I think it would be good to rest," she said.

    And so Reth got to his feet and offered his hand, led her to the bedroom, and showed her the sleeping tform that was attached to his, but had its own level. Its own space.

    He thought he caught her looking at the main bed, directly above it. But when he looked again, she''d turned to the furs he''d shown her.

    Minutester she was snuggled in, one hand under her chin, eximing over the softness of the furs and their warmth.

    Reth ached to warm her himself, but instead, he tucked her in, wished her good rest, and walked to the blow out all the candles andnterns that had been lit in the room.

    Her breath became low and even almost immediately. And when he finally crawled between his own furs, it was with a body aching with frustrated desire, and a heart that pounded for all the wrong reasons. Hey back, staring at the high, rock ceiling, one arm curled under his head, and let a low growl of self-loathing shudder in his throat.

    She''d wanted him. She''d chosen him.

    But she hadn''t offered herself.

    He reminded himself she was human and would need more time to find herfort.

    But deep down, he knew something was wrong. He knew he''d scented her desire, more than once. And her jealousy when the other females touched him.

    No, if she''d chosen not to give herself, there was something wrong. Something that still frightened her, or gave her caution.

    He would just have to be patient.

    He rolled over then, to look at her in the dark¡ªhis Lion eyes had no trouble making out the peace now on her face. His heart swelled with the urge to protect her, to bring her to a ce where she''d look that rested when she smiled at him.

    But then she rolled over, fluffing the furs as she moved and her scent washed over him.

    Reth groaned quietly.

    His desire for her had reached near painful proportions. Before he could do anything he''d regret¡ªor she might fear¡ªhe threw back his furs, grabbed his trousers, and ran silently from the cave, fleeing the sight and smell of her so he wouldn''t be tempted to reach for her.

    When he made it out to the clearing, and had to stop¡ªhe''d forgotten about the guard¡ªhe made an excuse about needing fresh air to clear his head of the smoke. But the men all knew and looked at him, then at each other.

    He kept his chin up and his shoulders back as he ordered them to keep guard over her, then disappeared among the trees. But when he was out of sight, he let his body sag, cursing himself for letting the men see that he''d left her.

    It definitely wasn''t the wedding night he''d always envisioned for his life.

    But, at least, he reminded himself, it also wasn''t a wedding night with Lucine, as he had feared.

    Thank the Creator for that.

 Chapter 28: Crossed Wires

    <h4>Chapter 28:Crossed Wires</h4>

    Before she opened her eyes the next morning¡ªwarm andfortable in the furs¡ªshe told herself that it was all a dream. But she could smell the wildness of this ce, knew it wasn''t really her imagination.

    And, sadly, when she sat up, even though she was definitely still in Reth''s bedroom, he was nowhere to be seen. Her shoulders slumped.

    She''d gone to sleep heartbroken the night before. He had said that they were meant to be together. And she''d felt that too¡ªwhich was crazy! But, then she''d given him every single signal she knew¡ªshe''d touched him, asked him not to leave, she''d looked at his mouth, looked at his chest and stroked him¡­ and he just stood there. Or, rather, just knelt there in front of her.

    It was that thought that made her realize: he must think of her like a child. She was so weakpared to these people, her senses so much duller. So much less¡­ brutal. Even when she''d found her voice and stared that woman down, afterwards he''d had to carry her out of that crowd because she''d been exhausted.

    To him, to these people¡ªwho have rituals where they murder each other and call it an honor to die¡ªshe must seem so innocent and timid. Such a baby.

    When he''d stared at her for so long, touched her so sweetly, she''d thought he wanted her. But then¡­ nothing. And no wonder. No real man wanted to sleep with a child.

    Her cheeks heated when she thought of how she''d touched him and pressed against him in the smoke the night before. What a fool she''d made of herself!

    She wanted to bury herself in the furs and never speak to another person on Anima again. But she knew that wasn''t going to work.

    No. If she wanted Reth to look at her as a woman she was going to have to start acting like one¡ªthe way the Anima defined a woman.

    The thought made her stomach sick, but rather than focus on what that might mean, or who she might have to kill before her husband decided he wanted to sleep with her, the first step had to be getting herself to get out of bed.

    She heaved a sigh of relief a momentter when, in a panic, she looked around the room for something to cover herself, and caught sight of a pile of clothing at the end of her bed. Shaking them out, she found a pair of leather trousers, a loose pale shirt, and a long vest¡ªlike Reth''s except with no fur cor¡ªand on top of them, socks and a pair of sturdy boots.

    Minutester she had found what counted as a bathroom in the rock mansion, and walked through the empty greatroom alone.

    With no one there, no clocks, and no other choice, she pushed through the door and headed outside to see what this day held¡ªand figure out how to meet it like an adult.

    *****

    The guards outside escorted her to what they called the market, but which actually turned out to be arge, outdoor eating area where hundreds of people sat or stood near tables, and some people weaved between them, bringing tes full of juicy fruit, thin slices of meat, and obviously fresh-baked breads. And the smell was heavenly! Elia''s stomach growled.

    Faryth, the guard who''d told her he''d take her to Reth,ughed. "Maybe you are Leonine after all!"

    She''d tried to smile, but she was suddenly aware of people staring at her, talking to their friends, following her progress through the market, she wanted to shrink into the dirt under her shoes. She felt like her skin was too tight. But as they made their way through, she could see the raised eating area at the other end of the market, and Reth at the center of the table on it. His eyes followed her too¡ªbut without the judgment or disapproval of the others.

    She wished their first greeting afterst night didn''t have to be public. But soon she was up the stairs and being seated next to him.

    Reth, in the golden morning light was a sight¡ªhis skin looked like burnished bronze. Pieces of his hair fell out of the leather at the nape of his neck, so he stared at her through it. And his eyes were so bright, they looked gold as he took her hand and bowed over it, his eyes never leaving hers, which made her heart beat faster. But before she could say anything, beyond "good morning," he turned her, pointing to the woman on her other side. "Elia, this is Candace, one of our best weavers."

    Taken off guard, it took her a second to blink and realize who she was speaking to.

    It was the woman who''d tried to help her when she woke up at the Rite.

    ***

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 Chapter 29: Pants on Fire

    <h4>Chapter 29:Pants on Fire</h4>

    ELIA

    "H-hello!" Elia said, shocked.

    "Hello, Elia. I''m d to see you made it." The woman bowed deeply as everyone nearby looked on, which made Elia want to grab her shoulders and pull her upright.

    But Reth was staring between them. "You know each other?" he asked, surprised.

    "Yes,st night," Elia exined. "When I woke up at the Rite, Candace tried to help me."

    Reth turned to the woman and bowed over her hand as well. "Thank you, Candace. You have the gratitude of your King," he said softly, meaningfully.

    Candace fluttered a hand at her chest and blushed. "Oh, it was very little, Majesty. I assure you."

    "Still," Reth insisted, "it was a kindness that was much needed. You''re an example to the Kingdom. Thank you. Since you have such a kind heart I could ask you another favor?"

    "Of course!" Candace''s thin face brightened.

    Reth smiled. "I have to meet with the security council. Perhaps you could show Elia around the city center, and exin some of our customs?"

    Candace''s smile froze, but she didn''t hesitate to bow and assure Reth that she was happy to do it.

    "Thank you," Elia said. She could feel her cheeks heating, though. It was so obvious this woman didn''t want to babysit her, but was doing it to please Reth. Couldn''t he see that?

    "Thank you," Reth repeated and turned back to his meal. As someone ced a te of food in front of Elia and she started shoveling into her mouth, she heard a small snort and Reth nudged her.

    She turned, her mouth full of the crusty bread, and met a very serious Reth, staring down at her. Oh no, what had she done? Was there a prayer she was supposed to say before she ate, or some other odd tradition?

    Reth leaned in and she swallowed hard to get rid of the mouthful. His lips brushed her ear when he whispered, "As Queen, we won''t allow you to run out of food, I promise."

    She pped his shoulder as he chuckled and her belly spun. She loved that deep, warm sound.

    When he was finishedughing, he held her gaze, his eyes wrinkled by his smile. "Good morning, wife," he murmured.

    She blinked at the name and stared at him. "Good morning," she said breathlessly. "Did you sleep okay?"

    He grunted and shrugged. Judging by the dark shadows she could now see under his eyes, the answer was no. But when she remembered, why, she winced and changed the subject. "You should have woken me. I would havee to the meal with you."

    He pped a hand and took another mouthful of food. "I wanted to let you rest." But he didn''t meet her eyes as he said it.

    Elia''s heart sank.

    They ate in silence for minutes, Elia desperately searching for something to talk to him about, but constantly stunned as she looked around at all she saw¡ªthe people who looked entirely human, but moved and sounded differently. The food, which all looked familiar and delicious, but only some of which was actually recognizable. And the clothing that was somehow refined, but also sparse¡ªno shoes, only natural linens and leathers, feathers or flowers in the hair of the women¡­

    Then she turned to look at Reth and for a moment she was struck again with the sense that she''d seen him before¡ªthat she knew him. Only now she wasn''t overwhelmed by the events, or the smoke.

    Now, the feeling of a familiar face, a known friend, wouldn''t leave her¡ªand chewed at her insides when she couldn''t ce him. He took a mouthful of food just as she cleared her throat.

    "You said you''d been to my world¡ªthe human world. Did we ever meet when you were¡ª?"

    Reth coughed and almost spat a mouthful of food across the table. The next minute was full of him choking, one of the guards pping him on the back, and nervous faces staring, waiting to make sure their King wasn''t about to suffocate.

    Eventually, he raised his ss towards those seated at the ground level and croaked through teary eyes. "All is well!"

    She frowned at him. "I said, when you were in the human world did we ever¡ª"

    "Majesty! I apologize for the interruption, but we need your ear, immediately."

    Elia and Reth both turned to find a young man standing behind them. Elia didn''t recognize him, but Reth obviously did. "Of course, of course, son. Don''t worry. I''lle. Elia, dear, my apologies to leave you alone this morning, but there''s some things I have to deal with from yesterday. Candace will show you around, and I''ll see you at the evening meal." He cupped her face and smiled, but before she could respond, he was gone.

    Like he was d to have gotten away.

 Chapter 30: Those Damned Wolves

    <h4>Chapter 30:Those Damned Wolves</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    As he abandoned his new wife and her very inconvenient questions, Reth stalked after the guard, cursing himself as every kind of coward and liar. After everything she''d been through, she deserved better. But the interruption by the guard wasn''t a ploy. As they stalked off the Market stage and down the stairs, towards the Council Hall, Reth could see the young man was tense.

    "Tell me what''s going on," he said calmly. Then tried to focus on the young man''s briefing.

    "Sire, the security council gathered early. Behryn found the wolves already there and meeting."

    "Without the council?" Reth spat.

    "Yes, sir. They''re¡­ they''re making trouble. Saying things¡­" the man eyed him from the side nervously. Reth gritted his teeth.

    "One thing you''ll learn about me, kid, is that we don''t stand on ceremony when the Tribes are at risk. Whatever it is¡ªno matter howplimentary it may be of me, or not¡ªI''ll never punish you for speaking the truth."

    The boy swallowed and nodded. "They''re saying¡­ they''re saying you didn''t mate the queen, sir," the poor boy blushed. "So her throne is still¡­ open."

    "WHAT?" Reth snarled.

    The boy blinked, but didn''t flinch. Reth picked up his pace. "What else are our wolf-brothers deciding for me and my throne?"

    "There was mention of a King''s Council," the boy murmured, looking left and right to make sure no one else was close enough to hear him.

    Reth blinked and forced himself not to show his rage. It wasn''t the kid''s fault he''d been sent to tell Reth the bad news.

    At its heart, a King''s Council was a call for the people to review the dominance of a King and an opportunity for challenges to his throne. If the security council decided to call a King''s Council, the wolves would describe how and why they called Elia as the Pure One and attempt to convince the people to reject him as King¡ªor, failing that, to reject Elia as Queen.

    He was going to have to tell her. If she found out from someone else she would think he''d been lying to her and she''d never trust him¡­

    He wasn''t concerned about losing his throne¡ªthe wolves were dreaming if they thought the people would support that. But Elia? Reth found he was suddenly terrified at the idea of losing his wife.

    "Take me to them," was all he said. The boy nodded and began to jog, Reth right on his heels.

    *****

    After Reth disappeared with the young guard, Elia turned to Candace who was frowning, watching her King run away from the breakfast table. Then, when he was out of sight, she turned to Elia and considered her.

    "Do you care for him?" Candace asked simply.

    "Yes," Elia breathed. "But I don''t know how to make him care for me," she said, her voice breaking.

    "Are you willing to work hard? To be one of us?"

    "Do I have any other choice?"

    That clearly wasn''t the answer Candace was looking for. The woman folded her arms and frowned.

    Elia ran a hand through her hair in frustration. "I only meant that¡­ regardless of my feelings for him¡ªwhich are real¡ªI have to make a life here. He told me I can''t go back. I don''t want to be this¡­ child in his eyes. But even if I can''t make him love me¡­ I want to have a life."

    Candace looked down thoughtfully. A momentter she sighed. "Let''s go," she said, pushing her chair out and getting up.

    Elia followed uncertainly. "Go where?"

    "I''m going to teach you how to be Anima," Candace said, then muttered low enough Elia thought she wasn''t supposed to hear, "The Creator help us both."

    *****

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 Chapter 31: The Council

    <h4>Chapter 31:The Council</h4>

    RETH

    Reth sat in his chair in the council room, boiling in fury. "Exin to me, please, how that is any of your business?" he said through his teeth to the three wolves standing in front of him.

    Behyrn and two members of the guard had stood casually a full half-hour earlier and ced themselves to either side of Reth. They stood loosely and didn''t draw weapons. Not yet. But Reth couldn''t believe they''d even had to think they might need to protect him. From council members!

    The wolves rolled their eyes. Lerrin, the second-inmand under Lucan, stood in the middle and was spokesman for today. Reth hadn''t missed that Lucan was smart enough not to be a public part of this disaster.

    "You choose a human to be Queen, then don''t even mate her? How is that not our business?" Lerrin growled. "The mating ceremony was a sess¡ªwe thought. The ancestral line would be safe. But now? The entire city knows she hasn''t taken you. It weakens your position, which weakens all of us."

    There were a dozen other men in the room listening to every word. Reth prayed they weren''t swallowing this garbage from the wolves.

    "Elia was brought to our world, against her own will¡ªagainst her knowledge!¡ªand thrown into a Blood Rite. Then she had a mating ceremony with a stranger."

    "You are not a stranger to her!"

    "For the purposes of mating a virgin, I am!" Reth snarled. "If she isn''t yet ready, I will not push her!"

    "Human bullshit," Lerrin spat, and the men either side of him shifted on their feet. "Any Anima woman¡ªstranger or not¡ªwould have taken you in a heartbeat and you know it. She is not one of us! She is not our Queen!"

    The intake of breath in the room was swift, and audible. Reth was on his feet without thought, and Behryn at his shoulder before Lerrin could reconsider the wisdom of those words that ran so dangerously close to treason.

    The tension in the room thickened the air as Reth strode up to the man, ignoring the others at his sides.

    "Rethink your words, Lerrin, before I bite out your throat for treason against the crown," he snarled.

    Lerrin''s eyes were cold, but he''d tensed. He''d said too much and he knew it. But he wasn''t slow-witted. His words made Reth cold.

    "I spoke hastily," Lerrin growled. "But take my meaning clearly: Shees as a stranger to us, and to our ways. She forced you to choose her, rather than winning you, and now she denies you on your mating night?"

    "Her customs are very different. She''d just been through a blood rite and she''s a virgin. Can you me the woman for being careful?"

    "I haven''t been to the human world, so I don''t know if I can me her. I do know I can me you for bringing her to us," Lerrin said frankly. "How can we, as a people, trust a woman who lives and chooses so differently than we would? How can we follow her, not knowing where she''ll lead? And if you would choose her, why would we trust your judgment if she is so foreign to us, but she is what you believe is best for us?"

    Reth let a low growl roll in his throat. "You trust me because I am your King, your Alpha, and I have proven myself worth trusting!"

    Lerrin stared at him without reaction for several breaths. The entire room remained silent. Reth refused to be the one to break the tension. But a part of him didn''t rx until Lerrin broke eye-contact.

    "As you say, Majesty," he said through a tight jaw. "You have proven yourself. But let me be the first to tell you: If you are wrong in this¡­ it will overshadow your victories."

    Reth gritted his teeth so hard they almost cracked.

    *****

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 Chapter 32: Rumors

    <h4>Chapter 32:Rumors</h4>

    RETH

    Reth stepped forward until he stood over the wolf-man, who submitted as he should, dropping his head and not making eye contact. But his hands were fists, and he didn''t step back when Reth moved into his space.

    "You have been heard, wolf," Reth snarled, his voice guttering in a growl. "Now hear me: I wee a challenge from any man in this city. If you believe yourself stronger than me, smarter, better able to lead, you just say the word and I''ll happily meet you in the circle. We will decide dominance the way the Anima always have. But do not think to undermine me through lies and plots. Take great care in seeding doubt through whispers, or you may find the ground underneath you crumbling."

    Lerrin didn''t respond, just stood, tense. His nostrils red at the scent wafting off of Reth¡ªthe sheer dominance, the aggression. All the men in the room shifted at the stink of their King''s displeasure and certainty in himself.

    When Reth didn''t continue, Lerrin bowed and finally took a step back. "You are heard and understood," he said stiffly. He wouldn''t challenge the King like this. He knew who the stronger man was.

    The question was whether he believed himself¡ªand the other wolves¡ªable to take the throne in the secretive ways Reth described.

    Reth wouldn''t let him walk out of here feeling sure of his footing. He stepped forward again, his chin over the man''s head and snapped, "Do not allow Lucine''s failure to bring down the entire pack, Lerrin. You''re smarter than that¡ªand I''m not dumb enough to miss how she''ll try to seek revenge.

    "If one hair on my Queen''s head is harmed by a wolf, the entire pack will pay in my discipline. Do you understand?"

    "Yes."

    "Yes, what?"

    "Yes, Majesty."

    Reth snorted air out of his nose¡ªan insult among the Anima that implied the person''s scent was offensive. "Leave this council and pass my message on to your people. Now."

    Lerrin bowed again and turned on his heel, leading the other two wolf-males out of the room.

    None of them looked back.

    But Behryn sighed. "I''m not saying it wasn''t necessary, but¡­ I fear where this may take us, Reth," he said softly.

    Reth nodded, still staring at the door. "You and me, both. Does any other male wish to question my choice of queen? Do we need further discussion on this?" He turned to look at each man in the room individually¡ªthe other Tribes had watched quietly, not intruded. But their scents said some were afraid, and others thoughtful.

    "Well?" Reth pushed at them.

    "Not a challenge," Behryn said carefully.

    Reth raised his eyebrows. "But?"

    "But¡­ the people aren''t certain. They didn''t miss theck of¡­ union between you today. Do you think it will be long? How would you have us exin it to them, to stop the rumors?"

    "Rumors of what?" he snapped, knowing he should be grateful¡ªhis friend raised the question so that the others would hear the answer instead of whispering about it behind their hands, but hating it anyway.

    "Some of the women say she must be barren and wish to hide it. Others say she''s too weak¡ªshe won''t be able to carry your child. Others think there is something wrong with her head."

    "Because of one night?"

    "Because none of them can imagine ever turning the King away," Behryn said with a grin.

    Reth snorted¡ªin amusement this time. "Remind them that she hasn''t grown up knowing me as King. She is¡­ less impressed with my position than they might be. Give her time. That''s all that''s needed."

    As the men nodded and shrugged, and rxed enough to move onto their normal business, Reth took a deep breath and prayed the words were true.

 Chapter 33: Whispers and Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 33:Whispers and Eyes</h4>

    ELIA

    As Elia and Candace left the Market and began to wander the streets¡ªCandace pointing out different shops and services, and waving greetings to different people who always smiled to see her, but often looked cold or scared when they nodded at Elia.

    Some bowed to them, and others didn''t. Elia wasn''t sure why, but when she saw Candace bow back, she tried to copy her.

    "No, no! Not like that!" Candace hissed, when Elia bowed to a woman with a leather sash over her furs.

    Elia straightened immediately, but the woman looked concerned, then ducked away behind the building they''d been passing.

    "What did I do?" Elia asked quietly.

    Candace blew out a breath. "In Anima, the most vulnerable part of our bodies is our necks. We never bare them to each other unless we are mates or extremely close. Even within families it''s rare. So when you bow, you keep your eyes to the ground and your chin low¡ªunless you mean to tell a person you''re giving them control over you."

    Elia blinked. "Okay."

    Candace tugged at Elia''s sleeve. "He''s done you a disservice throwing you into the throne before we had time to train you. Taking the Queen would be hard for any female, but one who wasn''t raised in Anima? It''s an impossible task he''s set!" she muttered. Elia wasn''t sure if she spoke to Elia, or herself, so she stayed quiet. But as they walked further and Candace stayed quiet¡ªobviously worried¡ªElia spoke up.

    "Why would it be hard for anyone? What does the queen need to do?"

    Candace sighed and shoved a hand through her hair, her head ticking to the side more than once. "The fact that you even have to ask that¡­ the truth is, every queen is different. The Queen is a leader in our people, but her role depends on her person. For example. Reth''s mother was an extremely skilled hunter. She provided food and taught the young She understood the wilds and could advise the men when they were tracking, or nning battle. And she was¡­ very loveable."

    Elia swallowed hard. "Okay."

    "Reth''s grandmother was a wise-woman. She mixed medicines, gave advice, settled disputes¡ªand she helped the council in times of crisis. She led the women''s council¡­ she did many things. She was a great leader."

    Elia wanted to swear. "Well, I''m neither of those things," she muttered.

    "What are you good at?"

    Elia wasn''t sure how to answer that. She''d always gotten good grades, learned quickly, and made friends easily¡ªeven if they generally weren''t very close friends. But how could that help with being a queen? Leading a people?

    "What did you do in the human world?" Candace asked desperately. "There must have been some way in which you showed skill or usefulness to others?"

    Elia shrugged. "My world is¡ªwas¡ªdifferent. I was still considered young there. Still learning and growing. I was studying. The only jobs I had were working in restaurants, and helping the teachers at my school."

    "What did you study?"

    Elia snorted. "Zoology. I love animals. I wanted to teach children how important animals are to our¡ªthe human life and history."

    They looked at each other, then bothughed. "Well," Candace said after a moment, "maybe you''re in the right ce after all."

    Elia smiled, but it faded as she looked around. "Are there even animals in this ce?" she said.

    Candace choked for a moment. Elia wasn''t sure if she was covering augh, or something else. "Yes," Candace said slowly. "We have animals."

    "Ones that aren''t human, though?"

    "Yes."

    Elia shrugged. "Maybe I can help with those?"

    They walked on in silence until Elia blurted out, "What does it mean to be a woman here? Not even a queen, just¡­ a woman? An adult?"

    Candace turned her sharp-featured face and looked at Elia thoughtfully, then looked around them. They were in the middle of an intersection of paths. There was a thick tree to their right with some kind of stall underneath it, and some people gathered, looking at the shopkeepers things for sale. One of them, a thick-figured woman looked at Elia with suspicion and leaned into herpanion''s ear to whisper something. The man turned and looked at Elia, and frowned.

    Candace took her arm and pulled her away, down the path in the opposite direction from the people. Elia opened her mouth to ask, but Candace shushed her. "Just wait. We''ll get to the cave and then¡­ just wait, please."

    It was a surprisingly short walk to Reth''s cave. The guards Elia had forgotten about since they took her to the market this morning, suddenly stepped out of the forest around them when they reached the clearing, and Elia startled.

    Candace raised her eyebrows. "You didn''t know they were with us?"

    "No! How would I? They weren''t walking with us."

    Candace shook her head and muttered something about weak humans, then pped a hand at the opening to the cave. "Let''s go inside," she said, her tone dark.

    The men spread out behind them, each with his back to the cave. But one of them nced at Elia, his face sad.

    She was surprised how much it hurt.

 Chapter 34: Becoming a Woman

    <h4>Chapter 34:Bing a Woman</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    By the time they reached the great room in the cave Elia was swallowing back tears. Candace sat on the bench in front of the firece immediately, but Elia stayed on her feet, pacing in front of her.

    "I can''t help it! I didn''t learn these things, I don''t¡­ smell things like you people do. I''m not strong the way you are¡ªbut it''s not my fault! None of those things were needed to be sessful in my world. So why is everyone judging me for something I have no control over?"

    "Because you were a sacrifice. You were supposed to die," Candace said quietly, her green eyes following Elia''s movement. "You have been made a leader among people who see no reason to follow you."

    "What was Reth thinking?"

    Candace made a little chirping, coughing noise. "I suspect he wasn''t thinking as much as¡­ feeling."

    Elia gave her a t look. "I''m hardly a beauty," she snapped. "If he was feeling anything it wasn''t about me."

    Candace''s eyebrows popped up again and she ruffled her cloak the way she had in the clearing the night before. "You truly believe that?" she said carefully.

    Elia stopped pacing. "He''d never seen me before. I was a wreck¡ªand terrified. Among people who are brutal and strong. It was hardly the best first impression."

    Candace''s face went very still at Elia''s words. "You truly have no history with Reth?" she asked quietly.

    "No. How would I? I''ve never been to Anima."

    "But our King has been to your world. More than once."

    "Yes, he told me." Then she remembered her question this morning, and that strange feeling she''d had when she looked at him on profile. Elia frowned. "I did ask him if we''d met before. He¡­ didn''t get a chance to answer."

    Candace just stared at her for a moment. "Perhaps that''s a line of questioning it would be worth pursuing with him?"

    "Can I even do that? He''s the King. Isn''t there some weird tradition about bowing, or not talking, or something? Aren''t I just going to end up offending him¡ªor everyone else¡ª"

    "Self pity isn''t admired in a woman among the Anima," Candace said softly.

    Elia folded her arms. "Oh really?" she asked sarcastically.

    "Really. You asked what it means to be a woman here. An adult. Well, that is part of it. A woman of the Anima knows her strengths and ys to them¡ªshe chooses to pursue the things she is good at, and is humble about her weaknesses. She does not deny them. She finds ways to ovee them. She epts the things she cannot change, and she does not give up on working to change the things she believes she can."

    "Well, wonderful¡ªhow do you learn to do all this, because I was never taught!"

    Candace grimaced. "The Anima learn by observation and imitation. We train, of course, but the greatest lessons in life are learned by watching others you admire. Mimicking them. Strengthen your body¡ªlearn to believe in yourself by trying things you think you cannot do. Don''t cower before challenge, but don''t seek a fight where none is necessary." She paused and her lips thinned. "And trust your husband."

    Elia frowned. " What makes you think I don''t?"

    "It''s obvious to everyone that you didn''t matest night. There is no greater show of trust than to give your body to a male."

    Elia''s mouth dropped open. "How did you¡ªhow do any of you know that?"

    "He didn''t¡­ you all¡­ Is nothing private in this world?" Elia''s voice was too high, but Candace didn''t seem to care.

    "Very little, honestly. But that means it''s difficult for people to lie or deceive us, also. So, it has its good sides."

    Elia shuddered. "You people are¡­ I''m not used to that kind of¡ª"

    "Get used to it. That''s what Anima do. You want to be a woman here, you''ll learn to ept¡ª"

    "What I cannot change, yes, I heard you¡ªand Reth¡ªthe first time."

    Candace folded her arms. "You heard. Yet, it''s easier¡ªand more childish¡ªto hold a grudge, or self-protect. The Anima thrive because we have learned the value of living together, living for each other. Rather than for ourselves. And¡­"

    Elia waited, but Candace trailed off.

    "And what?" Elia asked impatiently.

    Candace gave her a t look. "And we live for good of our mates. An Anima woman owns her mate''s heart¡ªand he hers. They are united, and generally joyful in it. They are¡­ paired. Everyone knows that to cross one, is to fight both."

    "Reth spoke about thatst night," Elia said faintly. "I thought we¡­ I thought that''s what we were."

    "And yet, you denied him." Candace said.

    "No, I didn''t!" Elia protested, though she blushed hard. "He¡­ he didn''t seem to want¡­"

    "He turned you down?" Candace gasped. It was the most expression Elia had ever seen on her face, and her stomach sank. This must be even worse than she''d thought.

    She nodded sadly. "He was kind and gentle, but¡­ he didn''t want me."

    Candace was on her feet and pacing, her brow lined with confusion. Her steps were quick and she seemed to flutter as she walked. "Couldn''t be¡­ why would he? He knew how it would impact the people¡­ it must have¡ª" She broke off and turned to face Elia. "Were you ovee by the smokest night? He carried you away from the fires. Did you struggle to think?"

    "At first, but it passed. I was just exhausted. But not so tired that I couldn''t¡­ I mean¡­ I would have¡­ I gave him all the signals¡­"

    Candace nodded, but her face remained worried. "He is likely just being a stupid man, and decided he needed to protect you, or something. He has always been overly cautious with females. I admire his intent, but frankly, he underestimates us at times. Tonight¡­ tonight you must make the proposition again. You are clear headed and obviously healthy. He will not turn you down again."

    "But¡­ what if he does. I''m afraid he sees me as a child. The way he wasst night¡­"

    Candace pushed her shoulders back and shook her head. "You must not ept it. A woman would not. A woman would force him to exin himself."

    "I can''t do that!" Elia gasped. "He''s already turned me down. I''m not going to force him to tell me why he doesn''t find me attractive."

    "Doesn''t¡ª" Candace spluttered. "There might be true problems here, Elia, but attraction is not one of them. We were all therest night. We could smell him across the mes, for the Creator''s sake. I promise you, whatever happenedst night,ck of attraction was not the issue. There must have been a reason he thought you¡ª"

    A knock came at the door then and Candace broke off. "Tell no one of this!" she whispered as she walked towards the door while Elia stayed in front of the fire. "It will only create more rumors."

    Then she went to the door. To answer it. In Elia''s house.

    *****

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 Chapter 35: One Hard Day

    <h4>Chapter 35:One Hard Day</h4>

    RETH

    Reth felt terrible leaving Elia alone all day after the shock she''d had. But the wolves were working to undermine him, and not just Lerrin. Behryn and the others had heard more than rumors¡ªthey''d broken up a meeting of several of the younger males, and there were hints that the men had expected the wolf elders to show up also.

    The wolves were always plotting, but Reth had never faced outright insurrection. Every time that day he''d thought he had made a n and determined what needed to be done, new information came, or someone raised a new problem.

    He''d gotten angrier and angrier as they day passed, until Behryn pulled him aside as he was eating a hasty dinner.

    "I know this has been a tough day, but everyone can smell your tension and they''re all getting more tense themselves in response. You need to breathe."

    "I''m facing a possible attempt to overthrow my throne and your advice is to chill?" Reth muttered.

    "No, my advice is to do what you''re good at and cover up your stress. You aren''t usually so transparent. Is the mating bond the problem?"

    Trust Behryn to just throw it out there. All the other men had ignored the issues since he''d chewed Lerrin out about it. Reth ground his teeth.

    But Behryn wasn''t going to let it go. "I could have one of the women talk to her¡ª"

    "Leave it alone," he snarled and Behryn''s eyebrows shot up.

    "I know this hasn''t been an easy couple of days, Reth, but you''re¡ª"

    "I know, I know, I''m sorry," he forced himself to say, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He had a pounding headache, and a spiral in his stomach that wouldn''t uncoil. And his best friend, War Chief, and Defender was frowning at him like his mother did the first time she caught him strutting for a female. "I just¡­ I can''t rx."

    Behryn snorted. "Because you''ve got pent up¡ª"

    "Do not finish that sentence."

    Behryn rolled his eyes. "I was going to say frustration. You need to speak with her Reth. Not just for your own sanity, but for the Kingdom''s. It creates great uncertainty for everyone that she has not epted you."

    "She has epted me. Her customs are different. She has been taught not to trust easily, and her appearance here has given her no reason to change that," he snarled. "The people will see. It will only take time."

    But Behryn forced Reth to look him in the eye. "Speak with her," he said, his voice very low so no others would catch it in the room. "Give your supporters a reason to continue to defend you to their friends and family.

    "Defend me? Their King? I defend them!"

    "And they know that," Behryn said gently, "Which is why they keep telling the others to trust you. But the pressure is building, Reth. No one expected you to walk into the Market this morning without her scent on you."

    "It is none of their concern¡ª"

    "Liar!" Behryn hissed. The other men across the room went very still, scenting the tension between the two men. But his friend didn''t waver. His eyes remained locked with his King as he spoke the hard truth Reth knew, but needed to hear. "A great many things happenedst night that no one foresaw¡ªand it has left your people feeling that perhaps they do not know their King as well as they thought they did. Show them that you are who they know you to be."

    Reth held his gaze a moment, then nodded and stood. Behryn stepped back to give him room and they sped forearms. "Thank you, brother."

    "You know I have your back, Reth."

    "I do. And I need you to have it even more. Because I will speak with her. But I will stay true to my word. I will not force her. So this may take some time."

    Behryn sighed, but nodded. Then, as if the conversation hadn''t even happened, they both rejoined the other men to begin discussing potential discipline for the wolves if Lucine wasn''t kept in check.

 Chapter 36: A Hard Night - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 36:A Hard Night - Part 1</h4>

    *** YOU DID IT! You are amazing and I''m so grateful for you! To say "thank you!" tomorrow there will be a mass release of TEN chapters--but please, keep reading and voting! We''ll set a new goal Sunday/Monday for another mass release! (INSERT HAPPY DANCE GIF HERE) THANK YOU!!! ***

    RETH

    Unfortunately, Reth didn''t make it back to the cave until well after high moon, when Elia was already asleep. He crept into the cave and shuddered. Her scent was everywhere and every molecule in his body responded. She must have spent a great deal of time in there today. He wondered what she''d been doing.

    He remembered the look on her face when he ran from the Market and guilt washed over him in a wave. She''d looked so lost¡ªand more than a little suspicious. He couldn''t me her. Behryn was right¡ªhe really wasn''t doing a good job of hiding his emotions. She had him turned upside down and she wasn''t even trying. But he''d been taken off-guard by her question¡ªwhat had made her think they''d met before? He should have just told her. He was going to have to tell her. If she learned it from someone else she''d never trust him. He knew that, though he couldn''t say how. Another Creator-given instinct.

    He sighed, but the deep breath pulled her scent into his nose and made him ache again.

    It wasn''t natural for Anima to stifle the mating urge, especially after the ceremony. He''d given himself to her, body and soul. He knew enough of the human ways to know she had no way of knowing that. But for him¡­ for him being apart from her, unjoined, was like losing the use of a limb.

    A very insistent, demanding limb that burned with desire and could be very inconvenient.

    Reth swallowed. He had to talk to her. But how? When?

    He crept through the cave, to the bedroom. There were no lights on, but his eyes didn''t need them. So he slipped in on silent feet, undressed and walked to the sleeping tform, sitting on its edge as he considered her.

    She was curled like a child amongst the furs, warm and peaceful. And, if he didn''t miss his guess,pletely naked.

    Reth let a low growl of desire putter in his throat. Maybe he should wake her¡ªnot to talk, but to¡ª

    "Reth?" her voice was thin and rough. She cleared her throat as she sat up, the furs falling away from her at first, until she hastily pulled them back up again. Toote. He''d already had an eyeful of her beautiful breasts and the beast in him roared to have her. He had to turn away. Her scent¡ªwarm and flushed¡ªwas bad enough. Combining that with the sight of her pink skin was going to cut through thest cord of his control.

    "I''m very sorry to have woken you," he said, his voice deeper than usual. "It''s been an eventful day and I need to tell you what''s going on."

    She blinked and pushed her hair back off her face. "Okay," she said. "Are you okay?"

    Her question humbled him. He should have been the one to ask her that, first. Before anything else.

    He sighed and buried his face in his hands. "I''m so sorry, Elia," he breathed into his palms. "I''m sorry you were alone today. I have handled all of this so wrongly. Please forgive me."

    The furs rustled as she shifted, moving to the end of the sleeping tform. Then, with a waft of her scent, her hand appeared on his shoulder. "I''ll admit, I wish I''d seen you today. But I know you have to do your job. Candace was¡­ very helpful. What''s happened? You don''t need to protect me, Reth. Tell me. I''m¡­ I want to be the right woman for this. To be queen."

    He wanted to lick them.

    "You are the right women, don''t let any of them tell you differently," he growled forcing his eyes away from her bare shoulders. "They''re only unused to change. Everything happened differently than all of us were expecting yesterday. The Anima¡­ we scent things, we know things, we''re so used to seeing events ahead that when we are taken by surprise it can take some time to adjust. Most of them have never met a pure human before. They don''t understand the differences in our worlds. And many are also unaware of the plots thickening in the Wildwood today. So¡­ give them time. Be patient. They''lle around once they have a chance to see you as I do."

    She tensed, but nodded. "Can you tell me, though? How you see me? I''m afraid¡­ Yesterday was such a shock¡­ I''m afraid I let you down. I didn''t understand what was happening and¡ª"

    "Don''t apologize, Elia. We were both thrown into circumstances we hadn''t prepared for. I should have exined better."

    Her hand left his shoulder and she shifted to sit, cross-legged, just next to him, pulling the furs up until they wrapped her to her neck, which was something of a relief. Reth turned more towards her on the edge of the tform, his knee pressed against hers, and held her gaze. He realized she probably couldn''t see him clearly. To her eyes he was probably barely more than a moving shadow in the dark. But perhaps that helped her. She seemed much more open tonight than she''d been yesterday.

    "Can you exin now?" she asked quietly.

    Reth sighed.

 Chapter 37: A Hard Night - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 37:A Hard Night - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    She looked at him with such anxiety, Reth wanted to growl at his own stupidity. "Yes, of course I''ll exin."

    But where to start? He reached for her, then realized she couldn''t see his hand, so he rested the back of his hand on her knee, palm up. "I always find difficult conversations easier when we touch. Would you¡­ hold my hand?" he asked carefully.

    Reth wanted to groan. Her skin was so soft, and her hand so tiny. Anima females were smaller than the males, also. It wasn''t that he was unused to it. He was just affected by her¡ªhis mate¡ªin ways that were new.

    He cleared his throat, and closed his fingers to hold hers, letting his fingertips trace the underside of her wrist as he spoke. He felt her shiver, but her smell indicated that she enjoyed the touch, so he didn''t stop.

    "There were many, many forces at y yesterday, Elia. You were caught up in a political plot. And I''m sorry I didn''t exin, but it was so critical that I appear untouched by what the wolves were doing¡­ the thing I need you to know, to be absolutely certain of, is that I had no idea you were the chosen Pure One. When a blood Rite is called, the ruler is at the mercy of the people. Each tribe chooses a sacrifice from their own ranks that they believe is their best chance of victory¡ªit''s a great honor for the tribe whose sacrifice wins. They gain great standing among the other tribes. Because I''d ruled for nearly a decade without finding a mate, because the tribes were beginning to wrestle for that position, they demanded a Rite. To keep the peace."

    He swallowed and looked at her small hand in his, her skin so much paler than his own¡ªto his eyes she almost glowed. "It is one of the few calls I cannot refuse as King," he whispered. "I wanted to. The blood Rites are ancient. I believe we''ve evolved beyond them. They turn my stomach, frankly. But the people¡­ the people called it as their due, and I couldn''t refuse. So, it was up to them¡ªto identify the sacrifices, to choose their own, and to choose a Pure One."

    "Why do you call me a pure one? Is that the¡­ virgin thing?" she said, and her scent increased as the blood rushed to her cheeks. Reth wanted to stroke them.

    "In part," he said, his voice rough. "The Anima are originally descended from humans¡ªyou hold a fascination for us. Our races are¡­ cousins, I think you would call them. We call you the pure ones because your bloodlines were neverbined with anything else. Your race is pure. But yes, the human sacrifice must also be untouched. Never mated. And without family ties. So their disappearance will cause the least amount of concern."

    She shifted her weight and he could feel her disapproval. "This idea that just because I don''t have family I won''t be missed¡­ you don''t understand the human life very well," she muttered through her teeth.

    He sighed. He knew it better than she thought. But he also knew there was little point in arguing. The real problem was that the Anima didn''t value human rtionships¡ªbelieved them shallow and confused. To which there was some truth, in Reth''s experience. But the Anima simply didn''t understand that rtionships developed over time, by choice, had a unique vor of intimacy the Anima had never experienced, because their very existence was so automatically intimate¡ªand established at birth.

    Reth cursed under his breath and ran his free hand through his hair. "I can''t possibly exin all of it now, but I will. I promise. The thing you need to know is that you were chosen by the wolves. Because their power has grown amongst the tribes during my reign, they were viewed as the strongest tribe. So their elders were given the choice for the human sacrifice. I had nothing to do with it. I didn''t know you''d be there when I walked into that clearing, you have to know that, Elia."

    "Okay," she said, sounding confused.

    "I think¡­ I think they were deceptive in their choice," he said.

    "How?"

    "They were supposed to find the strongest bloodline, the best warrior, the best candidate among the humans for our queen. But the truth is, a human sacrifice hasn''t won the Rite for twenty generations. Your kind are generally much weaker than ours. And taken by surprise. The wolves¡­ I believe they attempted to bring someone to the Rite that they measured as an easy target¡ªsomeone their sacrifice could defeat quickly. They didn''t anticipate your intelligence. Or your willingness to truly sacrifice. A Rite hasn''t ended in a Ruler''s choice in even longer¡ªperhaps almost fifty generations. But even if the wolves had known that wasing, I don''t think they believed I would choose you. We Anima are a touch arrogant when ites to our bloodlines¡ªand the weakness of the human warriors. They believed you would die quickly and without a fight. And even if you didn''t, I think they believed I would have killed you, rather than mate you."

    "Wait, what?!" she gasped.

    Reth swallowed. "Last night, when you and Lucine were the finalbatants, by the terms of the Rite, one of you had to kill the other. If you both refused, or were unable to fight, I should have killed one of you myself, and mated the other. But with Lucine defeated¡ªbut not dead¡­ you shamed her, Elia. I know you didn''t mean to. I understand your heart in it¡ªand I apud you for it. But our people don''t understand. To them, death at the hands of an enemy is an honorable way to die. In our culture, if you meet an enemy in battle, the only time you would refuse to kill would be if they were incapable. There is no honor in killing a child. Or someone who is mentally touched. To refuse to kill in our culture is to say that there''s something wrong with the other Anima. By refusing to kill Lucine¡ªwho would have killed you without thought¡ªyou told her people that there was something wrong with her that made her an unequal opponent. The Anima know that wasn''t true¡ªso it was an offense to the wolf tribe."

    Elia looked at him in horror.

 Chapter 38: A Hard Night - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 38:A Hard Night - Part 3</h4>

    RETH

    Elia''s mouth dropped open. "I didn''t know!"

    He squeezed her hand. "I know that¡ªand most of the tribes know it too, even if they don''t agree. But this is where the responsibility is mine: It was my choice, you see. With Lucine knocked out, my choice was to kill you¡ªand dere her the Queen, removing any doubt amongst the Anima of her strength and capability¡ªor to mate you. Which left her alive, but shamed. And¡­ I chose you."

    Elia blinked. "That''s why the wolves keep following me and¡­ that''s why they''re so angry."

    She nodded. "Everywhere I''d go today, I''d turn around and find some guy watching me¡ªlike they were guarding me, or following me. Candace said they were from the wolf tribe. She said they were angry about Lucine and watching me for mistakes. But I didn''t realize¡­"

    "The same male every time, or different ones?"

    "A lot of different ones," she said. "I didn''t realize they were connected until Candace told me."

    "Those vicious, evil bastards," Reth cursed, raking a hand through his hair again. "It''s treason to threaten the Queen!" His hand tightened on hers.

    "They didn''t threaten. They were just¡­ watching me. ring."

    Reth snorted without humor. "And the tribes allowed it. This is worse than I thought," he muttered.

    "What? What''s wrong?"

    Reth blinked and realized he was frightening her. He squeezed her hand gently and her fingers tightened on his. "Don''t worry. I''ll handle it."

    "But, what''s wrong?"

    "I knew the tribes were unhappy that our mating was still uncertain, but I never imagined they''d allow a threat against you¡ª"

    "What threat? They didn''t say anything. They were just watching me."

    Reth sighed. "Wolves are predators. Pack hunters. They stalk their prey in groups. Confuse them. Turn them around¡ªand wait until they can separate them from den or herd. Then they attack." Reth growled. "If they watched you all day today, they made a very clear deration to the rest of the Tribes of their intentions towards you. And no one stopped them." He shuddered with rage. Elia swallowed audibly, and he remembered himself again. "Don''t worry, Elia, I will protect you. We shut down all their attempts to undermine me today. I just hadn''t realized they were attacking you directly. Tomorrow¡­ Tomorrow I''ll take care of it. Do not worry. I will allow no harm toe to you."

    Elia stared at him in the dark, her breath picking up. At first he thought she was just afraid, but then something else twined into her scent and he snapped his head to look at her. Measure her. Her desire.

    She swallowed again, then said quietly, "That woman was right."

    "Which one?" his voice was hoarse.

    "The one who kept holding onto youst night."

    Reth let himself chuckle. "That was Judhay. She''s a dear friend. Her aggressionst night was all show."

    Elia shook her head. "No, it wasn''t. She might not have wanted you for herself, but there are some things between women that are no different here or at home. I noticed itst night: She was protective of you. She wants the best for you. She wants you to be happy. She was afraid I wasn''t going to give you that," Elia said. She sounded uncertain¡ªnot of the truth of her words, but of what they meant for her.

    "Then she was wrong," Reth said simply. He lifted his free hand tob Elia''s hair back from her face so it hung behind her shoulder.

    "No, she wasn''t. At least¡­ she said you''re a good man. That if I didn''t appreciate that, other women here would. She was right."

    Reth''s breath came faster, uncertain of her meaning. "Right about what?"

    "She was right that you''re good," Elia breathed. "And I can''t exin it, Reth. I don''t know how it happened¡­ but I don''t want to lose you to one of them."

    He''d leaned in without thinking, her scent drawing him. He cupped her face and stared into her eyes. "You won''t," he said softly.

    Her breath caught and she leaned closer too until their noses almost brushed. For a moment he thought she would kiss him and his entire being lit up. She licked her lips and swallowed and he silently pleaded with her to cross that final inch between them¡ªyearned for her to do it. The choice had to be hers!

    But instead, she searched his eyes. "How can you be so sure? I''ve done nothing to earn this loyalty from you¡ªyou saved me yesterday. Made me Queen instead of killing me! And upset an entire tribe to do it¡ªI don''t understand, Reth. Why?"

    "Because I want you," he admitted. "I want you the way I''ve never wanted anyone¡ªAnima or human¡ªbefore. Ever."

    He brushed her cheek with his thumb and sighed, his breath washing over her. She inhaled and his spear of desire was reflected in her eyes. She leaned in closer and started to close her eyes. But Reth, cursing himself for a fool, stopped her.

    "And because I will always be grateful to you, Elia."

    She hesitated, blinking. "For what?"

    Reth steeled himself. He had to tell her. She had toe to him knowing the full truth. He knew that. He sent up a hasty prayer to the Creator that she''d believe him, and started talking.

    *****

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 Chapter 39: Our History - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 39:Our History - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    "Reth?" she said, her voice too high. "Grateful for what?"

    He sighed heavily and sat back so there was more room between them. Inside she cursed¡ªhe''d been about to kiss her!¡ªbut that feeling inside her was churning again. As if she''d been here before. As if she''d seen him in the dark before.

    "Reth, what''s going on?"

    He still held her hand, and his fingers trailed up and down under her wrist, lighting shivers and goosebumps up her arm. It wasn''t fair, really, that he could make her tingle just by touching her so lightly. So she pulled her hand away so she could focus.

    Even in the dark she could see his silhouette. His shoulders sagged.

    "Elia, there''s a reason the wolves chose you."

    "Yes, but there are many weak, virginal orphans in the human world. They looked for you personally because they knew it would unsettle me."

    She frowned. "Why?"

    Reth ran a hand through his hair, then his shadow lifted as he got to his feet and stepped down onto the floor. Elia didn''t move, but she pulled the furs closer around her, suddenly cold.

    "When I was a child, there was a battle for the crown. My father''s," he said. "I was only eight years old and I hadn''t reached physical adolescence. I was a weak point in their armor. They feared our enemies would use me against them. So¡­ they sent me to the human world with a guardian to keep me safe. To hide me from the Anima until the mutiny was defeated. They thought it would be a few months. It was almost two years."

    He swallowed and wed his hand through his hair again. "It was a very difficult time for me," he said. "Anima live in family groups, especially when there are still young in the home. I was used to being surrounded by people I knew and who would help me, teach me. To be suddenly nted in this cold, distant world, with only two teachers and¡­ the customs were very different. I was old enough to know I must not tell people what I was¡ªnot show them the differences between us. But I wasn''t yet old enough to truly understand the differences. Or the impact my instincts would have on humans. I was¡­ noticeably different. I frightened people, though they didn''t know why."

    He stopped pacing and turned to face her. "Except one person. One girl. A neighbor. She shared my love for animals. She was two years younger than me, and still interested in games¡ªshe would pretend to be animals and in an odd way¡­ itforted me. She always admired how well I could mimic animals. The sounds I could make. She didn''t question my instincts, she admired them. And when others became suspicious or ufortable¡­ she defended me. Even to her own parents."

    No. It couldn''t be. Elia''s mouth dropped open. "Gareth?!" she said in a strangled voice.

    He nodded. "A few weeks before I left the human world¡ªI was ten, by this time, and she was eight¡ªthere was an¡­ incident. We were ying in the forest behind our homes. Just the two of us, as usual, because the other children didn''t like to be around me. I frightened them. But that day we weren''t alone in the forest. But she didn''t know that. She didn''t know that I always scented other living things when we were ying¡ªalways. Usually just wildlife, or the asional dog. But that day, I smelled humans. Males. Older than us, though still adolescents themselves. They watched her. And I could hear their whispers. I knew what they wanted to do¡ªthough I was still too young to understand why. I could smell the predator in them. And the desire. I heard how they nned to split us up. So I grabbed her arm and pulled her out of there, despite her protests. She didn''t understand, and I was too immature to exin¡ªin Anima, when someone warns you, you understand their instincts and follow. Assume they have scented something you have not. But she fought me, and it made me angry because I was trying to save her from the youths.

    "But I was about to hit my own maturity season. I was far stronger than her. So I ignored her fighting and pulling, and just dragged her out. By the time we got to the backyard of my home, she was crying. I''d taken her there because I knew my guardians would help¡ªwould go find the youths and make sure they didn''t harm anyone. But she was so upset, she started screaming at me, calling me names, using me of hurting her. And she was holding the wrist I''d used to pull her out.

    "I hadn''t realized. I''d been so afraid for her, and frustrated that she fought me¡­ I had almost¡­ I''d left cuts on her wrist with my nails." He swallowed.

    Elia''s head spun. This was a side of the story she''d never known.

    "I''ve always been an Alpha, even back then. I was often aggressive andmanding¡ªI''d been raised to rule. But humans don''t appreciate that in a child. She was used to me ordering her around, but I was usually gentle. I''d never hurt her. She''d always been able to tell that to people when they voiced their suspicions of me. She was¡­ proud of me. Of my strength. And the fact that I''d never used it against her."

    He turned then, and his eyes seemed to glow in the darkness as they met hers. The intensity in his gaze stole Elia''s breath.

    "She ran home crying and her parents came to my guardians that evening. They¡­ set boundaries. We were never to be alone again. She was never to be at our house, and I would only be allowed at hers when the parents were there to supervise. The cuts on her wrist weren''t deep, but they bled. She stood, red-eyed, next to them, her little wrist wrapped in a white bandage that made my nose wrinkle because it had a very sharp smell."

    "The iodine," she breathed.

    He nodded. "But her parents thought I was making faces¡ªthat I disrespected them. I''d beenpletely unaware of how I looked. I''d only been trying to scent if she was okay. I tried to exin about the youths, but my guardians¡ªunderstanding better than me at that young age that humans would never believe I''d known the ns of people we never even saw¡ªinterrupted me and made apologies for me.

    "To say that angered me is¡­ an understatement. I was confused by the entire episode. I''d been working to help her, to protect her. Why was everyone acting like I''d done something wrong? Like I''d hurt her? I cared about her¡ªand I knew she cared about me. She was the only person in the human world I could confidently say that about. To see her crying and using me¡­ to see her unable to meet my eyes¡­ it frightened me. I didn''t want to lose her. But I was also arrogant and angry. I knew I''d done the right thing. I couldn''t understand why no one else saw that." He swallowed hard.

    "It blew over, mostly. But the rules remained. We were never alone. So I could never exin. I missed her a great deal. Before, we had yed together every day when she returned home from school. But often now her parents said no, or only allowed us to y for an hour¡ªand never outside. I struggled to stay always between the cramped, unnatural walls of human houses. So¡­ sometimes I didn''t go to her anymore. Sometimes I went into the forest on my own." He paused and took a deep breath. "But I always wished she was there."

 Chapter 40: Our History - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 40:Our History - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    Their eyes met again and Elia swallowed, her breath catching. "You never told me¡ª"

    "I didn''t know how," he said simply. "I still hadn''t really understood the differences between Human and Anima. I still thought you were being stubborn, refusing to believe I''d tried to help you. It hurt me that you''d believe I wanted to hurt you. My pride was wounded¡­" He looked away then, down at his own hands. "Then there was the night your parents fought. About me."

    "I tried," she gasped. "I tried to tell them¡ªI knew you wouldn''t hurt me again. And I missed you."

    He nodded, but his eyes, still alight with that odd glow, only flicked up to meet hers, then he dropped them again. "I didn''t understand them. I''d never heard your family shout like that before. I thought you were in danger¡­"

    She brought her hands up to her mouth, suddenly seeing that night so differently.

    "When I went to your window that night it was to make sure you were okay. That they weren''t harming you. I could hear you crying and I was worried."

    "I knew you just wanted to talk. But when my father found you at my window¡ª"

    "He called me a pervert. I didn''t know what that meant for years. When I found out it made me sick."

    "I always knew he was wrong about that, Gareth. I did."

    He nodded, his eyes glowing even brighter.

    Elia couldn''t believe it was him. Couldn''t believe he''de back for her. She''d always wondered what happened to him¡ªalways wished she could see him as an adult. She''d known he would be strong. Knew he wasn''t¡­ what her father had used him of. But she''d also wondered¡­ he was very different to the other children. She''d seen that even moreter, after he was gone, and she made other friends. Sometimes¡­ sometimes she''d wondered what was wrong with him.

    The thought made her sick to her stomach.

    She was about to throw herself off the bed and into his arms and plead with him to forgive her for questioning, when she blinked. Because¡­ he''d broken his promise. It had been hard for him, she could see that now. And it was forgiveable, she supposed. But¡­ "You never even left me a note," she said, the anguish of her eight-year-old self in her voice. "You just disappeared. I thought you were angry and¡ª"

    "No, Elia, no," he shushed her, stalking back to where she sat and kneeling in front of her again¡ªand now she knew. Now she could see. This was what he''d always done back then, too. He''d always been so much bigger than her. Whenever there was something they worked on together, he''d always brought himself down to her height, made himself smaller. It was what had tipped her memory the day before.

    It was, she realized, why she''d been so sure she could trust him. Something in her had known, even though she hadn''t recognized him. He was so much bigger now, so handsome, and¡­ so vital. When she looked at him now, it was almost impossible to reconcile this beast of a man with that child.

    He put a hand on her knee and stared up at her. "The timing was unfortunate," he said quietly, his eyes pleading. "Right after that night when your father found me at your window, my parents called for us to return to Anima. We''d known it would happen soon¡ªit''s one reason I was so determined to spend time with you while I could. I was a child being groomed to be King. I didn''t know¡­ I thought my father ruled all worlds. I''d actually written him and asked him to order your parents to allow you to return to Anima with us."

    She gasped and pped her hands to her mouth, half in delight, and half sad for the child who''d been so na?ve. "I didn''t even know about this ce."

    "I wanted to tell you. I''d even practiced writing down what I would say. But my guardians found it. Then there was the fight with your father, then my father said safety had returned. They made the decision to get me out of there without warning so I wouldn''t risk sharing our secrets with you. I¡­ was very angry."

    A shiver rocked through him and his fingers tightened on her knee.

    "I knew, I think, even back then," he said, his eyes on where his hand touched her. "I was too young to understand what it meant, what it would be. But something in me knew that you were the one for me," he breathed, awed. Then he looked up at her, a question in his eyes.

    Elia''s eyes widened, emotions chasing themselves through her so she could barely keep them safe.

    She''d felt the same, if she was honest. She''d never met anyone who made her feel morefortable, or safe, than her little friend Gareth. She''d been so angry when he left. She felt betrayed. And that colored her memories. She''d told herself he was a strange boy, and she was lucky he disappeared.

    Her father had always reminded her of those events when he questioned her judgment¡ªhis proof that she was too trusting. To innocent to know what the world might do to her. And his insistence had made her question.

    But then again¡­ then again¡­

    "You should have told me. You should have told me thisst night, Gareth! Hell, you should have told me before they even put me in that clearing!"

    Reth stared into her eyes. "I didn''t know, Elia. I swear. I had no idea you''d be therest night until I walked and saw you¡­ scented you¡­" he said. She blinked. He had to be lying. Surely? But he held her gaze unwavering, his fingers warm on her thigh. "Please, Elia," he whispered.

    She almost gave in to it, almost leaned in to take his beautiful face¡ªthen she remembered. "But¡­ I asked you. I asked you outright at breakfast! I asked you if we''d met before because I kept getting this feeling¡­ like d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Like I''d been with you before. I asked you, Gareth!"

    He dropped his head to her knee and she pushed him off, scrambling up from the bed, careful to keep the furs wrapped tightly around herself.

    *****

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 Chapter 41: Our History - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 41:Our History - Part 3</h4>

    ELIA

    Reth sighed. "Elia, I couldn''t tell you this in the middle of the Market with everyone around¡ªthey''d have heard. None of them knew¡ª"

    "If they didn''t know, then you must have been the one to bring me here!"

    "No," he was on his feet, following her as she darted around the floor, trying to find some kind of focus for this buzzing anger that threatened to choke her. "No, Elia, please. Listen to me. I knew how scared you were that night, I knew you needed to focus. And I knew you''d think that¡ªyou''d think that I''d bring you here and just throw you into this battle. I''d never do that to you. If I''d had any clue they wereing for you, I would have found a way to stop it. I didn''t think anyone knew about you except my parents and the guardians. It never even crossed my mind¡ª"

    "And yet, there I was! About to die. And you just¡­ stood there!"

    He stopped, mid-step, his shoulder heaving with his breath. "You don''t understand. The Rite¡ª"

    "I could have died!"

    "But you didn''t!"

    "Would you have stopped it?"

    He didn''t answer¡ªwhich was answer enough. Elia scoffed and turned away from him, pacing the floor next to the bed. "I can''t believe you just stood there while I¡ªpeople were dying, Gareth. Killing each other! They would have killed me!"

    He dropped his face into his hands. "I know. I was taken so off-guard. But you have to know, Elia, if I''d stepped in, they would have killed you anyway. And me as well. The wolves would have taken over. I knew all that. When I walked into the circle and saw you there, it wasn''t just shock. I grieved! I felt trapped. And¡­ it seemed inevitable. Then you survived and¡­"

    "And then you chose me."

    "Yes!"

    She shook her head. "After I got out. After I lucked out. Then you chose me."

    "No, Elia, no¡ªthe Creator made sure¡ª"

    "Bullshit. I see you, Reth. I see you power and your strength. I see the way people submit to you. And you want me to believe if you''d stepped in for me, they would have turned on you? I don''t buy it!"

    "Don''t buy it? They''re already turning on me¡ªand at least we finished the Rite!" he snarled. "You have no clue what I faced today because you turned me down!"

    "Turned you¡ªwhat are you talking about?"

    "You refused me! Youpleted the mating ceremony, then didn''t ept me¡ªand they all know it and now they think their King isn''t enough! That somehow I''m so weak that I can''t even tempt you into my bed after you dere yourself for me!"

    Elia stepped up to him. "What are you talking about?! You rejected me!"

    His eyes went wide. "Are you still high from the smoke? I kissed you! I carried you out! I brought you here and¡­ you just sat there! You didn''t want me!"

    "Are you crazy, Reth? I gave you every signal I knew how to give! I touched you and I looked at your mouth, and I leaned on your chest¡ªI did everything short of grabbing your ears and pulling you in myself! You treated me like I was a child who needed to go to bed!"

    "I treated you like the woman I love who had just been through something horrific! I put my own needs aside¡ª" he stabbed a finger at his own chest as he loomed over her "¡ªbecause I didn''t want to scare you!"

    "Then don''t lie and say I rejected you!"

    "You didn''t offer yourself¡ªand you said you were tired!"

    "Are you blind!" she shrieked. "I did offer myself, then I told you I was tired when you didn''t take me up on it because I was embarrassed!" She shoved his chest with her free hand and Reth froze.

    She stood in front of him, eyes aze, the fur wrapped around her like it was glued to her, her lips pressed to thin lines and her hand on his chest.

    She couldn''t move him, and it was the most frustrating feeling she''d ever had. He was so freaking big and strong, she couldn''t even rock him back on his heels.

    Then his hand came up to wrap around her wrist, gently, and he said her name, all anger gone from his tone. "Elia," he breathed.

    "Don''t! Don''t talk to me like I''m a child. I''m not a child, Gareth!"

    "Oh, I know that," he said in a deep, rich voice that made her stomach flutter. But she shoved the feeling down because she needed to be mad at him. "Listen to me, Elia, please. Just for a moment. I think I know what happened."

    She stopped shoving at his chest, but he didn''t let go of her wrist. His hand was warm and made her skin tingle. She swallowed and tugged at it until he opened his fingers and let her go, then she drew the hand back under the furs. She never took her eyes off his¡ªthat were glowing distinctly now. She swallowed. "What?" she said through her teeth.

    "I should have seen it. I''m sorry. I''m so sorry, Elia, you''re right. I should have found a way when I realized you were here. Just¡­ know that no part of me ever wanted you toe to harm. And I had nothing to do with bringing you here. But the moment I saw you¡­ I ached for you. You are a beautiful woman, and I want you the way I''ve never wanted anyone. Ever."

    She swallowed again and folded her arms under the furs, careful to keep them closed. "I''m listening," she said.

    He chuckled. "It''s culture shock," he said, almostughing again.

    "What?"

    "I forgot¡­ the human traditions. I remembered that choosing anding together were different for humans. I remembered that you had reason not to trust quickly. But I forgot¡­ I forgot about chivalry."

    Elia frowned. "What do you mean?"

    "Your signals. By Anima standards those are¡­ very subtle. Very. I''m sorry, but I didn''t recognize them."

    She blinked. She hadn''t thought of that. "So¡­ what would you have recognized?" she asked carefully.

    Rethughed. "How did you put it? Grabbing my ears and pulling me in?"

    "You''re joking, right?"

    "No, I''m not. Elia, understand, I know things are very different in the human world. But in Anima rape is virtually unheard of. The sexes rte differently here. If an Anima wishes to have another Anima we make it very in. But in the end, the choice is always the female''s¡ªeven for a King. We males make our intentions clear through demonstrations of our prowess and strength, ability to provide. When the females decide to ept us they¡­ offer themselves. Openly."

    "But what do the women do if the guy rejects them?"

    Reth frowned. "Why would I demonstrate my desire to mate you, then turn you down when you epted?"

    Elia snorted. "I believe they call it the thrill of the chase? I''d have thought that you predator people would be all over that," she said cynically.

    But Reth shook his head. "No. Elia I would never trick you about my feelings or desires. Any male that would do that to you isn''t only selfish, he is imbnced. He should be avoided. I would never do that. You understand that I could have virtually any female in Anima if I chose?" She folded her arms tighter and gave him a t look, so he hurried on. "By that I mean, when I chose you, I chose you knowingly. I chose you over all the others. I chose you because I wanted you more than I wanted anyone else. Ever. I mean it."

    "How could you possibly know that? We haven''t seen each other in, what? Fifteen years? More?"

    Reth gave a lopsided smile. "People grow up, but they don''t often change," he said softly. "I could smell you. I could feel you. Elia, you are only more of what you were as a child. When I saw you there, scented you, I knew the seedling had blossomed into a full tree. I gave myself willingly. I want no one else."

    "Then¡­ then why didn''t you kiss me when we got back here?"

    "Because I was waiting for you to kiss me. The choice is yours, dear one. And it always will be. I will nevere to you unwanted. You need never fear that."

    "But you weren''t unwanted, Reth," she said through her teeth. "That''s what I''m saying. You did turn me down. I was¡­ ready."

    A smile grew on Reth''s face and he stepped closer. "And now?" he breathed.

    Elia blinked. "Now, what?"

    "Are you still ready?"

    Elia sucked in a breath.

    *****

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 Chapter 42: Kissing the King

    <h4>Chapter 42:Kissing the King</h4>

    RETH

    He stared at her, staring up at him. Watched her throat bob. And by the Creator''s mane, he prayed.

    She stepped closer and one of her pale hands slid out from between the furs she''d kept around her like a shield. She put that hand to his bare chest and they both sucked in.

    "Reth?" she whispered into the dark.

    "Yes?" he whispered back, his hands at his sides, shaking because he was working so hard not to touch her, not to scare her away.

    "I''ve never been with a man before," she said, her voice shaking slightly.

    He swallowed. "I know."

    "I''m assuming you have¡ªwith a woman, I mean."

    The huff ofughter broke out of him before he could catch it, but he stifled it quickly. "Uh, yes, I have."

    She nodded and he heard her breath catch in her throat. Her slim, white throat that she bared as she lifted her chin to meet his eyes, her hand still on his chest. He wondered if she knew what that meant to him. Her scent was an intoxicating mix of desire, curiosity, and nerves.

    "So, since you''ve done this before, and I haven''t¡­ doesn''t it make sense that you show me? Instead of me leading, I mean."

    Reth''s breath left his lungs in a whoosh. The trust she showed. Especially for a human woman who knew males could vite. It was¡­ humbling.

    "Are you certain?" he breathed. "I don''t want to frighten you or¡­ do things you don''t enjoy."

    Her lips pressed together, but tilted up on the sides, like she was stifling a smile. "Well, I''m guessing you''ve figured some stuff out over the years and¡­ I trust you. Show me. If I don''t like it, I''ll tell you. And we can try something else."

    His chest rose and fell like a bellows. He put a hand to her face and she leaned her cheek into it. His fingers were shaking. Him! The King! She did things to him that he''d never experienced before¡ªand in innocence! How was it possible? "But how will I know, Elia?" he murmured, his voice pleading. "How will I know what you want?"

    Her eyes locked with his in the dark¡ªhe knew his were glowing now, the animal blood in him rising to the mating call¡­ no pun intended. "If I don''t say no," she whispered, "then the answer''s yes."

    A shudder rocked him. "Are you certain?"

    She blew out a breath and stepped up to stand between his massive feet, so her chest almost brushed his abdomen. The hand she''d had on his chest slid up to cup his neck, then the other came up to his corbone as she dropped the fur.

    Reth groaned as the fur slid down her curves like water over thend. She tensed, aware of her nakedness in a way an Anima female would never be. But as Reth scented her fear, he also scented her demand¡ªand her desire. She raised her chin and met his gaze defiantly as she said, "I''ve never been more certain of anything in my life."

    "By the Creator''s Light, Elia¡ª" he groaned as he finally released the tethers he''d held on himself since the moment he saw her in the circle. He closed the space between their bodies, pulling her into his chest and tilting her chin to meet his kiss in the same movement.

    With a rolling purr of approval, Reth tilted her head for a better angle and let his lips trail over hers so lightly at first, a feather touch. Then, when she didn''t pull away, he dove deeper, burying his hands in her hair and sliding his tongue against hers.

    She clung to his neck and shoulders, her breathing quickly, kissing him back with surprising skill.

    He let his fingertips trail down her spine and she rippled under his touch in a way that made him want to roar. The beast within him fought for release and he battled it back, keeping his touches gentle and whisper-light, giving her time to find her desire and lose her fear.

    But he was already trembling with the desire for her. His nose full of her scent, his ears full of her breath, of the tiny whimpers that escaped her throat, his touch full of her skin, the rest of the world tunneled to nothing except her.

    Slowly, slowly he nudged her backwards, step by step, without breaking the kiss, still stroking her skin, until they reached the sleeping tform. But before he could lean down to lift her, she dropped her head back and whispered his name, "Reth!"

    Her pure, white throat was bare and open to him and it almost brought him to his knees.

    He''d had women, yes. And he''d had a wonderful time. But never once had a woman given him her throat like that.

    Shocked to the core, Reth stared down at her, then brought one of his hands up, using two fingers to trace the line from her jaw, down the cord of her neck, to her corbone. Azy growl rolled in his throat as he leaned down to taste her skin there, kissing, licking, then letting his teeth scrape her vicle.

    And she buried her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer.

    Her scent was round and full, musky with her heat and the mating call swelled in his throat. "Oh, fuck, Elia," he groaned. "Are you sure? I can''t¡­ if you need to stop¡ª"

    "Please don''t stop," she gasped, goosebumps pebbling her skin from his touch at her throat, all the way down to her thigh. He let his hand trail down between her breasts, then to her waist, following the trail of them, until he cupped her behind and kissed her neck, right under her ear, and another growl puttered in his throat.

    *****

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 Chapter 43: What He Was Looking For

    <h4>Chapter 43:What He Was Looking For</h4>

    RETH

    Her hands were everywhere, following the lines of his shoulders, his arms, his chest. She was panting, her shoulders rising and falling too fast as she clung and stroked and pulled him closer.

    Thanking the Creator he''d undressed before this conversation started, he leaned down then, putting one hand behind her knees, the other at her back, and lifted her effortlessly. She squeaked as he did it, but he just chuckled and kissed her again. By the time he''d climbed the tforms toy her down on his furs, she was liquid in his arms.

    He kissed her a breath longer, before he would let her go. She arched into him, her breasts pressing into his chest as she clung to him and he breathed her name again.

    How had he been so blind? He, the King, whose senses were so sharp. How had he missed it?

    This¡­ This was what he''d been looking for all this time.

    Her.

    And praise the Creator¡­ as heid her down on the plush furs of his bed it was very, very apparent that she wanted him back just as badly. He tried to speak, but had to clear his throat when nothing came out. "Elia, are you sure?"

    "Reth, please," she gasped, but her hands were over her face. He''did her down and then knelt between her thighs, taking a moment just to look at her. She was smiling, but feeling self-conscious. "Please," she whispered, reaching for him, pulling him down. And he went willingly, purring as he stroked her, covered her with his body, arched over her to kiss her again and prepare her for the joining.

    This was going to hurt her, which he regretted. He had to make sure she was ready. So he kissed her a great deal, letting his lips and tongue trace trails along her jaw, her neck, her corbones. Letting his fingers stroke her breasts, her sides, the backs of her thighs.

    She panted, and gasped, and began to roll under him, clearly searching for something, though perhaps unaware of what it was.

    Then, as he slid his hand down to her softest, warmest ces, and began to stroke and nudge, finding the rhythm that soon made her gasp and cry out, his breath began to tear from his own throat, his kisses lost their finesse.

    Pulling back just far enough to get his hand between them, he took himself in hand and slid along her once, then twice, not entering her, but letting her get used to the feel of him. "Reth! Oh!" she gasped.

    And then she rolled her hips to meet him.

    A cry that was half-groan, half-roar broke from his throat. The Beast inside him snarling to be unleashed. He was terrified he''d scare her, but she just clung to him harder and gasped his name again.

    Beating back the Lion inside, he forced himself to focus. "Elia," he croaked, "it''s time." He swallowed convulsively. "This will hurt, I''m so sorry¡ª"

    "Don''t be," she cried. "Oh, please, Reth, I want you. Please."

    He buried his nose in the space where her neck met her shoulder and used his hand between them to make sure he was positioned correctly. "I love you, Elia," he whispered, nipping her neck. "I''ve loved you since I was a cub. Are you ready to belong to me?"

    "Yes!"

    He took a deep breath¡ª

    ¡ªjust as the door behind them burst open and Behryn shouted, "Reth, you have to¡ªoh, shit!"

    He whirled in a sh, putting himself on all fours, blocking the view of Elia with his body, snarling at the intruders, his body jolted with the shock and the thwarted release. A roar tore out of him, and Behryn and the four men with him all dropped to one knee, faces to the floor, hands up in surrender.

    Reth shuddered, his body in a turmoil of conflicting desires¡ªthe urge to plunge into Elia, the battle to protect her, the rage at these males for the shock of their arrival, and a bloodlust to bite out each of their throats for being so close to his female when she was so vulnerable.

    Elia made little noise, but she scrabbled behind him to find furs to cover herself as he shook with rage at the men.

    "Get OUT!" he roared.

    "I''m sorry, Reth," Behryn said in a tone that inly wished he could do anything but be there, speaking. "But you''re needed. Now."

 Chapter 44: It Takes a King

    <h4>Chapter 44:It Takes a King</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    When the men burst in making all that noise and Reth''s weight and warmth disappeared, her first feeling was utter terror¡ªshe was about to be killed, torn apart by these people. But very quickly it became clear that the men were looking for Reth¡ªwho wasn''t taking kindly to being interrupted.

    Then Elia plunged into horror, bone-deep embarrassment. She scrambled to find furs to cover herself as Reth roared at the men and they all dropped in the face of his rage, clearly trying to keep him calm, but also deliver whatever message they hade to give.

    Elia, blushing to her roots, managed to pull one of the furspletely around herself, then sat up. Reth was still crouched on the bed between her and the door, a strange noise in his throat¡ªlike a growl, only higher. It was menacing and the men in front of him didn''t move.

    "Reth, I''m sorry. I''m so sorry," Behryn said quietly, his hands up, palms facing Reth. "But¡­ you need to calm down. Come back. We won''t hurt her. I promise."

    Reth shuddered and kept making that eerie noise. The muscles on his back jumped and twitched in odd ways, and she wondered exactly what was happening in his mind as he continued to make that noise, but not speak. Then he snorted, and Behryn startled, but didn''t move, and still didn''t make eye-contact with Reth. "We won''t hurt her, Reth. We won''t even look at her. Come back, brother. She''s safe."

    Come back? Come back from where? Had he gone into some kind of trance or something from the shock?

    "Reth?" she said quietly and reached for his back.

    But Reth just quivered where she touched him, then rxed. Slowly, slowly he turned his head from the men in front of him, around to stare at her over his shoulder.

    Elia''s eyes widened and she gasped. His eyes werepletely yellow and the pupils ck pinpoints in the sea of gold that was near-white at the center, but a beautiful rich gold at the edges. And yet¡­ there was no white in them. At all.

    "Reth¡­ what¡­?"

    Then he blinked, and his normal, warm eyes stared back at her and her wide open mouth.

    "Reth?" she breathed.

    "I''m sorry if I scared you. Are you okay?" he rasped, his voice husky and dry as if he''d been shouting for hours.

    "I-I''m fine. Are you okay?" He huffed a breath out of his nose. "I will be," he said dryly. "After I kill my men for walking in here like that."

    Behryn and the others, still looking wary, got to their feet, their shoulders slumped, as Reth turned back to them, apparently unconcerned about crouching naked in front of them.

    "What are you doing here?" he snarled at his friend. "Unannounced."

    "I''m sorry, Reth¡ªtruly¡ªbut the patrols scouted a lone male a week ago and they''ve been tracking him. He crossed into Wildwood yesterday, and has apparently picked up the scent of the females. He''s been on a direct line for the city since lunchtime."

    "Couldn''t they deal with him?" Reth said through his teeth.

    But Behryn shook his head. "He''s huge. The biggest we''ve seen. And afterst time¡­"

    "Yes, yes," Reth grumbled, shifting to sit on the edge of the tform, though one of his hands remained back, sped gently on Elia''s ankle. He stroked the thin skin there with his thumb and Elia had to hide a shiver. Everyone was silent for a moment and she realized the men were waiting for Reth to make a decision. "Very well," he snarled, though he was clearly in a foul mood about it. "Wait outside. I''ll be out in a few minutes."

    "Sire," Behryn said, bowing. It was the first time Elia had seen him so formal with Reth. What had she missed? What was going on?

    The men all backed out of the room, then disappeared down the hall.

    Reth sighed a huge lungful of air and his shoulders sagged. His thumb kept its slow slide over her ankle. She didn''t move, uncertain what was wrong with Reth.

    "Are you¡­ okay?" she asked finally.

    Reth ran both hands over his face and muttered something under his breath. "Yes. I will be," he said, but his voice sounded thinner than usual. "It was just a shock, that''s all."

    She nodded, but realizing that he couldn''t see her, reached forward to put her hand to his broad back. When she touched him, Reth sighed again, then turned to crawl back up onto the furs, though he didn''t press her down into them, just sat next to her, cupping her face, his thumb sliding against her cheek. "I am so sorry we were interrupted," he growled.

    "You and me both," she said and grinned, which she hoped would bring some of his softness and humor back. There was something about him that was¡­sharper than usual. Darker. "Are you sure you''re okay?"

    He nodded and turned to look at the doorway where the men had disappeared. "For Anima, the moment of mating is¡­ instinctive. The fact that they interrupted¡ªit took me a moment to get myself under control. My instinct was to protect my mate," he said with a wry smile. "I probably just shaved five years off Behryn''s life. He could see how close I was to attacking."

    "You wouldn''t attack him, surely?" she said, touching his chest. He shivered and his eyes closed for a moment, then he took her hand in his. "That feels wonderful," he croaked. "But I have to go¡­ think. And be useful to people. That''s hard to do when I''m a walking erection." He grinned and kissed her fingers.

    Elia smiled back. "How long will you be gone? Should I wait up?"

    Reth''s smile became a grimace and he bared his teeth. "Sadly, no. This may take a few days."

    "Days?!" she gasped. "But¡ª"

    "I know," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "But make no mistake, Elia. I''m going to take care of this as quickly as I can. And when Ie back¡­" He let his eyes make a promise.

    "I''ll be waiting," she said, letting her fingers curl into the stubble on his jaw.

    He nodded. "I hope so. There is much I wish to teach you." His grin was wicked as he leaned in to kiss her, long and slow¡ªso slowly that Elia wondered if perhaps he''d changed his mind about leaving. But as her skin began to hum again, and her breath came faster, he pulled away, groaning, as if losing contact hurt him.

    "Will you really be gone for days?" she asked.

    "I promise you, on my own throbbing member, it will be as few of hours as I can manage," he said. Then he sighed. "But yes¡­ the animal we have to intercept is more than a day''s travel away. It will be at least three days. Possibly longer if we struggle to locate him, or if he puts up a greater fight than we anticipate."

    "Why do you have to go hunt an animal? Don''t you have people to do that kind of thing for you?"

    He smiled azy smile. "Normally, yes. But this is an issue of dominance. It takes a King to bring another King to submission."

    Elia blinked. "What kind of animal are you hunting?"

    "A lion, of course," he said, and winked.

    "Reth!"

    "Don''t worry, we''ve done it before, and we''ll do it again. We leave them alone until they create a threat¡ªbut if he''s alone and he''s scented our females, he won''t leave unless a more dominant male makes sure he knows they aren''t his to take."

    "And¡­ you''re the more dominant male?"

    "Yes, I am," he whispered, and kissed her again.

 Chapter 45: Losing Control

    <h4>Chapter 45:Losing Control</h4>

    RETH

    After more kisses and a groaning goodbye, Reth dressed, packed a travel roll, and made his way out of the Cave, every muscle in him pulling him back, towards Elia. He was still twitching from the shock of having the mating interrupted, his skin feeling all at once, too loose, and too tight. He wanted to growl, he wanted to roar, and he wanted to run back to the cave and lock the door and plunge into Elia.

    Sometimes being King sucked.

    Behryn waited for him in the clearing, talking quietly with the other Leonine men he''d brought for the hunt. The moon was high and almost full, the light as bright as daylight to Reth''s eyes. He made a quick scan of the clearing checking that the Equine guards remained with their backs to the cave, watching the forest around them. He hated leaving Elia¡ªbut he hated the idea of someoneing after her while he was gone even more.

    "Make sure the guards take shifts while she''s here," Reth said to Behryn as he joined the men. "I don''t want her unattended any moment she''s alone, and I don''t want sleepy men making mistakes."

    Behryn nodded, but Reth looked back at the cave and frowned. He''d never required guards on his own home before, but the fact that he didn''t feelfortable lifting it while he was gone told him how serious the situation was. "You''re certain I''m necessary for this?" he said, rolling his shoulders and stretching his neck. His damned skin wanted to shift, and he didn''t want to give up the mental space to fight it.

    Behryn scowled and pulled him aside, away from the other men. Reth gave his full focus to his Second. Behryn didn''t pull him out of bed for nothing, and he didn''t try to keep a conversation private for fun.

    "What is it?" He asked.

    Behryn gave him a t look. "I''m certain you''re needed for this¡ªthe one youngs don''t have the strength of character yet¡ªbut I''m also certain you''re about as erratic as a colt feeling his oats right now. What the hell was that, Reth?"

    Reth red at him out from under heavy brows. "You need me to exin it to you, Behr?"

    "I need you to tell me why I just saw my King almost take beast form without a choice. I haven''t seen you do that since your first mating."

    Reth snorted. "Damn, I''d forgotten about that."

    "I''m serious, Reth. What''s going on?"

    "What''s going on is that I was about to take my mate for the first time, and four men busted down my door while my mate was unprotected. You want to try it, Behr, and see how steady you feel in the moment?"

    But Behryn wasn''t going to give in. "I''ve seen you under every kind of stress and pressure for thest decade, Reth. I''ve never seen you fight for control like that. Your eyes shifted."

    "It''s just the mating bond wearing on me. I''m sure after I get to enjoy my mate, and she gets to enjoy me, it''ll pass."

    "Well that''s not going to happen while you''re on the trail."

    "No, it''s not. Your timing was impable, my friend," Reth tried to joke, but he grimaced against another ripple in his back and had to tip his head.

    Behryn sighed. "Maybe we dy a day and let you guys¡ª"

    "You are not about to tell me you just interrupted us for something that doesn''t need immediate attention?" Reth snarled.

    Behryn stared at him. "No. I''m about to tell you I think you''re in a lot more trouble than you think if you don''t get this under control, and I''m measuring which risk is greater: Letting a Silent One reach the females, or letting my King loose to be one Himself."

    Reth rolled his eyes, but he was still twitching and trying to hide it from his friend. "I can''t think of a better way to blow off some steam than to go head to head with a big Silent One. It''ll be nice to smack something and not have to hold back."

    "Unless, of course, you lose control and we lose you."

    "Behryn, please. The chances of me going that deep are so small¡ª"

    "Yeah, I heard you the first time," he grumbled, hiking the travel roll higher on his shoulder. "It was bad, I get it. But like I said, there''s nothing we can do about it now. You guys killed the mood, well and truly. And besides, I don''t want to rush that. It''s her first time."

    Behryn stared at him for a long moment, then inhaled deeply and raised an eyebrow. "Her scent is following you," he said. "Interesting."

    Reth shrugged as if it was a response, but really he was trying to get to the itch between his shoulder des. "I told you it would just take time. Before we go, tell me what you''re seeing in the wolves¡ªif I''m gone¡­ are we leaving the people vulnerable?"

    "I don''t think so," Behryn said, scanning the forest around them. "You''re off saving the world and the people love you for it. No one''s forgotten that Silent One from a few years back. If the wolves try to talk you down while you''re doing that, they''ll meet a lot of arguments, I think¡­ As long as we keep a good guard on Elia. She''s the only weak spot."

    Reth growled in his throat and Behryn nodded. "Don''t let her out of Warrior sight."

    "It''s a little tough when you don''t want her to know that we''re following her, but we''ll do our best. She won''t be alone and unguarded, you can be certain of that."

    Reth nodded and pped his friend on the back. "Thank you. Okay, the sooner I take care of this guy, the sooner I''ll get back and we can sort all of this out. Which direction is he?"

    "When the scouts left he was three days East. But he''d only just caught the scent, so he''ll be travelling faster now."

    Reth growled again and beckoned to the other Leonine toe closer. "We better get moving then. Thank you, Behryn. And don''t worry, dominance is what I do best," he grinned. Behryn rolled his eyes.

    "That''s exactly what I''m afraid of."

 Chapter 46: Lonely Girl

    <h4>Chapter 46:Lonely Girl</h4>

    ELIA

    Breakfast the next morning was a lonely affair, up on the podium without Reth. Candace was kind enough to sit next to her, but she had her sister with her and the two cackled and chirped their way through the meal. Elia didn''t feel right interrupting.

    When she was done eating she got up and realized she had nowhere to go except back to the Cave. She sighed. Maybe she should just walk around and see things?

    When she turned to see if there was a discreet way to get off the stage and onto the streets without walking past the whole kingdom down at the tables, she noticed Candace''s sister''s nostrils re. Then she turned and looked at Elia with a strange expression.

    Do I smell? Elia wondered. She''d been careful to wash herself down in the bathing room off the bedroom each morning. But it wasn''t like taking a shower¡ªor a bath, she supposed. She needed to find out where the anima bathed. How they bathed.

    She turned towards the stairs down to the eating area, but Candace caught her arm, a strange look on her face. "Good morning, Elia," she said quietly. "Eventful night?"

    Elia blinked. "Uh, yes. Oh shit, did they tell people?" she hissed.

    Candace shook her head. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. I can just smell¡­ it''s odd. It''s as if Reth''s scent follows you. They aren''t twisted together as mates usually are. But¡­ he''s on you, somehow. I''ve never smelled that before." She leaned in and took a deep breath near Elia''s hair.

    Elia tried not to pull away. This sniffing thing was definitely odd. But she saw Anima doing it to each other all the time. She had to remember, it was normal for them. When Candace pulled back, she was shaking her head. "Very curious," she said. "What must have happened? It''s as if the mating bond began to take, but then¡­ didn''t?"

    The woman shrugged. "Sure. I''ll show you the bathing hole if you like?"

    "Perfect! Kill two birds with one stone."

    Candace pulled her head away. "What was that?"

    Elia pped her hand over her mouth. "I''m so sorry. It''s just¡­ it''s a saying. It just means, getting two things done through only one action¡ªI promise. It''s not¡­ it''s not about killing anything."

    Candace frowned. "And you humans say we''re brutal," she muttered, then shook herself as if to shake off the thought. "Come, I''ll show you. And you can tell me your story on the way."

    Elia sighed and followed.

    *****

    Twenty minutester, Elia was blushing to her roots, and Candace walked alongside her cackling withughter. "Creator''s Light, I wish I''d been there to see his face!" she tittered. "King Blue-balls!"

    "Sssshhhh!" Elia hushed her, looking around. "He was really¡­ aggravated."

    "I''m sure he was!"

    "I''m serious, Candace, something happened. For a minute it was like he wasn''t there. Behryn said something to him abouting back, and when he turned to look at me, his eyes¡­ his eyes were different."

    Candace stoppedughing immediately. "Different how?"

    "They were gold. All gold. Like, there was no whites to them. And the pupils were really small. What was that? I didn''t have a chance to ask him before he left." Elia swallowed and made herself speak the words she was embarrassed to even have thought. "Are you people¡­ magic?" she said in a hushed whisper.

    But Candace justughed again. "Oh, dear, no. That was just the beast within making an appearance. Probably because of the shock, and with the mating, the men get so possessive¡ªespecially the Alphas. I''m surprised he didn''t tear Behryn''s throat out, to be honest. Behryn''s dominant in his n¡­ it must have been a close call."

    "Is that why they all knelt?" Elia asked. "They all went down on one knee and wouldn''t look him in the eye, held up their hands like they were surrendering."

    Candace went very quiet and nodded. "Yes, that''s exactly why. Oh dear. It must have been quite serious. Reth doesn''t usually require that of the other males."

    "I don''t think he even thought about it¡ªthey just did it when he whipped around. He was making this noise¡­ it was kind of creepy. But they all just dropped, and Behryn talked him down."

    "What did you do?"

    Elia shrugged. "I touched his back and asked him if he was okay¡ªthat''s when I saw his eyes. But he just¡­ came back then. He was fine."

    Candace looked at her like she wasn''t certain Elia was right, but she shrugged too. "Well, it sounds like they handled it well. Poor Reth."

    "Poor me!" Elia grumbled. "I was about to find out what all the fuss was about."

    Candace''sugh startled a flock of sparrows out of a nearby tree. "Oh, Elia, you are a hoot," she said a minuteter, wiping tears ofughter from her cheeks. "You won''t be missing out for long, I''m sure. That poor man will probably slit the Silent One''s throat rather than just scare him off, so he can get back sooner." Then she was off in cawingughter again.

    Elia snorted, but then she went thoughtful. "Why do you call them Silent Ones. Reth said it was a lion?"

    Candace had to take a couple deep breaths to stopughing, but she managed. "Yes, the animals¡ªour ancestors, at least we think¡ªthey are¡­ dumb. They can''t speak. They don''t reason. They have the instincts we inherited, but nothing more. It''s sad to us. We''d like to understand them better. But they can''t seem to cross the barrier. We understand their bodies and follow many of their customs. But in the end, they''re just¡­ animals. Silent Ones. We respect them, but we don''t allow them to dominate. They scent their own kinds on us and it can cause problems. That''s what Reth''s trying to fix. A few years ago a lone male like that made it all the way to the city. We lost two equine children and a wise-woman before the Pride brought it down. We''ve had trackers patrolling WildWood ever since."

    "It''s so sad that they have to kill them," Elia said.

    Candace shook her head. "No, that''s why they patrol. They''re trying to send them away before they have to be killed for the safety of the Anima. They called Reth for this one because it must be very strong. It will take our strongest male toy im to the females and scare him away."

    Elia couldn''t help a flush of pride, and Candace didn''t miss it. She smiled and nodded. "Yes, Elia, you caught a good one. One of the best. Appreciate him. He is¡­ very desirable. To the predators," she said hastily.

    Eliaughed. But it was ament she continued to think about for days.

    ****

    WANT MORE? There''s a NEW book in the BEAST series avable NOW! Find "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library today!

 Chapter 47: The Silent One

    <h4>Chapter 47:The Silent One</h4>

    (Februay Note) SHOUT OUT to the ever wonderful @Nessa52283, @Khadeja_Magdob, @Samantha_Dogan, @Stacey_Corbett, @Citrus_Time, and @oirCheerio6 for the gifts to celebrate Reth & Elia''s contract yesterday. I''m convinced I have the best readers on WebNovel! I hope you enjoy today''s chapter, it''s dedicated to you!

    *****

    RETH

    It took almost two days of tracking to find the Silent One¡ªwhich was odd in itself. It had clearly caught the scent of the females in the WildWood city. The scouts had followed it in a direct line towards them for a day while they called Reth. But before he arrived, it had started to circle, spiraling through the WildWood so that Reth almost missed the Scouts that had stayed behind to follow it.

    One of the adolescent Leonine, along for the trip to learn how these things were done, lost his own control, and the other men''s attention was distracted, helping hime back to himself. Reth heaved a sigh of relief that none of them noticed his own battle. They would have known that wasn''t normal for him.

    When everyone was back in their natural forms, and the men had turned back to him, expecting that he''d begin to move, he shook his head. "Just a moment," he said bluntly.

    Reth closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, like he was pulling the scent of the animal, when in truth he was working to discipline his body.

    Why was the urge to shift so strong? He hadn''t had to fight it like this since his own teens. But with the controlling breath hade a new scent on the breeze¡ªor rather, he''d sensed a quality to the Silent One''s scent he hadn''t picked up before. He frowned. "Do you smell that?" he asked the Scout Leader.

    The man sucked in through his nose with his eyes closed too, and frowned also. "What is it?"

    "I don''t know." Reth turned to face the direction the animal was in¡ªless than a mile away, if his nose was right. "But I think we better find out."

    A few minutester, they crept along a rise above a clearing where a freshwater creek hugged the eastern side. The animal''s scent was strong here, and as they reached the edge of the rise, Reth put his hand up in a signal for the others to stop walking and wait for his furthermand.

    Alone, he padded to the edge and peered over, his eyes widening.

    The creature below was massive. It was no wonder the scouts had called him in to deal with it, and he thanked the Creator that they had. It was nearly asrge as he himself in his transformed state, its jaws alone big enough to crush a man''s head.

    But it wasn''t the size that gave Reth pause. There was a scent on the animal¡ªsomething unnatural. Something sharp. The maley in the shade of the rocks below, asleep because it was daytime. Their animal ancestors far preferred to move and hunt at night.

    Reth had been careful to approach down wind so he wouldn''t disturb it. When the time was right, he''d allow it to catch his scent. In some cases, that alone was enough to move a Silent One along. But Reth doubted that would be the case this time.

    He cursed under his breath. The Lion below wasn''t just huge, it had that smell¡ªsomething off¡ªand its scent was heavy with its dominance.

    How a male that strong came to be alone, Reth couldn''t understand. To have reached this size and certainty and not have already gathered himself a pride¡ªarge one¡ªwaspletely illogical. And yet, here he was.

    Muttering under his breath, and rolling his shoulders to push back the urge to shift and show this monster who was boss, Reth slunk back down the rise and rejoined his men below. Using hand signals for them to follow, he ran them half a mile away, still down wind, to discuss the strategy.

    This one was going to need a very careful approach.

    *****

    ELIA

    She knew it was too early¡ªReth had said he''d likely be gone at least three days. But when she saw Behryn at the market on the second day, her stomach flipped. She''d thought the Defender had gone with Reth. Who was protecting him if Behryn wasn''t?

    Elia had noticed the guards at the Cave, and along the path¡ªand at different points during the day she''d caught sight of men with the same leather armbands as Behryn watching her. Especially when Lucine was nearby, scowling at her, she''d noticed. But she hadn''t seen Behryn himself. She''d assumed he''d gone with Reth. If he was here and Reth wasn''t¡­

    She saw him at the market tables, his back to her, speaking to people at one of the tables near the back, but by the time she got down to the floor, he was gone. When she followed the nearest trail through the forest to one of the city''smerce rows where stalls and boxes were lined up under and around¡ªand asionally inside¡ªthe massive trunks of the trees she caught sight of him again, speaking with one of the merchants.

    Swallowing her insecurity, she walked firmly up to him, intending to ask him why he wasn''t with Reth, and what he knew about their King''s return.

    He spoke quietly to the woman who was showing him lengths of leather, when Elia touched his shoulder and said, "Behryn, I''m sorry to interrupt but¡ª"

    The man shoved out a breath and whirled on her, drawing his sword in the same moment that he froze, eyes wide, when he saw her.

    Elia froze too, looking at him in shock.

    "Elia!" he ground out.

    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to startle you¡ª"

    "Then do not touch me without warning¡ªnot if you wish to keep your hand!" he barked, shoving his sword back into its sheath, and turning his back on her.

    "But¡­ I just wanted to ask you¡­" Then she caught the look of fierce disapproval the merchant was giving her, and she caught the whispers of two others nearby, who red at her when she turned.

    She didn''t understand, what had she done?

 Chapter 48: Culture Shock

    <h4>Chapter 48:Culture Shock</h4>

    ELIA

    She stood there,mely, uncertain whether to apologize again, or to leave Behryn alone, when someone cleared their throat behind her.

    She turned and found another merchant stall just a few feet away, with a young man standing behind it. He was tall. Very tall¡ªlike Behryn¡ªand had the same barrel chest, yet slim limbs.

    When Elia looked at him, he tipped his head for her toe towards him. She looked at Behryn again, but he was clearly intentionally ignoring her. Had he only been kind to her before because she was with Reth? Was this what it would be like whenever her husband wasn''t nearby?

    The young man made another "whsssst" sort of sound and she turned back to him, approaching slowly when he nodded.

    "He''s Equine. We are, at our hearts, prey animals. Touching one of us without warning is a good way to get your head kicked off," he said quietly, stroking the braided leathers in front of him like he was pointing something out to her.

    "I¡­ I didn''t know¡­"

    He nodded. "They''re trying to show you. But you aren''t listening."

    "I¡­ what?" she said, swallowing the pinch in her throat.

    He lifted his eyes to meet hers then¡ªhis were a deep, rich brown, and kind. Though his expression was firm. "They''re trying to give you the signals. Show you how to behave correctly. But you aren''t listening. You keep apologizing to people, or rushing away. That isn''t how things work here. You''re breaking all the rules, all the time."

    "What rules?"

    "The tribal rules. Our cultural ways. You didn''t learn them as a foal, so you have to learn them now. They''re trying to show you. All of them."

    "No they aren''t. They ignore me, or whisper about me, or just avoid mepletely," she said bitterly, taking the leathers that he offered and pretending to look at them. They really were pretty.

    The young man chuckled. "I promise you, they aren''t ignoring you. At all. They just don''t know what else to do. They''re trying to teach you, but you aren''t learning."

    "How can I learn if no one speaks to me?"

    He blinked, his eyebrows up. "You learn by observing. By watching. By mimicking. Did the adults in your world not show you how to behave?"

    She pursed her lips. "The adults in my word exin themselves when they want someone to understand something. They don''t just turn their backs and¡­ and¡­"

    "You misunderstand what just happened," he said, nodding towards Behryn. "He finished shopping right after you startled him. But he''s making excuses to be there now, to give you a chance to try again. Correctly."

    "How am I supposed to know what''s correct if he doesn''t tell me? He just turned his back on me!"

    "So you''d have another chance to try again, as you did the first time. This time, instead of touching his back, move to his side, where he can see you. Wait until he looks at you, then ask your question."

    She frowned, but the youth smiled. "I''m serious. I''m trying to help. Give it a try."

    She turned back to Behryn who did seem to just be making small talk with the merchant. None of them looked at her, but there was an air of tension around them.

    Swallowing her pride, she put her shoulders back and walked slowly towards Behryn, careful this time to approach from his side, where he could see her. Then she did as the young man suggested, and waited until he''d stopped speaking and nced at her from the corner of his eye before she spoke.

    "I-I''m sorry to interrupt you, Behryn. But I was surprised to see you here. I thought you went with Reth? Do you have any news about when he''ll be back?"

    Behryn shook his head. "The Silent One is Pride work," he said gently. "I cover things here while Reth is gone, to make sure there''s no trouble."

    Elia looked at her hands. "Okay. Well, have you heard anything?"

    He shook his head again. "I likely won''t unless there''s a very serious problem. Reth will handle it, then they''ll return. I''m certain he won''t stay away a moment longer than necessary, Elia," he said, and winked at her.

    She blushed, suddenly remembering thest time she''d seen this man. Cheeks hot, she nodded. "Okay, thank you. I''m sorry, again, that I startled you."

    "You learned. That''s all we can ask," he said kindly. The merchant nodded as well, and Elia gave her an awkward, smile, then excused herself.

    Behind her, the young man was beaming. "Nicely done!" he said as she returned to his stall. "You see, you only have to watch and learn. Things will improve."

    "Thank you," she said softly. "But I wouldn''t have understood any of that if you hadn''t exined it."

    The man looked at her with a strange frown. "Things must be very different in your world," he said, shaking his head.

    She sighed. "Very. I''m Elia, by the way."

    The man huffed. "Yes, I know. We all know who the human queen is," he said with a wry smile. "My name is Gahrye."

    "Well, thank you for your help, Gahrye. If you ever have any other tips for me, I''m always open to hear them. I''m afraid I didn''t even know people were trying tomunicate with me. Now I wonder who else I''ve hurt or angered without even knowing it."

    "Oh, everyone," he said, smiling. "But they do understand that you''re ignorant, rather than dark-hearted. They just don''t know any other way to teach you, than to demonstrate. And I could see that you weren''t quite catching on."

    "Well, thank you," Elia repeated. "And perhaps we could share a meal or something and you could offer me more help? I''d like to feel more confident about how to treat people in ways they prefer."

    He stared at her a moment, then looked behind him, though she couldn''t see anything back there except more trees. When he turned back, he sighed. "Yes," he said carefully. "I think that would be a good idea."

    *****

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES, GIFTS, AND COMMENTS! Your support for Reth & Elia has been wonderful. I am so grateful. Please keep voting! Every vote, everyment and review is like fuel for my writing!

 Chapter 49: King vs. King

    <h4>Chapter 49:King vs. King</h4>

    RETH

    Ordering the others to stay several spans behind him, Reth circled around until he''d be downwind of the Silent One. Almost immediately, the lion began to huff, the calls resonating in his massive, barrel chest and echoing off the trees. Reth didn''t call back, didn''t entertain the challenge, just let himself feel his position, his dominance, and his desire for his mate.

    The male would scent the certainty of his position, and though he was unlikely to simply walk away¡ªthe scent of the females was strong here¡ªhe would be wary, feeling Reth''s power and strength before they met.

    Surprisingly, the male didn''t move towards him. The calls didn''te closer any faster than Reth''s confident pace toward it. Reth frowned. Any male who challenged dominance should automatically approach. Why did this one stay where he was?

    The hair on the back of his neck standing up, Reth stalked toward the clearing, now making his own growls of dominance.

    When he finally reached the line of trees at the clearing, on the opposite side from the shade the lion had been resting in, the beast was pacing back and forth as if some kind of wall stood between he and it, something stopping it froming for him. But when Reth stepped out, it stopped, suddenly, standing evenly on all four paws¡ªhead down, not in submission, but its eyes piercing. Measuring. Its tailshing back and forth¡­ in anger?

    Nothing about this creature was normal, Reth realized as he stepped into the sunlight and the roared his challenge¡ªlet all of WildWood hear their King and know he stood between them and danger!

    In every sh he''d had with a Silent One, they followed the traditions of the animal¡ªfirst scenting, then calling, then the roar of challenge, then they circle to measure each other. Then Reth would transform so his appearance matched his scent.

    Usually, that was all that was needed. Usually the animal understood his superiority, and reluctantly submitted.

    Reth expected that with this one. He could see the animal wasn''t going to back down.

    What he hadn''t expected, was thepleteck of warning.

    He was still twenty feet away, the lion''s eyes following him, when he took the first step to the side, to circle, to allow the male to watch him move. Soon he''d give in to the itching in his skin and take his beast form. He started to smile¡ªthat moment always surprised them.

    But instead, it leapt forward.

    No roar.

    No growl.

    No crouch to the dirt first.

    It took him sopletely by surprise, that Reth felt his side open under its ws before he made the shift into his beast form and began to fight for his life.

    *****

    ELIA

    Two days blended into three and Elia remained awkward and miserable. Candace was always kind when they ran into each other, and would often sit with her for meals. But she could tell the birdwoman didn''t want to be a daily tutor, so Elia didn''t push for herpany.

    Twice during the day she''d seen one of the wolves she knew¡ªeither Lucine, or the male who''d challenged Reth in the circle¡ªwatching her, or standing nearby, their postures menacing.

    Behryn or one of his men always showed up in those moments, finding reasons to be close by. But they''d also always disappear when the wolf moved on.

    Every time she left the city and headed down the path towards their cave, it was mere seconds before she noticed one of the guards in the trees nearby, or walking the path ahead or behind her. She had no idea how they knew where to be, and when. But she never made that walk alone.

    She also never made it with a friend. The guards didn''t chat, or offer introductions. They just¡­ guarded her. She knew she should be grateful, but somehow it just made her loneliness more stark. As if there was a bubble around her that no one cared to pop.

    No one, except Gahrye.

    Sitting at dinner that night, she''d seen Gahrye as she walked into the market, and even though she didn''t know if it broke custom to invite him to the podium with her, she decided she didn''t care. She beckoned him over when she caught his eye and asked him if he''d like to join her for dinner. His eyes widened, but he said yes without hesitation, so she took that as a good sign.

    As they ate, she continued to pick his brains. "Why didn''t anyone tell me about the tribal cultures?" she said. "If they expect me to have these good manners, or know how to approach them, why don''t they just tell me?"

    Gahrye ate like a starving man. He was neen, she''d discovered. Only a couple years younger than her, though he looked younger¡ªand felt older. It was an oddbination. But Elia was just d to have someone to talk to who wasn''t either treating her like a child, or like they''d rather be somewhere else.

    "We all have to learn the different tribes and their rules," he said around a mouthful of some deliciously tender, dark meat. "But we learn those things as young. They kind ofe naturally¡ªwe can scent each other''s ancestry, after all," he said with a grin. "And when we made mistakes as kids, there would always be someone around who knew the right way to do it. And they''d do it, right then, in front of us, so we could watch and learn. I''ve seen people try to do that for you¡ªstep in after you''ve done something. But you usually flee. I don''t think you noticed. The problem is, when Anima refuse to learn¡ªif, as I child, I threw a fit and ignored what an adult was trying to show me¡ªwe''d be disciplined. They can''t discipline a Queen," he pointed out. "But they also aren''t sure you are Queen. It''s all very confusing."

    Elia snorted. "They think they''re the ones who are confused?"

    "Yes, they are," he said frankly. And even though his tone¡ªthat she should understand that and bepassionate towards it¡ªrubbed at her pride, she appreciated that he looked her straight in the eye and spoke to her like she was an adult. And that he didn''t pull any punches. It was ufortable¡ªsometimes brutal. But he also didn''t seem to judge her for it. Elia was so grateful he''d been there the day before.

    And she was grateful that she now had someone who was willing to answer all the questions she had.

    So she took a deep breath and started asking.

 Chapter 50: The Tribes of Anima

    <h4>Chapter 50:The Tribes of Anima</h4>

    I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

    *****

    ELIA

    "Never ask!" he shuddered, swallowing his mouthful, his eyes wide. "It''s a huge offence to an Anima if you imply that you can''t tell what they are¡ªit means that they aren''t true to their tribe. Don''t¡­ definitely don''t do that."

    Elia swallowed. She''de so close a couple of times! Why didn''t anyone tell her this? "Okay, I believe you. So¡­ how can I tell?"

    Gahrye''s brow furrowed, and he looked out over the market. "I''m so used to scenting I hadn''t really thought about¡­ okay¡­ we all look a little bit different, though you''ll have to be careful. The Equines¡ªhorses¡ªwe have long arms and legs, but thick bodies. The Avalines, the birds, are quite sharp in their feature and often have long noses¡ªbut for the Creator''s sake, don''t ever mention it," he added hastily.

    She nodded. "That''s what Candace is, correct?"

    Gahrye nodded, still scanning the tables. "The Lupines are wolves. They''re usually quite muscr and they hold themselves like predators."

    "Like they want to hurt you?"

    "Yes. That sense of threat. You''ll usually only get that from a wolf, or a really pissed off Lion. asionally a Amphiline¡ªespecially the serpents."

    "Serp¡ªyou mean snakes?" she shuddered.

    Gahrye rolled his eyes. "What is it with humans and snakes?" he muttered. "I''ve read about this. What difference is there between a Snake and a Goat?"

    "Snakes are so¡­ sinister. So shifty. You never even know they''re there¡ª"

    "Well, that''s certainly true. They''re our best trackers. And if you want to identify them¡­ um¡­ their ears are usually quite small. And they move very gracefully."

    Elia looked around the floor, but couldn''t see anyone¡ªuntil she remembered that first night. "The guy who talked to Reth in the circle¡­ Seerus?"

    "Yes, exactly."

    Elia nodded, more pleased than she had a right to be that she''d picked it.

    "There are Goats and sheep¡ªthey''re hard to know since they''re both herd animals and prey. Most sheep have curly hair unless their families married goats somewhere back in their line¡ªbut again, don''t mention it. They''re sensitive for some reason. You''ll find both of them in the trades a lot. And the main difference you can see is in how they act. The Goats are ruder and will argue, or try to you haggle you on prices. Sheep just prefer to go about their business and expect you to go along with them."

    Elia was lost. Had she met anyone that felt like that? She didn''t think so. "I guess I''ll have to keep my eyes peeled."

    Gahrye choked on his food. "Why would you peel your eyes?!" he spluttered when he could breathe again.

    Elia groaned. "It''s just a saying. It means, watch closely. Look for something."

    Gahrye shuddered. "Humans are weird. For such weaklings, you use very graphic metaphors," he muttered.

    Elia giggled. "I guess we do," she said.

    They ate in the quiet for a minute before Elia remembered to thank him again for his help the day before. "I wish I''d known these things earlier¡ªwhat you said about how they''ve been trying to help me, to teach me, I feel terrible. I never meant to ignore anyone. It''s just so different!"

    Gahrye nodded. "I could see you were struggling. I think if Reth hadn''t been so busy, he would have shown you. But the Leonine are always so sure of themselves, they forget that others aren''t," he said, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

    Elia frowned. "Leonine. The Lions. That''s what Reth is. And there''s more of them." She knew that. Reth had mentioned it. But she hadn''t met anyone that she could be certain of.

    "There''s a lot more females than males, which I guess is normal for them," he said, nodding to a table three rows back that was full of women. "They''re all leonine," he said. "And their pride has hierarchy from the very highest¡ªwhich is Reth¡ªall the way down to the newest cub. Can you tell which woman is dominant at that table?" he said, pointing with his knife.

    Elia watched the women for a while. There were six of them at the table, from a young one about her age, all the way up to a woman with gray hair and wrinkles. Would it go by age? She remembered that they taught through behavior, and watched the women interact for a while.

    "That young one in the middle," she said a minuteter. "She seems to be doing all the talking."

    Gahrye shook his head. "That''s just a personality thing. Fadya is a chatterer," he said good-naturedly. "No, dominance isn''t about how much attention you get, it''s about who can givemands¡ªand who has to listen when they''re given. Try again."

    Elia watched them a while longer and soon saw the woman at the head of the table who looked like she was in her forties¡ªwho''d barely spoken otherwise¡ªindicate something on the table for the woman next to her, who immediately picked up the jug of juice from the center and poured for her.

    As Elia watched, she began to see a dynamic between them all, where each woman kept her shoulders low, or her eyes when she looked at certain others, but raised her chin to others. All except that middle-aged woman at the head. She never dropped her eyes or her chin the entire time.

    "It''s the one at the head. She''s¡­ they all listen to her."

    "That''s right. Well done. You learn fast."

    Elia shrugged. She''d always been a quick study. If someone would actually exin what she needed to learn, that was. "It''s interesting," she said, still watching the women. "That woman isn''t the biggest, or the strongest. I thought dominance was about beating others into submission?"

    Gahrye chuckled. "Those Leonine are all strong, don''t worry about that. They''re muscr like the wolves, but¡­ stronger. In a weird way. Very confident¡ªeven the quiet ones. And the females are¡­ I mean, I''m no lion, so I won''t pretend to understand it all, but somehow the females make most of the decisions. It''s weird. I''ve watched a lioness cuff Reth around like he''s a child when she thinks he needs to eat more, or get more sleep. And I''ve seen him ask them what he should do about things among the people¡ªand do what they say. And yet, he just¡­ rules. Everyone in the Pride listens when he speaks. It''s very strange. He''s so arrogant and sure of himself. Yet they often speak up¡ªand not very pleasantly. I don''t understand it. You''d need to have him exin it to you. All I know is, the women have a very important role in the pride. They make a lot of decisions. Especially about the home and their families, mating, that kind of thing."

    Elia blushed and wondered if he''d heard the story about her interrupted mating. She suspected he had when Gahrye grinned back at her. But he didn''t mention it, just continued his lesson. "¡­but rest assured, Elia, the truly dominant fight very little. They don''t have to. Everyone else can tell they''ll lose before they even start. So they don''t have to fight much at all. It''s only when someone else had a high opinion of themselves¡ªor if they really are growing towards bing dominant. At some point Reth will have a challenger. Then we''ll see a fight for the ages."

    Elia''s anxiety must have shown on her face, because Gahrye raised a hand. "Don''t worry! That is decades away. Reth is the strongest ruler we''ve had for generations¡ªand his father held the throne for almost forty years. No, dominance isn''t about his looks or even his strength, not really. It''s more about intelligence and¡­ attitude. Belief in yourself."

    "He has plenty of that," Elia muttered.

    Gahryeughed.

    By the end of the meal Elia''s head was spinning. But she felt like she better understood who she was dealing with. And she already had a bunch of questions for the next time she had a chance to talk to Gahrye.

    Now if she could just get Reth back and get this mating thing over, she might be able to start building a life among these people.

    *****

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 Chapter 51: This Too Shall Pass

    <h4>Chapter 51:This Too Shall Pass</h4>

    SHOUT OUT TO AlexandriaKM, Nessa52283, Citrus_Time and to YOU: We were just a little short of our goal yesterday, but you have been SO generous with your gifts and powerstone votes that I''m adding another chapter to the mass release anyway. You humble me, and make me smile with yourments every day. Thank you! You''re a joy!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth came back to himself,id out on the forest floor, his clothes in bloodstained tatters around him from the hurried shift. He blinked and it took a moment for his sight to clear, which was odd. But then a shudder rocked him and he almost shifted again.

    Fuck.

    He''d thought that shifting into his beast form to fight the Silent One and exerting his dominance so aggressively would have satisfied the urge. But his body still wanted to transform, still wanted to take and master him.

    What was wrong with him?

    He rolled over to get to all fours and had to bite back a cry. His ribs. Pressing one hand to them proved that the beast had indeed gotten its ws into him before he''d changed¡ªand the swipe had given him a decent battering to his ribs, as well.

    Ah, well. At least the creature had gotten a taste of him before he''d had to kill it. He hated killing the Silent Ones when all they did was follow the instincts the Creator gave them. Some of the Anima found a strange kind of sport in it, but Reth never had. Hunt for food, certainly. But never for the pleasure of it¡ªand never to create fear or pain for the animal.

    Being far more careful now, Reth tucked his arm into his sore side and rolled slowly until he was on all fours¡ªwell, three, since he kept that arm in tight. Four sets of feet appeared in front of him just as he was about to try to stand.

    "Majesty! Are you alright?"

    "I''ll be fine," he said, then groaned as his back began to tremble and roll with the urge to shift again. Creator''s Light, what was wrong with him? "Get back. Step back!" he snarled, swallowing back the urge to change. If he shifted now with all these young males in front of him, he might not recognize them as allies. His beast form worked almost purely on instinct. He was aware of himself, but only as a presence. He didn''t think clearly until he was back in his own flesh.

    The four shuffled back, but didn''t leave¡ªobviously rmed at what they saw on him. Naked as he was, they could see his body rippling, trying to shift. These four were all just old enough to be past the age of those unintentional shifts that so gued the teenage boys of the Pride. The elder scouts would be fine, even if he did shift, they''d know how to avoid him. But that young man who''de with his father.

    "Tell¡­ Eryan¡­ to get his son away¡­" he snapped, rolling his head to push back the mane that wanted to grow around his shoulders. "If we both shift¡­"

    "Sire!"

    "Do it! Tell the elders¡­ if I don''te back right away¡­ lead me towards the city. But don''t let me in! Take me¡­ Aymora¡­ she has a soothing¡­"

    "But¡ªwhat''s happening? Why¡ª"

    "No time¡­" he groaned and it echoed in his chest with the rumble of his beast. "I''ll travel faster and better¡­ as a beast anyway¡­ just¡­ don''t let me into the city. Bring Behryn¡­ he''ll know what to do¡­"

    The four continued to stare at him, wide eyed.

    "GO!" he roared, and they ran, sinking into the shadows silently, just as they should. But still Reth didn''t let himself give over to the shift. The longer they had to get to the others and deliver the message, the better chance that if he couldn''te back, they''d be prepared to deal with a frustrated, wounded, King of Beasts, trying desperately to get back to his mate.

    Elia.

    She couldn''t see him like this. She''d be terrified.

    He gritted his teeth and fought for as long as he could, but something in him had lost control. The beast inside roared, swiping at him, trying to w it''s way out.

    He let himself back down onto the forest floor, clenched his hands to fists, and held on as long as he could.

    He didn''t know what had happened, what was causing such a fierceck of control. But he was going to find out before he returned to his mate.

    As long as the men did what he said and got him to Aymora.

    "Creator, please¡­" he murmured a prayer as his back began to stretch. "Let mee back to myself. Don''t let me hurt Elia. Please."

    Then he gave up and sank into the teeth and ws of his Anima self.

    A momentter the mighty King growled as he got to his four, great paws and surveyed the little clearing, nostrils ring as he took in the scents around him. There were other males nearby, but moving away, and still more out of range. He roared to let them know he was the King of this Forest and they would not do well toe into his territory. But his tail twitched and he shook his head.

    His side hurt. He turned, looking for the challenger he''d killed. It was sprawled not far away among the underbrush. But when he smelled it, he blew the breath out of his nostrils in rm. There was a strange, sharpness to its scent. Something unnatural. He would not eat from that carcass, no matter that he needed the strength.

    No¡­ He turned west and let a groaning huff resonate in his chest. The forest around him went utterly silent.

    He needed his den to rest and heal.

    He needed his mate.

    So he would pad through the forest until he found her.

    *****

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 Chapter 52: Prejudice is Everywhere

    <h4>Chapter 52:Prejudice is Everywhere</h4>

    ELIA

    Two dayster, Elia and Gahrye walked the trails together. They had done it every day after breakfast, and Elia hoped it would be a habit. She was learning a lot, and Gahrye was a funpanion, and very intelligent. And he spoke to her like she was¡­human. Though she supposed that was the wrong term to use here in Anima. He spoke to her like she mattered. And not as if she were a child. She hadn''t realized how much she felt inadequate around these people.

    As they followed the twisting path between the trees and she marveled again at themunity that lived among the branches, they passed a merchant carrying arge basket of obviously handmade bowls and cups. They were beautiful, and Elia almost stopped the man. But when he reached them on the path, he looked sideways at Gahrye and stepped out to give them a wide berth as he passed.

    Elia frowned at him, but Gahrye ignored it. "Why did he do that?" she asked, stopping on the path to look back at the man, who was now hurrying away from them.

    Gahrye tugged at her elbow and muttered, "Ignore it. I do."

    "Ignore what? Why did he act like that? Like you were¡­ sick, or something?"

    Gahrye shrugged and squinted at the path ahead, not meeting her eyes. "He''s one of the old men. They have a different way of viewing the world. Much more superstitious. Anima in general are very wary of anyone different. And I''m¡­ different. Off. I even smell wrong. So they''re all careful around me. But the older guys¡­ they think there''s something wrong with me."

    Elia put a hand to his upper arm. "I''m so sorry! I can''t believe he acted like that. What do you mean, you smell wrong? I don''t smell anything on you¡ªand trust me, some of these people stink so even I can smell them."

    They bothughed, but Gahrye''s smile didn''t reach his eyes. "Don''t get involved, Elia. You''ve got your own journey to walk. You won''t change the old Anima. But¡­ when you''ve been epted, just remember those of us in your people who are different."

    "What are you talking about? I''m different!" she said.

    "You''re also Reth''s mate," he said dryly, then sniffed. "Or at least, you will be soon. Trust me, that fact alone covers a multitude of sins."

    "So what you''re saying is, you need to find a good wife and then they''ll stop treating you like you have the gue?" she said quietly.

    But Gahrye''s face ttened. "I''d settle for any wife at all."

    "But you''re only neen!"

    "If I was normal I would have matedst year," he said, his face dark.

    "But Reth¡ª"

    "Reth is the King, he took the crown right at the age of mating, but was so busy, no one really thought about it for a while. So he got away with it. But even he came under pressure¡ªwhy do you think we had the Rite?"

    "Because that''s how royals get their mates, isn''t it?"

    Gahryeughed. "Ten generations ago, maybe," he said. "But Reth could have taken a mate any time he pleased. The Rite is political. A back up n for when the Royal can''t choose, or wants to make a political marriage. The people insisted upon it because he was so far past the normal age of mating¡­ I think some of the mothers were worried he might not ever do it on his own. It wasn''t like he hurt for femalepany¡­" he trailed off as he realized who he was talking to.

    Elia folded her arms. "It''s okay. I know he''s¡­ popr."

    "But he''s never even hinted at choosing a mate before, Elia. There''s something different between you two. I''ve never seen him attend a female like he does to you. Mating for the sheer pleasure of it, and taking a mate--joining your lives--are two very different things in Anima. He has something special for you."

    "Oh really?" she asked dryly. "Where was the special attention, Gahrye? Was that when he was leaving me alone at breakfast, or taking off in the middle of the night to beat up some lion?"

    They walked on, both silent in their thoughts until Elia turned back to him. "You observe a lot about people who don''t know you''re watching, don''t you?"

    He shrugged again. "When you''re different, you learn to be good at reading people. You have to be¡ªthe wrong kind of attention cane at any time."

    Elia sighed. "I don''t get it. What is it about you that''s so different? You seem perfectly normal to me! The most normal person I''ve met here!"

    Gahrye groaned. "Says the human, who''s never stepped foot in Anima before."

    "Fine, so exin it to me. You''re good at this. Teach me. Tell me what''s so different about you so I can learn to be judgey and cruel like the others, then reject you for my new friends."

    He grinned, but his heart was obviously heavy as he spoke. "I am Equine," he said, indicating his thick body and slim legs and arms. Elia nodded. "Equine are usually either warriors or merchants¡ªwe''re strong, good runners, we read the winds¡ªwhich means both that we can scent subtle changes on people, but also that we can read individuals, read a crowd. We make good advisors¡ªand good¡­ well, you would call them salespeople." Elia thought of Behryn and felt like she better understood why Reth relied on him so heavily. "We''re also beautiful," he said sadly, "in our beast forms. The only Anima who often transform because we enjoy it and it allows us to travel quickly. From what I gather, we keep our heads better in our beast forms, too."

    Elia''s mouth had dropped open. "B-beast forms?"

    "Well, I can''t speak for myself, but¡­ it seems like most Equine still remember who they are when they shift¡ªwhich many Anima don''t. At least, not in detail."

    "Shift into¡­ beast form? You can¡ª"

    "No," he said darkly. "That''s the problem. I can''t transform," he said, the words tight and hushed. "I am the only Equine who can''t. I''m a freak." Then he turned to look at Elia, whose face was still wide with shock. He frowned. "What?"

    "You can¡­ transform?"

    "No, weren''t you listening: I can''t. I''m a freak."

    Elia swallowed and pped a hand, trying to find the words. "But¡­ the others¡­ the other Equines?"

    Gahrye frowned hard and tilted his head. "Anima, Elia. All the Anima have a beast form. Another body that''s¡ªwait, you didn''t know this?"

    "No," she said faintly, "I didn''t."

 Chapter 53: Somethings Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 53:Something''s Wrong</h4>

    RETH

    He was holding himself together by the tips of his ws. He stood at the edge of the path, less than a day''s travel from the city, shuddering. His skin quivered and his beast tore at his insides. But he had to speak to them. He wouldn''t be able to keep it together long enough to get to Aymora. He''d epted that now. But that meant he needed a n.

    He called to the pride males again. They wereing on swift feet, but they''d kept their distance as they were instructed, leading him in the right direction, but not getting close enough for him to feel threatened. It was a risk to bring them in, but he had to do it.

    He couldn''t go back to Elia like this¡ªand his beast0-self was driven by nothing else. He''d terrify her. She didn''t even know he could shift. He needed Aymora and her soothing tincture. And he needed Behryn, and his steadying presence.

    Damn. What was happening to him?

    The young ones arrived first¡ªless of a threat. It was wise of the elders to send them, but they were all nervous, trying to keep themselves proud and strong, but looking at each other as much as him.

    "You''re fine¡­ for now," he panted. "If I tell you to run, you do it."

    "Yes, sire," they all replied. He nodded, focusing on keeping himself as calm as possible. But with the wound on his side, his instincts for protection were kicking in harder and harder.

    Another shudder ripped through him, and he growled. The young ones tensed. He wasn''t going to make it until all the elders were close. But then Haydn crept up from between two trees beside him, and Reth heaved a sigh of relief. The elder was a steady presence, but not dominant. A good choice for the first approach. He nodded, and Haydn padded toward him silently, eyes down and shoulders lowered.

    "There''s not much time," Reth said through his teeth. The elder motioned for the younger men to get behind him as he nodded to Reth. "I can''t control it. I don''t know why¡­ Tell Aymora it''s been an urge since the ceremony, but¡­ it became a struggle when the mating¡­ was interrupted before we left to get the Silent One. I need her to stop the shifts¡­ I can''t return to the den, to my mate, until she has¡ªdo you understand?"

    Haydn nodded again, still not meeting Reth''s eyes.

    "You''re a good man... Get Behryn, too. He''ll help talk me down. Even¡­ even my beast recognizes him. He might be needed if something happens¡­"

    "You can trust us Majesty, we won''t let anything happen."

    "If ites to it, you sedate me, understand? I won''t punish anyone if that''s what it takes. Do not let me put any of the people under threat!" Letting himself think about that, feel the tension of it was a mistake. He shuddered again, and groaned, rolling his head on his shoulders to desperately push back the urge to shift. "Do you understand me, Haydn?"

    "Yes! Yes, we do, Sire. Don''t worry. Everything will be fine." But he was already shrinking back into the trees, gesturing for the others to disappear too. He could sense the shifting, and Reth''s scent was wary and prickly.

    "Thank you, f-friend," he gasped, holding on with gritted teeth. "I won''t forget this."

    But the men were gone.

    He held out as long as he could. Hisst thought was a prayer for Elia''s safety.

    And that she wouldn''t abandon him if she learned about his beast.

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d assumed when Reth referred to himself as a cub, he''d been indulging his animal nature. But, no, she learned. He really had been a cub. As well as a child.

    It was¡­ mind boggling.

    Gahrye was half-amused, and half-hurt, she realized. The fact that he couldn''t do this when everyone else could was a blow to him. Made him stand out negatively. Elia was trying to be sensitive to that, while still trying to get her head around the fact that it even happened.

    "Are you the only one who can''t in the whole of Anima?" she asked carefully a whileter.

    Gahrye shook his head. "No, every tribe has two or three. Except us. I''m the only Equine."

    She put a hand to his shoulder. "I''m sorry. I mean, I haven''t had that exact experience, but I was different back where I came from too. The only one without a family. And¡­ no one really understood. It made me feel¡­ wrong. Even though I felt like I wasn''t. Except I knew I was different¡­ it was just a lot."

    His eyes came up to meet hers then, with a sh. "Yes," he said quietly. "That''s how I feel."

    "Do they exclude you? I mean, you were at the stall the day we met. Do they still buy from you?"

    "Yes, mostly," he sighed. "The worst time was when I was young. The children can be cruel. Now it''s more peaceful, except when I run into the older ones¡ªand the fact that none of the females want me. They''re afraid their children will be wrong too."

    "You aren''t wrong, you''re just different," she said, rubbing his back.

    He shrugged. "In the eyes of others, it amounts to the same thing."

    "Well, I can tell you, if you were in the human world, you''d be very desirable as a husband," she said, smiling. "You''re tall and handsome, you''re kind and funny, and you actually want to marry. That''s big where I''m from."

    "Do the men not wish to have families?" he asked, confused.

    "Not at your age, not usually," she said. Then she smiled again. "So if it ever gets really bad here, see if you can find a way into the human world. You''ll have a wife in no time," she joked.

    Gahryeughed too, but his eyes were distant.

    *****

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 Chapter 54: The Need of a Mate - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 54:The Need of a Mate - Part 1</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    When he woke from his beast, he was naked on a stone floor. His side ached terribly, but when he tried to push himself up, his body shook and he almost lost himself to the shift again.

    For the first time, fear crept into his heart. What had happened? How had hee to this ce, and why wasn''t it being appeased by his beast form?

    He groaned as he rolled over, towards the light, and found himself in Aymora''s den. In a cage.

    She and the other Pride leaders turned when he groaned, and rushed over to the bars. "Don''t open them yet," he croaked, raising one palm towards them. "I''m not sure yet. Just¡­ give me a minute."

    The young Leonine were pale, watching him from behind their elders. He needed to be stronger. Aymora stood, her jaw tight and fists on her hips. She said something to Haydn, who was next to her, staring at Reth worriedly, but Reth was too busy biting back a wave of the urge to shift, to pay attention. But he knew from her tone, and her posture, he was going to pay for thister.

    Soon he was able to sit up an scoot himself back to lean against the rock wall, facing the others.

    Then a door behind them mmed, and Behryn appeared, next to Aymora, staring wide-eyed at Reth. "What''s going on?"

    Reth growled. "The shift. I can''t stop it."

    "Did you scare off the Silent One?"

    "He killed it," Haydn said quietly. They were all silent for a moment, ignoring Reth''s shame.

    "I do!" Aymora snarled. Reth''s eyes flew open and he stared at her in shock, as did the other men.

    "What?" Reth asked hoarsely. "What''s happening to me?"

    She pointed a finger at his chest. "What''s happening is that the mating bond was established, but hasn''t been allowed to snap into ce. I tried to warn you, Reth. This is whates of taking a human wife¡ªyou should have listened to the histories!"

    "I don''t have time for histories right now. I need to know what to do to to stop the shifting!"

    "You need to mate!"

    "I was about to," he ground out, ring at Behryn, who shifted on his feet. "But I got called away." He winced, holding back the shift. "And now¡­ I can''t mate her as a lion. She doesn''t have a beast form."

    Aymora snorted, "She wouldn''t be the first female to take her husband as a beast¡ªsome even enjoy¡ª"

    "Do not finish that sentence!" Reth snarled, then had to breathe heavily for several seconds to get himself under control.

    "Stay calm," Aymora said, the heat out of her voice. "Just rx."

    He gave her a look, but took a deep breath and spoke more quietly. "This is her first time. And our mating bond. I will not¡­ sully it that way."

    Aymora nodded, sighing.

    "I need that tincture you have, Aymora," he said finally. "The one you gave me when I was an adolescent."

    Aymora''s lips thinned. "You are so much stronger now, Reth. So much more of yourself. I can''t even be sure it would work."

    "Well, there''s only one way¡­ to find out¡­" he groaned. "Please. It''s getting worse."

    Aymora threw up her hands, growling. "We can only try, I suppose." She hurried over to a cupboard near the kitchen and looked through the bottles there. "We need to wrap that wound too, otherwise you''re going to get infected, which won''t help with the urge to shift."

    Reth nodded. "Just give me the medicine first, then wrap it quickly. I''m not sure how much longer I''ve got." He shivered and rested his head back against the wall, breathing deeply, fighting to keep himself under control.

    Thoughts of Elia¡ªher face, her smell¡ªhelped at first. And he focused on that, on their memories and the way he''d loved her for so long. But he could feel desire rising in him the longer he thought of her. And if Aymora was right, that was only going to create more problems.

    "Hurry," he snarled.

    *****

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 Chapter 55: The Need of a Mate - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 55:The Need of a Mate - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    "Thick-headed Alpha male bullshit," Aymora growled as she unlocked the cage and hurried in. "Always so sure of yourselves until you fail, then it''s hurry, hurry, hurry, woman and fix this for me."

    Ignoring the muttering of the female that threatened his temper, Reth tipped his head and Behryn moved to block the open doorway, keeping the others back.

    Aymora knelt in front of him and poured a dollop of the foul smelling syrup into a spoon, spooning it into Reth''s mouth like she did when he was a cub. Then, with a grimace, she poured a second dose and gave him that as well.

    Reth spluttered¡ªthe stuff tasted horrible¡ªbut he forced himself to swallow it down. While he was still shaking his head and making faces, Aymora moved to the wound on his side, tsking and growling when he batted her hand away when she touched a tender spot.

    "I''ll wager that rib is broken, and maybe the one above. And you''ve got dirt in the wounds. You need to stop running around ying the hero and rest, Reth."

    "I will, as soon as I can stop shifting."

    "And that''s not helping, either."

    "I''m aware," he ground out as she rubbed a salve into the wounds and began wrapping his chest. "Hence my current position on your floor."

    He was still panting, but if he wasn''t dreaming, the urge to shift was already fading just a hair. He blinked and looked at her. "I think it''s working."

    "You''re calm. But don''t do anything yet, Sire," she said sarcastically. "It takes a good hour to workpletely. With that dose it might be faster. But probably more erratic too. So for the Creator''s sake, sit here and stay calm."

    He nodded, and looked at Behryn, who was still staring, open worry on his face.

    "How is my wife?" he asked quietly.

    Behryn blinked, then nodded. "She''s fine. She''s made a couple friends, I think. And¡­ she learned a little while you were gone."

    "Good, good." Reth winced again as Aymora tugged at the bandages around his chest. "Who''s following her right now?"

    "She''s at the market with Gahrye. They''re going to the Reading after the meal. I asked Bhert to take over when I came to your summons."

    "You were watching her?" Reth frowned. "But Bhert was with you?"

    "He was in the square. I sent him back as I passed. She wasn''t alone, Reth. She''s fine. It was more important for me toe¡ª"

    "What?!" Reth snarled.

    Aymora froze, one hand on his shoulder. "Reth, breathe."

    "You left her unattended?!"

    "For moments, Reth, I knew exactly where she was and who she was with. It was more important to be here¡ª"

    Aymora had stood and was backing away from him, no fear on her face, but the wary crouch of a female who had enough experience to know when to step softly. "Reth," she said calmly. "You need to¡ª"

    "Stop telling me to calm when my wife is out there, under wolf eyes, without her GUARD!" his breath came hoarse and rough, his shoulders heaving. He could see the eyes of those watching widen.

    For a moment he struggled against conflicting forces¡ªone that urged him to shift, the other that attempted to block it.

    "Nothing!" he huffed, but the huff became a roar when he thought of his wife in the forest, alone.

    *****

    Why was he in this den? Why did all those eyes stare like cubs?

    With a snarl, he shot for the door, bodies scrambling out of his path as he galloped out of the den and into the twilight outside, pausing only to scent the wind. His side ached, but he was King. He would heal.

    His mate. She was here. Somewhere near.

    And he needed her.

 Chapter 56: The Mating Call

    <h4>Chapter 56:The Mating Call</h4>

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    *

    ELIA

    An irony, when she knew that, to him, the entire cave smelled like her. But if she buried her face in his furs, she could smell that pine and rain, mixed with that uniquely male tang that was only him.

    A wave of tiredness hit her as she stood from the table, and she made her excuses to her two friends. "I''m really sorry, but I''m just wiped out. Next time?"

    Gahrye shrugged and waved as he walked out. Candaced paused, though. "Are you okay?"

    Elia shrugged. "I just¡­ I hate not knowing what''s going on."

    Candace looked sympathetic. "I know if there was something serious, we would have had news. It could be simply that the animal tried to get around him and keeping. He wouldn''t leave until he was sure the city was safe. Try not to worry."

    Elia nodded and forced a smile. "Thank you. I''ll try. I think I just need to sleep tonight."

    "Yes, you''ll need to be well rested for when hees back. Assuming his balls haven''t dropped off fromck of use," she said with a grin.

    Elia blushed, but forced herself tough. "I''ll make sure and check when he gets home."

    Candace gave her an approving nod. "We''ll make an Anima out of you yet, Elia. Sleep well."

    "Thank you, I will."

    As she left the market, she was walking against the flow as everyone else moved toward the center of the Tree city. Apparently the readings were popr, even the stall holders were packing up early. For a moment she stopped. Should she go, too? But no, her limbs felt heavy and her eyes grainy. She needed sleep.

    There would be another reading. And maybe she and Reth could enjoy it together.

    With a heavy sigh she started down the path out of the city and towards the cave.

    It wasn''t until she was two minutes in that she realized there was no other sounds around her. No other people. No footsteps. No voices calling¡ªnot even the twitter of birds, or scrabble of wildlife.

    She stopped for a moment and looked around. It wasn''t until then that she realized the forest had a rhythm. A constant hum of activity, either from the city''s citizens, or from the natural world.

    She wanted to stand there and enjoy the silence and solitude for a moment, but something itched between her shoulder des. Why were the creatures silent?

    She looked around, peering between the trees, but she couldn''t see or hear a thing. Not even a breath of wind in the leaves.

    She was about to start walking again when there was the faint snap of a twig off to her left. Elia gasped and looked into the growing darkness.

    She was alone. Utterly alone.

    And that''s when she realized, that had never happened before. Usually when she left the city, the guards appeared¡ªat least one or two¡ªto shadow her on the path, or follow her through the trees.

    Where were they?

    The little hairs on the back of her neck stood up and Elia whipped around to see a shadow behind her shift behind a tree. "Who''s there?" she called out, trying to make her voice strong. But there was no answer.

    There was a very quiet thud, just on the edge of hearing behind her, and she whipped around again. At first she thought there was no-one there again, then suddenly, eyes glowed in the darkness¡ªthe same way she''d seen Reth''s eyes glow in the ck of the cave at night.

    "Who are you?" she demanded, crouching down to pick up a stone from the side of the path. "What do you want?"

    A tiny huff of air¡ªlike a disapproving snort¡ªsounded off to her right and she turned again, lifting the rock. But there was nothing.

    "Elia¡­" a voice whispered behind her and she whirled around, throwing the rock, but it snapped a twig and bounced harmlessly off the trunk of a tree.

    She would have sworn she heard a snigger ofughter, but she couldn''t see or hear anything else.

    She broke and ran down the path towards the cave, pushing herself, sprinting, forcing her legs to keep going even when they began to burn and her throat ached with the heaving of her breath. She was out of shape. An embarrassment in this world. And she cursed herself for it.

    Behind her, far in the distance, a roar of a crowd sounded, as if hundreds of people had raised their voices all at once. The stories must be exciting.

    Was she going to die out here, in the dark, by herself, while everyone else celebrated?

    Not if she had any choice in the matter.

    But she couldn''t deny that no matter how had she pushed, she couldn''t shake the feeling of those eyes watching her, of aughing audience keeping pace with her, effortlessly.

    *****

    RETH

    Her scent was everywhere, but it didn''t take long for him to find the most recent trail¡ªand the predatory scents mixed with it.

    He tracked the wolves as they tracked her¡ªbraiding themselves, crossing trails, clearly taunting her so each could appear and disappear on different sides as she wove down the trail to the cave.

    His mate. His mate was being hunted.

    His heart raced.

    He found the spot where she''d stopped and scented the spike of her fear.

    With a swallowed snarl, he leaped between the trees, darting through them to reach the clearing before the cave ahead of her.

 Chapter 57: Lion vs. Wolf-Pack

    <h4>Chapter 57:Lion vs. Wolf-Pack</h4>

    ELIA

    Breath tearing in her throat, pulse pounding in her ears, her feet pping the dirt trail, Elia was almost at the clearing. She prayed that the guards were there, waiting, that all of this was some kind of mistake. She could see the light of thenterns beginning to peek between the trees as the path widened, when a shadow appeared on the trail twenty feet ahead of her and she slid to a stop. Almost falling, she turned to run back, but the shadow of another man stepped out of the trees from that direction too, and she turned again¡ªbut there was a rustling in the bushes to that side.

    Panicked, and backing away, she grabbed another rock from between the roots of a tree, but when she stood, the path towards the clearing was clear again.

    But would one of them be waiting to ambush her?

    "Who are you? What do you want?" she screamed, putting as much anger as she could into her voice. But she trembled from head to foot. She felt helpless against these people.

    Did they think this was a joke? Was it some kind of Anima initiation? Was someone going to leap out of the bushes with a balloon,ughing, and telling her that this is how they ept new members to the club?

    A low growl puttered behind her and Elia froze.

    This was no joke.

    She tightened her grip on the rock, wishing desperately that she saw better in these shadows between the trees.

    In ast effort to help herself, she took one more mad dash down the trail towards the clearing, but feet pounded alongside her, and before she could break out of the trees, a man stepped out¡ªalready in the clearing, and his arms hung loose at his sides.

    Elia slid to a stop, panting, as two more figures¡ªone male, one female¡ªmaterialized from the sides. No doubt there was another behind her.

    She didn''t recognize any of them, though they all looked fairly young.

    The man in front of her smiled and his eyes glowed, his teeth shing in the reflected light of one of thenterns in the clearing.

    "Oh, look," he said softly. "It''s our Queen."

    One of the others huffed.

    "What are you doing here?" she snapped. "Why are you following me?"

    "Because you are a stain on Anima''s skin, Queen Elia, a stone hung around the neck of our people. So we will do what no one else has the strength or courage to do. We''ll remove you."

    She met the woman''s gaze in the dark and snarled, "If you kill me, you''ll only bring your King down on your own heads."

    The woman shrugged, smiling. "I''ll take the risk."

    The two men chuckled.

    "You might take me," she said, hefting the rock in her hand, "but even if you win, my husband will tear out your throats."

    "Too bad you won''t be here to see it, then isn''t it, Elia?"

    As she turned to look at the man who''d spoken, she immediately realized her own mistake because the rush of movement from her other side forced her to whip back around, just in time to see the woman leaping at her, mouth open and teeth bared¡ªjust as a mighty snarl echoed through the trees and a massive lionnded on the dirt in front of her.

    It was huge¡ªit''s shoulder level with her own and its chest almost as broad as she was tall. Its tail whipping back and forth as it crouched, ready to pounce.

    Elia froze, terrified.

    But it wasn''t looking at her.

    It''s back was to her and it faced the three wolf-people, low snarl guttering in its throat.

    *****

    RETH

    His mate was in danger. His mate was afraid.

    He''d torn between the trees to head them off, but reached the spot almost at the same time they did¡ªthe people who smelled like kin.

    Something, deep in his head, had a memory of that. But he wouldn''t be distracted.

    His mate was afraid, and trying to escape.

    He would remove the danger.

    As she turned, looking for a way out, and her heart beat so rapidly, like a little bird, he leaped tond between her and the predators, just as the female charged.

    She almost bent herself in half attempting to avoid him, but she was already in flight. She yelped and tried to turn as shended, but he cuffed her and she tumbled into the dirt at his feet, stunned.

    He let the growl roll in his chest so the males would hear it. They''d both crouched when he appeared, but at the sound of his dominance, and seeing him standing before them, proud and ready, they both submitted immediately.

    The young¡ªso hasty to hunt, so quick to fail.

    The proper posture before a King.

    With the three hunters subdued, he turned his great body to find his mate, wide-eyed, hands clutched to her chest.

    He inhaled deeply, but there was no blood, save that in her veins. She had not been touched. Her racing heart and trembling were fear only, not pain. A small part of him sagged and something inside him pressed him to¡­ change.

    He made the call of the mate, the question. But she just stared at him. He stepped forward, shaking his mane and called again.

    She stumbled back a step, her heart still pounding.

    What was wrong? What frightened her?

    He turned to look for another hunter, but the three remained submitted. So he turned back and met her eyes¡ªthe eyes that were so strange, yet called to him.

    She did not look right. She was not leonine. But she was his.

    If he knew nothing else, he knew that.

    The question was, did she?

    *****

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 Chapter 58: Another Kind of Man

    <h4>Chapter 58:Another Kind of Man</h4>

    ELIA

    A huge, snarling lionnded on the dirt in front of her, just as the wolf-woman pounced. For the second time since arriving in Anima, Elia had a moment of seeing her death reach for her, followed by a shocking interruption.

    The wolf-woman yelped as the lion cuffed her from the air and she tumbled to the dirt. Within seconds this creature had all three of the wolves bowing, eyes down, no more arrogant swagger, no more sharp promises for her fate.

    But then this¡­. thing turned on her and Elia''s heart leapt into her throat. Pounding feet behind her announced yet more arrivals, but Elia was held, frozen in the golden gaze of this massive animal. But she recognized Behryn''s voice behind her when he spoke.

    "Elia, it''s Reth. He''s just¡­ it''s Reth!"

    Elia blinked.

    The eyes. Those deep, golden eyes that she''d seen the other night in Reth when they were interrupted and Behryn was asking him toe back.

    This was Reth? This was his beast form? This was what Gahrye meant when he said they all had the ability to change?

    Reth groan-huffed and the noise was so deep and resonant in his chest that Elia felt it in the ground under her feet.

    "Reth?" she breathed.

    He huffed again, and it ended in a sound that was almost a purr. He stepped towards her, his massive paw so huge she couldn''t have circled it with both her hands. Standing on all fours he looked her in the eye.

    She trembled as she stepped forward, reaching towards his face.

    "Elia, no!" Behryn hissed behind her, but she ignored him. "He won''t¡ªin this form he doesn''t think like¡ª"

    She shook her head to silence him. There was something in those eyes.

    This was Reth.

    And he knew her.

    She thought.

    "Is that really you?" she breathed, her shaking fingers syed out.

    He groaned and pushed his muzzle into her palm, his soft fur and warm skin a shock after the chill of fear.

    She scratched the side of his face like she used to do to her pet cat, Bessie, when she was a child, and just like Bessie, he leaned into the attention, his eyes closed and lifted his chin for her to scratch underneath.

    "Reth¡­ you''re beautiful¡­ but¡­"

    He snorted out a breath and she felt the force of it on her arm.

    She swallowed hard. "Please,e back. I''ve missed you. Please." She sighed as he pulled out of her hand and met her eyes again¡ªhis eyes. Those eyes. She couldn''t decide whether they were the picture of the warmth of his heart, or the cold darkness of his willingness to kill. "Please?"

    He turned his great head, tailshing again, and scanned their surroundings. Then, with a nce at her, walked into the clearing properly. Hesitantly, she followed, not certain she was reading him correctly. But once she stood with open air around her, he began to walk a circle, scenting the air and sniffing the ground, huffing every time she started to move.

    By the third time she put her fists on her waist. "I''m not going anywhere, I just want to watch you."

    He growled, but it was yful¡ªshe thought.

    Behryn and the others first surrounded the young wolves, then to Elia''s surprise, sent them off alone, back towards the city. Reth paused in his search to watch them go. But when they came to join her in the clearing, Reth eyed them until they circled her. She couldn''t tell if he approved, or not, but he didn''t make any noises at them, just continued inrger circles, spiraling out to check the clearing.

    "She''s safe, Reth," Behryn called eventually. "Come back. She''s safe."

    Reth threw a look at Behryn over his shoulder, then disappeared into the trees.

    Elia looked at Behryn, who was frowning at the treeline where he''d disappeared. "What''s he doing?" she asked quietly.

    "Either he caught a scent he wants to check out, or he doesn''t want you to see him transform. But I don''t see how¡­ he isn''t usually that thoughtful as a beast. We have to be careful with him. His dominance takes over and¡ª"

    Elia gasped as Reth,pletely naked, appeared in the moonlight, walking towards them, his body sculpted in silver and shadow. He looked magnificent, though his shoulders were rolled forward and his steps shorter than usual. "Reth," she breathed and ran towards him, throwing her arms around his neck.

    He grunted, but pulled her into his chest with one arm, swinging her around, then immediately put her down and searched her eyes. "Are you okay?" his nostrils red and he searched her from head to toe, then pulled her back into his chest. "You''re safe, thank the Creator, you''re safe," he said, his voice heavy with relief.

    "I''m fine, thanks to you!" she said into his chest, surprised by the sudden well of emotion that made her throat pinch and eyes blur. "Reth, that was¡ª"

    "Behryn?" Reth''s voice was deep and sharp with disapproval and his eyes shone with anger.

    Elia turned to see Behryn, though Reth kept his arm around her and didn''t let her step from his side.

    Behryn stepped up, almost to her feet, and knelt in front of her. "Please forgive me, my Queen," he said. "I failed you."

    "What? You didn''t do anything! It was the wolves¡ª"

    "They shouldn''t have had an opportunity to reach you," Reth snarled, his chest heaving as he snorted a breath.

    Behryn paled. "I left my post and¡­ clearly your ns changed. Please forgive me, Elia. It won''t happen again."

    "Of course, you weren''t¡ªReth, he wasn''t even with me! How was he supposed to know?"

    Reth spoke to her, but his eyes were hard as flint on his Second. "He was watching over you, Elia, from a distance, while I was gone. When he learned I''d called for him, he shouldn''t havee until he''d made sure the guards were in ce. For exactly the reason we just witnessed."

    Behryn''s shoulders sagged in his bow. "I beg your forgiveness too, my King."

    Reth red at him for a moment and Elia''s heart raced. The two were so close! Surely Reth wouldn''t let thise between them?

    "Gareth," she hissed and elbowed him. He flinched, which surprised her. She must have caught a rib with her elbow. Before she hadn''t even been able to make him move.

    Behryn didn''t leave his bow, but his eyes popped up to her in surprise and Reth growled at him. She caught the light of humor in the Equine''s gaze before he looked away. Then she turned back to Reth.

    "You know, if you''d told me that I was supposed to have guards all the time, I wouldn''t have started walking back here without them," she said quietly, stroking his chest with one hand because she needed to touch him. Though turning to face him reminded her suddenly of just how naked he was. She kept her eyes up on his face, swallowing hard.

    But Reth still red at the horse-man and snarled between his teeth, "Your awareness shouldn''t have made an ounce of difference to his job, which was to keep you safe while I was gone!" he ended in a shout that echoed off the mountain and over the trees.

 Chapter 59: Vulnerable King

    <h4>Chapter 59:Vulnerable King</h4>

    ELIA

    Tension rose in the clearing as Reth scowled at the men bowing in front of him, and they stayed frozen under his disapproving gaze.

    But before Elia could try to make peace again, Reth tensed and the others all turned to look back towards the path into the clearing.

    "Who''sing?" Reth asked, and Elia was surprised¡ªfirst that he didn''t know, and secondly by the edge of fear in his voice.

    Behryn made a strange whistle and one of the men behind him leapt to his feet and ran swiftly towards the path, his spear drawn. But he was gone bare seconds before he came jogging back. "The guard returning," he called as he rejoined the men in the bow before Reth, "And Aymora."

    Reth gave a little grunt and pulled Elia tighter to his side, kissing her hair as the people emerged from the forest. "If they say anything to you, let me handle it," he whispered in her ear, his body swayed against hers.

    Elia frowned, but nodded. "Reth are you alright?" but her attention was distracted by the appearance of new people.

    The guards arrived first, and Elia recognized a man¡ªshe thought his name was Faryth¡ªnear the front. As they fanned out to surround the clearing and positioned themselves watching the woods, Aymora walked straight towards Reth, her strides quick and purposeful.

    When she reached them, her brow lined with worry, she nodded once at Elia, then spoke straight to Reth. "How bad is it?"

    "The shifting and running¡­" he trailed off, then Elia felt him sway again and she gasped, turning to grab him, but there was nothing to hold onto as his massive form crumpled to the ground.

    "RETH!" she screamed.

    *****

    It took three of the guards to carry Reth into the Cave, and even then they struggled. Aymora issued calm orders for them to ce him in his own furs, sent a fourth runner to the city to call a helper, and asked Behryn to describe exactly what had happened.

    "He beat us here," Behryn said, his tone sheepish. "by the time we got here he''d already put the wolves down."

    Aymora looked at Elia. "He came out of nowhere," she said, one hand on his thigh as the menid him down and covered him with the furs. "Hended between me and the wolf that was attacking me and hit her to the ground¡ª"

    "They actually attacked?" Aymora said, her eyes wide with shock in the first real expression she''d shown in Elia''s presence.

    Elia nodded. "One did, and he hit her so she fell. Then all three of them bowed and didn''t move. Then Behryn and the others arrived and¡ª"

    "He stalked the whole clearing before walking into the forest to transform. When he came out he wasn''t walking free," Behyrn said darkly.

    Aymora sighed. "At least the tonic should keep him in this form for a while. But he''ll need to keep taking it until he canplete the mating."

    Elia blinked. "I''m sorry¡­ did you say¡ª"

    Aymora turned on her, her face determined. "He was wounded in the fight with the Silent One." Elia covered her mouth with her hands. "He will heal. But he must stop shifting to allow his blood to work. Right now, his Anima instincts are pressing him to his beast form because the mating bond hasn''t beenpleted. He knows until you''re his, you could be taken by another male and it''s forcing the beast out to protect you¡ªand to take you."

    Elia''s mouth opened and closed and opened again. "I¡­ I didn''t know¡­"

    "Now you do. For the Creator''s sake¡ªfor Anima¡ªtake your husband as soon as he''s able. Do not leave him vulnerable to his own fear for you. Do not embolden his enemies."

    Elia swallowed and nodded, avoiding the eyes of at all the men in the room hearing this conversation.

    "Until then, he must take two spoonfuls of this at sunrise and sunset," Aymora went on, as if her instruction were nothing of note. She passed Elia a green bottle. "It will help him control the shift until he''s able toplete the mating."

    Cheeks hot, Elia took it and nodded again. "I''ll make sure."

    "Good. When things have¡­ settled,e speak with me. The woman''s council would like to know our Queen. And we can help you navigate these waters better than the men."

    Behryn straightened from checking Reth''s eyes and pushed out a breath.

    Aymora rolled her eyes and pped a hand at him. "Alpha-male bullshit," she muttered. "So busy knowing everything, they forget that some of us used to wipe their asses before they could do it for themselves."

    Behryn''s face colored and Elia stifled augh, delighted at how easily the woman set these men down. Aymora''s eyes lit with humor, though she didn''t smile. She leaned into Elia''s ear and whispered easily loud enough for the men to hear, "The secret is topliment them all the time, for everything. Then they don''t pay enough attention to see how you fixed everything while they were busy strutting."

    Elia choked as Behryn''s shoulders crawled towards his ears and Aymora turned back the furs over Reth''s body to reveal an angry red wound on his ribs.

    The urge tough disappeared as Elia caught sight of it and rushed closer. But Aymora already had a basket of salves and bandages out. "Let''s get this wrapped while he''s still out. It won''t feel good and the pain will press him toward the shift again."

    Elia swallowed hard and stepped up, following the wise-woman''s instructions as best she could, and trying desperately to remember all the things the woman was showing her.

    Elia was still swallowing the pinch of tears when, between them they got the wound cleaned and dressed before Reth started to stir. She rushed to his head as his eyes fluttered, and held his shoulder down, along with Behryn on his other side, when he tried to sit up.

    "Rest, Reth, please. You need to stayying down."

    He blinked a few times before his eyes locked on hers and he sighed. "You''re safe," he said foggily.

    She nodded, biting her lip. "I''m fine. You kept me safe. Thank you. Now you can rest. The others are here and they''ll make sure we''re both safe until you''re better."

    Aymora caught her eye for a moment, grinning, and Elia''s heart lightened.

    "Behr?" Reth rasped.

    "I''m here," he said, stepping closer to the tform so Reth could see him.

    "The wolves?" Reth growled, his body tense under

    "They went to the elders as you instructed. The elders will bring them to the next Security Council."

    Behryn nodded, his face dark.

    Elia took Reth''s hand and wound her thin fingers between his thick ones and he sighed. "So d you''re safe, Elia," he breathed.

    "I''m fine. Just rest. Please."

    He nodded and slipped back into sleep.

    ****

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 Chapter 60: Thoughts in the Dark

    <h4>Chapter 60:Thoughts in the Dark</h4>

    RETH

    He was woken by pain in his side when he tried to roll over. He groaned and rolled the other way, running into a warm body that jerked awake.

    "Reth? Are you okay?"

    "I''m fine. Hush love, I''m fine," he said, reaching with his good arm to brush the hair back off her face and over her shoulder. "It''s good to see you," he rumbled.

    She sighed. "You too. You scared me."

    He grimaced. "Yes. I''m sorry about that. It was instinct to get to you and in my beast form I don''t really think the same way¡ª"

    "No, Reth, I meant when you copsed. Aymora said you kept shifting even when you shouldn''t and it''s made the injury worse. She''s worried you''ll get an infection."

    Reth grumbled a few choice words. "I''ll be healed in two days and she knows it," he muttered.

    "Not if you keep shifting. You have to be careful, Reth. She said you''re re-injuring it every time."

    He considered his body then. The itch was still in his skin, but not difficult to deny. And she wasying next to him, barely clothed. If he was this solid now, he was going to be fine. "I think the worst of it has passed," he said, then touched her face. "How are you? I missed you."

    Her face softened and her cheeks bloomed with that heat that he loved. "I missed you, too," she said softly. "I even offended Behryn by identally startling him when I was trying to find out when you''d be back. I had to go back and try again. Why didn''t you tell me that the Anima teach by showing? Apparently, everyone''s been trying to show me how to act correctly and I''ve been offending them by apologizing and leaving instead of trying again! I had no idea. I''m so embarrassed."

    "Let them be offended, Elia. They need to learn that change¡ªor being different¡ªisn''t always a bad thing."

    "Well, that''s the pot calling the kettle ck," she said dryly. Reth didn''t understand the reference, but she was leaning on his good side so her hair fell over his chest and her scent washed over him. Reth nearly groaned. Instead he twisted his fingers into her hair and pulled her in for a kiss. She came willingly. So willingly, Reth pulled back and stared at her.

    "Aymora said something to you about the mating, didn''t she?"

    "Yes! I can''t believe you didn''t tell me, Reth! Why do you keep hiding these things from me?"

    "Because I didn''t want to press you. You''d been through so much. I felt like you needed time to adjust. And I can wait."

    "Oh, really?" she said, one eyebrow up in a skeptical expression that reminded him so much of histe mother, Reth lost his breath for a second. "You haven''t been having any trouble because we put it off? None at all?"

    "Well, maybe a little," he admitted. "But I always knew it was just a matter of time. I told everyone else to stop pushing. We''d get there. I knew we would. And really, when you think about it, this is Behryn''s fault for interrupting us when¡ª"

    Elia groaned and rolled away, onto her back, her head still resting on his arm, but her hands over her face. "So, freaking embarrassing," she groaned into her palms. "They all saw¡ª"

    "They saw nothing," Reth growled. "I made sure of it."

    She snorted, but didn''t argue. "I had no idea how it was affecting you, Reth. You should have told me. You should have told me all these pressures you''ve been under."

    His eyebrows popped up. "Why? They are my loads to carry, not yours. I am King¡ª"

    "Oh, cut the crap, Reth. I''d swear, you act like you''re more than human or something." They both froze for a second, then he snorted augh and Elia groaned. "You know what I mean."

    "I know, I know. And I love that you care, Elia. You are diamond among females and I''m so d the Creator brought you to me." He''d meant the words to sound sweet, but there was a breathlessness in them that he hadn''t intended and she heard it.

    She rolled over again, leaning on her elbow next to him to meet his eyes, though he suspected she saw very little in the deep darkness of the cave.

    "I can''t believe I''m going to say this," she said softly, "But I''m d I''m here. I mean¡­ I mean, I wish it hadn''t taken the Rite. I wish you''de to find me and we''de here together and I had time to prepare. And I wish I could have said goodbye to my friends. But when you were gone all those days, Reth, it wasn''t my world I was thinking about. It was you."

    Reth''s heart swelled. He hadn''t expected such a deration from her so quickly. He pushed up onto his elbow to face her, groaning as he pulled his sore side up, and she hissed. But he got there and after a breath, could rx. She was so small next to him, but she had her face tilted up to look at him so they were nose to nose.

    He, very gently, took her face in his hand. "You were all I could think about, no matter what form I was in," he said hoarsely. "Elia, can I kiss you?"

    "You can always kiss me, Reth. You don''t have to ask. Unless I''m mad at you. Then it''s probably better to¡ª"

    But he took her lips to stop the words and she sighed into his mouth, her little hand sliding up to cup his neck. And he let her, stunned by the fact that he felt no urge to move her hand away. Usually his every instinct screamed against letting anyone near his neck¡ªwhere his lifeblood flowed so close to the surface. The jugr was an Anima''s most vital, most vulnerable spot. Certain death if exposed to the wrong person. Yet, she''d offered hers to him the first time they''d kissed. He''d been humbled.

    Now, her touch med on his skin and his breath came faster as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss.

    Elia whimpered in her throat and clung to him. Reth, ignoring the spear of pain in his side, rolled her back so he could lean over her and kiss her properly.

    *****

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 Chapter 61: Confessions

    <h4>Chapter 61:Confessions</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    A few minutester, her breath thundering in his ear, she forgot about his wound and dragged her hand down his side. He winced and jerked away and she gasped.

    "I''m so sorry, Reth!"

    "Shhhh, it''s fine. I''m fine."

    "No, you aren''t! Aymora said you need to rest until you''re healed."

    "I promise, there''s more healing in your lips than anywhere else in this cave," he said dryly, but when she pushed gently at his shoulder, he sighed andid back down, breathing carefully until the pain in his ribs eased.

    Theyy there, both of them staring at the ck ceiling, until their breathing returned to normal. Reth found her hand and twined their fingers and she rolled over, to hold his hand in both of hers.

    "Are you going back to sleep?" she whispered.

    He shook his head. "I don''t think so."

    "Then¡­ I have something I have to tell you."

    Reth blinked. She sounded uncertain. He wanted to look at her, measure her while she spoke. But he suspected she was gathering courage, and wouldn''t appreciate the scrutiny. "You can tell me anything," he said. "I''ll always keep your secrets."

    "And your own," she grumbled. "That''s part of what I need to talk to you about."

    "Okay." He waited and she sighed.

    "Why didn''t you transform for me? Or at least, tell me that you could? That all the Anima can?"

    Reth took a deep breath, then winced when his ribsined. "I don''t transform often. At all. It isn''t my natural form, this is. But I use the beast for battle, or sometimes for tracking¡ªthe senses are even stronger. As for showing you¡­ I was afraid it would frighten you. You''d already been through so much¡­"

    "I don''t just mean now, though. I mean when we were kids, too."

    "I was just a child, Elia."

    "I told you everything," she said, and he realized she was hurt. "I mean, I know we were really little. It was just a friendship for me then. But I trusted you. I told you everything¡ªall the things I wanted, everything I was scared of. I thought¡­ I thought we were best friends. That you trusted me."

    He swallowed, unused to feeling so uncertain about the best way forward. "I can tell you that I wanted to tell you. Hell, I wanted to show you. But I had to be so careful. Most of the human world has zero knowledge of Anima, and we need to keep it that way. There are resources here that humans would exploit if they could find a way to do it. When I was taken there as a child, it was made very clear to me how important it was to remain silent about my blood¡ªto appear as human as I could. I was already being groomed to lead. It was impressed upon me that betraying that knowledge to anyone was treason to the people. But even so¡­ I almost did tell you."

    She sighed and pulled her hand out of his grip toy it on his chest, though she just rested it there. He put his hand over hers, pinning it to his skin. "And now? When I was here and I couldn''t be a threat to anyone anymore?" she asked carefully.

    "I was afraid you''d be scared of me," he said honestly, surprised by how hard it was to admit. "I was afraid you''d reject me if you knew."

    "But you know how much I love animals!"

    He turned his head to find her eyes. "Not like that¡ªunless there''s something else you need to tell me," he said, half-grinning, half-afraid. She groaned at the joke, but she didn''t smile. He squeezed her hand, pinning it to his chest when it felt like she might remove it. "Elia, there are many things I would change if I could go back¡ªnot just this week, but years past. There are many things I''d tell you. Things I''d do. Ways I''d make things¡­ different. But I can''t. More-than-human or not, I cannot turn back time," he smiled. She snorted. "You''ve surprised me," he said, and it was all true. "I was so certain this would be too much, that you''d break under the strain of it. Instead you''ve¡­ bloomed. I''m sorry. I underestimated you. I''ll try not to do it again."

    "I''m not saying I don''t need help with all this," she said softly. "I do. I really do. That''s what I want you to hear: You need to tell me more. Exin more. Help me understand how you think, how these people think. I''m flying blind but¡­ I want to. I want to be here. With you. But I''ll just keep putting my foot in everything if no one tells me how things work."

    "Your foot? Why your foot?" he asked, confused.

    She groaned again. "It''s just a saying. It means, I''ll step wrong. Do the wrong thing."

    "I need you to talk to me, Reth. Tell me how things are done here¡ªand why they''re different. Trust me to¡­ understand. Or at least, trust that I''ll try to. And if we''re going to do this together¡­ mates¡­ for real¡­ do you want that?"

    "There''s nothing I want more," he whispered.

    "Then you have to let me help you, too. Even if it''s just here, when we''re alone. You can''t carry everything yourself. You have to let me share the load."

    "Elia, I''m King. It''s my job to carry the load."

    "And apparently, I''m Queen. Or going to be, at least. So¡­ so maybe the thing that I can be good at is sharing it?"

    "But, why would you want to?" he was genuinely confused.

    "Because it''s you, Gareth," she said inly. "I''ve loved you since I was a kid. I cared about you back then, and I care about you now. You''re an incredible man¡ªbut you can''t do it all alone. You''re so busy protecting everyone else¡­ who''s protecting you?"

    Reth''s breath caught. She was incredible. He gaped for a minute, unable to find words to express to her how she''d touched his heart.

    "Like the transforming thing," she said, frowning. "Why didn''t you tell me the trouble you were having?"

    "Because I didn''t want you to feel pressured."

    "But I didn''t even know it was a thing. Like, you could have told me that¡ªtold me you were struggling¡ªwithout ming me. You could have just told me so I could be aware and try to help you." She swallowed. "That''s what was happening when¡­ when they interrupted us, right? When your eyes changed?"

    "Yes," he said. "I almost transformed. It was a close call."

    "Next time, tell me."

    He frowned. "Be honest, Elia, what do you think you would have done if, just as we were about to have sex, I''d suddenly turned into a massive lion, right there in the bed?"

    She blinked and swallowed. "I''m not saying it wouldn''t have been a shock¡ª"

    Reth''sughter echoed off the stone roof above them. "Creator''s beard, woman, you amaze me."

    "Well, thank you. But I''m serious, Reth. If we''re going to do this¡ªtogether¡ªyou have to let me in. Let me help you, as well as helping me yourself. Promise me, please?"

    Hisughter died, and he squeezed her hand again. "I promise," he said. Then, after a thoughtful silence, "Do you know, no female has ever said that to me before?" he said quietly. "It''s never even urred to me that you''d want to¡ªto help me somehow."

    "You think it''s up to you to handle everything?"

    "Yes!"

    "Reth, you''re not my dad."

    "Thank the Creator for that!" heughed, and pulled her down into a soul-searing kiss.

    *****

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 Chapter 62: Allies

    <h4>Chapter 62:Allies</h4>

    RETH

    He woke at daylight¡ªhe could smell the warmth on the grass outside, though it was still pitch ck in their room. He was delighted to find his arms were still curled around Elia and she was snuggled into his chest. He stroked her back and her hair to wake her.

    She blinked and stretched, her breasts pressing against the wisp of a sleep shirt she wore. Reth swallowed hard, but didn''t have too much trouble fighting back the shift. The tonic was working.

    "Good morning," he said, his voice rough with sleep.

    "Is it?" she asked, looking around. "It''s still so dark."

    "Give it a few seconds. The lights wille on soon." Sure enough, as he finished speaking the first of thenterns red to life next to the door, then one by one, the eight around the room each red, then began to glow.

    Elia''s eyes went wide. "I wondered how they got lit each morning!"

    "It''s actually an idea we borrowed from the human world¡ªwe grind a manual generator in the city each morning and it sends a current along the wires that ignite each one. Then they can be blown out at night when you wish."

    Elia shook her head and smiled. "This ce is amazing."

    Reth grinned. "It''s why you fit so well¡ª" his romantic gesture was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Elia yelped, then realized she was dressed, and rolled away from him in the furs. He rolled his eyes and stayed where he was.

    "Come in, Aymora," he called, letting his voice trail into a growl at the end of her name.

    The woman swung the door open and strode in, taking them in with a quick nce and sniffed the air. "Not healed enough yet? Then you''ll need more of the tonic. Have you given it to him yet, Elia?"

    "I, uh, we just woke up¡ª"

    "You cannot leave it to wear off, it''s too risky." She picked up the bottle and spoon from the drawers in the corner and brought them over to Reth, pouring it as she stood next to the sleeping tform. "Open up, Gareth," she sniggered.

    Reth groaned, but did as he was told, swallowing both spoonfuls with a grimace and shaking his head, then sitting up. The furs fell to his waist, baring him to the warm light. He sucked in his stomach and hoped Elia noticed.

    "How''s your pain?" Aymora asked, peeling the bandages on his side back and checking the wound. "You''re healing nicely."

    "It still hurts when I move, but not as badly as it didst night," he said, twisting his body slowly, and raising his arm on that side. "I''ll be fine tomorrow."

    Elia snorted. "Right. Didn''t you say a rib was broken? That''ll take weeks."

    "Not in Anima," Aymora and Reth both said at the same time. Reth grinned.

    Elia''s mouth fell open. "Seriously?"

    "I think as long as you don''t shift today, you''ll be fine tomorrow, as you said," she said. Then sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging.

    "Thank you, Aymora," Reth said, putting a hand to her shoulder. "I''m sorry you had to deal with that¡ª"

    "As you should be!" she snapped,ing to life, her eyes shing.

    Elia''s mouth dropped open, but Reth had known Aymora was just waiting to make sure he was okay before she was going to tear him to strips. Since his mother passed away, she''d taken the role of overseer in his life, and she took it seriously. His mother had been her best friend.

    "I meant my apology, Mother," Reth said softly, using her title and rubbing her upper arm. But she shook him off and began to pace the room.

    "You cannot allow this to happen again, Reth! We have no idea how it''s affecting you to be on the edge of the shift for so long¡ªnot to mention, taking the tonic as an adult. I''ve never tested in for more than a single dose on anyone as mature as you!"

    "I know¡ª"

    "I don''t think you do: I tried to warn you at the Rite and you wouldn''t listen. The men have tried to warn you¡ªyou cannot simply change thews of nature to suit your whims!"

    "I know, really, Aymora, Elia and I spokest night¡ª"

    "Does Elia know the histories? Can she tell you the chaos that urredst time we had a human Queen? Can she teach you how to navigate the disapproval of the tribes?"

    "No, I need you and the Elders for that. I just meant¡ª"

    "You meant that once again, you would simply make your own way and hope for the best? Even though this has put your life at risk¡ªnot to mention Elia''s? Are you listening, Reth? Or will you remain the mouse-brained cub, too proud of his own, newly-dropped balls to realize that he''s putting lives¡ªand Kingdoms¡ªat risk?"

    Reth slumped, hands in hisp and shoulders down. "I know. I do. And I will listen, Mother. I will. But we are here now. So we must make the best of what''se so far."

    "I hear words, you cuckold, but I don''t see action. What I see is a King in his prime, reduced to half his strength because he was too stubborn to ask questions, or tell anyone what he faced!"

    He nodded, "You''re right."

    "Of course I am, I¡ª"

    "Wait just a damn minute!" Elia snapped. "That''s enough!"

    Reth''s eyes went wide and he whipped his head around to look at her where she stood, just feet from Aymora, hands on her hips, ring at the older woman, who was staring daggers back at her.

    "He''s made a mistake, sure. And he obviously needs to listen to what you know¡ªwe both do. So you can correct him, even discipline him, but do not speak down to him! He is your King, and everything he''s done has been either to help me, or the people as he well as he knew how. His heart is good¡ªI don''t care what position you hold in the city, or the pride, or whatever, don''t humiliate my mate and make him beg for your forgiveness when he does nothing but serve you people!"

    Aymora stalked over until she and Elia were toe-to-toe, and Reth''s entire body went tense.

 Chapter 63: Hear the Queen!

    <h4>Chapter 63:Hear the Queen!</h4>

    RETH

    Aymora topped Elia by more than a head, but though Reth could smell the fear spike in Elia, she didn''t back away.

    "You think it''s your ce to tell me what to do with this man who I have served and protected since he was a cub?" Aymora said in a voice too low.

    "Yes," Elia replied. "He''s my mate. I won''t see you¡ªor anyone else¡ªtalk down to him like he''s a child when he''s the King."

    "What about when he has been a very stubborn and stupid King?" Aymora said through her teeth.

    "Then I will make sure he knows it," Elia snapped back. "Just like he''ll tell me when I''m wrong."

    Reth looked back and forth between them, his mouth open. He feared Aymora''s wrath¡ªshe could make things very difficult for Elia if she chose to¡ªbut he was aroused by Elia''s strength, her courage to step between him and what she thought was an attack.

    He''d have to exin to her what Aymora''s role was in the pride, and that she would never have spoken this way to him publicly. Well, at least, not quite.

    He watched Aymora, uncertain how she would react to this show of strength from such an inexperienced mate. But after staring Elia down for two more breaths, a slow smile bloomed on Aymora''s face. She turned to Reth and tipped her head at Elia. "I get it now," she said with a wink. "Good luck, son. She has your mother''s spirit." And she cackledughter all the way across the room as she packed up her things. Reth suddenly felt very uneasy.

    "Elia, well done. I''m d to see Reth will have someone on his side when the women''s council meet. He''s always been far too lenient with us. After everything has¡­ settled down, I''ll take you with me and introduce you. I can''t wait for you to meet Huncer." And she cackled again, before patting Reth''s face. "Be careful today. Take the tonic at dinner. And for the Creator''s sake, take your mate as soon as your body is capable."

    Reth raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you trying to say¡ª"

    "Oh, pffft. Don''t start," the older female said, patting his cheek again. "I''lle by this evening to make sure all is well before you¡­ rest."

    Then she walked out.

    Reth turned, smiling, to Elia, who still stood in the same ce, her mouth open, but confusion written all over her face. He crawled out of the furs to walk over to her, careful of his ribs as he pulled her into his chest and kissed her hair. "You are going to be the best Queen Anima has ever known," he said into her hair.

    *****

    ELIA

    She wasn''t sure what she''d expected out of this day, but it wasn''t endless meetings and a house full of massive men. She sat by, quietly at first, when Behryn and the others arrived, assuming they were going to fill Reth in on something, or get a decision from him. But the men settled down in the greatroom, Reth on one of the lounge chairs, and every time a handful left, a new group would arrive.

    She ran to get him drinks and food as he was able to throw it down between discussions, but in truth, she contributed nothing except to make sure his care wasn''t forgotten.

    She was stunned at the variety andplexity of the issues he addressed¡ªconfidently, and in most cases, with good humor. It wasn''t until the middle of the afternoon, when the security council arrived¡ªall older men, two or three from each tribe from what she could tell, though she was still struggling to pick out the herd animal tribes.

    Things became very serious, very quickly. Each of the men stood in front of Reth and pped a fisted hand across their chest, bowing their heads and saying, "My loyalty to my King," as they entered.

    Reth epted their statements, but his face was serious.

    When about fourteen or fifteen men had arrived, Reth looked around the room, then to Behryn. "When are the wolves arriving?"

    Elia blinked and looked at the men. But he was right, none of them had the right build, or that predatory air of the wolves. She swallowed hard. She hadn''t thought about seeing them again. But of course she would. And others like them.

    "In an hour. The elders understand, though they aren''t happy about it," Behryn replied.

    Reth muttered something she couldn''t quite catch, but his tone said it all. "I admit the events ofst night touch closely on my own life and hearth, so I''ll submit to the Council''s judgment. But before Elia tells you what she experienced, I ask you to consider not only her position as my mate, but as Queen of the Anima."

    The men looked at each other and shifted. Reth''s jaw twitched, but he didn''t say anything. One of the men that Elia thought was a bird, due to his long features and quick, sudden movements, stood. "We, the elders, recognize the Queen, however, much of our people remain¡­ uncertain," he said to Reth, then sat down again.

    Reth muttered a curse and shifted in his seat¡ªwas his pain increasing?¡ªbut he just reached out a hand for her and pulled her to his side. "Elia, please tell the men what happenedst night in your own words. The events from the moment you left the Market, please."

    She swallowed, but turned to the men and kept her voice clear and firm, like she''d seen Reth doing all day. "I was walking out of the market in the opposite direction to everyone else and it was very busy. Everyone was going to the reading¡­" she recounted all that had happened¡ªwith the forest going quiet around her, then the movements and shadows, the eyes, and the way the wolves seemed to disappear and reappear around her so she couldn''t be sure how many there were. Then she ran and they stopped her before she could get to the clearing.

    "They told me they were going to kill me," she said.

    Reth growled. "It was only by the Creator''s grace that I was there in time," he snarled. "I literally backhanded the female out of the air¡ªshe''dunched her attack."

    The elders shook their heads and looked at each other, murmuring in their groups. Reth let them talk, but took Elia''s hand and stroked it with his thumb. She was d for the contact, remembering how frightened she''d beenst night was more unsettling than she''d expected.

    They sat, quietly, watching the others until the same man stood and faced them. "We would like to hear from the Queen," he intoned.

    Reth tensed and she wondered why.

    "She''s already told you her story," Reth said through his teeth.

    The man nodded. "And yet, given her position, we would like to know: What does she think we should do with the wolves?"

    Reth growled in his chest.

 Chapter 64: The Angry King

    <h4>Chapter 64:The Angry King</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    Asking Elia to make her own judgment on the wolves that offended her, was a powery. It allowed the elders to be seen to appease both him and Elia, yet ce any bacsh from the people squarely on her shoulders, rather than taking responsibility themselves.

    How dare they? How dare they!

    Did Behryn know about this? He shot a look at his Second, but was reassured to find him looking off-bnce, and smelling even more so. So, the elders hade up with this on their own.

    Was it a ploy because they didn''t want to ept Elia? Or were they genuinely afraid of making the wrong move in his eyes?

    "Speak inly, Ehrahrd," he growled. "I gave this judgment to the elders so there could be no usation of bias. Yet, you would give it back to the Queen?"

    The man turned and bowed to him, but didn''t meet his eyes. "Do not be offended, Majesty. We agree that the actions taken by the young wolves were underhanded and dangerous. We will see them punished. But we also understand the unrest in the people¡ªand wonder whether these young cubs took it upon themselves to address an issue out of impatience, or immaturity, rather than bloodlust."

    "Does it make a difference?" Reth snarled, getting to his feet. "Are there any circumstances under which a threat to the Queen is not seen as a threat to the throne¡ªand then to the entire people of Anima?"

    "When the Queen is not yet queen in truth," the man said bluntly, eyeing Reth. "Sire, you have our support, and we agree with you that time will answer these¡­ questions. However, we cannot fault the people for being confused, and the young for challenging boundaries. No one knows exactly how to walk through the current state of affairs."

    Reth''s back prickled and he reminded himself it was almost time for the tonic. His healing was progressing well, he couldn''t afford to shift right now. But he also couldn''t show weakness in front of the men in this moment. He stalked over to where the man stood, speaking to him, but letting his eyes fall to each man individually as he did so, so they knew he hadn''t forgotten them.

    "This, again? How many times, Ehrahrd? You say you support me, you say you understand, and your years of wisdom agree that time will heal this. And yet¡­ here we are¡­ a question of treason before you, an usation of murder attempted against the Queen herself, and you raise the questions of the people again? Let me ask you, what if the attempt had been on my life?"

    The men all shifted in their seats. Ehrahrd''s face fell. "Sire, you have to know we would not stand for any attempt on your life!"

    "THEN WHY WOULD YOU EVEN STOMACH AN ATTEMPT ON MY QUEEN?" he roared. The men all leaped to their feet, only to drop to one knee, hands to their chests. Reth snarled. "I am not asking for your offerings to me¡ªyou have served me and this Kingdom well. I have no question of your loyalty to me, I ask you to show your loyalty to her!"

    "But¡­ sire¡­ if she does not take you. Or if you do not proceed¡ª"

    "No." The deep voice came from the Equine corner, behind him. Near Behryn. Reth turned to meet the eyes of Brant¡ªthe eldest of the elders. "No one questions your character, or your intentions, Reth," he said slowly. "Only your Queens. We do not know her¡ªnot her heart, or her character. We do not know her intentions. And add to this, shees from the other world. Her customs are different. We cannot be expected to anticipate her motives."

    "And my testimony to her heart and motives aren''t enough for you?"

    "Forgive me, Sire, but all of us have been¡­ blinded by lust at times. We would not fault you for it, having walked through it ourselves. But we also cannot deny that it urs."

    "You think that I¡ª" Reth began, but cut off when her voice rose from the far corner of the room, closing his eyes and throwing up a prayer for mercy.

    "Why don''t you ask me?" she said quietly. Firmly.

    All the men gasped and turned to look at her. Unless invited to do so, Anima Females did not speak in male council¡ªjust as males didn''t speak in female council.

    The men all turned to Reth who was left with no choice. "Wife," he said, through his teeth, "Would you take the vow and pledge honesty to the men seated her. Exin answers to any questions they might have, and offer any information,plimentary or not, to soothe their fears?"

    "Yes, I would," she said simply. Of course, she had no idea the grilling she was about to receive. And in order to save her before these men, he wouldn''t be able to soften their approach. He''d have to let them have free rein, or they wouldn''t believe her.

    "Very well, pleasee to the floor."

    She got up, uncertainly, but walked quickly over to join him. He took her hand and led her to a seat in the center where all could see her and scent her easily.

    "Very well, gentleman, ask your questions."

 Chapter 65: Undercurrents

    <h4>Chapter 65:Undercurrents</h4>

    ELIA

    She''d had no clue! The personal nature¡­ the digging these men would do! When one of them asked if she was a true virgin, or perhaps trying to hide her previous activity from Reth, she''d looked at him, wondering if he would fly into a rage. But he''d gritted his teeth and nodded at her to answer the question.

    "No, of course not. I''m not¡­ in my world it isn''t a matter for shame if you aren''t a virgin when you marry."

    The menughed. "Neither, here, Sire. But a sacrifice must be Pure. Did you perhaps discover that your mating would be rejected if you were not, and wish to hide that for as long as possible?"

    "No! If I hadn''t been what¡­ what they said I was, I would have just said so."

    The men looked at each other as if they weren''t sure whether to believe her.

    "Oh for the love of¡ªask me!"

    "Ask me why we haven''t mated yet!"

    Behyrn, who suddenly seemed to be hiding a smile, turned to her and asked the question. "Lady Elia, why have you not yet offered yourself to your husband?"

    "Because I didn''t know that I was supposed to," she spat. "Reth and I were¡­ veryfortable together that first night and I thought¡­ where Ie from it''s natural that whoever has the most experience would take the first step to¡­ bringing you together. When he waited, I thought he didn''t want to mate with me. I was upset about it. But I had no idea others would know. And I didn''t know the mating would be a topic of conversation throughout the entire people! Then the next night, when we were together, we were¡­ interrupted."

    Behryn nodded. "It''s true. When we entered to tell the King about the Silent One, they were together and¡­ clearly engaged with each other."

    Elia stared at him and she thought he might have blushed. She knew she did.

    "Then I was gone untilst night, when I was injured," Reth said, though technically he shouldn''t have spoken into her testimony. "So you see, my friends, there is no plot or ploy. Only the misunderstanding of two people new to each other, and the Creator''s sense of humor in keeping us apart."

    "What I''d like to know," Elia ground out, "Is what this has to do with the wolves attacking me?"

    The man Reth had called Ehrahrd spoke up then. "The wolf tribe is, to Anima, the human equivalent of our¡­ assassins?" he said carefully. "If we were to find out that they had good reason to threaten¡­ they would be forgiven for overstepping."

    "Overstepping?" Reth snarled. "That''s what you''re calling it?"

    "Not anymore," the deep voice said from the corner again. Elia turned to look at the man who was clearly the oldest in the room. "I believe thedy has been honest with us, and as such, we should move ahead with our own counsel. I propose a vote to discipline the young wolves¡ªone month in the camps. And if Behryn discovers a plot, that the elders were in any way involved, death to any who dered her the enemy."

    Elia blinked, surprised. But the men took only seconds to shrug their shoulders and apparently agree.

    In less than a minute, Reth had rxed.

    "Thank you, sirs," he said, though the tension in his jaw hadn''t rxed. "I''m d we could finally get to the bottom of this. Now, we need to discuss the traders that have been using the North road¡­"

    And just like that, it was done.

    Elia wished she felt like that was thest time her sex life would be discussed in a public forum. Reth squeezed her hand as she walked past to greet the womening in the door with dinner for everyone, and she squeezed back.

    But she felt like she''d been wrung out.

    And as the meetings dragged on and on,te into the night, Elia gave up and went to bed without him.

 Chapter 66: Under Pressure

    <h4>Chapter 66:Under Pressure</h4>

    RETH

    Reth woke hours before dawn, his nose full of her scent and his body aching to join with her.

    He''d dragged himself into the furs well after high moon. Elia had left the meetings hours earlier, and was soundly asleep by the time he made it to the room. His onlyfort had been that she''d chosen his furs to sleep in. He''d slipped between them into the warm pocket she''d created and wrapped himself around her. But either she hadn''t woken or she hadn''t spoken, and he''d fallen asleep immediately.

    But now¡­ now he was awake.

    Very firmly awake.

    Eliay with her back to him, her hair scattered over the pillow and her face. Her shoulder pressing up and out of both the furs, and the wide neck of her sleepshirt.

    The bare skin was an invitation he couldn''t turn down.

    He shifted closer to her, noting how much better his ribs felt, and thanking the Creator for the Anima blood that allowed him to heal so quickly. He''d seen how long the human body took to heal itself. It worried him should Elia have any serious wounds.

    Pushing the dark thoughts away, he pressed himself against her back and pulled her hair back, off her neck and cheek, so that skin was bare also. Then he set his mouth right on the spot where her shoulder met her neck andved it with his tongue, humming his approval at her warm scent.

    She came awake slowly, her eyes fluttering. Then she stretched, and he let his hand slide down the inside of her arm, to her breast, which he cupped, as he continued to explore her neck and shoulder with his lips and tongue.

    Her breath came more quickly and she leaned back into his chest. "Is it morning?" she rasped.

    "Not yet," he said against her skin.

    Her hand slid down to where his cupped her breast, and he thought she might remove it. But after a moment, she only pressed him in harder.

    Reth''s breath sped up. His arousal was in already, but he didn''t want to frighten her.

    "You were incrediblest night," he whispered in her ear, then nipped her earlobe. She shivered and goosebumps pebbled the skin on her neck and back. "I like seeing you¡­ defiant."

    "Reth?"

    "Yes?"

    "I waited for youst night."

    "I know, I''m sorry, I''d missed so many¡ª"

    "Reth?"

    "Yes?"

    "Shut up and kiss me." She rolled over to face him and with a purr of desire he pulled her in. But she was already there, kissing, her tongue against his, her hands all over his back and shoulders.

    She seemed frantic, and Reth was surprised. She''d been asleep just second before. Had she had a dream?

    Then she arched against him and gasped, "Please, Reth!" but her scent held more fear than desire and he pulled away to search her eyes¡ªwhich flew open as soon as he stopped kissing her.

    "What''s wrong?" he said, trying to calm his breathing.

    "You''re¡­ I can smell your fear, Elia."

    "I''m not afraid of you!"

    "You''re afraid of something. What is it?"

    To his shock, her face crumpled and she buried it in her hands, her shoulders shaking with tears that he''d had no warning wereing.

    "Elia, love, what is it?" He was rmed. Had she been hurt? Had she had a nightmare? He stroked her hair back and crooned to her, pulling her into his chest, but she only sobbed harder. "Sweet girl, please. What''s wrong?"

    "They killed the romance!" she cried and if his hearing wasn''t so sharp, he would have thought he''d misheard her.

    "What? Who?"

    "Those¡ªthose men. With all their questions and¡­ like this is some kind of plot. Or n. Like I''m trying to trap you¡ªand Aymora with all her instructions. I can''t¡­ we need to just get this over with so they''ll all stop talking about it and then maybe we can enjoy it!" She buried her face in his chest and clung to him.

    Cursing himself for an insensitive fool, Reth held her, stroking her hair and her back, shushing her until she calmed. When her tears finally eased and she pulled back far enough that he could see her eyes¡ªpuffy and still shining with unshed tears¡ªhe sighed.

    "Don''t worry about them. Any of them," he said, stroking her hair off her face. "Don''t worry about the timing. They''ll all survive a few more days¡ªweeks even!"

    "Reth, don''t be ridiculous. You have entire tribes working on assassination attempts just because we haven''t done the dirty¡ªwe need to get it done!" She tried to pull him in, but he stopped her.

    "No, Elia, I won''t do that. I won''t let you do that, either. This is between us. I promise you, the day it happens, it will stop being their business. They''ll stop caring."

    "They care now!"

    "Only because they don''t understand it. I know it''s frustrating. But I promise you¡­ we can take our time. Our own time. I''ll handle the critics until then."

    "But you shouldn''t have to! It''s so unfair!"

    Reth rolled over onto his back so his most insistent body part could stop being brushed by her legs and making the argument for her. He pulled her into his side and sighed, raking his free hand through his hair. "No, you''re right. It isn''t fair. But¡­ life''s not fair. So for now, my people are confused and some of them are angry. But when the timees, they''ll get over it. Until then, I''ll deal with it. None of that means that you have to rush into¡­ anything."

    "But¡ª"

    "No, Elia, I won''t be moved on this." He hadn''t meant to make it an order, but he knew it sounded like one. She went very still in his arms and he sighed again. "How about we get our minds off this and¡­ Are you hungry?"

    "Not really," she sighed. Reth frowned. "What I really want is a shower. I miss showers."

    He turned his head. "Didn''t anyone show you the bathing pools?"

    She shuddered. "Yes, but¡­ I''m not going to go have a bath with all those people!" her voice got so high it was almost a squeak.

    Reth smiled. "No, I meant my bathing pools."

    She blinked. "No."

    His grinned broadened and he pushed the furs back, leaping out of bed. "Come on then, I have just the thing."

 Chapter 67: The Bathing Pools

    <h4>Chapter 67:The Bathing Pools</h4>

    RETH

    She was still in the sleep shirt she''d found. It was sleeveless and hung almost to her knees. But theces at the front hade untied during the night and she hadn''t noticed. Reth turned away and made himself focus on¡­ something other than the view.

    He led her out of bedroom and through the great room, but in the opposite direction from the front door. Behind the space he used for cooking, there was another natural curve in the wall. He kept a door on it because the wind howled through in the winter.

    Pushing the door open, he prayed the moon was out enough that she could see and he wouldn''t have to light thenterns.

    Her gasp of surprise was answer enough, as he led her through to the oval-shaped space that was entirely private, circled by rock walls, with a thin, but very tall waterfall bubbling and sshing at the other end. He''d always loved the bathing pools, but suddenly realized they were going to be a lot more fun with a mate.

    Steam rose in the air over the two pools, so close together their edgespped and made them look like a figure eight, though in truth, one was as dark and deep as the sea¡ªand much cooler because the aboveground waterfall emptied into it¡ªand the other was only waist deep, with slick mud that squished between your toes, and hot from the volcanic vents underneath.

    His father had taken the time to have benches carved out of the rocks under the surface of each, and he prayed a blessing over the man as he led Elia towards the hot pool first.

    "My advice," he said, picking his way across the slick rocks, and holding her hand to make sure she didn''t fall, "is to start in the hot water. And when you start to sweat, jump into the cooler pool and rinse off. It''s a shock, but it wakes your whole body up. And Aymora said it has some good health properties, though I couldn''t tell you what that would be¡ª"

    Her tug on his hand stopped him and he turned quickly. But she was smiling, staring straight up where the moon and stars were visible at the top of the hundred-foot drop to where they stood. Reth looked up and smiled too. Then back down to her. "One of my favorite views," he said, staring at her wide smile.

    "Reth, it''s beautiful." She looked down at him then. "Thank you. You''re right. This is much better than¡­ than rushing¡­ things."

    He couldn''t deny his disappointment that things would not be rushed. But he nodded, happy that her tears were gone, reced with that beaming smile. "We have as much time as you need, my love," he said, then swept a hand towards the pools. "And in the meantime, we''ll get you very clean!"

    Sheughed and followed him towards the warm mineral pool.

    *****

    Reth waded to the other side of the pool and kept his back turned so she could take off her sleep shirt and get into the water without his eyes on her, though his body tightened just knowing what was going on behind him while he waited.

    When he heard the ripple of the water as she stepped in and imagined the water swallowing up her thighs, her stomach, her breasts¡­ he groaned.

    "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice echoing in the rocky chamber.

    "I''m fine."

    "You can turn around now."

    He turned with his eyes just above water level, intending to find her face, expecting her to be sitting.

    Instead, he found her thighs, deliciously white in the moonlight. He blinked, then yanked his eyes up to her face.

    She was blushing¡ªhe could smell the blood pooling under her cheeks¡ªbut her smile was bright and she didn''t cover herself. "I need to get used to this, right?" she said, then ruined the effect by swallowing and looking down at herself.

    Reth waded across, not taking his eyes off of hers, though dear Creator above, he could see every curve and dimple. She stood on the bench so the water only covered her knees, and he was on the silt floor of the mineral pool, so he lifted her at her ribs, sliding her down his body until she stood with him, the water covering her well above her waist.

    Then he cupped her face with both his hands, and kissed her long, and slow, dipping and tasting, trying desperately to keep her focus on him and his touch, nothing else.

    When they finally broke apart, her hands were syed on his back, and they were both breathing quickly.

    "You''re so beautiful," he murmured against her jaw. She tipped her head back to give him ess to her neck again, and he growled his approval.

    "Reth," she whispered as he kissed his way down the column of her neck, "I think of the two of us, you''re the one who qualifies for ''beautiful,'' oh!" she gasped as he nipped the skin under her ear, then kissed it to soothe. Goosebumps rose under his tongue and her nipples hardened against his stomach.

    His breath began to rasp. He let one hand slide down finally, finally to her breast, palming the weight of it, then sliding his thumb over the tender point so her breath caught.

    "Elia," he groaned, kissing her deeper, pulling her in.

    She came willingly, one hand cupping his neck to pull him down for her kiss, the other sliding up his side, her fingers ying along his muscles like the keys on a piano.

    Then she dropped her chin to kiss his chest, right in the center, over his heart. "You''re mine," she whispered against his skin. "I don''t care what they say, or what they think. You belong to me."

    Reth roared his agreement.

 Chapter 68: Waited for You

    <h4>Chapter 68: Waited for You</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia had kissed men before. She''d even engaged in other¡­ activities asionally. But the truth was, she''d never truly wanted a man before. She''d always felt slightly afraid¡ªor on one asion, downright bored.

    Being in Reth''s arms, she forgot all of that. It was as if his touch lit fireworks under her skin¡ªlittle points of light and heat that sparkled and trailed to fade away long after his fingers had moved on.

    He made her feel alive.

    The warmth of the water, the gentle hiss of the waterfall in the next pool, the echo of the rocks¡­ it all felt like a cocoon of love and heat.

    She wanted more.

    But, remembering that Reth was so intent on her being the one to choose, she didn''t know how to show him. So as his breathing got heavier, and his hands began to shake as they danced on all the ces she''d always tried to hide, she found a pressure building inside her, low in her belly. It made her want to move. It made her feel hollow inside.

    It made her feel like he was the only one who could soothe the ache.

    Then he began to walk her slowly backwards towards the edge of the pool.

    He pulled away, just far enough to meet her gaze, his hair falling into his eyes so he peered at her through it like he had that first night¡ªwhen she''dpared him to the lion in the grass, without any idea how appropriate the metaphor was.

    "Yes?" he rasped, his fingers curling to cup her neck, his thumb stroking her jaw.

    "I want you," she said breathlessly. "I don''t care about what anyone else thinks. I just¡­ want you."

    He blew out a breath and dropped his forehead to hers, his eyes squeezed shut, like he was in pain.

    "Is your side hurting?" she gasped, starting to pull away. She''d forgotten about that!

    "No," he breathed, keeping his arms an iron cage around her. "I''m just trying to remind myself of all the ways you''ve been pressured by every damn Anima¡ª"

    "No, Reth. That''s not what I mean. Look at me."

    He opened his eyes, his warm brown eyes that looked ck in the moonlight and stared into hers.

    "I want you whether it matters to anyone else, or not. I want you now. Today. I''ve been waiting for you, all this time. I don''t want to wait anymore."

    He huffed. "It''s been a week. The elders are just being stubborn. It''s not unreasonable¡ª"

    "No, Reth, you aren''t listening. I''ve been waiting for you. I didn''t even know it until now, but I''ve had choices before. I''ve had men who wanted to be with me. And it never felt right¡­ this¡ª" she put her hand on his chest, "¡ªthis feels right. I want this. I want you."

    A shudder rocked through him as she went up on her tiptoes, pulling him down and tilting her head to bring their mouths together, open and gasping, her tongue searching for his.

    Then, when he still didn''t move except to kiss her, she brought a hand down his chest, his stomach, low, to the ce where she could feel his arousal, like velvet covered steel, nudging at her belly.

    But before she''d even reached for him, he caught her hand and rasped, "No. No, not¡­ not now, Elia. I want to do this right and that¡­ that might not help."

    She frowned, but he grinned pulling away suddenly to kneel and pick her up. She yelped and threw her arms around his neck, but he carried her to his chest as he waded through the rest of the pool, then stepped up on to the bench, then outpletely, trailing water in his wake.

    "My shirt!" she squeaked, clinging to him as he kept walking.

    "I''ll get itter," he growled, kissing her as he carried her out of the moonlit chamber and back into the cave.

    She giggled and pulled his hair back off his neck as he walked her into the greatroom, then opened her mouth against the cord of muscle at his neck and sucked.

    Reth groaned and stopped abruptly, cursing, to sit her on a side table against the rock wall, bracing one hand against it as his entire body trembled.

    "Light!" he croaked. "Do that again."

    With a softugh, she let her tongue follow the tendon that stood proud on his thick neck, then kissed the hollow at his throat. He groaned, his fingers tight in her hair, shaking.

    "You like that?" she whispered against his jaw.

    "Elia," he rasped, "Fuck."

    "That is the goal," she giggled.

    He took her mouth then, desperate and wild, strange noises in his throat that called for her, his hands pulling her legs around his waist so when he rolled his hips, it brought them skin-to-skin in ways that made Elia pant.

    She clung to his back and held on as he trembled and shook, kissed the side of his neck as he pressed against her, threatening to take her at any moment. The slide of him against her making that pressure build even higher until she was gasping too.

    He kissed her again and she wed a hand into his hair, desperate to be closer, always closer.

    "Reth," she gasped as the hardest parts of him slid against the softest parts of her. And even though it twisted her stomach into a spiral of desire, it wasn''t enough. "Reth, please!"

    "Light, Elia, are you certain?"

    "Yes!"

    With a growl of frustration, he leaned in, cupping her bottom with both hands and lifting her to carry her through the rest of the cave and into the bedroom.

    Taken off guard, she grabbed at his shoulders. "What¡ªI thought¡ª"

    "I''m not screwing you against a wall on your first time," he muttered through his teeth, then kissed away her protest.

    "But we can try it another time, right?"

    His eyes lit up. "Start a list," he growled, shouldering the bedroom door open, then kicking it closed behind them and tumbling her onto the sleeping tform as sheughed.

    .

    .

    IMPORTANT: This is the final free chapter for Reth & Elia. But you can now read the next TWO chapters for just 1 coin through the privilege system! (and yes, this scene is going where you think it''s going. No more false-starts!) Just swipe from the left side of the screen, and scroll down to the orange Privilege button. If you haven''t purchased privilege before, read the exnation in the author note below. ;

    I can''t tell you how wonderful your support for this book has been so far. I''m truly grateful. You are world-famous in my home, ha! Thanks, and hold on, because this is where things start to get interesting!

 Chapter 69: First Time for Everything

    <h4>Chapter 69: First Time for Everything</h4>

    RETH

    Restraint had never really been an issue for him, but she wound him so tight, he felt like he''d explode the moment he entered her. He needed a moment to get himself back under control. So when he tumbled her back onto the furs and sheughed, he didn''t follow immediately. Instead he stood back to look at her, sprawled there, her hands reaching for him, a beaming smile on her face.

    "Come here, beautiful," she giggled.

    He snorted. "We''ll discuss thatter," he growled.

    He let his fingers trail so lightly up the side of her leg that she shivered and her knees fell open. His chest rose and fell like a bellows, giving away his increasing need. He couldn''t quite believe this was actually happening. Elia was here. In Anima. Forever. And she was his.

    Thank the Creator.

    "Reth," she pushed herself up on her elbows. "Why aren''t youing up here?"

    "Because I need to remember this," he said hoarsely. "I''ve wanted this for so long¡­ I thought about this. Dreamed about it. Elia¡­ you have no idea¡­"

    Her face went serious and she pushed herself up to kneel in front of him, one hand on his chest, the other on his shoulder, her breasts bouncing as she straightened. "Reth¡­ this is our life now. We can have this whenever we want. You don''t have to¡­ this doesn''t have to be perfect. If we get it wrong, we''ll try again. If I don''t like something, I''ll tell you. Stop overthinking and just¡­ show me. Please?"

    He pulled her into a searing kiss¡ªhow had she ended up reassuring him, in this moment? Then, still kissing her, crawled up onto the tform with her, leaning her back until shey t and he covered herpletely.

    The mating call huffed in his throat without his will. But she sighed and wed her fingers into his hair, kissing him, frantic for all the right reasons this time. He cupped her thigh, then dragged his hand slowly up her leg, hooking her knee up and over his hip as he rolled against her again, seeking that perfect slide that had made her mouth drop openst time.

    Listening carefully to what made her breath catch, and what made her cry out, he stroked, and kissed, and thumbed until she was panting and her hips writhed.

    Inside him, deep in his chest, something came alight as he nudged at her. She shuddered and gasped, her hand pping on his back when she clung.

    "This will hurt," he gasped through his teeth. "I''m so sorry, but I can''t stop it."

    "It''s okay, it''s okay!"

    "But it will ease with time, love. I promise."

    "Reth, please¡ª"

    With one long, shuddering thrust he entered her, expecting to take his time, to work his way to her barrier. But she was so ready, so open to him, he slid all the way to the hilt, crying her name as she gasped and became his.

    She tensed around him and under him and he froze, trembling. Breath heaving, he waited, one hand cupped over her head, the other holding her leg.

    "Elia?" his voice shook.

    "I''m fine," she whispered. "Just¡­ just give me a minute."

    "I''m so sorry my¡ª"

    "Reth, if you apologize to me one more time, I swear I will never sleep with you again."

    He snapped his mouth closed and sheughed, and it squeezed her around him so beautifully, he almost lost the shred of control he had left. He groaned and dropped his head to her shoulder, inhaling deeply as that warmth in his chest spiraled out, twisting together with her scent and the pounding of his pulse, and snapping a lock on his heart that he could feel. As if the shape of her under him, the warmth of her hands on his skin, the whisper of her voice were the keys, and only they could open it.

    Reth shook and his breath caught.

    "Are you okay?" Elia asked in a small voice.

    "Yes, yes¡­ I just¡­ I love you, Elia," he breathed. "I love you."

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d been crawling the heights of that pressure inside that built with every slide of him against her, and every touch of his hand. She''d gasped his name, and rocked against him, pleading. She''d made noises she''d never heard, and grabbed at him, desperate, begging him!

    When he finally plunged inside her, for a moment it was as if he''de home to her, as if she''d found the ce he was always supposed to be. Her head rolled back and her mouth dropped open with the joy of it.

    Then pain stabbed deep inside like a shock of cold water on a hot day, and she froze.

    Reth stilled, immediately, though with a shudder that told her he''d struggled to do it. She could think again. She was more than just a bundle of nerves. She was aware. Aware of the pain. But also aware of him. Desperately.

    He was¡­ everywhere. Over her, inside her, around her¡ªhis skin was her nket, his hand herfort, his breath in her ear called her name.

    "Elia?" his voice trembled.

    "I''m fine, just¡­ just give a minute."

    "I''m so sorry my¡ª"

    "Reth, if you apologize to me one more time, I swear I will never sleep with you again," she snapped, thenughed when he closed his mouth so quickly his teeth clicked.

    Herughing made her¡­ feel him. Inside. She was awed, suddenly so aware that they were as close as two people could be. She bore down on those muscles again, experimenting, and Reth groaned, burying his face in her shoulder and taking a deep breath. Something was happening. She could feel it. Something rolled around inside him and he shook to contain it, his breath catching like he was in pain.

    "Are you okay?" Elia asked, slightly afraid that making him stop may have done him harm.

    But he lifted his head, and though she couldn''t see the color in his eyes, she saw them shine. "Yes, yes¡­ I just¡­ I love you, Elia," he breathed. "I love you."

    Whatever had been inside him hit her right in the chest, an embrace to her heart that stole her breath and overwhelmed her with emotion.

    She took his face in her hands as her heart lit up like one of thosenterns in the forest, glowing with warmth and light¡ªand it eased out of her to envelope him.

    "Oh, Reth," she gasped. "I love you, too. I think I always have." She kissed him then and his breath shuddered across her lips.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 70: Mated

    <h4>Chapter 70: Mated</h4>

    I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

    *****

    ELIA

    The pain she''d felt had eased and as she pulled him in, he groaned, moving ever so slightly inside her, giving her that tingling firework touch of his both inside and out. She rolled her hips and a cry escaped her lips as he filled her. He tried to hold back, but she kissed him again, then whispered, "Don''t stop."

    He braced himself on the furs, his eyes locked with hers and burning with intensity, and thrust once, slowly. Her head fell back.

    "Is that a yes, Elia?"

    "Yes¡­" she bit her lip as he did it again, still slowly. "Don''t¡­ stop¡­"

    With an animal moan, he came alive, his hands trailing from her neck, to her breasts, to her sides, her legs as he continued to roll into her, breathing her name against her skin, and clinging at the peak of each thrust for half a breath that neither of them took.

    "Reth!"

    "Hold on, my love," he sighed, his massive bicep curled next to her head as the other hand stroked up the back of her thigh, then over her knee, and back up to reach between them. "Hold on to me." Then he began to y her body like a musical instrument, rolling his hips in time with the slide of his thumb, his tongue, and the gasp of her name.

    Elia clung to his arm, and his neck, cries she couldn''t stop breaking in her throat at the peak of each thrust.

    "Mine," he whispered savagely against her neck as she threw her head back, her breath tearing out of her throat. "My mate. My wife. Only mine."

    Elia began to tremble, whimpering as she sensed a peak to this tingling wave she''d been riding, but each gasp left her only more breathless until Reth began hissing between his teeth, and slid his hand down, behind her hip to pull her up in the same moment he thrust.

    The world zoomed in to a pinpoint of time and space, only them, only where their skins met, as the warmth and light that bound them together suddenly snapped into ce, tying their souls. Then the wave crashed over her and Elia shouted his name, arching into him as he roared his release and his love for her.

    Secondster they both copsed, Reth careful to brace his own weight on his elbows so he wouldn''t crush her, but his shoulder heaving with his breath, Elia trembling and gasping, but boneless. Content.

    *****

    RETH

    She had just be his world.

    As he struggled to catch his breath, to find himself again in this body of tingling nerves and rushing emotion, he couldn''t hold any thought beyond her.

    Elia. Elia. Elia.

    There was no other name on earth that meant more. And no other female alive that would satisfy his body or his heart. His soul.

    The mating bond.

    He''d had no idea.

    Even as hey there, gasping for air, his face buried in her neck, he wanted her again.

    This was going to be a problem.

    "Reth," she rasped. "Was that¡ª?"

    "The mating bond," he croaked between breaths.

    "Is this like that for everyone?"

    "No," he spluttered, his chest still heaving. He didn''t roll off her, but leaned to the side, taking his own weight, so he could take her hand and put it to his chest, over his heart. "Can you feel that? Feel it pounding?"

    "Yes."

    "You did that, Elia. No one else. Only you."

    She turned her head and kissed him slowly, deeply, her breath still heavy. Then when she pulled back she was grinning like a cat who got the cream.

    "What?"

    "How soon until we can do it again?"

    He chuckled, but it pushed him deeper into her and they both sucked in. "I''m not sure," he said, smiling slowly. "But we''re going to find out."

    *****

    He couldn''t resist it, he took her back to the pools. At first it was to let her wash and soak¡ªshe''d be soreter. At least this time he remembered towels.

    They sat in the mineral pool for a long time, always touching but in the innocent ways¡ªthighs brushing as they sat close, fingers twined under the water.

    But as her body warmed to a flush and she wanted to try the colder water, Reth''s body tightened. She climbed out of the bench seat in the hot pool and trotted the few feet over to the cold, dipping her toe in, then squeaking. "It''s so cold!"

    "It''s not really," he said, still sitting in the mineral pool. "It just feels that way because of the heat." She was still a little self-conscious about walking around naked, but every time she started to cover herself, he''d say her name and let her see how beautiful she was in his eyes.

    Not brave enough to jump in, she skirted the edge of the pool, walking out to the shallow ledge where the waterfall pattered from high in the mountain wall. He smiled watching her tentatively step under the falling water, hissing and squealing at first because of the shock of the cold on her pink skin.

    But she kept at it until she stood under the sheet of it, her hands sped at her chest to hold onto warmth. She looked at him over her shoulder, giggling and puffing with the cold. "Come on, Reth. Come warm me up," she said and winked at him.

    With a grunt, Reth pushed himself up and out of the warm water. He was already hard, but the cold douse might slow things down. Which probably wasn''t a bad thing. The mating bond was driving him closer to her and it was bing difficult not to simply throw her over his shoulder and take her back to bed.

    Instead, he walked towards the waterfall, letting himself drink in the sight of her curved back and buttocks as she shivered under the cool water.

    But, seeing himing, she turned and stretched her arms up to wet her hair, dropping her head back under the waterfall. Thebined sight of her white throat,pletely bared, and her breasts pressed upward, hard and tight because of the cold, were a shot to his system so potent he almost stumbled.

    The mating call huffed in his throat, the deep harsh of it resonating off the stone walls. She heard it and recognized it, lifting her head to look at him. Seeing the desire burning in his eyes, her grin shifted to a knowing smile.

 Chapter 71: Again

    <h4>Chapter 71: Again</h4>

    RETH

    Eyes still locked on him, she went back to stretching under the water, sliding her hands through her own hair and shivering under the stream.

    When he was only a few feet away he stopped to take her in and she let her hands trail down, over her wet breasts. "I''m cold, Reth," she said, her voice rough and tight.

    "I''ll see what I can do," he said hoarsely, covering thest few steps between them in a sh and taking her into his arms, bending her backwards so he could taste her throat, letting the water bounce off his shoulders and back to shelter her from the chill of it.

    Sheughed, but it quickly became a sigh as he held her against him and let his hands rove. His breath was already heavy when she took his face in her hands and kissed him, open mouthed, but then he slid one hand to her breast, letting his fingertips trail over the fierce point of her nipple.

    She gasped and her knees wobbled.

    He swept her up, lifting her so they were face to face, guiding her to wrap her legs around his waist. Arms around his neck, she pulled back to smile at him as he started walking her back to the warm pool.

    "I wish I could take you back to my old life," she whispered,bing the hair off his face with one hand.

    Reth frowned. "You don''t like Anima?"

    "No, it isn''t that! I just meant¡­ all my friends would be so jealous. You''re smoking hot. They wouldn''t believe me unless they saw you in the flesh."

    Reth dropped his head back andughed, and she took the opportunity to kiss his throat again, which turned hisughter into a groan.

    One hand supporting her weight the other sliding up her back, under her hair, he stopped walking to kiss her properly, his breath rasping, getting faster. Hers did too, thundering in his ear as she gasped and kissed and whispered his name, beginning to roll her hips against him in a way that threatened to bring him to his limit far too quickly.

    He''d intended to take her back to the bedroom after she''d soaked, but her urgency matched his, so as she kissed her way along his jaw, he considered and dismissed several options. She was too new to this for him to get too adventurous. They had plenty of time for that.

    "What are you doing?" she whispered in his ear when he hesitated.

    "Making a list," he muttered and sheughed. Then he spied the pile of towels he''d thrown alongside the pools, intending to wrap her and dry her so he could watch her skin blush. "Hold on," he grunted, then hissed when she nipped his earlobe. "If you want this tost, you''ll keep your teeth to yourself," he growled, holding her chin as he kissed her deeply, the call pressing out of his throat again.

    "Reth¡­"

    "I''ve got you, kitten," he whispered, lowering himself to the thick towels until she sat in hisp and clung to him, arching her chest into his so her nipples were teased. She groaned and buried her fingers in his hair to pull him in as he opened his mouth on her shoulder, kissing and sucking the skin at her corbone.

    She writhed against him, her body seeking the mating again and Reth gritted his teeth, stunned by how urgent she was¡ªhow desperate he felt for her.

    Determined to make this less of a frantic coupling, he cupped his hand over her head, kissing her deeply, slowing the pace of both the kiss, and their rolling. At first she fought him, whimpering, but he sighed her name over and over until she dropped her head back, leaning away, bringing herself in deeper contact with him.

    They both groaned.

    She''d found the spot and her mouth dropped open as she rolled her hips again, slowly, pressing herself against him.

    Yanking his own leash tight, Reth syed his hand at her back to give her some resistance and her breath stuttered as she climbed towards release.

    "That''s my girl," he whispered. He let his teeth drag down the line of her throat as he brought his other hand between them. At first the shift made her whimper, but when he added his thumb, sliding from her deepest core, up to the point of her pleasure, she cried out.

    "Don''t stop!" her voice was high and desperate.

    "I won''t, kitten, I won''t. Creator''s Light, you''re beautiful."

    "Reth!"

    "I''m here. I''ll always be here."

    She went rigid, arched back, mouth open in a silent scream as her fingers dug into his shoulders. She sobbed her release and Reth growled his approval, his own breath rasping. He was so close, so close, and he hadn''t even taken her yet.

    Then she jerked back into him, her face in his neck, gasping, kissing him, her hands everywhere, her body rippling and liquid under his palms.

    When she opened her eyes and sat up, her cheeks were flushed.

    She was the most beautiful thing he''d ever seen. He stared at her in awe, even as his body tensed, sensing what was toe.

    "That''s wonderful," she said breathlessly, her hands stroking his neck as they continued to roll together and she twitched at each peak from the added sensitivity of her climax. "But it isn''t enough. I want you, Reth. I want you inside me. Please."

    With a heated snarl, he leaned her back,ying her down on the towel, covering her with his body. "I''m not going tost long," he warned her, positioning himself with a shaking hand.

    "I don''t care."

    He took her mouth and invaded with his tongue in the same moment he took her body. She cried his name, already shivering, climbing towards her next peak as he thrust again, and again, and again.

    She clung to him, holding tight, crying her love for him, and her need, every word out of her mouth only pressing him further, closer to his own climax, until he threw his head back and roared his love and iming of her. Her¡ªhis perfect mate.

    The roar echoed up through the cavernous mountainside toward the sky that was now beginning to pink.

    And far away, across the city, voices rose¡ªhowls, calls, screeches, and brays broke through the dawn light in answer to their King.

    Oh, shit, Reth thought as he sagged over her, his breath stilling in gasps.

    Completely unaware of their audience, Elia took his face in her hands and kissed him, her breath stilling short and sharp.

    "Shit. Shit, shit, shit," Reth muttered hoarsely, cursing himself over and over for forgetting where they were, that his roar would be heard by the people.

    "What''s wrong?" she asked, suddenly still.

    "Oh, nothing, sweetheart," he sighed, stroking her arm as he leaned his temple on his fist to take his own weight. "Just stupid, alpha-male bullshit," he grinned.

    "Well, if this is a part of that, I''ve decided I''m a fan," she said breathlessly.

    Reth kissed her again, then led her back to the pools for another soak.

 Chapter 72: Long Live the Queen

    <h4>Chapter 72: Long Live the Queen</h4>

    ELIA

    They made love again in the furs, then dozed for an hour. Elia woke, her chest bursting with happiness, and her body sore, but tingling for more.

    She rolled over happily to find Rethying, one arm under his head, staring at the ceiling. Thenterns were on and they bathed his skin in a warm glow that made her want to lick him. But she forced herself not to start anything. Instead, she rested her head on his arm and threw her arm over his chest.

    He turned his head and kissed her lightly. "Good morning."

    "It''s the best morning ever," she said, smiling.

    He raised one eyebrow and gave a lopsided grin. "Is that right, Queen Elia?"

    She snorted. "I''m no more a Queen now than I was twelve hours ago."

    "No less, actually. But tell that to my people," he grumbled.

    Then it hit her¡ªafter everything they''d been saying, she hadn''t really thought it through. "They''ll know," she whispered in horror, her cheeks burning bright with embarrassment.

    Reth groaned. "Yes, they will."

    Elia rolled onto her back and covered her face with her hands. "This is so embarrassing!"

    Frowning, Reth rolled and leaned over her, pulling her hands away from her face. "Embarrassing? You''re embarrassed that you own the King in body, heart, and soul?"

    "No. I''m embarrassed that I''m going to walk out there today and everyone will know what we''ve been doing."

    "Why? They see no shame in it."

    "Yes, but¡­ it''s private."

    Reth huffed. "Not in Anima."

    She groaned again and pulled a pillow over her face.

    He took a great deal of time in coaxing it away from her and reminding her why she should never, ever be embarrassed. And by the time he had, she was so alight and rxed, she decided she didn''t care if they knew.

    After all, she''d married up. If anyone should be embarrassed, it should be Reth.

    *****

    Reth had been in no hurry to leave the cave. And in truth, Elia wasn''t either. But she wanted to get this first encounter over with. If everyone was going to be talking about their mating, let them get it out of the way so she could get past the embarrassment and get on with her new life.

    She insisted they go to breakfast. Reth reluctantly agreed. But he dragged his feet.

    "What''s wrong?" she said after the third time he found a reason to dart back to the bedroom before they left. "Is it going to be bad out there?"

    "You''ll be fine," he muttered, and took her hand, kissing her knuckles as they walked through the door.

    It wasn''t untilter that she realized he hadn''t mentioned himself.

    As soon as they stepped out of the cave and into the little clearing, one of the guards made a whistle and all five jogged towards them. At first, Elia thought they must have a message for Reth, but as soon as they reached them, all five dropped to one knee, arms across their chests.

    "Good morning, my Queen," they each said, bowing their heads.

    Reth smiled at her, one eyebrow up. Elia was startled. "Good morning!"

    "Pleasure to serve you today, Majesty," the man with the double-armband that marked him as shift leader said.

    "Um, thank you?"

    She looked at Reth who grinned and led her forward, between the men who were still bowing. They stood, one by one, as she passed, pping that arm to their chests again and shouting, "Queen Elia! Long live the Queen!"

    Then they fell in behind she and Reth to shadow them down the path as usual. But she caught a couple grins from the men towards Reth¡ªand his scowl in return.

    The men never walked closely, but she knew their hearing was too good for a truly private conversation, so she gave Reth a look. "What was that all about?" she whispered.

    "You''ll see." He smiled again, but it didn''t reach his eyes. He was scanning the forest around them, his eyes already shadowed byck of sleep, now haunted, as if he expected an attack at any moment.

    "Reth, what''s wrong?"

    "Nothing, nothing," he said, shushing her. "I''m just tired."

    "Me too. Maybe we should take a nap this afternoon," she said slyly.

    "Yes, yes, sure," Reth said, but she could tell he hadn''t really registered what she''d said. As they made it down the path and into the city center, she was about to ask again. But then they were suddenly mobbed.

    *****

    RETH

    They''d barely entered the circle before the children started screaming and running up to them, cheering for their beautiful new queen, and throwing flowers at her feet. Elia looked like she''d swallowed a poison frog.

    Then everyone else began to flock, and Reth was torn between joy over watching his people celebrate his mate, and anger that they''d waited until now¡ªhadn''t believed in her before. He epted the congrattions alongside the looks that said, "about time."

    But soon he could see Elia was bing overwhelmed, so he stepped between her and the crowd and insisted they let them go get breakfast.

    "Gotta keep your strength up!" one of the females called, and the entire crowdughed. Elia''s face went beet red.

    Reth took her hand and led her through the crowd, keeping his eyes and nose open for the brothers. He wasn''t sure when they''d appear, but he knew it wouldn''t be long.

    They were entering the market¡ªweaving between the tables¡ªwhen the pounding began. Within seconds, the people started to p and cheer and while Elia looked confused, Reth just shook his head and tried to smile.

    Behryn led a group of six or seven other men out, their feet stamping in time with the spears they pounded on the ground at every step. They chanted an ancient tale that had been updated by this group to include suggestive metaphors, and downright dirty subplots. The peopleughed and cheered.

    No chance he was getting out of this quietly.

    Reth sighed.

    "What''s going on?" Elia asked uncertainly as the people stepped back to give Behryn and the others room to circle him, all still stamping and chanting.

    "I have a, uh, meeting with the brotherhood¡­" he said through his teeth.

    Elia frowned, but he just kissed her quickly¡ªto the cheers and apuse of his people¡ªand whispered, "It''ll only take a couple hours, I promise. I''ll see you at lunch." Then, before she could respond, Behryn came to stand in front of him and the stamping stopped.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE: Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the beginning of the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 73: Song & Dance

    <h4>Chapter 73: Song & Dance</h4>

    RETH

    The crowd of watchers went silent as Behryn grinned and bowed with a flourish, his voice raised so everyone near the market could hear. "Our brother has found his mate!"

    Everyone cheered again.

    Reth smiled past gritted teeth. Elia tried to smile, but she was still staring at him with a question.

    "The brotherhood requests your presence, O Majesty, Sire of our Nation, the Highest Name in all the Land¡ª"

    "Yes, yes, Behryn. An audience is granted," he muttered.

    There were titters and boos that he''d stopped Behryn making a show. But his friend wasn''t finished.

    "Thank you, O Mighty, King Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn, the seventh in the Royal Line to take and hold the throne. As today marks the beginning of your kinship and the great reign of your Queen Elia Thorpe, we ask for a gift that cane only from your hand!"

    Reth sighed. He''d known his brothers would take full advantage of this day, but this was just making a spectacle! They would pay for this.

    "Do you have a gift for your people, O Mighty King?" Behryn was enjoying this too much.

    "I will dere today a holiday," Reth ground out. "No trade, no training. Let the people feast and y."

    The crowd cheered again, and the children''s squeals were so loud, Elia winced, but she smiled and pped with the littlest ones that rushed to her in their excitement.

    For a split second, Reth saw her, heavy with cub, and pulling another youngster by the hand, her cheeks full and red, her skin glowing as she came to greet him.

    He blinked and the mental picture faded, but the feeling it left jolted him to his toes and he gaped at her.

    She frowned and stepped up close. "Reth, are you¡ª"

    "Thank you, fair Sire!" Behryn called with yet another ridiculous bow. "And now the brotherhood would take their audience with you, Mighty King, and leave your fair bride to the hands of the females for safe keeping."

    "Just a moment," Reth said, then pulled Elia into his chest and bent her backwards over his arm, kissing her soundly.

    He pulled her back up quickly, grinning at the befuddled look on her face, whispered, "Sorry, I thought we''d have more time," then passed her into the hands of Candace, who was smirking behind her.

    "Pray us sess and good tidings for the heart of Anima!"

    "Pray thee well!" the people shouted in response. Then the men circled Reth and led him away, Elia staring, wide-eyed at his back. He waved to her from behind his brothers and begged the Creator not to let her be harassed too much without him there to settle things down.

    *****

    ELIA

    As the men stomped and sang Reth away, Elia just shook her head. What the hell was going on? And why hadn''t he told her he''d be leaving her to deal with facing all these people alone while they talked about her losing her virginity?

    Candace tugged at her elbow as the men disappeared out of the market. She had a broad, warm smile and put her arm around Elia''s shoulders which she''d never done before.

    "Well done," she said quietly, then let Elia greet more of the children who wanted to bring her flowers, or touch her hand.

    When they ran off, Elia turned to her. "I''m so confused. What''s going on?"

    Candace led her through the tables before they were interrupted again and waited until they were on the podium and seated before she answered. "The people are acknowledging your mating¡ªand reign as Queen."

    Elia shook her head. "Just because we had sex?"

    Candace winked. "Normally," she said, "these celebrations would have happened the day after the mating ceremony. But since things have been dyed¡­ well, let''s just be grateful everything is finally as it should be," she said, and took a mouthful of fruit.

    But Elia was still confused. "Where have they taken Reth? What are they going to do with him?"

    Candace pped a hand, the wide sleeve of her cloak floating in the breeze. "Oh, that''s just some Alpha male bullshit," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Those males have some kind of secret code, or something. Every time one of them mates, the others make a big song and dance about it."

    "Literally," Elia said dryly.

    Candaceughed.

    As Elia picked at her food and waved at more greetings Candace leaned into her ear. "So¡­. How was it?"

    Elia felt her cheeks go hot again.

    Candace squawked augh and pped her thigh. "I knew he''d make us proud. I got a little worried when we hadn''t heard the roarst night. You certainly left us all hanging."

    "Heard the¡ªyou guys were waiting for that?"

    Candace snorted. "We''ve been waiting for it every night for a week."

    "That''s just gross."

    "In what way?"

    "Who sits around waiting to hear that other people have had sex?"

    "A people whose lives depend on their ancestry, the strength of their bloodlines, and the protection of their history," the bird-woman said frankly. "Elia, I know this is very different to your world, but at some point you must try to see things from our point of view. We have not travelled to your world, you have travelled to ours."

    "Against my will," she muttered.

    Candace frowned. "You would choose otherwise, if you could?" Her voice held an edge of warning.

    "No, not now. I mean¡­ Reth¡­ No, I don''t want to leave. I just meant, it''s a little rough expecting me to roll over and be Anima when I wasn''t given a choice in the matter."

    "Were you given a choice about the color of your skin?"

    "No, but that''s¡ª"

    "The color of your eyes, or the heritage of your parents?"

    "No, that''s not what I meant!"

    "How about the time that you were born into¡ªcould you choose that?"

    Elia folded her arms. "Those things arepletely different!"

    "Did you ever think to question them?"

    "No, they¡ªI just grew up that way. It never even urred to me to¡­" she trailed off as Candace nodded and raised an eyebrow.

    "You live, now, in a people whose lives have looked like this for millennium. You rule, now, over a people who have never seen your world, and would never hope to. Take your ce, Queen Elia, withoutint. Or those of us who have been here all along may start to question why the honor was given to you."

    Elia finished the meal in sheepish silence.

 Chapter 74: Blood Brothers

    <h4>Chapter 74: Blood Brothers</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    RETH

    When they got out of the city and finally made it to the cave where they had been meeting since they were in their teens, Reth sighed with relief. The taunts from his brothers were merciless, but easier to bear where no one else could hear them.

    "Only took you a week, brother."

    "She''s either the strongest Queen Anima has ever seen, or she''d tied your tail around her¡ª"

    "Do not finish that sentence," Reth growled at Nhor, one of the other Leonine.

    The men allughed and only increased their teasing.

    "I thought someone showed you how to handle your carrot years ago, Reth. But maybe we need to have a chat? You see, when two Anima love each other very much, they have a special kind of hug¡­"

    The men allughed and pped Reth on the back so hard he almost choked. But he kept his chin up. He was thest of the brothers to mate, and unfortunately, he''d made more than his fair share of jokes and jibes when the others had their days.

    He knew he was going to pay for it now.

    The teasing continued until they were all seated in the cave. They hadn''t met for months, so Reth dusted off his seat before he sat and waited for the others. Within a minute they were all seated in the circle, Behryn to his right, chatting and mocking Reth.

    Reth ground his teeth and reminded himself it was all designed to get him off bnce. That they didn''t really think these things.

    But finally, Behryn raised his hand and the seven other men quieted.

    "Reth," Behryn said solemnly.

    "Yes?"

    "As King, we have witnessed your service and your selflessness, and we apud it. We are grateful to have you as our leader."

    There were nods and murmurs of agreement around the room.

    Then Behryn grinned. "But as a Brother of the Secret Keepers, your hairy ass is ours for the next two hours. It''s time to take a taste of your own medicine."

    The room erupted inughter and jeers. Reth shook his head and ran his hand through his hair. "I know you all have tasted the pointy end of my stick in the past," he started, "but¡ª"

    "Maybe that''s what was wrong? Maybe that''s why she didn''t want to do it?"

    The men burst outughing and Reth nodded grimly. "Yes, keep theming."

    "The mating bond feeling a little tight, today?" Behryn asked. "Suddenly rethinking the wisdom of all those years of jokes and taunts, My King?"

    "Do your worst," Reth said, as they mocked. "As King it''s always been necessary to be the strongest in the room. If you can''t handle it, well¡­" he shrugged. Behryn raised an eyebrow and the others made noises of anticipation.

    "You heard our fearless leader, men," Behryn said, his smile only getting wider. "It''s time for the mating initiation!"

    The men leapt to their feet and jostled each other as they descended on Reth, tying him to the chair in the tradition of these meetings¡ªa symbol of a brother''s responsibility to stay in the seat, no matter what is thrown at him.

    Reth sighed, but knew the only way out of this was to go through it, and it was true he''d taken great delight in pinning down his brothers on their mating days. So it was only fair that he allow them to do the same.

    There was no fast order in the brotherhood, no certain rules. Once they had him tied, the others began peppering him with questions in no particr order. It wasn''t a test, so much as a good-natured way for the others to find where he might be weak, and offer advice.

    "If you haven''t already, you''ll have your first fight soon. Tell me, Reth, what is the best way to soothe a female''s feelings after you''ve ced your massive paw, squarely in your mouth?"

    Reth grimaced. "She mainly needs to hear that I know what I did wrong¡ªthat I''ll endeavor not to do it again."

    "What do you do if a male is sniffing around your wife, but she hasn''t realized it yet?"

    Reth gave them all a pointed look. "Well¡­ I could have him sent to the camps¡ªunless he''s actually touched her, in which case I''d just bite out his throat somewhere she wouldn''t see it happen." They allughed, knowing it was very unlikely any male in WildWood would ever make an attempt to steal Reth''s mate. Mating changes in the Anima were extremely rare, but they did ur.

    Around and around they went, some of the questions little more than jokes, others quite serious. Since Reth was thest male to mate, they''d all been through this seven times before, and they all knew the answers. Though Reth admitted to himself that the reminders weren''t bad¡ªlike remembering that females needed time with other females, and to encourage her towards that, rather than bing jealous of her time.

    Things got a little awkward when one of them brought up the mother-inw and Reth had to remind them that Elia was an orphan.

    "Lucky son-of-a-bitch," Nohr muttered. The others howled.

    Eventually, the question time drew to a close, and Reth sighed. The next part of the ceremony was ufortable.

    The men each went quiet and all teasing stopped as they waited patiently. Behryn was the Secret Keeper for Reth¡ªas Reth was for Behryn¡ªwhich meant for this part, Behryn asked the questions.

    He took the seat furthest from Reth and locked eyes with him.

    "These men stand witness, Reth, of your knowledge, your pledge, and your secrets. The time hase for confession. Absolve your heart, brother. Open to us and leave nothing unturned. What sins do you carry? What regrets? What dreams? Share your burdens and let the brothers carry them with you¡ªand hold you up to your own goals."

    Reth let a breath pass before he nodded. "What do you want to know?"

    "Name the females you have formerly enjoyed. All of them. And if any feelings remain, confess them."

    Reth was d the ties to the chair were more ceremonial than restraint. The passed over his upper arms but left his hands free to rub his face.

    He started in his teens, naming names and answering any questions about the rtionship his brothers raised, winding his way through the twelve years he''d been mating¡ªnot like he had now, with Elia. But the act of mating. And what a pale reflection it was, he now knew.

    He shook his head, and took a very deep breath before locking eyes with Behryn.? "¡­and thest before Elia was¡­ Lucine."

    Behryn''s face became thunderous, and the others all sat back in their chairs.

 Chapter 75: Womens Work

    <h4>Chapter 75: Women''s Work</h4>

    ELIA

    When Reth disappeared from the market with the other men, Elia was at a loss again. Why did this keep happening? Why was he always taken from her?

    She turned, uncertain where to go, and found Candace behind her, grinning.

    "Where are they going?" she asked.

    Candace shrugged. "That''s one tradition I know nothing about it. It happens every time one of those men mates, but they don''t tell us what they''re doing."

    "Alpha-male bullshit." The words were muttered to Elia''s right and she turned. Aymora stood, arms folded, glowering in the direction the men had disappeared. "They hide off in some little cave they discovered as cubs and beat their chests and roar, and decide they''re big, strong men because they keep secrets," she snorted. "They all crawl back inter looking sheepish." She waved a hand. "They do it every time one of them mates¡ªas if they just discovered the practice, or something."

    Elia bit her lip to keep fromughing. "Why didn''t they do it after the mes and smoke then?" she asked, curiously.

    Aymora looked at her evenly. "Because in Anima, mates aren''t truly recognized until their scents entwine. Which happens after they¡­ consummate."

    Elia flushed, her cheeks going hot. She wanted to hide her face. "For a minute I''d forgotten that everyone in this ce is¡­ I mean, that they can tell¡­" she mumbled, rubbing her temples. "This is so embarrassing."

    Aymora frowned. "Embarrasing? Why? Everyone mates eventually. Why would they mock you for doing the same?"

    "No, not that, I just mean¡­ that people know¡­ Nevermind," she finishedmely as the woman only looked more confused. But Aymora sighed and seemed to shake her confusion off. "Don''t let it concern you, girl. The men have¡­ you would call it a secret society, I believe? But it''s really little more than men ying at being boys and making themselves feel important. The real work today will be done by the females. Are you ready?"

    "Ready for what?" Elia asked.

    "To meet the Women''s Council. They''re eager to get to know their Queen. We spoke about this, remember?"

    Elia looked at her, speechless for a moment. "Oh, right. I mean, I guess? I didn''t realize¡ª"

    "Don''t worry, girl. Nothing is going to happen to you. Women work with their wits, not their fists. Most of the time," she grinned, and the expression looked so odd on her usually sour face, Elia wasn''t sure whether to smile back.

    "Well, then, sure," Elia said. "Can I grab something to eat first?"

    Aymora winked. "You won''t want to¡ªwe have the best baker in the city and she made butter cakes this morning."

    "In that case, let''s go!" Elia said, trying to sound upbeat and not let on how nervous she suddenly felt. As if she could tell, Candace squeezed her shoulder, then waved as they moved away.

    Elia wasn''t sure what she''d expected about going with Aymora, but it wasn''t a twenty minute hike through the forest, then a five minute climb up a mountain path to her cave. Elia was sweating and breathing heavily by the time they got the cave entrance¡ªa fact made even more embarrassing by Aymora¡ªwho was clearly an older woman¡ªnot even puffing.

    "You need to start working your body, girl," Aymora growled as she pushed aside a curtain and entered the cave. "You''ll be surprised how your body responds here in Anima. Much faster than in your world, I''ll bet."

    "Responds to what?"

    "To hard work. Humans live such unnatural lives these days their bodies have a lot of toxins that hold them back and make them weak. A few weeks of Anima air and food, and you start exercising, you''ll be surprised how quickly you build muscle and fitness."

    "I¡­ okay. I''ll try."

    Aymora nodded like that was only expected, and led her into the cave.

    Elia peered around, fascinated.

    The cave appeared to be onerge room with what was either a kitchen or aboratory on one side, arge cage at the end near the door, and a small bedroom set at the other. As if Aymora literally lived her work.

    "Wee to my home," she said quietly.

    In the middle of therge room was a massive table¡ªa solid b of rock, polished smooth on top, sitting atop two wide, round cross-cut tree trunks. It was beautiful, and imposing, and surrounded by six other women¡ªfemales, Elia reminded herself¡ªwho watched her with keen interest.

    Aymora swept into the space dropping her bag near the door and ushing Elia towards the table and the women seated there. They were all older, like Aymora¡ªstill fit and strong, but their skin weathered and in some cases, hair graying.

    She introduced Elia to all of them¡ªwho promptly forgot their names and prayed she wouldn''t have need to use them before someone else did to remind her.

    Aymora offered her a chair on the long side of the table, which she took, then she was passed a te of what looked to be fresh muffins and told to help herself. So she did.

    They were the most delicious she''d ever eaten. "Thebe are ''mazing!" she mumbled around her second bite. "Who made them?"

    "That would be Suze, our best baker, like I told you," Aymora said as one of the younger of the women waved at her from the other end of the table, "But don''t gush too much. It''ll go to her head." All the woman at the table chuckled and the woman named Suze blushed.

    "But enough about baking, we aren''t men to get stuck in silly details¡ªwe''re here for a reason¡­ which is you, Elia."

    Elia blinked and stopped chewing as the women all turned their eyes to her¡ªsome with curiosity, others with suspicion. "What did I do?" she said, swallowing a lump of muffin and almost choking on it.

    "You mated the King, of course," Aymora said, as if Elia were slightly stupid. "Which means you be our Queen¡ªwhich means its our job to prepare you and guide you."

    "It is?"

    "Yes. In the prides the females always take the lead on¡­ well, pretty much everything except politics and war. And as Queen, you have an important role to y."

    "I do?"

    Elia wasn''t sure whether to be excited that she would, apparently, have a job to do here, or terrified, as the disapproving murmurs around the table rose.

 Chapter 76: Absolution

    <h4>Chapter 76: Absolution</h4>

    RETH

    "Lucine was untouched," Behryn said through his teeth. "She was a sacrifice."

    "Untouched by any but me," Reth said through gritted teeth. It was perhaps the greatest regret of his life. "It was weeks ago. I knew¡ªI knew the wolves were going to send her. She told me. We were at the Harvest and I had too much to drink and wandered into the meadow to stare at the stars and she followed. She was there and made herself avable. She talked to me for hours about how we were destined¡ªhow she was the strongest sacrifice. I had no doubt of that. But she had me seeing it¡ªthat it didn''t matter if she waited, because she was going to win the Rite, and we would be mates. And frankly, I was out of my mind about the whole Rite to begin with¡ªso barbaric. It appealed to me to subvert it. I wasn''t thinking clearly. I¡­ gave in."

    Behryn shook his head. "You broke the Rite, Reth. I can''t believe you broke the Rite¡ªand then rejected her?"

    "They brought Elia¡ªfor Lucine to ughter," he snarled, all his protective nature for his childhood friend now entwined with his love for his mate. "They broke the Rite too, choosing my mate for the sacrifice. They knew, Behryn. I don''t know how, but they knew. It was a powery, and we all know it. They thought... they thought Lucine would kill her and I would mate Lucine and it would forever be a reminder..." Reth''s breathing sped up at the sheer fury in his closest friend''s face. "I confess," he said softly, but firmly. "I admit my fault. I ask for absolution."

    He did not need to remind these men that they''d all brought confessions to him in this very room, and been forgiven. That they''d all been shamed or shocked in this room before. That was the point of the ceremony¡ªto begin anew with one''s mate. To let the past stay behind. Behryn knew it, and Reth knew he would get over this and absolve his friend and King. But damn, it hurt to see judgment in his eyes.

    "You are forgiven, of course," Behryn said quietly, his eyes never leaving Reth''s. "But do you have further confession? Is your soul cleansed, Reth, or is there more?"

    Reth took a deep breath. "The wolves chose Elia because I knew her already."

    The men in the room all made noises of shock, or disbelief. Behryn went very still, his eyes widening.

    Reth cleared his throat. "I chose her in the Rite because I knew her and cared about her from my years in the human world."

    Behryn got to his feet, his jaw dropped. "You admit treason against your people by choosing an insufficient mate?" he asked, hushed.

    "No! I knew she was the better choice because I knew both women. I know Elia is different. She is, however, my true mate. Not just a chosen female, she is my heart''s bond. She was chosen for me by the Creator, and she will serve Anima well."

    "She is weak!"

    Reth growled. "She is weaker than our females in body¡ªbut not in the ways that our kingdom needs. I knew as soon as I saw her refuse to kill Lucine after she''d watched Lucine kill the others that she was exactly what I needed, what we needed. I chose true."

    "Then why raise it in confession?" Behryn snapped.

    "Because, I''ve hidden my knowledge of her. And because of¡­ of Lucine."

    "That''s why you rejected Lucine?" one of the other men asked.

    Reth nodded. "I''d intended, after taking Lucine, to keep her as mate. I didn''t see another way. I would have made her Queen. But when Elia chose not to kill her¡­"

    Reth raised his eyes to meet Behryn''s. "It was within my right to kill Lucine when I chose Elia, I could have covered my crime, and I did not."

    "Admirable. But if ites to light¡­"

    Reth winced. "I pray to the Creator that it never does. Lucine is now free to take a lover¡ªI pray she will. I pray she''ll move beyond her hate and shame and begin to rebuild her life."

    "Her life that is substantially diminished now, because of your rejection."

    "That would have happened whether we''d mated or not," Reth said, his voice as hard as steel. "As soon as the wolves brought Elia into that circle, they decided Lucine''s fate. While I take no pleasure in ruining the female, it was at the hands of her own people that it happened."

    The men looked back and forth between themselves soberly. But Reth kept his eyes on Behryn. As the Secret Keeper, only he could absolve Reth¡ªthe others would follow if he did. So Reth stared at his closest friend and silently begged him to offer it.

    Behryn''s face was pale. He hadn''t expected any of this. Reth regretted it. He knew he''d hurt his friend by hiding all of this from him.

    "Is there any more?" Behryn asked quietly.

    Reth shook his head. "None. You know everything now."

    Behryn stared a moment longer and Reth held his breath. The room was utterly silent, as if the other men held theirs too. But then Behryn broke the gaze and turned his head to scowl at the wall. "Absolution is granted," he said darkly. "You are brother and we are one."

    "You are brother, we are one," the others recited.

    Reth heaved a sigh of relief as one of them walked over to remove the bonds around him. He looked at each of them in turn before speaking. "Thank you, Brothers. I am humbled. And I assure you, nothing that I''ve shared changes mymitment to you, or to the Kingdom. I have¡­ made some mistakes. I ask your assistance to do better in future."

    The men nodded, but they kept ncing at Behryn, who was clearly still tense. But he nodded too, and led them as Reth was freed from the restraints, to the center of the room.

    Then, as was the custom, Reth stood in the middle of the room as each man took it in turns to exchange vows with him. In the past, Reth had always been one of the men in line. He was surprised by humbled, how emotional it made him to see his closest friends and confidantes kneel before him, not as King, but as their brother.

    "I vow to you, as my blood is your blood, that should you ever leave us, I will watch over your mate, and her offspring. I vow to you, as my blood is your blood, should anyone, bar the Creator, ever take your life, I will avenge your death. I vow to you, as my blood is your blood, that I will hold your secrets, absolve your sins, and stand with you in battle¡­"

    Man after man¡ªsome soberly, others with a grin¡ªall made their vow to him, and he to them.

    He was thest in the circle to mate. Their bonds were nowplete, their mates and offspring safe. And Reth realized he did feel lighter forying down his burdens and allowing his brothers to know, and forgive him.

    He just prayed the troubled expression that remained on Behryn''s face after the vow didn''t herald difficulty between them.

    .

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 Chapter 77: Cohorts

    <h4>Chapter 77: Cohorts</h4>

    ELIA

    The women around the table looked at each other unhappily and murmured to each other as Elia shook her head. She needed to stop sounding like an idiot.

    "I''m sorry," she said, "I''m not trying to sound dense. What I meant was, that excites me. Because I''ve been trying to figure out what I can do here. Life is so different, I will need to build new skills, I think."

    "Of course, of course. But firstly you''ll be the Mother of all us," Aymora said, taking a bit of her own muffin. "Queen, Elia, leader of the Prides and champion of¡­ well, we''ll get to that partter. First we must do what we can to help."

    Elia perked up at that. "I just recently learned that the Anima way is different than mine. That perhaps you may have tried to teach me before and I¡­ didn''t notice. I''m sorry, things work very differently in my world. If you''ve tried to show me something already and I missed it, I''ll do better. I''ll pay attention. But I will tell you that I find it much easier to be¡­ told. Or at least, to have someone tell me that they''re going to show me something. I¡­ learned quite differently growing up than you do here."

    Aymora nodded thoughtfully. "That''s good to know. Perhaps before we start we should ask you, do you have any questions for us?"

    Elia blew out a breath. "So many. I wouldn''t know where to start. Tell me what you do here, what the Women''s Circle is?"

    Aymora smiled. "Well, the truth is we do whatever we''re good at. Traditionallly, we''re wise women, advisors, counsellors and sometimes healers. We are viewed by the Pride as¡­ wise-ones. We''re a resource you¡ªas Queen¡ªcan delegate responsibility to. And we''lle to you with petitions for you to take to the King."

    "Wise women¡­ you teach?"

    "We lead by example. We help women in all the tribes, but especially the Leonine, with everything from family, to mating, and even sometimes we tangle with the men in politics, though it''s of little interest to us." Aymora dusted off her top. "In short, Elia, once we have satisfied ourselves that you are the appropriate Queen, we will be your public support, and your private ountability. We will be the women youe to with your ills, and we will be the women whoe to you with correction, but also with assistance."

    Elia swallowed. "How do I satisfy you that I''m¡­ appropriate?" She''d thought the mating was the thing they were all hung up on. There was more?

    "There are two main things we''re concerned about," Aymora said. "The first and most important is the True Mate bond, which I''m now confident about¡ªdo any of you have any concerns there?" The women all leaned towards her and inhaled deeply, but shook their heads. They, apparently, liked what they smelled? Elia looked at Aymora who was smiling.

    "We''re all confident¡ªnow¡ªthat you are the Creator''s intention for Reth, which is a huge relief. We''ve been waiting a decade to meet you."

    Elia blinked. "Wow. Thank you. I guess."

    "But being Queen requires much more discipline and intention than simply being intended¡ªthough that is an excellent foundation. Tell me, who are you considering for your cohorts?"

    "Cohorts? What¡ª"

    What has Reth told you of the feast tonight, and your role in it?"

    "There''s a feast?" Elia squeaked.

    Aymora dropped her head and the other women grumbled under their collective breaths. "I swear, that man¡­" Aymora sighed. Then looked at Elia patiently. "Yes, there''s a feast tonight, specifically to celebrate the union of our King and Queen. And during that feast you''ll be expected to appoint the beginnings of your Cohort. Has Reth exined any of this?"

    "No," Elia said, and felt like a fool. "But¡­ he has had a lot going on."

    Aymora''s lips tightened. "Don''t get me started on how that boy should have handled himself¡ªand you¡ªfor the past week. But we must ept what we cannot change. So¡­" she looked at the other women who all looked equally unimpressed. "I guess we have a few hours until lunch. And we''d better make the most of it!" She pped her hands and the women all straightened. "Huncer, can you please exin the Feast? Then Porsha, you can take the Cohort question."

    Elia took a deep breath and settled in to listen as the women unraveled a web of tradition and political roles that made her stomach twist with nerves.

    She didn''t get all of it, knew she''d have to get Aymora to exin some of the details againter, but from what she gathered, as Queen she was expected to have a group of people around her who would hold positions that gave them status among the Anima in their own right. Yet, their roles would be to¡­ help her.

    She had to choosepanions¡ªonly one to start with¡ªbut women who she trusted to be friends and watch out for her as a woman and mate. Then she also needed a Second, someone who would be trusted by her to handle details, but also by the people¡ªbecause that person would take over her duties should something befall her, or she had to travel with Reth. And then finally, she needed an advisor. An Anima she trusted to help her make decisions, challenge her thinking, and generally make sure she didn''t make a fool of herself.

    "These roles will expand as the people you choose prove their value in certain areas of your life. You''ll bring more into your circle as needs arise. And asionally, you''ll lose a cohort. But in short, these people will be seen as your¡­ circle. Your pack. What they do will reflect on you, so choose wisely."

    Elia gaped. "How can I possibly choose these people when I barely know anyone?"

    "You must havee in contact with many Anima by now," one of the women¡ªHuncer, she thought¡ªsaid with slight impatience. "Trust your instincts. The Creator gave them to you for a reason."

    That was the same thing Reth had said to her when they''d gone into the mes and Smoke. And that had proven to be just the right thing to do.

    So Elia nted her hands on the table, nodded, and said, "Okay. Yes. I mean¡­ yes, I can do that. I can¡­ I mean, yes, I''ll trust my instincts. Now if you can give me some ideas on what I''m looking for in the right people for these roles?"

    Aymora smiled.

    ****

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 Chapter 78: The Love of a Best Friend

    <h4>Chapter 78: The Love of a Best Friend</h4>

    RETH

    As the men rxed and began to socialize now that their traditions were done, Reth thanked each of them. But the hair on the back of his neck stayed at attention because his Second, his best friend, continued to stare at him with dark eyes.

    When Reth had finally made it through the others, Behryn approached and asked him to go for a walk. They said farewell to the others, Reth weathered a couple more jokes about how long it had taken him to convince his wife to mate, then he and Behryn stepped out into the daylight scattered under the trees of the forest.

    Reth didn''t speak, waited for his friend to find the words he was searching for.

    Finally, Behryn snorted and asked, "Were you honest back there? Did you choose her for the sacrifice¡ªor lead someone to it?"

    "No. I had no idea until I stepped into the clearing and recognized her."

    Behryn''s nose wrinkled, but Reth knew he''d scent how steady he was. There was no deception in him. "Then how did the wolves know to choose her? How did they know about her¡ªI didn''t even know about her!"

    "I don''t know, that''s what I''m struggling with. They knew enough to understand that her death would be painful for me¡ªeven this many years on. But I haven''t spoken to anyone about her in ten years. And thest person I did talk to was my mother¡­ it just doesn''t make sense." Reth rolled his head on his shoulders trying to loosen the tension in his neck. "But, short of finding a wolf that''s willing to reveal tribal secrets, I don''t know how to find out, either." They both snorted at that idea. The wolves¡ªeven the good ones¡ªwere first and foremost loyal to their family packs and ns. Their heart for Anima and its people ranked a very poor second.

    "Why¡­" Behryn began, then chewed his lip for a moment, thinking¡­ "Why didn''t you tell me about her?"

    Reth sighed. "Brother, we became close after I''d left the human world. I thought¡­ At first I thought my care for her would grow cold. Once I epted I wouldn''t see her again, that she couldn''te to Anima¡­ when I started to pursue other femalepany¡­ there didn''t seem much point talking to anyone about her. She was a fever-dream."

    Behryn''s eyebrows rose. "So, that''s what changed!"

    "What?"

    "When we were, what, fifteen? Sixteen? Until then you''d had all those grand ideas about saving yourself for your mate, remember? Then one day it was like a flip just switched and you were suddenly game. I poked you about it for months, but you just said you changed your mind."

    "I did," Reth sighed. It had been his seventeenth birthday, actually. He remembered it well. For a variety of reasons.

    "Why didn''t you tell me after you chose her?" Behryn said.

    "Because it all happened so quickly, I was¡­ I didn''t have time to think. When I saw her, we were already there. The Rite had to begin. I thought she was dead. I grieved. But when she survived¡­ then I realized she didn''t recognize me."

    "How could she not?" Behryn demanded. "Your scent alone¡ª"

    "She doesn''t scent, Behryn. Not in that way. She''s very different to us. She relies on her eyes, and I''ve changed quite a bit since I was ten," he chuckled, but theughter didn''tst long. "And she was terrified. She didn''t ask me until the next day whether we''d met before¡ªshe says now she had some inkling, but even in that it was only recognition. She couldn''t ce it. I dodged the question at the time."

    "Does she know now?" Behryn asked.

    "Yes, I spoke to her at length before that mess with the Silent One. I didn''t want word getting out from the wolves and then she''d hear it from someone else¡­"

    "This smacks of a plot far deeper than just trying to set you off-bnce, Reth. They really expected this to achieve something."

    Reth growled. "They expected that I would watch Lucine y her, then mate Lucine, cementing her power over me¡ªover even my past. It was a sinister move. Genius, if it had worked."

    "The question is, how did they know that it would be powerful for you? How did they know you hadn''t given up on her?"

    "I don''t know," Reth growled. "But it means I have to watch for anything else they may have learned that I''d thought was private. I don''t mind telling you, friend, that I don''t believe they''re going to stop. I don''t think things will settle down now that Elia is established. I need you to keep a close eye on them. Did we ever hear from the elders about the youth attack?"

    "They''re making all the right noises about kids running off on their own, and how they''ll discipline them within the packs when they return from the camps, but I don''t buy it, Reth. Those weren''t hot-headed adolescents. Luerst is the son of Lucan''s sister. You can''t tell me that boy doesn''t understand the political threads he pulled."

    "More likely was assigned to pull," Reth muttered. Behryn nodded his agreement.

    Behryn kept walking, his face set like stone. "Did you choose her for any reason beyondpassion, Reth?" he finally asked, quietly, but firmly.

    "Yes," Reth said, his voice steel. "I''ve known since our childhood that her heart is¡­ valuable. A heart like hers is needed by the Anima, Behryn. I don''t know if it was the wars, or our istion, but, I feel like we''re bing more of our Animal selves, not less. We need some humanity in our world. I''m certain of it."

    "If it had been another human woman, would you have chosen her?"

    "I can''t know. That''s the in truth. I can''t know. I do know that I felt a fierce sense of relief that it wasn''t Lucine. But that I walked into that clearing convinced that it would be. So¡­ I can only thank the Creator that he found another way."

    "Lucine," Behryn huffed. "That was poorly done, Reth. Very poorly done."

    Reth hung his head and wed his hands through his hair. "I know. I regret it. Deeply."

    Behryn sighed. "We need to stop scrambling, and start nning. The wolves aren''t done."

    Reth agreed. But he feared it was worse than that. He feared they were only getting started.

    *****

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 Chapter 79: Champion

    <h4>Chapter 79: Champion</h4>

    ELIA

    "It''s good that you understand that a person''s heart and mind are more important than their skills," Aymora said with an approving smile.

    Elia wasn''t sure she''d thought about it that deeply, but she understood that it was true, so she nodded.

    "Who you''d choose should probably be influenced by who you intend to Champion. Though all will be expected to challenge you at times¡ªto keep you humble, and to make sure your decisions bear up under scrutiny¡ªyou don''t want people close to you who do nothing but fight. You''ll have enough of that from the wolves."

    There was a titter around the table and the woman, Huncer, muttered, "We''ve all had enough of that from the wolves," which just set the others chuckling more.

    "So, tell us, Elia, what passion burns within you? What people or groups of people do you wish to help thrive in Anima?"

    Elia let herself sink back in the chair. "I''m not sure I know enough¡­ what do you mean by champion?"

    Aymora looked like she was trying hard not to roll her eyes. "A champion is a patron¡ªsomeone who supports and encourages others in their pursuits. For example, Reth''s mother was a great hunter, so she championed the fur traders and jewelers. She helped set up apprenticeships for the young Anima, and brought attention to the best traders by wearing their furs and encouraging others to do the same. Reth''s Grandmother was a wise-woman, but she championed the arts. She believed that through creative expression the Anima grew more bold, and enlightened. She was the one who began the traditions of the weekly readings, and many of her programs still exist today."

    Elia swallowed hard. "That''s¡­ great. But do I have to do something that''s associated with money? Or can I¡­ give to people?"

    Aymora tipped her head. "Give what?"

    "Well, when you describe that, the first thing thates to mind is that I would like to help Anima who are¡­ less fortunate."

    Aymora''s face softened. "That is a beautiful thought, Elia, but you''ll find a difference here from your human world: In Anima, no one goes hungry orcks basic needs, no matter their standing in the people. We won''t allow it. Our tribes and ns always provide."

    Elia nodded. "That''s wonderful. But what about¡­ people who are different? Unepted? Shunned?"

    The women around the table began to eye each other. Elia couldn''t read their feelings.

    "What brings this up?" Aymora asked quietly.

    "Well, I''m very different. And it''se to my attention that there are those among the Anima who are also seen as different, or uneptable in some way. It seems if I''m in a position of power, I could use it to help those people be more sessful somehow?"

    The woman Aymora had called Porsha spoke up. "What about education, then? Many of the Anima youth struggle during their schooling years. The children can be so ruthless. Perhaps you could aid those children who find themselves at the bottom of their packs?"

    Elia forced a smile. "That''s a good idea, for sure. And I think I''d like to do that. But I was more thinking about the adults¡ªthose who aren''t learning and growing anymore, but who are just trying to live their lives and perhaps having a difficult time. The ones who maybe think they don''t have much to offer?"

    "That''s a very fine goal, Elia, but I have to tell you, it may make some of the people uneasy. Are you prepared to argue your case to the people, and perhaps find barriers from those who are more close-minded? Are you willing to fight to gain assistance for whatever projects you decide to try? Because that kind of goal will divide the people around you."

    "Why? Why would anyone have a problem with me helping those that are struggling?"

    The women around the table all shifted in their seats and looked uneasy. Aymora thought for a moment. "I believe the humans call it, "survival of the fittest," she said carefully. "But it''s a natural instinct for us: Those among us whock¡ªand do not make up for it with great strength in another area¡ªthey are a risk to the rest. A drain on resources, and a potential limitation to the bloodline. To build these individuals up may assist them as Anima, but it will not help the Pride, the people, as a whole."

    "How can you know that? How can you know unless you try?"

    Aymora looked at her firmly, but with warmth. "Because, Elia, those people have been kept to the outside of the pride, the packs, the herds for a reason. And that reason means that others will be very cautious about blending their bloodlines or livelihoods with someone who may end up costing, rather than helping them."

    "That''s a very brutal way to look at a person''s life."

    Aymora raised a single eyebrow. "One day we may have a discussion on the ruthlessness of the so-called justice-system in your world, Elia, but there is not time today. As Queen you are free to champion whatever, and whomever you wish. We only want you to understand how your proposal might be received. So, I ask you again, are you willing to fight for this cause? To work with your people to persuade them, and to be educated and assisted to better understand us through it?"

    "Yes, of course."

    Aymora nodded. "Then I will stand behind you in it," she said firmly, and looked at the other women.

    And one by one¡ªsome with light in their eyes, others with sullen reluctance, they all made the same deration.

    "I will stand behind you in your endeavors."

    And as Elia, startled, received these statements from each of them, she swallowed hard and pushed her shoulders back, and her chin up.

    Reth had chosen her. If she was going to be here for the rest of her life, she was going to do it with a clear conscience. And she was going to fight so that no one had to go through what she was going through¡ªrejected and suspected for things they didn''t understand, or had no control over.

    But as the conversation moved on from her Championing, to the feast, and how she would expected to dress and behave, Elia''s mind kept turning back to this issue of the those within the Anima who were viewed with suspicion by the others.

    And she thought she just might have an idea about how to begin chipping away at those prejudices.

 Chapter 80: The King and His Queen

    <h4>Chapter 80: The King and His Queen</h4>

    RETH

    When he''d finally finished with Behryn and the others, Reth raced back to the city to find Elia. But he''d seen her nowhere in the Markets or square, and she wasn''t back at their cave when he checked with the guards who waited at the trail head, to escort her if she went that way. He was told by them that she''d been taken by the women''s council and they''d been told in no uncertain terms that they were not to be anywhere near Aymora''s cave.

    Reth knew the risk to Elia was much less now that they''d mated, but his skin still itched with anxiety as he ran for Aymora''s cave, praying to the Creator they hadn''t taken her deeper in the forest. He was yearning to see her and make sure she was okay. And he still didn''t feelfortable about her wandering around without guards. But on his way back, he caught sight of her in the stalls with three of the females from the Women''s Council.

    They stood in front of one of the clothing stalls, obviously trying to find something for Elia to wear to the feast.

    Elia was smiling, her cheeks pink, and her hair beginning to fall out of the braid she''d twisted it into that morning, so it drifted around her face in neck in loose curls.

    Aymora pointed something out on one of the dresses the merchant held, and Eliaughed, then touched the fabric and her eyes went wide. The merchant spoke to her, but she was like a child in her delight, mouth open, urging the others to touch it.

    Reth hung back, watching them from behind a tree.

    She was so beautiful, and so sweet. Something about her was as pure as the title she''d been given for the Rite, though he knew she also possessed the heat of passion.

    His mind shed on the night before¡­The way she sighed and wed her fingers into his hair, kissing him, desperate. The feel of her skin when he cupped her thigh, then dragged his hand slowly up her leg. The delicious temptation of skin on skin when he rolled against her, seeking that perfect slide that had made her gasp.

    The mating huff sang out of his throat before he could yank it back, and every male Anima in the area went still, turning to watch him warily, head down and shoulders rolled forward.

    Fuck. Now he had to act like he''d done it on purpose. With a rolling growl of dominance he stalked into the open. All the males slunk away, or kept their eyes down, while the females watched with great interest¡ªor jealousy.

    Elia hadn''t noticed his huff, but she''d seen herpanions shift their attention. She looked around, trying to find what had captured everyone, then her eyesnded on him, and widened¡ªfollowed by a beaming smile that made his heart race.

    She watched him for two or three rolling steps before she bit her lip and her scent took on a whole new quality that perked the ears of every male in the area.

    Suddenly very aware of her, and of the males near her, Reth snarled and had to stop himself from yanking her into his side in a show of possessiveness he knew in his head was unnecessary, but his instincts were alight.

    Well, there was more than one way to demonstrate to any male watching that she belonged to him.

    Strolling up to her easily, he ignored Aymora''s eye-roll and slid his hand to her waist as he joined her at the stall.

    "Good morning," he said, more breathlessly than he''d intended.

    "I think you mean good afternoon," she said, smiling. But her eyes widened as he pulled her into his chest, bending her backwards over his arms and kissed her soundly.

    The children nearby screamed andughed, calling out to their mothers and friends that THE KING WAS KISSING THE QUEEN!

    As he straightened from the kiss and pulled her back upright, Elia blushed, but he just nipped her ear then stroked the goosebumps that appeared on her arm, huffing his pleasure at how she responded to him.

    "Reth, stop!" she whispered, but through a smile.

    Aymora muttered something about alpha-male bullshit, and some of the others from the council tittered, but he didn''t care.

    What he cared about was that any males that were close smell the way his wife and mate blossomed in his arms. He cared that they smelled the sheer dominance in him¡ªthe unbending certainty he had that she was his. And he cared that they pay special attention to the warning in him.

    He would not ept any vition of her, or her space.

    She was his.

    The Creator knew, he''d been hers all along, so it was only fair.

    "Lovesick, fool," Aymora whispered from behind him. He turned to give her disapproving snort, but she was beaming at him too.

    Females were strange.

    "I don''t mean to interrupt your preparations, wife¡ª" Aymora snorted from behind him, but he ignored it, "¡ªbut there''s something pressing that I need to discuss with you. Just for a little while. Could I steal you from thedies for half an hour?"

    "I''m certain you don''t need more than fifteen minutes for your pressing business, Reth," Aymora said, dryly, and loudly enough for anyone to hear. Several of the women howled at that.

    He cut her a withering nce. "Then you don''t know your King very well," he said, his voice deep and buttery.

    "Oo hoooo!" Thedies liked that, and he winked at her when she shook her head, throwing up her hands in defeat.

    "Fine, fine. Take your mate. She needs food, though, so don''t bring her back until you''ve fed her after your¡­ business."

    Elia looked back and forth between them, her cheeks reddening more with every word. Reth was troubled to scent some fear and embarrassment on her and gave her a quick, measuring look¡ªwas she okay? Had something happened? But she was looking at Aymora.

    So he sped their hands and led her away, calling back and waving to any of the people that cheered or greeted him as they passed. Some of the children ran along the path with them until they were called back by their parents, but Reth just kept leading her deeper into the forest.

 Chapter 81: In the Shade of the Forest

    <h4>Chapter 81: In the Shade of the Forest</h4>

    RETH

    When they were finally alone, he looked around in every direction and scented the air, noting the wind direction, then darted off the trail, pulling her behind him.

    "Reth, what¡ª?"

    "I missed you," he said, rough and hurried, as he pulled her into the space behind one of the massive, grandfather trees of the forest. Its trunk was so wide, he and Behryn could have stood side by side behind it and no one would have seen them. And because of its massive root-structure, there was a clear space for several feet around it. Hemmed in by the bushes and trees nearby, it was like being in a private little alcove.

    "I missed you, too, but¡ªoh! Oh what a lovely spot!" Elia said as she pushed through the underbrush to see where he''d brought her. He turned to catch her eye and she broke from scanning the little clearing to blinking at him. Then she smiled.

    Without another word he turned her so her back was to the tree, braced himself on with one arm so he could lean in over her, and kissed her, slow and tantalizing, letting his teeth draw out her lower lip, before taking her mouth again.

    She was taken by surprise, but caught up quickly, her eyes sparkling as she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in.

    "Hello," he whispered against her lips a minuteter, then dove in for another kiss. He didn''t pull away again until her breath had quickened and it took her a moment to open her eyes.

    "Hi," she said breathlessly. "How did your meeting go?"

    He drew a finger along her jaw, then down her neck, pushing aside the cor of her shirt so he could see her shoulder. "Do you really want to know about my meeting?" His voice was little more than a rasp.

    "Not really," she said and dropped her head to the side to give him better ess.

    He groaned as he ced his mouth on that beautiful, soft skin where her shoulder met her neck, and sucked.

    Her breath caught and her hand came up to cup his neck and hold him in, her body arching against him as his other hand trailed down her side to cup her bottom.

    Shended a kiss at the base of his throat, then took one naughty hand down to slide up his leathered thigh, and higher, cupping him through his pants.

    This suddenly wasn''t just a kiss, and Reth ached to take her. He whispered her name and pressed her back, into the tree, stering himself against her. And she murmured his name too, her eyes closed and her breathing quickly.

    But they were so close to people¡ªthere were children out there! He wanted to growl in frustration¡ªand he wanted her to touch him again.

    With a warm purr in his throat, he took her mouth again, cupping her neck, his thumb trailing the line of her soft throat. His other hand slid down the back of her thigh and pulled her leg up, hooking her knee over his hip so he could grind into her. And she responded like he''d lit a fire in her. He gasped as she pulled him in, delighted that his mate¡ªhis true mate¡ªseemed to want him as much as he wanted her.

    "Elia¡­" he groaned, but he couldn''t find the words to express to her what a joy she was. So he kissed her again.

    The slide of her tongue was so erotic, he almost gave in. He almost did it. He almost took her right there and to hell with the kids if they caught wind of what was going on. He could hear her blood pulsing in time with her rapid heartbeat, smell the desire rising in her and he shuddered when she rolled her hips against him.

    But he knew¡­ he knew she''d be embarrassed if they were caught¡ªor someonemented on the scent. He knew she''d already felt small because he''d kissed her so openly then discussed it with the other females. He''s seen it in her face. It was a sharp reminder of how differently they''d grown into adulthood, and how easily he''d be able to harm her without thinking.

    He had to step softly with her. Let her find her bnce in their world.

    So, with a reluctant groan, he let his head drop to her shoulder, rolling his hips one more time, and inhaling her scent when she gasped. But he slowed the pace, thenbed her hair back from her face with his fingers and pulled away far enough to meet her gaze.

    She had her head rested back against the tree, and she looked at him through half-hooded eyes, her lips puffy from the kisses. Reth had to drop her leg and force himself to focus on her face, not on the invitation she was giving with her eyes.

    "Do we have to go to the feast?" She said finally, tracing a finger down his chest that made him shudder and almost grab her again. "Couldn''t we just go back to the cave and¡­ cuddle?"

    He cleared his throat. "As tempting as that is," he croaked, "it might end in the people actually dragging us out. They''ve been waiting a week for this already."

    Her eyes clouded and he cupped her face again, worried. "Hey, hey, I was joking. I just meant¡­ I really think we should go."

    "I know," she sighed. "I just¡­ I feel like I''m constantly on the back foot here. Like all it will take is the wrong word or the wrong decision and this will all disappear."

    "I''m not disappearing, Elia," he said, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "Ever."

    She sighed and he waited, but she didn''t look up. Just continued to watch her own hand stroke his chest. Following that thought process was going to set him off again, so he made himself focus. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice husky, and even deeper than normal.

    "Mostly," she said, putting a hand to his cheek and letting her fingers curl into him in a way he wasing to adore. "The women¡­ they''re teaching me. I need that. I know I do. I just¡­"

    "Can I help?"

    She stared at him for a moment, then shook her head. "I think I need to find my way with this one," she said. "But I do enjoy these little breaks. Can we take another one soon?" And she smiled.

    Reth growled and kissed her again and sheughed into his mouth.

    It was the sweetest thing he''d ever tasted.

 Chapter 82: The Feast

    <h4>Chapter 82: The Feast</h4>

    READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, to my OG-Readers (you know who you are!) for all the fun this week, and your support and encouragement. BEAST wouldn''t be here without you!

    ****

    ELIA

    They found her a dress¡ªan actual dress¡ªmade from a shimmering white linen and embroidered in golds and browns in a starburst around her shoulders, falling like a cloud against her skin to sweep her ankles.

    She felt pretty for the first time since she''d arrived in Anima.

    The females from the council wove flowers and leaves into her hair, and gave her nes¡ªbone, teeth, and colored beads. When she was ready, they all walked with her, and as they approached the market, other females from all of the tribes began to gather around them, some singing, some stomping their feet, others pping. By the time they made it to the Market, they were a crowd and Elia was overwhelmed. She couldn''t understand the words they sang and wondered what they said.

    "What are they doing?" She leaned into Aymora''s ear.

    The older woman walked alongside her, a small smile on her face. "They''re calling your mate to tell him you''re on your way, and they''re reminding him of all the reasons he chose you."

    Elia frowned. "What reasons do they know?" she said, confused.

    Aymora smiled and winked. "They may not know you, Elia, but they know your mate," she said, mysteriously. "Just rx and enjoy yourself. They''re celebrating you tonight." Then she started to p in time with the others, and raised her voice in the strange song, too.

    Elia could feel her cheeks heating, but she was surprised to find she was enjoying herself. The women kept smiling at her, and stroking her hair, calling like they were excited. Then, as they entered the market and began to weave between the tables, Elia saw the men on the other side, also stomping and singing, but in a song that seemed to sit counter-point to the women''s.

    When the males hit low notes and stomped their feet, the female voices soared, and they pped. And as the women sang hearty, throaty calls that made Elia wonder exactly what they were saying, the males huffed, and shuffled, pping a beat at the end.

    It was an amazing show of unity and Elia found herself moved, though she couldn''t say why.

    Then the men parted, and she could see Reth clearly, walking up from the back in that long vest again, with the fur cor, but this time with nes like the ones the women had given her, only chunkier and more masculine.

    The people sang, stomped, called, and pped them to the center of the market, then Aymora took Elia''s hand and passed her to Reth, who winked and, without saying a word, turned her toward the podium. They walked up slowly together, her hand in his, until they reached the stage level and he ushered her to her seat next to his, at the center of therge table.

    Then he stood, his chin high and shoulders, back, holding her hand, and watching his people with a wide smile on his face. Elia did her best to look dignified and pleased, like Reth did, but inside she was just overwhelmed.

    The people below took one more circle of the market, still singing, then the song ended on the what had to be lowest note she''d ever heard people sing. Everyone turned, then to face them and Aymora called, "A cry for King and Queen, a cry for Anima!"

    And the market erupted with the calls, coughs, screeches, and roars of the people below. Elia covered her mouth with one hand and Reth squeezed her fingers as he leaned into her ear.

    "They''re celebrating you, you know," he said, his voice low. His tongue teased her ear for a breath before he pulled away.

    "I just can''t figure out why?" she turned to him and said honestly.

    "Well, frankly, they''re just grateful someone took me off their hands," heughed, then he threw back his head and roared in response to his people, who all began to p and cheer.

    When the noise began to settle, he addressed them. "Feast, my friends. Tonight we celebrate the union of King and Queen. We celebrate the future of Anima! Feast, and remember all that we have to be grateful for!"

    They cheered again, then Reth urged Elia to take a seat. "I hope you have an appetite," he grinned, eyes twinkling. "Because tonight we feast!"

    *****

    He hadn''t been joking when he told her they were feasting. tter after tter of rich meats, juicy fruits, and odd-but-delicious vegetables passed the table and Elia tried all of them. By the time things were slowing down, she wondered if she''d even be able to walk back to the cave she was so stuffed. But the food was all so delicious, so fresh and tasty, she hadn''t been able to stop.

    It was fun to have Reth smiling and feeding her grapes. Fun to have the women from the council at a table in front of them, all winking andughing together, throwing teasing jabs at the couple. Fun to have Candace next to her, and her sister, both of them gushing over her dress. And Reth''s eyes¡­

    His eyes rarely left her for more than a few seconds. His name would be called, or someone would visit the table and he''d turn. But every time Elia would look at him, he''d be looking back. Or she''d feel his gaze like a finger touch on her skin and turn, and he''d be staring, his eyes dark and alight at the same time. It stole her breath.

    Then his hand snuck to her knee under the table. She pretended to ignore it, but as Candace to turned and asked her where she got the dress, Reth was sliding the skirt of it up, up, up her leg, until he found the skin of her knee and thigh, and his fingers slid to the inside of her thigh. And stayed there.

    Her breath picked up. She got flustered, trying to exin to Candace which merchant they''d visited to find the dress.

    Then Reth leaned into her ear again and whispered, "Are you ready? First we do speeches, then we leave. And I''m locking the door of the cave behind us this time."

    Elia snorted the water she was drinking and had to cough. When she spluttered her way back to dignity, Reth was still staring, his eyes aze and locked on hers.

    "Let''s get this done," she whispered back, and his fingers tightened on her leg.

 Chapter 83: The Companions

    <h4>Chapter 83: The Companions</h4>

    RETH

    Every time he stroked her thigh, letting his fingertips trail along her skin, the tiny hairs of her legs stood on end and her skin prickled under his touch. The mating huff rose in his throat. He''d had to swallow it a dozen times already. He was swallowing and scenting like an adolescent at his first mating. It would have been embarrassing, but there were so many people and so much going on, he trusted that most weren''t taking the time to single his scent out. He prayed they weren''t.

    Though it made him grown in frustration, he was almost d when Behryn stood on his other side and called for quiet. He was forced to take his hand off her, which helped a great deal with his concentration, but less with the fire inside that urged him to touch, and taste, and fill his nose with her. He didn''t want to think about anything else.

    "Good people of Anima, we celebrate our new Queen tonight, and the beginning of a new Dawn in the WildWood." A great many voices raised in a cheer and Reth was proud¡ªproud of the woman sitting next to him. "Tonight," Behryn continued, "We start the journey into the age of King Gareth and his good Queen Elia and their cubs that will lead Anima in the generations toe." Behryn turned and smiled at them both. "Queen Elia, your people would hear from you¡ªare you ready to answer to your court, to your people?"

    "I''ll do my best," she said and Reth''s heart squeezed. She was so uncertain of herself, couldn''t see her own strength. He resolved to do better to remind her of it, show her how she appeared in his eyes.

    Behryn nodded. "Would you address the people and tell them your hopes for this new phase of our Kingdom?"

    Elia stood, wiping her hands on her skirts, and smiling at the people. "I''m¡­ I''m grateful that you''ve epted me," she said, her voice clear as a bell across the market. "I''m so grateful to have Reth, that he chose me¡ª" Reth''s hand twitched toward her and he could feel his eyes shining as she met his gaze. There was an audible murmur of emotion and approval through the crowd. Elia tore her gaze away and looked back at the gathered people. "This is a new life for me. I want to ask your forgiveness for anything I may have done or said that offended you. I haven''t learned all the customs yet. I am working to learn, and I will do better. But I appreciate your forgiveness until I find my way. I''m looking forward to the opportunity to serve you as Queen."

    There was a great roar of approval that clearly shocked her. Her eyes went wide when the cheers began. She turned to Reth who only smiled and raised his hands in apuse. She put her hand to her chest and nodded at them, then sat. But Reth shook his head and urged her to stand again. "You still have to name your Cohorts," he said.

    She nodded and stood again as Behryn motioned for the people to quiet.

    "Queen Elia," he called, "Will you name your second?"

    Elia swallowed and clearly recited the words from memory. "I will. As my Second, and the female to stand in my stead, I choose Aymora of the Pride."

    Aymora stood and bowed her eptance to Elia and another great whoop of approval went up from the people and Reth nodded. It was an excellent choice. He hadn''t wanted to mold her decisions, but he hoped the women''s council hadn''t actually chosen for her, either. He should have asked her before, dammit.

    Behryn smiled and settled the people again. "And your heart''spanion? Do you have a sister to name?" he intoned.

    "Yes. I ask Candace of the Wing to stand with me and weather the storms," she said clearly, and smiled at her friend.

    Candace''s eyes went wide, but she shot out of her chair and took Elia''s hand, bowing over it. Elia tried to stop her, but Reth was d the woman was treating her with more intimacy. He''d known they would be a good fit, but Candace had seemed hesitant before the mating.

    Behryn adjusted his leather sash then opened his hand to the masses. "And thest of your people¡ªwho will you choose to advise you?"

    Elia smiled, confidence showing on her face for the first time since this started. Reth looked into the crowd, wondering which female the council had pointed Elia towards.

    "I would ask my Advisor to be¡­ Gahrye of the Thunder Herd," she said, loud and strong. "He who listens to the wind can speak with me and help me hear the hearts of the people."

    Reth froze.

    A murmur rose among the adults as a small group of young people towards the back of the market cheered and shouted, pushing a young Equine to his feet, who stared in clear shock even as he bowed and mouthed his eptance. Reth squinted at the youth. He only knew Gahrye for his unfortunate disformity, one he''d discussed with Behryn several times. Reth looked at his friend who stood next to him and was very obviously trying¡ªand failing¡ªto hide his shock. There was almost no apuse this time, but a great deal of muttered words and whispers that made Reth sweat.

    He knew¡­ he knew what she was doing. He knew what she intended. But they couldn''t see it. A Queen hadn''t had a male advisor since¡­ had it ever happened? He would have to ask Aymora. But worse¡­ a disformed Anima? A man none were sure of, and one so young? He trusted Elia''s sense of the man¡ªbut she had no idea what a fox she had thrown among the chickens. His dear, sweet girl.

    As his stomach churned, he prayed that when the time came, the people would choose to see her for her heart, and stop judging her for her differences.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 84: Step Carefully

    <h4>Chapter 84: Step Carefully</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth sat back in his chair, offering her a smile of reassurance when she turned to look at him, uncertain because of the cold reception to her announcement.

    She licked her lips nervously as she turned back to them, but he watched her eyes go flinty, and her back straighten, and his smile grew.

    She had no idea what she had done. But they had no idea who they were dealing with. Elia, his little hero, was going to show them.

    And he would help her do it.

    Behryn cleared his throat and drew everyone''s attention back. The tension in the room had risen several notches, and Reth swallowed as Behryn made the final call to their Queen.

    "Tell us, Queen Elia, what passion resides in you? To what end will your Cohorts serve? To what fate will you throw your favor?"

    Elia raised her chin and, for the first time, didn''t follow the traditional script. Which meant she knew what she was about to say didn''t fit it. Reth was half-proud, and half-terrified.

    "I am your Queen, but I am also human, raised in a different world, created for a different purpose. I wish to make Anima my home, and be the people''s representative," she said, clearly determined to be heard. "But in order to do that, I believe I must represent everyone in Anima. And use my position, and my unique background, to favor the plight of the unseen. The discarded. The shunned. I wish to champion those who are also different¡ªwho are forced, either by creation, or by fate¡ªto walk a different path. I will be the Champion of the people without voice, and the children who stand outside the¡­the pack," she finished, stumbling on the unfamiliar term.

    This time, the people''s response was confusion. Generally, the Queen chose a form of trade, or the arts to patron. They were unfamiliar with her choice of a corner of the people. But Reth, remembering his own time in her world¡ªwhere he stuck out as someone so different, viewed with such suspicion, apuded, once again, her intention. He just wished his people could see her as he did.

    No one seemed quite sure what to do. Usually, at this point, the master of ceremonies would invite representatives of the chosen trade forward to ept the Queen''s favor. But not only was it inappropriate to invite the shunned to the Stage, to even name them would add to their shame. Behryn looked at him, a pleading in his eyes. And Reth stood quickly, taking Elia''s hand.

    "I charge you, Anima, to take the favor of your Queen: Long live Queen Elia, thepassionate!"

    "Long live Queen Elia, the Compassionate!" came the call back, but once again, punctuated by murmurs, whispers, shaken heads, and frowns.

    Returning to the normal course of events, Behryn invited the Cohorts to the podium table where they would be invited to eat from now on. With Candace already there as a master weaver, and Aymora only one table below, the attention of the people was drawn to Gahrye, who was forced to weave through the entire market to reach the stage.

    Reth had to nod in approval when the young man kept his head up and chin high, refusing to meet the eyes of those who scowled or muttered as he passed.

    No matter what people might think of the Queen''s advisor, he had a spine. Which Reth appreciated. He was going to need it.

    When the young man made it to the stage, it was Reth he approached first, his scent shaky, but clear-headed.

    "Sire, I didn''t know. I would have told her¡ª"

    "Hush, son. Your Queen has given you a great honor."

    "Yes, but I didn''t ask, I need to you to know I didn''t know she meant to¡ª"

    "Soldier, stand to!" Behryn snapped from beside him, and Gahrye snapped his mouth closed and stood, chin up, and eyes on his Herd Leader. "You were not chosen by the King, or by me. You were given this honor by the Queen, and you will respect her choice and show her the honor of your gratitude that she''s due."

    "Of course. Of course," Gahrye said, his eyes pained. He obviously believed the King, or his Leader, would be displeased with him. And while Reth wasn''t excited about his wife''s primary advisor being male¡ªand a young male, at that¡ªhe certainly wasn''t going to express that here, in front of the people. So he smiled at the youth¡ªbarely more than a colt¡ªand indicated that he should approach Elia.

    Gahry turned then, his eyes shining, and went down on one knee in front of Elia, who covered her mouth.

    "Gahrye, you don''t need to¡ª"

    "You''ve honored me above what I deserve, Majesty," he said through his teeth, as though he fought tears. "I am humbled, and grateful. And I will serve you with my life."

    "Of course you will, of course," she said, trying to get him to stand. "Please, Gahrye, you don''t have to do this¡ª"

    He stood, then, his jaw tight and eyes bright, then positioned himself to Elias right, and slightly behind, demonstrating to the people his submission to her will. She kept trying to turn and talk to him, but Reth took her hand and brought her back to face him, whispering in her ear, "This is a time to let him appear as a servant to you. You can discuss the roleter, and your expectations. But let the people see him follow you, as they should," he whispered.

    Elia nodded and looked at him, squeezing his hand, then turned back to the people with him, her Cohorts all surrounding her.

    "Good people of Anima," he boomed to the meeting. "Celebrate your Queen and her Cohort. She has chosen from among you, and from among you she will rule!"

    This cheer was at least more enthusiastic than thest couple. Reth prayed it wasn''t because they were just d it was all over. Then, as the music began again, and the voices of the people rose in an excited babble, he turned to face her, forcing a smile.

    "Well done, beautiful," he said, winking.

    "I don''t think they liked my choices at the end," she said with a sad nce back over the crowd. "I''m so disappointed. I thought¡­ I thought maybe all the suspicion was over. But¡­"

    "Don''t worry about it, Love," Reth said.

    Behryn grunted next to him, but he pointedly ignored his own second and pulled Elia into an embrace, before turning her to her Cohort. "They follow you now," he said, letting his breath flutter in her ear. "Tell them you''ll speak tomorrow and that they''re not to disturb you tonight during your rest."

    She nced at him from the side, her cheeks heating and nodded.

    He smiled and let his hand brush her ass, praying no one could see it from the other side of the table. But a part of him went cold as she turned to her people and gathered them in to make a n.

    Would the Creator not give her a break?

 Chapter 85: Something Special

    <h4>Chapter 85: Something Special</h4>

    ELIA

    As it turned out, the feast wasn''t over. She''d thought their speeches¡ªher choices¡ªwere the end of the night. But it was only the end of the formal traditions. Once she''d arranged to meet with Candace, Aymora, and Gahrye the following morning, and they''d taken their seats at the podium table, she turned back to Reth, still feeling shaky at the response from the people. But he''d ignored the tension and taken her hand. "May I have this dance?" he said, his eyebrows up.

    Elia blinked. "Dance?"

    There was music ying, but she hadn''t noticed any dancing until Reth nodded towards the crowd and she saw that the people had moved the tables from the center of the market back to the edges, and now they all sat and stood around while couples and individuals began to leap and sway in the dirt at the center.

    Elia loved to dance, but she wasn''t very good at it. And she''d never seen dancing quite like this.

    There was a group of six women at one end of the empty space, stomping and swaying in a setbination of steps that they took in unison. They were beautiful and graceful, and they leapt like gazelles at one point, so high that Elia''s breath caught.

    There was a couple in the center¡ªwolves, she thought¡ªwho danced in a way more akin to what she thought was Salsa dancing in her world¡ªa sensual and powerful y between two bodies, a chord of tension between them that promised satisfaction at its end. Her skin tingled watching them.

    Then there were groups and couples scattered about, some simply swaying in a way that reminded her of high school dances back home. Others engaged in some kind of give and take that seemed to depict a story¡ªperhaps a battle¡ªbetween the people facing each other.

    Elia was enthralled, and confused. "I¡­ I don''t know how to do that, Reth," she said, her disappointment clear in her tone.

    "Let me show you. Please," he said, and his voice was husky in a way that made her turn to look at him.

    That loop around her heart snagged tight and pulled her towards him as she nodded and took his hand. He lead her down the stairs and into the center of the dance area. At first she just watched everyone around her, her mouth open in shock and delight. But then Reth offered a hand and bowed, and she took it, and bowed back to him.

    Pulling her in so that their hips were almost pressed together, his left hand at her lower back, his right sping her left, he leaned into her ear. "Just rx and let me lead."

    She gave him a look. "I''ve just been made Queen, apparently offended half the people with my choices, and I''ve never dance in public before¡­ but sure, Reth. I''ll just rx."

    He lifted one eyebrow with a lopsided grin. "Someone''s feeling her power already."

    She shook her head. "No, but I am feeling something," she said in a low voice, and let the fingers of her right hand trail down his neck and along his shoulder. He growled and nipped at her ear, whispering, "Careful, or you''ll force me to carry you out of here and back to the cave."

    She tipped her head back, her eyes sparkling. "Promise?"

    With a snarl of frustrated joy, Reth swung her into the rhythm of the dance, and Elia found herself giddy because the hardest part was done, and now she was touching him, and she was in a pretty dress.

    After the first few circuits of the dance floor, she was able to just let go. Despite his massive size, Reth was a graceful and precise dancer, his strength making every shift and step seem powerful, despite the care and elegance he gave it. At first, mocking her ownck of ability, she''d sagged melodramatically back over his arm.

    "Do with me as you will, Sire. I am but a peasant to your throne!" she mock-swooned.

    But Reth dropped his face to her neck and snarled against it, "Don''t bare your neck to me in public! You''ll bring me to my knees in front of them!" Yet, he tasted her throat, as if he shouldn''t but couldn''t resist.

    Elia was confused and lifted her head to stare at him. His eyes were warm, but dark, and his chest rising and falling quickly. She didn''t think it was because of the dancing.

    Which was when she realized, they were dancing. Actually dancing. He''d moved her backwards and forwards, extended her away from his body, and brought her back close. Shecked his grace and finesse, but found the rhythm he was following and just let herself be led.

    And lead, he did, spinning and swaying with her, wrapping her waist in his arm, then turning her so her skirt swirled around her knees. He caught her against his own chest, then spun her back out¡ªand he caught her again.

    Around and around, until all she saw was his eyes, always on her, and his shoulders, always there to steady her.

    She had no idea how long they danced, but it was as if with each step, the cord between them pulled tighter and her heart swelled more.

    Reth''s eyes locked on hers and the world tunneled around them. Elia knew they were still in the market, still watched by hundreds of people, but as the people of the WildWood began to unwind and enjoy themselves, so did Reth and Elia.

    Then the music slowed.

    Reth stopped spinning her, rolling her in and out from his body. Stopped turning them and crossing the floor.

    He dropped his chin so his cheek brushed hers, and brought her hand up, curling his around it and pressing it to his chest. And they swayed.

    Elia''s heart and body were at odds¡ªher body acutely aware of the warmth of him, the strength of him, the beauty of him. Her heart wanted to race, and her body wanted to move. Her skin wanted to ripple against his.

    But her heart¡­ she was touched by the gentleness in him, the tenderness with which he brushed her temple with his lips, or the way he pulled her close to his side when there was an unidentified noise off the dancefloor. He watched to make sure she was safe, before turning back to her and bringing her close to sway again.

    Every move he made seemed to center on her and she was awed by it¡ªby the heart of him. This man. This King!

    What was it in him that held her like she was something precious.

    "You smell confused," he murmured in her ear. He took the hand at her back and stroked it through her hair. "What''s wrong?"

    This scent thing was very inconvenient! Elia almost told him not to worry about it, but in the end, she knew he''d only watch her more closely, probably misreading the problem. So she made a little face as she tipped her head back to meet his eyes.

    "I''m just not sure why you treat me like I''m¡­ special." It was the in truth. She tried not to back away from it.

    His brows pressed in. "Because you are special, Elia. So special. The most special."

    *****

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 Chapter 86: Beating Drums, Beating Hearts

    <h4>Chapter 86: Beating Drums, Beating Hearts</h4>

    ELIA

    She sighed. "You know that makes no sense, right?" she said. When he opened his mouth to argue, she shook her head. "No, I''m serious, Reth. I''m not looking for reassurance here. I believe you. And I love it. I love that you act like I''m¡­ precious. But you must know, from my perspective, it makes no sense. You have more strength and power. You have more knowledge. You''re older than me¡ªand more beautiful. We are¡­ unequally matched. I don''t doubt that you care. I just don''t understand why."

    He stared down at her, using one finger to press a thin strand of hair back behind her ear as he spoke, his voice little more what a whisper.

    "When I was a cub¡ªa child¡ªI was very sure of myself," he said carefully. "I''d always been treated as if I was more valuable than everyone else. When that happens and you''re young, you just believe it. It''s simply the way the world is."

    She nodded¡ªand didn''t say that those children usually ended upplete brats.

    "But when I was taken to your world," he said tightly, "I was suddenly nothing. Not in my home, obviously. My guardians knew who I was and how I should be cared for. But the world¡­ the world didn''t see a future King. They didn''t even see a normal person. They saw a troubled child and¡­ they had no time for him. I onlysted at school for six weeks before my guardians pulled me out since the human education had really only been part of our cover anyway."

    "I don''t remember you at school!"

    He shook his head. "I was miserable. I stayed miserable until I met you," he said and held her gaze again, his brown eyes warm, yet troubled. "I was so angry. And so scared, though I wouldn''t admit it. I''d never before in my life felt like I was¡­ less than others. It was terrifying. Being away from my family and my Pride, being in a world that was so different, and so unforgiving. And being friendless¡­ I was desperately unhappy. Then you walked over to me that day as if I was someone and you started talking to me about Tigers, do you remember that?"

    She smiled. "Barely. I just remember seeing you standing in the driveway of your house, looking angry."

    "I was trying to learn to ride a bicycle. It wasn''t going well," he muttered, and she grinned at the obvious difort he had in admitting that. "When you started talking to me, I almost snapped at you. I assumed as soon as I spoke you''d decide I was scary, or weird, the way everyone else had and I''d be alone again, and I was already feeling bad about myself."

    "I always found you fascinating," she said, shrugging. "Back then, I could never figure out why other people were so wary of you."

    He nodded. "You see¡­ your heart. You never judged me as others did. Even back then. Andter, when we were friends and I did strange things, you always just acted like they were normal¡ªorughed, like they didn''t matter."

    "They didn''t."

    "That''s what makes you special, Elia," he said, and there was a tightness in his voice that matched the intensity in his eyes. "I thought the others here, my people, weren''t seeing you as I do. But I see: You don''t see yourself that way, either. You have no idea how precious you are."

    She shook her head and looked away, but he brought her chin back and made her face him. "Elia, do you really think that I chose you in the Rite, that I married you in the ceremony¡ªbrought you here to my people out of what¡­?"

    "Pity," she said immediately. "I know you like me, Reth¡ªI know you''re attracted to me. But you choosing me for this? To be a Queen? That has to be because you felt bad that they brought me here."

    He snarled and his hand curled at her back. "I wouldn''t let others speak of you that way, so I won''t allow you to do it either," he snapped. "I told you that pity does not drive me¡ª"

    "I know, I know¡ª"

    "Apparently, you don''t."

    "I just¡­ if you were in my world, Reth¡­ the words they''d use are "out of my league." That''s what people would say about you¡ªthey''d say that you were too good for me. And in my world, they''d be right."

    "Just further evidence that you were meant to be here," he growled, fire in his eyes. "I see why the Creator brought you."

    Elia smiled softly. "Do me a favor," she said after a moment.

    "Anything."

    "Don''t ever change, Reth. Don''t ever stop thinking the way you think. These people adore you, and so do I. And it''s because you''re good."

    He blinked and his chest swelled. He looked for a moment like he might argue with her, but instead he took her face in his hands and kissed her slowly, softly. Then he whispered, "It takes one to know one," and pulled her against his chest with a happy sigh.

    They clung to each other, and continued to sway. They kissed and continued to sway. Reth pulled away, staring into her eyes and Elia''s heart beat faster. As the emotion of the moment weighed on her, so did the growing heat in his eyes.

    The iron strength of him under her hands made Elia''s mouth go dry and wish they were alone. The lights in the market dimmed. The sound of the crowd around them faded. And Elia''s heart began to race when his breathing deepened and his hand slid low on her back. Then his chest brushed her breasts softly, teasing, bringing her nipples to peaks under the light fabric of the dress. His eyes widened, and he manfully dragged them back up to meet hers.

    The music slowed even more, and he pulled her in closer, pulling both her hands up to his neck and urging her to sp them behind him, he let his hands slide down her sides to hold her at the hips as the music changed, began to pulse.

    And the beat of the drums became the new rhythm of her body¡ªher breathing, the rolling of her hips, the touch of his cheek on hers, the shuffle of their feet.

    Everything became tied together where their bodies met in the middle, and her skin prickled in anticipation as one of his hands lifted to find hers behind his neck, then trailed down, down, down her arm, to her side¡ªhis thumb finding the side of her breast as he passed¡ªthen to her ribs, her waist, and lower.

    Elia was beginning to pant.

    Reth''s eyes never left hers.

 Chapter 87: The Dance

    <h4>Chapter 87: The Dance</h4>

    RETH

    His skin prickled with desire as he stared into her wide eyes and she stared back. He let the music move him, move them, sliding step, to sliding step, to a pause. She got the rhythm quickly, but he could tell her mind wasn''t on it at all.

    He wondered if she felt what he felt¡ªthe slide of her dress against the chest of his shirt. The whip of her skirt against his legs. The brush of their legs when they moved¡ªthigh against thigh. Warmth and pressure where they pressed, and cool prickling desire where his skin ached for hers.

    Her jaw had ckened, but she didn''t say a word, just held onto his neck and let herself move into him, be led, be swayed, be pressed. Putting one hand back up to her wrist at the point where his shoulder met his neck, he trailed his fingers down her arm, raising goosebumps under his touch as he slid down to her side, along the outside of her breast, then around her ribs to put the t to his hand across her lower back and pull her in.

    She didn''t blink, but her breath got louder as he rolled his hips into each step. Her eyes zed.

    Then he dropped his chin so his cheek was almost¡ªalmost¡ªtouching hers, her hair tickling his neck and jaw, but instead ofying his cheek to hers, his skin prickled and tingled waiting for the contact that never came. He felt the electric crackle of her closeness, the flutter of her breath on his corbone where his shirt was open and, unable to resist, he gave in with a groan and nuzzled her ear and nipped at the side of her neck.

    She went loose in his arms and her breath quickened, but he kept leading, swinging her slowly around the floor.

    Their eyes locked again when he straightened.

    He was in awe. ck-jawed and speechless at the beauty of her¡ªthe beauty she couldn''t see in herself, the beauty that lit his world.

    For a moment his mind fell back through the years, to those dark days of his childhood when the only sun he saw was her smile. When the only rush in his world was to hear her calling his name. To the warmth and gratitude he''d felt whenever she''d defended his strange ways. The way she''d looked at him like he was the amazing one¡ªand followed him anywhere he would go.

    "You always came with me," he whispered.

    She blinked then, but didn''t stop staring at him. "What? When?" she whispered back.

    "When we were little. You never even used to ask. I''d just show up at your door and you''de out and follow me."

    She smiled. "Because I knew I was safe with you," she said, cupping his neck with her hand. "And I knew wherever you were going was where I wanted to be."

    He lifted one hand to draw her hair back from her face. "Do you still feel that way?" he asked.

    "Even more than back then," she breathed. "Reth¡­ I¡­ thank you. I know it''s hard sometimes, but¡­ I feel like you''ve given me a life. As well as your heart. And I''m just¡­ I''m stunned. I don''t know what I did to deserve you, but I''m so, so d you''re here."

    A wave of love rolled over him, stealing his breath. How was it possible that she was here, and his? And¡­ grateful? He was the one who was grateful. He didn''t have words, so he put his hand to her jaw and drew her up into a kiss that started softly, but quickly red into a feast of lips and tongues and rushing breath.

    He had to force himself to remember where they were, to break it, to not paw her in front of the children and mothers. And men, for that matter. But he yearned. He didn''t want to be here anymore. He loved his people. But not as much as he loved her.

    "Elia¡­" how to even tell her?

    "I know," she breathed, and pulled him down into another kiss that was little more than her open mouth on his, lips barely moving, tongues only teasing. "I know," she whispered again into his mouth.

    He sucked in and pulled her into his chest and she rippled under his hands, her head dropping forward to rest on his corbone as if it was all just a little bit too much.

    He knew the feeling. He really did.

    Unable to really show her how he felt, he began to dance with her the way he would an Anima, a slow, but demanding roll and slide that mimicked the kind of roll and slide he really wanted. She gasped when his hips rolled into hers again, then she just¡­ gave up. Eyes bright with desire, and her pupils so big her eyes looked ck in the half-light. And even though she didn''t know the dance, she was so loose in his arms, she fell into it. They moved as one, as if she were an extension of his body.

    And her breath quickened, and her skin pebbled, and she swallowed.? And she never took her eyes off his.

    "Reth?" she asked breathlessly.

    "Yes?" he croaked.

    "When can we go home?"

    "When¡­ what?"

    "When can we go home?" she said quickly, lightly. He was pierced. She had no idea¡ªnone¡ªthat she''d called his home her own. That she''d epted him, adopted his world. Taken over his heart.

    His childhood dream had literally walked into his world and owned him.

    He answered by immediately stepping her backwards, walking her in time to the rhythm, weaving through the couples and groups around them, to the those who gathered at the sides of the market, watching.

    Then, when they reached the edge of the crowd, he dropped all pretense at dancing, took her hand and pulled her through, acknowledging the greetings and calls of the people with a wave or a short smile, but never stopping in his path towards the trail home¡ªand never letting his grip on her hand slip even an inch.

 Chapter 88: The Forest at Night

    <h4>Chapter 88: The Forest at Night</h4>

    RETH

    As they left the feast to return home, Reth pushed away thoughts of the next day. It would bring challenges, he knew. But she was so fragile, in need of such reassurance... they would meet those questions when they came. For now, he wanted to show her how much she meant to him, and how much he wanted her.

    When they stepped out of the Market and onto the first trail in the city, he looked down at her and realized, she was beautiful in thentern light. But she was devastating in moonlight.

    The dress flowed around her like water, clinging to her curves and rippling on her skin, reminding him far too perfectly of their time in the pools the night before.

    But through the market and out into the Tree City, and through the square¡ªthere were people everywhere! And they all wanted to call to their King and Queen, stop and chat, or bow and wave. Reth''s teeth were gritted before they even reached the city square. When he thought they were finally free to start down the darkened path to their cave and someone else called out, he almost snarled.

    Elia, amused by his growing tension, put a hand to his arm and met his eyes as he turned¡ªtoo quickly, with a too-obvious frown¡ªto greet the man jogging up behind them. So it was his wife who epted the man''s congrattions graciously, and smiled, and thanked him. It was his wife who squeezed his arm to remind him to say something. And his wife who very expertly excused them from the conversation in a way that left the man smiling, but with no temptation to follow them into the forest.

    And then, finally, thank the Creator, they were alone. She clung to his arm, a small smile on her face that made him want to ask her what she was thinking, but he was too busy strategizing.

    If he waited five minutes, they''d be back at the cave. With the guard no doubt shadowing them through the trees right now, Elia would be morefortable.

    But that meant he had to wait five more minutes, and Reth found his patience at an end.

    With a quick scan of the forest, he wrapped an arm around her waist and swung her into the trees alongside the path.

    "Reth, what¡ª?!"

    But he had her against the trunk of the tree, pinning her from knee to chest, and his lips on hers before she could say more. His breath thundered, his heart pounding in his ears.

    She sighed and her hands slid up his chest in a way that made him groan and deepen the kiss, then drop to kiss along her jaw, to that little space under her ear that always gave her goosebumps when he nibbled¡­ right there.

    With a shuddering breath she dropped her head back against the tree and whispered his name.

    He hummed, but couldn''t stop tasting her, dragging his lips and teeth lower, lower as she arched back.

    "Gareth?" She whispered, her hands in his hair.

    "Yes¡­" he murmured against her skin, then sucked.

    She drew in a sharp breath. "Why¡­" she seemed to lose her train of thought when he found the spot where her shoulder met her neck at the same time his hand slid up to cup her breast through the thin fabric of the dress, but then she swallowed and kept going. "Why did you tell me not to bare my throat¡­ to you in public?" she asked, pulling him in tighter.

    He lifted his head to kiss her mouth, the slide of her tongue like fuel to his fire and he almost forgot the question. But then she groaned and pressed in to kiss his neck with lips, and tongue, and teeth.

    Reth huffed and didn''t care how many of the guards heard it. "The throat¡­" he gasped as she pushed her hands under his vest, her fingers trailing along his sides until thebination of arousal and tickling threatened to undo him. He sucked in hard, and caught her hands, pulling them out from under his clothes, then smiling as he raised them over her head, holding both her wrists in one of hisrge hands.

    He pulled back enough to watch her face, measure her for displeasure or uncertainty, but she smiled as he pinned her wrists to the tree above her, forcing her chest up and out, her breasts peaking beneath the white fabric.

    Tingles washed over him in a wave and he groaned, uncertain which part of her to taste first. He was still staring, open-mouthed when she spoke, her voice husky.

    "Reth? The throat?" she said, her eyes twinkling when he met her gaze. He knew that she giggled because his own was so damned nk with lust.

    He blinked and let his free hand drag down her side as he dove for her corbones and exined with his lips and tongue against her skin. "The throat¡­" he repeated, dragging his lips along her corbone, "¡­is the most vulnerable ce on an Anima''s body." He inhaled her scent¡ªmusky and dark with her desire, and he huffed again. "To bare your throat to anyone is the ultimate act of trust¡ªAnima do it very rarely, and usually only with a true, lifetime mate."

    Her breath caught and he pulled his head up to meet her gaze¡ªhad he frightened her? Hurt her? But no, her eyes were wide and alight¡­ with joy?

    "You let me kiss your neck," she breathed. And when he nodded, she closed her eyes and dropped her head back again, offering herself. "I''ll always give you my throat, Reth," she breathed and arched back as she was, with her hands above her head, and her head tipped back, her body was an altar, an offering.

    And Reth nned to worship at it.

    His entire body tightened. Reth let a growl putter in his throat as he dropped to taste her throat again, as lightly as he was able, open mouthed, his tongue t against the divot between her corbones. And he huffed the mating call, letting it resonate in his chest.

    The poor guards¡ªforced to hear and scent this, to try to keep her safe, while also not get close enough to be a threat and anger their King¡­ If he hadn''t been so blinded with lust, he would haveughed at what he was putting them through.

    Reth kissed her, his free handing to rest at her back where it arched away from the tree. She whimpered when he pulled her in even tighter against the broad nes of his stomach. His growing arousal was in, even through his leather pants. As their tongues tangled, she writhed against him.

    Then a twig snapped somewhere not very far away, and Reth froze. As he realized what he was doing¡ªpawing at her and taking her here in the dark where she couldn''t see, but all the guards were forced to¡ªhe also realized she wouldn''t like it if she knew.

    With a frustrated groan, he pulled away, panting. Her head came up and her eyes opened. "What? What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing''s wrong," he said, letting her hands go from above her head. "I just want to get you into the cave."

    The concern on her face slowly morphed to a smile as he stepped back and offered her his hand.

    Five minutes wouldn''t kill him¡­ much.

    But as if she felt the same way, she set the pace back to the Cave much faster than they''d been walking before.

    She didn''t see the shadows of the men around them as they walked the path¡ªthough she looked for them when they finally stepped into the clearing, and he could smell the dip in her when she realized they''d been there all along.

    Cursing himself for an inconsiderate ass, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "Come, wife," he whispered, drawing her into the cave. "I have something to show you."

 Chapter 89: Show Me Your Throat

    <h4>Chapter 89: Show Me Your Throat</h4>

    ELIA

    Something burned in her chest¡ªnot just desire. Something more. A demand for him. But also¡­ she felt driven to touch him. It wasn''t just a want, it was a need. As he opened the cave door, she hugged his back and let her hands slide over his shoulders and back¡ªher favorite part of him. He rippled under her touch, closing the door behind them and barring it by picking up a thick beam she hadn''t paid attention to,ying up against the wall inside, then dropping it into two brackets on the door. Elia grinned. It looked like god himself wouldn''t be opening that door.

    Then Reth turned to face her and stood there¡­ staring. Thentern light was warm and it made the muscles of his chest and stomach glow where his vest was open.

    Elia swallowed hard and stroked a finger down the center of his chest, then that muscled stomach¡ªthat sucked in as she went¡ªand then hooked it into the top of his pants.

    He just stared at her. "What''s next?" he rasped.

    "Take off your jacket," she said, beginning to quiver when one side of his mouth slipped up while he slowly, very slowly, shrugged the vest off his shoulders, then drew it down one arm, then the other, tossing it onto a side-table and taking a step towards her. But she took a step back and his eyebrow went up. And he waited.

    Elia watched him for a moment, then let her eyes slide down his body, to where her finger was still hooked behind his belt in the waistband of his pants. She tilted her head and Reth huffed again, the sound twanging something low in her belly.

    *****

    RETH

    "I do like it when you make that noise," she said breathlessly. He did it again and she shivered. "It''s like you''re calling something out of me."

    "It''s the mating call," he said, his voice even deeper than usual. "It says you''re mine, and I want you. And every other man who hears it better stay the fuck away from you."

    Sheughed and her eyes flicked up to meet his. Her pupils were so big, her eyes looked almost ck. Reth swore and stepped towards her, but she stepped back again, her smile growing.

    He growled. "ying games so soon?"

    She shook her head. "I just want to see you this time. In the light."

    Reth shuddered at that and had to clench his hands to fists to stop himself reaching for her. Creator''s Light! She wanted to see him!? "Tell me what to do," he rasped. "Anything. I''ll do it."

    Her mouth dropped open slightly, but she closed it, biting her lip and pulled her hand away, looking at the ce where it had been just a moment before. Trembling, Reth stared at her so intently, the world began to narrow.

    "Take off your pants," she said breathlessly.

    Reth didn''t need to be asked a second time. With a soft grunt and a couple sharp tugs, he had the belt pping free and his pants unbuttoned in seconds, shoving them down and stepping out of them, leaving his hands at his sides. Her eyes hadn''t left his face yet.

    He waited.

    Her throat bobbed as she swallowed¡ªtwice. He wondered if she knew he could hear her heart and how it sped up, see the shift in her breathing.

    "You''re so¡­ gorgeous," she breathed and her eyes widened as they drifted from his face and down, down, down.

    Everything in him tightened under her gaze.

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d started this game almost as a joke. A way to tempt him. But she was very quickly being trapped in her own snare.

    When he''d bared himself so boldly, shucking off his pants like they were nothing but a burden, she''d had to swallow twice before she could speak.

    His body was a work of art¡ªmassive and sculpted, every muscle visible and hugged tightly by his skin. His forearms were veined and the tendons on his hands stood proud as he clenched his fists at his sides¡ªbecause he was working hard not to touch her, she knew. And she wanted him to. So badly. But something about making him wait¡ªmaking herself wait¡­ it was delicious.

    Ignoring his very obvious arousal, because if she focused there there would be no ying, and they''d both be finished in seconds, she drank in the sight of his broad, heavily-muscled shoulders, washboard stomach, and the lines of muscle that ran from over his hips, down in to that perfect V, as if it pointed the way to her pleasure.

    His thighs were round and broad, he stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, his skin almost glowing in the warmntern light.

    His shoulders shifted up and down with his breath, and there was a slightly wild light in his eyes.

    He wanted her. Badly.

    She bit her lip and he groaned.

    *****

    RETH

    "Elia," he pleaded. "Can I touch you?"

    She shook her head, her lip still pressed between her teeth, her eyes still following the lines of his chest and shoulders until he felt it like a finger on his skin.

    "I want to touch you, first," she whispered.

    Reth had to close his eyes for a moment or he was going to do something stupid. He dropped his head and tried to count to ten, reminding himself that she was new to this and he shouldn''t push. Then he sucked in hard, because she began to circle him, her fingers starting at his navel, trailing along the side of his stomach, then around. She walked slowly around him, letting her touch drift across his body. She traced the lines of his back, and pressed a soft kiss to the center of his spine, between his shoulder des. He groaned again and clenched his hands so tightly that his nails threatened to cut his palms.

    When she''d walked a full circle around him, and her own eyes were alight with lust, she swallowed again. "Show me your throat, Reth," she whispered.

    Reth''s eyes rolled back and a growl rolled in his throat as he dropped his head back, drunk with desire for her.

    Then he huffed when her fingers started at the point of his chin and traced down, over his Adam''s Apple, down to the V between his corbones, and her breathing sped up. He was trembling from head to toe by the time she pressed herself against him andid her mouth at his throat.

    "I''ll never use this against you," she said against his skin, then flicked her tongue out to lick his neck. Reth''s hands twitched toward her. "I''ll never hurt you with it, or let anyone else have it. I want you to know that."

    Then her mouth was gone from his skin, but the rest of her remained. Reth still had his head dropped back, his breath tearing in and out of his throat.

    Then she whispered, "Now you can touch me."

    Reth sucked in and raised his head, opening his eyes.

    When he saw her, her arms tight around him, her breasts pressed against his stomach, and her back arched so her headid so far back that her throat was the highest point offered to him, he roared.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 90: Temptation

    <h4>Chapter 90: Temptation</h4>

    I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

    *****

    RETH

    The temptation to simply take her, quick and rough, right there, was overwhelming. He dove for her throat with lips and teeth and tongue, and she pulled him in, her hands sliding everywhere she could reach. In his mind he''d have her on the floor¡ªor against the wall¡ªand yank that dress up and¡­

    He shivered and made himself slow down. If he rushed this he''d regret it, he knew. She was yful tonight, gaining confidence. He had no doubt she''d give in to a quick tumble, but he wanted more than frantic pawing.

    He wanted to make love to her.

    In an act of sheer will, he nipped her neck one more time then pulled back.

    She blinked her eyes open and pulled her head up to look at him, her eyes zed with lusts. "What is it? What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing at all," he rumbled, his voice so deep it came from his toes. He brought a hand up to stroke her hair and down her back. "I just want to¡­ take my time," he said and let the heat he felt shine in his gaze.

    Her lips pulled up into a smile. "That sounds like fun."

    "If this is mere fun, you tell me, because I need to up my game," he growled, then took her mouth when she started tough.

    She wasn''tughing for long.

    His cupped her jaw and tilted her head, taking her mouth, plunging and teasing with his tongue in a parody of what he really wanted to be doing. Her breath got faster and louder and it was music to his ears. Then, as she arched into his kiss, he let his hands slide down, down her body, on top of that sweet dress, teasing and squeezing, enjoying each dip and valley until he made it to her thighs.

    "I like you in a dress," he whispered as he began to slowly, slowly grip the material, bunching it into his hands to draw it up and bare her skin inch by glorious inch.

    "I love it too, I was so¡­ excited¡ª" she swallowed convulsively when he nuzzled under her ear, "when thedies found it for me¡­ oh!"

    He''d finally found the hem of the skirt, drawn it all up until he had ess to her. Letting one side go, he slid his hand down the back of her thigh and felt her goosebump under his touch.

    He groaned. "I love the way you respond to me," he said, hoarse with love and desire. "It''s as if all of you rises to meet me."

    "Everything in me, Reth," she breathed. "Everything."

    Then, slowly, he changed direction, drawing his hand back up the inside of her thigh. It was a delightful shock when, instead of discovering the soft barrier of underclothes, his fingers found her heat, found her ready and eager for him. She sucked in as he groaned her name. "It''s a good thing you didn''t tell me you werepletely bare under that dress, Elia," he rasped into her mouth. "I would have scandalized the entire city, taking you there on the dancefloor."

    "Next time," she gasped, "I will tell you¡­ but I won''t¡­ let you¡­ do anything about it until¡­ we''re¡­ home¡­"

    He huffed the mating call and she let her head drop back, eyes closed as he palmed her, letting his fingers slide into her gently at first, though she trembled with it. But then giving himself leave to press and slide until she started to twitch and brought a hand up to brace on his shoulder.

    "So fucking beautiful," he rasped, "Creator''s Light, I love you, Elia." Before she could respond, he took her mouth that had dropped open as she leaned farther back, searching for contact with him on that perfect spot. She whimpered and grabbed for him, but he smiled and denied her, reveling in the flush of her cheeks and the rush of her panting breath, the way she went tense and still the closer he got to that bundle of nerves that promised her bliss.

    Seeing her there, bare and ready, aching and seeking for him, his own body reached for her, yearning for release and he gritted his teeth against the urge to lift her onto himself and take her, right there.

    As her breath shortened and she started to hold it with each slide, he groaned and pulled his hand up to cup her naked ass.

    She whimpered her disappointment, but he was already walking her backwards towards the wall until he could press her into it, bnce her weight, pull up her skirt and sp one of her legs behind the knee to lift it and slide himself against her softness.

    She cried out as a guttural groan tore out of his throat and for a moment, he couldn''t even think. His entire life existed only in that delicious, tingling slide where they were connected. Her mouth was a round O, and as he rolled his hips, he took her lips, showing her with his tongue everything he would do to her, everything he wanted.

    Then he kissed down her throat, letting his teeth drag against the column of her neck and she shivered, clinging to his shoulders, her cries bing frantic.

    "Please¡­ Reth¡­" she begged shamelessly. "Please¡­"

    "Soon, my love, soon," he croaked, then kissed her. Rolling against her slowly, relentlessly, refusing to let her increase the pace.

    But then she shuddered and he realized she was already close. The thought unraveled his control and he had to stop, or risk ruining it all by exploding all over her before he''d even taken her.

    He froze, and she went still, both of them panting. Shebed her fingers through his hair, wing into his scalp in a stroke that should have been nothing next to where else they touched, but it felt glorious and sent shivers down his spine.

    He opened his eyes and found her already staring at him, both of them still panting.

    "Please, Reth," she said, a desperate edge in her voice. "I want you inside me."

 Chapter 91: Always Yours

    <h4>Chapter 91: Always Yours</h4>

    ELIA

    One arm under her knees, the other behind her shoulders, he swept her off her feet and into his chest, his breath heaving. "There," he said, nodding at a sideboard in an alcove as they walked past. "And there," he huffed towards the bench seat in front of the fire. "Also, there, and maybe on the counter, too," he said as they passed the dining table.

    "What are you doing?" she giggled as he buried his nose in her neck and inhaled deeply, like she was some kind of perfume.

    "I told you, we have to make a list of all the ces I''m going to mate you," he growled.

    Eliaughed, but her stomach trilled and she pulled him closer, her breath speeding up as he kissed and sucked at her neck.

    She felt like she now understood why he''d seemed so obsessed with her neck¡ªand she was d. It gave her goosebumps every time.

    He carried her through the long cave and back to the bedroom, not bothering with the door this time since he''d locked the only entrance. But instead of immediately jumping on her, as she''d assumed he would, he set her on her feet, then walked around the room, blowing outnterns.

    There were only two left when she said, "Don''t blow out all of them," and he stopped, turning to her with a wicked smile.

    "You want some light, Elia?"

    She blushed, but nodded.

    "What thedy wants, thedy gets," he purred and started stalking towards her across the room. The roll of his shoulders and hips, so like the predator that ran through his blood, made her breath harder as she waited for him to reach her.

    Already stark naked, he waspletely unashamed, and she enjoyed the sight of him in the dim light, where the shadows were deeper and rippled between his muscles. She licked her lips in nervous anticipation as he approached, but he stopped just out of reach, his eyes dark. She tore her gaze off his chest and met them.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "It''s my turn," he purred.

    Elia blushed, but smiled. "Your turn for what?" she asked and made herself stop gripping her skirts, made herself raise her chin and put her shoulders back, and not shrink from what she knew he would ask.

    He took thest two steps to get close to her, and trailed a finger up her arm, to her shoulder, then along to the neck of the dress.

    The embroidering around the neck and shoulders was beautiful, but made even more dramatic by a drawstring in the neckline that gathered it up.

    Reth''s finger trailed along the edge of it, to the front, just above and between her breasts, where it tied, leaving a small peephole at her cleavage. "Untie it," he said hoarsely, his eyes never leaving her skin there.

    Elia raised slightly trembling fingers up to the tie and pulled the ends until it fell away, leaving a V that dipped between her breasts. But the linen held, and a shadow passed over Reth''s eyes when the dress didn''t shift.

    She reached for the neckline, intending to pull it further down for him, but he stopped her, his hands gently circling her wrists.

    "No," he croaked. "Let me."

    Elia dropped her hands and watched his face as he gazed on her, his breathing shallow and quick, as he trailed his fingers from the shoulders, along the neckline of the dress, then pulled slowly, slowly apart, until the dress pulled along the tie and fell open under his hands. Then gently, barely touching her skin, he pushed it back until it rested off both shoulders, barely clinging to the tops of her breasts, the heavy embroidery weighing it down until it threatened to slide offpletely.

    Reth swallowed and Elia had to stifle a breathlessugh at the pleading hunger on his face.

    "So beautiful," he whispered. "Your skin is so white and so soft." He leaned down to kiss her corbone, open mouthed, humming his approval on her skin. Elia''s eyes slid closed. But when she reached for him, he straightened again with a wicked gleam in his eye.

    Without a word, he tilted his head and with two fingers, caught the dress where it had fallen off her shoulder and tugged it slowly down on that side, until one breast slid free and he made a noise in his throat. Their eyes caught and Elia held her breath, waiting to see what he would do.

    "Do you want¡ª" he started, but she interrupted him.

    "I want whatever you want," she said on a breath.

    Eyes dark, Reth knelt in front of her, his massive shoulders rolled forward as his hands took her ribs and he dropped his mouth to the peak of her breast, sucking hard enough to send electric jolts to the apex of her thighs.

    "Reth!" she gasped, grabbing his shoulders to steady herself, but unable to resist leaning back to give him better ess.

    He pulled her close and held her with one hand syed between her shoulder des, but stayed on one knee, his mouth worshipping at her breast, while his other hand began to bunch the skirt up around her knee, then her thigh, then his hand was on her skin underneath the dress and he dragged his fingers slowly up her inner thigh, leaving trails of sensation like fireworks on her skin. When his fingers dipped into her softest ces, Elia shifted on her feet to help him find that delicious slide, whimpering when he did as the jolts from his mouth crackled through her to meet the jolts from his talented fingers.

    "Elia," he breathed against her skin.

    She was grasping his shoulders because her knees felt weak. Too self-conscious to find the words, but too heated to deny the desire, she tugged the other side of the dress down her own arm, until both breasts were free, then gasped when he took the invitation,ving her other nipple with his tongue, and growling in his throat when she dropped her head back and leaned into his him.

    Her entire body hummed like a tuning fork as his mouth sucked and his teeth grazed in perfect time with the slide and plunge of his fingers.

    She could feel that glittering wave beginning to build, and it was wonderful. But she was hollow. She needed him¡ªneeded him inside her. Needed to move together with him.

    "Reth," she gasped.

    He came off her breast with a faint pop. "Yes, my love?" he huffed.

    Elia groaned in her throat because despite lifting his head to look at her, he didn''t stop touching with those bold, strong fingers. A shiver ran through her and her skin pebbled from her neck to her knees.

    "I want you," she said, her voice a higher keen than she''d intended.

    "You''ll have me, love," he whispered, kissing her breast, open mouthed again. "You''ll always have me."

 Chapter 92: Just Let Go

    <h4>Chapter 92: Just Let Go</h4>

    Thank you for all your support this month. It has been an incredible month for BEAST. Please continue to support Reth & Elia with your powerstone votes! Thank you! I can''t wait to share more of the story with you!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth groaned on her nipple and she gasped again. Her breath came in short bursts that she held at the peak of each slide of his fingers, her hips beginning to undte in time. He could tell she meant to say no, to push him off, to let them join, but each new crest of the wave, each new jolt to her core just sent her gasping to the next. His breath rushed against the skin of her stomach as he shuddered and dropped his forehead to her chest.

    One of her knees wobbled and she grabbed at his shoulders. "Reth, I¡ª"

    "I have you, Elia, rx. Let go. I have you."

    With a shiver, she leaned back into his hand, lifting one leg to hook around his waist, her voice breaking at each press. Reth pleaded with the Creator to guide him¡ªshe was almost there¡­ almost there¡­

    Then Reth sucked her nipple into his mouth¡ªhard. She arched back, eyes wide, unbreathing, as goosebumps washed over her skin in a wave. Then she cried his name, shaking and jerking, her knee giving outpletely, but he caught her and swung her up against his chest, the mating call groaning from his throat as he lifted her and carried her to the sleeping tform behind her.

    He didn''t give her time toe down from the rush, as her climax edged away and her breath sucked in, he lowered her to the furs, took himself in hand, and pushed in, roaring her name as his entire being came alive.

    "Reth!" she cried, tightening around him in a second wave that left her gasping and panting and threatened to steal his controlpletely. She pped a hand to his neck, rolling her hips against him, mouth open, her voice a high keen.

    Reth gritted his teeth and rode out her climax until she could focus again.

    "You''re¡­ that was¡­" she still panted as Reth took her mouth and invaded with his tongue in the same rhythm he rolled into her, and they both lost themselves to each other.

    Hands stroked, tongues licked, teeth grazed¡ªshe clung to him and pulled him in, whimpering. He held her close and pressed deep, moaning her name, unable to think beyond the need to drive deeper, to possess her.

    She''d curled her legs around his hips at some point, and without thought for her rtive inexperience, he hooked one of them forward, pressing her knee back almost to her chest, then rolling into her again.

    They both cried out, their heads dropping back as the contact changed, Reth swore as a great shudder rocked through him and he fought not to let it end, but Elia cupped his neck and pulled him down into a storm of a kiss and when she sucked on his tongue, the climax hit him at the base of his spine and he bellowed it into her mouth.

    His hips still pounding, but the rhythm broken and disjointed, he gasped her name. "Elia, my Elia¡ªlove¡ª"

    She arched under him, her hands in his hair, until finally they both slumped.

    Reth panted into her neck, gasping, holding her to him as he tried to remember his own name.

    She shivered and clung, panting too, blinking away her delighted shock.

    "Holy¡ª" he cut himself off, swearing. "Elia, are you alright?" He was horrified that he''d lost himself sopletely, not given a thought to taking it slowly for her.

    But she snorted into his chest and kissed the space under his ear before she answered. "Reth, I don''t think I''ve ever been better," she said in a voice heavy with satisfied weariness.

    Trying not to be smug, Reth shifted his weight onto one elbow so he could lean over her, see her face.

    Her cheeks were flushed pink, and her hair flew wildly around her face, like a golden halo. But she raised a hand to his face and beamed at him, nibbling at his chin when he didn''t kiss her immediately.

    "If you promise to do that to me every day, I might never leave this cave," she said,bing her fingers through his hair.

    Reth''s smug smile grew and he traced that line he was fascinated with, that followed her throat, down to her corbones, her pulse throbbing under his finger. "Elia, if I don''t get to do that to you every day, I may hand my balls to the Women''s Council and tell them to turn them into a purse."

    Elia snorted, clenching around him in herughter, in a way that made Reth groan again. Elia looked at him in wonder. "Did you feel that?"

    "Yes, my love," he gasped. "I felt that. A lot."

    "Our bodies are amazing, aren''t they?" she said, stroking his chest, her cheeks pink again in the low light.

    He kissed her softly and said against her lips, "Yours is, anyway."

    *****

    ELIA

    They talked andughed and kissed, and Elia hoped he would soon be ready to love her again. But at some point she dozed off.

    When she woke, the room was midnight dark. Shey on her side, her back curled into Reth''s chest, his lips in her hair, his arm over her waist, their fingers twined. He''d wrapped himself around her, his body, his warmth hugging her from her shoulders to her knees. He sighed and, guessing that he was awake Elia made to roll over to face him. But he stopped her, kissing her shoulder once, then twice. "Are you well, wife?"

    "I''m very, very well," she said, leaning back into him and stretching. Sore muscles ached, but they were gained so deliciously, she didn''t care. When she rxed, her arm was back to trail her fingers in his hair, and his lips were at her neck.

    His hand found her breast, and his breathing quickened.

    Elia hummed happily and arched, nudging him with her backside where she could feel himing alive.

    He hissed. "She-wolf," he growled, and sheughed, but did it again.

    He took her hip in his hand to stop her moving, but as he kissed her neck and began to whisper what he''d like to do, that fire that had banked low in her belly crackled to life again.

 Chapter 93: Only in the Pride

    <h4>Chapter 93: Only in the Pride</h4>

    RETH

    He''din there, holding her, for almost an hour, shocked by the waves of emotion rolling through him¡ªlove, possessiveness, protectiveness, fear, delight¡­ Emotions whipped around each other, a storm of chaos in his heart like he''d never experienced before. She had cracked him open like an egg, and even though he wanted it¡ªwanted her¡ªthe sheer power of the feelings was overwhelming.

    She was suddenly everything.

    He''d never imagined a moment in his life when the bnce of his decisions would weigh to any side except for his people. But staring at her as she slept, Reth knew¡­ he knew¡­

    He''d let all of them die to save her.

    And, Creator forgive him, he knew how wrong that was.

    As she''d drifted into sleep he''d been unable to resist curling his body around her, like a mother with a cub, shielding her with his body, warming her. Holding her. And as she''d slept, he''d prayed.

    Keep her safe.

    Let the people see her.

    Keep the wolves at bay¡­

    His mind kept turning back to the derations she''d made, the people she''d chosen, the ways it would shock or displease the elders¡­ and he kept shaking the thoughts off, pushing them away.

    She was human, not Anima. Of course she''d do things differently. He prayed more.

    Show me how to teach her.

    Show me how to teach them to value what she brings¡­

    Then his mind drifted, away from power and the throne, away even from his people. That image shed in his mind again, that vision he''d had of her, heavy with child, leading another by the hand, her cheeks full, smile shing¡­ An ache started in his chest and rolled out of his throat in a sound he''d never made before, a call he didn''t understand. But it spoke his heart as he clung to her, pleading for her.

    Then she sighed and stretched andpletely unaware of the remarkable experience he was having¡ªshe sighed and rubbed her bottom against him where he was already ready for her.

    She had one hand back, her fingers in his hair as he stroked her hair back so he could nuzzle and kiss her neck. Then, when she bumped him, he cursed quietly and held her at the hip so she couldn''t move. If she didn''t stop, she''d push him over the edge. Losing control was thest thing he wanted right now when everything was bing so clear.

    "Are you hurting?" he whispered.

    "Not too much," she rasped, her voice rough from the sleep. "Not enough to stop." He could hear the smile in her voice.

    "Mmmmmm¡­ do you want to try something?" he purred.

    "I told you, Reth, the answer is always yes."

    A growl of pleasure puttered in his throat as he curled the arm under her head around until his fingers found her breast, then slid the other down and back, to find where she was ready for him. She stiffened at first, the new angle unfamiliar, but, his lips still on her neck, he slid first one finger, then two inside her, pressing and curling until her mouth dropped open and she arched into his touch.

    "There are so many ways to love, Elia," he breathed in her ear as he touched and stroked and she began to loosen under his hands. "We have a lifetime to find them all. But¡­ there is one practice¡­ unique to the pride. We call it the iming."

    "What¡­" she swallowed. "What is it?"

    "Surrender," he breathed, flicking at her nipple just as he pressed in with his other hand.

    Her breath caught and her fingers tightened in his hair.

    "I would make my plea to you, show you my wish, and you choose, Elia. The choice is always yours. But if you say yes, it will leave you marked forever. Any male that sees the mark¡­ he''ll know. And the Leonine, they¡ª"

    "I want it, Reth," she breathed. "I want to belong to you. I want people to know it."

    That strange noise rolled out of his throat again. He vibrated with need, shook with the urge to plunge into her then and there, but she had to make the choice. The iming couldn''t be forced.

    But she was arching back, had brought both arms up now, reaching back for him, her breath short and fast. For a moment he only touched and stroked for her pleasure, then he forced himself to pull his hand back to her hip, to stop kneading her breast.

    She made a little noise of frustration and turned her head, "What¡ª"

    "It has to be your choice, Elia," he rasped. "I don''t want to seduce you into it."

    She rolled over in his arms, her eyes wide and serious. "Tell me," she said, pressing into his chest. "Tell me and I''ll be honest with you."

    Reth swallowed hard.

    "I would never hurt you, Elia. Never want to hurt you. But you would bleed. You would be scarred. The iming is an ancient tradition, rooted in our animal blood. And you would have to give yourself up." He held her gaze. She didn''t flinch. "You would be at my mercypletely. If I give over to it¡­ I would take you. That''s why you have to choose. You''re my mate. My wife. I love you. I will not take you against your will."

    "Will it hurt?"

    "Mostly, no. Mostly it''s intense pleasure," he said, blowing out a breath and tracing a hand down her spine. "It''s my role to ensure that¡­ that when you surrender, it''s to your benefit. But at the end, when I marked you¡­ there would be pain." He frowned, thinking of it.

    She stared into his eyes, then she said without blinking, "I''ve trusted you since I was six years old, Reth. I know you''d never enjoy hurting me."

    Reth closed his eyes and pulled her into his chest.

    "Tell me what to do," she whispered and he huffed, unable to resist kissing her, deep and slow.

    "Nothing," he breathed against her lips, then took them again. "You do nothing, but surrender."

    "Toote," she whispered back and kissed him.

 Chapter 94: The Claiming - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 94: The iming - Part 1</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    ELIA

    It started just like their previous love-making, and for a few minutes Elia wasn''t really aware of anything different. She got lost in kissing him, in pressing into his touch, in feeling him quiver under her hand. But she could feel the tension in him, the vibration in his chest and muscles, hear the call humming in his blood, and she wondered what this would be, whether she''d like it, and why she felt¡­ excited.

    Then he rolled her onto her back and leaned over her. Elia blinked her eyes open for a moment and she gasped. His eyes¡­ his eyes were glowing again, but this time with a warm light. He focused on her with an intensity that stole her breath, and as he stroked down her side, watching his own hand on her skin, his touch was electric, as if whatever power within him brought that light from his eyes was also in his skin, his fingertips, and his lips.

    "I love you, Elia." His voice was gravel tumbling over rocks. His fingertips on her face and neck made her shiver.

    "I love you, too," she whispered back.

    "Give over to me, Love," he said in that low voice.

    "Take what you want, Reth."

    "Creator''s Light, I don''t deserve you, woman," he groaned. Elia was about to argue, but with a low growl, he reared over her, positioning himself between her knees, and dropping his face to her stomach. Shocked, but delighted, she clung to him as he kissed and sucked his way up. His hair sliding along her skin was an erotic tingle that pushed her head back and made her pant.

    Latching onto the peak of one breast, his hands stroked and slid all over her until she was undting beneath him like her skin was water. Then he raised his head, his glowing eyes following his own path as he drew his fingers down her arm to her hand and lifted it, then the other, and pulled both her wrists into one of his hands to pin them on the furs over her head. His arm made a rippled steel bar between them that she wanted to lick.

    Reth stared down at her then, and growled his pleasure. She was arched back, her breasts forced up towards him, and one knee bent up. Stroking her thighs, and sliding his fingers into her again, another low growl rolled through the room and his eyes glowed brighter.

    Elia gasped as the electric slide of his touch made her stiffen in the best way. She let her head fall back, baring her throat to him and whispering his name, telling him how wonderful his touch felt.

    His mouth went ck as he stared down at her, and moan so low it was almost below hearing, resonated in his chest.

    "I''ll never hurt you, Elia. You''re safe with me," he crooned.

    "I know," she whispered back.

    Then, shivering with anticipation, keeping her hands pinned, hey over her, covering her, pressing her into the furs as he slowly, firmly, rolled his hips into her, beginning that delicious slide between them.

    Unable to move anything but her body, Elia arched to meet him each time, her breathing in gasps.

    Arms braced so his muscles stood proud and his shoulders made a wall over her, he threw his head back and called her at the peak of each slide, that huff that twanged in her stomach, reaching for and increasing, the shivering jolt he wrung out of her.

    Elia couldn''t hear herself over him, but knew she was calling back, her voice breaking in her throat at each roll of his hips.

    The shimmering promise of an orgasm grew deep within her, even though he hadn''t entered her yet. But she didn''t want it to end this way again. She wanted him inside her. So she started to brace, tried to escape the seductive call to tip over the edge.

    He dropped his chin and pressed harder into her, until she cried out with the sheer joy of it.

    "Give over, Elia," he moaned. "Surrender. Let me take you¡­ please¡­"

    "Yes," she gasped. "Yes."

    With that tormented groan, he breathed something she didn''t catch, then kissed her.

    Shifting his weight, he entered her with a thrust that almost took her over the edge. She cried his name, gasping and writhing. But she didn''t fight him, didn''t resist, just let herself be invaded, be stroked, and kissed, and gave herself over to the pleasure of it.

    Somehow he kept bringing her to that brink, then letting her slide away, until she was desperate and pleading with him.

    Then his own breath began to hiss and she felt his stomach clench against hers. "Roll over," he snarled, pulling out of her and letting go of her hands in one movement, he reared back, kneeling between her knees, and staring at her with those eyes, hot and demanding in the dark.

    The loss of sensation was confusing, and it took her a moment to realize what he wanted. But she rolled over, getting on all fours, her breathing faster. "Like this?"

    He growled his approval and first just took her chin and turned her head, leaning over her back to kiss her, his tongue sliding against her, rough and demanding. She sucked in a breath and arched her back so her shoulders brushed his chest and she sighed.

    Shuddering, he pressed her down then, a hand, gentle but firm between her shoulder des, until she was on her elbows. Then he straightened behind her and took her hips, and rubbed against her first, his breath hissing between his teeth.

    "Hold your breath, Elia," he graveled. "Don''t. Breathe."

    She sucked in and held and he stroked her two more times before taking himself in hand and guiding himself into her in a long, slow slide that had her quivering, mouth open in a silent scream. He called out, his voice changed, half-roar, half-moan and ending in a huff that tightened her stomach.

    But he didn''t wait, didn''t slow, just grasped her hips, pulling almost the entire way out of her, then plunging back in.

    *****

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 Chapter 95: The Claiming - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 95: The iming - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia saw stars as he thrust again, and again, a slow, but punishing rhythm that didn''t stop even as he leaned over her again, his chest brushing her back, one hand underneath them to knead her breast and he whispered, "Now, let go. Breathe, scream¡­ do whatever you need to do¡­ but do. Not. Fight."

    She sucked in an audible breath as he pulled out, then cried his name when he pushed back in. Hard.

    Again.

    Again.

    He grunted, his thighs pping against her with each powerful thrust, that rolling growl snapping in his throat between.

    Caught between the wall of her own pleasure, and the power of him, Elia quivered, every muscle in her body alight, but that wave at her core building and building each time he reached inside her, the pleasure so intense it was almost pain. And still he didn''t stop.

    Groaning her name, he ced one hand between her shoulder des, bracing to pound her against it until she was crying out uncontrobly with each thrust. Then he twisted the hand into her hair and slowly pulled her head back, curling over her to plunder her mouth in time with his thrusts, his breath tearing in and out of his nose.

    He was trembling, she realized, pulled so tight he was about to snap.

    "It''s okay¡­ Reth¡­"

    He stopped kissing her and straightened, the mating call erupting from his throat with every roll of his hips. His entire body trembled like he was the one who was fighting.

    "Reth!"

    "Elia¡­ oh, Elia¡­"

    "Don''t stop! I want you."

    "I don''t want to hurt you¡ª"

    "You won''t. I want this. All of you¡ªoh!"

    He roared, slipping whatever tether he''d held and Elia could do nothing but give herself over to the storm of him as he lifted, pulled her knees off the furs, and held her hips, pounded into her, roaring and calling, his breath ripping out of him and a strange, deep resonance in his chest, as if two voices tore out of his throat together.

    Elia''s skin washed in tingles as her climax approached, but this wave threatened to crest not at that bundle of nerves he yed so expertly, but deep inside her, a flip switched by the weight and pressure of him inside. Her body shook.

    "Elia¡­ Elia!" he groaned through his teeth.

    "Reth!"

    Then, tilting her hips again, he leaned forward, resting her belly on his broad thighs as he leaned over her again. The skin at her back prickled as it was teased by his chest. But she was so deep in pleasure she could only cry out with every movement of him.

    Twisting her hair around his fist, heid his mouth at her ear, his breath thundering on her skin. "Hold on to me, love!" He put his free hand down next to hers and she grasped it, the noises still tearing out of her with every roll of his hips.

    "You''re mine," he snarled.

    She screamed as her body was overwhelmed, a wave of pleasure crashing through her that almost took her out of her skin. In the same moment, Rethtched his mouth at the point where her shoulder met her neck, biting down as he roared his own climax.

    His teeth pierced her skin and when she sucked in, stiffening against the pain, he roared again, holding her there, his body pressing hers into the furs, his teeth in her skin.

    As he shook and groaned, his breath heaving, Elia slumped into the furs, exhausted and sated and lightheaded with sheer pleasure. As if it had stolen her oxygen.

    His weight on her back was delicious and she wished they couldy that way forever.

    Reth still panted, gasping, growls and groans breaking out of his throat as he shuddered back to sanity. He slumped too, but took some of his weight on his elbows, dropping her hair to curl his arm around her head. Like he was holding her safe.

    His breath fluttered against her cheek when he finally released her with his teeth, kissing and licking to sooth the half-moon wounds in her skin.

    "You''re bleeding," he said in a voice so rough and deep, it came from the rock beneath them. "I''m so sorry."

    He moved to roll off of her, but she whimpered and put her hand to his head. "Don''t. Not yet," she whispered. "Stay close."

    "Elia¡ª"

    "Reth, I¡­ I''ve never felt this way before," she whimpered, her voice cracking. "I¡­" She was embarrassed to be fighting tears and he shushed her, kissing her neck, her ear.

    "I know," he murmured. "Me too."

    He rolled off of her and sheined, but he only rolled to his side, then gathered her in, curling her into a ball, and wrapping himself around the smallness of her. She sniffed and he shushed her, stroking his hands down her back, kissing her wound, her cheek, her hair.

    "You''re mine now," he whispered.

    "I thought I already was," she said in a quavering voice.

    "Even more, now," he said, his voice thick with satisfaction. "This has nothing to do with the kingdom or mating. This is the iming. Male to female, regardless of position in the pride. It''s my vow to you¡ªwherever you are, no matter what you face, I go with you. My body for yours, my blood for yours, my life for yours. You''re mine, and I''ll die to protect you."

    She sniffed again and lifted her head to meet his eyes that still glowed, but with a soft light now. She touched his face. "I don''t have words, Reth."

    "Neither do I," he said, softly. "That''s why I bit you."

    And the words were so foreign, so out the realm of anything Elia had ever thought she''d hear from a man¡ªlet alone anything to make her heart swell¡ªshe burst intoughter.

    Reth smiled. "I''m d you find it funny," he growled, pulling her in tighter and kissing her.

    When he finally pulled away, Elia sighed with a happiness soplete, she almost wept again.

 Chapter 96: Balls Are No Joke

    <h4>Chapter 96: Balls Are No Joke</h4>

    RETH

    He woke earlier than Elia and forced himself to leave her sleeping, grumbling to himself when she only woke as thenterns lit. When they didn''t have time to do anything except get ready for breakfast.

    He was anxious, he realized, as he kissed her shoulder and whispered good morning, his stomach churning with nervous anticipation as they got out of bed and readied to face the day.

    He wanted to warn her what might being¡ªhow the people might react, not only to her chosenpanions, but also to the iming. But she was so happy. She kissed him and told him how handsome he was before she jumped out of bed, hugged him when he got up too, and danced to the closet to find her clothes. She sang in the bathing room and skipped¡ªskipped!¡ªon her way into the kitchen for a drink of water beforeing back to get dressed.

    "You''re happy this morning," he said, biting back his own tension because he didn''t want to ruin her mood.

    "I feel like I finally know what I''m here to do," she said, pulling a simple cotton tunic over her head to pair with the leather leggings the women had found for her a couple days earlier. Reth''s brows pinched and he stared into the closet, wondering how to tell her, but she didn''t let him brood. "Stop growling," she hushed him. Reth blinked. Had he growled? "The women''s council warned me," she continued, one hand to his shoulder. "I know the people will take some time to get used to me and that I''m doing things differently. But even Aymora said if I was willing to fight for it, I could win. And she must know, right?"

    "She surely does," Reth said, surprised. He''d assumed the women hadn''t know Elia was picking Gahrye¡ªa male¡ªto be one of herpanions.

    The poor kid. He was going to have one helluva day today. The youngest appointed Ruling Advisor for ten generations¡ªand his female Patron had just been imed. If it had been someone else''s mate, someone else''s Kingdom, Reth would haveughed until his sides ached.

    He was d the women had spoken to her about it, though. At least they were on board. Elia needed them behind her.

    "I''m excited to start nning," Elia said, pulling a string of nes the women had given her the night before over her head and twisting her hair into a braid. "And I''m really looking forward to feeling like I have a reason to exist."

    Unable to resist the warm blush on her cheeks and her sparkling eyes, Reth pulled her into his chest and kissed her soundly. "You''re going to be great," he said. "But you already have a reason to exist: You''re here for me. I told you."

    Her smile softened and she pulled him back into another kiss, then groaned when he tried to deepen it and twisted out of his grip. "Don''t distract me. I have to get to breakfast! I''m supposed to meet them there."

    Reth sighed. That was right. All three of them. Including the disformed male.

    "Maybe¡­ maybe you should have breakfast with me, then meet with themter. Somewhere more private?" he asked casually.

    "Oh, so now you want to take my attention, now that you''ve gotpetition," she grinned. Reth almost swallowed his tongue. She had no idea. But not noticing his apprehension, she hummed as she left the room, tossing somement over her shoulder about sticking to her promises.

    Reth took a moment to buckle his pants and send up a hurried prayer for her before following her out reluctantly.

    She noticed his slow pace and asked him about it.

    "I just don''t want to share you," he said¡ªtruthfully, but conscious of not sharing his fear. But she didn''t seem to notice, grinning and teasing him when he suddenly remembered that he also needed¡­ something from the bedroom.

    By the time he got back with the different belt he didn''t need, she was waiting for him by the barred door. He grinned when he saw his vest and pants from the night before¡ªone thrown over the sideboard, the other kicked onto the floor.

    Elia followed his gaze and blushed, but her eyes heated when they met his. "I"ll need you to unbar the door," she said. "I can''t lift it."

    Trying not to strut, Reth hefted the wooden beam easily and set it down next to the door, but as Elia thanked him and moved to open it, he leaned against it and looked at her pointedly.

    "What?" she asked.

    "What''s that strange tradition they have in your world? Where you pay people extra for doing something that it''s their job to do?"

    "Tipping?" she asked.

    "Yes, tipping. I need a tip for opening the door for you and not keeping you locked in here for my own pleasure."

    She tilted her head and her eyes went hot again. She walked up to him slowly, putting a hand to his chest, then looked at him through hershes, a wicked smile on her face.

    "Reth?" she whispered, beckoning him toe down to her level.

    He leaned down, eyes still on hers. "Yes?"

    She put her arms around his neck and leaned her lips into his ear. "Move out of the way, otherwise I''ll tell Behryn and the guards you told me you''re handing your balls to the women''s council."

    He pretended offence and stood straight, folding his arms, barring her from the door. Then he raised one eyebrow in a challenge. "I''d like to see you try," he said, his voice rolling off into a low, good-natured growl.

    She tilted her head again and Reth nearly groaned at the wicked smile on her face as she leaned into him and slid her hand down his stomach, then lower, and lower. He leaped to grab her wrists, leaning forward until they were nose to nose. Then she kissed him¡­ and kissed him.

    Reth''s breath sped up and he let go of her hands to cup her face as she opened her mouth and their tongues tangled.

    But as soon as he loosed her, she twisted around him to the door, singing "Thank you, husband!" and waving over her shoulder at him as she darted outside.

    Reth growled for real then, but swung the big door further open so he could fit through, and followed her into whatever they would face this day.

    Whatever it was, he knew she''d be worth it.

    *****

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 Chapter 97: The Mark

    <h4>Chapter 97: The Mark</h4>

    RETH

    He caught her around the middle right before she reached the opening of the cave, and the sunshine beyond. She shrieked when he growled and pulled her into his chest, kissing her again¡ªand stopping her again.

    "Are you sure you don''t want to stay here and have dessert instead of breakfast?" he murmured, sliding a hand down to her ass and pulling her against him. Then he kissed her, and for a minute, the way she leaned into him, he thought maybe she had changed her mind after all.

    But in the end, she pulled back and sighed, but shook her head. "I really am excited to get started," she said softly, stroking his hair. "And I''m excited toe home with you tonight," she added, waggling her eyebrows.

    Reth huffed, but let her go. "Meet me for lunch then?" he said quietly, praying that breakfast would be uneventful.

    "Of course! Oh, and do you think now that the people have epted me, we can lose the Guards here?" she said, tipping her head towards the nearest man standing halfway across the clearing.

    Reth''s heart sank. She said she knew she had a fight on her hands, but this¡­ she didn''t understand what she was going to face. He''d speak to her at lunch. "I, uh¡­ I don''t know, Elia¡­"

    "Wouldn''t it be nice to be outside at night¡­ with some privacy?" she added, dropping her voice and giving him a heated look.

    Reth swallowed and willed his body not to tighten at the thought. "I''ll talk to Behryn about the guards. Maybe. But regardless, add it to the list." Then he winked at her.

    Sheughed and leaned up to kiss him one more time. "I really am going now, are youing?" she said.

    "I''ll talk to the guards first, see if there''s been any issues thest couple days. You go. Have fun. I''ll see you at lunch."

    "Okay, I will." And she trotted off towards the trail¡ªwhich just happened to take her past the nearest guard.

    Reth''s teeth set as the man turned to look at her, waving a greeting as she passed. Reth wondered if he''d notice¡ªbut his question was answered when the man''s mouth dropped open, then he looked back at Reth.

    Hot rage shot through Reth''s chest in a bolt so pure he almost shifted.

    The guard immediately dropped to one knee, his eyes to the ground, his weapon held out, away from his body¡ªand away from Reth.

    "I''m sorry, Sire. I didn''t realize¡ª"

    "What''s wrong?" Elia said, her voice shaky. She''d stopped on the trail just past the man and was standing there, looking between him and Reth.

    Teeth gritted, Reth shook his head to clear it.

    The man was no threat. He''d smiled at her to greet her. That was all, he reminded himself as his breath began to heave¡ªand not with desire.

    The next nearest guard had turned when this one called out to Reth, but the man put a hand out towards him, "She''s imed," he called hurriedly. The other guard''s eyes went wide, then he, too, dropped to one knee.

    Reth swore as Elia frowned, watching each of the guards now in a semi-circle around the clearing, all kneeling. To Reth.

    "Reth, what''s going on?" she asked, her voice troubled.

    Reth groaned in his throat.

    *****

    ELIA

    It was just like when they''d been interrupted by Behryn that night they''d almost¡­ but nothing was happening now. She was just walking ahead of him. He''d seemed fine. So why did the men all act like the wrong look was going to send him flying into a rage?

    Then the nearest one called to the others about her being imed.

    "Reth?" she asked. "What''s going on?" She put a hand to her shoulder, to the marks on her skin there. He''d said they would notice. That they''d know what had happened. Beyond the soreness when she woke, she hadn''t thought about it. He''d said it had nothing to do with the Kingdom, or her being Queen. It was only for them.

    So why did the men seem shocked.

    "Reth?" she called again.

    "It''s nothing, Elia. Go to breakfast. I''ll¡­ speak with the men."

    She frowned at him, but he gave her a look that was as tired as it was troubled, and she could see that he really didn''t want to speak to her about it just then. So she sighed and waved, then turned to walk away again. As she disappeared under the trees, she passed Behryn on his way towards the cave. He smiled and greeted her, then his eyes went a little wide, but he covered quickly.

    Elia gave him a wry smile¡ªobviously this iming thing was a bigger deal than she''d realized¡ªand kept walking.

    But she made a mental note to pin Reth down about it that afternoon.

    *****

    RETH

    He kept his stance as rxed as he could until she was gone under the trees, then he turned towards the guard, who still knelt, one fist to his chest, the other pointing the spear as far from Reth as he was capable.

    "At ease. Slowly," Reth growled.

    The man came to his feet, but kept his eyes down.

    "You can rx, man. I''m not going to unleash on you."

    The guard raised his eyes slowly, checking as they met Reth''s. Reth did feel the surge of dominance rise in him when the man looked at him, but he swallowed it back. He was going to get used to this. He was. It was just because they''d mated and he''d imed her so close together. He hadn''t recovered from onepletely before he had to deal with the other.

    He forced himself to meet the man''s gaze, keeping his hands clenched at his sides. "You tell no one of this," he snarled.

    "Yes, yes, of course."

    "I don''t want the males avoiding me. Where''s Behryn this morning?"

    "He''s, uh, on his way, Sire. I think."

    Reth swore under his breath. "I''m going back into the cave. As soon as he gets here, you tell him toe find¡ª" Then Reth heard his name on the morning breeze.

    He turned to find his best friend, stalking towards him, his face a thunder cloud.

    Reth sighed.

 Chapter 98: Eyes to the Ground

    <h4>Chapter 98: Eyes to the Ground</h4>

    RETH

    "Good morning, Behr," Reth called as his friend started across the clearing.

    Behryn shot him a look, stopped to speak with the guard, then strode on towards the cave mouth, Reth falling in step with him as he passed.

    "You imed her. ALREADY?" Behryn growled as their long legs ate up the ground between them and the entrance to the cave. "Are all the Leonine born with the impatient stick shoved up their asses, or is it just you?"

    "It''s a natural step forward¡ª" Reth began.

    "You are joking right now, right?" Behryn snarled. "You know mated couples that didn''t im for YEARS, Reth. Years! And some never have. Did you really think this is what the people needed? The wolves? With everything else going on, you thought turning yourself into a possessive asshole was the right step forward?"

    "I can control it."

    "Oh really?" Behryn snorted. "How much do you want to tear out my throat right now?"

    "I don''t!"

    They reached the opening, and Behryn walked ahead, pulling the door open for Reth and mockingly bowing in front of it as Reth walked through. When they got into the Greatroom, Behryn leaned his spear into the corner next to the door, then turned to face Reth. "I just passed your wife on the trail and our arms brushed. You can smell her on me if you want. How about now?"

    That hot rage shuddered through Reth again, but he clenched his jaw and forced himself to shrug. "I''ll be fine," he said through his teeth.

    "You''re a forest fire waiting for a spark. What were you thinking!?"

    Reth stepped into his friend''s space and red up into his eyes, his voice low with. "I was thinking that I am your King, and she is your Queen, and I will not answer to you about what happens with my mate in the dark of the night."

    "No. You don''t answer to me about that, Reth." Behryn''s jaw twitched. "But you''ll force me to put men in front of you when you''re on a hair-trigger, and you''ll force your people to deal with yet more change, more uncertainty just so¡­ what? So, you can find more pleasure with a human?"

    "It had nothing to do with pleasure¡ª"

    Behryn rolled his eyes and snorted. Reth''s hand shot out to take his friend by the shirt and pull him in close, snarling in his face, teeth bared as he growled, "What she is, is so far beyond my pleasure that if you disrespect her in that way again, I swear by the Creator''s Mane, I will put you down, Behryn. Do. Not. Test. Me."

    Behryn sagged immediately, letting his knees hit the stone floor when Reth let him go, hands up in surrender, eyes to the floor. "I''m sorry, Reth. I''m sorry. I would never¡­ it wasn''t intended as disrespect to your mate." Reth stood over his bowed neck, the growl rolling in his throat, letting his dominance be seen and heard. Behryn opened his hands towards him. "Breathe, brother¡­ I''m sorry."

    Reth turned on his heel and began pacing the floor. Behryn didn''t move, but nced up at him. Reth ignored the shadow of anger that remained in his friend''s eyes.

    Behryn had overstepped, speaking about Elia that way. But Reth knew that his judgment of the consequences were true. Reth couldn''t fault him on that. He cursed as he paced, his friend watching him warily.

    "I''m sorry, too, Behr," he mumbled finally. "It wasn''t¡­ I didn''t n to do this. Butst night¡­" He wed both hands through his hair and paced in the other direction. "It was as if¡­ as if she''d taken possession of my guts! She was sleeping for the Creator''s sake¡ªshe wasn''t even talking to me. But everything in me¡­ I had to make her mine."

    "She was already yours," Behryn said, his voice tired.

    "You don''t understand. It was overwhelming, the feelings inside me¡­ I don''t have words. Except to say that nothing else mattered. If she''d said no, I would have epted it."

    "I should hope so!"

    Reth shot him a look, but saw that Behryn was grinning, and softened. "But she didn''t say no." He stopped pacing then and turned to face his friend. "She didn''t say no, Behryn. She¡­ gave herself over to me and it was like¡­ it was like something inside me was satisfied. Something that''s never been satisfied before."

    Behryn took a deep breath, his lips thin. "I know what you mean," he finally said, tly.

    Reth frowned. "The Equine im their mates?"

    "No. But¡­ there was a night I wish we did," he said. "I know the feelings you describe. I am envious that you had something you could do about it."

    Reth grinned. "You talk a big game my friend, but you heart is even more submissive to your mate than mine."

    "Holhye is the Creator''s gift to me," Behryn said with a shrug. "And when she wraps her legs around me¡­" He visibly shuddered, his eyes going distant for a moment, his jaw ck.

    Reth growled, "I really don''t need to hear about that." Behryn blinked and focused on Reth again, who sighed. "I just want you to understand. I wasn''t aiming for this. Didn''t n it. I just¡­ couldn''t help it."

    Behryn looked unimpressed, but got to his feet, watching Reth carefully. Reth turned his back and breathed so he wouldn''t give in to the urge to make him submit again. This was going to be inconvenient. Especially if anyone touched her and she came back to the cave with anyone else''s scent on her. Reth groaned. There was no way around it, he was going to have to keep himself on the tightest of leashes. He couldn''t afford another scandal by attacking one of his own people out of sheer dominance.

    "What''s she doing today?" Behryn asked, yanking Reth out of his self-pity.

    "Other than being very excited to meet with her Cohorts and begin finding work to do that will probably confuse the people and threaten her ce in the pride?" Reth muttered.

    "Poor Gahrye," Behryn said, keeping his voice carefully neutral.

    Reth huffed. "So, you didn''t know about that ahead of time, I take it."

    "No, are you joking? I would have told her in no uncertain terms to pick a female! Why didn''t you talk to her?"

    "She told me the women''s council gave her advice. The way she spoke, I assumed she''d named them to Aymora and gotten approval. I''m guessing no one even considered that she''d pick a male."

    "How will this work if she''s in foal? Or unwell? Will you let him into the bedchamber when she''s¡ª?"

    "Perhaps we can discuss those slim possibilities another time?" Reth snarled through his teeth. "Right now, I need to face today."

    "And poor Gahrye has to face you," Behryn chuckled.

    "You think this is a joke?"

    "No, I think you dug your own bed and now you have toy in it."

    They both sat, silently thinking through all the ways having a male cohort to the Queen could be disastrous. Then Behryn shook himself. "What''s done is done, we cannot change it. So we move ahead. Today. Today is the day to focus on. So tell me, Reth, how bad is it?"

    "I almost tore out the throat of the guard," Reth said sadly. "And I can stifle it against you, but¡­ I wanted to bite your face when you said that, about touching her. If someone takes me by surprise..."

    "It might be a useful excuse for getting rid of some of the wolves?" Behryn said with a wicked smile. "I''m sure I could trick at least a couple of them into touching her."

    "Until I catch one that is innocent, or someone else gets hurt in the scuffle."

    Both men grimaced.

    "Perhaps it would be better if we met with the men here," Behryn said finally. "Just for today. Just until we''re all a little more settled. It will dy us while I call the men together, but I''m sure they''ll understand. When is she expected back?"

    "Not until after lunch¡ªI''m meeting her for lunch." Reth swallowed hard. "It might be good to have you and a couple of others there. Just in case."

    Behryn sighed. "I did say, when you asked me to Second, that I knew your rule would be interesting."

    "Is that the word we''re using now?" Reth asked dryly.

    Behryn snorted. "You know, one day we''ll look back on all of this andugh."

    "I hope so," Reth sighed. "I really hope so."

 Chapter 99: A Whole New World

    <h4>Chapter 99: A Whole New World</h4>

    ELIA

    They sat at the table, all eating. Silent. Elia wasn''t sure whether tough or cry.

    From the minutes she''d arrived at the market¡ªexcited, happy, and anticipating finally finding her feet¡ªit had been obvious there was a problem. Candace and Aymora stood at the foot of the stage, talking in low voices, Gahrye stood a few feet away, alone and watching them. And everyone else stared.

    Then they''d smelled her and seen the mark on her shoulder.

    Aymora was surprised, but happy. "That will make the mating much more sessful," she said confidently.

    Elia had blushed. "Sess hasn''t been an issue," she said through her teeth.

    But when she''d turned towards Gahrye, his face was wide with horrified shock.

    "What?" she asked quickly, looking behind her, but there were just interested Anima looking at them from the nearby tables, and Candace and Aymora watching closely. "What''s wrong?"

    "You''re¡­ he¡­ you''re imed!" Gahrye said in a strangled voice, then looked over his shoulder, and left and right, as if he was afraid.

    "What''s wrong? What are you looking for?" she asked him quietly.

    "Where''s Reth?" he hissed back, still scanning over her shoulder and his own.

    "He''s back at the Cave talking to Behrynst I saw¡­ why?"

    Gahrye raked a hand through his hair. "Does he¡­ know you''re meeting with me?"

    "Yes, of course. Why?"

    "I just imagine he isn''t happy about it. At all."

    "He was fine with it!" she''d insisted, but a little penny plunked into the pool of her instinct. Had Reth been fine? About the Cohorts? The breakfast? Not entirely. She frowned.

    Gahrye gave a knowing look. "Did he talk to you about¡­ about picking a male for your cohorts?"

    "No, why?"

    Gahrye''s lips twisted.

    "What is it?" she asked, confused.

    "Many won''t befortable with me being near you in the ways an Advisor needs to be at¡­ at certain times, when you are female and mated. To the King. And now imed!" he groaned.

    And just like that, the response of the crowdst night, Reth''s apparent nerves this morning, and now the way they were all standing here looking like a bomb was about to drop made sense.

    She''d done the wrong thing. Again. "Why doesn''t anyone tell me these things?!" Elia hissed, her hands in fists. "How am I supposed to-to do anything here if you all have these stinking rules and you don''t tell them to me!"

    "It is like asking a Lion to warn you about his ws," Aymora said quietly from beside her. "He would never think to. They are simply there. It would shock him to find out you weren''t aware."

    Elia whirled. "You are fucking kidding me, right?"

    Aymora blinked and Candace stepped in, whispering. "Perhaps this conversation would be better had in private?"

    "No! I will not be¡ªI will not allow you all to be¡ªchased from our breakfast. We will sit here and we will eat, and they will see you¡ªall of you!" she insisted when Gahrye raised a finger and opened his mouth. "You are my advisor, Gahrye. Come sit next to me at the table. And Aymora, you sit on his other side so the others see that too," she growled.

    She didn''t give them a chance to argue, just stalked up the stairs and to her seat, pulling out the chair and dropping into it, scowling.

    She knew she was pouting, being a child, really. But¡­ she wanted to drop her head in her hands and cry. Or stand up and scream.

    Why did they keep letting her walk into these blunders?

    When was this suspicion and istion going to stop? Would it? Or would she forever be the weak human Queen, always under Reth''s wing?

    The idea made her sick to her stomach so that she could barely eat. So as the three of them sat there, picking at their food and barely even looking at each other, she got sicker and sicker, until finally she turned to Candace. "Where would we go, for a private conversation?" she asked.

    Candace thought for a moment. "We can go to my home if you like? It isn''trge, but it is closer than Aymora''s and there are enough chairs, I think."

    "Thank you. I would like to see your home," Elia said, trying not to sound ungrateful. She turned to Gahrye and Aymora. "Take whatever food you want, we''re going to Candace''s house."

    Gahrye looked relieved, and Aymora nodded approval.

    Then she leaned into Gahrye, who looked rmed and scanned the market again. "And if anyone says a word to you, you tell me!" she snapped.

    He nodded, but his eyes just looked even more hunted. Elia groaned with frustration and got out of her seat.

    *****

    Candace''s house was a tree.? One of the huge trees just a couple minutes from the market. When she stopped along the path next to it, at first Elia had been confused, she''d looked around. Perhaps there was a small path to her home or something? But Candace just walked around the trunk of the massive tree to their right, and on the back side of it, an arched door that reminded Elia of the door into the cave¡ªexcept this one was made from a bark of much rougher, and a much darker brown than that on the tree. But just like in the cave, it looked as if it had grown there.

    "I''m¡­ honored, Elia," Candace said with a small bow, "that you''re entering my home."

    "Don''t be silly," Eliaughed. "I''m just¡ª"

    "Do you really wish us to speak up when you offend, Elia?" Aymora piped up quietly from behind her. She turned. "Yes, of course."

    "Then know, that when an Anima tells you they are honored, it is disrespectful to deny¡ªit denies both your own value, and that which they believe you bring to them. Do you wish to do this to your friend?"

    "No!" Elia whirled, "Candace, I''m sorry. I just meant¡­ I don''t think I''m better than you, or needing¡­ meing to your home is an honor to me!"

    Candace''s face lit up. "Thank you!" she breathed.

    Elia froze with her mouth open and for a moment, all her frustration and aggravation about not understanding the people she was now living within, rushed in until she wanted to scream. But she swallowed it back, closed her mouth, and nodded her eptance of thepliment, then gave a nce at Aymora who nodded and winked like she knew what Elia had done.

    Elia took a deep breath and followed Candace into the home. As soon as she stepped inside, her frustration was forgotten.

    It was incredible.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the beginning of the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 100: Tribal Tension

    <h4>Chapter 100: Tribal Tension</h4>

    READER SHOUT OUT: Saying hiiiiiiiii! to Shorty_Doll for writing some of the bestments I''ve had yet. You made me spit my drink! Highest of fives!

    *****

    RETH

    He was itching to shift and sink his beast teeth into something, but he just rolled his head and kept it under a tight lid, because Behryn was already angry with him. He didn''t want to give his Second a reminder.

    As Behryn sent runners out to find the elders and security chiefs of each tribe and they began to gather in the cave, Reth was relieved that none of them had been close to Elia¡ªher scent hadn''t mingled anywhere. That might have been more than he could handle.

    Then Ehrahrd, who apparently hadn''t heard about the iming, pped Reth on the back and said, "I saw the Queen with her disformed Advisor up the stage at breakfast. Bet you didn''t see thating¡ª"

    A snarl tore out of Reth''s throat as the image of Elia there, next to the male, being touched and smelled, bloomed in his head and he tensed, bracing, teeth bared, fighting the shift, fighting the urge to run out of the cave and find the little piece of¡ª

    "Reth?" Behryn said, low and calm.

    Reth froze, trembling. Everyone was staring, but he couldn''t give them his attention yet. He needed to get himself under control.

    "What happened?" Ehrahrd said, confused.

    Behryn red at Reth, but turned to answer the question. "Your ever-wise King imed his matest night and he is now struggling with her recent choices to put herself so close to another male."

    Most of the men''s jaw''s dropped, but Brant¡ªwho''d seen the most life¡ªthrew back his head andughed.

    At first, Reth wanted to snarl, but then the old man leaned forward on one knee and cackled at Reth, "You mated and imed her in the same week she took a male cohort?" He spluttered intoughter again and Reth had to admit to himself that if someone else had done the same thing he would have called the man a pure fool.

    "It wasn''t nned," he rumbled

    But Brant just pped his knee andughed harder.? "And here I thought mating would settle you down, Reth!" he brayed.

    Reth gave a t smile, still rolling his head against the shift, but it wasing under better control. The man''sughter was catching.

    "I''ll admit I''m looking forward to things¡­ quieting down," he said quietly, and Brant almost fell out of his chair. The others chuckled too, and it was the perfect response, because Reth was able to take a couple deep breaths and find his tension eased.

    Soon most of the council were there and Reth was calm enough to begin their business. "Before the wolves arrive," he said carefully as the men all turned to face him, "I want to warn you all that I intend to question Lucan today. Our Queen is installed within the traditions, she has epted the role and fulfilled the rite of Mating¡ªnot to mention that she allowed me to im her," his chest warmed, and he paused, his mind shing on her skin, the way she¡ªno! He had to focus. Reth cleared his throat. "No more padding around the issue¡ªshe is here to stay. We as a people need to move together into the new age. Which means all of us need to understand what the wolves are thinking, where they''re heading. Which could be an ufortable conversation. Will you stand behind me if I''m forced to challenge him?"

    The men all sighed or pressed their lips thin, but in the end they each nodded, or said yes without argument, and Reth breathed even easier. That had gone more smoothly than he''d expected, for once.

    They discussed minor business until the door opened and Lucan, the Alpha of the wolf packs¡ªand Lucine''s father¡ªand his son and Second for the tribe, Lerrin stepped in, both handsome,rge, muscr men with gray eyes. Lerrin made a near copy of his father, though Lucan had the gray in his hair at the temples.

    They greeted the others and took their seats, then everyone turned to Reth.

    "Good morning," he said to the wolves who nodded back¡ªLerrin with the light of aggression in his eyes, but not in his bodynguage. "I know we''re startingte because I asked you toe here, so I won''t drag this out. Lucan, we need to have a very serious conversation about the wolves and the threat to the Queen."

    Lucan frowned, his arms already folded over his broad chest as he leaned back in the chair. "We have made no threat to the Queen," he grunted.

    Reth met his gaze evenly. "There was an outright attack."

    "And we told you, it was young wolves getting excited about their own strength. I believe it''s happened once or twice in the pride, also," Lerrin snapped.

    Lucan cut a look at his son, but didn''t contradict him.

    Reth shook his head. "None of our young have ever threatened the life of a ruler."

    "Which is why it''s wolves sent to the camps, not Leonine," Lucan said quietly.

    "Those wolves were all barely still in their adolescence. Had any of them chosen a mate, we wouldn''t have thought twice about it. I struggle with the way you''re categorizing them¡ªthey threatened the Queen andunched an attack. Had I not been there¡ª"

    "But you were."

    "But if I had not been¡ª"

    "We might have had a banishment instead. I know. We already went through this with Behryn. Did he not brief you, or were you too busy¡­ not mating?"

    The hackles on Reth''s neck rose, but he didn''t let it show on his face, though all the men would smell the warning in him.

    "Do you have something you wish to say, Lucan?" he asked quietly.

    "Do you have an usation for me to answer, Reth?"

    "Not an usation, but a question, yes."

    "Well then, Sire, please, ask away," Lucan said, straigtening in his chair and leaning forward so he was closer to Reth.

    Reth leaned forward too. "Are the wolves still for WildWood? Are they still for me?"

    "Why would you even question¡ª?"

    "Because no one else has tried to forcibly remove my Queen from this world," Reth growled. The words punched through his ribs like an arrow, and he couldn''t speak further for a moment, his mind full of images of his beloved, broken and bleeding.

    "Little bit hypocritical, isn''t it, Reth? When you were the one who brought her forcibly into it?"

    "What are you talking about?" Reth snarled. "The wolves were the ones¡ª"

    Lucan leaned further forward, almosting out of his chair, his eyes alight with the strange predatory stare. "It seems to me that you''re very, very good at taking things that don''t belong to you, Reth. So why would you begrudge another doing it?"

    The growl was so low, it started in Reth''s toes.

 Chapter 101: TreeHouse

    <h4>Chapter 101: TreeHouse</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia''s jaw dropped as Candace stepped into the wide, round room before them, walked to its middle, then turned to face her, looking a little bit anxious.

    All Elia could do was gape. The house was a tree. She stood inside a tree that wasn''t perfectly round, but more oval, and had to be almost fifty feet long and close to forty wide. This ground floor was snug with rugs, a small firece with soft chairs set around, a kitchte on one side, and a table with four chairs next to it. Next to the firece, wooden stairs that looked as if they''d been carved out of the tree itself climbed to circle the outside and Elia followed them up, startled to find they climbed to a rectangle hole in what had to be the floor of the next level¡ªas if this entire home had been hollowed out of a living tree.

    "Candace, this is amazing!" she said breathlessly.

    Candace blinked. "It''s just a home, though it is a great location. I was blessed that my parents build it when Wildwood wasn''t as big. It is quite desirable now, and makes selling my weaving much easier."

    Elia turned around, staring at everything¡ªdecorated throughout in lines and fabrics that somehow managed to be abstract, yet give the impression of leaves, branches, and trees. And like the doors, the whole structure of this room looked as if it had grown there, been discovered rather than built.

    "How did they do it?" she asked, awed.

    Candace looked around, clearly confused by Elia''s reaction. "They just¡­ built it?"

    Elia gave her a t look. "I''ve never seen this thing you can do¡ªmaking things look like they''re a part of thendscape, rather than things!" Even the stones around the firece looked like they''d been deposited there by a river, rather than stacked and mortared in ce. Elia shook? her head, but since the others were all staring like they weren''t quite sure what to say, she just smiled and said, "Candace, I love your home."

    "Thank you," Candace said, her cheeks pinking. "And if you''d like some things like this of your own, speak to Reth. Any of the master builders can achieve this for you."

    Elia nodded. "I will. Thank you."

    Candace ushered them all over to the seats in the dining room and as they settled in, Elia''s chest began to burn with frustration again. Now that her distraction was passed, she found herself gritting her teeth.

    Why wouldn''t anyone have exined to her in detail that females didn''t appoint male cohorts? Why had they let her blunder into this? And what was she going to do about it?

    Once they''d all taken seats and Candace gave each of them a ss of juice that was sweet and crisp and reminded Elia of orange juice, they all turned to her.

    "I wish you''d told me," she said directly to Aymora. "When the women''s council exined that my chosen patronage might not be well received, I understood that. But had I known I wasmitting an even greater blunder¡­" she dropped her head into her hands. "I just want to get my feet under me! I want the people to¡ª"

    "Forgive me, Elia, but your feet¡­ they are underneath the rest of you. Are you having some kind of problem with them?" Candace asked nervously, looking down at her legs.

    Elia groaned, "It''s just a saying. It means, I feel off-bnce. Like¡­ like something might push me over at any moment."

    Aymora touched her hand. "I''m sorry, Elia. I never urred to me that you might¡­ I just hadn''t thought. The Lenonine are so possessive and you and Reth seem so close, I just never thought. I will try to anticipate these things toe, but sometimes I don''t know the differences between human and Anima, so it can be difficult to anticipate."

    Elia nodded. That was fair. "Well, from this point forward, the thing we can all do¡ªall of us¡ªis make a promise: You will tell me every time, right in the moment, if I''m doing something that offends people, or seems strange. And I will promise to listen to you without getting angry. I may¡­ I may still do what I''m doing. I can''t know what my decisions will require. But I promise you I want to know if I''m doing things differently, so at least if I''m going to piss people off, I know I''m doing it, okay?"

    They all nodded. Candace bit back a smile.

    "Now¡­ how do I fix this shitshow?" she cried, dropping her head into her hands. "What are facing here? I''ve already named Gahrye¡ªand I did it for a reason. He''s good. He helps me understand other people. And he can scent things¡­ but¡ªyou''re saying it''s going to cause problems with Reth? Why didn''t he tell me that?!"

    Gahrye swallowed hard. "I''m guessing he was a little focused on¡­ iming you?" he said, and blushed.

    Elia wasn''t sure she''d ever seen a grown Anima blush. Of course, she blushed too. If someone didn''t say something both their heads were going to explode from the rush of blood.

    Aymora cleared her throat and Elia thanked whatever God Reth believed in that she started to speak. "The damage, so to speak, is done, Elia. Now it''s time, I think, to make the most of what you have. There will be¡­plications. And definitely some concern among the people. But hopefully everyone will eventually be used to it. It isn''t that it''s never happened before. But generally, the primary advisor isn''t¡­ different. Only because they are expected to follow you into every situation with discretion and¡­ well¡­"

    "If you''re naked, and your husband is possessive, it''s kind of difficult for Gahrye," Candace said bluntly.

    Elia choked on her juice. "Why would Gahrye need to be there when I''m naked?"

    Gahrye dropped his head into his hands.

    "Perhaps you are in childbirth? Or ill? Or¡­ there are any number of rituals and ceremonies¡ª"

    "WHAT?!" Elia gaped at Aymora. "You have naked ceremonies? What for?"

    "Everything," they all said at the same time.

    Elia dropped back in her chair and covered her face in her hands.

    What had she gotten herself into?

 Chapter 102: Lies & Deceit

    <h4>Chapter 102: Lies & Deceit</h4>

    ELIA

    An hourter they were still sitting at Candace''s table, and Elia felt like they''d gotten nowhere. "So, you''re telling me that people won''t help my advisor directly, because he''s male."

    "And disformed," Aymora added carefully.

    Elia nodded. "Okay, then what about a survey?"

    "A¡­ what?" Aymora asked.

    "A survey. Of the people."

    "What is a survey?" Candace asked faintly.

    Elia shrugged. "It''s asking the same questions of a lot of different people so you can get a general feel for what the majority think or feel. If you think people won''t let Gahrye near to scent them and discuss things with them, I''m suggesting you two could ask the questions and have the conversations, but he could be nearby, listening, and scenting." The three of them looked at each other and Elia gritted her teeth. "Would it work?"

    Aymora turned back to her first. "Your thoughts about Gahrye listening, that would work. But¡­ the Anima don''t do surveys.? As a rule, most of the people who don''t have roles in ruling don''t discuss these things. We simply¡­ align where we believe we should go and allow others to do the same."

    "Will they be offended by having questions asked of them? If they know I asked you to?"

    "Not offended," Candace offered. "But¡­ they will find it strange. And you said you want to know that. Well, they may feel¡­ even more separate from you if they feel like your processes are so alien to ours¡­"

    Elia groaned and dropped her face into her hands. "Does anyone have any ideas about how I can get some information from the people and move forward without weirding them out?"

    No one answered her and Elia was feeling theck of sleep from the night before. "Okay, this isn''t getting us anywhere. Can we meet again tomorrow. And in the meantime, please give some thought to how I might learn the best way forward without just stumbling ahead."

    "The best way forward with bringing the disformed and the ostracized¡­ back into the tribes?"

    "Yes."

    Aymora''s shoulders rose and fell with her breath. "Okay. I will think on it."

    Candace and Gahrye shrugged and nodded and Elia found herselfpletely without energy to discuss anything else. "I''m going back to the cave," she said sadly. "If you think of anything, feel free toe find me there."

    Then she got up. She tried to make an effort topliment the house again, and be enthusiastic about starting their work¡ªslowly, but when she left, her shoulders were slumped.

    *****

    RETH

    "You can say what you wish, Lucan, but my secrets are known in these circles, and if you attempt to twist them, you will find little sympathy," Reth said boldly and clearly, never taking his eyes off of Lucan. He knew the wolf didn''t want to admit Lucine had broken the Rite, because it would call all the Wolves'' ns and decisions into question, because the pack had to have been involved. Then their machinations in choosing Elia woulde to light, and Reth would have the people''s sympathy. It would crack Wildwood in half like an egg¡ªbut to Reth''s favor. The wolves were admired in the Tribes, but also feared.

    He knew it, and Lucan knew it as they stared each other down.

    Lucan snorted without humor¡ªa sound that among the Anima meant a person''s scent was offensive. Reth bristled, but didn''t move, though he marked Behryn getting quietly to his feet and shifting to be in reach of Lucan.

    The wolf red at him, elbows on his knees, those cold eyes staring.

    "Well, Lucan?" he asked, "Make your ims. And when we''re done shoveling your lies, you''ll still answer the questions because I won''t be distracted from them today. The wolves have been actively undermining the Queen of WildWood. You will soothe our fears today, or leave here under guard, but you will answer my questions."

    Lucan rolled his eyes. "Always such a picture of integrity and nobility," Lucan sneered. "If your people knew your truth¡ª"

    "They do, Lucan. Make an usation, or answer a question¡ªchallenge me if that''s what you wish to do, but enough of this fucking maniption and bullshit. Are the wolves for Anima? Do you plot against your King and his Queen? Or will you submit?"

    "We are already submitted, you leave us no choice!" Lucan snarled.

    "You have every choice in the world, Lucan, but you''re smart enough to know you''re stronger on my side, than as my enemy. At least openly. Is that your ploy? Pretend to be loyal while you seed dissension?"

    "I seed nothing but contempt for a King under the thrall of a weak human who is leading him by the cock¡ª"

    Growls and snorts filled the room as Reth shoved to his feet, and everyone but the wolves stood with him.

    There was a Crystalline moment where Reth was poised for violence and he had to force the beast back. He would not pick a fight for dominance¡ªthat was weak in itself. If this was the moment, Lucan would be the one to pick it.

    "Do you challenge, Lucan?" he said, so quietly. "The elders will stand back and let me face you¡ªbut they will also ensure you do not cheat, because everyone knows I won dominance without any wolves, or Elia, or anyone else''s strength behind me. And if you cannot do the same, you will be banished. Make no mistake."

    His hands were clenched to fists against the shift¡ªhe wouldn''t unleash it unless Lucan did first¡ªbut he was calm. Lerrin stared at his father, clearly torn. But Lucan didn''t stand. "I make no challenge for the throne. I do not want to be King," he spat.

    Reth nodded. "Then hear this from one who does¡ªand is: If you are covering a plot against myself, my Queen, or any of my cohorts, I will find out. If you tell me yourself, you will be merely banished rather than killed. But if you tell me there is no plot, and I found out you lied¡­" he stepped forward, leaning into Lucan''s face, letting the light in his own eyes sh, "I will kill you myself."

    Lucan just stared.

 Chapter 103: Tensions High

    <h4>Chapter 103: Tensions High</h4>

    RETH

    "You threaten me, Reth?" Lucan finally said. No one else spoke.

    "I speak true, Lucan. As Ruler of the Anima, and as your Alpha."

    Lerrin tensed next to his father, but Lucan didn''t flinch. "So quick to call yourself Alpha over all when you cannot even rule the heart of your wife."

    Reth smiled smugly, "Somebody hasn''t been paying attention this morning."

    For the first time Lucan looked uncertain, but he recovered quickly. "Perhaps. You know how it goes, Reth. You''ve been a touch distracted the past couple weeks¡­"

    "I wouldn''t have been distracted if the wolves weren''t making trouble."

    "My people do not make trouble, they fear! They are concerned for their futures, and the future of WildWood!"

    "Then you, as their alpha, call off their ''concern'' and control your people," Reth growled, "or I will do it for you, and I assure you they will be far more fearful of that! If they need a demonstration of their King''s strength to bring them back into line, it can be arranged!"

    "Is that a threat, Reth? Against your own people?"

    "That is a promise¡ªI will not risk WildWood for the sake of Lupine pride."

    "Pride? Pride, Reth? Really? You use me of pride?"

    "I use you of inciting your people to treason because you lost what is little more than a game of chess."

    "You call the future of Anima, a game of chess?"

    "No, I call the wolves'' maniptions a game of chess. What if it had gone as you''d nned, Lucan? What if Elia had been killed and I''d mated Lucine. Would we still be standing here?"

    "Of course not¡ª!" There was a small noise near the front door, but neither of them turned.

    "Then do not tell me this has nothing to do with the wolves and their power."

    Lucan was on his feet. "This isn''t purely about power¡ªit''s about having a Queen that cannot be bested by a ten-year-old, who doesn''t create a social shit-show every time she opens her mouth¡ªwho could offer something to the strength of the people, rather than apuding the weak!"

    A small feminine gasp sounded and Reth whipped his head around to find Elia standing just inside the door. The men all turned and got to their feet¡ªonly to drop to their knees when they saw the iming.

    Elia''s eyes were wide and disturbed as Lucan, two breaths after everyone else, cursed and dropped to a knee, saluting her. A murmur of acknowledgements of the Queen rose in the room, but Elia just stared at Reth, her eyes pained and embarrassed. And he could only stare back, his eyes pleading with her not to listen.

    Then she swallowed, her eyes shining and in a clear voice, told the men to stand up. "Thank you, all of you," she said. "But I didn''t realize you''d be here. I didn''t mean to disturb you. Please, continue. I''ll¡­ I''ll go to the other room." And she disappeared.

    Reth gazed after her, his heart leaving the room in her wake, but with Lucan there and his usation of distraction¡­ he couldn''t risk it.

    So he forced himself to turn back to face the man he was quickly beginning to see not as abatant, but as an outright enemy in his ranks.

    Then he caught the expression on Lucan''s face¡ªthe sheer malice and contempt¡ªand his beast roared, and begged for release.

    "Take your eyes off my wife!" The snarl began in his toes and rolled through his whole body as every man in the room turned, slowly, to put themselves to the floor before him.

    Except Lucan.

    Even Lerrin knelt, but Lucan only bowed his head, hands fisted at his sides.

    Reth''s entire body trembled. When he spoke, it was with the growl in his throat, and eyes he knew would shine in the dark. Behryn shifted nervously and tried to catch his gaze, but Reth stayed focused on Lucan.

    "You have only one choice, Lucan. One: You put your people in their ce. No more whispers behind hands, no more stalking the Queen, no more attacks, no more plots on me or my mate¡ªor the inhabitants of WildWood."

    "There are no plots," Lucan snarled.

    Reth tensed, every hair on his body raised. "Either there are plots, Lucan, or you have lost control of your packs. So which is it?"

    "The only control that has been lost is yours, Reth¡ª"

    Reth roared and the men yanked Lucan back, away from him as Behryn stepped between them, calling Reth down. "Breathe, brother. Breathe. He isn''t attacking. He''s disagreeing with you. No one here challenges you, or your mate, Reth. Ease, brother. Ease. Please."

    Reth stood, his breath heaving, his back rippling, Behryn knelt in front of him, but spoke smoothly, confidently, hands raised to try to stop him and he walked the line.

    "Speaking of losing control," Lucan muttered.

    Reth felt his body surge, but with a stifled roar and a puttering growl, he fought it back. His eyes still glowed, he knew, but he didn''t move from his ce in front of Behryn, and he didn''t shift.

    "Get out of my house," he said in a voice so dark even Brant blinked. "Get out of my city if you cannot live in peace."

    "I''ve touched no one! Nothing!"

    "You have aided your people in violence and you will admit it, or you will be watched, corralled like amon dog, is that what you want Lucan?"

    "You cannot banish me for doing nothing!"

    "Oh, I won''t," Reth said, and smiled the smile of a predator on prey.

    The two sheep in the room dropped to a knee at the sight of his smile, but he let it stay.

    Lucan didn''t back down, but his eyes grew wary.

    Then Lerrin stood. "I''ll take him out and we''ll get it under control," he said reluctantly and Reth blinked.

    "What was that?"

    "I''ll take him. And we''ll talk to the people together. The wolf packs¡­ they don''t challenge for control. There''s been some factions that were getting out of hand and¡­ and we should have stopped them before now."

    "Hush, Lerrin!" his father hissed.

    But Lerrin''s jaw was tight and he faced Reth. "He didn''t make the ns, but he enjoyed them. And I can¡­ I can talk to the people. We can settle things down."

    Reth turned his head slightly, measuring the man for deceit. But wolves were excellent liars. So, was it a trick? Or genuine?

    Lucan growled like he was furious with his son, but that meant nothing if they''d nned it. Reth turned to Behryn, who''d gotten to his feet, but was standing close.

    "What say you?" he asked, tipping his head toward Lerrin.

    "I say at some point we have to give them a final warning, and let them show us if they''re going to say in line." A couple of the others murmured their agreement, so Reth nodded.

    "Very well, Lerrin, this is your shot. The one and only¡ªyou can thank your father for that. The next time I catch a wolf creating trouble for me, or my wife, pack discipline begins. Do you understand?"

    "Yes, Sire."

    "And if you''re able to bring your people through this, it may be time for Lucan to have his own challenger."

    Lerrin didn''t answer that, though Lucan snarled. But the men began moving them, escorting them out and back to the wolf pack, while the eldest of the elders shuffled in their wake, until only Behryn remained.

    He waited until thest of them was out of the cave mouth and into the clearing, then he folded his arms. "That could have¡ª"

    "Not now, Behr, please," Reth said wearily. "I need to gofort my wife."

    *****

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 Chapter 104: A New Plan

    <h4>Chapter 104: A New n</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d tried to go to the room and just sit. To just ept that the day hadn''t been what she''d hoped it would be and that sucked, but it wasn''t the end of the world. But the words of that man¡ªa wolf, she was pretty sure¡ªkept echoing in her head.

    A Queen that cannot be bested by a ten-year-old¡­ who doesn''t create a social shit-show every time she opens her mouth¡­ who could offer something to the strength of the people¡­ A Queen that cannot be bested by a ten-year-old¡­ who doesn''t create a social shit-show every time she opens her mouth¡­ who could offer something to the strength of the people¡­

    Elia screwed her face up hard and breathed through her teeth. She wouldn''t cry because a bully had been throwing darts. She wouldn''t.

    But Reth''s face¡ªthe way he''d winced¡­ that, Elia realized, was what hurt so badly.

    She knew the wolves were trouble, and didn''t like her. It was seeing that the usations hit home for Reth that had her undone.

    Did that mean he agreed with them? Or only that he knew others did? Was she to me for all the problems with the wolves, or would they have targeted anyone that wasn''t a wolf?

    Was Reth going to regret mating her?

    That thought, the aching hollow it opened in her chest, broke her and she sobbed. She shook her head and pinned her lips together, but she couldn''t stop the grief that washed over her when she thought about losing Reth, or worse, bing a burden to him and him just putting up with it because he was so¡­ nice.

    She didn''t want him nice. She wanted him happy.

    Somehow. Somehow she had to figure out how to¡­ how had the man put it? Offer something to the strength of the people. She had to. And she would. She would discard this clearly hopeless cause of publicly championing the weak. If all it was going to do was cause more division, then it wouldn''t achieve what she''d hoped anyway. Besides, she had to be seen as strong herself before she could help others.

    So, even through it was through tears, she gritted her teeth and vowed: She would remain Queen. She would get stronger¡ªboth physically, and in the eyes of the people. And meanwhile, she would help the disformed and ostracized people privately. And once she was epted and her power was strong¡ªand Reth wasn''t being undermined by her¡ªshe would find a way to champion them to the others.

    But that meant she had to find something to do, a way to bring strength to the people in the meantime.

    She took a deep breath and wiped her face, squeezing back thest of her tears and blinking to keep them away. She kept breathing deep and muttering the n to herself. She''d talk to Reth when he got done and they''d figure it out¡ªwhat she could do to make herself less weak. And then she''d make these people see that weakness came in a lot of forms. And they were not without their own!

    She heard the door slide open and turned to find Reth standing there, his face sad and worried. She blinked. She knew she looked like she''d been crying, but she raised her chin and met his eyes. "Something has to change, Reth," she said calmly. "I want to be with you, and I want to be happy here. And I want you to be happy with me here. So¡­ something has to change."

    "Elia, I am so happy that you''re here."

    "It won''t stay that way if that''s the way people see me."

    Reth turned and closed the door behind him, then walked carefully over to sit next to her on the sleeping tform.

    When he slid an arm around her waist and leaned in to kiss her hair, pulling her into his arms, she almost went. She almost let herself fall into his strong chest and just give in to the tears. But that was the problem, wasn''t it? She kept letting him be the strong one, when really¡­ she was the problem.

    "No," she said sharply when he tried to pull her into his chest, and she straightened, bracing a hand on his broad thigh. "I can''t keep letting you protect me. Because they don''t respect that."

    "Elia, every one of the people who''s criticized you has had to be supported and helped by their mates or their families at some point. They''ve just¡­ conveniently forgotten that fact," he growled.

    She shook her head. "Not like this. I get it¡ªI mean, I don''t, but I''m starting to understand that I seem like a child to them. No adult wants to be forced to follow a child. So, I need to stop acting like a child with you.

    "Trust me, you don''t," he said, his eyes hot. He shed her a wicked grin.

    She snorted despite the tears and put a hand to his face. "You know that isn''t what I meant."

    "I know, but¡­ don''t let Lucan make you doubt yourself, Elia. The Anima need what you have¡ªwho you are. That''s why I chose you. If I''d really thought you were just weak and pathetic, I would have made the right choice for my people, no matter how it hurt me. But I knew¡ªI know¡ªyou are what we need here. You have different strengths. Strengths we need to develop in Anima."

    "Then I need to find a way to make them see me."

    "that''s what I''m trying to do!"

    "No, me, Reth." She met his warm, brown eyes and smiled. "I need to be the one to make sure they can see me, and respect me, and¡­ want to listen. If we get to that ce, I''ll be able to do anything as Queen because I''ll have won them over. Until we get there, it won''t matter what I do. They won''t see it as anything but the yings of a child."

    He put his hand over hers. "I''m sorry that you got dragged into this," he said in a low voice.

    "I''m not," she said, sniffing and leaning in. "But I am going to need you to keep giving me these pep talks when we''re alone. Lots of support. Lots of one-on-one time, so I can draw from your strength when I''m scared or lonely."

    "Or horny," he whispered. "Also then."

    Sheughed and kissed him. "Yes, that too."

 Chapter 105: Something She Didnt Know

    <h4>Chapter 105: Something She Didn''t Know</h4>

    RETH

    Sheughed at his joke, but neither of them stopped the kissing. By the time he had her pressed down on the furs and was working on the buttons of her blouse, his breath wasing quickly.

    He opened her top button, then kissed the skin that was revealed. Opened the next, andid the t of his tongue between her breasts with a deep groan.

    She had her hands in his hair, gripping him, and her chin back, her neck exposed and so tempting¡ªbut he was also about to reach her navel and dip his tongue in that sweet little dip¡ª

    "Stop, stop, Reth," she said suddenly, breathlessly.

    He stopped immediately and raised his head. Had he hurt her?

    She still had her hands in his hair, but she''d raised her head to meet his eyes and she looked¡­ frustrated? Did she want something else. "What''s wrong?"

    "I can''t do this right now!" she whined and closed her eyes, letting her head drop back. "I have to go find the others and start figuring out what to do to connect with people."

    "You can wait an hour," he said.

    She raised an eyebrow. "A whole hour, huh?" She grinned.

    Reth growled and buried his face in her stomach. Sheughed and curled up like it tickled, struggling, pushing him away. He was forced to grip her wrists and pull her hands over her head so he leaned over her, her blouse falling open until the insides of her breasts were bared, but the fabric denied him the full view. He growled again.

    "Reth?" she said softly.

    "Yes, my love?"

    "I want this. I want you. But¡­ if I don''t get out there and start doing something, I''m going to lose my nerve and¡­ I don''t want to keep going the way that I am."

    "Like I said, you can wait an hour," he joked, nuzzling her neck.

    But she didn''tugh this time. "No, I can''t. Really, Reth, stop!" She struggled and he let go of her wrists immediately, bracing himself on the furs on either side of her head.

    Her hair syed out like a glow around her face, but her jaw was hard and her brows pinched.

    "Love, I was ying. I would never hold you here against your will."

    "I know. I know you mean well, but¡­ seducing me isn''t making me stronger in anyone else''s eyes."

    He thought about that for a moment. "What about if you seduced me?"

    "Reth!" she groaned. "Please. This isn''t helping."

    "But¡ª"

    "Seriously, I need to get out of this cave, and I need to find my helpers and I need to figure something out! Unless you want me weak? Is that it? Does it do something for you, Reth, that I''m so breakable here? Make you feel like the hero? Is that why you chose me? Because it makes Reth feel good about Reth?"

    "What? No!"

    "Then what was it, Reth? What possessed you to bring me into this when you knew how different I was, and how they would see that?"

    A spark of anger burned in his chest. Did she really think he''d done this selfishly? Or intended to keep her weak?

    He crawled off of her, rolling to the side to sit up on the edge of the tform again. "I chose you, Elia, because I''d always wanted to choose you. So, yes, there was that bit of selfishness to it. But I meant what I said. If I hadn''t been certain that you were what Anima needed I would have given up my own desires and picked a different mate for the good of the people."

    "If you always wanted me here, why didn''t you bring me here yourself? They told me, you know, that the Rite only happened because you refused to choose a mate. That you could have married in any of those ten years and no one would have been concerned. So, why didn''t you?"

    "Because I wanted you."

    "Then why didn''t youe get me?" Her gaze sparked and Reth''s anger, and his doubt both surged. She didn''t have a clue. "Why not go get me yourself? Train me yourself? Prepare me for this? Why leave me alone for thirteen years when I thought I''d never see you again and¡ª"

    "I tried to," he murmured

    "¡ªif you always thought of me why not¡­ wait, what?" she froze, gaping at him.

    Reth held her eyes for a moment, then started. "I tried. I did."

    "You tried what?"

    "I tried to bring you here. I went to find you, to bring you here. Or at least, to see if you still thought of me the way I thought of you."

    "When?!"

    "Just before I turned eighteen."

    She blinked, stunned.

    "I know," he said, "it''s so strange. I didn''t love you like this when I was ten. I didn''t think of you that way. But the longer I grew and strengthened the more my thoughts would turn back to you, it¡­ tormented me."

    "You came to find me?" she gasped. "In¡­ on my world?"

    He nodded.

    "But I never saw you. I know I wouldn''t have recognized you from before, but I know if I''d seen you like¡­ like this, I would have remembered!"

    "No, you''re right. You didn''t see me. But I saw you."

    "What?!"

    Reth turned to face her and, for once, he couldn''t read her expression. She was shocked, no doubt. But other things flitted across her face¡ªand her scent¡ªa mix of anger, fear, and confusion. He couldn''t tell which she was feeling the most, perhaps because she couldn''t.

    "You''re telling me¡­ you''re saying you came back to find me because you were thinking about me. About us. And you didn''t talk to me?" she said, her voice high and sharp.

    He nodded. "You were¡­ I thought you were already settling. With someone else. And your parents, they were still there¡­ you didn''t seem to need me. You were happy."

    She stared and Reth waited.

    "Reth?"

    "Yes, love?"

    "What on God''s green earth are you TALKING ABOUT?"

 Chapter 106: The Final Truth - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 106: The Final Truth - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    He couldn''t be saying what she thought he was saying. He couldn''t be. Elia''s heart raced and she stared at her husband, her mate, who was watching her like he wasn''t quite sure whether to answer. "Reth," she snapped. "What the hell are you talking about? When did you see me? When was I happy?"

    "Why are you angry, Elia?"

    "Why¡ªbecause you''re telling me that you saw me, but didn''t talk to me. That you just¡­ assumed things about my life without asking me. And that we could have¡­ this might have¡­ you''re saying we had a chance before! And you just¡­ gave up? Reth, tell me, please! When did this happen? Why didn''t you talk to me? How the hell did you decide that I was already with someone else¡ªI was a virgin! Who did you think¡ª"

    He raised his hands, his face down, "Just¡­ one at a time, please, Elia. Let me¡­ let me tell you the story and if you''re still angry at the end, well, I guess we''ll deal with it then," he said, pulling himself back up onto the sleeping tform to sit next to her, facing the door.

    "I was seventeen by your years, I think, when my father became ill and started talking to me about challenging for the throne."

    "Challenging?"

    "There are two ways to take the throne¡ªif the ruler dies the heir can step in and then be challenged for it. But many heirs step in with great support from the people, so are never challenged.

    "If the ruler is still alive, however, someone¡ªanyone, including the heir¡ªcan challenge the ruler for dominance. Win the throne. That was how my father wanted me to take it."

    "What? Why?"

    "Because the people had been through war and upheaval and then we were in a time of peace. He knew if I would be weed by the people, they wouldn''t challenge me."

    "And that''s bad because?"

    "Becauseter, if things got difficult again, if there was dissension, or war, those who felt insecure would remember that I had taken the throne without ever having to fight and prove myself. They wouldn''t have evidence of my strength. They wouldn''t trust me¡ªor might challenge me thinking me weak. My father didn''t want me to be challengedter, at the worst possible time¡ªwhen there was already something else going wrong. As he had been. When he''d been forced to send me to your world. So as soon as he knew he wouldn''t recover from his illness he started talking to me about challenging him while he was still strong, so that I would be seen as the King in truth¡ªand he could die in peace, knowing it." He swallowed and Elia took his hand. She was still tense, still baffled to know that he''de for her, then left¡ªwhy? But¡­ she didn''t like seeing him in pain, and clearly, talking about his father dying made him hurt.

    "At first I refused to talk to him about it. Refused to believe he was really dying. Then, even after I''d epted that, I refused to fight him. He became¡­ very angry. He was giving me good advice and I was refusing to take it. It was a very tense time between us."

    "What happened?"

    "My mother started talking to me about ruling, about the responsibility of a King¡ªand how his decisions must always, first and foremost, be for the good of his people. I thought it was just a political discussion¡ªmy life had been peppered by them since I was small. But soon it became clear she was¡­ aiming for something. She started to talk about how the King carried the people with him, in his skin. His bones. And that to die as King without certainty around who would take your ce¡­ fearing that someone might seed you who wasn''t good for the people¡­ that was torment. She was telling me that my father wasn''t just trying to set me up to rule. That he was trying to protect his people from being ruled by someone else.

    "But my mother¡­ she was aware of more than the need for a solid ruler. She knew when I ascended the throne, I would stand alone. And that worried her. I had mated with females, but I hadn''t found a true mate¡ªmy heart''s match. I hadn''t even been interested deeply by any of them, and she worried. She knew the life of a King was, by necessity, isted. She said I needed a partner, someone who I could be myself withpletely. Someone who would support me even when they were angry with me¡ªshe warned me that they would get angry. A lot. She emphasized that." He smiled sadly. "And she asked me who I knew, which females I''d known in my life that made me feel safe like that. Certain of myself. Comfortable. And¡­ I immediately thought of you, Elia," he said. Then turned and met her eyes.

    She swallowed the lump that rose in her throat.

    He turned away. "It was strange. It wasn''t that I''d never thought of you before¡ªI''d always thought of you with that nostalgia. That sense of a childhood loss. I''d always wondered what happened to you and who you had be. But¡­ you had be unreal in my mind. A vision. When my mother asked me, I answered honestly. And she wasn''t surprised. She told me to go for you. To find the one that would make my heart safe, then toe back and challenge my father, so they could both see me settled and happy and on the throne before¡­ before he got weak."

    He swallowed again.

    "I thought she was crazy. But the idea wouldn''t leave me alone. For a week, I got up every morning swearing I wasn''t going to do it, and as the day went on, and as my fear for my father grew, it became almost an obsession. Apulsion. I had to find you and see if¡­ if you were indeed the right one.

    He looked at her, and Elia held her breath.

 Chapter 107: The Final Truth - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 107: The Final Truth - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    "So the night my father had a coughing fit that left him bloodied, I went. I packed a bag, let my mother give me quick advice, things to remember since it had been so many years since I was there. And I went. Alone."

    Elia waited, but he seemed reluctant to go further. "What is it?" she asked.

    "I fear your anger," he said simply. "I want you to remember, I was young, and hadn''t prepared, and I had many, many things on my mind at the time. I didn''t see everything through the same eyes I would now."

    She nodded. "I will, Reth. I promise."

    He took a deep breath. "I found you the second day. You were still in that town, which pleased me. You weren''t hard to find. You''d moved houses, but not far. I suppose you were still in school, but the weather was warm and I remembered that school stopped during those months. Anyway, when I found you¡­ it was night. You were in the backyard of your home, and you sat in front of a firepit and you looked¡­ beautiful," he said, hushed with awe. "Until that moment, I''d been looking for my childhood friend, wanting to find out who she had be, if she still made me feel so sure andfortable. But when I saw you there¡­ something opened up inside me, Elia.

    "I had been hiding in the parnds that bordered your property, and when I saw you I was so ovee I stood straight. Had you been looking, you would have seen me. You were lit by the mes and you had a nket wrapped around your shoulders and¡­ I almost gave the mating call, and it startled me sopletely, I dropped to the ground. I was afraid and confused and suddenly needy. I didn''t know what to do. I''d never experienced that before. I crawled a short distance away and sat there for quite a while getting myself under control again. I resolved that I would go speak with you and see who you''d be and perhaps¡­"

    "Perhaps what?" she breathed.

    "Just perhaps. I didn''t know. But I knew I had to see you, had to talk to you, hopefully touch you. So I hid my things and readied myself. But when I went back, you weren''t alone any longer. A male had joined you, and the two of you were¡­ cuddling." He said, his voice t for the first time since he''d started talking.

    Elia bit her lip¡ªdisturbed, but also touched that he was so obviously unhappy about the memory of the teenage Elia snuggling another man under a nket. And her eyes welled, because she knew the summer Reth was talking about. She remembered the guy¡ªa year older, a year further ahead at school. And he wasn''t important. Not at all. But for about three weeks she''d been enthralled. Completely obsessed with him. They''d dated for two months and by the end of it she''d realized he was a pompous ass. But that first month¡­ it had seemed like heaven to her sixteen year old self.

    Reth had to have shown up during those weeks when there was nothing and no one else she could think about.

    "It was obvious you loved him. You never took your eyes from him. And your scent¡­" Reth grunted and turned away and Elia wanted tough.

    "Reth, he was a high school crush. We dated for two months. We barely more than kissed."

    Reth nodded. "I can see that now. But you understand, at that point I''d been putting off mating¡ªnot the rtionship, but even the act!¡ªfor years. To see you that way with him, and so focused on him¡­ I saw it through Anima eyes. It seemed clear that if he asked you, you would have mated him, and I thought¡­ I thought you''d forgotten me. I thought I was the stupid one who hadn''t let go of a childhood friend. But the problem was, you were¡­ so beautiful, Elia. I wanted you desperately."

    He looked down, as if in shame and she put a hand to his chin and pulled him around to look at her. "I wish you hade and talked to me," she breathed. "I wish I''d had that choice back then. Reth, once I got over the shock, I would have followed you. If I''d known." Which made the anger spark in her chest. "But you didn''t tell me. You didn''t even let me see you!"

    She knew there was a fierce light her eyes, but she was so angry! Why had he waited? Why hadn''t he fought? Wasn''t he all about dominance? If he''d shown up and chased that guy off, she would have been overjoyed!

    She tried to imagine a teenage Reth, full of his newly found manhood, and how her sixteen year old self would have fallen over backwards to be loved by someone like that. Instead of the ungracious pawing and slobbering of her high school dates.

    The few that there were.

    Reth stared at her. "I thought I was toote," he said simply. "I stayed in your world two more days. I watched your home. Though he didn''t stay with you, he was there much of the time, and you always smiled more when he was close. You hummed after he left. To my young eyes, you were¡­ happy."

    "Reth¡ª"

    "Do not deny your attraction to that man, Elia. I could smell it on you."

    "He wasn''t a man, he was a boy. He wasn''t trying to be my mate, he just wanted to get the mating on," she said dryly. "I was obsessed with him for a few weeks, but then he showed his true colors and we broke up and¡­ I wasn''t happy, Reth. I was sad, and lonely, and¡­ I wish you''de just a few weekster."

    "A few weekster I was back in Anima. I was King. My father was dead and my mother was wasting away. I was convinced I''d never see you again, but you''d somehow be the measure by which all other females must stand. And none of them did. None of them warmed my chest like the moment I saw you. I didn''t catch myself smiling when I thought of others. I didn''t¡­ yearn."

    "How, though?" she asked. "If we hadn''t spoken¡­ how did you know it would be like this?" she waved a hand between them.

    "It''s the call of the true Mate," he said and put a hand to her face. She stared up into his fierce eyes and her heart flipped. "The act of mating is nothing to the Anima, Elia. I gave up avoiding it after that. I hoped that if I joined my body with other females, my heart my follow. But it never did. After years of taking any woman that offered herself, I¡­ stopped. I was hollowed out by it all¡ªmy heart calling for you. When, despite all the mating I still hadn''t taken a mate, a wife, the people called the Rite. They demanded that I find my true mate from among their ranks. And I¡­ I didn''t have a choice, truly. But even in my heart¡­ I walked into that night seething. I hate the blood rites, the brutality of them. I hated the idea of giving my heart over to someone who had killed to get it. But I couldn''t see any way around it. You were gone. I had a responsibility to my people¡­ and then, somehow, impossibly, you were there¡­" His voice had dropped to awe again.

 Chapter 108: The Final Truth - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 108: The Final Truth - Part 3</h4>

    RETH

    "It''s hard for me to exin, Elia, how it felt to see you there that night." He turned himself to face her, pulling one of his massive legs up so his shin rested along her thigh and he could stare her full in the face. "I had spent almost ten years reminding myself that you were gone, unattainable. That we had only ever been children together¡ªforcing myself to acknowledge there was nothing between us. I had made myself cold." His eyes were sad. He stroked her hair and let his fingersb into it. "When it came time for the Rite, I had steeled myself. Forced myself to ept that this dream was impossible and it was time to move on. I''d done it, too. I''d¡­ I''d let myself make choices I would never have made. Forced myself to step out and¡­ Creator''s Light, Elia, there''s so much I would change about those years and months before the Rite if I could¡ªif I''d known you woulde. But they are in the past. I can''t do anything about them now. I can only promise you, show you, that no one else has my heart¡ªor has ever owned it the way you do."

    She nodded sadly. "I know, Reth. I know. I believe you. I do. I just¡­ this is so hard. I wish it had started differently. I wish we''d had more time. I wish you''de for me¡ªI wish I''d known it was even possible! I would have tried toe to you, I think, if I''d known. I always thought about you and wondered what had happened to you. And I know if I''d seen you¡­ if I''d just seen you, Reth!"

    She dropped her face in her hands and he pulled her into his chest, wrapping her in his arms, and cursing himself for all the mistakes he''d made. Every assumption, every conclusion he''d drawn that had brought her to this point of such doubt and shame.

    That little voice inside him urged him to tell her about Lucine, to make sure she was never blindsided by that. His first instinct was to deny it¡ªshe was already sad and angry, hurting, uncertain of herself. To let her know that he''d been close with the woman that had almost killed her¡­ but then he stopped.

    And he could see, suddenly, how his own pride, his confidence in himself and assumption that everything must happen because he willed it¡ªor that people could not seed unless he helped them¡ªhad brought her to this ce where she was made less. And if she were to learn that by the wolves, it would not be kind.

    It was his fault she hadn''t known everything she needed to know. His fault she''de here under these circumstances. So, even though he couldn''t change the past, he could change how he stepped forward into the future.

    "I feel terrible, Elia, but there is something I have to tell you," he whispered into her hair.

    Her head snapped up immediately, her eyes wide and wary. "What?"

    He cupped her neck and held her gaze. "Some of the choices I made in that time¡ªwhen I was convinced you were nevering, and I was being forced to step into a future without you¡­ some of them were foolish. And others were¡­ just wrong. And those¡­ if they evere out¡­ you will be forced to face them with me." He let her see his remorse, his plea for her forgiveness, his ache to have done anything differently.

    "What is it?" she whispered, fear and the edge of anger in her voice.

    Reth swallowed and dropped his hand to find hers, to twine their fingers together. She let him, but never took her eyes off his face. "I told you I hate the blood rites?"

    She nodded.

    "Well¡­ in the weeks leading up to the Rite of Survival, I was angry and struggling. I was forcing myself to give up on you, and trying to find a way to be¡­ enthusiastic about my future with someone else."

    Her brows pinched in over her nose. "Go on."

    "A few weeks before the Rite, a female offered herself to me. One that I should not have touched. But I was lonely and angry trying to convince myself that I could make it work with someone else. So I¡­ took what she offered."

    "Who?"

    Reth sighed. "Lucine."

    Elia didn''t move.

    *****

    ELIA

    She had to have heard that wrong. "I''m sorry¡­ who?"

    Reth shifted his weight and the expression on his face reminded her of a ten year old boy who''d been caught stealing cookies. If her heart hadn''t been dropping like a stone, she might haveughed to have seen him, this massive man, the King, so shamefaced.

    "It was Lucine," he murmured, his eyes searching hers.

    Elia pulled her hands out of his grip. "The one¡­ you''re telling me that the woman that killed all those others¡ªthat wanted to kill me¡ªyou¡­ had sex with her?"

    He nodded.

    "But I thought¡­ I thought they were all virgins, like me?"

    "They were supposed to be," he croaked. "When she approached me, she broke the Rite¡ªshe told me she was the chosen sacrifice for the wolves, and she convinced me¡­ she was certain she would win and we would be together. I knew she was right¡ªhad you not been there, Elia, she would be my mate, and my Queen, and my skin crawls just speaking those words, but they are true," he said fiercely.

    Elia''s entire body recoiled from him and he saw it. He winced.

    "Elia, you cannot think¡ªyou must know it was not what I desired, or what I would have chosen. You know my heart lives because you''re here and I wouldn''t change a thing about that. I wish¡­ I regret that night. Deeply¡ªand not just for us. I regret it for Lucine and the ce it has left her. Had I known you wereing, I wouldn''t even have been tempted. I forced myself to it because I thought I had to find a way with her and I was afraid, honestly. I didn''t want tobine my bloodline with the wolves¡ªand Lucine¡­" he trailed off miserably.

    But something inside Elia broke when he said that woman''s name like it was sofortable for him. Like he knew her.

 Chapter 109: The Final Truth - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 109: The Final Truth - Part 4</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia shuddered. She needed to move. Find a way to make this fit into her view of him. He''d touched that woman? Had sex with her? Kissed her¡ªargh! "Reth, I¡­" she trailed off, her skin itching. She pushed off the sleeping tform and began to pace the floor in front of him.

    Reth went very still, his eyes never leaving her face.

    She knew him. She did. She didn''t know how it had happened so quickly, but he was under her skin and she knew him. He was hers. Heart and soul. She didn''t doubt it. But when she tried to open her mouth and tell him that, all she could see in her mind was his mouth on Lucine''s, their bodies entwined¡ªthe physical power of the wolf-woman, and probable instinctive prowess of the Anima¡­

    Elia wed her hands into her hair. "Why didn''t you tell me?" She wasn''t even angry as much as¡­ shaky. Fragile. It seemed like every time she turned around right now something wanted to bite her.

    No pun intended.

    "Elia, it was nothing. I regretted it the minute it was done, but I thought I had to make the most of it if we were to be mated. I never imagined¡­ You have to know, she has no part of my heart¡ª"

    "I know that. I do," she said, but there was no softness in her tone and she could tell Reth could feel it. Elia ran a shaky hand through her hair. "How did it happen? I mean, how did people not know? It seems like they know everything about you and me!"

    "They know because you and I are true mates," he said softly, standing from the sleeping tform and stepping towards her. She shot him a warning look and he stopped moving closer, but he didn''t stop talking. "Our connection is a soul-tie, Elia. If Lucine and I had mated in that way¡ªthe mes and smoke, the ceremony, they would have been able to scent that too. But when we did this it was¡­ it was just sex."

    "Just sex," Elia snorted, halfway between tears and raging. "Just sex. Just the thing I waited for¡ªjust the thing the entire city talked to me about for a week before¡ª" She cut herself off and stopped pacing, closing her eyes for a moment, trying to shake off the mental images that continued to gue her of Lucine tangled up with Reth¡ªworse! Of Reth taking her. Tangling himself with her! She was a beautiful woman. And even younger than Elia. Elia swallowed. "How did it happen? I mean¡­" her face went wide with horror. "Did shee here and¡ªdid you guys have sex in our bed?" She turned her head to stare at the bed. Her skin crawled as if she''d just found out it was full of snakes.

    "No! Elia, no! It was nothing like that. It was weeks before¡­ We had a feast and I''d drunk a little too much. It waste and I went out to the fields alone, just to enjoy the Creator and stare at the stars. But she must have seen me leave because she showed up where I wasying in the grass and ¡­ we talked. And she told me that she was going to be the sacrifice for the Rite, which hit me hard¡ªI didn''t even want to do it! Then she talked about how there would be so much happening during those days¡­ she knew she would win. Waspletely confident. It was, as far as she was concerned, a foregone conclusions. And honestly? I thought she was right. And I was so angry about it. I hate the Rites. When she offered herself¡ªit was her idea. I didn''t ask¡ªI was still¡­ I don''t know, I wanted to do something to prove to myself that I wasn''t ruled by this barbarian thing we had to do. But with Lucine? It wasn''t even in my head. And at first, I tried to put her off. Politely. But she was insistent and I was drunk and¡­ does it really matter?"

    No, it didn''t, because Elia''s heart was already broken. "You had sex with her outside? Alone?"

    Reth blinked. "Yes, I¡­ why does that make your face so sad my love?"

    "Because it''s on my list," she said and her voice cracked. "It''s the first thing on my list, Reth! We''re never alone. It seems like¡­ we''re never just us. Unless we''re in here. And¡­ I love being outside, but¡­ everyone can smell bloody everything. Or hear it. It¡­ I was hoping we could drop the guards and get to be out there, together, alone. But you''ve already done that. So I get it, it''s not as special for you¡ª"

    "No, Elia. Don''t say that. Never say that." Reth looked like he''d been stabbed. "This, with you, is precious. Far more special than anything I''ve done with anyone before. Ever. There isn''t even aparison. I wish¡­ I wish I could open my head and my heart to you so you could see for yourself. I do not lie. You are utterly precious to me. And what happens between us¡­ it¡­ moves me."

    He stepped closer and she didn''t stop him this time. He moved carefully, slowly, watching her, waiting for her to deny him. But the truth was, she didn''t want to. That''s why it hurt so badly¡ªshe wanted hisfort. Needed it. But it was him who had caused the pain! Her heart was so confused. She dropped her face in her hands, her teeth gritted, not against tears, but against frustration.

    When would this get easy? When would she be able to just be with her husband, her mate, and not have to wonder what else waited around the corner to trap her? Or kill her? Or humiliate her?

    "Elia, please love," he whispered. "Let me hold you." When she didn''t say no, he put his arms around her, pulling her into his chest.

    She leaned into his steel warmth, inhaling the pine and rain, that utterly masculine, wholly unique scent of him and she clung.

    "What is in my past is past, Elia," he said, his voice deep and serious. "I have made mistakes, and there are things I regret. But the only way I can show you is to learn from those things and not do them again."

    "You''re too¡­ you''re too much!" she squeaked into his chest.

    "What?"

    "You''re too nice. I know I''m not perfect, Reth! I know I mess up too, and don''t even know it most of the time. I know I''ve done things I regret too and it''s not fair to be mad at you for something you did when you didn''t even know I was going to be here, but¡­"

    He stroked her hair back off her face. "But what?"

    "But it hurts! Every time I see her now all I''m going to see is your hands on her and hers on you and¡­ ugh!" She covered her eyes again as if she could escape the mental images. "And you know what really makes me mad? Lucine of all people¡ªand whoever else you''ve had over these years you were sowing your Kingly oats or whatever¡ªthey have this piece of you that I can''t have, because I''m so damn weak here that we can''t just live. I want to just live, Reth! I want to just live with you¡ªbe out together. Alone. Not have guards standing over me, sniffing everything¡ªkiss you in the trees without worrying that a kid can hear us if things go further! I want to go to a meal and not have everyone know what we did the night before, I just¡­ I want something to be sacred. Just between us. And these women, they''ve all had that with you and I¡­ I haven''t¡­" she finishedmely.

    Reth''s fingers tightened in her hair and his eyes lit with a fierce light. "Give me an hour," he said.

    *****

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 Chapter 110: Foolish King

    <h4>Chapter 110: Foolish King</h4>

    I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

    *****

    RETH

    He couldn''t believe it hadn''t urred to him earlier. He cursed himself for his own stupidity. He''d known she was bothered by theck of privacy, but of course it made her feel like others had him in a way she hadn''t! Of course she was sick of always being around other people. For the Creator''s sake, they''d been split up for almost the entire first week! How had it not urred to him that she wanted time¡ªmore than just the nights¡ªalone? He cursed himself roundly and squeezed her hard before murmuring promises. Telling her to find somefortable clothing that she could climb in, and not to worry. He was going to take care of everything.

    "What? What are you going to do?"

    "I''m going to make sure that you know that everything we have is worlds better than anything I''ve had with anyone else, Elia," he said firmly. "Anyone."

    "But, I have to¡ª"

    "You have to feel strong. You have to feel certain. And you have to know who you are, what you deserve. Trust me, we need this. Both of us. And it will help you walk into the people tomorrow as their Queen."

    She stared at him for a long moment, and he stared back, determined, until she nodded. "Okay."

    "Comfortable clothes, and a water skin," He reminded her. "And patience," he said dryly. "It may take me an hour to make this happen."

    "Okay," she said uncertainly.

    He kissed her quickly, then started for the door, but before he stepped through, he paused and turned back. "And Elia?"

    "Yes?"

    "Wear your hair down? For me?"

    She smiled. "Sure."

    He winked and disappeared out the door.

    *****

    ELIA

    He was actually less than an hour. By the time he returned, she''d put on a pair of the looser leather pants, a flowing white blouse, andbed her hair down, hoping the curls that had twisted into it from the bun she''d been wearing earlier would stay.

    He stalked into the bedroom where she was putting away the clothes she''d had on earlier and he strode up behind her, wrapping his arms around her, running his nose along her shoulder and into her neck, inhaling deeply.

    For a split second she was reminded of that moment in the Rite when she''d been backed up against the tree and he''d done the same thing on her corbone and her mouth dropped open. "You knew it was me!" she said, turning in his arms.

    He pulled his head up, eyes hooded and had to blink to focus, apparently. "What was that?"

    "That first night, at the Rite, you knew it was me. Right away. But you introduced yourself and made that big show of scenting me¡ªI thought was creepy, Reth. But it gave me goosebumps too. It was¡­ it was all really strange."

    He gave azy, lopsided smile. "I knew you didn''t recognize me. I wasn''t just going to rush up and kiss you. Trust me, that would have been creepier," he grinned.

    She huffed a littleugh, but the truth was, she was still feeling t and uncertain after such a disaster of a day¡ªand she was still struggling with the images in her head of Reth and Lucine.

    But she was determined to give herself the best chance to get past it, so she would go with him now, whatever it was that he thought was going to help her feel stronger. She would face it and then¡­ then they''d figure the rest out.

    So, when he took her hand and led her out of the room, she went willingly, hoping that, at the very least, it would help her stop seeing those w marks on Reth''s back and wondering whether Lucine was the one who had made them.

    To her surprise, he didn''t head for the front door, but turned left out of the bedroom and towards the back of the cave, beyond the kitchen, to the door where that led to the bathing pools.

    "Reth, what?" she asked when he opened the door.

    "You''ll see," he said with smile, and pulled her through.

    Elia''s mind shifted as soon as she entered that space. She''d wanted toe back here, loved the moments they spent here. But they were dressed and¡­ surely they weren''t going to bathe?

    No, he led her to the shallowest area between the pools, where the water ovepped on the rocks and made them look like a figure eight. Then he continued onto the rocky outcropping beyond it, near the waterfall.

    When he got there, he dropped to his knees in front of her, just as he had in the Smoke. "Get up," he said, his voice smooth and warm.

    "What? Why?"

    He looked at her over his shoulder and his eyes glinted. "Because we''re going to get started on that list, but to do that, we have to get out of here without anyone knowing where we are. And this is a tough climb, so I''m guessing it''ll go faster if I carry you."

    "Climb? Where?" She stared at the rock face in front of her¡ªit was rough and cracked, but there were no ledges or paths up it that she could see.

    "Oh! Right! Wait, one second," Reth said, smiling sheepishly. He leapt to his feet and trotted over to the waterfall, reaching into the water to tug at something, then pulling it a few feet over, watching the light above them.

    Elia gasped as a ropedder made of vines¡ªa vinedder?¡ªswung out from behind the sheet of water and wavered in front of her. She gaped, looking up¨Cand up!¡ªat what had to be eighty feet or more directly above their heads, where the vines tumbled into the space from the wilderness beyond. "We''re climbing up there?"

    "I am. You''re riding."

    "I¡ªwhat?"

    "It''s a ropedder, Elia. Trust me."

    "But¡ª"

    He stepped up to her and took her arms gently. "You need to be stronger for the people," he said softly. "And I''m going to help you do that too. But for now, there''s something up there that I think will strengthen us. You and me. You don''t need to be stronger for me, Elia. When you''re with me, its okay to lean, or be carried. You carry me in other ways. So let me do this for you, please?"

    "Okay," she said finally. "Show me."

    He knelt down in front of her again and smiled, "Get on."

    *****

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 Chapter 111: Just Us

    <h4>Chapter 111: Just Us</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia felt terrible. He was breathing heavily by the time they made it to the top, the first time she''d seen him really have to push himself physically. He was right, she never would have made it up here on her own. But he''d done it quickly, and happily, panting, but not really slowing as they climbed rung after rung to reach that ever-brightening hole in the rock above them.

    When they finally reached the lip of it and Reth lifted his head over the side, with Elia clinging to his neck and peering over his shoulder, she gasped. They were on the side of a mountain. To Elia''s left, the mountainside¡ªrugged and grey¡ªcontinued into the sky. But before them there was a t ofnd, a small, teardrop shaped bowl with the hole where they stood at its narrowest point, widening from there and sloping gently upwards to a t area about the size of Elia''s college apartment at the top. A small cluster of trees perched on the edge where it met the mountainside, and a few bushes and scrubs lined the right before it plummeted back down to the clearing at the front of the cave. At least if Elia had her bearings, that''s where it was. She couldn''t see over the side, and thought that was likely a very good thing.

    Reth grunted, heaving them up and out of the hole, finally grasping the tree stump a couple feet from the hole where thedder had been fixed with thick vines circling the stump. He knelt again, and still gaping, Elia slid off his back to her feet.

    "Reth¡­ this is beautiful," she breathed.

    All around her was sky, and trees, and rock, and¡­ no one else.

    No one. She started towards that edge, intending to look and see if they could see the clearing below, but he caught her wrist.

    "If you lean over the edge, you''ll be silhouetted by the sky. The guards will see movement ande looking for us, in case there''s an intruder above the cave," he said quietly. Very quietly.

    She smiled. "They can''t see us here?"

    "Or scent us. The air flows up this side of the mountain. And as long as we''re quiet, they won''t hear us either.

    Elia felt her smile grow. "We''re alone. Truly alone?"

    "Truly alone," he said seriously. "I''m sorry, Elia, that I hadn''t thought about you needing this. I grew up always being around my family and the pride. It''s odd for an Anima to spend many hours by themselves. Scenting is something we do without thought. And even though they won''t think twice about scenting sex on you¡­ I understand that that isn''t how it is for you. So, while I can''t guarantee that no one will figure out what we''ve been up to, this is the best I can do to make sure they won''t know anything about it."

    She turned back to the view and almost lost her breath. The Wildwood spread out below her, the canopy of trees looking like springy grass and fluffy green clouds below them. Hints of movement and color shed between the trees at times, but from this distance the Tree City was virtually invisible.

    "Thank you, Reth," she said, taking his hand and squeezing it. "I know that was a horrible climb, but¡­ thank you."

    When she turned to look at him, he was staring down at her. "Come over here. It''s morefortable," he said, his breath already easing from the difficult climb. Elia followed him, shaking her head at the sheer strength of him. In this amazing outdoors, these impossible surroundings, she felt tiny and insignificant. But it all seemed to fit him. As if he grew when he went outside, to match the ce. And the ce epted him.

    He led her up the soft rise to the t area at the top, and into the shade of the trees that grew out from the side of the mountain at a diagonal, reaching for the sun beyond the peak above. There a nket had been spread, and a pic basket waited.

    Elia''s mouth dropped open. "Wait¡­ you already came up here once?"

    "Yes, why?"

    "Because¡­. That climb¡­ aren''t you sore?"

    "No. Should I be?"

    She gaped at him and he stared back, confused. "Elia, this is not a feat. Climbing with you was much harder than climbing on my own, but only because I didn''t wish to jar you. It''s the work of a minute to get up here on my own."

    Elia shook her head and let herself sink onto the nket. "No wonder they all think I''m weak," she murmured.

    "No, you won''t focus on that today. That''s not why we''re here," he said sternly.

    Elia frowned. "You said I needed to feel strong and certain and that''s what we were going to work on here?"

    "Not like that, not by¡­ not like that," he grumbled,ing to join her on the nket, sitting cross legged in front of her. "Forget about lessons to learn, or strengthening. This is a time to just be us, Elia, like you said. Just us. Together. Alone. No one knows we''re here. I didn''t even tell Behryn¡ªhe''ll have my hide if he finds out we snuck away, so let''s pray he doesn''te looking."

    "What if something happens, though?" she asked, though she didn''t want to give him a reason to reconsider.

    But Reth smiled. "That''s the beauty of being up here. Sound rises. If there''s a true emergency, they''ll ring the bells and I''ll be down there in minutes."

    Elia smiled, her first true smile in hours. "Sounds like you''ve got everything figured out."

    "Well, not everything," he said, frowning. Then he reached back behind his neck and pulled his shirt forward and over his head, revealing his chest and shoulders. Elia''s mouth went dry.

    "What''s, uh, what''s left?" she asked, distracted by the sheer beauty of him.

    "I don''t know," he said, then looked up at her. His hair had been pulled partly over his eyes, when he''d tugged that shirt forward. He peered at her through it, his gaze suddenly hot and intent. "What''s at the top of your list?"

    Desire red in Elia''s belly.

    *****

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 Chapter 112: Love in High Places

    <h4>Chapter 112: Love in High ces</h4>

    RETH

    Creator''s Light, he loved when she got that look on her face. Like she wanted to devour him whole. He''d seen the light go on behind her eyes when he pulled his shirt off, so he ran his hand through his hair, pushing it off his face so he could see her clearly, and sat back, leaning on his hands and smiled thezy smile that always made her smile back. He straightened one leg so ity against her hip and waited to see what she''d say.

    He could see her chest rising and falling more quickly, and his own quickened too. But she didn''t move. Her eyes started on his, but dragged down his neck, his chest, his stomach¡­ and down. He felt it like a finger on his skin, and his body leaped to meet the touch. If he didn''t get these pants off soon he was at risk of losing bloodflow.

    "Elia?" he said softly a momentter, letting his tongue roll over her name.

    She blinked and snapped her eyes back up to his. "Hmm, what?"

    "Your list?" he said. "What''s on top?"

    "The better question might be, who," she said with a wicked grin and Reth huffed. But she didn''t move. He raised an eyebrow in a question and she took a deep breath. "I don''t know where to start," she said finally.

    "That''s easy, tell me what makes you light up. I''ll take care of the rest."

    She blinked again, several times. "Just¡­ tell you."

    "What you like? Yes."

    "In words?"

    Reth had to swallow augh. "Well, I''d have a lot of fun trying to figure it out, but I think words would be much more efficient. And possibly more fun for you."

    Elia tipped her head. "Is this what you Anima do? You just sit around talking about sex until one of you decides that it''s time to do it?"

    "No."

    They stared at each other and his heart pounded on his ribs, that thrill of desire dancing low in his belly.

    "Then what are you doing, Reth?" she asked finally, breathlessly.

    He sat up and leaned forward so their faces were just inches apart. "I''m telling my wife that I burn for her¡ªbut I burn to make her burn. Tell me, Elia. What makes you burn? I want to set you alight."

    "You do, Reth."

    "Then show me."

    "Show you what?

    "Show me what makes your blood heat, what makes you lose your breath. What makes your skin feel too tight?" he said in a low growl.

    Her eyes never left his, but to his surprise, when she lifted a hand, it was to touch his hair, to w her fingers into the front of it and pull pieces forward over his face. When he tried to lift his chin, she shook her head and used a finger to tip it back down until he was staring at her from behind strands of his own hair. "That," she whispered. "That lights a spark."

    Reth locked his eyes on hers, but didn''t speak, because she wasn''t done.

    With her lower lip slightly open she trailed the hand down his neck to the t of his chest, spreading her fingers and palming his pec for a moment, then turning it to drag down his ribs, but as she did, she ran her thumb over his nipple and when he tensed she nodded. "That, too."

    Reth breathing was quick and shallow, but her attention was wholly on him and she was thinking. He didn''t want her to be self-conscious, so he forced himself not to move, just watched the mes begin to climb behind her eyes as she dropped her knee and sat cross-legged so she could bring both hands up to his chest. She held her breath and repeated the touch on his nipple¡ªon both sides at the same time¡ªthen brought her hands up to his shoulders and shifted so she could kneel in front of him. The temptation to touch her was overwhelming, but he didn''t want to distract her.

    She was scanning him, searching, as if choosing where to go first. And he was fascinated.

    "Show me," he whispered hoarsely.

    Her cheeks colored and he traced the hair back off her face as she met his eyes again. "Your neck?"

    "It''s yours, Elia," he rasped, his loins leaping.

    She nodded and guided his head back to bare his throat. He closed his eyes when she dropped her mouth to it and sucked.

    He groaned and shuddered.

    "Me too," she whispered. Still gently kissing her way up his neck, she leaned in closer until her breasts were brushing his chest, but she was higher than him now. "Your hands," she said.

    "Yes?"

    "Put them on me. I never want to feel like you aren''t touching me."

    Without hesitation he sat up and reached for her, turning and unfolding his other leg so she knelt between his knees. "Where?"

    "Everywhere."

    He growled his approval and took her hips in his hands, but as he pulled her in, intending to give her that attention, he was blocked by her blouse. He tipped his head up to ask and she took his face in her hands and kissed him deeply. Almost frantic.

    Taken aback by her need, he wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her in, the other sliding up to cup her neck, his thumb at her jaw. And he kissed her back with every yearning within him¡ªall the remorse for her pain, all the heat for her body, every ounce of love that pulsed in his veins. He poured it all into her, gasping when she leaned into him and answered with everything inside herself.

    Then she lifted her head and stared into his eyes as if she was afraid. He pulled her in tighter, afraid she was going to run. "Elia, I¡ª"

    "It burns, Reth," she said in a pleading voice. "Everything I feel for you, it all burns. I just want you. That''s all. That''s what makes me heat. Stop thinking you''ll break me. Stop acting like you''re afraid to go too far. You can''t," she whispered. "I want all of it with you. Please¡­ just give me you. You without the leash."

    The mating huff erupted from his throat and he swallowed a roar¡ªthey needed to be quiet!¡ªas he pulled her down to the nket and cradled her under him, kissing her with a desperation he''d never felt before.

    His skin trembled in something like the feeling when he wanted to shift, but instead it was the need to be against her, over her, within her, to be one.

    He needed her like air. And he was going to make sure she knew it.

 Chapter 113: Unleashed - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 113: Unleashed - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    He''d stared at her when she spoke, his eyes wide as if he was afraid of what she might say. But when she begged him to let go, to just give himself without fear of hurting her, to unleash, something inside him snapped. She felt it go. Felt him¡­ detonate.

    He flipped her onto her back, one hand cradling her head, the other at her back, and reared over her, positioning himself so his hips immediately pressed against her as a low growl rolled out of his throat. She gasped and arched as the pressure pushed the seams of her pants against her so hard, she trembled. She reached for him and her hand pped on his shoulder as he rolled into her again, growling her name.

    "Reth, I¡ª"

    But he took her mouth, an invasion more than a kiss, his head turned to let their mouths alignpletely and his tongue danced and plunged. Elia sucked in and arched again, as desperate as he was.

    "Let me take off my¡ª"

    "No!" he gasped. "Let me." And before she could even answer, he''d taken hold of the top of her blouse and pulled it apart, so hard and fast the fabric tore. Elia gasped, but clung to his neck, pulling herself up and into him until they were chest to chest. For a moment he pressed her down, into the soft ground beneath the nket and she wallowed in the weight of him, his huge arm braced on the ground next to her ear.

    But even as he groaned at the delicious slide of their skins, he unlocked her hands from his neck and pulled them up, one by one, above her head, grasping her wrists in one hand, pinning them there as sure any manacle. Then he raised himself up, the muscles of his arm and shoulder bunching in delicious ways as he loomed over her.

    She whimpered at the loss of contact, but he stared at her, open-mouthed and rasped her name, his hair falling over his face, his beautiful body tensed and poised. For her. She knew. A breath of wind fluttered over her bare chest and her sensitive skin pebbled. His eyes raked down the length of her and he made that call that came from so deep within, the very ground seemed to tremble with it. She could feel it vibrate in his chest and wished she could call back to him.

    But when she opened her mouth to tell him that, he took it again, just a quick possession, then, with one hand still braced over her head, holding her wrists, he started down, his free hand exploring every dip and curve of her, as he slid against her skin and she arched again.

    Then, just as he mimicked what she''d done to him by stroking his thumb over her nipple on one side, heid his mouth to the other and sucked once, then again. Then he set his teeth around her and the pressure¡ªso much pleasure, so close to pain¡ªmade her cry his name. He growled in response and rolled his hips again.

    Frantic minutes of her gasping and aching, his mouth on hers, on her neck, on her breasts, his free hand everywhere on her skin, but never below her waist. And the fire, the fire reaching higher, until she was drumming her heels with frustration.

    "Reth, please!"

    "What do you want, Elia?" he rasped, rolling his hips again so that she couldn''t breathe.

    "You!"

    "Me, what?"

    "Inside me! Please!"

    He muttered something that sounded like a curse against her neck, but didn''t stop rolling into her. She was beginning to tremble, from head to toe, her hands jerking against his restraint, her feet peddling with the desperation she felt to have him closer, deeper.

    "Please!"

    "Shhhh," he shushed her and took her mouth again, swallowing her cries as he thrust against her, but the barrier of their clothing just made it a delicious tease that threatened to steal her sanity.

    He kept it up, the rolling and stroking of hands and tongue, until she sobbed his name.

    Then, as if it were a signal, he huffed the mating call in the same moment he released her but flipped her over.

    Before she could even? begin to prop herself up, she heard the jingle of his belt and as she turned to look, to see him, to reassure herself that he was really going to do it this time, he had the waistband of her pants in both hands and he''d torn them at the seam, then pressed her back to the ground as he kissed his way down her spine, right to the base, rolling himself, stroking her, his hands over her and under her, grasping, and kneading at her breasts until she was afraid she woulde apart and he hadn''t even entered her.

    He was curled over her, his mouth at her neck, his hands on her breasts, his chest against her back, and she whimpered and pushed herself back to bump into him and he slid against her.

    She saw stars, already so close to her climax that she couldn''t breathe.

    "Reth, please!"

    With a growl, he knelt behind her, grabbed at the ruined pants and peeled them of her in one long slide, then¡­ nothing.

    Elia found herself, face down on the nket, her hair in her face, her breath heaving and him behind her but not moving. Had someone found them?

    Panicked, she whipped her head around to look at him over her shoulder. "What¡ª?"

    But he was kneeling between her knees, a look of awe on his face, and as she turned he moaned, "Elia, dear Lord!" through his teeth, and plunged into her.

    She sucked in to scream at the sheer pleasure of it¡ªthe full, long, slide of him that crackled through her like electricity, lighting up every vein and muscle, prickling her skin from head to toe. But before she could let out a sound, Reth pped one hand over her mouth, whispering "Quiet!" in her ear in an amused rasp. Then his other massive hand spread between her breasts as a counter-bnce as he pulled her up and back, onto him, until he sat and she rode his rolling hips, his chest at her back, his lips and teeth at her neck.

    "Reth, oh, Reth," she moaned.

    He was relentless, rolling into her hard, but holding the peak for seconds before he pulled back and the pressure was lost. He used one hand to hold her weight so she could reach back and have her hands in his hair, on his shoulders. And with the other, he reached forward to find where they met, sliding his fingers against her even has he moved within her.

    She sucked in and held her breath.

    Once, twice, three times, then she shattered with a guttural moan that would have done any Leonine proud.

 Chapter 114: Unleashed - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 114: Unleashed - Part 2</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    As Elia shuddered in his arms, he almost tipped over the edge himself, but he was reveling in her body, worshipping at her temple, and he didn''t want it to end. With his breath hissing through bared teeth, he rode out her climax until she sucked in and slumped back against him, not finished, but catching her breath.

    She tipped her head back onto his shoulder and the angle gave him a stunning view of her breasts. Unable to resist, he pulled both hands up to cup them, kneading, then rolling her nipples between his thumb and forefinger. She clenched around him and he sucked in when she arched.

    "You like that, my love," he rasped in her ear.

    "I love that, Reth. I love you."

    With a groan, he dropped his chin toy his mouth at the iming. The temptation to bite her again was strong, but he didn''t want to cause her pain when she was finally rxed and smiling again. And tensing up for another orgasm, if he didn''t miss his guess.

    As he stroked her, she rippled beneath his hands, but soon she rested hers on his forearms to stop him. "I want to touch you, Reth. I want to see you," she said, then stopped breathing when he pulled her down in the same moment he thrust up.

    "Are you certain of that?" he rumbled.

    "Y-yes. Please, Reth. I want to see your face."

    He groaned and had to stop moving before he it was toote for anyone to do anything.

    She slumped against his shoulder again and they both breathed for a moment, his hands trailing up her sides again, but slowly. Then she sighed and leaned forward to crawl off of him. She whimpered when he pulled out, and he groaned. But it was probably good. He was far too close to exploding.

    He stood to take off his pants while shey back on the nket and watched him.

    "The sun makes your skin look gold," she said quietly, smiling, her hands under her head. She was spread out in front of him like a feast, her torn clothing thrown to the side.

    There with him, alone, she was as shameless as any Anima, and it was a sucker-punch to his gut, knowing she''d do this for no one else, with no one else.

    Ever.

    He knelt at her feet and she smiled, opening her arms to wee him as he crawled over her. But his face was serious and she frowned. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

    "No," he murmured, tracing the line of her corbone with a finger. "Nothing at all. I''m just¡­ Elia, you honor me. I''m humbled."

    She tipped her head and trailed her fingers through his hair. "What do you mean?"

    "You''re so generous in the way you give yourself to me. And to know you''ve never done this with anyone else¡­ it humbles me."

    A shadow passed behind her eyes and he was afraid that he''d reminded her of Lucine and she would get sad, but it passed as quickly as it came. She put her hand to his face and said, "Reth, I love you. And I love doing this with you. I just can''t believe you want to!"

    He growled at that expression of her self-doubt, but didn''t say anything, because she was smiling and as he moved over her, she wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him into a kiss that threatened to steal his control.

    In seconds they were both panting again and when he entered her, it was almost as if it was the first time. She cried out and he groaned. Then he pulled back so far he was almostpletely out, then thrust hungrily back into her, his head thrown back with the sheer bliss of it all.

    "Oh, Reth," she whispered as he began to roll, setting a pace faster than before. "Reth¡­ Reth¡­" He didn''t think she knew she was saying his name. Her eyes were closed and her head back and with the peak of each thrust she seemed to fall deeper into his thrall.

    He stroked up her side and found goosebumps from her knee to her waist. The firm ground beneath her gave her little room to move, so he slid his hand to the small of her back and pulled up as he thrust.

    "Reth!" She was arching again, her breast bobbing in time with his thrusts and he felt his own wave begin to crest.

    "Elia!" he gasped, "Look at me. Look at me!"

    Her eyes flew open and he pulled up at her back again. Her mouth dropped open and he wasn''t sure she was breathing, but he spoke through his teeth and their eyes never waivered.

    "You are¡­ mine," he snarled, his breath heaving. "Forever. No other. No matter what."

    "Oh, Reth¡ª"

    "No one else will ever have this from me: I love you to the bottom of my soul. Whatever I am is yours," he rolled into her again and they both groaned. "Whatever I have, you can take." Again. She was beginning to tremble. "There is no woman on earth, no woman in Anima, no woman created that is your match."

    "Reth!" her voice was high and shrill.

    He cupped her neck and arched back, but held her gaze. "None, Elia, do you hear me? None!"

    "Yes!"

    "You''re mine. You alone."

    "I love you, Reth!"

    His tether snapped. Stifling a roar, he braced on the ground on either side of her head and pounded into her, animal moans and grunts breaking from this throat. She clung to his arms and panted, so sharply her breath burst out of her like she''d been squeezed, again, and again, and again. She couldn''t speak, only make noise as, withser focus, he built the rhythm until she started to scream his name. Then he dropped to brace on his elbows, swallowing her cries, and crying his own climax into her kiss.

    His entire body shook and he was unaware of anything except her as he writhed against her, his body releasing the pent up tension in the most delicious explosion of energy and light he''d ever felt.

    And then it was done. They clung to each other, both slicked in sweat, and tried to catch their breath.

    Still braced on his elbows, he had both hands cupped over her head and when he opened his eyes, hers were silvered, shining with unshed tears.

    "Oh, love, what''s wrong?"

    "Nothing, Reth. That''s the point. Absolutely nothing," she breathed.

 Chapter 115: Elias Epiphany

    <h4>Chapter 115: Elia''s Epiphany</h4>

    ELIA

    She understood, then, what he''d been doing. Why he''d brought her there. And what he''d hoped to achieve. And she loved him even more, because he was right. It worked.

    When he''d insisted on bringing her there, she''d thought they wereing there to have a break, to be alone. And she knew that was part of it. But now she understood something he''d seen right away: She needed to know her importance to him, to understand her importance to everyone.

    When the King held you high, the people should too.

    As theyy there, tangled together in the bright clean air of Anima, and Reth dozed on her shoulder, still inside her, she stroked his back and his hair, and she smiled and stared at the sky and started to recalibrate her life.

    She had been so busy trying to find her way, she''d lost herself.

    Yes, she was different than the Anima, and yes, she needed to try to work with them, learn their ways, and not offend them. She already loved these people and this ce. But she''d be so deeply aware of their differences, she''d forgotten their simrities¡ªand she''d let the people forget them too.

    She could see, now, that finding eptance was going to take time. And that was okay. They needed to get to know her as much as she needed to get to know them. And she was willing to bet she could find a way to make that happen. But in the meantime¡­ she was the Queen. She was adored by the King, and held high in his esteem, and that was worth something.

    He knew her already, and loved her. The others just needed time.

    She made a face at herself. She wasn''t unrealistic¡ªshe knew there would always be Anima that didn''t trust her because of her physical weakness, or her different ways. But that was true of Reth, as well. And he didn''t care one bit.

    He was who he was. He knew who he was. And he let everyone else know it too. That was what she needed to do. She needed to let them know who she was so they could measure her by her true self, not by what they thought was true about her, or what they were told by scheming wolves.

    As she thought about it, all the sesses she''d had, the few people whose minds she had changed, all seemed to happen when she''d gotten angry enough, or passionate enough to just do what she thought was right¡ªAymora when she stood up for Reth, the elders when she''d told them to question her¡ªit was always when she forgot to be worried and just acted on instinct¡­

    Her mouth dropped open. Reth had known from the beginning.

    Listen to your instincts.

    What a clever husband she had.

    Heart brimming with hope and happiness, she wrapped her arms around Reth''s massive shoulders and squeezed him as tightly as she could.

    His even breathing caught, and she felt hime awake. "Was I crushing you," he said suddenly, leaning up on his elbows.

    "No, not at all," she sighed happily. "It was lovely to just hold you."

    He smiled and stroked her hair. "More lovely to be held, I think." He kissed her and her heart swelled, tears threatening again, but the happy kind.

    "Thank you, Reth," she croaked when he pulled away to frown at her.

    "Why the tears, my love?" His face looked so pained, she wanted to cry just for how he loved her.

    "No, no! They''re happy tears, because¡­ you were right. This was exactly what I needed and¡­ and I see everything more clearly now."

    "Oh? How so?"

    She cupped his face with both hands and beamed at him. "You''re amazing. You''re you. You''re all of yourself, all the time. And¡­ I thought I was that way too. But since I''ve been here I''ve been holding back. Scared, or worried about upsetting people. I never found my feet because I forgot who I was. I need to be myself and let them see. Like you. I need to be more like you, Reth. Except¡­ me."

    He blinked several times, then backed off of her, to sit, pulling up one knee and leaning his elbow on it, running that hand through his hair and shaking his head slowly. His eyes never left her.

    She sat up, watching him. "What is it?"

    "You¡­" he swallowed and looked away. "You humble me," he said, his deep voice rough. "I don''t deserve your admiration, Elia."

    "Of course you do! Look at you! Look at what you do here! Look at what you''ve achieved!"

    "Look at all the ways I''ve left you down and let you scramble since you got here. All the ways I failed you before¡­"

    The reminder of his life before¡ªthe women before¡ªwas like cold water poured over her. But she knew it was pointless to let herself think about. He''d shown her since she got here, he had eyes for no one but her. Could she me him for having rtionships before she was there?

    "I¡­" she started, then trailed off, biting her lip. "Give me a moment to see if I can say this right," she said. "I wasn''t angry about you having sex before. Honestly, I''m kind of d you know what you''re doing, because¡­ I like it," she grinned. But Reth''s face remained serious. "I was upset about Lucine because¡­ because it feels intimate. Too close. Like¡­ she had a part of you that I didn''t."

    "She didn''t¡ª"

    "I know, Reth, it''s okay. Let me finish. I was already feeling like a failure before that came up¡ªand I''m d you told me¡ª" she rushed on when he looked like he might speak. "I am. I''m d to know. It will be awkward for a while when I see her, but then we''ll get used to it. You did exactly the right thing bringing me up here today. Because it''s made me realize I was looking at this from entirely the wrong perspective."

    "How so?"

    She scooted closer, right up to his legs, put her hand on his knee and smiled up at him. "I was thinking I had to have the love of the people, and then I would be deserving of you," she said breathlessly. "Then I would make you happy and have¡­ earned my ce."

    "Elia¡ª"

    "No, let me finish! I realize that was the wrong way to look at it. I see it now. I already have you," she said softly and his eyes heated. "I already have my ce with you. And you¡­ you already deserve the respect and the admiration of the people. So, they should be listening to you. And I¡­ I need to show them who I really am. Because I haven''t been me. Not the real me. I''ve been so off-bnce and worried, I haven''t just¡­ been me. I''m going to be me, now, Reth. And some of that they''ll like. And some of it they won''t. But we''ll get through it, right?"

    "Right," he said.

    She smiled again. "We''re in this together, Reth. You aren''t getting rid of me. And neither is Anima."

    "Thank the Creator for that," he breathed and kissed her hungrily.

 Chapter 116: Hungry

    <h4>Chapter 116: Hungry</h4>

    RETH

    She stayed naked. It was glorious. He vowed to bring her up there every day if she''d do that. After the very inconvenient entry of Behryn and the men when the Silent One was close, he understood why she didn''t feelfortable in the cave without clothes. So it was a special treat to have her out there, the sunlight kissing her skin¡ªand Reth kissing it too.

    They lounged on the nket for a while, talking about nothing important, then her stomach growled, and Reth grabbed the pic basket.

    "It''s getting veryte. My Queen needs her lunch."

    "I''d like some more desert," she said cheekily, and ran a finger down the center of his chest. His breath came faster and he grinned at her, his cock twitching because she''d rolled onto her elbow, and with her other hand extended towards him like that, it pushed her breasts together. She noticed and raised an eyebrow at him.

    "Down, woman, or I''ll never get you fed," he said, letting the heat he felt show in his eyes.

    She giggled and the noise was so perfect, he wanted to tickle her and make her do it again. But he forced himself to start unpacking the food. There would be time for tickling¡ªand other thingster.

    While he did that, she rolled onto her back and stretched. Reth bit back a groan.

    "You aren''t helping me focus," he grumbled. With an exaggerated eye-roll, she rolled onto her stomach so her plump bottom was just right there for the taking, and he growled. "Still not helping."

    "Seriously?" she said, rolling back to her side and leaning her head on her fist, which made her waist dip and her breasts hang together, which was definitely worse from Reth''s perspective. "Men. Y''all are weird."

    "Says the woman who gets breathless every time I take off my shirt." He turned his eyes to the food, but knew the sight that would greet him when he looked up.

    He looked up.

    She snorted. "There isn''t a woman with a pulse that wouldn''t get breathless when you take off your shirt, Reth," she said. He handed her a grape without breaking eye-contact, and she popped it into her mouth. When her lips pursed his body tightened. Hey back down on his side and scooted over so he was right in front of her, bringing the grapes with him. She kept her chin down, but looked at him through hershes and a purr of approval rumbled in his chest.

    "Open up."

    When she dropped her jaw he put the grape in her mouth and she closed her teeth on his finger. The picture of her like that, her teeth bared, eyes hot, and breasts pressed together made his entire body light up. With a soft growl, he pulled his finger free, but cupped her neck and pulled her in for a kiss, stealing the grape in her mouth. Then he pulled away with a grin and ate it.

    "Brute," she said, but her cheeks were flushed.

    "I''m wounded. No really. Your words stab me right here, Elia," he said, tapping his chest.

    She giggled again and put her hand where his had been. "Poor baby. So touchy. Let me make it better." She leaned in and kissed the spot, right at the center of his chest, but instead of pulling away, she stayed close and let her hand drift down between his legs where his growing arousal was hard to miss.

    Reth rumbled and rolled onto his back, pulling her with him. She didn''t stop kissing his smooth skin, and as theyy t, her hair spread over his chest like a golden nket. He buried both hands in it, letting the soft strands pull between his fingers and flutter on his chest. Then she gripped him and stroked hard and his fingers tightened in her hair.

    She brought her head up, her eyes bright and cheeks pink. "You like that?"

    "More than like," he rasped, gently pulling her up by her hair to kiss him properly. But she didn''t release him, didn''t stop stroking and soon he had to drop his head back and breathe, or this was going to get messy.

    "Elia¡­ dear Lord¡­"

    She answered by kissing her way down his jaw, to his throat, stroking hard again just as her tongueved that V between his corbones and he threw back his head, arching into her, his entire body rigid.

    "Stop," he gasped, pulling his legs up and pulling her towards him. "Stop, or I won''t be able to do this right."

    "You don''t have to do this, Reth, let me do this to you."

    "Not on your life. I''ll see you gasping or we both go home sad," he said and pulled her to his chest, flipping them both over so she shrieked and let go of him.

    "Reth!"

    "Mmmmm?" he purred, his face buried in her neck, using one knee to nudge her legs apart so he could rest between them.

    "I¡­"

    He dropped to suck on the peak of her breast and she shuddered.

    "Oh¡­ nevermind," she said breathlessly. "I forgot what I was going to say."

    Reth chuckled, her nipple still in his mouth and she shivered again.

    Then Reth froze and lifted his head suddenly. Elia went still, looking around. "What?" she hissed.

    "Your list!" he said. "We forgot about the list!"

    Elia made a pffffft noise and slumped back onto the nket. "You''ve got to be kidding me," she groaned into her hands. Rethughed and pulled her hands away from her face. "Tell me! We''re here. We''re outside, I know that was one of them. But¡­ there must be more?"

    "Reth, this isn''t the time¡ª"

    "I don''t know a better time," he said, nuzzling her neck. "I do have to go back to work eventually, but you have my full attention, My Queen. Please¡­ tell me¡­ what is on your list?" He nibbled on her earlobe and she shivered, her skin pebbling from her neck, all the way down her arm. "Please, Elia?"

    She groaned, but turned her head to look at him, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling. "Most of the others would need to be inside, I think," she said, and Reth''s ears perked, his mind flipping through all the wonderful ideas she might be having. "Well, that could be arranged," he said and waggled his eyebrows.

    Sheughed. "No! I love this. I love being here alone and in the sun. There was one that it wouldn''t matter either way where we were, I think?"

    "And what was that?"

    "I wondered about¡­ being on top."

    "Your wish is mymand," Reth said hoarsely, flipping them over again. Elia gasped and clung to him, but he held her securely against him until they were turned and she had found her bnce, leaning on his chest, straddling his hips. His hands braced her hips and his eyes started making promises she was determined to make him keep.

    Her hair fell forward over her face, her mouth open wide with the sudden shift, but her eyes twinkling.

    "Are you ready, Elia?" he said in the low voice she hade to love.

    "For what?"

    "To tick something off both our lists," he growled.

 Chapter 117: On Top of the World

    <h4>Chapter 117: On Top of the World</h4>

    ELIA

    She was the luckiest woman alive, it was that simple.

    After a somewhat awkward beginning because she hadn''t been sure how to¡­ well, mount him, forck of any better word, he kept whispering instructions and telling her how much he loved her. And from this vantage point, he wasid about before her like a feast. She was shocked all over again by how gorgeous and huge and strong he was. And he was hers.

    With her hands t on his chest, Rethy beneath her, his head back, eyes hooded, locked on her, his hands at her hips. He kept a slow, but steady pace, pulling her down even as he drove into her until he almost lifted her knees from the ground.

    The pressure was intense and delicious, and she trembled with it. Strange noises had started to break out of her throat at the peak of each thrust, and she was having trouble keeping her eyes open. She let her head fall forward and he growled.

    "Now, sit up," he whispered. "Don''t worry, I won''t let you fall."

    "I¡­ what?" she breathed, eyes half-closed.

    "Sit up, Elia. Trust me."

    Still gasping with each roll of his hips, she walked her hands backwards until she was upright and¡­ dear Lord, she could feel him everywhere, as if he throbbed in her skin¡ªeven her feet! "I¡­ oh¡­ Reth¡­"

    He rolled into her again and she sighed letting her hands rest on the steel of his forearms as he gripped her hips.

    "Elia, Creator''s Light you''re beautiful," he said, his voice strangled.

    "Th-thank you," she whisperedmely. She was struggling to focus on anything but the sensations he wrung from her skin. He thrust again, holding her at the peak for a full breath, and she shuddered, but that wave inside was still building.

    She let her head tip back and brought one of her hands up to touch her own breast, teasing the nipple until those jolts crackled through her middle to meet the surge of sensations he kept lighting low in her belly. "Reth¡­" she breathed.

    "Light," Reth eximed. "I''m can''t¡­ light, Elia, you''re¡­ fuck!" His breath hissed through his teeth and she opened her eyes for a moment just to enjoy the sight of him losing control. She loved it when he fell apart. As if all the power and strength in him became hers for a moment.

    "It''s okay, Reth, you can go. I''m¡­ this is lovely." And it was. She may not hit her peak here, but feeling him so starkly inside her, between her legs, his hands on her¡­ it was a wholly new experience, and one she wanted to repeat.

    But, as if she''d somehow given him a challenge, Reth swore again and gritted his teeth. "I told you, I''ll see you gasp, or we''ll both home sad," he wheezed.

    Sheughed and it made her clench on him. He groaned like he''d been shot. And sheughed again and raised her hands up to her hair, arching back slightly.

    "Now you''re just teasing," Reth panted and sheughed again, but her eyes widened. The sensations were wonderful, and changed dramatically as her weight shifted and with her arms back like this¡­ oh¡­

    "Lean back, Elia."

    "I can''t, I''ll fall."

    "I''d never let you fall, love. Trust me. Lean back over my hand, I''ve got you. Let yourself go." He ced one of his massive hands at the small o fher back, his arm rigid and muscles bulging¡ªwhether from bracing her weight, or holding himself in check, she didn''t know, but as his grip changed and she experimented doing as he said, letting herself lean back, the feel of him inside shifted again and she held her breath. Then he rolled again and her mouth opened with a moan she hadn''t nned.

    "That''s it, my beautiful," he rasped. "Let go, I have you."

    Unable to resist the call of that incredible wash of feeling, Elis slumped back over the span of his hand, her back arched, breasts to the sky, her hair resting on his thighs.

    Reth made the mating call and it twanged in her belly like a guitar string drawn too tight. She gasped, and he rolled again and she could feel the wave inside her building.

    "Oh, Reth!"

    "I have you¡­ fuck¡­ I have you, Elia!"

    Then his thumb appeared, right where they were joined and as he rolled again, he slid the pad of his thumb up, up towards that bundle of nerves that throbbed and crackled, threatening to explode.

    "Oh, yes, Reth."

    "Elia, my love,e for me, beautiful," he moaned, stroking and rolling, holding her weight as she marveled at the feelings he created inside her.

    Her body tensed and she clenched on him and his pace picked up with grunting gasps. "I can''t¡­ oh Elia¡­ oh¡­ fuck¡­"

    "Reth! I''m¡­"

    "Elia! Elia!" He began to shake beneath her, his thumb still pressing her closer and closer to her climax, but he was tipping over the edge, she could feel it in him.

    Desperate for that final release, she grasped her own nipples and pinched, just as he pressed and thrust, and her entire world zoomed down to a single pinpoint: Reth''s warmth and strength, his voice calling her name, and the roll of his muscles beneath her and within her. Then she exploded, crying his name.

    Shaking and cursing, he sat up suddenly, pulling her against him hard as he thrust erratically. She grabbed his neck and held on as he came apart, roaring her name until it echoed off the mountainside above them.

    Then they slumped against each other, Elia''s forehead on his shoulder, his chin on hers, both panting and twitching as their releases faded.

    Elia felt like her very skin glowed. Exhausted and trembling, she pushed her hair off her face and beamed.

    But Reth had his eyes closed. "Well, shit," he muttered.

    "What? What''s wrong?" she asked, pushing the hair off his face. Had he hurt himself? Had she hurt him somehow?

    He opened his eyes reluctantly and sighed. "So much for being quiet," he muttered.

    Elia''s eyes went wide.

    Then they both scrambled up and ran for the hole, and the vinedder.

 Chapter 118: Behryn the Destroyer

    <h4>Chapter 118: Behryn the Destroyer</h4>

    RETH

    "What the fuck were you thinking, Reth?" Behryn yelled in thentern light of the Cave half an hourter.

    "I wasn''t thinking about you, that''s for sure. C''mon, Behr, it''s none of your business. My mate and I¡ª"

    "You and your mate just announced to the world that the King was at home and getting busy, outside, and unattended!"

    "Behryn," Elia sighed. "Why does it matter¡ªeveryone will know anyway."

    "It matters!" The massive man turned on Elia with eyes shing with anger, and Reth growled and stepped between them. But Behryn stared him down, then looked at Elia over his shoulder. "It matters because the guards weren''t with you which means they''ll know you were unattended."

    Elia gulped. "It was a mistake. Things got heated and¡ª"

    "You''re supposed to be the thoughtful one here! You''re supposed to be the one with the rope around his nose¡ªyou couldn''t keep him quiet one time?"

    "I did. Twice, actually. It was the third time that¡ª" Elia started, stifling augh. But Reth was so tense he was beginning to shake. She put a hand to his shoulder and whispered to him, "He''s not going to hurt me. He''s just angry. You''re fine."

    But Reth snarled. Behryn threw up his hands and stormed away from them both, across the great room, but then turned on his heel and stomped right back up to put a finger in Reth''s chest. "You will tell me where you were, how you got outside without the guards seeing you leave, and we will have new guards posted at the exit¡ª"

    "I told you, Behr, we were in the mineral pools."

    "Don''t fucking lie to me! My hearing is better than yours, Reth, and that was no tunneled echo. You were outside¡ªthe entire Tree City knows it!"

    "They don''t know that no guards were with me unless you tell them."

    "The guards know! Which means all the soldiers do, because they had to debrief on shift-change and you know how they love to tease you about mating roars, Reth. It''s only going to take one person to put two and two together¡ª"

    "Then I guess our job is to make sure they can''t," Reth said, in a voice of stone.

    "Tell me where you went! How you got out!"

    "No."

    "Reth, I wonder if¡ª" Elia started, but he whirled on her.

    "No. It''s ours. Only ours. We will have one thing that is sacred!" he snarled, then turned on Behryn. "One thing! One ce that is only for my mate and I and you will not be the one to steal it from us, Behryn."

    "But the security¡ª"

    "It has been in this cave longer than I have and never discovered," Reth insisted. "Nothing has changed except that you now know it exists. So, the answer is no."

    "But the wolves!"

    "The wolves don''t know it exists, either. And if anyone asks, we''ll¡­ I don''t know what we''ll tell them but we''ll think of something."

    Behryn stood before him, face pale, hands in fists, shaking with anger. "I swore to protect you with my life," he said quietly, eyes aze. "I have given everything over to keep you safe, to protect your mate."

    "And I am eternally grateful for it, brother, you know that," Reth said seriously. Genuinely.

    Behryn nodded. "But you now tell me you¡ªyou, Reth¡ªwould put a barrier in my way.? An ess that our enemies could use, and you will not allow me to guard it. To ensure your safety. You will not even tell me where it is!"

    "Because I know the risk is so low¡ª"

    "What if it were Elia here alone, Reth? What then? What if she were the one who''d figured out how to get out of the cave, but wouldn''t tell you. How would you feel?"

    Reth went very still. Behryn nodded. "Not veryfortable when the shoe is on the other hoof, is it, Reth?"

    "Behryn¡ª"

    "Reth, just tell him," Elia sighed. "If he understands how safe it is, he won''t freak out and¡­ and hopefully we can stop having guards soon anyway."

    Reth and Behryn exchanged an entire conversation in one look:

    Behryn raised his eyebrow to say, she doesn''t appreciate the risk she''s in.

    Reth agreed.

    Behryn said you have to make her understand.

    Reth said he would.

    "Tell me. Where. It is," Behyrn said through his teeth.

    "No," Reth said. "But hear me brother, the reason I won''t tell you is because I know the risk is much, much lower by the hiding. The more people know, the far more likely we are to have a breach. The escape was created by my father, and no one has ever discovered it. We truly are safe. I need you to trust me on that."

    Behryn''s jaw twitched. He rolled his shoulders and shook his head. "You will regret this, Reth. I know it in my bones."

    "I pray that isn''t true, brother," Reth said sadly pulling Elia into his side. "It is a very needed and necessary escape. I''m sorry, but it will remain private."

    Elia gave him a grim smile and put a hand to his chest, and for a moment, everything they''d shared that afternoon shed in his head¡ªher hand on his chest, her lips on his chest, his lips on hers, her hair in his hands, her cry in his mouth¡ªit all rattled through his head and threatened to tighten his groin again, which had to be impossible.

    She was like a drug.

    He put his hand over hers and smiled down at her, and Behryn made a growl in his throat that would have marked him wolf if they hadn''t known better.

    But he also knew Reth, and knew when his brother would not budge. Reth was rarely stubborn¡ªonly for a very good reason.

    He could hear Aymoraughing in his head and shook it to rid himself of the sound.

    "I''m sorry, brother," Reth said again. "Truly. But I need you to trust me on this."

    Behryn pped a hand to dismiss Reth, and stormed out of the cave, muttering under his breath about stupid, cocksure lions.

    When he''d gone, Elia looked up at him. "Are you sure, Reth?" she asked quietly. "He seems pretty worried."

    "I am certain," Reth said, pulling her chin up for a quick kiss. "But I do need to go soothe his shattered nerves. So, are you okay?"

    "I''m the best I''ve been in a long time," she said, smiling. "You go do your work. I''m off to start mine."

    Reth smiled. "That''s my Queen." Then he bowed over her hand before leaving the cave himself and running after Behryn¡ªonly to find him already gone from the clearing.

    Reth groaned. Bastard had run because he knew Reth couldn''t keep up.

    ****

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 Chapter 119: Master Plan

    <h4>Chapter 119: Master n</h4>

    Elia

    Unfortunately, she hadn''t seen Reth, or her Cohorts before dinner. She''d spent the couple of hours in the meadow trying toe up with ideas for how to win the hearts of the people. She didn''t want to talk to herpanions without at least an idea¡­ but she wasing up nk. The truth was, she didn''t know enough about the Anima to understand what they enjoyed.

    It was time to speak to her adviser.

    She left for dinner early and dropped by Gahrye''s market stall. He was there, but with no customers, and when she arrived, he smiled. "Good to see you."

    "You too," she said, looking at the braided leathers he had disyed on the table. They were all so pretty. "I know I spoke with you all about doing some research today, but I''ve had another idea. Or maybe it would be better to say I want to have another idea. Are you able to go for a walk with me? Just for a few minutes? Then we can go to dinner and maybe find the others?"

    "Sure, let me close up."

    A few minutester they were walking through the Tree City, away from the market, but only because it was early to head to the meal. Elia had been throwing some of her ideas at Gahrye, only to discover that, just like her Champion n, much of what she had either wouldn''t appeal, or would be see as unting weakness.

    She groaned. "I am so determined, Gahrye, I''m not going to be beat by this. I haven''t been myself. I''ve been so worried about people, I haven''t let them see my strength. And I want to do that! So I need to find a way to get people excited and together so I can talk to them¡ª"

    They turned a corner into an area of the forest that Elia hadn''t entered before and almost ran into a woman hurrying along with her head down.

    "Oh, I''m sorry!" Elia gasped as they came chest to chest.

    "Please don''t¡ª"

    It was Lucine.

    They stood, staring at each other for a silent moment, then Elia swallowed. This wasn''t how she''d nned to reach out, but¡­ she hadn''t seen Lucine for a week. She didn''t know when she''d get another chance. And she didn''t want to leave this awkward cloud hanging over herself.

    "Lucine!" she said quietly. "I''m very sorry, I didn''t see you there."

    The woman stared at her, t faced, then looked at Gahrye, and to Elia''s surprise, her face softened.

    "Hi, Lucine," Gahrye said.

    She nodded, then turned back to Elia, and all expression fell from her features once again.

    "I''m very d to have run into you, actually," Elia said quickly, keeping her chin high¡ªuntil Gahrye nudged her and she remembered, that bearing your throat to a predator was submissive. So she put her shoulders back but dropped her chin. Lucine''s eyes widened slightly, but she didn''t say anything. "I was wondering if perhaps we could speak privately at some point. There were a few things I felt like we never got cleared up after the Rite¡ª"

    "I cannot meet privately with the Queen," Lucine spat, her face suddenly a picture of offence and rage. She shot a pleading look at Gahrye, then darted past Elia, towards the market, and almost ran.

    Elia stared after her. "What was that about? Why couldn''t she meet with me?"

    "She''s shunned. If you were to meet with her and not kill her, it would dishonor you, and make her position even worse."

    "How can that possibly be?" she said rounding on Gahrye. What kind of messed up system did these people have?

    "You chose not to kill her in the Rite," Gahrye exined. "By doing that you essentially called her incapable¡ªsomeone who, like a child, should be protected, even from themselves."

    "So¡­ how do I tell everyone she''s not that."

    "The only way would be to challenge her. Fight. To the death."

    Elia''s mouth fell open. "Are you freaking kidding me?"

    "She''s shunned because you dered her incapable, and Reth didn''t kill her¡ªwhich technically he should have done, but because you''d dered her incapable, she is instead treated like a child. Or perhaps a mentally unstable adult? Anyway, unless one of you fights her to prove that she''s capable¡­" He shrugged.

    "There''s really no other way to bring her back into her normal standing?"

    "It will happen eventually. But it will probably take a few years. She''ll go to battle, or kill a Silent One, or make some other achievement, and she''ll begin to w her way back."

    "Does she know that?"

    Gahrye nodded. "But keep in mind, she went into that Rite as the strongest Wolf heir, and expected toe out of it as Queen, on Reth''s arm. The reality has been¡­ quite different."

    Elia stared at the spot where the woman had disappeared down the path. "What''s the difference between being shunned, and being disformed? In terms of how the people treat you?" she asked, turning back to Gahrye boldly.

    He ran a hand through his sandy hair and shrugged again. "In some ways I have it better. I''m not seen as incapable. I''m generally treated like an adult. But I''m expected to stay out of the way and not¡­ influence people."

    "What?"

    "They don''t know what causes disformity, so those of us with¡­. Issues¡­ generally stay away from anything important."

    "But¡­ you''re my cohort!"

    Gahrye widened his eyes. "Which is exactly why everyone got real quietst night. I¡­ I really think you should choose someone else, Elia. I''d be happy to tell them I couldn''t do the role¡ª"

    "No! You were the first one to help me, and your insight is always exactly what I need. I trust your judgment, Gahrye. I know it''s going to be awkward, but you''re sticking around. And who knows, maybe one day things will improve?"

    He took a deep breath. "I guess we''ll find out."

    Elia blinked. "I''m sorry, I didn''t actually ask you¡­ Gahrye, do you want to be my Cohort? My advisor? Because if you don''t, I don''t want to force you. This is going to be a difficult time while we both find our feet."

    Gahrye nodded. "I¡­ honestly, I have never been so honored in my life. My fear is that by keeping me, you put yourself in a more difficult position."

    "Do you want to do it?"

    "Yes."

    "Good, then that''s settled, because I want you. The rest of them can go jump."

    "Jump? Why would they do that? And what would it help?" he asked, confused.

    Elia groaned and turned back towards the market and dinner. "It just means that I don''t care what they think."

    "Jumping is an expression ofck of care in your world?"

    "No! It''s a saying. Look, nevermind. Forget I said it."

    He looked relieved and started back with her towards dinner, and the others.

    "Is Reth going to be there?" he asked nervously a few minutester.

    "As far as I know, why?"

    "No reason. I just need to¡­ make sure he''sfortable. It might be better for me to sit at a different table until things have settled down."

    "Oh no you will not," Elia said firmly. "You''re my advisor. You''ll sit at my table. Besides, this is a working meal. You and the others are going to talk me through this until we figure out what to do."

    He gave her a grim smile, but she noticed he wasn''t walking slowly.

    *****

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 Chapter 120: The Way to a Mans Heart

    <h4>Chapter 120: The Way to a Man''s Heart</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia sat at the end table, Gahrye on one side with Aymora beyond him, Candace on Elia''s other side. There had been some stares when Gahrye first joined them, but now everyone seemed to have rxed. It gave Elia hope that over time they would stop being worried about it.

    Now if only Reth would show up¡­

    Elia turned back to the others who were all frowning at their tes, trying desperately to help her find a way to connect with the people that was true to herself, but also appealed to them.

    She sighed again and picked at her meal. "I need to find a way to do both," she insisted again. "I need to be myself, to show myself, but also make the people feel wee with me and¡­ we need to bond!"

    Candace''s eyes widened. "I suspect your use of the word bond there is different than ours," she said.

    Aymora nodded. "I think she means to make friends."

    "Yes, I do," Elia groaned. "Why, what does it mean here?"

    Gahrye grinned. "It means what we all heard Reth roaring this afternoon."

    Elia''s face med while the othersughed. "That was¡­ a mistake," she grumbled, then rushed on before anyone asked her where they''d gone that he could be heard that way. "Don''t distract me: If these ideas won''t work for Anima, tell me what will. How do I befriend the people? Show myself to them, but also give them a chance to show themselves to me. What do they enjoy?"

    "Eating," all three said at the same time.

    Elia groaned. "I can''t invite every single Anima over for dinner one by one. I''d be gray and wrinkled before we got to the end of the list."

    "You wouldn''t need to do it one by one, Elia," Gahrye said quietly. "The people love to gather and eat. Or hear a story. Or dance. If you truly want to capture people''s hearts, give them something to look forward to. An event. A feast!"

    "But, we just had a feast."

    Aymora snorted. "That is of no matter. The Anima would feast every day if we could."

    "And didn''t you enjoy the dancing?" Candace said with a sly smile.

    Elia grinned. "I''ll admit, I didn''t know Reth could be so¡­ graceful. And the dress you found me was a hit, Candace. I need to find more of those."

    Candace and Aymora both chuckled, but Gahrye looked a little green.

    Elia chewed her food and considered the idea. Could she turn some kind of feast, or dance into an opportunity to bond with the people? "Is there any kind of¡­ I don''t know, custom? Anything that involves a person offering themselves to the people or something? There seems to be so many different traditions here¡ªwhat could I do that would make the people see that I want them to see me, and I want to see them clearly?"

    Candace and Gahrye both looked at Aymora. She was, Elia had learned, a Keeper of the Histories. Only a handful of Anima knew the full history of their people and were considered qualified to educate the Rulers and leaders. Aymora was one.

    "I wouldn''t say that there is a custom, but we do have a history of storytelling. When a Ruler wishes to inspire the people, they tell a story from the histories that exins what they''re nning, or why they''re warning against something. It isn''t a tradition. There aren''t rules or customs. But the people would understand if you were to¡­ share yourself that way.

    "Of course, it''s also used to correct the people too, so you would have to be careful about tone," Aymora grinned.

    "Correct them?"

    "Yes. When a Ruler sees that his people are walking the wrong way¡ªthere is a problem throughout the Anima, not just within a certain pack or herd¡ªthen he will gather the people together and call for correction. A censure, they called it once. It is¡­ a very difficult moment. The Ruler must be very strong to set down all the people at once¡ªit is an opportunity for them to be challenged. But it has happened in the past sessfully."

    "I don''t want to censure them!" Elia said hurriedly.

    "No, but, much like the Readings that were established by Reth''s grandmother, you could use a gathering to tell your story in a way that will enlighten the people, and help you to understand each other."

    Hope lit in Elia''s heart atst. "That¡­ that sounds perfect."

    "Are you a good storyteller, Elia?" Gahrye said around a mouthful of food. "The people can be¡­ quite hard on poor speakers."

    Candace choked on her food and Elia stared. "What?" Gahrye was grinning.

    "We had an incident a couple of years ago," Candace exined. "I think he was drunk, but one of the elders got up at a Reading. And he was¡­ terrible."

    Even Aymora fought a smile at the memory.

    "To this day I hear some of the men tease him about it."

    "What was so bad about it?" Elia asked.

    "He was just¡­ boring," Candace said, gesturing with her fork. "When the people gather it is an asion¡ªeven the childrene. They look forward to it for weeks. If someone stands up and is nervous or t¡­ everyone is let down."

    "No pressure," Elia muttered.

    Gahrye snorted. "I don''t think you''ll have any trouble keeping the people''s attention," he said. "They''re fascinated with you."

    "What? They all think I''m a weak, pathetic excuse for a human being."

    "No, they think you''re a very prime example of a human being," Candace shot back. Both Aymora and Gahryeughed.

    Elia glowered at her. "The whole point of this is to help the people see me¡ªsee humans¡ªin a different light. Help them see the strengths that I have, even if they might be different to what they''d expect."

    Aymore nodded thoughtfully. "We will need to think very carefully about how to present your story. It will need to be¡­ understandable by the people."

    Elia took a deep breath. "So, this is a good idea, right? A feast, with a storytelling."

    "And a dance! We could dance after."

    "That''s not a feast, that''s a festival," Gahrye said. "Especially if you n ahead and let the Merchants sell goods for it."

    They all looked at each other. Candace''s eyes lit up. "The Festival of¡­ of¡­?"

    "The Queen?" Gahrye offered.

    Elia shook her head. "No, not about me. About the theme. What are we trying to do?"

    "The Festival of Hearts," Aymora said quietly.

    Elia turned to her, beaming. "Yes! Will the people understand that?"

    "We''ll make sure they do."

    As the other three discussed the messages that could be sent, the ways the people could be enticed to excitement for the festival, Elia smiled at her te. She felt like she was finally going to find her feet. She knew there was a long way to go, but at least she had a n now. A focus. And she had found herself again.

    She took a deep breath as her mind turned back to the time on the mountainside with Reth that afternoon and she shivered. Not just because of the sex. But because of the love he''d shown¡ªthe way he''d known what she would need and had¡ª

    A touch on her arm distracted her. She turned to find Gahrye leaning in. "This could really work, Elia," he said, smiling. "If we bring it to them correctly, it could really be a bridge between you and the people."

    Elia beamed at him. "Thank you, Gahrye¡ªand thank you for always being willing to help me, even when I''m ignorant, or¡ª"

    A guttural snarl tore through the market, from behind them.

    Elia gasped and whirled to find Reth standing, his eyes alight with a fierce fire, and fixed on the point where Gahrye touched her arm.

    "Reth! No!"

    But it was toote, Rethunched himself at Gahrye.

 Chapter 121: Toe-to-Toe with a Lion

    <h4>Chapter 121: Toe-to-Toe with a Lion</h4>

    Reth

    He waste to dinner, and so grateful that Elia now had her Cohorts to share meals with when he was busy. Convincing Behryn that his refusal to share wasn''t a personal offence had taken longer than he''d expected. His friend was tired, and Reth had given him many unpleasant surprisestely. But he felt certain they''d be back on even footing tomorrow when they met. Now he had to get back to Elia, to watch out for her as she tried to navigate this new resolve to win the people''s hearts.

    He knew she could do it. He just prayed she didn''t put herself in danger in the process.

    His mind turned back to that afternoon they''d spent alone and his chest swelled. He picked up his pace. He wanted to be close to her, even if not that close. He needed to see her and smell her and be certain she was well. He needed to look his love on her.

    It was selfish, but he told himself it wouldn''t hurt, just this once, to use the back entrance to the market so he wouldn''t be stopped by the people, or forced to chat. He needed to see her and make sure she''d kept her resolve.

    So it was with a lightly racing heart that he trotted up the short stairs from the back of the stage area. No one knew he was there, he would surprise her.

    But it was he who was surprised. And not pleasantly.

    He topped the stairs at a trot, smiling, looking for her¡­ and was mmed to a stop by the view of Gahrye, leaning into his mate''s ear, his hand on her arm and her bright smile in return.

    Every inch of his skin trembled with the desire to shift and bite out the throat of this male who sat so close and touched his mate.

    He froze, gripped in a war against himself, his mind screaming at him that Gahrye was not threat, that Elia''s smile was only an offering of friendship. But then the Creator let a breeze bring her scent, mingled with his, and a snarl that started in his toes ripped out of Reth''s throat.

    Elia''s eyes went wide and she whipped around to face him, her face shing relief when she recognized him, then rm and confusion when Reth leapt towards them and Gahrye threw himself from his chair, debased on the wooden floor before him.

    "Reth! No! Don''t! We were just talking¡ªhe hadn''t done anything¡ª"

    "You¡­ touch¡­ my¡­ mate?" His voice was a guttural growl, half-man, half-beast. And he knew his eyes glowed with the light of his Beast. He stood asrge as he was capable, hands open at his sides, teeth bared.

    Gahrye didn''t lift his head, kept himself t to the floor. "I-I''m sorry, Sire. There was no intention. No meaning. An offer of friendship only. She is yours, Sire, heart and soul."

    "Yes, she is." He nced up to find Elia standing, wide-eyed behind Gahrye, her hands over her mouth. "Only mine."

    "Reth! Please! Don''t hurt him! He did nothing wrong!"

    Gahrye turned his head slightly and hissed at her, "Stop talking!"

    "You touch her, and now you give her orders, prey?" Reth roared, his shoulders hunched and tense and Gahrye froze. The entire market went quiet, most of the male''s dropping to a knee as Reth shifted to hover over Gahrye on the floor, his voice a chill and quiet threat.

    "I am her advisor. She doesn''t understand¡ª"

    "When my mate speaks to me, you have no ce in the conversation!"

    "Yes, Sire. I''m sorry. She is yours"

    There was a tense moment where Reth''s back rippled and he almost gave in. Aymora made a small noise and stepped forward, but he breathed deeply and swallowed it back. His heart pounded in his chest and he knew if he stayed here, he would end up hurting someone, so he tipped his head at Elia. "Come," he snarled.

    She blinked. "What?"

    "Come with me, wife," Reth growled. "If you want me to leave your advisor alive, we''re leaving. Now."

    She didn''t move immediately and Reth''s beast roared. But Aymora nudged her and whispered something, and she stalked forward, reluctantly.

    Without taking his eyes off of Gahrye, he took her hand and pulled her behind him. "You will see her tomorrow. You will not touch her," he snarled.

    "Yes, Sire. I understand. Please don''t be concerned."

    Reth snorted the man''s scent from his nose and turned on his heel, nudging Elia ahead of him, who kept looking back. But the women must have been motioning for her go, because she made a face, then sighed and started down the stairs without furtherint.

    They took the back door back out into the city, then Reth swung her up into his arms and growled again.

    "Reth! What are you doing!"

    "I need to wash the stench of that male off you," he growled.

    "Put me down. I can walk!"

    "Too slow."

    And he started to run. Elia shrieked, but threw her arms around his neck. If only her arm didn''t stink of another male, he would have been soothed. Instead, it just pushed him faster.

    He was so focused on getting her through the city without running into another male, and getting her back to the cave, at first he didn''t notice her tension. But as he weaved through the trees and they got to the path home, he took a breath and smiled at her. "Almost there, Bathing pools first, I think."

    She gave him a t look. "I''m here because my helpers told me I need to be, but don''t you get any ideas, Reth. I''m very angry with you."

    "What? Why?"

    "Because you just humiliated my friend and advisor."

    "I didn''t humiliate him."

    "You put him on his face in front of the entire city!"

    "I did not. He put himself there."

    "Because you would have killed him if he didn''t."

    "True," he said smugly. Then, "What?" he asked as her expression got fiercer.

    "You enjoyed it! You liked making him do that!"

    "No, I promise you, there was nothing pleasant abouting to find you with a male touching you and whispering in your ear," he growled.

    "He wasn''t whispering in my ear, he was leaning it because the room was loud and he wanted to tell me something."

    "He touched you."

    "So?"

    "So, you''re mine, and¡ª"

    "GARETH, PUT ME DOWN."

    He was so startled he stopped running. They were on the edge of the meadow, the guards spread out around them, no doubt listening to this. Reth''s teeth clenched.

    "Elia," he said, still gripping her to his chest.

    "Reth, you told me you would never touch me uninvited. Well, you are uninvited right now. Put me down!"

    Reth fought the beast in him that wanted to put her in her ce, remind her that he was King. He was also mate, and mates gave to each other. Even when one mate was very wrong in what they were asking. Very wrong. Very wrong indeed.

    Grumbling to himself, he put her to her feet on the grass.

    She immediately turned her back and stalked for the cave. "And don''t get any ideas about joining me in the pools, I''ll see you after I''ve cleaned up."

 Chapter 122: Alpha Male

    <h4>Chapter 122: Alpha Male</h4>

    RETH

    As he stood and watched Elia storm back to the cave, a faint snigger rose in the woods behind him. Reth whipped his head around with a snarl. It stopped immediately.

    "Just wait until you have a mate," he growled at the unseen guard. "Then see how funny it is."

    Taking a deep breath, he followed her across the meadow and into the cave, but did as she wished, and didn''t follow her into the bathing pools.

    Even after she walked through the cave naked and staring a challenge at him.

    He should be crowned all over again for his restraint.

    Waiting for her to bathe almost sent him over the edge, though. His body yearned to shift, to take her, to assert dominance and wipe all trace of the other male''s scent on her. He paced the great room like the caged lion that he was, waiting for her to emerge, and when she finally did¡ªstill naked, and pink skinned, her hair twisted up on her head, he rushed to her, inhaling deeply, making sure there was nothing left of Gahrye on her.

    When he couldn''t sense anything, he purred his approval and tried to pull her into his arms.? But she folded her arms, and wouldn''te.

    "Elia, please." He stood over her, rubbing her arms. He was calmer now, but she wasn''t.

    "You called me yours in front of the entire city."

    "But you are mine!"

    "And you''re mine¡ªyou don''t see me walking up to every female that talks to you and snarling at her."

    "Oh, you should. That would be hot," he said, smiling. But her eyes widened. Reth sighed. "I''m trying really hard here, Elia. I am. I know this is different for you than it is for us¡ªI get that. I know you''re seeing this through different eyes. But I''m telling you, the reason I am King, Alpha at all, is exactly because of what you just saw. I didn''t humiliate Gahrye, I dominated him¡ªhe submitted. By choice. Which is why I didn''t tear out his throat. And if I had, I would have grieved him, but I wouldn''t have been wrong to do so. He touched you."

    "Are you serious? You''d put a death sentence on a guy for touching me?"

    Reth''s voice got rough. "If he touched you with ill-intent, yes. Absolutely. And my people would apud me for it."

    "Then you all have a horrendous respect for life!"

    "No, Elia¡ª"

    She pulled out of his hands and started for the bedroom. His anger red and he followed stalking after her and taking her hand to turn her back. She whirled, but yanked her hand out of his grip and even though he let her go, he growled.

    Elia startled and took a step back. "Is that how this works, Reth? You don''t get your way and suddenly you''re baring your teeth at me? Do I have to worry about my throat getting torn out?"

    "Of course not, you''re my mate! I growled! I was displeased! It''s no different than you raising your voice at me."

    "Oh, it''s different," she said, her arms folded over her chest, which unfortunately, pressed her breasts up in the most delicious way. His mouth watered. "Hey! Eyes up here, Reth!" she snapped her fingers and he yanked his gaze back up to her face.

    And something inside him snapped. "You want to order me around, Elia? Is that it? You want to feel like you''re the strong one? Because you can. That''s part of why the people are so uneasy about you."

    "What? Why? What are you talking about?"

    He took a step forward and she stepped back. But he kepting, slowly, stalking her like the predator he was.

    "My whole life is about dominance, Elia. It''s why I''m here. It''s why I''m King. And it''s what they love me for. Then you show up, and suddenly, I''m giving myself. I''m breaking tradition, and letting you do and say things I never would have let anyone else get away with." He paused, considering her. "You want to feel powerful, Elia?" he asked softly.

    He hadn''t stopped pressing forward, and she had kept backing up. Now she ran into the cave wall, stopped short in a parody of that first night, when she''d run into the tree, and he''d announced that he would mate her. He wondered if she remembered.

    Leaning on the wall behind her head, he loomed over her, his nose only an inch from hers. "Never question it, Elia," he whispered and her eyes widened. "No matter how strong I am out there, no matter what I bark, or growl, or whose throat I tear out¡­ the real control is yours. Because I might have their hearts and minds, but you''ve got mine."

    She swallowed as he leaned in, tilted up her chin when his mouth tipped towards hers, but he didn''t cross thatst breath of space between them. He hung back, holding her eyes.

    Her breath came fast and shallow. She licked her lips and he felt it like she''d licked his skin. "The choices are all yours, Elia," he whispered. "And whether they think it or not, deep down they know it. That''s what makes them so nervous. They can feel that you are in control of me, and they fear it. Because that means you''re in control of them, too." Their twin breaths mingled as they both began to pant. "Do you want to be in control, Elia?"

    "No!"

    "Are you certain?"

    She stared at him and her eyes dropped to his mouth. His skin tingled, pulling towards her. But he knew¡­ she had toe to him now. She was finding herself again. Her plea to him to move them forward, to show her how love worked, was changing. She needed to know her strength¡ªand his. She needed to know he chose¡ªwould always choose¡ªto bow to her needs. But that was his choice to do so.

    "I could force you, Elia," he said quietly. "I could make you into anything I wanted to, because I am the King. But I want you to be exactly who you are. The very best of who you are¡­ I love you for that. And I want you to love me for who I am, not what you mold me into."

    "I do," she murmured.

    "Not if you would fight me for taking control of a situation that is necessary to the wellbeing of the Anima."

    Her brows pinched. "You were embarrassing him for¡ª"

    "No one was embarrassed today, but you. The Anima are not embarrassed by our bodies. We are not embarrassed by our roles. And we are not embarrassed to give the King the respect his position is due. Or the Queen," he added as an after thought, one eyebrow up.

    She snorted. "The Queen is embarrassed all the time," she muttered.

    He smiled. "The Queen is adorable when she''s embarrassed¡ªand beautiful when she is fierce," he looked at her mouth again and she swayed towards him. "The day wille when you will need to challenge me, Elia. I know it. The day wille when I am wrong and I will need to hear you roar. But today was not that day."

    She took a deep breath and her breasts rose and fell with it.

    Reth groaned in his throat, and Elia''s eyes lit up.

 Chapter 123: Dominant

    <h4>Chapter 123: Dominant</h4>

    ***READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you helloP30ple for your fierce generosity that has made you Reth & Elia''s #1 fan! You are loved and appreciated! Enjoy!***

    ELIA

    Her heart was racing. She could feel it against her arms that were still folded. She hadn''t meant to push her boobs up, she''d just wanted him to know she was angry. But the fire in his eyes now¡­ her nipples ached to be teased with his tongue.

    He loomed over her, braced on the wall behind her, his nose just an inch from hers. She''d thought he was going to kiss her a minute ago, but he''d held back, despite the desire lighting his eyes.

    "I don''t like being ordered around," she said quietly.

    Reth nodded. "None of us do. Especially when we disagree with the order."

    "How am I supposed to look strong to the people if I jump every time you snap your fingers?"

    "They all do, too. Do you see them as weak?"

    "No, but¡ª"

    "Elia, the dominance hierarchy is everything to Anima. Without it, we have nopass. Understanding who is above you and who is below you is crucial to your security in our world. The people would be afraid if I stopped dominating them¡ªdo you understand that?"

    "Well, when you put it that way."

    He sighed. "Love, they don''t judge each other¡ªor you¡ªfor submitting to me. Which is good, because in truth, you don''t," he grinned. "If they saw¡­ but nevermind. Just trust me, the issues you''ve been facing haven''t been about your rtionship with me. They''ve been about your rtionship with them."

    "They allined that I didn''t mate you!"

    "Because they didn''t understand it. Can you me them?" he opened a hand to indicate his own chest, and Elia snorted. He chuckled and dropped his chin and their cheeks brushed and Elia''s skin tingled where they''d touched. She sucked in and his head snapped up. Their eyes locked.

    His eyes, so warm and bright and deep. She put her hands to his face and stroked his cheeks with her thumbs. "I am¡­ ufortable with what happened today, but I do know something important, Reth."

    "What''s that?"

    "It''s damn hot when you growl at me. But you''re right¡­ it feels that way because I know you won''t hurt me. And maybe that''s how they feel about the dominance thing? They¡­ trust you with it?"

    "I want to be very clear, Gahrye wasn''t feeling sexy today," Reth said hurriedly.

    She pped his chest and he caught her hand, brought it up to his mouth and kissed her palm. They smiled at each other as he dropped her hand. Then his eyes slid down her jaw, her neck, to her shoulder and he lifted his hand again to trace the marks he''d left on her skin. "I would never choose to make you bleed, Elia," he whispered, his eyes going dark. "But where it is necessary, I will do it, only to save you from something worse¡ªor to walk you toward something better."

    Her chest ached with the love in those words and despite everything that had happened, she had to kiss him. She took his face and pulled him in and opened her mouth on his.

    His breath shuddered and he tilted his head, cupping her jaw and kissing her slowly, deeply, with a purr in his throat.

    *****

    RETH

    He nearly groaned with relief when she kissed him. It was a battle not to take her, to own her mouth and her body. He''de to enjoy the freedom she''d given him. But his instincts were alight. This was a moment she needed. To understand. To find the boundaries of the bnce between them, and understand the people better through it.

    So he let himself stroke her face, but did nothing to move beyond the kiss.

    He left that to her.

    At first she seemed content, humming in her throat as they kissed, and pulling him closer. But as the kiss deepened, and his breath began to thunder, his hands shaking with the restraint he forced himself to, she tugged at him, pulling him closer, arching her back.

    A momentter she pulled back, staring at him in confusion. "What''s wrong?"

    "Absolutely nothing," he panted back. "Why?"

    "Why aren''t you touching me?"

    He stroked her hair off her face. "I am."

    "Not like¡­ not like you usually do. Why aren''t you holding me and¡­ and touching me¡­ and I want you, Reth!"

    "Then show me. Or tell me. Make what you want known, Elia."

    She turned her head slightly as if she was uncertain whether he could be trusted, but then she looked at his chest and licked her lips. "What I want?"

    "Anything," he said softly. "I am yours."

    To his surprise, she pushed off the wall and stepped around him then, but took his hand and tugged him toe with her¡ªnot towards the bedroom as he''d expected¡ªbut towards the firece. But halfway across the great room she stopped and turned to face him. "Can you bar the door?"

    He smiled. "It would be my pleasure." She rolled her eyes as he left her, trotting to the door, sliding off his vest as he went and throwing it over the hook near the door after heid the beam across it.

    When he turned back to her, she''d taken arge fur¡ªa sheepskin, by the smell¡ªout of the basket next to the firece andid it on one of the lounges.

    He tilted his head in a question¡ªuntil she settled herself onto it and spread her arms wide, running them up and down the soft fur, arching her neck back and humming her pleasure at the sensations on her skin.

    Reth almost choked on his own desire.

    "It''s on my list," she said with a wicked smile when she caught him staring. and he huffed.

    He prowled across the remaining feet between them and she beamed to see him stalking her. When he stopped, right in front of the lounge where she was seated, she looked at his pants and raised an eyebrow. "Still dressed, Reth?"

    "Tell me what you want, Elia," he rasped.

    "I want you naked, and I wanted you touching me, and when the timees, I want you to take me from behind the way you did when you imed me."

 Chapter 124: Tell Me What You Want

    <h4>Chapter 124: Tell Me What You Want</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    RETH

    His breath shuddered out of him as he yanked his belt free and shoved his pants down. She smiled and scooted back to give him room on the lounge as he kicked them off, then crawled over her, both of them sighing when they were finally skin-to-skin.

    "Touch me, Reth," she breathed into his mouth.

    "Show me," he rasped back.

    She took one of his hands and put it over her breast, arching and holding her breath when he immediately drew his thumb across her nipple. "Oh yes, just like that," she gasped. He did it again and she dropped her head back. "My neck, please, Reth. I love it so much when you kiss my neck."

    Growling his approval, he moved to kiss her throat, letting his tongue dip into the v between her corbones, then nipping and kissing his way up as he continued to touch her.

    He had to shift, to give his arousal room¡ªthen almost roared when she put a hand between them and began stroking him in return.

    The muscles on his arms strained as he braced himself over her, his chest barely dragging across hers while she palmed him. "Elia¡­ oh¡­ fuck¡­"

    Still stroking, she kissed him, her tongue a demanding, delightful pulse in his mouth. She responded to his grunts, stroking harder and faster until groaned again, shivering, and took hold of her wrist to stop her.

    "You need to¡­ to slow down¡­ if you want me to be able to¡­ do what you ask," he said, between breaths.

    "Do you want to do that, Reth?" she asked carefully.

    In answer, he let a growl putter in his throat as he pulled back, flipped her over, then pinned her to the lounge. With his hands underneath her, he dragged down her body from her breasts, to her stomach, to her hips. "Yes, Elia," he said, his voice honeyed gravel. "I want this, very much."

    He kissed the space between her shoulder des, and rubbed himself between her legs until she was trembling.

    "Th-that''s good," she gasped. "Because I do too."

    "Tell me," he said through his teeth, drawing himself along her softest spots slowly, slowly as she began to arch. "Show me."

    "Just¡­.just one minute¡­ that''s¡­ oh, that''s lovely, Reth," she gasped.

    He shuddered, but bit back a roar and continued to let himself slide along her most sensitive skin, gripping her hip in one hand, bracing himself with the other as he curled over her back, his teeth so close to her shoulder it was an act of sheer will not to bite down.

    He gave in to the temptation only enough toy his mouth at the nape of her neck, just as she arched her lower back and bumped back against him. The change of angle brought them closer and they both groaned.

    "I want you, Reth."

    "You have me, Elia," he groaned. " I am wrapped so tightly around your finger, I''m eating my own tail."

    She huffed augh that turned into a gasp when he rolled his hips and slid against her again. Still kissing her neck he picked up the pace, just a hair.

    But, turning her head, she put one hand back to bury her fingers in his hair and pull him to her. When their tongues slid in time with their bodies, he almost lost control.

    "Creator''s Light, Elia, tell me you want this now!"

    "Yes!" she gasped, drawing her knees up and bracing her arms on the arm of the lounge.

    With a groan that was half-call, Reth slid one hand over hers on the arm, their fingers twined, took himself in hand and found her, ready. He ced his chin at her ear, both of them panting heavily, as whispered, "All of me Elia. You have everything." Then he pushed into her in one long, slow slide.

    She threw her head back with a groan and Reth opened his mouth on her neck as they both shuddered, but he didn''t stop, didn''t give her time to recover. He couldn''t. The smell of her, the warmth of her, her skin her hair, the sound of her cries as they moved together, it all overwhelmed him.

    Curled over her, he locked his hands on hers, her shoulders braced against his quivering arms as he thrust.

    She cried out and he huffed the mating call, then he drew back, almost all the way out, and did it again.

    "Reth! Oh, f¡ªoh, Reth!"

    "Tell me, Elia!"

    "Don''t stop! Please!"

    He kissed the nape of her neck again, then the iming marks, still red and raised on her skin because she was human and didn''t heal so quickly. Then he dropped his chin next to her ear. "Hold on, my love."

    She was beyond words already, her breath catching and holding at the peak of each thrust, then bursting out of her when he drew back.

    She shook beneath him, against him, clenched around him and he threw a hasty prayer to the Creator that he could withstand the sheer joy of it long enough for her to find her release.

    "Reth¡­ Reth¡­"

    He couldn''t speak, could only hold her, love her, and show her with his body everything that he felt.

    Then she let her shoulders sag andy her head on the arm of the lounge and the angle changed and her voice became frantic, calling for him, gripping the chair, white-knuckled under his hands and pushing back against him. Reth gritted his teeth and tried to stifle the roar that tore out of his throat when she suddenly cried out, then began to shake and twitch. He continued to, holding his own release back until she sucked in, open mouthed, in shock.

    Then, before she could recover, he straightened, grunting as he thrust, pulling her hips back against him so hard their bodies pped together.

    "Oh, Reth!"

    "Only youmand me, Elia!" he shouted as she trembled and screamed his name again. Then he shuddered and rocked, riding the crest of his own wave, then down, down, down, to slump, spent and sweaty over her, his lips against the iming marks.

 Chapter 125: Heirarchy and Peace - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 125: Heirarchy and Peace - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia had intended to find Gahrye at breakfast, but Reth had kept her in bed far toote that morning. She had a feeling it was on purpose, that he hadn''t wanted another confrontation so soon. And she was still trying to get her mind around this dominance thing that the Anima had. But she would not shrink from it this time. She would meet it head on.

    And that meant talking to Gahrye.

    So, mid-morning, she walked through the Tree-City, towards his stall, praying he was working today. But she hadn''t even reached the stall, was still on the trail to the trade region, when she saw him in a cluster of other young people, all of them walking in the same direction as she.

    "Gahrye!" she called, picking up her pace.

    He stopped quickly and turned, smiling when he saw her, though his friends all dropped to one knee as she approached. She was about to assure them that they didn''t need to do that, when she remembered Aymora''s words.

    ¡­When an Anima tells you they are honored, it is disrespectful to deny¡ªit denies both your own value, and that which they believe you bring to them¡­

    Inwardly sighing, she waited for the people to stand again before she spoke.

    "Good morning, Gahrye, and all of you."

    "Good morning, Queen Elia."

    "Please, call me Elia," she said hurriedly, hoping that wouldn''t offend. Thankfully they all seemed pleased. They were a very different bunch, which struck Elia as odd. While the Anima seemed veryfortable with each other and the tribes mingled in crowds without issue, she''d noticed that their social groups usually tended to be within their tribes, or with other predators or prey types.

    Yet, she was certain that one of the females next to Gahrye was from the Lion pride, and the very thin young man hanging back was an Avaline, a bird. There was even one she thought was a wolf. The others she couldn''t quite ce, which probably meant they were sheep or goats. She still struggled identifying those.

    But these weren''t just a mix of tribes, but also ages. One of them looked like she probably wasn''t older than sixteen. While the Avaline could have fathered her.

    "How are you all this morning?" she said, realizing they were all waiting patiently for her to speak.

    There was a general murmur of assent, but they looked back and forth at each other as if they were uncertain whether to speak up.

    Gahrye rolled his eyes. "We''re well, Elia, we were just¡­ going for a walk. Did you need me?"

    "I¡ªyes, but I don''t want to take you from your ns."

    He shrugged. "It''s fine, I can catch up with the otherster." He gave a pointed look to the one Elia thought was a wolf, then they all bowed to her, and turned to continue where they''d been going. Elia watched them, d that Gahrye had friends, but uneasy about the exchange for a reason she couldn''t pinpoint.

    She turned to Gahrye, intending to ask, but as soon as the others were out of earshot, he turned to her with a beaming smile. "I have a great idea about the Festival. I didn''t tell anyone because I think you want that to be a surprise¡ªit will make everyone very excited."

    "I¡ªthank you! I mean, that''s great. But can we talk aboutst night first?" she said.

    Gahrye''s eyebrows rose. "Sure¡­ about what, exactly?"

    "The¡­ conflict, between you and Reth."

    Gahrye ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath. "Yeah, that''s why I was nervous yesterday morning. I knew he''d be touchy. The iming is intense¡ªso I''ve heard."

    Elia grimaced. "I''m so sorry he put you through that, Gahrye. And that I had to leave. I wouldn''t have, except that Candace and Aymora both gave me the nudge, that it was important. But I want you to know¡ª"

    "Why are you apologizing?" he said, scratching the back of his neck.

    "Because¡­ Reth was¡­ overbearing. He shouldn''t have made you humble yourself that way¡ªyou hadn''t done anything wrong!"

    "I wasn''t humbled," Gahrye said, frowning. "It was just what needed to be done."

    "What¡­ what are you talking about?"

    "Hasn''t Reth exined the dominance hierarchy to you?"

    "Yes, but¡­ I mean, of course he''d see it that way¡ªhe''s the one on top! I know it can''t be easy being on your face like that in front of the entire city!"

    Gahrye shrugged. "Any male would have done it. He didn''t even touch me, Elia. I wasn''t hurt. And even if he had, I would have deserved it. It was thoughtless of me. As your Advisor, it''s important for me to be an example to the others around you, so¡ª"

    "Wait, wait." Elia screwed her eyes closed. "You aren''t mad at Reth?"

    "Why would I be angry with him for doing what it''s his job to do?"

    "It''s not his job to threaten his own people!"

    Gahrye tipped his head, watching her thoughtfully "Elia¡­ yes it is. How do you think all these people, all these males especially, live in such close quarters? And in peace?"

    "This is peace?"

    "Yes! The WildWood has the highest concentration of Anima the world has ever seen¡ªthat is directly rted to Reth''smand over the people¡ªespecially the males. Without his sheer dominance, the others would be at each other''s throats constantly. But because he is so clearly the strongest, the others fall in line."

    "Except the wolves," Elia grumbled.

    Gahrye snorted. "Trust me, for what it could be¡ªhow it''s been in the past¡ªour wolves are very¡­ restrained."

    Elia hadn''t noticed, but they''d started walking at some point. Gahrye led her down one of the back paths, towards Aymora''s cave, deeper in the forest.

    "This is very important for you to understand, Elia. No Anima¡ªexcept perhaps a wolf-alpha¡ªwould ever feel angry about being dominated. Having Reth so strong makes the rest of us sure that we are safe. And even though there may be tussles for power here and there, in thest ten years he''s ruled the most peaceful Kingdom in Anima for generations. From what I remember, even his father¡ªwho was extremely sessful¡ªwasn''t as strong. Aymora could tell you more but¡­ don''t ever be upset with Reth for dominating us. Especially a male. It is what makes us sessful."

    Elia gaped at him.

    *****

    NEED A FRESH NEW READ? Check out my new Spirity Awards Novel in the Author Note below:

 Chapter 126: Hierarchy and Peace - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 126: Hierarchy and Peace - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    "But¡­ how? How could him humiliating you make Reth stronger?" Elia wed her hands into her hair. "I don''t understand how what happenedst night could make anyone happy, but most of all you? Everyone was staring and¡­ and¡­ he threatened you!"

    "He made it clear what the boundaries are around you¡ªmales shouldn''t touch you. At least, not right now, so soon after the iming. I imagine he will rx on thatter. And I''m to give you more space when we speak. Frankly, I was just d he didn''t tear my throat out for epting the position. He had reason to."

    "What?!"

    "Elia, the future of our people is entirely reliant on future generations. The Anima poption is small¡ªso much smaller than humans, for example. If we do not breed regrly and with the strongest of our people, we will cease to exist. Having a ruler like Reth¡­ knowing where we stand, who is strongest, and that he will carry his line forward, it fills the Anima with hope. And strength. There is strength in understanding your ce, and knowing it is sure."

    "Even when it''s at the feet of someone who''s snarling threats at you just for touching someone else?"

    "Especially then. Seeing his strength reminds me of what he could do¡ªbut does not. I do not have to be concerned about what would happen if we were attacked, or if someone were to challenge him. I haveplete confidence in his ability to manage what¡ªand who¡ªneeds managing. That frees me to focus on other things.

    "Thest time the Anima had a weak ruler our world became chaos. Dominance shifted several times in a few years, none of Kings ever really finding their feet before they were challenged and disced. The people were tense and unhappy¡ªwe stopped breeding for a time. It was¡­" He shuddered and shook his head. "The instinct to avoid that, runs in our blood. We are happy to have a King like Reth. And you should be, too," he said, the edge of warning in his tone.

    Elia blinked. "I am¡­ so thankful¡­ to have Reth. But¡­ I just¡­" she trailed off, trying to remember what he''d said the night before.

    ¡­Elia, the dominance hierarchy is everything to Anima. Without it, we have nopass. Understanding who is above you and who is below you is crucial to your security in our world. The people would be afraid if I stopped dominating them¡ªdo you understand that¡­?

    She''d thought she had. But thought he''d gone about it wrong. She''d thought he could dominate without being a brute about it.

    But¡­ they liked it?

    "But you were nervous yesterday, looking for Reth when I arrived. You asked if he was okay with everything¡ªyou seemed scared!"

    "Of course. Just because I want Reth to be dominant doesn''t mean I enjoy his attention. And I''ll be honest, I was surprised he didn''t overrule your choice of me as an Advisor. It could be perceived as weakness on his part, and with the problems you''ve had with the wolves¡­ it just seemed like a risk. But I guess he feels confident about it. He could have disbanded mest night, for touching you. And he didn''t. So that makes me more confident. I woke this morning with new hope."

    "This is very different to what I''m used to," Elia said finally.

    Gahrye sighed. "I''m sorry I didn''t think to exin this in more detail earlier. I know your world works differently. I just¡­ forget how little you''ve been exposed to."

    She shook her head and they walked on for a minute in silence, Elia turning it all over in her mind. She could see that what Reth had told her was true¡ªtheir society was pleased by his strength, and demonstrations of it. Obviously. But¡­ "Why does it have to be so aggressive?"

    "It''s only that way at times, Elia. There are many things that happen between Anima that demonstrate dominance but have nothing to do with aggression¡ªremember those lionesses we watched that first night?" Elia nodded. "There was no aggression¡ªit was respect. The females knew who to listen to, and who should listen to them. It made them certain of themselves, their ces, their roles. That''s why, when aggression is used, it''s effective. Because it isn''t used all the time."

    They walked on, and Elia decided she had to shrug off the pinch between her shoulders. This was their home, their people, their ways. She didn''t have to like it, but it was her home now, so it seemed¡­ wise to try to understand it, at least.

    "And this is why people are upset about me wanting to strengthen the weak?" she asked quietly.

    Gahrye sighed heavily. "I truly appreciate your heart for that, Elia. I do. But¡­ I also understand why it makes people uneasy. If you begin to put weakness in the ce of strength, the entire society will be weakened until eventually it will crumble."

    Elia snorted. "No big deal, then."

    Gahrye chuckled. "No, nothing big."

    Elia folded her arms, hugging herself. "I''m going to need your help navigating this, Gahrye."

    "I''ll do my best."

    She shook her head. "No, I need more than that¡ªI need you to promise that when you see me uncertain, or beginning down a path that isn''t¡­ right for the Anima, you get my attention. I don''t care how tense, or formal things are. You interrupt me and make sure I understand. Because until I see this working in practice, I don''t think I''m going to really be able to grasp it. I can''t quite find my way past seeing people¡­ debased."

    Gahrye gave that some thought. "What happens in your world when someone is powerful and has to reprimand others."

    "If it''s bad, they do it in private, usually. To let the person keep their dignity and privacy. And the good ones don''t mock or embarrass the person they''re correcting. They just clearly express what''s expected, then tell them how to do it and¡­ it''s up to the person involved to make it work. Or not."

    "So, your concern aboutst night was that it happened in public?"

    "Mostly. But also the depth of his aggression seemed an overreaction to what you''d done."

    "It was a mark of his regard for you."

    Elia snorted. "No. It really wasn''t."

    "I assure you, Elia, that''s exactly what it was. Do you think if he''d had to mate Lucine he would have imed her a weekter and acted that way? I can promise you, he would not."

    That name sent a dart of adrenalin to her chest, but she reminded herself that Gahrye didn''t know¡ªhe was referring to Lucine because she''d wanted to kill Elia.

    "No, you''re right, he wouldn''t have. But¡ª"

    "You said to interrupt you when I saw you taking a wrong path?"

    Elia took a breath and nodded. "Yes. Please."

    "Very well, then hear me, Elia," he stopped and turned to face her. She did the same. "Reth gave you value in front of all of his peoplest night. He showed how deeply precious you are to him¡ªfirst by iming you, then by setting such a strict boundary around you. Last night he told all of Anima to regard you with the highest respect that can be afforded a mate of the King. And Anima heard him, loud and clear."

    "But¡ª"

    "Make no mistake, Elia,st night, Reth marked you the most precious person in Anima. His aggression towards me wasn''t about me¡ªit was about you. And it was an honor. There are women in this city who cried themselves to sleepst night for the hope they lost that the King might tire of his human wife. Even though his wife doesn''t show him the same regard."

    Elia''s mouth fell open. Gahrye''s expression didn''t waver.

    "I¡­ what are you¡­"

    "You challenge him every time he does this, Elia. You stay weak where you''re told to strengthen. You rely on his strength to carry you¡ªand he gives it to you willingly. If it were any other King, they wouldn''t be strong enough¡ªthere would have been far greater consequences already. But he is so strong, he has carried all of this¡ªyou¡ªand he will continue to do so. But you do not help him by remaining resistant. Or by trying to stop him drawing these boundaries. To the Anima you appear to¡­ not value him as he values you."

    Elia''s eyes filled with tears that she had to blink back. She''d had no idea. She''d been telling people she didn''t value Reth? She ran a hand through her hair and gritted her teeth. Well, then, she was just going to have to change that.

    "Thank you, Gahrye," she said finally, and nodded. "I think I understand. Now¡­ tell me how I make sure to never do that to him again."

    Gahrye smiled.

 Chapter 127: Battle of Wills

    <h4>Chapter 127: Battle of Wills</h4>

    RETH

    After keeping Elia busy in bed until breakfast was finished¡ªand intentionally ignoring the little voice in his head that told him he was jealous about her spending time with the disformed Equine¡ªReth showed up early for the security council briefing to catch Behryn alone.

    When he walked into the hall, Behyrn looked up from the map he was studying. "Good morning."

    "Good morning. Any news?"

    "The bears will be migrating next month, I was just looking to see if we''ll have any issues with the Silent Ones."

    "Have you spoken with Gnarle yet?"

    "No. I''m hoping for time to take a trip next week. But you know he''s just going to ask for you, anyway."

    Reth sighed. The Bears were always extremely touchy this time of year with the cubs beginnning to venture out, and the adults always hungry as their bodies prepared to hibernate. With Reth''s sensitive instincts after the iming, it could be an explosive mix. "Look, try it. Who knows, maybe he''s mellowing in his old age."

    Behryn brayed augh. "I''ll tell him you said that, then we''ll see how mellow he is."

    Reth chuckled. There was a quiet moment while they both studied the map, the Behryn said without warning, "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

    Reth should have known he wouldn''t fool Behryn into thinking this was a casual coincidence. He scratched the back of his neck. "I was, um, wondering if I could get your advice."

    Behryn snorted. "It''s a littlete for that, don''t you think?"

    Reth shot him a dark look, but Behryn didn''t smile. He''d forgiven Reth for hiding the secret exit from the cave, but he wasn''t happy about it. "We need to this again?" Reth said, low and t.

    "No, just don''t expect me to be excited if you''ve fucked things up because you were too busy being off by yourself."

    "Actually, I was off trying to smooth things out with you, if it matters. But that''s not the point."

    Behryn turned to face him. "Okay, what''s going on?"

    "Last night, I had to dominate Gahrye."

    Behryn shrugged. "He''ll be good about it. He''s a submissive."

    "That''s not the part I''m wondering about. Elia almost didn''t submit when I called her to leave with me. She didn''t understand¡ªI know that. But if herpanions hadn''t nudged her to it¡ªinsisted¡ªshe would have stepped up to me in front of the entire city."

    Behryn''s eyebrows popped up. "Did you talk to her about it?"

    "We talked about dominance¡ªshe still doesn''t really get how it all works. I mean, she epted me after. But¡­ I knew you and Hollhye had some issues at one point. I was wondering how you worked those out?"

    "Elia is very different to Hollhye," Behryn said.

    "I know, but¡ª"

    "Reth, if she''s queen, she can''t be seen to be undermining you. Especially not publicly. Especially not when you''re dominating another male. And most especially not when that male is someone close to her¡ªthe closest to her, except for you."

    "I''m aware," Reth said through his teeth. "That''s why I''m wondering if you have advice on how to approach it without¡­"

    "Without losing ess to her bed?" Behrynughed and pped Reth on the back. "Sorry, brother, that''s one you''re going to have to work out with your mate."

    "But if you could just tell me what approach you took?"

    Behryn''s mouth slid up on one side and his eyes went distant. "She was very angry when I drew the line. She was young and still finding her feet. She thought I saw myself as better than her¡ªI exined it made no difference to us in private, but in front of the men¡­"

    Reth muttered a curse. He remembered the day, almost a decade ago, Hollhye had interrupted training to berate Behryn in front of his men during his first week as Captain of the Guard.

    Behryn had nearly shifted on the spot.

    "And then¡­" Behryn''s smile got wider.

    "Then what?"

    "Then I showed her all the reasons I loved her, and her gorgeous legs," he said, clearing his throat and turning back to the map. "A satisfied female is a lot more¡­ flexible." While Rethughed, he continued. "The truth is, Reth, making her understand is even more crucial for you than it was for me. But these things¡­ you''ll see, they take time. You cannot expect her to simply change her ways overnight. But you can¡­ prepare the way for growth¡ªfor yourself as well. Consider whether, had Aymora had the same response, whether you might have seen it different?"

    "Not at all. Not this time. It was an issue¡ªAymora even urged her forward when she looked like resisting me."

    Behryn nodded. "Then in that case it''s even more critical. We''ll have Bears, Silent Ones, and who knows what with the wolves in theing months. We can''t afford for you to be undermined in the people''s eyes. They''re already going to be nervous."

    "Yes, I know," Reth raked a hand through his hair. "I just¡­ I know her heart is good. She doesn''t resist because she has motive for herself. She has a different moralpass than we do. I struggle with the idea of breaking that. There is strength in some of her ideas."

    "Not if they make you weaker before the people, Reth."

    "I know."

    "You know, you could have a word with Gahrye, too. He''s a thoughtful male. But there is strength there. If he''s giving the same messages you do, she mighte around sooner."

    "I''ll think on it," Reth said. Behryn cut him a disapproving look. But Reth met it evenly. "He is her Advisor. I will not interfere in their rtionship."

    "Then you''d be a better King than your father and grandfather."

    "How so?"

    "They both ced people around their mates to help¡­ smooth the path."

    Reth frowned. "I was not aware of that from my father, are you sure?"

    "Certain. Her Second was my Granddame, remember. He used toe to our home sometimes and speak with her privately. Always when there were tensions."

    Reth considered it for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I don''t believe that will be necessary. Elia is extremely smart. I just need to show her how it affects the people. She''lle around¡ªshe shifted evenst night. She was very angry at first."

    "And how did you move her?" Behryn asked.

    "As you said, a satisfied female¡­" he trailed off and Behrynughed. Reth felt a little bad being dishonest with his brother, but he didn''t think Behryn would understand why Reth had given Elia control the night before. He didn''t understand humans at all. Especially not this one.

    "Then it sounds like you don''t need my advice at all," Behryn chuckled. "You''ll do fine, brother. Just speak inly. Don''t be subtle. Let her understand. She''ll get there."

    Reth nodded and they both turned their attentions back to the map, and theing change of seasons. But throughout their discussion, and as the others began to arrive for the security council, Reth''s mind continued to turn to the delicate bnce between ensuring Elia knew how her actions and words could affect the entire Kingdom, and not changing who she was, or what she stood for.

    The conversation would take wisdom. He just prayed to the Creator that he had it.

 Chapter 128: Show, Dont Tell

    <h4>Chapter 128: Show, Don''t Tell</h4>

    ELIA

    "Tell me what to do, Gahrye," she said worriedly. "I don''t want to make it worse for him."

    "Do you understand that he needs to be dominant?"

    "Yes! I just wish¡­ I wish he could achieve that without humiliating people."

    "He isn''t¡ª"

    "I know, I know. I get that you don''t feel that way. So I''ll¡­ adjust. I got that part. What I want to know now is what do I do to make it clear to people that I''m behind him. That I support him? I never meant to make anyone think otherwise. I mean, is there some Anima tradition, or gesture, or something that I can do that people will recognize?"

    "You could bare your throat to him," Gahrye said, then immediately chuckled. "I''m joking."

    "I already do that whenever¡ª"

    Gahrye threw his arms up. "I don''t need to know! Truly. That''s¡­ that''s between you two."

    "No, I need to understand. He told me not to bare my throat to him in public, but I thought that was about him getting¡­ excited."

    "I''m sure it was," Gahrye said, his face suddenly dark.

    "So when you joked¡ª"

    "It was a joke, Elia, ignore me. I''m trying to think¡­ I mean, I really do think you just need to let people see you stand behind him. Publicly, at least. I mean, I know the Lionesses challenge him all the time. But they don''t do it with an audience, do you know what I mean?"

    "Ugh, yes."

    "So¡­ when he''s got people around, just go along with him. Whatever he''s doing. If you need to challenge him, do itter, when you''re alone, or there''s just intimates around. When the people are watching, make sure they know you''re behind him."

    Elia sighed. "I will. But¡­ you really can''t think of anything I could do in front of them that would make them understand? I feel like I need to make up for creating the question in the first ce."

    "Reth isn''t worried about it, Elia. Only the people are. And they''ll get past it when they see you following him."

    "Following?"

    "Yes. The dominant always leads."

    Elia frowned. She wasn''t sure about following. She was just supportive. Then she groaned at her own thoughts. "I have to stop thinking the way I think. But how do I even do that? This throat thing¡ªis there¡ª"

    Gahrye stopped walking and put his face in his hands. "Okay, Elia, can you just¡­ stop talking about that. Please?"

    "Okay, but why? Is it a bad thing to say?"

    "No, it''s just¡­ very intimate. And I don''t really want the mental images. The only people I''ve ever seen do that publicly are some of the longest mates in our people, and¡­ it''s considered inappropriate for the young to see."

    "Seriously? Your throat?"

    "It''s the single most vulnerable spot on your body. Baring that to the wrong person is certain death. So offering that to an Anima¡­ it''s incredibly revealing. Like¡­ like being naked would feel to you. In public."

    Elia shuddered.

    "See?" Gahrye said. "That''s how I feel. So can we change the subject now?"

    "I guess," Elia said, half-tempted to say it again just to watch him recoil, but then she realized¡­ he looked genuinely disturbed. "I thought the Anima weren''t weird about sex, or mating or whatever? I thought you guys didn''t mind that stuff being all out there and public."

    "This isn''t about mating, Elia," Gahrye said, beginning to walk again, his expression t and dark.

    "What is it, Gahrye? I''m sorry. I was half teasing. I just¡­ what''s wrong? Why are you upset?"

    "I''m not upset. I''m just¡­ jealous."

    Elia pulled her head back. "Wait¡­ what?"

    "I told you, the chances I''ll ever find a mate at all¡ªlet alone a woman that would trust me like that¡­ it''s just¡­ very unlikely. And when you talk about that, like it''s no big deal¡ª" He stopped again and whirled on her. "You should be very, very thankful that you found Reth the way you did. He adores you¡ªhe''s facing down his entire Kingdom for you, Elia. I know you don''t mean for it to be, but right now, you make his job harder, do you realize that?"

    It hit her like a blow to the stomach. "I think I''m starting to," she said in a small voice. "That''s why I want to do something. Some kind of gesture. To make up for it."

    "If you want to do something for Reth, be as protective of him as he is of you."

    Her mouth dropped open as she scanned back through her memories in Anima and realized... "You''re right!" she said.

    "I know I am."

    "No, I mean it, Gahrye. That''s exactly the kind of thing I need to be thinking. Whenever I''ve been possessive of him, everyone''s always backed off and¡­ I see it now. I get it! Okay, I can do this."

    She looked back the way they''de, wanting to go find him and start barking at females to back off of him, right away. But she knew that wasn''t how it was going to work.

    Gahrye just shook his head with a wry smile. "You''re¡­ weird," he said with a lowugh.

    "Takes one to know one," she said with a grin. "Which reminds me¡ªyour friends that you were with? Are they all disformed?"

    "Yes," he said. "In one way or another."

    "There''s more than one way?"

    "The mostmon way is to be like me¡ªunable to shift. It makes people distrust us because they think either that we aren''t true Anima, or if they need people who can shift to do a certain job, we just aren''t suitable. But there are also some other¡­ issues. And no matter which an Anima suffers, the others will always be a little uneasy around them."

    "Like what?"

    "It''s not really my ce to say," he said quietly, looking off into the trees.

    "Can I meet them? Get to know them? Let them know I don''t judge them that way? That their Queen is supportive of them? Just because I''m not going to make a fuss over them in public doesn''t mean I don''t want to help."

    "I don''t think you can help, Elia. Truly. I think your focus should be Reth right now and¡­ who knows,ter, down the line when¡ª"

    "But I want to!"

    Gahrye ran a hand through his hair and grimaced. "The problem is, you''re kind of on the outsider yourself right now. So, if you were seen with them¡­ it probably wouldn''t have the affect you''d think it would have."

    "But I''m Queen! Isn''t that worth something?"

    "Of course. Appointing me was very brave, Elia. But that''s a count against you in the people''s eyes right now. They need to see you as strong and supporting Reth''s strength before they''ll look to you for leadership. They want someone who can fight for them on some level. And until the people see you that way, you can only draw negative attention to my friends."

    Elia groaned again. "I''m so sick of feeling so far outside it all. Like I''m just never quite there. Is that how you feel, Gahrye? Is that what it''s like?"

    "That''s part of it, definitely," he said quietly, looking away from her into the trees again.

    "I need to get stronger¡ªin a way people can see," Elia muttered. "How do I be a fighter in this ce, though? You''re all so much stronger than me."

    Gahrye thought about it. "You could train."

    "Where? Would they even train me?"

    "Probably not. But they didn''t train us either¡ªat least, not on purpose."

    Elia looked at him from the side. "What do you mean, not on purpose?"

    Gahrye grinned and Elia wanted to sigh. He was such a handsome guy, and a beautiful soul. She wished she saw him smile more. "Do you want to see?" he asked, his voice suddenly the quick, wicked cheek of a mischievous boy.

    Elia grinned back. "Yes, absolutely."

    So he led her, cutting through the trees to another path that wound around the side of the mountain, then up a foothill surrounded by trees and undergrowth.

    She was so unustomed to sneaking anywhere, he kept hissing at her to be quiet. And ended up giving her a quick lesson in how to be silent in the forest, showing her how to ce her feet and shift her weight in ways that would keep her bnced, but not make extra noise.

    It took them forty minutes, but finally, Gahrye motioned for her to follow him, slowly, slowly, to crouch behind a huge boulder buried half in the ground.

    Elia could hear shouts and thumps. And when Gahrye pointed to the point where Elia could see through a massive crack in the rock, to the clearing on the other side, she almost gasped and had to cover her mouth.

    There, in in sight, were a dozen or more young Anima¡ªteenagers, Elia thought. Mainly equines, but there was a scattering of the others.

    And they were learningbat.

    Elia turned to Gahrye with sparkling eyes, and he nodded. "You''d be amazed what you can learn just by watching," he whispered in her ear.

 Chapter 129: Possessive

    <h4>Chapter 129: Possessive</h4>

    RETH

    He hurried to lunch after the security meeting, d for once he wouldn''t be more than a few minuteste. He hoped to find Elia just sitting down so she wouldn''t miss him. But when he reached the stage, her chair was empty.

    And so was Gahrye''s. Reth swallowed back the growl that rose in his throat.

    Aymora and Candace greeted him as he sat. "Have you seen her?" he asked.

    "Nottely," Candace responded. "But she''s been eager to get moving on the Festival, so maybe they''re nning for that?"

    Aymora caught his eye, obviously stifling a smile. Reth shot her a disapproving look, but he didn''t miss the muttered Alph-male bullshit, from her as she turned back to her te.

    He epted his food from one of the servers, and tried to make conversation with the females, but with every minute Elia didn''t arrive, it became harder and harder to concentrate.

    Where was she?

    His tension must have been obvious, because Aymora kept leaning past Candace to nce at him, though she was wise enough not to speak.

    He knew Elia was an adult and could skip meals if she wished. They hadn''t made ns to meet, she might even think he wasn''t going to be there. But where else would she be? And what could be keeping her?

    His patience broke, and he pushed his chair back so suddenly, Candace looked at him, rmed. "I''m going to speak to some of the people," he said gruffly. Both women nodded, then looked at each other. Reth ignored the amusement on their faces. They didn''t realize what danger she was in. Was it possible the wolves had made another move without him knowing?

    Was Gahrye strong enough to protect her if they were together?

    Would the wolves even keep him alive?

    A growl pressed at the back of his throat as he scanned the market, looking for the wolves. He caught sight of both Lucan and Lerrin, neither of whom looked smug¡ªor tense, though Lucan avoided his eyes. That wasn''t umon since he''d been dominated thest time they spoke.

    He was overreacting, he told himself. But just to be safe, he would see if anyone had seen her, had any clue where she was.

    He approached several tables, chatting and smiling, pretending he wasn''t anxious, only dropping in a casual reference to Elia when he''d already heard how the people were doing. But none of them had seen her.

    By the time he reached a table of the Pride females, he wanted to roar.

    No one had seen her all morning!

    He didn''t bother pretending for his own tribe, instead he leaned over the tabletop between two of the lowest ranking females at the table and scanned all of them with a piercing gaze. "My mate hasn''t been seen since I left her this morning. Have any of you seen, or heard anything about her since after breakfast?"

    The females all looked at each other, shaking their heads.

    Fadya, the youngest, ced a hand on Reth''s arm and offered a patronizing smile that made him want to growl. "She''ll turn up. She probably just got lost in the forest or something. Someone will find her and she''ll be fine. She can''t have gone far, after all."

    Huncer, the oldest and highest ranked at the table cut Fadya a hard look. The slight wasn''t serious, but it implied that their Queen was little better than an eight year old who might get turned around by their own nose¡ªand tired out as easily.

    But worse, none of the women¡ªeven Huncer¡ªcontradicted her outright.

    Was that really what they thought of his mate?

    "You listen," he said in a low voice that had them all tensed immediately.

    But he didn''t get to finish the thought because a warm handnded on his shoulder and the most beautiful voice in the world snapped, "Get your paw off my mate."

    Reth''s heart leapt, while all the women snapped their heads to Elia, who must have been downwind since none of them scented her arriving. Her hair was wet and twisted up, but her face was stern.

    "Elia," he breathed. But as he straightened and turned for her, she stepped between him and the table, facing Fadya with her hands in fists at her sides.

    "Do you wish to say something to me?" she challenged the woman, who had whipped her hand back into herp.

    "N-no, my Queen," Fadya said, her eyes down, immediately.

    Elia snorted air from her nose and Reth wanted tough out loud. Did she know what she was doing?

    "Your mate worried for you like a first-time mother with her cub," Huncer said quietly, her eyes not down.

    Elia turned and met her gaze, her own features steely. "He is Alpha, and a first-time mate. His emotions get the better of him sometimes. I am patient with it."

    The women all chuckled and Huncer nodded approvingly. Reth didn''t know whether to roar his approval, or stand in his own defense. But he stayed quiet. Elia was¡­ doing something. Something that made his heart race and his groin tighten.

    Then she turned back to Fadya. "Do not leave your scent on him, again," she said in a too-low voice. "Your King is not free to be pawed by any female that wishes to do so."

    "Yes, Sire," Fadya said, her voice pinched. Though some of the older women regarded Elia carefully, not as easily convinced.

    "Do any of you wish to challenge me for him?" she asked, meeting each of their eyes. "I have been ignorant, it''s true. I will attempt to fix that now: Reth may be your King, but he is my mate. He is only mine. And you will. Not. Touch. Him."

    Elia''s face was nk, but her was scent rock-hard and Reth had to stifle the mating call. When none of the women answered, she huffed and put a hand to his arm, leading him away from the table, stalking not for their table, but for one of the covered walkways that led to the kitchen.

    The walkway was narrow and he was forced to follow her to allow the serving staff to pass them with trays, all dropping their eyes as they greeted them. Elia kept her eyes up and shoulders back, leading him with a determined pace, until they were alone in the hall, and they reached a storage shed that squatted not far from the kitchen.

    Without a word, she opened the door, and yanked him inside.

    There was little light outside except from thin gaps in the boards and floor, but when he stepped inside and began to ask, "What¡ª?" she pushed him against the wall and pressed herself into him.

    Delighted Reth took her offered mouth and she pulled him in for a moment, arching into him as he tugged her hair to lift her chin.

    "You''re mine, Reth. I didn''t understand how important it was tomunicate that to the others," she gasped as he nuzzled her jaw. "But I''m starting to see. Be patient with me, please."

    "If this is part of being patient, Elia, you''ll have noints from me," he whispered against her skin, then took her mouth.

    They didn''t emerge from the little shed until they were disturbed by a shocked server trying to find more trays. The server was female. Elia barked at her for staring at the King, then when the women bowed, they ran back to the market together,ughing like children.

    *****

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 Chapter 130: All Mine

    <h4>Chapter 130: All Mine</h4>

    I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

    *****

    ELIA

    That night after dinner they took the long way back to the cave, walking through the moonlit forest slowly. Elia knew guards shadowed them, but they were deep enough into the forest, and the men were skilled enough, that she couldn''t see or hear them. It was easy to pretend they weren''t there.

    Reth had offered her his arm and she hugged his elbow as they walked, grateful for his warmth as the evening was much chillier than they''d beentely.

    "I need to tell you I''m sorry, Reth," she said as they walked, stroking his arm. He looked down at her, concerned. But she noted he didn''t argue with her, which made her stomach sink. "I didn''t realize that by¡­ by showing my disapproval, or resisting you¡­ I didn''t realize what I was showing people. How they perceived that. In my world, when you know someone is strong, having the strength to challenge them is a good thing."

    "It''s a good thing here, too," he said quietly, staring into the trees ahead. "Only we¡­ choose the time and ce, carefully."

    She nodded. "I want you to know, I never meant to undermine you. At all. I admire you so much, and I adore you. I wasn''t wanting to make you seem weaker in front of the people."

    "I know," he said gently and smiled down at her.

    "So, I''m going to try to do better about¡­ not doing that," she said. "But I''ll warn you, if I have to keep my mouth shut in front of people, you''re going to get an earful when we''re alone."

    Reth chuckled. "I wouldn''t expect anything less, love. And I''m sorry, too. I''m also learning¡ªyou and your ways, and how they affect the people. I should have exined more to you. I forget the others don''t know the things about you, and your world, that I know."

    "You should have told me. I never want to embarrass you!"

    "I have not been embarrassed, Elia. I was going to speak to you because¡­ because I know things are different for you and I wanted you to understand. But please, I have no desire to stifle your spirit, or to change how you think about me, or the world. I love yourpassion and your defense of others. And I love that you aren''t scared to challenge me. The only thing we need to work on is how and when we discuss those things. So they don''t create insecurity for the people."

    "I got some advice today¡ªgood advice, I think, from Gahrye. I¡­ I''m going to try tomunicate what I think much more clearly in the future."

    Reth hummed his approval. "If today''s demonstration is what patience wins me, I''ll happily keep waiting," he said with a wink.

    "You liked that, huh?"

    "Liked it? I loved it. If that server had interrupted uster than she did, I would have treated her to a whole knew side of her King."

    Elia snorted. "Well, then I''m grateful she arrived when she did."

    They talked for the length of their walk, but his eyes were more and more heated, the closer they got to the cave, until, as they reached the meadow, he was dropping a hand to stroke her ass while they walked, and making low growls in his throat when the guards broke from the trees.

    "Are you tired, Elia?" he asked when they made it into the cave, then their bedroom, and he finally shrugged off his vest, hanging it in the closet. Her stomach twirled at the sight of him in thentern light.

    She smiled. "I am. It''s been a big day. Why, what did you have in mind?"

    "A visit to the bathing pools."

    Her smile got bigger. "I''ve already bathed today," she said, in mock disappointment. "So, I don''t really need to visit them again."

    Reth sidled up to her with a suggestive smile, putting his hands to her waist and pulling her in. "Well, then, maybe it''s just time for bed?" She let her hands slide up his chest to his shoulders, stroking the lines of his muscles.

    "Maybe," she said as their eyes locked.

    He tipped up her chin with one finger, and kissed her, slow and deep, but when he let his hands trail down her arms, squeezing and stroking, she winced.

    He pulled back quickly. "What''s wrong, are you hurt?" He started to turn her, to look for bruises or cuts on her but sheughed him off.

    "No, Reth, please. Stop being such a mother hen. I just worked hard today and my muscles are sore, that''s all."

    He stopped, looking at her face and measuring her for deceit, but she held his gaze until he frowned. "Worked hard doing what? We have people who can help if there''s a need¡ª"

    "No, not like that. I was working out. Doing exercise. To get stronger. And fitter."

    He frowned harder and looked so confused, Elia almostughed. "Working out?"

    "Yes, it''s what we call exercising on purpose."

    "Working out?"

    "Yes. Don''t the Anima work out?"

    Reth blinked. "I don''t know. We just¡­ work? I mean¡­ why work to do nothing when you can work to do something?"

    "You train, though, right? For battle or for physical skill."

    "Well, yes."

    She nodded. "It''s like that. But for getting stronger."

    He held her gaze a moment, then pulled her in¡ªgently¡ªagain. "I don''t need you stronger, Elia. If you think I do, you can rx."

    "No, I know. But I think, the people do need me stronger. And if I''m going to start challenging women who give you those seductive looks, at some point someone''s going to challenge me back. I need to be able to fight, to show them I''ll fight for you. That your mate isn''t weak."

    "Elia, you aren''t weak."

    "I''m not weak in my mind, Reth. But my body is very weakpared to the Anima. I know I''ll never have your strength, but I can at least make the most of what strength I have. I might need it eventually. You can''t be at my side every moment of every day to fight my battles for me."

    He nodded slowly. "I want to be, though," he said quietly.

    "I know," she murmured, leaning into his chest. "That''s one of the reasons I love you."

    He raised a single eyebrow and stared down at her. "Oh? What are the others?"

    She grinned and stroked his chest again. "They mainly have to do with that list," she said.

    Reth grabbed her up and pretended to eat her neck and she sputteredughter.

 Chapter 131: Ticking Off the List

    <h4>Chapter 131: Ticking Off the List</h4>

    RETH

    He''d meant to leave her alone tonight, especially when he learned she was sore from this ''working out.'' But herughter soon turned to sighs, as his pretend feasting on her became a feast in truth. He sucked on her skin, tasting her, inhaling her scent; desire climbing in both of them with every passing second. They still stood in the corner of the bedroom when their twin breaths began to echo in the quiet room.

    He''d only pressed her against the wall so he could nudge his knee between her thighs and give her some pressure there, but it was more sessful than he''d anticipated, and within a minute or two, she was beginning to drop her head back, out of the kiss, gasping as he pressed and rolled her against the wall in time with his kisses.

    Then he''d popped the button of her pants and slid his hand into her warmth and groaned when he''d found how ready she was for him. He''d only meant to tease her, but when he started to retreat, she''d grabbed his arm and kept him there, pleading for him not to stop.

    How was it possible that she yearned for him as much as he yearned for her? Was it the mating bond? Or was she simply that passionate?

    He hoped it was thetter, that she wasn''t somehow beingpelled to want him, because he adored watching her tremble and gulp for air. He shuddered when her fingers dug into his shoulders and her jaw dropped open.

    Desperation rose in both of them. He pulled away from her just long enough to get his own pants off, while she tugged the blouse off that she''d been wearing, and pushed her trousers own down, yanking them off her ankles.

    They threw themselves at each other again a momentter, both sucking in hard when she wrapped her legs around his waist and he lifted her hips to sit her on the drawers next to the closet, pinning her back against the wall. His arousal slid against her and she sighed his name, so he did it again, trembling at the sight of her, head back, breasts pressed against his chest, and her softest ces open against him.

    "Elia," he grunted. "Maybe we should¡­ take this... to the furs?" Fingers digging into her thighs, he dipped his head to nip at the iming marks that were still healing.

    But she shook her head, her eyes closed and head back against the wall. "You promised," she breathed. "The wall was on the list? Remember?"

    He growled and nipped at her throat and she gave a throatyugh that made her tighten around him further until he was shuddering and forcing himself to close his eyes so the sight of her wouldn''t send him over the edge.

    Steeling himself because it was clear he would reach his limit quickly if he wasn''t careful, he made sure she was bnced on the drawers, then took himself in hand to find her, sliding himself against her with a pressure and precision that had her eyes flying open and her grip digging into his shoulders so tightly it hurt.

    They met eyes, gazes hot and hooded, and he breathed her name. Her eyes went wide, and liquid, and she stayed locked on him as he found her core and thrust, entering her in one, long, slow slide that rolled her eyes and threatened to close them again.

    "No, Elia, look at me," he pleaded, his voice rough with desire and emotion.

    She forced her eyes open and cupped his neck, holding his gaze as her breath heaved, mouth wide and teeth bare to him when he moved within her.

    He buried one hand in her hair, the other held her secure as he thrust again, and again, and again, her breath catching and holding each time.

    He took her lower lip in his, dragging it between his teeth. "I love you," he whispered against her mouth.

    "I love you, Reth. It doesn''t say enough, but it''s true," she gasped, her eyes beginning to close again with each roll of his hips.

    He let her sink into it this time, let her get lost in the sensation of heat and light climbing everywhere they joined, his own control at a ragged edge when she began to clench around him and her skin pebbled under his hands.

    He sucked on her neck and she whimpered, pushing against him, seeking her release, trembling with desire. For him!

    What had he ever done to deserve this? To deserve her?

    "Elia¡­ oh fuck¡­ I can''t¡­"

    "Please, Reth!"

    With a grunt, he lifted her and carried her, still writhing against him, over to the sleeping tform where hey her down, right on the edge. As she tipped back, the angle shifted and she gasped when he pulled one of her legs up, pushing her knee to her chest, cupping her ankle in one hand and bracing on the bed next to her head with the other as he leaned over her, into her, and began to thrust faster, and faster.

    "Oh! Reth!"

    "Hold on my love!"

    "Reth!"

    She wed at his hair and he snarled, teeth bared, barely holding onto thest thread of his control.

    Then she slid her own hand down to pinch her own nipple, which had him shuddering, then down, between them. He bellowed her name when he felt her there, around him, against herself. Then she arched again, tensing, and her breath stopped for several seconds as Reth''s control snapped.

    He pumped in and out of her, shouting her name, erratic and breathless, as his own release hit him at the base of his spine, pummeling him from every side, exploding in every inch of his skin until he almost lost his feet, even as she sucked in a shuddering breath and her eyes flew wide again.

    "Elia, Creator''s Light! My love!"

    "Never stop, Reth," she groaned through his final thrusts, her voice jagged. "Never, ever stop doing this to me. Please."

    With a ragged groan, he copsed over her, his fingers in her hair, kissing her neck and bracing so he would crush her, but he couldn''t even think.

    She was¡­ unspeakable.

    And she was his.

 Chapter 132: Impossible Love

    <h4>Chapter 132: Impossible Love</h4>

    ELIA

    They slept. She didn''t know how long. But at some point in the night her aching muscles forced her awake.

    Reth was soundly asleep, his breathing slow and even, his arm thrown over her waist, his face in her hair. She rolled over slowly, staying in the circle of his arms. In the pitch ck of the cave she could really see nothing but the vague shape of him, his bulk looming over her even when hey on his side. He was truly massive, the kind of man she''d always imagined was so muscle-bound he could barely move.

    But on Reth¡­ with his height andmand of himself¡­ it all became grace and strength.

    She tried to imagine how he would be seen at home¡ªwhat her friends from college would think when they saw him¡ªif they would even be capable of thought. The truth was, she knew. She knew if tomorrow she and Reth showed up together on campus, no one would believe it. They''d think she''d paid some ripped male model to pretend to be her husband. Because, no matter what Reth seemed to think, while she knew she wasn''t unattractive, she also knew he was so far out of her league that, frankly, it wasughable.

    And yet¡­ she was so sure of him.

    It awed her to know he saw something in her that went deeper than skin and bone. There was something in her that spoke to his heart, his soul. And it sounded so impossible, but she saw it in his eyes when he watched her, when he sought her across a room, or when their eyes met as they touched.

    He¡­ treasured her. She didn''t know how else to say it. She''d never imagined she would find any man that would look at her that way, let alone one like him.

    She was making herself weepy, so she snuggled into his chest. But her movement broke through his sleep. His hands sought her, pulled her in closer and he breathed in a deep breath.

    "''Lia?" he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. "Are you okay?"

    "I''m perfect," she whispered. "Go back to sleep."

    He grumbled something, but his hands slid down her back and she felt him begin to harden against her stomach.

    "Seriously?" sheughed. "Are you an addict?"

    "What''s an addict?"

    "Someone who has an unhealthy rtionship with something. An obsession. They can''t stop."

    "Oh, then definitely," he murmured gruffly and nuzzled her ear.

    Sheughed softly and stroked the hair back off his face.

    "We don''t have to," he said a momentter. Even though he was mouthing her neck, she could hear the smile in his voice, and he was beginning to rub himself against her. "But, if you aren''t sure, you should probably consider that I''m not getting any younger. My stamina could begin to begin to wane any day now."

    "Well, we better strike while the iron is hot," she snorted.

    "I''d just like to point out that you''re the one who said hot," he said sliding a hand to her breast and tweaking her nipple as he kissed right below her ear and goosebumps bloomed on her flesh down that entire side. He growled his approval and did it again.

    "That''s because you are," she said faintly, getting a little lost in the way he was making her feel.

    "Takes one to know one," he muttered.

    "No, Reth, I mean it. I can''t believe how you¡­ how you look at me. But¡­ I can''t tell if you''re blind, or just a little crazy. There are women where I''m from, and countless women here that are so much hotter than me."

    "Not to me," he said simply, propping up on his side and leaning his head on his fist. "And isn''t that what matters?"

    She was going to argue, but¡­ she found that she couldn''t. "Yes, I guess you''re right."

    "So submissive tonight," he murmured, rolling her onto her back. Sheughed. His hair fell over his face as he loomed over her and shebed her fingers through it, smiling at him, knowing he could see her, even if she couldn''t really see him clearly.

    She was about to tease him when he rolled his hips into her and her breath caught again.

    "It''s impossible, how you do this to me so quickly," she gasped, bracing to press back into him so he grunted, and rolled his hips again. "No man has ever¡­ oh¡­"

    He chuckled and lowered his head to kiss her, but didn''t rest on her, only touching her mouth with his, and his hips against hers, where they were quickly going to be joined if he kept going this way.

    She missed the warmth of him, his weight on her stomach and breasts, but it also gave her a chance to run her hands up his sides and feel those stunningdders of muscle that made her salivate whenever she saw them.

    "Elia¡­" he whispered, then kissed her again.

    As he rolled, she shifted her hips, bracing so he slid into her. It caught him by surprise and his mouth opened with a gasp just as she made the noise in her throat that should have been embarrassing, but was just one more thing she could thank him for.

    "Reth?" she asked, her breath catching.

    "Yes, love?" He kept a slow, relentless pace that dragged sensation out of her.

    "I want to feel your weight on me. I love that."

    He sighed and lowered himself against her, his elbows on the furs either side of her head, fingers sped over her head, and he kissed her, lips and tongue, the purr of his pleasure, and roar of his breath, still soft, still slow, but powerful, and wringing sensation from her as his body rippled into hers.

    There was no bared teeth or shouting this time. Only whispered promises and slow slides, his back rising and falling in a graceful roll as he refused to stop tasting her mouth, her tongue her neck.

    And even as they climbed, together, to the crest of that impossible wave, she wrapped her arms around his thick neck, clinging so he couldn''t move away, whispering her love into his ear until he trembled and rocked against her, groaning.

    She was so overwhelmed with love for him, a single tear slide down her cheek.

    He whispered her name, and kissed it away, burying his face in her neck and telling her he would never leave, all the ways she owned him, body and soul.

    And all she could do was breath and cling, and thank God that He''d found a way to bring them together, because she''d never felt happiness like this.

    She knew she didn''t deserve it, but she was so, so d to have it.

    To have him.

 Chapter 133: Friends

    <h4>Chapter 133: Friends</h4>

    ELIA

    The next day after breakfast, Elia asked Candace if they could go to her house, or for a walk, though the aching in her legs meant she hoped her friend would choose to go home.

    "Why don''t youe over to my house?" Candace said. "I have some work to do, but I could chat while I''m weaving."

    "That sounds great." She winced getting out of her chair and Gahrye grinned at her.

    "Feeling the pinch a little, Elia?" he murmured under his breath. She shot him a look, but had to smile back. She''d been terrible the day before. After he''d had her study the blocks and punches the soldiers were practicing, Gahrye had taken her to a nearby clearing and worked with her on the different moves.

    She knew she''d been terrible, but there was something that felt powerful about doing something to learn and grow, to make her body stronger. But she could tell she was going to have to keep working hard, because her body was soft. And if she was going to change that, it would take gritting her teeth and forcing herself to keep going.

    Reth cupper her thigh as she stood and she smiled and leaned in to kiss him. His eyes heated and the kisssted a little longer than it should have, but she couldn''t resist. He was¡­ delicious.

    But soon she was hobbling towards Candace''s home along the path through the trees. Her friend eyed her warily.

    "Did you injure yourself?"

    "No. Just¡­ worked hard yesterday and my body''s reminding me how many years it''s been since I had a gym membership," Elia said through her teeth.

    "What is a jim membership?" Candace asked, curious.

    Elia shook her head. "In my world when you''re in the city, you go to a specific building and there''s a lot of¡­ weights and machines that help you exercise, so your body gets stronger, and you get fit."

    Candace frowned. "Why wouldn''t you just¡­ work to get stronger?" she said, in an echo of Reth''s thought.

    Elia gave a t smile. "The kind of work you can do in the city isn''t the same as here. It doesn''t work your body the same way. Think of it like training for the guards. It''s that kind of thing."

    "Oh, okay."

    They walked inpanionable silence to Candace''s house, where Candace led her to the second floor, which turned out to be her working floor¡ªexcept for stairs, the entire room was t and empty, with a single massive contraption in the middle that seemed to have great lengths of linen or some other kind of soft fabric billowing to the floor.

    "It''s a loom?" Elia said, awed.

    "Yes, you''re familiar with them?"

    "Not really. I just know what they do and¡­ this is beautiful, Candace?" Elia said, running a length of the fabric through her fingers. "So incredibly soft!"

    "Yes, it''s a blend I created. The Sheep are very annoyed. I''ve managed to out-do their best work. But it takes a great deal of time, so I can''t make a lot of it."

    Elia sighed, the fabric, a soft cream was so beautiful and silky against her skin. She thought of the dress she''d worn to the Mating Feast and bit her lip.

    "Candace, how much does this cost? And¡­ do you know anyone who sews it into clothing?"

    "I do," Candace said past a thick pin in her mouth that she''d just pulled from the mechanism under the loom. "If you want something, I could make it."

    "I¡­ how do I even pay for something in this city?" she said, her eyes going wide as she realized she''d never even thought to pay for¡­ anything¡ªhow did the merchants make their money? What money did they use? She gaped at Candace, horrified. "Have people been giving me things I''m supposed to pay for and I haven''t done it?"

    Candace twittered augh. "No, dear lord, no. We don''t have money here. We trade¡ªeither for other goods, or for work services. But Reth is¡­ he is ours. All of ours. Whatever he needs we''ll provide, because of what he provides to us. And you''re a part of him, so¡­" she shrugged and turned back to the loom.

    Elia swallowed. She said it so simply, yet Elia knew any system like that would be extremely difficult in her world.

    "What could I do for you, so that I could have a dress made from this?" she asked nervously. "I don''t want to take advantage. If it''s expensive and you can''t make much, I don''t want to¡ª"

    "This is already for you, Elia. I was going to give it to you as a gift at the Festival. A thank you for appointing me. If you''d prefer something made from it, I would be happy to do that."

    Elia put a hand to her chest and stared at the beautiful folds of fabric. "thank you," she murmured, tears pinching her throat.

    Candace walked around the loom and pulled her into a quick hug, then held her at arms length. "I know it''s been difficult, Elia, but I am so d the Creator brought you here. I''ve had more fun in the past few weeks, than I did for years before. Your presence here is¡­ thrilling. And even though it hasn''t been easy, I can see your heart. I know you will seed here. And the people will love you," she said, then turned away, leaving Elia standing there, gaping at her back as she returned to her seat at the loom. "Now, do you want a dress like thest one, or should I get more creative with it?" she said, as if she hadn''t just dropped an emotion-bomb on Elia''s chest.

    Blinking to catch up to the shift in her friend, Elia shook her head. "You''re the expert," she said quietly. "The only thing I''m certain of is that I need to have pockets in the sides, and a tie at the neck. The rest¡­ you can choose. I know nothing about clothes."

    "A tie at the neck?"

    "Yes, the neckline on the other one, it was on a string that could be untied so it coulde open from the top."

    "Oh, yes. That''s a good idea. And the gathering would suit your shape."

    Elia shrugged. She just wanted a dress that Reth could remove from her from the top down, like he had with thest one. But she didn''t think Candace needed to know that.

    "Plus, it gives Reth an opportunity to¡­ unwrap you," Candace said with a grin.

    Or not, Elia sighed to herself and justughed.

    She would get used to this. One day.

 Chapter 134: New Season

    <h4>Chapter 134: New Season</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    ELIA

    As Summer passed into Autumn, and Anima''s greens and yellows turned orange and red, Elia found herself not only with a purpose, but with increasing anticipation of the Festival, and her life. It was as if she could feel the strings of everything she''d ever wanted pulling together and all she had to do was make sure they pulled against each other in the right order, the right direction, to make everything tie up in a pretty bow.

    Elia was ted. And overwhelmed. It seemed too good to be true.

    Reth''s devotion never waned. She''d thought that their appetite for each other would ease over time, that lovemaking would be less exciting. But in fact, the opposite was true. She was embarrassingly forward with him now¡ªand he seemed to revel in it until there had been more than one missed meal, and even one mortifying moment when Reth forgot he''d told the security council toe to the cave and they were almost interrupted. Again.

    But even beyond those hours at home together, Elia couldn''t believe how much he ruled her every thought.

    He could still make her heart race with just a look, or a very particr huff.

    She could still make him swear by kissing his neck in just the right spot.

    And even as they worked through it, their list was getting longer. And more specific.

    It had be a game between them to suggest new or curious options. Once, she''d leaned into his ear during dinner in the market and told him she was inspired¡ªthat they still hadn''t tried the dining table at the Cave yet, and did he think it was sturdy enough?

    He''d chuckled and said he didn''t care if the damn thing copsed.

    She''d given him an innocent look. "But, then all the honey would get everywhere, and I don''t want to clean that up."

    He''d blinked. "Honey?"

    "Honey," she''d said with a somber nod. "It sticks to the skin, so it takes some time to make sure you get it all¡ªReth! What are you doing?!"

    He''d taken her hand and pulled her from the chair and insisted to the others that he had a stomachint and they needed to leave.

    She didn''t think anyone had been fooled¡ªleast of all Gahrye who, she noticed with a sinking heart, didn''tugh and wink like the others, but became suddenly very interested in his dinner te, waving her off without meeting her eyes when she called back an apology.

    She knew he wasn''t jealous about her, specifically. But her so obvious love continued to create a stark reflection for him. And she ached to see him in pain. He was such a good man¡ªyet he was utterly convinced that no good female would have him.

    "What about the Outsiders? Are any of them¡­ attractive to you?" she''d asked on one of their walks when the subject came up again. The Outsiders were what the group had nicknamed themselves, and they were carefully beginning to ept Elia among them. Secretly.

    Gahrye shook his head. "They''re mostly male. And the ones that aren''t are either already taken or¡­ not my type."

    "What is your type?"

    He''d shrugged. "I don''t like shy females. I want someone who''s more interested in being alone with me than with a lot of other people. Someone who sees things between us as sacred. And she has to be intelligent. Other than that¡­" he shrugged again.

    Not for the first time, Elia wished she could take Gahrye back to her world. As strong and sweet and sensitive as he was, she knew without doubt no matter where he turned up, he''d be beating women off with a stick. But she hadn''t mentioned it to him again since that first time, not wanting to make him yearn. Because the truth was, she doubted he''d ever leave Anima¡ªand she''d miss him terribly if he did.

    Besides, she couldn''t see any circumstances under which she''d send anyone back to her world. The longer she was in Anima, the more she understood why they had done everything they could to hide themselves from the human world.

    Things were different here. More natural, more old-fashioned by human standards, certainly. But also not corrupted by technology and industry. And healthier in general¡ªand not just in the food. The sheer life in this ce¡ªit was as if she breathed joy along with the oxygen. And not just because of Reth.

    Gahrye had been helping her train for weeks now, and some of the others had begun to join them, slowly. It was useful having multiple sparring partners of various weights and sizes¡ªand different skill sets. And through their hard work, Elia was getting stronger¡ªnot just stronger, but also faster, and more capable.

    She was stillughably weakpared to Reth¡ªwho made¡­ well, almost every adult in Anima look weak. But she was catching up some. And she knew herself and her body. She was stronger than she''d ever been. Something about this world had helped her develop that strength and speed in a much shorter time than should have been possible before.

    It was as if this ce healed people. Or perhaps, made them better at healing themselves? She didn''t know, and it really didn''t matter in the end. What mattered was that she loved her husband, and he adored her. The people were beginning to settle down and ept her, slowly. The wolves hadn''t made any more attempts to hurt her since Reth''s apparent challenge at the Security Council, and the Festival wasing in a few days, and it was going to be¡ªeven if Elia was the one to say so¡ªabsolutely epic.

    She woke every morning with excitement trilling in her stomach, and went to sleep every night exhausted, satisfied, and hopeful.

    Deep down, though, she went to bed terrified she would wake up the next morning and it would all be gone¡ªthe happiness, the growth, Reth.

    Most of all Reth.

    And so she clung to her joy. Never letting herself be ustomed to it. Never ceasing to be grateful. Especially for him.

 Chapter 135: Uneasy

    <h4>Chapter 135: Uneasy</h4>

    ELIA

    She''d met with her Cohorts to work onst minute details for the Festival of Hearts. The three of them were veryfortable together now, and when they gathered at Candace''s or at Aymora''s, as they were that evening, it felt to Elia like getting together with her friends from collegefort,ughter, and sometimes the need for help. They were bing a true unit, and she was so d she''d trusted her instincts. Even if Gahrye''s maleness created asionally awkward conversations.

    As they finished up that night it waste. They''de back together after dinner because time was getting short, and since Reth had a meeting, she''d decided to use the hours productively.

    The air was chilly and thenterns lit when they finally left Aymora''s cave. The nights were darker, earlier now, and Elia had a beautiful wool shrug one of the Sheep had given her when the season changed. She wore it every day, which made the woman smile.

    Pulling it tighter around her shoulders as she, Candace, and Gahrye stepped into the night, she shivered. "What''s winter going to be like if the air already has this bite?" she said through a jaw tense with cold.

    "Winter is a time for nights next to the fire and fixing and mending and¡­ whatever else you and your mate want to do," Candace said with a wink.

    Gahrye groaned. "Please don''t get her started."

    "What? I do not talk about¡­ those things."

    "You don''t have to," they both said, thenughed together.

    Elia humphed. It wasn''t her fault that the Anima scented everything and could always tell when she''d caught Reth on a warm afternoon, or they''d snuck up to the hillside clearing. Something they didn''t do nearly often enough, in her opinion.

    She wanted to try climbing thedder herself now that she was stronger. She wondered if she could do it.

    She and her friends continued to chat for the walk back to the Tree City, then Candace and Gahrye both bid her goodnight near the market and headed for their own homes.

    She knew the Guards were likely following her already¡ªthey never seemed to believe her when she said she didn''t need them anymore¡ªbut they''d remained hidden, so she made the most of at least feeling like she was walking alone.

    Anima was beautiful all the time, but it was particrly lovely by moonlight. Something she had yet to explore with Reth. It was on the list, though.

    He was still balking at having her out in the forest without guards, which drove her crazy. She wanted out of that damned cave with Reth! Not that she couldin. It wasn''t like they were bored. Even thatst evening¡ª

    Something rustled in the bushes off to her right and she turned, distracted. "You''re losing your touch, Jak," she said, knowing the positions the guards usually took when following her. "Even I can hear you tonight."

    There was a slight snigger in the dark, that she guessed was one of the other guards teasing him, so Elia shrugged it off and continued down the path.

    She didn''t hear anything else for the trip, and when she broke out of the path in the trees and into the meadow at the cave where the other guards were, she looked over her shoulder, waiting for Jak to emerge from the trees nearby. She wanted to tease him in front of the others. But when she was thirty feet into the clearing, he still hadn''t appeared, so she turned and stared into the forest.

    One of the others came to join her. "Is there a problem?" the tall equine asked quietly, also staring at the forest.

    "Who was on duty tonight, following me from Aymora''s?" she whispered back, having learned to keep her voice below the noise of the night.

    "Jak."

    "That''s what I thought. I heard something a few minutes ago, but he didn''t answer when I spoke. I thought it was because I teased him. But¡­ where is he?"

    "What did you hear?" the guard asked, his hand going to his spear.

    "Just a rustling, a small noise. And¡­ augh, I think."

    The man stared at her a moment, then turned with a quick, sharp whistle, and made a gesture above his head. A momentter, one of the others was at his side.

    "Survey the north side of the trail from here to the city. You''re looking for Jak. Make sure he hasn''t hurt himself, or¡­ just find him."

    The guard nodded and loped off, Elia''s heart in her throat, watching him.

    "Sire, you should go inside," the guard said. "His Majesty is inside already and will watch over you while we figure this out."

    "But¡­ I want to make sure Jak is okay!"

    "And I need to make sure that you''re safe before I can go make further arrangements for Jak. Please, Elia?" he said softly.

    She pressed her lips together, but turned for the cave opening, to find Reth standing at the door, staring, his broad shoulders framed by thentern light behind him.

    When they made it to him, he pulled Elia into his side as he asked the guard, "What''s wrong?"

    "Jak hasn''t returned with Elia, and she heard a disturbance near the path."

    "It''s probably nothing," she said quickly when Reth''s eyes shed.

    "I''ll take her in, you report to me as soon as you know anything," Reth said, his voice too low.

    The Guard saluted with his fist to his chest, then turned on his heel and ran into the forest. The others, still in the meadow, spread out so they were evenly spaced across the open area.

    "I don''t like this," Reth muttered so only Elia would hear him.

    "It can''t be the wolves. If they''d taken him out to get to get me, they had more than enough chance to hurt me. I heard that noise just outside the city. But no one came for me. It''s got to be something else."

    Reth didn''t agree, or argue, just bundled her inside. "I guess we''re going to find out," is all he said, then turned to drop a quick kiss on her lips. "Thank the Creator you made it home safely."

    She put a hand to his neck and didn''t let him pull away. "And once we know Jak''s okay, I wanted you to know I had another idea for the list."

    Reth purred and ushered her into the house quickly.

    *****

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 Chapter 136: Overbearing

    <h4>Chapter 136: Overbearing</h4>

    RETH

    Jak wasn''t okay. Jak was nowhere to be found¡ªand Jak was not an Anima to abandon his post. One of their best trackers scented equine blood in the dirt only feet from the trail, and closer to the city than the cave, though there was no sign of Jak, a body, or how he had been removed from the spot, alive or dead.

    Reth almost crawled out of his skin when he found out that Elia had walked more than halfway from the Tree City, unattended, and after a likely assault urred just feet from her. He brought the guards in and roared at them until Behryn arrived to calm him down.

    Between them they developed a new guard routine for Elia. She would no longer be considered safe when in the city. There would be at least one guard following her at all times, and multiple when outside the city itself.

    Elia groaned and imed he''d be overbearingly protective. "I can''t have you or some guard hanging over my shoulder every second of the day, I have work to do! And the people are only just starting to see me as someone capable! You put babysitters on me all day and we''ll lose the progress we''ve made!"

    He didn''t apologize for it, though. A little disapproval from the people over Elia''s ability to defend herself was a small price to pay to stop the next disappearance being hers.

    She definitely red a lot. But to her credit, she made those challenges to him when they were with Behryn and the guards at the cave. She made no mention of her concerns when the people were watching. And he loved her for it. Even if she did continue to mutter things about alpha-male bullshit every time he was in earshot.

    She was spending too much time with Aymora, in his opinion.

    Reth huffed. He''d just have to remind her why she loved her alpha-male when they were alone in the cave that night.

    He sighed and mentally scratched his n to take her into the meadow that night. The brothers had started teasing him that mating him had him castrated¡ªtheir nights at home starting earlier and earlier as the summer drew to a close. He''d ept the teasing with a smug smile.

    Their usation couldn''t be further from the truth. Outside, under the stars had been next on her list, and he''d nned to surprise her. But he couldn''t put the guards through that¡ªand it defeated the purpose anyway. Elia wanted to be outside with him alone. Truly alone.

    Reth scrubbed the scruff on his jaw. Could they risk the waterfall clearing with no guards? Should they? He would have to give it some thought.

    "Reth? Are you listening?" Behryn said from the other side of the security council table.

    Reth blinked. "Sorry, friends. I am¡­ distracted. Can you repeat thatst part."

    "I said, Jak isn''t the only thing to have disappeared," Brant said, eyeing Reth with a small smile, like he knew what his King was distracted by. But the smile faded quickly. "There have been reports of food, clothing, and various pieces of equipment going missing from the merchants."

    "Theft?" Reth gaped. "Are you certain?"

    Brant nodded, his lined cheeks sucking in. "I ignored the first two reports of food, because some thetest crop of males from the packs and the pride had reached age. I seem to remember others struggle to fill the holes in their bellies at that stage?"

    "Not just their own holes," Lerrin quipped, and the men allughed.

    Reth smiled, but his heart was uneasy. Not because of Lerrin¡ªthe man had been a calm and useful member of the council since the night Reth had challenged Lucan.

    Lucan hadn''t been back, sending his mate''s brother in his ce, something that would need to be addressed. But until there was evidence the wolves were involved in thistest disappearance, Reth would not create conflict with them. He would instruct Behryn to be watching for wolf involvement, though. He had not forgotten the events around Elia''s arrival.

    Brant cleared his throat and continued. "But we''re starting to see a pattern of things disappearing¡ªalways resources. Even the clothing that''s being taken is functional. This isn''t a group of kids going through a rebellious streak. This is an intentional and directed collection of goods."

    "To what purpose?" Reth growled.

    "My guess would be either people preparing to leave the Tree City and your protection, or a group or family aren''t being provided for and are too scared to admit it. My money''s on the defectors."

    Reth nodded. If a family were being neglected over months, there would have been some indication. Their scents alone¡­

    "So, we have people preparing to leave us." Though rare, it wasn''t unheard of for Anima to leave one n and join another. But to n to leave in secret, and to steal in order to provide for it¡­ "There has to be limited groups that would desire this. What do you know of your peoples¡ªwho is aware of disaffected ranks within their tribe?"

    Every man at the table turned to look at Lerrin.

    His lips went thin, and the sh of anger in his eyes wasn''t lost on Reth. "Unless some of the youths are feeling the call to make their own pack, the wolves are not nning a defection," he growled. "We''ve done everything you asked, Reth. I don''t appreciate the suspicion."

    "I agree," Reth conceded, "you have brought your people under control, and I appreciate it. But you must see¡ªpredators are far more likely to defect, and with the Pride in power, it seems very unlikely that any of our tribe are dissatisfied. The wolves are the most likely candidates, whether there had been problems before, or not."

    Lerrin nodded tightly. "I will do some investigating," he said reluctantly. "But also, consider the bears, or some of the other hignders. They had a cold spring, and it''s their time to prepare to hibernate. I know we spoke about their issues this year. Other independent groups could also be on the move. It could be we have an intruder?"

    Reth scratched his scruff again. It seemed unlikely that bears had made it into the City without being scented, but stranger things had happened. It couldn''t be dismissed. "Behryn, he''s right. Let''s explore that possibility as well. And until we have more information, let''s set up nightly patrols focused in the trade centers. But¡­ not too blindly focused."

    As Behryn nodded and the men broke up, Reth stayed in his seat, his mind turning over all that was happening. Was Jak''s disappearance linked to the thefts? It seemed likely but they couldn''t be sure, and his father had told him, more than once, to assume anything was to blind oneself to reality.

    Reth sighed, and got up from his chair, catching Behryn''s eye. This needed further examination. All of it.

    And Elia needed to be protected, regardless.

    *****

    NEED SOMETHING ELSE WHILE YOU WAIT FOR MORE CHAPTERS? Try the excerpt from my *NEW* book in the author note below, updating daily and currently ALL FREE (please vote for it to support it in the Webnovel Spirity Awards, 2021!):

 Chapter 137: Compassion

    <h4>Chapter 137: Compassion</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia sat at the table with the women''s council, all of themughing and teary-eyed from Aymora''s story about a pair of young lovers she''d interrupted inside the storage tree they were using for the Festival.

    "He fell over, right into the banner line and got twisted up, and she just kept squawking."

    "What did you do?" Elia was always fascinated about how open the Anima were about anything to do with mating.

    "I told him to stop waving the gs at me and tidy up after himself after he was done."

    The women erupted with a new wave ofughter. Elia couldn''t breathe for a moment. But as they slowly calmed, she considered again how precious these women had be. Their practical approach to any crisis¡ªalong with their humor¡ªmade even the difficult aspects of ruling so much easier.

    Not that Elia did a lot of ruling yet. She was mainly a helper, of sorts, to the people. A few people anyway. They mostly approached with things they wanted Reth to hear before a council meeting, or small, practical problems they felt she could help them fix. It was a tiny start, but it was a start. And the requests for her audience were slowly bing more frequent.

    As they finished their meeting, Elia enjoyed hearing from the women that their families anticipation for the Festival was growing. She was excited¡ªand more than a little nervous. She''d worked out her story to tell at the Reading, and had been practicing with Aymora, Candace, and Gahrye. Now she only had to tell it to the people and see whether they approved.

    Aymora walked them all to the door, the other women skirting around the tworge warriors who stood outside in fighting leathers and their spears, waiting for Elia.

    Elia gave Aymora a hug, who eyed the men. "Is it really necessary?" she asked quietly.

    "Reth believes so," Elia sighed. "And I understand his fear. But¡­ I feel like it will put me back in the eyes of the people."

    Aymora''s lips twisted thoughtfully. "Perhaps, or perhaps they will juste to ept that while you have physical limitations, you bring other strengths." Aymora rubbed her arms, then raised an eyebrow. "Although it seems that you are working on those limitations, anyway?"

    Elia smiled. "Yes, I''m trying."

    "Good girl."

    "Thank you, Aymora. I don''t know how I would have done any of this so far without you."

    The older woman waved her off. "It is my honor¡ªand Reth''s as well, I''m sure." She winked and Elia rolled her eyes, then walked out into the sunlight, bright after the darkness of the cave.

    Elia walked quickly back towards the city, the two men bracketing her. They were guards she was less familiar with, so she didn''t distract them from their task, but as they grew closer to the center of the city and passed people them on the path, she smiled, and tried to pretend they weren''t there.

    Then she saw Lhorn. The male was a disformed wolf¡ªnormal in his appearance, but like Gahrye, unable to shift. He was rtively young, but had a sharp mind, and had willingly befriended Elia as she''d started spending more time with Gahrye and the other Outsiders. In secret.

    Even Reth didn''t know how much time she spent with them, mostly training, but also discussing societies, the human world versus the Anima world, and how Elia saw a role for the disformed in Anima society.

    They were some of her favorite hours in the week, and she didn''t hide her delight in seeing Lhorn approach.

    He bowed before her and, with a quick nce at the men behind her, smiled carefully. "My Queen, could I request an audience?" he said humbly. It was their signal¡ªas more people had beguning to her, she''d told all the Outsiders to do the same whenever she was inpany, to let her know that they needed to speak with her.

    "Of course, Lhorn. Do you need to speak now, or¡ª"

    "No, Sire. But¡­ this afternoon? Prior to the evening meal?"

    "Certainly."

    "Thank you, Highness. Have a lovely day."

    "You too, Lhorn."

    She was still smiling, excited that they would train again that day. She wanted to work on her defensive blocks, that were still remarkably slowpared to the others¡ªbut improving. She got so lost remembering the moves she needed to practice, that at first she didn''t notice the tension of the Guards who must have scented something. Then, just as she was about to ask, they turned a corner in the path, and Lucine appeared, huddled under a tree on this back trail, her knees against her chest, and her face gaunt.

    Elia gasped. She hadn''t seen the woman for a month, had assumed Lucine was going about her life. But here she was, looking ragged and thin. She''d lost a lot of weight, and quickly.

    Her eyes widened when she saw Elia, and then the guards. She leapt to her feet, put her eyes to the ground, and waited for them to pass.

    Her posture was submissive, but Elia didn''t miss the twitching in her jaw.

    As they reached her, Elia stopped. The men behind her putting their hands to their weapons, which made Elia want to scream.

    "Good morning, Lucine."

    "Good morning, Highness," Lucine sketched a bow, but still didn''t meet her eyes.

    "Are you well? Is there anything you need? I''m meeting with Reth tonight¡ª"

    "I am well provided for, Highness. Thank you for asking." Her tone said she was anything but grateful, but Elia let it pass.

    She had stopped feeling awkward about this woman, instead findingpassion for her. Her life had changed so dramatically as a result of Elia''s appearance. It was no wonder the woman didn''t want to speak with her.

    Elia had to ask herself how she would feel if she''d thought she was going to mate Reth, then this woman showed up and he becamepletely entranced by her?

    It made her stomach sick.

    "Lucine¡­ there are groups within our people who would wee you¡ª" she put her hand to the woman''s shoulder, and Lucine snarled and jerked out of her grip, but stopped herself from retreatingpletely. She stood in front of Elia, trembling¡ªwith anger or fear?¡ªand Elia stopped. The Guards both drew their spears to a defensive position, but Elia raised her hand to stop them moving on Lucine.

    "I''m very sorry," Elia said quietly. "I shouldn''t have touched you without asking first. Please forgive me."

    "There''s no forgiveness necessary, I simply wish to be alone," Lucine growled.

    Elia nodded. "I will leave you to your solitude then. But please, don''t hesitate to let me know if there''s a way I could help you."

    "I am fine!" Lucine snapped.

    With a nce at the disapproving guards, Elia nodded and told Lucine farewell, then kept walking. But her heart was sore.

    She would talk to the Outsiders again. When she''d first proposed inviting Lucine into their group, they''d been quick to dismiss the idea, despite having other wolves in their number. They felt Lucine''s status wasn''t as permanent as their own, and her knowledge of their group would only be a risk.

    But Elia was determined to ask them again. Lucine needed help, and she clearly wasn''t getting it from her Tribe.

    She was Queen. If she couldn''t help one woman find some kind of joy in her day, she wasn''t worth much to anyone.

 Chapter 138: In the Eyes of the King

    <h4>Chapter 138: In the Eyes of the King</h4>

    RETH

    With the need for more guards, each with a closer rtionship with Elia, Reth decided it was a good day to review the training up in the high clearing. He had meant to catch up with Behryn''s troops all summer, but now the weather was cooling and with recent events it was vital that they choose guards who would not only bemitted to Elia''s safety, but who were unafraid of true battle if the wolves¡ªor possible intruders¡ªchose to attack.

    He timed his arrival to walk into the field just after thete afternoon''s session began.

    Catching sight of him as he stepped out from the trees, Behryn called all the trainees to attention, and to the man, they knelt, with fists over chests until he''d walked through all of them to join his best friend.

    "At ease," Reth called, allowing the men to take their feet again and rx while he caught up with Behryn.

    "To what do we owe this honor, Sire?" Behryn said with a grin.

    Reth rolled his eyes. "I want to see who''s here and what they''re doing. I want to be involved in picking the new guard shifts. Make sure that they take the job seriously¡ªand that they don''t think it''s just a babysitting role."

    Behryn snorted. "You really think I''d let any man on shift who would think that way?"

    Reth stood shoulder to shoulder with him as the Captains called the men into sparring stance and they began to train again. "No. But¡­ take pity on the heart of a man in love, will you friend?"

    Behryn nodded. "If it was Hollhye, I''d do the same thing," he said, pping his hand to Reth''s shoulder and leaving it there as they watched the young males going through their forms and attempting to strike each other.

    He watched and reviewed the men for an hour before asking Behryn if he could step in and test a few himself. Behryn grinned. "Be my guest. But don''t show off. This is a job interview, not your yground."

    Reth shed a wicked smile, then strolled to the center of the field where the men stood in groups, learning to guard when they were blinded.

    Three different men stood, blindfolded, and encircled by a handful of others, who would each take turns trying to touch the man before he could fend them off.

    Reth noticed one man in particr, an especially tall, but solidly built Equine, who seemed to be doing well. He had his head cocked and wasn''t distracted by noise from other groups. He stood on the balls of his feet, hands in front of his chest, poised. But didn''t move until one of the others came for him.

    As Reth approached their group, he gestured to the others not to mention him. They all smiled and shifted slightly to give him room in the circle.

    One by one, as the others attempted to touch the man, Reth stood ready until he was given the nod to take his turn.

    He shifted his weight forward, but at thest minute, dropped to one knee and took a strike¡ªonly half-speed¡ªat the back of the man''s knee, a blow designed to take him off bnce so he could be flipped, or caught in a lock.

    And it almost worked. The young man braced for a blowing at his side, as Reth had feinted, but was quick enough to twist on his feet as his King dropped. Though he didn''t block the blow quickly enough, he was also able to keep his feet.

    And his face, under the blindfold, got very serious.

    Reth nced at the Captain, who nodded again, and Reth began a quick, steady attack, sometimes up and aiming for the face, or chest, then twisting to drop, or turning to get behind the man.

    And though the man struggled to meet every blow, and took one good jab to the ribs, it took Reth most of a minute to get the man off his feet.

    The others cheered as Reth finally slipped an ankle behind the Equines, pulling him over his thigh and to the ground.

    The soldier cursed, but curled himself to roll when he hit the grass. Except Reth didn''t let him go, but kept his hand and drew his weight, so the man wouldn''t hit hard.

    Then he pulled him to his feet and pped him on the back. "Well done, son," he said.

    The young man pushed the blindfold back off his head, and his mouth dropped open. He immediately saluted. "I thought it must have been the Captain¡ªthank you, Sire!"

    "What''s your name?"

    "Tarkyn, Sire!"

    "Tarkyn, can you tell me what your thoughts are on the Queen and her¡­ unique way of approaching the world?"

    "I admire her courage, sir." There was no guile on the young man''s face. His eyes were bright, and he smiled, ecstatic to be speaking directly with his King.

    Reth nodded. "As do I. Are you interested in joining the ranks of her bodyguard while we attempt to clear up a few¡­ issues we''ve had in the City?"

    "Yes, Sire! Oh, very much!"

    "Good. I''m impressed. Keep working. You can report to Behryn in the morning."

    "Thank you, Sire! I will!"

    Reth smiled and turned away to join the next group, his heart slightly easier knowing at least one of the new guards was skilled. Now if he could just find four more¡­

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia and the Outsiders who''d been free to gather that afternoon all huddled behind the bolder, their mouths open with shock.

    "Did you know he wasing?" Gahrye whispered.

    "No! What''s he doing?"

    "It looks like he''s testing them."

    Elia swallowed. Watching her husband prowl out of the trees like a big cat had been¡­ thrilling. And terrifying. What if he caught her scent? None of the Anima were likely to miss it, but she knew Reth was particrly attuned to her. Ever since the iming, it was almost as if he could sense her even without his nose.

    "Man, he''s fast," one of the others whispered a few minutester, as they all crouched in a row, watching.

    Elia''s stomach trilled. Seeing him move like that, so vital and strong, made her wish they were back at the cave. But it also reminded her how desperately careful he was with her.

    She''d never seen him strike¡­ anything. But when his fist caught this young man¡ªwho had half-blocked the punch¡ªhe was bounced off the center of the little ring and into hispanions for a moment.

    The sheer power in Reth was stunning. Elia licked her lips.

    Eventually, Reth moved on to the other groups and seemed to be evaluating the people in each, though he didn''t ask to personally attack any of the others, he took his turn in the circles, andughed and advised the young men.

    Elia''s heart melted when he stepped in to encourage one young man who was struggling with the exercise. She couldn''t hear his words, but she knew that look of firmpassion¡ªhe''d given it to her, always when he felt for her, but knew that it was important she hear something.

    This young man seemed in awe of his King, standing right there, speaking with him.

    Elia swallowed hard and took a deep breath. She loved this man with every fiber of her being, and seeing him here, being the man she knew him to be when he didn''t know she was here¡­ it just reinforced everything she knew about his strength and courage.

    He was amazing. How had he be hers?

    Luckily the wind was with them. No one caught their scent so they were all able to sit there, watching Reth, until the sun began to dip. The others, all young, had to get back to their parents, or their schooling, or whatever responsibilities they had. But Elia and Gahrye stayed on a few more minutes, until the light began to drop enough that Gahrye was concerned she wouldn''t get back safely with her limited night sight.

    He gestured to her that it was time to leave, and she took onest look at Reth¡ªand found him staring directly at her through the tiny gap that she peered through rock and tree leaves.

    Elia gasped and whirled, dropping to sink below the level of the boulder. Gahrye turned¡ªhe''d been about to head into the trees.

    "What?" he hissed.

    She gestured wildly back, behind her, towards Reth, trying tomunicate that he''d seen her, but Gahrye just frowned. Then he looked back in the direction she''d been pointing and his eyes widened.

    Reth? He mouthed and she nodded frantically.

    "Shit." He beckoned her, as if to flee, then widened his eyes when she shook her head. He looked back towards Reth, his uncertainty about the best course forward, obvious.

    They both froze and waited. But there was no call of rm. No sound of Reth calling her name. Nothing.

    Elia slowly, slowly lifted herself up until one eye could see over the boulder and through the leaves.

    Reth had gone back to the trainees, though she sensed an extra set of tension in his shoulders.

    When she turned back, Gahrye stared and she shook her head.

    They were gone within seconds.

 Chapter 139: Secrets in the Pride

    <h4>Chapter 139: Secrets in the Pride</h4>

    RETH

    Anger curled in his chest like smoke rising off the me of his rage when he caught sight of her. Everything in him clenched. He''d been sensing her presence like a gnat buzzing nearby, but he''d dismissed it, so certain she was nowhere near, he''d convinced himself she was merely on his mind.

    Then he''d turned just in time to catch a flicker between the trees, behind arge, mossy boulder at the edge of the clearing, and caught sight of very familiar, wide, blue eyes staring back at him.

    He''d almost roared.

    It was a blessing that the soldiers were in the middle of an exercise, and his pause would be taken merely as a distraction. He turned back to the men and pretended to continue inspecting them. But the light was growing low and they''d be finishing at the end of this exercise. Lucky for him.

    He felt her presence fade¡ªand for a split second, he almost went after her. Did she even have anyone with her? Was she alone out here? How had she slipped the guards? Were they helping her? Had she convinced them to help her resist his orders?

    He was close to trembling by the time all the males were filing away, back into the forest, returning to the City and he was left alone with Behryn, who walked the field to ensure no weapons had been left, forgotten.

    "What troubles you, brother?" Behryn asked him when Reth caught up to him.

    Reth blinked. Was he that obvious? Or did Behryn just know him so well? "Has there been any¡­ disturbances in trainingtely?" he asked carefully. "Distractions?"

    Behryn frowned. "None that are memorable. I mean, the usual shes between youths learning their strength and urged toward dominance. But¡­ that isn''t what you mean?"

    "No. I meant¡­ anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps the thefts, things moved around, anything like that? This location is so remotepared to the rest of the City, it urs to me that it''s a prime spot for our¡­ intruders to infiltrate."

    "None that I''m aware of Reth, but you''re right. I''ll keep a closer eye on things."

    Reth followed him around the field for another minute before speaking again. "Have there been any issues with the guards for Elia? Have they had any problems with her? Or have you found them¡­ disobedient, at all?"

    Behryn grinned. "You think your wife''s recklessness influences my guards, Reth?"

    "Y-you know of her¡­recklessness?" Reth asked, stunned.

    Behryn frowned. "We''re all aware that she resists our ways, Reth. It''s obvious in everything she does. The other day I saw her bow back to a sheep." He brayed augh and shook his head affectionately. "Don''t worry, though, the guards are all under strict orders to let me know immediately if she heads into anything dangerous. So far, she''s been very good, though she oftenins to her cohorts about their presence. She hasn''t tried to evade them, if that''s what you''re wondering."

    "Yes, I was just¡­ I know the leash feels tight for her at times," he said distractedly. How was she getting away? "What does she do with her time, mostly, when she''s not with me?"

    Behryn stopped scanning the grass and turned to face him. "Reth, what''s going on? What are you worried about?"

    "I don''t know, that''s the problem. I worry she is¡­ putting herself in danger."

    Behryn put a hand to his shoulder. "She''s a grown woman, brother. Whether we like to think of our mates that way or not, the truth is, there will always be a risk of them making a stupid decision. But Elia doesn''t strike me as truly reckless. Perhaps I shouldn''t have used that word. I didn''t mean to frighten you."

    "I''m not frightened, I am¡­"

    "Worrying like a den mother," Behryn said, pping him on the back. "But you have no need. She spends every waking hour that she isn''t with you with her Cohorts¡ªand asionally taking audiences. But even then, the Cohorts remain with her. If the guardsin about anything, it''s the boredom of spending so many hours circling the same trees every day while they wait for her."

    "Does she spend¡­ more time with one of the Cohorts than the others."

    Behryn''s smile dropped slowly off his face. "Ah¡­ and so we get to the heart of it."

    "What?"

    "It is normal for a Queen to spend more time with her Advisor than anyone else, Reth. She needs his guidance for all her other dealings during the day. Gahrye is a good man. Despite his¡­ limitations, he is intelligent and he reads the wind as well as I do. If she was going to choose a male, I doubt she could have picked better. But you do not need to worry. She has eyes only for you, brother. I know that for fact."

    Reth''s chest warmed, a little, and he allowed himself to be distracted. "How do you know that?"

    "I know that, because both Gahrye and the guards haveined about how frequently her scent¡­ rises. And always when you be the topic of conversation, or she finds you with her eyes. Mark my words, you''ll get a cub on that one soon," Behryn said, his voice only slightly strained.

    The Anima didn''t breed as easily, or as often as humans and sadly, the Creator had never seen fit to give Behryn and Hollhye a foal, though not for theirck of trying. Reth knew it was a deep grief to both of them. He gave Behryn a sympathetic face, that Behryn turned away from and returned to scanning the grass.

    "Of course I hope you''re right," Reth said carefully. "But¡ª"

    "She has no heart feelings for Gahrye, Reth. Don''t let yourself be distracted by petty jealousies. Fight the fight before you, not the one you think lurks in the shadows."

    If Reth had been in beast form, he would have ttened his ears. But he understood why Behryn thought that''s what was going on, so he sighed and nodded. "I am not truly worried. But something feels¡­ uncertain about her days right now. I want to scent it out."

    "So, ask her."

    "I n to, but¡­"

    "You don''t think she''ll be honest with you?" Behryn said, surprise in his tone. "She doesn''t strike me as a liar."

    "She''s not," Reth said tly. "She does have a habit of seeing things differently though. Sometimes the question I ask is not the question that is answered."

    Behryn burst out in brayingughter. "Oh, Reth. That has nothing to do with her being human. That''s because she''s female!" Heughed again and Reth rolled his eyes.

    "Of course, thank you, brother, for your endless help."

    "You''re always wee," his friend chuckled and patted his arm again. "Don''t worry, brother. I''ve never seen a mate sopletely in the thrall of her husband before. You are truly blessed."

    "Yes, I am," he reminded himself as he farewelled Behryn and turned for the forest. He didn''t bother walking to the path down to the city. It wound around and would take too long.

    He walked straight into the trees and, waiting for the shadows to swallow him from Behryn''s sight, prepared to take his beast form.

    He would travel much more quickly that way, and find her wherever she might have gone. Likely Gahrye''s tree. He didn''t imagine that Candace was interested in training. And Aymora would simply have yanked Elia into the field, thrown her at Behryn''s feet and demanded it.

    So Gahrye''s it must be.

    He just prayed he could keep his anger in check enough to return to his human form when he got there.

    Would she me him if he bit out the Advisor''s throat?

    With a shake of his head that soon became a shake of his mane, he gave himself over to the shift.

    His animal eyes marked the boulder where she''d squatted, and he found the scent.

    Then he began to run.

 Chapter 140: No One Messes with an Angry Lion

    <h4>Chapter 140: No One Messes with an Angry Lion</h4>

    ELIA

    Her heart was pounding the entire trip back to Gahrye''s. She kept checking behind them, half-expecting find Reth descending from between the trees like some kind of Avenging Angel with a serious case of the rages. But there was nothing.

    Had he decided she could make these decisions for herself? She hoped so. Still, she wasn''t looking forward to the conversation back at the cave tonight. She''d have to do her best to distract him from¡ª

    "Elia!" Gahrye hissed. "We need to climb!"

    She froze. She''d been so distracted, she''d almost followed the path right up to Gahrye''s tree. The guards might have seen her, then she''d have all of them freaking out.

    She''d learned in the past few weeks not to react to everything with her voice¡ªto keep quiet when stealth was needed. But she shuddered as she turned off the path to follow Gahrye through the trees. They had to climb a tree three doors down from Gahrye''s and leap across, dropping into the top of his and taking the roof-door down the stairs inside, so her guards wouldn''t catch her on their patrols of the house.

    The empty house they guarded for at least a couple of hours a day while she and the others snuck off to train. She hadn''t felt bad about it before. But now¡­ she was going to answer for that to Reth, she knew.

    Oh well. She rolled her shoulders back. The training was working. She was nowhere near as skilled as the soldiers, but she was getting fitter and stronger, and she and the disformed that sometimes joined her and Gahrye were turning her into a fighter. She''d had more bruises in the past weeks than she''d ever had in her life. Exining them to Reth had been tricky. Luckily, the Anima were so physical, having scars and marks wasn''t really remarkable to them. He''d barely questioned her at all, though she''d hated lying to him.

    At least that wouldn''t be necessary anymore.

    As they weaved silently between the trees¡ªsomething else Elia was getting better at¡ªshe put a hand to Gahrye''s shoulder. He gave her a questioning look. "Any advice for how I can¡­ deal with my mate?" she murmured.

    Gahrye snorted. "Stay submissive," he whispered back, then chuckled. She gave him a t look. She''d made the mistake of encouraging him to help her understand when she was acting in ways the Anima would see as resisting Reth''s dominance.

    It had been a rough few days.

    As they grew closer to the tree, they stopped speakingpletely so the guards wouldn''t hear them. Gahrye reached the climbing tree first and tugged at the vines to make sure they were still solid, before holding them for Elia to use. He always pinned it to the ground for her, because walking up the outside of the tree was hard enough, but when the vine was loose, well¡­ More than one of those bruises had been due to ufortable tumbles from the vine in the early days.

    She grabbed it and took a couple deep breaths. This was the hardest part. "See you up there," she breathed. Gahrye nodded, and she started to climb.

    She was only a few feet up the trunk when a twig snapped behind her, and suddenly the rope lost its tension, as if Gahrye had stopped holding it to the ground. "Gahrye!" she hissed. "I told you¡ª"

    "Elia," Gahrye said at normal volume, his voice very tight, "I think you''re needed here."

    Struggling against the wavering vine, Elia struggled to look over her shoulder, but when she did she saw a massive lion prowling out from between the undergrowth, his head down and his eyes fixed on Gahrye.

    "Reth, no!" she squeaked and let go, dropping to the dirt and almost falling, scrambling back up to put herself between Gahrye and Reth, breaking their eye-contact. "Stop! It wasn''t Gahrye''s fault. It was my choice!"

    "Elia," Gahrye said nervously. "I don''t think he can understand you¡ª"

    "He understands me fine. He''s just stubborn as an ox. Reth!" she said through her teeth. "Stop stalking him. It wasn''t his choice. It was mine!"

    Suddenly, more feet sounded, pounding across the forest floor and Elia''s two guards appeared to her right, breaking through the nearby trees. The leader eximed, "Elia?! How did you¡ª" then his eyes caught on the lion behind her before going wide, and both guards froze.

    Elia rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. "Why are you being so dramatic¡ª?"

    A roar of rage shook the entire forest and they all half-crouched as a flock of small birds startled from the branches above them.

    Elia swallowed as Reth''s golden eyes fixed on hers. But before she could open her mouth and in a moment she''d never witnessed before, the Lion in front of her seemed to very suddenly suck in on itself¡ªon Reth¡ªuntil he was standing in front of her, his feet shoulder-width apart, chest heaving, and his hands open at his sides, obviously poised to grip something and snap it clean in two. Elia blinked. Only his eyes remained part of the beast, golden and zing in the near-dark.

    The guards and Gahrye both dropped to one knee. With a sinking stomach, Elia let her shoulders roll forward and dropped her eyes the way she knew she should¡ªespecially in front of the guards.

    No one said anything for several seconds, then Reth drew in a deep breath. When he spoke, his voice was half-beast, half-human, and all quiet fury. He spoke to the guards first.

    "You will find Behryn immediately, and report that you have failed in your duty to keep the Queen safe," he growled.

    "Yes, Sire!" they both called, then scrambled backwards, their knees still in the dirt, until they were on the path, when they stood and ran, never meeting Reth''s eyes. Elia nced at Gahrye who had gone wide-eyed.

    "And you," he said to Gahrye, his voice tumbling gravel. "It is only because I consider the Queen fully capable and responsible for her own choices¡ªno matter how utterly stupid it may be to evade her guards¡ªthat you will not be receiving the same treatment as the guards. I will not interfere between a ruler and her Cohort. But you will remember that you are a citizen of my Kingdom also. And if the Queen is ever harmed in your presence¡­ You. Will. Pay. Do you understand?"

    "Yes, Sire," Gahrye said, breathlessly, not meeting Reth''s eyes.

    "Leave us."

    "I will, Sire. Do you want me to call for more guards to apany you to..." he trailed off, his eyes going wider because Reth''s had.

    "Do you believe your King is incapable of protecting his mate?" he snarled.

    "No, Sire! No! I was¡­ I only asked who would be guarding you. I wished respect."

    "Leave us. Now."

    "Yes, Sire." Gahrye turned on his heel, looking relieved, but gave Elia a sympathetic look as he passed. She was shaking with the will it took to keep her mouth shut and not to be seen to resist Reth.

    Her lips thinned. She waited, but Reth was watching Gahrye walk away, his face a mask of anger and tension.

    As soon as he began to turn to her, Elia opened her mouth. But then Reth''s eyes locked on hers and every word she''d had prepared died in her throat.

    In that moment she realized she''d never seen him truly angry before. She swallowed and forced herself to hold his gaze. She could feel the blood draining out of her face. It was an effort not to drop to one knee as she''d seen the men do so many times.

    She now understood the urge.

    "We''re going back to the cave," he said in the lowest voice she''d ever heard him use, thest word rolling into a growl.

    "Reth¡ª"

    "NOW!" he roared.

 Chapter 141: Crossing the Line

    <h4>Chapter 141: Crossing the Line</h4>

    RETH

    Elia stared at him, equal parts angry and nervous and for once he wasn''t filled with the urge to soothe her. He held himself so tightly leashed he couldn''t even manage a sarcastic smile. He just opened his hand toward the path and waited. Her lips thinned, but she started walking. Reth fell in beside her, shaking with rage.

    "Reth, I am the Queen here¡ªappointed by you¡ªand I am an adult. I am allowed to make choices."

    "We will speak of it back at the cave," he muttered through his teeth.

    "Yes, we will. But I want it known that I don''t like this feeling that I''m being marched back to my room like a child for discipline."

    "Perhaps if my very adult mate wouldn''t make childish decisions, she wouldn''t be treated like a child."

    She stopped on the path, her face pale and turned on him. "So, you agree with your people then, Reth? That I am not¡­ capable?"

    He red. This was a different conversation, and he wouldn''t be distracted. "You know that I do not, Elia. Do not twist my words."

    She red back, her jaw tight, but a momentter she turned and started walking again.

    "You should roar again," she said bitterly. "Make sure no one missed it the first time."

    "They know I am angry, they do not know why. And since I dismissed everyone, no one will witness your shame. That''s what you''re worried about, correct? Since it can''t be the fact that we''re out here with no guards. I know how much you like evading your guards."

    "Is that what you think I was doing?"

    "I do not think, I know."

    "It wasn''t about getting away from them¡ª"

    "We''ll discuss it at the cave, Elia."

    "Why do you get to decide when we''ll discuss it?"

    "Because I am King, I am dominant. And any other person here¡ªincluding the wolves¡ªwould go where I told them to go to have a conversation. Unless you n to be the one who defies me to my face?" He turned then to look at her and she stared back.

    "You know I don''t want to do that, Reth¡ª"

    "Then please wait until we''re back at the cave."

    "¡ªit''s just that you''re walking around me like a prisoner and I am the Queen and I''m having a hard enough time getting everyone to take me seriously as it is!"

    "I''m not going to do this right now, Elia."

    "Why not?! I''ve seen you have entire debates in front of a crowd of Anima!"

    "Not with my mate!"

    "So, I can''tmand the same respect from you as Aymora? Or Lucan?"

    "Elia," he seethed. "I will speak to you about it when we''re at the cave. Please don''t make me¡ª"

    "What, Reth? Don''t make you have an ufortable conversation that you can''t joke or sex your way out of?"

    With a snarl, he leapt forward, shifting into Beast form.

    He heard her gasp and recoil, and wasn''t sure why, but her footsteps continued along the path when he darted into the trees to follow her that way. He scented the wind. There were more horses ahead, but no others. His insides heated because of his mate. He wanted to bite something. He also wanted to bite her¡ªbut the other inside of himself wouldn''t allow it.

    So he circled her, watching and scenting through the trees until they reached the meadow, and as she stepped into the clearing and the horse-men came to meet her, he was pushed aside¡­

    ¡­and Reth strode out, letting the guards see his anger, smell his rage. The equines gave him a wide berth, eyeing him warily, letting him through the line to join Elia, who roundly ignored him, which only made his mes burn hotter.

    But together they made it to the cave and he swung the door open for her, turning to close and bar it once she was through.

    She had her arms folded across her chest, and for the first time he paid attention to her arms. She''d developed a great deal of muscle in thest few weeks. He wanted to growl.

    "So, this is what you meant when you spoke of "working out"?" he snarled.

    "Does it matter?"

    "It matters a great deal if you''ve been escaping your guards for¡­ how many weeks?"

    Her chin pushed forward. "I don''t know. A couple months?"

    "MONTHS?"

    "You''ve seen me getting stronger, Reth! You''ve seen that it''s starting to work with the people. I was never alone! What are you so worried about?"

    "I am beyond worried, Elia! Well beyond!"

    "Why?"

    He stormed up to loom over her. Her eyes widened as he stalked towards her, but she didn''t give ground, and the tiniest part of him that wasn''t consumed with rage wanted to apud that she could hold her ground in the face of his wrath.

    The rest of him was fucking pissed.

    "I am so far beyond worried because you put yourself in danger! It is sheer stupidity!"

    "Oh, so now I''m stupid!"

    "You''re acting it!"

    "How is it stupid for me to train, Reth? To get stronger?"

    "Because you do it unguarded!"

    "Gahrye is always with me¡ªand he''s so much stronger than any of you give him credit for!" her eyes flickered the smallest bit on that statement and he scented her falter in herself.

    "What?" he snarled. "What are you hiding? Is this about your Advisor? Is that it? Do you seek time alone with him?"

    Her mouth fell open and she shoved him right in the chest. He was so taken by surprise he didn''t brace for it and rocked back on his heels. Then she shoved him again. "Don''t you EVER¡ª"

    "You''re lying to me! Deceiving me about something!"

    "I''ve been deceiving you about dodging the guards!"

    "Why?"

    "Because I knew you''d react like this!"

    He snorted and her eyes widened again. She knew what that meant to the Anima now. "If you''re trying to imply¡ª"

    "You disobeyed a direct order¡ªand you took one of the people with you. For months! Do you have any idea how deeply that undermines me if it gets out?"

    "Why? Why are you so threatened by me being out there alone? You''re out there alone every day!"

    "Because I am strong enough to deal with any Anima that might try to take me and they know it!"

    "So, we''re back to me being weak? How pathetic I am that I can''t defend myself?"

    "No, Elia! We''re back to how all they''d have to do to remove my teeth and dull my ws is to take you!" His chest heaved and he knew his eyes were wild and bright in the dim cave, because hers widened.

    "What are you saying, Reth?" she said, not as loudly as before.

    He took her by the arms and forced himself not to shake her. "Can''t you see, Elia? Don''t you get it? My strength, my dominance means nothing if they take you. If they had control of you, they could order me to do anything¡ªanything!¡ªand I would do it. AND THEY KNOW IT."

    Her mouth dropped open.

    She stared at him, gaping, and he saw the recognition in her of the weakness in himself that made him sick to his stomach. Letting her go, he stalked away, trembling with rage.

 Chapter 142: Collateral Damage

    <h4>Chapter 142: Coteral Damage</h4>

    ELIA

    "Reth¡­ I''m sorry. I never¡ª"

    "You never thought," he growled, pacing the floor in front of her. "You never considered the impact on others if your ns were overtaken by someone with ill-intent. You never considered that you are valuable and as such, you must be protected! You were just blindly running off to do whatever you pleased¡ª"

    "Now, wait just a second!"

    He whirled to face her. "I will not wait. You have made your choices, Elia, and youy me bare, so you will listen!"

    "Lay you bare?"

    "You reveal my weakness, you make me weak! You force me to admit¡­ to admit my treason!"

    Her face pinched and she took a step toward him. "Reth, what are you talking about?"

    "I''m talking about the fact that you are the single most important person in my life and you won''t even help me keep you safe so my betrayal of my people will never be discovered!"

    "Betrayal? Reth, I''ve never seen you betray your people for a moment¡ª"

    "Because you haven''t seen what lengths I would go to for you," he snarled. He stalked back to her until they were toe to toe, and he loomed over her again. "It makes me sick to my stomach¡ªphysically ill¡ªto think about what might have happened these past two months. How easily this entire Kingdom could have been stripped from me. How easily your life could have been stripped from you!" he growled and turned away again, the burn in his chest so deep he worried he might actually explode.

    She reached for his arm and he yanked it out of her grip. She gasped. He''d never once stopped her from touching him--even when he was hurt.? He loved it when she touched him. It was a shock to have him turn on her, his face hard and unwavering. He didn''t soften his tone, or touch her back. He held his dark frown, and spoke through his teeth. "Let me show you the nightmare that has been echoing in my head since the moment I saw you there behind that boulder, Elia," he said too quietly.

    She knew she didn''t want to hear this, but also knew she had to listen. She nodded.

    He had his hands clenched to fists at his sides and searched her eyes as he spoke. "I see a moment when Ie back to dinner one evening and you aren''t there. And no one knows where you are. Maybe Gahrye''s gone too, so we think you''re together and at first there''s no panic. Then we find your guards, still guarding his home, but no one inside.

    "Meanwhile, you''ve been taken. And while I am frantic, unable to think of anything else¡ªunable to breathe!¡ªyou''re being¡­ you''re being hurt. And held. Gahrye is probably dead."

    His eyes glowed. "And then I get a message, passed to me in a way that no one knows. It tells me where to go, and what I''ll find. And warns me that if I bring anyone else, or anyone else even knows, that they''ll kill you. And so, I breach every security protocol and strategy of war, and I go without warning anyone. Not even Behryn. And when I find the people who have you, there''s too many. I can''t take them all at once. So I have a choice¡ªI can do as they ask, provide what they want, and possibly save your life. I can betray every citizen of the Tree City, every living Anima who recognizes me as King¡ªand save your life. Or I can watch you die."

    He swallowed audibly. "I''d do it, Elia. I would betray all of them for you. And I''d never be able to live with myself. But you know what? I couldn''t live with myself if I didn''t either. I can''t live in a world that doesn''t have your light in it. So tell me¡­ what am I supposed to do?"

    "You shouldn''t betray them," she whispered. "If that ever happened¡­ don''t give in."

    He leaned in, right down, so they were nose to nose. "I would rather die myself than see you harmed. And if that harm came because of my decision?" The light in his eyes red and Elia sucked in as he blinked, and his eyes were golden, then blinked again and they returned to their normal warm brown. "Don''t make me make that decision, Elia. Ever. Please. You say you love your people? Don''t ever let them learn just how cheaply they would be sold."

    She put her hands to his face, tears in her eyes, her thumbs bracketing his mouth. "I love you, Reth," she said.

    "And I love you. Now, promise me you''ll never put me in that position. Promise me you''ll never escape your guard, or disobey an order for your safety. Promise me!"

    She stretched up on her toes and kissed his mouth, tears trailing down her cheeks. He sucked in and tilted his head, one of his arms sliding around her back to pull her in as their tongues tangled. She continued to stroke his face, whispering how much she loved him.

    Then he closed his eyes and broke the kiss, dropping his forehead to hers. "Promise me, Elia," he said.

    "I can''t," she whispered.

    "Elia¡ª"

    "Reth, I am a person. A whole person. I cannot be some breakable possession, forever wrapped in cotton and petted like a child. I must be a woman. I must be an Anima. There is no one else in this city who has this constant¡­ hovering."

    "Because no one is as easily wounded as you¡ªor as physically weak." When she sucked in, he raised a finger, "I said, physically. Elia. You know I know you are not weak in heart or mind."

    She shook her head. "Please, Reth¡­ there has to be another way."

    He pulled out of her hands and stepped back, his eyes zing. "There is no other way. Promise me, Elia. Promise me you will not take the risk of revealing my weakness to the entire Kingdom!"

    She dropped her face into her hands. "I can''t!"

    With a snarl, he was gone, tearing to the front door to throw the bar to the side and yank it open, storming into the night and mming it closed behind him.

    *****

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 Chapter 143: The Worst Night

    <h4>Chapter 143: The Worst Night</h4>

    RETH

    He had had to run. If he hadn''t run, he would have gone back and she would have pulled him back in, and he would have let it go. And he couldn''t. He couldn''t. For her sake, he couldn''t. For his own sake. For the people.

    So, he ran. At some point he shifted into beast form again and hunted, just to get out of his own screaming head. But it didn''tst long.

    When he was back in himself, he sighed, and turned back towards the cave. But he didn''t run anymore.

    Using every skill he had, he crept into the cave and locked the door silently. Then crept into the bedroom where she had left the door open, probably because she wanted to hear him return.

    As soon as he stepped inside, his chest ached. She had shed so many tears into her pillow that went he entered, he could smell them. The ache became a spear to his chest. His heart thumped painfully.

    Then he saw her.

    He stood for many minutes, staring at her, curled up on the lower sleeping tform¡ªnot in their shared bed¡ªcurled up like a child in her sleep. He could see her pale skin, the soft way her chest rose and fell. The way her hair scattered over the pillow like a golden cloud. She''d been angry he treated her like she was breakable, but she was.

    So breakable.

    So easily wounded.

    So difficult to heal.

    So terrifyingly easy to lose.

    How could he just let her out there, knowing the wolves were still not trustworthy? Knowing that the people, if she were taken, would all be at risk? She wanted him to simply let her die? Impossible.

    His anger began to simmer again and he shook his head. He needed to rest. There were meetings tomorrow. Decisions to be made. Consequences¡ªfor her actions!¡ªto deal with.

    She just didn''t realize. But now¡­ he couldn''t excuse it anymore. He had to be strong. He had to make her understand. He had to bear the pain of this separation, this wound between them now, to avoid arger, more deadly one in the future.

    She had to know.

    But how to make her understand?

    He almost groaned, but he didn''t want to wake her, so he swallowed it down, stripped, letting his clothes drop where he stood, then crawled into the furs of the main sleep tform.

    Alone.

    He hadn''t noticed how cold the cave was getting at night. Soon it would be time to light the fires in the evening. Something he''d been so excited to do.

    The sheepskin rug on the floor in the front of the fire, with the Great room locked¡­ that was on his list. And he''d been so looking forward to describing to her what he wanted. Watching her eyes light up.

    He sighed and turned over, put his back to her so he wouldn''t see the lump she made under the furs on the lower tform.

    But of course, that did nothing to remove her scent from the air.

    She was everywhere here.

    He didn''t know how long hey there, trying ot rx. Trying so desperately to get his mind to calm, and his heart. But it was no use. He stared at the cave wall, frantic, and seething.

    Then a rustling came from behind him. "Reth? Are you there?"

    "Yes, love, go back to sleep. It''s veryte."

    "I¡­ Reth, I¡­" She hesitated and he closed his eyes and prayed. Please let her promise. Let her have seen the error and give him her word that she would stay under guard for as long as he deemed it necessary.

    The rustling grew louder, then the furs moved behind him as she crawled into the furs with him. Something in his chest eased when her soft warmth slid up behind him and she put an arm around his waist, and her face at the nape of his neck.

    "Reth," she whispered. "It was horrible going to bed without you."

    "I know, love. I didn''t like it either."

    "Reth¡­" she kissed the space between his shoulder des and he tensed.

    "Elia," he sighed.

    "Please, Reth. No matter what¡­ I need to know that you''re still¡­ that we''re still together. Please?"

    She stered herself to his back, kissing him and letting her hand slide around from his hip to the part of him that was not angry. Not at all. The part of him that very much wanted her to kiss, and press her breasts to his back like that.

    "Can you promise me, Elia?" he whispered into the dark.

    She stroked him once, twice, and his breath ratcheted up. He swallowed, still praying.

    "No," she whispered, "but¡ª"

    He caught her wrist and stopped her from reaching, or stroking, or anything. "Then go to sleep, love. We''ll discuss it tomorrow."

    "Reth, please!"

    "No."

    He slowly, slowly pushed her hand back around to rest on her own stomach, then took his back and pulled his knees up. He didn''t think she''d try a sneak attack during his sleep, but just in case¡­ She was insatiable. Something he usually adored about her.

    The hardest part, though, wasn''t forcing her not to touch him, or feeling her roll away. It wasn''t losing her warmth at his back, or her silence that he''d asked for.

    The hardest part was feeling her shake. Hearing the tiny sounds she made when she cried and was trying not to.

    Like her very heart was breaking in two.

    And the only thing that kept him strong was knowing how much more fierce those tears would be if she was taken by their enemies. Or he was, in exchange for her.

    He clenched his hands to fists and shoved them between his knees, forcing himself not to reach for her, not tofort her. It went against every fiber within him.

    Then again, so did herplete disregard for her own safety.

    He couldn''t be a party to it. He simply couldn''t.

 Chapter 144: Cold, Hard Light of Day

    <h4>Chapter 144: Cold, Hard Light of Day</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    ELIA

    She woke feeling sick, shaky, and terrified.

    Reth had never rejected her before. Never. And now he did it because she was determined to be the agent of her own fate? Because he hated his own weakness for loving her?

    "Do you hate that you love me? Or just hate that other people know it?" she blurted out as soon as she had blinked awake. There was two feet between them, the first time she''d ever woken not touching him since they started sharing furs.

    And even though he sucked in a breath and rolled over, he didn''t close the gap. "Good morning, Elia."

    "Tell me, Reth," she said, surprised by how calm her voice sounded. "Do you hate that you love me, or do you just hate that other people know you love me?"

    He pinched his eyes and yawned. "You''re going to have to give me a few minutes to get my brain working again. I didn''t sleep muchst night.

    She sat up, which was apletely unfair move, she knew. She''d slept nakedst night in case they''d found a way to bridge the gap. But now, as she sat up, the furs fell away and her nipples met¡ªand saluted¡ªthe cold morning air.

    She didn''t miss how Reth zeroed in on her chest and his pupils dted.

    He also made sure that she didn''t miss when, with a soft grunt, he rolled over onto his back and tore his gaze away from her.

    "Okay, Elia, you win. What is it you want to ask me?" he sighed a minuteter. She hated the sudden weariness in his voice that bordered on despair.

    "Do you wish you didn''t love me, or¡ª"

    "No," he growled immediately, his hands fisting in the nkets. "How can you even ask me that?"

    "¡ªor do you just wish others didn''t know how much you love me?" she finished.

    He huffed and rubbed his face with his hands again. "Of course I wish that. I wish no one knew if it would keep you safe, and the people safe."

    "So, it''s just about us? Nothing to do with you?"

    "What do you mean, Elia?" he said, finally turning his head, though he was careful to only let himself meet her eyes.

    "Is there any chance you''re making such a big deal out of this because¡­ because YOU don''t like what this all says about you? That maybe it has, actually, very little to do with me?"

    He stared a moment before pushing himself up on one elbow and meeting her gaze levelly. "I am many things, Elia, and none of them perfect. But you know I am also not petty. I will take a personal hit if it will serve the greater good, andugh about it. You offend me with that usation," he growled.

    She swallowed and didn''t back down. "I just don''t understand why you''re so angry about something that hasn''t happened."

    "Did you hear nothing I saidst night? Nothing about what I fear? You know, I will take a lot, Elia¡ªfrom others, and even more from you. I''ll take your differences and celebrate them. I''ll stand in your stead when others don''t understand. But I will not ept you being reckless with your own life, or the future of Anima. Don''t you understand how your disappearance¡ªworse, your death!¡ªcould affect the people? Don''t you realize how it would affect ME?"

    "I do, Reth. Please don''t misunderstand me. I don''t have any desire to put anyone in danger¡ªincluding myself. But I think a measured risk is far different to¡ª"

    "Measured risk? Measured? Are you serious?" he gaped. "You think the things I described to you are only a passing possibility if ites to light that you''re slipping your guards? No, Elia, they are guaranteed! You clearly have no idea the risk you''re taking¡ªnot just for yourself, but for Gahrye, and any people who might get in the way of our enemies! As if we don''t have enough going on? We have wolves who have threatened you¡ª"

    "And calmed down!"

    "¡ªwe have the bears about to migrate, all in a foul mood because they haven''t eaten enough to keep them for a full hibernation. And now we also have thefts urring in the Tree City for the first time in modern memory!"

    "What?"

    "You heard me. To say we have enemies and tensions that put you at risk is not exaggeration, Elia. I am not pulling these ideas out of my ass¡ªI''m telling you because I know what I would do to my enemy if I needed to weaken him. The Anima are ruthless when they have need for it¡ªor have you forgotten the Rite?"

    "No, I haven''t forgotten," she said, hushed.

    "Then kindly do not speak to me as if I make this about my ego!"

    Elia bit her lip. "I''m sorry," she murmured, pulling the furs up around her chest and shoulders, her stomach churning.

    Reth sighed. "You''re forgiven."

    They both sat there, staring at the furs.

    Elia wanted to weep for the wall that was suddenly between them. What was wrong with her? Why did she feel so uneasy about the idea of promising she''d never slip the guards again? She knew he wasn''t lying about what he would do if she was taken. But something in her recoiled at the idea of promising to stay, always under the eyes of someone else. Someone viewed as strong.

    Why couldn''t she be strong? Even here? All the female Anima were far smaller and weaker than the males. But none of them were under guard.

    "Tell me about the thefts. What''s been taken? Why haven''t I heard about it?"

    Reth sighed again. "The council have kept it quiet. First because they wanted to be sure there was reason to be concerned. Then because the pattern of what was taken would imply the thieves are¡­ organized. And they didn''t want to let them know we were aware."

    "Organized how?"

    "We believe a group is preparing to leave the Tree City. To defect, or simply to begin their own colony, we don''t know. But they seem to be gathering supplies and equipment to make the transition easier."

    Elia''s heart sank and a very nervous trilling began in her already sick stomach.

    But Reth continued. "That means we have Anima among us who are not enthralled with their King and Queen, Elia. And we don''t yet know who they are, or why they''re leaving. There is every reason to be concerned that they may have malicious intent towards us¡ªand something like this is an easy¡­ why have you gone pale?"

    Elia swallowed.

    No. It couldn''t be.

    Could it?

 Chapter 145: Wake Up Call

    <h4>Chapter 145: Wake Up Call</h4>

    ELIA

    "What?" he asked, an edge in his voice. "Why do you look like that, Elia?"

    "My training¡­" she said faintly.

    "Yes?"

    "It isn''t always just me and Gahrye."

    "What?" his voice was very low, very t, andced with warning.

    Elia swallowed. "Some of the other disformed¡­ they''re all friends. They call each other the pride they chose. Anyway, some of them join us. We practice together. Everyone''s good at different things. It makes us stronger. And if one person didn''t quite catch something, someone else usually did¡­" She trailed off.

    "I''m still waiting for the part that made you go pale when you heard me speak of the thefts," he spat.

    She held his gaze. "I don''t know, because no one has mentioned it to me. But I have had the feeling for a while that several of them are¡­ sick of living here. I think they''re nning to leave."

    Reth''s jaw twitched. "They''re stealing to make a start."

    "I don''t know, Reth. But it would fit. The ones that are talking about leaving are the¡­ harder ones¡ªthey only joke about it in front of me, but I''ve had a feeling for while that it wasn''t as out of reach as they made it sound."

    "Well, of course. At least that answers one question," he muttered. "The next question is why you would hide this from me when it''s affecting the people!"

    "No, Reth, we can''t just decide that it''s them. We don''t know! And you have to believe that if I had known I would never have hidden that¡ªI thought it was mostly kids making noise about being dissatisfied. I was hoping over time to help them feel more a part of the Tree City so they wouldn''t leave. I don''t know that they''re that organized!"

    He examined her for a cold minute. "I believe you," he said finally, "that you wouldn''t have actively worked against the rest. But that doesn''t stop the fact that this is just one example of the very far reaching consequences of the decisions you''ve been making! If you hadn''t hidden this from me, we''d have known where to look for the answers to the theft¡ªwhy did you hide this training from me? This time with these people?"

    Elia gave a frustrated groan. "Because for once I wanted to do something without you making it work! I wanted to achieve something on my own!"

    "Elia, we are mates. It''s natural that we''re a part of everything in each other''s lives."

    "That''s not how the people see me, Reth, and you know it. They don''t see equal partners, helping each other seed. They see Reth and his human charity case. They think everything that happens well is because of you."

    "What?" he snarled. "You said yourself things have improvedtely and I have intentionally stayed away from you and your Cohorts!"

    "Improved, Reth¡ªthey''re manageable. Not good. This isn''t a life yet. Most of the people still treat me with suspicion¡ªor like I''m a child. I want to be a queen that the people are proud to im! I want to be a wife my mate can admire!"

    He leaned closer to her, his eyes bright with intensity. "Elia, I do admire you."

    "No, you love me. Which is wonderful. But it''s not the same thing."

    "No, Elia," he said firmly. "I admire you¡ªperhaps for different reasons than you wish, but¡­ I won''t let you distract me from this. You are going to stop training and I''m going to speak with the disformed about the stealing. That stops today."

    "No! Reth, you can''t! They''re just starting to trust me! If you go to them¡ª"

    "I don''t care! They''re creating fear and that has ripples they don''t understand at all."

    "Please don''t do that. Let me talk to them. I''ll say¡­ I''ll say I heard about it and I need to know if it''s them because I don''t want them to get caught up and hurt¡ª"

    "No, Elia, they need to hear from me. Their King. This is uneptable."

    "Let me at least try!"

    "No."

    "What?! Just no? Just like that? I can''t even try to fix this without the great and mighty Reth walking in and dominating everyone!?" She flipped the furs back and threw herself out of the bed¡ªhe could look at her bare ass as much as he wanted.

    "Elia."

    She threw the closet door open so hard it banged against the wall and bounced back. But she caught it and yanked out a top and some leather pants, tugging them on quickly as she muttered loudly about alpha-male bullshit.

    "Elia, please. This isn''t about me wanting to control things. This is about the need for the greater good. A King''s job is always to make the decisions that suit the most people¡ª"

    "Like testing the soldiers in the upper field?"

    He frowned. "Yes¡­ why?"

    She whirled, her top still unbuttoned, but her pants on. "Because why do you think we were all up there, hiding behind a rock? It was because we need to train, to grow, to get stronger, and no one will teach us. Is that for the greater good of the people? To carry a chunk of the poption who is left floundering?"

    "The disformed are not weak."

    "No thanks to you!"

    "Elia," he said angrily, "I have no personal issue with the disformed at all¡ªyou know that. The issues they experience are with the traders and tribes."

    "So train us!" she threw her arms wide and her shirt pulled open on her chest. Reth''s eyes widened, but she waited while he manfully jerked his eyes back up to her face.

    "I''m sorry," he said, "what did you say?"

    She red. "I said, train us. You don''t have to apud the weak¡ªinstead, make us strong."

    "You aren''t weak, Elia."

    "I''m weaker than the Anima¡ªthat''s why I''m at risk. I''m a target."

    "You''re a target because of your royal appointment¡ª"

    "Would Lucine have had five guards on your home and someone following her everywhere?" she threw out.

    Reth blinked like she''d pped him.

 Chapter 146: Terms & Conditions

    <h4>Chapter 146: Terms & Conditions</h4>

    RETH

    Her words pierced him like arrows. Lucine? Why would she bring Lucine up now? Did she truly wish to create a rift between them? Reth was floored.

    "Why would you¡­ are you trying to trap me, Elia?" he asked quietly, trying to keep the hurt from his voice, but uncertain if he''d been sessful. Every hair on his body wanted to stand up.

    "No!" she groaned. "I''m trying to make a point! Unless I''m seen as being at least as capable as Lucine would have been, I''m a disadvantage to the Anima¡ªat least, in the people''s eyes. I''m asking you to help me!"

    It was an effort not to gape. "I have been helping you! You''ve just finished telling me you don''t want my help! You want to do this on your own!"

    She rolled her eyes. "I meant, I don''t want the kind of help where you do it for me, Reth!" she growled. "I meant, help me be able to take care of myself! If you would show me, I know I could learn. I''ve already strengthened, and I''m getting better at the defense."

    Reth pulled the furs back and walked over, fully nude, to join her. He didn''t miss the flicker of her eyes down his body¡ªbut he also saw her force herself to drag her eyes back up and not to stare at him, but to keep her gaze on his.

    "Show me," he said quietly.

    She frowned and her cheeks pinked. "Well, obviously I can''t do anything against you, Reth. You''re far too big and skilled. I just meant that I''m starting to get better at, you know¡ª"

    The vixen must have been waiting for him to reach for her. It was something he did without thought, a natural urge to touch her. When she looked sheepish, he''d lifted a finger to push her hair back over her shoulder, to let her know she could be open with him even when he was angry. But then as soon as his hand was extended, she snapped her hands in an X on either side of his wrist, then flipped them, so his hand was bent backwards over her wrist, and she had his fingers pulled back to the verge of breaking.

    Taken by surprise¡ªand not a little arousal at the clean way in which she''d delivered the hold¡ªReth immediately sagged to take the pressure off his fingers, and he smiled, showing his teeth. "That''s very good, Elia," he said with a small smile. "That would be very useful against most people."

    "Most? It got you didn''t¡ª"

    With a wicked grin he dropped to one knee, grabbing her with his free arm and flipping her bodily so his caught arm was no longer bent the wrong way, and instead he had a grip on her. Heughed, but Elia cursed and batted at the arm he had hooked around her middle, holding her off the ground so she couldn''t get any leverage.

    "Elia, don''t be angry," he chuckled. "Not even a strong Anima woman would be expected to fight me one on one¡ª"

    "I need the training!" she said, hanging off his arm, tears welling in her eyes that made his heart break. "You can see! I need to be taught so at the very least someone like you can''t flip me around like that!"

    Reth stared at her, theughter dying on his lips. "You''re serious."

    "Of course I''m serious. Did you think I''ve been doing this for the past two months for fun?"

    "No, but¡­"

    They stared at each other for a long moment, then he realized he was still holding her, and put her gently on her feet. She pulled her shirt closed and started doing the buttons.

    "Elia, training as a warrior is incredibly hard. Even for the strong."

    "I know. I''m ready. To start, I mean. I''ll do it as long as it takes."

    "Part of the process is to push people to their limits. It can be grueling. And it''s always humbling."

    "Do I strike you as a particrly arrogant person, Reth? I want to learn! I''m asking you to show me."

    He stared until she had finished the buttons, then she looked up and met his gaze. "Is your hesitation because you think it''s a bad idea? Or because you just don''t want to do it?"

    "No, I just¡­" he rubbed a hand over his face. "Very well, wife. We''ll start tomorrow. I will wake you early. We''ll have to fit it in before our other duties."

    "What time? I''ll tell the others to¡ª"

    "No, Elia. Just you."

    "But¡ª"

    "You prove yourself, first," he said firmly. "You show me what you''re capable of. If you prove strong enough, then I''ll help you train the others." She red at him, but he tipped his head. "Are you afraid you don''t have what it takes?" he asked quietly¡ªtaunting.

    "No!"

    "Then those are my terms. Part of being a warrior is being self-disciplined and patient. So you can prove yours by waiting for what you want and enduring my attentions alone. I will train you every day for two hours¡ªevery day, Elia, if we''re going to do this, we are going to do it properly. And when you have made progress, I will assist you in teaching what you know to the others."

    She covered her mouth and smiled for the first time and his heart lightened for the first time since he''d seen her up in the clearing. "Thank you, Reth," she whispered.

    She stared at him like she might being to kiss him, but he caught himself.

    "No more training behind the boulder," he said warningly.

    Her smile faded, but must have decided he wouldn''t be budged because she sighed.

    "Then these are my terms," she said stepping up to put a warm hand to his beautiful chest. "If you miss one day of training me for anything that isn''t outright war, I get to go to the boulder with the others."

    "Done."

    Then she smiled up at him through hershes. "Agreed," she said and, grabbing his ears, she pulled him down into a kiss that made his breath pant.

 Chapter 147: Grab Them By the Ears

    <h4>Chapter 147: Grab Them By the Ears</h4>

    RETH

    "Are my signals clear enough, Reth?" she sighed into his mouth. "Strong enough?"

    He growled in response, fighting himself. But a minuteter, she wasn''t holding his ears anymore, she was kissing him with an edge, pawing at his chest and shoulders, and he was reeling¡ªand still kissing her.

    "Elia," he panted through the kiss.

    "Yes?"

    "I''m still angry," he said hoarsely, groaning when she sucked on his tongue.

    "Me too," she huffed, still kissing him. "But I hear¡­ angry sex is kinda hot. Maybe we should¡­ put it on the list?"

    Reth grunted and slid a hand down to cup her ass, pulling her into him.

    She bit his lip and it sent a spear of desire straight to his already aching groin.

    With no gentleness at all, he backed her up to the wall of the cave, only remembering just in time to put his hand behind her so she wouldn''t be mmed against it. She gasped as her shoulders hit, and her eyes went wide, but she was smiling. She dropped her head back against the t of his hand and her eyes narrowed. "You want to punish me, Reth? You want my throat? I''ll still give it to you. I trust you not to kill me."

    "Don''t tempt me," he growled and buried his face in her neck, sliding his teeth down the column of her neck, his breath thundering against her skin.

    She buried her fingers in his hair and pulled him in¡ªharder than was strictly necessary¡ªand he growled with pleasure, thentched onto her shoulder and sucked. Hard.

    Her breath caught and her hips rolled towards him. He purred his approval and reached between them to unzip her pants, then slid both his hands inside them, over her hips and down her thighs to push them down.

    As they dropped to her ankles she hummed in her throat. She still had her hands in his hair and when he brought his face up to kiss her, she held him off until he opened his eyes¡ªdark with desire, but alight with the edge of his anger.

    "Do not tease me, Elia," he rasped. "I am not in the mood."

    "Such a grumpy King," she said. "I just want to know if you''re thinking what I''m thinking?"

    "Depends," he said and slid a hand between her legs, then raised a single eyebrow. "Looks like we might have found a meeting of the minds." He slid a finger inside her and her lower lip dropped open, but she didn''t let go of his hair, or break eye contact.

    "Do you remember, Reth?" she asked breathlessly.

    "What?"

    "The very first night¡ªwhen you carried me out of the bathing pools?"

    His pupils grew evenrger. "I may¡­ but perhaps you should remind me." He used two fingers then, plus his thumb to roll over her most sensitive spot, and her breath caught. Twice.

    "Y-you were carrying me."

    His eyebrow levered up again, then with only a small jab of grief at losing his touch on her warmth, he grabbed her ass with both hands and hiked her up so their hips were level and she could put her legs around his waist.

    "Like that?"

    "Y-yes," she said. "And do you remember¡ª"

    "You kissed my throat," he said huskily.

    She nodded and pulled back on his hair. He resisted her at first, their eyes locked.

    For a moment, the hint of a smile she''d had faltered. Then he groaned and closed his eyes, letting his head drop back, as far back as he could.

    "Yes," she whispered, thenid her open mouth on his throat.

    A low, growling call rolled in his chest when she sucked, and he almost gave in and took her right there. But he wasn''t ready to give himself over yet. "Take off the shirt."

    "I''d rather you did¡ª"

    "Elia," he snarled, "I find my hands rather full," he panted.

    "I thought Lions had teeth?" she whispered and he roared¡ªhalf in desire, half in rage, then bit down on the fabric and yanked, popping the buttons at the top so the shirt fell open, but only bared one breast.

    He lifted her higher so he could reach her nipple, opening his mouth over it, biting gently and sucking at the same time.

    A tiny noise broke from her throat. "Reth, I¡ª" He growled, his mouthing off her breath with a pop, and let her drop down his body, entering her hard and thrusting immediately.

    "Oh!" she cried, one hand pping to his neck to brace herself as he thrust again. "Oh!"

    Reth''s back rippled, his beast wing for freedom, but he shoved it back with a roar of dominance, and thrust into his mate again, who cried his name, her head dropping back against the cave wall.

    And the sight of her like that, eyes closed, throat bared, her lips wet and breast perked because of his kiss, broke the tether he''d been trying to hold on himself.

    Bracing one arm on the wall, the other holding her, with her legs wrapped around his waist, he pounded into her so hard her breasts jumped and bounced, again, and again, and again, a relentless assault. She could only cling to him, sound breaking from her with each thrust, her voice rising higher and higher with each cry.

    She was already close, but he was feeling wicked.

    He pounded once more, holding the peak, but then didn''t move.

    She sucked in a breath and her eyes opened. "Reth¡ªwhat?"

    "Is that what you want, Elia?" he rasped.

    "Y-yes!" she gasped. "Yes!"

    Pressing in closer, leaning his elbow on the wall, he cupped the back of her head and took her mouth, curling his body to invade her, his tongue only a parody of what he took elsewhere.

    She cried his name into his mouth in time with his rhythm, and he almost came a minuteter when she was washed in goosebumps from her neck to her knees. The sheer pleasure on her face¡­ But again, just as she threatened to crest the wave, he made himself stop and she panted back to reality.

    "What are you doing?" she groaned, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

    "Punishing you," he growled with a smile.

 Chapter 148: Say the Word

    <h4>Chapter 148: Say the Word</h4>

    RETH

    She stared at him, shocked for a moment, then that wicked smile he loved crept up on her face, and her eyes sparkled. "Now, that''s the kind of royal discipline I can get behind¡ªoh!"

    "Get behind, you say?" he panted, rolling into her again.

    She groaned and nodded, still clinging to his neck and shoulder.

    Reth shuddered when she clenched around him, but made himself focus. To take her here, all the way, or bring her to the furs and do this properly?

    To stay angry or to reconnect?

    He pressed into her, long and slow, holding the peak. "Elia?" he rasped.

    "Yes?" she said, her head lolling back against the wall.

    "What do you want from me?"

    She blinked her eyes open and straightened her head to meet his gaze.

    He didn''t stop moving within her, but slowed the pace. Her breath still caught, but she could think.

    "W-what do you mean?"

    "I mean¡­ do you want a King? Or a¡­ a man? Do you want a protector? Or a¡­ what do you call them? A cheerleader?"

    "Reth¡­" Her eyes went sad and he wasn''t sure why. Even with her breathing so rapid, she put a hand to his face. "I just want you."

    "Do you, though?" he croaked, and surprised himself by how terrified he felt of the answer. His anger was leaving, and apparently it had decided to take his balls with it. He swallowed and met her gaze, pressed into her and watched her mouth open, but she made herself keep eye-contact. "You said you don''t want me to do the things I have to do, Elia, the things I must do to protect everyone."

    "Oh, Reth, I adore that you want to protect everyone¡ªincluding me. I j-just need to know that there will be a day when I can walk out of this c-cave¡­ and you''ll be proud to be beside me¡ªor let me walk alone."

    "I already am, Elia." He let out a deep breath that he hadn''t realized he''d been holding and took her mouth again. But his fingers were in her hair and he''d lost the razor edge of his anger. When she whimpered and her clinging took on a different tone¡ªless aggressive, more desperate¡ªhe kissed down her neck, then whispered, "Hold on, love."

    She tightened her arms around his neck as he pulled her off the wall and turned, walking her to the furs, crawling up her legs still wrapped around him¡ªher legs that had developed new, hard muscles under her soft skin, he realized.

    Then hey her down on the furs and rolled into her again, groaning as she put her hands above her head and arched for him.

    "Oh, Reth, please¡­" she murmured, her nipples peaked and brushing against his chest.

    With another groan, he took one in his mouth, and tweaked the other between his thumb and forefinger, even as he curled into her again, and again.

    "Reth! she gasped. "Please don''t ever pull away from me again! That scared me,"

    "I won''t, love. You have my word." He kissed her softly, but was soon forced to drop his face to her shoulder, to breathe.

    She was clenching again, her breathing in short pants.

    "Oh, Reth¡ª"

    "Come for me," he whispered, nipping her neck. Her skin pebbled and he growled his approval.

    "Reth!"

    "I''m here, I''m here!" and he was, right on the cusp.

    "Please!" she cried and braced on the furs, fisting them at her sides as he pounded into her again, harder, and harder, moaning his desire and his love until she clenched around him and tensed, arching, not breathing, her body jerking, and her cry called to him, deep inside.

    His orgasm hit at the base of his spine and he shuddered, roaring for her, shaking, then copsing over her, both of them panting and sweaty.

    *****

    ELIA

    Having his weight resting over her, his breath in her ear, was a balm. She hated fighting with him¡ªhated seeing the cold distance he''d been willing to put between them. Being so close to him¡ªeven when he was angry¡ªsoothed something in her. Something that got desperate and chittery when she thought about losing him.

    "Reth, I love you so much," she said,bing her fingers through his hair.

    He mumbled something and she snorted.

    "Well, I can see that all I have to do to calm the beast is piss him off, then bonk him," she giggled.

    Reth sighed and pushed himself up on his elbows, his face confused. "What the hell is bonk?"

    She grinned. "It''s a word I learned from a British research assistant at the university. It means¡­ what we just did."

    He raised his eyebrows, then sank back down on top of her, groaning. "Humans are weird."

    Elia''s chest swelled and she hugged his shoulders, but then her smile faded. "I meant it, Reth."

    "Meant what?" he mumbled into her hair.

    "Please don''t ever pull away from me again. Even if you''re angry, or I am. When you didn''t want me to touch you¡­" It had made her feel cold inside. Alone.

    He pushed himself up again, leaning on one elbow, his fist at his temple. His other hand stroked her skin and his eyes glowed when he saw her pebble again under his touch, and her nipple harden. But he cleared his throat and refocused.

    "Even if I get angry," he said carefully, "even if I pull away, it will only to be to¡­ soothe myself for a time. I will never stop wanting you, Elia. And I will never deny you. Not for any length of time."

    Her lips twisted. "Can we make some kind of deal?"

    He gave her a look. "I thought we already did?"

    "No, I mean about the touching. Can we have some kind of agreement. A signal. Something that we agree, if one of us gives the signal because we need¡­ something, the other will always give it."

    "What did you have in mind?"

    She put a hand to his shoulder and stroked it, ying her fingers along the lines of his muscles. "How about a word that, if one of us says it, the other has to allow touch? Or give some kind offort?"

    He frowned. "I don''t see why not. How do you want this to work?"

    "Well," she said, smiling and stroking his face, pulling him closer. "For example, if I said the word and looked at you like this, you''d have to kiss me." She pulled him all the way in andid her mouth on his.

    He kissed her and she felt his body twitch. "Mmmmm¡­ and if I said the word?"

    "What would you want?"

    "I would want to taste you," he whispered, then took her mouth again.

    "I could definitely get into that," she whispered back, and let herself be tasted.

 Chapter 149: The Grind - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 149: The Grind - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    "Time to wake up, love."

    Elia startled out of sleep and sucked in, blinking. But she couldn''t see anything. It was still pitch ck in the cave. "What time is it?"

    "Early. Get up. Quickly. Put your leathers on. We need to stretch."

    "Wha¡ªoh, right." She smiled grimly and pushed the warm furs back, shivering when the chill night hair hit her skin. Reth growled approvingly, but she shook her head, assuming he could see it. "Nope. Training time, mister discipline."

    Reth muttered something about discipline being thoroughly enjoyable and sheughed, but she had to literally feel her way to the closet to find her thickest leathers. She was dressed in seconds and turned to find her way blocked by a massive, warm wall of man.

    "Reth! I almost stood on you."

    "I need my leathers too. Unless of course you want me to go naked?"

    "Don''t tempt me," she growled and he chuckled.

    A minuteter he led her out of the room and through the cave. But instead of heading for the door as she''d expected, he turned them to the bathing pools.

    "Reth, what?"

    "You''ll see." When he opened the door into the cavern, there was moonlight shining from the hole in the roof, where the water fell through. He dropped her hand and let her navigate herself through the space, across the water,ining about her wet feet, to the space beside the water fall, where he''d tugged thatdder off the space where he pulled it behind the water and hooked it on a crag of rock high on the wall.

    The vinedder tumbled down to the shallow water, then hung there, waving.

    She looked at Reth and he stood on the bottom of it to keep it steady, then held the side with one hand. He tipped his head towards and smiled. "Climb it."

    Elia grinned. She''d wanted to try this.

    Rubbing her hands together to warm them, she grabbed the rung of thedder that was at head height, then stepped onto the bottom and began to climb.

    It all went great until she''d climbed above Reth''s head, then he took hold of it and started to follow her, and suddenly there was no anchor for thedder. It tipped underneath her and her feet almost slid out. She shrieked and threw an arm over the rung she was holding until she got her feet settled.

    Thedder bent from where she held it with her arms, to where her feet were ced, with most of her body weight, which meant she was hanging slightly backwards. And with Reth below her, the angle wasn''t as bad as it would have been if she''d been on it alone.

    "Reth!" she gasped. "I might fall."

    "The warrior is afraid already?" he asked thoughtfully.

    "No, I just¡­"

    In the event that you lose your footing, I''ll grab you, Don''t worry. But my advice is to keep climbing, because this isn''t going to get easier the longer you hang here."

    Elia was horrified to realize she wanted to tell him never mind. To back out. To say she wasn''t going to do this.

    She really was soft.

    She hung there another few seconds, breathing and reminding herself that the only way to get stronger was to work. Then she sent up a hurried prayer to this creator Reth was forever talking about, that she wouldn''t fall and crack her head open on the rocks below. Then she began to climb.

    At first it was tricky, but once she got the hang of the rhythm, how to bnce her weight, the only problem she saw was that her arms were already beginning to ache and she was only about a quarter of way up the one hundred foot (or more) drop.

    Reth, she noticed, didn''t say anything, but the further she climbed, and the more her arms began to shake, the closer her got to her¡ªwhich helped bnce out the weight so she was a little more upright, but it also made thedder swing and quiver a lot more.

    "Reth," she panted when she was about seventy feet up. "I''m truly uncertain that I''m not going to¡ª"

    "She''d reached for the next rung and braced against her arm and it just¡­ gave. She gave a true scream as one of her legs swung free of thedder and the other felt extremely shaky.

    "You''re fine. I have you," he murmured, crawling up thedder behind her, his chest to her back, bracing her so she could get her hand and foot back onto thedder. Her heart pounded mercilessly and she had to swallow tears. But she didn''t miss that Reth wasn''tforting her. No stroking, no encouragement. He simply waited for her to get her bnce back, then urged her forward again.

    Slowly, slowly, she continued to climb. Reth stayed right behind her, his arms veined and popping with the strain of not only climbing thedder with his weight, but also holding himself far enough from it that she would drop into hisp if she fell.

    But eventually, Elia''s heart spun for an entirely different reason. She was almost there!

    "I''m going to do it!" she whispered.

    "Yes, you are," he said, and she could tell he was pleased.

    When she finally crawled up thest feet of thedder and was able to grab the stump at the top that thedder was tied to, she groaned in relief. She almost lost her footing again, crawling over the lip of the hole, but she made it and stumbled forward, panting, to sprawl on the grass to the right of the stump, her arms and legs spread and shaking.

    "That was insane!" she gasped, her chest heaving.

    Reth¡ªbreathing harder than usual, but not sweating, curse him¡ªstood over her with his hands on his hips. The moon was low and bright, dawn about to begin, but the blue-white light from above cast him in silver and shadows. "You have 50 breaths to recover, then you''ll be on your feet," he said tly.

    "Reth. I can''t do anything else. That was¡­ look, my arms and legs are shaking!"

    He red at her. "45 breaths."

    "Reth!"

    He raised an eyebrow, the shadows made his face look so stark and fierce that she shut her mouth and concentrated on taking deep, slow breaths.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the beginning of the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 150: The Grind - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 150: The Grind - Part 2</h4>

    I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

    *****

    ELIA

    Reth had been right. Within forty breaths she''d mostly stopped feeling like she might faint fromck of oxygen. But then he offered her a hand to get to her feet and when she grasped it and let him tug her up, her muscles felt like jelly.

    Then he nodded to the tree about eighty feet away at the other end of the clearing¡ªup the rise. "You''ll run a circle around that tree, then this stump twenty times, then wait for more orders."

    Her mouth dropped open. Run? She could barely stand! But at the look on his face, she gulped and turned, tried to job up the incline, to the tree, then back down to the stump.

    She''d thought running down the incline¡ªwhich wasn''t steep¡ªwould be much easier, but found herself fighting on every level. On the way up, her knees wanted to give way at the pressure needed to push herself up the rise. On the way back, she stumbled every time she braced against the decline.

    She fell more than once. And Reth said nothing. Just counted her circles. And when she was done, he taught her how to hold her hands and body in a sparring stance, then how to punch correctly. "Fifty jabs, then fifty thrusts," he said.

    Elia nodded, determined and began, counting with each punch.

    "For each arm," he added. Elia almost cried. But she knew this was the test. He had told her he would push her to her limit. And apparently, he hadn''t been exaggerating.

    When she was up to thirty thrusts on her right arm, she was bing lightheaded. "What happens¡­ if I¡­ pass out?" she panted.

    "I''ll make sure you''re safe, and then we''ll continue," he said tly. "And if you pass out twice, we start over."

    Elia blinked. Reth held her gaze, but there was no warmth in his eyes, only piercing challenge. Gone was her protective, thoughtful husband. She stood in front of a warrior who had no time for emotion or weakness. She hade to train, and train she would.

    "Well, I better not... pass out¡­ huh?" she huffed.

    He nodded, but he still didn''t smile.

    And so it went¡­

    Elia tried not to panic thinking about all the other things she had yet to do that day. As the training continued, she began to reshuffle the ns in her mind that she''d had, to clear them of anything that required lifting or carrying heavy things. But then Reth said something abouting back to a certain technique the next day, and her heart sank.

    Every day, he''d said, without fail.

    And she''d cornered him on it¡ªsaying if he didn''t give her time every day, she''d go back to training behind the rock.

    What had she been thinking?!

    Dawn broke behind the WildWood and Elia wondered if she''s ever seen anything more beautiful. Reth was in the middle of exining a specific hold when the sky was suddenly zing with deep pinks and oranges, and her mouth dropped open.

    But she only had seconds to gape before the world suddenly flipped, and she lost her breath as her back hit the ground in a mighty thump, and her husband leaned over her, snarling, "Never let attention be drawn away from those nearby¡ªyou cannot know when an enemy will strike!" he hissed through his teeth.

    For a sh she saw the side of him that she''d rarely seen¡ªthe beast. The warrior. The brutal killer. She blinked and tried to suck a breath into her aching lungs, but his hand was nted in the middle of her chest, and his eyes were alight with anger and¡­ was it fear?

    "I''m sorry, Reth," she croaked. "I''ll do better."

    He snorted air out of his nostrils, but nodded once and straightened, then offered her a hand to get up, again.

    She didn''t let herself get distracted again for the full two hours he had her working her body in different ways¡ªuntil her arms became so tired she couldn''t hold them level with her shoulders anymore.

    "Your greatest opponent is always in here," he said, tapping his temple. As she jumped up and down on the spot, swinging her arms all the way out, then over her head, then back down in time with her jumps. "If you can beat the enemy in your mind¡ªthe one that tells you you cannot do this, or that your opponent is too strong, or that the circumstances will not suit you¡ªyou will never defeat a strong enemy in front of you."

    "Yes, Reth," she panted.

    "Sir."

    "What?"

    "When we train, I am not your husband. I am not the man who loves you. And I am not the King. I am your Captain, and you will call me Sir."

    "Yes s-sir," she said, shakily. But her stomach dropped and she began to feel fragile in a way she hadn''t a moment before.

    Why did that bother her so much? As she continued to jump, she analyzed herself. His impersonal attitude bothered her because Reth¡ªher husband¡ªmade her feel safe. And if he was removing his own emotionalmitment to her ¡­ could she still trust him?

    As if he heard her thoughts, he went on. "You will learn to take orders. You will learn to trust those inmand over you¡ªto do the part you are given, and no other. And you''ll learn the value, the added strength, thates from like minds. Your job is to listen, and to do. Mine is to measure the obstacle ahead of you and make certain you know how to tackle it. Do you understand?"

    "Yes¡­ sir." Though she sincerely wondered whether she would make it.

    Then, just when she thought the time must be up, he ordered her down on the grass for twenty push ups.

    And she tried. She really did. But her arms had no strength. She pushed and shoved and breathed through her teeth in the way he told her, but she wasn''t able to lift herself from the grass.

    Then, when she was back on her feet, and wavering, he finally rxed, and suddenly her husband was back, his eyes alight with love and appreciation.

    He took her sweaty face in his hands and kissed her and said, "Now for a soak in the mineral pools. I gather you will be very sore tomorrow."

    She was already aching, but she was also too tired to speak. So she just nodded and let him carry her back down thedder, help her take off her clothes at the base, then lifted her in his arms and carried her to sink her into the warm pool until she groaned.

    "You think this is bad," he chuckled into her hair. "Wait until tomorrow when we add kicks."

    She groaned again.

 Chapter 151: Up You Go

    <h4>Chapter 151: Up You Go</h4>

    ELIA

    The next morning was worse.

    She''d already been upte because everything had taken longer because she''d had to hobble through the day. When she sat down for dinner, she almost fell asleep in her te. Then when she stood, Reth had to catch her arm because the muscles in her thighs gave such a stab of pain, her knee gave out.

    When Reth woke her before dawn again, she almost threw the furs at him and told him where to stuff his training. She''d slept poorly¡ªboth because of pain, and her worry for the festival. But she bit back the urge and got out of bed, groaning and swearing, while Reth darted around getting dressed, and sniggering at her.

    She''d only made it halfway up thedder before she fell and Reth caught her and it shocked her so badly, she almost gave up again. But he got her to the top and they started the workout again¡ªshe was even slower. They only made it as far as the punches and jumping jacks before Dawn because she was hobbling so badly. But Reth ignored the fact that she did less, and simply kept her working for the full two hours.

    Then he became her husband again, lowered her down thedder and soaked with her. She waste meeting her Cohorts, but she was in so much pain, Aymora gave her a tincture to help her make it through the day.

    She didn''t tell Reth.

    The third day was the worst, but she just epted that she was ''weak as a day old kitten,'' as Reth put it and did what she could, stumbling through the run and the rest of the workout until she could let herself fall on the ground at the end. Rethughed at her and promised the next day would be easier.

    "Why? Are we doing a different workout?" she asked hopefully, holding her head up so she could watch his face in the early dawn light.

    He snorted. "We aren''t doing anything else until the day you can climb thedder, do all the exercises, and get yourself back down under your own steam," he said. He didn''t smile, but his lips twitched when she pretended to cry.

    Mostly pretended.

    "The reason tomorrow will be better is because your body will have shifted to amodate the new requirements ced on it," he said, more gently than he usually did while she was still calling him, Sir. "And while you''ll still be sore and miserable, you''ll gain strength and begin to see your body respond differently to what''s happening."

    "Why aren''t you sore? You get tired, surely? You get shaky? There must be a point at which your muscles feel like jelly?"

    "Yes, it''s true. But my body heals far faster than yours. Generally I am recovered from this kind of strain within hours." And he smiled!

    "Bloody sadist!" she''d muttered, then hurriedly added, "Sir."

    Reth frowned. "What is a sadist?"

    "Someone who gets pleasure out of the pain of others."

    He grinned. "Oh, well¡ª"

    "Sexual pleasure," she added and he snapped his mouth shut.

    "Humans are fucking strange," he muttered, stalking to the other end of the clearing to pick up arge rock in one hand and bring it back to hand it to her.

    She was about to make a joke about alpha males when the rock hit her palms and she almost dropped it on her own foot. "Oof! What the hell?" Reth raised an eyebrow and she muttered, "What the hell¡­ Sir?"

    "Squats. Twenty with the rock in one hand, twenty with it in the other."

    "One handed? I can barely hold it with two!"

    He stared.

    "Sir," she grumbled.

    "Find a way," he said. "We''re working on bnce. You need to be strong in your core," he pped his own stomach," to give your body a solid foundation."

    She moved the rock awkwardly until she was able to hold it to her chest on one side with one arm, then began the squats. Reth wandered off to find something else to torture her with and she muttered, "Sadist," under her breath.

    "I heard that. Twenty push-ups, then you''ll start the lunges again," he called without turning to look at her.

    Groaning, she dropped the rock and got to the ground for the push ups. Then sighed when she was able to get to her feet and pick up the rock to start the squats again.

    *****

    He was right that the fourth day was easier. Whatever it was that was magical about Anima, she felt her body suddenly get stronger. And, with only two more days until the Festival, Elia was grateful to be able walk without hobbling. Gahrye hadughed himself into tears when she''d tried to walk up Candace''s stairs two days earlier. She''d growled like a true Leonine.

    The downside though, was that she and Reth had barely touched each other. She had been so sore, and so tired, that she''d crawled into bed as soon as her duties were done each night, falling asleep immediately, though sleeping fitfully because pain often drove her awake.

    So the day before the Festival, the first day she woke up naturally, rather than from pain, it was a relief to know at least she''d walk on stage the following night without embarrassing herself. She opened her eyes and smiled.

    Then she sat bolt upright.

    Thenterns were on.

    It was morning, and she hadn''t woken up.

    "Shit!" She leaped out of the furs and ran to the closet, throwing on her leathers, twisting her hair into a bun and running through the cave towards the bathing pools. She threw the door open and ran into the cavern. "I''m here! I''m here! I just¡­ why didn''t you wake me up?" she called, her voice echoing through the cavern.

    Reth, who''d been standing under thedder turned and smiled. "You''re fine. Today''s going to be a little different. I was going to wake you after I was done here."

    "What are you doing?" she asked, sliding to a stop next to him. He had knelt down the base of thedder and was tying something to it. When he stood she could see tworge rocks he''d obviously gathered from above and brought down here to pin thedder. Then he stepped back and folded his arms.

    "You''re going up alone," he said. "Without the safety."

    Elia blinked. "Wait¡­ what?"

    He stepped right up to her, smiling, very much in husband mode, not Sir, and he rubbed her arms, then leaned into her ear. "You''ve done good work this week. So now, you''re going up thedder, by yourself, because you can, and I''m going to be at the top to meet you and¡­ reward you," he whispered, then licked the shell of her ear, raising goosebumps on her neck and side.

    She smiled. "That doesn''t sound like Warrior training, Reth, unless there''s a side of you I really don''t know."

    He just winked and opened a hand towards thedder.

    ****

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 Chapter 152: Humpty Dumpty

    <h4>Chapter 152: Humpty Dumpty</h4>

    ELIA

    He thought he was clever. He got her blood boiling like that, then pulled away and, with a final wink, he headed up thedder.

    She''d nned to just wait until he got up there. But as he began to climb, she realized that this was something she''d never seen him do alone. She''d always either been in his arms as he carried her up, or only seen him below her, slowly following. But now, he put a hand up behind his head and pulled his shirt forward and off. Her mouth went dry as his thick, muscr stomach and chest were revealed, his biceps flexing as he wadded the shirt up and tossed it onto the dry rock where the two pools met.

    "Not fair," she muttered.

    He didn''t catch her eye, but she knew he''d done it just to get her attention. He always teased her about the way her heart raced when his shirt came off¡ªsomething the Anima bastard could hear, whether she wanted him to, or not.

    Then he leaped onto thedder and climbed with such smooth strength and grace that her mouth dropped open. It was the first time he''d ever actually reminded her of a cat, the smooth ripple of the muscles in his back, the easy way he hung off one arm, taking his time to reach for the next rung when he needed to. It seemed almost no effort to him at all, despite his bulk. Yet, she also realized he made it to the top in just a couple of minutes.

    It had taken her near twenty the first time.

    She swallowed when he crawled out of the hole at the top, then leaned back over to watch her. "Your turn."

    She smiled and looked at thedder. And that was when it hit her.

    No safety.

    "You can do it, Elia," he called, quieter this time, his face serious.

    She nodded and tugged on thedder to give herself a moment. "Ready?"

    "Ready. Just focus on your breathing and where you put your feet. It''s going to be easier because it''s weighted straight down."

    She frowned at the rocks at her feet. "Do you do that for the men?" she called up to him.

    "What?"

    "The rocks?"

    "This isn''t a tool I''ve used before, Elia, but¡ª"

    "If Lucine was doing this, would you weight thedder?"

    His eyes shed. Even at the distance she could see him weighing up his response.

    "Be honest, Reth. This isn''t about her rtionship with you. This is about how she''s viewed by the people¡ªand by you as her leader."

    "First of all, there was no rtionship¡ª"

    "Yeah, just hot outside sex," Elia muttered to herself.

    "¡ªand secondly, she grew up here. Her body is different, as is her ce in the tribes. Also, I heard that!"

    Stupid Anima hearing. Elia stared at the rocks. For her, she knew, climbing thisdder even with the rocks was a huge achievement. She couldn''t have done it three months ago. But she had done it this week. Even if she did have Reth behind her, to catch her.

    The memory of him catching her when she slipped flipped through her head¡ªalong with a simultaneous vision of herself toppling off thedder andnding on the rocks below.

    "I would never put you in a situation you weren''t able to handle, Elia."

    "I know you wouldn''t mean to," she said thoughtfully. "But you are rather optimistic,pared to the people, about what I''m capable of."

    Reth snorted. "Elia¡ª"

    But she''d made her decision. Without giving herself time to think about it any further, she kicked the two rocks off the bottom of thedder, then stepped onto it¡ªand immediately learned why he''d locked it down.

    "Elia, what are you doing?!"

    "I''m climbing thedder, like you said."

    "Elia!" he was braced over the hole, his arms wide. He looked like he might throw himself over the edge, but it hit him in the same moment it hit her: If he tried to help now, he was only going to make it more challenging. Because, as Elia had just discovered, without his significant weight on the end of it, thedder fluttered like a leaf in the wind. She was only ten rungs up when it began to tip underneath her, pulled by her center of gravity so that her feet stuck out slightly and most of her weight went on her arms.

    That wasn''t new, though it was more marked. What was new was the swaying¡ªand the way thedder moved every time she lifted a foot.

    She couldn''t hear Reth''s breathing, but when she looked up, she could see his chest rising and falling quickly, and the tension on his features. He was trying hard not to scare her, but he was a lot more nervous than he''d been before she kicked those rocks off.

    She was proud of the progress she made up the first half of thedder. She even shed him a grin at one point, and he nodded and tried to smile back. But she was close enough now to see the tension around his eyes and it made her stomach trill.

    Her arms were aching, but she was far enough up now that going back would be harder than reaching the top. So she was going to do it. But everytime she dropped her head back to look up, it shifted her weight and made her shoulders work even harder. So, she pulled her head up and focused her attention on the next rung.

    Her breathing tore out of her throat. This was definitely harder than it had been before¡ªand she was already tired from days of workouts and little sleep. Nerves spun in her stomach, but she just kept telling herself, she''d done it before, she could do it again.

    Then, when she was easily two thirds of the way up one of her feet slipped through thedder and her weight jolted onto her arms. One hand slipped and she shrieked, iling to grab the rung with the other as she began to fall.

    "ELIA!" Reth screamed.

 Chapter 153: What Can Be Done

    <h4>Chapter 153: What Can Be Done</h4>

    ELIA

    wing at thedder, she remembered what he''d told her to do if she ever thought she''d fall, and she threw her elbow across the rung, locking and bracing it with her other hand and arm, so that even if she lost her feetpletely, she would still have a grip on thedder. But it changed the angle of thedder again, and her other foot slipped to the corner of the rung, and caught there, awkwardly, her weight heavily on her bent ankle.

    With Reth''s scream still echoing in the chamber, Elia''s heart pounded so loudly she couldn''t hear anything but their twin terror.? She froze, thedder swaying slowly back and forth from the jerking, and Reth panting so loudly she could hear him even over the waterfall below.

    A momentter he blew out a breath. "Do you have your grip?" He sounded terrified.

    "Yes." Her voice was too high, quavering a little, but she wasn''t near tears. Just¡­ tired, and afraid.

    "You need to get some weight on your feet, equally spaced¡ªuse the sides if you need to¡ªthen use the bracing hand to get to the next rung before you unhook your elbow."

    Nodding, swallowing, not thinking about the eighty-foot fall if she got it wrong, she carefully did as he said and focused on getting the foot that had slipped on the rung below. But the angle of the vinedder was strange now with her weight was fully pressed into the corner of the rung, and even when she got her toes on it, her foot kept sliding before she could get her weight to brace it.

    "The angle''s too steep," she said, her voice shrill and tense. "My foot keeps slipping."

    "Okay, Elia, look at me, just for a second."

    She let her head tip back to find him leaning, just twenty feet above her, his brow furrowed in deep lines, and his eyes fixed on hers. His hands gripped the end of thedder as if he could somehow stop it from swinging. His jaw was hard as rock and he swallowed before he spoke. "Listen to me carefully: You need to put all your weight on your arms, take that foot off the rung, then put them both back on together so you can distribute your weight more evenly. Do you understand what I mean?"

    She nodded. His brows pinched together and the look on his face. She had to look away.? Understanding his instructions and doing it were two very different things, and the first spear of despair rocked through her. If she got this wrong¡­

    Her neck was beginning to ache. So she looked back down at her arms on thedder, sped her hand carefully, testing it to make sure her elbow would take all of her weight without slipping, then said through clenched teeth. "I''m going to do it."

    "You can do this, Elia," he said, but the tension in his voice made her heart ache. "You have the strength."

    "I love you, Reth."

    "I love you, too, Elia. Now, focus." His voice broke, and it almost broke her. But she gritted her teeth and slowly, slowly bent the leg that was still on thedder until all her weight was on her locked arms.

    The vine bit into her elbow and her hand immediately lost bloodflow, but she just bit down harder and concentrated on finding thedder rung with her feet¡ªwhen she couldn''t see thedder, or her toes.

    "You''re bending your knees too much, you''re pulling the rung above it up. You need to let yourself rx a touch," he called carefully.

    Elia blew out a breath and sucked back in, then let her legs straighten and hang, swaying with thedder until she could feel itying along her legs. Then she, very slowly, her arm aching, heart pounding in her ears, lifted both feet to find the rung.

    It took several seconds and one of them slipped a touch, but she was finally able to get both feet on the same rung and push down so they put tension on thedder and took some of her weight.

    Thedder swayed more with her weight distributed like that, but at least her throbbing arm was able to rx slightly.

    "I got it!" she said breathlessly.

    Reth''s head dropped for a moment. "Well done, love. Very well done. Now, the bracing arm¡­ that''s the one you reach with first. Do not unhook your elbow until your weight is held by the other hand."

    She nodded, and very slowly, unwound her other hand, then stretched to reach the rung above the one she was hooked on. When she sped it, she let out a victory breath. Until she tried to unhook her elbow and found her other arm didn''t want to work very well.

    It took another minute of hanging, letting the arm fall loose¡ªwhich made thedder swing more¡ªuntil she had enough feeling in the hand to grasp the rung alongside the other hand.

    Then slowly, slowly, one rung at a time, Reth''s breathing a counterpoint to her own pulse, she pulled herself up until she was on the final rung and Reth''s hands hooked under her armpits.

    He didn''t wait for her to haul herself up as he had every other time. He just pulled her off thedder and stood with her in his arms, pulling her into his chest, his nose buried in her neck and sucking in, inhaling her scent, strange calls and grunts breaking in his throat.

    She was trembling, but she threw her arms around his neck and clung.

    "Oh love, my love. Don''t ever do that again. Please. I''m sorry. I should never have¡ª"

    "No! Reth! You were right! She pulled her head back and gripped his, forcing him to pull back and meet her gaze. "I did it! I did it without the bracing on the ends!"

    His eyes were bloodshot and shining. She cupped his face beaming. "I did it, Reth!"

    "Yes," he said hoarsely. "You did. You magnificent woman."

 Chapter 154: Too Close to Call

    <h4>Chapter 154: Too Close to Call</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    RETH

    "Reth, you''re shaking!"

    She stood between his feet because he''d hurriedly put her down when he''d realized he was still standing over the hole. He was terrified of losing his grip on her, of identally dropping her as all the strength went out of his limbs in response to the tidal wave of adrenalin that flooded him when she''d almost dropped to her death.

    Straight to the rocks.

    There would have been no way her fragile human body could have survived that.

    He''d never intended¡­

    He''d seen an equine fall from a cliff to rocks below, once. The image of Elia tumbling to her death that way rocked him. A wave of nausea hit him and he swallowed hard and backed away from the hole, stumbling slightly, then catching himself.

    "Reth! Reth, are you okay?"

    "Yes, I''m just¡­ recovering," he said gruffly. He sat down on the stump and put the heels of his hands to his eyes. "Elia, that was¡ª"

    "That was AMAZING, Reth! I''m so d you forced me. I never would have done it if you hadn''t insisted. And I did it!"

    She was full of adrenalin too, and ecstatic with it. He wanted to share her joy, but he was struggling to get past the mental image of her dead on the floor of the bathing pool cavern.

    Then she stepped up, between his knees, pulling his head up. When he met her eyes, she leaned down and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and tilting her head, her breath already rapid from the climb, now shallow as well.

    He sucked in and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his chest. She came willingly. Then she groaned and tipped her head back, and he devoured her neck with lips and tongue.

    "Elia, I¡­"

    "Thank you," she whispered to the sky. "Thank you, Reth."

    "You could have died, Creator''s Light, Elia, I almost lost you." He pulled her in so tightly she squealed. But when he loosened his arms, she didn''t move, leaning into him, then crawling over him to straddle his thighs and keep the kiss.

    "You didn''t lose me, Reth. I''m here. See? I''m here."

    He groaned and leaned back when she started kissing down his neck. "Please don''t ever do that again," he whispered, his hands fisted in the back of her shirt.

    "Of course I''ll do it again," she chided, kissing his mouth before he could argue, biting his lower lip almost hard enough to bring pain. "I''ll just wait until I''m a little stronger. Then see how much faster I can do it!"

    Her arms, still on his shoulders and wrapped around his neck, trembled. He took one of her hands and unwrapped it, kissed her palm, then her wrist, and up her arm. She giggled.

    "You''re shaking," he said. "You need to rest now."

    "Please, there''s no time to rest. You know that."

    "You have time for your mate, surely?"

    She pulled back far enough to meet his eyes and lifted one eyebrow. "I don''t know. I woke upte this morning. And I still need to bathe. It''s going to be a busy day."

    "If not your mate, then time for you King," he said, his voice husky. "Your King orders you to take at least¡­ thirty minutes, right now. To rest and¡­ enjoy yourself."

    She tilted her head and ran her fingers through his hair. "Only if my King promises to rest and enjoy himself with me."

    Sheughed when he dove for her neck again, but soon herughter turned to pants as he unbuttoned her leathers and shucked them off, frantic to find her skin.

    His need for her was sudden, and absolute. He had to prove to himself that she was there, and safe, and his.

    Only his.

    "Elia," he groaned as she stepped out of her trousers, then reached for the belt of his. Then he stood, pulling her around the stump to the grass behind them, and the nket he''d brought up earlier. "Lay down," he rasped.

    She looked at him for a moment, then smiled and raised a hand to her shirt. "Did you want to take this off, or should I?"

    He was already pulling his belt free and shoving down his own pants. Her eyes widened at his obvious arousal. He didn''t even bother answering, just reached for her blouse at the hem and pulled it up and over her head. It stuck on her chin for a moment, but she twisted out of her, her eyes twinkling as she stood in front of himpletely naked and he raked her with his eyes, from crown to toe, reassuring himself that there were no new bruises, no wounds, nothing bleeding. He turned her around and she hummed, thinking he was going to take her, but he just knelt, running his hands down her legs, then back up, to check that she was safe. He found nothing amiss, and tipped his forehead against her spine, sighing heavily.

    "Reth?" she asked quietly. "Are you okay?"

    A shiver rocked his whole body. But when she twisted as if to turn, he held her in ce and ced another kiss on her spine.

    "I''m just praying," he murmured against her skin.

    She coughed. "About what?!"

    "Thanking the Creator that you''re safe," he said huskily. "For a moment there¡­ I saw it, ''Lia, I saw what it would be like if you were¡ª" he cut himself off. He couldn''t say it.

    She turned in his arms, her face lined with worry. "Reth, I''m fine. You knew I''d be fine."

    "I¡­ I never thought¡­ You were very brave, Elia. It was never my intention that you would do that. Not yet. Now I find myself¡­ afraid."

    She frowned. "No, Reth. Don''t be afraid. Be proud. I did it. It was hard, but I did it."

    "It very nearly cost you your life."

    "But it didn''t. See?" She took a step back, away from him, and lifted her arms. "I''m fine!"

    He scanned her again, but this time let himself focus on the ces her skin blushed¡ªher cheeks, her thighs, her rosy nipples. The mating huff tore out of him and her eyes went wide.

    "I love that sound," she whispered.

    "I only make it for you."

    "Now."

    "No, Elia. Ever. I''ve never made that call to any other female in my entire life."

    Her small smile grew and she stepped back up to where he knelt, cupping his face. "I love you, Gareth.

    "I''m pretty sure, I love you more," he whispered, then took her in a searing kiss.

 Chapter 155: Worship

    <h4>Chapter 155: Worship</h4>

    RETH

    He had her on the nket and panting in no time, but there was still a frantic tension in him that need to be reassured. He had to have her, but he needed to see her while he did it, to soothe the beast in him that feared a stealth attack.

    So as he tongued, and stroked and rolled with her, he struck on an idea.

    Once she was whispering his name and arching her breasts against his chest so that the beast within him snarled for release, he slid down her body, kissing her neck, her corbone, down to her breast and taking the peak in his mouth as she arched into him.

    "That never gets old!" she gasped when he came off one nipple to take the other, growling when he caught sight of the first glistening in the early morning sunlight. She lifted a hand as if to rub it, but he caught it and twined their fingers, pulling the hand up and above her head, then curling over her so he could look down at her chest, the pebbling of the skin on her breasts, and the evidences of his kiss there.

    "Dear, Lord, Elia," he groaned.

    "I want you, Reth!" she sighed, lifting her hips to rub against him.

    Pressing her hands into the nket, he kissed her, slower than she wanted, but deep. Then he whispered, "You will have me, beautiful," and pushed back to kneel between her knees, sitting on his heels. With a shuddering sigh, starting at her breast, he dragged his hand down the length of her, over the dips and valleys of her stomach and waist, watching her skin pebble in the wake of his touch.

    His voice was gravel when he murmured, "Roll onto your side."

    She blinked and pushed up on her elbows, her breasts jiggling in a way that made his cock twitch. She saw it and smiled, but her eyebrows popped up. "On my side?"

    "Trust me," he said, more calmly than he felt. There was still a part of him screaming, crying to the Creator that he''d almost lost her. But he didn''t want his fear to steal her joy. He needed to join with her. Desperately.

    She looked skeptical, but rolled onto her side, bringing her leg around him, so he was kneeling behind her. Leaning her temple on her fist, she put the other hand on the ground in front of her, and looked at him, waiting for further instructions. "Like this?"

    "Almost," he said breathlessly. The position of her arms pressed her breasts together and he growled his approval.

    With a soft hand, he lifted her knee towards her chest, parting her thighs, then shifted across to straddle her lower leg, still kneeling, raising her thigh slightly as he settled into the spot. His length rested against her inner thigh as he gently lowered her leg again until her knee rested over his. With a low growl, he leaned over her, both his hands on the nket and her on his side between his arms.

    So close.

    She smiled. "That seems like it might work?"

    "Oh, it will work," he growled, bracing on the hand behind her shoulders, he rubbed himself against her softest ce, but he didn''t take her yet. As she hummed her approval, he took her breast in his other hand, arching over her to kiss it, sucking again.

    Her breath huffed out of her, and, taking her hand from the ground, she reached back to curl her hand into his hair and pull him tighter to her breast. He growled and sucked hard and she gasped.

    When he pulled away, she turned her head to meet his eyes.

    "Are you ready my love?" he said, his voice a gravel husk.

    "I''m always ready for you, Reth," she sighed.

    He purred. Still braced over her, he stroked his free hand over her breasts, her stomach, all the way down to the leg she hadid over his knee. Then he took himself in hand and found her, pressing into her in one, long, slow slide.

    He grasped her hip and she cried out as he thrust, quickly, firmly, his fingers digging into her as he fought for control.

    The new angle had startled her, but in the best way. She groaned, then stopped breathing as he began to move.

    She was so beautiful like this,id out before him. She let her head drop to the nket, her eyes closed and mouth open, breasts pressed together, and her cheeks flushed.

    At first her hand iled, she had nowhere to hold him, braced over her side as he was. But then he thrust again, and she braced on the ground in front of her to give him resistance. They both groaned.

    As he continued to roll into her, he lowered himself to kiss her neck, her shoulder, curling to suck at her breast until he was overwhelmed and could only thrust harder.

    It was a moment of pure sensation, skin, core, and mouth moving in tandom. The hair on his arms stood up as every nerve in his body began to jangle.

    She was huffing with each of his thrusts, her fingers wed into the nket. When he bit down gently on her earlobe, she clenched and almost tipped over the edge.

    "Hold on, my love, hold on!" he grunted, sping her thigh and pulling her towards him with each thrust, her breasts bouncing so deliciously, his own climax threatened to overtake him.

    "Oh, Reth¡­ that''s¡­ oh!"

    "Can you reach yourself, love?" he groaned, dragging his lips across her shoulder, panting into her ear. "Can you¡­ touch yourself?"

    Heat bloomed on her cheeks, but she slid her hand down, between her legs, to the spot where they were joined. He moaned, and bit back the roar that wanted to rise as he felt her there, but then she was writhing, her breathing faster and harder.

    There was a crystalline moment when she threw her head back just as he thrust into her. Her breasts were pressed together by her arms, and she clenched around him as her fingers tantalized them both. And Reth wondered what he''d ever done to deserve this incredible woman who trusted him so, and had such passion.

    Then her cries climbed higher and he gripped her leg harder, pulling her tighter against him as she touched herself faster, then tensed, jerking and calling his name, in the same moment Reth''s orgasm crashed over him and he bit down on her shoulder to stop himself roaring.

    He slumped onto his elbow, covering her, entwined. His body still thrilled from the aftermath of his climax, but he slid his hand up her leg to her stomach, then between her breasts. Heid a panting kiss on her shoulder where he''d bitten down, to soothe the reddened skin, and stroked her hair back from her sweaty face.

    "Reth¡­?" she sighed.

    "Yes."

    "You let me know as soon as you want to try that again, okay?"

    Heughed against her skin until he wept.

 Chapter 156: Anticipation

    <h4>Chapter 156: Anticipation</h4>

    ELIA

    "Do you like it?" Candace asked, her eyes bright and curious.

    Elia stood in her and Reth''s bedroom, eyes wide, staring at the dress Candace hadid over her arms and was offering for Elia''s approval. "Candace¡­ it''s beautiful," she breathed.

    The dress was a halter neck made from the gorgeous, soft, and partly-sheer fabric she''d seen Candace weaving weeks earlier. It was a pale cream, almost white, that gathered from the neck to cover the bust, but from the ribs it had been embroidered in softly swirling shapes in multiple shades of gold and blue. The stitched pattern covered almost all the fabric at the stomach, but as the dress red to the floor, the spaces between them widened, like petals falling from a blossom tree.

    "I''m d you like it," Candace said with a wide smile. "I knew the colors would suit your skin, but I''ll admit, it is difficult not being familiar with your style."

    "I love it, Candace. It¡­ it feels like a wedding dress."

    "Littlete for that," Aymora snorted from behind her. She and Candaceughed, but Elia reached out to touch the beautiful stitching on the dress, biting her lip to keep back tears.

    "And I didn''t forget your request," Candace whispered as she leaned in. "I hope you don''t mind, I had to change the neckline so it would fit under this. But¡­ I think there is a market for these garments. We must discuss themter," herpanion said, nodding.

    Elia smiled. "You did that too? I can''t believe that¡ªthis was enough!"

    Candace rolled her eyes, but her cheeks pinked. "This is a very special asion. I was happy to do it."

    Forgetting herselfpletely, Elia threw her arms around Candace''s neck, who squawked, but soon hugged her back, despite the dress pressed between them.

    "Thank you," Elia whispered in her ear.

    "You''re very wee," Candace said.

    They both blinked several times as they let go. Then made themselves busy discussing whether it was too early for her to get into the dress. Aymora scoffed and told them both not to be stupid. These things always took longer than expected, and the women still needed to dress Elia''s hair.

    Elia nced at the two women standing near the door. One a Leonine, the other a sheep¡ªshe thought. The sheep waved and smiled, the other just nodded solemnly. She smiled at both of them. "Thank you foring to help. I''m afraid I''m really not good at hair."

    "That''s what we''re here for," Aymora said, pping her hands. "Let''s get started. Better to be ready early than to be rushing at the end."

    Elia sighed as Candace pulled the second piece out from under the dress she''d been holding, and waggled her eyebrows. Elia snorted, then looked around. The Anima werepletely unashamed of their bodies. They thought nothing of getting naked and changing in front of each other.

    She bit her lip. She knew if she asked, they would all leave the room and let her dress in peace. But she also knew the entire point of this Festival was to connect with the people more personally. If she couldn''t adopt these simple customs, how was she going prove herself?

    So with a deep breath she started unbuttoning her blouse and praying none of themmented on her rapidly reddening cheeks.

    First was the little surprise she''d asked Candace to work on. Made from a singleyer of the same fabric as the dress, it was little more than a halter-neck slip. But the neckline plunged to below the level of her breasts, and even where it covered, the semi-sheer fabric showed her skin and curves underneath in a way that she knew would drive Reth wild.

    Candace had really outdone herself, however, by adding embroidery. In thread the same color as the fabric, she''d mimicked the pattern ofce from a silk ribbon at the empire waistline at the ribs, up, over Elia''s breasts, to hook at the nape of her neck.

    Elia couldn''t ever remember feeling sexy just by wearing an item of clothing, but as soon as the slip slid over her skin and she pulled the sides of the neckline up to hook behind her, boosting her breasts, something warm and thrilling began to twist in her stomach.

    Unaware of Elia''s feelings, Candace examined her thoughtfully, having her turn all the way around to ensure the garment fit correctly.

    "I could have lifted the hemline slightly," she said, frustrated. "But there isn''t time now."

    "No, please," Elia said, smoothing the fabric on her thighs. "It''s perfect."

    Candace looked like she wanted to argue, but decided it wasn''t worth it. Instead, she turned to pick up the dress he''did on the bed and told Elia to turn her back to the mirror.

    The massive mirror that Reth had pulled out from behind the closet just before he fled all the women arriving at the cave.

    Gathering therge skirt of the dress, Candace held it over Elia''s head, letting it slide down her extended arms until the curves settled on hers and she was able to pull the sides of the halter-neck up and tie them at the back.

    She asked Elia not to turn to the mirror until she was finished, the proceeded to spend far too long straightening seams, tugging at the neckline, tutting to herself, and stepping back before she pressed her lips together and said, "I think that''s the best I can do in the time we have. Take a look," she said, her eyes bright.

    Elia closed her eyes and turned around, then opened them and her mouth dropped open.

    Theyers of the semi-sheer fabric moved against each other as she shifted and fluffed the skirt, looking for all the world as if white smoke drifted across her skin in the shape of a dress. But even more than the beautiful fabric¡­

    "They''re butterflies!" she gasped.

    With her distance from the mirror the shapes she''d thought were so beautiful on the embroidery pulled together and she realized the wavy gold lines were all bodies, each with swirling blue patterns that formed the shapes of wings.

    "Oh, good! You can tell!" Candace said. "I didn''t want to make it too obvious, but¡­ they''re to signify your transformation into Queen," she said sheepishly. "I know it''s not very subtle, but¡ª"

    "Candace, I love it! Thank you!"

    "You''re wee," her friend said, clearly pleased.

    Elia couldn''t take her eyes off the dress. She swayed in front of the mirror like a little girl ying dress up, and she didn''t care.

    She had never felt so beautiful.

    "You are a true master, Candace," she said, shaking her head. "We will have to¡­" she trailed off, realizing the room had gone quiet.

    She turned to look over her shoulder, and found Reth standing in the doorway, his mouth open in surprise. But then he blinked and it snapped closed and he cleared his throat.

    "I appreciate all that you''re doing to help my mate, but I need the room for a moment," Reth said, his voice dark.

    Elia''s heart sank. He was clearly avoiding her eyes, his face somber and strained.

    What had happened? She prayed that, whatever it was, they wouldn''t have to call off the festival.

    She nodded at the women and they filed out slowly, throwing concerned nces at her. But she just kept her eyes on Reth, who stood next to the door, his head down.

    Then, when Aymora, thest to leave, walked through and patted his arm, muttering something that made him twitch, he closed the door softly behind them all and leaned his head on it for a second.

    "Oh, Reth," she said, hands to her mouth. "What''s happened?"

 Chapter 157: Priorities

    <h4>Chapter 157: Priorities</h4>

    RETH

    Creator''s Light, she was stunning. She was always stunning, but in that dress¡­ his cock literally strained against his pants and with his forehead still leaning on the door, he muttered a prayer because that wasn''t why he''de. But now he wanted to.

    "Oh, Reth," she said quietly. "What''s happened?"

    He sucked in a deep breath and turned, his heartrate speeding up the moment his eyesnded on her. The dress pressed her breasts higher, and even though they werepletely covered, it was as if they appealed to him for sucking.

    He cleared his throat and forced himself to meet her eyes. "I''m afraid you''re going to bete for the festival."

    "What? Why? What''s going on?"

    He stalked over to her, stifling the urge to give the mating call and took her hands "Because you are so amazingly beautiful that I''m going to strip you out of that dress and take you, and they''re going to have to do this again."

    Her eyes were wide with confusion as he leaned into take her mouth, but she kissed him back, one hand on his chest, right over his heart. He purred in his throat and dropped his chin to kiss her neck as he started to fist the skirt in his hands, pulling it up¡ª

    "Wait a moment!" she pushed on him with that hand and took a step back. "You''re serious?" she asked, her voice high and breathless.

    Reth blinked. "Yes. Why?"

    "Absolutely not, Reth."

    "What?!"

    "I am not going to bete because you can''t keep it in your pants for a few hours."

    "But Elia!" he whined, "Look!" He indicated his own, straining groin and she looked down, then rolled her lips in to stifle the smile that broke.

    "Poor, frustrated King," she said a momentter, a distinct wobble ofughter in her voice.

    "Just ten minutes Elia, I can make it good, I promise¡ª" He stepped towards her, but she stepped back again and the noise that broke in his throat was one he hadn''t made since he was twelve and his mother said he was too young to go the Rite.

    "No. Just no," she said firmly, though her eyes were bright.

    He didn''t answer right away, instead letting himself think about having her here, quickly, frantically¡ªshe didn''t even have to take off the damn dress, he could flip the skirt over her back and¡ª

    Heat red in her eyes as if she knew what he was thinking, but she turned her head and took another step away from him. "Reth. This isn''t funny."

    "Am Iughing?"

    She snorted, and caught herself. "I''ve never seen you so¡­ whiney."

    "I''ve never seen you looking¡­ like that!" he spluttered, opening a hand and waving it up and down at her in the dress. "You should have warned me! This was aplete stealth attack. Very unfair!"

    "Reth, stop. Now tell me, why are you here?"

    "I told you¡ª"

    But her jaw went hard and she folded her arms, which just pressed her delicious breasts higher, which really wasn''t fair at all. He groaned and closed his eyes. "I just wanted to make sure you have everything you need. I''m meeting Behryn in a few minutes to talk about the Bears. They''re moving. We got word. So, I''ll be busy right up until the feast. And I wanted to make sure you had everything¡­" he trailed off, his eyes sliding down her form. He swallowed. "Elia, we could¡ª"

    "No, Reth," she said softly, but she was smiling. "I love you, and I''m excited¡ªtonight¡­ tonight we''ll make the most of this. I promise. But right now, I am incredibly nervous, and I need to focus, and we need to finish getting ready. We have everything we need. And I''m sure if anythinges up, thedies can find it, anyway. You will make it to the feast, right? The Bears aren''t here?"

    "No, the Scouts are watching them. We''re just making sure they don''t decide toe raid WildWood. So¡­ it doesn''t matter. We have much more pressing things at hand right now! Or at least¡­ they could be?" He waggled his eyebrows and beamed at her.

    She giggled and stepped forward, and for a second his heart leapt. But she just pulled his face down and kissed him, then said against his lips, "I''ll see you in an hour, at the feast."

    "You know this isn''t good for a man''s health, right?" he said, pointing at his own groin again.

    "You aren''t going to trick me into looking at it, or touching it, Reth. It''s time to put your big boy pants on and take one for the team."

    "Oh, I have big boy pants already," he muttered. "You could see that for yourself if you''d just¡ª"

    "Reth!"

    "Okay, okay," he said, putting his hands up and pretending to pout. "I guess I can wait a few hours. But don''t be surprised if I scandalize some of the sheep on the dance floor tonight. For Anima, they''re far more¡­ reserved about these kinds of things. And everyone is going to be able to scent how much I want you."

    "Better than them scenting that you''ve already had me," she muttered and patted his face. "I love you, Reth. Thank you for distracting me. It was wonderful. Very good. Well done."

    He blinked. Oh, she thought he''d been ying. Well..

    "You''re wee, wife," he said with a smile and kissed her again. His groin twitched. "And if at any point this evening you feel like you need to rx¡ª"

    "Thank you, Reth. Please send thedies back in. We really do need to get on with this."

    He sighed and stole one more kiss, then turned on his heel and hobbled out the door, telling thedies who were waiting in the dining room that they were free to go back in.

    Aymora gave him a raised eyebrow, but he just scowled in return, and sheughed.

    Damned women. They were all trouble.

    He stalked out of the cave and decided to run back to the city. Maybe it would help ease the aching in his body.

 Chapter 158: Giving Your Throat - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 158: Giving Your Throat - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    Forty minutester, thedies had dressed Elia''s hair into a lovely twist at the back of her head, with just a few wisps around her face. She''d had to untie the halter-neck while they did it, and was retying it, bantering with Aymora about the look in Reth''s eyes (and his smell) when he''d left.

    "Maybe, since the Anima don''t seem to care about nudity, I''ll just untie the neck while we''re dancing and give him my neck right there," she joked.

    All the women in the room looked shocked, but the two Leonine shot significant nces at each other. Elia frowned. "Was that in bad taste?"

    Aymora cleared her throat and crossed the space to stand behind Elia in the mirror. "Would you¡­ give him your throat that way? In front of others, I mean?"

    "Yes. Without question. I almost did it at thest feast and he stopped me¡ªI wasn''t so clear about what it meant then, but I am now."

    "And you would¡­ still do that?" Aymora asked carefully.

    Elia turned to face her. "Yes. Why? Is it meaningful after all? I asked Gahrye because I wanted to do something to show my regard for Reth. A gesture and I joked about doing that. But he was just scandalized. He said it was too intimate."

    For a moment Elia thought Aymora was going to cry. Her eyes shone and her cheeks tightened. But then she looked away from Elia to the others. "Could I speak with Elia privately for a few minutes?" she asked quietly. They all¡ªincluding Candace¡ªnodded and immediately started out of the room. Elia''s stomach dropped. What had she done now?

    As soon as the door closed she took Aymora''s hand. "I didn''t mean to offend anyone. I wasn''t¡ª"

    "No, Elia. You haven''t offended. Quite the opposite, actually," she said with a quavering smile. "Your suggestion is¡­ very touching."

    "Really?!" she said brightly. "Gahrye told me¡ª"

    "Bloody males," Aymora groaned. "I admit, Elia, you made a good choice there. He reads the winds like no one I''ve seen, bar Behryn. But¡­ he is hopelessly male. And young¡­ And not Leonine," she added as an afterthought."

    "What does that have to do with this?"

    Aymora took a deep breath and took Elia''s hands. "If you truly wish to show the people your regard for Reth¡ªto make a gesture, as you called it¡ªgiving him your throat in public couldn''t be more meaningful. Though, I suppose Gahrye is correct that if it''s done improperly, there would be some parents who would wish it didn''t happen before their children."

    "So, how do I do it properly?"

    "There is a tradition amongst the pride, though I suppose with you being Queen¡ªwhich is of all tribes, but also human, which is of none, it would be appropriate to do it before everyone. It is something only females mated to Leonine males can offer, though Reth will know what it means if you¡­ if you wish it."

    "I do! Tell me, Aymora! I really do want to do something for him, in front of the people."

    "The thing you must understand Elia is that this is more than a simple gesture. It is¡­ a vow."

    "A vow of what?"

    "If you were to give Reth your throat in the correct manner, you would be telling him that you vow loyalty to him for always."

    "That''s no problem! I already¡ª"

    "No, Elia. This vow¡­ it extends to death. Even if Reth were to die while you were young¡­ you would be vowing to never take another male. Ever. In any manner."

    Suddenly, Elia was blinking back tears. "But¡­ I already feel that way, anyway," she croaked.

    Aymora put her hands to her mouth and her brow pinched and Elia thought she would cry too. Then Aymora shook out her hands and smiled. "It is¡­ your love for him, it is touching. And his for you. I tease, but¡­ you are example, Elia. I am d that you''re our Queen, and that our young see you love your mate in this way."

    "Well, now I''m definitely going to cry!" Elia wailed, putting her face in her hands. The older woman took her in a hug and rubbed her back.

    "Don''t cry, Sire. This is something to be celebrated," she whispered in Elia''s ear.

    When Elia looked up, Aymora took her face in her hands and smiled. "And I will show you how it must be done to be done correctly. And I will even¡­ I will provide you the scarf."

    Elia blinked. "It takes a scarf?"

    "Yes, and we have very little time. So just wait one moment." Aymora darted across the room and opened the door, calling the other Leonine woman who looked a little wide-eyed, but listened to her whispers, then ran.

    Elia frowned as Aymora turned back into the room and closed the door again. "What''s going on?"

    "She''ll get the scarf for me, you can''t leave the cave until you have it. Only the Leonine females will recognize it, but those who are of the older generation¡­ they will only respect the choice if you follow the old ways."

    "Okay¡­ can you exin?"

    Aymora led her to the sleeping tform and they sat on the edge of it, alongside each other. "In the Pride the male and female roles are very different to the other tribes. Our lion ancestors lived differently¡ªonce a male had established dominance, he was usually little more than a stud¡ªfor the making of cubs. It was the females who sustained the Pride. Elements of that have crept into the Pride traditions.

    "Our males recognize our strength and do not stifle it. But because of their fierce dominance, there can often be¡­ conflicts between the males and females. And some young females feel they have something to prove and will fight with their mates just to feel strong. It is a stupid and immature way to act, of course, but most of us have been guilty of it at times." Aymora blushed, and Elia almostughed. But it was clear the older woman was remembering very difficult and dear things from her past.

    Elia swallowed and waited for Aymora''s eyes to lose the distant look and return to focus on her.

 Chapter 159: Giving Your Throat - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 159: Giving Your Throat - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    Aymora finally blinked and focused on her again.

    "Within the pride there are females who do not deny their husband''s dominance, and do not feel belittled by standing next to a strong, proud male. I am¡­ was¡­ one of those," Aymora said very quietly. Elia opened her mouth to ask, but Aymora shot her a look that warned against it. "When a woman is strong enough to live alongside a strong male and she does not feel¡­ made less by him¡­ when she loves himpletely¡ªmore than her desire for cubs, more than her desire for any achievement¡­ she can offer her throat.

    "It is a rare gesture, Elia, because, as I mentioned, to do so is to vow your life to your mate¡ªwhether your mate survives you, or not. But it is, in essence, a vow of singr loyalty. And it will be received with great celebration by both your mate, and the pride. Any Anima understands the significance of offering your throat. But in the Pride manner¡­ when the Leonine see that, they will be deeply touched."

    "So, how do I do it?"

    "Are you certain?" Aymora asked worriedly.

    "Absolutely. No question in my mind."

    Aymora gave a small smile. "When the scarf arrives we''ll tie it around your neck. The proper manner is to wait until a moment when your mate is focused on you and other Leonine are not. To make it a gesture between the two of you, rather than an event, if that makes sense?"

    Elia nodded.

    "Then, when the time is right, you will untie your scarf and give it to him. He then has a choice."

    Elia blinked. "To do what?"

    Aymora sighed. "He can receive the scarf and make no gesture of his own, but merely keep it to return to you at another time. If he does this it is¡­ it means he needs to consider further and no one will mention it. You need not fear shame. No Anima is ever shamed for giving her throat. Ever."

    "Okay," Elia said, her nerves climbing. "What''s the other option?"

    "If he wishes to¡­ return your favor, he will take the scarf and then¡­ mark your throat. Then he will cover the mark by tying the scarf again with his own hands. It is a symbol that no male has a right to your throat except him. You will be referred to as a Pair from that day forward¡ªand no one in the Pride will ever attempt to separate you. You will be viewed as a¡­ unit."

    Elia waited, but Aymora was watching for her reaction.

    "That''s all we have to do?"

    "Believe me, that is plenty," Aymora snorted. "If you give your throat now, at this early day in your mating? You will be legendary among the Leonine. And if he returns it¡­" she trailed off.

    "What?" Elia asked. "What will they think of that?"

    Aymora''s eyes teared up again and she smiled. "Your love will be legendary, Elia. The young Leonine will pray to the Creator to have your courage, and to find their own mate who loves as Reth loves¡­ it will be a story told for generations."

    Elia pulled her head back. "This is really that rare?"

    "Yes. I would have to check with Brant¡ªhe''s a keeper of the histories also. But I cannot remember another Pair who made the deration as young as you two are. It is a huge sacrifice if a mate is killed."

    Elia swallowed at the thought of losing Reth and her eyes began to sting, but she shook the tears off and nodded. "I want to do this," she said breathlessly. "Please."

    Aymora smiled and hugged her before taking a deep breath. "Well, today is going to be even more eventful than I thought," she said, her voice overly light. "We should¡ª"

    But a knock at the door interrupted her.

    When Aymora opened it, the other Leonine female was there, panting heavily¡ªas hard as Elia had ever heard an Anima pant.

    "Is she okay?" Elia said, standing from the bed.

    "She''s fine. She just ran very quickly because we don''t have much time," Aymora said, and ushered the others in. Candace followed the others, her eyes wide and curious. But all three women watched as Aymora urged Elia to stand before the mirror again, then tied the scarf around her throat, using a special bow at the back, then showing Elia how to untie it easily. They practiced several times, each time Aymora giving instruction on how to provide the scarf to Reth.

    When they were done, Elia stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself.

    She wore no make-up, but her hair was beautiful, twisted and pinned with wooden clips.

    The scarf was mostly blue, and very simr in color to one of the blues in the dress. "It matches!" she said, smiling.

    "A happy ident. Clearly the Creator wished for you to coordinate tonight," Aymora said, smiling.

    Elia stood there another minute looking at herself, going over in her mind all the things she would do this evening, all the ways she would reach out, both to Reth, and to the people. And she sighed.

    She prayed that this Creator, if he was real, would only intervene in love. That he would smooth the path between her and the Anima¡ªlet them see her heart, to know her intentions were good. And that Reth¡­ that Reth would see that her love was real, and she never wished for another man. Ever.

    Even when he was a stubborn prick. She snorted to herself, and Aymora gave her a knowing smile. "You have chosen well, Elia," she murmured pretending to pick fuzz off of Elia''s skirt. "You are right to do this. And I haven''t said that to any female since I gave my own throat."

    Elias eyes flew wide. "You¡ªyou have a mate?!"

    "Not anymore," Aymora said.

    But when Elia opened her mouth, Aymora turned and called for Candace to check the plunging back of the dress to make sure there was no way the slip would shift and be visibleter in the evening.

    So, Elia was left wondering¡­ and nning to get Aymora alone at another time to hear the story.

    And she added another hasty prayer that that would never happen to her. That she and Reth would have many, many years together still toe.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the beginning of the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 160: The Glittering Queen

    <h4>Chapter 160: The Glittering Queen</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia hardly dared breathe in case she broke the spell.

    She and Reth had arrived for the feast and had almost immediately been circled by a crowd, all dressed for the feast and excited, children dancing, and the adults bowing, smiling, beaming. Elia had stood, not touching Reth, but cautious, expecting the people to give their focus to him as they usually did. But to her surprise, many reached out to her first¡ªespecially the females.

    "You look beautiful, Sire!"

    "That dress! It must be Candace''s work?"

    "Will you hold my hand, Majesty?" from a small child Elia realized with a start was Lupine. The little girl stood in front of her, her eyes wide and staring, one hand extended towards her.

    Gahrye and the others had warned her¡ªit was very important she not be seen to choose favorites tonight. Not align herself too strongly with one tribe or another. That she be viewed as a person of peace, embracing all the Anima.

    Smiling at the girl, but uncertain whether this advice extended to the children, she looked quickly at Reth¡ªwho was beaming. He knelt down in front of the small girl, pretended to bow, then took and kissed her extended hand. She stared at him, her eyes so wide Elia could see the white all the way around.

    "Your Queen would love to hold your hand," he whispered to her, ncing at Elia over his shoulder. "But because she is Queen, she has to hold my hand tonight. Can you forgive her?"

    The little girl nodded solemnly, then took her hand back from his massive paw and clutched it to her chest. "I''ll let her go with you tonight," she whispered back.

    "Thank you."

    Elia almost cried at the tenderness he showed the little girl¡ªand a wolf, at that¡ªbut he just patted her shoulder, then straightened and tucked Elia''s hand under his arm, leading her towards the stage.

    It took them half an hour to get to their seats in the end, because so many people wanted to stop and speak to both of them. When they finally got there and Reth pulled out her chair for her in a show of ceremony, he''d thrown he an excited look¡ªlike a child, sharing a secret. She''d grinned back, but neither of them spoke of it.

    This was an excellent start.

    Aymora was already seated to Elia''s right, and when she''d settled in, the older woman leaned in. "An excellent start, Sire," she whispered.

    Elia shot her look. "Since when do you¡ª"

    "Tonight is a night for standing on ceremony. Don''t fight it," Aymore murmured through unmoving lips, looking out over the people. "Allow yourself to be honored. To any watching closely, it will affirm your position. For tonight you are Queen, not Elia."

    Elia sighed but nodded and made herself push her shoulders back, but keep her chin low. Aymora huffed her approval.

    The feast was delicious, and despite her nerves, Elia found herself able to eat generously. She''d been worried the butterflies inside her would kill her appetite. But one whiff of the sulent meats and marinated vegetables, and her body remembered how hard she''d been working.

    She devoured every bite.

    Reth leaned into her ear more than once, his hand on her thigh under the table. "Are you well?"

    "Mostly," she murmured back, turning to meet his eyes¡ªand finding them hooded, and hot, she''d had to smile. "Down, boy," she chided.

    Reth chuckled. "You have no idea how beautiful you are when you smile," he said and touched her jaw with one finger. "I want you so badly, I''m ready to eat you."

    "That would be very messy," she joked. "And there are children present. Terrible example."

    He chuckled. "Truly, though, Elia¡­ are you well?"

    Trust Reth not to let her ignore her nerves. She dropped her hand beneath the level of the table and took his hand. He squeezed as hard as she did. "I''m terrified," she said honestly. "But I want to do it. I want to see¡­ I hope¡­"

    "It will be well. Just be your true self and if any attempt to interrupt or question you before you''re finished, look at them the way you look at me when you think I''m out of line."

    Elia blinked. "They might¡­ interrupt me?"

    Reth shrugged. "I hope not. But it is allowed, yes. If they want to test you."

    "Excellent," she muttered. Reth squeezed her hand again.

    "I''ll keep ring at them, just in case."

    "No! Don''t do that. Reth, you have to let me do this. Fail or seed, they need to see me do it alone."

    He held her gaze for a long moment, then nodded. "You''re right, of course."

    Elia pulled her head back with a jerk. "I''m sorry, did you just say¡­ can we get a witness to the deration my husband just made¡­" she said softly, turning as if she was looking for someone to answer her bidding.

    Reth growled in his throat, but his eyes twinkled.

    They were both quiet for a moment, then he squeezed her hand again. "Creator, be with my wife tonight," he breathed, only barely loud enough for Elia to hear him. "Show them her spirit and her magnificent strength. And let her bow to no one¡­ even me."

    Elia put her hand to her mouth as Reth met her gaze, his own tense, but warm. "I love you, Reth," she whispered and leaned in to kiss him. Audience be damned.

    He sucked in when their lips met softly, chastely. When she pulled back his eyes were hooded again. "I think you better get started, wife, before I steal you away and to hell with this Festival."

    Adrenalin shot through her veins. "Now?!" she squeaked.

    Reth scanned the market, nodding. "Their bellies are full, and they''re smiling. I can''t think of a better time."

    She swallowed and looked down the table towards Gahrye, who was already looking at them that wistful pinch in his eyes that Elia often noticed when she and Reth were together. Her own heart sputtered in sympathy for him, but he cleared his face and arched an eyebrow in question.

    Swallowing hard, Elia nodded.

    With a deep breath, Gahrye pushed back his chair and stood. "Attention, everyone!"

 Chapter 161: Elias Story - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 161: Elia''s Story - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    The hum and bustle of the crowd in the market began to die immediately and Elia''s heart pounded. There were hundreds of Anima there tonight, packed even tighter than usual because the tables had been cleared in the middle for dancingter.

    Aymora had told Elia there would be people sitting outside the pirs of the eating space, and some standing, just to be witness to tonight.

    Adrenalin speared through her again, and her hands began to tremble as Gahrye continued.

    "We gather tonight for the first Festival of Hearts. A tradition seeded by our new Queen, this is to be a night for forgiveness and understanding. A night for hearts to heal, and minds to find meeting. Anima! Stand and acknowledge your Queen!"

    It was the first test of the night, Aymora had warned her. The acknowledgement was only a small concession¡ªand it was tradition for a few strong Anima to stay seated for it, to herald their desire to be swayed. But Behryn and the guards would be watching closely for any outright dissension in the people¡ªthose who stared challenge, or whose scents indicated anger, or vengeance.

    In the worst possible case, should the majority of the people refuse to stand, the guards were primed to protect Reth & Elia from potential attack. Because, as Aymora had been very clear, the Anima as a group would turn on a weak ruler quickly.

    To Elia''s relief, almost everyone stood, though some slowly and without smiling. There were only small pockets that she could see of those, strong in their tribes, or older, who kept their seats and watched her closely. But she''d been told to expect that. Her job tonight was to convince these people that she was for them. The others in their tribes would follow if these stood in acknowledgement at the end.

    "From this day forward," Gahrye continued, his voice booming across the market, "the Festival of Hearts will be celebrated every year, an opportunity for those who have offended, or failed their tribes, to make amends. Tonight, your Queen asks for your audience. Anima, do you receive her?"

    Elia blew out a breath when everyone on their feet followed Gahrye in a thunderous roar of sound¡ªsome even bowed, which touched Elia''s heart, though she suspected the show of allegiance was pointed squarely at Reth, rather than herself.

    She nced at Reth, whose chin was down, his eyes fierce and scanning his people, marking those pockets, she believed. She could almost see him making a mental list of those who hadn''t stood, who didn''t roar, or call, or cry in response.

    When he tensed, she put a hand to his arm. He had to let her stand in her own defense tonight.

    He didn''t look at her, but put his other hand over hers on his arm and squeezed. Her eyes pricked and she swallowed. She couldn''t let herself be distracted by loving him in this moment, but she swore to herself that she would remember it to himter and thank him for it. More than once. But for now¡­

    Her heart pounded against her ribs as Gahrye turned to her and bowed. "Queen Elia, the people of Anima receive you."

    She pushed back her chair and stood, swallowed when Reth ran one hand quickly down the back of her leg¡ªto remind her of his love, she knew. Then with her shoulders back, eyes up, and her chin down, she stalked around the table to stand at the front of the stage and face her people.

    All eyes fell on her¡ªmostly curious, some wary, many looked merely¡­ patient. As if they reserved judgment. Keeping her hands at her sides, Elia took a deep breath and began, praying they would see her heart, and not let themselves be swayed by rumor or prejudice.

    "Thank you for being here, tonight. You honor me by bringing your families to hear me. I am grateful." She paused and searched for the words she''d nned so carefully, gripping the thick folds of her soft skirts. "But the reason for this Festival, the reason I have taken such time to n it, is because this summer I learned that I had unwittingly caused harm, or difort to many of you. And, perhaps worse, I had taken steps that had harmed my mate¡ªcalling into question my loyalty to him, and my example in submitting to his leadership. Tonight I will correct that.

    "All I ask of you is that you listen and hold judgment until you have heard the story I''m here to tell. We walk into this future together. I own every choice I have made, and every misstep. I have already made efforts to educate myself, and continue to try to improve in bringing myself to you as befits both my position, and you as a people."

    She took a deep breath and let it out, meeting as many eyes as she could. "Do not mistake my intention tonight: I offer no excuses. I ask only for your patience. I do not ask for mercy, only for your consideration of the Anima as a people.

    "Since my arrival in Anima, you have been an example to me in physical strength, in resilience in the face of uncertain circumstances, and in epting the things you cannot change. My human brothers and sisters would do well to learn from the Anima in these things.

    "But none of uscks weakness in some ways. So as you hear my story, I ask only that you consider yourself and your people: What is for their best? What will ultimately bring the greatest strength to the Anima overall? And what is worth working for, waiting for?

    "You have taught me to rest in epting the things I cannot change. So the first half of my story tonight will be only to help you understand the world and culture that molded me, so you might understand the things in my life that I cannot change. But then¡­" she hesitated, and sensed Reth shift in his seat behind her, worried, or excited, she didn''t know. "Then I will tell you of the things I know to be true. The ways I know I might serve the Anima people. And the strength we can build, together."

    The market was utterly silent, all eyes fixed on her. She blew out a breath.

    "Let''s begin."

 Chapter 162: Elias Story - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 162: Elia''s Story - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    His heart was in his throat as she stood and walked to the front of the stage to face the people. He knew¡ªhe had checked this time¡ªthat Aymora and the others had covered very possible obstacle or pitfall that coulde from her Reading tonight.

    They''d all¡ªincluding Elia and Reth¡ªhad a lengthy debate about whether she should reveal the rtionship she''d had with him as a child. It exined much that the Anima would understand. But also raised questions they would require answers for¡ªand not just from Elia.

    In the end, they had decided not to do it, but the decision suddenly sat uneasily for Reth. Should he have encouraged her to get it all out in the open? He knew it would cause great disruption because of the possible roles of the wolves¡ªhe''d wanted them to measure her on herself and heart, not these circumstances she had nothing to do with. But now¡­

    If it ever came out, would they think she lied tonight?

    He shook his head at himself. He did not know what was best. The wolves had reason to keep hiding their motives in bringing her here. The risk to them was perhaps greater. But¡­ he didn''t know.

    As Elia greeted the people, and the entire market was so quiet the buzzjumpers in the forest could be heard singing, he prayed they had not made a fatal error.

    Then, she took a deep breath and began.

    She told them of her world¡ªdescribing the boxes they lived in, the boxes they drove in, the tar and cement, theck of air, and the focus on the mind, over the body."

    "In my world, while there are some very strong humans who make great achievements and prove themselves superior, our earth is¡­ sickpared to Anima. Even the most sessful among us hold those positions only for a short time. Our bodies do not have your¡­ resilience. We cannot generally sustain physical achievement for more than a decade.

    "Instead, my people hold a focus on the mind, and in some cases, the soul. Sess, status among my former people is most normally achieved through bing learned and experienced in a trade, or art, and growing your knowledge until others can learn from you, and achieve under your instruction."

    She paused and her face became serious. "There are many things in my world which, by contrast with Anima, I know to be weak. There are attitudes and priorities that, were I ever to go back, I would change to reflect the Anima way. But not everything the humans do is weak¡ªand not every priority they hold is poor.

    She told them then, of her childhood, growing up. The love in her home, and her love and loyalty for her family. It was something her Cohorts had emphasized was needed. The Anima lived in family groups, and among their tribes. They not only understood the bonds, but appreciated them in others.

    Elia described her parents joy at her birth, theirmitment to raising her. Their grief at not being able to have more children. And their focus on helping her to grow and seed.

    "And then, without my knowledge, I have learned that I was touched by the Anima."

    Lightning shot through Reth''s veins. What was she doing?

    There was a sharp inhale among the people¡ªshock and curiosity and a strong scent of caution rose in the room.

    Reth stared at Elia, her, silently begging her to step so, so carefully.

    "I didn''t know it at the time," Elia went on, "but sinceing here, through mutual friends, I have learned that an older couple who lived me during my years as a child were Anima. Their interactions with my family¡ªeven the challenges we faced in that¡ªwere very instrumental in my life. And I wonder if that is what lead to the choice of the tribes to bring me here?" She didn''t flinch, didn''t look away from any of them as she said, "I do not know the minds of those who selected me for the Rite. At that time in my life I was¡­ lost. And I remained that way for a time aftering here. But I stand before you today grateful for that experience. I stand before you today thanking the Creator that I was chosen¡ªno matter what the reasons why. Because, had the tribes not selected me, I would not have found my true mate. And I would not have found you."

    Tears made her eyes shine, but she didn''t give in to them. Reth ached and wanted to cheer in the same moment. Her scent was clean, pure. She spoke truth, and they would all know it.

    Gripping his hands on the table, he turned his head quickly to look at the others¡ª

    Aymora caught his eye first and shook her head. She hadn''t known Elia was going to do this. But she also didn''t smell displeased. Gahrye and Candace nced at him and hastily ducked their chins, but both of them returned to watching her immediately.

    She''d done this without telling them. What a reckless, independent, and clever, clever girl his mate was. His groin twitched and he shifted himself. Aymora gave a little cough, and he ignored her, turning back to Elia who stood, facing the people, daring them to challenge her.

    His every sense told him, she truly didn''t know why she''d been chosen, but she was genuinely grateful. He knew everyone one present could see it, and smell it in her.

    And their testimony to any who weren''t present would have the same affirmation of truth.

    Reth wanted to victory roar.

    "Thank you, Anima, for choosing me," she said breathlessly. "Thank you. I know I have not brought to you what was expected of a Queen. I pray the dayes that I will no longer step off the path in ways that cause difort. But however long it might take for my life to blend with yours, know this: I do not regret a single moment of my life since waking up in Anima. If I could go back and receive the choice, I would havee. Willingly. You have¡­ you have won me, heart and soul since that night. I do not stand here merely epting the path I was forced to walk. I stand here embracing it. If you leave here tonight knowing nothing else, know that."

    She stopped again, and gripped her skirts. Reth''s heart, still celebrating, went out to her. He knew this part was difficult for her.

    "With all of that before you, I wish to exin why you have seen me make such mistakes since I arrived. And I remind you: I do not ask for mercy. Only for consideration."

    Then she took a deep breath, while Reth held his.

 Chapter 163: Elias Story - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 163: Elia''s Story - Part 3</h4>

    ELIA

    The fact that they hadn''t rushed the stage on learning that she knew she''d had contact with Anima in the human world was a good sign. A very good sign. Gahrye had had Behryne to a meeting and describe to her what the guards would do in the event that the people revolted. While none of them thought it was a true risk, she''d gone home that night terrified.

    Behryn wasn''t shooting the breeze. He knew his people and knew that with the wrong triggers, they could turn on her bodily. And he had a n in ce to get her out safely if they did.

    She''d swallowed hard and tried to convince herself it wasn''t something she needed to worry about. But they story of her childhood had been the moment she''d known was the greatest risk. And they were¡­ enthralled.

    She wished she could turn and celebrate with Reth, who she could feel cheering her on. But turning her back before her story wasplete would be a sign of weakness. She couldn''t do it.

    She took a deep breath and continued. This portion of the story wasn''t without its own risk, either. Or emotion.

    "Human children reach the age of independenceter than Anima. When I was seventeen years old, and still somewhat reliant on my parents and their resources, they were¡­ killed in an ident that stole them both from me within days."

    The parents among the Anima, or those who''d lost their parents early, all shifted in their seats, their foreheads furrowed and eyes sympathetic. Their care made her throat pinch.

    "I was forced into independence early, and while I was old enough to do so, it was¡­ a very difficult time in my life. Out of my grief and early independence, I did not always make the best choices. I wish I had had the support and wisdom of the tribes to draw on during that time. Had I, you may have had a different Queen standing before.

    "I tell you this because my world is different. There are¡­ structures in ce. But no bonds. Without a family group, without a pack or herd, I was left floundering and forced to find my own way, very quickly.

    "But in the years following their loss, I found my way to a ce of learning¡ªand when I had finished my first stages of education, I stayed on there as an¡­ assistant. Someone who learns through helping a more experienced¡­ wise person."

    Her palms were sweaty and she gripped her skirts again to dry them. "Thest thing I remember in my own world beforeing to Anima was a feast not entirely different to this, though it would have looked and smelled odd to you. I was at a ce where the learned and the great mingle with those who are trying to learn, and those who would¡­ champion the causes. Theye together to celebrate and to¡­ share resources. I had hoped that night to find someone who would patron my further learning. I had prayed it would be so. And while I envisioned that person to be someone from my own world, in truth, I was taken from that life and brought into this one. And I have since learned and grown in ways I could never have imagined. I¡­ I much prefer the learning I have received here in Anima. But¡­"

    Her stomach tightened.

    *****

    RETH

    She let the word hang in the air and his stomach clenched.

    What was she doing? She was supposed to tell them the difference in how humans viewed the Rite, and why that affected her decisions. There had been another debate in their earlier meeting about Lucine, and how Elia should frame that for the people. Reth was convinced Elia couldn''t ovee a millennia of tradition by simply telling them of her different values. But Aymora believed it important for the people to understand Elia''s motives, since they saw Lucine as strong and capable, and part of their distrust of Elia was in how she had measured Lucine differently that night than they would have.

    Elia had agreed and he''d seen the speech she''d nned.

    There was no ''but'' in that speech.

    "¡­One of the differences in our peoples, born of the human value for the mind and the heart over physical strength, is that in my culture, we value life above all. The greatest regard and status are given to those who save the lives of others at cost to themselves. And the deepest contempt is given to those who take innocent life.

    "Not knowing the Anima, not understanding the Rite, when I was faced with an opponent I did not know, and who could not fight back, I brought my culture and tradition with me. To a human, refusing to kill Lucine of the Wolves did not lower her value in the eyes of others, it raised it.

    "It is a stark difference between our people, and an urge I continue to wrestle. I was taught by my family group, by our traditions, to value life above all¡ªand while I admire the strength and resilience of the Anima in these ways¡­ I know I will continue to battle this particr issue. But I give you this assurance: I ammitted to ensuring that while I rule in Anima, Anima tradition will rule. While I will not take a weapon to one of my people who has not, in my estimation, earned death, I will not stand in the way of your traditions. You have my word. Where the old Rites and traditionse to bear, I will submit decisions to my Mate, to our King," Reth sucked in a breath at that, at the clever wisdom she showed in grouping herself with the people in submission to him, "or to the leaders or groups who are rightly charged with the decision. I will. Not. Interfere."

    Her shoulders rose and fell once, and once again, the market was silent, but this time not in shock, or thrall, but because her words were being measured. The Anima were looking to their leaders¡ªmost likely the very people who hadn''t stood to acknowledge her at the beginning.

    In the end, it would be their responses to this aspect of her rule that would determine how the people felt about it.

    Reth prayed they would ept herpromise. And as she continued,ying out her efforts to strengthen¡ªthough she didn''t outline the training he was giving her, for which he was grateful¡ªand her desire to hold her ce among them, Reth''s skin began to tingle.

    He saw faces lighten. He saw children urged to listen. He saw people learning to love his mate, softly, carefully, but still¡­

    They were turning to her. Not away.

    He also saw, and marked Behryn, who nodded that he too had noticed, some of the Lupine pack leaders at the edges of the space, their eyes growing heated, their stances tense. He saw whispered conversations, and, before she was done, he saw no less than five wolves leave the Reading.

    And as she finally drew her speech to a close, and with pink cheeks, asked the people''s blessing, as Gahrye stood and asked the people to acknowledge her, Reth was among those who took their feet.

    His heart sang for her¡ªfor the light in her eyes that all the Anima had seen, for the scent of her passion that they had caught, and for the joy they had felt in her as she described her wonder and excitement at being in Anima.

    He was moved to see his people stand and, one by one, with the exception of the wolves who had left, the leaders that had refused to acknowledge her at the beginning, slowly got to their feet also¡ªsome quickly, others reluctantly.

    Elia had won them. She had done it.

    Festival of hearts, indeed.

    Reth shoved his chair back and walked quickly to join her at the front of the stage, putting his arm around her waist as she bowed and received their homage.

    She was warm, and beautiful, and overwhelmed. And he could not be prouder.

    She didn''t turn to face him, instead acknowledging different people in the crowd, but over the shuddering roar of their calls, she said, "Did that really just happen?"

    "Yes, love," he shouted back, beaming at her. "It really did."

    It was only by sheer discipline that he didn''t take her in his arms and kiss her on the spot. But in truth, the emotion running deepest for him in that moment was relief.

    His mate was finally Queen not just over their Kingdom, but over their hearts.

 Chapter 164: Lets Dance

    <h4>Chapter 164: Let''s Dance</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    They''d told her that after she gave her speech, if it was well received, she was to take her seat and allow the people to approach her. That she could not be seen to be seeking their approval. It would be measured as weakness, and not cement any strengthening of her position she might have gained.

    So, when Gahrye raised a hand and the apuse and calls began to settle, she didn''t move except to tighten her arm around Reth''s waist where he''de to stand by her.

    "It is a night for celebration of our Queen, Anima! Let''s dance!"

    The roar was even louder, shaking the pirs of the market and Eliaughed delightedly as the musicians scrambled for their instruments, while the youngest adults tugged each other towards the dance floor.

    "They really like to dance, don''t they?" she said, beaming.

    "Don''t you?" Reth asked as quietly as he could beneath the noise.

    "Yes, I''m just¡­ I''ve never seen a whole people who love it this way, that''s all."

    "Well, they do. And while they''re distracted," Reth said, leaning in to pull her into his chest, "as soon as we can do so in good taste, I am having you out on that dance floor," he whispered into her ear so that his breath tickled and raised goosebumps down her side.

    Her blood heated at the mes in his eyes and she stroked a hand down his chest. "Yes, please," she breathed, her limbs feeling too loose, her mind spinning.

    Had she really done it? Had it really worked? Or were did the people still have questions? Only time would tell. She wouldn''t celebrate too quickly.

    But she let Reth lead her back around to their seats behind the table. Aymora, already standing, pulled her into a hug. "You did well, Sire," she whispered in Elia''s ear. "Now we wait." Then she pulled back and met Elia''s eyes.

    Elia nodded. "And pray," she joked.

    Behind her, Reth was leaning over her should and moving oddly. She turned to find him beckoning Gahrye closer. Her heart sped up¡ªthey''d both been keeping a certain amount of space from each other since Reth discovered Gahrye had aided her in slipping her guards.

    From the look on Gahrye''s face said he was very aware of this, but he moved immediately to her side.

    "What do you scent on the winds?" Reth said in a low, gravel voice.

    Gahrye''s mouth dropped open slightly. Behryn was Reth''s Reader of the Winds, so for him to ask Gahrye was a great honor, and an acknowledgement of his gift. He swallowed hard, but answered without hesitation.

    "They believe her," he said, looking back and forth between them. "They don''t understand all of it, but they believe her. And the leaders are¡­ convinced."

    "The dissenters?"

    "Very few. There was a strong sense of patience, expectation that there will be further problems. But most were epting. There were very few in resistance. And I¡­ I think they left before they were asked to acknowledge her, which speaks to the pressure they believe they would have been ced under toply."

    Reth nodded. "Very good. Thank you."

    "Thank you, Gahrye," Elia said, smiling.

    He grinned back. "You did really great, Elia. Nice touch with the, er, submission."

    Sheughed and Reth looked confused. "I''ll exinter," she said, patting his arm. "Trust me, it was funny."

    They took their seats then and Elia got lost in the thrill of receiving her people, one by one, as different individuals reached out, brought their children to meet her, or simply introduced themselves as gestures of goodwill.

    Several asked her for an audience the following week, which she always granted. Asking Candace and Aymora to make a list and arrange a way to prioritize the time she should give.

    Reth sat beside her, smiling and looking more satisfied than he had a right to, as the people mostly merely greeted him, then waited for their turns to speak with Elia.

    She had to have sat there for an hour or more, before a gap in the line appeared and she sat back in her chair, sighing happily. "I can''t believe it worked. It worked, right?" she said to Reth. "I''m not fooling myself that there''s been a¡­ shift."

    "No, not at all, he said, his voice low and rumbling as he pulled her close and kissed her briefly. "But before more of them arrive, what do you say to a dance with your mate?"

    "I would love that!" she said, and kissed him again, before jumping up from her seat.

    *****

    RETH

    He knew she wasn''t a confident dancer, but he hadn''t expected her to begin trembling as they walked out to the dance floor. Many of the peopleughed, or pped as they made their way through, but none of them stopped their King and Queen, for which he was truly grateful. All their attention was now on enjoying themselves.

    Which meant Reth could stop being King for a time, and instead enjoy himself and his mate.

    Keeping his hands off her in that dress had been torment. He was itching to touch her and kiss her. He knew they had hours yet before they could actually leave¡ªbut he had ns for their evening, and it was his goal to keep her in his arms as much of that time as possible.

    Perhaps it was just the tension of having finally done the thing she''d been nning for so many weeks¡ªand the fact that it had been a sess. But she seemed to go quiet as they walked through the people to the center of the dancefloor, and her hands trembled as he turned and pulled her into his arms.

    The music was slow, which was perhaps good. At first he just pulled her in to sway with his cheek at her temple, and his hand at her bare back¡ªthough even that small treat had his breathing faster.

    But she couldn''t seem to rx. He felt the tension in her that seemed to grow, rather than ease. As the music drew to a close and he straightened to twirl her slowly, her scent became spikey with nerves too.

    "Elia, love, what''s wrong?" he whispered as he looped her back into his chest.

    Her shoulders rose and fell with her breath. Her eyes were bright and shiny over pink cheeks. And she trembled.

    Was she ill?

    In pain?

    But her scent didn''t carry any of that. He stared at her frowning and she stared back up at him as the music faded outpletely.

    Then, before the next song began, she took her hands back and, still standing in the circle of his arms, lifted them to the ce where her scarf was tied on her neck.

    "Reth," she whispered.

    Something deep inside him leaped into his throat, as if he''d fallen off a cliff. "Yes?" he asked breathlessly, his voice too high.

    "Will you¡­ will you please take this as an offering of¡­ me?" she said in a shaky voice. His ears began to buzz as she loosed the scarf from the nape of her neck, and let it slide off, then, without taking her eyes off of him, in a tradition as old as the Pride, she wrapped the scarf around her hand, then pulled the loop off and, with one hand, she offered it to him.

    She searched his eyes as his mouth dropped open.

 Chapter 165: Will You Take This?

    <h4>Chapter 165: Will You Take This?</h4>

    RETH

    The world around them, the people, the music, everything disappeared.

    He''d never imagined¡ªnever even dreamed¡­

    "Elia," he asked hoarsely, "Do you know what you do?"

    As she nodded, he swallowed and swallowed, hope warring with fear, warring with pure joy.

    "Aymora taught me. It''s¡­ I understand. I wanted to, Reth. I wanted to show you¡ªand everyone else¡ªwhat you mean to me."

    His breath stopped. Just stopped. His heart pounded in his ears, and his fingers shook as he reached for the soft fabric in her hand, and wrapped it around his palm so his fingers were still free. Then he met her eyes and knew his own were glowing.

    "Don''t. Move," he rasped.

    She blinked, but did as he said and stayed perfectly still.

    Heart pounding and fingers shaking so badly he feared he would tangle her hair, Reth reached up to pull the pins and spines from her hair, one by one, letting the tiny pieces of wood and bone slide from his grasp and tter to the dirt.

    She stood, wide-eyed, watching his face as he searched her hair, pulling every tiny sliver from it, until it tumbled in pieces, one-by-one around her shoulders. And when thest piece came down, he could finally sigh his relief that her neck was hidden.

    Then, with a growl that would warn any male in earshot, so low he felt it in his belly, she plunged his fingers into her hair, taking it by handfuls and gently tugging her head back and down.

    "I love you, Elia," he rasped. "I cannot believe you honor me like this," he croaked, his voice breaking, but he did not let himself hesitate.

    With her head tilted back like that, he could look her straight in the eyes. So he locked in on her and growled, "In this life and the next," he vowed. Then opened his mouth against the point of her throat and, with a snarl that had those around them stepping back, he took her in his teeth andtched on.

    She gasped and gripped his shoulders as he began to suck, the growl puttering against her skin anytime someone moved nearby, though he was barely aware of it.

    His mind swam with everything he''d ever asked of her, everything she''d been through¡ªthe time and energy she''d put into this night, the exhaustion she''d had even before they began to train. And yet¡­ and yet¡­ she thought of him. She offered herself. Before the people.

    Before the Pride.

    Creator''s Light, he didn''t deserve her.

    He didn''t.

    She gasped as his teeth pressed against her skin, either side of her throat, but he held her by her hair and silently reassured her he wouldn''t break it.

    This was no iming.

    This was no Rite.

    This was the ultimate act of trust between Mates, and she''d honored him. And he would honor her in return.

    Tears sprang into his eyes at her courage, at the reverence she both offered and demanded. At the sacrifice she gave¡­

    He had to let her go. He couldn''t do everything in his heart here, before all the people. But he would give her everything possible.

    When he came off her neck, his vision was blurred. As he rxed his grip in her hair,bing his fingers through it until they were free, then slowly unwrapping the scarf from his hand, heid it at her throat, to cover the mark he''d left, pulled it around her slim neck, and began to tie it at the back.

    "Elia, I¡­" he trailed off, then cleared his throat. "You honor me," he whispered, then caught her eyes again, surprised by how difficult it was. He felt as if his chest had been cut open and his ribs cracked for the world to see his frantically beating heart. "I cannot show you everything I would, here, before the people, but know¡­ know that I am on my knees before you," he breathed.

    She put a hand to his face and smiled through tears. "I never need you on your knees, Reth," she whispered back. "Only at my side."

    The call erupted from him then, not the mating call, but a deration, a booming resonance that travelled throughout the WildWood, and was heard by every Leonine for miles. It demanded their full attention on their King and n Leader, their submission, and their response.

    And, one by one, respond they did.

    Elia''s eyes flew wide as, behind her, a deep, rolling call began in the throats of Brant and the other elders and wise-women, in the ancient tongue.

    As Reth called again, the response came this time not just from the elders and their mates, but also the Leonine of high status¡ªthe masters, the coaches, the watchers. He called again, and now the parents and n watchers joined the chorus. And so on. And so on.

    With each wave of Reth''s booming call, more of the Leonine stood tall and responded.

    The hair on the back of Reth''s neck stood up as something within him rose to the call¡ªthe unity of his people, the unity of mind and heart that he only found in the Pride and when the Creator was pleased.

    Elia didn''t take her eyes off him, but he knew if she''d had moveable ears, they would have been twitching back and forth, as she listened to him call, then heard them respond. Voices rose across the WildWood, echoing over the canopy, and throughout the Tree City, until finally, every Leonine in earshot, even the young, called response to their Leader, and to his mate in a harmony of respect.

    The other tribes circled, listening, nodding, some moved, others simply intrigued. But every Leonine stood that evening in honor of their Queen, and Reth''s heart sang with it.

    Then it was done and he kissed her, his eyes squeezed shut against the torrent of emotion that threatened to wash him away. He kissed her, and stroked her hair, and let his fingers brush against the scarf she now wore as a mark of her belonging¡ªof her giving of herself.

    He didn''t deserve her. He knew that.

    But he was so damn grateful that she was his.

 Chapter 166: Belonging

    <h4>Chapter 166: Belonging</h4>

    ELIA

    It was the most incredible chorus she''d ever heard.

    Wide-eyed, she watched Reth call his people, and his people answer in a harmony like nothing she''d ever witnessed. Had his eyes, the warmth and love in them, not been even morepelling, she would have turned to watch the people, mouth agape. But she couldn''t look away from him¡ªnot from the heat in his eyes, the tears that threatened, or the fierce pride he poured out on her in his gaze.

    His chest swelled with his love for her so she could feel it.

    Aymora hadn''t warned her about this part, so she didn''t know what to do. She simply left her hands on his chest and held his eyes, and thanked god that he was hers.

    When the calling was done, he took her face in his hands and he kissed her so softly, it raised every hair on her skin.

    Then, apparently unwilling to let her go, or to let the others be a part of their little bubble of love, he put one hand to her lower back, took her hand, muttered, "Follow me," and without further warning, began to lead her into the dance.

    The music hadn''t stopped while they''d been having their moment, but what Elia soon realized was that they were once again the center of everyone''s attention. But most especially the Pride''s.

    It took a while to notice because she was drunk on Reth¡ªon the heat in his gaze, on the way his thumb stroked her hand, on the powerful way he led her around the floor. But soon, as his eyes slipped away from hers now and again and the tension in his shoulders set tighter and tighter, she began to wonder what was going on around them. When she looked¡­ all she saw was Leonine.

    At some point the pride had surrounded them and as Reth had pulled her into the dance, they''d dropped back leaving space for the couple to spin and sway, but they weren''t leaving. They stood in a circle, men and women, mostly older, but all facing inwards, and all waiting.

    She saw Aymora and Brant on one side, next to each other, both their eyes fixed on her and she swallowed hard.

    "Reth?"

    "I don''t know," he murmured. "You said Aymora told you how to offer yourself, right?"

    "Yes. She even gave me the scarf."

    "So it isn''t that¡ªwait what? What did you say?"

    His eyes were fierce and fixed on hers. Elia blinked. "She gave me the scarf to use."

    Reth''s mouth fell open and he turned to look at Aymora, whose expression didn''t change, but her eyes pinched.

    "What is it, Reth?"

    "I think she¡­ if she gave you that scarf¡­ holy shit."

    "What?"

    But he was pulling her to a halt, turning to face Aymora and Brant. "We need to speak with her," he muttered, tugging her across the floor.

    The circle of Leonine seemed to close in some as they walked, but Aymora didn''t move, she just waited for them to approach.

    When Reth reached her, he only stared for a moment.

    Elia looked back and forth between them, shocked to find? Aymora''s lip tremble.

    "She would have been so proud, Gareth," Aymore whispered, barely loud enough for Elia to hear.

    Reth grunted like he''d been stabbed, and his eyes closed. His hand tightened on Elia''s and he began to tremble.

    Elia didn''t know what was happening, but she sensed it was significant to Reth, and little to do with her, so she just hugged his arm and put her other hand to his back to let him know she was there.

    "You¡­ You gave her your scarf?" Reth finally managed a couple breathster.

    Aymora nodded. "Her love is real. And you deserve it."

    "But¡­ your¡­"

    "I have no cubs, Reth. It would have wasted away in my chamber until my death. I was happy for it to be used by you. By Elia."

    Elia looked at Aymora, then at Reth, but something cautioned her not to speak.

    Reth shook like a leaf. Emotions chased like clouds in a storm across his face and she tightened her grip on him. What was happening?

    "Do you mean to¡­ are you saying¡­?" he trailed off in a croak.

    Aymora finally stepped forward, put one hand up to Reth''s shoulder and nodded. "I spoke with Brant and¡­ we are agreed."

    Reth put the heels of his hands to his eyes and coughed, then sucked in a deep breath before taking them away, blinking wildly. "I never imagined¡­"

    "We are proud to take the role if you''ll have us, Reth," Brant said, his voice low and gruff.

    Reth looked like he would bow. His head was so low, his posture rolled forward in an attitude of submission she''d never seen him use. Elia was shocked and looked at Aymora, who only winked.

    "You honor me, Brant," Reth whispered.

    "You have earned honor in our people, Reth. Your father rests easily in his grave because your heart for your people honors them."

    Reth looked at her then, his eyes wide, and everything he''d said a week ago, all the rage and disgust he''d had for himself¡ªand some for her¡ªbecause he knew he loved her more than his people flitted across his face. But she smiled and shook her head, gripping his arm. "It''s true," she said.

    Reth shook his head, but turned back to Brant and only said, "Thank you. The words¡­ don''t do justice to my gratitude."

    "Oh,e, Reth," Brant said, his voice gruff, but Elia noticed he had to clear his throat more than once. "Let us take you both in and make this a double celebration."

    Reth shook his head again, then his throat bobbed and he turned to Elia.

    "What''s going on?" she asked quietly.

    "You are¡­ do you want to be¡­ adopted?" he said breathlessly.

    "What?" Elia looked at Aymora.

    The older woman smiled, her eyes crinkling where sun and time had weathered her skin. "Dear one, you are invited to the Pride," she said softly. "If you want to be one of us, we would make you family. The Pride has agreed."

    There was a chorus of affirmations and approving growls from the circle around them. Elia''s mouth dropped open.

    "No Queen should be without a people," Aymora continued, reaching for Elia''s arm. "We put it to a vote and the Pride agreed. You are one of us¡ªif you wish to be. No one will fault you if you do not want to cut your ties with your former people. But if you wish to be truly Anima¡­ you are wee among us."

    Elia threw herself at Aymora, whoughed and hugged her. She clutched the woman to her chest and fought tears as Brant stepped forward and sped Reth¡ªwho seemed even more ovee than she was.

    When she finally pulled back she just cried, "Yes! Yes, please! Thank you! I don''t¡­ I don''t even know what to say. Thank you," she said, turning to look at the Leonine around them, who were all either smiling or crying. "Thank you." Then she turned back to Aymora. "What do I have to do?"

    "Nothing," Aymora said with a shrug. "You are the n Leader''s mate, imed, and offered to our most dominant male, you have expressed your joy for our n¡­ if you wish to be among us, you simply¡­ are."

    "I do!"

    "Then," Brant said with a wink, "go forth and multiply. Aymora and I will be your parents¡ªthough do not fear, it gives us no more sway than we already held in your life. It simply means if you are ever in need offort or care, you cane to us and we''ll receive you as one of our own."

    Eliaunched herself at the old man, who chuckled, but wrapped his arms around her, swaying back on his heels with the force of her hug.

    "Don''t cry, Elia, this is a cause for celebration," he whispered in his thin voice in her ear.

    She pulled her head out of his chest and sobbed, "I know! That''s why I''m crying!"

    The manughed, and passed her back to Reth as the Leonine began to circle and sway around them, calling to each other in time with the music, swaying their arms, and stamping their feet, weaving around and between each other in lines.

    Elia wanted to learn the dance, so Reth showed her, his own eyes misty, and his voice rough. But soon she had the rhythm of it, and the two of them stepped into a line, continuing the weave of the dance until the song was done, and everyone went their separate ways¡ªmostly in family groups, and many with shining eyes.

    Elia turned to Reth and buried her face in his chest.

    Neither of them spoke. But they didn''t let go for a very long time.

 Chapter 167: Perfect Promises

    <h4>Chapter 167: Perfect Promises</h4>

    RETH

    The night was surreal. Reth danced with Elia, he danced with Aymora, he sat with Elia¡ªeven pulling her onto hisp at one pointte in the night, though she went beet-red and struggled to get off almost immediately. The Leonine greeted her as one of them, though she didn''t always recognize the signs, and Reth made a mental note to let her know the very subtle signs the Leonine used tomunicate in mixed tribes.

    He watched Elia glow. She was so happy¡ªso happy it brought her to tears more than once, which made his own throat pinch. And his body ache.

    He longed to hold her, to whisper to her, tofort and encourage her, and to bring her close, as close as they could be. He yearned for it. He always yearned for her, in truth. But since he''d seen her in that dress that afternoon he''d been able to think of nothing except to get her out of it. More than once that''d evening he''d had to shift himself to hide his arousal.

    The one time Elia had noticed¡ªwhile they were dancing¡ªshe''d teased him mercilessly, and threatened to make it worse with her wicked smile and trapping her tongue between her teeth.

    They''d spent thest hour catching each other''s eyes over the heads, or behind the backs of others, letting hands trail along limbs as they passed, letting gazes linger¡­ until Reth''s stomach tugged at him.

    So, it was with great relief when Reth looked up from their seats on the stage and realized that most of the people had finally taken their young, or their mates, and gone home to bed.

    Stumbled, more likely.

    Reth had been careful to avoid the wine, wanting nothing to stand between he and Elia tonight. But he''d heard that she''d chosen well, and that the people had thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    She was seated next to him now, her chair turned around to speak with Aymora and Gahrye¡ªthe male was growing on Reth¡ªwhile many others crowded around them on the stage. But when Behryn told him he''d be off to check on a few things with the wolves they''d seen leave the market, Reth took the break in conversation to lean into Elia''s ear and whisper, "I told the guards not to follow us if we left the path tonight. I have a little clearing I''d like to show you. Quietly."

    Her scent immediately spiked and she whipped her head around to meet his eyes. He smiled and she was on her feet. "I am so tired!" she eximed, stretching and pretending to yawn¡ªunfortunately, right in front of his seated face, which put her breasts, swathed inyers of that almost-sheer fabric that looked like you could see through it, even when you couldn''t¡ªright at eyeline.

    As he felt his body tighten he stood quickly, pulling Elia into him and kissing her so that everyone began to shoo them away¡ªas he''d known they would.

    Traditionally, if she''d given her throat at a public meeting or normal gathering, they would have been expected to leave right away. But under the circumstances, he''d held himself back.

    Brant hadughed every time he''d caught sight of Reth''s tortured gaze.

    It took only a minute to farewell everyone, thank them for their help that evening, and for Elia to grasp his hand and begin to tug him down the stairs to the floor of the market, weaving between the tables to one of the covered walkways that led to the space.

    She checked over her should several times before they reached the edge of the market and the spot where the paths met, where the nightnterns glowed, but their light only cast in cones and many dark shadows would appear to her human sight, to hide them.

    He was about to warn her that the Anima could still see easily in these spaces, when she shoved him against a tree and took his mouth her hands in his hair, and her breath already fast.

    "Reth!" she gasped. "I have been waiting!"

    "Creator''s Light, me too!" he whispered back, gripping her hips to pull her into him.

    They both groaned.

    There was a light chuckle from the dark and Elia froze, pulling away slowly to stare at Reth.

    "I, uh, was going to warn you¡ª"

    "You said you told them not to follow!"

    "No, I told them that when we were walking back to the cave, if we went off the trail, they weren''t to follow." He cleared his throat. "They''re still waiting for us now and will¡­ apany us until we¡­ detour."

    Even in the dark he could see the blush rising on her cheeks. He cupped her face and leaned down. "Do not worry, they do not judge. They''re only jealous I have such a beautiful and passionate mate," he whispered in her ear.

    She snorted and was about to answer when Behryn''s voice rose from a few feet away. "Reth, I''m sorry, but I need you for a moment before you go."

    Like a child deprived of a toy, Elia threw her hands up and groaned. "Seriously? Tonight, Behryn?!"

    He appeared from the market behind her, his eyes fixed on Reth for a moment in a look that made Reth''s stomach clench. "Only for a few minutes, I promise, my Queen."

    "Please, you''ve seen me naked. I think you can call me Elia tonight, Behryn¡ª"

    "What?" Reth bit the word off and took the step to close the space between he and Elia.

    Behryn''s lips thinned. "She means the night we interrupted you. She still hasn''t gotten over it," he said darkly.

    She was about to make a quip in return, but Reth growled. "You have three minutes, Behryn. I have waited hours to have my mate and you will not steal it from me this time."

    Elia squeaked and dived behind him to put him between herself and Behryn, her face ming, but the two men ignored her embarrassment.

    "What is it?" Reth asked quietly.

    "The wolves, of course," Behryn said with a nce behind him. "I don''t like what I''m reading on the wind. I suspect there is something afoot¡ªor there will be. They do not like what they saw tonight."

    "They do not like a Queen epted by her people?"

    "No."

    Reth growled.

 Chapter 168: The Weeping Tree

    <h4>Chapter 168: The Weeping Tree</h4>

    ELIA

    She almost spoke up, almost questioned Behryn. But she was so desperate to be with Reth¡ªhe''d said they could be alone tonight! And outside!¡ªthat she was reluctant to take any of their time to make this conversation drag any longer than it had to. So she stood in the moonlight, admiring Reth''s shoulders, his trim waist, the way those leather trousers hugged his thighs, and told herself she would ask about the wolves tomorrow.

    She was so full of happiness she could burst, though it urred to her that the people in the market would likely be leaving soon and might dy this even further. So she began to walk¡ªvery slowly¡ªdown the path, knowing Reth would have one ear on her, and hoping it would urge him to finish quickly.

    A quick nce at the shadows and shes passing on either side confirmed that the guards followed her, so she wasn''t breaking her promise to Reth about slipping away from them. And the night was so beautiful, it was lovely to get away from thenterns and let her eyes adjust to the dark.

    So she walked on, very slowly, even when she came to the bend in the path that would take Reth and Behryn out of sight. She knew Reth could scent her and would be impatient to find her.

    "Elia! Wait!" she heard him call.

    "You''re needed here, my King!" she called back, giggling when he growled, and stepping off the path so he''d have to hunt her.

    *****

    RETH

    "¡­Are you certain, Behryn? The wolves have short fuses, but they rarely attack without proper preparation. I think they are far more likely to try to undermine here when emotions aren''t as high¡ªit''s what I would do if I were in their shoes."

    "I hope so. That was my instinct earlier. But I don''t know, Reth. Something feels¡­ uneasy."

    "Do you have a scent of them? The whisper of a n?"''

    "No, Behryn said firmly. "It''s only a feeling."

    Reth regarded his friend. "It''s veryte," he said carefully. "I wouldn''t be surprised if we woke up tomorrow to a defection."

    Behryn''s eyebrows popped up. "I hadn''t considered that. You could be right."

    Reth turned and realized Elia had made it far enough down the path to be out of sight. He could scent the guards and knew they followed her, so he wasn''t too concerned, but he grieved the time apart. "Elia! Wait!" he called.

    "You''re needed here, my King!" The vixen giggled!

    Reth growled, then turned back to his friend. "I think you follow your instincts, Behryn. But please¡­ please, for the love of the Creator, do note to my cave tonight for anything short of an outright challenge for the throne."

    Behryn grinned. "Poor, frustrated King," he murmured with a chuckle.

    Reth red, but thanked his friend for his support, then turned for the trail, sprinting until he caught her scent, just off the trail to the north, and heughed, pushing back the vines to follow until he saw the sh of her skirt ahead, between the trees.

    When he caught her up, sheughed as he threw his arms around her and picked her up off her feet, swinging her around and then into his chest.

    "My beautiful mate," he whispered and kissed her. She''d thrown her arms around his neck, and her feet swayed feet above the ground, but he didn''t let her go.

    "My handsome, strong, beautiful mate," she whispered back against his lips, and deepened the kiss.

    Desperately aware of the guards that circled them, now uncertain of the correct path, Reth let her slide down his body to the ground then caught eyes with Evyn through the trees and cut his gaze back to the path to send them away.

    The guard grinned, but made the whistle of the night dove, and the guards melted away.

    Then Reth took her hand and told her to follow him deeper into the forest. Where he was taking her, the guards would still be able to hear if there was a problem. But there would be no witnesses to his wife''s nakedness.

    And naked she would be. He was determined.

    It only took a few minutes to find the spot he''d been nning to bring her for months. But he''d always been far too concerned about her safety. But tonight¡­ tonight felt magical. And even Behryn agreed, the risk was greatly reduced after the acknowledgement from the people.

    The wolves would find little support if they chose to attack her now¡ªeven from within their own packs. That was what had Behryn on edge¡ªhe worried that rather than attacking Elia, they''d take another approach and perhaps harm the City.

    But it didn''t have the right feeling to Reth. The wolves were strategists. Pack hunters. They didn''t like to work alone, and Reth had a good feeling that Lerrin was doing the job he''d been created to do. After all¡ª

    "Husband, are you thinking about work?" Elia whispered, stroking her hand up and down his arm.

    He shuddered as the hairs on his arm stood up, and he almost grabbed her there. But the spot he''d chosen was just ahead. So instead he held her hand tighter, and tugged her forward. "Come see," he whispered.

    A momentter when he parted the undergrowth and Elia saw what he''d revealed, her eyes went wide.

    It was a small clearing¡ªnot much of a clearing at all, because while a small brook bubbled along its side, arge tree stood at the center, one of the ancients of the forest. It was so old its branches had turned toward the earth and begun to sag. All the year''s growth on twigs and thin branches flowed from the thick branches and trunk, towards the ground, so that the very tree itself seemed to cry.

    "Reth, it''s beautiful!" she said.

    "It gets better," he grinned, and pulled her forward into his side, parting the swaying curtain of leaves and twigs, to push underneath.

    Elia gasped and let go of his hand.

    The lowest branches of the tree had been pushed higher over the years so that they started fifteen feet up the wide trunk. Yet, as they syed out¡ªand were pulled down by gravity¡ªthey created a tent of privacy around he and Elia, the new growth only starting at the ends where it could receive sunlight.

    Elia walked ahead of him, turning around with her mouth open, looking up into the wide roof over them of branches and leaves, puckered by small spaces that showed the night sky, and even the stars. Yet, all around them was nothing but rustling leaves.

    "Reth, I love it!" she whispered, as if she were in a ce of worship that should not be disturbed."

    "Well, good," he said and nodded behind her. "I prepared a spot for you." The ground was harder here, so he''d brought a couple of therger furs and spread them out, along with a small pic basket, though he doubted either of them was hungry. Not for food, anyway.

    She hurried over to the furs and ran onto them, letting her feet sink into the soft hair and groaning. "Oh, it feels so soft!" She opened her arms and beckoned him toe.

    He joined her quickly, barely able to stop himself simply taking her in a kiss.

    But he forced himself to be patient for just one more moment.

    When he reached her, she threw her arms around his waist and murmured into his chest. "Thank you. I can''t believe you thought of this ahead of time. Thank you."

    "You deserve something special after all the hard work you''ve had to do," he said,bing her hair back with his fingers. "I''ve been wanting to bring you out here all along, but especially since you said being outside was on your list."

    She tipped her head up then, beaming. "Yes, it is," she purred.

    Growling his approval, Reth took her face in his hands and let himself hold her gaze. "I love you so much, Elia¡­ what you did tonight¡ª"

    "You deserve it, Reth," she whispered, her face serious. "I wish I could have done more."

    He stroked her face. "I don''t know what I did to deserve you, but I thank the Creator that you''re mine," he whispered. "And I vow to you, Elia¡­ there is no other woman for me. Ever. If something were to happen to you¡ª"

    "Don''t think about that, not tonight," she said hurriedly putting her hands on his shoulders. "Just kiss me, Reth. And let''s enjoy this. Let''s think about all the other things tomorrow. For now, it''s just you and me and this ce and¡­ let''s make the most of it."

    "I couldn''t agree more," he growled, then took her mouth.

    *****

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 Chapter 169: Love in the Dark

    <h4>Chapter 169: Love in the Dark</h4>

    RETH

    "My stunning mate," he whispered, then tangled their tongues, his hands following her shape, stroking and rubbing. "My magnificent lioness."

    He could hear her heart pounding, feel her pulse thrumming under her skin as he stroked down her back, and his responded, his heart calling to her as she called to him.

    "Reth, I¡­" she whispered, but then got lost in the kiss.

    "What, love?" he asked, kissing his way down her neck, to the spot where the scarf was, then purring when he found it. He let his fingers dance up her spine until he found the tie at the back, pulling it to reveal her skin underneath, and the spot where he''d marked her. Heid his lips to it, licked it, purred into it, and she dropped her head back to give him better ess, her breathing faster.

    "I just¡­" she said in a small voice, her face pinched, half with desire, half with pain. "I am just terrified of losing you¡­" she admitted in a breathless rush.

    His fingers tightened at her waist and he growled. "We will not think of it."

    "I hadn''t. You''re so strong, so vital," she gasped, then dove into his kiss again. "I hadn''t thought about it until Aymora¡­"

    "Ah," he whispered, and pulled away, just far enough to meet her eyes. "Did she tell you the story?"

    Elia''s chest rose and fell quickly. "No."

    "Then¡­ I will let her do that. It is her story to tell. But¡­ just know, we are unlikely to find the same disaster. Few Anima die young."

    Her brow furrowed when his eyes darted away for a moment, but then he smiled and let his fingers trail up her arms. "Now, tell me about this dress. How do I unwrap you?"

    Elia coughed, blinking quickly. "That''s exactly the word Candace used!"

    Reth''s waggled his eyebrows. "Remind me to thank her tomorrow."

    "Reth!"

    "I''m joking, love."

    Elia gave him a pointed look, but he just kept letting his fingertips draw trails on her back and soon she softened and slid her hands up his stomach with that wicked grin he loved. "The tie at the back of the neck, the ribbon¡­ I think that is likely where you''ll want to start," she said. "But be careful, there''s another under it. Don''t untie that one."

    That was odd. Then his eyes shed. "You aren''t naked underneath?" He said in mock-offence. "Such a disappointment!"

    "Trust me," she purred. "You won''t be disappointed."

    Heart pounding, he dove for the ties at the nape of her neck, finding the ones on top and tugging at them until they pulled free, eagerly watching as the beautiful fabric loosened, then slid down her chest until it revealed¡­ yet more fabric?

    "What human insanity is this?" he growled, then blinked.

    Elia giggled and pulled at the ties at the neck so the fabric loosened further and the entire dress slid down her body to puddle at her feet. Then she stepped out of it and picked it up, folding it carefully before moving toy it at the corner of the fur. "I don''t want it to get dirty," she said. "I think that''s the most beautiful dress I''ve ever worn. I don''t see many dresses here, is that not standard clothing for Anima?"

    But Reth was speechless, watching her kneel to put the dress on the ground, out of the way. At first he thought she''d worn a second dress under the first and he''d been confused. But this¡­ this was no dress.

    His breath caught as she bent forward. The material of the dress fell so low at her back it bared the very top of her backside¡ªbut the sheerness of it teased him with hints of what was underneath. Shadows and shapes he could almost make out, but¡­ not quite. "Elia?" he croaked and she straightened quickly turning to check if he was okay, her face wide with concern.

    "Reth, what¡ª?"

    But the front of the damned thing was even worse, hooked at her neck, it was cut in a way that it hung off her curves, peaking where she peaked, round where she was round. And always, those hints of her skin.

    Especially around her breasts. Where the stitching covered slightly more, and yet¡­

    He could see the hint of blush where her nipples peaked underneath it.

    "Creator''s Light, Elia!" he rasped and leapt forward, pulling her to him so he could explore this tantalizing creation. "Where did you get this?"

    "Candace made it for me."

    "I will give the woman a Festival of her own," he groaned, "if she will make five more."

    Elia giggled and raised her arms to rest them on his shoulders, her hands falling to the nape of his neck. "Kiss me, Reth,"

    "Oh, I will," he growled.

    She giggled and lifted her chin, leaning into him, but he took her lips for barely a breath. Instead, kissing his way down the column of her neck, to her corbones¡ªhidden at the front by the fabric¡ªthen¡­ "Dear Lord," he groaned. "Thank you."

    The fabric was paper-thin, and so light, so sheer, so soft, that when he touched it, it merely slid along her skin. Thick with her scent, it brought friction against her and she gasped when his thumb slide over her nipple. "Do that again," she gulped.

    So, he did.

    And as her head began to sink back, he dropped to ce his mouth on the nipple right over the fabric, sucking and wetting it. The temptation to bite was strong, but he wanted to see and¡­ He groaned when he straightened, then dropped again tove the other nipple because the fabric, when wet from his attentions, was entirely see-through, and it stuck to her skin, puckering to reveal the rosy blush of her nipples, and peaking where they stood out, hard under his tongue.

    "Oh, Reth¡­" she gasped and clutched at his hair.

    "Elia, please, I''ve waited so long," he mumbled around her nipple.

    But she had already dropped her hands to his belt, pulling it loose. "I''m ready, Reth. I''ve waited too."

    As soon as she dropped his trousers and he stepped out of them, he lifted her, his hands at her ribs, so she was high, her nipples level with his mouth. She braced on his shoulders, and for a moment the sight of her¡ªbeaming smile, her hair falling over her face, and her breasts dangling under the fabric¡ªthreatened to overwhelm his control.

    But with a quiet groan¡ªstill mindful of the guards who would be out of eyeshot, but still listening¡ªhe slid her down, urging her to lock her legs around his waist as she dropped, shifting, pulling her onto himself until her weight took him into her, right to the hilt.

    They both gasped, and he staggered.

    He hadn''t meant to take her so quickly, but he''d been unable to resist, and for a moment, all he could do was center their weight, lean her back and thrust.

    "Reth! I¡ª"

    "I have you, Elia," he rasped. "I won''t let you fall."

    She shivered as he thrust again, then with her arms hooked at his neck, and her legs at his waist, she let herself lean back slowly as he rocked into her again, and again.

    They both sighed, and Reth could have stayed there all night with that sight of her, with himself inside her, with their bodies rolling together. But his knees were shaking with the force of his desire for her, and he feared, whether he dropped her or not, he might injure them both if his orgasm hit and he tumbled her to the dirt.

    "Hold on, love," he whispered and, holding her weight with one arm, he sank carefully down to the furs.

    She unhooked her ankles as he leaned back, and the moment her knees took her weight, she braced on his chest and began to roll against him, whimpering desperately.

    "Holy¡ªElia¡­ shit."

    Her head was tipped back, her hair brushing his thighs. Her breasts, still shrouded in that insane¡­whatever it was, were emphasized because her elbows pushed them in. And her nipples¡­ Light, her nipples beckoned him.

    With a groan, he lifted one hand to her breast and tweaked the nipple as she rolled against him and she sucked in. Then she cried out, again and again, as he began to y both hands over her, tweaking, pinching, rolling to bring friction to those sensitive peaks, in time with her rapidly increasing pace.

    The sensation of her, clenching on him, her hips rolling over him, her breasts beginning to bounce with the force of their joining, and her throat, open and bare to him, marked with the sign of her vow, it all conspired to shred his control.

    He wouldn''tst, but she was still climbing the wave of her own climax. With a prayer to the Creator that he could hold it together, he slid his thumb between them to find her, hot and slippery.

    A moan tore out of his throat when she clenched harder, but it took only three slides against her for her eyes to fly open and her to suck in a gulping breath as she shuddered and broke apart.

    While she still shook and cried, he wrapped her in his arms and rolled them over, holding her knee over his hip and bracing on the ground next to her head with the other arm as he pounded into her, his teeth gritted against a roar.

    "Reth! Reth!"

    "Elia! My love! My love!" His entire body jerked and shivered as he lost control, his thrusts first erratic, then slowing, until he gasped and lowered himself over her to catch his breath.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the beginning of the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 170: Dream Together

    <h4>Chapter 170: Dream Together</h4>

    I GAVE A LIVE INTERVIEW AND AUTHOR Q & A about me and the BEAST. Check out Destiny Aitsuji channel on YouTube and watch it there!

    *****

    ELIA

    Theyy side by side under the weeping tree. She was still in the slip Candace had made her, but Reth was naked, and had one arm crooked up underneath his head. Eliay in the crook of his other arm, her head resting on his shoulder, and her hand on his stomach. They were at peace,ughing about the things that had happened during the course of the night, and crying a little bit, too.

    "I just can''t believe they adopted me," Elia said for what had to be the twentieth time.

    "I''ll admit, I didn''t see thating," Reth said, stroking her back with his thumb. "But it''s going to open a whole new world for you, to be part of the tribes."

    "Really?" She leaned up on her elbow to look down at him. "What will be different?"

    Reth snorted. "You''ll have a lot more busy-bodies taking an interesting in our mating, for one," he chuckled.

    "WHAT?" Elia froze. "But¡­ I thought they only did that because it was important for the beginning¡ª"

    "Hush, hush, love, I am teasing. Mostly," he grinned, and pulled her head back down to his shoulder. "What I meant is that the elder women will wonder if you''re pregnant, and then they''ll try to help you get pregnant if you aren''t."

    Elia snorted. "I think we can handle that part on our own," she said.

    Reth sighed. "Not¡­ necessarily."

    "Wait, what?" She was going to push herself up again, but he held her down. "Reth, I''m not letting anyone else¡ª"

    "Rx," he sighed, stroking his fingers through her hair. "I just meant that we Anima don''t breed as easily as you humans do. I don''t know if your humanity means it will be easier for us, or harder. It may be that when the dayes, we need some advice on how to¡­ make the best opportunity," he said sheepishly.

    Elia settled back down onto his shoulder,ying her hand t on his chest. They bothy there quiet for a minute. Elia let her mind travel back through the times she''d seen children in the City. She hadn''t thought about how many of them there were¡ªor rather, how few.

    Then she remembered¡­ "When you talked to that little girl tonight, right at the beginning of the feast, it touched my soul, Reth. You will be such an amazing father. I know it."

    "I hope so."

    "You really think it might not happen?"

    "I don''t know. I truly don''t. It''s in the Creator''s hands. Some Anima have two cubs¡ªor foals, or whatever. Others have none, no matter how long they''re together or what herbs they eat. We don''t really know why."

    "You were an only child?"

    "Yes, but that''s the mostmon among Anima. It''s one of the few differences between us and our animal ancestors. Most of them seem to breed like rabbits. Where we have always struggled. It''s why our poption is so small."

    Elia sighed. It was something she wanted to explore, but this seemed like a night for focusing on the positives, the beautiful things. Not the things that made them sad. "There is one good side to that, then¡­" she said slyly.

    "What''s that?"

    She pushed up on one elbow and leaned close. "It means we get to practice trying. A lot. I mean, to give ourselves the best possible opportunity¡ª"

    Reth''sughter boomed out of his chest, and without warning, he flipped her over onto her back and buried his face in her neck, grinding against her.

    Elia gaped. "Why, Sire! It appears something hase up in the WildWood! I? must investigate!"

    He chuckled as she struggled to her hands down, between them until he arched up and over her, bracing on his hands. But hisughter quicky dissolved into heavy breaths when she found him there, already ready for her again.

    "Reth, why are we so lucky?" she sighed as he came alive in her hand and her own breathing picked up. "Why do we get to be the ones who are so¡­together?"

    "I truly do not know," he said carefully, through his panting. "But I thank the Creator every day for you, Elia. Every day."

    "Me too," she said, and pulled him down into a kiss, that started slow, but quickly turned heated.

    She let herself rx and drop her head when he kissed her shoulder, then down the neckline to between her breasts. She thought he might lick through the fabric again¡ªsomething she''d found surprisingly erotic¡ªbut this time, he slid all the way down her body, until his shoulders were at her knees. Before she could ask, he pulled one of her knees up, and kissed the inside of it, the wicked, wicked fingers of his other hand finding their way to the softest parts of her inner thighs.

    "Elia," he said hoarsely.

    "Yes?"

    "I''m going to take this dress off you."

    "It''s not a¡­ nevermind, that''s fine. Do what you want," she said. "I had her make it for you."

    "Thank the Creator," he groaned, opening his mouth against her inner thigh and sliding up so he arched over her hips. She wondered what he might do, but he pulled back to look at her, scanning her from her knees to her crown, his fingers toying with the hem of the slip.

    She was already gasping, could feel him, hard and ready for her, but still too far away, when he suddenly pushed up to kneel, and bid her to sit up. When she did, he untied the ties at the back of her neck, then pulled the hem of the slip up and up, over her head, until she was bare to the night air, and her nipples saluted him.

    He knelt between her knees and shook his head in awe.

    "You are devastatingly beautiful, my mate," he sighed.

    "And you are ridiculously handsome," she returned, stroking his shoulders as he slid his hands up her body, from her hip, to her stomach, then paused to palm her breasts, taking the weight of them in his hands, and rubbing his thumbs over her nipples.

    He looked as if he didn''t know what to do next, so she cupped a hand to the back of his neck and pulled him down into a heated kiss. "I want you, Reth. I want you again, and again, and again. Whether we make babies or not. I just want you."

    Even in the dark, even with her limited sight, it was easy to see the mes rising in Reth''s eyes.

 Chapter 171: Midnight in the Forest

    <h4>Chapter 171: Midnight in the Forest</h4>

    ELIA

    "Elia, I love you so much, it hurts," Reth whispered desperately, and took her mouth again, showing her with his tongue what he nned to do with his body.

    She had just arched her back, shivering with the delicious tingles that always came when he entered her, when the night was broken by the sound of a distant horn, a bellowing, rich note that rose through the night and sustained for a breathless count of ten before fading. Then beginning again.

    "Shit. NO!" Reth swore and tore himself off of Elia, scrambling to his feet, and pulling her to follow him.

    "What? Reth, what''s wrong?"

    "That''s the attack rm. That''s Behryn, it has to be! Shit!" He tugged on his trousers, hopping to get them up as she gaped at him, then scrambled over to her dress and shook it out.

    "I''ming with you."

    "Like hell you are, Elia."

    "Reth! This is why I''ve been training!"

    "No, Elia!" he roared, turning on her and gripping her by the upper arms, his eyes fire as he spat the words. "Even Aymora¡ªeven Lucine¡ªwould not be apanying me. This could be battle. True war! I pray it is only the Bears, or a Silent One, but the horn¡ª"

    It echoed through the night again, and Reth swore again. "No, Elia. I''m taking you back too the cave, to the guards, then I''m going to find out what''s happened."

    "You''re serious?"

    "Yes! You cannot¡ª"

    "No, I meant about war. About an attack on the city?"

    "Yes, of course. Do you think I would joke about that?" He was already striding through the tree, parting the branches and pulling her along behind him.

    "Then you need to go, Reth. You can''t help me get back. You need to go."

    "Don''t be ridiculous."

    "No, Reth, I''m not being stubborn, listen." She darted around to stand in front of him, her hands at his stomach. "This is what I''m training for: To defend myself so others won''t have to. And if you''re serious about war, about an attack, then the focus is on the City, right? That''s why they called the horn there?"

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Then the most important thing for the Anima is that you get to the City and protect it. I will get back to the cave¡ªwhat is it? Five minutes?"

    "Less, but¡ª"

    "No, Reth. This is it. This is when we have to decide. So the risk for me is low, but for you, for the city, the risk is very high. You have to run. You have to go. I''ll be fine. You give me the star to aim for and I''ll go straight to the cave. I''ll report to the guards¡ªhell, I''ll even let one of theme check the cave for me if you want."

    He stared at her, his jaw tight and eyes dark.

    "Reth," she said, putting a hand to his face. "I''m fine. I''m safe. Go. Go help your people. I''ll be at home waiting for you when youe back."

    He took a deep breath then, then took her by the shoulders, and turned her. "You see that crag of rock, near the peak of the mountain," he said, pointing to a dark shadow silhouetted by moonlight.

    "I see it."

    "You keep heading straight for that and you''ll end up on the path. When you hit the path, you run. Do you understand me? You run straight to the guards and you tell them to take defensive positions, and I will¡­. I will be back as soon as I can."

    "I know you will," she said, and turned, pulling him down into a kiss again. "I know you will, Reth. I''ll do exactly as you say."

    "I love you, Elia. More than my own life."

    "And I love you more than mine. Now go."

    He looked like he might balk, but the horn called again, and he tensed, then kissed her again, just a brush of his lips. "I''ll be back. Wait for me. Even if it takes all night and all day. You do note to the city!"

    "I won''t, Reth," she said, smiling, hiding the trill of nerves in her stomach about navigating the forest alone at night.

    But then he took two running steps past her and his body tore into Beast form and, with a single nce over his great maned shoulder, he was gone, disappearing into the dark.

    Elia took a deep breath and waited, but from the moment he had four paws, she didn''t hear a single sound from his passage, despite the speed with which he moved.

    She shuddered. The beasts were still something she was getting used to.

    "Well," she said to herself a momentter. "Here we go." She turned back to where he''d shown her, found the crag in the mountainside, and started towards it.

    She''d only been walking a minute¡ªmaybe less, when the trees closed over her and she had to do her best to keep walking in the same line. Gahrye had talked to her about the risk of wandering in a forest, how a person could think they were walking straight, when in fact, they were always looping in one direction or another. Landmarks were important.

    Elia nodded to herself and saw a patch of moonlight ahead. Hopefully it would be big enough for her to see the crag though, so she could check her line.

    Walking as quickly and silently as she was able, on the balls of her feet like Gahrye had shown her, she was forced to circle arge tree to reach the patch of light ahead.

    When she came around the broad trunk, a shadow moved and at first, she thought it was only her own.

    But then she froze, her heart in her throat, as she looked back towards the tree to find two eyes, reflecting moonlight, staring back at her.

    "Who''s there?" she asked, as forcefully as she could, backing away slowly.

    Whoever it was didn''t answer, but began walking towards her, marking her pace, and keeping up with her as she backed towards the moonlight.

    "Name yourself to your Queen!" she barked.

    "Why would I do that?" A low, growling voice asked.

    She scrambled backwards, turning to run, but the man snarled and leaped forward, catching her wrist.

    Without thought, she used a twist-and-strike technique she''d learned from the disformed to snap her wrist free. The man snarled again and snapped his teeth together.

    Elia twisted, pushing herself to run, to sprint, to flee¡ªand ran smack into the chest of another, much taller man who smiled down at her when she bounced off his chest and into the dirt.

    "Hello, Elia," he said softly.

    Elia''s breath tore out of her throat as she got her feet beneath her and slowly straightened, heart hammering in her ears.

    "Hello, Lucan," she said.

    *****

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 Chapter 172: Risk

    <h4>Chapter 172: Risk</h4>

    RETH

    Something was wrong. He''d used Beast form to get to the City as quickly as possible, but as soon as he''d shifted back and stepped out of the cover of the trees, he''d slid to a halt.

    Behryn stood at the intersection of paths, bellowing orders to the dozens of guards who had leaped out of their beds to report. He was sending them out in pairs, spears at the ready, in a web pattern. His face thunderous.

    "What is it?" Reth called quietly, hurrying to join him.

    "We don''t know," Behryn muttered.

    Reth froze. "What do you mean, you don''t know? Who called the horn?"

    "We. Don''t. Know," Behryn snapped. "I was already home when¡ª"

    But Reth had stopped listening, his heart hammering as he turned back to look the way he''de, his mind sifting through the events of the night¡­

    Elia''s sess.

    The wolves disgust.

    Their own passage through the forest, alone¡ªbut Reth attentive to her and guards near enough to hear only if they shouted rm.

    And now¡­ a call to arms that wasn''t ordered by the Captain of the Guard?

    Between orders to the men, Behryn was still muttering. "If the young got drunk and are ying a game¡ª"

    "Elia." Reth breathed and leaped for the path. "Send men, Behryn, it''s a distraction!"

    "Reth?! What? What''s going on!?"

    But Reth just snarled, "There''s no time! Bring men now!" and shifted into his Beast¡­

    ¡­His she was in trouble. His mate. The wind brought her scent, but mingled with the edge of fear that bared his teeth as he galloped down the path. He had to find her. Had to reach her.

    Then the breeze shifted and brought with it the musk of predators, the ones of teeth and fur that made his nose itch. He would have roared, but the other within him screamed for quiet. So he began to hunt, following the winds, silently, silently, silently.

    And as he tracked the scents¡ªfour that he could pick out, but perhaps more¡ªbehind him and beside him the horses ran, near silent even on their hard feet and he would have snarled for how close they were, but the one within snarled louder. Then he took crossed the path and the scents bloomed near¡ªand the one within wrestled back control¡­

    ¡­and Reth crouched behind a tree, scenting the wind, his ears perked and hand up to stop Behryn and the others who still didn''t know what they walked into.

    He wasn''t sure how many Behryn had brought, but he hoped it was enough.

    Then he heard her voice.

    "¡­what exactly you think you''re going to achieve through this?"

    "It isn''t for you to understand, Sire," a coughing growl that Reth recognized immediately snarled. "Your husband is a great student of the traditions. He will understand well enough."

    "It''s as if you want to be banished," she spat.

    Lucan chuckled. "No, my Queen¡ªit''s as if I understand better than you the promise you made to the people tonight." Reth''s heart sank.

    "What promise? To be loyal to them?"

    "To allow them the old traditions," Reth snarled, stepping out from behind the tree where he''d been crouched, to find Elia standing in that incredible dress, in a pool of sunlight, on the balls of her feet, just like he''d shown her, her arms braced for sparring, facing Lucan.

    And in a circle around her, four massive wolves stood in beast form, teeth bared, their shoulders almost as tall as hers.

    "Reth?!" she gasped, but didn''t take her eyes off of Lucan. Good girl. He hadn''t thought about her skirts tonight, how they would hinder her ability to fight. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

    Lucan smiled and turned his head slowly to watch Reth stalk towards him. "Good evening, Sire," he said through his teeth.

    "If you touched her¡ª" Reth snarled.

    "I have not so much as ruffled her fur," Lucan growled. "Ask her."

    "He hasn''t touched me. None of them have," Elia said quickly, without taking her eyes off him.

    Reth''s heart sank to his toes.

    Lucan''s smile got broader.

    "Reth?" Elia asked carefully when neither of them spoke. "What''s going on?"

    "An old custom," Lucan said without taking his eyes off of Reth. "The question is whether your husband will be as¡­ patient with the old ways as you vowed to be, Majesty," he sneered.

    "State your petition, dog," Reth growled.

    "That is how you recognize the ancient ways?" Lucan snarled as he jerked to face Reth hands twitching, and his back rippling when he almost shifted.

    Reth stopped walking ten feet away and crossed his arms over his chest to pretend indifference, but his heart hammered in his head, and fear was a razor-sharp spiral in his chest. "I respect the traditions, Lucan. I do not respect you. Now, state your petition¡ªvery carefully¡ªor call off your pack."

    Lucan''s eyes narrowed and Elia looked back and forth between them, worry on every line in her beautiful face. "Reth?"

    "Silence, bitch!" Lucan snarled again.

    Reth tensed, a growl erupting in his throat that had the wolves ears twitching, but no one moved. "Elia, let Lucan speak. He is following the old ways. And he needs to concentrate, or he might find himself dead by his own sheer stupidity."

    Then Reth smiled as Lucan''s lips peeled back from his teeth and he shuddered with the effort not to shift.

    "I beg an audience with the King," Lucan spat.

    "To what purpose?"

    "To answer the usation of treason." He bit off the word.

    Reth went very still. "Who ims the offense?"

    "The wolves."

    "At whose hand?"

    "Queen Elia."

    "What?" Elia shrieked. "You are fucking insane, Lucan¡ª"

    "Be SILENT!" Reth roared and Elia froze, her face a mask of shock, but she rolled her shoulders forward and bowed her head. Reth turned back to the wolf he wished he''d killed months ago and snarled, "State. Your. Petition."

    "I call public address to witness the usation and answer for the Queen''s betrayal."

    "And the judge?"

    "Throne," Lucan said quietly. Reth held his breath until the wolf opened his teeth and snapped, "And tribe."

    Reth couldn''t help it. He smiled.

    *****

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 Chapter 173: The Weight of Tradition

    <h4>Chapter 173: The Weight of Tradition</h4>

    ELIA

    She wasn''t sure what had passed between Lucan and Reth¡ªthey obviously knew what their words meant. But the smile that Reth gave at the end was chilling, and whatever it meant, whatever had spurred it, Lucan didn''t like it. A growl puttered in his throat when he saw it.

    But Reth merely turned to her and beckoned her to his side. "Come, mate. We have usations to meet."

    Eyeing the massive wolves who never stopped staring with their cold eyes, she trotted to his side, doing her best to watch Lucan and the wolves without being obvious about it.

    To her surprise, Behryn and several guards materialized from the shadows as they all began to walk, so they made a significant crowd on the path back towards the city.

    She wondered why Lucan hadn''t seemed surprised about the guards¡ªuntil she realized all of them had been able to smell each other this whole time.

    Of course.

    Stupid Anima super-senses.

    Her heart began to slow as they walked, but her hands were shaking with the rush of adrenalin she''d had when she ran into Lucan. It has been terrifying¡ªthen utterly confusing when he didn''t reach for her, and none of the wolves attacked.

    "Reth, what¡ª"

    "I''ll exin when we reach the others, Elia," he muttered without looking at her. "There is a protocol. Please¡­ stay silent until we reach the council."

    The council? She almost said the words, but bit her tongue. He''d asked her to be silent. So instead she filed through all the questions she had in her mind, and kept her eyes on Lucan, who stalked along at her other side. She wondered why Reth let him walk so closely¡ªbut figured it must be something to do with this protocol.

    She wasn''t sure of all she''d said, but she understood treason, and that the usation was levelled at her. It wasughable of course¡ªshe couldn''t understand why Reth hadn''t just brushed it off. But she trusted that he knew what he was doing. So she kept walking, and waited for her answers.

    *****

    RETH

    "Call the security council, and warn the wise-ones," Reth muttered to Behryn who stormed along on his left, off the side of the path because there was really only room for three, and Lucan wasn''t going to humble himself.

    Behryn nodded and took off, pulling two of the guards with him.

    Reth took a deep breath and tried not to ground his teeth. Lucan obviously didn''t have all the information¡ªwhich would work to their favor¡ªbut this entire episode was going to get ugly. And even if they made it through, even if Elia came out unscathed, it left a very, very serious question in Reth''s mind about the state of his people.

    Lucan didn''t bring the old traditions without support.

    Which meant at least the majority of the wolf tribe was behind him. Which mean likely a good chunk of the serpents were, also. And probably the goats.

    Would others follow them too, when they heard the story of this night?

    Would all of Elia''s good work tonight be undermined? Or had she saved her own skin?

    Only time would tell.

    Reth stalked on, brushing Elia''s hand with his own as they walked in an attempt to give subtlefort. He couldn''t be seen to be protecting her now until the Security Council had heard the usations.

    *****

    They sat in the Council building, Brant in the central chair since Reth couldn''t run council under the circumstances. The older man sat with his legs apart, his walking stick clutched in one gnarled hand, and his other arm braced on his knee.

    With his dark, wrinkled skin, he looked like a tree that was pissed off about being pulled from his bed. "We would hear your usations now, Lucan," Brant growled, his eyes narrowed at the Wolf Alpha. "The horn was called tonight. We would know by whom."

    "My people, Brant," Lucan replied shamelessly. "It was necessary to separate the King and Queen to allow ess. She ahs been so closely guarded, we could not bring the traditions in the usual way."

    Brant snorted. "You could have brought the usations to us without the traditions, Lucan, and you know it."

    "She stated this evening that she would adhere to the traditions¡ªwe couldn''t be confident the King would allow her to answer the charges if he were forewarned, Sir."

    It was the most humble Reth had ever seen Lucan. It had to be an act.

    "I disagree, but however, it has happened now. The Council have convened. You stand not as judge tonight with us, Lucan, but as petitioner."

    "Yes. I understand."

    "Our decision will be upheld by the Anima. Do you forfeit your vote on the council until itspletion?"

    "I do."

    Reth blinked. He''d thought Lucan would try to dance through some loophole. But with Lerrin also on the council, who knew who had been prepared for this advance.

    "And you, Reth?" Brant said, turning his bright blue eyes on him. "Do you also forfeit your vote until thepletion of this petition?"

    "I do."

    "Very well," Brant said. "Then we convene and we will hear the petition. Tell us why you called the horn tonight, Lucan, and what charges you bring against our Queen."

    Lucan shot Elia a look so dark with malice, that Reth had to swallow an instinctive growl. Even Lucan wouldn''t physically attack her here, among the council and elders. But that he desired to was hidden from no one.

    "The Queen has misrepresented herself to the people, hidden truth from them, for the purposes of increasing her own power. She has infiltrated Anima from the human world, we believe, in order to bring her people here."

    "What?!" Elia barked.

    Reth hissed at her, and Brant turned a stern face to her. "You will be silent until the council asks you to speak," he said in clipped, authoritative tones.

    Elia closed her mouth, but didn''t back down, staring at Brant, her jaw hard.

    Reth wanted to kiss her. And tell her to shut up.

    But instead he kept his own council, as he knew was required, and waited. Lucan wasn''t done.

    "Is that all?" Brant asked carefully.

    "No. She also conspired with her mate to break the Rite, remove the true Queen from her chance to rule, and has continued to attempt to undermine the position of the wolf-female, Lucine in a personal attack that does not befit the Queen. She deserves banishment, or death."

    As Elia''s eyes went wide, Reth clenched his hands to fists so tightly his nails broke the skin on his palms.

 Chapter 174: Stand Accused

    <h4>Chapter 174: Stand used</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    It was the hardest thing he''d ever done to just sit there and listen to Lucan twist everything about Elia, who she was, what she''d done, and her involvement ining to Anima.

    "¡­she readily admitted today that she knows she had contact with Anima when she was young¡ªyet ims she didn''t know until she came here? How could that possibly be? Clearly she was working with some among our people and we, the wolves, were manipted in our scouting for a Sacrifice."

    Elia had dropped her chin and was shaking her head slowly, ring at Lucan without pause. But she stayed true to his caution to keep her mouth shut. Despite Brant''s obvious wariness of Lucan, he wouldn''t ept a breach of the traditions¡ªeven from the Queen. But especially when she was charged.

    "Add to that, that she brought a weapon to the Rite, dered Lucine incapable and alienated her from the tribe, and has since taunted her more than once, it is clear that the Queen is far more clever than we gave her credit for¡ªbut also far more malicious."

    Elia turned to stare at Brant, wanting to speak so badly she quivered, but he ignored her.

    Reth clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, forcing himself to stillness. He could not breach the protocol. He could not attack Lucan as he wished to. And he definitely could not stand in defense of his wife. She needed to answer these lies herself.

    The only small encouragement in this entire shitshow from Reth''s perspective, was Lerrin''s very obvious difort with his father''s statements. Whether that was because he knew they could disprove them, or because he disagreed with the action, Reth didn''t know. But either way, it meant there was hope for the younger wolf.

    "Is that the list of your charges?" Brant asked quietly.

    Lucan nodded once.

    Brant sighed and sat back in the chair, rubbing his chin, then turned to the council, seated to his right and left. "I believe our wisest way forward would be to bring the Womens Council and offer abined judgment, so there can be no usation of bias."

    The others all agreed, so guards were dispatched to call the women in.

    Elia, meanwhile, looked like she might crawl out of her own skin. Reth kept his eyes on her, tried to catch her gaze, to soothe here. She obviously feared she''d be given no opportunity to answer the charges. She didn''t know the protocols¡ªthat the charges be assessed and their severity measured before they were challenged.

    To her credit, she didn''t speak. But he could see her shaking with the restraint it took to keep herself in check. Especially when it took close to an hour for all the women to arrive.

    But, finally, two rows of elders and wise-women faced them, and Reth stood next to Elia, Lucan to their right. Brant''s head went back and his eyes narrowed as he called the meeting to order. Heid out the charges Lucan had brought.

    "Is that all of them, Lucan? Have I covered them correctly?" Brant said, the first hint of warning in his tone.

    "Yes, thank you, Elder."

    Reth blinked at the softness in Lucan''s tone. The man was a master maniptor! He took a deep breath to calm himself as Brant finally turned to Elia.

    "Sire, you have heard the charges, twice now. Do you allow that any of them are true?"

    "No!" Elia burst out, her hands clenched to fists at her sides. "He is lying and¡ª"

    "You will not speak further than to answer the questions I have spoken, or I will remove you from the hearing, no matter your rank," Brant said quietly, firmly, and Elia snapped her mouth closed. "You will have opportunity to answer the usations. But you will do so in ordance with the traditions," he finished.

    Elia''s breath was heaving, but she nodded, her lips thin lines.

    Then Brant turned to Reth. "Sire, you too are under suspicion in this, though the usation is not stated directly. Do you im any truth to these charges?"

    "No."

    "Did you have knowledge of your Queen prior to the Rite?"

    "Yes."

    Brant''s only reaction was to go very still, but many of the women sucked in, and the men shifted in their chairs. Brant cleared his throat. "Did you have any hand in bringing her to Anima?"

    "None."

    "Did you know she was a chosen sacrifice?"

    "No. Not until the moment I stepped into the circle."

    Brant nodded slowly. "The Elders will speak with you regarding this at another time," Brant said, "but since you had no prior knowledge of her¡ª"

    "You''re just going to believe him?" Lucan threw out and Brant''s eyes snapped to his face.

    "You speak out of turn, Lucan."

    "We speak of treason and he admits knowledge of her¡ªyet he will not even be addressed in this hearing?!"

    "Did you bring charges against him?"

    "No, but his testimony clearly¡ª"

    "And his testimony will be requested by this council as and when we deem it relevant, until then you will keep your mouth shut, or I will bring the full tradition against you, Lucan!" Brant snapped.

    The entire room went quiet. Even Elia didn''t move as the sheer force of will that emanated from Brant was scented by all present. Reth struggled not to smile.

    Lucan didn''t know what the hell he was ying with.

    Lucan thought Reth was the strongest Anima in the room.

    Lucan was utterly, stupidly wrong.

    When no one spoke again, Brant shifted to look behind him. "I ask the wise-women to stand and vote with the council¡ªshould these charges be heard?"

    The women leaned in to the center¡ªall except Aymora, who, as the Queen''s second, stood behind her, ring at Lucan¡ªwhispering between themselves. When they straightened, they stood, and the Chair¡ªHuncer, another Leonine¡ªspoke for them.

    "It is the opinion of this council that the charges should be heard."

    "Do the elders agree?" Brant asked the men, who all nodded, though many red at Lucan. "Then, what say you on whether the charges be heard publicly, or in private? Do we hold this to our own counsel, or do we share it with the people."

    "The women say it be removed from the Throne and held to the Tribe."

    Lucan snorted. "What tribe would hold her?" he sneered. "She is human. Do we have a hidden human tribe of which I''m unaware?"

    "Her own," Huncer said, eyes shing. "She is Leonine."

    Reth sucked in a huge breath of relief.

    Lucan snarled, "What?"

 Chapter 175: Of the Tribe

    <h4>Chapter 175: Of the Tribe</h4>

    ELIA

    Huncer stared at Lucan. "The women recognize the King''s natural bias and wish to remove it. We ask that judgement be removed from the throne, and held by the Tribe."

    Lucan gaped. "She has no tribe! What Tribe calls for her justice?"

    "Were you not at the Festival, Lucan?" Aymora asked, and to Elia''s giddy pleasure, she had no sarcastic tone whatsoever.

    Lucan frowned at her. "I left early."

    "Well, you must have missed it. Elia gave her throat to Reth in a Pride tradition and we embraced her. Brant and I adopted her tonight¡ªanother reason the women believe judgment should be removed from the throne, and given our close ties to both of them I agree. However, regardless, she is one of us. She is Leonine."

    Lucan''s mouth dropped open and his eyes snapped to hers, widening even as the rest of his face twisted in rage.

    Ignoring Lucan''s trembling, Huncer turned to the men. "Are we in agreement for judgment to move to the Tribe?"

    "SHE HAS NO TRIBE!" Lucan gave a guttural scream that raised the hair on the back of Elia''s neck. Reth snarled and stepped between them. Elia caught herself from pushing him out of the way¡ªLucan was far too powerful for her new skills. Not to mention how it would appear to the others, as if she didn''t trust him.

    But she red at Lucan over Reth''s shoulder, biting her tongue to stop herself iming her new tribe with pride.

    All the men were on their feet, including Lerrin, whose face seemed to flicker between anger and despair¡ªhe shot a pleading look at Brant, but Brant, the only one who hadn''t stood, kept his chin down and his eyes fixed on Lucan.

    "You brought the traditions and we have taken your petition. We are in agreement. The Tribe needs to hear the charge, and measure¡ª"

    "The Leonine will never convict their precious King''s mate! You nned this! This is treason against the people!" Elia jerked back as Lucan''s skin¡­ rippled and for a split second his nose looked long, and full of teeth.

    Reth put a hand back to keep her behind him. "Lucan, calm down," he said, his voice as deep as she''d ever heard it.

    "I will not be calm in the face of treason!" Lucan growled¡ªreally growled. If he wasn''t so terrifying, if his skin didn''t keep bubbling, she would have thought he was a cartoon character, or something from a movie. He sounded so surreal. "The Leonine conspire against the Anima people! Against the wolves! We. Will. Not. HAVE IT!" His teeth snapped closed on thest word and his chest heaved.

    "No, father!" Lerrin leapt forward, but it was toote. Lucan had given over to the beast, and as Elia watched in horror, he shook his head and shifted, his entire body swelling and bristling until thergest wolf she''d ever seen stood before her and Reth. Even on all fours it almost looked her in the eye.

    "Elia¡­ Do. Not. Move," Reth breathed. "Lerrin, call him down."

    "Father!"

    "Take your beast form, Lerrin!" Reth hissed as the wolf stalked forward, its head low and eyes fixed on Reth. Otherwise¡ª"

    But it was toote. Lucan, the wolf, sank back on his haunches, then leaped for Reth.

    Elia barely had time to suck in a breath to scream before Reth leapt forward, taking his beast form in the split second before they shed, midair, both of them spitting guttural snarls that made the hair on Elia''s neck stand up.

    *****

    RETH

    He came for their mate.

    He would not live.

    The wolf moved quickly, but the King was stronger, blocking the leap and closing jaws on its neck. The wolf began a yelp, but it cut off as his jaws closed. Its back feet came up, scrabbling at his chest. But it was too little. He shook it once and the scratching stopped. Another wolf howled, and the other inside snarled caution, but this wolf came for the mate.

    He would not live.

    It was a thing of breaths to bear the wolf to the hard, t earth of this strange ce, to take its neck, and to cut off all air. He warned any that moved toe close that he would not ept interference. He did not wish to kill many, but he would. Any who came for their mate.

    None came for the King''s mate and lived.

    None.

    Then she was there, and his chest eased. She breathed and she called. He sniffed for blood, but found only the wolf''s.

    Then the wolf¡­ shrank. His fur disappeared. But it was no matter. They still had his neck. It would be over soon.

    His she made the strange sounds, the ones that called to the other inside¡ªwho fought, and growled and snarled, pulling at their insides. But the King did not¡ª

    Reth returned to himself with his teeth in Lucan''s neck. It took a moment to realize what was happening, then he dropped the wolf and stepped back.

    Aymora rushed forward, fingering the tears at Lucan''s neck that were farrger than Reth''s human bite.

    Oh no. Oh shit.

    Fuck.

    "Reth!" Elia sounded near tears as she threw herself into his neck and clung. "I was so afraid that he had you."

    "Shhhhhh, love, shhhhhh. It''s okay. I''m fine. He never even got close." Reth swallowed, then muttered, "And it wasn''t me he was aiming for."

    "What?" she pulled back to stare at him, her hand to his face, wiping the blood away, checking for wounds. But he was fine. He had a scratch on his chest, but that was the extent of it.

    "Are you okay," he asked her, taking her by the shoulders, his heart pounding.

    "Reth, I''m fine! But¡ª"

    "He''s dead," Aymora said, her voice heavy.

    Three howls rose, low, mournful sounds that filled the hollow room and echoed, rising and falling like the wind on the grass.

    Reth stared at Elia, whose face crumpled. "Oh, Reth¡­ I''m so sorry."

    "Don''t be," he said. "I should have done it months ago."

    "No," she whispered, shaking her head. "No."

    The elders and wise-women began to move, circling the body, someing alongside Lerrin and the others.

    But Reth just held his mate and thanked the Creator that she was safe.

 Chapter 176: Time for This to End

    <h4>Chapter 176: Time for This to End</h4>

    RETH

    Elia slumped against his chest, clinging as if she didn''t want to see what was happening around her. He held her, watching to make sure Lucan was really gone, and no further threat. He grieved the loss of an Anima, always. But Lucan had attacked them¡ªgone for Elia¡ªwith no intention of mercy. Reth had no regrets. He just prayed she''de to understand that it was kill or be killed. Right now all she saw was a bleeding body at her mate''s hands¡ªor teeth, as it were. He knew she struggled with the ruthlessness of the Anima in these situations. He celebrated her soft heart and the way it rose with passion for him. But he would not regret removing a very real threat from her.

    Howls had risen outside, answering the call of the wolves they''d heard in the building. Reth looked at Brant, who sighed and shook his head.

    "They will be here soon," Reth muttered.

    Brant nodded. "Dawn rises. We all need rest. We''ll return tomorrow to finish this," he said with the ring of authority.

    "And then you''ll gather the tribes tomorrow night," Reth growled, staring at Lucan''s body crumpled and bleeding on the floor.

    "For what?" Lerrin snarled, his eyes red and shining.

    "For Censure. We rest, we eat. We finish this. Then the people answer¡ªthe tribes will answer¡ªfor this mutiny. This disaster with the wolves will stop before more are killed or harmed by it."

    "What?!" Lerrin was on his feet, stepping over his father''s body anding at Reth¡ªwho growled instinctively. The man stopped, but did not back down.

    "I told you, Lerrin. I told you to put this down among your people. I told you that the next time it would be a disciplinary matter with the Lupine, and you agreed¡ª"

    "You just killed the disciplinary matter!" Lerrin snarled. "What else must be done?"

    Reth put Elia behind him as he faced the man and pointed a finger at his chest. "We will root out the poisoned blood in these people¡ªany that would martyr that man, and we will remove them. We will not have people in the Tree City who would attack their own Queen!"

    "Reth, please¡ª" Elia said, taking his arm. He hadn''t even realized he''d turned from her, but there he was, facing Lerrin, Elia behind him, tugging at his elbow.

    "The damage to the tribe has been done!" Lerrin cried. "You have taken our Alpha¡ªdo you have any idea the ripple effect¡ª"

    "THEN HE SHOULD NOT HAVE ATTACKED MY MATE!"

    "Reth," Brant said quietly, and Reth''s mouth snapped shut. Even Lerrin stopped leaning in. They all took a breath, as the old man got to his feet and walked to stand next to them.

    "It is dawn. The time for judgment has ended. We will rest. We will eat. Then we will return to hold Elia to the tribe, and question you, Reth."

    Reth snapped his head around, his teeth clenched. "You just saw him attack my mate! Do you really think¡ª"

    "It doesn''t matter what I think. It matters that the petition was brought, and deemed valid, we will hear it, regardless of its source. Or would you ask us to break the tradition?"

    "Of course not, but¡ª"

    "Then, tonight, you will rest. Tomorrow you be reunited with your mate after your testimonies¡ª"

    "What?!" Elia cried, as a stuttering growl rocked the room from deep in Reth''s chest.

    He turned to face Brant, and hold his eyes. The older man''s face hardened.

    "Do not allow your emotion to make you stupid right now, Reth," Brant warned him softly. "Think."

    Reth continued to stare, and when he spoke, it was through clenched teeth. "That wolf has made, or sanctioned, three attempts on my mate''s life. He deserved death."

    "And he has received it. The usation of treason is held to the Pride and it will be answered before she is freed."

    "You would imprison my wife, your Queen, over the usation of a wolf who had already attempted to kill her?"

    "Imprisoned?" Elia cried.

    "Yes," Brant responded to Reth. "Because one sin does not erase another."

    Reth snorted and Brant''s eyes narrowed.

    Reth leaned in until they were nose to nose. "She gave her throat to me tonight and you would hold us apart? We are Pair."

    "And I thank the Creator for it, and pray you will live long and happy lives together. But this is bigger than your boiling blood, Reth. One night apart will not destroy you."

    Reth looked like he would argue, but Elia cleared her throat and pushed her shoulders back. "Tell me what is involved in this¡­ imprisonment?" she asked faintly.

    Brant turned to her and smiled. "Your mate is being dramatic. You will be kept apart so you cannot n your testimonies together. That is all."

    "She can stay with me," Aymora said quietly.

    Elia visibly rxed. Reth stared at her, yearning, but she shook her head at him and turned back to Brant. "It''s fine."

    "No," Reth snapped. "No. You will not run my mate from her home. She will have the cave tonight¡ªAymora can stay with her. I''ll go to Behryn''s."

    Elia looked at him, her brows pinched with sadness. He shook his head, then looked back at Brant.

    "Very well," Brant said. "The Queen and her second will be guarded at the cave. The King and his second will be guarded at Behryn''s. The Pride elders will return here after lunch for testimony, and judgement will be called."

    "And then the people will gather," Reth snarled. "And they will listen to the wrath of their King."

    Brant nodded. "If you wish it."

    "I wish it."

    "Then let it be so."

    Reth pulled Elia into his chest for a quick embrace. She buried her face in his neck, murmuring her love, then kissed him softly, and stepped out of his arms. Aymora stepped up behind her, put an arm around her shoulders and led her out of the building.

    Reth waited until he was certain they would be out of sight before throwing a glower at Brant, then stalking out of the building, Behryn on his heels.

 Chapter 177: Held to the Tribes

    <h4>Chapter 177: Held to the Tribes</h4>

    ELIA

    Her eyes were still grainy and achy because she''d barely slept. Her hands shook because she was terrified of what was going to happen to Reth.

    He stood to her right, quivering with tension. They hadn''t even been allowed to greet each other before the judging began. She longed to touch him, to make sure he was okay after the events of the night before. But there was nothing in her that would let her do anything but scream the truth at the lines of Leonine before her¡ªboth male and female¡ªwaiting to hear her answer the usations that had been brought.

    "This process is simple," Brant said quietly. "You face four charges, each of which could individually impact your throne. So we will ask you one by one and you will tell us what you know. You will be scented for truth, Sire, do you do understand?"

    "Absolutely." Just ask the damn questions.

    Brant nodded. "The first charge is that you knew the Anima, new of them, prior to the Rite and may have had some hand in your own selection as sacrifice. What say you?"

    "False," she spat. "I didn''t learn that the people I knew as a child were Anima until I came here and found someone familiar. Then it came out. But by that time we had already been through the Rite¡ªand through the Smoke and mes."

    Brant''s eyes were flint. "Who did you recognize?"

    She swallowed. "Reth."

    The people before her were mature Anima who had seen life. They weren''t given to emotional reactions. But even within them she saw some nch.

    "Please exin."

    "I can''t," Elia said honestly. "I didn''t know him when I saw him. But over the first couple days, I kept getting this sense of the familiar when he would do certain things. I learnedter it was because we knew each other as children¡ªwhen he was sent back to my world by his parents." She took a deep breath. "He was so changed, and it had been so long¡­ I doubt I would ever have recognized him. I just kept feeling¡­ familiar. And safe with him. Which made no sense under the circumstances. But¡­ that''s how he made me feel when we were little."

    One of the women spoke up, her face skeptical. "You knew the King when he was how old?"

    "For two years, beginning when he was ten. He hadn''t been through his adolescence yet."

    "He was big, even then," Aymora said quietly.

    Elia nodded. "And I was younger than him, so he seemed even bigger to me. As I said, we were friends. He always made me feel safe. Something in me recognized him when he would¡­ do certain things. But my mind was never able to make the connection."

    "Were you aware of any of this on the night you were brought from your world, for the Rite?"

    "None," she said emphatically. "It took days for me to rx enough to even realize I feltfortable with him."

    "Were you aware of being assessed at all, during your time in your world. Did you have any known contact with anyone working with the wolves, or the wolves themselves?"

    "None," she repeated. "I was utterly innocent when I woke up at the Rite."

    "And yet, you brought a weapon?"

    Elia almostughed. Almost. "I did not. I was dressed in a traditional style for my world for a semi-formal event. The shoes I wore were called high heels. They are for beauty, not for use as weapons. The fact that mine acted as one was¡­ a fluke. I woke up in the Rite and was so frightened, I didn''t know what to do and didn''t think. I climbed the tree with the shoes still on and it never crossed my mind to take them off. I notice no one is concerned about the clothing I wore that night, despite everyone else being only painted?"

    "We do understand that human traditions are different," Aymora said. "And the histories say that humans usually arrive at the Rite clothed."

    "The shoes were clothing. That is all."

    The men and women leaned into each other, whispering among themselves. Brant and Aymora nced at each other, but didn''t speak.

    "The resistance you made, which dered Lucine incapable¡­ had anyone advised you to take that course? Were you aware of the implications of it?"

    "Not at all!" she said, her frustration bleeding through.

    Brant leveled a gaze at her that, if she had been any less certain of the truth, would have had her knees trembling. But she held it and didn''t look away. "I fought for her life because it went against my principles, the traditions of my world, to kill someone who was no longer a threat and was incapable of defending themselves! I didn''t even know it would have any negative impact on her untilter when Reth and the others exined it to me."

    Brant rubbed his chin. "What of this taunting Lucan mentioned. Have you approached her or done anything to harm her since?"

    "I have no idea what Lucan meant when he said that! You can ask Gahrye, or the guards who were with me: I''ve done nothing but be kind to her¡­ twice!"

    Huncer sat up straighter in her chair next to Brant''s. "What do you mean, you were kind to her?"

    "Both times I saw her, we were out on the trails. She looked like she was struggling¡ªespecially the second time. I greeted her and offered to speak with her, told her I wanted to help her¡ª"

    "You offered to speak with her? Alone?" Brant asked, his voice tired.

    "Yes! I didn''t want to make anything more of a struggle for her. I wanted to help. But she refused me. Both times. I never pursued her, and I definitely never taunted her."

    They discussed the details again, whispering, and Elia cursed her normal hearing that wouldn''t allow her to pick out the words. She knew that Reth was able to by the way his face tensed or rxed, depending on what he heard.

    He caught her looking and winked, but his heavy brows were furrowed and the tendons on his arms stood out because he clenched his hands so hard. His heart wasn''t in it.

    Finally, Brant turned from the discussion and gave Elia a dark smile. "We are mostly likely agreed, but there is one aspect to rify. Because it seems to this Tribe that the problem lies not with the Queen. But with the King."

    Then he turned to face Reth and his grim smile fadedpletely. "Gareth¡­ stand to testify for the sake of your mate. And stand to answer before the Tribe the usation of treason."

 Chapter 178: Treason?

    <h4>Chapter 178: Treason?</h4>

    RETH

    Elia gasped and opened her mouth, but he shot her a look and she closed it with a snap. He took one step forward and nodded at Brant. "Ask me, I will answer anything," he said grimly.

    Brant''s face was a hard mask.? "Did you know your mate prior to the evening of the Rite of Survival?"

    "Yes."

    "How?"

    "When we were cubs. I was ten when my parents sent me to the human world for safety. We were neighbors and became close friends."

    "Was there a romantic link between you then?"

    Elia made a small noise in her throat, but Reth''s hand twitched and she stayed quiet. "None."

    "Did you know she would be chosen at the human sacrifice for the Rite?" one of the females asked.

    Reth shook his head. "I had no knowledge of her presence in anima until I stepped into the Circle that night."

    "You recognized her?"

    "By her scent."

    The woman nodded.

    "Had you spoken with the wolves, or arranged for any information to be fed to them to nudge them toward Elia as their chosen sacrifice?"

    "No!" Reth growled. "And I would petition this Court to explore how the wolves even came to know of her existence. To my knowledge, the only Anima who knew of our friendship were my parents and guardians, none of whom were wolves. I never spoke over her to anyone else, even Behryn."

    Some of their eyebrows arched suspiciously at that.

    Reth red. "Scent me for truth, and call my Second. He will tell you, too. He was¡­ very angry when he learned about our connection after her arrival."

    "He knew? How?"

    "When the brothers took me aside after the mating, I was called to confess my sins. And I admitted hiding the information after the Rite."

    "Why?" Brant asked coldly.

    "Because I feared exactly this," Reth said honestly. "I feared that the truth would be ignored and the wolves would use it take control, despite both of us being utterly innocent in it."

    Brant looked at Aymora who shook her head, then he turned back to Reth. "You had no hand in the wolves bringing her here?"

    "None."

    "And what of her dering Lucine incapable?"

    "That was her own courage, her own values. I exined it to herter because she didn''t understand why people were angry that she had, in her mind, saved Lucine."

    His stomach twisted, thinking of Lucine, and he could scent the dread in Elia, too, which meant the elders could also.

    Brant''s eyes flickered between them and his eyes became very hard. When he looked at Reth, there was no softness in him. "Speak true¡ªsomething shifts against your conscience when you speak of Lucine¡ªand your mate knows it. Did you have anything to do with Elia''s deration against her?"

    "None, Brant. It is truth. Smell it on me."

    Brant''s jaw twitched. "Then why do you both smell sick at her name?

    "I would beg the elders to allow me to exin more deeply on this matter so it will not be misunderstood."

    Brant''s eyes went flinty and some of the others shifted in their seats. Reth pled with the Creator to let them hear him out.

    "Very well," Brant barked. "You will be given the floor, but do not waste our time or think to turn us in circles, Reth. Tell us inly, what circumstances do you believe appropriately exin these usations, and your conscience regarding Lucine?"

    "I am not guilty of any maniption of the wolves¡ªnone nned, none intended. And I did not have any foreknowledge of Elia''s presence. However¡­ I did break the Rite for reasonspletely unrted to Elia, and I fear that has brought about much of the ill feeling from the wolf tribe."

    "What?!" Brant snapped. Many of the others growled, or leaned forward, their eyes alight.

    Reth swallowed and nodded. "A few weeks prior to the Rite, Lucine sought me out when I was alone and she¡­. Gave me the signals. When I resisted, she told me that she? had been chosen for the Rite and that she would win, and we would be mated anyway. But she didn''t want to share that with the whole tribe. She wished to¡­ give herself privately before we became a public spectacle. I regret my choice that evening, but I made it. I took her. At her request."

    "You knew she was an intended sacrifice?"

    He spoke through his teeth. "I also knew, as every male here did, that she was by far the strongest of the innocent females. I did not know Elia would be at the Rite. I believed I was speaking with my future mate, as chosen by the Tribes, and the Rite. I did not think I was breaking the Rite¡ªnot really¡ªwhen I took her. I thought¡­ I thought we were¡­ only speeding up the process."

    "A child''s excuse!" Brant snarled.

    "Perhaps. But I truly thought it. You can smell me for it, Brant. I thought I did no real harm. Had I had any knowledge of Elia''sing, I would never¡ª"

    "You said you had no romantic intentions for Elia," one of the women piped up. "What difference would that have made if you knew she wasing to the Rite? The Rite would choose your mate, not your heart."

    Reth blew out a breath and was trying to find the right answer when Brant broke in. "Gareth¡­ did you have intentions for this female, for our Queen, before she came to Anima? Is that what stopped you from mating for so long?" Brant''s eyes were wide as if this thought had just urred to him, but he did not like it.

    Reth swallowed. He could feel Elia staring at him, smell her fear. "I did not have intentions for her when I was young. But as I grew¡­ I found my heart singrly focused," he said quietly. "I did not intend¡­ I went looking for her earlier, when I was still young, as was she. I did not speak to her. I thought she was already mated. I thought she was happy. And her parents were still alive. It never urred to me¡­" He trailed off, searching for the words that would make them understand, but Brant was leaning forward.

    "Reth, speak true, did you choose Elia in contravention of the Rite?"

    Reth snapped his eyes to Brant''s and locked on.

 Chapter 179: The Final Question

    <h4>Chapter 179: The Final Question</h4>

    RETH

    He stifled the growl that wanted to rise at the pure aggression in Brant''s eyes. But he knew the question was valid¡ªand had he been in Brant''s chair, he would probably have been less calm.

    This was the most crucial question yet, and he would answer it so. "No. I did not. I knew her nature. Knew her heart. And knew what she''d been to me. I knew she was my mate. But she did not. When I was faced with the choice¡­"

    "You chose for your heart?"

    "No, I chose for my people. I believed then, as I do now, that Elia was the better Queen for the Anima."

    "You expect us to believe that you had no hand, no knowledge, no intention towards a woman who you have just admitted held your heart, even when you were young?"

    "I expect you to believe that the Creator can achieve the impossible¡ªwhat I believed to be impossible, anyway. And that He can use the ill-intent of the wolves to bring about the best future for the Anima.

    "What ill-intention do you speak of?"

    Reth turned to the woman who''d asked the question. She sat next to Aymora who had remained quiet through this, which Reth found odd. She was older¡ªthese were all the elders of the tribe¡ªbut her hair remained only peppered with gray. Her face was kind but strong, and her eyes a piercing green.

    "I believe that somehow¡ªand I truly do not know how¡ªthe wolves learned of my attachment to Elia. I believe they knew I''d broken the Rite with Lucine and they did not remove her from it. And the reason they did not call me to face the charges, was because they thought she and I had formed an attachment. They nned to use Elia as a¡­ tactic. Believing that Lucine would kill her easily¡ªas did I when I saw her in the Rite. I sadly underestimated my Queen and her strength.

    "I believe the wolves intended to show me my own weakness, to exert their power through Lucine, by cing the female they somehow knew was significant to met, in a position to be removed by their female. So that I would walk into my reign¡ªher reign¡ªseeing her as¡­ dominant over my goals and hopes."

    Brant sat back in his chair. Many of the women nodded, but not all. And the men looked very skeptical.

    Reth took a quick nce at Elia, who stared at him, so sad. So worried. He winked again, but knew he had not been able to put the joy into it that would soothe her.

    He yearned to touch her.

    His eyes trailed over her¡ªthe mark on her neck looking like a dark smudge in the afternoon light and his stomach clenched.

    They had to get through this. They had to be able to move past it.

    They had to be together.

    "I do not like this," Brant growled and Reth snapped his attention back to the councils. "Maniption and politics interfering in what should be the work only of the Creator."

    "But that is what happened," Reth said softly. "I can see it¡ªcan you? Just as I believed to find her, to have her was impossible, their machinations seemed utterly foolproof. Their intentions to bring themselves power through the Rite must have seemed as if it could not fail. Yet, the Creator found a way. And I am so grateful that He did¡ªand not just for myself. For the people."

    Brant stared, and Reth waited.

    There was nothing else he could do.

    *****

    ELIA

    She felt the tension in the room shift as the men went quiet, and she wasn''t sure why. But all she could do was stare at Reth. Her heart ached for him, desperate for him to be seen clearly, for them to know the way he''d seen this, right from the beginning.

    Her mate wasn''t wless, but he was honest, could they see that?

    When he turned to look at her, his eyes full of grief, she was reminded of the night he''d told her all of this¡­

    When he''d told her he''d slept with Lucine it had hit her like a bullet in the chest. She''d pulled her hands out of his grip. "The one¡­ you''re telling me that the woman that killed all those others¡ªthat wanted to kill me¡ªyou¡­ had sex with her?"

    He''d nodded.

    "But I thought¡­ I thought they were all virgins, like me?"

    "They were supposed to be," he croaked. "When she approached me, she broke the Rite¡ªshe told me she was the chosen sacrifice for the wolves, and she convinced me¡­ she was certain she would win and we would be together. I knew she was right¡ªhad you not been there, Elia, she would be my mate, and my Queen, and my skin crawls just speaking those words, but they are true," he said fiercely.

    Her entire body had recoiled from him and he''d grieved it, rushing to try andfort her.

    "Elia, you cannot think¡ªyou must know it was not what I desired, or what I would have chosen. You know my heart lives because you''re here and I wouldn''t change a thing about that. I wish¡­ I regret that night. Deeply¡ªand not just for us. I regret it for Lucine and the ce it has left her. Had I known you wereing, I wouldn''t even have been tempted. I forced myself to it because I thought I had to find a way with her and I was afraid, honestly. I didn''t want tobine my bloodline with the wolves¡ªand Lucine¡­" he trailed off miserably¡­

    She''d been unable to deny that he spoke honestly that night, as much as she''d wanted to stay angry and wanted to punish him, she''d known. He loved her so much, if he''d known he wouldn''t have done it. It was that purely simple.

    But here he was, a suspected traitor just for holding her so close. She couldn''t let them see him that way.

    "Can¡­ Can I please speak?" she asked quietly, keeping her shoulders forward and not meeting Brant''s eyes in the best attitude of submission she knew. "Please?"

    "Speak of what?" he asked, the words clipped.

    Then she met his eyes. "Speak of the ways that even in these circumstances, my Mate has honored both me, and the people, at cost to himself. To prove his heart?"

    Brant stared at her for several breaths and none of the others broke in.

    "No," he said softly a momentter.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the beginning of the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 180: Guilty

    <h4>Chapter 180: Guilty</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia blinked at Brant. Had he really just said no? She looked at Reth, who didn''t seem shocked, but more resigned.

    Anger churned in Elia''s chest. "But¡ª"

    "No one in this room doubts the King''s heart for you, or for the people," Brant said, directly to her, his gaze unwavering. "You see your Mate through the eyes of a Pair, you cannot be expected to question his heart. You also cannot be an objective witness to his motives."

    "But he speaks to me of things in his¡ª!"

    "He speaks to all of us of things that are relevant. That does not make us unbiased, Sire," Brant said sharply. A tiny growl puttered in Reth''s throat, but Brant didn''t take his eyes off her. "You asked if you could speak to his heart of honor both for you and for your people, does anyone here question either the King''s true heart for his mate, or his people? Or the Queen''s good intention in sharing it?"

    He waited. No one spoke. Elia frowned.

    But Brant continued without waiting for her. "The question before us today is not whether our King is of good heart. The question is whether his heart fogged his mind and did he, in fact, betray his people¡ªwhether he intended to or not?"

    The elders shifted in their seats and nced at each other.

    "So, I will ask those who hold for the Tribe," Brant said, finally turning his gaze from Elia, who found she could suddenly breathe easier, and turning to face those behind him. "Is the King guilty of interfering in the choosing of sacrifices, or manipting the Lupine in their choice?"

    Every person present shook their head.

    Elia heaved a sigh of relief and smiled at Reth. But he didn''t smile back. His eyes still on Brant.

    "Did the King betray his people in having care for Elia before we knew of her, and holding himself aside in hope of her?"

    The elders all shook their heads again¡ªElia noticed the women seemed much quicker to jump on that than the men. But that was two of the counts not being held against him, why wasn''t Reth smiling?

    Brant took a deep breath. "Did the King break the Rite of Survival by choosing his true Mate, his Pair, when the Rite allowed for it?"

    Again, each of the elders shook their heads. Elia put her hands to her mouth. Could this be over so quickly? So easily?

    Then Brant said, more slowly than the others as if the words were dragged from him. "Did our King break the Rite of Survival by taking the wolf-daughter, Lucine, before her chosen time and with an understanding for the future?"

    There was half-a-breath pause, then, "I say, guilty," one of the women said, though her voice showed no pleasure in it.

    Elia''s heart sank.

    "As do I," said another, then another, then another, until one by one, all of the elders and wise-women had dered her husband guilty.

    But, of what?

    Was breaking the Rite treason in their eyes?

    She looked at Reth, but his head was down and his eyes closed. Fear spiraled through her.

    Finally, as thest of the others agreed with the judgment, Brant turned back to face them and said, "I, too, say guilty," he said. He did not smile. "Your judgment was held to the tribe, Reth. We have assessed the petition. We clear the Queen of wrong-doing. We dere the wolves incorrect in their assessment of events. But in the course of this petition, we find that the King has, indeed, betrayed his people."

    Brant stared at Reth, who finally opened his eyes and met the older man''s gaze.

    "And what does that mean? What do you judge as the appropriate punishment?" he asked in a jagged voice.

    "I judge, that by the order of Anima, Lucine was taken, not in a mere physical act, but epted as mate, and therefore, the Queen of Anima."

    "WHAT?!" Elia shrieked. "What are you saying?" She looked to Aymora for help, but Aymora, her face white and lips pinched, was staring at Reth. "Reth, what are they doing?"

    Reth began to tremble, but Brant didn''t take his eyes off of him. "It is the judgement of the Tribe that the mes and Smoke were walked in breach. That the mating was not true. That the Creator''s way was thwarted by the choices of King Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn, the seventh in the Royal Line to take and hold the throne. And that the true Queen of Anima was shunned because of the actions of same King. This is a most grievous crime, may the Creator not turn His anger on the people for the sin of their King."

    "May it be so," the other elders replied.

    Elia looked back and forth between them and Reth, her hands shaking. "Reth, what are they saying? What are you all saying?"

    "Elia," Reth breathed without looking at her. "Quiet."

    "Quiet?! They''re saying we didn''t mate! That we aren''t¡ªthey''re saying she¡ª"

    "We''re saying that Reth has broken vows," Brant said, his voice low and hard. "And when any male breaks a mating vow, it is terrible. But when a King breaks a vow, it is a very, very serious matter, indeed."

    "There were no vows," Reth said breathlessly, but he still didn''t meet Brant''s eyes. "There was an understanding of future vows. But no vows were exchanged."

    "Did you mate with the belief and agreement ofing together as husband and wife? As King and Queen?"

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Consider, please, Reth, if it were your daughter?"

    "She offered herself first! Before we spoke. There was no agreement when she came to me and made the signals!"

    Elia couldn''t figure out why Reth didn''t meet Brant''s eyes, but kept his gaze to the floor, his head bowed. What was he doing?

    "Did you speak of the future before you gave over? Before you took her?"

    Reth''s eyes widened. "Yes."

    "The judgment stands."

    Breath tumbled out of Reth and Elia saw true fear on his face for the first time. His voice, when he spoke, was tight and pleading. "Elders¡­ please¡­ Elia is my true mate. My soul tie. We are Paired¡ª"

    "You took your mate¡ªyour true mate¡ªwith the blood of another sacrifice still on your prick," Brant growled.

    Elia looked at the older man, whose face twisted with disgust. Then she looked at Aymora, whose face was straight, but¡­ Elia blinked¡­ tears rolled down Aymora''s cheeks.

    Her stomach clenched and threatened to revolt.

    "What is happening?" she breathed.

 Chapter 181: Held to the People - ACT 1

    <h4>Chapter 181: Held to the People - ACT 1</h4>

    RETH

    Reth stumbled forward a step, threw himself down on his knees, his head still bowed. "Brant," he put his head to the floor. "Please."

    "It is not my mercy that you need, Reth. You have always had that, and always will. It is the mercy of your people¡ªand your thwarted Queen."

    Reth sucked in a breath. His hands shook and he wed into the dirt. "You can''t be serious. Lucine? Please¡­ Brant. Please¡ªElders, Wise-women. Please¡­ do not break my true mate''s bonding for this¡­ mistake."

    Brant growled. "Is the honor of the wolf-daughter, your subject¡ªyour intended Queen, of no consequence?"

    "No! Of course it is! But¡­ I do suspect machinations behind it. I suspect she was manipted toe to me. And¡­ please, Brant. Please." His voice weakened as the magnitude of the judgment came home from him and he lifted his head, begging. "Please¡­ do not take Elia from me."

    Brant''s eyes were furious.

    "You ask first for your Mate, over your people?!" he snarled.

    In the same moment, Elia shouted, "They can''t take me from you! No one can take me from you, Reth!"

    He snapped his head to her, his heart tearing in two when he saw her, wide-eyed, tears on her cheeks, and eyes wide with fear.

    "You must be quiet!" he hissed in the same moment Brant stood, his eyes suddenly golden brown and lit with the fire of the Lion inside him.

    Reth dropped his head again. "I do not ask for¡­ I only ask for¡­ she cannot survive here alone and¡ª"

    Brant stepped to stand over his neck, snarling. "It is the belief of this council that the Creator-appointed Queen of the Anima is Lucine, the wolf daughter."

    "NO!" Reth bellowed into the dirt, shuddering with the fight to restrain himself from challenging the elder. "BRANT, PLEASE!"

    "It is the judgment of this council, that Elia of the Leonine is shamed¡ª"

    "Shamed?" Elia shrieked. "What for? What do you mean? Brant, please¡ª"

    "¡ªher honor broken by Gareth, King, n Leader, and Alpha."

    A snarl tore out of Reth''s chest and he leapt up, roaring, "I DO NOT SHAME MY MATE!"

    "Reth, no!" Aymora screamed as Reth came to his feet, growling and ended face to face with Brant. The older Lion''s eyes flickered as he bared his teeth. He did not waver.

    Reth quivered with the effort not to put his hands on the man.

    Brant stood against him, eyes locked and a growl puttering, rising every time Reth so much as twitched. "Will the King shame himself, as well?" he snarled.

    "Do not¡­ take her¡­ from me," Reth''s voice was a guttural rasp. "She has no fault here."

    "No, the fault is entirely yours."

    "And I own it, Brant. I had already admitted it to her. She had already forgiven me¡ª"

    "And yet again, you choose your mate over your people!" Brant shook with rage. "Why was this sin not admitted to the people after the Rite? Before the mes and Smoke?"

    "Because I realized I had been manipted and I would not allow the wolves the victory in their malicious ns. And¡ª" he caught himself just in time, but Brant caught it, too.

    "Because you did not wish to risk losing her¡ªeven then. Even without the mating, she was first in your mind." Brant snorted so hard, Reth felt it on his face and blinked like he''d been pped. "If I did not stand here today and hear it from your own lips, I would have defended you, Reth," the elder said through his teeth. "But you convict yourself by your words. You choose a female¡ªa sole female¡ªover the life and heart of every person in Anima. That is treason."

    Elia screamed, "NO!"

    Cries and howls rose in the room, echoing off the ceiling.

    And Reth''s hands twitched toward the man¡ªthe man he loved and admired. The Lion of his n. The truest dominant, though few realized it.

    And Reth burned to kill him, to remove him, anything to stop the words he spoke that sliced Reth''s chest open like a de.

    Brant knew, too. He could smell it in Reth, and his eyes lit with the fire of righteous anger. He leaned in on Reth and spat, "You already chose her over the people." He threw an arm out towards Elia. "What is one more Anima to you?"

    Reth''s hands jerked towards Brant.

    "No! Reth!" Aymora shouted.

    "Reth!" Elia cried.

    With his teeth snapping over a roar, he tore himself away from the ming eyes before him and put himself between Elia and Brant, covering her, pushing her behind him, his teeth bared and hands wed¡ªonly barely stopping himself from making the shift.

    "You will not take her from me. She is my Pair! I am a good King! I love my people! But removing her from me would be removing the heart from my chest."

    Brant didn''t move though a sh of relief crossed his face as Aymora rushed to stand at his side, shaking her head, her hands at her mouth. Both of them stared at Reth. The other elders and wise-women were all on their feet, faces aghast.

    "We cannot take her from you, Reth," Brant rasped. "And we would not."

    Reth froze, Elia''s hands at his back. She was panting with fear. "What?"

    "Our judgment is that you have betrayed your people. But that means your people are the ones who must measure the depth of your sin."

    Reth''s chest heaved again and again, but Brant didn''t speak further. "Brant, tell me what you''re saying!"

    "I''m saying," Brant said, biting off the words. "This judgment will be held to the people." Reth froze, the first glimmer of hope shimmering at the edge of his horizon. He gripped Elia''s hand. She didn''t breathe, her scentced with the tang of fear. Brant finally looked at her and his face softened a hair. Then he locked eyes with Reth again, and the steel was back in his jaw. "The people will hear the charges, and the testimony of those involved¡ªincluding the wolf daughter. And the people will decide their Queen."

    Reth''s heart sank as Elia sobbed.

 Chapter 182: The Consequence of Choice

    <h4>Chapter 182: The Consequence of Choice</h4>

    ELIA

    Dear, Lord, this was what Reth had meant when he''d been so upset about her slipping her guards, when he''d begged her not to let others know where the loyalty of his hearty.

    She''d had no idea.

    Elia clung to the back of Reth''s shirt, terrified that someone was going to pull them apart. She stood on the balls of her feet, poised for flight. She would not leave him. They would have to tear her away. Despite his distraction, he still held his hand back, penning her behind him.

    "When?" Reth said, his voice dead. "When will the people hear this?"

    Brant nced at Aymora, then sighed. "Tonight. What point is there in dying?"

    Reth raised a shaking hand to push through his hair. "You will let Elia and I speak the full story?"

    "Yes."

    "And you will not let the wolves distract¡ª"

    "When a judgment is held to the people, any of the people may speak as often as they wish, Reth, you know that," Aymora spoke up, her voice heavy with grief. "You can''t expect Brant to keep them quiet. You must¡­ you must just answer the questions."

    "They often do not ask the questions that need asking, though," Reth said through his teeth. "This picture¡­ it isn''t as ck and white as it sounds."

    "Then pray the Creator uses it to make his truth known. That is what I will be doing," Brant said, the finality in his voice broaching no discussion. "The people are already called to the amphitheater after the final meal. Perhaps the King will rethink his Censure?"

    "Yes¡­ I¡­ of course. This is¡­ they need to know that I don''t betray them. That they have my heart. My best¡­"

    Brant growled.

    But this time Reth raised his eyes and met his gaze. "Think what you will, Brant. My concern for my mate does not interfere with my care for the people. They are one and the same."

    Brant stared at him, eyes t, denying Reth by his silence. But Elia was grateful he didn''t speak and further underline the usations he''d made¡ªthat the others had, apparently, upheld.

    She hadn''t understood everything that passed between the men, but she''d understood enough.

    Not Queen?

    Shamed?

    The people would choose who should be Queen¡ªher, or Lucine?

    But¡­

    "What does this mean for us if¡­ if the people choose her?" Elia asked, her voice strong, but too high.

    Reth''s fingers closed on her hand, squeezing hard. She squeezed back.

    "If the people choose Lucine, things be veryplicated," Aymora said when no one else responded. "We will gather your Cohorts and exin before¡­ before the judging."

    Elia nodded a thank you to her, and Aymora ducked her chin once, but she still had tears in her eyes that made Elia''s stomach trill with fear.

    "Until then, you may be together. We are aware of having held you from the Pairing. No one takes pleasure in this, Reth," Brant said firmly. "This judgment is held. This hearing is over. I speak now, not as your elder, but as your friend, Reth: Our hands were forced and you have left us in a difficult position. I pray you know that no matter the oue, you have the support of those of us who have watched you Rule. I do not agree with your choices, as elder I will see you pay the chosen consequences for them. But I take no pleasure in it. Despite your¡­ inner conflict, I know you seek the best for the people."

    Reth''s head sank again. "You will not chain us?" he asked quietly.

    "No."

    His shoulders sagged with relief and he sighed so heavily, he sounded broken. But his grip on her hand remained strong. Elia gripped his shoulder so he would know she was there.

    "Thank you," he croaked.

    Brant nodded. "There are hours yet until the final meal. I suggest we all take this time to¡­ contemte. To see the way forward with wisdom. And to rest."

    The elders and wise-women behind him all murmured agreement and began to move, picking up shawls or straightening chairs, readying to leave. But Brant and Aymora stayed where they were, watching Reth and Elia.

    Reth pulled her up to his side, then, under his arm and she went willingly. "Reth, what¡ª"

    "Not yet." He brushed her cheek with a kiss and whispered in her ear. "Wait until the others have left. Brant and Aymora will help us. I think."

    She nodded and remained there, under his arm, her hands around his waist, and her head on his chest. His heart beat frantically under her ear¡ªa fact that frightened her more than some of the darker looks Reth received from the others as they filed out.

    But finally, only Reth and Elia, Brant and Aymora remained.

    When the door closed behind thest of the others, they all took deep breaths. Aymora shook her head, then dropped her face in her hand. Elia almost began to cry herself.

    "Brant¡ª" Reth began, his voice more hesitant than Elia had ever heard him.

    "What the hell were you thinking, Reth?" Brant said, all firm surety and authority gone from his voice. He looked at Reth with eyes of grief, his hands palm up, pleading. "What the hell were you thinking?"

    Reth rubbed his hand over his lined face and groaned in his throat. "At that point, I truly thought I would never see Elia again. I thought she was already mated, and happy without me. I thought I had to find another way forward. I was sick about the Rite¡ªI didn''t want it, but knew I had to go through with it. And I thought¡­ I thought she would win. I thought ultimately it did no harm to anyone. It was stupid and reckless, but¡­ I did it. I know it''s my fault."

    Brant turned away from him for a moment, his face lined with grief. "I cannot fault your choice in Elia. I agree with you that she''s needed here. That the people would benefit. But Reth¡­ you have undermined everything, for what?"

    "I did not see the consequences at the time. I wish I had. Believe me, Brant¡ª"

    "Stop looking for solutions to things that cannot be changed," Aymora snapped over both of them, folding her arms over her chest. "With Lucan gone, the wolves will be in upheaval. Lerrin will step in, but he may be challenged¡ªespecially if there is a strong faction that thought as Lucan did. You must dominate, Reth. You must stop the people following the broken and angry. You must!"

    "But¡­ the charges¡­"

    "People do not hold thew as we do," Brant said, pinching his nose and sighing. "Your best hope is that Elia has won them over enough that they''ll choose her over Lucine, purely by preference¡ªand your forgiveness wille with it."

    "And if they don''t?" Elia asked, her voice quavering.

    All three of them turned to stare at her. But it was Reth who took her hand and made her face him. "I''m so sorry my love. You would be shunned," he said quietly.

 Chapter 183: Get Away

    <h4>Chapter 183: Get Away</h4>

    RETH

    Tension coiled in his stomach like a snake. He could barely take in the conversation as Aymora exined to Elia¡­ but did it matter? Did it matter what any of them thought, or what thew said? In the end, the thing that made his heart pound and his throat too tight was the fact that they were going to try to make him align with Lucine, in some way.

    "I need to speak to my Queen," he growled. "We need time alone."

    Brant opened his mouth and Reth had the distinct impression he was going to correct Reth''s use of Queen, but they met eyes, and the older man closed his mouth and nodded. "We will allow you the freedom to be alone. But please, stay away from the people. Do not try to influence the oue of this evening."

    "We won''t," he growled, taking Elia''s hand, but before he could stride for the door, Brant caught his arm. "What?" he snarled.

    The older man raised one eyebrow, and Reth paused, but didn''t apologize.

    "The Creator brings great struggle only to put us on the right path, Reth."

    "Any path that would split a Pair cannot be the Creator''s will," he spat.

    "We will see," Brant said calmly. "But that isn''t what I meant. I meant¡­ spend this time¡ªsome of it, at least, centering on His n, Reth. It''s the only way. His power is greater than yours."

    Reth clenched his teeth, but nodded. Aymora and Elia were whispering, but when he turned to look at her, she stopped and hugged Aymora, then followed him out of the building at a walk so fast it was nearly a run.

    Her hand was enclosed in his and the frantic screaming in his head wouldn''t stop. The scent of another male wafted to him through the trees and he wanted to shift.

    He had to get her away from everyone else. He couldn''t¡­ let this¡­ he couldn''t¡­

    "Reth," she whispered, hugging his arm and pulling him to a stop. "Stop."

    He jerked to a halt at the intersection of paths. There was little traffic around this area, so no one could see them. When he turned to her, she put a hand to his face. "We''re still here," she said breathlessly. "They haven''t split us up. And they won''t. One way or another¡­ unless you¡­ unless you feel like you have to¡ª"

    "Don''t even think that!" he snarled and she grabbed his arms as he groaned and fought back the shifting.

    "Reth, what''s wrong?"

    "I''m fucking terrified of losing you, that''s what''s wrong!" he hissed, then cupped the back of her neck and took her in a kiss so searing, she startled before rxing under his hand and returning it.

    When he pulled back, her eyes were already wide and on him. "Are you prepared to¡­ trust my Beast?" he asked, his voice rough as gravel on a hillside.

    "If you tell me I can, I will," she said.

    He kissed her again "I''m going to shift, and you''re going to get on my back and I''m taking you away from here," he said.

    Her throat bobbed, but she nodded. He kissed her again, then with his eyes still closed and his forehead rested on hers, he stroked her cheek. "Never, Elia. They''ll never take me from you," he whispered.

    Before she could respond he stepped back and shifted¡­

    His She was shaky, but determined. The other inside snarled and he shook, butid himself t on the dirt so she could crawl over his back to sit astride his shoulders.

    Her strange limbs fixed in his mane in a way that made him want to purr. Then he rose to his feet, let her find her bnce, then he was gone.

    *****

    ELIA

    Under any other circumstances it would have been the most incredible experience. Reth was huge, all warmth and power in this form, and although massive, he was all grace, As he bounded through the forest, his back barely shifted under her¡ªuntil he needed to turn. More than once he had to slow, or shift his angle to stop her from sliding off sideways when he took a corner. But they found their rhythm and by the time she wasfortable enough to look around, they''d reached a part of the WildWood she''d never seen.

    And the earth under Reth''s paws was climbing.

    She thought they might have circled the mountain to take a path up its side that wasn''t as steep, because the trees were thinning here, but she could caught shes of dense growth to her left that looked like the canopy when they were up the hillside from thedder.

    She should have been tired. She should have been exhausted. But every muscle in her body was tight, tense, rigid with fear. Her breath felt like it was too shallow, too quick, but she couldn''t seem to suck in more, so she panted, despite doing very little work to make the climb.

    Reth''s mane was an odd mix of soft and rugged, and her fingers began to cramp with holding onto it so tightly. But thankfully, soon his pace slowed. And when they finally broke through the trees into a clearing the size of a football field, but open on the short end to look out over WildWood, it stole her breath.

    Reth settled to his stomach so she could slide off, her knees shaking from gripping his sides. Then he was next to her, himself again, and taking her hand, leading her across the thick, tall grass, now turning brown in the Autumn sun, to the edge of what was almost a cliff.

    They were higher than she''d ever been.

    They were protected from the afternoon sun by the tall trees alongside the clearing. Standing in their shadow just made the bright light over the rest of the world even more brilliant.

    Elia stared down at a carpet of treetops, so far away, they looked like moss. Clouds skittered across the bright blue sky, and the sun made it impossible to look too high. But for a moment Elia could breathe.

    Finally.

    "Oh, God, Elia," Reth rasped and pulled her into his chest.

 Chapter 184: Need You Closer

    <h4>Chapter 184: Need You Closer</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    RETH

    The only day he''d felt even remotely this afraid was the day his father died and he''d realized the mantle was truly his¡ªand that his mother wasn''t going to survive to help him.

    That night he''d stood alongside the royal sleep tform for the first time, his entire body trembling, barely able to breathe, and he''d wondered if his chest might actually explode.

    This was worse.

    Because then, he''d known what he must do. He''d even known how to do it. His only fear had been that in grief, he would appear weak¡ªor make a mistake. He''d yearned to not be alone in it. And yet he''d kept himself alone for the very reason that now threatened to jerk the feet out from under his entire life.

    Elia.

    He couldn''t let them do it. He couldn''t let her be harmed because of his choices. And he couldn''t lose her.

    It was an utterly impossible situation and he didn''t know what to do. He didn''t even know where to begin.

    And that was more frightening than anything else that had ever happened to him.

    As she stood staring out over the beauty of WildWood, her lips slightly parted and eyes wide, she was so beautiful his chest ached. He groaned her name and pulled her into his chest, and she came willingly, neither of them willing to move or speak for a time. They just held each other.

    Reth didn''t want to speak. Speaking would require facing the terror, and he wasn''t ready to do it.

    So when she finally pulled her head off his chest and leaned back to look at him, his name on her lips, he didn''t even hesitate. He took her mouth, his fingers wed into her hair, walking her backwards away from the edge of the cliff.

    The kiss was brutal¡ªand she clung to him, and returned it in kind, until they stumbled and almost went down. Then he jerked away, but didn''t let her go.

    They stared at each other. "I¡­ need you, Elia," he said hoarsely.

    She gulped a breath and nodded. "Me too," she gasped and threw herself at him.

    Somehow, despite wrestling against clothing, their hands grasped, their teeth shed, and their twin breaths thundered. Without finesse or dy, they ended up naked.

    "Reth, please," she gasped, letting him go to lower herself to the grass. "Please¡ª"

    But the word hadn''t even left her lips before he slipped around behind her. She was still kneeling, preparing toy down, but he growled her name and dropped behind her, sliding his hand from her hip to her stomach, then her breasts, pulling her back into his chest as he covered her from behind.

    Her head sank back against his shoulder and he sucked at her neck, palming her breasts as her breath came faster.

    Leaning forward so she was forced to her knees, he took her chin and turned her head, invading her mouth even as he curled over her and took himself in hand.

    "Elia, are you¡ª"

    "Now, Reth, please, Don''t wait¡ªoh!"

    He plunged into her with a roar that shook the trees.

    She cried his name, trembling with the onught, but she clenched around him and he almost came.

    But he thrust into her again, shuddering as his body called for hers, his fear soothed a hair by her closeness.

    "Oh, Lord, Elia¡ª"

    "I know, me too," she gasped.

    She was on all fours under him, between his arms. As he thrust, he curled over her to kiss her neck again and she moaned. Then, reaching back with one hand, her fingers wed into his hair and she pulled him in, against her skin, so tightly it hurt, but he reveled in it.

    He needed to be closer, ever closer.

    Strange noises broke from his throat, calls he''d never made before and didn''t understand, but they spoke something about what she did to him, what he needed from her, why only she could soothe the heat and terror in him.

    With her thighs shaking, she panted and whimpered, pushing back against him, his name torn from her throat over and over.

    Their coupling was desperate and Reth feared he might actually lose his mind and shift¡ªbut every time the fear threatened to send him over the edge, she would say his name, or turn her head to find his kiss and everything in him centered on her again.

    Until it wasn''t enough. He needed her closer.

    "Hold on, my love," he gasped, then with both hands sping her breasts, he sat back, pulling her with him until she straddled his thighs, her back to his chest.

    "Reth! Reth!" her voice was panicked, desperate. Both arms back, her head on his shoulder and she arched, searching for her peak, but she hadn''t found it.

    "I''m here, love, I have you. I''m here. I''ll never let you go," he whispered, his lips against her ear.

    Goosebumps bloomed on her neck, washing down her side as he slid one hand down her body to find where they were joined, where she was so slick, he almost couldn''t find that ce of her pleasure.

    But then her breath caught, and she clenched harder around him and he stroked again and a high pitched keening started in her throat as they rolled together.

    Again.

    Again.

    Again.

    She wasn''t saying his name anymore, her breath holding at each peak, then blowing out when he eased, then sucking in to hold again when he thrust.

    "Elia! My love! Come for me, beautiful¡ª"

    She leaned forward, her hands on his knees and began moving against him, bracing, until suddenly she shuddered. "Reth!" her voice was high and thin.

    Jerking, crying out, she rode the wave up and over the edge of bliss, then tumbled to the other side. Her arms gave, but Reth clutched her at chest and hip and held her to him.

    He roared again and pounded into her as her body rippled and went ck, her breathing deep and frantic and she threw her arms back to hold his neck, rolling against him as he gave in to his own climax.

 Chapter 185: Never Alone

    <h4>Chapter 185: Never Alone</h4>

    RETH

    Secondster, his body returned to some kind of sanity. He had her in his arms, hear head back against his shoulder, and she''d put her hands over his, twining their fingers under her breast and over her stomach.

    "Oh¡­ Reth¡­" she sighed, her voice shaky.

    "Are you okay?" he gasped. "That was¡ª"

    "That was beautiful," she said breathlessly. "I can''t¡­ I would do it again if¡­"

    He growled and turned his head to drop a kiss on her throat. "I love you, Elia. That word does not describe the feelings I have for you. I can''t¡­ There isn''t¡­"

    "I know," she whispered, "Me too," and her voice cracked.

    She brought one hand up to cover her mouth and her shoulders shook once.

    Reth whined in his throat and shushed her. But she began to quiver and shake for all the wrong reasons.

    Crooning to her, stroking her forfort rather than desire, he soon had her turned around so he could hold her as she sobbed into his shoulder, her arms clutching at his neck, her legs around his waist.

    "Shhhhh, my love, I''m here. They won''t ever take me away. I won''t let them. I''m here."

    But she cried on, her clinging to him so desperately, her fingers wed his skin. And as her tears fell on his shoulder and slid down his chest, Reth had to fight his own.

    The fear, the loss, it all seemed so very¡­ present.

    They stayed that way a long while, until finally her shaking turned to hups, then to deeper, longer breaths. Until her tears finally stopped, and his own were held at bay.

    But still he could not find it in himself to let her go.

    And she seemed in no hurry to release him, either.

    "What are we going to do?" she whispered into his ear, eventually. Turning her head on his shoulder so that her lips were next to his ear, but not moving away.

    "We will plead our case to the people. And pray."

    "But¡­" she hesitated, clinging tighter. "How likely are they to choose me after all this? Honestly, Reth?"

    "We have no choice, Elia," he said starkly. "No choice that allows us to keep our life, our home."

    She took a deep breath, fighting of a new round of tears, he thought. But she did it.

    Then she finally pushed back, out of his arms and, with her hands on his shoulders, faced him. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her nose clogged, but she stared at him with such love in her eyes that it almost broke him open. He put a hand to her face and said her name and she swallowed hard.

    "I don''t deserve you," he whispered. She frowned and opened her mouth, but he rushed on. "This whole situation is of my making. Brant was right today. I knew. I knew I shouldn''t have allowed the Smoke and mes. I should have called for the people then, exined what had urred. But I was so terrified that they would kill you¡­ so certain it would nevere to this, I let myself just ignore the risk. I''m sorry. You didn''t know. This was on me."

    He looked down then, ashamed of himself. But she put her hands to his face and pulled him back up to meet her gaze.

    "Exin to me why, if the Anima are so free to mate with anyone, it is¡­ what did Brant call it? A breach of vows? Just because you talked about being togetherter? What do they think you did that night¡­ Reth?"

    "They think¡ªthey know¡ªthat when the decision was made between us, I had chosen her as Queen¡ªby taking her that night, with the Rite in mind¡­ I had chosen her. Then I went back on that choice. Brant is saying I broke the Rite by choosing a Queen before it, and still going through with it. Which isn''t the way I thought of it at the time, but he''s right."

    "But¡­ wasn''t that what she agreed to? Wasn''t that what both of you said you were doing? What about her vows? What about her in the Rite? Wasn''t she wrong when she didn''t win the Rite¡ªwhen she didn''t kill me? How did ite to this, to you being the only one who''s wrong?"

    But he didn''t respond, because her words triggered the tiniest spark of hope for him and he was thinking frantically.

    "Reth? What¡ª"

    "Just a minute, I''m trying to remember¡­"

    She waited, frowning as Reth searched his mind. "You may have hit on something there, my love," he said quietly. "I''m¡­ not sure."

    "What?"

    He swallowed and met her eyes again, stroking her hair back off her concerned face. "The way thew of the Rite is written, it was already broken when Lucine gave me the signals and I epted and we¡­ mated." He growled the word for its nothingness next to what he''d just done with Elia. Next to what they had. "But I don''t know if I can bring usations against her to force her to answer¡­"

    "What would you use her of?"

    "Not use¡­ I just mean, you might be right. She wasn''t part of the testimony to the elders so they didn''t¡­ it wasn''t considered that if there was to be an agreement, she hadn''t fulfilled it either¡­ Oh, Creator''s Light, I hope that might save us," he gasped.

    Elia pulled him in and they held each other again. "What if it doesn''t? What if we can''t stop this whole thing, and the people choose her. What happens to me?"

    Reth sighed heavily and squeezed her tighter. "Byw you be what Lucine is now¡ªshunned. Needing to find your ce within the tribe again. You would be provided for, but not embraced. You would no longer be Queen."

    "My Cohorts?"

    "They cannot exist without a Queen."

    She frowned deeper. "And you?"

    "I am King by right. That is not under threat. I will be Censured and have to win the people back¡ªor be challenged by someone to lose dominance. I cannot not lose my ce without that."

    "Are you kidding me?" Elia''s head jerked back. "Are you fucking serious right now?" She pushed back and scrambled off hisp.

    Reth blinked at his suddenly empty arms. "What¡ªwhere are you going?"

    She got to her feet and began to pace. "Are you telling me that, even though you''re the one who''s considered to have broken this vow, or whatever, and not made Lucine Queen when she should have been, I''m the one they''ll reject?"

    She stopped and faced him, demanding an answer.

    "I am sorry, my love. But yes they will reject you¡ªbecause you will be seen to have stepped into a position that did not belong to you. It was my choice¡­ my mistake¡­ my regret. And I will be punished for it. But just as Lucine had no control over what urred to her, and was forced to the fringes of the tribe, neither would you."

    Before she could argue, he rushed on. "But that''s only half the picture. To defend these usations, to give the people the best chance of choosing you, I have to tell them everything. I have to tell them of my feelings for you, that we knew each other, and that I chose you, knowing who you were and what you were to me. If they decide that those facts breach thew of the People, they may use me of treason."

    She folded her arms. "What happens then?"

    He took a breath. "They''ll kill me."

 Chapter 186: Counting by Thirds

    <h4>Chapter 186: Counting by Thirds</h4>

    READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you @Nessa52283, oirCheerio6, and helloP30ple, my three "top fans". Your support,ments, and humor make me smile every day. You''re a blessing!

    *****

    ELIA

    "WHAT?!" Every hair on her body stood up and her head screamed.

    Reth scrambled to his feet and rushed to her. "The chance is very small, love, I promise it isn''t usual to¡ª"

    "You didn''t think this was ever going to happen with me and Lucine either, did you? And yet, here we are?"

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Reth, how can not have told me about this? This is the biggest risk! If they call you a traitor, you''re dead?"

    "Probably. But that isn''t the biggest risk, Elia, I promise you. I''m not ignoring the truth. It truly is not the most likely of oues."

    "So¡­ you''re saying that unless they pick me and decide you were okay to have been with Lucine, either I get shunned, or you get killed?!" Her hands iled between them and her breasts bobbed with the force of her fear.

    "If they pick Lucine and she is made Queen in your stead, then my actions are judged to have betrayed her¡ªnot the people. She will be allowed to¡­ discipline me herself. It is if¡­ it is if they determine that I broke the Rite with Lucine and chose you over them¡ªin my reactions, in not warning them, and inter requests¡­ like to Brant, today." He swallowed.

    "Why is that less likely?"

    "Because I don''t think the Elders will offer that testimony, and I don''t think anyone knows to ask. But even if they did, it is all solved if they choose Lucine and install her."

    "But¡­. But they could still decide to kill you if they don''t choose Lucine?"

    "Only if they determine that you were not installed as Queen in truth. If they choose you, Elia, if you are Queen, then all is well. And I am going to put to them what you just raised¡ªthat the agreement between Lucine and I was not fulfilled by either party. So you were installed in truth."

    "But¡­ but for every argument you give about Lucine not being Queen, that means it''s more likely they''ll see you as a traitor!"

    Reth took her hands slowly and brought them to his mouth, kissing the backs of them. "I pray that the Creator never allows for those opportunities, Elia. I beg Him to change the course of this. But, yes¡­ it is possible."

    "Reth¡­ how can you just stand there and say that?"

    "Because death is not the most frightening part of life, Elia."

    She gaped. "Then what is?"

    "Loss," he said without hesitation. "To die is to be joined to the Creator, to find eternity. For the person to whom it happens, it''s not a bad thing," he smiled softly. "But for those left behind¡­" he swallowed and put a hand to her face, stroking it with his thumb. "Loss is far, far harder than death, Elia. I pray when the dayes, you will go first so that you aren''t put through that. I watched my mother¡­" he dropped his head, swallowing. "I never want to put you through that."

    "Exactly my point! Why are we not focusing on keeping you alive? Keeping you¡­ not a traitor?"

    "Because we''re telling the truth," he said gruffly, his eyes glinting. "That''s why I told you, Elia, never to let anyone find my weakness. Never to let them see what I would give for you. It is happening in a way I didn''t foresee, but the result is the same."

    "What result?"''

    He stepped up to her until they were chest-to-chest and put both hands to her face. "The result that it is known what a traitor I am. Elia, if the usationes down, I will ept it because it''s true."

    There was suddenly no oxygen in the air. She sucked in, but nothing came. She tried to suck in again, but again, met with nothing.

    "Elia?" Reth said, disturbed. "What''s wrong?"

    "Can''t¡­ breathe¡­" she wheezed. She turned away from him, pulled out of his arms and tried to walk away, but stumbled and ended on the ground on all fours again, sucking hard against the air that didn''t want toe.

    Reth rushed to her side and dropped to pull her up, into hisp, into his chest, holding her, stroking her hair back from her face. "Breathe, my love. Breathe."

    "Can''t." She sucked against the barrier in her throat and his eyes went wide.

    "Elia, look at me." He held her face in his hands and locked eyes with her as she continued to struggle to breathe. "I am here. I am here. Feel me, I am here. I am not gone."

    She sucked again and got some air that time, but her fingers dug into his shoulders. It must have hurt, but he didn''t wince. "How could you¡­ say that¡­?" she wheezed again.

    "Say what? That they will kill me?"

    "That you¡­ would¡­ ept it?"

    His brows pinched over his nose. Hebed her hair back with his fingers. "Love, if the usation is true¡­ you would have me fight it?"

    She closed her eyes and concentrated. Inhaling through her nose for a count of five, exhaling slowly through her mouth. When she felt like she wasn''t suffocating anymore, she opened her eyes at met his worried ones. "You would leave me," she whispered.

    "No."

    "You would let them take you from me."

    "I wouldn''t want to."

    "But you wouldn''t fight it."

    "Not if it is the Creator''s choice."

    "Fucking Creator hasn''t done a damn thing for us!" she screamed, shaking him by the shoulders.

    "Elia¡ª"

    "We are sitting here on the edge¡ªright on the edge, Reth!" She scanned the woods around them wildly, her hands iling. "We will just.. lose each other, one way or another. And you''re saying you would just roll over and ept it¡ªas if you aren''t the best thing that ever happened to those people! As if they don''t adore you¡ªthey do! But if you won''t fight¡ª"

    "I will fight for them to see my heart, love. Love, look at me. Elia, look at me!"

    Her eyes snapped to his, and he cupped her face.

    "I will fight for us," he said, his mouth lined and tense. "I will always fight for us¡ªfor you. I will do everything in my power to make them see this the way I do¡ªto make sure they remember my love for them. And for you. Elia, hear me: I. Will. Fight."

    *****

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 Chapter 187: Fight For You

    <h4>Chapter 187: Fight For You</h4>

    RETH

    Reth''s gaze, glinting and fierce, bored into hers, his hands at her face warm and solid.

    Elia blinked and sucked in another breath. "But you said¡ª"

    "If¡ªif!¡ªI lose that fight, if my every effortes to nothing and I lose¡­ I will not harm my people for doing what they believe is right. If I were convinced that a ruler was a traitor, I would remove them myself. I cannot condemn others for holding the same strength."

    She stared at him, hope and fear warring in her eyes, then her face crumpled. But before he had tofort her again she caught herself.

    "Oh, Reth," she said, stroking his face. "I never dreamed that the things I loved most about you would be the very things that threatened to take you from me," she whispered. "You are the most amazing man¡ªI¡­ I don''t know if you realize that."

    "Elia, it isn''t¡ª"

    "No, listen to me," she gulped, gathering herself. "This is important. It''s important to say whether we get separated by this or not. I have known a lot of men in my life. Not like this, not in this way. But just to¡­ just to know them. You have an integrity about you, a strength, a¡­ bnce in your mind that astounds me. It''s as if you cannot lie to yourself¡ªor to anyone else. And I¡­ I trust you. Do you realize how rare that is in this world? In any world?"

    His brow wrinkled up and he swallowed the pinch that appeared in his throat as she gazed at him, wonder in her face. "When I told you that I couldn''t believe you were mine, that if I took you home everyone would think I was lying, that I''d paid you¡­ that was true," she said, scanning down his chest and stroking it, "but that wasn''t the most important part."

    He sucked in when her hands made it to the base of his stomach and stayed there. But she brought her eyes up to his. "You are a beautiful man on the outside. But inside¡­" she breathed. "Inside¡­ if I didn''t see you live every day I wouldn''t have believed you were possible."

    The words hit him as if he''d been punched, and he grunted. But before he could process anything, try in any way to repay the joy she''d just bestowed on him, she said baldly, "I can''t believe you love me. But even more than that, I can''t believe I get to love you." Then she leaned in until they were almost nose-to-nose, her eyes still searching his. "Promise me, Reth¡­"

    "Anything." His voice was deep, gruff.

    "Promise me that you''ll never change."

    A whimper broke from his throat and he leaned his forehead on hers, sliding one hand t to her spine, cupping the other at her thigh.

    "Elia," he rasped, his eyes on her mouth, "In my world¡­ you are the most precious thing that exists." Then he raised his gaze to hers, shining and silver with unshed tears.

    "Fight for me, Reth. Fight for us," she whispered.

    "Always."

    *****

    ELIA

    When he kissed her it was like the first time¡ªa breath on her lips, a feather touch. As if she might break. And as much as she hungered for him, something held her back, made her want to listen to every beat that pounded in his chest, feel every slide against her skin, to see every shift in the light of his eyes.

    When he raised one hand to her cheek his fingers trembled. But as his touch trailed along her jaw and he murmured about her beauty, she got lost in his eyes, in the line of his neck that she followed with her finger, in the curve of muscle on his shoulders.

    She put her hands t to his smooth chest and explored it as if she''d never seen it before¡ªthe scars that she rarely noticed, the small pucker of his nipples, the cut lines under his pecks, on his arms¡ªthe ways his skin shifted, tightening, the muscles lengthening or bunching, every time he moved.

    "Reth," she said softly, just for the joy of speaking about him. "My Reth."

    A tiny noise broke in his throat and he cupped her neck, pulling her in tenderly, his lips caressing, slow and restful, on hers. His tongue a gentle slide that made her heart race.

    He tilted his head and deepened the kiss, but didn''t press in¡ªstill barely tracing, barely touching his lips to hers, so her skin prickled and rose to find his touch.

    His hand at her spine slid lower, his fingers ying along her back and she arched into him as, between them, his arousal became in. And so, she stroked his stomach, letting her fingers y along thedders of iron muscle at his sides, to that dip over his hips that plunged, pointing the way for her to find him, to stroke the velvet covered steel that promised to bring them as close together as two people could be.

    When she took him in both hands, he sucked in, but didn''t stop kissing her, instead, held her more tightly and whispered a warning, before leaning over toy her down in the grass.

    When she wasfortable he settled himself at her side. But Elia frowned and said, "No, closer." She pulled him over her, and he came willingly, whispering her name as he rested between her thighs, his back arching over her, his hands in her hair, his lips on her neck, and his body rolling so he slid against her where they weren''t yet joined.

    She closed her eyes and let herself feel it. All of it. All of him.

    It was as if every nerve ending in her skin searched for him¡ªyearning for his touch, and celebrating it when it came. His finger on her corbone was a coldet on her skin. His stomach against hers washed her skin in goosebumps. His hand on her breast lit a fire that only roared higher when he curled himself totch onto her nipple with his mouth.

    He purred when she arched into the suck and clung to his back.

    "I love you, Elia," he breathed against her skin, climbing her neck with his kisses and setting his lips so, so gently on the mark he''d left on her the night before. "Are you ready my love?"

    "Yes," she breathed, pulling his mouth back to hers. "Always."

 Chapter 188: Forever Love

    <h4>Chapter 188: Forever Love</h4>

    RETH

    He ced himself there, right there, and made sure she was ready for him. She smiled, pulling him back in to the kiss as she breathed, "Always."

    Entering her was likeing home. A sensation so overwhelming, so pure, it threatened to unhinge him.

    Elbows braced on the grass, both hands in her hair, his fingers tightened, pulling her head back, extending her throat to him as they joined, and a low, guttural groan broke from him, puttering into a pleading call as they began to move together.

    The world fell away. There was no sunlight, only her gaze. There was no wind in the trees, only her whispers and cries. There was no WildWood, only his mate, her skin, her warmth, and the soft, sweet taste of her mouth. There was no shadow on his skin, only her touch, her stroke.

    She was his world.

    "Elia, I¡ª" he gasped into her mouth.

    "I know," she gulped. "Me too."

    Then he couldn''t speak. There were no words that would exin. He had to show her¡ªshow her with his touch how precious she was. Show her with his body how desperate he was for her. Show her with his cover, how he would never let harme to her¡ªwould always stand between her and danger. Show her with his kiss how beautiful she was.

    And all of it together added up to¡­ him. With the mating call on his tongue, and his body worshiping her, he¡­ gave himself up. Emptied his heart so she might take every corner of it. With trembling fingers and shuddering breath, he offered himself and could only weep with relief when she received him with joy, when she took what he gave, and gave herself in return.

    Taking his weight on one elbow, he lifted himself just high enough to see her. As her eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze, he cupped her jaw with one hand and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

    But he did not stop moving inside her. Could not.

    Her mouth dropped open with every roll and her eyes began to hood. But he had to see her. Had to watch her, burn this memory into his mind''s eye.

    He thrust and held, just for a breath. Her head dropped back and he let his teeth slide¡ªso gently¡ªunder the point of her chin.

    "Elia," he whispered.

    "Don''t stop¡­ please?" she pleaded. "I need you, Reth."

    "There will never be a moment that I do not desire you, Elia," he groaned.

    "I love you, Reth. So much."

    Her tears threatened again, so he kissed her to distract her, picked up the pace of their joining until she was panting and her hands wed through his hair.

    Then he lifted himself again to watch her, one hand cupping the back of her neck, his elbow braced over her shoulder, he pulled her into him with each roll, until she was holding her breath between pants.

    "Reth!"

    "You are mine, Elia," he said through his teeth, fighting for control as she writhed, and he pulled her ever closer. "No matter what¡­ no matter who might stand in the way¡­ even in death, Love. Always mine." Breath shuddering, heid his mouth on the mark on her neck and she tensed, crying out, her skin pebbling under his lips, and washing down her body to the ce where they joined.

    He leaned back to watch her crack open, her voice high and keening, then, as she shook and twitched beneath him, her porcin skin flushing and her breath sucking in. Her hand pped as she grabbed at him, and arched again, pressing herself into him.

    "Creator''s Light, you''re beautiful," he panted. He''d intended to slow down, to give her time, see if he could wring another climax from her.

    But as she returned to herself, she cried, "Oh, Reth!" and pulled herself up, toy her mouth at his throat, her tongue shing out against his skin and he grunted as his body responded.

    "Mine," she said against the tensed cord of his neck and his body jerked, pulling into her, deeper. "Mine," she whispered with her lips on his Adam''s apple. He groaned. "Only mine," she gasped, then licked his throat.

    Reth''s control shredded. With a snarling call, he pulled her to his chest and she could do nothing but cling as he unleashed.

    He lost all sense of time or direction.

    He was apass, and she was north.

    He roared as his body sought her again, and again, again.

    She cried out, riding the wave¡ªagain¡ªwith him this time, calling his name, her face buried in his neck, her armstched around his neck and pulling herself in so no space existed between their skins.

    Or their souls.

    As Reth tumbled over the edge, calling her name, something inside him unlocked.

    And in response, a piece of her heart, a sh of light and heat, that spiraled and whipped out of her, leaped to find his.

    As they both drew breath again, that piece of her looped around a piece of his, and pulled it back, into her.

    When he copsed over her, still shivering, his skin alive, their pieces rested together, locked.

    Forever.

    And as he realized what had happened, he threw a silent prayer of thanks to the Creator for the miracle of love.

    *****

    ELIA

    Shey there, gasping, frantic and sated, all at once. Reth groaned and moved like he would roll off of her, but she whimpered, "No!" and held him there, over her.

    "Elia, love, are you okay?"

    "Don''t move, please, Reth. Stay here. With me. Just like this." She hugged him tight, even wrapping her legs around his back and locking him in. He rumbled in his chest, a sound she loved. Tears threatened, but she swallowed them back.

    Something had happened. She didn''t know what. But something within her had shifted and for now all she needed was him. To be close, to listen to him breathe.

    And somehow he found a way toe closer, to cover her, to close her head in his arms, his fingers in her hair. To rest his cheek against hers, and to breathe precious words in her ear.

    "Elreth," he whispered, his voice a bare rasp. Then he dropped a kiss to her hair.

    "What?" Elia asked, unwilling to move.

    "Elreth. That''s what''s we''ll call her."

    "Who?"

    "Our first cub. She will be a piece of each of us, so her name should reflect that." And he sighed happily, purring against her neck. "Elreth."

 Chapter 189: Acceptance

    <h4>Chapter 189: eptance</h4>

    ELIA

    Two hourster, they were both dressed and quiet. She sat, cross-legged in the grass just back from the cliff-edge, looking out over the beauty of the WildWood, from the safety of distance.

    The metaphor that offered for her current situation was not lost on her.

    Reth paced the grass behind her, muttering to himself. She''d watched him for a while, but he said he was practicing his words for when they spoke to the people. All she heard were tortured grunts, and muttered curses.

    Hearing his frustration only fed the fires of anger inside her, so she''d turned away.

    Because as she''d sat there, first feeling sorry for herself, then for Reth, it had urred to her: Neither of them was really to me for this.

    The elders were the ones who should be ashamed.

    They''d allowed themselves to be manipted by Lucan. They''d fallen for the trap that the wolves had set and been trying to spring since the moment she arrived in Anima.

    And now, even with Lucan dead, everything was at risk.

    She muttered a curse of her own and Reth turned towards her. "What''s wrong, Love?"

    "I''m furious with Aymora, and Brant, and all of them. I can''t believe they didn''t take any of the circumstances into ount¡ªhow were you ever supposed to anticipate meing here? How were you supposed to expect that Lucine wouldn''t win?"

    She turned around on her butt as his footsteps approached. He stopped on the grass just before her, hands on his fists. "They did the right thing, Love. They did what I would have done if I''d been in their shoes."

    "How can you say that when you know what you did¡ªand didn''t do. And what I did? Everything I didn''t know? It''s not fair!"

    "Life isn''t fair. Ever," he said softly. "It''s why we teach our young to learn to ept what they cannot change."

    "But you could change this! You''re the King! You could tell them they can''t¡ª"

    "No, Elia. You spoke of it earlier¡­ there is a bnce to the mind. Changing the rules by which we live does not change right from wrong."

    "But¡ª"

    He dropped to kneel in front of her, his elbows on his knees, his eyes kind, but tired. "Love, our focus can''t be on what has already passed. The judgment has been called. Our time is almost done. We have to face the people now."

    "I don''t know how you can say that so calmly when¡­ when you might be dead in a few hours!" She covered her mouth at the words, eyes wide with shock. She hadn''t said it before. Hadn''t even wanted to think it. But saying it out loud made it suddenly feel real.

    But Reth reached for her hand, tugging it gently away from her face, and holding her hand in his massive one.

    "Brant and the others made the right judgment," he said softly. "But I pray the people will see it differently. And if they do, that will also be the right judgment. And we will be free, then. No more shadows. No more regrets. It will all be in the light. Nothing to worry about."

    She swallowed hard. "But what if they don''t?" she croaked. "What if they choose Lucine for you? Or¡­ or worse?"

    "We will figure it out. And we will live through whateveres."

    "Unless you''re dead."

    He snorted the air from his nose¡ªnot at her, she knew, but at the idea. "I do not think we should focus on that. I think we should focus on the best way to win the people to our way of seeing this."

    She was about to argue, but when he met her eyes, and his own were pleading, she realized she was making him carry everything¡ªnot just the stress and fear of losing everything, but also her anger, her fear, as well.

    In that moment she realized how unfair she was being. She pushed her shoulders back and nodded, vowing to herself to share his burden, instead of forcing him to carry hers. "Tell me what I can do¡ªhow it works. What the rules are. Teach me, Reth, so I make it better, not worse."

    He took a deep breath, then let himself drop to sit in front of her, his legs crossed to, scooting forward so their knees touched.

    "The structure is the same as what we went through with the elders. Brant will read the charges, then begin to ask questions. The people will listen, and will be free to ask their own questions, and make their own statements. If people believe they have information that is important, they''ll be invited toe forward and speak what they know. Then, when there are no more testimonies to be heard, the judgment will be called by vote. Whichever course has the most support, that will be the way¡­ everyone will go." He swallowed.

    Elia put a hand on his knee. "What do I need to do?"

    Reth rolled his head on his shoulders. "You can''t interrupt anyone. At all. It''s seen as interfering, or trying to deceive. Don''t do it, even if what you need to say is important. If no one asks you the right questions, when you do have a chance to speak, ask for permission to speak further. But regardless, never speak when a witness is speaking, unless they ask you a question."

    "Mouth shut," she said through a sigh. "Got it."

    "You cannot stand in defense of me," he said carefully.

    She frowned. "But¡­ everything I have to say will defend you!"

    "That is testimony. That''s fine. Speak the truth. But¡­ if anyone threatens, or¡­ or judgment is called against me, you cannot stand in defense of me. You cannot put yourself between me and justice."

    "Why not?! You did it for me with Lucan!"

    "That was different. Lucan wasn''t enacting the Tribe''s justice. He was trying to thwart it. To make his own. If someone attacks outside of what is allowed by the elders, we can all defend ourselves. Behryn and I spoke at lengthst night about how we would handle this¡ªand the variety of ways that it might y out. If you find yourself under attack, go to him or his men. They''ll be with us on the stage. Follow his orders¡ªno matter what, Elia. Do you hear me? Even if it seems that I am in danger, you do as Behryn tells you."

    She stared at him for a long moment and was about to ask, when he suddenly continued.

    "But the truth is, we may not need to even consider what to do in those circumstances. My clever mate has raised a very valid point that I will raise to the people if they look like supporting Lucine for Queen. It may be that we can walk out of this together and unhurt¡ªand both still ruling. That is my prayer."

    "I need you to tell me the other ways it could go, though, Reth," Elia forced herself to say, though her voice was quiet. "I need to know what it will look like if it''s going wrong and it looks like they''ll choose Lucine. Or¡­ worse¡­"

    Reth sighed and twined their fingers, his eyes on her hand. "Very well," he said with a sigh.

    *****

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 Chapter 190: What Do You See?

    <h4>Chapter 190: What Do You See?</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    He swallowed hard and tightened his grip on Elia''s fingers, focusing on the warmth of her skin and the pleasant flush still there. Not on the terrible images in his mind. "If the people decide that they somehow believe Lucine is the correct Queen¡ªthat she should have been Queen this entire time¡ªthey will dere it first. There will be a vote, and judgement will be called. She''ll be called to the stage if she isn''t already there. And the people will install her."

    "How?"

    "They will acknowledge her. Normally it should have happened after we mated¡ªas you experienced¡ªand then the public acknowledgement. I suspect they will skip the part of celebrating our union, under the circumstances¡­" he trailed off, his body trembling. He worked to keep himself calm for Elia, but the truth was, when he though of Lucine at the head of the people, the wolves with that kind of power¡­ he was filled with rage. He cleared his throat. "They will stand for her, as they did for you at the Festival. She will be expected to name Cohorts¡ªwhich, if she''s been prepared, she may do on the spot. Otherwise they''ll call a feast for the next day and she''ll do it there."

    Elia''s nostrils red and her smell filled with the edge of a Lion, ready to pounce on an enemy. "What will happen to me during all this?" she asked softly.

    He growled. "You will be ignored from the moment the judgment is made. You will be expected to leave out of respect. If you attempt to make yourself heard, you will be removed forcibly. People will not¡­ they won''t look at you. They''ll pretend not to hear you. It will be like¡­ you''re invisible," he said, swallowing hard. "Except for those in your pride. They will be allowed to speak with you. But no more than necessary. They should make sure you are provided for, and¡­ and alive. But they will not help you thrive."

    Elia shook her head, her face open with shock. "You people are ruthless," she said.

    Reth squeezed her hand again. "It isn''t a permanent state. It will improve with time. It would. If you were here."

    "Where else would I be? Reth, if you''re here, I''m here. I don''t care what¡ª"

    "Elia," he said, his voice tight.

    She went very still. "What?"

    "If Lucine is installed, things will be¡­ veryplicated."

    She sucked in a breath, blinking hard. "Will they expect you to¡­ mate her?" she asked, her voice high with horror.

    Reth growled. "They can''t force me to mate anyone," he muttered. "But the ruling¡­ I suspect that I would have to share it with her. She would have the public position that should be yours. Her power in the people would increase. Her tribe would strengthen. And while that was happening, you would be hidden from the tribes. Which wouldplicate things further since our scents are mingled. That would make Lucine territorial over the King¡­" he groaned and let go of her to w his hands through his hair. "This whole thing is just a shitshow," he growled.

    "There must be a way that we could stay together? Publicly?" she asked.

    Reth shook his head. "The only way would be for you to Dominate Lucine¡ªto challenge her. She wouldn''t go down for anything short of death, that''s why we were all so certain she''d win in the first ce. It was an act of the Creator that you are here at all, Elia. Lucine is a fierce fighter. Fearless. And she is warned, now. She was overconfident in the Rite. If you were to challenge her now, she would have your throat out before you could step sideways. She would not risk a repeat of her earlier embarrassment."

    Elia swallowed. "Then maybe that''s what I need to do?"

    *****

    ELIA

    His eyes? that had been shadowed and downcast, snapped up to meet hers, alight with the fire of his fury. "Absolutely not!"

    "If your Creator is so great, and has this great n, why is he letting me get pushed out of this?"

    "We do not know yet that he has."

    "We''re at risk of it!"

    "Risk is not the same as the eventuality of it."

    "Well, then, maybe challenging her is a risk I have to take¡ªand you can just pray something happens that will give me the upperhand. Likest time."

    "Elia, please¡ª"

    "I won''t let her have you, Reth."

    "She will never have me! You know that!"

    Elia shook her head, her stomach churning. "What you''re describing if they choose her, is that in everyone''s eyes she will be the one who has the right to you¡ªto your status, to your home, to your¡­ body. And I''ll be seen as the¡­ usurper."

    "The what?"

    "I''ll be the one that took what wasn''t hers."

    Reth blinked. "Yes, but¡ª"

    "There is no but, Reth. I refuse to live as if we are doing something wrong, just by being together. I will not let them take you from me."

    "They can''t!"

    "They can if they kill you," she insisted. A growl broke from his throat. But she shook her head. "If they try to take you, Reth, I''ll go with you."

    "You will do no such thing."

    "Reth, I will not stand by and let them hurt you. I will fight for you."

    "No, you won''t." His eyes began to glow and his voice got deeper.

    "You won''t intimidate me away from¡ª"

    "Yes, I will! And you will submit, Elia! You cannot take the risk of your own death for the sake of mine that cannot be avoided!"

    "Are you kidding me right now? You can''t possibly expect me to keep going if you''re gone? Reth? You can''t¡ª"

    "Elia, do you have no idea of what has happened today? You must treat yourself with the utmost respect and care now! You cannot put yourself int eh way of any harm¡ªnot even for me?"

    "Why not?"

    "Because you''re going to have a cub!"

 Chapter 191: Impossible Love

    <h4>Chapter 191: Impossible Love</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia''s mouth dropped open. "Wait, WHAT?"

    "Do you truly have no sense of it?"

    "What are you talking about?"

    Reth lifted her hand and put it to his nose, closing his eyes and inhaling like he would the scent of a flower, and smiling. "You are¡­ you are making a miracle, Elia."

    "You can''t be serious?"

    "Deadly. It is the greatest of miracles among the Anima and I am¡­ I am overjoyed." Then he opened his eyes and his gaze was fierce¡ªfurious, if she was honest. "But you can''t allow anything to stand between you and your health. Our pregnancies are always¡­ precarious. You have to promise me that you''ll do nothing that would harm you, or our cub."

    "Reth, when¡­? How?"

    He blinked. "Just now. Today. When¡­ when we were so close¡­ it¡­ something was¡­ didn''t you feel it?"

    She blinked. Then blinked again. "That was¡­ connection. Emotional. We were¡­ I mean, yes, something happened but¡ª"

    "It was our love, creating life. The Creator blessed our love, Elia, can''t you see? Nothing is more important than that now!" He leaned toward her, beaming, his face alight with joy despite the terrible circumstances they found themselves in. "You''re making a baby, Elia," he breathed.

    She took his face in her hands and kissed him, just for that smile. He hummed in his throat and took her mouth, one of his hands sliding done to rest on her stomach and she had to pull away, shaking her head.

    "Wait, wait¡­ there''s no possible way you can know that. It''s far too early¡ª"

    "Maybe for a human," he said softly, peering down at her belly with a light in his eyes she''d never seen before. "But for us? It''s clear. I thought you understood."

    "Understood what?"

    "Elreth," he said simply, stroking her hair back off her face. "If I''m not here, Elia, promise me you will name her after us."

    "Stop saying that!" she cried and her tears threatened again. Shaking her head she pushed away his hand and closed her eyes, breathing deeply to get herself under control. "I can''t¡­ you have to stop saying that, Reth."

    "Elia. Elia¡­ look at me." The quietmand in his voice had her eyes open before she''d even thought about it. His were locked on hers and his jaw was tight. "You promise me you will do nothing to put our child at risk. You promise me."

    "But¡­ I don''t even know if we have a child!"

    "Elia, I know, even if you do not. Promise me."

    "How can you be so certain¡ªI''m human. Maybe it''s different¡ª"

    "Apparently, not for us. I''ve heard the parents speak of it. And I recognized it immediately. Our hearts unified, Elia. We made love. And we made a baby."

    "We''ve made love so many times!"

    "Well, this time, love got made into something¡ªsomeone. Please, Elia. Promise me." His voice was barely above a whisper. He leaned over her legs, his hands at her shoulders, his eyes pleading.

    She swallowed.

    "Elia¡­ please."

    Her lower lip trembled. How could he be so certain? Or was this a way to stop her from taking any action he wanted to protect her from?

    But no¡­ he was not a liar. She knew he wouldn''t lie to her about this. But what if he was mistaken?

    Was she willing to risk it?

    She slumped, her shoulders sagging. "I promise," she whispered, her voice cracking. "But Reth¡­ I don''t know if I can do this if¡­ if the worst happens¡­"

    He gathered her into his chest and she clutched at him, still forcing back tears. She wouldn''t lose this time with him to broken emotions. She was determined. But his face when he spoke about her being pregnant¡­ it was all she''d ever dreamed of her entire life. It was the smile she''d seen in her parents when they were brimming with pride. The way she''d known she was loved. And Reth, a father¡­ The thought made her entire body light up.

    They should be celebrating right now. They should be nning and dreaming, and making love.

    Not sitting on a mountainside, waiting for a death sentence.

    When they finally pulled away, his eyes were shining, but he beamed.

    "You''re certain?" she asked.

    He nodded. "Utterly."

    She sucked in a deep breath and looked down at her stomach putting a hand to the t of her belly¡ªher truly t belly, thanks to her training, for the first time in her life.

    A momentter, Reth''srge hand appeared over hers, his fingers sliding between hers so his fingertips were at her stomach.

    "Elreth," he whispered.

    "Elreth," she said.

    Then he kissed her and for a very short moment, Elia let herself just be with her mate, her husband, and celebrate in her heart that they had done the impossible. Again.

    They were both quiet for a long moment. Then she whispered. "I don''t think I can do this without you."

    He held her tighter. "Yes, you can," he rumbled. "You''re so much stronger than you think. So much stronger than any of us thought, love."

    She took another deep breath. "Then¡­ I need you to tell me what to do if¡­ if they turn on you, Reth."

    "Elia, I really don''t think we should focus on¡ª"

    She spoke through her teeth, her voice shaking. "If you expect me to be strong¡­ if you expect me to go on after you''re gone, then you will tell me what is going to happen. Because I can tell you, Reth, it''s only going to be by some act of your Creator that I''m going to make it through losing you. Especially¡­ especially if I have to¡­ to see you in¡­ a child." She pped her hands to her mouth and closed her eyes her heart split in twoplete halves by the simultaneous joy and bone-deep grief those words gave her. "Please, Reth¡­ I need to be prepared."

    He sighed and pulled her back into a hug. "Okay. Okay. I''ll¡­ I''ll tell you."

    **** DON''T STOP READING! ****

    NEED MORE? There''s a whole new spin-off book in this series called "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and it''s out NOW! Add it to your library today!

 Chapter 192: Be Prepared

    <h4>Chapter 192: Be Prepared</h4>

    RETH

    She sank into his chest, her ear against his ribs, as he spoke and he found he gained as muchfort as he wanted to give.

    "If the people determine that I am a traitor," he said quietly, slowly, "judgement will be called. Likely by Brant, though it''s possible for the unseating of the Dominant, they''ll bring the other Tribal leaders up as well, to represent their people. They will surround me, and bring guards, because they will want to ensure I don''t hurt anyone else."

    Her arms tightened around him and he cleared his throat. "Then they''ll pronounce judgment and the people will call for death. And they will¡­ overwhelm me."

    "What?"

    He took a deep breath. "They will take me in whatever manner is necessary to achieve death. But I will not fight them, Elia, so it will be quick."

    He waited to see if she would argue again, but although her breathing got faster¡ªin fear, and anger¡ªshe didn''t speak. So he continued.

    "You must be gone before that happens, Love. The cub¡­ Elreth¡­ you must protect her. And your own¡­ everything you feel, she will feel. To watch that would be¡­ you must avoid it."

    "I won''t want to leave you," she said in a tiny voice.

    "I know. And I love you for it, but we must both think about our child now," he murmured, stroking her hair. "When the judgement is called for the first time, the brotherhood wille to you."

    "The what?" she pushed up to meet his eyes, but still leaned into him. "Who''s that?"

    "Behryn is my second, so he will lead it. The men who came for me after our mating, do you remember?"

    "Yes, I think so."

    "They are my dearest friends, Love. We have exchanged vows. All of us¡­ we will protect and provide for each other''s mates and offspring, if they exist, in the event of¡­ tragedy. It has nothing to do with Tribal leadership or power. These men simply care about me, and I about them. We are bloodsworn to help each other. They will help you, even at risk to themselves. If any of them approaches you listen, and you follow, do you understand?"

    She nodded, biting her lip. Reth breathed easier.

    "But, one thing I would ask you to do, Elia. When theye for you¡ªbefore I am finished, remember¡ªtake Gahrye with you."

    Elia blinked. "Gahrye? Not Aymora?"

    "Aymora will be needed here. Gahrye is already looked upon with suspicion here. If you are removed and I am dead, he will not survive the resulting political pressures. Besides, he seems uniquely equipped. You will need him to advise you. And it will be an easier transition for him, anyway."

    "Transition to what?"

    Reth swallowed. "Living in the human world."

    Her head jerked back. "WHAT?"

    "If I''m killed, Elia, you need to go back. You must stay alive for our cub, then return to Anima when she is strong enough. You bear the King''s child. You must establish her in her rightful position."

    "What? WHAT?"

    "Having a royal child¡ªeven the child of a traitor, if it is of the royal line¡ªwill make her an Heir, and you the rightful Queen Consort¡­ or something. Honestly, I''m not sure I remember the correct term. But it is in the traditions. Behryn will ensure everyone is reminded. And even if the wolves have taken control, they will be unable to touch you¡ªespecially if the new Dominant has not had offspring."

    "Wait," she pushed out of his armspletely and sat back to gape at him. "Back the hell up, Reth. Go back to the human world? You said I can''t. You said it was impossible. You said it will make me insane, or kill me."

    Reth swallowed. "Our histories note only a dozen times that humans have found or entered Anima, either through the Rite, or other means, then chosen to return to their own world. In every instance, bar one, those humans either returned to Anima with their minds¡­ broken, or they wereter discovered to have died within a year of returning. It is why we now only bring humans to Anima for a Rite that requires it. There was a time when humans were part of our mating pool¡­ but when some returned and were harmed, we stopped.

    "When you got here and things were so difficult, I spent some time with Brant and Aymora. They are the keepers of the histories. If things go well today, you should speak with them of this. It''s something I nned to raise with you soon, just in case."

    "In case of what?"

    "In case you got pregnant."

    "WHY?"

    "Because¡­ there is also a small history of human women dying in childbirth when attempting to deliver Anima babies," he said, staring at her, his forehead wrinkled. "I had a¡­ sense that we might be sessful and¡­ I wanted to know what the risks were."

    "Why didn''t you tell me?"

    "I nned to! You may have noticed things have been a little busy and¡­plicated,tely. But you''re right. You must be prepared. So, whether we are here together, no matter what state we are in tomorrow¡­ know this Elia: When humans return to their world from ours they seem to lose the will to live. They go back and seem to¡­ die inside first¡ªthen either lose their minds, or simply curl up and die. And we don''t know why."

    "And this is where you think I should go to be safe? To keep our child safe?" she cried.

    "No. But it is definitely safer than here if Lucine is Queen and I am gone."

    "But¡­ if you''re gone, isn''t she done being Queen?"

    "Not until another Dominant takes control. And if that male isn''t mated, he may choose to mate her, anyway, with me gone. The royal lines are often sustained in that way. Look, if I am killed by judgement of the people and Lucine is installed as Queen in the same day, there will be massive upheaval in Anima. Massive. It could take months¡ªeven years¡ªbefore things are settled down and we are certain who is in control. In the meantime, given her strength, the people will look to her.

    "So, if there is so much as a hint of this urring, you take Gahrye, and you flee. He knows the portal, I made sure he was aware. He can help you¡ªand I imagine, you could help him over there. He can pass back and forth to find out when it''s safe to bring our child back."

    Elia raked her hand through her hair, white lines around her mouth. "You''re talking about this like it''s already settled. Like it''s going to happen."

    He shook his head. "No, I''m talking about this in case it happens. You asked me what we would do. This is what we''ll do."

    He leaned forward then to get in her space, made sure his eyes shed with his Lion. "the histories are very clear: There is only human that we know for certain ever left Anima for the human world, and returnedter, still sane and safe. It was a male, and he was gone for less than a year. You must promise me, Elia: If this urs, if you must flee to save our child, you will not allow yourself to be broken by this. You will return to your home and you will have our child safely, and when Anima has settled to peace again, you will bring her back to her true home. Promise me."

    She put a hand to his face, her eyes so sad. "I promise," she breathed.

 Chapter 193: Dream the Dream

    <h4>Chapter 193: Dream the Dream</h4>

    ELIA

    He took a deep breath and a hair of the tension left him at her words. But Elia''s mind was spinning.

    She could go back.

    But she didn''t want to. Not without Reth.

    Actually, she didn''t want to even with Reth, but without him¡­ Life loomed before her, empty, hollow, cavernous and her breath caught. She swallowed the pinch in her throat and tried to make her voice light. "I''m saying the word, Reth. I need you to touch me. Right now."

    Reth gave her a look, but reached for her hand and she gave it. They both stared at their linked fingers.

    "I think knowing I can return to Anima would help. Maybe?" she said, her voice too high.

    They were both quiet.

    He sighed heavily.

    Then her brows pinched. "I¡­ How do you know the baby is a her?" she asked quietly.

    "I don''t know. I can just¡­ feel it."

    "Does it bother you that it''s not a boy?"

    His eyes snapped up to hers. "Bother me? You think I would be¡­ disappointed?"

    "I know a lot of males want males. And especially if there''s some kind of royal line, or whatever. That whole carrying on the line, thing¡­"

    "Elia," he stared at her, wide-eyed. "Why would it make me sad to know the Creator has made another you?" he asked, his voice so broken, she almost cried all over again. "Why would I want anything but that?"

    He was so precious, she could only throw herself into his chest again, and as they clung, as she inhaled the smell of his skin and reminded herself of his iron strength, as he clung to her, his lips in her hair, and his hands at her back, stroking and holding her close, she was moved, again, and again.

    How could she possibly face a life without him? What kind of life would it be?"

    "I don''t want to do this without you," she cried into his shoulder.

    "I am utterly focused on not allowing that to happen," he rumbled. "But, as you said, just in case. You have to know what''s going to be expected¡ªand how to measure¡­ everything. I pray this conversation will be for naught, Elia. That tonight we will sleep in each other''s arms and thank the Creator for His mercy. And¡­ not have to face any of this. But for now¡­ now we have to prepare. Just in case. Because it''s almost time to go."

    She pulled back, then followed his gaze over her shoulder and out over the canopy of Wildwood where the sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon. "No," she breathed.

    "Yes," he said. "We can''t dy much longer."

    She turned away from the zing ball in the sky that was counting down her doom, and buried her face in his neck. "I don''t want to talk about it anymore. I just want to be here with you, for whatever time we''ve got."

    He sighed as heavily as she''d ever heard. "Me too," he whispered and pulled her close.

    ****

    RETH

    "It''s time," he said, his voice gravel.

    Elia''s arms tightened around him and he sighed again. In truth, it was past time. They''d already missed the meal. He prayed that Brant hadn''t called the rm and sent the elders looking for them. Sliding his hand up into her hair, he squeezed her, unwilling to let go, but knowing that it must happen.

    "I don''t want to go," she whispered.

    "I don''t either. But¡­ I am d we had this time. Just in case."

    "Tell me, quickly, please, Reth."

    "Tell you what?"

    "Tell me how it will be. How we''re going to win this. And¡­ and still be together. And happy."

    And so he did. He pulled her into hisp and with her ear against his chest, he painted the picture.

    *****

    ELIA

    She was curled in hisp like a child, but she didn''t care. With her ear against his chest, every word he spoke was a deep, strong rumble, echoing between his ribs, that soothed her fear and fueled her love for him.

    "We will face the people, and they will see our love, and see your strength, and remember how I have loved them," he said quietly, his fingersbing through her hair. "They will embrace you¡ªas Queen, and as Leonine¡ªand the females will help you through your pregnancy, teaching you our ways. You will be honored as a mother, Elia," his voice dropped to a rasp barely above a whisper on those words and she squeezed him.

    "Our love will only grow," he said a momentter. "We will be forced to extend the cave somehow, because we will have another cub, maybe three. And as our children grow, we will be old and slow, and fat."

    She could hear the smile in his voice. "Speak for yourself," she muttered.

    He chuckled, and it was the most beautiful sound she''d ever heard.

    Then he pulled her chin up until she sat straight and looked right in his eyes. Then he continued. "One day, all of this fear will be gone. You will be a true Anima. Our children will grow and be Heirs, and have children of their own.

    "But we will always remember this moment, Elia. Despite our happiness and peace, we will remember the moment we stepped so close to losing each other. And it will get us through anything. Because nothing else that happens could possibly hurt that much. We will fight to make sure of it.

    "And then one day, a long, long time from now, when our children have their own prides, and we have be little more than a burden to them, we will die. Happy. And together."

    Elia''s sight blurred. "Promise me, Reth."

    He pulled her in and kissed her, his face lined with grief. "I promise you that I will fight to myst breath to make it happen," he whispered against her lips.

    They held each other for another moment¡­ Then she put her hands to his shoulders and pushed herself to her feet, wiping her tears and breathing deeply to push past them.

    Reth got to his feet too, and they stared at each other a moment. Then she nodded and he touched her face before stepping past her to shift into his Beast.

    Even his lion eyes looked sad. He made the mating call then, but with a strange, echoing resonance at the end, as if he pressed it into the air around them.

    She took his muzzle in her hands and kissed his nose and he huffed, shaking his mane. Then she crawled onto his back and buried her hands¡ªand her face¡ªin his mane, gripping tightly as he ran, her stomach heavy with dread.

 Chapter 194: Held to the People - ACT 2

    <h4>Chapter 194: Held to the People - ACT 2</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    ELIA

    She stood at one end of the stage over the amphitheater, where the Anima had their readings¡ªand their Censures. Gahrye stood to her right and Aymora to her left. Candace was there, but not on the stage. She hovered in the wings, watching, her brow lined in concern.

    Reth stood on the opposite side, Brant on one side, Behryn on the other.

    And, to Elia''s surprise, Lucine stood in the wings on that side, apparently awaiting Brant''s call for her testimony.

    When she''d appeared, Elia had been speaking with Aymora, but the movement near Reth had caught her attention and she''d looked up. Only to find Lucine staring at her, pure malice in her gaze.

    She hadn''t dropped her eyes then, until Reth stepped between them.

    Elia couldn''t hear what he said, but Brant and Behryn stepped between him and Lucine and Elia swallowed. She prayed Reth wouldn''t create further problems for them, though his anger was warranted.

    They waited as the people gathered, their voices and calls rising into a muddy hum in the evening air.

    They had no idea what bomb was about to be dropped upon them, and Elia couldn''t decide if that worked in her favor, or not.

    Then Brant stepped forward, to the front of the stage, to address the people, and Elia''s heart banged so hard against her ribs that she wondered if she was injuring it.

    Something pulled at her from her left and she looked to find Reth, his back now to Lucine, staring at her now that Brant wasn''t between them, yearning and love in his gaze.

    She mouthed, I love you.

    And he returned it.

    "¡­you are called here tonight to fulfill your duties as Anima, as Citiezns of the Tree City, subject to King Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn. For those of you who are unaware, a tribe evoked the traditionsst night and brought a petition to Throne and to Tribe, questioning the loyalty and conduct of Queen Elia."

    A murmur of surprise, and some pleasure, rippled through the crowd. Elia kept her chin down, but put her shoulders back and didn''t waver.

    "During our investigation, while the elders found no wrong-doing on the part of the Queen herself, we did discover a breach on the part of the King."

    The reaction this time was quick, and loud, shock and disbelief. But Elia scanned the crowd and saw small pockets¡ªmainly of wolf-packs¡ªthat showed neither. Many, in fact, were smiling. Elia shivered and Gahrye subtly shifted his body to brush her arm with his.

    "It was the finding of the Elders that our King may have grievously breached the Rite of Sacrifice, and in so doing, thwarted the Creator''s n for our Queen. However¡ª" he raised his voice as the people began to talk and chitter, mostly unhappily, "¡ªwe also believe that if there has been a breach, it is on the hearts of the people. So it is for the people to decide.

    "For those among you mature, for those among you adults, you are called to stand judgment tonight, on your King and Queen. On the future of Anima."

    The crowd became very quiet and still. Brant nodded. "Please prepare yourselves. Ask the Creator for His wisdom and insight. Ask your questions of those involved. We will not cease testimony until the people have been satisfied."

    As if the words were a gong that began a ceremony, the amphitheater went still¡ªno voices, little movement in the people. Elia scanned them again, knowing her expression must be worried, but uncertain how she could do anything about it.

    Her entire future was in the hands of these people who didn''t yet know her¡ªnot really.

    If you''re there, she thought to this Creator of Reth''s, then you show them the truth. Because he is innocent. I will not follow any power that would murder its own people for a simple mistake.

    "Hear me, Anima," Brant called, his voice louder than before. "Your judgment is called. Your hearts must be one. Hear the testimony of the witnesses. Hear the testimony of the used. Then make your choice."

    Brant stood for a breath looking out over the people. "Let us begin."

    Elia''s heart was sick as Brant read the usations again, that he''did out to them in the security council.

    "We have assessed the petition. We clear the Queen of wrong-doing. We dere the wolves incorrect in their assessment of events. But in the course of this petition, we find that the King has, indeed, betrayed his people." Brant paused and swallowed. "By the order of Anima, the wolf-daughter Lucine was taken by the King prior to the Rite of Sacrifice, not in a mere physical act, but in eptance as mate, and therefore, the Queen of Anima." The crowd sucked in. Calls and growls rose to buffet the air, but Brant didn''t wait for them to quiet.

    "It is the judgement of the Tribe that the mes and Smoke were walked in breach. That the mating was not true. That the Creator''s way was thwarted by the choices of King Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn, the seventh in the Royal Line to take and hold the throne. And that the true Queen of Anima was shunned because of the actions of same King. May the Creator not turn His anger on the people for the sin of their King.

    "In response to these concerns, we bring you the Anima involved. We ask you to listen, to ask, and to judge. And so, we begin with the user, the thwarted Queen. The wolf-daughter, Lucine."

    Tension rose in the people¡ªthe thrill of drama mingling with the fear or excitement, until everyone leaned forward, on the balls of their feet, waiting, as Lucine stepped out from behind the wings to stand alongside Brant¡ªand between him and Reth.

    Reth''s eyes were shadowed and full of rage. Elia prayed everyone was too busy staring at the ragged wolf-woman to pay attention to Reth''s expression¡ªwhich said nothing louder than that he would like to execute her for this.

    "Tell us, Lucine," Brant said, more quietly than before, "of the events that night, weeks before the Rite. Tell us what urred, what was said, what was agreed, and what was the result."

    Lucine nodded and as she turned to face the people, let her eyes catch on Elia''s

    And within them, as they flickered to gray and white, her beast''s gaze, was a fire of rage so hot, Elia might have burned to a crisp if the mes were true.

    **** DON''T STOP READING! ****

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 Chapter 195: The Accuser

    <h4>Chapter 195: The user</h4>

    RETH

    He shook with rage. Shook so hard and felt so much, Behryn had dropped a hand to his shoulder. Apparently, he could smell the rigid tension in Reth. Whenever Reth seemed on the edge of losing control, Behryn would grip him in a show of solidarity that was silently cautioning him.

    Reth dipped his chin once to acknowledge that he would listen to his closest friend and advisor, but he continued to squeeze his hands to fists and wish they were around her throat.

    He had never in his life wanted to light a female afire¡ªnot once. But none had ever threatened his mate before¡ªor the loyalty of his people.

    Reth was prepared to make an exception.

    "¡­he had been scenting all evening and¡­ he is the king," Lucine said, her voice clear and strong, though she presented with far less grace.

    She''d been dragged from whatever hole she was hiding in. Her face gaunt and clothing slightly dirty though there was no need for it. He wondered if she''d known they wereing and so had made herself look as degraded as possible. But her eyes and voice were clear, and she spoke with strength and conviction.

    It was a maniptive mix.

    "When the King indicates his interest it is both ttering and¡­ difficult to ignore."

    Interest? She tried to say he''d had interest in her!? Reth''s hands twitched and Behryn''s grip on his shoulder tightened.

    "When he left the gathering under moonlight, casting a nce at me over his shoulder, I followed. I was both excited and afraid. I wanted him, as we all did. I wished to be before you not as daughter, but as Queen. I wished to serve. But I knew the Rite wasing and that had been my hope¡­" she trailed off like she was remembering something, and the tiniest growl rose in Reth''s throat.

    Brant cut him a re, but Lucine ignored it¡ªwhich showed more strength in her than he''d have anticipated.

    "When I found in him in the meadow he wasid out and ready for me."

    Reth had to close his eyes to stop himself roaring a challenge. He''d been no such thing! He''did under the stars, one arm under his head, and prayed. He''d prayed for the strength to face what wasing. And that he would not waver.

    And then he''d wavered right into the biggest single regret of his life.

    "I¡­ approached him and made the signals. He did not wish to immediately couple. He¡­ he wished to discuss the future first."

    Truth, but not for the reason she implied. He''d actually refused her outright. But when she blurted¡ª

    "I¡­ I betrayed my people. I was in his thrall and told him that I had been chosen as the Lupine Sacrifice. He expressed his disgust with the Rite and his desire to thwart it¡ªdered it a brutal and old-fashioned tradition that the modern Anima were beyond."

    True, but barely. She made it sound like he had spoken those words in arrogance, or anger. But he had spoken them in grief. He''d searched for a way to make his heart rest in the ruthless Rite of Survival, the waste of Anima life and vitality. He''d thought her sympathetic. What a fool he''d been.

    "When I told him I agreed¡ªbecause it was clearly what he wanted¡ªhe swore me to secrecy if we were to be joined and I agreed. I know¡­ I know I should not have. I know I should have told him no. He was not violent. He would not have forced me. But¡­ he is the King." And then she hesitated scanning the people, meeting eyes, and letting the words hang in the air, in one of the most excellently timed pauses he''d ever had the displeasure to witness.

    Young, she may be. Shunned and discarded. But Lucine was strong in both body and mind, intelligent, and cunning. A wolf to her core. At barely twenty, she knew how words and appearances were used to manipte with great skill.

    Reth wanted to snap her neck.

    "Did you discuss the future?" Brant asked through clenched teeth.

    She nodded. "He acknowledged my im for the crown, through the Rite. He knew it was wrong to leap ahead. But¡­ he wanted to. And we both spoke of how it would only be a matter of time until we were together in truth. It seemed¡­ a small betrayal," she said. "I do beg the people''s forgiveness. We discussed that I would win the Rite, that I would be Queen, and that we were only choosing that a few weeks before it would be chosen for us."

    Did he imagine the bitterness in thatst phrase? When he''d discussed these things, it had not been with excitement, or even anger. He''d been sad¡ªand she knew it. But she''d been determined, and he had been weak. So weak.

    "What happened then?" Brant asked wearily.

    "The King," she said, swallowing, as if it were hard for her to say, "expected the signals, and so I gave them. And we were¡­ we were joined."

    They coupled, fast and furious, and Reth barely able to find his peak. She''d been aggressive and excited. He''d had to¡ª

    "And during the joining he¡­ he bit me."

    There was a fierce intake of breath from most of those assembled. Elia''s eyes snapped to him, and a piece of his heart tore knowing that, even for that second, she''d questioned him.

    Brant burst out. "Were you imed?"

    "No, no," she said, and her voice shook. "He was only¡­ being strong."

    She''d been overwhelmed and excited, struggling to contain her beast and her aggression¡ªsomething he''d heard wasn''t umon in the wolves, especially early on. Their joining could be quite¡­ eventful. But the sheer strength of her response had taken him off-guard. He''d had to pin her hands and hold her in ce when she threated to w his eyes.

    What a fool, what a fool. What an utter, fucking fool he had been. She spoke for a time with a wistful sound, and her voice grated on his nerves like a de on stone.

    Reth''s jaw was so tight it ached. Behryn''s hand pinched at his shoulder. Brant smelled very uneasy, but Reth couldn''t decide if it was for suspicion of Lucine, or himself.

    "What happened when you were done?" Brant asked carefully.

    She sighed. "Wey together for a time."

    And that was the nail that wed down his back. It was barely true. He''d felt obligated, after, with taking her virginity, and in breach of the Rite, to give her more honor than she was due. And so he hadn''t left immediately. But he''d been so disgusted with himself, so full of mourning for the entire situation, that he''d only been able to stay there with her for a short time before he''d made his apologies about thete hour.

    And she had epted them happily, smiling and stroking his chest.

    She''d told him she looked forward to the next time. And he hadn''t had the heart to say he''d wished he''d never touched her.

    He''d been the one to walk away, straight to the bathing pools.

    The entire event had done nothing except leave him terrified of what his life was destined to be.

 Chapter 196: The Accused

    <h4>Chapter 196: The used</h4>

    RETH

    Reth stared at Brant, but the man still watched Lucine, frowning. "What was your understanding of that evening, please, Lucine?"

    "I understood that¡­ that he had chosen me. That I would enter the Rite knowing that he was mine. And leave it as Queen."

    The crowd murmured, some chittering, others growling. They all knew what a King''s vow meant.

    "When I woke after the Rite and I was alone, I didn''t understand." There was true emotion in her voice for the first time, and though it twanged at Reth''s conscience knowing how confusing and frightening that moment must have been for her, he struggled for pity¡ªor even sympathy. She''d so clearly shown herself a liar¡ªwhy was no one seeing it? How differently she said these things than she had the earlier statements?

    Behryn''s fingers dug into the muscle at the base of his neck and Reth had to swallow a growl.

    "Are there any questions for the user?" Brant asked the people. There was much talk between them, and clear arguing in some quarters, but no one spoke up. "Very well, then we will move on to the used. Reth?"

    Reth left his ce next to Behryn¡ªhis friend squeezing him onest time, then patting his back as he walked to join Brant at the front of the stage. He could feel Elia''s eyes following him at every step. He flickered his gaze to meet hers on the first step, but then he focused on the older man and his people.

    He ignored the she-wolf that stood nearby, watching him warily.

    She was smart to be wary.

    "Reth, describe for us your recollection of that evening, please?" Brant said and opened a hand towards the people.

    Reth turned to them, let them see him, scent him, know him as their King. As the man who''dughed and loved and protected them for almost a decade. The man they had rarely questioned, and often apuded. He met eyes with as many of them as he could while he spoke.

    "I am well aware of the power of my position, and the influence it has over others," he said, his voice barely above a growl. "I would ask any Anima who has ever seen me use it to my personal gain, to speak up." He waited, nodding slowly when no one spoke. "Are there any here who could testify to any attempt on my part to use my position as King to push or manipte others into my will?"

    Grumbles rose from one corner, packed with wolves, but no one called to the crowd.

    Reth''s jaw went tight. "As Anima we are not confused by words. Are there any here who scented me at the feast that night, who remember scenting desire, or intention on my skin? Any who saw me attentive to Lucine¡ªor any other female that night?"

    Again, no one answered. "No? No. Because those nights were some of the darkest of my life. But I carried them to myself, because I choose not to burden my people with the weights I carry. But tonight I must. Tonight I must tell you what I have carried, not as your King, but as a male. The things within me that burned¡ªand every way that they exin what you just heard.

    "I am not without my sin, I know that. And I will confess to you, every one of you that the greatest of my sins was given to Lucine that night¡ªbut not because I promised her the Queen. I did not. I agreed when she told me that she would win the Rite. I agreed that were she to do so, she would be my Queen. But I did not vow to her. I didn''t im her. I didn''t seek her out after that night, in the full month between it and the Rite, or would you lie to that as well, Lucine?"

    Lucine blinked, but met his gaze. "You told me that night that we must avoid being seen to be connected, otherwise they might suspect."

    Reth frowned. He may have said that. He didn''t recollect it, but it was a thought he had. His lips tightened. "What happened that night was two adults who breached protocol. We broke the right. And I should have admitted that to my people before I walked the Smoke and mes with Elia¡ªbut those events did not thwart the Creator''s way. Elia did."

    Everyone mumbled again, misunderstanding him. Reth growled and they were silent, though Brant shot him a look. "Listen! That female before you, who has poured herself at your feet, who yearns for your eptance, she has owned my heart for two decades."

    Voices rose and questions began to bubble, but Reth continued. "We met as children, by the Creator''s hand, when I was taken to the human world for safety. We were friendspanions. But as I grew, her friendship and value never left me.

    "Before I took the throne, I returned to the human world to seek her as mate. But¡­ I was young and insecure. When I saw her happy, parented, and in the arms of another male, I left her. I did not speak to her. Did not question. I believed I had lost my chance to have her as mate, and so I left¡ªand became King very soon after

    "You watched me in those early years. You know I sought female attention. I enjoyed the act when it was offered. And I avoided attachment. You watched me resist taking a true mate, and you didn''t know why.

    "The reason why stands before you as Queen today, here, not by my hand, but by the Creators! I thought her gone¡ªmated, or dead. Certainly never to be in Anima. When Lucine presented herself to me, I was grieving. I was forcing myself to ept that I could not have Elia. Ever. That I must¡ªfor the good of the people!¡ªept another female into my heart, and my home. And I struggled.

    "I am a man, Anima. Just as you do, I wish for a warm hearth, a warm bed, and a family. And just as you do, I findfort where my heart rests. I had never in thirty years found rest anywhere except in my heart''s friend. But believing her gone to me, I did what a King should do. I epted the call of the people to find a Queen, and the Rite was called.

    "I should not have taken Lucine. I know that now. I regretted it instantly¡ª" the wolves snarled at that, but he ignored them, "¡ªnot because she is not to be valued, but because she is not my true mate. I put myself at the Creator''s mercy and epted the Rite as His will. And then I stepped into that circle, and she was there. She was frightened and confused, but she was there. And she prevailed.

    "You didn''t like to see her win, but my heart leapt when she took her stand¡ªagainst me! And at that point, Lucine was down. She could not speak for herself¡ªand perhaps more importantly, she had not fulfilled the Rite. When we spoke that night, weeks before, we had spoken of her win. We both called for her victory in the Rite. And she did not fulfill it."

    He stared at them all, every one that he could. "She did not fulfil the Rite."

    *****

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 Chapter 197: The Question

    <h4>Chapter 197: The Question</h4>

    ELIA

    Her heart swelled at the conviction in her mate. The amphitheater had gone silent and Elia held her breath, praying they were being swayed.

    "As King, by the terms of the Rite, I was forced to choose¡ªeither to take Lucine as mate and kill Elia¡ªmy true heart''s call. Or to take Elia, and leave Lucine alive, to carry my regret.

    "I do not deny that the wolf-daughter was harmed by the events of that night. And I do not deny that I grieved putting her through them. But there was no fulfilled vow to be broken. There was no choice taken out of the Creator''s hand. There was only the Riteing together in ways no one anticipated, by the hand of the Creator. And my choice. I made it. I stand by it. And you epted her." He turned then and shed her a smile before he went back to the crowd.

    "Two nights ago my mate stood before you, and you acknowledged her, Anima. You recognized the strength in her, though it may look different than ours. I ask you to do the same tonight. Do not strip this people of the strength and character she brings. Do not shun my heart''s true mate. My soul''s¡­ my soul''s call. Please."

    There was silence for a full breath. No one spoke, no one moved. Then Brant turned from Reth to the people. But before he could speak, a voice called from somewhere near the back.

    "But you took the wolf first. Whether she fulfilled the Rite or not, you took her and told her she would be Queen. You epted her. Was that not a vow? Did you not first choose the wolf, then the human after?"

    "No," Reth growled. "She¡­ Lucine did not urately describe the conversation to you. There was no agreement. Only a mutual belief¡ªan assumption about the future. There were no vows exchanged. And no agreements."

    Then Lucine, who had remained silent throughout, leaped forward and yelled to the crowd. "He lies to keep his human mate! He chooses human over Anima! This isn''t about the Rite. It''s about him preferring her to us!"

    Reth froze.

    All the joy and hope Elia had felt crashed to the floor of the stage as the people began to talk again, and one by one, their voices rose.

    "She gave herself and was epted as Queen!"

    "The wolf did not fulfill the Rite¡ªshe forfeited her im!"

    "Can a human ever be chosen over Anima?"

    "He promised himself¡ªand took her!"

    "We already acknowledged our Queen!"

    On and on, the voices rose higher, wolf against lion, equine against serpent. The people spit and beginning to argue. Groups forming, pointing at each other, or at Reth, or Lucine¡ªa few at Elia as well.

    Elia covered her mouth and shook her head. They couldn''t let ite to this. "Brant!" she called. "May I speak?"

    Brant turned and looked at her, his brows pinched as if he was going to deny her, but then he looked at the people and turned back to her. "You can try."

    Squeezing Aymora''s hand, she hurried across the stage to Brant''s other side, only letting her eyes catch Reth''s for a bare second before she called, "Anima! Listen! Please!" Some of the voices settled, but much of the murmuring and arguing continued. But knowing that she had to act fast, Elia merely raised her voice and plowed on. "When Reth told me of Lucine, he grieved. He understood that he had hurt her. But he spoke of no vow. He did not fear that my throne was at risk¡ªnot from her. He truly believed the Rite fulfilled, that the Creator had passed the Rite to his choice."

    "Then why didn''t he tell us?!" Someone yelled back. "Why did he take you to the Smoke and mes without making amends to Lucine?" The arguing increased, and more questions and usations were shouted, but so many that none could be heard.

    Elia looked at Reth, but he''d dropped his chin and shaken his head as voices rose in a mor across the amphitheater that drowned everything else out. Watching him begin to lose hope, her heart thudded, her pulse racing.

    No. It couldn''t end this way. They could not be taken from each other!

    Then Reth looked at her and must have seen the fear in her. His jaw tightened. He turned to Lucine and snarled, "You leave me no choice!" then, before the woman could respond, he turned back to the people, roaring, "QUIET!"

    The noise dropped to a hush, but the faces before them were tense and angry¡ªor fearful.

    "You shame me, Anima," Reth growled. "You truly believe I would simply ignore a vow, or even an agreement? You believe I would discard a female simply because something else came along? You shame me, Anima!"

    There was muttering and dark looks, but no one shouted him down. Elia barely breathed.

    "When I stood before you, I asked for any testimony¡ªeven a single witness¡ªwho believed they could prove I had ever used my power or position for personal gain. And not a single one of you spoke. Yet you believe I would take your daughters and use them?" He shook his head. "I thought I had proven myself to you¡ªproven my heart. But it is in that you prefer to consider the possibility of ill-gotten gains, or suspicion over my years of a life lived among you with peace and justice." He paced to the other end of the stage, eyeing the people. When he turned, his eyes found Elia first and filled with sorrow, but then he looked past her to Lucine.

    "Wolf-daughter, there are words I must speak, and I would speak them here, though they belong to you, so that everyone might hear, and know my words, and scent me for truth."

    Lucine''s mouth dropped open, but Reth just stalked towards her. "Call your witness, and I will call mine. We will end this tonight. Who can stand for you?"

    Lucine closed her mouth, looking at Brant, but the older man only nodded. She swallowed. "My brother, Lerrin."

    Reth turned to the crowd. "Lerrin? Will you join us?"

    The crowd parted from the left side of the amphitheater to let therge wolf-man through. Before he''d reached the stairs, Reth turned and called Behryn over. "My second will stand for me. Both will hear my words. They will scent me true, and testify¡ªdo you agree?"

    Lucine''s eyes darted left and right, but to Elia''s delight she found no way out. "I¡­ I do," she said finally.

    Lerrin made it up the stairs and trotted over to them, his face a thundercloud. Behryn''s wasn''t much better.

    "Hear me, Anima!" Reth called, his eyes never leaving Lucine. "You will hear truth. You will scent it in me. And we will end this charade!"

 Chapter 198: The Witness

    <h4>Chapter 198: The Witness</h4>

    RETH

    "I do not wish to shame you further, Lucine, but you leave me no other route, so know this before I start: I wanted to avoid this."

    Lucine opened her mouth like she might respond, but Reth didn''t give her an opportunity to lie further. He turned to the people. "The night of the feast, I made no advances on Lucine. She was not even in my mind. I was consumed with the Rite, and my own future. I did not invite her to follow me, and I was not pleased when she did," he said loudly, his face tight.

    Lucine''s paled as Behryn said firmly, and loudly enough for all to hear, "He speaks true."

    "He speaks true," Lerrin growled, reluctantly.

    "When Lucine found me in the meadow, she made the signals before we spoke. And I turned her down, but she was persistent to speak with me further¡ªto convince me that we should¡­ join."

    "Truth," Behryn called, but his shoulders were tense.

    Lucine''s eyes narrowed and she stared at her brother, who scowled at Reth, but forced the words past his teeth. "His scent is true."

    Reth nodded once to Lerrin. "Lucine presented herself, and offered that she was to be the wolf-sacrifice, breaking the Rite first¡­ without my invitation," he said slowly and clearly.

    Behryn took a deep breath. "It is true."

    "Truth!" Lerrin snarled, as if the word hurt him.

    Reth locked eyes with Lucine. "I refused Lucine three times before she touched me. I did not touch her. And it was only after she described how sure she was to win the Rite, that we would be mated by it, and that I could see her conclusion was almost certainly true, that I even considered joining with her."

    Behryn nodded. "It is simple truth."

    "He speaks what he believes," Lerrin growled, "though I do not see the value of this shaming!"

    Rage burned in Reth''s chest and he turned on the man. "The value is that the people might measure their King urately!"

    Behryn ced that hand back on his shoulder. Reth took a deep breath and turned to face the people again, before continuing. "I am an adult, a ruler, and not a fiend. I am Alpha and n Ruler. No one makes decisions for me. I do not ce responsibility for these choices on the wolf-daughter¡ªI was there. I participated. I allowed myself to be persuaded. But I did not vow. I did not give Lucine more than her due. It was a mistake. A bitter mistake that I regret. I will pay whatever price is required. But do no misjudge me, Anima¡ªI did not make that female Queen!"

    Murmurs rose and discussion began again among the Anima as Behryn called, "He speaks truth!"

    Lerrin''s face twisted as Lucine stared at him, pleading, but when he opened his mouth, it was to growl, "It is true."

    As the voices of the people rose and their discussions became more heated, Lerrin looked at Reth, fire in his eyes. "You shame a female who is already shunned? Where is your mercy?"

    Reth shot a look at Lucine, then leaned closer to Lerrin. "My mercy fled when she lied to my people about me¡ªshe makes herself a victim, when she was very intentional in her acts."

    "She is young and impulsive, it''s true. But she does not deserve this."

    "And I do?"

    Lerrin''s jaw twitched, but Reth turned back to the people, raising his voice further to be heard over all the voices. "I challenge any of you to deny my honesty¡ªto find any deceit in me or my words! Ask me! Question me! I will speak nothing but truth¡ªeven if it convict me or those I love. We must clean the te, Anima. We must bring everything into the Light to be sure of the Creator''s continued blessing."

    "I have a question for the King!" Lerrin called out, his eyes flinty as he stared at Reth.

    Reth''s heart pounded, but he turned to face Lerrin again. "Ask it."

    "How did this issuee to the attention of the elders?"

    "The Alpha of the wolves, Lucan, brought a petition¡ªBrant already told you that. I do not deny it."

    "And where is he, Sire? Where is my father?"

    Reth''s eyes narrowed. "Your father is dead at my hand because he defied the council and attacked the Queen."

    Every tribe bar the Lupines gasped and growled in shock.

    Lerrin took half a step forward, shouting to be heard over them. "I call the people to see a King whose loyalty lies first with his mate. Who has killed the leader that brought challenge, and now seeks to undermine that leader''s daughter."

    "The death of Lucan was justified, Lerrin," Brant spoke up, finally. "No elders¡ªeven the Lupine, questioned that. And they were there to see it. Weren''t they?"

    Lerrin sneered again. "I saw my father disgusted by the favoritism and maniption of the Lions. I saw my father killed for standing in defense of his people¡ªand his daughter. If the King wishes to prove that the wolf-daughter was never intended to be Queen, he should be willing to prove it." He shot a look at Lucine who nodded.

    "I already have given evidence¡ªyou all heard! Even this wolf dered me true!"

    "The truth you spoke was your own. What you understood, how you saw it. If the wolf-daughter was truly mistaken, she should be given an opportunity to prove her worth, to regain her status¡ªor die in the trying."

    "No," Reth breathed, not for the people, but for the wolves, and Brant, and Behryn. "No!"

    But Lerrin just smiled and murmured under the sound of the crowd, "Nervous, Reth?" Then he turned to Lucine and nodded.

    Lucine licked her lips, but her eyes were bright and her lips twitching toward a smile when she stepped forward and struck her own chest. "I challenge the Queen for her throne! I call the Anima to witness¡ªI will prove my im. I will take my seat, or die trying!"

    "NO!" Reth roared.

 Chapter 199: The Challenger

    <h4>Chapter 199: The Challenger</h4>

    ELIA

    She''d hugged herself when Reth called for witnesses to his honesty, and even Lerrin agreed that he spoke the truth. She''d nced at Gahrye, a hopeful smile on her face. "Is it working?"

    Gahrye''s expression was strange, his brow furrowed, but eyes wide. "They are¡­ undecided," he said.

    She''d kept listening, hoping, praying, as Reth continued to count through the event of that night and even Lerrin was forced to admit he didn''t lie. Her heart dropped to her toes knowing the pain Reth must have felt at forcing Lucine to face her lies publicly. But he did not waver, and Elia''s hope continued to rise.

    Then he leaned over the people, his massive shoulders straight and broad as he showed them his chest. "¡­I did not give Lucine more than her due. It was a mistake. A bitter mistake that I regret. I will pay whatever price is required. But do no misjudge me, Anima¡ªI did not make that female Queen!"

    Elia brought her hands to her mouth to hide her smile. She could see the truth in him¡ªknew they wouldn''t deny it, either. And sure enough, even Lerrin affirmed him.

    Aymora rxed a hair when she heard the wolf confirm it and they met eyes, both alight with hope. But Gahrye made a strange grunt. Especially after Lerrin raised his father''s death, though Brant''s affirmation was enough to put that issue to bed.

    "What is it?" Elia whispered.

    "Lerrin," Gahrye said, his eyes narrowed at the wolf. "He''s¡ª"

    But the wolf-man stepped forward, snarling at Reth, "The truth you spoke was your own. What you understood, how you saw it. If the wolf-daughter was truly mistaken, she should be given an opportunity to prove her worth, to regain her status¡ªor die in the trying."

    Elia''s heart stopped. Surely he didn''t mean¡ª

    Then Lucine stepped up, beaming smugly and adrenalin shot through Elia''s system, lighting her veins like electricity, when the woman screamed, "I challenge the Queen for her throne! I call the Anima to witness¡ªI will prove my im. I will take my seat, or die trying!"

    No! Elia''s heart screamed along with Reth, who roared the word. But the Anima¡­ they didn''t quiet.

    "Holy shit," Gahrye breathed next to her. "The winds¡­"

    "What is it?" she hissed.

    "They''re¡­ they want it." He turned to look at her then, his eyes grieving. "I''m so sorry, Elia, but the people want to see it. It feels¡­ it feels like a solution to them. To end the questions."

    "What?!"

    "The Queen is not dominant! The Queen cannot be challenged!" Reth bellowed at the people, but they still didn''t quiet, everyone nodding, calling for the conflict. The wolves howled their support for Lucine, while the other tribes called for the fight, or stayed silent.

    Elia scanned the crowd. Throughout, groups of Leonine stood, faces stern, arms folded, or hands on hips. But always they were circled by others who jumped or brayed, clearly in support of the idea.

    Then Reth turned to find her with his eyes¡ªeyes wide with love and abject terror.

    She knew hers shone with fear as well, but there was also something inside her, something solid. As it came? home to her what was being proposed, what she was being asked to face, the fear left her chittering. But that warm rock in her heart didn''t move.

    Reth. His love. His certainty. His belief in her¡­

    No matter what, nothing would sway that, she knew. No matter what.

    She put a hand to her throat, to the ce where he''d marked her, where the skin was still dark and she mouthed, "I love you."

    His eyes turned hard as he returned her words, but he didn''t drop her gaze.

    Something passed between them in that moment, something she would cherish for the rest of her life¡ªshort as it might be. While the rest of the world was consumed by the events ying out around them, the two of them locked onto each other.

    Despite being unable to touch him, she knew. They breathed together, hearts beating as one.

    She felt him plead with her, and she refused him. He could not save her from this, she knew. He should not. He had to remain King. This people needed him.

    More than they needed her.

    He took a stumbling step towards her, but she shook her head.

    Then, against her will, the rest of the world became present again.

    She tore her gaze from Reth''s as Gahrye murmured at her side.

    She turned, but she couldn''t take in the words. At the front, Lucine was still calling to the crowd. Brant''s face was thunderous. Lerrin looked relieved. And Reth¡­ she couldn''t look at Reth or she would fall apart.

    She turned to Aymora who red at the crowd, but when she caught Elia looking, her eyes were dark and sad.

    She knew, too. She nodded and put a hand to Elia''s arm, without words.

    Elia nodded. And even though her breath caught and her heart thundered so hard she wondered if it would burst, she stepped forward, keeping her shoulders back and her chin down, she moved to the front of the stage¡ªstill keeping space from the others, she stood and waited for the people to notice her.

    And notice her, they did.

    Even as Lucine continued to call to the wolves, howling, Elia stood, her hands sped at her waist, and waited.

    The crowd died down, holding their collective breath, shushing the wolves and pointing at her, until the amphitheater was near-silent.

    Reth''s gaze bored into her skin, but she couldn''t look at him, or she would crack. So she stared a few more seconds, scanning the crowd, letting them see her and scent her. Then she swallowed hard and forced herself to speak with strength, though every muscle in her body wanted to quiver, and give way.

    "I hear the challenge of the wolf-daughter," she said carefully, praying she was using the right words. "Before I give my answer, know this: I do not need to defend the actions of my mate. I know his heart¡ªand so do you. He acted poorly, but not in deceit. He has told you the truth of the events of that night, and his regret. I pray, whether we are separated now, or years from now, that you remember¡­ We are mated, imed, and I have given my throat to him. He returned the vow. To ask him to join with another would sear his soul. I remain his mate, and he remains mine, even if one of us is taken from this world. So, Anima¡­ if you wish to see your Queen fight for you, you must promise me you will not ask my mate to break his vow."

    Then, in the following heavy silence, she waited.

    *****

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 Chapter 200: Prepare Your Heart

    <h4>Chapter 200: Prepare Your Heart</h4>

    ELIA

    The crowd was silent. For a moment she feared she had asked something that was in vition of some tradition, or some new strange rule she didn''t know. But a momentter, a strange song rose¡ªbeginning with the deep, resonant grunts she''d heard Reth make when he approved of something, soon followed by the calls, then the barks, the howls, the cries¡­

    Within seconds, a chorus, in harmony, echoed over the amphitheater as the Anima cried out their approval of her request.

    "You¡­ you won them," Gahrye said next to them, shaking his head in awe. "I don''t know how, but you did it."

    "Enough to get out of this ridiculous fight?"

    But he just looked at her sadly. "No," he said, putting a hand to her arm. He swallowed hard. "They are epting your terms. They are epting you. It is¡­ I don''t understand¡­ they see you as Queen, but they want the challenge. I don''t get it, Elia¡ª"

    "No! Anima! Cease! The Queen cannot be challenged because her life is not her own!" Reth cried, his voice hoarse.

    "Reth, no¡ª" she breathed.

    "What do you mean?" Brant asked him, as the people''s calls cut off and faded.

    Reth looked at her she she shook her head, but his jaw was set. "She cannot fight. She cannot risk it. She is with cub!"

    Elia closed her eyes.

    Reth''s voice was tortured when he continued. "If my mate were taken from us now she would take the royal line with her. You cannot ask that of her, Anima. That is a decision solely for the pleasure of the Creator."

    The crowd murmured, voices rising in hope and celebration¡ªoffspring were always something to be grateful for in Anima¡ªor grumbling in anger. Elia bit her lip, but then made herself straighten her face.

    She¡­ she couldn''t be sure of this. Could she? Was Reth certain? She knew he believed it, but if it was so early, surely there was no way they could¡ª

    "Bring a wise-woman to test her scent!" Brant called over the crowd. "Two wise-women, please. For the certainty of the people."

    The people murmured and whispered. Elia looked at Reth, whose eyes were pained, but also steely. He was determined. She feared what his protectiveness would cost them. Would the people forgive him for interrupting what they wanted? Would they forgive her for not believing about the child¡ªif there was a child?

    Was there a child?

    A minuteter, two women, one Leonine, the other a tall, thin Avaline, trotted up the stairs to the stage, looking carefully at Elia. They both bowed as they approached, and she received them. But Brant was the one who stepped forward. "Can you scent her? Is the King correct?"

    She looked at Reth again, but he was staring at the women.

    "May we touch your hand, Sire?" the Leonine asked carefully.

    Elia nodded and offered her palm, then tried not to stare as the woman cupped her hand in her own, and both women leaned in close, scenting her wrist, then dragging their noses along her forearm, inhaling deeply.

    "It is very early¡­ very early," said the first. "But there is a cub."

    A wave of quiet cheers and apuse rose, but Brant turned to the second woman. "Do you scent it also?"

    She looked at Elia a moment, and Elia saw the measure of her¡ªthe quiet question in herself. But the woman nodded. "There is a cub."

    Cheers rose in the amphitheater, and even Brant smiled, his eyes shining when he looked at Reth and pped him on the back to congratte him. Elia epted the bows of the women, along with their murmured congrattions, then turned.

    Aymora stood at her side her eyes silvered with unshed tears. She reached one hand out to take and squeeze Elia''s, but made no other move.

    Gahrye just stared at her, shaking his head. And for a moment, Elia''s heart broke when she saw pure envy in his eyes. Then he smiled and bowed over her hand. "Congrattions, Elia," he murmured. His eyes caught Reth''s over her shoulder when he straightened, and he nodded.

    Elia turned then, to find her husband, her mate, and see the pained hope in his eyes before he turned back to the people.

    "The Queen cannot be challenged for the safety of her offspring," he said firmly, and the murmurs that rose in response seemed to agree with him.

    But next to him, Lucine growled. "You do everything in your power to stop your mate from proving herself, her worth, her strength to the people. I am not afraid to fight! If she is so strong and true, she should not be either. She could face me, even with cub, and¡ª"

    "ept your defeat, daughter!" Reth roared. "You havee today seeking to deceive the people about your King, and when that did not work, now you seek to threaten the life of a cub?"

    "I seek to find the answers for our people! To bring them strength! You seek to pad your own furs with a woman you have desired since you were a cub!"

    Reth growled and Lucine growled back. Lerrin stepped forward, his eyes bright and gray, his beast eyes, and Elia cried, "No, Reth!"

    Aymora grabbed her arm when she tried to go to him, and Gahrye stepped to put himself between Elia and the wolves.

    When Elia tried to push past him, Aymora tugged her back. "Think of your cub!"

    With a snort, Gahrye boxed Elia behind him, crouching to meet any attack on her behalf.

    There were too many people, too many tall shoulders. Elia could see Reth, but not all of him, and she could hear the snarls and growls between him and the two wolves.

    "Please! Reth!" she cried. "Keep the peace!"

    Reth started to turn, to look for her and Lerrin took that moment when his attention was distracted to leap.

    Reth whirled back to face him just as the wolf-man mmed into his side and he was thrown off his feet.

    "RETH!" Elia screamed.

    ****

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 Chapter 201: Torn Apart

    <h4>Chapter 201: Torn Apart</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia''s head whished as Aymora yanked her back and away. Gahrye stayed, positioning himself between her and those fighting until Behryn and the others rushed over, circling her. As she struggled against Aymora''s grip on her arms, Behryn said something quiet to Gahrye who nodded. Behryn pped him on the arm, then nodded back to Elia, and Gahrye came to stand in front of her.

    "Elia, stop, please. You can''t¡­ we can''t let you get over there. It''s too risky for you. For both of you," he emphasized, his face serious and dark.

    A horrendous snapping snarl rose from behind him and Elia pulled against Aymora again, straining to see around him. "Behryn, you can''t leave him to fight them alone! He''s exhausted!"

    "That''s not his order!" Behryn snapped, but he never took his eyes off Reth, his mouth turned down and jaw twitching with tension. He and the other guards had their spears out.

    Reth hadn''t shifted to beast, and neither had the wolves. It was hand-to-handbat, but Reth was outnumbered, and by two who were ustomed to fighting as a team.

    Brant, who had helped the guards get Elia away, bellowed, "CEASE!" and stormed back across the stage. But even though Reth snarled and tried to shove Lerrin off of him, Lucine didn''t let up and he was forced to keep fighting or be overwhelmed.

    The people cheered, and growled, and called, calling as if the fight were a sporting match and Elia''s heart broke.

    "Go to him, Behryn! Help him!"

    Behryn looked at Brant, who''d turned at Elia''s cry. The two stared for a moment, then Brant nodded and Behryn stepped out of the circle of men around Elia. They closed ranks immediately, filling the space, spears pointing out. Elia stopped fighting, but was still leaning, trying to see around the men.

    She could see a tumble of bodies, hear Reth''s familiar growl, but raised to an horrific noise that she could hear even over the screaming crowd.

    The crowd.

    The people.

    Elia''s face dropped as she turned to see them¡ªwatch them encourage the fighters. Though some¡ªmainly the older Anima, she noticed¡ªshook their heads or watched intent, but quiet, most of the Anima cheered them on. She couldn''t hear what they said, or who they called for, but it was pretty clear.

    She saw wolves, serpents, goats, and even a few birds, screaming, their eyes angry and fists clenched.

    The others all seemed worried, or cried Reth''s name over and over.

    "Gahrye," she breathed. The stage was so loud, she didn''t know how he heard her, but he did, turning and dropping his ear close to her, while still watching Reth and the wolves. "The people," she said. "Who are they cheering for?"

    Gahrye''s shoulders sagged. "Both. They¡­ there is support for both," he said, then looked at her, grief in his eyes.

    Elia swore. The Tribes¡­ the tribes were split, she realized.

    She hadn''t won them. And Reth hadn''t convinced enough of them. Their animal natures wereing to the surface, yearning for dominance over reason.

    And even though Reth would win, she was sure of it, how many of them would still question him at the end?

    "I won''t fight," she said, turning her head so Aymora could hear behind her. "I¡­ I''m sorry, I won''t fight." She stopped pulling and let Aymorae up next to her. Both of them watching, tight-lipped, as Reth attempted to take down two strong wolves at once.

    *****

    RETH

    The smell of blood hung thick in the air. Reth had to blink to keep his sight clear from the blood dripping out of the gash on his temple.

    He yearned to shift, to use teeth and ws, and simply tear these two apart. But he couldn''t, he knew. Not like this. Not when Lucine had already been shamed.

    So he dodged, and twisted, wrenched limbs, and twisted out of grips as the two feinted, snapped, and whipped around him, attempting to confuse him.

    They were brother and sister. They''d fought each other¡ªand with each other¡ªsince birth. They knew each other''s signals and strengths.

    Although stronger, he was also bigger, and had more weight to shift with each attack.

    It seemed that each time Reth thwarted one attack, or blocked one blow, the other wolf woulde at him from his blindside, or attempt to take his vulnerable archilles¡ªa favorite moves of the wolves tome their opponent, then toy with them until they decided to kill.

    But Reth didn''t just fight for his life. He fought for the life of his mate, and their cub. He fought for the people, who clearly had no understanding of what would be of them if the wolves were given power. Their howls, barks, and cries only affirmed for Reth that he had left his people woefully unprepared for the fight they would experience if the wolves were to be dominant.

    Theirfort under his rule had made them overly confident. Unquestioning. They''d forgotten, after generations of Leonine Kings, what had happened to Anima in the past under the rule of other tribes.

    As his breath began to heave and his bulk slowed, Reth gritted his teeth and roared, before diving at Lerrin.

    He had the passing thought that, if they''d been able to harness this ability in the wolves, this gift for an almost psychic link between individuals, the Anima wouldn''t just be the strongest species in their world. They could rule any world.

    But he didn''t have time to think, to prepare anything. He was forced to merely react, always keeping an eye and an ear for what happened at his side, his back.

    He did not want to kill in front of the people. But he was fast losing hope that he might win any other way. Lucine was light-bending quick, and Lerrin''s strength was even greater than his fathers.

    Then Reth misjudged a block, and his hand nced off of Lerrin''s arm. His bnce was off for the slightest second, and Lucine growled and leapt in.

    He had to make the decision in a heartbeat, and could see no other option.

    **** DON''T STOP READING! ****

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 Chapter 202: Angry King

    <h4>Chapter 202: Angry King</h4>

    RETH

    When Lucine came at him this time, Reth used a lightning-fast knife hand to take her at the throat. She dropped coughing and choking as he whirled to meet the snarling attack from Lerrining in behind.

    But Lerrin had stopped, his eyes open in shock, watching his sister struggle to breathe. Then his eyes snapped to Reth''s and his lip curled up in a disgusted sneer.

    "She will live," Reth panted, his hands up, ready to block whatever attack Lerrin was preparing to throw.

    "Life under your rule is no life at all!" Lerrin screamed. "You would use her, shame her, then break her body?"

    Howls rose from the crowd, snarls, barks, and hisses. Reth''s heart went cold. He wiped the blood from his brow and snorted the scent of it from his nose.

    "I chose no such thing for her," Reth growled, his breath heaving. "I chose peace with the wolves despite their machinations! I chose to answer petitions, despite their petty, deceptive nature. I let you, Lerrin, carry the burden of your people, instead of teaching them a lesson¡ªand this is what it has brought me. Brought us."

    Lerrin growled, but didn''t attack and Reth straightened, though he kept his weight on the balls of his feet. He shifted just a little to his left so the crowd could see his face, though he never took his eyes off Lerrin.

    "Anima is a ce of peace. Of the Creator''s blessing. I will always choose peace over war¡ªwhen those who disagree are willing to speak, to findmon ground. But it is clear to me, those days have passed," Reth intoned. "Do you hear me, Lupine!?" he roared.

    A great roar responded¡ªa cacophony of calls, howls, and chirps. His people were caught in the lust for dominance.

    Well, he would give it to them.

    "My name is Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn. I am the King of Beasts. I am n Leader of the Anima. And I am Alpha of all."

    The people screamed¡ªsome in support, others decrying his im, but Reth let himself feel his own strength, the certainty of his power, and let them scent it on him.

    "My mate is Queen, and together we rule Anima, WildWood, and the Tree City. Any who question, any who do not wish to submit to our rule have this night. By daybreak you may leave of your own choice, and you will not be disturbed. You may travel to find your ownnd, build your own homes, rule in whatever manner you choose. Or you will be removed. But I will not stand for this mutiny a moment longer. The time for patience and grace has passed. Leonine, hear me!"

    The Leonine roared from every corner of the amphitheater and Reth nodded, his skin prickling with the desire to shift and show himself.

    "This day will be marked by history. The day the Lupine forced the Tribes to split¡ªforced the King to dere war on his own people!" he spat the words in disgust. Lerrin''s face was wide with shock, and Behryn had slipped up behind him, so Reth turned to face the people. "I did not want this, but I will require it. No matter your tribe, no matter your stripe, tomorrow at dusk, you cane and make your submission. You will be scented for honesty, and if you are true, you will live here, under my rule, under my strength, and in peace. But if you do not¡­" his voice puttered off into a growl that the Leonine echoed. "If you intend threat, or malice, and you do not leave WildWood, I will end you," he snarled. "Do you hear me, Anima? Do you hear your King?"

    The noise rose again, though not as loudly. Reth''s heart sank to see so many closed mouths, so many set jaws and resistant faces.

    Wolves, primarily. But Serpents too. And goats. But here and there, even among the others¡­ His people were at war in their hearts.

    His heart grieved. But then he set his teeth and roared until everyone was silent.

    Striding to the front of the stage, letting them see all of him, know he spoke truth, he red at them.

    "Do not question my resolve. There is no peace in a people that would attack their own rulers, risk the offspring, or harm their King out of petty spite. Those days in Anima are finished.

    "Leave your neighbors, leave your tribe, make no decision lightly. Follow your heart, and submit. But know this: If you have been swayed by these wolves, if you believe they would rule as I do¡ªif you convince yourself that their intentions for you includepassion or mercy, you have let go of your God-given instincts and followed the stink of your own making.

    "These Anima will terrorize you. They will rule by force. They will take from you for their own gain, and demean you if youin about it. But if that is what you would choose, you are wee to them. You will travel beyond the borders of the WildWood¡ªour people will ensure it is so. And you can build your own world there. But you will not turn eyes here. Because I dere war on any Anima that does not submit."

    "Reth!" Brant''s voice was quiet, but it reached him along with Behryn''s gasp. But he ignored it. It was toote. Too much had happened. Too many risks taken.

    The time hade to let the Tribes split.

    "You have the night, Anima. Make your choice and make it well. Then tomorrow, walk after the leader to which you submit. I am done fighting to prove myself to you."

    Then he turned and shoved past Lerrin to prowl off the stage, holding himself in check so he wouldn''t limp, wouldn''t let them see the harm he''d taken.

    Elia''s eyes, wide and grieving, followed him. He nodded to Behryn, and the guards brought her as others¡ªEquine mainly, but Leonine as well¡ªpoured up from below the stage to follow them and stand in solidarity.

    No one was going to hurt the Anima under his care anymore.

    Most especially, his mate, and child.

    No one.

    No matter what it took.

 Chapter 203: Not a Moment Alone

    <h4>Chapter 203: Not a Moment Alone</h4>

    ELIA

    The cave was full¡ªbustling with people. The Security Council were there¡ªminus the wolves¡ªGahrye, Aymora, and Candace, along with several of the wise-women. There were guards outside, and posted at the door. Plus any number of assistants or helpers standing along the walls, waiting to run messages or gather things the leaders needed.

    After everything that had happened in the past two days, it was overwhelming.

    Elia stood at Reth''s side, hugging his arm as he and the security council had a hasty briefing from Behryn.

    Since the moment they''d been reunited outside the amphitheater, he hadn''t stopped touching her¡ªholding her hand when they walked, putting his hand to her back when they moved through a door, or had to move around the room. Pulling her into his side when he had to speak with Aymora.

    His eyes never strayed from her for long either. Every time she had to turn away to speak to Gahrye or take something from Candace, when she turned back, he was watching her. As people spoke, his eyes would drift to her and he''d squeeze her hand.

    She was¡­ relieved. But very aware of the tension in him. His arm felt like a steel bar under her hand. And he kept having to roll his shoulders back and shake his head to release the tension in his neck. It was only now, that his stress was showing, that she realized how good he usually was at hiding it.

    Seeing him so tense made her tension greater, and for the first time, she understood why he fought so hard to make things look good to his people.

    He was the emotionalpass of the room¡ªthe City, for that matter. When he forced a smile, or made a joke, the men around him breathed easier. When he lost himself in his concern and had to ask people to repeat themselves, his brows heavy and pinched together, everyone else''s voices got tight.

    "¡­already starting to move, though I don''t feel confident we can trust them to simply leave. There is a lot of discussion urring¡ªespecially with the serpents. I have every guard on patrol or post, all watching for any break outs of violence or theft. They''ve been told to allow Anima to remove anything from their homes that they choose."

    Reth nodded. "Any aggression in the City?"

    "We''ve broken up a couple of arguments, and one fist-fight. But no, surprisingly, no one seems to be looking for a fight. Yet."

    Reth rolled his jaw, like he was uncertain it was true, but he didn''t say anything, just ran his hand through his hair and nced at Elia at his side. "Keep it up, Behryn. And thank you for your support tonight. That was a very difficult bnce to find, and you managed it beautifully. Let''s catch up in an hour and see if there''s anything new?"

    "Yes, Sire," Behryn said. Elia blinked at the title, then realized with so many people around, it was all about keeping up appearances. Again.

    As the men dispersed, Reth gripped her hand and pulled her towards the back of the cave. "Let''s get changed and take a moment before we do anything else," he murmured.

    She nodded and followed him, waiting for someone to step into their path, or call him back, but thankfully no one did. They hadn''t had a moment to themselves since the they''d been on the mountain. She needed to touch him and see him and make sure he was okay.

    As soon as they reached the bedchamber, he let go of her hand and turned behind her to pull the door closed. She walked to the closet to take off her blouse and leathers and find something morefortable. It was going to be a long night. "Are you okay, Reth?" she asked carefully as she opened the closet. "You feel so tense, I¡ª"

    "Elia." His voice was rough, tortured and his arms suddenly around her, his nose in her hair, inhaling. She turned quickly in the circle of his arms to find him looming over her, his eyes tight.

    "It''s okay, Reth. I''m still here," she whispered, putting a hand to his face.

    He put his own over it and turned his face to kiss the palm of her hand. "Love¡­" he breathed, his eyes squeezing closed as he pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her, dropping his chin to her shoulder. She went willingly, listening to his great heart thrumming in his chest. His heart that was thumping far too quickly.

    "Reth, are you okay?" she whispered.

    "No," he rasped.

    She pulled her head up to meet his eyes and opened her mouth to ask, but his lips were there, his tongue, his tormented breathing. One hand in her hair, the other on her backside, he walked her back to press her against the wall¡ªnot with the tension he''d done itst time, but with a tender plea, grasping at her, pulling her closer.

    "Reth¡ª"

    "Don''t speak, Elia, please," he whispered and kissed her again. "Just¡­ just let me have you." He met her eyes for a moment and the shadows that chased themselves behind his gaze made her want to weep.

    She put her hands to his neck and pulled him down, opening her mouth and kissing him with the desperation she felt wafting off of him in waves.

    He groaned when she slid her tongue along his. Both of them were panting in seconds. Without speaking about it, they each reached for the other''s buttons, tugging, arms tangling. He got her shirt off first, and started on the buttons of her leathers.

    His hands were in the back of her pants and sliding them down before she''d finished his. But as she stepped out of them, still battling with thest of his buttons, he just croaked, "Leave it, love," and pulling himself out of the mostly-open fly, he hiked her knee up over his hip and pressed against her, groaning, his lips on her neck, not entering her, but sliding himself along her so that her breath caught and she shivered.

    Sucking in, she arched against him and clung to his neck, whispering his name as he nudged her jaw back and kissed her throat.

 Chapter 204: All Over Me

    <h4>Chapter 204: All Over Me</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    Her scent was everywhere¡ªin his nose, on his skin, filling the room. Her scent, that beautiful, plump richness that had grown out of the rosy sweetness of the child he''d known so many years ago. But now it wasced with something soft, like a spring day when the blossoms began to bloom in the hills¡ªsomething just on the edge of scent, a hint.

    As she came alive under his hands, her scent spiked and he groaned against her neck.

    She rolled her hips and braced, trying to make him enter her. But he was so terrified, so certain, so utterly certain of what wasing, he knew that moment would overwhelm him. He wasn''t ready.

    So, cupping her ass, then stroking his hand down her thigh, he kissed his way down her neck,ying his tongue against the mark, inhaling her, then using one hand to keep her gently pressed against the wall he dropped lower, finding first one nipple, then the other, rolling his tongue against them, sucking and opening his mouth over them.

    She sighed and buried her fingers in his hair, then clutched at his shoulders when he dropped lower, kissing the space between her breasts, licking her ribs, diving his tongue into her navel. And he stopped there, kneeling before her. Let her leg drop, and he stopped.

    Hands on her hips, heid his forehead on her stomach and just¡­ rested.

    Her chest rose and fell quickly, but she swallowed, bringing her arms around to hold his head. "Reth?"

    "I vow to you," he whispered,ying a kiss on her belly, "No matter where you are, no matter what lies before you, I will stand for you."

    "Reth, I¡ª"

    "My Kingdom, my body, my life¡­ Myst breath for yours."

    "Reth, stop, you don''t need to¡ª"

    "The veryst drop of my blood, so that yours might not be spilled."

    A tiny sob caught in her throat and she clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

    Heid another kiss at her stomach and inhaled. "And if ever I should¡­ should leave you, if ever you should lose me¡­ I will call down the Creator Himself to protect you and watch over our child."

    She shook once.

    He took his head from her stomach and looked up then into her shining eyes. "Mine," he whispered. Then he kissed her stomach again. "You too, little one."

    "Oh, Reth, I love you so much," she cried, pulling at him to bring him up. And with a final kiss on her belly, with his hands trailing up the back of her thighs, he finally let himself stand and reach for her. He pulled her knee to his hip again and found her, right there, ready, so ready for him.

    And before he moved to take her, heid his lips on hers and said, "The Creator is my witness, Elia, I will never love another."

    Then, his body shuddering, squeezing his eyes shut against the urge to weep, fingers digging into her thigh, and at her waist, he finally took her.

    And when she cried out and dropped her head back, giving him her throat again, he took that too¡ªtenderly, so tenderly. All of her open to him.

    And he thanked God for her trust.

    *****

    ELIA

    When he''d pressed her into the wall, gasping her name in that tortured rasp, her heart sped up and desire spiraled through her.

    She was desperate for him, desperate to be close, as close as two people could be. To reassure herself that he was still there. He''d taken her full attention, made her ache for him, then he''d dropped to his knees and given her that vow.

    Seeing him that way... so earnest, so determined... and so broken himself... it had almost broken her. Everything in her cried out to be joined with him, and she pulled him to his feet, aching with need.

    When he rose and pressed her in, took her body with his, her entire skin crackled with heat and electricity. She''d almoste right there, and as he continued his attentions, she was left gasping.

    She clung, and cried his name, her fingers digging into his shoulders. But, far from the frenzied coupling she''d expected, Reth just sighed her name and rolled against her. He kissed her lips softly,bed her hair back from her face, then kissed her again, and rolled against her again.

    And again.

    When her mouth fell open, he took it, his tongue dancing against hers. And when he found her, head back, heid his lips to her neck, the t of his tongue against her skin, and he groaned her name.

    He was trembling¡ªbut not with restraint, she realized. With fear.

    He couldn''t stop whispering her name, like a prayer, a plea. And even when he thrust, it was a long slow slide, as if he stroked her, inside and out.

    "My love," he whispered.

    "Reth, are¡ª"

    "I love you." Pinned between him and the wall, she could barely move, but he did the moving for both of them. "I love you, Elia."

    "Reth!"

    "They can fight us, love. They can even tear us apart. But they cannot take that. They cannot take love. They cannot make it cold. They cannot kill my heart for you."

    She sobbed and kissed him, pulling him closer as he thrust again, long and slow, steadily holding her at the peak.

    The gentleness in him, the way his fingers fluttered against her skin, and his lips traced her. The rasp of his voice¡ªso full of emotion and wanting, he could barely contain it. The roll of his hips the slide of his warmth against hers¡ªeverything conspired to break down the wall she''d tried to keep up, to keep herself focused on the task.

    And when he finally lifted her so they were face to face, urging her to lock her ankles at his back, he''d opened his eyes and locked on hers.

    Wide-eyed and overwhelmed by his gentle but insistent loving, Elia held Reth''s face as he rocked into her again, and again, his eyes¡ªpained, yet glowing with love¡ªnever leaving hers.

 Chapter 205: No. Just, No.

    <h4>Chapter 205: No. Just, No.</h4>

    ELIA

    Wide-eyed and overwhelmed by his gentle but insistent loving, Elia held Reth''s face as he rocked into her again, and again, his eyes¡ªpained, yet glowing with love¡ªnever leaving hers.

    No more words passed between them, only the sheer emotion lighting his gaze that she prayed he was able to see reflected in hers. Only to pant of her breath as he pushed her, faster, faster, to her limit. Only the wail she gave when he finally thrust and everything inside her broke open, exploding for him, towards him.

    Only her cry as she clung to him through his shuddering groan when he followed her over the edge, gripping him so tightly to her, she wasn''t sure where her skin ended and his began.

    "Forever, Elia," he panted in her ear. "Forever."

    They both did nothing but breathe for a long moment. When she finally moved, it was only to bring her head up so she could see him again. He blinked and seemed to wake up, though he''d never closed his eyes.

    She stroked a hand down his cheek as he kissed her again. "Reth," she panted. "You move me every time, but... we have already vowed forever. We got through this. I know there''s danger but... you''re acting like we still face the firing squad. What''s going on?"

    He looked down at her, sweat sprinkled on his brow and his eyes yearning. Combing the hair off her face with his fingers, he took a deep breath.

    "The danger, Elia, for you and our cub... it''s only beginning. This is war."

    She frowned, biting back tears. "I won''t lose you, Reth. You don''t have to fight. You have to... to stay safe so you can lead¡ª"

    "No, Elia, you don''t understand. It''s not me I''m worried about." He cupped her jaw, his eyes pools of grief and yearning. "This is war. Real war. The wolves will leave, but only to recoup and strategize. They will not leave us alone. They will not leave me alone. And you are my weakness. And they know it." He swallowed hard. "Love, I have to send you back to your world."

    "That''s not funny, Reth. Don''t say stuff like that." She giggled nervously, very aware of the way she clenched around him when sheughed.

    But his expression didn''t change.

    And he didn''t smile.

    An ice cube slid down her spine. "Reth, you can''t be serious."

    "I couldn''t be more serious, Love," he said hoarsely.

    They stared at each other for a long minute, Elia''s mouth open as she tried to process what he''d just said. What he was suggesting.

    He couldn''t be suggesting¡ª? Suddenly vulnerable in way she''d never felt before, she shoved at his chest. "Let me go."

    "Elia¡ª" he whispered.

    "No¡ªlet me¡­ get off me!"

    Closing his eyes, he gently pulled away, separating them and helping her slide to the ground and find her feet.

    For a second, feeling theck of him was too much and she gasped, almost clung to him. But as he steadied her, making sure she had her bnce before he let her go, she didn''t miss the determined set of his jaw, or the tension in his shoulders.

    But he didn''t move away. He stood, right in front of her, staring at her, his face lined with grief¡ªletting her see the pain he felt. Which felt desperately unfair. She wasn''t the one saying they should be apart!

    She pushed at his chest, but he didn''t even rock backwards. And her hand wanted to stay on him, so she yanked it back to herself, cradling it with the other hand. "No."

    "Elia¡ª"

    "No, Reth. We just¡­ we just fought to be together," she said desperately, pleading with him. "We just¡­ I did everything you asked! Everything they needed! I even¡ª"

    "You were about to ept a fight from Lucine!" he snarled. "Do not try to tell me that you cannot see that needs call us to things we do not wish!"

    "That was different! Everyone wanted it¡ªneeded it. Gahrye told me¡ª"

    "Do not speak another male''s name in this room," he growled, then dropped his face into his hands and sucked in. "I do not¡­ I will not fight with you, Elia. But the only thing I desire less than to be apart from you, is to see you and our cub dead at the hands of the wolves. They are not¡­ merciful. It would not be quick."

    "You say that like it is the only other option. As if¡­ as if it''s either leave or be killed. You are strong, Reth¡ªand so is Behryn. And the others. And I''m getting stronger. I mean, I''m no Lucine, of course," she spat, "But I don''t believe that staying is certain death for me."

    "Not only for you, but for many others if you are here, Love," he rasped. "There is a reason that when soldiers go to war they do not take their families and loved ones. It is impossible to fight a war on one front, and protect those of your heart on the other. In the end, one will always lose."

    "No! Reth! I''m not leaving you! Not now! Not when we finally¡­ finally won and¡­ we''re¡­ Reth¡­ we''re having a baby!" her voice was high and strangled.

    With a tortured huff he pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her, and she clung shamelessly to his firm waist, her fingers wing mercilessly into his back as he whispered into her hair.

    "That is why we must do this, Love," he breathed. "That little life¡­ so fragile. I cannot lose both of you. And I cannot protect you and gather my people and lead them against the enemy¡­ Anima will already die in what''s toe. If I am torn between leading an army and watching for you¡­ Elia¡­ you are the weakest part of me. You and Elreth. They know that. And they will not stop trying to reach you. They are relentless¡ª"

    "Then why are you just letting them all walk around right now and take what they want and just leave? Why aren''t you killing them so they can''t force you to fight?"

    Reth blinked at her and his lips twitched toward a smile. "Spoken like a true Predator," he said, love in his eyes. Elia blinked. But Reth''s smile faded immediately. "I think you know¡­ we cannot ughter an entire people because there are some among them that would harm us. We have to hold those ountable who would harm us, and leave the rest in peace. I still hope for unity in the Anima eventually. We have open lines ofmunication with the hignd Bears¡ªand the lond Boars no longer raid¡­ I still dream for a day when all of us live in unity. But it is impossible to know right now which of the wolves and their allies are enemies, and which merely¡­ want something different. Trust me, Elia, the Security Council has had this debate countless times. My conviction remains true: The Creator allows those who deny Him to live. The sun shines over them just as it does me, the rain falls on me, just as it does on them. He only unleashes wrath on those who work to harm those who are His.

    "I will not kill my people for thinking differently than I do. But I will kill any that threaten us. The time for caution is passed." He held her shocked gaze and stroked her cheek. "And so¡­ I must protect you while you and our little one are so vulnerable. Just as my parents protected me when their time came." He cupped her face. "And look how that turned out."

    Her mouth dropped open. "Is that what this is about? You think I''m going to go back and our baby will meet their mate, or something? What about me, Reth? What about my need for my mate?"

    Reth blinked like she''d flicked water in his eyes. "You believe I would leave you there? You think my need for you is not as great¡ªgreater? Elia, when you go it will tear my guts from me. Every minute we are apart, that I cannot touch you¡­ No! I wille for you. Elia, you will go back to your home to be safe. But only for a time. The moment¡ªthe first moment I know it is safe for you, I wille for you both. I will not leave you there. And you will not go alone."

    "You''ve already nned this?"

    "I''ve discussed the possibility with Behryn but¡ª"

    "No! Reth! No! I''m not going back! I''m not leaving you! Not by choice!"

    "Elia, please¡­" He gazed at her, his eyes tight with pain and fear.

    A sob caught in her throat. "Don''t look at me like that when you''re the one who''s saying¡ª"

    "Elia, I love you," he whispered.

    "I know! That''s not what¡ª"

    "Please, my beautiful girl, please¡­ let me protect you."

    "But¡ª!"

    A knock at the door made Reth curse, and Elia startle.

    ****

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 Chapter 206: Allies & Enemies

    <h4>Chapter 206: Allies & Enemies</h4>

    RETH

    Elia turned away from the door and covered herself with her hands, even in this moment mortified at the idea someone might walk in and see them naked. He''d been very clear with all their people: If the door was closed, knocking was required. Anima under stress might not remember, though. Thankfully, this one had. "What is it?" he snapped towards the closed door.

    "You''re needed Reth, I''m sorry. There''s¡­ news. Urgent news. Elia should hear it, too." It was Behryn¡ªBehryn staying respectfully on the other side of the door, for Elia''s sake.

    "We''ll be there in a moment," Reth growled, then waited until he was certain Behryn was far enough away not to hear their whispered words. Then he turned back to her, and his stomach clenched at the pain and anger lighting her eyes. She had her arms folded and was swallowing tears. He stroked her upper arms with his thumbs and when he spoke, kept his voice gentle.

    "We''ll discuss this againter. Just¡­ think on it, Love. There''s much to exin. But¡­ have mercy on me, please," he rasped, suddenly desperate. "Don''t pull away. I am saying the word, Elia. I need you close right now. Every moment. Please don''t take your touch from me."

    Chin trembling, she shook her head and threw herself into his chest again. "I won''t."

    They hugged for a long moment as she blinked and swallowed, and forced back the tears that wanted to overwhelm her. Reth soaked in her touch, burning each and every sensation into memory¡ªthe warmth of her skin, the cool wet of her tears on his chest, the softness of her breasts pressed into his stomach. The gentle scent of her hair when he curled around her¡­ all of it. Then they forced themselves apart and dressed, never leaving each other''s sides.

    He took her hand¡ªso smallpared to his own¡ªas soon as she was dressed and led her from the bedroom, a heavy sense of dread siting in the pit of his stomach.

    Behryn wouldn''t havee for him early if it wasn''t important. That meant they had some rity about the wolves. And it wasn''t good.

    He took a deep breath as they turned the corner into the main cave. Then as the scent hit his nose, let it whoosh out with a deep growl. He half-crouched, pushing Elia behind him before they''d even made it through the dining room. There were people everywhere. He couldn''t see¡­

    "Where is the wolf?" he snarled.

    The room had gone quiet when he growled. Behryn turned from where he stood in the main living area, next to the lounger where Elia had told him to take her¡ªno, he would not be distracted! Another growl rolled in his throat.

    Behryn raised his hands, but didn''t look rmed. "You''ll want to hear from this one, Reth," he said, giving Reth a significant look.

    Then two of Behryn''s guards stepped aside to reveal a younger man, heavyset and with the silver-blue eyes coveted by so many of the wolves. He stood in submission, not meeting Reth''s eyes, his hands up, palms out.

    When Reth growled again, the man took a knee, hands still up and dropped his head further. "I submit. I acknowledge Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn as my King, and his true mate, Elia Thorpe as my Queen. I submit, Sire. Ie to help. Scent me true."

    Reth nced at Behryn, who nodded once.

    "You are epted, but not trusted, wolf. What is your name? Speak," Reth snapped.

    "I''m Charyn," he said carefully. "I''m¡­ my son is disformed."

    "How old is he? What''s his name?" Elia blurted, leaning out from behind him. Reth''s teeth set at her presumption, but he didn''t stop the wolf from answering.

    "His name is Aaryn. He is very small, Sire. Only three summers. But¡­ but your thought for those who are different¡­ He will need a ruler like you as he grows. You have more than my acknowledgment, my Queen. You have my allegiance."

    Reth blinked, then spoke through his teeth. "What news do you bring, Charyn?"

    "The wolves¡­ they have been nning for this. They will appear to leave peacefully. But they will not leave the WildWood. Sire, they have been preparing. They are organized. Do not be swayed by their obedience to your banishment. They are¡­ ready. They''ve been collecting goods and setting up ranks for months. This isn''t just trouble. This is a coup."

    Reth snorted, but looked at Behryn again, who nodded once more. The man spoke truth. Reth cursed under his breath and his hands on Elia''s tightened. She hugged his arm as he brought her forward to stand with him. "We are grateful that you were willing to show your allegiance this way, Charyn." He turned to scan every person present. "No one will speak this man''s name outside of this room, am I understood? This information is held to the Throne."

    There was a murmur of agreement from the people in the room, but Reth had already turned back to Charyn. "You and your family will be protected in the event the wolves seek revenge."

    "Thank you, Sire," the man said, his voice heavy with relief.

    "Stand. Face me."

    The man stood slowly. When he brought his eyes up, it was to find Elia first, which made Reth tense, but he only nodded once, then snapped his gaze to Reth.

    His predator''s eyes spurred the instincts in Reth''s beast, and he had to swallow another growl. But after a moment, Charyn dropped his gaze again. "Thank you, Sire," he repeated.

    "Do you know the location of their supplies? Do they have a store?"

    "They have more than a store. There''s several caves, and arge encampment."

    Reth shot a look at Behryn. "Why haven''t the scouts run into it?"

    "I don''t know, Sire. It is well camouged and mostly contained within one ravine. Perhaps it''s simply not a location the scouts have had reason to visit?"

    "How far away?"

    "Two hours in beast form. Maybe less for you."

    Reth growled. "Why didn''t you raise this with us earlier?"

    "I¡­ I had hoped it wouldn''te to this¡­ it started with the young ones. Then they were punished. There was talk for a while of abandoning the n. Many did abandon it, in truth. But Lucan¡­ he wouldn''t let it go, Sire. And when he was killed¡­"

    "He was martyred by the others," Reth snarled.

    "Yes. But, forgive me, Sire. There''s more. I believe¡­ I believe tonight they have acknowledged Lerrin and Lucine as King and Queen."

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 Chapter 207: Calling the Bears

    <h4>Chapter 207: Calling the Bears</h4>

    ELIA

    There was a bustle of activity after that, Reth pulling different men aside to discuss strategies for attempting to find the wolf encampment without being caught, or whether time and effort should focus only on defending the city from attack.

    The wolf-man, Charyn, watched worriedly, only speaking when he was asked questions. Reth always kept himself between Charyn and Elia, but he was grateful for the man''s input, and made sure everyone knew to keep his identity a secret.

    Elia clung to his arm, despite some odd looks from the elders and guards. They clearly didn''t know that Reth was trying to make her leave, and even if they did, she didn''t care if they thought she was odd, holding onto him. She had to keep reassuring herself that he wasn''t going to disappear. That she wouldn''t be suddenly alone.

    It was Behryn who first raised the Bears.

    "They''re talking now, Reth, and negotiating. Not to mention that they''re basically already here. We had to re-route them a little when they came off the mountains. We could just let them take their natural path and ask them for help. They won''t hibernate for a few more weeks. We have food."

    "The Bears have no allegiance to us at all. We have no idea if they could be trusted."

    "They also have no prejudice. And I doubt they''d be excited about a wolf-King. They''re barely used to you. It doesn''t hurt to ask. In fact, I''d go so far as to say we''re more likely to be hurt by not asking. The wolves will approach them, definitely. Maybe making it known that they''re wanted will help sway them?"

    Reth stared at Behryn and his grip on Elia''s hand tightened. Why did the Bears make him so tense?

    "How far away are they tonight? Have the scoutse in?"

    Behryn nodded. "They''re a couple hours North."

    "Okay," Reth said, like the words were pulled out of him. "We''ll go find the Bears. But we need to leave early. I need to be back for the submission."

    Oh. Elia''s heart sank. That was why.

    As soon as Behryn had nodded and taken the guards aside to give them orders for making the arrangements, Elia asked Reth, "You''re leaving?" Her voice was too high.

    He looked down on her, his face tight. "I have to."

    "I''ming too."

    "Elia, you can''t," he said softly, leaning toward her. "We''ll be travelling as Beasts. It will be extremely dangerous if the wolves get wind of it. And we have to travel as swiftly as possible so I can be back in time for the Submission."

    They stared at each other a long breath.

    "How will I¡ª"

    "I''ll leave you heavily guarded, and with your Cohorts. There will be much you can do here to benefit us and the people, Love. Believe me, it''s thest thing I want to do, being taken from you. But¡­ this is war."

    And she caught the glimpse of it, then, how¡ªif she wasn''t there¡ªhe wouldn''t have had to be talked into making the trip to speak with the Bears, even though they might prove to be a very useful ally.

    How he wouldn''t feel torn about travelling, but would have leapt into it, determined to see if he could bring back a solution.

    How his efforts now would not be split between preparing for the trip, and guarding her.

    But she did not want to see it. She did not want to hear the wisdom in his words about her leaving, so she pushed the thought away and clung to his arm even more tightly.

    "How long will you be gone?" she asked quietly, every molecule within her fighting the idea of having him out from under eyes.

    "We''ll leave before daybreak and be back before dinner. That will be the n, anyway. The Bears can be¡­ difficult. It will depend somewhat on how quickly they agree to a discussion at all."

    Behryn approached again then and they both fell silent. "The guards will be here for Elia," he said, either anticipating Reth''s next question, or he''d caught part of their conversation. "She can keep her Cohorts here, too." Then he turned to Elia. "It will be a matter of hours. The Bears pose no threat to us. The worst that is likely is that the effort is wasted."

    "Unless the wolves hurt you," she said darkly.

    "They''d have to catch us first," Behryn grinned. Reth tried to return it, but his heart wasn''t in it. His brow was lined, and his mouth tight. Elia stroked his arm and tried to smile herself.

    "Well, let''s pray this Creator is on your side," she said to them both. "I''m sure me and the others can find things to do to help, or to fill the time. Just¡­ bring him back safely, please, Behryn," she said, her voice much shakier than she''d intended.

    Behryn''s expression went very serious. "I will, Sire," he said softly.

    Elia swallowed the pinch in her throat.

    The two men discussed details for a moment, then Reth''s lips pursed. "I want you to go read the winds in the Tree City."

    Behryn frowned. "You don''t think it''s too soon? As far as most people know, nothing has changed."

    Reth nodded. "And yet, I can''t get rid of this itch between my shoulder des. Go. Tell me what you find. If nothing has changed, that will be good news."

    Behryn sighed heavily. "If you''re certain?"

    "I''m certain."

    Behryn took his leave, moving quickly, briefing a couple of the guards on his way out of the cave.

    Elia turned to Reth. "I know that they can do with this reading the winds, thing, Gahrye does it too. But¡­ do you know how?"

    Reth shrugged. "It''s a Creator-given gift. Like an extra sense. Or perhaps a heightened sense? I know Behryn actually scents the wind when he does it. But the things he learns¡­ they are not always from sight or smell. It''s like¡­ they can hear the hearts of the Anima. Especially when emotions are high. If Gahrye ever reads the wind, you listen and you do as he says, even if it seems like it makes no sense."

    She didn''t like his tone, like he was giving her advice for when he was gone. But she nodded and made a mental note.

    She was going to prove to him that she could be here, while he worked elsewhere. And she would be safe.

    *****

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 Chapter 208: The Wind of Change

    <h4>Chapter 208: The Wind of Change</h4>

    RETH

    It was sote.

    He''d finally gotten the security council out of the cave and on their way, each of them with different tasks to help in the preparation of weing the Bears in theing days if it was needed. Reth still hoped, although it was fading, that war might be averted. He''d seen the Creator do greater things, hadn''t he? His mate was here, after all.

    Shaking off his distraction, he''d turned to the wise-women, peppering them with questions about whenever humans had been brought into the Rite before. But there was woefully little that they knew that would apply to Elia''s situation. He bid them leave and rest, to start early, searching the histories for any advice or strategies for unifying broken Tribes.

    Then his legs heavy and arms aching with weariness, he''d dispatched most of the messengers and guards that were there to watch the rest, either to get their rest in preparation for the following day which would be very long and grueling, or asking them to aplish tasks to help the leaders ready for theing conflicts.

    Everyone had a job, and by the time he was finished, they were all on their way with clear ideas of what they had to do.

    Finally, only he, Elia, Gahrye, and a handful of guards that had been posted inside the cave were left. He''d just started discussing with Gahrye the unique challenge he would face being alongside Elia in Reth''s absence, when the cave door swung open so hard it bounced off the wall.

    Everyone whirled, the guards bringing their weapons to bear. But Reth could scent that this was no threat. At least, not from the body that flew inside.

    It was Behryn, panting so heavily he must have pressed himself to thest of his limits for speed.

    That wasn''t good.

    "Reth! Reth! You were right¡­ there is a shift." He said, leaning on his knees and sucking in air. He must have practically flown here to be so winded. Behryn could run for hours and barely sweat.

    It was instinct to pull Elia behind him, though she grumbled. But if Behryn was rmed, there was true reason to fear. "What is it?"

    "It''s¡­" Behryn''s face dragged towards the dirt floor and he shook his head. "It''s war, Reth. True war. Between the tribes. The wolves have convinced the Serpents to leave, and most of the Goats. There''s even¡­ even some of the birds are moving. Following them."

    "What?!"

    "The air crackles with anger, Reth. I don''t know what is driving it. The people were rtively settled after your speech. Something has happened and I don''t know what. But we need the bears. They''re the only ones the Serpents are scared of."

    Panic wanted to set in. What was happening? What had the wolves put in motion before any of this even happened? Had he pushed them too far, killing Lucan? Or was this always part of the n? Stroking Elia''s hand with his thumb, he gritted his teeth and took a slow breath and remembered the advice his father had given him about crisis.

    He''d been sixteen and still full of his own newfound strength and making trouble with the wolves, picking fights.

    One time, he''d almost gotten his ass¡ªand Behryn''s¡ªkicked by four wolves when he''d only known two of them were there. The fight was broken up quickly, but when his father found out, he''de roaring out of a council meeting and cuffed Reth all the way back to the cave.

    "Your day wille, son, when fighting will be pressed upon you. You won''t choose it! And then you''ll realize the utter stupidity in pitting yourself against others for fun. There is no world in which the harm of another Anima is fun. And none in which you are untouched in the doing of it. If you need to see conflict, I''ll show you conflict¡ªand it''s bloody results. Perhaps that will curb your appetite."

    He''d done it, too. He''d taken Reth out the next time a Silent One had been creeping up on the Tree City.

    Reth had been forced to kill the Lion, had to watch the thing broken at his own hand, then listen to it die. Then his father stood behind him¡ªnot angry this time, but sad.

    "Now imagine," he''d said quietly so that Reth barely heard him over his own panting. "Imagine that the person you hold most dear in this world is making that noise, Reth. And there''s nothing you can do to stop it. Imagine that you''re surrounded by the broken and dying, no matter how hard you tried to avoid it.

    "Never, ever tell yourself that destruction makes you strong. Destruction only breaks what was growing within you. Your day wille when destruction is unavoidable. You choose where and when to use it. And you use it wisely. Because you will never walk away from it unscathed."

    He''d been too old to cry out ofpassion for an animal, but he''d swallowed the ache in his throat and followed his father home with his head down. Because he''d known, then, that death was never true victory.

    Yet, here he was¡­ about to dere death on his own poption.

    "Reth?" Elia''s voice was soft, and full ofpassion.

    He raised his head, hadn''t realized he''d buried his face in his hands. His shaking hands.

    She clung to one of his elbows and searched his eyes. "You need to rest. If you''re going to travel and¡­ do this. You need to rest. With me," she breathed.

    He nodded. He turned to the expectant Behryn, made his voice strong. "Does this change our ns, or only strengthen them?"

    Behryn gave it thought. "It only makes our time more precious," he said finally. "We still need the Bears, and they''ll still only listen to you in this."

    "Are the others¡­ the other tribes¡­ are they leaving peacefully?"

    "So far, but¡ª"

    "Charyn was right. This is war. Keep the guards posted. People may leave, but once they do, they do not re-enter the Tree City."

    "Yes, Reth."

    "Set the guards, and go get some rest. We will too. Tomorrow will be a difficult enough day as it is."

    Behryn nodded. "Reth, I''m sorry, but this just affirms for me¡­ we can''t leave you two alone as long as there''s an unidentified exit. Brother, please, you have to tell me so I can set guards at it."

    Reth growled, but Elia tugged on his elbow. When he looked down, her eyes were liquid and wide. "Tell him," she said. "He''s right."

    Reth put a hand to her face. "But it''s ours."

    "Tell him."

    He nodded, then gave Behryn a t look. "It''s the Bathing pools. There''s a vinedder hidden behind the waterfall, and a stump over the hole at the top. It can''t be seen outside unless you''re on top of it. But you can climb to it from inside."

    Behryn blew out a breath and whistled for one of the guards near the door. "Go gather two more and meet me at the back of the cave. We have another post to cover."

    The guard nodded, then fled.

    Behryn turned back to them. "Thank you."

    "Please don''t draw attention to it by setting guards there, Behryn."

    "Thanks, Reth, I never would have considered that without your input," he snapped. Elia blinked, but Reth forced himself to smile.

    "Thank you, brother," he said. "I couldn''t do any of this without you."

    "Just as long as we know where the bnce of power truly sits," Behryn said calmly.

    If it hadn''t been such a fucked up situation, Reth would haveughed.

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d never seen Reth like this. She watched as, over the course of an hour, he slowly but surely assigned everyone ns and strategies, tasks to oversee, and gave orders for rest before morning.

    She watched him grieve as Behryn examined the Bathing Pools, climbed to the top and checked out the meadow, then gave orders for a camouge of the hole, and guards, and an archer set inside to watch it for tonight.

    He never stopped touching her, even when he needed both hands, he pulled her close to his side, or looped her hand on his arm.

    And he trembled. She could feel it in him, the smallest quiver under his skin. As if something vibrated inside, wanting to get out.

    She caught him once, staring at the wall, his eyes dark and face lined. But when she spoke his name, he came alive and pulled her into his side, busying himself with Behryn again.

    She had no idea what time it was when everything was in ce, but as Reth received his final briefing from Behryn, she turned to Gahrye.

    "Can youe back at first light?" she whispered. "I''ll tell the guards to expect you. I''m just¡­ I think I''ll need your help understanding all the¡­ tides." Then she nced at Reth, a pit in her stomach.

 Chapter 209: Distraught

    <h4>Chapter 209: Distraught</h4>

    DON''T FORGET: Every vote for this book or TAMING THE QUEEN OF BEASTS until the end of May gains you an entry into the draw for one of FOUR vouches for 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So get voting! Winners announced 1 June (May 31st for USA)

    *****

    ELIA

    Gahrye looked at his King, the tension there, and inhaled deeply, nodding his head. She prayed he understood: She needed him to tell him when the outside forces might be too much. When her mate might break.

    She had to save him from it. She would already be consumed saving him from the forces within himself. And her.

    "I''ll be back in the morning," he said, giving her a significant look, "But until then¡­ the cliff-face could crumble. Be there to catch it if it does. It will need a safe ce tond."

    She nodded slowly and thanked him, then waited for Reth to finally say goodnight to Behryn.

    "We''ll change the guard in three hours so everyone can get at least a little sleep tonight," Behryn said wearily. "So don''t be surprised if there''s new people here in the morning."

    Reth agreed it was a good idea and they walked Behryn out. A minuteter she was tugging Reth back through the cave towards the bedchamber.

    Only onentern had been left lit. The room was dim and shadowy. As they walked in, Reth shuffled towards the bed, so she was the one to turn and close the door.

    When she turned back, her throat caught.

    Reth sat on the edge of the sleeping tform, hunched over, elbows on his knees, and his face in his hands.

    "Reth?" she said worriedly, rushing over to him. "What''s wrong?"

    He brought his head up, inhaling swiftly. "I''m just tired, love," he said, but there was something in his voice, a faintness to it she''d never heard before.

    She took his hands and pulled them apart so she could stand between his knees. With him sitting like that, they were face to face and she cupped his cheeks. "You need rest."

    He leaned forward to kiss her softly, swiftly, without pulling her in. "I doubt I will sleep tonight," he rumbled. "But you should. I couldy with you. That will be good for me."

    She let one hand slide up to his temple andbed her fingers into his hair which had fallen mostly out of its tie over the course of the night.

    He let his head drop forward and groaned when she wed her fingers along his scalp. "That feels delicious, love."

    So she did it again, with both hands, then gripped his hair and pulled his head back. He growled when she kissed his Adam''s apple, but he didn''t fight her.

    "You have done so much for everyone else tonight," she whispered against the stubble on his throat, "why don''t you let me do something for you?"

    His hands naturally rested at her hips and his fingers squeezed for a moment, but then loosened. "I think¡­ Love, I think I am too full of thought for any fun," he said wistfully. "There are so many things¡ª"

    "And you will do them all better if you can get your mind off of them for an hour."

    "I''m definitely not up to an hour," he said gruffly. "Perhaps forty minutes."

    She snorted against his jaw and he lifted his hands to take her face in them and kiss her. But she could feel him hesitate. Sense the question in his mind¡ªthe distraction, and the fear.

    When he began to pull away, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into her, deepening the kiss. But he turned his face away, finally, his hands back at her waist.

    "I''m so sorry, love. I''m just¡­ spent."

    "You need to rest," she whispered.

    "Yes, I¡ª"

    She took hold of the buttons on his shirt and began to unbutton them. His eyestched on her face. "If you''re going on a trip, Reth," she said, faking a smile, "then your mate wishes to send you off with a good memory."

    One of his eyebrows came up. "Oh?"

    "Yes. Here. Take this off." She slipped thest button out of its hold and pushed the fabric open over his chest, desire spiraling through her when his muscles clenched because she''d tickled his ribs.

    As he pulled the shirt off of his arms, she started on his belt-buckle, then the buttons of his pants. She didn''t miss that he wasn''t yet aroused and bit her tongue between her teeth as she wrestled with the leather. Was she pushing him when she shouldn''t? Was he going to try only to please her?

    Then he made a tiny growl in his throat and pulled her chin up. When she looked up, his eyes were alight. "Let me do that?"

    "The buttons?"

    "No, your tongue," he rumbled and took her mouth.

    She smiled into his kiss, and kept working at the buttons as she tilted her head to enjoy the kiss fully.

    He wrapped his hands around her lower back and pulled her in, until she arched against him, cupping her ass and kneading it, his breath beginning to sigh.

    Elia was already panting, and self-conscious about it. But he was always so open with her about his own desire, she knew he''d never judge her for showing hers.

    So, after he''d lifted her blouse over her head to bare her, she shucked off her own pants, then pushed him down toy back on the bed as she took hold of the waistband of his now-open leathers and tugged them down.

    She had to wrestle the legs one at a time to get them off his thick thighs and broad calves, but when she was done, she was panting for real¡ªand his body wasing to life.

    He sat back up, beckoning her toe to him, but after she kissed him she put her hands to his broad chest and whispered, "Lay back."

    His eyes snapped to hers and he regarded her for a minute. "What are you doing?"

    "Giving you a chance to rest," she said, then smiled, pushing him back again. He went slowly, his abs crunching as he rolled back in a way that made her mouth water, but once he wasying down, he put one arm under his head and looked down at her. Waiting.

    A little uncertain, but praying she couldn''t get it to wrong, she ced her hands on him and stroked. His stomach clenched again and she smiled.

    "I want to kiss you," she said.

    "Thene up here," he rasped, reaching for her.

    But she shook her head, and leaned over him, taking him gently in her mouth as his entire body tensed and he gasped.

    *****

    WANT MORE? The next book in the BEAST Series is avable NOW! (And it''s set 20 years in the future, so (mostly) won''t have spoilers for this book! Currently 100% FREE (June 2021): Check out my author profile, or search "Taming the Queen of Beasts" and add it to your library TODAY (Check out the beginning of the first chapter in the author note below!)

 Chapter 210: Creators Mane

    <h4>Chapter 210: Creator''s Mane</h4>

    RETH

    Every nerve ending in his body lit up at once when she put him in her mouth. "Creator''s Mane!" he gasped, and arched his back high. But she put one hand to his stomach and held him down. And he was so ovee by the feelings she was giving, he shuddered, fisted his hands in the furs, and stayed there.

    "Elia¡­" his voice was strangled. "Dear¡­ fuck!"

    But she kept stroking, kept kissing, kept taking him, slowly, so slowly, until his hips began to roll without his permission and small noises broke from his throat at each peak. "Elia! Light!" he put his hands to her hair and pulled her up. "Stop, you have to stop!"

    "Why?" she gasped. "It seemed like it was working."

    "Dear Lord, woman," he growled, pushing up to sit. "You''ll take me over the edge and we haven''t even¡ª"

    "But that''s the point, Reth. I want to do this for you." Her eyes were wide and pleading and he stopped, blinking.

    What had he ever done to deserve this amazing woman?

    Unable to resist, he took her face in his hands and kissed her, long and slow, reaching for her bared breasts and kneading them, groaning into her mouth when she stroked him. "Elia, please," he gasped against her lips. "I want you."

    He leaned down to swing an arm under her and lift her up to the tform. She clung to his shoulders with a squeak. But he just pulled her onto his stomach andy back down, pulling her with him, one hand in her hair, still kissing her.

    Once she found her bnce, she straddled him, rubbing herself slowly against him as they kissed. They both groaned.

    "My beautiful mate," he whispered,bing her hair back from her face as she pushed herself up, her breasts hanging, swinging tantalizingly close to his mouth.

    Grabbing her ass, he pulled her up his torso slightly. "Reth, I¡­" But then he could reach her nipples with his mouth, and her words trailed off into a sigh. "Oh¡­ okay."

    He hummed his approval as she braced on the furs next to his head and continued to rub on him.

    He couldn''t stop tasting her. But the desire he''d thought he wouldn''t find was already rising, driving him forward. He needed to take her, to possess her, to have her as close as they could be¡ªleave nothing unsaid, nothing undone.

    Without warning her, he hugged her into his chest, then rolled them over together, so he was on top of her. She shrieked, but then gasped again when he took her nipple gently between his teeth.

    "Reth," she gasped. "You''re supposed to be resting¡ª"

    "I''ll rest when I''ve had you gasping," he vowed. Then, sliding his hand to the back of her thigh, he hooked her knee over his hip and in one shuddering thrust, pushed into her, right to the hilt.

    They both cried out, and for a frantic minute, he thrust again and again, groaning her name as she panted his. But he didn''t want it to end so quickly. So he stopped, resting on his elbows and stroking her hair back from her face.

    *****

    ELIA

    The tenderness on his face made her want to weep. But then shadows began to creep into his eyes.

    "No," she whispered, pulling him down. "Don''t think about it. Just think about me. Look at me, Reth. Feel me. This is us. This is real."

    A strange call, deep and resonant, vibrated in his chest as sheid her mouth to his again, and he wrapped her in his arms until she was cocooned by him, her arms around his neck, his around her shoulders, and at her lower back.

    "My love," he whispered, kissing his way down her jaw, then thrust into her sharp, and swift.

    Her breath caught and her mouth dropped open.

    "My mate," he rasped, and did it again.

    She was beginning to keen, but she couldn''t stop it. She was desperate for him, desperate to be close to him, exactly like this. And his own desire had awoken.

    So, as he rolled into her again, and again, crying her name, and wringing feelings from her skin, and from her core, all she could do was cling to him, and say his name over and over.

    Then he slid his hand t to her lower back and pulled up in the same moment he thrust and she began to climb, taking another step closer to her peak with every roll of his hips.

    "Elia!" he gasped. "I can''t¡ª"

    "Don''t stop! Don''t stop!"

    With a bellowing growl, he thrust again and again, so hard, his thighs pped against hers, and just like that, something inside her broke open. She arched back, calling for him, as her skin sparkled with her impending release. Goosebumps washed from where they were joined, to every limb, every muscle tense and tingling.

    She couldn''t breathe.

    Couldn''t breathe.

    And then it crashed over her and she cried out, panting into his hair as he buried his face in her neck and shattered right alongside her, his fingers clutching at her, his mouth on her neck.

    "Elia!"

    "Love you, I love you, Reth!" She clung to him as his entire body rocked, twitching and shaking, and he bellowed again.

    They both shuddered, shivering and jerking, twin breaths tearing out of their throats. Elia blinked her eyes wide and sucked in a deep breath as Reth''s weight finally came to rest fully on her, like a massive nket of love.

    Neither of them spoke.

    She kept him close with on hand on his neck, but let the other trail up and down his back, stroking the lines of muscle, her fingertips riding the ripples of his shoulder des, and his spine.

    He groaned again, but this time he rxed with it. "That feels heavenly, love."

    "Just rest, Reth," she whispered, and kissed his temple. "Please. Just rest."

    He brought the hand that had been at her lower back up and cupped it over her head. "You are my rest, Elia," he murmured. "Thank you."

    She squeezed him tight to her and fought back the tears, because this was a moment for joy.

    A minuteter he pulled himself off of her, but when she began toin, he shushed her and turned onto his side, rolling her as well, until he could slide her back into his chest. He slid one arm under her head, the other over her waist and curled his knees under hers, so she waspletely wrapped in him.

    She sighed happily as he nuzzled her neck.

    "I love you, Reth."

    "I love you too, beautiful," he whispered, then kissed her hair.

    She was almost dozing a minuteter when his lips brushed her ear. "Elia?"

    "Yes?"

    "This doesn''t change anything. You still need to go home." Her eyes flew open and she tensed. But he''d already held her tighter, squeezing her in, whispering love to her and wrapping her in his warmth. "It''s only because I love you that I''m going to ask this of you, Elia. You and Elreth. That''s the only reason."

    "I''m not leaving you, Reth," she whispered, twining their fingers.

    Reth sighed. She still didn''t understand the sheer danger she was in. "We''ll talk about it tomorrow."

    ****

    STOP! There are some change to the privilege tiers this month, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! But DO NOT buy big privilege tiers thiste in the month (You''ll just have to re-purchase them on 1 July (30 June in the US) So wait until 1 July (9:00am Pacific on 30 June in the USA.) And if you haven''t purchased (or resubscribed to) privilege before, check out the author note below to make sure you know what you''re buying!)

 Chapter 211: Jak is Back

    <h4>Chapter 211: Jak is Back</h4>

    DON''T FORGET: Every vote for this book or TAMING THE QUEEN OF BEASTS until the end of June gains you an entry into the draw for one of FOUR vouches for 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So get voting! Winners announced 30 June

    *****

    ELIA

    She woke to a gentle hand pulling her hair away from her neck, and warm lips on her skin.

    "What time is it?" She had to blink to be sure she was awake. It was still pitch ck in the cave.

    "Behryn will be here any minute. We''re going to find the Bears. I didn''t want to leave without saying goodbye," Reth''s voice rumbled in his chest against her back. She stretched and he hummed, thumbing her nipple.

    "Are you sure you have to go now?" she asked, turning over in his arms to kiss him.

    He sighed. "Yes. Give me a kiss, love, and I''ll see you as soon as I can."

    She sank into his chest and he pulled her in, his breath fluttering in her hair. "Pleasee back safely, Reth," she murmured into his chest.

    "Please stay in the cave and under guard today, Elia," he said, his voice heavy.

    "I will. I vow to you, Reth. I won''t do anything risky. At all. Is Behryn going with you, or staying here?"

    "He''sing with me. There are guards in the meadow, and in the bathing pools," he muttered. "No one''s getting in here. Stay safe, my love."

    They kissed briefly, then he groaned and rolled away from her. He dressed quickly in the dark, leaned over her in the furs to kiss her one more time, then walked out, closing the door behind him.

    She knew she should go back to sleep. They''d had very little rest thest couple of days. But she felt tense and agitated. Reth didn''t just feel tense, or angry about all that was happening. He seemed¡­ sad. And truly anxious. Heavily anxious.

    And she was making it worse, she knew, by resisting him. But the idea of leaving him¡ªespecially when she was, apparently, pregnant¡­

    She wondered when she would start to feel pregnant. What would this pregnancy be like? It was another reason she needed to stay in Anima. They would know how to care for an Anima baby¡ªcub, she reminded herself.

    Holy shit, was she going to literally have kittens?

    The giggle that erupted in her throat was slightly hysterical. She needed to do something productive, or she was going to send herself insane worrying about Reth, and babies, and war.

    So she got out of the furs and felt her way to the closet for a set of clothes that she only put on backwards once, before feeling her way along the wall to the door.

    To her surprise, when she opened it, lights zed in the kitchen, sending bright yellow along the floor to the bedroom. Who was up this early? Well, the guards she supposed.

    Checking that she had got her blouse on correctly, she trotted out towards the kitchen. At first the cave seemed empty. But as she walked through the dining area and the Great room opened ahead of her, a tall, handsome man with a guard''s spear came walking around the corner, looking back towards the door.

    "Oh, sorry, I¡ª"

    When he turned around, Elia''s mouth dropped open at his bright blue eyes and sandy hair. "Jak?!" she gasped, freezing on the spot.

    He looked startled, then his face lit up. "Elia! You''re up!"

    "Up? You''re BACK!" she ran towards him and threw her arms around him. He seemed uncertain what to do, but gave her a weak hug and smiled. "What are you doing here? Why didn''t they tell me you were back? Where have you been?! Are you okay?"

    "Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down!" heughed. "I''m fine¡ªnow. It was rough for a while there. But I''m working because everyone''s working. Behryn kept it quiet because we''re trying to keep it quiet from the wolves that I''m back."

    "Did they take you?"

    His face got serious. "I''m not suppose to tell anyone the story yet," he said, then looked over his shoulder at the empty cave. "And I thought I heard something outside. I was just going to check. Can you stay here for a second, Elia? I''m supposed to be patrolling and I need to make sure¡ªI didn''t like the noise I heard right before I ran into you."

    "Of course, of course," she said, hurriedly letting him go. He thanked her and trotted back to the front door, lifting therge bar off to unlock it, then slowly and quietly, opening the door and creeping out.

    Elia''s joy at seeing him again was quickly doused, realizing that he was walking right back out there into danger. For her. Again. That niggling feeling she''d had about making things worse for Reth hit her again. How many men were being held here, around the cave, just because she was here? She would ask Jak when he got back.

    But Jak was gone several minutes. Long enough that she had time to get a drink and start to wonder if she should check outside the door to make sure he was okay, when suddenly he rushed back into the cave at a full sprint.

    "Run, Elia!" he gasped, running for her. "To the bathing pools! We have to get you out that way!"

    "What?!" she dropped her ss and started running. "What''s going on?"

    "There''s wolves out front and the guards are fighting. Move!"

    "Oh no!" she ran for the back door to the bathing pools.

    As soon as her feet started pping on the wet rocks, though she slid to a halt.

    There were no guards in the bathing pools. Where was the other guard that had been posted? And the Archer?

    She turned to warn Jak, but something hit her from behind, hard, and she sprawled on the rock, grunting as she caught her weight and rolled the way Reth had taught her. "Jak!" she screamed.

    "I''m right here," he said, his voice dark and sharp as he appeared at her side and threw somethingrge and dark over her. She gasped and tried to reach, to stop itnding, but she was toote. She waspletely covered by some kind of rough nket, then whipped over onto her back. And a secondter she was swinging, as if she were in a hammock, or bag.

    "Jak! Jak! What are you doing!"

    "What should have been done months ago," he muttered. Then something cracked on the back of her skull and everything went ck.

 Chapter 212: Long Live the Queen

    <h4>Chapter 212: Long Live the Queen</h4>

    BEAST is currently #2 in the June Win-Win event! DID YOU KNOW: If you buy privilege (even the 1 coin tier!) then read every chapter that is released to that tier during the month, you will give Reth''s book points EVERY DAY YOU READ?! Please help! Buy privilege, thene back every day to read the chapters released that day! Every chapter that''s read while it''s still not avable to normal readers will help BEAST rise to the top and possibly earn it''s very own custom badge for YOUR profile!

    *****

    RETH

    They were only an hour out of the Tree City when the horns began to blow.

    Reth''s beast had flickered its ears and wanted to ignore the persistent sound, but he''d forced it aside and taken his natural form, sliding to a halt next to Behryn who had halted to listen.

    "We have to go back, now!"

    "Just a minute. We have a system so they can tell us what''s wrong. Just¡­ listen."

    The horn blew long and low in the far distance, almost out of hearing, then another, closer, repeated the sound.

    "It''s an attack, definitely," Behryn said, his knuckles going white on his spear. "They''ll tell me where in a moment."

    Reth''s heart hammered against his ribs and his hands curled to fists. Elia was back there. With their cub. "We need to go back, now!"

    "Hush, Reth!" Behryn snapped, putting a hand up to quiet him. The horns sounded again, four short, sharp sts, then two longer ones.

    Behryn''s eyes went wide and he snapped his head to look at Reth. "Oh, shit, Reth. I''m so sorry¡ª"

    But Reth tore into beast form and was already running.

    *****

    When they made it to the Tree City, Reth leapt back into his human form, but stayed at the sprint through the trails, screaming at any guard he found, asking where it had happened. They all pointed him back to the cave.

    Next to him, Behryn loped, his long legs eating up the trail beneath them. They both panted heavily, but Behryn was still able to speak.

    "Let me go ahead, Reth. You have to. I have to make sure it''s safe for you! We can''t lose both of you!"

    "Fuck off, Behryn. I''m not leaving her th¡ª" Suddenly Reth''s feet went out from under him as something caught on his ankle and he tumbled to the earth,nding heavily on one side with a grunt. He rolled and was back on his feet within a few seconds, but Behryn was already halfway down the trail, going even faster now, screaming back at him, "CAUTION, KING. HAVE CAUTION FOR YOUR PEOPLE''S SAKE!"

    Three guards appeared along the trail. Reth''s lip curled back from his teeth. But as the young men came towards him, eyeing each other warily, he snarled, "What is protocol?"

    "You should walk with us, Sire," the closest one said. "We''ll have your back, and Behryn can be briefed and make sure it''s safe. That there''s no trap."

    "No trap? No trap? The trap has already been sprung. How long has she been gone?"

    The guard swallowed. "Almost two hours, Sire."

    "Two¡ª?" Reth wed his hands into his hair, a mournful call echoing from his throat, out over the trees, then another. And then a mighty roar, as the King of the Anima vented his rage and absolute terror.

    Guards be damned. He ran. And they ran with him.

    *****

    He paced the great room as Behryn spoke with the guard who''d been in the meadow, and Gahrye, who''d been on his way to the cave for first light, as Elia had asked.

    "The front door was unlocked and open, but there was no one anywhere to be seen."

    "What of the guards we left in the bathing pools?" Reth snarled.

    Behryn rumbled at him. This was his briefing. But he tipped his head at the guard to answer.

    "Raehn, the guard, and the archer were found stuffed under the rocks behind the waterfall," the guard said quietly. "I was¡­ I had been relieved early. I left. To sleep. I thought¡­ I thought we were supposed to."

    "Who relieved you? Where is that guard?"

    The guard stared at Behryn who frowned. "Answer the King."

    "It was Jak," he said quietly.

    "WHAT?" Both Reth and Behryn spat at the same time.

    "He was back. We were so happy. He said you kept it quiet because you were trying to keep the wolves from knowing he''d gotten back safely. That he''d been taken¡­"

    Reth snarled and almost shifted. Behryn shot him a look. "How long between when you were relieved and when the horns blew?

    "Less than an hour. An hour at most."

    They turned to Gahrye, who stood with his arm folded, off to the side, his face pale and tense.

    "When did you get here, Gahrye?" Behryn asked calmly.

    "I¡­ just before daybreak. I came in to find the door open and no one here. I went back out to ask the guards if she''d left and they said the only one who''d left was Reth. I had them call the horns immediately. I hope¡­ I hope that was okay." The muscles at the back of his jaw twitched.

    "It was exactly the right thing," Behryn said, at the same time Reth blew out a breath and his entire body shook. He dropped into a chair and wed his hands into his hair. His hands were shaking, he realized. His heart was beating so quickly he wondered if it would beat out of his chest.

    "She was taken as soon as I left," he croaked.

    "Almost immediately, if they had time to get her up thedder and out of the bathing pools before Gahrye arrived. Did you check the pools, Gahrye?"

    "Yes, that was what made me nervous¡ªthe guards were gone and thedder was down. It seemed¡­ unusual under the circumstances. But I thought she might have been training¡­"

    Reth snapped his head up and met Gahrye''s gaze. The gaze that hardened as they stared.

    "You have something to say to me, son?" Reth muttered.

    Gahrye''s jaw flexed again. "She''s wanted to train properly for months. If you''d started back when we did she might have¡ª"

    "I didn''t even know she WAS TRAINING!" he roared.

    Gahrye blinked and tensed, but he didn''t back down. "It should have been your idea," he said quietly.

    Reth leapt to his feet, and Gahrye submitted immediately, but Behryn stepped between them, his hands on Reth''s chest.

    "Brother, brother look at me. This isn''t the target of your rage. We have to be calm. We know who has her. We only have to get to her quickly."

    Reth tore his gaze off the judgmental Advisor and finally met Behryn''s gaze. "Get a tracker on the scent at the top of thedder, and call the wolf, Charyn," he growled. "The time for caution is past. He''s going to show us where they are."

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    ELRETH

    Elreth waste. If her father, the King, noticed, he would have her hide.

    He was already on the stage when she arrived, the long, sleeveless vest that was practically his uniform swinging around his knees. Its heavy fur cor framed his face like the mane of the Lion within him. He always stood proud in these moments, his massive shoulders back, no shirt beneath the vest so they could see the rippled muscles that still slicked his torso, despite his increasing age. At almost fifty, he was still shameless. She teased him about it constantly.

    He growled something and his voice echoed across the amphitheater, but she ignored it, grimacing as she slunk through the crowd, twisting between the people, whispering apologies, until she made it to Aaryn, her best friend. He saw hering and edged aside so she could fit between him and Gwyn on his right. Gwyn smiled, but her lips were tight. Elreth smiled, then turned back to Aaryn, rolling her eyes. Gwyn''s very obvious yearning for Aaryn was getting old. Elreth hoped she''d move onto someone else soon.

    Aaryn nced at her from the side, his strong jaw tight and his ice-blue eyes piercing behind the strands of silver-white hair that always seemed to need a cut.

    "What''s going on?" she signed to him in the fingernguage they''d developed when she was ten, after her father roared at them for talking during training.

    "Nice to see you, too," he signed back, but the jab wasn''t apanied by his usual smile, or the hooked finger that meant it was a joke.

    Elreth frowned and signed again. "Sorry. Hi. What''s going on?"

    "There was a fight yesterday. Snakes and horses. Must have been bad. He''s really upset," he signed, using the wed fingers they used to symbolize a predator Anima''s bared teeth. "Almost as bad as you when you''re pissy."

    She drew a quick cross at the apex of her thighs¡ªa rude gesture she''d created specifically to imply he had no balls¡ªbut even when he snorted, she didn''t smile back. Something icy was sliding down her spine.

    The Tribes were fighting?

    Elreth turned to the stage. She''d assumed this was just another of her father''s dramatic addresses, something he always did when he needed to bring the people on his side of whatever Kingly decision he''d made. But Aaryn was right, the man on the stage was not her patient, good-natured father, who liked tough and tease, and steal kisses from her mother.

    The man on that stage was the King. The angry King. The Lion. He stalked the space, shoulders back and chin down, eyes fierce and teeth bared. He was Reth, the King of Anima, and as Elreth paid attention to his booming voice echoing across the morning air, her uneasiness grew.

    "¡­I have been patient, and your Queen has been patient, but it appears you will not be moved¡ªyour hearts will not be moved! We cannot allow this distance among the people. We cannot allow tension between the tribes¡ªall of us have seen where that leads. We lived through the division of the tribes that took us to war and almost destroyed us. So, you leave us no choice!" he snarled, scanning the crowd.

    Breath quickening, Elreth searched for her mother, the Queen, and found her standing further back on the stage, face tight, eyes on her mate, her arms folded beneath her breasts. She looked angry, and¡­ afraid? Then she caught eyes with Elreth and something fierce entered her gaze.

    But after a moment, her mother just looked back to her father, stress and worry on every line in her face. What was going on?

    Her father red and paced the front of the stage, while in a semi-circle centered on it, the rows of wide, grassy levels¡ªeachrge enough for a full-grown male toy down¡ªrose, packed with Anima on every inch. All the tribes were there, the people of the lions, the birds, the horses, and serpents¡ªeven the few wolf packs that remained loyal to the King. There were more on the grassy tops, and gathered under the trees behind the amphitheater. With their Anima hearing, they didn''t have to be close to know what was said.

    Every Anima of age stood, riveted, as her father red at them.

    She''d been rushing to get here and hadn''t paid attention to the people. But now she sucked in a long, drawn-out breath and let herself scent the tension and confusion of those around her.

    "Big problem," she signed to Aaryn, the hair on the back of her neck rising.

    Aaryn nodded and signed back, "Never seen him like this before."

    Elreth had¡ªbut only when he spoke of the days when he''d almost lost her mother. The days when the whole Lupine wolf tribe still walked the forest of WildWood and¡­ holy shit.

    "What started the fight?" she signed quickly.

    "What do you think?" Aaryn''s face went t as Elreth''s darkened.

    It had to be the disformed. She gave the little sign¡ªone hand cupped around the other fist, but thumbs up, instead of curled as it would have been for the general Anima.

    Aaryn just nodded, the little muscles at the back of his square jaw twitching.

    The disformed were Anima who couldn''t shift into their Beast forms. The Anima of generations past had always regarded them with suspicion. But her parents had worked hard for twenty years to begin integrating them more fully into the tribes. And they''d had some sess. Especially with the younger people. But recent months had brought drought, and struggles over resources. The growing poption of disformed had be a point of contention in the tribes that had a higher percentage of them.

    Aaryn, as a disformed himself¡ªand worse, a disformed wolf¡ªhad borne the worst of Anima prejudice since his earliest days when it was clear he couldn''t shift into beast form. Add to that, he was the son of one of the traitorous wolves that had almost ended her parent''s rule right before Elreth was born. He''d only been four when his father died in the battle. But now, twenty yearster, the increase in the disformed poption still raised resentment in some circles. And those circles were not silent.

    Elreth lifted her hands to sign a question, to see if Aaryn was okay, when her father''s voice rang out.

    "The disformed will be asked to leave the Tree City, but allowed to remain in WildWood. They will be given their own tribe and encouraged to make their own way¡ª"

    As the crowd began speak, their voices rapidly bing more insistent, Elreth froze, her heart pounding.

    "No," she breathed.

    Voices began to rise around her, mostly in surprise, but there were a few who showed excitement because they''d always been against the integration of the disformed Anima into their tribes.

    Elreth''s stomach plummeted to her toes¡ªthen rose again on the mes of her anger.

    Aaryn''s scent spiked in a strange tangle of fear and rage. She could hear his heart¡ªas familiar to her as her own¡ªpounding.

    "Did you know about this?" he breathed.

    "What?! No! Of course not! You know I''d never¡ª"

    "It is not the solution we would have chosen, but after physical conflicts yesterday between tribes, you leave us no other option!" her father snarled over the hubbub of the crowd below. Her mother''s face lined with worry. "We will not allow another War of the Tribes!"

    Dread clenched Elreth''s stomach.

    "He thinks he''s going to make me leave?" Aaryn growled, bristling, his hands clenched. He moved to step forward, but Elreth fisted his shirt to stop him. He looked down at her, his piercing blue eyes furious.

    It was instinct to fight anything¡ªor anyone¡ªthat threatened someone she loved. Elreth didn''t even think.

    "If you will not hold to all your people, you don''t deserve any of them!" she yelled, whirling to face the stage as the entire gathering turned to look for her with a murmur of shock.

    But her father''s eyes snapped straight to her face.

    And then he bared his teeth.

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 Chapter 213: Too Long, Too Far

    <h4>Chapter 213: Too Long, Too Far</h4>

    ELIA

    Her neck ached from being craned up in the curve of the bag, and her stomach was sick from the swinging motion. She''d stopped trying to convince Jak to let her go, and started focusing on breathing and not throwing up on herself, when she heard the roar and her heart leapt.

    Jak''s pace picked up and the swinging got worse, but Elia smiled.

    "He knows," she said. "And he''sing for you."

    "He''s toote," Jak said ominously.

    Elia swallowed.

    *****

    An hourter, finally, the swinging stopped, and she was dumped unceremoniously on the ground. She sighed with relief to beying t, but most of her body ached. She began to push the rough bup back, off her face and when the cool, morning air hit her skin she sucked in a deep breath. At the same time she looked up to find five different men standing over her. One of them Jak, the others all wolves.

    She bared her teeth.

    "Well done," one of the wolves growled.

    "She''s weak as a kitten," Jak sneered. "It was like taking a child."

    Elia''s anger bubbled, but so did her fear as the men all leaned in, and one smiled a cold, malicious smile. "Wee to the New World, Elia," he said, his teeth shing in the early morning light.

    She kept her eyes locked on him, but didn''t answer, her heart pumping so hard she knew her voice would shake and give her away.

    The men straightened and looked at each other.

    "What now?" Jak asked.

    "Now we tie her, and we wait."

    *****

    RETH

    They crouched in a thicket of trees close enough to the encampment to hear the voices and bustle, but downwind, so they wouldn''t be noticed. Behryn had sent two trackers to find the Queen''s location in the encampment itself, while the rest of them waited.

    Reth snarled silently. He had twenty men¡ªmore than Behryn had thought they should risk¡ªbut it wasn''t going to be enough. This encampment was farrger than they''d anticipated. Not an encampment so much as a town.

    How had they missed this? How had the scouts not found it sooner?

    "We need to move. The longer they have her, the greater the risk," Reth''s voice was rough. He was weary. He hadn''t slept. He''d run for hours. But his heart thumped and he was struggling to sit still.

    Elia was in there. In wolf hands. Because of a traitor. An equine traitor!

    "You are not moving anywhere," Behryn breathed.

    "If you believe I would sit here while others seek out my mate, you¡ª"

    "Behryn, Sir, we have located her!" One of the trackers materialized out of nowhere. Behryn just nodded, but Reth startled. These men were remarkable, able to move silently and quickly without raising any of his senses.

    But did that mean the wolves had equally skilled males and females among their ranks?

    "Where?" Behryn asked.

    The tracker pointed up the hillside. "There''s a crevasse in the mountain. Trees grow from the rockfaces alongside, so it is difficult to see the floor. It''s at the back so the full encampment is spread out before it. But there is a concentration of traffic there, and we caught her scent. Jak''s as well.

    "They have her tied and surrounded. I could identify ten different scents, but there are a lot of Anima. More could be very near, or woulde."

    "Did you recognize any of the scents?"

    "Other than Jak, none that I would know their names, but¡­"

    "But what?"

    "The entire ce reeks of Lerrin and Lucine. They have been everywhere within it."

    Reth ground his teeth. How many betrayers were among their people? How many soldiers, guards, or advisors secretly supported the wolves?

    "We need a diversion," Behryn said. "Something to draw enough of them away that we can have the birds drop in and bring her out."

    "Sire, I could go in," Charyn said nervously, running a hand through his hair. "I could take a message, or raise an rm. Pretend to be¡­ pretend I am on their side¡­" The male swallowed, his fear in to all. Reth shook his head.

    "I thank you for your willingness, Charyn, but our scents are on you now. They will suspect you immediately."

    "Everyone will be on the highest alert," Behryn breathed. Then he turned to the guards, all crouched in rows around him. They were mainly equine, but he had three birds, and several lions. Reth watched his friend examine the men, considering and discarding ns.

    "I should be the diversion. I''m the only one who will hold their attention," Reth growled.

    "Absolutely not!" Behryn hissed. "We cannot risk losing both of you!"

    Reth turned to him. "They will be on high alert, just as you said. A simple disruption will not draw any of their strength out of the Crevasse, nor will it hold their attention long. They''ll quickly figure out what we''re up to. If they think I havee alone, seeking her, seeking to open lines ofmunication¡­ they won''t believe you''d ever let me do that, Behryn. You know that."

    "Because I won''t! Because it is simple foolishness!"

    "Surprise is our greatest ally."

    "Reth, you cannot be serious!"

    "You tell me another thing we are equipped to do that will draw most of the attention and hold it?"

    "I do not know, but this is not the answer!"

    Reth ground his teeth. "If I approach from the other end, calling for the leaders to meet with me, everyone will want to watch. Some will be sent back to tell them, but most will stay to guard me or to be there for the ughter.

    "You drop the birds in to either pull her out, or to take out the guards closest to her, so the others can climb down. They''ve made a mistake putting her in a defensible position. If we can take it, we can defend it from them."

    "And meanwhile, I suppose, you think they will simply let you walk away?" Behryn ground out.

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 Chapter 214: The Belly of the Beast

    <h4>Chapter 214: The Belly of the Beast</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    She sat at the back of a V-shaped dirt area, lined by high, rock walls, and under the cover of trees that grew both from this level, and from any t surfaces along the steep sides. Elia could only see the top of the rock wall in one spot¡ªwhich meant being above them was barely useful, since the canopy of trees would hide them.

    And the wolves had ced guards not only around her, but under the overhangs of the rock walls, inside small hollows in the sides, and behind her, underneath an ancient tree that grew at the back, it''s wide branches reaching for the sky.

    Even if someone did get above her, they wouldn''t be able to see what was waiting for them.

    Elia swallowed, but her mouth was so dry, it did little good.

    Jak squatted a few feet to her left, chatting easily with several wolf guards who''d been stationed around her. Her blood boiled every time sheid eyes on him.

    He''d been one of her favorites¡ªgood-natured, friendly, and always so diligent¡ªor so she''d thought. He''d willingly stepped in to take shifts from other guards that were sick, or called away.

    She''d thought he liked her.

    She''d been worried about him.

    And he''d been here the whole time, plotting to kidnap her.

    He looked up and caught her staring, and smiled.

    She bared her teeth at him.

    Her hands were tied in herp, which was making her elbows sore. But at least her back didn''t ache anymore.

    She needed water, though. And the creeping dread and doubt that gued her was making her heart beat so quickly she worried if she didn''t hydrate soon, she might pass out.

    Would pregnancy be hitting her already? Would her body already be weaker? Or changed somehow? She didn''t know. All she knew was that this was bad¡ªvery bad¡ªfor her and for Elreth. And even if Reth had found them¡­ if he tried to fight his way in here, they would kill him. Even he could fight of twenty wolves by himself. And the encampment she''d seen walking in here was farrger than she''d expected.

    How had they not known this kind of ce existed? How had the scouts or guards note across it?

    She didn''t want to think about it, but the conviction wouldn''t leave her: Jak couldn''t be the only traitor. There had to be more of them, shifting attention away from what they knew was here. Perhaps even covering greater theft than had been noticed.

    Reth had said they''d been taking supplies, and even equipment. But this? Even if the Anima who were here had been contributing their own goods to get this ce set up, that didn''t ount for all the resources she''d seen as she walked in.

    This ce had been here for a while. And it was well supplied.

    She shifted her body, rolling her shoulders as much as she could, turning her head and rolling her head on her neck.

    Reth had told her during training a few days ago, how to survive being a captive. She''d thought he was joking.

    "¡­Do not smile, Elia," he''d growled. "Being taken is nothing to joke about." She''d straightened her face immediately.

    "Okay, okay, sorry¡­. Sir."

    Reth had cut her a look, but then turned to stare into the trees as he''d talked, making her wonder what he was remembering. "Keep your body moving as much as you can. If you''re restrained, or tied, your joints begin to ache and stiffen. When helpes, it can be difficult to move¡ªlet alone walk. So always move and twist. Keep your body as limber as you can. And loosen the bonds as well, if you''re able. Never take them off until or unless you''ve been left alone. You must always appear to be cowed, so submit. Don''t allow anyone to see you fight your restraints, or loosen them. If you''re discovered, they will make it impossible for you to move. So lower their guard by seeming weaker than you are¡ªand more tightly held¡­"

    The echo of his voice in her head made her eyes ache. He knew, she was sure, that she''d been taken. She had no doubt that that was the roar she''d heard while Jak was still carrying her.

    He would be in pieces. This was his worst nightmare. Exactly what he''d warned her about. And she''d walked right into it like a stupid child.

    She berated herself again, though she''d spent much of the past two hours doing so already.

    She understood, now, why Reth had been so angry about her slipping the guards. And why he''d been so protective. Why he''d wanted her to leave Anima.

    His roar meant that he hadn''t gotten to the Bears¡ªor if he reached them, he hadn''t stayed. She knew. She knew because if it was him, she would have had no time or attention for any other issue. She couldn''t have simply left it in the hands of others to save him. She would have had to be there, to see for herself. To help.

    Which meant that now, instead of meeting with the Bears and potentially pulling in allies for the Anima that still followed him, Reth was here, somewhere, trying to save her.

    She looked up again, scanning the one section of the cliffside above that she could see. Were they up there already? Trying to figure out how to get her out? Or had they not even found her yet¡ªperhaps not even found the encampment.

    She didn''t know. All she knew was, he wasing.

    She just prayed he was fast enough.

    She''d started rolling her ankles and changing the position of her legs when there was a sharp call and suddenly, every wolf she could see, either went to one knee, or saluted.

    Elia stared at the wolf closest to her, who had dropped to one knee, his head low. "What''s your problem?" she sneered.

    "Silence, Bitch!" he hissed.

    "He''s acknowledging his true Rulers," came a hoarse voice from her right that made Elia''s stomach go cold.

    Elia turned to find Lucine¡ªclean, though her face still gaunt¡ªand hard, standing with her hands on her hips, staring down at her, her brother Lerrin at her shoulder.

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    ELRETH

    Elreth waste. If her father, the King, noticed, he would have her hide.

    He was already on the stage when she arrived, the long, sleeveless vest that was practically his uniform swinging around his knees. Its heavy fur cor framed his face like the mane of the Lion within him. He always stood proud in these moments, his massive shoulders back, no shirt beneath the vest so they could see the rippled muscles that still slicked his torso, despite his increasing age. At almost fifty, he was still shameless. She teased him about it constantly.

    He growled something and his voice echoed across the amphitheater, but she ignored it, grimacing as she slunk through the crowd, twisting between the people, whispering apologies, until she made it to Aaryn, her best friend. He saw hering and edged aside so she could fit between him and Gwyn on his right. Gwyn smiled, but her lips were tight. Elreth smiled, then turned back to Aaryn, rolling her eyes. Gwyn''s very obvious yearning for Aaryn was getting old. Elreth hoped she''d move onto someone else soon.

    Aaryn nced at her from the side, his strong jaw tight and his ice-blue eyes piercing behind the strands of silver-white hair that always seemed to need a cut.

    "What''s going on?" she signed to him in the fingernguage they''d developed when she was ten, after her father roared at them for talking during training.

    "Nice to see you, too," he signed back, but the jab wasn''t apanied by his usual smile, or the hooked finger that meant it was a joke.

    Elreth frowned and signed again. "Sorry. Hi. What''s going on?"

    "There was a fight yesterday. Snakes and horses. Must have been bad. He''s really upset," he signed, using the wed fingers they used to symbolize a predator Anima''s bared teeth. "Almost as bad as you when you''re pissy."

    She drew a quick cross at the apex of her thighs¡ªa rude gesture she''d created specifically to imply he had no balls¡ªbut even when he snorted, she didn''t smile back. Something icy was sliding down her spine.

    The Tribes were fighting?

    Elreth turned to the stage. She''d assumed this was just another of her father''s dramatic addresses, something he always did when he needed to bring the people on his side of whatever Kingly decision he''d made. But Aaryn was right, the man on the stage was not her patient, good-natured father, who liked tough and tease, and steal kisses from her mother.

    The man on that stage was the King. The angry King. The Lion. He stalked the space, shoulders back and chin down, eyes fierce and teeth bared. He was Reth, the King of Anima, and as Elreth paid attention to his booming voice echoing across the morning air, her uneasiness grew.

    "¡­I have been patient, and your Queen has been patient, but it appears you will not be moved¡ªyour hearts will not be moved! We cannot allow this distance among the people. We cannot allow tension between the tribes¡ªall of us have seen where that leads. We lived through the division of the tribes that took us to war and almost destroyed us. So, you leave us no choice!" he snarled, scanning the crowd.

    Breath quickening, Elreth searched for her mother, the Queen, and found her standing further back on the stage, face tight, eyes on her mate, her arms folded beneath her breasts. She looked angry, and¡­ afraid? Then she caught eyes with Elreth and something fierce entered her gaze.

    But after a moment, her mother just looked back to her father, stress and worry on every line in her face. What was going on?

    Her father red and paced the front of the stage, while in a semi-circle centered on it, the rows of wide, grassy levels¡ªeachrge enough for a full-grown male toy down¡ªrose, packed with Anima on every inch. All the tribes were there, the people of the lions, the birds, the horses, and serpents¡ªeven the few wolf packs that remained loyal to the King. There were more on the grassy tops, and gathered under the trees behind the amphitheater. With their Anima hearing, they didn''t have to be close to know what was said.

    Every Anima of age stood, riveted, as her father red at them.

    She''d been rushing to get here and hadn''t paid attention to the people. But now she sucked in a long, drawn-out breath and let herself scent the tension and confusion of those around her.

    "Big problem," she signed to Aaryn, the hair on the back of her neck rising.

    Aaryn nodded and signed back, "Never seen him like this before."

    Elreth had¡ªbut only when he spoke of the days when he''d almost lost her mother. The days when the whole Lupine wolf tribe still walked the forest of WildWood and¡­ holy shit.

    "What started the fight?" she signed quickly.

    "What do you think?" Aaryn''s face went t as Elreth''s darkened.

    It had to be the disformed. She gave the little sign¡ªone hand cupped around the other fist, but thumbs up, instead of curled as it would have been for the general Anima.

    Aaryn just nodded, the little muscles at the back of his square jaw twitching.

    The disformed were Anima who couldn''t shift into their Beast forms. The Anima of generations past had always regarded them with suspicion. But her parents had worked hard for twenty years to begin integrating them more fully into the tribes. And they''d had some sess. Especially with the younger people. But recent months had brought drought, and struggles over resources. The growing poption of disformed had be a point of contention in the tribes that had a higher percentage of them.

    Aaryn, as a disformed himself¡ªand worse, a disformed wolf¡ªhad borne the worst of Anima prejudice since his earliest days when it was clear he couldn''t shift into beast form. Add to that, he was the son of one of the traitorous wolves that had almost ended her parent''s rule right before Elreth was born. He''d only been four when his father died in the battle. But now, twenty yearster, the increase in the disformed poption still raised resentment in some circles. And those circles were not silent.

    Elreth lifted her hands to sign a question, to see if Aaryn was okay, when her father''s voice rang out.

    "The disformed will be asked to leave the Tree City, but allowed to remain in WildWood. They will be given their own tribe and encouraged to make their own way¡ª"

    As the crowd began speak, their voices rapidly bing more insistent, Elreth froze, her heart pounding.

    "No," she breathed.

    Voices began to rise around her, mostly in surprise, but there were a few who showed excitement because they''d always been against the integration of the disformed Anima into their tribes.

    Elreth''s stomach plummeted to her toes¡ªthen rose again on the mes of her anger.

    Aaryn''s scent spiked in a strange tangle of fear and rage. She could hear his heart¡ªas familiar to her as her own¡ªpounding.

    "Did you know about this?" he breathed.

    "What?! No! Of course not! You know I''d never¡ª"

    "It is not the solution we would have chosen, but after physical conflicts yesterday between tribes, you leave us no other option!" her father snarled over the hubbub of the crowd below. Her mother''s face lined with worry. "We will not allow another War of the Tribes!"

    Dread clenched Elreth''s stomach.

    "He thinks he''s going to make me leave?" Aaryn growled, bristling, his hands clenched. He moved to step forward, but Elreth fisted his shirt to stop him. He looked down at her, his piercing blue eyes furious.

    It was instinct to fight anything¡ªor anyone¡ªthat threatened someone she loved. Elreth didn''t even think.

    "If you will not hold to all your people, you don''t deserve any of them!" she yelled, whirling to face the stage as the entire gathering turned to look for her with a murmur of shock.

    But her father''s eyes snapped straight to her face.

    And then he bared his teeth.

    **** ADD "TAMING THE QUEEN OF BEASTS" TO YOUR LIBRARY TODAY! ****

 Chapter 215: Death Walking

    <h4>Chapter 215: Death Walking</h4>

    ELIA

    She should pretend she wasn''t worried. She should dominate. Keep her chin low but her shoulders back and¡­ and what?

    The light in Lucine''s eyes was so purely vicious, Elia''s spine tingled.

    This was it, she realized. If Reth didn''t have his eyes on her, right at that moment, this was the moment she was going to die.

    This woman had wanted to kill her literally since the moment of her arrival in this world. Elia had watched her murder several women without pausing for thought.

    She''d challenged Elia to a fight to the death just hours earlier.

    And now she stood here, smiling a wicked smile, while Elia was tied and helpless.

    Lucine must have seen¡ªor smelled¡ªElia understand that her time was short, because her smile widened and her eyes narrowed.

    Elia''s stomach flipped over. She couldn''t breathe.

    She was going to die.

    The certainty of it hit her like a punch to the stomach and her breath huffed out of her. She had no idea what kept her eyes high and locked with Lucine''s, how she managed not to dissolve into a puddle of tears and screaming, but she didn''t.

    She braced her feet on the ground and kept her hands low between her knees so she could push up quickly if she needed to. The only thought she could grasp was the scream for Reth echoing in her skull. But she also knew there was no time.

    If he wasn''t here already¡­ it was toote.

    "Lucine," she said faintly, then cleared her throat. "I should have known."

    "Don''t feel bad," Lucine said, her voice a seductive rasp. Apparently Reth''s throat punch had done some damage. But Lucine didn''t seem ufortable as she tipped her head to the side and smiled, like they were girls in a high school hallway who didn''t like each other and she was deciding how to eviscerate Elia. "I doubt you could have figured it out without Reth feeding it to you."

    Elia snorted. Snorting was good. Snorting was dismissive and¡­ not terrified.

    Snorting was also an expression of supreme disgust in Anima. Shit.

    Lucine''s eyes narrowed further and the fake smile faded. "Submit," she said through her teeth.

    "Excuse me?" Elia said.

    "You heard me."

    "I am the Queen, I will not bow to you," Elia snapped. "It wouldn''t stop you killing me anyway, so why bother?"

    One of the wolves to her left leapt forward and gave a shuddering growl, snapping his teeth just inches from Elia''s face. She tensed, but didn''t flinch.

    Lucine looked disappointed.

    Elia was beginning to tremble. She needed to distract them. So she cut her eyes to the left, to Lerrin''s face¡ªnot nearly as dark as Lucine''s, which surprised her. "I thought you were better than this, Lerrin," she hissed. "We all did."

    Lerrin''s jaw went hard. "Your mate killed my father and banished us from WildWood. Did you think I would just roll over and show you my testicles?" he snapped.

    Elia almost choked on hystericalughter. The mental image of Lerrin¡­ but no, it was shock. She was in shock. Or something.

    She needed to think, but she couldn''t. The image of Lerrin looped with the scream for Reth in her head, and nothing else could be essed. Mentally she ran in circles, while physically, the wolf guard next to her snarled, "Let me take her throat, Highness. It would be my honor to kill her for you."

    "Stand down," Lucine snapped. She''d folded her arms when Elia snorted and now she stood there, scanning her from head to toe. "It must be some kind of odd fetish," she said, shaking her head. Elia didn''t ask, but Lucine continued to look confused. "I cannot understand what he could possibly see in a human woman¡ªso weak and frail. Such dull senses. Such limited¡­ flexibility." She stepped forward slowly, until she stood right at Elia''s toes, then leaned down until they were almost nose-to-nose.

    Elia knew the wolves would be able to hear her heart pounding, and how her breath was shallow and short. But she kept her eyes on Lucine and gritted her teeth.

    Lucine gave another smile and spoke quietly, as if every Anima within fifty feet wouldn''t be able to hear her anyway. "At one point he had my ankle hooked over his shoulder. I bet you can''t do that you soft, weak excuse for a female." Before she could respond, Lucine put a finger to her lips. "He is a very good kisser, I''ll admit. But the part I enjoyed the most was when he sucked on my breasts. A very, very talented tongue."

    Rage exploded in Elia''s chest, right alongside the terror. But she knew she couldn''t give in. Lucine wanted to knock her off bnce. To take her by surprise. Then, no doubt, tear out her throat when she wasn''t looking.

    So, Elia leaned slightly closer, pretending she wasn''t panting in fear. "I''m going to assume that all these men around us aren''t as na?ve as you in this area, Lucine. Forgive them when theyugh at youter. Really, you''re just embarrassing yourself if that''s what impresses you about his¡­ skills. I know it was an important fifteen minutes in your short life, but¡ª"

    Without warning Lucine''s hand shot out, taking Elia''s cheek in a backhand. The wolf had moved so quickly Elia didn''t even have time gasp before she was on her side in the dirt, blinking, shaking her head, trying to clear her vision.

    "You are disputed," Lucine said, her still-hoarse voice deep and stern. "Your throne is disputed. Prepare yourself for the challenge. I have no time for ceremony. Rise and fight. When your mate finally finds us, he will find his new Queen waiting."

    Then she blinked and tipped her head again. "I know this has been an important few months in your life, Elia, but just in case you missed it, I just challenged you for your throne. I''m going to kill you, in just a few minutes, and then I''m going to take your mate for myself." She smiled. "I trust you''ll forgive the watching males when theyughter at how pitiful you are."

    ****

    STOP! There are some change to the privilege tiers this month, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! But DO NOT buy big privilege tiers thiste in the month (You''ll just have to re-purchase them on 1 July (30 June in the US) So wait until 1 July (9:00am Pacific on 30 June in the USA.) And if you haven''t purchased (or resubscribed to) privilege before, check out the author note below to make sure you know what you''re buying!)

 Chapter 216: The Dispute

    <h4>Chapter 216: The Dispute</h4>

    ELIA

    Still on the ground, still finding her bearings, Elia shook her head again and forced herself to answer. "I can''t fight someone who is mentally imbnced," she said thickly. Her head rang, though it was fading quickly. But her jaw felt like it had been unhinged.

    Lucine''s eyes went wide and she seemed to swell, but before she took another shot at Elia, Lerrin caught her elbow. "Ignore her. She''s taunting you. Again."

    Lucine looked at him and something passed between them that niggled in Elia''s stomach. Then Lucine nodded. When she turned back to Elia, her expression was nk, though her anger was still in her eyes. "Get to your feet," shemanded. "You are disputed. You may stand there and let me kill you if you wish, but we end this now."

    Elia felt like she had been doused in ice water that froze her in ce and stopped her lungs.

    She was going to fight Lucine.

    And she was going to lose.

    And Reth was going to get here toote and find her dead¡ªher and their cub¡ªand it was going to break him.

    She saw that now. Toote. It shed through her head then, all the little ways he''d shown that his confidence only faltered when he was fearful for her. He only got shaky, only questioned his own better judgment when she was the one at risk.

    It was why he''d pleaded with her not to reveal his weakness to the people.

    Why he''d been so desperate to keep her under guard.

    He''d understood this. This moment. He''d known what it would do to him. And suddenly, she couldn''t believe she''d been so selfish. When he''d told her all those things that night, when he''d been so angry, so determined to protect her, all she''d been able to think about was how it would affect her¡ªthat she needed to get stronger. That she needed to fight.

    She hadn''t thought about what it would do to him if he lost her.

    Lost both of them, now.

    Elia brought both hands, still bound, but trembling, up to her face and took a deep breath.

    Creator, she thought, if you''re really there¡­ now would be the time to roll up with one of those unbelievable ns Reth''s always talking about.

    But when she dropped her hands, all she saw was Lucine, staring at her, a smile so wide it bared her teeth. And the light of fury in her eyes.

    Reth''s voice echoed in her head: Surprise is half the battle.

    "I won''t fight you, Lucine," she lied. "It would shame me."

    With a snarl, Lucine took hold of Elia''s bonds and yanked her to her feet by her wrists, but before she could take another step, Lerrin was at her shoulder, hissing. "Don''t let her under your skin! She only dys because she knows she has no chance to beat you. Ignore her words¡ªthey will stop when you tear out her throat." Did Elia imagine the hint of regret in Lerrin''s tone?

    "Tearing out the throat is too good for this one," Lucine rasped. "Too fast. Know this, my Queen," she spat mockingly, "You will die slowly¡ªand I will personally deposit your twisted corpse outside your mate''s cave¡ªthen I will take him for my own."

    The wolf-woman topped her by almost a foot, but Elia didn''t break eye contact, though her heart beat so rapidly it seemed to be just one massive thud in her chest.

    Lucine grinned. "What a coward. A weak, pitiful coward," sheughed. She took one step back and opened her arms. "I will even allow you the first blow," she said with a half-bow. "Do you even know how to use it?"

    Elia spoke through her teeth. "You challenge me as Queen, yet leave me bound, and I am the coward?" she said, extending her wrists forward, but keeping them low.

    Lucine regarded her for a moment. Elia expected Lerrin to tell her to ignore the request. But he didn''t.

    "Give us room!" Lucinemanded. "Don''t allow her to use you as a diversion." Without hesitation, all the males stepped back, leaving a circle about thirty feet across. With a quick flip of her wrist, Lucine drew a de from somewhere in her leathers. Adrenalin rocketed through Elia''s system, but Lucine just took hold of Elia''s hands and set the de between them, pressing down and sawing for a moment.

    A memory bloomed in Elia''s head...

    ...Reth, standing over her, his face somber, one of her hands in his. "Soft to hard, and hard to soft," he said firmly.

    "What?" she''d asked dumbly.

    "When you strike an opponent, where your body is soft, use it against their hard ces. Where your body is hard, use it against their soft ces." He turned her hand, palm out towards him, then poked the heel of her hand. "This is your soft. You use it here," he said, lifting the heel of her hand to his chin, then to his nose, in a mock strike. Then he turned her so her back was to his stomach and bent her arm, patting her elbow. "This is hard. You use it here," he tugged it back in a jab into his stomach. Then he closed her fist "This is your hard, you use it here," and he pulled it back towards his groin. "Now, show me."

    Elia had been tied with the heels of her hands together. When she felt the bonds fall away from her wrists and saw Lucine''s eyes shoot to the men, to check that they''d given the space she asked for, she didn''t give the female any chance to guard.

    In one move, she mmed the heel of one hand directly up, into Lucine''s chin and pulled the other arm back alongside her body. As soon as Lucine''s teeth snapped together with the force of the blow, she switched arms, mming heel of the other hand into the woman''s nose, while pulling back with the other.

    Lucine went down screaming in rage. But the twenty or more males that surrounded them leaped forward immediately.

    There was nowhere to go.

    As she saw her death descending on her, Elia breathed, "I''m so sorry, Reth. You were right."

 Chapter 217: Dont Look Up

    <h4>Chapter 217: Don''t Look Up</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund?

    IF YOU DO, I WILL MASS RELEASE 8 CHAPTERS ON 1 JULY!

    To make it happen, just purchase privilege before the end of June (even the 1 coin tier helps!), then stay up to date and read thetest chapters every day while they''re still unavable to normal readers. That''s all you have to do. LET''S GET THIS!

    *****

    RETH

    He was positioned at the top of the rock wall, hidden by the undergrowth, watching the birds position themselves in the trees above the crevasse. But it was taking too long.

    Anima birds were far bigger than any Silent Ones. Even with their gift of flight, they had to be careful to stay out of sight because the wolves would recognize them immediately.

    Add to that as they grew closer, more and more wolves were revealed, guarding Elia, or the crevasse, than could be easily seen from above.

    Reth just thanked the creator that the wind was in their favor. For now.

    When Lucine appeared Reth almost roared and ruined the entire n. He almost dropped in to help her, but Behryn, next to him using hand motions to direct the fighters, put one hand to his forearm and turned, taking precious seconds away from his role, to stare Reth into submission.

    They were far too close to the wolves to be able to speak now. But Reth knew what the warning in his friend''s eyes meant.

    With a slow breath, he nodded, and Behryn immediately went back to directing the guards.

    Then Lucine struck his mate, and Reth felt it in his bones, as if a piece of her was within him. He gritted his teeth and fisted his hands¡ªnot breathing until Elia moved and shook her head so he could know that she was at least still conscious. But then Lucine dragged her to her feet and Elia wavered.

    Reth''s hands twitched.

    Behryn looped his arm above his head, the signal for the birds to drop in and the equine to set their lines. They would drop down the sides of the crevasse once the diversion had urred. But they were all hobbled until then. They couldn''t afford for the vast numbers of wolves the main encampment to turn their attention to this little corner.

    Reth was already trembling when Lucine''s threat hit his ears.

    "Tearing out the throat is too good for this one. Too fast. Know this, my Queen: You will die slowly¡ªand I will personally deposit your twisted corpse outside your mate''s cave¡ªthen I will take him for my own."

    Reth shuddered with a mix of rage and revulsion that turned the blood in his veins rancid.

    Behryn looked at him, but he didn''t move. He couldn''t. If he did, he was going to leap into the gap and tear out Lucine''s throat himself. And that was not his role today.

    He knew¡ªhe knew¡ªElia''s very best chance of surviving this was for him to y the role he''d been given. Behryn''s strategy was perfect, and helped by Lucine''s sudden decision to push the wolves out to make a circle around them.

    "Thank you, Creator," Reth breathed when he saw the males stepping back.

    But his heart went cold when he saw Lucine stand over Elia and realized the fight was about to ur, and their diversion still hadn''t happened.

    He looked at Behryn who shook his head. He didn''t know why.

    A tiny huff crept up Reth''s throat, but he couldn''t do it. He had to be silent. He had to stay here until the males were under control. He had to¡ª

    Lucine pulled a knife and Reth stopped breathing, his heart thudding painfully when she only used it to break Elia''s bonds. That would save them precious seconds.

    Precious seconds they weren''t going to have if this diversion didn''t ur soon.

    "Where are they?" he mouthed to Behryn, who just red in response. Reth wanted to bury his face in his hands, but he couldn''t take his eyes off his beautiful mate, her face already beginning to swell from the blow.

    And then his heart sang as she did what he''d trained her to do. She didn''t leave room for her opponent to think. She didn''t wait to see if the first attack was enough. She hit Lucine with a one-two m that sent the taller woman reeling

    And set the males snarling and leaping forward, towards Elia.

    In a blink, they were four paces away, then two. Reth stood straight and scrambled through the underbrush to leap off the side and fight for her¡ªjust as the roar finally sounded from the other side of the encampment and everyone froze.

    Behryn tackled him to the ground, rolling with him, just inches from the edge of the rocks. Neither of them cried out, though Reth''s shoulder took a serious blow from the rock, and he was pretty certain Behryn was going to be limping on that knee.

    Below them, the wolves had stopped, listening. There was a chance they''d recognize that it wasn''t his roar, but the male guard they''d sent to do the job was massive. Fewer Anima were familiar with his Beast form. He prayed it was enough.

    Lucine was already on her feet and screaming rage. Bleeding from the nose, she used both hands, sped, like a hammer to take Elia out at the temple. Elia got her hands up to block the worst of the blow, but the sheer force still toppled her like a felled tree.

    Lerrin was barking orders and the males were spreading out¡ªa few scampering into the encampment itself to be part of the guard against Reth''s impending arrival, the others bracing closer, while Lucine snarled at them to stay back.

    "She is mine!" the woman rasped, her voice still damaged from the blow he''d given her on the stage. "Do not touch her!"

    Eliay on the ground, unmoving. A groan rose in Reth''s throat, but Behryn shoved an elbow into his ribs and whisper-screamed, "WAIT!"

    The roar of their ally rose again, tainted with rage, on the other side of the encampment. They could hear the bodies throughout the camp moving in that direction, though those in the crevasse were disciplined enough to wait for orders.

    While Lucine paced in front of Elia''s downed form in the dirt, Lerrin moved to position himself at the opening of the Crevasse along with a line of wolves, all of them holding weapons.

    "A Queen? You call this a Queen?" she screamed. Reth''s fingertips dug into the rock, breaking his nails as he forced himself to wait. "And your Kinges for you even now? Even when you are so badly beaten? Well, he will find only teeth and ws meeting him here. And even if he does, by the Creator''s own luck, reach you and your human stink, there will be nothing left for him to save."

    And then she struck.

 Chapter 218: Defeat, or Death

    <h4>Chapter 218: Defeat, or Death</h4>

    RETH

    "NO!" Reth bellowed, shifting, and throwing himself over the rockface. In the same moment Behryn whistled and three Avaline leaped out of the trees within the Crevasse, while the equine guards swung over the edge of the crevasse on their ropes, swinging and sliding to the dirt in the same amount of time it took Reth tond on an outcropping halfway down, turn and leap to the dirt floor.

    He was able to control the beast enough not to roar and warn the others who were focused on the encampment that the real lion was loose at their backs, but the blood frenzy was on the beast and it didn''t hesitate. His beast had swiped through three of the guards and had another''s neck in his mouth before Reth wrestled back control and was able to drop the body and leap towards the women.

    Lucine was hunched, screaming, over Elia on the ground. As Reth raced towards her, something shing in her hand. While Behryn''s men took out the guards systematically, and Lerrin finally heard something behind him and whirled with the fist of men he''d taken to the front of the crevasse, Reth leaped for Lucine, cuffing her aside with all of this strength. She was thrown across the empty dirt, like a rag-doll.

    "Elia!" he cried, scooping her up, whimpering at the copper tang of blood that covered her.

    He didn''t even look, couldn''t bear to know, just curled her into his chest and strapped her to him, then sprinted back towards the rockface again.

    Around him, his males, who had engaged the wolves hand-to-hand to ensure none could intervene, were closing in, their backs to him and Elia, their teeth and spears pointed out towards the wolves. But as one, they retreated, protecting their King''s back as he climbed the rockface in leaps, snarling, as the Queen sagged over his shoulder.

    He could feel a warm wetness spreading down his chest and stomach as he climbed, and he sobbed, "Hold on, my love. Hold on. Please."

    Thanking the Creator that the wolves hadn''t ced archers in the Crevasse, he reached the top of the rocks and began to run as fast and as far as he was capable, not towards the Tree City as they would expect. But North, towards the river, as Behryn had nned.

    He ran, his breath breaking in his throat, surrounded by the birds, swooping and diving before and behind to make sure the path was clear, and ready to cry if a pursuer made it through the ranks.

    He ran, unseeing through the forest, heedless of the men fighting for their lives behind him.

    He had to get her to safety. He had to.

    There was no other option.

    *****

    The river fed from the mountains, and in this season it was already ice-cold. But Behryn had been clear¡ªget in as deeply as you can and still safely walk, and follow it West, not east toward the Tree City. It would branch a mile upriver, and he was to follow the righthand fork.

    Reth''s breath tore in his throat, half from the exertion of running with Elia in his arms, clinging to keep her close, to keep pressure on her wounds, half to reassure himself that he had her.

    Behind him cries rang out and howls and roars rose, but they soon began to fade, until all Reth heard was the rushing of the water, and his own breath.

    "Love, hold on. We''re almost there. I will¡­ I will help¡­ just hold on." He had no idea how he would help if¡ªno, he wouldn''t think of it. He reached the branch in the river, still running through water thigh deep in ces, and took the right fork where the water cut a tiny canyon through rock and dirt, overhung by the brush and trees of the higher ground.

    Within a minute he was swallowed, the sun''s light blocked so that it was dim and dark. The waterway narrowed and the current became stronger. He was forced to trot along the edge, Elia''s back to the rocks and dirt, to make sure he''d have something to hold onto if his feet were swept away.

    A high, long whistle sounded, echoing to him through the trees. Reth took a slightly deeper breath, relieved. Behryn had made it out, at least.

    Then Elia sucked in a breath, then let it whoosh out. "What¡­?" she murmured, but her eyes only fluttered and she sank back into his shoulder.

    "Elia!" he gasped. "Elia! Wake up!" When she didn''t answer, he panicked and pushed harder, though he risked losing his feet.

    Why had they ced Aymora and the others so far away? What had they been thinking?

    Then one of his feet slid off a rock and he stumbled, his arm dropping into the water. He almost fell, almost pushed Elia under water with his body. Almost lost both of them to the current.

    Clinging to her, he found his feet again and stopped, his breath heaving, clinging to the rocks and dirt at the side of the water, his entire body trembling.

    "Help," he prayed through teeth chattering more with fear than cold. "I cannot do this alone. I cannot lose her. Help me. Please!"

    He waited as wave after wave of fear and rage washed over him. But he continued to pray, to seek the way through this dark valley.

    They''d told Aymora and the healer to position over a mile upstream. But when he pulled Elia''s head back to check her eyes, her lips were white.

    She was losing blood too quickly. He wasn''t going to make it. "HELP ME!" he roared.

    A whistle, first low, then high, pierced the air and Reth snapped his head around, looking for the source. That wasn''t one of Behryn''s calls.

    "Who¡ª?" he cut himself off. It could be one of the wolves. He couldn''t roar again. He couldn''t do anything. He had to keep moving. His mate was going to die¡ª

    Then, just a few feet up the river, a head appeared between two ferns, peering at him, blonde hair that was silvering, falling down among the branches. "Reth?" Aymora whisper-called.

    Thank you, Reth prayed, scrambling towards the point where she leaned in.

    Thank you.

    *****

    FAQ: Will reading the spin-off book, "QUEEN OF BEASTS" ruin "KING OF BEASTS" for me?

    Not really! There are a few little things that you''ll know, but nothing major. At least, not this early on. There will be a few pieces of information that will give hints to what''s going on in BEAST andter on, some plot-points that might be considered spoilers. But the books ur 20 years apart, so as much as I''m able, I''m going to stay away from the plot of BEAST for new readers whoe to QUEEN first! So I will do my best not to spoil you!

 Chapter 219: Fight for Life

    <h4>Chapter 219: Fight for Life</h4>

    RETH

    "She''s bleeding," he gasped as soon as he was up the little cliffside and grasping Aymora''s offered hand. Aymora braced against him, pulling them both the final few feet over the edge.

    "How bad is it?" she said, her eyes already scanning Elia who was still strapped to Reth''s chest.

    "I don''t know, I didn''t stop to look. I¡­ I couldn''t."

    Aymora looked at him, her lips tight, but didn''t speak as he hurriedly untied the lines that had kept Elia tied to his chest, andy her on the ground, on therge scarf Aymora hadid down.

    His breath caught when he saw the horrible gash across her lower stomach, and a new rush of blood pooled into it as her body shifted.

    Aymora swore, pulling moss, clean bandages, and two bottles from the bag at her hip. "We have to get the bleeding stopped or at least slowed before we move her again," she said, rinsing her hands in the clear liquid, then pouring over Elia''s gash.

    Elia winced and moved one of her hands.

    Aymora blew out a breath. "That''s a good sign. Quickly, rinse your hands in this, then hold these for me."

    Reth poured the clear, biting liquid over his hands praying there were no Anima close enough to smell it, then took the chunks of moss and fine linen that Aymora pressed on him. She worked quickly and with a minimum of fuss, threading a bone needle, and speaking to him with the thread between her teeth. "This will just be to keep it from opening further. We''ll redo it all when we''re back to safety. Where are the others?"

    "Coming. Behryn whistled a few minutes ago," Reth whispered, staring at Elia''s pale face. "Aymora¡­"

    "Don''t think about it, Reth. We can only do what we can do. We cannot change what we cannot control." Coming from Aymora, who had walked through the worst the Creator might allow in the life of a believer, Reth couldn''t argue. He just nodded and swallowed his protests.

    Aymora cleaned the wound, tsking, cursing the wolves, then sewed it up brutally quickly, with ugly crosses of thread over Elia''s beautiful stomach. Then she packed it with chunks of the moss, pressing far harder than Reth would have as she had him lever Elia''s hips up so she could wrap the bandage fully around her.

    Elia moaned once, but didn''t open her eyes. Reth looked at Aymora, but the wise-woman didn''t respond.

    "How far away are¡ª"

    A whistle sounded just feet away and they both froze. Reth answered it, and a few secondster, Behryn, followed by several of his guards, all bloodied and dirty, pushed through the ferns and undergrowth. They stared at each other and Reth''s stomach plunged when he saw the grief in Behryn''s eyes.

    "How many?"

    Behryn swallowed. "Three. They got an archer there before we got to the top."

    Reth let his head drop, one of his hands on Elia''s thigh, the other at her shoulder. "We will remember them," he said, staring at his mate.

    "We will remember them," the men all echoed in the tradition of warriors taken in battle. Behryn put a hand to Reth''s shoulder and Reth ignored the pinch of guilt, pushed it away.

    He regretted the deaths. He regretted the need for them. He wished it could have ended another way¡ªnever begun in the first ce. But he could not regret going for her.

    He couldn''t.

    Then Aymora grunted. "We have to move. Reth, our camp is only a mile upriver, and the path is rtively clear. It would be better if that wound wasn''t stretched. Do you have enough strength left to carry her in your arms? To keep her curled up?"

    "Of course," he said, though in truth, if it had been anyone else he might have tried to find another way. But she was so small, so light. He would carry her anywhere. And he didn''t trust her in anyone else''s arms anyway.

    "Then let''s go."

    *****

    ELIA

    She dreamed the world was pain. Pain that was always present, but at times would stab and w at her insides. She wanted to tell it to stop, to tell whoever had made it happen, to stop. Plead with them. But she couldn''t make her mouth work. She couldn''t open her eyes.

    Then, suddenly, she could.

    There was a thud and a whispered curse. Her body jolted and a wave of pain washed over her. She whimpered, but that hurt so badly, she stopped.

    "Hold on, love. Hold on."

    Warm, strong arms held her, and that t chest that smelled like him was under her cheek. But it was wet.

    Then she blinked away and almost cried out, but only the pain stopped her¡ªmoving even to cry out, felt like she was being gutted.

    "Wha¡­?" She tried to lift her hand to grab his shirt, but that made the pain so bad she thought she might throw up. And she couldn''t imagine the pain that would cause.

    "Elia, love," Reth''s voice was soft and warm, gruff¡­ and terrified. She turned her eyes up to meet his, his dear, brown eyes, staring at her, his brow lined, crinkled with grief and fear. "Stay with us," he whispered, putting a kiss to her forehead. "Just stay here. With me. Please, love."

    She wanted to say it all¡ªhow much she loved him, that she wouldn''t ever do this to him again. That she''d been wrong¡ªhe needed to know that she knew that. But the pain wouldn''t let her breathe, let alone speak.

    Then his caught on something and they jolted again. She closed her eyes and pleaded with the dark to crawl back over her. And it did. She didn''te back up.

    But there, in her mind, she knew where she was. She knew what had happened. And what was happening.

    Deep within her a candle me burned. It flickered and wavered, and threatened to go out. And she was the only one who knew.

    She cupped her hands around it, pleading with it not to give up. Not to go out.

    She promised to stay. To be strong.

    Just don''t let go, little one.

    Stay here with me.

    *****

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 Chapter 220: Homeward

    <h4>Chapter 220: Homeward</h4>

    RETH

    They were holed up in a small cave, still several miles from the Tree City. But Aymora insisted that they needed to stop moving Elia until they were sure they could get her all the way back safely.

    "It would be better for her to rest here and be safe, than to run her back and end up in battle on the way."

    The dy grated on Reth''s nerves, but he couldn''t fault the wisdom of it. The healer that had waited for them at the temporary camp, who''d helped Aymora patch up the men, and Reth. And who had examined Elia, had agreed on the temporary halt.

    "She''s very weak."

    "The cub?" Reth had asked his voice hoarse with fear.

    "Still alive," she''d said, but she didn''t smile. "The next two days will be the greatest risk. And if she develops an infection¡­ this is a time to pray to the Creator, Reth."

    He''d nodded. He''d already been doing that. But he would redouble his efforts.

    He couldn''t lose either of them. Not like this. Not at Lucine''s hand.

    While they rested in the cave, Behryn sent two scouts ahead to check the path to the city, and to prepare the healers. Reth held Elia and whispered to her about what they would do when all of this was done. All the things they would do together¡ªincluding the new entries he had for the list¡ªand all the ways life would improve without the wolves there to make so much trouble.

    Then he''d stroked her hair and kissed her cheek and pleaded with her to wake.

    When he''d looked up, Behryn was staring at him. Reth cleared his throat quietly and spoke before his friend could, because he knew whatever Behryn would say, it would bring the tears he''d been fighting since they stopped walking. "What happened after I took her?" he asked quietly.

    Behryn sighed. "The rocks were the problem¡ªfighting them, while getting people up. It was awkward and¡­ without the birds we wouldn''t have gotten out. They kept diving. Corz dropped a rock on one of their heads," he said with a small smile.

    Reth snorted, but didn''t smile. "Lucine?" he asked after a moment.

    "I don''t know. I suspect she lives. I¡­ I didn''t sense the stench of death on her. But it all happened rather quickly. I could be wrong. What did she do to Elia?"

    "Tried to gut her. If I''d gotten there a few secondster¡­" Reth shivered and closed his eyes against the memory of Lucine, hunched over his mate, her teeth bared and that knife in her hands. "I think¡­ I think she wanted to take the babe. Or make sure it would die, anyway."

    Behryn''s face went cold. "Then I hope she is dead," he said through his teeth.

    Reth looked his gratitude at his dearest friend.

    Neither of them spoke for a moment. "Have you heard from the others?" The males who''d gone to make the diversion had taken a huge risk, drawing all that attention from so many. But there was a chance the wolves were under orders not to shift, and wouldn''t have been able to give chase.

    Behryn shook his head. "I don''t know. We didn''t hear any signals, but we sent them back the other route. I just pray when we reach the City, they''ll be there."

    "As do I."

    They both sat, staring at Elia for a long minute.

    "Reth, if she survives this¡ª"

    "I know," he said, his voice dead, even to his own ears. "I''d already broached the subject with her. She¡­ didn''t see it. But perhaps after this¡­"

    "There can be no perhaps, Reth. There were far bigger numbers in that encampment than I would ever have guessed. And now that they know we''re aware of them, they won''t wait. We''ll be lucky if we get back with hours to spare. You cannot let her stay. Even if she isn''t healed. Even if she¡­ you have to have her taken back. She can''t be a pawn in this anymore. We can''t afford it."

    "I know," he growled. "Have mercy, Behryn. I know."

    Behryn nodded, then put a hand to Reth''s knee. "Brother, I love you. And I admire you. And you made the right decision. But do not fight what you know is right, not for love, not even for the cub. Far too many lives hang in the bnce."

    "I said, I know!" Reth snapped.

    Behryn just stared until Reth was forced to turn away.

    "Who would you send with her?" Behryn asked a few minutester.

    "What do you think of Gahrye? Perhaps even others of among the Outsiders."

    "Outsiders?"

    "That''s what she calls them. Or what they call themselves. I had nned to confront them. Thought they were the ones stealing. She begged me to let her ask them and I almost didn''t. But¡­ I was weak. I put it off because we hadn''t had any reports thest few days. Now I''m d. It would have pushed them even further away."

    "Gahrye is a good choice," Behryn said. "He reads the winds carefully, and his senses are sharp. And he''s strong, ifcking in finesse. I would have trained him if he could shift. He has the skills."

    "Is it his skills, or he is the right kind of male?"

    Behryn nodded. "He''s the right kind of male."

    Reth wanted to growl at the idea of Elia being in the hands of another male for as many months as it might take. But at the same time, he couldn''t deny, the stronger the males that went with her, the more easily he would sleep while they were parted.

    "Are you worried about the effect on her, going back there, I mean?"

    Reth sighed. "I''m worried about everything," he said honestly. "But I can''t see another way. I promised her I''d go back for her as soon as it was safe. I pray¡­ I pray I can keep that promise soon. I worry she will¡­ with the cub¡­"

    "She needs to be healed before she goes through the portal," Aymora piped up from the other side of the cave where she''d lit a small fire and was mixing something in a small pot.

    "Impossible," Reth snarled. "That would take weeks for her. Far too risky to have her here for that time with¡ª"

    "No, it won''t," Aymora sighed. "I can have her walkingfortably in a day. Maybe two."

    "How?" Reth asked, turning on her.

    Aymora stirred her pot again, then met his gaze. "I will check the histories when we get back to be certain, but¡­ I believe there''s a way."

    Then she refused to say anything more about it.

    ****

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 Chapter 221: Down But Not Defeated

    <h4>Chapter 221: Down But Not Defeated</h4>

    RETH

    He''dpletely forgotten the submission.

    The rain had begun while they were two miles from the Tree City. It would help with their scents, but as the ground softened, made it harder to hide their passage. But when Reth heard the first of the Scouts whistles of warnings that meant they''d reached the edge of the City''s territory, he almost wept with relief.

    Aymora insisted they take Elia directly to her cave, and Reth hadn''t had the energy to argue.

    When they''d reached her cave, two others were already there, waiting. Aymora spoke to them quietly, asking for things she''d need, and they both nodded and got to work.

    Rethid Elia down on a cot at the back of the cave, then knelt next to it, stroking her hair back off her face. "Why won''t she wake up."

    "It''s a defense mechanism. When there''s too much pain for the body to deal with, it shuts the body down for rest¡ªto help heal¡ªand to separate the mind from what would be maddening."

    Reth swallowed. "You think you can heal this?"

    "I''m going to try. Now you need to go get dry clothes, food, and a rest if you can. You still have over an hour before the submission."

    He''d forgotten about itpletely. But even when she raised it, he shook his head. "I''m not leaving her."

    "Reth, you have to. You are the King of a broken people. You need to be there this evening to show them your strength and hers, to honor the families of those we lost. And to show them what''s toe. They need to be prepared to fight this¡ªnot give in to it."

    "I am not leaving her."

    "You stubborn ass!" Aymora whirled on him, and Reth stood, growling. But she didn''t retreat. She put a finger to his chest and poked him as she spoke. "You have put your entire people at risk to save her¡ªand I get it, Reth. I do! I wouldn''t change anything. She''s worth it. But now she is safe¡ªas safe as she can be in this state. Now your work begins. Now you make the others know they are worth it, also. That you don''t fight only for her, but for them as well."

    "I''m not suggesting I don''t¡ª"

    "Gareth Orstas, what would your father have done?!"

    Reth snapped his mouth shut and red at her. Aymora red back. "That''s not fair," he said.

    "Nothing is fair in this world, and you know it. Do you really believe I would leave her unattended? That I would somehow allow the enemy ess to her? Or shirk her care?"

    "Of course not, I just¡ª"

    "Then do not offend me by suggesting you cannot leave her safely in my hands. We all have our roles to y. Mine is to care for her, to get her to health quickly, to save the cub. Yours is to save your people. Or do I need to convene council to convince you?"

    Reth''s lip curled up. "You wouldn''t."

    "You watch me, Reth. I will do whatever is necessary to keep this people safe and strong. And if that means snapping my teeth at the King then I''ll do that."

    They red at each other until Reth was the one to break eye contact. He ran his hands through his hair and stared at Elia instead.

    "If she wakes you send someone to me."

    "The very first second, Reth," Aymora vowed. "And when you''re finished, you can return here. I''ll feed you and make up a cot so you can rest with her."

    He nodded. "The healing?"

    "I have the women bringing the written histories. There''s something I want to check. Something I''d been wondering about since we learned she was with cub. But if I''m right¡­ it will strengthen her, Reth, not weaken her."

    He nodded, then stroked and hand down her arm. "I will go," he said sadly. "But I''ll be sending messages back every hour. And I''ll send you Gahrye. I believe he needs to be close to her for¡­ for what''s toe. It would be good for him to be here for any developments."

    "Candace will be a help to her, too," Aymora said. "They''ve be quite close."

    Reth nodded. "If I see her, I''ll send her."

    They both went quiet. Reth knew she was right, and he had to leave. But turning his back in Elia felt like tearing off a limb.

    "She will be proud of you, Reth. Go receive your people. Cement the bond. Call them to defend their City. She will only benefit from that. And so will you."

    He took Elia''s hand and brought it to his mouth. Her fingers were still cold, though not as cold as they''d been in the rain, he told himself. "I will be back for you, love," he murmured quietly. "Don''t lost heart. Rest. I''ll be back."

    Then he stood. Aymora put a hand to his shoulder and rubbed it. "I''ll send messages every hour."

    He nodded once, then turned on his heel and walked out.

    *****

    ELIA

    She was warm, finally. She was vaguely aware that she''d felt cold. She''d been shaking and in pain, but now she felt warm, and only an ache.

    "Reth?" she murmured through cracked lips. She tried to open her eyes, but the light was too bright. She squinted. Where was she?

    "Elia, my dear. Thank the Creator," Aymora''s face appeared over her. She was smiling. "Can you remember what happened?"

    "Lucine," Elia croaked. "Where''s Reth?"

    "Tell the King that she''s awake and responding," Aymora said quietly to someone Elia couldn''t see. Then she turned back. "The King is taking his people back right now," she said softly, still smiling. "He will be mightily relieved to find that you''re awake. You scared us there."

    "I feel strange," she said, because she did. As if her body quivered under her skin.

    Aymora nodded. "We''ve been treating you. It will likely feel strange, but it will help you heal quickly, and give your cub a better chance to survive."

    Elia put a hand to her stomach quickly, sucking through her teeth at the pain. But she could move this time. She vaguely remembered waking, in dire pain, and unable to move.

    "What did you give me to help the pain?"

    Aymora smiled. "The blood of a lion."

 Chapter 222: New Blood

    <h4>Chapter 222: New Blood</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    Aymora''s answer startled Elia so much she jerked herself around to see the wise-woman more clearly, but her stomach screamed at her and she had to focus for a minute to breathe. She slumped back down on the cot, holding her stomach over the bandages, and trying to breathe slowly so the pain would ease. Aymora watched her closely, her brow furrowed.

    "You did what now?" Elia asked when she could speak.

    Aymora, looking relieved, patted her shoulder. "Don''t worry. After everything happened and we learned you were having a cub, I spent some timest night checking some things in the history¡ªand again today. Yesterday I was thinking delivery of Anima cubs can be a little difficult for humans. So, I wanted to know how we could ease it. Today, I was looking for different reasons, but the Creator used it. I knew exactly what to look for this afternoon in the histories, and look, it''s working." She indicated Elia with a beaming smile. "You have no idea how worried we were, Elia. That was a very, very close call¡ªfor you and your cub."

    Elia blinked.

    Everything came rushing back then¡ªthe kidnapping by Jak. The challenge from Lucine. Getting knocked out. Waking in Reth''s arms almost certain she was going to die.

    But now¡­ now she just felt strange. Slightly surreal. Like everything hade into sharper focus, somehow. "Did you give me drugs, too?"

    "Yes. A few herbs, a tincture. Nothing serious. Just enough so you could rest easier while we worked on your blood."

    Elia rxed. "I guess they haven''t worn off yet."

    "No, not yet. But don''t worry, they''ll¡ª"

    "Wait, what do you mean, worked on my blood?"

    Aymora kept that hand to Elia''s shoulder, to stop her from moving. "I know it''s been a difficult time, Elia. But you need to stay calm and rxed as much as you can. Your body is healing itself, which requires a lot of energy. The more you rest, the faster it will go."

    "I''m not even moving, I just want to know what you meant about working on my blood?" Her heart began to beat rapidly.

    Aymora sighed. "I believe you humans call it a blood¡­ transition?"

    "Transfusion? Where you give one person''s blood to another?"

    "Yes, yes, that''s it. A transfusion."

    Elia blinked. "How?"

    Aymora patted a small bag next to her. "It''s not actually that umon¡ªespecially, as I said, for females who''ve given birth. We also use the process to cleanse the blood of the ill, if they''re frail. Rest, Elia, it was only to help you, and especially to help your cub. Her scent has strengthened since we did it. I''m very relieved. I think we almost lost her."

    Elia remembered that moment when she''d woken in Reth''s arms, but been unable to stay awake. She''d been sinking back into unconsciousness when she was overwhelmed with the sense of something inside her, flickering¡­ losing the battle. She gripped Aymora''s hand and the older woman looked at her, rmed. "Thank you," she said on a breath. "I think we almost lost her, too." She stroked her stomach, swallowing the pinch in her throat.

    Aymora smiled. "You''re wee. Now just keep your mate from jumping down my throat for treating you without informing him first. He almost wouldn''t leave and he needed to go to the Submission. I was afraid if I told him what we''d nned he would have insisted on being your donor and I knew he needed to keep his strength."

    "Giving blood weakens Anima?" A stupid question, she realized. It would weaken anyone, surely?

    "We don''t give blood, at least, not in the sense that you mean it, I think," Aymora said carefully, pulling back Elia''s eyelids as she spoke, checking the insides of her mouth, and the color under her fingernails.

    "What do you give, then?" Elia asked once Aymora''s hands were out of her mouth.

    "We¡­ share it."

    "What? How?"

    Aymora got up from the chair and walked to the table behind her. As she spoke, she mixed things in a mug that she brought to Elia. "When an Anima needs help in this way, we connect the wise-woman we believe to be the best match, and the person. Connect their bloodstreams. Allow them to share. The strong Anima''s body will cleanse the blood of the weaker. Or help replenish it, if more is needed. I''ll admit, I do not understand all of the whys that it works, only that it does. But I also know that it is something of a strain on the Anima who is stronger. I didn''t wish to do that to Reth. Plus, we''ve found better results when the donor is the same¡ªmale or female."

    Elia took the ss and sipped from it, drinking it down when Aymora indicated that she should. Then she shook her head. "You guys are amazing."

    "But¡­ humans do this also? A¡­ transfusion?"

    "Yes, but not the same. And not¡­ who gave me blood?" She said, pushing up onto her elbows. Her stomach stabbed at her, but it wasn''t as bad as it had been even minutes before. "This is incredible," she gasped, putting a hand to her stomach. "How do you heal so quickly?"

    "I think, for you, because your body is weak, our blood has worked even faster than usual. You have been¡­ boosted, Elia," Aymoraughed. "I am very, very relieved to see it." And Elia could see the tension around her eyes ease just a hair.

    "It''s been bad, hasn''t it?" she asked quietly.

    Aymora nodded, her lips tight. "And there will be more toe."

    "I''m jealous," Elia said,ying back down. She still felt strange, and slightly shaky, and she could tell she would need to sleep again soon. But she also felt¡­ vibrant. As if there was more life in her than there had been before. "If this is how Anima feel all the time, I wish I could be one," she sighed.

    Already her eyes were drooping. She was suddenly very tired.

    "I wish you could, too, Elia. But you are Anima at heart. And that''s what truly matters, after all."

    "Even more so now," Elia murmured around a yawn. "A big, growly, lion heart."

    Then she slept.

    **** DON''T STOP READING! ****

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 Chapter 223: Submit

    <h4>Chapter 223: Submit</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    As the night air grew cold, andst of his people that remained filed forward to submit and give the vow, Reth stood on trembling knees.

    Behryn, to his right, nced at him worriedly. But Reth received the male sheep, just as he had everyone before him, and thanked him.

    The amphitheater was full¡ªand far too quiet. He looked up to scan the crowd, about two thirds of those that hade to see the judgments. But so few predators¡­ He swallowed his fear and let his people scent his calm.

    "Thank you, all of you," he said loudly enough for those at the back to hear. "You have likely heard of the events of this day. Your Queen is alive and in the care of the wise-women. But the attempt on her life, and the life of our cub was real and¡­ brutal. The Security Council will meet now. Our Captain carries the guard. You are safe in the Tree City¡ªbut be watchful, and keep your ears alert. This is not a time of mere upheaval¡­ this is war. And all of us will be needed to fight, one way or another."

    A murmur of fearful calls rose from the people, but Reth raised a hand. "Do not fear. We remain under the Creator''s hand of Blessing, I am convinced. Too many things may have been taken today that were saved. Too many people could have been lost. But we will remember those who gave their lives in the defense of myself and your Queen. We will remember those who will give their lives in the weeks toe. You are, and always will be, under my protection. Tomorrow I send an Emissary to the Bears¡ª" Behryn looked at him sharply, "¡ªand pray they will choose to stand with us. The wolves have prepared for this, but they have also taken a blow today. We will not allow them time to recoup.

    "So stand strong, my people. Report any scent or sight that makes you uneasy. If the horns blow, protect your young, and stand your ground. We will never allow our lives to be ruled by the short-sighted and selfish wolves. Never."

    A cheer rose, though it faded quickly. Reth nodded. "Rest now," he said. "Rest and know that you are watched over¡ªby the Creator Himself."

    He turned and stalked towards the back of the stage, to take the rear exit, Behryn at his side.

    "An Emissary, Reth?" he breathed under the sound of the dispersing crowd.

    "I have no choice. The wolves are too close, and too strong. I cannot leave the City."

    "The City or your mate?"

    Reth turned to meet his eyes. "Both."

    Behryn''s mouth tightened, but he didn''t reply. When they made it outside, Reth turned to look at him again. "You are faithful, friend. And strong. I am so grateful. But I have to ask you for still more."

    "You know I''ll always be here, Reth."

    He nodded. "Bring the council to Aymora''s cave. We''ll meet there."

    "What? Reth, there''s hardly room¡ª"

    "Just for tonight. Just while¡ª" He broke off as a young Leonine sprinted up to him on the path and slid to a halt to bow. "Don''t worry with that, what is it?" he growled.

    "The Queen is awake, Sire, and healing. Aymora''s treatment is helping. She strengthens. And the Cub, too."

    A tiny knot in Reth''s heart unraveled. He squeezed the young female''s shoulder. "Thank you." And then he ran.

    "Reth! The council!" Behryn called after him.

    "Bring them!" he snarled without slowing.

    *****

    He tore into Aymora''s cave a few minutester, but Aymora was standing, her hands up to quiet him.

    "She''s resting," she whispered. "She needs it. Her body is healing fast."

    Reth crept as quickly and quietly as he could across the floor to kneel next to her and softly take her hand. Her color was better, and her breathing easier.

    Much easier.

    "What did you give her?" he whispered, awed at the pink in her cheeks.

    "We shared blood with her. The Anima blood to help the babe has helped her more than I could have hoped¡ª"

    "You did WHAT?" He stood, turning on her.

    Aymora''s eyebrows rose. She folded her arms, but kept her voice at a whisper. "The cub was dying, Reth. It was the only way. But it has helped Elia more than I would have dared hope. Our blood strengthens her beyond her own limits. She is healing¡ªnot just easing, healing."

    Reth looked at Elia again, at the warmth in her skin, and how her face was soft and rxed, when before, even when she was unconscious, there had been a tightness to her. There was no doubt, she was better. And Elreth¡­

    "She was dying?" his voice was faint and weak. He hadn''t slept for two days. He''d run and fought and feared. And as he looked at his mate, now safe, it all crashed down on him. He wavered.

    Aymora leaped forward, leading him to a chair next to Elia''s bed and bidding him to sit. "You are in need of healing yourself," she growled. "You are strong Reth, but not indestructible. If you are to help your people, you must rest and allow your body to renew."

    "I will rest after the council," Reth murmured, picking up Elia''s hand again, holding it between his own. It was warm.

    "Sure you will," Aymora muttered. "If you don''t show more care for yourself, you''ll be on a cot in here, too," she said. "Have you eaten?"

    "Some." Very little. Behryn had brought him a te while the amphitheater filled, but it tasted like sawdust and stuck in his throat.

    Muttering about alpha-male bullshit, Aymora pushed him down in the chair, ring at him to stay there, then bustled over to the kitchen and returned with a te of fruit and dried meat. "Eat. Or I will order you to stay away from the council until after you''ve slept."

    Reth swallowed a grape and snorted. "They''reing here," he said, trying to smile.

    "They''re¡ªwhat?"

    "I can''t leave her, Aymora. Please. We have to discuss the wolves and n. I have to pick an Emissary to go to the Bears. The guards are already exhausted and we may have fighting before daybreak. I¡ª"

    "You need to eat, and to rest," she growled. "The rest wille as ites. We will do the best we can. But you are not the Creator, Reth. Do not try to be."

    He opened his mouth to argue, but caught her gaze and thought better. "Thank you, Aymora."

    Her lips pressed to thin lines. "I love her too, Reth. You know that."

    "I do."

    She nodded. "Then remember: She is important. And she is worth saving. But she is not the only responsibility you have. The people will not die without her. They will die¡ªor be overrun¡ªwithout you."

    A growl wanted to rise in his throat, but he made himself take a bite of the dried meat, chew, and swallow.

    She didn''t understand.

    As if she knew what he was thinking, she arched an eyebrow at him. "Do not regard me with suspicion¡ªor dismiss me, Reth. I have walked the path you''re on, and I met the fire. Do not forget it. My advice to you is true: The people will not die without her. But without you, life as we know it will be¡­ erased."

    Reth sighed, his shoulder sagging under the weight of everything that was toe. "I know," he said quietly. "But here''s the thing, Aymora: They may not die without her. But I think I would."

    *****

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 Chapter 224: Giving Over

    <h4>Chapter 224: Giving Over</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    She woke in what had to be the dark of night. Aymora must have left a small light on somewhere. Light seemed to draw from a small source behind her, just barely enough to see the shapes and shadows of the room¡ªand the great shoulders of her mate, curled up on a cot next to her.

    Her heart leapt when she saw him, smelled him. He had one arm extended, resting on her cot as if he reached for her, even in sleep.

    Rolling over slowly so she wouldn''t wake him, she examined his face in the dim light.

    He was shirtless, and the nket had fallen off his shoulders, to his waist. But the cold didn''t seem to touch him.

    His brow was lined. There were bruises and scratches all over him. And his jaw was tight. She yearned to reach for him, to push back the chunks of hair that had fallen over his face. But she didn''t want to wake him.

    She would wait until he woke¡ªor events overtook them. Shifting to find afortable position, she blinked. Then rolled slightly again.

    Her stomach ached, but it didn''t stab at her, screaming like it had just hours earlier.

    Was this really the lion''s blood? Or had Aymora given her pain killers that made her feel this sense of¡­ shimmering?

    Probably both. Whichever eased her pain, Elia was grateful. The memories of those moments she''d been awake in the forest turned her stomach. If she had still been feeling that¡­

    She put a hand to her stomach, gentle over the bandages. They were very low, she realized. The gash¡­ had it been intended to disembowel her? Or something else?

    Elia''s blood chilled as she remembered the wolf-woman''s vow that she would die slowly, and in pain. She swallowed against the nerves that rose¡ªbut alongside them, a fierce determination. A resolve within her.

    She had lived. She had almost died, but she was still here. She remembered her prayer and smiled dryly. Reth would say the Creator had, indeed, had a n. She still wasn''t so sure. But there was no doubt, Reth''s arrival couldn''t have been better timed. When Lucine hade at her thatst time¡­ she''d known. She''d known she was about to die, and she''d surrendered to it.

    Swallowing hard, she stared at her mate. He was exhausted, and beautiful, and strong, and he''de for her. At cost to the entire people of Anima. He hade for her.

    Her face fell and she swallowed tears.

    She knew what she had to do. She knew what he''d asked her to do, and what she''d refused, and now she understood why she''d been wrong to do it.

    But the doing of it¡­ that was going to be the hardest part. For both of them.

    Panic rose in her chest when she scanned his beautiful chest and realized she probably only had hours left to see it until¡­ until when? Who knew how long she''d have to stay away?

    She bit her lip and settled herself in afortable position, letting her hand rest over his that was extended to her cot.

    He stirred for a moment, but didn''t rise out of sleep. He truly was spent. She curled her hand over his and watched him in the dim light.

    She would drink him in for as long as she could. Because she knew, as soon as it was safe for her to move, she was going to have to leave.

    And then, apparently, she was going to have to fight to want to stay alive.

    She sighed heavily, and his hair fluttered around his face. His eyes blinked open, and he was alert immediately.

    "Love!"

    "I didn''t mean to wake you," she whispered as he pushed up on his elbow and leaned towards her. He didn''t even speak, justid his lips on hers, gently.

    She sighed and put her hand in his hair to keep him there a moment, before he pulled away to meet her eyes. "How is your pain?"

    "Completely bearable," she said, awed. "I''m¡­ stunned."

    He nodded and some of the tension went out of his eyes. "Aymora is smarter than I gave her credit for," he said, with a forced smile. "Is there any¡­ is Elreth¡­?" he stumbled and her eyes ached to see him so uncertain.

    "As far as I can tell, she''s fine," she said. "I don''t know, of course, but¡­"

    "We''ll have the others check youter¡ªthe ones who can smell her. They''ll make sure. But Aymora believes she''s stronger now than yesterday."

    "That''s good. That''s so good," Elia breathed.

    They stared at each other a moment, then he groaned and dropped his forehead against hers, his eyes screwed tight. "I have never been more afraid than I was yesterday," he said in a strangled voice. "I almost lost you. Both of you."

    She gripped his neck and closed her eyes. "I''m so sorry."

    "Sorry?!" He pulled back again, frowning at her. "What are you sorry for? Jak took you from the cave, right? You couldn''t have¡ª"

    "I''m sorry I refused to listen to you, Reth. I know it''s toote, but I get it now. All of it. Everything you''ve been saying about how I am your weak point. And why I need to¡­ to go back. I wasn''t listening from the right perspective. I''m sorry. You were right. I can''t believe you didn''t get to the bears. I can''t believe¡ª"

    "Shhhhh," he shushed her leaning in further to pull her into his arms. "Don''t. Everything has happened as it was supposed to, I think."

    "How can you say that? People died yesterday!"

    "And you didn''t, despite the odds. I am¡­ so grateful."

    They stared at each other for a long moment, then Elia swallowed and Reth''s eyes widened slightly.

    "I''m healing really fast, Reth."

    "I know. I''m so grateful."

    She nodded. "I''m going to be fine, soon."

    "I hope so."

    She put a hand to his beautiful face and kissed him softly. "When I''m well, I''ll go. Like you asked. We¡­ we need to n that. Tell me what to do, and how we''ll do it. What''s¡­ involved in getting back. I need to prepare myself. I don''t want to, Reth. I don''t want to leave you, but¡­ I see it now. I''m so sorry I didn''t see it before. I''ll go, Reth. I''ll go."

    His face crumpling, he buried himself in her neck, wrapped her in his arms, and squeezed her close.

    Neither of them spoke for a long time.

    *****

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 Chapter 225: Countdown Begins

    <h4>Chapter 225: Countdown Begins</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA

    She woke in Reth''s arms feeling strong, but strange. The drugs still coursing through her system obviously doing their job, but leaving her feeling slightly separated from reality. And when she realized she was strong enough to get to her feet, to walk around, she stepped outside and it was as if the world¡­ glittered. She closed her eyes and opened them again, but the strange effect was still there¡ªas if everything shone or gleamed. As if light was too bright, but it didn''t hurt her eyes and she could see clearly.

    Reth stepped up next to her, his face lined with weariness. His skin seemed as if it almost glowed as he looked at her and forced a smile. "I can''t believe you''re walking around," he murmured. "Are you sure it isn''t hurting too much? Sometimes it doesn''t hurt when you first begin to move, but you realize soon that there''s more paining¡­"

    Elia put a hand to his arm, just to feel him. Both of them were reluctant to be out of contact. But waking in someone else''s house had put aside any sense of intimacy. "I really am fine," she said. "I feel like¡­ like my muscles are sore after one of your workouts. It hurts when I move, but not in a way that would make me frightened. Just¡­ a healing way."

    He nodded. "That''s good. I''m so d." But their eyes caught and Elia knew he had the same thought she did: As soon as she was well¡ªwhich at this point was likely tomorrow¡ªshe would be going back to her world. They didn''t have any choice. But for now her injuries, while risky, were a reason to still be together.

    Neither of them wanted to part.

    She leaned into his chest and he put his arms around her shoulders. Neither of them spoke. They didn''t need to.

    *****

    RETH

    He twitched all the way through breakfast, yearning to touch Elia, to be closer than just their thighs pressed together under the table. He ached to be alone with her. But the very public meal was necessary¡ªhe had to go to the market. Had to be seen. Life had to continue, the people had to see that they weren''t ovee. And the fact that Elia was well enough¡­ it was a work of the Creator. Of that he had no doubt. The Anima had heard how bad her injuries were, so her quick healing had them celebrating. But the fact remained, she was really healing. And that meant that they had to n her escape before the wolves recouped and came for her again. For both of them.

    So, as he ground his teeth through the meal, he charged Behryn and Brant with joining them afterwards back at the cave, and asked Elia to have her Cohorts attend too. He hated knowing they would give so much time to other people today, but there was no way around it. The arrangements must be made. And since Elia and whichever Cohorts were chosen to go with her would bepletely inexperienced with the Portal, there was a lot that needed to bemunicated, and understood before any of them could rest tonight.

    So, he twitched. He ached. He yearned. And he smiled. And he spoke to his people. And when he had the chance, he grasped Elia''s hand under the table, or rested his on her thigh.

    By the time they were done, she looked weary and he was concerned perhaps the healing wasn''t quite as advanced as they''d thought.

    "Are you okay?" he murmured below the level of the talking around them. "Do you need to go back to Aymora''s cave?"

    "No, no!" she said. Her smile was sad , but her eyes dropped to his lips in a way that made him want to growl. "It''s just ack of sleep. I actually feel stronger than usual. It''s very strange. As if my body is ready to do something. It''s making me twitch a little."

    Reth was twitching too, but for entirely different reasons.

    Thankfully, soon they were able to excuse themselves and walk back to the cave. He regretted the need for the guards, but he was taking no chances now. And Elia didn''t even mention them.

    As they walked through the forest on the way to the cave, she tucked her hand under his arm, and hugged his forearm. He was struggling to take his eyes off of her, but she looked through the trees, up into the canopy overhead, and at the dirt and roots under their feet. "I don''t want to leave," she breathed. "Even with war. Even with¡­ everything. I don''t want to go, Reth."

    He ached. He opened his mouth to speak, but she rushed on.

    "I know I need to. I get it. I saw what you had to do yesterday, what it cost¡ªeverything, Reth¡­ I feel so guilty. There are families without sons and mates tonight because of me."

    "Don''t tell yourself that. We can''t know that, Elia. We can''t know what would have been."

    "But if I''d left when you first told me to¡ª"

    "Even then, you can''t know. Our conflict with the wolves has had one good oue¡ªthey have lost the opportunity for surprise. Even with Charyn''s warning, we underestimated what was there. He hadn''t been out there for a while. It had grown significantly. We also know theyout of the camp now, and who the major yers are. The scouts got very good details. So, perhaps we had to be there. Perhaps the loss of those lives now will save many, many more livester? I don''t know. I just know that we cannot let ourselves fall into the trap of trying to change what if, because¡­ we can''t. It will only burn in you, Elia. Don''t let yourself do that."

    "But¡ª"

    "Elia," he whispered, pulling her to a stop and turning to face her. She mirrored him, staring up at him in the bright morning sun. "You must keep yourself as positive as possible. You must focus on what you can control, and leave the rest in the hands of the Creator. For your own sake, and for Elreth''s. We already send you into danger. Don''t make it worse for yourself. Please." It was a plea not an order.

    Elia put a hand to his gorgeous face. "I will take that advice," she said inly. "I''m listening, Reth. I will take that advice. And while I''m gone, I will get stronger. You watch me. When Ie back¡­ I won''t be the same woman."

    "Oh, don''t say that," he said, pulling her chin up. "I don''t want anyone else."

    ****

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 Chapter 226: The Queens Counsel

    <h4>Chapter 226: The Queen''s Counsel</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia sat at the dining table, scanning the faces of the people who''d be so precious to her, wondering how on earth¡ªor off of it¡ªshe was ever going to leave them and return to her own world¡­ be away from them, and away from this people, this ce. Away from Reth.

    Even the idea felt so empty.

    Reth sat to her left, his hand on her thigh under the table. He was all business this morning, but every time his eyesnded on her, they tightened and went dark. He looked like he was already grieving, but determined.

    To her right, Aymora sat, frowning at the tabletop. She was fidgeting, twisting her fingers together, picking at her own nails¡ªlittle things, but things Elia had never seen her do before. She was usually so poised. It was unnerving to see her so uneasy.

    Gahrye sat across from Elia, his face nk, but his eyes were bright and followed everything she and Reth did. Behryn sat across from Reth, his face tense and drawn. But he didn''t fidget. He was like a rock in the river.

    Candace sat Elia''s end of the table, and Brant at Reth''s. Neither of them had spoken yet, but both seemed to be waiting for something and Elia wasn''t sure what.

    "Thank you foring. There''s a lot going on right now, and I appreciate you keeping this discreet," Reth said, looking at each of them in turn. They each nodded. "If you aren''t aware, Elia and I have spoken about the position we find ourselves in." Reth''s throat bobbed and she put her hand on his on her leg, twining their fingers. "With Elia expecting a cub, and with the wolves very clearly focused on removing her from the throne, we have decided it''s the wisest course for her to return to her world until this war has yed out and it''s safe for both of them to be back here."

    "I knew it!" Gahrye hissed.

    Candace''s mouth dropped open. Brant''s eyes shed, but he seemed to support the idea. Only Behryn and Aymora nodded. They''d already known. Still, tensions rose in the room. This was a huge decision, and they all knew it. Candace looked at Elia, sadness in her eyes. Elia offered a small smile, but couldn''t make it stick.

    Reth squeezed her fingers. "Elia is healing quickly, thanks to Aymora. We believe it will be safe for her to travel tomorrow, and we think it''s critical for her to move as soon as is wise, because the wolves will be nning to attack again, of that I am certain." Everyone agreed. Reth swallowed again. "You have been asked here because we either hope for your advice, or that you might y a role in this. No one outside of this room is aware of this decision. We have not even hinted at it. I have been careful, in fact, to imply otherwise to any others I''ve spoken to, with a hope that we can get her away before anyone even knows she''s gone. You are trusted friends and wise people. We know you will not share this outside of this room. So, this morning, we first need to make sure we understand all the risks that Elia faces¡ªespecially while she''s pregnant¡ªand then we would ask for your help to organize this. Today."

    Gahrye''s face went nk. The others all seemed to be feeling some sense of grief or resolve. Elia cleared her throat. "I want you all to know that while I have no desire to leave Reth, or Anima, at all, I do understand why this is necessary. And I am going to do this willingly. I will not create¡­ problems."

    Brant cut her an amused look, but she thought she sensed relief there too.

    "Tomorrow?" Candace said, breathlessly. "That seems very quick."

    Reth sighed. "We have a muchrger, and more organized enemy than we anticipated. If we learned anything over the past two days, it''s that. So we respond to the need, not to our choosing.

    "As long as you all understand, we have a lot to do, and it must be done as quickly as possible. So the first task before us is to choose who will apany Elia as Guardians for her and our child."

    Elia looked at Gahrye whose eyes widened. He''d been sitting with his arms resting on the table, fairly rxed. But his fingers tensed, pressing into the tabletop. "Who¡­ who would you have?" he asked, and the hope that shone in his eyes made Elia want to weep. "I would volunteer if¡­ if you would ept a male. And a disformed one, at that," he finished gruffly. He didn''t like to speak of it.

    Elia felt Reth''s arm tense. Could smell the dominance rise in him, but he just stared at Gahrye as if he were measuring him. Aymora was the one who spoke first. "Being disformed in the human world would actually be to your¡ªand our¡ªadvantage. No chance of identally shifting and creating a scene¡ªor leading humans to our existence."

    Reth nodded, eyes still locked on Gahrye. Gahrye met his gaze warily, but didn''t look away. "Behryn?" Reth asked quietly.

    Behryn looked between the two of them and shifted in his seat. "I agree with Aymora. Being disformed would be a unique asset. And Gahrye is strong. While his skillsck finesse, he has been training for much longer than we understood. Against humans¡ªunless they are extremely skilled¡ªhe would have no trouble protecting her."

    "Brant?" Reth almost snapped. Elia squeezed his fingers again and patted his arm with her other hand.

    "I see no better choice," Brant said quietly. "Gahrye is of good heart and has already proven an effective Advisor. Perhaps even more important, he can read the winds for Elia as she might need it."

    Elia was startled. "You guys can do that in my world?"

    "Yes," Gahrye and Behryn both said at the same time. Then looked at each other with small smiles.

    "It isn''t a function of our world, but our¡­ souls," Behryn said carefully. Gahrye looked at him and nodded.

    "That''s¡­ good¡­" Elia said faintly. Reth squeezed her thigh, then let it go, bringing both hands up above the table. He leaned forward, eyes locked on Gahrye.

    "Understand, if you take this trip, I put my mate in your hands. I trust you with her life, and the life of our cub. And¡­ while you are in herpany, you do not touch her beyond what is needed for her wellbeing.

    "If anything were to happen to her, I would hold you personally responsible. Is that a role you wee, Gahrye of the thunder herd?"

    "Yes," Gahrye said without hesitation, his jaw tight. "I care about Elia deeply¡ªas a sister, or an aunt," he hurried to say when Reth began to growl. "I would choose to watch over her, rather than leave it to others."

    Everyone looked at Reth, whose jaw was twitching. Elia put a hand to his arm, but didn''t speak. He had to find his way to this himself. She knew Gahrye was the right choice. But he needed to see it.

    "I will agree," he said finally. "On one condition."

 Chapter 227: Companions for Death

    <h4>Chapter 227: Companions for Death</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    Reth never took his eyes off of Gahrye. He knew¡ªhe knew!¡ªthe male was the right choice to defend Elia. He''d already had it in mind to send him. But he was so torn inside. Seeing images in his mind of another male helping Elia, living with her, being there tofort her when she was sad¡ªor caring for her during her pregnancy¡­

    His beast rose every time he imagined her beginning the birth pains and he was not there. Imaging another male helping her through that.

    But Gahrye met his gaze steadily, and his scent was true. He didn''t have attraction to Elia. There was a resonance between the two of them, something he couldn''t quite put his finger on. He suspected it was that they were both different here than the other Anima. Something in their experience of this life that bonded them. But whatever it was, it would only benefit Elia to have someone with her who read her so well, and could advise about those around her. With her human senses, she would be at a disadvantage.

    "You must hold blood vow to your Queen," Reth said, his voice low, but steady. "No matter what urs while you are in her world, she must be the first priority. Your first choice. Always. Even over your own life."

    Gahrye nodded without hesitation. "I would offer my palm now."

    Reth huffed. "We can take care of itter. But do not think this is a test. I would hold you to it."

    "What is a blood vow?" Elia asked Reth. But it was Gahrye who answered.

    "It is an unbreakable vow. If I were to deny it, I would be under a death sentence," Gahrye said.

    "What?! No! Reth, we don''t need more death!"

    "If he is loyal, there will be no dying," Reth muttered. And Gahrye agreed with him.

    Reth''s respect for the male grew.

    "But¡ª" Elia started, but it was Aymora who stepped in.

    "Elia, you asked us to inform you when you were not seeing things as an Anima would see them," she said quietly. Elia turned to look at her, but her hand stayed on Reth''s arm. "There are two customs at y here: Firstly, when a Royal travels, they must always be under guard. But in a situation like this, it isn''t right or useful to have a full fist around you. There must be someone, vowed to the throne, that would willingly ce themselves between you and death to ensure the royal line continues.

    "But, secondly, be it to the Royal line or not, to be offered a blood vow in protection¡­ to be trusted with that task, it is a great honor. Gahrye is not lowered by Reth''s offer. He is lifted. Should he return sessful, the Anima will¡­ wee him."

    Elia blinked, her mouth slightly open. Reth prayed she understood what Aymora was saying, which was that if Gahrye brought Elia and her cub back to Anima safely, it would greatly increase his position in the Tribes. Reth wasn''t sure it would be enough topletely ovee his being disformed, but it would certainly remove the suspicion around him.

    He would be regarded not only as the Queen''s advisor, but as an eligible male by most.

    Reth knew this would please Elia. She''d worried about Gahrye since they became friends.

    "Are you¡­ is that how you see it, Gahrye?" she asked him.

    The male nodded, his eyes alight. "Very much so," he said. His scent was determined and slightly fearful. But the interesting part to Reth was the tang of excitement. The male wanted to go¡ªhe wanted to protect Elia. He wanted to go to the human world. That was¡­ interesting.

    "Then I charge you with the protection of the Queen and her unborn. You will be raised to the rank of Defender. Should you return safely, you will not lose it."

    Gahrye blinked and his scent spiked. "Thank you¡­ Sire," he breathed.

    "What? What just happened?" Elia asked, looking at Reth.

    "He honors me," Gahrye said, their eyes still locked. "If I cane back¡­"

    "If he cane back he will have no trouble finding a mate," Reth said gruffly. "But that is a conversation for another time. We still need a second guardian¡ªa female."

    "I would go," Candace blurted suddenly.

    Elia startled. "Candace? You don''t have to!"

    The woman looked at Elia and her eyes began to well. "I want to. I''m¡­ I want to see Reth''s throne safe, and you back here, and the baby¡­ I want to, Elia. Besides, maybe we''ll have time to make some of those dresses we talked about?" She smiled a watery smile and Elia reached across the table to squeeze her hand.

    Reth didn''t understand why the females always cried when they expressed their care for each other, but it was sweet to see that Elia had chosen well for her Cohorts. The bird-woman was pragmatic and skilled. She could be of use, and was clearly a choicepanion for his mate.

    "Then it is settled," Reth growled. His skin itched at the idea of what they were all nning¡ªbut it was worse when he thought about sending Elia, and the others, into this unprepared. So with a sigh he turned to Aymora. "We have three untried walking the portal, Aymora. Help us understand what is needed."

    Aymora nodded and gave him a smile that was meant to be afort, he knew. But having the female not only aware of his present weakness, but acknowledging it in the group, made him want to bite something.

    "The histories?" he said, then looked at Brant. "And you too, Brant. What do they need to know? I''ve already warned Elia about the possible risks to her mind. But you both know more than I do. Please. Let''s equip them as much as we can."

    Aymora nodded and looked at Brant, who indicated she should go first.

    "Elia is at great risk by returning to her world. I cannot be sure whether the pregnancy will assist her, or make the risk even greater. That is something you will all need to measure and evaluate when you reach it. The truth is, we cannot know for sure how this will go. But we can know that there is a risk, both to her physical health, and to her mental state."

    "What causes it?" Gahrye asked, frowning.

    "We don''t know. But the histories indicate of the humans that have been to Anima¡ªespecially those who stayed and became a part of the Tribes, as Elia has, something within them is changed by being here. And that something¡­ dies when they return. There is something awoken in them by being in Anima. And it cannot survive in the human world."

 Chapter 228: Risk

    <h4>Chapter 228: Risk</h4>

    ELIA

    "Does this damage happen as soon as they cross? Or does it take time?" Candace asked, suddenly uneasy.

    "It seems to be different for each individual. The histories give at least ten ounts of humans who have lived here for a time, then returned to the human world. Two returned within six months, sickly and weak, but they made it back. The stories seem to indicate it took them some time to heal, and they regretted the trips as it weakened them. Permanently. There was a part of themselves they never got back after they''d left Anima.

    "There is a single story of a human returning and able to regain whatever it was they lost by leaving. But that human was male, and only left for a short time. Less than six months. And even he was weakened by it. He was able to sustain, however, andter joined the Equine tribe.

    "The others¡­" Aymora hesitated. "Of the remaining seven, five died, and thest two were found on earth by the Anima, their minds gone. Completely. They were locked in buildings with no air or sun, and did not recognize the tribesmen who found them¡ªexcept to fear them. They were¡­ unhinged. The Anima were unable to return them to Anima to see if they could be healed by time here. But it is widely believed that wouldn''t have helped. That they had been lost in the corridors of their own minds."

    Reth put his hand below the table, to Elia''s thigh and closed his eyes. He looked like he was praying. Elia pressed her fingers between his and held him there.

    Gahrye and Candace looked at each other.

    "And the Anima who return to the human world?" Gahrye asked slowly.

    "They seem able to survive the journey, but struggle. The world is¡­ very different. And their bodies do not like it."

    Candace looked relieved, then nced at Elia sheepishly. Elia shook her head. She was d she wasn''t endangering the other two by taking them. "I will need your help, it seems," she said carefully.

    Reth and Gahrye caught eyes again and Elia wanted to snarl at them, but then Aymora nudged her and murmured "Alpha-male bullshit."

    Everyone heard her, of course. Elia snorted. Reth broke the stare to turn and look at Aymora with a ttened gaze. "Noted," he said.

    Aymora gave the first genuine smile Elia had seen since their return from the wolves. But she didn''t press the point.

    "So, we all know this is a risk," Elia sighed. Reth squeezed her thigh again. "Let''s move on. What do we do? How do we get there? Where will we end up? What do we need to take?"

    Aymora raised a hand. "Let''s take those one at a time. The portal is a¡­ ce. A ce the Anima can scent when close to it, but without knowing its location, it is virtually impossible to find. The journey is simple, and yet, asplex as I have known in this existence." She cleared her throat then met Elia''s eyes. "It is a simple foot journey. A passing through from one ce to another. But the link between worlds is¡­ unique. Not of either world. And there are beings within it that are not of either world either. This is, perhaps linked to why some of the humans have lost their minds. We do not know because we could not examine them. But¡­ when you step into the portal you must go with a mind unchanging. You must go resolved. Prepared to resist. To make it safely to the other side, you must be singrly focused. Or they will¡­ tempt you. And you will never leave."

    Elia swallowed. "Who will tempt me? To what?"

    "We don''t know what they are, only that that they are real, and do not have bodies of their own," Brant answered. Everyone turned to look at him. "Some of the histories indicate spiritual beings that have¡­ gone bad. Others believe they are simply of a different world¡ªthe world we pass through to reach the other side. But whatever they are, they want your body. They want to¡­ travel with you. So they will attempt to seduce you to that, in whatever way is most likely to be sessful. They seem to have the scent of your deepest desires. They are extremely intelligent, maniptive, and evil. When you enter the portal, you must set your eyes on the other side and no waver in your journey until you step out of the other end."

    Elia''s heart sped up. Evil spirits? Or evil beings? A journey? Something trying to seduce her? "And this is for humans? Or do Anima have this, too?"

    "The Anima will be tempted, but there is evidence that we do not feel the pull towards them in the same way," Brant said carefully. "It is rare for an Anima to struggle with the journey, perhaps because we are practiced in losing connection with ourselves for a time when we be the Beast. That is only a theory, but many have described a sensation not dissimr. So I believe it has merit."

    "What does changing into a beast have to do with this?" Elia asked, genuinely confused.

    Reth cleared his throat. "Giving over to the Beast is¡­ a spiritual experience," he said quietly. "My beast isn''t me. It''s¡­ alongside me. Around me. It envelopes me. I see through its eyes and hear through its ears, but we are not the same creature. This is why every Anima has lost control of their beast at times. We are connected somehow. I don''t know how it works, only that it does."

    "We believe it''s a spiritual¡ªa soul link¡ªthrough the blood," Aymora said. "There are rumors about how the Anima began, and they are brutal. Not born of good. But whether they are true or not, what we know now is that we are ustomed to change and separation from our bodies, holding onto our minds, our deepest selves, even when our bodies are shifted. That is not an experience humans share. We believe this is why Anima are stronger in the portal.

    "What about me, then?" Gahrye asked suddenly. "I''ve never shifted. I have no idea what you''re describing. Does that mean I''m in the same danger?"

 Chapter 229: The Traverse

    <h4>Chapter 229: The Traverse</h4>

    ELIA

    His jaw was tight¡ªwith determination, Elia knew. She hoped the others were scenting him to see it. Not believing him afraid.

    "I hadn''t thought of that," Reth admitted, looking at Aymora, then Brant. "What do you think?"

    "There''s no way to know," Aymora said.

    "I don''t believe it should change your decision," Brant added. "Strength of character will always be more important in resisting temptation than strength of body."

    "It wouldn''t change my decision," Gahrye insisted. "But I do want to know what to prepare for."

    Brant shrugged. "Prepare for the worst. Then you are equipped. And possibly will be happily surprised."

    Gahrye snorted, but Aymora spoke up.

    "You should prepare yourself for a battle, Gahrye," she said carefully, holding his gaze. "Brant is right¡ªif you prepare for the worst, as if you are human, you will only be equipped. Better to be stronger than needed, rather than weak. But you must also prepare to help your Queen on the other side, because we know she will struggle, and will likely reach the other end of the portal with need forfort and reassurance.

    Reth shifted in his chair, but Elia stroked his arm with her free hand.

    Gahrye nodded. Aymora looked at Candace, who nodded to.

    "Very well, then," Aymora said. "We''ll continue. The other warning we have from the histories is that Anima must go through the portal one at a time. We aren''t sure why. But there are stories of Anima harmed by trying to traverse the portal together. We don''t know if humans suffer the same fate, so we simply warn everyone. It is impossible to know how much time is spent in the portal¡ªwhether time even works the same way there that it does in our worlds. So we have made it a policy to leave an hour between passes. So far that has caused no problems. But it does mean that whoever goes first spends a great deal of time in the human world alone. That whoever waits, waits here alone. I cannot stress this enough. You cannot risk entering together, or entering too soon after another."

    "What happens to the people who have?" Elia asked.

    Aymora swallowed. "Some never returned, so we don''t know. In one case, two entered, but only one made it to the human side, but that Lupine was¡­ empty. A shell. We don''t know why. They were eventually returned to Anima for treatment, but our ancestors were never able to determine what had happened. It was as if the body lived, but the person within was gone."

    Elia put her elbows to the table and dropped her face to press the heels of her hands into her eyes. "This all seems so¡­ desperately risky."

    "Only the traverse," Reth said quietly, rubbing her back. "Once you are there, you must just live the life given you. Attend to the tasks. And wait. The danger is far lower there¡ªespecially with Anima guards."

    "Unless of course I lose my mind."

    "We will be staying in close contact," Aymora said with a nce at Reth. "If there seems to be any problems, we will bring you back, even if it''s risky."

    "I wille for you, Elia," Reth whispered in her ear. "I vow it."

    She turned her head to meet his eyes, put one of her hands to his face. So many things she wanted to say sitting there in her throat. But she couldn''t. Not with all these people.

    "My best advice," Brant said, probably to take the attention off of them, "is that the Guardian go through first, then Elia, then herpanion follows, so she is never alone or unassisted on either side."

    Reth''s face dragged down, but he caught himself and turned from her, to Brant. "I agree," he said hoarsely.

    Elia squeezed his shoulder and sat up. She needed to be strong. If she needed to fall apart, it would have to be when Reth couldn''t see and wouldn''t know. Otherwise he''d go back on this. She knew. Like her, he was suddenly being hit with the impending separation, the risk it brought, and how difficult it would be to not see each other, to not know what was happening in the other''s world.

    To wonder if they were still alive.

    Elia put a hand to her stomach and took a deep breath. She had to do this, she knew. But how she wished there were another way. "Let''s assume we make the traverse sessfully," she said through a sigh. "What then? I''m assuming my bank ounts will still be ce, but my home will have been given to someone else by now. And I won''t have my ID or anything else. It may take time to¡ª"

    "We have¡­ assistance on that side," Reth said quietly, not meeting her eyes. "You will only have to get to them¡ªand they''re very close to the portal. They will get you set up."

    "What is ID?" Gahrye asked.

    "Identification," Reth and Elia said at the same time. Then he smiled sadly at her.

    "It''s a little card with your picture and information about you. It''s used to make sure your money and resources, anything you''ve paid for or any¡­ look, it''s just proof that you are who you are."

    "Can''t they just¡­ tell that you are you?"

    "There are many, many more humans than there are Anima, Gahrye," Reth warned. "You will find it overwhelming at first. So many of them, they do not always know each other even when they live in close quarters, or are from the same families."

    Elia nodded. "And it depends whether you''re in the city, too. There''s far more people in the city, but they stay away from each other as much as they can."

    All the Anima frowned at her. "The more of them there are, the¡­ further they stay away? How is that possible?"

    Elia blinked and realized¡­ they didn''t know any of this. So she took a moment to exin about fences, locked doors, garages, and security systems. About walking the streets without meeting eyes¡ªand standing in line without speaking.

    Though Reth was more familiar than the others even he shook his head at her description. The others ranged from stunned to angry.

    "No wonder these people want to stay here once they arrive," Brant said, his voice verging on disgust. "The Creator never intended for the human heart to be so¡­ isted."

    Elia shrugged. "Probably not. But¡­ people hurt each other. A lot. It''s how they''vee to protect themselves. Distance feels like defense."

    All of the Anima frowned.

    "I don''t think humans understand how a defense should be mounted," Behryn muttered.

    "Trust me," Elia smiled, "They would find you just as strange."

    She was hit with a pang then. She hadn''t missed her life while she''d been in Anima. With Reth here and everything that had happened, at first there hadn''t been time. Andter she hadn''t wanted to go back.

    Now¡­ the idea of going back gave her a pit in her stomach. "At least I won''t be seen as weak anymore," she muttered under her breath.

    "You never were. At least, not by me," Reth breathed back.

    They looked at each other again, and the others all found a reason to look elsewhere for a moment.

    *****

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 Chapter 230: Allies & Obstacles

    <h4>Chapter 230: Allies & Obstacles</h4>

    RETH

    Eventually, when they began to talk again, they were all ready to move forward. Aymora raised the issue of their time in the human world, and Reth nodded. He would take this part.

    "Once you reach the human world," Reth said quietly, "You''ll connect with our Guardians there. They''ll be able to help you."

    "I though Gahrye was going to be my Guardian?"

    "This is a different kind of Guardian. These are the Guardians of the Secret. There is a single tree of the human line whose families have held the secret of the Anima for millennia."

    "I thought you hid Anima from humans?"

    "We do. But the Guardians have known of us for as long as our histories record. They are a specific family line, and in each generation two are chosen to hold the secret. In return we assist them with¡­ other things."

    "Things like what?"

    "Money, primarily. But we have also taken some of their orphaned children, and once we sent soldiers to fight on their behalf."

    Elia gaped at him. "In my world?"

    "Yes."

    "When? I mean¡ªwas there like an Anima army or something?"

    Reth frowned and looked at Aymora.

    "It was during the conflict I believe you call World War one," she said. "The family were at risk of losing their property to militia groups. We sent a small band of Guards over who assisted in ensuring they would keep it. They were very grateful."

    "I''m sure they were," Elia said faintly. "And these people will help us if we just show up?"

    "Yes. They assist any Anima, whenever we arrive there. For obvious reasons, we can''t warn them of our arrival, so they are always ready."

    "And they can handle things like identification and a ce to live?"

    "Yes, those things. But also with your tasks."

    Elia blinked. "What tasks?"

    Reth''s stomach clenched. This was the part he''d been nervous about, praying she wouldn''t be too fearful. Aymora must have anticipated his unease, because as soon as E asked, Aymora touched her arm to get her attention.

    Reth didn''t miss that Gahrye was watching all three of them very closely. Obviously sensing Reth''s tension and Aymora''s gentle caution.

    "Elia," Aymora said gently, "I told you that when I found out you were with cub, I did some research in the histories, yes?"

    "Yes. And that''s how you knew how to help me heal my wounds."

    Aymora nodded. "Well, the reason I did that research was to confirm what I thought I remembered, what I had heard earlier, about¡­ about the offspring¡­ when Anima mate with humans."

    Reth felt Elia go very still. "What about them?"

    Aymora took Elia''s other hand. "Sometimes in those unions, the pregnancies and delivery can be¡­plicated."

    "Why?" Elia snapped.

    "Because depending on which of us the cub¡ªthe child¡ªfavors, they may have a different physical make up than you. Or even¡­ they may be able to shift," Reth said, his hand over hers on the table.

    Elia whipped her head around to look at him. "You knew about this?"

    "Aymora spoke with me yesterday when you were still unconscious. We didn''t know how it was going to be for you, Elia. I had to make decisions about what¡­ how we would¡­ deal with different¡­ scenarios."

    Even remembering that conversation made his stomach sick. Aymora''s stifled emotion as she tried to exin what she knew of how Elia''s body might¡ªor might not¡ªrespond to the child. Or how the cub might respond to hers. And what the risks were of different herbs and treatments she could try.

    Elia''s eyes softened then, as she sensed his pain. Then they widened. "You''re saying¡­ our baby is in danger?"

    "We won''t know that until we know which of us the child takes after."

    She frowned. "Wouldn''t she be a mix of us both?"

    "In some ways, yes," Aymora jumped in. "But with Anima, when there are mixed-species, the child always develops as one or the other. There are no half-lions, or half-horses, you might have noticed."

    Elia nodded. "I thought that just meant you didn''t interbreed."

    Everyone around the table shifted. "The act of mating urs between breeds frequently," Brant said with a small smile. "And the Tribes do not prohibit the taking of a true mate of different breeds, either. But most Anima spend so little time between tribes, they usually find mates within their own."

    "Not to mention that the tribes all have different traditions and functions. Many Anima do not wish to breed¡ªor attempt to breed¡ªwith those whose customs at home or in the bedroom are significantly different."

    Elia pulled her head back, frowning. "What kind of different?"

    Aymora gave it thought. "For example: The Serpents believe the young are best raised only by the females, while the males provide. While lions lean heavily into the role of the male as leader of the family pride, with the females being productive and often the sexual leaders. It doesn''t make for a good match."

    Elia blinked and Gahrye grinned at her.

    "The Equines are greatly aroused by legs, where we prefer strong chests and arms¡ªour tribes generally don''t find each other attractive," Candace offered, and Behryn nodded.

    "Okay, I think I get the picture," Elia said uneasily.

    "Wolves are quite sexually aggressive and at times wish to breed in their beast forms. Most Sheep would choose to avoid that," Brant said, but Reth caught the hint of glee in his eyes. Poor Elia''s cheeks were beginning to pink.

    "This is all great," she said, keeping her eyes off all their faces, "But what does it have to do with our child?"

    Reth took her hand and pulled it into hisp. Elia turned to look at him, and he waited until he had her eyes before he spoke. "Our child will either be human, or Anima, Elia. And if she is Anima¡­ it is risky for you."

    "How risky?" she asked, her voice tight.

    He squeezed her hand and prayed she''d feel his love. "Very risky," he said and wanted to bite something when her eyes filled with fear.

    ****

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 Chapter 231: Precious One

    <h4>Chapter 231: Precious One</h4>

    ELIA

    She felt ill. The look on Reth''s face¡ªworry mingled with determination, mingled with fear. He was frightened for her, but he could smell his desperation to keep her calm.

    "Tell me," she said, swallowing hard. "Don''t leave anything out. I need to know so I can prepare and know what to look for when I get there. Tell me what the problems are, and if you have any clues, how to solve them."

    Reth''s brow pinched. "That''s the problem, Elia, we don''t have the answers. That''s why it''s so important to go speak with the Guardians and see if they do."

    "I believe¡­ there are tools in your world that might find out if the baby is¡­ not fully human?" Aymora asked carefully.

    "Yes, but unless one of your Guardians knows how to use an ultrasound, I would have to go to a doctor and if they did see something abnormal it would all be recorded and¡­ I don''t think that''s what we want?"

    "No, definitely not," Aymora said, then nced at Reth over her shoulder.

    "This is what the tasks are for, Elia. One of the important things you''ll need to do while you''re there is keep yourself moving. Keep motivated. Stay strong. We have real hope that the Guardians, who will have many more records about the humans who''ve been to our world than we do, will have some answers for you. But if not, they may still have libraries or records for you to study. Keep yourself focused on your own health, and the cub''s. Learn as much as you can. Then when I bring you back here, we can use whatever you''ve learned to help you here," Reth said slightly breathlessly.

    She smiled at him, forcing herself not to show her fear, though she knew he would scent it. His worry was so close to the surface. It was so unlike him to look so uncertain. She wanted to hold him andfort him and just¡­ be together. But she knew they had to get through this.

    "So tell me, what problems do we already know exist?"

    Aymora sighed. "The biggest problem I have already mentioned¡ªthe cub, if it is a cub, may shift in the womb during the stress of yourbor. Delivering an Anima cub from a human body is.. difficult. Especially with lions and horses."

    "Why?"

    "Our babes tend to be quiterge," Reth said, his voice low and rough, but a true smile on his face¡ªuntil he scanned down her body and his face became grave. "Especially for someone as small as you."

    "Big babies, okay."

    "Predators are also more likely to shift in the womb," Aymora said. "Though not all do. And their limbs are shaped differently. Ask the Guardians if there were ever tools developed for delivering babies with limbs that bend in strange directions." Reth stared at her and she rolled her eyes. "For a human."

    Elia shuddered thinking of it. Alone, without Reth¡ªmaybe even without a doctor. What if she couldn''t do it? There was a reason a woman''s life expectancy centuries ago was half what it was in the modern day. She knew this. She prayed these Guardians would be able to help. But for now, she needed to be brave or her mate was going to fall apart in front of her.

    She wondered if Reth realized his breath was huffing. That he was squeezing her hand so hard her fingers were losing blood flow.

    "Okay," she said, swallowing the pinch in her throat. "So, the first order of business when I get home is to do as much research about human-Anima pregnancies as I can. And anything that might help with the delivery."

    "In secret," Brant added. "Only with the Guardians."

    Elia nodded, and tried to subtly pat Reth''s hand. He blinked and lightened his grip. But no one missed it.

    "Let''s assume these people can help me find out if the baby is Anima or not¡ªif it is, am I better to deliver here?"

    "No," they all said at the same time.

    Elia blinked.

    "At least, not unless we have things safe here, Elia," Reth said with a heavy sigh. "The first priority of having you over there is to keep you safe from others. We can''t do that if you''re here in the middle of warzone. So¡­ if I don''te for you before the due season, prepare the Guardians to help you."

    "You don''t sound as scared of that as I feel," she said, trying to smile.

    He huffed again. "I am utterly terrified, Elia. But I have confidence in you. I know you''re smart enough to figure out the best way forward with whatever journey the Creator offers you. And strong enough to do this."

    "I will help you, Elia. I would love to hear the Guardian''s records on the Anima and our¡­ bodies. It''s a point of interest for me."

    Reth''s eyes cut to Gahrye and she was about to soothe him, but his look was thoughtful.

    "Thank you, Gahrye," Reth said a momentter. "Thank you for being willing to do this, and for your willingness to serve your Queen and your people, despite the treatment you''ve received. I vow to you, when we get past this war, I will begin to help the disformed integrate more fully into the tribes."

    Gahrye ran a hand through his hair, looking touched, but skeptical. "Thank you," he said finally. "I¡­ I don''t know how you would do that. But I appreciate the thought."

    Reth nodded and his hand slipped under the table again to rest on her thigh. She didn''t even bother hiding it this time. Just put her hand over his and slide her small fingers between hisrge ones. He curled them up to grip her between his thick knuckles, and suddenly she was swallowing that pinch in her throat again.

    But at least¡­ at least she hadn''t given in this time. At least there were still a few hours with Reth left. At least her stomach was barely even aching anymore.

    Aymora''s healing had done wonders. She didn''t know how she was going to thank her.

    Then her eyebrows popped up. "Wait!"

 Chapter 232: Heart of a Lion

    <h4>Chapter 232: Heart of a Lion</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    "Aymora, the lion''s blood¡ªyou said that made the baby stronger, right?"

    "Yes," she said. "At least, her scent is stronger, and the others agreed that your healing helped keep her alive."

    "Maybe that''s the key to all this as well?"

    "I hoped, but¡­ you won''t be here with us. Even if it could help you be stronger in your pregnancy, you won''t be close enough to us for it to happen regrly. And¡­ we still don''t know for sure what effect it might have on the babe if it''s not Anima. We don''t know yet, and won''t for many months. Even if it''s a human baby and develops faster, we still wouldn''t likely know for at least six or seven months."

    "Then, that''s how long you have to win the war, Reth." Elia said with a quivering smile. "You win within six months, and then even if this is a problem, I''ll still be sane and I''lle back here, and Aymora will give me lion''s blood and¡­ all will be well. See?" she said, her voice shaking. "I''ve already solved it."

    They all stared at her, the worry creasing their brows.

    "I''m joking," she said, a little too loudly.

    "We know," Gahrye said. "We just¡­ aren''t in the mood tough."

    Elia nodded. Reth squeezed her thigh again and took a deep breath. "Next," he rumbled quietly.

    *****

    On and on. They had to cover all the details. Educate the ones that would be traversing. But every second they sat there, Reth felt his time with Elia slipping through his fingers. They were interrupted three times by reports from scouts and soldiers¡ªonce to let them know the Bear King had agreed toe meet with Reth in two days, which took a huge load off of his shoulders. And another to advise scouts had caught a wolf archer approaching the Tree City. So far it appeared to be a lone sniper. But Reth shuddered to think who the target might have been.

    Behryn sent three fists out, after that, to patrol the outskirts. The look he gave Reth after that said everything. Reth dipped his chin. He knew. That''s why they were at this table.

    He had to get Elia out of here before the shit hit the fan. At least, he thought that''s what the human phrase was. He''d always liked that one.

    He turned to look at her while Brant and Behryn discussed the patrols and she felt his gaze and turned to face him.

    "Hi," he breathed.

    "Hi," she whispered back.

    Everyone at the table could hear them, of course, but they were all polite enough not to look or interrupt.

    "Do you have any final questions?"

    "Only one," she responded. Reth looked at Brant and Behryn and waited until they''d finished their discussion, then told Elia to go ahead.

    "The only thing left is¡­ how do wemunicate? I''m going to be gone for so long. I know we''ve talked about the pregnancy, and we''ve talked about the war. Neither of those is a short thing. I have to be prepared to be gone months. At at minimum. When your father sent you, you were gone for two years? So¡­ how do wemunicate? How long will it be until we can check if it''s okay toe back? Or until you''ll send someone to us to update us? I don''t want to wait months with no word at all, but I know you''ll be fighting. How does all of that work?"

    "Once a month we''ll send a message or scout through to update you on our progress," Reth said quietly, looking at Behryn for confirmation. Behryn nodded. "They will pass you information from me, and bring back any messages you wish to pass on. No person should be sent through the traverse unless the stakes are dire. That will leave you with less support¡ªand there''s always a risk they''ll be taken by the wolves and tortured to find out where you are. So you who are on that side, you don''t move. You stay there until you hear otherwise from us."

    "But what if¡­ what if¡­ you lose? How would I know?"

    "I will not lose, Elia," Reth growled.

    She leaned into him and held his face. "I know you won''t. But even you are not indestructible, Reth. Or what if you''re hurt, or taken prisoner? What if all of you are?" She turned to the others. "Presumably the wolves will target you, knowing as they do that you''re in positions of power. If all of you are hurt, or sick, or taken¡­ how long do we wait to hear something before I send someone back to check on you?"

    "You don''t."

    "Reth, that''s not realistic¡ªespecially if I have our child¡ª"

    "No, Elia. Listen. If you aren''t hearing from us, it means the wolves have somehow taken the territory of the portal and it isn''t safe for us to send someone through. That means it isn''t safe for you to turn up on the Anima side. You must wait for us to contact you."

    "But¡ª"

    "There are no buts, Elia. Trust me on this. You said you can see that you should have trusted my judgment before. Please, love, I know this for truth: I will move hell to get to you. I will move hell to let you know what''s happening, if things are dire. But I will not allow you to throw yourself away on a needless risk."

    Elia swallowed hard, the look in his eyes was bright steel. He loved her. He wanted her. And he wanted to protect her¡ªeven from herself, if necessary.

    Her stomach sank. "Okay. I hear you."

    "Do you, truly?"

    "I do. If¡­ if we don''t hear anything from you, we continue as we are. We don''t send someone through until or unless there is literally no other option."

    Reth''s shoulders sagged. "Yes. Yes, that''s right."

    "We will send a messenger every three weeks," Behryn said suddenly. Everyone turned. "It will be good training for the young ones as long as we hold the portal territory, since the traverse is actually the most dangerous part. And that will allow you to send word back to your mate, Elia¡ªwhich I know will be of vital importance for morale on this side," Behryn grinned.

    Elia took a deep breath. "Thank you, Behryn. I wish there was a way to show how grateful I am."

    "Thank me by staying safe, Elia,"

    She nodded, and vowed to herself, as well as to them, that she would do exactly that. No matter what it took.

    She, and her cub.

 Chapter 233: Decided

    <h4>Chapter 233: Decided</h4>

    ELIA

    Reth stared down at the table for a moment. Everyone was quiet. "If that''s all," he said finally, his voice deep and dark, and far too quiet. "Then all that is left is for our Guardians to make their vows."

    Candace and Gahrye both nodded. Elia sat back in her chair, wondering what intricate, Anima tradition this would be. These people had so much about them that was ancient and intriguing.

    Shit. She was going to miss this ce almost as much as she was going to miss Reth.

    "Do you have des?" Reth asked in that rumble she loved. Then she blinked. des?

    "What do you¡ª"

    "Yes," Gahrye and Candace both said, each reaching in their robes. Gahrye revealed a wicked knife that made Elia''s mouth drop open. Why was he carrying that? Candace flicked out a much smaller knife that looked more like a tool. But the de gleamed as she put it on the table in front of her.

    Reth nodded. "You know the tradition?"

    "Yes," they both answered.

    "Wait, what are you doing?" Elia asked hurriedly.

    "Blood vows are binding," Reth said darkly, his eyes on Gahrye. "They tie our souls to our word. I will not leave you in the hands of anyone who hasn''t given it."

    "I thought it was a vow? Why do we need knives?"

    Reth raised an eyebrow at Gahrye, who¡ªeyes locked with Reth''s¡ªpicked up the knife he''did down, and without any warning, slid it against his palm.

    Elia squeaked, but he held the cut hand in a fist and leaned forward, speaking as his blood began to patter to the tabletop. "My blood to seal the covenant. My life for hers. My life for hers. My breath for hers. In danger I stand in her stead. Infort, she takes the first seat. My life is hers to call. My death, hers to require¡ªor yours if I fail."

    Before Elia could react, Reth looked at Candace, who sliced her palm, too, then echoed his words.

    Then Reth drew his own knife and before she could stop him, cut himself, offering his bloodied hand in a sp first to Gahrye, then to Candace, both times reciting. "As you have said, so it shall be. You have my honor in victory, and in death. In failure, you earn my wrath. May the Creator watch over you and guide your steps."

    And they both thanked him.

    They thanked him.

    "What the hell?" Elia gaped at them all. But everyone else at the table looked at her like she was the strange one. "I don''t need people bleeding for me!"

    "Well, we could have undergone a naked fire rite instead, but I guessed this would be your preference," Reth muttered.

    Elia swallowed her protests.

    At least his eyes were twinkling.

    But a momentter, he sighed. "That is it. We are decided. Elia is healing well. So, tomorrow we''ll go to the Traverse. Behryn, put it about the soldiers and merchants that we are going to meet the Bears in the morning. To the east. Collect some honey and fish and tell them that it''s a peace offering because I missed the earlier meeting."

    "Consider it done."

    "Gahrye and Candace, you may do whatever is needed to prepare, but I''m afraid you can''t make it clear to anyone that you''re leaving indefinitely. Tell anyone you feel you need to farewell that you''re joining us for the trip to the Bears, to assist Elia. That I''m too scared to leave the city without her. If we do have any spies, perhaps we''ll draw the wolves out. I know they will be watching. Behryn, send out every forward scout and position the guards we would normally use for the journey on the task, as if it were real."

    "Yes."

    Elia put a hand to his leg under the table and was shocked to discover Reth, who looked and sounded so calm, was trembling. She tried not to draw attention to it as he continued assigning tasks and giving orders. She got to her feet and circled the table to hug Gahrye and Candace as they set out, then Brant and Aymora, who both left with whispered reassurances that they''d see herter. Then, all but Behryn were gone. She was standing behind her mate''s best friend when she turned to look at Reth.

    He hunched over the table, his hands clenched to fists, his mouth tight. He and Behryn stared at each other, and she wondered what they saw in each other''s eyes after all these years.

    "You''re doing the right thing," Behryn said slowly. "Don''t doubt."

    Reth nodded. "Will you be able toe with us to the Traverse tomorrow?"

    "Yes. I''ll put Hern on the horn. It would be usual for me to join you for the Bears. No one will think twice about it."

    Reth nodded again, and his throat bobbed. Then he looked at her and the pain in his gaze stole her breath. She was suddenly trembling too and sick to her stomach.

    How could she possibly say goodbye to him tomorrow?

    "I''ll leave you two to¡­ pack," Behryn said, and his lips only twitched once. Elia hugged him when he got out of his chair, and Reth got up to sp his arm and thump him on the back, then walked him to the door.

    She left them to talk and waited for Reth to return, her eyes skating all over the cave¡ªfrom the wall where he''d pinned her that very first night, to the lounger where she''did the sheepskin, to the table where they''d¡ª

    Around the corner, the door to the cave closed, and the beam to lock it thudded into ce as Reth dropped it into the braces. He appeared a few secondster, his shoulders slumped and chin down, running his hand through his hair, then finding her eyes with his own from behind the scattered strands of hair that he hadn''t tied back that morning.

    He halted oddly, and Elia frowned. "Reth? What''s wrong?" she started towards him as he stumbled to one of the thick chairs in the living room and dropped into it, his head in his hands. "Reth?!"

    She ran across the cave. But when she reached him, he only opened his arms and pulled her into hisp, shushing her, and pulling her tight against his chest.

    His entire body shivered, his chest rising and falling like a bellows. Elia, panicked, clung to his neck. "Reth, what''s wrong?"

    "What''s wrong?" he rasped, his lips against her temple, his hands shaking as they yed through her hair. "What''s wrong is that I''m nning to leave you. I am organizing your istion in the human world. I am¡­ Elia¡­ I don''t think I''m strong enough to say goodbye to you."

    She didn''t know what to say. Because she didn''t feel strong enough either. She felt like her heart was being ripped in two different directions. But she was always the one crying, or losing, or needing to learn. Here he was, her beautiful mate, falling apart.

    She needed to be the strong one right now.

    She pulled far enough back to meet his eyes and put both hands to his jaw, forcing him to meet her eyes. "You are strong enough, Reth. And so am I. I cannot think of anything harder in this world unless you were to be killed. So we will do this because it makes us both safer. And then we''ll be together after that, and we''ll never leave again," she whispered.

    He nodded, and she dropped a featherlight kiss on his lips. He clung, his fingers in her hair. But there was nothing of heat in the kiss. Only desperation.

 Chapter 234: Strange Day

    <h4>Chapter 234: Strange Day</h4>

    DON''T FORGET! Every vote for BEAST during the month of June gains you an entry for FOUR voucher codes worth 100 FREE Webnovel Coins! So keep voting. Winners announced June 14 and 30th!

    *****

    RETH

    They did pack a bag for Elia. And when she left the bedchamber to find a shawl, he slipped his gift into the bottom of the bag for her to findter.

    His hand shook when he drew it out.

    Every part of him vibrated, as if he trembled under his skin. Every instinct within him screamed not to leave her, not to let her leave him. But he knew¡­ he knew¡­ If she stayed, it was a death sentence. Probably for her. Definitely for many people. She was too vulnerable here, under these circumstances. It was a risk keeping her here as long as he was. But he was weak. So weak.

    So, he swallowed his fear, and his self-loathing, and helped her find the things she wanted to take. He answered the visits from Behryn in preparation. He received Brant and Aymora when they returned to sit with Elia. But she hadn''t thought of any new questions, and the way he paced while they spoke, all three of them ended up watching him more than speaking to each other.

    He didn''t even apologize.

    He wanted them to leave.

    He needed them to leave.

    He needed his mate. Desperately.

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d never seen Reth like this. So obviously disturbed. So incapable of hiding his feelings. When she realized all that she, Aymora, and Brant were doing was watching him be agitated, she looked at them both. "I am so grateful for you," she said quietly, fighting tears. "Aymora, please watch over him for me?"

    "Of course. I have watched him since he was a cub. I''ll only be more diligent now that he doesn''t have your eyes to catch him being foolish." The older female gave a watery smile. Elia got to her feet and gathered Aymora in for a hug thatsted a good long while.

    "If I had a daughter, I would wish for her to have your heart," Aymora whispered in her ear.

    The tears dide then. She left a wet patch on poor Brant''s shirt, but the older man only stroked her hair. "Spring always follows Winter, Elia," he murmured to her as they hugged, and she cried. "Without fail. The brighter day ising. There will be great fruit born out of this pain."

    She nodded and tried to mop herself up, finally letting him to go to speak with Reth. Then with a final hug from Aymora, they left.

    Reth barred the door again, then made a terrible, grieving call that seemed toe from such a deep ce she worried he was hurting himself.

    He turned and pulled her into his arms and she sobbed his name and went and they clung to each other.

    "Elia, I know you''re tired and sore, and this is¡­"

    "I want you, Reth," she stuttered against his chest. "I need you."

    With a resonant groan, he tipped up her chin and kissed her. Then, just as her breath sped up, he pulled away, took her by the hand and led her to the bedchamber. He barred the door there because there were still guards posted at the top of waterfall into the bathing pools. And¡­ just in case.

    He didn''t blow out thenterns and she didn''t ask him to. They needed to see each other. To sear the memories in.

    So she unbuttoned her blouse and shoved off her pants, not in the rush of lust, but in desperation to get him close. And when they were both naked, she kissed him, then crawled backwards onto the sleeping tform, pulling him up with her.

    He crawled up after her, then over her as sheid down, her head on the pillow. But as she stroked his chests and shoulders, he didn''t lower himself toy on her. Instead he gazed at her, his hair falling down around his face, his eye tight and red with grief.

    He didn''t speak, just stroked her with one hand, and his eyes, drinking in the sight of her. With her fingers trailing over his skin, and into his hair, she waited, her breath ratcheting up as he made the mating call, and stroked her breast, rolling her nipple under the pad of his thumb.

    With a groan, he finally let himself rx, his hips dropping to hers, his knees between hers, but he still braced his arms so he loomed over her.

    "Words, Elia¡­ They''re failing me," he whispered.

    She nodded. "I know. Me too."

    "I need to show you how I feel."

    "Me too."

    "I love you, Elia, so much it¡­ it threatens to unhinge me."

    "Oh, Reth, I know."

    His words would bring her tears and stop them from being together, she knew, so she put her hands to his neck and pulled him down. He came willingly, with a heavy sigh. And then he began to show her.

    He spoke his love bybing his fingers into her hair so that her scalp prickled deliciously as he tongued her neck and murmured her name at her throat.

    He voiced his grief, raising goosebumps on her side by dragging his fingertips down her arm, then sliding his hand from her hip, all the way up, until he cupped her breast and groaned against it with his mouth.

    He told of his desire by nudging at her heat until the fire began to spread within her, lightening in her veins. And when she couldn''t wait any longer, when she began to plead for him, he dered that he alone possessed her by rolling into her with an echoing call that broke at the end in a groaning huff.

    And then their bodies danced, to the music of their panting breaths, to the beat of their hearts, to the call of the desperate grief.

    Elia was lost in him¡ªhis warmth, his touch, the groaning call of grief he continued to make, even as their pace increased. The heat of his mouth on her neck. Thefort of his weight all over her that screamed his presence¡ªstill here. Still vital. Not gone.

    And though words failed them both, as they clung, and kissed, and joined, over and over, their souls could hear the call of love. The screamed deration of possession. Thefort of unity¡ªoneness that they shared.

    And the blinding grief they couldn''t describe, but that was lifted only for a moment as they rode the wave together, a shattered as one.

    *****

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 Chapter 235: Darkest Before Dawn

    <h4>Chapter 235: Darkest Before Dawn</h4>

    RETH

    They hadn''t wanted to sleep, but Reth woke suddenly, in the dark, adrenalin pumping through his veins until they throbbed.

    She was leaving. Today. And he didn''t know when he''d see her again.

    He closed his eyes and rolled, finding her under the furs, and sliding one arm under hear head, pulled her back with the other, into his chest. She sucked in a breath and her hand tightened on his that was t on her belly.

    "Morning love," he rasped in her ear.

    "Is it? Already? I didn''t mean to sleep, I''m so sorry, Reth¡ª"

    "Don''t, love, hush. I slept too. We needed it. I just¡­"

    "Yeah. Me too."

    She hugged his arm and pulled his hand up toy a kiss on his palm. Then she rolled over, buried her face in his neck and wrapped her arms around him. Neither of them spoke. But he held her so tightly he wondered if he was suffocating her. But she held him just as tightly.

    "How much time do we have?" she asked in a small voice, right against his skin.

    "Just a few minutes," he said gruffly.

    Impossibly, she squeezed him tighter. He felt something wet and cold on his shoulder, but she didn''t move or make a sound. He stroked her hair and her back and just held her. There was nothing else he could do.

    *****

    Twenty minutester they were both dressed and her bagy ominously next to the door.

    Standing next to the door, they stared at each other for a moment. He wondered if she was memorizing him the way he was memorizing her.

    "I love you, Reth," she said simply, then swallowed. "Never doubt it. No matter what. Don''t let yourself get tortured and think just because you aren''t in front of me that I''ll love you less. I''ll¡­ This is going to be the hardest thing I''ve ever done."

    Reth nodded and swallowed the pinch in his own throat. "I love you more than anything, Elia. And I''ll be fighting for you. For us. For our cub. There''s nothing I want less than being away from you like this. Except the idea of losing you forever."

    She gave him a watery smile. "Even to death," she whispered, echoing the vow they''d made when she gave her throat.

    It hit him like a spear to the heart and he almost grunted. "Even to death," he repeated.

    There was a moment then that neither of them wanted to break. But he knew he had to. And he hated the way the light in her eyes died when he did.

    "I need to open the cave so Behryn and the others can get in here," He said hoarsely, opening his arms. "Come here, love."

    She stepped into his chest and they held each other. Then he sighed and whispered, "You''re mine. Always."

    "Always."

    When he forced himself to step back it felt like his skin might peel away with the sheer resistance to the idea of letting her go. But he leaned down to pick up her bag, then took her hand and led her through the cave.

    She moved slowly, even for her.

    He didn''t urge her to move faster. Instead he matched her pace.

    *****

    Behryn''s instruction had been for Reth and Elia to touch the guards and their clothing and leave as much scent on them as possible. Reth had had to stifle a growl watching his mate wipe her hands and arms all over the other males, but he''d done it. It was necessary.

    Then when the group of guards moved in the direction of the Bears as Behryn had told everyone they all would be, he, Elia, Gahrye, Candace, and Behryn all slipped off the trail and headed through the forest in the opposite direction.

    If there had been anyone watching, it had worked. The two bird guards Behyrn had tasked to scout surrounding them found no sounds, no scent. The trail they were on was clear. Reth could breathe easier.

    But now they had only an hour before they reached the portal and he had to let Elia go forever. His heart beat thin and fast, aching in his chest. He hadn''t let go of her hand¡ªdespite all the male-guard stink on it¡ªsince they''d left the cave. And he wouldn''t. Even where the trail narrowed, he led her through, or held and followed her. But he did not let her go.

    Neither did she.

    The two male bird scouts pped to the trail ahead of them, tearing back into human form as they were about tond, then standing to wait until they reached them.

    "The trail is clear all the way, Sire," one of them said, bowing to Reth.

    "I circled wide. No Anima scent at all, except yours," the other added.

    "Thank you, both of you," Reth said quietly, squeezing Elia''s hand. "You have been a blessing today." They would send the scouts back so they wouldn''t learn the location of the portal. "Please join your fist without mentioning where you''ve been this morning."

    They both nodded, then turned to Behryn who nodded too. "Well done. Your help has been critical to the throne today. You will be remembered. Report to me after the meal tonight for tomorrow''s instructions. We''ll have another trip and can use you."

    The birds bowed lower, then again to Elia, then ran down the trail, leaping into the air and shifting to p up, and over the canopy and disappear in seconds, heading back in the direction of the Tree City.

    "We''re certain they can be trusted?" Reth said, hating that he even had to ask. But the Avalines as a Tribe had been split almost perfectly. Many birds tempted by the promise of higher rank and positions closer to the throne that the wolves, apparently, offered those who would defect.

    "As certain as we can be of any," Behryn said¡ªwhich wasn''t reassuring. But Reth just growled, then turned back up the trail.

    Elia looked at him sideways, but didn''t say anything, clinging to his arm now that the trail allowed them to walk side by side. It wouldn''t for long, he knew. Soon they would have to step into the forest proper and weave between trees and through the underbrush. He prayed he wasn''t forced to let her go for a second.

    They''d been walking another fifteen minutes in near silence, her Cohorts on their heels, when the pping sounded in the distance.

    Elia didn''t hear it of course, but he and Behryn looked at each other. And Gahrye and Candace both looked towards the sky.

    Quick as a sh, Reth picked Elia up and whipped her into the underbrush at the base of one of the great trees. She gasped, but realized quickly and didn''t cry out. But when he crouched down and set her back on her feet, crouching in front of him, her face was drawn and pale as he breathed in her ear that someone wasing. Gahrye and Candace were already there. Reth didn''t miss that the male put himself between Elia and the most likely spot for attack from the trail.

    Once they were hidden, Behryn simply turned to face back towards the Tree City.

    Momentster, the bird appeared, diving from the sky. It was one of the scouts that had left them only minutes before, but he was frantic, pping hard and diving for the trail, shifting right beforending and with such force that he lost his feet and rolled beforeing up. "There''s an attack!" he cried. "At the Tree City!"

    ****

    STOP! There are some change to the privilege tiers this month, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! But DO NOT buy big privilege tiers thiste in the month (You''ll just have to re-purchase them on 1 July (30 June in the US) So wait until 1 July (9:00am Pacific on 30 June in the USA.) And if you haven''t purchased (or resubscribed to) privilege before, check out the author note below to make sure you know what you''re buying!)

 Chapter 236: War on the Horizon

    <h4>Chapter 236: War on the Horizon</h4>

    ELIA

    "Reth!" Behryn snapped.

    Elia watched as Reth looked at Gahrye, who nodded once and shuffled closer to crouch next to her, sheltering her as Reth had, but without touching her. Candace crowded closer, too, all of them behind the massive trunk of the tree, though Elia wasn''t sure why since any Anima could scent them anyway.

    With the others in ce, Reth squeezed her hand and motioned her to stay down as he leapt up to join his second on the trail.

    Elia shuffled over so she could peer around the trunk of the tree. She had to concentrate to make out what they said at first.

    "What did you see?" Reth asked the panting bird¡ªwho must have flown as fast as he was capable of to have been near the city then returned already.

    "I didn''t¡ªget close enough¡ªto see who," he said between his panting breaths. "But there were¡ªshes in the streets." He sucked in a heaving breath. "I could hear fighting¡ªand smell the blood. There were archers¡ªI made it out, but¡­ but Colvyr¡ª" the man cut off, his face crumpling.

    Reth looked at Behryn.

    "The other scout," Behryn said, rubbing his hand over his face.

    "They must have known you were going, Sire," the bird man cried. "This isn''t a skirmish. It''s an all-out attack! The City needs you. Both of you!"

    Elia''s fingers dug into the tree bark. Gahrye put a palm to her back and Candace took one of her hands.

    Reth and Behryn looked at each other, then Reth turned to where she peered around the tree, his eyes wide and pained.

    ******

    RETH

    He felt like his chest might actually explode.

    Too many conflicting needs. Too many conflicting desires. Too much of everything. Images of fighting in the streets of the Tree City, of wolves running rampant through his people. The sheep cowering from their jaws¡ª

    Elia stood from her hiding ce and a new image bloomed in his head. Her lips blue. Her eyes dead. Her skin gray¡­

    She met his gaze, her brows pinched together and eyes full of grief. She swallowed. He could hear her heartbeat pounding.

    His mate. His beautiful mate.

    Reth turned to Behryn and put a hand to his shoulder. "Go," he said quickly. "I will get Elia to the portal, then follow as my Beast. It will take an hour, maybe two¡ª"

    "Reth, the men need to see you, to know, to remember what they defend, to hear you roar and watch you¡ª"

    "An hour, Behryn. I will run."

    "Reth!" Elia snapped. "It isn''t worth it. There''s no one out here. You know where the attack is. You know we''re safe. You''ve already entrusted me to Gahrye and Candace for this¡­ trip. Another hour will make no difference. But it would have a huge impact back at home. You have to go, Reth. You have to," she said through her teeth.

    He could smell that tangled edge on her¡ªshe believed what she said, but wished it weren''t true.

    As did he.

    "I will not leave you alone on this side of the traverse¡ª"

    "Reth, your people need you!" Behryn barked.

    His chest rose and fell too quickly. Then, without answering either of them, he turned to the bird. "Thank you for alerting us. You will be remembered. Go back now¡ªcautious. As soon as you can smell the fighting,nd and wait for us near the trail. Come back and find us if you see the attackers moving beyond the city, in this direction."

    The man nodded, then looked at Behryn, sped his shoulder and thanked him.

    Reth set his teeth. Opening and close his hands in an attempt to ease the tension in his shoulders. In his chest.

    Too many conflicting needs.

    Too many conflicting desires.

    Then, as Behryn sent the scout off, and the bird man turned and whirled, snapping into Beast form, then taking off to rise into the sky again, Suddenly Elia was there. At his side. sping his arm and he turned to look down at her.

    There was a world of love and pain and determination in those bright blue eyes of hers.

    "Love, I¡ª"

    Her fingers dug into his arm. "You have to go, Reth. I''m safe. Let''s be grateful for that. We''ll make it. Gahrye can sniff out the portal and we''ll¡­ we''ll follow exactly your orders. We will do this and we''ll be safe, and you¡­ you please¡­ please be safe, Reth." Her voice was nothing but breath past her lips by the end.

    Shuddering, he pulled her into his chest and everyone turned away to give him them the only kind of privacy they could have as he tipped up her chin and kissed her desperately.

    Elia''s hands climbed his chest as she kissed him back with a whimper, arching herself into him, clinging until he was afraid she might begin to climb him and they would never be able to let each other go.

    Their tongues met and danced and he tugged her hair between his fingers, dropping her head back so he couldy a precious kiss at her throat. Then another. When he opened his mouth against her skin for the third time, he knew¡­ he knew. And she did too, because despite the thumping of her heart, she rxed her hold on him and slid away far enough to meet his eyes.

    Then they both broke away, cupping each other''s faces, staring. She searched his eyes, and he searched hers.

    "Please, Reth¡­ don''t be reckless. Please. We can onlye back safely if you''re here for us toe back to."

    He swallowed. "Elia¡ª"

    "I love you more," she whispered and kissed him quickly again. "Go. Please. I can''t¡­ just go."

    Letting go of her was like tearing off a limb¡ªlike cracking his own chest and offering his heart the freedom to walk around on its own.

    They stepped apart, eyes still locked.

    "I love you," he breathed.

    "I love you," she sobbed back. Then tore her eyes away and turned into Candace''s waiting arms.

    With a roar of pain, Reth whirled and leaped into Beast form, galloping down the trail towards the city¡ªbut desperate to escape the pain of leaving her that felt like losing a part of himself.

    *****

    IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are considering buying (or rebuying privilege in June), STOP! Read the very important author note below first!

 Chapter 237: The Portal

    <h4>Chapter 237: The Portal</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund?

    IF YOU DO, I WILL MASS RELEASE 8 CHAPTERS ON 1 JULY!

    To make it happen, just purchase privilege before the end of June (even the 1 coin tier helps!), then stay up to date and read thetest chapters every day while they''re still unavable to normal readers. That''s all you have to do. LET''S GET THIS!

    *****

    ELIA

    They had let her walk the miles to the Portal in silence, for which she was very grateful. But once they were in the right area and Gahrye had sniffed out the cave, it had hit her that she was about to leave Anima without knowing when she''d be back. She''d be at the mercy of a war, whether she''d even get word of what was happening here. And the two people with her would be her onlypanions.

    Suddenly, silence didn''t seem like the right answer.

    While Gahrye sniffed out the portal, she''d babbled at Candace. "You know, you might enjoy my world. At least, you could. If we have to stay in the city, that will probably be a bit of a drag for you. But I guess you can just shift into a bird and fly around if things start to feel too cramped, right?"

    Candace looked at her, patient, but worried. "Elia, you can speak of¡ª"

    "I don''t want to talk about the past," she said hurriedly. "Not now. Now I want to focus on the future. And our future is through that portal, at least in the short term. What do you think the Guardians will be like?"

    Candace eyed her skeptically. "Elia, you know I have always been one to speak bluntly. I do not believe in dwelling unnecessarily. And you are right, we do need to focus on the future. But it honors your mate that you grieve the distance. You do not need to deny it."

    Elia looked away from her, towards the cave where Gahrye had disappeared a few minutes earlier, frowning. "I don''t deny it," she growled. "But I also can''t allow myself to just¡­ crumble. And if I focus on that right now, I will. So forgive me, Candace, but I need to turn my mind to other things until we''re safe."

    Candace drew in a deep breath, but nodded, and patted her hand. "You are the only human I have met," she said quietly a few secondster. "I hope they will be like you."

    Elia turned back to her friend, her eyes stinging. "I should also say that you being kind won''t help me either."

    Candace smiled, and got the mischievous look in her eyes that Elia knew heralded a quip. But a whistle broke the forest calm and they both turned to find Gahrye in the cave mouth, beckoning them toe.

    When they joined him there was a fierce light in his eyes. "It''s here," he said. "I need to show you where to find it¡ªCandace you''ll need to sniff it out. It''s¡­ hidden somehow. I don''t know how to exin it. But even when you know, you can''t see it exactly."

    Elia frowned, but they followed Gahrye as he picked up her bag and led them into the cave.

    Near the front there were vines that crawled the walls, but as they got deeper inside and the light began to fade, so did the growth, until it was only rock and dirt, rubble, and the sense of something gray wavering on the ceiling that Elia didn''t want to look at too closely.

    They took only one turn in the cave after things got dark enough that Elia could only just make out the shapes, then Gahrye stopped and dropped the bag to the wet stone beneath their feet.

    Elia couldn''t see anything, but there was a prickling in her skin, and the smell of dank air¡ªlike a ce that had been closed up for centuries was opened.

    "It''s really there," Candace breathed.

    "Did you doubt?" Gahrye asked her suddenly.

    "No, I just¡­ smelling it is very different to understanding that it exists," she said, her tone awed.

    They all stood facing it. Elia could barely see the rock wall in front of her. She didn''t know what the others saw, but whatever it was, it kept them silent for a time.

    Then Gahrye turned to her. "I should just go, I think," he said, and there was an edge of excitement in his tone. She put a hand to his arm. "Please be careful," she said. "I''m going to need you over there."

    "Don''t worry. I want to do this," he said, sping her hand. "Resist the temptation. Walk straight. I''ll get there. And I''ll take your bag for you¡ªjust in case. We don''t know what it''s like on the other side of this. Maybe it''s heavier, or¡­ or something. I''ll take it. You just¡­ you just wait here and then I''ll see you on the other side, okay?" he said, breathlessly.

    "Yes, you will," she said swallowing hard. "One hour."

    He nodded. Then turned to Candace. "Watch over her," he said firmly. Candace nodded and finally turned from the Portal to face him. "Creator watch your steps," she said quietly.

    "Thank you. And yours."

    They all looked at it then, then Elia took a deep breath. "Okay, Gahrye, give me a hug and please¡­ be careful."

    They embraced swiftly, then he hugged Candace too. Then he raised his hand to the wall and stepped forward.

    Even in the near-ck Elia gasped. She could see the form of his hand¡­ disappear. Candace looked at her sharply. "You can see that?"

    "Barely," Elia breathed as Gahrye swallowed hard then shed them both a smile.

    "I''ll see you soon," he said, and stepped in, disappearing as if he''d slipped underwater. Except, there were no ripples.

    For a moment, Elia and Candace just stared at the space where he''d been. Elia was tempted to reach out, to see what that space felt like. But she didn''t know if that would be counted as two people entering at the same time and she didn''t want to do anything to jeopardize Gahrye''s traverse.

    "I think we should go back out to the sunlight," Candace said a momentter. "I''ll be more urate estimating the time until we can safely send you if I can see the sun."

    Elia agreed, and they both walked out, deep in thought. It wasn''t until they were near the mouth of the cave, under the vines, where she could see the sunlight and trees again, that Elia started to breathe easier.

    Candace had stepped slightly ahead of her, more confident in the dim light than Elia had been. So she stepped out of the cave first, heading towards the tree under whose branches they''d been sitting earlier.

    "Candace," Elia said.

    Candace stopped and turned, looking at Elia¡ªjust as a wicked bolt of something thick and heavy shot through the ce she''d been about to step.

    Whirling, the bird woman crouched on the balls of her feet. Her eyes snapped to Elia''s and went wide. "Run!" she screamed just as a dark shadow rose from behind a bush next to the path and something smacked her in the back of the head.

    Candace dropped like a stone.

    Elia sucked in, then froze, everything in her screaming at her to RUN! as her eyes scanned up from her friend, unconscious on the ground, up a thin-but-strong pair of legs, to the impossibly t stomach, then blonde hair and wicked eyes set in thest face she ever wanted to see.

    "Lucine," Elia hissed.

 Chapter 238: Running Scared

    <h4>Chapter 238: Running Scared</h4>

    ELIA

    Startled, Elia crouched, eyes wide. But then¡­

    The strangest feeling of calm overcame her as she stared into the bright, malicious eyes of the wolf-woman, smiling at her over the prone form of her dear friend.

    "What a surprise. The Queen is hiding," Lucine said, her voice still a harsh rasp. She stepped out of the bush and Elia noted that her steps were stilted. Not nearly as free as usual. She was still hurt from whatever harm Reth had done, throwing her across the Crevasse.

    But she was here. Holding a bow with strange arrows¡ªthe heads, rather than the thin triangles of bone or te, were thick, round clubs.

    Then she looked at Candace on the ground and understanding dawned.

    "You wanted to take us alive?"

    "Correction, I wanted to take you alive."

    Elia let the shudder rock her body visibly. "Please¡­ no¡­" she whispered, fixing her eyes on Candace''s body and letting her horror show. "Please."

    "The only surprise so far today has been that you arrive without your mate. Your precious, daring mate who would destroy all of Anima for you."

    "He doesn''t know. Please, Lucine. I¡­ I ran. I''m here. I''m leaving. He doesn''t know. Please don''t make me¡­ I couldn''t¡­ it was too much. Everything. I can''t be a toy between you." She let all the desperation and fear she felt about leaving Reth, her terror that he would be killed, creep into her voice, her eyes, and she stared at Lucine. Whose eyes had narrowed.

    "Please," she whispered. "I''m leaving. I''m going back to my own. I''ll be dead as far as the people are concerned. As far as Reth is concerned! You can¡­ you can be Queen. He¡­ He may not take you as mate, but he had already epted that he might need to rule with you. If I''m gone¡­" she swallowed as Lucine''s eyes sharpened. "If I''m gone, you don''t have to fight. You can rule together." She licked her lips.

    Lucine''s nostrils red and Elia closed her eyes and made herself think about Reth, overpowered by a fist of wolves, going down, roaring.

    She winced and tears threatened.

    "Coward," Lucine spat.

    "I know! I know! I told him! I¡­ you almost killed me and I¡­ I lost the c-cub," she buried her face in her hands, focusing on the grief of losing Reth, on her fear for their baby. "I can''t live here another day, Lucine. The Creator didn''t make me for this!"

    "And yet, the King chose you," Lucine snarled.

    Elia threw her hands up, her face wide and open, staring. "He chose me. I didn''t know, Lucine, I truly didn''t! In my world to give someone mercy is a good thing. I never intended to make you¡ª" she swallowed convulsively as the wolf-woman prowled forward.

    Stilted steps or not, she was an imposing figure here in the forest, with no males nearby to make her look smaller byparison. Elia pretended to cower, but used the movement to get her hands up by her chest where she could protect herself. "They will already have discovered that I''m gone. They''ll already think I''m dead. I will go. You can¡­ you can watch me go through the portal¡ªand you can tell them you killed me if you want! That would suit us both, right? I''ll be gone, and you''ll have the¡­ the prestige of killing me! Please, Lucine! No more blood needs to be shed. We can leave this behind us."

    Lucine stopped, tilting her head slightly away, measuring her.

    Elia licked her lips. "You can tell them you killed me and I''ll nevere back¡ªI can''te back, apparently, anyway. I''m not even sure I can get through, but I have to try. I can''t¡­ I can''t be in this ce anymore."

    Their eyes locked, and Lucine folded her arms. "You would leave and never return?" she said quietly.

    Elia nodded. "Never."

    "I would need proof."

    *****

    RETH

    When the horse ran past him, the sh of instinct was there to leap on the animal, to hunt, to feed, but the other within him roared.

    He shook his head, his instincts jumbled. He wanted to hunt, but should not hunt this prey that ran alongside him like a pride mate.

    His mate was back, beyond, in the other direction. There was trouble and she was in danger. And yet, he was needed here. The danger was here, somehow.

    Forces within him fought, and he shook his mane again, a growl puttering in his throat.

    But he ran on.

    And on, even his great beast heart thudding quickly.

    Until the beat of bird wings reached him from the sky and the other within growled.

    Their wills wrestled¡ªand Reth stepped out of beast form, slowing his run to stand on the trail and shield his eyes to look up.

    "Can you see him?" Behryn called. He''d returned to human form too and was trotting back to where Reth stood, scanning the sky.

    "There!"

    A great cry, like the Eagles who nested in the mountains, pierced the sky, and the bird wheeled overhead, calling again.

    Behryn whistled, and suddenly it dove, only pulling up at thest minute, back-pping with it''s legs extended¡ªthen became the man it was andnded on the dirt in a crouch, staring between Behryn and Reth. "What are you doing here? Is the Queen already gone?"

    It was Colvyr, the other guard. Fit and healthy, and surprised to see them.

    Reth''s stomach twisted. "Speak inly. Was there an attack on the Tree City?"

    Colvyr blinked. "What? No! Who¡ª" Then the man shut his mouth and a shadow passed behind his eyes. "He told me he had to go visit his¡­" he blinked and returned his gaze to them. "I''m so sorry. I never thought he would betray us. You have to believe me, Sire¡ª"

    "Is there any danger here, or anywhere between us and the City?" Reth snarled."

    "No, Sire, I''ve been patrolling. All is peaceful. The guards went as you told them¡ª

    "Reth," Behryn called.

    But Reth was already roaring, already turning, tearing into Beast form and running, running, running again.

    His mate was in danger.

    The desires didn''t conflict anymore.

    His mate needed him, and he would run.

 Chapter 239: Proof Positive

    <h4>Chapter 239: Proof Positive</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund? Just purchase privilege (which most of you already have), then stay up to date and read thetest chapters every day while they''re still unavable to normal readers. That''s all you have to do. LET''S GET THIS!

    *****

    ELIA

    "Proof?" she asked uncertainly. Lucine''s eyes were sharp on her.

    "Yes."

    "Proof of what?"

    Lucine walked closer, but her arms were still folded. "I can''t just walk into the Tree City and say I killed you and dere myself queen, Elia. No one would believe me. They would scent me, and detect that something was¡­ off."

    Elia swallowed. "Am I not truly dead if I''m not here and can never be here again? I am dead to the Anima."

    Lucine tipped her head again. "Semantics," she said. "I would need proof of your death that left no one in any question about it, so they would not think to have me scented for truth."

    "W-what kind of proof?"

    Lucine scanned her from head to foot. "I think your clothing, torn and bloodied would probably do it. It would have to be your blood, of course. Not having a body isn''t a problem. Natural wolves eat carrion, but we do not. No one would think twice about me leaving you out for our brothers to consume. But if I stated that I killed you and showed none of your blood, none of your possessions, no one would believe me. Least of all, your mate. He seems to believe you have something¡­ special about you. I say you have the devil''s own luck."

    Elia hadn''t known they even believed in the devil. "Okay." But she sounded shaky on purpose.

    "They all need to know you''re truly gone, Elia. Your mate will be¡­ devastated. You think he won''te out here looking for you, to make sure I really did end you?"

    "Perhaps, but if you prove it, like you say¡ª"

    "Reth trusts no one''s judgment but his own," Lucine said dismissively. "It is him we would have to convince most of all."

    "He trusts mine," Elia said without thought. Lucine''s eyes shed and she took another step forward. Elia immediately made herself small, kept her hands at her chest, like she was cold, but didn''t sp them properly. She needed them to block as quickly as possible when Lucine struck.

    Because Elia wasn''t fooled by Lucine''s little n. She knew the woman wanted her truly dead. But she hoped for some kind of opening, a way to trap her, or perhaps to get her hands on that bolt that had thumped to the ground next to Candace. Lucine was always guilty of underestimating her. She would use that to her advantage.

    "I could tell you what to say to him. Something he''d know I''d never say unless¡­ unless I was truly dying. You could¡­ taunt him with it."

    Lucine''s gaze grew hawkish. "Go on."

    Elia hesitated. "I¡­ would you give me more space? I need to make my clothes bloody and¡ª"

    "Oh, I can do that for you," Lucine drawled. "No trouble at all."

    They stared at each other, and Elia knew there was not going to be any chance to fool her. Lucine had learned from their previous encounters. She would give Elia no room to maneuver. She wouldn''t believe a word she said.

    Which meant Lucine was toying with her.

    Elia dropped the timid act and let herself feel the resolve and determination she had. "I will not let you take me. I will not let you destroy my mate for your childish revenge."

    "Childish? You think my aims are childish?" Lucine growled. "Do you have any idea what you stole from me?"

    "I stole nothing from you! He wasn''t yours to begin with! And the throne¡ª"

    "Oh, I have a throne, Elia. Make no mistake. I have mine already, and I will have yours as well. Make no mistake. What I seek now is your mate''s balls on a string."

    Elia snorted. "Good luck."

    "So confident for a weak, frail human," Lucine said softly. "So certain for a lone female, facing¡­ well, me." And she smirked.

    Elia kept her chin low, but held Lucine''s gaze. "So smug for such a broken, ill-disciplined female who couldn''t even survive the Rite."

    Lucine''s eyes widened and she tensed, but she caught herself. To Elia''s dismay, she shook her head. "I will not let you bait me, weak-one," she said. "You will die at my hand, at the time of my choosing, and in the manner that befits your betrayal of our people. All of our people."

    "I didn''t betray you, Lucine. Your own stupid pride betrayed you. You saw me at the beginning of the Rite. Utterly helpless and standing there. And instead of tearing out my throat, you made a threat and moved on. You were foolish then, and you''re foolish now if you think the longer you leave me alive, the more satisfying this will be."

    "That''s where you''re wrong," Lucine whispered, leaning in until they were almost nose-to-nose. "Because all that I''m drawing out right now is your hope that your mindless mate will somehow turn around ande for you. But it''s toote Elia. Because I''m going to kill you now. Slowly. So even if he makes it, it will only be to see the proof that you died alone, and in pain."

    Elia didn''t drop her gaze, though she could feel her pulse in her skin. It throbbed in her ears and made hearing Lucine more difficult. "Oh¡­ I''m sorry," she said, tilting her head. "Was that supposed to frighten me? Go back, go back to the part about Reth showing up and I''ll make the right face this time so you can feel smug again. Sorry. I just forgot my line for a second¡ª"

    As Lucine''s eyes narrowed and she dropped her arms, Elia tried to use the same move asst time, throwing the heel of her hand straight up for Lucine''s chin.

    But Lucine was ready for her this time, and caught her wrists before she''d even passed her own chest.

    "Nice try." Lucine smiled. Then everything slowed as her voice deepened and her teeth seemed to grow as she snarled, "Poor little, weak human."

    And tore into beast form.

    Elia leaped backwards, twisting and throwing her hands instinctively up to block, as Lucine''s wolf lunged for her throat.

    The twist saved her from certain death, but the wolf woman only closed her wicked teeth on Elia''s arm.

    Elia screamed.

 Chapter 240: Too Late

    <h4>Chapter 240: Too Late</h4>

    RETH

    Her scream was bloodcurdling. Even the beast''s stomach twisted at the sound¡ªand even the beast was smart enough not to roar as he galloped through the trees, closer and closer.

    Her scream tore through the forest again, until it seemed to shake the very trees. Then there¡ªa sh of color between the trees.

    Reth''s beast leaped from silent paws, twenty feet away, and Rethnded in human form on top of the wolf, pulling the de he carried strapped to his leg from its sheath. His lion could beat her, but was not quick or agile enough against a single wolf. She would get her teeth on Elia''s throat before he cut off her air.

    But Lucine in wolf-form was massive, and quick.

    Before he could bring the knife to bear, she twisted under him, releasing the bloodied Elia and opening her great maw to take Reth without hesitation.

    He saw his deathing in those fangs and knew there was only one chance.

    The knife was the only way, but that meant filling that mouthful of teeth with something else to give him time to stab.

    So as she went for his throat, he raised an arm and blocked, allowing her to take him. He bellowed with pain, but used his good hand to plunge the knife in at the back of her skull.

    Her eyes widened, and she shook his arm. He screamed in pain, and grabbed for her, but something cracked on the de and she shuddered.

    Then the light went out of the wolf''s eyes.

    Lucine''s wolf went limp, then suddenly was wolf no more.

    As the woman slid to the ground, her eyes wide and unseeing, Reth stumbled back from her, his mangled arm loose at his side, draining blood at an rming rate, but he wouldn''t think about that until he was certain the threat had passed.

    He stood for a moment over her body, quivering with fear and pain. Coward that he was. Terrified to turn and look behind his foot where his matey on the ground.

    Was she still alive?

    "Elia?" he whispered without taking his eyes off of Lucine.

    "Oh, Reth," she cried.

    Thanking the Creator, Reth dropped the knife and let it tter to the dirt, and turned to take his mate in his arms.

    But before he could reach for her, his eyes went wide.

    Shey on the ground at his feet, one hand clutched to her shoulder, blood pouring from under her hand. And Reth''s blood pattering over her until he wasn''t sure what was from her wound, and what was from his.

    Her eyes were wide and she trembled visibly.

    "Elia, love¡ª" he groaned.

    "Reth! Reth are you¡­ you''re bleeding really bad, Reth," she gasped. She tried to get up, to push to her feet, but she couldn''t get leverage on that side and rolled back down, groaning. Reth took his other hand off his own wound to reach for her, and a groan of protest erupted from his throat as she took her hand down too, just to push herself from the ground and he saw the wound.

    "Elia, love, stop moving."

    "I need to see you. I need to check you. You''re bleeding really badly."

    "Elia, stop!" he put every ounce of authority and dominance he had into themand and she froze, still on the ground, staring at him. For a split second the only sound was his blood pattering to the dirt then he took the single stumbling step to stand over her. "Your shoulder¡­"

    "It hurts, but I''m okay," she said through her teeth. "I''m worried you''re going to bleed out, Reth! Please!"

    She couldn''t see it, she didn''t realize. He didn''t want to see it, but his mind was frantically scanning back through what he knew from fights and training, from Aymora, from¡­ but none of the basic battlefield assistance would help him now. She was going to lose that arm if he didn''t do something, and fast. She was going to die if he didn''t do something faster. But it was too much, too big to staunch with a simple bandage, and in the wrong position for a tourniquet.

    Then he met her eyes and hers widened. "Reth what is it?"

    His horror must have shown because she swallowed and looked like she might be a little bit sick.

    "Put your hand back on your wound and press as hard as you can, Elia. And¡­ You must tell me, very quickly, what Aymora told you about the lion''s blood and how¡­ what she did¡­"

    Elia''s brow lined. "She said we shared blood flow. I wasn''t awake, Reth, I don''t know."

    "But it was lion''s blood, yes?"

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Quickly, sit up." He reached for the elbow of her good arm and pulled her into a sitting position. Then he gritted his teeth, and prayed like he had never prayed before. "Now, take your hand off your wound."

    "What? Why?"

    "Just do it!"

    She did it, groaning as the blood flow increased to the site.

    Shoving away the nausea that surged when he realized she must be in shock, not feeling the wound yet. Not realizing¡­ But there was no time. He had minutes at best.

    Taking his own mangled arm, he braced it against her shoulder,ying it right in the wound and let go of it with his other hand so the blood flowed freely over hers.

    Her head dropped back and she gasped. "What¡­ what are you¡­ Reth¡ª"

    "You''re going to bleed out, Elia. And lose that arm, if we don''t do something, right now. I''m praying my blood will heal yours. Hold still and¡­ and pray."

    "But you¡ª"

    "My life for yours, Elia, I told you."

    "You can''t!" she sobbed, clutching at his shoulder, fisting his blood-soaked shirt. "You can''t¡ª"

    He turned his head then to meet her eyes, that were beginning to ze with the pain, and with his good hand, he cupped her face and kissed her. "I love you, Elia. But there is no other way right now. Now, pray."

    ****

    STOP! There are some change to the privilege tiers this month, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! But DO NOT buy big privilege tiers thiste in the month (You''ll just have to re-purchase them on 1 July (30 June in the US) So wait until 1 July (9:00am Pacific on 30 June in the USA.) And if you haven''t purchased (or resubscribed to) privilege before, check out the author note below to make sure you know what you''re buying!)

 Chapter 241: The Blood of Lions

    <h4>Chapter 241: The Blood of Lions</h4>

    ELIA

    Everything was surreal. Reth was here, somehow. Lucine was dead on the ground. Candace was¡­ unconscious? She prayed it was so. But herpanion been out cold for so long.

    Elia''s entire right side screamed in pain that had gotten worse since Reth pinned her with his bleeding arm. And even though she understood what he intended to do, she didn''t think it worked that way.

    And worse, he was beginning to pale.

    "Reth, please," she said through her clenched teeth. "You need to get a tourniquet on that arm!"

    "Soon, love," he gasped, his voice rough. "Soon. This is working."

    She couldn''t see anything. The wound was on her shoulder, right on the joint. But Reth had his massive arm pressed against it and his shoulder and the side of his face filled her gaze.

    Everything seemed suddenly too bright. She wanted to squint against it. Only his hair glimmered in it and she reached to stroke it, her fingers too dark, and wet¡­ his hair caught in them.

    Then she realized it was blood. She was painting him in blood.

    "Oh, Reth, I''m so sorry," she said, sucking in a deep breath as her shoulder gave a great stab of pain. "I''m so sorry, the people, the city¡ª"

    "It was a ploy," he said through this teeth.

    "What?"

    "It was a trick. To get me away from you. So they could¡­" he trailed off, his entire body tensing and his eyes fixing in the middle-ground, his pupils wide.

    *****

    RETH

    He inhaled, but all he could smell was the forest, and their mingled blood.

    "Reth, what are you¡ª"

    He pped his free hand to her mouth and scanned the forest around them. But he couldn''t see anything. Fuck! The wolves had to be there. But why hadn''t they attacked?

    His head spun as he tried to see it from all angles.

    If the wolves knew enough to send a bird, to use his scout, then they must know where the portal was. Or was it possible they''d only known who would be with him, not where they would be going?

    But no, Lucine was here for her.

    Think, Reth!

    "We can''t be alone," he breathed as low and quiet as he was sure she could hear.

    Elia blinked up at him, her mouth wide. But she didn''t make a sound.

    "I don''t know where they are, but they must be here somewhere, I¡ª"

    Thundering hooves broke the silence, still in the distance back on the trail. Reth straightened, and his head spun. Elia caught his shoulder. "Reth, you need to sit down properly. If you fall I won''t be able to catch you."

    "That''s got to be Behryn," he said and needed a deep breath.

    "Reth," Elia said, her voice much stronger than it had been. "Reth, look at me."

    He looked at her and found her eyes pinched with worry. "You''re helping me, but hurting yourself. I''m doing better. What you did is working. So we need to take care of you now, okay?"

    "They''reing," he said through his teeth. "Behryn will be here in a minute, but¡­ they''ve got to be close. They''ll smell the blood. We have to get out of the open."

    She nodded as she took hold of the bloodied, torn sleeve of her bad arm and yanked it off, hissing at the pain the movement caused. "Okay, so you take your arm, and we''re going to tie this around it, okay?"

    He was still scanning the forest, his ears perked for even the slightest sound, still scenting the wind¡ªthough he knew the wolves wouldn''t be dumb enough toe at them upwind.

    "Reth, help me tie this, please."

    He looked down to find she''d twisted the torn sleeve over his arm, but needed another hand to pull it tight. He used his good hand, but kept scanning. The cave was behind them. Behryn wasing, but probably alone.

    They were both injured.

    "We need to get in the cave," he murmured. "Right now."

    "What about Candace?" Elia said tightly.

    Reth concentrated, scenting her. She was still alive, but failing. He looked at Elia. "Can you walk?"

    Elia nodded and pushed up to stand. She wavered, slightly, but not as much as Reth when he stood.

    He must have lost more blood than he realized. To his shock, though, Elia was moving without too much pain. The arm wound was¡­ already beginning to close. His mouth dropped open and he grabbed her bad arm to stop her moving it, but she thought he was going to fall, and clutched at him, grabbing him even with the bad hand.

    "You can move it?" he asked faintly.

    "Yes, I¡­ Reth¡­ Reth you look¡­ we need to get you into that cave right now," she said, her voice tight with worry.

    He knew she was right, but he leaned down, groaning, to grasp Candace''s ankle in his good hand and walked towards the cave, dragging her over the dirt, Elia under his bad arm, her good arm around his waist.

    They made slow progress. What was wrong with him? It was as if he''d lost his strength. But they made it and Reth turned in the mouth of the Cave to scent the wind again and look for any clue.

    The sound of Behryn''s hooves was even closer. Suddenly, Behryn in beast-form broke into the clearing. Mid-stride he shifted and was running for them.

    "They''reing!" he yelled. "Wolves! Two entire fists! Get Elia into the cave, quickly!"

    Reth whirled, and lost his feet.

    Elia shrieked and grabbed for him, but he went down on one knee, his entire weightnding on the joint in a teeth jarring blow.

    But then Behryn was there, and grabbing him, pulling him upright, and they were moving deeper into the narrow cave, Behryn hissing at Elia to show them the way to the Traverse.

    Reth knew it, and tried to say so, but they both shushed him.

    What was wrong with him? He should have roared them both down.? Instead, he shuffled alongside Behryn and struggled to take in the words his dearest friend hissed.

    Wolves. Coming. At least ten.

    And they could smell blood.

 Chapter 242: Always & Only

    <h4>Chapter 242: Always & Only</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 10,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned a 12% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE!? You are amazing! Thank you!

    *****

    ELIA

    As soon as they had passed deep enough into the cave that they couldn''t be seen from outside, Behryn slowed and nudged Reth over to sit with his back against the wall.

    Reth winced as he slid to the ground, but he was breathing evenly¡ªif too heavily¡ªand at least he could still focus.

    Behryn reached into the little bag he always carried at his waist. As Elia stood watching helplessly, he took off the bloody rag she''d wrapped over Reth''s wound. Elia held her breath until she could see that at least the bleeding was beginning to slow, thank the Creator. Then Behryn popped the cork from a tiny bottle from his pouch and sprinkled the clear liquid inside over Reth''s wound.

    Reth snarled and jerked, but Behyrn ignored him, watching the wound, frowning, waiting for something, ncing over his shoulder towards the cave mouth, then back to the wound. She didn''t know what he was looking for, but when he was finally satisfied with whatever he was seeing on Reth''s arm, he wrapped it tightly in a clean bandage from the same pouch.

    Reth sat back, wincing again, but his breathing had at least eased slightly.

    Behryn pulled a handful of dark, wrinkled pods of what looked to be dried fruit from the bag and handed them to him. "Eat. Now," he barked in the voice she''d heard him use with the guards when they were training.

    Reth red at him, but took the little fruits and ate them, slowly.

    While he chewed, Behryn turned to her. "How long has it been since Gahrye went through?"

    "I¡­ don''t know. A while?"

    "An hour."

    "No, I don''t think so. Maybe half that."

    Behryn sucked in and muttered something under his breath. Then he looked at Reth. "Can you see straight?"

    "Mostly," Reth rumbled. But she didn''t like the way he kept closing his eyes. He was still chewing the fruit, but very slowly. Normally he sucked food up like a vacuum.

    "Well, here''s where we are at," Behryn said slowly, looking back and forth between them. "We have both King and Queen injured, the Queen pregnant, and we are trapped in a cave with at least ten wolves approaching from downwind. We have a dead wolf, and¡­" he nced at Candace, "a dying bird." His face dragged towards the dirt but he shook it off. "The King is weak. And the two of us are not enough to hold off ten wolves at once even when he is at his fittest. The only solution is for us to leave, right now, in Beast form¡ª

    Reth opened his mouth to say something and Behryn raised the urgency in his tone to keep him quiet, "¡ªrunning, yes! Running, Reth, for our lives because only by saving ourselves can we save others."

    Reth frowned, but they stared at each other a moment, Elia holding her breath, until Reth nodded, muttering, but didn''t argue outright.

    Behryn took a deep breath. "We run, and we pray that we get enough space between us and the wolves before they reach the scent trail that they can''t catch us before we get back to the Tree City."

    "I can do it. I can run," Reth said. Elia wanted to weep. He wasn''t lying, but for how long, was the question? He was pale and a sheen of sweat coated his body. The fruit did seem to have helped him¡ªhis gaze was more fixed. But how was he going to run for the hour it would take them to get back even if the wolves didn''t catch them, let alone fight if they had to?

    "Reth," she pleaded. "I don''t know¡ª"

    "There is no other choice, Elia," Behryn said firmly. "We have to see you into the traverse, and we have to leave. Before the wolves get here. Now."

    "We can''t let her go through. If they''re here, that means they know the portal¡ªfucking Lucan must have broken the silence vow. They find her here, waiting until it''s safe to go, or they''ll just enter the traverse and go after her."

    "They might know the Portal, or they may have just followed our scent. We can''t know. We can know that Elia is far more likely to evade them in the human world where the smells are overwhelming, than she is here in Anima. She has a healthy Guardian waiting for her on the other side, along with the Guardian family¡­ she has a far better chance of survival there than here."

    "If she even makes it through the traverse."

    "I will," she said, squeezing Reth''s good arm. "I have to do that part whether the wolves are here or not. Don''t worry about that, Reth. I will make it. Keep your energy for the things you can control. I want¡­ I want you safe."

    He opened his eyes properly and fixed them on hers, taking her hand in his.

    She could get lost in those eyes¡ªthat were now pinched with pain, and red like he''d been crying. He huffed the call and it twanged in her belly and brought tears to her eyes.

    "You have to go, Reth. You have to. I can''t¡­ I can''t go unless I know you at least have a chance to get out of here safely."

    "I''m not leaving you," he snarled.

    "Yes, you are!" she and Behryn both snapped back at him.

    "You can''t help her like this, Reth," Behryn said, his voice grave. "You know that. The best help you can be is to get her into the traverse, get back to the City and heal, then tten these wolves into dust and go bring her and your cub home."

    At the mention of Elreth Reht''s brows pinched and his face lined with grief. "Elia, I cannot leave you both unprotected..."

    "Reth, please. I watched Gahrye go. All I have to do is walk in. I promise you, I will stand right outside the portal. The second I hear so much as a leaf rattle, I''ll go. They won''t even know I was here when they entered. I''ll give Gahrye all the time I can, but I won''t risk it with the wolves. Not at all. I want to survive. I want toe back to you. But I can''t do that unless you are here. Please." She''d been determined not to cry, but this was too much, seeing the torment on his face

    He stared into her eyes, and cupped her face.

    Behryn stood and turned away, making a great study of the front of the cave, but tension written on every line of his body.

    Rethid his lips to hers once, and she almost sobbed. "You have to go," she whispered. "You have to go be brave and strong so we cane back here. Please."

    He nodded, but never took his eyes off hers, his thumb wiping the tears that tracked down her cheeks.

    "You are the light of my life, Elia. The Creator made you for me. I know it. And Elreth, too. You have to go and you have to live. Do you hear me?"

    His fingers tightened and she nodded, turning her face to kiss his palm. "You too. Promise me, Reth."

    They stared at each other a moment longer, then she said, "Even to death."

    "Even to death," he rasped and leaned in to kiss her, long and deep.

    There was a breeze in the cave suddenly, and Behryn tensed. "The wind is circling, I can scent them. Reth, they''re getting close. We have to go."

    She and Reth scrambled to their feet. He did seem more steady. They embraced and she sucked in the smell of him, that pine and rain smell that lit his skin like sunshine, and the masculine tang that was uniquely him.

    "Always mine, Elia. Only mine."

    "Always."

    He leaned down to kiss her just as Behryn screamed, "No! GO ELIA!" and something thudded to the ground at his feet. The cave was suddenly washed with the stink of oily fur and blood.

    The wolves.

    There was a snapping snarl and Behryn swung his spear, bellowing.

    To Elia''s eyes, everything seemed to slow.

    With a roar, Reth leaped to his feet, pulling her with him and into his chest, swinging her off her own feet to run her through the cave, into the dark, to the branch of tunnels and taking that turn, straight to the portal. "I love you, Elia!" he roared and she tried desperately to hold onto him as he threw her bodily into that mysterious, invisible space.

    "No! RETH!" she screamed, iling her arms, grabbing for him.

    But she hit the barrier to the Portal, and everything slowed further, and blurred to her sight. The air around her went dead as the portal opened around her and even though she could still see Reth, it was as if through water. All sound ceased except the rushing in her ears.

    Through the watery wall she could see Reth''s movements, achingly slow, as her reaching fingers brushed his arm, then dropped.

    His lips made her name in slow motion, then he turned away towards the shadows moving behind him and exploded into beast form, leaping out of sight as she tumbled through the dark and into¡­ nothing.

    **** END OF VOLUME 1 ****

    But don''t worry! Volume 2 begins with two very special chapters tomorrow at 6:30 and 7:30pm PDT. I can''t WAIT for you to read them!

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 Chapter 243: PROLOGUE - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 243: PROLOGUE - Part 1</h4>

    NOTE: While Reth & Elia are separated between worlds, at least two other characters will be introduced as POV (Point of View) characters, in order to more fully tell the story. (Both Reth & Elia will need you to see other sides of their stories.) Pay attention at the beginning of each chapter or scene change to see who is narrating. I hope you enjoy getting to know these characters better!

    ******

    GAHRYE

    Passing through the portal was like going underwater. For a moment thatsted forever, everything seemed to slow. Cold washed over Gahrye''s skin and he felt like he was held¡ªas if time slowed. Then he took another step and opened his eyes in the traverse. Dust motes drifted across his sight.

    He blinked.

    The cave ahead was little more than a rock-strewn path in midnight dark. It smelled wet, of rot and mildew and made his nose wrinkle. Yet, he could see nothing but dry, dusty ground falling away to a chilled, yawning dark on either side. His eyes pulled light from some invisible source that made the path almost glow¡ªa soft haze that allowed him to see the way forward, but little more.

    The path was a few feet wide, but thend appeared to fall off on either side into¡­ nothing?

    His own breath sounded loud, his heart thundering in his ears, but there was¡­ nothing. Nothing else. He shifted therge bag he had slung over his shoulder, plus his own smaller one and waited, ears pricked for any sound or movement, waiting for the spirits he''d been warned about to attack. But¡­ still nothing.

    Uncertain whether to be nervous or grateful, Gahrye looked ahead at the dusty path and the dim glow of light in the distance that had to be the other end of the portal.

    Get to the human world, he reminded himself. Protect the Queen. Return her safely to the King.

    Gahrye set his teeth and took the first step.

    As if his movement broke some tether, the voices began, rushing and howling around him. Along with the sense, the itch between his shoulder des of hidden eyes.

    "Hero¡­ the hero hase to us," they whispered, cold voices that brushed his ears like icy breath.

    The hair on the back of his neck stood tall, but he pushed forward.

    "Victory is in his hands," they hissed.

    "Misunderstood, they do not see it, but we do. Come to us."

    "Under-valued. He offers victory, strength unseen."

    "Hero."

    "Hero."

    Gahrye swallowed. He was not the hero here. Here he was the Guardian. But the word seemed to echo through the chamber and never really die. He forced himself to take another step forward and the voices doubled, speaking over each other as if rushing for his attention.

    "Noble and strong¡­ they are blind to what you bring, Misunderstood. We are not."

    "We see."

    "We value."

    "We strengthen the strong."

    "And you are very strong¡­"

    Gritting his teeth against the urge to listen, he pushed forward, always forward, each step harder than thest, as if he pulled himself bodily through the deepest of swamps. He had to walk. That was all. Just walk. Ignore the voices. Ignore the call to listen and ept their¡ª

    "So often overlooked, you deserve more. So much more¡ª"

    "So often they spit on you. But we would empower you¡ªlet us show you. With us you can show them."

    "I am here for the Queen, for the Anima, not for your¡­ plots," he snarled through his teeth, but as if speaking to them had made them stronger, he could suddenly feel them. Near. The weight of their¡­ bodies? Spirits? He wasn''t sure. It was the feeling of a stranger''s appearance at your back making the air move. It made his skin crawl, but he took another step.

    "You cannot flee¡ªyou should not."

    "We see you, Hero. We see you."

    "They do not."

    Gahrye caught movement off to his right. He snapped his head to look, but nothing was there.

    Except, there was a sh of eyes glowing on his left and when he whirled to look that way, a soft chuckle like dry leaves blowing across the dirt, echoed around him.

    "They do not know what they have. Take us with you. We will bring you everything they cannot see."

    "The love of a mate."

    "The strength ofmand."

    "The wisdom, fierce wisdom you offer¡ªwe see it, Hero."

    "Show them what they are blind to, Hero. We see you."

    "Step off the path, Hero, and we will ce you back on it, stronger. Better. We will make you what they do not believe is possible¡ª"

    "Show them, Hero."

    "Take what is rightfully yours."

    Gahrye kept walking slowly, slowly, shaking his head. They were tempters. Liars, he reminded himself. He was here for Elia¡ªand to fulfill his vow to Reth.

    But he couldn''t escape the voices, swirling and whispering, tracing ice-cold fingers down his neck. "I do not want those things from you!" he screamed into the void.

    "You do."

    "You do."

    "No more fighting for what should already be yours."

    "No more being the only one who can see what you possess."

    That one hit, right at his heart''s core, and Gahrye blinked, his toe catching on a stone in the path and he stumbled.

    "Hero."

    "Hero."

    "Hero."

    "Take your vengeance, Hero. Show them who you really are. We can show them."

    "They will never sneer at you again."

    Gahrye blinked and an image bloomed in his mind.

    An image so simple, but one that called his heart¡­

    He walked through the market of the Tree City, and instead of meeting eyes averted, and shoulders turned away, instead the eyes of his fellow citizens raised to find his, alight with admiration. Smiles.

    Bows.

    Males sped his arm, sought his insight.

    Females stroked him with their eyes, jostled each other aside for his attention.

    Gahrye swallowed and shook his head. He did not need adoration. He did not need power. He needed to get Elia and her baby through this war, and safely returned to the Tree City.

    Bracing himself, he took another step. Then the whole world changed.

    *****

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 Chapter 244: PROLOGUE - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 244: PROLOGUE - Part 2</h4>

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    *****

    GAHRYE

    As he resisted the image of his fellow Anima treating him with respect and admiration, the vision shifted and Gahrye''s breath caught.

    Another image rose, bubbling to the surface of his mind in full sensory detail, as if he lived it. As if he had already lived it and could recall it in detail.

    He stood in a softly-lit room that he didn''t recognize¡ªstrangely square and mercilessly clean, but it stank of a strange scent he''d never encountered before. Something¡­ false.

    Behind him, arge, perfectly rectangr bed squatted on the floor. He stood with his back to it, shirtless, his hands shoved deep in the pockets of strange, stiff trousers. But a female stood there, pressed into his stomach, her arms inside his, wrapped around his waist.

    He knew her.

    Really knew her.

    She was short, barely reaching his corbones, but she had her face tipped back so her entire throat was exposed to him¡ªa throat that he had tasted. He knew its texture and warmth. He knew the salt of it. Her eyes, a strange mix of green and brown that changed with the light, sparkled. Her dark brown hair was long enough to hang, but short enough that it didn''t catch on her shoulders. And without a word, she grinned wickedly up at him, then dropped her open mouth to his chest.

    Gahrye grunted as his body responded, not only to the image, but to a warm press on his skin.

    "It''s not real," he snarled, shaking his head and closing his eyes, though it did nothing to remove the images ying in his mind. "She''s not real."

    "She''s real. She''s yours."

    "Mate."

    "True mate."

    "She will see you, Hero¡ªbut only if we let her. We can bring you to her."

    "Vowed."

    "Mated."

    "Step off the path. Take us with you. She will be with foal¡ªshe will take your seed and give you a family."

    "Love."

    "Companion."

    "Never alone again. Never alone, Hero. Never."

    "Show them."

    "Take what is yours."

    He forced another step, but the desire was growing within him, right there, to grasp it. The yearning bloomed in his gut. He gritted his teeth and urged himself to keep walking, but now the shadows moved at his sides, as if they walked along with him, tugged at his sleeves, pointed the way to a different destination.

    A ce he wanted to be. A ce he ached to find.

    Then another image¡­ This female¡­ His mate¡­ the body he knew, the body that knew his, arched beneath him, her eyes heavy with desire and rising fire, her fingers gripping his shoulder tightly, her legs wrapped around his hips, and her lips open and crying his name.

    And he knew¡­ he knew to stroke her in just that way, at just that time. He knew the spot under her ear that always made her shiver.

    He knew the smell of her skin and the dips and curves of her, the way her spine curled when she leaned into him. He knew the sound of the sigh that meant do that again, and the one that meant she was ready.

    It was all alive in his head. As if it had already urred. As if it was his life. Desperate, he pushed harder, harder towards the light that now glimmered faintly at the other end of the path, because these images, this intimacy, it called him in a way nothing else they suggested had. And he knew. He knew if he let himself see it, if he let himself think about it, he would give in and go and he would never fulfill his vow, he would leave Elia without a guide, and¡­

    With a harsh, guttural cry, he pushed himself forward, his mind torn between the scene ying for him, and the light ahead where he had to go. He had to. He knew he had to¡ª

    "Mine," she whispered, her lips at his neck, her tongue tasting his skin. "No one else can have you." And he knew.

    He knew.

    She spoke those words to no one else. Before or after. She would never choose another.

    He was hers in truth, though others might not know it.

    Gahrye stumbled, his knees barking on the dirt of the path and a jagged stone that sliced through his leathers and into his skin and he bled.

    The images vanished, the voices howling and hissing, their screams echoing in his ears.

    Gahrye gasped at the pain, but he blinked. He could think. He could see.

    He could run.

    "We will not let you go!"

    "You cannot escape us!"

    "We see you, Hero. We do not forget!"

    But he pushed to his feet and sprinted, straining, pushing himself to the limit of his strength and speed.

    "She cannot be yours without us."

    "You will never own her except through us."

    "Come back, Hero, and find your destiny." But they were strained, their voices thinner, sharper. No longer a soft seduction, but a harsh warning.

    Gahrye sped his own and Elia''s bags to his shoulder and ran for his life.

    And when he reached the end of the path andunched himself into the light of the portal''s end, the screams twisted around him, "She will never be yours without us!" then shattered¡ª

    He hit the dirt on the other side with a grunt, his nose immediately wrinkling against the stench, until, for a moment, he wondered if the light had been a trick of the voices.

    But no¡­ the earth beneath him was warm. The sun beat on the back of his neck.

    Gahrye''s heart thundered, pounding in his ears, and his hands shook as he pushed himself to stand on wavering knees until he could straighten and turn to take in his first glimpse of the human world.

    His jaw dropped open.

    Holy. Fucking. Shit.

    ****

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 Chapter 245: PROLOGUE - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 245: PROLOGUE - Part 3</h4>

    LERRIN - Anima

    Lerrin stood, half-crouched, peering through the trees in the WildWood, South of the Tree City, his heart pounding.

    He had led two fists of Lupine hunters into the enemy territory this morning. When their spy had been assigned a routine scouting that morning, he''s sworn himself purple. But it had been the Creator''s hand and he hadn''t even realized it until the bird found them while he''d been circling on the King''s travels. He''dnded quickly and filled Lerrin in on what they''d been doing. But with no pack mind to connect to spy to see what he''d seen, and with the time passing since the Bird had seen the King, they''d made a n for him to lead his partner over the archers, then return and send the King back so he''d run into them.

    Then Lerrin''s first fist had found the trail of the Herd Captain.

    The Fist Leader sent the scent and the image of the track through the pack mind and Lerrin smiled grimly and nodded his agreement, sending his permission in return.

    Though he could feel the excitement of the fist, anticipating the hunt, theyunched silently in pursuit. Even he didn''t hear them move despite how closely they travelled. They would track silently until they were certain of the enemy''s position.

    But Lerrin held his Fist, only five now, back.

    Much as he hated to admit it, the Cat was a fierce opponent. He had almost fooled them this morning¡ªtheir intelligence indicating that the King would leave from the North, or the east. And so they had circled the Tree City overnight toe in behind after his absence. And instead, the Creator had blessed them.

    If his wolves yed this correctly, they could win this war on the very first day. But they did not have the numbers he would have chosen for this kind of confrontation¡ªforced to leave those who''d been ced to take the King as he travelled and then attack City, in their positions so that his males and females couldn''t be taken by surprise from the rear.

    So, Lerrin was resolved. He would not send his fist in until they were certain who was present, and what dangers they faced.

    But Lucine, hearing that the Queen was with the King, and giving in to her impatience, had already slunk away into the forest alone when Lerrin was distracted¡ªleaving her post in the fist, and silencing the pack mind without permission. Though she would have argued that she didn''t need it, which made Lerrin want to bite something. Preferably her. He''d been forced to tell the others that he''d told her to go so they wouldn''t bring her for censure themselves,ter.

    No matter her Alpha status, a pack soldier never left their post when the lives of others could depend on it.

    He and his sister would have words this night.

    Again.

    He took a deep breath. Lucine knew that. She wasn''t¡­ herself. Ever since the shunning, despite her father''s reassurance that they''d return her to her rightful position as quickly as possible, her behavior had been increasingly erratic. He''d suffered niggling concerns that Lucine had been unhinged by everything that had happened with that cunt of a cat¡ªthis traitorous King. And the fact that she''d left this morning¡ªnot only abandoned a strategic post, but left alone¡ªmade his fears loom again. She hated that he still viewed her as his cub sister, but the instinct was near impossible to stifle. No matter how strong she was. She''d been his shadow since he was three years old.

    With a growl, he pushed the emotional thoughts away. It wasn''t a problem he could solve right now. Right now he needed to restrain those in his fist that wished to run with their brothers, to follow the hunt, to howl.

    Sending orders for silence and caution through the pack mind, they began creeping forward again, still scanning for scents, still examining the forest for tracks.

    The Herd Captain had been unwise, sticking close to the paths. It made him easier to follow, easier to find again when the trail was lost.

    In their strength, these leaders had becent and weak.

    Lerrin had not. Through the struggle, he had been honed. And while his rise to Alpha Male had not urred as he would have chosen it, still his blood pulsed with the Alpha power now¡ªthe call of his brothers and sisters, their admiration, their strength offered as tools to his hands. He brimmed with it.

    They would remake the WildWood in the image of the True Pack¡ªthe true power. The Tribe that understood, family before all.

    He shivered as he crept through the forest, the power surging in his veins until his brothers felt it and some began to pant.

    It was only a matter of time before he and his sister took the Tree City and the cat King was dead¡ªor at least, castrated.

    Lucine''s goal kept shifting. Lerrin would appease her, either way. He didn''t care if the cat lived or died, only that he became the symbol to the Anima of what urred to those who resisted the Wolf.

    His father would have been proud¡­

    The ache of grief forced him to shake off the thought, cut himself off from the pack mind and find his rest again. He could not allow the others to sense the weakness that washed over him with the images of his father, no longer beast, his cold skin gray and eyes nk, all because of that fucking cat.

    Rage burned in his chest and his hands clenched. He forced himself to keep moving, keep tracking, to breathe so his heart would slow. He would rejoin the pack mind soon, when he was calmer. Less shaken. The wolves were strong¡ªand merciless. Any hint of weakness would only end in challenges among them. And though Lerrin knew he could take any wolf that thought to im his power, it would waste time and energy to be consumed by fighting among themselves. So he would guard his mind from¡ª

    A tiny, high-pitched whine rose in the forest.

    One of his brothers.

    Then another.

    What was going on? Lerrin, frowned and cautiously opened himself to the pack mind¡ªthen snarled as the force of the sending almost put him off his feet.

    ****

    SURPRISE! There''s a 4 chapter mass release today, just to say thank you for all your support! ENJOY!

 Chapter 246: PROLOGUE - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 246: PROLOGUE - Part 4</h4>

    (Posted 14 June) CONGRATULATIONS to the first 4 winners of the 100 Webnovel Coins for JUNE: CScrivener, littlefrozenheart, Daoist1twLHF, and Sravanthi82. Message me privately on Instagram or Discord (my ount details are on my author page) and I''ll get you your codes!

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    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    ¡ªHAVE HER BROTHER I HAVE THE FALSE QUEEN SHE WILL DIE IN MY JAWS THE VICTORY IS HERE NO MORE WAITING¡ª!

    His sister, Lucine''s voice sprang to life in his head, and Lerrin almost howled, wing at his own scalp with the force and sheer noise of her sending, rebounding in his skull. No wonder the others had whined.

    Lerrin snarled.

    Stop screaming in the bond! he sent as loudly as he dared so the others wouldn''t be further overwhelmed. But he could feel Lucine¡ªin full bloodlust, tasting the air, ready to take a life¡ªand apparently certain that she would.

    WEAK, SO WEAK SHE THINKS TO FOOL ME FOOLISH FOOLISH FEMALE AND THEY SENT HER ALONE WITH ONLY COHORTS WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING? THIS WILL BE LIKE KILLING A CHILD¡ªAN INCAPABLE, TRAITOROUS CHILD¡ª

    Lucine! Lerrin sent. You overwhelm the pack! Stop and calm yourself!

    But then they all froze as she used the pack mind to show them what she saw.

    Surrounded by the WildWood, in a ce Lerrin went cold to see, Elia stood, pale and shaking, standing before Lucine, weak, but defiant. Pretending fear. Pretending a n for freedom.

    And Lucineughing in her mind because she was toying with her.

    And the King nowhere to be seen.

    Trying to get through to his sister, Lerrin sent the question, Where is the Cat?

    But Lucine shed images to them all, colored with her own excitement and triumph¡ªthe dead bird at her feet, and the scent of the disformed mutant surrounding them, but no sign of him present.

    Lerrin frowned. He knew where they were. Had Lucine remembered the significance of the Cave that had to be nearby? But he couldn''t ask her across the pack mind, because the others didn''t know and he was sworn to keep the secret.

    Teeth clenched in frustration, he sent, Wait for us, sister. Let us hedge you so there is no chance of surprise. The Cat will not be far from her and we aren''t yet at his tail¡ª

    I ALREADY HAVE HER. COME ENJOY THE VICTORY! Lucine howled to them all.

    The other wolves, none of them hiding themselves anymore, danced with the desire to run, and their whines cut through the forest silence again. Though none of them had shifted yet, they were catching her bloodlust through the pack mind and feeding it, sending her images of teeth closing on throats, of ws tearing open stomachs.

    Lerrin snarled a warning and they settled. Reluctantly, however. They were all eyeing him, but their bodies leaned in the direction of Lucine.

    Lucine, hold! He sent so firmly one of the wolves near him submitted.

    The first fist moves already, they have the scent. But the Herd Captain ising, you must be careful! He tried to color the instruction with deep caution, a wolf that scented a bear. But Lucine had given over to her beast and he couldn''t reach her deeply enough to overwhelm the euphoria and lust to kill.

    He growled his censure to his sister and the wolves around him flinched.

    We do not know where the King is, do not¡ª

    Howls raked the air as they all tasted the blood of the Leonine Queen and even Lerrin struggled to contain the hunter within that strained to join the killing. He gritted his teeth.

    LUCINE!

    Then it all happened too quickly.

    As the wolf pack rose from their silent crouches and began to run, to join their Female Alpha in her victory, they all felt it happen in images, sounds, and scents that passed so quickly, each one barely registered before the next came.

    Lucine''s snarl of triumph that quickly turned to frustration when the false Queen diverted her bite with a well-timed limb

    More blood. More ecstacy.

    The briefest sh of feline pelt and lion eyes.

    Lucine''s growl, but new resolve¡ªto kill the King.

    Her whip-sh quick turn toe at him as Elia fell to the dirt.

    The scent of Reth''s human form.

    The taste of his blood!

    And then, in a moment that would never leave him, before Lerrin could question why Reth would take human form¡ªthe screaming, jarring jolt of pain that hit all of them at the base of the skull.

    To a man, the wolf packs fell to their knees, howling as their Alpha Female screamed in their heads even as she savored the cat King''s blood.

    Lerrin gripped his skull and opened his mouth to scream a warning to her, but Lucine, roiling in rage and bloodlust, shook her head to tear his skin.

    But she shook against the cold intruder in her skin.

    And that jolt cut free.

    And she was gone.

    His sister was gone.

    Where her heart, her blood, her self had stood in the pack mind, there was nothing. Only absence.

    No.

    NO.

    Lerrin shoved the pack mind away as the howls of the grief of the pack rose to ride the air, to carry her soul to the Creator.

    No.

    Lerrin found himself on all fours, in the dirt, all his limbs shaking. His breath heaving, tearing out of nose and throat.

    And the remembered stink of the Cat King''s scent in his nostrils. The tang of his blood on his tongue.

    No.

    First his father.

    Now his sister?

    No.

    NO.

    He shook with the rage of injustice, of the lies of this world that had been bred into him that deceived, telling them there was always a path to victory. That pursuit would earn triumph.

    Lerrin shook with pure, cold hate for the male that had stolen everything from him.

    He couldn''t breathe.

    Then with the briefest call to his brothers, he shifted. Lerrin''s fingers wed into the dirt as heunched himself into beast form and began to run¡ªfleeing the feelings, fleeing the memories, fleeing the loss of everything that had mattered most to him in the world¡ªthe others on his heels.

    There was a lion in the forest and it needed killing.

    Now.

 Chapter 247: Strange World

    <h4>Chapter 247: Strange World</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund?

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    *****

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    Gahrye let their bags drop to the ground on the soft grass next to the dirt area where he''dnded. He had made it.

    Thank the Creator, he''d made it.

    His knee stung where it had been cut, and his heart pounded. But he was here.

    Where was here?

    Raising slowly to his full height, scanning the surrounds, he attempted to file through the overwhelming mix of scents and sights, but struggled.

    Directly around him was beautiful, naturalnd¡ªgrass, trees, bushes, flowers. But everything was oddly ced. As if the Creator had suddenly be obsessed with straight lines, and symmetry. It set his teeth on edge. And the scents¡­

    The flowers were faint, dry in their blooms, though the colors were beautiful. The trees looked tortured¡ªcut or molded somehow into shapes that trees never made on their own. And the leaves here were so small, and all nted downwards, as if they wilted, yet they seemed perfectly healthy, green and plush.

    To his eye, the portal gateway appeared to be a pile of boulders and dirt. But he could smell the flow of a different air¡ªpungent, rotting¡ªwafting from it. He knew if he stepped back inside¡­

    Gahrye shuddered. How would he ever do that again? He shoved the thought away, turning, with shaking hands to try to find his bearings.

    There was arge tree behind the portal gateway¡ªnothing like the Great Trees, but he''d been warned that the wilds of the human world were far smaller and less impressive than Anima''s. The tree was beautiful and seemed natural. Yet it hid things from his view. Stepping slowly to the left, still scanning for intruders, or danger, unwilling to stray out of sight of the portal in case Elia came through, he peered around bushes and trees until between the tops of trees around him, it appeared the earth fell away and behind the nature he recognized¡­ just hundreds of feet away,rge, impossible structures rose made from stone that was not stone.

    His jaw dropped. Elia had told him that the humans built their caves¡ªmassive structures,rger than the Great Trees. But he''d thought she exaggerated.

    It seemed she had understated.

    These buildings appeared to be mountains.

    Odd, straight, tall pirs in the sky. And yet if his nose didn''t deceive him, nature still peppered thendscape between them.

    The scents! Gahrye''s nose wanted to close. The scents were so strong, so medicinal, they made his head ache. And there were so many¡ªso overwhelming¡ªthat he almost didn''t trust that he was awake and sensing correctly.

    How did anyone concentrate in this world with that stench?

    How had Elia grown here¡ªhow had she survived? Gahrye already felt as if the air were suffocating him. Removing everything good and right from the world¡­ he shook his head to clear it.

    Elia.

    He had to make sure it was safe for her toe through. That there were no enemies nearby. Doing his best to filter through the stink of this world and look only for the smell of things alive, he circled the portal gateway.

    It looked so¡­ nd. Several boulders stacked as if the Creator¡ªin the oddly precise way of this world¡ªhad thrown them there on purpose, then patted dirt between them to keep them in ce. And he soon saw that the area where he stood had beenpletely encircled in a brick and stone-that-was-not-stone fence, taller than his height.

    He yearned to touch this strange material, scent it, understand it, but he couldn''t lose focus.

    Returning to the gateway where he''d started, he knelt on the grass between the boulders and arge bush with multi-petaled flowers to wait.

    Elia woulde through soon.

    She had toe through soon.

    He needed to focus on her. Not on what the voices had said. They were liars.

    He told himself that over and over again as the heat of the day began to rise, and the scents of this Creatorforsakennd rose with it.

    *****

    Either time moved differently in this world, or something was wrong.

    By the movement of the sun he had sat there for at least two hours¡ªyet there was no sign of Elia. Gahrye''s stomach growled and he winced. There was a waterskin at his belt, but he was loathe to drink from it until necessary. He didn''t know how long it would be until she came, and even then they''d still have to locate the guardians. He took a sip to wet his mouth, but left the rest.

    The problem with having all this time in the quiet, was that the images, the words, the promises of the voices kept creeping back into his thoughts.

    The memory of the female they''d shown him had not faded with the passing of time. As if it were burned into his head. He knew the precise color of her hair. Her scent. The taste of her skin.

    He shuddered, half with pleasure, half in fear.

    "It wasn''t real," he muttered to himself.

    "Oh, we have reason to believe it may well have been," a male voice said quietly, from some distance away.

    Gahrye''s heart pounded and he leaped to his feet.

    "Please! Please don''t be rmed! I believe you''re probably looking for me. Or, at least, have heard of me."

    Gahrye red his nostrils¡ªwhy couldn''t he scent the man? He whipped his head left and right, poised on the balls of his feet.

    "I''m here," said the voice¡ªslightly high for a male, and soft even in its timbre. There was a movement between two lines of bushes that ran on either side of what seemed to be a path worn by feet over years¡ªa depression in the grassynd. He''d intended to explore it once Elia came through.

    Then, a rather short, somewhat fat, older man stepped out from behind a bush, twenty or thirty feet down the path. The top of his head was shiny, just a few strands of hair pulled over his scalp from the sides. He wore discs of ss in a frame that sat over his nose and hooked behind his ears. They made his eyes look toorge for his face.

    His jowls were loose, and his skin pale. But he had a jovial smile.

    "I will not harm you. I know who¡­ what you are. I''m¡­ I''m a Guardian. You can call me Shaw."

 Chapter 248: The Voices

    <h4>Chapter 248: The Voices</h4>

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    Gahrye straightened to his full height, still on the balls of his feet, as the man started towards him in short, quick steps, his feet sinking into the grass as if it were wet, or the ground beneath it damp.

    He wore a stiff shirt with an even stiffer cor, a vest over the shirt that covered his shoulders and soft, protruding stomach, and strange, almost shiny trousers that were far too light to withstand any real wear. And¡­ even stranger leather sheaths over his feet.

    Elia had told Gahrye about the things humans called shoes. And he''d heard rumors that there were pairs somewhere in Anima. But he''d only ever seen the "high heels" she wore, which were little more than straps tied to a shaped te, with a wicked spike on the back.

    These were quite different, and nothing like he''d imagined when they were described to him.

    This man wore heavy leather that had been buffed to a shine. Though the leather didn''t smell like leather¡ªmore of that tangy stench that this world seemed full of¡ªand the bottom of the shoe was t and ck.

    Shaw approached cautiously, but smiling, his hands up and palms facing Gahrye.

    "I won''t hurt you," he said softly. "I''m here to help."

    "Stop there," Gahryemanded him warily.

    Shaw, about ten feet away, stopped abruptly and nodded. "I''ll do what you want. But please believe me, I''m one of the Guardians you''re looking for. I want to help you, not hurt you." He smiled, and seemed genuinely pleased.

    Gahrye eyed him. "How did you know where to find me?"

    "I''m one of only a handful of people who know about the Portal," he said with a smile. "We check every day, just in case. You''re the fourth in less than a year! It''s been a very exciting time!"

    They watched each other for a moment, Gahrye still working to distinguish the man''s scent from the overwhelming stench of this ce. The man was too far away¡ªwhich put a pit in his stomach. If he couldn''t scent people in this world unless they were already within reach¡ª

    "The stink will get less over time," Shaw said, his brows high and face like he wanted to appease Gahrye. "They allment on it, how hard it is to smell anything else when they arrive. It''s all the tar and cement¡ªand stic, I guess. But don''t worry, you''ll begin to filter through it soon. They all say that."

    Gahrye nodded. "Thank you. That''s¡­ good to know."

    "Can I¡­ help you?" Shaw asked politely, his hands sped at his belly in a way that left him far too defenseless. Did no one teach these humans how to guard themselves? At his age, it should have been instinctive. "I can show you into the house and feed you. You can tell me what you need. I know this is unnerving, but I assure you, my entire life has been dedicated to helping you and your¡­ family. I wish you no harm. At all."

    "I am waiting for¡­ mypanion."

    "Oh! There''s anothering? Wonderful! Is it Reth? I haven''t seen Reth for years¡ª"

    "It is not Reth," Gahrye said, his stomach flipping over in relief. If this man knew the King then he likely was who he said he was. He opened his mouth to tell Shaw that the femaleing was Reth''s mate, but something held him back. Too many unknowns in this world. Too many uncertainties about this man, this ce. He would wait until Elia came through, then let her decide how to proceed. "It is a female. She may need help¡ª"

    "That''s fine, that''s fine! The more the merrier! And we always have a female Guardian here too, in case there are any¡­ specific needs. Though you lot seem a lot less concerned with those things than we are, ha ha!"

    Gahrye frowned. "Elia is¡­ quite concerned with those things. I''m sure she''ll appreciate having a female to help her with any needs she might have."

    "Elia?" the man said, blinking. "Did you say, Elia?"

    "Yes, I¡ª"

    A cry and a thump sounded behind him and Gahrye whirled.

    Elia was on all fours in the dirt, her hair falling out of her braid, tears tracking down the dust on her cheeks, eyes wide and fingers wing. Her nails were broken off and her fingertips were bloodied, as if she''d been trying to pry her way through rock. She stank of blood, was covered in it¡ªand not just her own.

    A chill slid down Gahrye''s spine as he recognized Reth''s scent.

    "It''s not true," she whispered, her entire body shaking along with her head. "It''s not true. It can''t be true. It can''t be true. It''s not true!"

    "What, Elia?" Gahrye gasped, sliding to the dirt to pull her into his chest, but she was already climbing to her feet, her hands gripping his arms and her eyes too wide.

    "It''s not true! They can''t do that to him. They don''t have that¡­ they can''t!"

    "Elia, it''s okay. The voices are liars. It''s not true. You''re right. It''s not true. Just rx and breathe. You made it."

    But her fingers dug into his biceps and she snarled through her teeth. "They can''t do that. They can''t. They can''t. They can''t. No¡­." her voice shook and her face crumpled. Gahrye pulled her into his chest, stroking her hair the way he''d seen Reth do it, shushing her.

    "I know that was scary, but they''re liars," he murmured in her ear as she shook and kept whispering, insisting. "Let it go, Elia. It wasn''t real."

    "Actually¡­" Shaw piped up from behind him. Gahrye whirled, pushing Elia behind him, as he faced the man who''d approached and stood right behind him now. "Oh! Don''t be afraid. I won''t hurt you! I just thought you should know¡­ there are many who believe the voices do have power in our world. Not everything they sayes true. But¡­ much of it does. When you''re feeling better, we will add your testimonies to the historical logs. We gather every promise and prediction they make, then wait to see if they''re right. You''d be surprised¡ª" Gahrye could scent him from there, and there was nothing in his scent¡ªrank as it was¡ªto indicate the man was lying. Which made it even worse.

    "Shut. Up," Gahrye spat through his teeth.

    "NO!" Elia cried from behind him. "THEY CAN''T KILL HIM!" Then she sagged against his back and he barely caught her before she hit the dirt.

 Chapter 249: Never Go Back

    <h4>Chapter 249: Never Go Back</h4>

    THE WINNERS OF THE? FOUR VOUCHERS FOR 100 WEBNOVEL COINS ARE:

    - BJ_Palmer

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    *****

    ELIA ¨C Human World

    Elia blinked a few times, but the scene before her of Gahrye still in his leathers and soft shirt, tense and looming, standing over a short, fat middle-aged human male dressed like a college professor, in a formal dining room of some grand house was impossible, so she closed her eyes and tried to wake up.

    Human male.

    Man.

    Dining room.

    She was back.

    She sat bolt upright, sucking in a deep breath, a nket falling from her shoulders.

    Gahrye and the man both startled and whipped around to face her. Gahrye pped one hand t on the man''s chest to stop him approaching when he looked like he might run towards her. They both stared at her, wide-eyed, while she stared at Gahrye, pleading with him silently to let this be a dream.

    It had to be a dream.

    She couldn''t be gone. She couldn''t be here. A whole world away from Reth.

    Reth.

    No.

    "He forced me through. The wolves¡­ the wolves were there," she gasped, pping a hand over her own mouth to stop the rest.

    He might be dead already.

    Only him and Behryn against how many wolves?

    He was wounded. He made himself worse to help her.

    Gahrye rushed over to her, kneeling in front of where she was seated¡ªon some strange, old-fashioned chaise lounge against the wall that looked like it had been hastily brought into the room.

    It reminded her of the bench in the cave and her mind shed a single image of herself on all fours and Reth behind her, over her, on that sheepskin, his fingers gripping hers on the arm as he¡ª

    Elia gasped and shook her head against the memory and the way it made her ecstatic and terrified in the same breath.

    "Elia?" Gahrye said quietly.

    He''d knelt in front of her just like Reth used to do when she was small.

    Oh Light, help her. Help them both.

    She buried her face in her hands.

    "Elia, what happened? Where did all the bloode from?" he said, plucking at her shirt.

    "My shoulder," she breathed.

    "No, Elia, you have to try to remember¡ª"

    "I AM REMEMBERING!" she screamed, then pped her hands over her mouth again and tried to breathe and to not explode.

    She was a ball of nothing but rage and fear and grief. Her body shook with it. Her skin felt too tight, like a seam would tear down her spine and she''d burst out of it. The room was too bright, too noisy, and Gahrye wasn''t helping. And who was that fat little beetle of a man?

    She didn''t want to, but she remembered every second.

    "Elia," Gahrye said, even more softly, one hand gentle on her arm. "Your shoulder is fine."

    She blinked and turned her head, trying desperately not to see the stiff, dark brown all over her white shirt, the jagged tear of the fabric at her shoulder and¡­ her arm.

    Unharmed.

    Healed.

    "No. That''s impossible."

    "The voices¡­ they can give you visions, Elia," Gahrye started.

    "No," she spat. "That''s not what¡ªthis happened before I went through. Lucine took beast form and¡ª"

    "Lucine found you?!" Gahrye growled.

    "Yes! She tried to kill me, then she tried to kill Reth¡ª"

    "What was Reth doing there?"

    "Is heing too?" the strange man piped up from across the room and they both turned to look at him, shocked, reminded that he was there. He looked at her eagerly through his thick sses. "I would love to see Reth again. It''s been a very long time."

    "You know Reth?" Elia asked, her voice a lot fainter than it should have been.

    "Only from years ago. He visited as a child, then once for a few days when he was¡­ oh gosh, that was ten years ago. He must have been¡ª"

    "Eighteen," she said.

    Gahrye was squirming under her hands and she suddenly realized she had gripped both his biceps and was holding him so tightly, digging her fingers into him so hard, it was hurting him. She jerked her hands back into herp and stared at him, pleading for forgiveness.

    "It''s okay, Elia. It''s a lot. I know," he said gently.

    Which was thest thing she needed. Her lip trembled and she almost gave in to the grief, the fear, but she sucked in through her nose and shook her head again. "We have to go back."

    "No!" Both the man and Gahrye barked at her.

    She bared her teeth at Gahrye and his eyes went wide. "Elia, are you¡ª"

    "The wolves have the portal territory," she said through her teeth. "Reth is wounded, and only he and Behryn were there. There were ten¡­ ten wolves on the way. And they had the scent of blood."

    "What about Candace?" Gahrye asked.

    Suddenly Elia couldn''t catch her breath. No. No. No no no no no no no¡ª

    Gahrye shushed her. "Sorry, I''m sorry. Please. Just breathe, Elia. And¡­ don''t say anything else for now. Just¡­ wait until we''re alone," he said with a significant look. Then he stood before she''d responded and rounded on the little man who stood there with his hands sped at his chest, beaming and watching them like they were his favorite movie. Gahrye stepped between her and the man''s too-focused gaze. "We need some space. Some privacy. A¡­ a bath, and some time. Some new clothes for Elia, and a ce to sitfortably. Maybe to sleep also. Please bring food," Gahrye said.

    The man nodded along with his list. "Of course, of course. Does it have to be a bath? Will a shower do?"

    "What is a sh¡ª?" Gahrye started, but Elia cut him off.

    "A shower would be perfect. Better, in fact," she said through chattering teeth. "And¡­ what city are we in?"

    "Henderson," the man said with a smile. "Elia, you''re home! I was so excited when I learned it was you¡ªthough this is a huge risk you''re taking. You can''t¡ª"

    "You know me?" Elia said, blinking.

    "Of course!" he said, beaming at her. "Who do you think helped the wolves get you through? I''ll admit, I never thought we''d see you again. I am fascinated to know how you survived the Rite¡ª"

    Gahrye caught her as sheunched herself at him.

 Chapter 250: Fight for Life

    <h4>Chapter 250: Fight for Life</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    He hated this.

    Every strike, every snapping tooth, every broken neck, every mortal scream grated on Reth like a w drawn down his spine.

    And the entire time, the great lion heart in his chest struggled as if it would beat itsst.

    The moment he''d thrown Elia into the traverse and she''d screamed, her hand iling to grasp at him and he''d pulled away so she didn''t reach him¡­

    If he hadn''t been fighting for his life he would have been sick.

    As it was, the nausea brought on by his own brutal passage through the Lupines that had found them threatened to bring up the fruit Behryn had given him.

    They were his people, these wolves. His people, drawn into a struggle to the death because he hadn''t thought quickly enough, hadn''t listened to his own gut.

    ept what you cannot change.

    It was the Anima way.

    But he resisted. Within himself he fought, begging the Creator for the chance to go back in time and turn Lucine down before the Rite.

    Failing that, he pleaded to go back and tell his people the truth before the mes and Smoke.

    His mate. His precious mate was in the Traverse and there was only one ally waiting for her. And it was not him.

    Everything within him roared against that.

    As the limp body of the second Lupine soldier that had attempted to take him slid to the floor of the cave, Behryn screamed "Reth!" from back towards the cave mouth, just as another wolf appeared, jaws open and snarling. With a roar of rage Reth picked it out of the air by its throat, its teeth snapping closed less than an inch from his face. But in a single movement, ignoring the tear of its teeth on his extended forearm, he turned and swung it against the wall. It hit with an almighty crack and a strangled yelp, its spine giving under the immense impact.

    He let it drop, turned away as the wolf disappeared to leave the dying man beneath gasping hisst breath on the floor of the cave.

    Their eyes met and Reth, his own breath heaving in his chest as the other man''s faded, prayed the wolf could see the grief in his eyes. "Creator save you," he panted. The man''s eyes widened as Reth turned away, rushing out of the narrow cavern into the main mouth of cave¡­ only to find Behryn standing over thest body of the five who''d found them.

    Behryn''s head snapped up and their eyes met, twin expressions of pain and disgust. Of wasted life. And of triumph that it wasn''t their lives lost.

    "We have to run. Now," he said.

    Reth nodded, then took a step and staggered. Behryn jumped forward, but Reth shook his head and pushed him off. "I''m fine. I''m just¡­"

    "I know."

    "Are any of our guards nearby? Any chance we can hold the ground?"

    "None. We set them all up on the other side to make it look like we were going that way."

    Chest still heaving, Reth looked at Candace, sprawled on the floor of the cave where he''d had to leave her when he''d barely made it in here.

    "She''s gone," Behryn whispered.

    Reth''s eyes closed. He made the grieving keen in his throat, and Behryn responded. But there was no time for the proper remembrance.

    She had given her life in defense of her Queen. She would be honored. Later.

    ept what you cannot change.

    Reth swallowed tears as, without another word¡ªunable to hear another defeat¡ªhe pushed himself forward and out of the cave, away from his only link to the most precious person ever Created.

    The thought tore at his insides as he and Behryn scented the air, then he tumbled into Beast form, and fled from the cave, past the body of Lucine sprawled in the dirt spattered with his blood and Elia''s, galloping away from that bloody graveyard.

    *****

    Howls rose behind him, where his mate had been. He yearned to go back, to turn. But the other within him only snarled. It was not allowed.

    The mournful howls echoing through the WildWood raised the hackles beneath his mane and on his shoulders. Then, mere breathster, the calls to the hunt began.

    The horse ahead that was not prey, pushed faster and he tried. He tried to keep up. But his body was beginning to fail. The wound on his leg not healing quickly as it should, despite not being deep.

    The howls rose again¡ªthe baying of a scent found and followed. Then silence.

    The wolves were on their trail.

    The King pressed on.

    *****

    When Behryn shifted back to his human form where a creek crossed the trail¡ªbut well before they were close to the Tree City¡ªReth forced his beast down and did the same. He stood, hands on his knees, sucking at the air. "Why¡­ did you¡­ stop?"

    "You aren''t going to outrun them, Reth. We have to outwit them."

    Reth blinked. "How?"

    "That creek we passed a minute ago, we need to go back to it, get in it, use the water to hide our scents and hope they think¡­ I don''t know what they think. But we need to pray that they don''t think too deeply and keep running when they get here, thinking that we''ve followed this water, or gone on ahead instead. But we have to do this now. We don''t have much time until they''ll reach that part of the forest. If they catch wind or sight of us, we''re done."

    "Never done," Reth growled, but he was still gasping, and Behryn gave him a t look. "We are strong, Reth, but neither of us is the Creator. Another fist will have us¡ªespecially if Lerrin''s a part of it. Now that he''ll know you killed Lucine. We''re in open air here. They''ll take us."

    Reth didn''t want to admit it was true, but he also knew better than to question Behryn when it came to battle tactics. So he opened his arm back the way they''de. "Lead the way," he said.

    Two minutester and less than a mile back, they reached a point where the trail curved out towards a wide creek. Behryn slowed and knelt to drink, and beckoned Reth to do the same, then stood and walked back towards the trail.

    When his feet returned to the hard-packed ground, he leapt over the near ten feet of dirt, straight into the water then stopped and turned, waiting for Reth to do the same.

    "They''ll be able to tell?" Reth asked, not wanting to admit he was exhausted, and leaping that way into cold water sounded¡­ painful.

    Behryn just nodded. Reth sighed, but gathered himself and made the jump, sshing his best friend as hended right beside him, knee-deep in the chill creek water.

    Then he followed Behryn upstream, moving slowly, but steadily, keeping themselves as close to the opposite bank as they could, and watching for gaps in the trees that lined most of the water here, to make sure they wouldn''t be seen.

    Reth''s body had begun to ache and it took a lot longer than usual to catch his breath. But he kept moving. He would not fail. And moving more slowly would give them time to figure out how to make it back to the Tree City when the WildWood was apparently crawling with wolves.

    An image of Elia''s face shed in his head¡ªalong with an image of the wolves making their way through the portal.

    He had to clench his teeth not to roar.

    ****

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 Chapter 251: Vengeance

    <h4>Chapter 251: Vengeance</h4>

    LERRIN - Anima

    Lerrin stood, staring at his sister''s broken, blood-spattered body where it had been tossed in the dirt, and the rage that had fueled him was twisted by grief into something deeper. Colder.

    The others had all stepped back to give him space as was his due. He was the sole remaining Alpha, and he carried his father''s power. And this was his sister.

    Unwilling to allow the others to see his feelings, he stood over Lucine, tracing her with his eyes, inhaling her cooling scent. He did not allow his face to move.

    The trackers had circled the little clearing, and the cave, then reported through the pack mind. They did not yet know where the weak human, and her twisted horse advisor had gone, their scents muddled everywhere in the clearing and cave, but no single tracks could be found, save thoseing in¡ªwhich they could recognize because there was no blood trail on it. But the bird, at least, was dead¡ªat Lucine''s hand.

    The only scent trails that led away from this clearing were Reth and Behryn''s.

    Lerrin knew where the Queen and herme horse had gone, but he had vowed to keep the secret. When he spoke, it was through clenched teeth.

    "Find the traitor King and his donkey," he said, and through the pack mind he sent images of a bleeding horse and lion being set upon by the pack. Their calls and howls of approval rose, but they didn''t stop listening. "Find them. Kill the horse. But hold the Cat for me. If anyone so much as nicks his skin, I will bite out their throat," he snarled.

    They protested, then submitted when he looked at each of them. "Send me your location when you reach them. Go."

    He didn''t move when they turned to run, following the trail.

    He didn''t move when they disappeared from view between the trees.

    He waited until all sound and sight of them were out of reach, and even then he stood for another ten breaths.

    Then, closing his eyes just for a moment, he dropped to his knees in the dirt alongside his sister and with a high-pitched whine, gathered her in. Her head lolled too easily against his arm because that fucking cat had snapped her neck. Lerrin growled and yanked the de out of her spine, throwing the thing away into the trees. Then he buried his face in her shirt.

    His mother had died when he was only seven, in the failed birth of what should have his and Lucine''s younger brother.

    His father had died just days ago at the hands of this self-serving King.

    And now his only living pack-member, the Alpha Female, and¡­ his little sister.

    Cutting himself off from the pack mind, he howled his mourning alone.

    Utterly alone.

    No wolf should ever be alone.

    He called to Lucine, again and again, the tiny huff he''d used for her since she was born, when he''d been only three and thought she was his. His sister. His cub. He pleaded with the Creator to return the spark of life to her cooling body.

    But she remained still.

    Dead.

    Cold.

    When he finally raised his face and let the breeze filtering through the trees dry the tears on his cheeks, when he stood with her in his arms and began walking to the spot where he would bury her because if he could not put her to the pyre, he would not leave her here to be devoured by the silent ones.

    The bird might deserve it. His sister did not.

    Heid Lucine out gently on a small patch of grass between two great trees, tucking her arm under her cheek, as if she slept.

    And then he took his beast form and began to dig.

    That fucking cat was going to pay.

    *****

    He covered her facest. It was an indulgence, wasted time to take such care, to leave her sleeping as long as he could. But when the moment came, he reached in tob her hair back from her face, huffed her call again then, groaning his grief, he used shaking hands to pull thest pile of dirt over her. And with each crumbling armful, he vowed.

    The traitor King would die.

    The WildWood would shift to Pack rule.

    Family first.

    Family before all.

    The Pack was his family now. He would not let them down.

    *****

    He marked the ground so the Silent Ones wouldn''t dig her up, then turned away rolling his neck with a sigh. He had to open himself the pack mind again. He''d already been apart too long. But he hesitated.

    He stood in the shelter of a great tree, sunlight breaking through to dapple the dirt and grass under his feet. A small creek trickled just feet away. The forest dwellers were silent¡ªhis scent frightened them. But he''d heard the slight skitters and the brush of leaves or feathers at times when his back was turned, as they sought to flee him. They didn''t know he wouldn''t harm them.

    The moment was serene in a way he hadn''t experienced in years and he was loathe to break it. The memories of the past few days, of the losses, beat at the back of his mind, but he allowed himself a breath to hold them off.

    And suddenly Lerrin found a measure of peace.

    It was odd. Yet something within him curled around it, wanted to grasp it, to dig a den here and just¡­ rest. He allowed himself one thought, one vision: A den on a hill with a loyal mate, cubs, and¡­ nothing else. His own family. Built from his own will and heart. No kingdom. No war. No pack except the one they built.

    A fresh beginning.

    Peace.

    Then, with a subconscious swipe of his hand to wipe the image away, he gave a heavy sigh and turned.

    His eyes fell on the cave mouth across the clearing, and his entire body went rigid with a whole new vision.

    Though the pack was ignorant, he knew where the Queen had gone.

    It was a carefully guarded secret that his father had only shared with he and Lucine. The two males his father had taken to find the false Queen, to bring her to Anima back when they''d been so confident she was utterly weak and that her death would only weaken the King, had both disappeared, never returned to the pack.

    His father had brought the sacrifice through alone¡ªor at least, had dispatched the other two before he returned to the pack mind. Lerrin had never asked.

    The portal was as much danger as it was opportunity. But in that moment, utterly alone, and reckless with grief he considered it.

    She couldn''t have gotten far. Was likely still with the Guardians. He could just do it. Go through, find her, and kill her. Bring the scent of her death back to Anima with him, find the King and unt it.

    There would be no better torment for Reth, he knew.

    But the thought tightened his asshole and had his metaphorical tail itching to tuck between his legs.

    His father had refused to take him and Lucine through for a reason.

    The Traverse had almost killed Lucan thest two times he''d walked it. Even with the Alpha power. Even with the warnings. Thest return, bringing the sacrifice to Anima, was the first time Lerrin had ever seen his father pale.

    He''d made Lerrin and Lucine both swear they would never walk it without great need. Warned them that it could mean the end.

    And right now he needed to lead the Pack.

    Lerrin eyed the cave. To bring the traitor King to his knees¡­ was there a greater need?

    Rage burned in his chest. Then an image bloomed in his head of Reth on his knees, roaring his grief as Lerrin smiled and enjoyed watching the cat taste the pain he wrought on others.

    He prowled towards the cave.

 Chapter 252: Midnight Wolf

    <h4>Chapter 252: Midnight Wolf</h4>

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    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    Lerrin made it only two steps towards the cave before the faintest scratch of ws on the back of his mind stopped him mid-step. He hesitated, but with a curse, opened himself to the pack mind.

    Images shed of pursuit through trees and along a trail. They sent him the scent of the cat and the donkey where they''d squatted to drink, then continued. The trail was fresh. Very fresh. They were almost on them. The bloodlust was rising and they struggled not to bay to each other in anticipation of victory.

    Lerrin snarled his warning. You take the horse only. The Cat is mine.

    Then with a final, longing look at the cave, he leapt into beast form and sprinted after them.

    *****

    RETH - Anima

    They weren''t nearly far enough downstream when Behryn put a hand to Reth''s shoulder and shoved him into the bushes along the water''s edge, urging him to squat between the branches, despite the cold water.

    Reth gave him a look, but didn''t speak. Behryn''s gaze was fixed on a point between the leaves. Reth followed his gaze, and waited.

    Sure enough, a few secondster, a long, gray wolf head appeared, then the beast''s chest, then legs one of the trackers leapt onto arge boulder and scented the wind. Secondster, without ever looking in their direction, the male turned towards the trail hidden from their view.

    Reth still didn''t breathe. That was only one of what Behryn was confident were still five wolves left to track them. And Reth was trembling with cold and weakness.

    It made his skin crawl to be crouching behind leaves while the wolves prowled his Kingdom. But he knew Behryn was right. They were spent, and these wolves hadn''t fought yet. Five on two was near-certain death. But letting them track his forest, aimed at his City¡­ it made him want to roar.

    He thanked the Creator that the wind was in their favor, that they wouldn''t be scented this way¡ªand that they could scent the wolves.

    And Behryn was right. Within less than a minute, four more wolves, moving much faster than the first, appeared one by one, shing down the trail in the direction they''d been moving before Behryn turned them around.

    Reth put this hand to Behryn''s shoulder and squeezed. They waited, listening and scenting, as the wolves circled where they''d knelt to drink, then gone back to the trail. There was a moment where theymunicated silently in the way wolves did¡ªlooking at each other, hesitating in their movements¡ªthen they were off again, barreling down the trail in the direction of the Tree City.

    Behryn didn''t need to warn Reth to stay still and quiet to ensure the wolves didn''t return. They waited a full five minutes, but with no sign of the grey and white fur, and their scents fading, finally both of them straightened. Reth didn''t quite catch himself from groaning as he straightened.

    Behryn shot him a look, but they waded back out of the bushes and started up the creek again. Behryn believed there was another trail that would meet this creek on the other side about half a mile up, and then they could circle back¡ª

    It was a measure of how tired he was that Behryn froze first at the sh of brown so gray it looked ck, except where sunlight hit it directly.

    Unbreathing, Reth froze, but he was a step toote.

    A massive, near-ck wolf stood, head low and lip curled to bare its teeth, on the same rock downstream where the tracker had paused to scent the wind.

    There was still fifty feet between them. Neither of them could cross that space without the other seeing theming. He had the advantage of scent¡ªit was definitely Lerrin. But Lerrin had the height.

    "Reth," Behryn breathed. "Don''t."

    Reth shook his head slowly. He could see the problems too.

    If Lerrin came for him, he''d have to swim across the deeper water, slowing him and giving them a chance to flee¡ªor attack when he was still without solid ground under his feet. And with two of them and only one of him, their odds were much, much better.

    But the same barrier urred in reverse if they went for him.

    Reth stared at the wolf, its hackles standing straight across both shoulders and down its neck. Teeth as long as his small finger, bared and shing in the sunlight.

    Behryn stood right behind him, half-hidden from Lerrin''s view by Reth''s shoulder, if Reth didn''t miss his guess. And sure enough, he felt Behryn''s finger at his back, poking.

    Behryn had a throwing knife.

    Reth swallowed. "Come out, Lerrin. Neither of us is going to win this. We should use this Creator-given moment to negotiate. Between us we could bring peace to our people. Neither of us wants a war."

    "Speak for YOURSELF," Lerrin snarled, ripping back into his human form.

    He was a few years younger than Reth, but fully mature. As tall as Reth himself, though not as broad. His dark hair, just like the fur of his wolf, looked ck unless sunlight scattered over it. His body was honed, every muscle and tendon honed to a primal, brutal efficiency.

    The wolves were fast, relentless fighters, and with the Alpha power now in his veins, Lerrin met his gaze fearlessly. "You killed my father¡ª" he snarled.

    "You were there, Lerrin, you saw him attack first."

    "¡ªand now my sister," the man hissed through his bared teeth. "I vow to you, Reth, I will fucking skin you alive and¡ª"

    "Don''t make promises you won''t want to keep," Reth said in his deepest, most dominant tone. Lerrin shuddered, his body still calling him to submit, despite his own power. Reth rushed ahead to hold the advantage. "I call the Peace of Leaders. Speak. Tell me why this has happened. Give me an opportunity to fix it."

    "It is far, far toote to fix this you fucking pussy."

    "Speak, Alpha, Tell me what cut your people adrift¡ªwhy it came to this. You''ve clearly been nning this for months¡ª"

    "You ignorant, fucking fool¡ªthe wolves have been ready to take you down for years. You killed thest of mercy from the only Alpha who would have backed you when you took my father''s life."

    "Lucan? He never fully supported my reign. He would have¡ª"

    "I wasn''t talking about my father himself," Lerrin hissed and his voice puttered into a growl so menacing, Reth''s hackles rose. "I was the one foolish enough to believe in your vision. Childish enough to encourage the Tribe to try to keep peace. I even stood for your mate you stinking sack of pus." His eyes, a cold blue circled in indigo so dark it looked ck, narrowed. "I will never make that mistake again."

 Chapter 253: Alpha vs. Alpha

    <h4>Chapter 253: Alpha vs. Alpha</h4>

    LERRIN - Anima

    Reth''s eyes widened. "You stood for Elia?"

    Lerrin sneered. The memory twisted in his gut now. "When she gave her story, yes. I saw the vision of what you hoped to achieve. I am ashamed to say I urged my father to caution in moving against you. I can see now what a betrayal that was to my people."

    "No, Lerrin, that means we can find our way through this. You and I, together¡ª" Reth took a step forward, but was stopped by Behryn grabbing the back of his shirt.

    Lerrin dropped his chin and let every ounce of hatred he felt for this man shine in his eyes, until his wolf tried to return. "The only way I see through this is over your grave, cat," he snarled.

    "I know you''re angry," Reth said in that patient tone that felt like fur rubbed the wrong direction to Lerrin. "But when this shock passes, remember, I never take the first strike, Lerrin. You know that. You''ve seen that in me your whole life."

    "I don''t give a shit who started the fight. You ended it, Reth. When you took my sister, you took thest of my pack. I will hunt you to any corner of the Creator''snd, but I will take you¡ª"

    "For the Creator''s sake, don''t do it, Lerrin!" Reth cried, his hands up, palms towards Lerrin. "Don''t align yourself and your word with something you''ll regret. You can still hunt me. But don''t paint yourself into a corner by vowing it. Listen!"

    "I am FINISHED listening to you!"

    "Even your father knew that listening to your enemies was never a futile effort, Lerrin," Reth growled. "Now, listen: Your wolves are on edge, erratic and violent. As angry as they are, their aggression will being out whether it''s directed at me or not. And with Lucine''s example taking Elia¡­ Don''t forget that if they''ll do it with you, they''ll do it to you."

    "I can''t decide if you''re foolish enough to believe you actually understand my people better than I do, or stupid enough to think you could intimidate me with them." He leaned forward, eyes locked with Reth in the primal challenge of predator to predator, yearning to bite out the cat''s throat. "The difference is, they love me. They serve me by choice."

    Reth sagged, shaking his head. "You have held the Alpha power for what, hours? Trust me, Lerrin, you will learn the value of a measured consideration. You showed that you have it when we discussed the attacks on Elia. I know¡­ I know this has been a difficult time, but please hear me: Should you ever discover you have reason to question this conflict, or your people are¡­ reaching for things you do not wish to take, get word to me. I will listen. We could end this together. Without bloodshed."

    There was a low noise from Behryn behind him and Lerrin let his lip raise in a sneer. "Your Captain thinks you''re very unwise to say that." He smiled the smile of the hunt. "For once, I agree. But don''t listen to me. I''ve only been ruling for minutes. What would I know?"

    "Less than you think, clearly," Reth snarled.

    "Then we''re even. You know nothing about the wolf tribe. Nothing!"

    "I know more than you think, Lerrin. And until now I have held your secrets because they belong to you, not the Pride. But now¡ª"

    "ENOUGH!" Lerrin shook with pure fury. "ENOUGH! Shut your fucking mouth, Reth. You betrayed your people¡ªall of us! But especially my sister and my tribe. We will not let a traitor stand on the throne. You broke Lucine, then buried her. And I vow you will pay!" He rushed to the front of the boulder, everything in him yearning for a way to get his hands¡ªhis teeth¡ªon Reth.

    For a moment he was poised there, on the edge of the rock, teetering, about to leap and take his chances¡ªhis beast snarling toe forward and take them. But then something shed.

    Before Lerrin could find the source, Reth, half-crouched in the water, screamed "NO!" and threw up an arm, blocking Behryn as he moved.

    Lerrin hesitated as Behryn bellowed in frustration and the metallic sh of whatever weapon he''d thrown dropped impotently into the water twenty feet away.

    Lerrin, shocked out of his anger looked first at the rippling water, then snapped his head to find Reth, who had one arm gripped on Behryn''s wrist and the two were ring at each other¡ªalmost on the edge of violence between them.

    Had the cat just saved his life?

    Was that possible?

    What an utter, utter fool.

    Lerrin, his mouth still open, shook his head. "Weak," he said. "That was your chance and you defeated it yourself?"

    "I do not make the first strike, Lerrin. I told you. If you ever wish to speak with me, send a message. I will listen."

    Then, dragging a livid Behryn with him, he started for the opposite bank, keeping his eyes on Lerrin the entire time until they climbed up the dirt and grass and disappeared into the forest on the other side.

    For a moment, Lerrin considered diving into the water and crossing, going after them. Tracking them. He knew he could do it. But he also knew they would be in beast form now and moving far faster than he''d be able to call his pack back to follow.

    So, with a snarl of rage, he turned back to the trail to find the second fist that had gone ahead. When he caught them, he would cuff them like cubs for following a decoy trail.

    But as he ran, he shifted into wolf form.

    Something about that moment with Reth, that interaction left him¡­ shaky.

    Refusing to give mind to anything that might soothe his rage towards the traitor King, he ran on.

    *****

    RETH - Anima

    The re Behryn gave him as they climbed out of the creek and melted back into the forest would have singed his mane if he''d been in beast form.

    A secondter, unwilling to hear what his Second thought of his decision, and shuddering with weariness, he gave over to the great lion and started after Behryn, who set a punishing pace¡­

    The forest stank of wolves.

    The prey that was Pride, ran with singr focus.

    The other inside groaned with the weariness that he felt.

    But the King would not rest.

    He yearned to turn back, to flee in the other direction, back to his Mate. But the other insight fought. And fought.

    Despite his exhaustion.

    Despite his pain.

    He fought on until they could scent the ce that stank of humans and habits. Of fire, and blood.

    The beasts ears pricked at that, but the other inside snarled again and he ttened his ears against his skull.

    And he ran on, dodging wolves and serpents and even birds.

    He ran on. And on. Until he wondered if the Creator might take him.

 Chapter 254: Guardians, My Ass

    <h4>Chapter 254: Guardians, My Ass</h4>

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    *****

    ELIA ¨C Human World

    Gahrye had had to physically lift her and carry her¡ªstill fighting¡ªupstairs to the suite of rooms Shaw had directed them to use. Then he''d dumped her unceremoniously on the floor and gotten in her face. "You cannot attack the Guardians!"

    Elia had stopped fighting, but red at him, her shoulders rising and falling with her panting breath. "He helped the wolves. He put me there. He doesn''t¡ª"

    "Would you change it, Elia? If you''d known, would you change it, knowing what you know now? Nevere to us?"

    "Of course not!"

    "Then you cannot be angry at that man for helping it happen!"

    Her eyes went wide and she stepped right up into his chest her chin thrust out. "That man," she spat, pointing towards the stairs outside the door, "saw the wolves bring an unconscious, human woman into this housepletely unconscious. Kidnapped!¡ªand take her to another world. I will always fight any man that thinks it''s okay to do that. Do you think it''s okay to do that to a woman, Gahrye? Or a man for that matter? Do you think the humans should starting to Anima and taking us against our will?"

    "Of course not," he huffed.

    "Then do not chastise me for wanting to wring his neck!" she snarled.

    They stared at each other for a second, then she turned on her heel and began pacing the room, shivering, and shaking out her hands.

    Her body hummed. It was as if a spring inside her had been twisted tighter and tighter and now it quivered waiting for release. She needed to calm down. But her head spun. Reth was in Anima, wounded and under attack, with only Behryn at his back.

    Or was he? How much time had passed since he''d thrown her into the Traverse? Was¡­ was he already dead and she didn''t even know?

    Elia stopped pacing and pressed a hand to the center of her chest where her heart suddenly ached.

    She would know, wouldn''t she? Mated, imed, and offered¡­ surely she''d know if¡­ if Reth wasn''t¡­ Wouldn''t she know?

    Her face crumpled. But her back was to Gahrye. He didn''t know the dark turn her thoughts had taken.

    "At least he seemed good-natured about you attacking him," Gahrye muttered. It took her a second to remember that he was talking about Shaw.

    She blinked and made herself remember. The strange little man had just stared at her while Gahrye grappled with her as she tried to reach him, to use some of the training Reth had given her to pummel this little shit to the floor.

    "Oh dear, she has learned to be quite aggressive, hasn''t she?" he said, and he''d smiled.

    Gahrye had muttered something nonmittal, but she''d been single-minded.

    "Can you just¡­ tell me where I can take her to calm down?" he''d asked Shaw through his teeth, as she scratched at his forearms, wing to get loose.

    It was embarrassing how effortlessly he held her. She would have bet money the human male couldn''t take her so easily. When Shaw gave the directions¡ªout into the hall, up the wide stairs, then down the hall to the right, and the third door down¡ªGahrye had lifted her bodily and the rage that erupted in her had stolen her breath.

    She''d almost wed at his eyes. And that scared her.

    She''d never felt such a yearning for violence in her life. Was this because she''de back here? Was this all part of the human response to leaving Anima? Was she losing her mind already?

    That thought stopped her cold. She turned, staring at him.

    "What is it?" Gahrye asked, chin down and body tight, like prey that had just scented a wolf.

    "Nothing," she breathed, swallowing and rubbing at her arms where the hair was standing up. "I''m just¡­ I don''t know what to be worried about the most," she said breathlessly. "I''m not¡­ I don''t know how to do this, Gahrye. I''m afraid I''m going to lose my mind, and I won''t even know that it''s happening."

    Gahrye''s throat bobbed. "I think with everything that''s happened it''s normal you''d be a little¡­ off."

    They stared at each other for a breathless moment. "You have to promise me, Gahrye," she said quietly.

    "Anything."

    "You have to promise me you''ll tell me if I''m¡­ if I start to go. And it if happens suddenly, you have to take me back. Even if it''s risky. If I''m going to die, I want to die there. Do not let me lose myself here. Even if¡ªeven if Reth is gone. Do not let me die here. Promise me," she said through clenched teeth. "Promise me, Gahrye."

    "I vow it, Elia. I won''t let you die here if it''s under my control to stop it."

    She nodded once. "Thank you. You''re¡­ you''re too good to me," she said then turned away again.

    Then she blinked.

    She hadn''t even looked at the room when they''de in here. But now she stopped and looked around. It was beautiful. And old. And it made her ache to be here with Reth.

    The door had opened into arge sitting room with a firece that looked like it might be real, two thick chairs and a beautiful old couch centered on it. But beyond them¡­ A massive bay-window that glowed with sunlight hugged a small, round table with a turned center pole, and four antique chairs. There was a door on either side of the room¡ªone alongside the firece, the other behind her¡ªthat must lead to bedrooms.

    Gahrye followed her line of sight and his jaw tightened. "I''ll go get our bags from downstairs if you promise me that you won''t leave this room, or go after Shaw."

    Elia took a deep breath, but nodded. "I promise."

    "Do you want food?"

    "I want a shower more."

    "What is a shower?"

    Despite herself, Elia smiled. "Just¡­ go get the bags. I''ll show you when you get back. I think it''s one of the human things you''ll enjoy."

    He gave her a t, unimpressed look, but she just kept smiling until he turned, then let it fall. And as he disappeared out the door, she crept to check inside each of the doors.

    The room beside the firece was a simple, functional bedroom with a massive bed and adjoining bathroom, but little furniture or fluff.

    The one across the way was more¡­ flowery. Vaulted ceilings overlooked a super-king, four-poster bed with a railing that obviously used to hold the curtain, but now just made a frame. There was carved wooden chest at its foot,rge, old furniture¡ªtwo chests of drawers, two chairs in corners¡ªand another bathroom, though it seemed much more modern than the rest of the room.

    It was beautiful andfortable despite everything being sized for Anima males, and she suddenly, desperately, wished Reth was there to share it with her.

    Swallowing against the emotion that welled into her throat, she walked straight to the bed and crawled up onto it, pulling one of the massive pillows down behind her back, and the other in front of her, so she was sandwiched between them.

    She hugged the deep, down pillow, pretending the weight and presence at her back was her mate. Pretending that all these new smells didn''t make her shaky. Pretending that there was no danger¡ªto her, or Elreth, or Reth.

    And as her eyelids dragged down she reassured herself.

    She would know if he''d died.

    She would.

 Chapter 255: True Mate

    <h4>Chapter 255: True Mate</h4>

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    He''d returned to the suite and checked in both rooms, only to find Elia curled up asleep in the bed of the second one. For a moment he considered waking her so she could change. But she was so obviously exhausted¡ªand tormented¡ªhe decided against it.

    He set his own bag in the other room, changed his clothes, and found the strange bathing room of this world. There was a curious moment when he stepped into the tall, stone-and-ss cube and turned one of the dials on the wall, only to be pped in the face by a sudden waterfall¡­

    He suspected he''d found Elia''s "shower."

    His clothing was soaked immediately. With a sheepish grin, he just stripped them off in the shower, then used the soap that had been left there to wash himself.

    The towels had a strange smell and didn''t absorb the water as quickly those back home. But when he was finally clean and dry, he was about to walk out into the room¡ªuntil he remembered Elia''s strange feelings about nudity. All humans were that way, apparently. And if one of them had arrived while he was in the shower, or if Elia had woken, he didn''t want to add to her tension by creating embarrassment for her.

    He took the towel and wrapped it around his hips, catching sight of himself in the mirror as he turned for the door. They''d had a mirror at home, but he never really found a need for it, aware as he was, what he looked like.

    But now he wondered¡­ what did he look like to a human?

    Elia was beautiful, if physically weak. Were all humans like her? Making up for their frailty by being attractive so the stronger would help them?

    Elia had told him he would be popr in this world. Much as he yearned to test the theory, Elia''s safety had to be his first priority. But if it was true, he wondered how he would appear. She''d said he was very tall by human standards which would attract attention¡ªbut she reassured him the attention would be positive.

    What would they think of the rest of him?

    He frowned at himself in the mirror, wishing he had a better idea what humans thought to be attractive in a mate.

    His sandy hair was long enough to fall across his forehead and tickle his cheekbones when he didn''t push it back. He turned his head and tried to look at himself. His long, square jaw was clean shaven, though the stubble was beginning since he''d been up so early that morning and who knew how many hours his body thought he''d spent in the traverse.

    His eyes were light¡ªthey looked green in some lights, almost yellow in others. And his body was¡­ normal in Anima. Strong. Tanned. His shoulders broad and t. Scars marred his skin in ces, though, making small pink lines on his chest and arms, and legs. Would human women be afraid of scars? Elia said the men where usually much less physical. Were the women ustomed to bodies that had been¡­ used?

    He scanned himself,paring his frame to Shaw''s, then suddenly realized what he was doing. With a disgusted snort at himself, he turned away from the shining surface, shaking his head. It was not as if he could change if the humans didn''t like him, was it? Grumbling at his own ridiculousness, he returned to the bedroom, dressed, and determined to wait for Elia to wake, praying she was in a much calmer state of mind when she did.

    Two hourster he sat in the living area, his leg jiggling with tension. Elia was deeply asleep, but he was wide awake. Outside the afternoon sun was beginning to fade. He could hear people downstairs¡ªnot just Shaw. But the voices were quiet and obviously working not to disturb them. None of them came above the first floor.

    Gahrye had been debating going downstairs for an hour to get some food. With the drama around Elia''s response to him, Shaw had obviously forgotten his earlier instructions. Though all the amenities they needed were here, his stomach was beginning to gnaw at his backbone.

    Once he''d been fed, he would ask about the records, the histories that Shaw had mentioned. There was no reason why he shouldn''t begin their research immediately. Perhaps Shaw, or someone who worked with him, would already know where they could find information for Elia''s health right away.

    Perhaps her aggression and this sleeping was all a part of it.

    Or perhaps it was the madness.

    Wanting away from that thought, he sprang to his feet, scribbled a note to Elia on the paper and pen he found on the side table then, leaving it outside the door of the bedroom she was in, he headed downstairs.

    It was the work of a minute to find Shaw in the dining room were he''d taken them earlier¡ªbut with a woman wearing an apron, her fists on her hips and her lips pressed t. He didn''t know what made her annoyed, but he could smell it wafting off of her before he''d even entered the room.

    When Gahrye stepped inside they both looked up, and the woman gave him a small, grim smile, then tottered off into the next room that smelled like the kitchen.

    "Ah! Gahrye, it''s good to see you again. Is Elia okay?"

    "She''s asleep," he said carefully. He didn''t know why. He still didn''t trust this man, though he could pinpoint absolutely nothing the man said or did that was dishonest. "I need food," he said bluntly. "And some to take upstairs and leave for Elia, in case she wakes while I''m working."

    "Working? You have a task, then?"

    Gahrye nodded. "I am hoping you might help me, or know someone who can."

    "I will always do my best."

    "I need to look into the histories you mentioned. Any records you might have that discuss the impacts of humans returning here after being in Anima, and what might help. And also¡­ human women pregnant to an Anima."

    Shaw''s eyes widened. "Really? Really!" He looked for a moment like he might faint and Gahrye almost stepped forward to take his arm, to catch him. "Oh, that is wonderful, Gahrye. Elia is¡­ so he mated her then? That''s how she survived?"

    Gahrye looked at the little man, but he couldn''t see any way around it. He''d known why she was taken to Anima¡ªand apparently approved. He nodded.

    Shaw sped his hands to his mouth. "That is¡­ that is astounding! The first human queen in what¡­ fifteen generations?"

    Gahrye shrugged. "But you understand that we need to help her?"

    "Yes, yes. I have just the person to help you. Two of them, actually, but Kalle will be here any minute. She was scheduled to be on call this weekend and she''ll be excited to meet you. She only had a very, very brief interaction with the wolves and she was yearning for more."

    "What is her¡­ role here?"

    "Oh, she''s a Guardian. Don''t worry," Shaw said with a p of his hand. "We choose two per generation. My sister passed away, unfortunately, but my mother is still here and will help you. Kalle is my niece. She''s taken the vows and has the bloodline. You can trust her."

    Gahrye nodded. "Thank you. I would like the chance to ask her some questions."

    "Certainly. Let me get you some food, and then if she hasn''t arrived, I''ll call her. Please, take a seat. I''ll return in a moment," he said and hurried off in the same direction the cook had gone earlier.

    *****

    Twenty minutester, Gahrye sat at the table, shoveling food into his mouth, not because it tasted good, but to get it past his tongue as quickly as possible.

    He didn''t say anything, but it was no wonder to him that the humans were so small and weak. The vegetables were pale and ck. The meatcked substance and the nutrient fats. And the bread was t and lifeless.

    Only the butter was tasty, and that merely because of the salt.

    He was just putting another forkful of long, green beans into his mouth when Shaw turned to face the doorway and pped his hands. "Oh, wonderful you made it."

    A female voice that niggled at Gahrye, but he couldn''t ce answered, "Sorry. I had issues with¡ª"

    She stepped into the dining room and all at once Gahrye''s fork ttered to his te, cutting her off. She turned, mouth open and without thought, he was on his feet, mouth opening and closing in shock, his chair thumping to the carpet behind him.

    "Are you well?" Shaw asked hastily.

    "I''m sorry, sir. Did I frighten you?" she said quietly, her strange eyes¡ªthey looked green just then, wide and concerned and her dark hair swung in a glossy curtain as she looked back and forth between him and Shaw.

    It was the woman from his vision in the traverse.

    "Kalle," he breathed. "My mate''s name is Kalle?"

    ****

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 Chapter 256: At First Sight

    <h4>Chapter 256: At First Sight</h4>

    (Posted 14 June) CONGRATULATIONS to the first 4 winners of the 100 Webnovel Coins for JUNE: CScrivener, littlefrozenheart, Daoist1twLHF, and Sravanthi82. Message me privately on Instagram or Discord (my ount details are on my author page) and I''ll get you your codes!

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    *****

    KALLE ¨C Human World

    The new Anima was huge.

    They all were. She''d forgotten.

    She''d had so little time with the wolves the year before¡ªand those minutes had been distinctly ufortable. She''d stood in a room with them, the hair on her neck standing up, and muscles tensed to flee. They''d done nothing to give her the feelings of fear. But she found her intuition rising the way it did sometimes. It was one of the reasons she''d didn''t party a lot. One too many experiences of being a room or stuck in a corner with a man that made her feel¡­ off. Where she distinctly didn''t want to be touched, or left alone with them. And she''d learned to listen to that instinct.

    At the time, with the wolves, she''d reminded herself that these weren''t people. They were Anima. So, of course her body would sense something different in them. A threat. Especially with them being predators. She told herself it was natural to feel a sense of unease around people you knew had probably killed other people. But no matter what she did, she hadn''t been able to shake the sense of menace. But as she''d been trained, she swallowed her fear and had given them what they needed from the histories as professionally as she could.

    Her grandmother hadmended her after the wolves had left and they''d both sighed with relief. "I didn''t like those ones," she''d said at the time, though she''d appeared far less fearful than Kalle had felt. "They''re not all like that. I hope you get to meet the King one day." Her grandmother''s lips had pursed and she''d looked towards the door the wolves had used to exit. "Never forget, honey, just because they''re special, doesn''t mean they''re good. Someteims Shaw can¡­ overlook their ws. Listen to your instincts. And never apologize for them. Better to defend yourself against an empty threat, than to invite danger into your life."

    That wisdom had stuck with Kalle. So, when she''d heard they had visitors again, she''d been both excited and fearful, wondering if these Anima would be equally as disquieting. Was it wolves again? Or other tribes? Had the kinge? She hoped so. She''d longed to meet him for years.

    But Shaw never gave details over text or phone. He''d merely told her they had visitor again¡ªwhich was the code word that she had to drop everything and get over to the Big House.

    For the first time ever, she''d faked being sick at her job at the university library, ande to the house immediately. It turned out the fascination of the researcher in her was far stronger than the fear.

    So, when she''d walked in, breathless from rushing and her skin prickling with anticipation, waiting for her first sight of them, but seen only Shaw, she''d been disappointed. Had they already gone to bed?

    Then as she stepped in the door, there was an rming tter of the good silverware falling onto the nice china and everyone jumped. Including the male now standing on the other side of the table¡ªso tall his head would have hit the chandelier over the table if he''d stood beneath it.

    He stared at her with wide, light eyes, his body poised as if for flight.

    Her breath caught.

    He was stunning.

    Like, in the flesh stunning.

    He was rugged and strong, his shoulders broad under the light linen shirt they all wore, the sleeves of which pulled against his muscles whenever he moved. His jaw was shadowed because he hadn''t shaved, but it only made his eyes seem brighter. He stared out at her from sandy-brown hair flopped over his eyes in a way that seemed natural, rather than the falsely scattered and gelled bouffant the guys at the university always tried for.

    Every inch of him screamed strength, poised for flight. Or Fight. She wasn''t sure.

    She was only sure¡ªutterly certain¡ªthat this man, this Anima, would not hurt her. So certain, she felt protective of him, since he seemed quite desperately rmed by her.

    She scanned his massive frame, half-crouched in front of her and almostughed.

    He must have been able to smell how quickly she could draw her cellphone and dial emergency, she thought dryly.

    She wasn''t sure what she''d done to make him look so on-the-edge. She knew their senses were far stronger than her own¡ªsurely he''d heard hering?

    With a quick, nervous nce at Shaw¡ªshe didn''t want her uncle to decide she wasn''t the right Guardian for this, she tried to smile at him, but kept her voice low. "I''m sorry, sir. Did I frighten you?"

    The Anima muttered something under his breath that she didn''t catch, then he blinked and straightened, still holding himself tense, his chin low.

    He really was massive. But, she realized, it was his presence, more than his height, that seemed to fill the room. There was a quality in him that drew the eye. All of the Anima had it to a degree, as if life-itself glittered within them with more strength than it did from humans. But his¡­ he glowed with it.

    "I apologize," he said suddenly, and his voice was deep and syrupy. "I''m not at my best, I''m afraid. You did nothing wrong¡­ Kalle."

    Kalle swallowed. He put a strange, halting emphasis on her name. She wanted to ask him to say it again, just so she could hear it.

    Oh dear.

    He reached down to pick up the chair¡ªthe solid oak dining chairs that were ancient antiques, older than the house. They had solid backs and arms and were so wide¡ªsized for Anima¡ªand heavy, Kalle always groaned when they were forced to use the formal setting because she could barely scoot them in once she''d sat down.

    He lifted that chair back into ce with one arm like it was made of stic. It barely registered for him¡ªhis arm flexing against the sleeve of his shirt without straining. In fact, he moved carefully¡ªas if he were forcing himself to be gentle.

    He didn''t take his eyes off her as he lifted it into ce. And she felt that gaze like a touch.

    Holy shit.

    "Don''t worry about it at all, Gahree," Shaw said, shooting her a questioning look. "Happens all the time."

    Kalle almost swallowed her tongue and shot her uncle a look. She''d seen cleaners use two people at a time to move those chairs from the table.

    "Kalle is here to help you," Shaw continued, his attention all on the Anima man. Gah-ree, he''d called him? Was that his name, or somenguage tradition she didn''t know about? "She''s our researcher and rising historian. Her grandmother holds the histories at the library and will assist you as well."

    Assist him? Him? Kalle was going to work with him?

    Please, Lord, let him be here more than a few hours.

    "I''ll help with anything I can," she blurted. Gahree still hadn''t stopped looking at her.

    He nodded and his throat bobbed. "Thank you," he said, his voice husky and soft like velvet. She wanted to sigh.

    "Can I ask what is you''ll be working on?"

    Gahree opened his mouth, but Shaw was the one who answered. "The Queen is here," he whispered excitedly, like a child. Kalle had to stop herself rolling her eyes. If the Royals were visiting, Shaw wasn''t going to sleep tonight. "And she''s human. Remember the woman I told you about?"

    Kalle''s mouth dropped open. She turned to Gahree for confirmation, and he nodded, his eyes still fierce and locked on her.

    "She''s human¡­ and she came back?" she squeaked.

    "She was forced to by¡­ events," Gahree broke in before Shaw could answer. "I will exin everything when we have time. I would prefer to wait¡­ so I don''t have to repeat myself."

    Their eyes locked again. There was something in his gaze that pressed on her, a caution of some kind. He didn''t want to speak about it in front of Shaw.

    Interesting.

    She didn''t understand why¡ªher uncle was odd, but harmless. But, she supposed, that oddness could seem off-putting at first. She gave the male a slow nod so he''d know that she understood.

    "Oh, no need to wait!" Shaw said, pping his hands. "You can start now if you want. That''s why Kalle''s here. We have a great deal avable here at the house, but there''s even more in town if it''s needed. Kalle will show you. And I''m sure she''ll be able to help you find what you need."

    She nodded at him again and tried to smile.

    He didn''t smile back, but something in his eyes warmed.

 Chapter 257: Just Not Mine

    <h4>Chapter 257: Just Not Mine</h4>

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    *****

    GAHRYE ¨C Human world

    His head buzzed. He could barely think. The mating call rose in his throat and he swallowed it back, his hands shaking.

    It was impossible. It couldn''t be. And yet, there she was. And she smiled at him and¡­ he could smell her. It was definitely her scent. The scent the voices had given him: Jasmine and sugar, and something soft that he''d never scented before. How could it be? They were liars. They had to be¡­

    She''d already been breathless when she arrived, but when she looked at him¡­ her pulse sped up and her pupils dted.

    She liked him. When she looked at him, she wanted him.

    This was impossible.

    Gahrye tore his gaze away from her and forced himself to look at the soft, ridiculous little man that ran this ce, but within seconds his eyes were back on her.

    She stood on profile to him, facing Shaw. He started with her hair, inhaling her scent to cement it in his mind as his gaze slid down her glossy, dark hair that hung just above her shoulders, down her back that was draped in a long sweater, his body prickling at the sight of her legs, every curve revealed because of the close cut of the leggings she wore.

    He imagined stroking his fingers down the back of her thigh, cupping his hand at the back of her knee and¡ª

    "Gahrye?"

    He blinked and forced himself to look at Shaw again. What had the man said? "I''m sorry, I was¡­ distracted. What did you ask me?"

    "Would you like to carry the tray you requested up to Elia yourself, or should I send someone up with it?"

    The reminder of his purpose here hit him like a bucket of mountain-fed river water. "I''ll take it," he said, swallowing.

    His vow. His goal.

    His heart sang with the mating call, but he wouldn''t¡ªcouldn''t¡ªlet himself be drawn away from his true purpose in this world.

    There would be no mating if he was dead at Reth''s hand, he reminded himself.

    He raised a shaking hand to push back his hair, to distract himself from the tearing pull in his chest at that thought, and Kalle''s eyes traced the lines of his arm.

    He almost did it again, just to watch her watching him. But Shaw was speaking again and he needed to pay attention.

    Which he would do.

    In just a moment.

    After he imagined licking his way up her calf¡ª

    "¡ªif she''s as exhausted as you say, it might be unwise to wake her. Even for food. The spirits in the traverse can be very demanding. If she almost gave over she might need to time to ovee the wasting."

    "Wasting?" Gahrye said urgently, blinking away the images in his mind. "What wasting?"

    Shaw lost that twinkling, childlike excitement he''d had since they arrived and Gahrye''s eyes narrowed as the man seemed to suddenly¡­ strengthen.

    This one needed watching.

    "I told you earlier, we have reason to believe the voices you heard belong to spirits that have at least some measure of power in this world. Many, many of their predictionse true. And, for the humans at least, there seems to be some link between how closely they spoke or had influence during the traverse, and the struggles the human has in this world."

    "I thought the humans who came back here all died or went insane?"

    Shaw''s lips thinned. "Yes. And we believe that their fate is directly linked to exactly how deeply they interacted with the spirits in the traverse on their way back."

    "Only their way back here? What about when they go over to Anima in the first ce? Why aren''t they affected then?"

    Shaw frowns. "Because they''re all unconscious. They get carried through. They aren''t even aware of being there. From what we gather, whatever state a person enters the traverse, they maintain that until they exit. And if a person is unconscious and unable to hear the spirits, they can cross untouched."

    Gahrye gaped. "Then why would anyone walk it? Why not just bring them back that way?"

    Shaw tilted his head. "Because they have to be carried. Who would you trust to carry you, Gahrye, knowing that if they fail, you stay there forever asleep? Or¡­ who would you carry? How many? Would you want to walk it again? Over and over again? To bring others through? It gets harder each time, you know. That''s why so few cross more than once."

    Gahrye blinked. Harder? It was going to be harder next time?

    "You speak as if you''ve been through it. Have you?"

    "Oh, no! Guardians can''t cross," Shaw chuckled.

    "Why not?"

    "Because Guardians are blood-bound to protect the Anima from human invaders. We must remain here. If I were to step into the traverse, the voices would have permission to take me. I would never make it to Anima. At least, not in my current form. Not in my own mind."

    Gahrye''s breath stopped. No. It couldn''t be.

    "You''re saying that the Guardians¡ª"

    "We can never leave this world," Shaw said wistfully. "I''ll admit, there have been days I wished there was a way to be freed from the vow. As I age, and the younger generation take over," he nced affectionately at Kalle and Gahrye''s stomach dropped, "I so wish I could experience Anima. Be able to see what I have protected with my life. But the Creator will bless us for our faithfulness, I know that," he said earnestly. "That will be enough."

    Gahrye''s voice was faint when he spoke. "But¡­ you said if humans were knocked out when they crossed, the spirits couldn''t touch them."

    Shaw nodded. "That''s true of normal humans. But we Guardians vow to the Creator directly. It is His protection that keeps us safe from the spirits. If we break that vow¡­ well, Kalle will tell you if it interests you. There was a Guardian who tried to cross once." Shaw shuddered. "We tell that story to the young ones before they vow so they understand exactly what they''remitting to. We can''t have that happening again."

    In the same breath, his eyes snapped to Kalle, and hers to him and he felt the shift. Though she didn''t move, he felt her pull away from him within herself. He read the winds of her and it was like a warm summer breeze had arrived and washed around him, but now, suddenly, it shifted, chilling as it blew away from him.

    She''d been distracted before, working on instinct. But now she''d been reminded and¡­

    No.

    NO.

    Gahrye trembled with the sudden desire to scream the word.

    He had to look away, from Shaw, from Kalle''s wide, liquid eyes, still fixed on him. He had to drop his head for a moment, w his hands through his hair and force himself to control. Because surely, surely the Creator hadn''t done this to him? Hadn''t set him up only for this¡­ betrayal?

    Surely he hadn''t just discovered his mate, his True Heart''s Call, only to learn that she could never be with him? That his vow to protect the Queen, to return her to the King, at risk of his own life, to remain at her side always as her Cohort¡­ that the very best and truest vow he''d ever offered, would be the very vehicle to take him away from the only female who would everplete his heart? Surely the Creator wasn''t asking him to give up the one thing in this world¡ªin any world¡ªhe''d ever truly yearned for, for the sake of¡­ duty?

 Chapter 258: Tensions

    <h4>Chapter 258: Tensions</h4>

    ELIA ¨C Human World

    Movement in the room woke her. She didn''t open her eyes because she knew it was still night and the cave was always so dark anyway, there wasn''t much point.

    Her back was cold,cking the great, steel heater of a body that usually warmed it. She rolled over to find Reth¡ªbut even as she moved she became aware of the straight, falsely plush mattress beneath her rather than the soft furs, the perfectly rectangr pillow under head rather than the stuffed pads they used in the cave, and every cell in her body screamed against what she remembered. When she reached out, there was no warm body, no depression in the bed next to her. Nothing.

    No one.

    "Oh, Reth," she whispered through lips pulled tight against tears that wanted to overwhelm her immediately. "Please, be safe. Please."

    A softly cleared throat let her know she wasn''t as alone as she''d thought. Her eyes flew open and she sat up, but it was only Gahrye, sprawled in a massive chair near the bed, a small round table between them with a tray of food, and three different drinks.

    She stared at them.

    "I wasn''t sure which you''d like, so I brought them all. They''re very different to ours," he said. His voice was desperately t and¡­ steely?

    She reached for the water and frowned at him. "What''s wrong with you?"

    "I''m just¡­ adjusting," he said without meeting her eyes.

    Elia blinked. Gahrye had never deceived her before that she was aware of. But damned if she couldn''t smell the lie on him. She took another mouthful of the water, still staring at him while he continued to avoid her gaze, then she put it down and sat up, realizing she was still in the disgusting, dirty, bloodied clothes she''d crossed the traverse in. Thest clothing Reth had touched on her¡ª

    "I''m sorry about that, but I didn''t want to wake you," Gahrye said, grimacing. "They left fresh sheets. I think I can figure out how to put them on while you use the shower if you want to."

    "I am going to shower," she said, pushing off the bed and walking towards the bathroom without looking back at him. "But when Ie back you''re going to tell me what''s wrong. We''ve got enough shit happening already, Gahrye, can''t start off by hiding things from each other. We''re going to have to figure out a way through everything."

    "It''s nothing, Elia¡ª"

    "You''re telling me!" she snarled, whipping her head around to re at him as hot, pulsing anger suddenly filled her chest. A tiny voice in the back of her head whispered a warning, but she shoved it away. She''d had the most stressful week of her life, topped off with being forcibly removed from her mate. She had a reason to be erratic.

    Gahrye''s eyebrows popped up. "Are you okay?"

    "No," she said inly. "And neither are you." Then she turned back towards the bathroom. "That''s my whole point."

    *****

    When she got out of the shower there was a set of clothing set out for her on the bathroom counter and she almost cried for that little, unspoken kindness.

    What was wrong with her? She felt like a pinball, mming between emotions in the blink of an eye.

    Then she looked down at her stomach¡ªt and hard because of the training she''d been doing. She was fit in a way she''d never been in her life, and yet this ce seemed to already be sucking the life out of her. And yet¡­ there was something within her that was different.

    With a sigh and still fighting tears, she pressed her hand t against her lower belly. "You''re causing trouble already, my girl," she whispered. "Go easy on me, okay? It''s been a rough week."

    Then she dressed and vowed not to bite Gahrye''s head off, even if he was stubborn.

    *****

    Twenty minutester she was forcing herself to remember that vow as Gahrye sat across from her, slumped into his seat, face t and emotionless, jaw tight¡ªand refusing to admit that what was bothering him was more than just the adjustment to the new world.

    "You are with cub," he said, an edge of venom in his voice that she''d never heard before. "And we are here alone. I was going to go begin the study, look for help, but then I realized¡­ as soon as I leave¡ªeven just this room¡ªyou''re alone. There''s no one else. And I can''t¡­ how am I going to keep my vow to Reth if I can''t even leave the room without leaving you alone?"

    "Gahrye, we both know it''s impossible for you to be in my presence every moment. We''ll work it out. Apparently these Guardians have all kinds of resources at their disposal. Plus, I''m strong now. Much stronger than most women here. If anyone attacks me, they''ll have a nasty surprise," she said, waggling her eyebrows to try and make himugh.

    But he just glowered at her. "Strong for a human, perhaps," he muttered. "But it''s not the humans that concern me. What if the wolvese through?"

    Elia blinked, then swallowed. "If they''d been intending to do that it would have happened already. They would have followed us¡ª"

    "Bullshit, Elia! Stop saying what you want to be true instead of what we both know is a genuine risk!"

    "Do not speak to me that way!"

    "Why not? Because you''re Queen? You told me to always be honest with you¡ªespecially if you were doing something stupid or offensive, well guess what?"

    "What the hell is wrong with you?!" Elia leapt to her feet and Gahrye followed a heartbeatter, both of them leaning over the table between them. "I sleep a few hours and suddenly you''re this sullen¡­ teenager!"

    His mouth dropped open, his upper lip peeling back from his teeth. "Me?! You''re acting like¡­ like Reth after he imed you!"

    "Do not speak my mate''s name like that!" she growled. "I am your Queen, and your friend. Tell me what the hell is going on with you? What happened while I was asleep?"

    "Nothing, that''s the entire point!"

    Her hands clenched to fists. "I don''t believe you!"

    Gahrye scoffed and turned from her to pace the room, raking his hand through his hair.

    Elia''s already roiling anger ticked up a notch. "I am your Queen," she said, pulling rank in a way she had never used with him before. "You''re going to tell me what''s going on," she growled. "Or we''re going to have a very serious problem."

    Gahrye held her gaze and his jaw twitched. But he didn''t speak.

 Chapter 259: King

    <h4>Chapter 259: King</h4>

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    *****

    RETH - Anima

    The autumn afternoon light was fading before he and Behryn got through the enemy lines. By the Creator''s own grace, they''d avoided no less than three wolf fists¡ªin one case they''d been forced to climb trees and wait two hours until the wolves moved on, eerily silently.

    They''d been blessed with rain halfway through the day that had suffocated their scents somewhat. But by the time they finally broke through the lines and into the Tree City territory near Aymora''s cave, Reth used thest of his strength to once again wrestle control back from his beast, then staggered and fell face first into the mud.

    After the fight with the wolves and all the fleeing, Behryn wasn''t in much better shape, but he managed to get Reth to his feet. Together they made a sad and sorry sight when they finally stumbled up the path towards her cave, praying she would be there.

    But they met four guards before they''d even reached the cave, soldiers who immediately propped both men up and helped them to the cave, while sending one young one back as a messenger to tell the elders that Reth was safe and had returned.

    "What''s happened while I''ve been gone?" Reth growled to one of them as they supported him up the somewhat steep climb to Aymora''s cave mouth. "Why are you here instead of out on patrol? There are wolves everywhere!"

    "There have been attacks, Sire," the man, an Equine, said with a nce back at Behryn who was being helped by two more behind them. "Skirmishes mainly but they''reing faster. We think they''re just trying to see where we have defenses¡ªseeing how strong we are. But it keeps happening with no warning. Our scouts aren''t finding them and¡ª"

    "Thank you, but we''ll discuss it when the King has had medical attention and food," Behryn huffed from behind them.

    "You do not make orders for me, Behryn," Reth growled, wincing when his footnded on a rock on the path and rolled off.

    "As your Second, I will if you die," Behryn said starkly. "Whatever is happening, the guards have managed it so far, they can for another half an hour until we''ve seen Aymora and you''ve had food."

    The guards on either side of him looked back and forth nervously over their shoulders¡ªlistening to their King, but also to their Captain who could make their lives hell.

    "You''re being as nervous as a female with her first cub," Reth snorted, but remained silent after that. He wouldn''t force the men to resist theirmanding officer. But he would have words with Behrynter about pecking like a mother hen.

    He was weak, not dying.

    Behryn was smart enough to know the difference. If he didn''t shut up, Elia was going to hear his fussing and then he''d never hear the end of it. He would send someone back to the cave to get Elia and bring her¡­

    Reth blinked and his breath caught, a groan of pain rumbling in his chest that made the soldiers look at him nervously again. "I''m fine," he breathed. "I just¡­ it''s just been a long day."

    But breathing hurt suddenly. Existing hurt. With every heartbeat.

    As if a piece of his heart had been torn from him, and he was bleeding again.

    *****

    There was a flurry of activity in the cave when they made it inside. Aymora hissing and grumbling over both of them, snapping orders to two of her assistants. There were too many bodies in the space, but everyone had a reason to be there. And Reth was too tired to argue about it when she stripped him down and said she needed to check him for bleeding.

    "When did this ur?" she growled, holding his arm that Lucine had mangled.

    "This morning. I''m not sure¡ª"

    "Mid-morning," Behryn said through his teeth from his seat over by the wall. "Well before high noon."

    Aymora paled. "Why isn''t it more healed¡ª" she cut herself off, her head snapping up so she could meet Reth''s eyes. "You almost bled out? What the hell happened?"

    He couldn''t break the gaze because she''d never let him forget it. But there were too many people here. He beckoned her forward and murmured in her ear as low as he could, "I bled for Elia to heal her¡ª"

    "YOU DID WHAT?!" Aymora roared. The entire cave went silent and still.

    Without breaking eye-contact, Reth growled for any who weren''t attending wounds to leave and wait outside. They watched Aymora and him curiously, but did as he said, until it was only he and Behryn, Aymora and her two assistants.

    Aymora stood in front of him, her fists on her hips and snarled through her teeth. "Reth, what the hell did you do?"

    "Are these helpers vowed?"

    "Yes. Now tell me¡ª"

    "Lucine had her. She''d almost severed the arm and Elia was bleeding out¡ª"

    "SO WERE YOU!"

    Reth red. "She was about to lose the arm, and very soon after, her life. There was no other choice. I am stronger. And as you can see, I''m still here. And now so is my mate."

    "We''d already shared blood with her, Reth."

    "Its effects had worn off. It healed her, Aymora. When I threw her into the traverse she was using the arm normally."

    Aymora blinked. "That''s impossible. It can''t have been as dire as you¡ª"

    "It was hanging. I could see the bones. Hear me, Aymora: Bones. Multiple. In the shoulder joint. The muscle was gone. There was no tying it off."

    Aymora swallowed. "That''s impossible."

    "Apparently not. I did it to save her life, but¡­ she healed. In front of my eyes."

    The fire red in Aymora''s gaze again. "And almost cost you yours!"

    "I would have given it willingly."

    "You have got to stop believing you are the only one who can help her! The only one who can save any of us. Reth, if you die none of us are better off, can''t you see that?!"

    "There was no. Other. Choice," he growled.

    They stared at each other and he watched his dear friend submit¡ªreluctantly. Her face crumpled. "You will kill the heart of this entire nation if you die, Reth," she murmured.

    "This nation is already torn in two because of my decisions!" he muttered. "But I am here, and I will fight. Now stop treating me like a child. You were not there. I made the decision I made. Tell me what to do to help my body heal and I will do it."

    Most of Aymora''s anger had faded to be reced with grief and fear. But some of it red back at his resistance. But she didn''t fight back.

    She took his forearm in both her hands and, supporting the weight of it on one palm, she pointed with the other. "You''re going to scar," she said indicating three different ces that the skin hadn''t yet closed¡ªwhich made Reth''s stomach sink. Not the scarring, but seeing that his body was so spent that he wasn''t even healing properly.

    "I don''t think you''ll lose mobility, it looks like she mostly missed the joint. But this arm will always be weaker than the other because those tendons have been damaged. And¡­ and you''ve bled so badly, your body isn''t renewing.

    "What does that mean?"

    "It means you''re healing like a human, though faster," Aymora said grudgingly. "Your body is sealing itself and reconnecting. But it isn''t recing the damage with new flesh. Reth¡­ I usually only see this in the elderly. Decades older than you. You¡­ you underestimate the depth of the risk you took today."

    Reth''s teeth clenched. "And yet, here I am."

    "By the Creator''s grace," she whispered.

    Reth nodded slowly.

    They were quiet for a moment, then Aymora put her hand over his and whispered. "My daughter¡­ you put her in the traverse?"

    He nodded, but he couldn''t hold Aymora''s eyes while he spoke of it. "Just as the wolves attacked. I¡­ I threw her into it and fought to keep them away. I don''t¡­ I do not know if they discovered itter or¡­ or if they already knew."

    "Lucine?"

    "Dead. I severed her spine. She gave me this before she died," he said nodding towards his arm.

    Grief overwhelmed him in that moment.

    His mate was gone and he did not know whether she was safe.

    The female he''d known had tried to kill first his mate, then him. And he''d killed her instead.

    He didn''t regret it. But it felt wrong to have been so intimate¡ªto hold the memories in his mind both of her under his hands at her most alive, and of dealing the blow that stole life from herpletely.

    When Aymora dropped his arm to put her hand on his shoulder, he put his face in his hands and sighed. "We need to understand what''s been happened here while we''ve been gone," he said without looking up.

    Aymora growled in her throat. "You are eating first. And sleeping for an hour. Then¡ª"

    "No, I need¡ª"

    "You need to survive, Reth. You cannot run from this loss by never giving yourself what you need. You will only steal yourself from your mate if you do that.

    He looked up at her again and they stared each other down.

    But it was the mental image of Elia''s face if he was killed that made him concede.

    Aymora was right.

    With Elia gone, the best thing he could do was survive, and defeat the wolves, and bring her back.

    If only he knew how.

 Chapter 260: The Home Front

    <h4>Chapter 260: The Home Front</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    Movement in the cave woke him suddenly from a dream in which he''d been able to reach Elia, but only briefly, and he''d had to tell her about Candace. She had been horrified. He''d pleaded with her to understand why he''d had to leave her body, but Elia had sobbed uncontrobly, hitting out at him when he tried to embrace her.

    He''d been terrified¡ªtrying to exin to her that their time was short, that they could only speak for these few minutes. To please, let him hold her andfort her while he could, but she was inconsble.

    Then a rustle of movement nearby snapped him back to reality and as he sat up, blinking, the dream faded, along with the thrill in his heart at seeing her.

    He rubbed his face and raked back his hair that had fallen from its leather while he''d been asleep in Aymora''s bed¡ªshe''d insisted that he rest there rather than on the cot.

    While Aymora continued mixing herbs over in the kitchen, and one of her assistants brought her items, Reth sat there watching them and tried to amodate the bone-deep ache in his chest that had begun as soon as he''d remembered Elia was back in her human world.

    He had to believe she''d made the traverse safely. He couldn''t allow himself to consider anything else.

    But now he had to do¡­ something. The right thing. He had to figure out what that was. Because it all relied on him. He had to get her back. Get both of them back. Safely. And quickly. Dropping his face into his hands he took a deep breath, then shook his head to clear it.

    "You''re exhausted. You''re going to start losing yourself, Reth, if you aren''t careful," Aymora said through her teeth. "Your body is at its limit. If you continue to push, you will, literally lose your mind, and we will be forced to face this without you. None of us will be safe then."

    "I just did as you asked. I ate. I slept. Now¡­ where are the elders?"

    "They''ll be here in twenty minutes. You''ve slept for forty-five minutes, Reth. That''s nothing."

    "It will have to be enough. I cannot¡­ I won''t sleep again. I need something to focus on," he rasped.

    Aymora tsked, shaking her head. But she didn''t turn around to face him, and she didn''t argue. "Eat more. Give your body something to draw on."

    A momentter, one of the assistants hurried to him with a small te of fruit and tbread. He thanked her and she bowed her head, then went back to gathering ingredients for Aymora.

    While he chewed grapes and apples, and tbread without tasting them, he scanned back over the past twenty-four hours¡­

    The Bird.

    He almost choked on the bread, throwing the covers back and leaping out of the bed. "I can''t believe I forgot. We have spies. One of the scouts¡ª"

    "Behryn''s already taken care of it, and there''s¡­ work going on to sniff out any others. Sit down, Reth. You don''t have to do everything. If you try, you will kill yourself."

    He stopped halfway across the room, his hands empty and just stared at the floor. His chest pinched. His throat wanted to close. He turned, sheepish, and picked up the te of food from the bed, taking it to the table where he dropped it, then dropped himself into a chair and stared at Aymora''s back while he spoke.

    Her long golden-turning-gray hair bounced and waved as she ground herbs with the mortar and pestle, the muscles in her arm standing proud as she ground again and again into the stone bowl.

    "What happened here, while we were gone?" he asked her quietly.

    Aymora didn''t turn. "All was quiet for a few hours. Then¡­ then there was an attack on the eastern side¡ªwhen they realized you weren''t going that way, I think. Just a couple of fists, but it shook us. The guards took care of it. But they called in those living outside the City lines. They''re all staying with family and friends, or at the market. The rest of the day was just¡­ hearing the horns every time they came at us. Never in great numbers. Just¡ª"

    "Testing us," Reth said through his teeth.

    Aymora nodded.

    "The fact that they have the number to even do that much¡­" Reth muttered. "How did I miss this?"

    "I spoke with Charyn," Aymora said. She scraped the paste she''d made in the mortar into another bowl, then began to add liquids.

    Reth went still. "And? Do you trust him?"

    "I do. I think he truly believed Elia would make life different for his son. But he kept one foot with the wolves because¡­ well, that''s what wolves do, right?"

    "What did you learn?"

    "Nothing significant except that their ranks have increased in the past two months. With the resources thinner, and the resentments around the disformed, he was pushed to the outside, but never rejected. He said he was not the only wolf who wanted to stay with the City. But he believes the usations against you and Elia tipped many that had been wavering over the line."

    "No doubt," Reth snarled. "Cowards and weaklings every one."

    "No, Reth. Tired people. People who had had promises whispered to them. Who believed that both options avable to them were imperfect, and who followed what they knew when the time came to choose."

    "I''m too tired to wade through subtlies, Aymora. What are you saying? What have I done poorly?"

    "Nothing! I''m saying that the wolves have been working towards this in the shadows. Whispering things, fanning resentments¡­ creating questions where questions wouldn''t have existed. The people have been manipted. You couldn''t have known. The wolves have¡­ what I''m saying is that from this day forward you cannot be so merciful."

    "What?" Reth''s jaw dropped.

    Aymora finally turned and he saw, atst, the tension on her face. "Reth, you are the best King the Anima have ever had. But you are not perfect. No ruler is. And one of your blindspots is, and always has been, your belief that deep down everyone is good. Everyone is not good, Reth. Not like you. Not like Elia. Everyone does not have that capacity to love within them. Some people¡­ some people care only about themselves. Or what they can gain. If you win this¡ªwhen you win this¡ªyou must be ruthless. There must be no room in anyone''s mind that they will pay with their lives if they betray you."

    "Who thought they wouldn''t? I have never given mercy to traitors¡ªnot real ones."

    "Are you certain, Reth? Think very carefully. Are you truly certain of that?"

    Reth frowned at her as she turned her back again. "I thought I was. What do you see?"

    ****

    STOP! There are some change to the privilege tiers this month, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! But DO NOT buy big privilege tiers thiste in the month (You''ll just have to re-purchase them on 1 July (30 June in the US) So wait until 1 July (9:00am Pacific on 30 June in the USA.) And if you haven''t purchased (or resubscribed to) privilege before, check out the author note below to make sure you know what you''re buying!)

 Chapter 261: No Mercy

    <h4>Chapter 261: No Mercy</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    Aymora went back to her tools and poured something from the bowl into a small y cup, then walked it over to the table and sat it in front of him. "It tastes terrible, but it will help you replenish. You must take it morning and night for the next week."

    Still frowning because she hadn''t answered his question, Reth gripped the cup and threw it down his throat¡ªimmediately coughing and sticking out his tongue to rid it of the terrible taste.

    Aymora''s lips twitched at the face he made, but she didn''t give in. When he''d stopped swallowing convulsively, she put a hand to his shoulder.

    "Do you know what line the wolves used to turn people?"

    "No."

    She sighed. "When they met people who seemed to waver, but were reluctant to abandon us, they told them that you would forgive them. They reminded the people that they knew that about you."

    Reth narrowed his eyes, frowning. "What?"

    "They used your good nature¡ªall the ways the people have seen you bnce, and give mercy¡­ and they told them if they had a question, toe with the wolves because if it didn''t work out, they could be sure you would take them back. But that the wolves were all or nothing. Come with them, or be forever out of their people. Wolves are family first, Reth, you know that. Imagine the pressure the people were under."

    Reth ran his hand through his hair again, his gut a tortured twist of conflicting emotions¡ªpride, fear, anger, irony, indignation¡­ it was all there. "It wasn''t just wolves that followed though. You''re serious? They told people I was too¡­ nice to hurt them?"

    "Basically," she said, and she didn''t smile. "Your only chance now is to show the people just how strong you can be, Reth."

    "And that starts with the wolves."

    Reth and Aymora both turned quickly to find Behryn¡ªobviously bathed and in clean clothes, somewhat pale, but looking stronger and more certain than he had the hour before, striding into the cave.

    "The elders areing. Did you tell her about Lerrin?"

    "What about Lerrin? You saw Lerrin?" Aymora gasped.

    Reth growled at his best friend and brother.

    But Aymora was having none of it. "Reth! Tell me what happened!"

    With a heavy sigh, and a skeptical eye at the cup that had left such a horrible taste in his mouth, Reth told her all that had urred when they''d fled the portal territory.

    By the end, she stood, face pale and tight, her arms folded over her chest. She looked at Behryn when he was done. Behryn said nothing.

    "You offered him peace?" she said quietly.

    "I offered him negotiation that could end in peace," Reth growled. "And I would do it again."

    "I just told you¡ª"

    "I didn''t know that when I had the conversation, Aymora. But I say again: I would do it again. Those people who have given over to the wolves are still my people. You said yourself they''ve been manipted and pressured. If I can get them out of this without bloodshed, I will do it. War is ugly and even the victor does not win."

    "But the loser, even less so," Behryn added from behind him.

    Reth turned. "I will not lose," he said, pulling from the depths of his authority as King, and as Alpha. He held his brother''s eyes and snarled, "Peace only for the peaceful."

    Behryn nodded. "I still disagree with your choice to free him."

    "Your argument has been noted," Reth said dryly.

    "Reth," Aymora started, "We have to¡ª"

    "No mercy, I know," he said through his teeth, then picked at what was left of the fruit and bread. "I hear you. I just¡ª"

    "Examples must be made, Reth," Behryn said. "They lost only a few today because our guards were told onto to kill those advancing. Whether the wolves knew that, or just didn''t n to advance, I don''t know. But where it didn''te to face-to-facebat, many slunk away. We cannot allow that to happen again."

    Reth gritted his teeth, searching for a way through this that wasn''t straight ughter. But he couldn''t see it.

    Dropping his head into his hands, he leaned on the table rubbing his eyes. Aymora and Behryn waited. When he straightened, it was with reluctant resolve.

    "Are all the people in the city limits?"

    "Yes," Aymora said. "As far as we know, everyone who remains is here."

    Reth nodded. "Then¡­ we have no choice. Blow the horns of war. Set the archers at the towers to shoot anything that moves. No warnings. No hesitation. Split therades in arms so if we do still have spies, they are likely isted¡ª"

    "I''m already working on that," Behryn said, sounding even more disgusted than Reth felt. "We have some reports we''re following up, but we''re also¡­ creating silos of information. We will find any traitors."

    Reth nodded, still staring at the tabletop. "And so, we go to war," he said quietly. "Somehow I need to get to the Bears. Even if it''s just a message¡ª"

    "That''s why I came ahead of the Elders," Behryn cut in. "I wanted to warn you¡ª"

    "The Bears are here, and the bears want nothing to do with your politics," snarled a deep voice.

    Reth stood, turning quickly, to find the massive, one-eyed Gawhr standing in the doorway. The leader of the Bears¡ªas much as the bears had one¡ªand the only Anima Reth had ever met whose sheer size exceeded his own, Reth watched Gawhr carefully, but rolled his shoulders back and eyed the man without hesitation, let him scent Reth''s dominance and certainty of his rule.

    Gawhr chuckled augh that almost tipped into a growl. "Don''t pull that shit with me, Reth. I humbled myself toe to you. The least you can do is be polite about it."

    Reth''s smile crept up. "How have you been, brother?"

    "A damnsight better than you, from what I gather. There are fucking wolves everywhere in this stinking wood. I sent three of them home with their tails covering their balls. With one eye closed."

    Reth boomed augh and strode over to hug the massive man he''d known since he was a cub. They pped each other on the back and Reth didn''t let the man see his shock at the shuddering embrace. "It is good to see you!"

    Gawhr growled. "I might have chosen different circumstances. And definitely different timing, but the Creator ys his games and we dance to his tune."

    Reth sighed and nodded. "Thank you foring. It means the world to me."

    Gawhr''s face went somehow even more somber. "Don''t thank me yet."

 Chapter 262: Honor the Alpha

    <h4>Chapter 262: Honor the Alpha</h4>

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    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    By dusk it was clear the King had to have made his way back to the Tree City despite their best efforts. Lerrin was ready to bite something. He''d already put his two trackers in the dirt for missing the decoy trail. But as the rejoined the wolf-ranks and darkness fell, one of their scouts fell to an Archer.

    After a pack-mind argument with the security council, reluctantly, Lerrin left the watchers in ce, but called the fighters back to the encampment.

    Nothing had gone this day the way they''d intended. They had unsessfully intercepted the King. Their enemy''s preparations to meet them had proven stronger than they''d anticipated. And they''d lost their female Alpha.

    The grief of his sister''s loss bubbled under the surface. He would not allow himself time for it until he was alone. But the pack mind howled to honor her, and when they returned to the camp, the wolves who hadn''t been on the trail today weed them back with the grieving dirge.

    In the oldest known wolf tradition, as he led his men back into the encampment, those who had remained lined the trails and raised their howls in harmony, singing Lucine''s loss and honor to the Creator, begging for her salvation, and her peace.

    It was the second time in days that Lerrin had been forced to walk the dirge¡ªfirst for his father, now Lucine¡ªand it threatened to unravel him.

    Lerrin''s beast snarled for release, to stand between him and the emotion of the moment, but as the remaining Alpha, he knew it was up to him to present strength. He walked the length of the encampment, the hairs on his arms standing tall as he received the grief of his people who had loved¡ªor at least respected¡ªhis sister.

    Their honor echoed that she was not forgotten.

    Lerrin was forced to swallow more than once.

    But finally, the people had howled theirst and he was freed. As they melted back into the shadows, he turned to his Second, Asta, a female who''d shown her strength and coolness under pressure since they were adolescents. He''d been eager to bring her into power and was grateful in that particr moment, that she was the least emotional wolf he knew. He wasn''t sure how much more howling he could take that night.

    Tipping his head for her to follow him to his tent at the center of the encampment, she followed at his shoulder.

    They almost made it, but just as he stepped off the main path and his tent was in sight, a shadow to his left became the silhouette of Samyl, Lucine''s former Second¡ªand one Lerrin had wondered if she might mate.

    The male trembled and stared at him with haunted eyes.

    "I felt it," he said hoarsely. "She sent to me¡­ the images¡­"

    Lerrin''s own mind shed the reminders of that moment, of his sister''s victory turned to defeat. In wolf pack hierarchy, the Seconds always stayed back when the leaders went out, just in case¡­ in case this happened.

    Lerrin put his hand to Samyl''s shoulder. "She died in honor," he rasped.

    The male nodded, but his shoulders rolled forward. "I had nned¡­ I had hoped¡­"

    "I wondered," Lerrin said gently. "She seemed¡­ focused on you." Not necessarily in the way the male wanted, perhaps. And perhaps it was a mercy that Samyl hadn''t heard the moments when Lucine had sworn she would bring the King to his knees before her¡ªin her bed. But she''d been so erratic thesest days, Lerrin was no longer certain how much of what she''d said had been just the bloodlust speaking, and how much had been a n in her mind.

    The pain of her shunning had¡­ loosened something in his sister that Lerrin hadn''t seen before. She''d always been strong¡ªruthless in some ways. But never so deceptive. Never a liar.

    They hadn''t had a chance to discuss it at length, but he hadn''t missed the King''s truths. Part of his frustration that night had been in reflection seeing how much Lucine had colored the wolves perspective about what had happened the night she''d mated with Reth.

    Lerrin hated to admit it, but Reth wasn''t a male to take advantage. He was, however, an oblivious oath.

    The truth was probably part-way between their two ounts. But he''d smelled the truth on the King.

    He''d had no intention for Lucine before she gave him the signals.

    His sister had lied about that.

    Lerrin shook his head to escape the difficult thoughts. Squeezing the shoulder of the male before him who was grieving, who yearned for a female he could never have, he met the man''s eyes. "She honored you in life, we honor you in death. Your ce on the security council remains. You will have a firstmand, if you wish it."

    "Thank you, Sire," Samyl said, relief overwhelming his scent in a way that made Lerrin question whether his tension was truly for Lucine after all.

    "Now, I need to meet with my second. Gather with us in the morning. We''re meeting at first light."

    "Thank you. Thank you."

    He patted Samyl''s back and started walking towards his tent again, clenching his hands so no one would see them shake.

    When he made it into the tent he decided against lighting thenterns. He didn''t need them to see clearly enough to handle himself, and it might dim him slightly to Asta¡ªwho would not entertain all this emotion. He prayed he could keep his own under control until they were done.

    Pushing the tent p aside, he immediately unbuckled his belt and began to strip off his sweaty, dirty clothes. He needed to feel clean.

    Luckily someone had thought ahead and left warm water in arge bowl on the stool next to the small closet he''d been provided. Before Asta had even finished speaking to the guards and tying off the tent ps, he was naked and using the thick rag to wipe the sweat and dirt from his skin.

    He prayed she didn''t look closely to see his fingers tremble.

 Chapter 263: Seconded

    <h4>Chapter 263: Seconded</h4>

    LERRIN - Anima

    As he stood over the water he was using to bathe, scrubbing his arms with the thick cloth, Lerrin felt Asta scratch at his mind, and opened to her¡ªonly a window. He and Asta had always struggled for full connection¡ªnot umon among unmated wolves¡ªbut additionally, Lerrin had no energy left to let her feel him. She would never mention it, but he felt her silent judgment whenever he gave in to the weakness of emotion.

    It was something she''d teased him about when they were young. And snarled at him for as they grew. An over-excited pup, she''d called him more than once. Quivering so he might pee himself. Lerrin gritted his teeth and continued to bathe.

    What went wrong? She asked in his head.

    Lerrin''s lip curled. The Cat.

    Through the limited connection he sent what images he could¡ªof Lucine''s body, the knife, the tracks and scents.

    She blinked in surprise at the images he sent as he moved from cleaning his arms to his torso, allowing the excess water to patter to the dirt and be absorbed there.

    He used a knife. He was in human form? She asked.

    Lerrin nodded, growling. He wasn''t sure why, either. But that was the choice the traitor king had made.

    At least she tasted his blood¡ªa great deal of it¡ªbefore she died, he sent.

    Asta grunted. It weakens our position against him, that he took her life.

    Lerrin let a growl rise in his throat that peaked when she turned to meet his eyes. Did she think he didn''t know that?

    She rolled her eyes. She knew he''d had a hard day. He didn''t have to get pissy.

    "Pissy. Pissy?" Lerrin growled. "Really, Asta?"

    "Got you talking, didn''t it?" she said quietly.

    Lerrin shot her a look, but snorted and went back to bathing, scrubbing the sweat and grime from his legs. With a heavy sigh he sent, What''s the mood among the pack who were here?

    Uncertainty, she replied without hesitation. They are impatient. They had hopes we would be triumphant already. The older, wiser wolves are unsurprised. But all are disappointed.

    Lerrin ground his teeth. "Any scent of mutiny?"

    "None."

    Lerrin nodded. He had that much at least. His family had held the Alpha role for generations. There were few who wanted to challenge, and even fewer realistically capable of it.

    None, actually. Though some would be tougher to defeat than others.

    Then Asta put an image in his head of a group of the older females speaking together during the day and sent, with a cautious tone, They do not question your right to rule, but they want to see you as a pack leader. Not a lone wolf. They will press you to mate quickly now.

    Lerrin tossed the cloth back into the water with a hiss and turned his back, snorting air from his nostrils.

    They will be sorely disappointed.

    He felt Asta''s amusement through the connection, though it was a watery reflection of the grin on her face.

    Laugh all you want, he muttered through the connection. Wait until they decide that you need a male to keep you in line.

    The whip of anger¡ªand fear¡ªthat shot through her was strong enough for him to feel it, and he chuckled as her grin fell from her face so quickly it looked like she''d been stung.

    Not so funny when the burr is in your fur, I guess? He sent.

    She narrowed her eyes at him, but sent nothing.

    Will you be leading the fists tomorrow, or staying here? She asked¡ªa hesitancy in the sending that made him frown and turn to look at her.

    Tomorrow will be for nning, now that we understand them better, he sent back slowly. I doubt I will leave the encampment, why?

    It took her a moment to respond and she stepped closer to him before she did, to allow the connection to strengthen.

    I know I tease you about your emotions, Lerrin, but¡­ you have suffered great loss. It is¡­ appropriate to rest and¡­ honor that.

    He blinked at her in surprise. "Thank you," he said softly.

    Asta shrugged and struggled to meet his eyes. "If I can help, I will. We are at war, but we are still wolves. We do not stop living. If you need assistance, I''m here."

    They stared at each other a moment. Something passed behind her eyes¡ªsomething nervous and soft¡ªbut Lerrin couldn''t catch it.

    He swallowed, suddenly undone by her simple kindness in a way that hadn''t happened with anyone else that day. "Thank you," he rasped. "I¡­ thank you."

    She nodded and broke the eye-contact. "Do you have orders for tonight? Anything you need now, before you rest?"

    Lerrin forced himself to take a deep breath and refocus. Running his hand through his hair he tried to think, but his mind was nk.

    Just¡­ be ready for the security council tomorrow. It will be challenging, I think, he sent. There are¡­ mixed ideas about how best to take the Tree City¡ªand when. I''ll need your support in the votes. And¡­ I will need time tomorrow to go through Lucine''s things. If the council goes past mid-afternoon can you bring me something to pull me out? If they haven''t made a decision by then, I''ll need to dere it. But I don''t want to create tensions this early if we can avoid it.

    "Consider it done."

    "Thank you, again, Asta. It''s a relief to have your support. Especially now."

    She nodded again, and sketched a bow, then turned for the tent-ps.

    He turned for the bed, praying he would be able to sleep, his body aching toy down. But before he crawled in, he called her back.

    "Asta?"

    "Yes?" she turned just before she pushed open the tent.

    He sent the question through the connection. Was there any violence in the encampment today? Anything you had to control?

    She tilted her head, frowning. Nothing serious. A fight between a couple guards on their first assignment. And one battle over a female. Why?

    No reason. I''m just¡­ aware of the tensions. Keep an eye on things. If there are days in a row that I''m away, let me know when I return if you''re seeing an increase in fighting among our people. We need to make sure the pressure of the situation doesn''t eat us from the inside.

    She nodded and looked like she might say something, then just nodded again and waved. "I will do that. See you tomorrow."

    "Goodnight, Asta."

 Chapter 264: Clearing the Air

    <h4>Chapter 264: Clearing the Air</h4>

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    His chest felt like his ribs were being cracked and pulled apart. The sheer injustice of what he''d found since arriving his stole his breath. But Elia, ignorant of it all, continued to stare at him until he realized he would have to either submit, or defy her outright. And given the way her lip was curling back from her teeth, he didn''t like to think where that would take them.

    "You want to know what''s burning in my gut?" he muttered. There was no way he could tell her the truth¡ªhe knew her. She''d immediately try to find a way to solve the problem. And there wasn''t time or energy for her to waste trying to fix his life when her own was so deeply under threat.

    "Yes!" she cried.

    "This. World. Stinks!" He bit the words off. "No matter what I do, I cannot clear the stench of it from my nostrils. And these people¡­ these are the people that we must rely on? That¡­ man down there is just¡­ off, I don''t even know what it is because his scents are wrong. But something isn''t right with him."

    Elia folded her arms, looking like his mother used to when he was being annoying. "Gahrye, that''s hardly¡ª"

    "I''m not finished," he snapped. "You''re with cub and we have no idea how that''s going to affect you. The people here are¡­ strange. And their customs stranger. We lost¡ªwe don''t have Candace." They both broke eye-contact for a moment then. "There''s no other Anima here," Gahrye said, true grief in his voice over his friend. "The wolves have the portal territory¡ªwhich if they know how, likely means they''re the only ones who can get through. So, nomunications with the King unless they take the territory back¡ªbut they''re fighting a war. You think they can afford to split the troops out so many miles from the City?"

    "Reth will want¡ª"

    "Behryn won''t let him and you and I both know that''s good and right and true and¡­ this is impossible, Elia! And that''s just the beginning.

    "Now that we''re here, I can''t leave you, but I can''t find what we need without leaving you. I can''t take you home, but I must be prepared to do so at any second!" His voice hardened on thatst sentence, and Elia looked a question at him. But he turned away, shaking his head again. "Everything is risk. Everything. Every moment, every decision¡ªnothinges without life-threatening risk to you. Leaving you is risk. Not leaving you is risk. I just¡­ I never imagineding here would¡­ I never thought¡­ I never thought I would fail here, also. But I cannot see how I could possibly seed."

    Elia''s mouth fell open. "Oh," she said softly, her anger falling away as quickly as it hade. She dropped into the chair. "Oh, Gahrye, I''m so sorry."

    He frowned staring at her, confused. "What? What are you sorry for?"

    "When I spoke to you abouting here, about the women, about how you''d be viewed here¡­ I''m sorry. I didn''t imagine it this way either. I never meant to get your hopes up. I''m sure we can find ways for you to get out and meet people¡ªyou''ll see that I wasn''t lying¡ª"

    "Don''t be ridiculous," he growled and started pacing. "That isn''t what''s bothering me."

    "Then, what¡ª?"

    "Please, just leave it, Elia. Please. I just¡­ I''ve suffered a blow. Can we leave it at that? A realization that I do not like, about the Creator and His ways and it has left me¡­ floundering. But that isn''t my focus now. My focus is you and your safety. You don''t need to worry about that. Even if I''m¡­ a little off, I won''t ever lose sight of that."

    Elia sighed. "One thing you''re going to learn about this world, Gahrye, is that there''s a lot less happening when you aren''t sitting next to a King. In fact, it can get quite nd. You''re probably going to end up bored here, with nothing to do but sit around and study and watch me eat pickles and tuna."

    "Pickles? What the hell are pickles? And tuna?"

    She pped a hand. "Nevermind, it''s not important. My point is, I''m not saying there''s no risk of the wolvesing through, but surely we can tell Shaw and the others? Surely they serve Reth?"

    "How can we know they''ll believe us¡ªor that the wolves haven''t meddled with them already? We can''t even be certain they aren''t in on this somehow!"

    Elia bit her lip and dropped back into her chair. At first she leaned on the table, but then she sat back, letting her hands drop into herp. "The only ones we can truly trust are each other," she said quietly.

    He nodded. "And¡­ I met Shaw''s assistant. His niece. I read the winds around her. She is a good heart. I believe we can at least trust her motives, though only time will tell for certain. We do not know what lies they may have been fed before, even if they''re innocent. Shaw said she''s able to guide me to the histories. There are records here at the house, and somewhere else in a town nearby, Shaw mentioned. Kalle could lead me to the others¡ª"

    Elia nodded. "Good. You see. Progress already. We can both work on this. We can''t afford to not use every hour. So, first thing tomorrow let''s have her show me the records here and I''ll get to work, then you go with her to whatever else they have.

    "Maybe you''ll still get to see some of this world Gahrye. It''s going to blow your mind. I know it''s hard. I''m sorry about the smell¡ªhonestly, I never noticed it before, but now¡­ I know it must be so much worse for you. But between us, we''ll find something."

    "Elia, you make this sound like we''re on an adventure. This isn''t an adventure. It''s your life. It''s your cub''s life. And it''s the Kingdom''s future."

    Elia''s throat bobbed, but she nodded. "I''m well aware. And I''m saying we can''t do anything but work with the hand we''ve been dealt. We can''t focus on how things haven''t worked out the way we wanted them to. We have to focus on¡­ on what we can do. Right?"

    He stared at her, skeptical. Unwilling to argue because everything within him yearned to be near Kalle, to be closer to her, to know her, to hear her speak his name. But he knew¡ªhe knew to his bones¡ªthat wasn''t his purpose here. And his concerns must have shown, because Elia''s expression hardened.

    "I am Queen, Gahrye. It''s my choice."

    "That''s the second time you''ve reminded me of that," he said darkly. "Do you believe I need the caution? You''re starting to remind me of Reth."

    She blinked like he''d pped her. She turned away and his stomach dropped. "I''m sorry, Elia, I didn''t mean to¡ª"

    "It''s fine," she said through her teeth. "We aren''t focusing on the things we can''t change, remember?" Then she stared at challenge at him, so stark, he blinked.

    "Of course," he said softly.

    Elia nodded. "Now¡­ let me show you how the shower works."

    "No need," he said with a wry smile. "I already found out."

    *****

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 Chapter 265: Ripple Effect

    <h4>Chapter 265: Ripple Effect</h4>

    ELIA ¨C Human World

    After the conversation with the Gahrye the night before she had thought she would feel better. She usually felt more grounded when she''d made a n, and felt like she knew what to do. But instead, she''d been haunted by some nameless, faceless terror hanging over her head for the entire time she''d stayed awake.

    As if something inside her was real and aware, scared and wing to get out.

    To distract herself, she''d eaten, started to unpack her bag¡ªrealized that most of the clothes she''d brought from Anima would draw too much attention here at home, and made a mental note to ask for help with more¡ªand abandoned that idea and decided to show Gahrye what a television was.

    "Come take a look at this." She''d forced a smile. She did look forward to showing him so many new things. But this tension within her didn''t want to let her enjoy anything. She rolled her shoulders as he came to join her in the sitting room.

    Then she clicked the on button, and the screen lit up with a news cast. Lines of text scrolled at top and bottom, and the screen was split over two panels asmentators argued over their respective political positions.

    Watching Gahrye''s eyes go so wide and his body tense at the sounds that came from the tscreen hidden behind a painting over the firece had made her give the first smile she thought she''d truly meant since she''d woken up the morning Reth was supposed to go to the Bears.

    Gahrye was fascinated and terrified.

    "Are they¡­ in there? Is it magic?"

    "No," sheughed. "It''s like¡­ the histories. Except we can record them as they happen, then show them to peopleter."

    He''d looked very disturbed. Worried this might stop him from sleeping, she''d only left the television on for a few minutes, then urged him to go to bed. And she''d followed suit. She''d surprised herself by being able to sleep almost as soon as she crawled beneath the covers.

    She was awake with dawn, though. ustomed as she''d be to the pitch-darkness of the cave, all night she''d been half-aware of light in the room. And as soon as the windows began to glow behind the heavy curtains, she was awake. Re-energized, if not refreshed.

    Gahrye was already up and watching her door when she dressed and walked out to the sitting room. He still had that slightly hunted look he''d had the evening before when she''d woken to find him watching her. She almost asked again, but he spoke first.

    "Kalle is going to be waiting for to show us the library in an hour. And there''s breakfast downstairs."

    "Good morning to you, too," she said, but the tension coiling in her stomach made it sound sharper than she''d intended. She sighed and shook her head. "I''m sorry, Gahrye, that sounded like I was angry. I''m not. I don''t know what''s wrong with me."

    "I can make you a list," he muttered.

    She tried to chuckle but that didn''t really work either.

    Gahrye stayed at her shoulder as they walked downstairs. When they got to the dining room several tes had beenid out with covers to keep the food warm. Elia smiled as Gahrye sniffed the bacon with a great deal of suspicion, but managed to eat enough of it, along with some fruit, to keep himself going until lunch.

    They were just finishing when Kalle walked into the room and Gahrye froze, like a deer in the headlights. Elia gave him a look. She''d never seen him look more¡­ animalistic than that moment. Like at any moment he might leap into flight.

    "You must be the Queen," Kalle said, smiling. Just a few years younger than Elia herself, Elia found herself feeling suddenly¡­ old. She hadn''t really thought about her age since she''d been in Anima. She supposed she was twenty¡­ five now? Kalle couldn''t be more than twenty, but she had the air about her of someone who understood themselves. Elia liked her immediately.

    "Good morning Gah-Ree," she said softly, smiling at him.

    Gahrye''s eyes widened and he swallowed a piece of bacon hole. His eyes watered, but he nodded. "Good morning," he rasped.

    Oh dear.

    Elia had known he''d be attractive to humans. She hadn''t thought about the fact that he might not know how to act around them.

    Giving him an encouraging look from behind Kalle, she tapped the girl on the shoulder. "I hear that you can show us the library here at the house?"

    "Yes, and another at the University if you''d like to go check out your old stomping grounds," Kalle said softly.

    She had lovely, fair skin with deep brown hair, almost mahogany color. With pink pinched into her cheeks by the chill air outside, and hazel eyes that looked green with the sweater she was wearing, Elia thought she was beautiful¡ªwhich meant most humans would probably see her as somewhat unpolished.

    That was one thing about the Anima, they liked their women natural. No make-up. No high heels, thank the Creator. No clothing sometimes, too, of course. Which Elia was less excited about.

    She blinked, realizing Kalle had asked her a question. She had to scan back to remember what it was. Oh, right. The University.

    Elia gave her a sad smile. "I think for me it would be better to stick close to home, at least for now. Technically I''m a missing person. I don''t want to draw attention¡ª"

    "No, you aren''t," Kalle said carefully, ncing at Gahrye, who was frowning in confusion.

    Elia blinked. "I''m not?"

    "No. It''s part of our role to provide cover for the Anima when it''s necessary to take a sacrifice. When you were taken we arranged for you to leave several notes and send a few emails that all checked out."

    All at once, the slight bubble of peace Elia had felt, popped. And that me she''d fought the night before ignited in her chest. "Can I ask¡­ what I said? And to whom?"

    Whom? She''d never used the word whom in her entire life.

    Kalle blinked. "I could get all the records for you while we''re in the library if you''d like to read all of them. But I believe we indicated you¡­ were having an affair and you''d decided the guy wasn''t worth it and you were leaving to start fresh."

    "WHAT?" Elia yelled. "YOU SAID I DID WHAT?"

    "Elia¡ª" Gahrye started, getting to his feet to circle the table to where they stood. But Elia put a hand up towards him and stepped into Kalle.

    "You told people I had an affair? Like, a rtionship with a married man?" she snarled.

    "Elia," Gahrye warned her,ing to stand next to her.

    "Yes, but only¡ª"

    "What the hell is wrong with you people?!"

    Kalle''s jaw tightened. "I''m sorry if it displeases you, Elia, but the truth is, we had to give everyone a reason to believe you would leave when there''d been no hints¡ª"

    "And that''s another thing! Where do you get off kidnapping women¡ª"

    "We did not kidnap anyone," Kalle said, low and hard. "That was the wolves."

    Elia red and Kalle red back.

    "I am sorry," the younger woman said. "I know this has been a difficult journey for you¡ªbut it is you, your people that we''re protecting, Elia. Sometimes that means using deception."

    "There was no need to turn me into a homewrecker to do it!"

    "Actually, there was every need¡ªthere was very little in your life for us to work with except extensive hours alone at the University library!"

    "I can''t believe we''re even arguing this¡ªyou aided and abetted a kidnapping, and then turned me into a mistress?"

    "We protected the world of Anima, the people of Anima, and your mate!"

    "No one from the university was going to guess I was KIDNAPPED BY ANIMAL-PEOPLE!"

    It was instinctive to growl, to reach for the woman who held her eyes in a challenge and wouldn''t back down. But as she did, Gahrye caught her wrist and snapped, "Elia, stop," and pushed between her and Kalle. She hadn''t realized how close she''d gotten, pushing herself into the woman''s face, until Gahrye pried her away.

    Holding her wrists, he blocked her view of the woman and muttered, "What is going on with you?" as he stepped her back, away from Kalle. "You can''t keep attacking the Guardians. We need their help."

    "I think they need to figure out a better way to help us! This isn''t okay!"

    "No one said we enjoyed deceiving others about you, Elia," Kalle said quietly from behind Gahrye. "It was a necessary evil."

    "A WHAT?"

    "Elia!" Gahrye hissed. "Calm down!" His tone was angry and rmed, but Elia couldn''t even look at him, she was too busy trying to wrestle his grip off her wrists and get past him. But he was far too fast, and far too strong.

    Then that fat little beetle of a man stepped into the room and sped his hands at his chest. "Is there something I can help with? Oh, she has be one of you, hasn''t she?"

    "I DIDN''T HAVE A CHOICE!" Elia screamed and her entire body shook as Gahrye eye''s flew wide.

    ****

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 Chapter 266: The Shift - Act 1

    <h4>Chapter 266: The Shift - Act 1</h4>

    (Posted 14 June) CONGRATULATIONS to the first 4 winners of the 100 Webnovel Coins for JUNE: CScrivener, littlefrozenheart, Daoist1twLHF, and Sravanthi82. Message me privately on Instagram or Discord (my ount details are on my author page) and I''ll get you your codes!

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    *****

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    He''d known she was angry about how she came to be in Anima. He supposed that even if she didn''t want to change that, she had reason to be upset about being stolen from this life¡ªespecially if, as it sounded, her name had been sullied after she left.

    And he''d seen Elia angry. He''d seen her fight. He''d seen her be dominant in defense of Reth, or to im him.

    But he''d never seen her like this.

    He''d thought the night before it was to do with the pregnancy and all the stress. She was emotional and losing her self-control. Anyone would struggle after the things she''d been through in the past week.

    But when he caught her wrists and had to wrestle to keep hold of her. When her eyes went wide and her voice grew rough¡­ if he hadn''t known better he would have thought¡­

    Then when Shaw showed up in the worst timing under the Creator''s smile, Elia erupted.

    He''d meant to fight her just so she wouldn''t hurt anyone¡ªincluding herself. But when he was forced to throw an arm around her middle to keep her fromunching at Shaw, he felt¡­ he felt it under his arm.

    Her back rippled.

    And that was impossible.

    "Elia!" he gasped and put her on her feet, holding her arms, forcing her to face him so his bulk was between her and Shaw. So she was forced to meet his eyes. "Elia, you REALLY need to calm down." This was impossible. She was human! Was it because of the baby?

    "These people¡ª" she roared.

    "No, Elia, look at me," he said calmly, holding her gaze and refusing to let her push away from him. "You need to calm down if you aren''t going to hurt¡­ anything."

    His head spun as she continued to fight and he continued to put himself in front of her. He had to be wrong. Maybe it was just this world, maybe things felt different here. It wasn''t like he usually had his arms around Elia. Maybe he''d just felt¡ª

    Then she got frustrated with his intervention and she bared her teeth. "Let. Me. GO!" she snarled.

    And for a heartbeat, as she spat that final word, her eyes turned gold.

    Gahrye was so shocked he almost let her go. Instead, he gripped her harder and snarled. "NO!"

    She blinked and her normal eyes returned, but Gahrye, in a fit of panic that she might shift into a lioness, right there, and with no practice, be unable to control the beast, rushed on, urgent. "You have to listen to me¡ªthere is something going on and you need to rest. Right now. I insist¡ªI will carry you if I have to. I will be fulfilling my vow to your mate if I do. Are you listening to me Elia? Breathe. Be calm. Come back."

    "Come back from where?" But it was the first words she hadn''t growled or screamed since this conversation began.

    "Think it through, Elia," he murmured, dropping his voice as he would for an Anima, to test her, knowing the others wouldn''t be able to hear. "You were about to shift."

    Her eyes slowly widened and her breath stopped. "I¡­ No! That''s not possible!" she said, the anger gone from her voice, which let Gahrye breathe a little easier.

    "We don''t know what''s possible under these circumstances, Elia. So, what I''m saying right now is¡­ you need to go back to our rooms to rest. We''ll figure the rest outter, okay?"

    She frowned, but nodded and Gahrye looked at her from the side. "Can I let you go? Are you going to stay calm even if you see¡­ others?"

    "Yes," she breathed, her eyes still too wide, but now fixed on his chest, as if she were searching her mind for something.

    Gahrye nodded and turned, putting her under his arm, held her close to his side so he would feel if she started tosh out again. "I''m sorry," he said to Kalle. "We really do need your help, but she''s been through so much. I''m going to take her upstairs and I''lle back downter when things are calmer."

    "I could bring some materials to the room for you to look at there, if that would help?" Kalle said softly, frowning between him and Elia.

    "That might¡­ that would be good, actually. "I''m just not sure now''s the time¡­ could youe to our room in an hour and we can discuss what to look for then? I may have more information at that point."

    Kalle nodded, then with a quick look at Shaw, she swallowed like she was gathering courage. "Are you¡­ do you need any help?" she asked him quietly. "Right now, I mean?"

    Gahrye''s heart thumped at the look of concern on her face. For him. For a moment all he wanted to do was grab her and pull her into his chest, and tell her everything. But holding Elia close, he shook his head. "Thank you. I''ll just¡­ I''ll speak with youter?"

    Kalle nodded, and he ushered Elia out of the dining room and up the stairs. He waited until he was sure the others hadn''t followed before murmuring to her, low, at a level only the Anima would hear. A level he''d never been able to speak with her before.

    "Elia," he breathed.

    "I can hear you. How can I hear you, Gahrye?" she whispered, so quietly.

    "I don''t know. The baby? Is there¡­ we''ll need to find out if we can find some information on this. It has to be the cub, right?"

    "Aymora didn''t say anything about¡­ about me¡­"

    "Your eyes changed, Elia," he whispered.

    He felt her tense. As they walked up the hall, still stered together, she blinked and swallowed, looked down at her own stomach, then back up at him.

    "She''s Anima."

    "She''s a lion," he said, shaking his head. "And your eyes went gold. Very simr to Reth''s."

    They made it to the suite and Gahrye pulled the key from his pocket, then opened the door, finally letting Elia go. She rushed inside and began pacing immediately. "It can''t be," she whispered over and over again. "I can''t¡­ it can''t be¡­"

    "Well, it obviously can," Gahrye said, locking the door again, then turning to face her.

    She stopped pacing and stared at him. "What. What can?"

    He frowned. "You understand what I''m saying, right?"

    "I do. But I can''t¡­ I can''t even fathom that, Gahrye. That''s¡­ that''s impossible. It can''t be. I need you to look me in the eye right now and tell me exactly what happened out there. What you saw¡ªwhat you think you saw. I need to know. I need you to say it out loud."

    He stared at her and she stared back and it was as if neither of them had the courage to speak the words because¡­

    "Gahrye," she said, and her voice shook in such a heartbreaking way that he wanted to scream at her¡ªwhen was it going to be his turn to beforted? When was he going to be the one who received? But he swallowed the selfish urge. "Gahrye," she repeated. "Tell me exactly what you''re thinking, because I can''t¡ª"

    "You''re bing Anima," he said with awe. "Somehow¡­ impossibly, you''re not just human anymore. You''re bing Leonine. And you¡­" he swallowed convulsively, shoving the words past his teeth. "You can shift."

    A spear of pain shot from his chest to his toes at those words.

    Followed quickly by the mes of resentment so strong they stole his breath.

    *****

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 Chapter 267: Help

    <h4>Chapter 267: Help</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund?

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    *****

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    An hourter, he stood in the hallway outside the suite, whispering with Kalle. She''d arrived as requested and with Elia calm, he''d slipped out to speak with her. She''d tugged him around the corner so they wouldn''t be heard by anyone who came up the stairs and he''d gone, even though he should have been at the door. He couldn''t resist.

    But standing here, so close¡­ her eyes wide with both curiosity and concern¡­ his skin prickled, and his hands twitched with the urge to reach for her. He ached to know if her skin was as soft as it looked.

    Her scent was perfect. Especially in this world that was full of such a sharp stench. When she smiled up at him and asked if Elia was okay, he could have gathered her in,in on the floor and pulled her into his side and just inhaled her hair for an hour and been content.

    But he swallowed and pushed the images of that kind of intimacy away. It wasn''t his fate.

    Kalle looked up at him, her brow furrowed and her full lips pinched thin. "What''s the priority?" she asked carefully.

    "We need anything that might give insight into what happens to humans who carry Anima babies," he said, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one else woulde in. "Specifically, the effect it has on the human body, and any¡­ any difficulties they may have suffered in delivering the baby. How long the pregnancy took¡­ anything like that."

    She nodded and made a note on the little notepad she''d brought with her. "I''m sure we''ll have something, but I don''t know how much," she murmured, concentrating on her notes. "It hasn''t happened often that I''m aware of. Certainly not in thest three generations. I would have heard of it from my grandmother."

    Gahrye sighed and resisted the urge tob her hair back from her face as she looked down. "I''m not a keeper of the histories, but I think Aymora said it had been at least a dozen generations since a human hade to Anima. And maybe as many as twenty since there was a Queen."

    "Yes, Ruth," Kalle said, nodding, which made her hair wave¡ªwhich washed her scent over him and tightened his groin. Kalle, unaware of her effect on him continued making notes. "That was¡­ yes, about three hundred years ago¡ªat least on this side."

    "So, time does move differently here?" he asked, hushed.

    "We aren''t sure. It seems like it isn''t consistent. There are times we seem to be in step, other times we seem to move more slowly, and a very few times when we have evidence that Anima have lived longer than their human guardians by more years than they should have. But it''s all¡­ it''s all difficult because we see you all so infrequently." She trailed off into mumbles and made more notes, frowning. "I know where I''ll start looking, but the truth is, it could be anywhere. The tales of humans and Anima aren''t collected anywhere. They are sprinkled throughout the histories."

    "Then bring anything you can think of¡­ also anything to do with how humans can survive returning here and go back to Anima healthy. We don''t know how all of this is going to affect her¡ªif the pregnancy will make those negative effects better or worse. If her humanity will make the pregnancy shorter or longer¡­ we don''t know anything. If you find anything¡­" he trailed off and ran a hand through his hair, suddenly overwhelmed with the risks that they faced. And the looming threats that they might not even seeing.

    He closed his eyes for a moment, just to breathe¡ªand push away the image in his mind of Reth pressing into his space and making sure he understood the vow he was making.

    The cut on his hand had healed, but he felt it like a brand. Not because he regretted it. But¡­ what if he failed? What if? Elia¡ª

    A soft touch on his arm made him jump¡ªwhich made Kalle pull her hand away, but when he pulled his arm down to look at her, she was offering a sad smile.

    "Your care for her¡­ it''s really touching," she said. "I was here when they took her. I didn''t see it, but¡­ that''s been what? Less than a year. But it''s obvious that you''re a true friend to her. I''m d to hear that. I felt so bad for her when she was taken. I thought she was going to die."

    "We all did," he said honestly, his voice faint because she was standing close, her scent embracing him like a hug. "But," he swallowed convulsively, "she''s a fighter. And¡­ she''s teaching us as much as we''re teaching her. At least, I''m learning," he gave a cold chuckle.

    "Thank you for caring for her. If I''d been the one¡­ if I could have gone¡­ I would have wanted a friend like that."

    Gahrye blinked at her, and she gave him a quick smile and looked away, like she was embarrassed.

    "Thank you," he breathed. "Thank you for saying that."

    She shrugged, then went back to her notebook. But her cheeks were pink. "I think I know where to start," she said carefully. "And there will be a lot more at the university. I think¡­. I think if we can, you shoulde with me. There''s some that we could check quickly while we''re there, and if they don''t have what we want, we won''t have to cart them around. These old books are heavy, and¡ª"

    "Yes, definitely," he said instinctively. "I just¡­ I need to do it when she''s resting and not at risk.

    Kalle nodded. "Okay, well I''m here for the day. I''ll keep looking here and bringing things to you until you think it''s a good time, then we''ll just go. My grandmother is there, she''ll make sure we get in and¡ª"

    "Thank you," he said and wished he didn''t sound so breathless. "Thank you. I can''t tell you¡­ I wouldn''t even know where to start."

    She smiled. "It''s what I''m here for. What I was created for," she said, then her eyes went sad and she looked away. "I''m really d I''m going to be able to help you."

    Me too, Gahrye thought.

    He had to close his hand to a fist to stop himself stroking a finger down her arm. Then he turned away and muttered a curse.

    She couldn''t ever go to Anima. And he was avowed to take the Queen back and to stay by her side as Cohort.

    Nothing could happen with Kalle. She probably wasn''t even his mate. It was probably a deception from the voices. They knew how to tempt, right? That was their whole thing. Wasn''t it?

    "Actually, Kalle," he said, caressing her name in a way that made her blink. "If you have anything on the voices¡­ it isn''t as urgent. But personally, I''d like to understand them better too. So that when we do go back we can handle that safely."

    She nodded and made another note. Then they were both quiet. It should have been awkward¡ªGahrye was really good at awkward. But they just looked at each other.

    She was going to leave in a moment and he needed her to. But he swallowed hard because when she did, it was going to feel like she was walking away, taking a piece of his heart with her.

 Chapter 268: The Bears

    <h4>Chapter 268: The Bears</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    Reth ushered Gawhr over to the table. The Bear watched Aymora and Behryn with his good eye, then took the chair at the end of the table, closest to the door, but pulled it out and turned it sideways, so he could see anyone who mighte in before they were upon him.

    Aymora''s eyebrows went up, but she turned back towards the kitchen. "I''ll get some tea," she said dryly.

    Behryn took a seat at the long side of the table, to Gawhr''s right, leaving Reth the seat that he was facing. When Reth sat on the other side facing Behryn and Gawhr, he waited a moment to see if the Bear would move or change.

    The Bears were far more feral than the other Anima, much closer in their animal natures. Bears hated to be cut off from their shortest route to safety. Being in this cave¡ªthat didn''t belong to him, knowing that there were Anima outside that weren''t of his tribe¡ªwas a massive step for the bear.

    Reth didn''t know whether to be humbled, or terrified about what that meant.

    "I''m really grateful that you made the trip, Gawhr," he said.

    "I told you, don''t thank me, yet."

    "Well, regardless, I''m thankful. So¡­ can I ask what spurred this on?"

    The Bear shifted in his seat and grumbled, a tiny growl resonating in his broad chest. "Wolves everywhere, fucking stink," he muttered. "When you didn''t make it to us¡ªtwice¡ªI knew something bad had to be happening. Didn''t think you''d start a fucking war though, Reth. So much for unity in the tribes, huh?"

    "As you know, our enemies choose the most unexpected times to attack."

    "You''ve had attacks?"

    "Just the past day or two."

    "Why?"

    "Because I peaceably banished anyone who supported the action of the Wolf Alpha. He''d been trying to kill my mate."

    Gahwr''s eyes narrowed. He had a True Mate, and he was the Dominant of his tribe. Thought the bears were far more scattered and self-sufficient than the other tribes, he understood what Reth''s statement meant on a number of levels.

    "Somebody grew some balls, I guess."

    "No. Someone let their resentments fester until they couldn''t control themselves anymore."

    "Lucan?"

    "Dead. At my hand. When he tried for my mate''s throat. In front of me."

    Gahwr whistled long and low. "Wish I''d been here to see that."

    Reth was d the Bear hadn''t been. They were erratic at the best of times. In a moment with that kind of tension it was a bet each way whether the man would have killed half a dozen wolves just for looking at him, or busted out of the building directly through the window. But Reth just shrugged.

    "They tried to call me a traitor. They were wrong. And Lucan didn''t like finding out that my mate had more support from the tribes than he''d anticipated," Reth growled.

    Even mentioning Elia was like slicing his own skin open. Where was she? What was she doing? Was she safe? Was she physically healthy? Was Elreth¡­ safe?

    His chest wanted to cave in on him, but Reth just clenched on fist on his thigh and held eye-contact with Gawhr. The man was here for a reason. He just needed to make sure it was a reason he could use that wouldn''t lead to more problems.

    "Eventful week you''ve had," Gawhr said.

    Reth nodded and didn''t smile. The Bear wasn''t joking. "And it''s going to get worse. How far away are you from The Sleep?"

    Gawhr swore. "We should have been curled up a week ago. But between thete summer in the hignds, and now wolves standing between my people and everywhere they want to den, things are¡­ tense. No one''s sleeping yet."

    "I''m truly sorry, brother. I didn''t anticipate¡ª"

    "No, you didn''t."

    They stared at each other. Reth kept his shoulders and expression rxed. Bears would always test him before they''d really talk. Gawhr needed to see he hadn''t weakened.

    Behyrn cleared his throat and sat up, but Reth just held the man''s gaze and waited.

    Gawhr was the one to break the gaze. Then Reth could breathe again.

    "So we have a problem," Gawhr started, eyeing Behryn next to him, then his path to the door.

    "Tell me," Reth said simply.

    "One of the young mothers was attacked by the wolves when she was hunting for a den."

    "What?!" Reth snapped. "What kind of attack?"

    "The kind that threatened to blend bloodlines," Gawhr said through his teeth. All Anima took ancestry and offspring seriously. But the bears were obsessed with it. A fact that baffled Reth.

    It was helped by the fact that they didn''t live or regrly mingle with any other tribes. But it meant they were even more protective of their females than the usual Anima.

    "I''m so sorry, Gawhr," Reth said, and meant it. "Is she¡­?"

    "We found them before it reached its inevitable conclusion, but the wolves did not survive."

    Reth shuddered to think what had happened to those particr wolves. He dropped his face in his hands. Rape was incredibly rare among the Anima. If the wolves were going down that path¡­

    "Do you know¡­ which ones it was? Were they with Lerrin, or just¡­ Loners?" Reth hadn''t considered what would happen if some of the resentful wolves didn''t want to stay under an Alpha and epted his invitation to leave, but created their own anarchy. He looked at Behryn who looked even more tense than Reth felt.

    "We didn''t stop to ask where their political alliances fell, Reth," Gawhr said dryly. "But I hope you understand why I''m here. If this is what the WildWood hase to¡ª"

    "No, no, Gawhr. This is¡­ this is not what''s happening here."

    The bear nodded, but his eyes were dark. "You''ve been good to us, Reth. You''ve let us live our lives and follow our instincts. If I was ever going to submit, it would be to you. At least, it would have. But this? The WildWood is in chaos, and I have mothers and cubs to protect. So you tell me what I''m supposed to do with this? We have to sleep."

    Like their Silent One ancestors, the Bears took beast form and hibernated for the coldest months. The females who''d been blessed that year with offspring, gave birth during that time, waking to their new, precious cubs. Reth had often wondered if these months spent in beast form every year were the reason the Bears were so much more¡­ animalistic than the rest of them.

    "I hear you, Gawhr. I do. And I want to help."

    "You can''t even control your own people, you aren''t protecting mine," Gawhr growled.

    Reth held his gaze firmly. "Not protecting, perhaps. But I believe I coulde up with a¡­ mutually beneficial arrangement that will offer me the assistance I need, and you the safety you require.

    Behryn snapped his head to look at Reth, but Reth didn''t drop Gawhr''s gaze.

    "Why would I want to benefit you, Reth? You''re the reason I have this problem in the first ce."

    "Actually, the wolves are. And it''s in all of our interests to clear the threat from the WildWood, or this won''t be a problem only now. You''ll be fighting wolves off all winter¡ªand then next year as well. Come, brother, let me make a proposal to you."

    "Brother, huh?" Gawhr said dismissively his lip curling back from his teeth on one side. But Reth just waited. "Very well, I''m listening," Gawhr growled. "But I make no promises."

    Reth nodded andunched in.

 Chapter 269: Strategy

    <h4>Chapter 269: Strategy</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    "Well, as you know," Reth said quietly, watching the Bear at all times for any sign he might shift, or grow aggressive. They tended to be emotional and easily triggered. "With all the wolves spread out through the WildWood, we''ve brought our people in to more easily defend them. But we have one area further out, a couple hours away if you''re walking. It''s low-mountain, rugged, lots of water, caves, and trees. Many, many den opportunities. It''s an important territory to me. But I wasn''t able to bring enough manpower to keep it when things went downhill quickly. So¡­ I propose that you help me by clearing that end of the WildWood of any wolves that prowl it, and in return, we give you the territory for the winter as your own. Except for the one ess trail, we will not intrude. And any we might send that way, we would warn were at your mercy if they left the trail."

    Gawhr tilted his head. "Why is it an important territory?"

    Behryn shifted in his seat, but Reth took a deep breath and plowed in. "It''s the territory that gives us ess to the Portal. The Gateway to the human world. My mate is there now and¡­ I fear for her life if I cannot get through in time to bring her back."

    Reth had never seen the Bear thrown off bnce before. The man''s mouth slid open and his one eye widened. He looked almost humorous. "You share this with me. Why?"

    "Because I believe the only way to build trust, is to offer it. Make no mistake, Gawhr, if you use this against me, I will have no mercy. She is the light of my soul."

    The man''s eye narrowed, but his gaze never left Reth''s. "You take a great risk, Sire," he said, his voice uncertain.

    Behryn shifted again and Reth knew he was deeply ufortable with Reth sharing this. But he''d had a moment of inspiration¡ªand no other choice. Reth would take dealing with the Bears to get through to Elia over trying to ovee the wolves, any day.

    Well, unless the Bears dered war.

    Reth swallowed. "Look, you need a ce that''s suitable for your Sleep, and I need a clear path to the gateway. Thatnd is plush. And while it may be a little higher than you''d prefer to sleep, it is dryer there also, than here. I think you will find it veryfortable."

    "Where is it?" Gawhr asked gruffly.

    "Miles to the west," Reth said carefully. I could show you the trail and send a scout¡­ I cannot go myself with all that''s happening. But if you do this for me¡ªclear that entire area of wolves, I will provide extra provisions for you in the Spring."

    Behryn sucked in a breath and in any other circumstances, might have been dancing in his chair. He did not want Reth to make this agreement. But Reth was resolute. This was the only way to achieve everything that was needed.

    "I''ve proposed unity to you before, Gawhr," Reth continued. "Consider this a¡­ middle ground. In this way our peoples can be somewhat ustomed to each other. You''ll see that we''ll leave you to your own needs over the winter, and help provide for your young in Spring. You can show that you''re willing to work for themon good. Between us¡­ a new Anima could arise out of the ashes of this current war."

    Gawhr rubbed his stubbled chin and shook his head. "You have balls, Reth, I''ll give you that."

    Reth didn''t smile. The bear was testing him.

    "Tell me what urs during the snows. If my people are attacked, after clearing the wood. If the wolvese for us when we''re vulnerable?"

    "Isn''t that a risk wherever you go? Don''t you wake in those circumstances, regardless, if the wolve win?."

    "A risk, but not a probability. If we walk into this war with you, we are far more likely than usual to have unwanted attention over winter."

    Reth chewed on the inside of his lip. "If you clear the WildWood, I will provide scouts to patrol while you sleep. There won''t be enough of them to do more than warn you, but you will not be taken off-guard."

    "Reth¡ª" Behryn began, but Reth raised a single finger to stop him.

    Gawhr was staring at him, calcting. "I find myself considering your proposal," he said quietly. "I also find myself deeply skeptical of your ability to do as you say."

    "You think I lie?"

    "No, I think your situation might change drastically while we are asleep, and what then? What if your scouts are killed and suddenly we''re cut off by the wolves¡ª"

    "First of all, if there''s as many wolves in that direction as I suspect, you will deal a serious blow removing them from the pack. Secondly, if things are as serious as you describe then you will be at risk anyway. You''re not going to be travelling far enough now to get away from this war, Gawhr. If we are overrun, if we lose, you are under attack anyway."

    Gawhr sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin again. Their gazes remained locked. Aymora suddenly pulled out the seat next to him and Reth almost jumped. He''d forgotten she was in even in the cave. But she slid into the seat next to him and cleared her throat.

    "We could also offer assistance to the mothers in the case of any¡­ difficulties," she said quietly.

    Behryn cut her a sharp gaze. He didn''t want anything else offered to the Bears. But Reth was grateful.

    "What do you mean?" Gawhr growled, still staring at Reth.

    "I know every winter there are young mothers, first timers, usually, who struggle and wake. We could have the scouts bring us messages. You would be close enough that the Wise-women could send someone to help."

    Gawhr''s eye narrowed. "I once again find myself asking, what if? What if you are at war¡ªin the midst of fighting¡ªwhen the call is made?"

    Aymora just shrugged. Reth wanted to apud her cool control. "You are no worse off. But you know we keep our word, Gawhr. The situation in which no woman would be sent would be so dire, as Reth suggested, you would be under threat anyway."

    The Bear growled in his throat, but he didn''t look away.

    Reth began to pray.

    *****

    SURPRISE! There''s a 4 chapter mass release today, just to say thank you for all your support! ENJOY!

 Chapter 270: Still Asleep

    <h4>Chapter 270: Still Asleep</h4>

    I''m running another giveaway for another FOUR 100 coin Webnovel Vouchers! Every vote for this book between now and 30! Winners announced in the daily release chapters the next day!

    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    In his tent¡ªthergest in the encampment, big enough for four wolves, which was a stupid waste¡ªLerrin sat on the chest at the end of his furs and stared at the ground.

    After a morning with the security council that had been frustrating, but productive, he''d made excuses to return to his tent to review reports from the trackers and scouts.

    But there were no new reportsing until that evening.

    He was a coward, pure and simple.

    He needed to go to Lucine''s tent, to clear her personal things, to make room for Asta to take it. But¡­ but he was balking. He was strung so tightly he worried he would break down. He had to find his calm, or risk making a fool of himself. Asta alone would never let him hear thest of it. But there was also the potential to open himself to challenge from one of the more ambitious youths who saw weakness in his emotion. He would beat them, of course, but it was a waste of time and energy to fight amongst themselves. He had to be the strongest among them, burn his confidence into them.

    He couldn''t give in to grief.

    Grimacing, he ran a hand through his dark hair and cursed himself. He was being stupid. He only needed to walk into the tent, gather her things, and get out. It would take minutes.

    But her smell would be there¡­

    Even the thought of her smell brought images from his years as a cub¡ªsnarling at his golden younger sister when she followed him and his friends into the forest. Teaching her to track. Battling the first male that tried to urge her to give the signals when she''d already stated she was remaining Pure in hopes of the Rite. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder against their father when he became more erratic towards the end¡­

    He shook his head to clear it and for the briefest moment, considered shifting. Going to the tent in beast form so his face wouldn''t be seen. But in truth, it was much harder to keep the pack mind out when he was in beast form. And he just didn''t have the energy for the fight.

    "Get on your feet, you fucking pussy," he muttered to himself, and made himself stand and pick up therge swing sack that he used for travelling.

    He would cross to her tent. Open the p. Gather her things, and leave.

    He would keep himself alone in his head for the duration.

    He wouldn''t think about her.

    He would close his nose as best he could.

    He would get this done.

    Taking a deep breath and shoving away the flutter of nerves and emotion in his chest, he strode out of the tent, ignoring the guards that saluted, and stalked across the dirt to the tent, three rows away that was almost asrge as his and was¡ªhad been¡ªhis sister''s.

    Stopping his breath, ignoring the spear that cut through him because there were no guards here, nothing to guard, he pushed the tent p aside and strode in, letting it fall closed behind him.

    Then stopping dead.

    In the corner near the bed, a female in the white hood of a dedicated servant stood, her shoulders forward and head down so that he couldn''t see the upper half of her face behind the hood. She made herself submissive, but he caught the set to her jaw that was anything but.

    A male stood over her, his teeth bared and eyes narrowed when he turned to see who''d entered¡ªbut immediately dropping his head and saluting with a fist across his chest when he saw Lerrin.

    "Sire," the male said, his voice a rasp. "Forgive us for intruding. We will leave."

    He reached for the female''s wrist, but she pulled away to avoid his grip and said quickly, "I am to help the King. It is myst duty for the Queen."

    Whip-fast, the male turned on her and for a split second Lerrin''s nostrils red. But the male caught himself and snarled, "Very well!" then bowed to Lerrin again and stalked out of the tent, the p snapping because of the force with which he threw it closed behind him.

    Lerrin blew breath out of his nostril, ring at the tent p.

    Had the male been about to touch her? To hurt her? Then he looked at the servant. "Are you¡­ well?"

    "Yes, Sire," she said and bowed evenly, though her voice shook.

    "What are you doing here?"

    "I am¡­ I was Lucine''s maidservant."

    Lucine had a maidservant? Why? She was hardly incapable. "I''m sorry, I wasn''t aware. I came because¡­ I¡­ I need to clear this tent for my Second." He cursed himself for the stumble, but she only nodded once as if she''d anticipated it.

    "I have been gathering her things. I was almost done when I was¡­ interrupted."

    The tang of fear that twisted through her scent when she said the word set Lerrin''s teeth on edge.

    He blinked when she indicated the furs. Setting atop them were a variety of items, and neatly folded clothes. Lerrin swallowed and remembered not to breath through his nose.

    "Thank you," he growled and stalked to the bed, throwing the bag on it and picking the things up as quickly as he could¡ªrefusing to look closely at anything¡ªhe began putting them into the bag.

    "I could do that for you, Sire?"

    "There''s no need," he snarled. "Gather anything else that was personal to her¡­ please."

    She dipped her chin then began to move around the tent. Lerrin swallowed when she was behind him and didn''t let himself see any of the items, didn''t let himself smell his sister''s scent. Just stacked everything in the bag, taking things as the servantid them to his right.

    It was the work of five minutes, which he should have been grateful for. But he hadn''t expected to have an audience. His tension was rising.

    Thest thing shey on the bed was a small mirror, in a rough, unfinished frame, justrge enough to see ones face within when it was hung on a wall.

    Lerrin''s stomach dropped and he stifled calling his sister.

    He''d made that for Lucine after her first breeding season when she''d suddenly be beautiful. He''d teased her that she needed something to help her more properly admire herself, but in truth, he''d been very proud¡ªof her beauty, and her strength. And her resolve.

    She''d had her eyes on the King, even then.

    Lerrin gritted his teeth and picked up the mirror, rubbing his thumb across the surface.

    "She always spoke highly of you, Sire," the servant whispered from his right.

    He almost startled. He hadn''t realized she was there.

    "Thank you," he said gruffly, and stuffed the mirror into the bag, between twoyers of Lucine''s clothing, praying it wouldn''t break. "Thank you for your help. Your duty is fulfilled. Please¡­e see me after the evening meal. I will reward you for your faithfulness," he muttered, then pulled the tie on the bag and threw the leathers over his shoulder, turning for the tent-p.

    "Wait!"

    He stopped abruptly, turning. The servant had reached for his elbow, but when he turned she pulled her hand back before she actually touched him. "Please," she said more softly. "Could I speak with you¡­ just for a moment?"

    ****

    STOP! There are some change to the privilege tiers this month, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! But DO NOT buy big privilege tiers thiste in the month (You''ll just have to re-purchase them on 1 July (30 June in the US) So wait until 1 July (9:00am Pacific on 30 June in the USA.) And if you haven''t purchased (or resubscribed to) privilege before, check out the author note below to make sure you know what you''re buying!)

 Chapter 271: Light in the Dark

    <h4>Chapter 271: Light in the Dark</h4>

    GOOD NEWS: Now that this book has hit 10,000 privilege chapter reads for the month,ter in July you will receive a 12% refund on ALL privilege purchases AND all chapter costs for chapters you unlocked after buying privilege!

    YAY! Thank you so much for your support! (You can watch BEAST in the Win-Win rankings now (and in July) by going to the "Explore" tab in the app then selecting the very bottom option in the left-hand rankings menu!

    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    Lerrin yearned to be out of this space away from his sister''s scent, away from the eyes of others. But this woman had clearly cared for his sister and she looked¡­ afraid?

    "Yes, of course. What do you need?" he said abruptly, wincing at his own bluntness.

    "I¡­ I am a trained servant," she said, her head still tipped down and eyes away from him, her shoulders rounded in submission.

    "Yes, and you clearly served my sister well. I''m grateful¡ª"

    "You carry a great load now, Sire, and I have¡­ no responsibilities. Perhaps¡­ perhaps I could serve you instead?"

    Lerrin frowned. "That''s very kind of you, but I have no need of a servant. I am very self-sufficient." He turned away again, but she didn''t stop.

    "I am certain that you are, Sire. Your sister spoke of your¡­ck of arrogance. Itmended me to you when you became Alpha. But, while you may not have need of a servant, perhaps¡­ have you considered that, as one of your people, I have need of a master?"

    Her scent was untangled. There was no guile. Yet, he''d never heard such a ridiculous thing before. "No wolf has need of a master¡­" He turned back to face her, frowning. "What is your name?"

    "Suhle,"

    "Suu-lee?"

    "Yes, Suhle," she said, then spelled it out, pulling her hood back and raising her eyes as it fell. Lerrin''s eyebrows climbing as she did so.

    She was, perhaps, the most beautiful wolf he had ever seen¡ªeven more so than his sister. Though he shuddered to think of his own flesh and blood that way, he was not blind. His sister had been desired since her first breeding season for a reason.

    Lucine had been the golden light, to his midnight dark. But this wolf¡­ he had heard of her. Whispers among the males¡ªeven those of his father''s generation. Many had held back only because she was disformed. Had she been able shift, even without noble birth, she would have rivalled Lucine for desirability as a mate.

    She was beautiful, and a hunter.

    "You are disformed?" he said thoughtlessly, then wanted to bite his own tongue. Grief had shattered his filters.

    But she faced him, unwavering. "Yes."

    He swallowed. The disformed were rtively rare among the wolves, though he didn''t hold his father''s opinion that that was because there was something wrong with the disformed, and wolf-blood was too strong to let the pack be weakened. Lerrin suspected the cause was far more practical.

    "Well, Suhle, fear not. I do not hold the old ideas about the disformed. Under my rule, you will not be limited by anything beyond your own ambition. So, you do not need a master, you simply need a purpose."

    "I have found my purpose, Sire. I am¡­ suited to service," she said firmly. "It is truly a joy to me to find ways to ease the burdens of others. It is what the Creator made me to do."

    Lerrin frowned. "You have no need to debase yourself out of shame. In my Kingdom¡ª"

    "No! That is not what I am saying!" she snarled. Her cheeks were pink, only adding to the allure of her soft, golden beauty. "I do not wish to¡­ raise criticism, Sire. I only wish to ask for your patronage. I have need of a master. A strong master. Your sister saw my need and offered her cover¡ªfor which I was truly grateful. But now, with her gone¡­"

    "Cover? What cover? Why do you need a strong master?"

    Her lips pressed thin. "I have taken the old covenant," she said tightly.

    "The old cov¡ª?" Finally, the pieces clicked into ce.

    She''d chosen not to mate at all until she had found her true mate. A choice that wasmendable, but notmon among the wolves. And with her beauty¡­

    Suddenly, the scene he had interrupted when he stepped into the tent took on an entirely new meaning. "Hold¡­ when I entered here¡ª"

    "I was avoiding the attentions of that male," she said inly, staring at him, daring him to¡­ what? Mock? Criticize? He wasn''t sure. But whatever it was, she clearly assumed he would take a poor view on her keeping herself from males.

    He''d been half-turned towards the door, but now he came back, stepping right up to her, watching her shoulders roll and her chin drop, but her hands at her sides were clenched to fists.

    He opened his nose and scented her. Sure enough, spikes of anger and fear rose, twisted into her scent that reminded him of the sweet, juicy, darkberries that only fruited in the fall.

    "You have no need to fear me," he said, frustrated, standing over her.

    "Yes, Sire¡­" She hesitated. "I hope you are true," she said quietly.

    At first, offense rose in him. But as she held herself so still, and he loomed over her, he suddenly became aware how he''de at her. If she had had difficult experiences, was it any wonder she stood there now, defensive?

    He stepped back to give her more space and noted when she rxed a hair. "You have no need to fear me," he said, more softly this time. "I would have hoped you had no need to fear any male under my watch¡­"

    She remained silent.

    Lerrin snorted air through his nose. He looked longingly at the tent-p, then back to her. "You truly have chosen servitude?"

    "Truly," she said firmly. "Even before my first breeding season I knew."

    "Why?"

    "Because it gives me joy," she said simply. "It is my purpose to help others meet their purpose. I do not see weakness in it, Sire. Even the strongest among us need help sometimes. In my service, I strengthen my master so they may¡­ meet their potential." Then she let her eyes slide up to meet his. "Your sister understood both my purpose and¡­ my need for a master. She offered her cover. I was grateful." Her eyes were an incredible jewel blue, the outlines of the iris''s so dark they were almost ck. "Do you know your purpose, Sire?" she asked softly.

    He didn''t even hesitate. "To kill the traitor King and avenge my family," he growled.

    Her brows pinched together and she didn''t drop his gaze. "That is a task, not a purpose. A purpose drives you ever-forward. What will you do when this task ispleted?"

    "Ask me when it''s done," he snarled.

    She didn''t balk at his aggression. "What do you believe you will achieve through this task?"

    "I will cleanse the WildWood of the influence that has oppressed my people for generations. I will raise the wolves to the heights so their strength might be recognized. I will bring honor to my family, and remember them."

    Her lips pulled up in a smile. "Your purpose is to bring your people to the best of themselves.? A noble purpose indeed, and one that mine can support wholeheartedly. So, I ask you again, Sire. Will you let me serve you? Will you offer the protection of your cover?"

    It was a path few chose, but there was great honor in it to those who were devoted. If she was being honest and not ambitious, Lerrin would admire her.

    He eyed her warily. "Do not believe that by putting yourself in my proximity you will encourage a mating rtionship. I do not warm my bed with those who work for me. If you would seek power through that, it will not work."

    She sucked in a breath and shivered. "I assure you that is not how I seek power. It relieves me greatly to hear that you do not expect those¡­ attentions, Sire. They are not part of the service I offer. I find no joy in those activities."

    He frowned, thinking again about what he had interrupted. At how she had not answered when he asked after the conduct of his men.

    A growl rose in his throat. "Have you been mistreated, Suhle?" Rape was rare among the Anima, but not without precedent.

    But she once again dodged the question. "All of us have experiences we would rather forget, have we not? Will you allow me to serve, Sire? I can make your life easier, and you can make mine more peaceful. A¡­ joint endeavor, if you will ept me and im my service as your own."

    Lerrin rubbed his eyes and sighed. "I may say yes," he said, eyes closed. "But under one condition: Stay out of my head. I will not desire to join minds, except in dire circumstances. When I am alone, I wish to stay alone."

    She nodded, and her smile broadened. "I am happy to respect that wish."

    "Then, very well," he said. "Move your things from this tent because it will be taken by Asta. Find a ce near mine. I will put it about that you''ll be serving me. And only me."

    Her eyes, the blue of the sky on a clear spring day, locked on his and sparkled. "Thank you."

    It was strange the way that lifted his heart in his chest.

    He grunted and left.

 Chapter 272: Bloodlines

    <h4>Chapter 272: Bloodlines</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    Gawhr sat at the end of the table, still side-ways to the door so he could see anyone who entered, still staring at Reth with that single eye, his face a nk mask. Behryn watched the Bear Alpha carefully from his side, and Aymora, sitting next to Reth, didn''t move. The Bears were different among Anima, and they''d both had unexpected conflicts. They would let the Bear lead the conversation.

    And, as usual, he went in a direction Reth hadn''t anticipated.

    "Why?" he growled, finally, his fingers tapping on the tabletop.

    Reth blinked. "Why¡­ what?"

    "Why us? Why ask us, the bears, to do this? Why help us? Why bring us in¡ªwhich you nned to do from the beginning, yes?"

    Reth tilted his head. "Why not? You are strong. I know you are smart. The wolves are scared of you. I''ve been looking for a way to tie our peoples together since I took the throne, you know that Gawhr. Did you think I was lying to you?"

    "No, I just thought you were stupid to try."

    Aymora choked quietly, but didn''t look at Reth. He cut her a look from the side, but didn''t say anything to her. "Well, Gawhr, call me an optimist, but while I understand that the Bears would never feel suited to the Tree City, I do not see why we cannot be allies, rather than¡­ careful acquaintances."

    "I do."

    "You do¡­ what?"

    "I see why we cannot be allies."

    Reth went very still. "Would you mind exining it to me?"

    "You have disformed. We bears do not. And we do not want them. The closer our ties to your people, the more likely our bloodlines will mingle. We do not wish for the problems you bring with you."

    Reth pulled his head back in shock. "You have no disformed?"

    "No."

    "None at all?"

    "No. Every one of our bears can shift."

    Reth looked at Aymora who stared at him in stunned silence. "Why do you believe the mixing of bloodlines will lead to Bears bing disformed?"

    "Because our people have known since the dawn of time that it is the mixing of bloodlines that create¡­ problems. It was a tactic of our earliest enemies to¡­ breed problems into us. All of us. The Anima. Only the bears kept our line clean¡ªit was the beginning of our istion. And we wish to keep it that way."

    Reth looked at Aymora again, but she shook her head. "I''m sorry, Gawhr, I''m not following. What earliest enemies do you speak of? And why is this not in our histories?"

    "History is written by the victors, Reth," Gawhr said with a disturbing smile. "When our enemies¡­ infiltrated the tribes they removed all evidence of their own existence from the histories so you wouldn''t know to guard against them. They have been damaging your people for millennia. Did you truly know nothing of your roots?"

    Reth scratched the back of his neck, uncertain whether this was little more than an old Bear mythology, or something he should be taking seriously. ncing at Aymora did nothing to help, she was clearly as clueless as him.

    "This is very interesting, Gawhr, but just at this moment in time I find I have quite pressing issues to address with the survival of my people here and now. Perhaps we could focus on the unity¡ªor otherwise¡ªof our people and discuss these other enemiester?"

    "But you''re asking us to protect them for you."

    Reth hadn''t had such a confusing conversation since he was an adolescent and he tried to understand females. "I''m sorry¡­ I''m not following."

    Gawhr''s lips thinned. "You wish for us to protect the portal region for you, correct? To keep the traverse avable to you."

    "Yes."

    "Who do you think the voices are? Why do you think the Bears never cross over? You walk hand in hand with your enemies, and you don''t even know it."

    "But¡­ the voices are enemies of all. They tempt anyone who walks the traverse. And the Anima are not as impacted as others¡ª"

    "Who was the one to tell you that?" Gawhr said through his teeth. "Because if you want to know the truth, they are gentler on us because they are more easily connected to Anima. The Creator banished them there to save your people, because you were tainted by them without your knowledge. Their attempts to steal your bloodline from the Creator ended in war in the heavens. Why do you think they ask to join with you, Reth? Or have you not walked the traverse?"

    "I have walked it," he growled. "Twice, back and forth."

    Gawhr''s eyebrows arched. "And you didn''t give in? Very well done. Your heart is pure."

    "I can''t say that it was easy, but¡­ no, I didn''t give in," Reth said ufortably. "I also do not relish the idea of doing it again. But I will, if it is needed."

    "You would put yourself in their hands again? Perhaps they have clung to you more than you realize."

    "No, Gawhr, my skin crawls at the idea of facing them again, but my True Mate stands on the other side of the traverse, carrying my first cub, and right now I cannot even send a messenger to her because the wolves hold the territory¡ªnot to mention that if Lucan did not act as secret keeper, if he told others among the pack, they may be going after her. That is why I seek you and your people. That is why I am willing to offer a piece of my Kingdom for your use¡ªyour permanent use if you will it!¡ªand why I ask you to speak inly with me now, because if you will not, I must seek another solution.

    "So, tell me, please, Alpha to Alpha: Will you consider taking the territory back from the wolves? Will you share it with us? Will you take my offer to assist you in Spring as much as I am capable in gratitude for your help?"

    The bear shifted in his seat, eyes locked on Reth''s and his lip curling away from his teeth.

 Chapter 273: The Treaty

    <h4>Chapter 273: The Treaty</h4>

    GOOD NEWS: Now that this book has hit 10,000 privilege chapter reads for the month,ter in July you will receive a 12% refund on ALL privilege purchases AND all chapter costs for chapters you unlocked after buying privilege!

    YAY! Thank you so much for your support! (You can watch BEAST in the Win-Win rankings now (and in July) by going to the "Explore" tab in the app then selecting the very bottom option in the left-hand rankings menu!

    *****

    RETH - Anima

    Gawhr''s lip curled, and Reth struggled not to move into a defensive position. But the Bear didn''t growl. Behryn tensed next to him, his hand slipping towards his spear when, instead, Gawhr leaned in, showing his teeth, his one eye bright and fierce, and fixed solely on Reth.? "Let me scent you for truth," he said finally. But before Reth could even agree, heunched into his questions. "Did you truly cross the traverse two times, back and forth, without giving over to the voices?"

    "Truly," Reth snapped as Gawhr''s nostrils red. "Once as a cub, once right before I took the throne."

    "And you believe you could do it again?" the bear growled.

    Reth nodded, emphatic. "I know I could. I do not want to, but I will for the sake of my mate and cub."

    "Will you vow not to enter the region during our sleep except to use the trail to the traverse for her, and you will send wise ones to assist our females if they require it?"

    Reth sighed. "I vow it. I ask for your willingness to renegotiate our terms if you keep the territory¡ªwe may need more flexibility inter years. But if you take and hold the territory, and we make it to spring, you will find your winter season undisturbed by us."

    Gawhr rubbed his jaw. "When the timees and both our people are safe¡­ will you leave my Tribe alone? Not allow your youth to seek ours out?"

    "I will do everything I can to keep your people isted, Gawhr, but you and I both know that the young are adventurous. Should you continue to hold the territory after the war, we may need to take steps to keep them from¡­ mingling, as you say."

    Gawhr growled at that and looked away, clearly considering his position. Reth and Aymora waited, poised for his final answer. Behryn watched him, ready to fight to defend Reth if needed.

    When Gawhr turned back to Reth, he was not smiling. "Your mate was brought through the traverse by the wolves, yes?"

    Reth nodded. What did that have to do with this decision?!

    "Do you know who scouted for them, and who brought her through?"

    "No, I don''t. But I do know that the secret was kept by Lucan, whose son and daughter imed the Alpha roles in the tribe after his death. At least they were both in power, until I killed Lucine."

    Gawhr huffed at that, then growled again. "We have reason to believe the wolves have been¡­ infected by the enemy. It is why they are cautious to enter the traverse again. And is why they fear us¡ªbecause we know their secrets. We will help you take this territory, Reth. But you will promise me that no one will cross the traverse until they go to bring back your mate."

    Reth sat back, blinking. "You would save me the territory, then deny me ess to my mate?" he growled.

    Gawhr leaned forward. "I would create ess to your mate and require that you use it no more than absolutely necessary, because even if you do not recognize the risks, I do! I will not be party to the enemy''s victory over Anima! The risks are too great that the enemy may be unleashed and I will not stand in the ce of the ancient enemy. If they are loosed¡­ I will lead my people against them regardless of who they im."

    Reth snarled. "I need tomunicate with her! She is alone and in danger over there!"

    "Not as great as the danger to those who walk the traverse!" Gawhr leaned forward, towards Reth, his voice rumbling off into a growl. "She may lose her life¡ªbut those who give to the voices will lose their souls. If my people are to be in close proximity to that ce I will not risk someone leaving the traverse with a¡­ a traveler on board, ready to attack them!"

    Reth took a deep breath. He hadn''t considered that the bear might want to keep even their messengers from crossing. Could he do it? Did he have to? How would he remove the Bear safely from the Tree City if he didn''t?

    How would he remove the wolves from the WildWood if he didn''t have their help?

    "You grieve me, Gawhr. You force me to stay separated from my matepletely, until this war is over. Not even a note." A huff of grief broke from his throat before he could stop it. Surprisingly, the Bear''s face softened.

    "It would pain me to be so separate from my mate," he admitted. "But I cannot, in good conscience, allow my people to be put at risk. Those are my terms, Reth."

    Reth''s heart was beating far too quickly. Panic. He was panicking at the idea of not seeing, notmunicating, not even knowing if Elia¡ªif Elreth¡ªwere alive until the day it was safe for them to return.

    "If I break your terms?" he asked quietly.

    Aymora tensed next to him. But he had to know.

    Gawhr''s face tightened. "If I learn that you broke our terms, the bears will take the territory for ourselves and you will need the Creator''s own luck to get your mate back."

    Reth could see Behryn shifting, trying to get him to look, but he already knew his Second advised against this union.

    He also knew, he had no other choice.

    "I will ept your terms, if you agree that, when you wake and we assist you, if the war still rages, you and yours will fight with us against the wolves."

    Gawhr growled in his throat again, and Reth expected another lengthy negotiation¡ªor an outright denial. But surprisingly, Gawhr merely leaned in and muttered, "If this ce still stinks of wolves when we wake up, I''ll personally see to it that they are eradicated."

    Then he offered his hand.

    Reth blew out a breath and took it, sping in the salute of Alphas entering treaty¡ªneither submitted to the other, both retaining their own power, but also acknowledging the other''s.

    "Thank you, brother," Reth said quietly, though not with as much feeling as he might have.

    "You will thank me trulyter, brother," Gawhr said, nodding. "When your offspringe through the traverse to find a whole and healthy nation to greet them."

    "I hope so," Reth said quietly. "I truly hope so."

    *****

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 Chapter 274: Deal with the Devil?

    <h4>Chapter 274: Deal with the Devil?</h4>

    SURPRISE! There''s a 4 chapter mass release today, just to say thank you for all your support! ENJOY!

    *****

    RETH - Anima

    When they''d fareweled Gawhr and agreed to send scouts to lead the way around the Tree City and through the WildWood into the portal region, Reth sank into a chair at the table and ran a hand through his hair.

    Aymora squeezed his shoulder, then returned to her kitchen to continue working the healing herbs they would likely need in theing weeks.

    There were so many things Reth knew he needed to do, but all reports were that the wolves had fallen back to regroup after yesterday''s sorties, and he found himself suddenly, utterly spent.

    Aymora dropped more of the foul syrup in front of him and he grimaced.

    "Drink it," she snapped.

    He did. Then he just¡­ sat there. Grateful for an old friend who didn''t push when he was at his limit.

    Behryn took longer, arranging the scouts and a messenger to run between himself and Gawhr, but eventually he too, joined them at Aymora''s cave.

    As soon as he entered the cave he took the seat across from Reth, frowning.

    "Not right now, Behr," Reth said gruffly.

    "You shouldn''t have done that," Behryn said anyway. "It wasn''t wise."

    Reth''s lip curled up, but he rubbed his face. "I didn''t see another choice."

    "You will put us out of the frying pan, into the mes, Reth. I know you''re worried, but it was far too early to make such a deal¡ªwe don''t even know if the wolves know what they have. They might have simply left thend with time when they needed the males."

    "Would you?" Reth said, meeting his eyes out from under his brows.

    "What? Give up thend?"

    "Yes. If you''d taken thend where the Ruler disappeared, and your own was killed, would you give it up easily?"

    "Not easily. But I can''t say it wouldn''t happen. It would depend entirely on¡ª"

    "These are the wolves we''re talking about. And even if strategically they might have considered itter, we can''t know how muchter. And besides, I doubt it. This is personal for Lerrin now. He sees me as having taken his family. He''s going to hold mine away from me."

    "Or worse," Behryn muttered.

    Reth shot him a look. "Exactly why I couldn''t afford to let him keep the territory."

    "Exactly why we shouldn''t be giving it to the bears¡ªespecially after telling them she''s there! Gawhr has leverage on you now!"

    "Yes, he does. And he appreciates it. I was serious about building a bridge between our peoples, and I pray these efforts will do it."

    "Or it will split our attentions¡ªwe cannot afford to fight wars on two fronts, Reth."

    "Gawhr isn''t going to dere war on us."

    "No? It''s going to be a thin winter, Reth. Despite our good harvest, we''re at war. We had a lot of equipment and supplies stolen, and more taken by those we allowed to leave. What happens if the Bears take the territory, go to sleep, then wake up hungry and we have nothing to give them? Will you starve the Tree City to keep them calm?"

    "Of course not," Reth growled.

    "No, so what happens then? Gawhr holds your mate hostage¡ªeffectively¡ªuntil you''re willing, or worse, able to help him. And that''s assuming he can still think straight¡ªyou know what the bears are like when theye out of the sleep. Grumpy doesn''t even cover it."

    Aymora sing-songed something about Alpha-male bullshit, and Reth shot her a look that she didn''t catch because her back was to him.

    "You realize they can''t get out of the valley without effectively running over the Tree City?" Behryn said, his voice sharp. He leaned over the table, eyes on Reth.

    "I''m aware, Behryn. But the deal is done, and I could not see a better option, so deal with it!"

    They stared at each other, then Behryn''s lips tighten. "And if they join forces with the wolves, instead?" he said quietly.

    Reth''s stomach dropped. It wasn''t that he hadn''t considered the point. It was that¡­ he couldn''t afford to. He had to believe that Gawhr''s distaste for the wolves was greater than any concern he had for Reth''s people.

    "Next time speak to me first," Behryn muttered. "We have to think these things through¡ª"

    "I did!" Reth snarled. "I thought and I thought and I knew and I decided, because that is the job the Creator gave me. I know the risks, and I know that they''re dire¡ªbut so is¡­ I can''t¡­" he raked a hand through his hair and turned away from his best friend''s intense gaze. "I have to be able to get her back, Behr," he rasped. "This is my only hope right now. And I need hope. Desperately. Please."

    Behryn sat back in his chair, huffing, but he didn''t press again. And Aymora didn''t add anything.

    They all sat there, quietly, in their own thoughts, until a few minutester Aymora brought tes over to the table and set them down in front of the males, offering them cheese, vegetables, and more dried fruit.

    "Eat," she said gently. "You work on getting Elia back, I work on keeping you alive until you do so she won''t skin me alive."

    Reth huffed, but there was no humor in it. "Thank you, Aymora," he said.

    But as he ate, his thoughts turned again to his mate and his stomach twisted so the food was little more than sawdust on his tongue.

    He was desperate for her. Just to know that she was safe. That Elreth was well.

    They needed to get someone over to her, someone to help Gahrye.

    Could they sneak someone over before the Bears took the territory? Someone who could tell Elia about Candace so she could¡­ could ept the loss.

    But no, perhaps it was better this way. She was already going to be struggling to keep her spirits up. Perhaps it was better she didn''t know, after all.

    The light in the cave was dimming by the time he''d finished eating.

    Behryn, still irritated, but at least no longer ring, got up from the table and excused himself. He had to speak with the guards for that night. He patted Reth''s shoulder. "I''ll see you in the morning unless something goes wrong."

    Reth nodded and watched him walk out, his entire body suddenly tense.

    He was still staring at the cave entrance when Aymora walked around to stand in front of him, her face soft. Her gold-and-gray hair flowed down her back and despite the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth, she was still beautiful.

    And alone.

    For so many years, she''d been alone.

    He suddenly wanted to ask her how she''d done it. How she''d stayed¡­ alive.

    As if she knew what he was thinking her smile turned sad. "If you''d rather, I can make a cot for you here?"

    Reth grimaced at being so obvious, but shook his head. "No, thank you. It''s very thoughtful, but¡­ I want to go home."

    She nodded, but her face was sad. He got up to hug her and as she wrapped her arms around his waist, she murmured. "You''ll get her back, Reth. You two are the Creator''s hope for the rest of us. That true love is real and worth fighting for."

    Reth swallowed the lump that suddenly appeared in his throat and rubbed her back. "Thank you, sister."

    He didn''t look back as he walked out.

    *****

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 Chapter 275: Master

    <h4>Chapter 275: Master</h4>

    BECOME A 1000 COIN TIER PRIVILEGE READER IN JULY AND HELP ME NAME A CHARACTER! All Ruler-Tier privilege readers who join my author chat (on discord) in July will be included in a private chat and allowed to submit ideas to name one of 3 characters (spelling TBD by me, lol.) You will also have ess to a private Q & A with meter in the month! Watch this space in early July for more details!

    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    That evening, weary to his bones, he returned to his tent via the back trails around the outside of the encampment, hoping to miss much of the attention he was receiving when he walked through his people.

    He was truly grateful for their support, but having spent most of the afternoon in thepany of various wolves, and connected to the pack mind, he was reaching his limit. What he needed was to clean himself, eat, then sleep.

    In that order?

    He sighed heavily. He should really eat first since he''d have to gather with the others to do it and he suspected once he entered his tent and cleaned, it would be very difficult to return to being under the eyes of others again.

    Meals in the encampment were informal. There was no spotrge enough for all of them to gather, so the cooks had set up several cookfires throughout the ravine. There was one fairly close to his tent. And most of the wolves that used it were friends. But maybe that was the problem. They knew him. And his family. They grieved¡ªand their grief honored his fallen pack. But right now, when he needed to be strong, soft eyes and simple affections grated on him like teeth at his neck.

    No. He might regret itter, but for now, he would return to his tent and bathe before the meal. He desperately needed solitude and quiet and¡­ peace.

    His mind shed then on that vision he''d had out in the forest when he''d buried Lucine, of a den in the mountains with no pack except his own. A mate and offspring and simple smiles¡­ His chest ached and he pushed the image away, his teeth gritted.

    He just wanted to be alone.

    When he could no longer avoid walking through the encampment itself, he set his jaw and strode quickly along the walkways between tents and the small buildings they slowly erecting, so anyone who saw him believed he was in a hurry to reach an important appointment. Something suitably Alpha.

    It worked. Only two wolves greeted him and neither broke stride when he nodded and kept moving. It was with a sigh of relief when he epted the salute of the guards on his tent, then pushed the p aside and finally let himself sag out of the dominant posture he''d maintained all day.

    Raking a hand through his hair he began to remove his shirt and turned towards the small table at the side where he always left a bowl of water and¡­

    He blinked.

    Arge copper tub squatted on the freshly swept dirt, steam rising from the water within, as if it had only been filled seconds earlier. Who¡­? How?

    He didn''t believe in living luxuriously when his people still scraped for every morsel out here in the forest. It was why the tent had bothered him. So much space when many others shared.

    But Lucine had helped him to see¡­

    His sister''s face swam to mind, a memory of the day they''d moved to the encampment and been presented with their tents by those who''d been working to create the ce. He''d epted the offering of the generous home ufortably, intending to change to a smaller tent as soon as he could do so gracefully.

    But an hourter when he expressed the idea, Lucine had growled her frustration, eyes rolling as they often did right after he spoke. When she did meet his gaze, it was with sharp intensity.

    "Neither of us needs all this space, Brother," she''d said quietly. "But they need us to have it," she''d said, tipping her head towards the rest of the encampment.

    "Don''t be ridiculous¡ª"

    "Lerrin, Alphas must be seen as deserving of more than themon pack members. If they do not, why are they Alpha?"

    "We are Alpha because we are strong."

    "And as such we must shoulder burdens that will not be required of them. If I must carry the weight of them with me, Creator let me do it in afortable fur," she said, grinning.

    Lerrin had blinked. "But¡ª"

    "Brother, you carry leadership well¡ªbetter than I," she said quietly, checking behind her. Lucine was never one to show weakness. Not even when the softening might be attractive to others. "But there is clearly something I understand that you do not: If they see no difference between you and themselves, when they are squeezed in the vice of this war, they will question why they follow instead of lead. And we both know that will take us nowhere good."

    He hadn''t been able to argue her logic. He''d soothed his own conscience by telling himself he would invite others to share the space¡­ or something.

    But then Elia had been captured.

    Then Lucine¡ªwho had already been shaky since her shunning¡ªhad¡­ lost her mind.

    And everything since¡­

    "I know you prefer to bathe, Sire. I hope the tub isrge enough. It was the best I could find on such short notice. It is shameful that none have organized this for you sooner."

    Suhle''s voice snapped Lerrin out of the memory, and out of his ck-jawed gape at the bath. The warm, steaming bath that he hadn''t dreamed to find¡ªor even considered possible. She sat in a small rocking chair she must have brought into the tent.

    "Th-thank you," he stumbled, then blinked again and turned to face her. "This is¡­ extravagant. But I am truly thankful for the thought, Suhle."

    He was already working on the buttons of his shirt. When he shrugged it off and made to fold it, she tsked and took it from him. "Please, let me. I have brushed all your clothes and you can have a fresh one for after your bath. I haveid them out already," she said, indicating a small bench at the foot of the tub with a thick towel, and fresh leathers and shirt folded on it.

    He should protest, he knew. His people were receiving none of this treatment. But his body ached. He''d barely slept the night before. And one thing he''d never been able to stand was to feel dirty.

    "Thank you, Suhle," he said, shucking off his leathers, and handing them to her as he stepped into the tub. With a soft groan, he let himself sink into it, then let his head fall back to rest on its raised end and sighed as happily as he was able at that point. He closed his eyes and let himself rx. Just for a moment. Just a few breaths. Then he would get clean and¡ª

    Cool fingers appeared at his temples, rubbing gently. He startled, but she put her hand t to his forehead to stop him sitting up, and spoke, her voice very low.

    "For a few minutes when you return in the evening, I will help you," she said with a soft smile, her eyes shining out from the shadows under her thick white hood. "If you allow it," she added, thoughtfully, "Just a few minutes to¡­ replenish you. Then you will be better able to meet the challenges of the dark hours." Her voice, he found, was incredibly soothing. Gentle and slightly husky. "Do not chide yourself for finding a moment to rest. It will strengthen you and make you a better leader."

    He opened his mouth to argue, but then she began massaging his temples, her fingers running slow spirals, her thumbs rubbing through his hair in counterpoint and it felt so delicious he groaned again and goosebumps prickled his neck and shoulders.

    "There is a great facy among leaders¡ªespecially male leaders, I have found," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The believe weakness is in finding moments to rest or find joy. But they do not realize that those thoughts are the work of the enemy, designed to keep you always on the edge of being overwhelmed." Her fingers worked their magic, and Lerrin''s eyes slid closed and he huffed contentedly. "If you will give me thirty minutes each day at this time, I will make certain you meet the night stronger¡ªand sleep better, to better meet the next day, as well."

    She spoke softly and slowly, but not irritatingly so.

    Lerrin sighed. "I should say no, but I find¡­ Thank you, Suhle, this is very thoughtful of you."

    "You''re wee, Sire," she said, her voice tinged in delight. "Now rest for a few moments while I wash you, then while you dress, I will bring your meal."

    He knew he should tell her not to do that. He would tell her not to do that. In just a moment. He just needed to rx under the gentle pressure of her fingers and rest his eyes¡­

    ****

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 Chapter 276: Cold Home

    <h4>Chapter 276: Cold Home</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    It hadn''t crossed his mind since he''d entered Aymora''s cave, but of course Behryn had set guards on him. As soon as he stepped foot out of the cave mouth that evening, they were there, one beside and another behind him. No doubt there were more hidden along the trail to watch from a distance. Behryn knew he hated being shadowed all the time. But he also knew it was necessary when they were at war.

    So Reth greeted those he could see quietly, but kept his eyes away from theirs, and let himself look pensive, as if he were working through a problem. He prayed they wouldn''t decide to get chatty.

    That prayer, at least, was answered.

    But walking through the Tree City, he heard the voices in the market and remembered what Aymora had said about some people being housed there when they ran out of rooms, so with gritted teeth, he forced himself to detour to the market, where he spent an hour greeting his people, smiling, pping the shoulders of the males, and giving winks to the children, and earnest, confident looks to their mothers.

    By the time he was done, he felt so wrung out he almost turned back to go stay with Aymora. But no. Even though it was going to hurt, he wanted to be in the cave, with Elia''s scent. With her things.

    A great chasm opened in his chest then and his breath caught.

    One of the guards looked at him, but he kept himself focused on the trail and strode as quickly as he could through the trees.

    The walk seemed to take forever, but finally he made it to the Meadow and then the cave.

    He was a coward and held his breath when he first stepped inside, allowing the guards the space and freedom to walk through the cave to check the quarters and connect with the bathing pool guards. Ever since Jak, everyone was paranoid about that.

    Breathing in was hell, but he couldn''t avoid it before the guards left, so he put himself behind them and faced the other way as he braced for the impact and took a long, slow breath of Elia''s scent.

    His entire body shuddered.

    He made some kind of small talk with them as they checked throughout the cave, but he couldn''t even remember what he''d said.

    When the guards finally walked out to take their positions outside the cave mouth, Reth followed them, closed and barred the door behind them, then hesitated¡­ but he knew he still wasn''t truly alone.

    He stood for a moment, staring at the barred door, smelling her, remembering the first time he''d used that lock for Elia. The way she''d looked at him in thentern light, beginning to find her confidence. And when he''d given the mating call, the heat in her eyes had red.

    "I do like it when you make that noise," she''d said breathlessly, and when he did it again and she''d shivered. "It''s like you''re calling something out of me."

    "It''s the mating call," he''d said, his voice even deeper than usual. "It says you''re mine, and I want you."

    The call erupted out of him again at the memory, but there was no response, no answering intake of breath, no ripple of her under his hand.

    Reth slumped.

    He''d made her a promise that night. "Tell me what to do," he''d rasped. "Anything. I''ll do it." He hadn''t meant only in the mating. She''d owned him, heart and soul, even then.

    He groaned and rubbed his face, forcing himself to turn and start through the cave. But his eyesnded on the bench where she''d thrown the sheepskin and demanded that he take her from behind. And the cab where he''d almost taken her against the wall the first time. And the kitchen where she''d smiled and kissed him when the elders weren''t looking. And the table where he''d held her hand while they told her about this trip and¡­

    She was everywhere.

    Swallowing hard, he turned for the bedchamber, thoughtlessly. He needed to escape to a room where no one would disturb him, but as soon as he rounded the corner and opened the door, her scent¡ªwarm and musky from the bed furs¡ªhit him like a wave crashing over a stormy shore.

    He stopped abruptly. His stupid, stupid heart, waiting, adrenalin pumping, for her to be there, to call his name, to soothe him¡­ But there was only her scent.

    Intending to flee, he turned¡ªonly toe face to face with that ce he''d pressed her that night he''d told her she had to leave. And instead of turning away as he should, he huffed the mating call again and dropped his forehead against the cold cave wall and inhaled, finding every trace of his love still left there, his head spinning with shes of the memories of her.

    Her hands in his hair, the taste of her skin on his tongue, her love as she held him against her stomach¡ªagainst their child.

    He''d vowed to her that night, too¡ªone he''d meant with his whole soul.

    "My Kingdom, my body, my life¡­ Myst breath for yours. The veryst drop of my blood, so that yours might not be spilled. If ever I should¡­ should leave you, if ever you should lose me¡­ I will call down the Creator Himself to protect you and watch over our child."

    Everything in him swelled as all the memories of all their sacred whispers twisted together, echoing through him with her scent.

    Mine.

    Even to death¡­

    That word mmed into his chest like a blow.

    Reth shoved off the wall as a cry tore out of his throat that he recognized for the same tortured groan his father had made the day he''d almost been lost over the edge of a cliff when he was barely fourteen. He swallowed and huffed and wed his hands through his hair, pacing the space at the end of the sleeping tform, but he couldn''t get free of it. Fear, guilt, shame, hope¡­ it all twisted, knotted inside him, threatening to climb his throat and suffocate him.

    The ache of not knowing, of having to leave them in the hands of others that couldn''t possibly love them as much, at not being able to gather them both close and hold himself between them and the world that was trying to kill them¡­ it was going to drive him insane.

    Gulping air, vision blurred, and throat pinching, he turned for the door, he had to get out!

    Then he stopped.

    When he''d walked in, he''d swung the door mostly closed behind him.

    And now he could see¡­ There was a piece of paper pinned to it, with his name on it, written in Elia''s hand.

    Chest rumbling with grief, he stepped slowly to the door and lifted a shaking hand to tug at the paper until it came free in his hand. Then he backed up to the sleeping tform and let himself sink onto it, pulling the paper to his nose and inhaling her.

    His love.

    His mate.

    His Elia.

    And then, before he''d even opened it, he wept.

    *****

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 Chapter 277: The Shift - Act 2

    <h4>Chapter 277: The Shift - Act 2</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund?

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    *****

    ELIA ¨C Human World

    Elia stood in the middle of the room, staring at rich, patterned carpet, her head spinning.

    Gahrye was out in the hallway, speaking with the Guardian Kalle, trying desperately to find something they could use. Learn from. Figure out how to anticipate this¡­ what was this? What was she?!

    Gahrye thought she''d almost shifted.

    But that was impossible. It couldn''t be. It physically couldn''t be. She was human, not Anima!

    Then she looked at her belly and realized not only who, but what was growing there. What she and Reth had made.

    A wave of joy cascaded over her that crested in a jagged hammer blow of grief and fear.

    Reth should be here. He should know this. He would be excited, she was sure¡ªand protective. He would fuss, and kiss her, and¡­

    Tears blurred her vision. How was she going to do this without him?

    How was she going to do this at all? She was human!

    She wed her hands through her hair as torrent of anger swelled in her chest at the injustice of it all. She felt like she was about tobust from the inside out. How did they do this? How did the Anima walk around every day not bursting into their beasts and eating each other?

    She felt the urge to bite something. Literally.

    Her body shuddered.

    No. No, no no no no no.

    She couldn''t do this. She''d watched Reth go through this already¡ªstruggle to control the beast within. But there was no Aymora here, no syrup that would keep her magically in her body.

    Why the hell had he sent her here? Why hadn''t hee with her?!

    WHAT THE HELL WAS SHE GOING TO DO?

    Her body was rocked by something, a surge of strength¡ªof rage that fueled strength. She felt¡­ mighty. Her skin rippled and she dropped her head back, trying to breathe and hold onto herself.

    She was losing herself.

    No, she couldn''t give in. She didn''t know how to do this. What was going to happen to her if¡­ no.

    Breathe, Elia. Breathe.

    The Anima were taught as cubs¡ªReth had told her they all went through this. Especially as toddlers, and again in adolescence, they struggled against this urge. But they didn''t have to do it alone. Their parents and tribes helped them. Coached them through it¡ªand asionally medicated them when the struggle was especially difficult.

    But she was alone.

    Fear prickled down her spine and she shivered, her fingers wing, twitching.

    Her eyes widened. She could feel it¡­ this thing. This power. This beast trying to tear its way out of her¡ª

    A strange noise erupted from her throat. The room was suddenly brighter and she could hear Gahrye and Kalle whispering in the hallway. She shook her head. No, she couldn''t. She was human. She couldn''t hear whispers through two walls and three massive rooms.

    She shuddered again and felt something at the back of her neck¡­

    Holy shit. Holy shit. She had to calm down. She had to think about¡­ something good. Stop this from happening.

    She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, focusing on her happiest memories¡­ Reth, the night she''d given her throat¡ªthe way he''d looked so humbled and overwhelmed. The way he''d stared at her like she was something precious.

    ¡­And the night she realized she had to leave. When he''d knelt before her, promising himself to her and Elreth¡ª

    A groan burst from her throat¡­ a groan that became a resonant call. A sound she''d never made, never heard, rolling in her throat and chest.

    Shit. Shit shit shit.

    She couldn''t let this happen¡ªbut she could feel her body rolling towards something, something calling to her, pulling her out of herself. "Gahrye?" she whispered, and her voice rolled off into a growl. "Gahrye!" she said louder, shuddering and shivering, not moving because it felt like if she took a step, when she put her foot down it would be as¡­ something else.

    Hasty footsteps sounded in the hallway. But it was going to be toote. She didn''t know what to do. Reth. She needed Reth! "GAHRYE!"

    The door flew open. She startled, turning towards the threat and it was as if the world¡­ twisted.

    For a moment she saw Gahrye''s face, eyes wide searching for her, then finding her and widening. "Elia," he whispered. "Just breathe. I don''t know how to help¡ª"

    Then she exploded.

    *****

    It was as if there were two of her¡ªher mind, her sanity, tucked in behind a snarling, frightened beast. And she could feel both.

    But her self, her was a passenger on this ride.

    Through the eyes of whatever she had be she found herself staring at a wide-eyed, half-crouched Gahrye.

    Slowly, slowly he closed the door behind her¡ªand she was d, because she felt the beast''s urge to run for the gap, to run until she found a dark forest, a shadowed cave, something to hide in.

    Then she felt it lock on Gahrye, who stood, half-crouched, his hands up before him, staring at her. At it. Whatever.

    She had no voice. No way to tell him that this¡­ this thing smelled him as prey. Half-horse, half-man, both weak.

    The beast began to prowl slowly sideways its eyes locked on him. He kept himself facing it and his voice reached her.

    "I haven''t been through this, Elia, I can''t describe it to you¡­ but I''ve heard¡­ you have to dominate. You have to control. You may have to fight for it. But take what is yours. And be calm. Just¡­ own it."

    She wanted to nod but it was as if she was out of her body, connected somehow to this animal, but her own self waiting¡­

    But dominating? How did that even work? She felt like she was tied to this thing, unable to move, unable to have any hand in her own¡ª

    Then it took a step toward Gahrye and she could taste him¡ªtaste the desire for him. She wanted to scream, but as the animal leapt for her dearest friend, everything within her roared.

    "NO!"

 Chapter 278: The Letter

    <h4>Chapter 278: The Letter</h4>

    THE NEW PRIVILEGE TIERS ARE NOW LIVE!

    BECOME A 1200 COIN TIER PRIVILEGE READER IN JULY AND HELP ME NAME A CHARACTER! All Ruler-Tier privilege readers who join my author chat (on discord) in July will be included in a private chat and allowed to submit ideas to name one of 3 characters (spelling TBD by me, lol.) You will also have ess to a private Q & A with meter in the month! Watch this space in early July for more details!

    *****

    RETH - Anima

    When he was back under control, he took a deep breath to calm himself and traced over his own name, written in Elia''s hand. When had she found time to write this?

    Then he opened the folded paper with trembling fingers, swallowing further tears when he read the first words.

    ~ Reth ~

    I can''t believe I''m writing this. I know we''re both pretending there''s no need to talk about what happens if one of us dies. I know we don''t want to invite that. Don''t even want to think about it. But I''mying here in the dark next to you and you''re finally asleep and I can''t imagine the world, any world, without you in it.

    I am terrified.

    But I always swore to myself if the day ever came when I was going to lose another person I loved, I would leave nothing unsaid. I wouldn''t let myself walk into the next day with regret, like I did with my parents. So, here we go.

    I don''t just love you, Reth. Love isn''t a big enough word for this. It''s like you inhabit a part of me that will die if something happens to you. I''mying here wondering how I''ll ever stand to be in the dark again without your shadow there to anchor me? How can I sleep without your strength and warmth behind me? How do I make myself get up and walk without you there to reach for? Without you reaching for me?

    Speaking of reaching¡ªI don''t just love having sex with you. (I mean, I do, you know that.) But being close to you feeds something in me that no one else can. How am I going to survive without you? You make me whole.

    I want to write all these cheesy metaphors about being a flower and you being the sun, because that''s how it feels. Like I always want to be facing you. Like I can''t breathe without you. My chest starts closing up just thinking about it.

    I don''t know how I''m going to stay sane without you¡ªand that''s without whatever consequence is waiting on the other side of this journey.

    And that''s why I''ve been so stubborn. I guess it''s why I refused to even consider leaving, no matter what you said. War doesn''t seem as scary to me as being safe without you. I know that''s not right now. I do. I am so sorry. I wish I''d seen and understood the need for this sooner. I wish we could have nned better and had more time alone first. I wish I hadn''t forced myself to learn the hard way.

    I am so deeply sorry that I forced you to let me learn the hard way. I don''t think I''ve ever regretted anything more. The only thing I can tell you is that I will do my very best to make sure I never have to learn this way again. But¡­ you have to still be here for me to prove that.

    Please don''t die, Reth.

    Please.

    I think I will die if you do, and I can''t. We made a baby. There''s going to be a little Reth roaming this world soon (I don''t care if she''s a girl, we both know she''s going to worship you, and be just like you. How can she not? She''ll be listening to me, and I worship you.)

    I''m crying just writing those words. And I don''t want to wake you. So I have to say this. Promise me you''ll remember this if anything happens to me:

    My whole life I dreamed that I might find a good man. Someone who loved me and who made more days better than worse. I prayed I might find a man who loved me like my dad loved my mom. And I hoped that he might be handsome and think I was pretty. I wanted someone to raise a family with, and get old with, and just¡­ do life together.

    And then I met you. Again. And it''s like God knew all the things I didn''t even know to ask for. You are better than I dreamed for myself, Reth. You love me in ways that take my breath away. Even now. Even this deep in, you still give me butterflies. You make my heart race. You make me weep with joy. I hunger for you. And this thought of leaving you¡­ it''s hell. It''s real, pure hell, Reth. I''m not exaggerating. It is, literally, the worst thing I can imagine.

    So, please, I''m begging you: Don''t take any risks. Don''t die. Don''t get yourself hurt.

    Come back for me. And for Elreth.

    I''m going to tell her about you every day while she''s growing. But she needs to hear your voice and feel your touch even before she''s born. So please¡­ please, don''t die.

    Stay safe ande back for me. I promise to stay safe and be there to be got.

    I love you to my soul, Reth. Everything that is me loves everything that is you.

    Love, Elia

    ~PS: I also had some new ideas for the list. But I''m not going to write them down. You have toe get me and I''ll show them to you.~

    Reth swallowed the lump in his throat and read it again. He could hear her voice, see her smiling and crying. His beautiful mate. His strong and magnificent mate. His precious mate.

    He had to get her back.

    He let himselfy down on the furs and read it a third time, tears pinching the back of his throat over and over. He yearned to tell her that everything she''d said was true of him as well. That he was avoiding crawling into the furs because being there without her felt hollow.

    That he''d taken a terrible, terrible risk with their enemy in the hope that he could end this in hours instead of¡­however long it was going to be.

    That in the quiet of his mind and his heart, even knowing just how wrong it was, knowing howpletely she would defy it, that he would give up everything else¡ªeveryone else¡ªto keep her.

    He sighed heavily. Maybe that was why the Creator had let ite to this. Maybe he had to get to the point where he was willing to lose her, in order to keep her?

    A keening groan of grief echoed in the room, and he realized it was his.

    Then he curled up on top of the furs, still fully clothed, and read the letter again, surrounded in her scent. But halfway through, the grief welled up and he had to roll onto his back and breathe. There were so many things, so many Anima depending on him. He couldn''t afford to fall apart. He couldn''t think only about himself and his family.

    Creator''s Light, his family¡­

    Help her.

    Help them.

    Please don''t take them from me. Please. I know I did wrong¡­ I know I brought all of this on us with one stupid decision. But I know your mercy too, and your power.

    Watch over her. Hold the little one safe. Keep them.

    Please.

    Please.

    I''ll do anything.

    Just don''t take them from me.

 Chapter 279: Predator vs. Prey

    <h4>Chapter 279: Predator vs. Prey</h4>

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    *****

    GAHRYE - Human World

    She was¡­ stunning. A massive, golden lioness, paws sorge they were the size of dinner tes. But as soon as she appeared, her ears went t and she hissed.

    Gahrye froze on the spot, but raised his hands in case Elia could hear him, desperate to get through to her¡ªbut wildly uncertain how to do it. If only he''d ever shifted himself. If only Candace was here¡­

    Fire burned in his veins¡ªhe wanted to do what was right, what would help, but he didn''t know what it was! Why did the Creator torment him this way?

    He saw the moment the lioness dropped her great head and zeroed in on him as prey. Her pupils dted and her nostrils red, and every instinct within Gahrye understood what was about to happen.

    Elia''s beast was going to tear out his throat, and his best friend was going to have to watch it happen because she didn''t know how to control it.

    There was no time. No space. This room wasrge, but full of furniture, and she was on four legs. She''d have him the moment he tried to flee, and there was nowhere high enough to get him out of her reach.

    If he opened the door and she rushed it, her weight would win. And then he''d let her loose in the house¡ªwhich would put her right on Kalle who was on the other side of that door, and starting to raise her voice to ask what was going on. No way was he letting Elia take Kalle too.

    Then she dropped her shoulders, readying to pounce, and to Gahrye''s eyes, everything slowed down.

    His own pulse thumped in his ears so loudly he couldn''t hear Kalle anymore. He could hear only his own breath, and the low growl rumbling from the beast in front of him.

    His body yearned for flight, but there was nowhere to go. Then she bared her teeth and coiled to leap.

    In that moment everything within him fought, pounded, screamed.

    It. Wasn''t. Fair.

    As the massive body in front of himunched and he saw his death approaching, everything within him burned.

    His mind shed on Kalle, on the small smile she''d given him. On the way her hair shimmered even under the dimmedmps. On her scent. He had finally found his mate, and hadn''t even been able to kiss her, let alone mate.

    Hadn''t even told her that she was his.

    And here his best friend¡ªa human, and weak by Anima standards¡ªwas doing the impossible. Taking the beast form that should have been his. All the tiny moments in his life that would have been different if he''d been able to shift suddenly flipped through his head in a barrage of images¡ªthe bullying he experienced as a cub, the sneers and jeers of the bigots, the pitying stares of his normal friends¡­

    The females who liked how he looked, but couldn''t bring themselves to mate someone who smelled so wrong.

    The way he''d nearly been rejected as the Queen''s advisor¡ªeven though he was good at it! He could scent the winds!

    So much of his life would have been changed for the better if he could shift. And now¡­ now Elia did it without even being Anima?

    As she flew towards him he cursed the Creator for cursing him. But he braced, and held her gaze.

    If he died now, he would die with dignity and strength and he would die telling Elia he knew she was innocent. Better to die trying, than to fail and die at the hands of a grief-stricken King.

    "Elia, it''s not your¡ª" he began.

    But in-flight, the beast''s ears ttened and it hissed, twisting in mid-air anding down still several feet from Gahrye, crouched, leaning away from him, hissing, its tailshing.

    Gahrye blinked, his heart beating so hard, his skin pulsed.

    He stared at her, and she stared back, then opened her mouth¡ªfangs shing¡ªand hissed again.

    "Thank you," he breathed. "Thank you. I don''t know what you did, but¡­ thank you."

    The lioness shook her head like something irritating was in her ear. But when Gahrye moved she cowered and gave a groaning roar, one of her paws swiping the carpet, leaving raked lines in the thick wool under their feet.

    But she didn''t move. In fact, she looked hunted, eyes darting left and right as she scrambled back to find something to put at her back.

    And then Gahrye understood.

    Elia was frightened.

    She''d held the beast back, but had no way of bringing herself back. And the beast, instinctively threatened, needed a den, a ce to feel hidden.

    "I''ll¡­ I''ve got an idea," he said quietly. The animal hissed again, but, keeping himself facing her, hands in front of his chest and palms towards her, he skirted around the furniture to the door of the bedroom Elia had chosen, and opened it.

    Then he faced a dilemma. If he turned his back on her, the beast might get brave ande for him again. But if he didn''t make the room dark, it was unlikely to want to go in there. In the end, he shook his head and murmured, "Help me out here, Elia, I''m going to make you a den. Just¡­ stay there."

    He shuffled backwards through the door, then closed it slowly. As soon as the beast couldn''t see him, he rushed through the room, closing curtains and turning off lights so there would be little light in the room.

    Then he hurried back to the door and took a deep breath, praying the Creator wouldn''t torment him with certain death in the form of a lioness waiting to pounce the moment he opened it.

    He breathed a sigh of relief when he cracked it, and the beast was still crouched across the room¡ªstill staring in his direction, but not moving.

    Then he stepped through slowly, swinging the door wide so she could see the darkness of the room and walking along the wall, keeping his back to it, hands up where she could see them.

    "Go ahead," he said quietly. "There''s no one in there. Lots of darkness. You can hide and rx and calm¡­ Elia, you need to get calm and breathe and¡­ you have to want to take yourself back. That''s all I know. I''m sorry."

    He bit off thest words bitterly.

    There was literally no Anima worse equipped to deal with this situation. Even amb would have been able to help her more.

    Teeth gritted and praying hard, he skirted around the room until he was more to her left, and the door was ahead of her. Then he waited.

    The beast flickered its ears between him and the door, still crouched, but beginning to slide, leaning towards it.

    As she took a step, he continued around the room, so the further it moved, the? more he was behind her. Until finally it slid across the room in that low, pattering run cats had when they didn''t want to be seen, its back barely moving as it darted between the furniture, then through the door.

    Gahrye rushed across the room and yanked the door shut, turning the lock, and testing the door to make sure it wouldn''t give.

    Then he groaned and turned, leaning his back to the wall, and sliding down to sit, with his face in his shaking hands.

    *****

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 Chapter 280: Hold On

    <h4>Chapter 280: Hold On</h4>

    THE NEW PRIVILEGE TIERS ARE NOW LIVE!

    BECOME A 1200 COIN TIER PRIVILEGE READER IN JULY AND HELP ME NAME A CHARACTER! All Ruler-Tier privilege readers who join my author chat (on discord) in July will be included in a private chat and allowed to submit ideas to name one of 3 characters (spelling TBD by me, lol.) You will also have ess to a private Q & A with meter in the month! Watch this space in early July for more details!

    *****

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    The click of a door opening sounded like a boulder falling down a mountainside to his ears and he leapt up, whirling, expecting to find the door where Elia had disappeared, opening¡ªpraying it was Elia, not some trick of her beast. But instead, the door from the hallway opened slowly, and a secondter, Kalle poked her head in, eyes wide and forehead puckered with concern. "Are you guys okay?" she whispered. "Can I do anything?"

    Gahrye heaved a sigh of relief and slumped back against the wall, but stayed on his feet. His heart was beating wildly. To hide the trembling of his hands, he shoved them in his pockets and shook his head. "No, we''re¡­ we''re just¡­ there''s just some¡­ problems," he said softly, without looking at her.

    Kalle stepped inside the door, but didn''t approach, hesitating. "Did you want to be alone?" she asked carefully.

    "Honestly¡­ no," he said and huffed a sheepish, humorlessugh. "Right now I feel like I''m going out of my mind."

    "Oh, dear." Kalle''s brows pinched together. She leaned back out the door, looking both ways in the hallway, then closed it and came to join him. "What happened? Who roared?"

    Gahrye shook his head. "That was Elia," he said.

    "I thought she was¡ª"

    Kalle was just passing the closed and locked door to the bedroom where Elia was hiding when Gahrye was interrupted by an almighty thud on the door. The solid wood door rattled like a bamboo curtain with the impact of a massive body hitting it.

    Kalle gasped and flinched, but Gahrye had already flowed over to put himself between her and the door. It was instinct to protect her, holding her behind him as he turned, bracing for Elia''s beast to burst through and attack.

    But the door rattled once, then held. Gahrye''s chest heaved. When Kalle started to ask, he raised one hand and shook his head.

    They both froze, hearts pumping¡ªGahrye could hear her pulse, her heart hammering from the shock. Her hands on his back felt like honey on his skin, but he didn''t think she even knew she was touching him.

    They waited, not breathing, but momentter there was only a puttering growl on the other side of the door, then nothing.

    They both rxed a hair.

    When Kalle dropped her hands from him, he straightened and turned to face her.

    "I think we need to leave her so she can be in the quiet and¡­ breathe," he whispered a few secondster when nothing else happened. When she nodded, they both turned and he put an arm at her back, urging her towards the door, watching Elia''s door over his shoulder as they snuck out.

    *****

    KALLE

    She was trembling¡ªwith both fear and thrill. The Anima were here. Things were happening that she didn''t understand. All she knew was, that hadn''t sounded like a human being on the other side of that door¡ªbut she''d studied them enough to understand that their beasts could be erratic. If Elia was in there, she must have snuck a third Anima into the house that no one knew about.

    She agreed that they needed to let whoever was behind that door have some quiet. So, when he suggested it, she nodded and let him lead her from the room. But she would ask him as soon as they could do so without disturbing whoever was in there.

    When they got back into the hallway and Gahrye stopped, raking his hands through his hair, his face pale and drawn, she put a hand to his chest. She realized he was truly stressed and her heart went out to him. Everything must be so new and difficult here.

    "Hey, hey, it''s okay," she whispered brightly. "You did the right thing. They''ll calm down and¡­e back. I''m sure of it. We''ve had these problems before."

    "No, you don''t understand," he said, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes.

    "I do, I think," she whispered, looking around to make sure no one else could hear. "You have a¡­ friend here? Someone you''re hiding? It''s okay. I won''t tell."

    Gahrye sighed and shook his head. "No, that''s not it at all."

    Kalle blinked. He was sorge, and so strong, but in this moment he looked¡­ frail. Her heart went out to him. "Hey, hey. It can''t be that bad. We''re here to help. Just¡­ tell me what''s going on. Whatever it is, I''ll help you as much as I can."

    She wasn''t sure why she felt so drawn to him, so certain that he was trustworthy. All she knew was, watching him be in pain was hurting her. She didn''t just want to help. She needed to.

    Gahrye dropped his hands and met her eyes, his own were red and strained. Something in his gaze made her stomach clench and she fisted his shirt without thinking. But when she realized, and started to release it, to take her hand back, he pressed one of his hands over hers, to keep it there.

    Her heart sped up again.

    "That wasn''t another Anima," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity. "That was Elia. She''s¡­ something''s happened to her. It has to be the pregnancy. The baby must be Anima and it''s¡­ changing her. She¡­ Kalle, she shifted."

    Kalle''s mouth dropped open and her head spun. "No¡­ that''s impossible."

    "Apparently not!" he snapped, but he didn''t let go of her hand. "I watched her fight it¡ªit''s why I brought her back here. She''s been erratic and emotional and I thought it was just the stress and the pregnancy, but¡­ something happened. She lost control. And now¡ª"

    He broke off, swallowing hard, and Kalle was confused. The look on his face wasn''t fear, it was¡­ grief?

    "Are you worried about her?"

    "Of course I''m worried about her!"

    "No, of course, I mean¡­ you seem sad. I was just¡­ is there a reason you''re worried this will¡­ hurt her? I mean, Anima shift all the time right?"

    Gahrye turned away, staring down the empty hallways, his strong jaw twitching and flexing.

    He still hadn''t let go of her hand. Kalle swallowed.

    "Some do," he said warily. "I''m worried because¡­ I can''t help her with this," he said finally, through his teeth. "I was sent here with her because I was supposed to help. I was supposed to be the one who was best equipped to help her," he said with a humorlessugh that made her frown. "But I can''t help her with this and¡­ I''m terrified this is all going to go wrong and I''m going to fail to get her back safely."

    "You''re¡­ your not one of the pride, then?" she asked carefully. She''d been told not to make assumptions about the Anima''s tribes. ording to Shaw, if you got it wrong, they could be quite prickly about it.

    Gahrye snorted. "No. I''m equine," he said dryly. "But¡­" His shoulders rose and fell once, then he fixed his eyes on hers and said, as if he had to push the words out, "I''ve never shifted. I can''t."

    Kalle blinked. "You''re disformed?"

    His jaw tightened and he nodded.

    "Omigosh, I have so many questions for you!" she whispered, trying not to smile with joy¡ªshe''d yearned to talk to one of the disformed ever since she discovered they existed. "Can we¡ªI mean, not now obviously, but can I interview you for the histories? We haven''t had a disformed here before that I''m aware of and¡ªomigosh, I know this is tough time Gahrye, but I''m so d you came because¡ª"

    "Kalle, are you hearing me? I''m disformed."

    "Yes!" she said. "I''ve been waiting to meet you!"

    He blinked and his mouth dropped open like she''d just given him an unexpected gift. Then he swallowed and looked away from her for a moment, before shaking his head. "I have to¡­ I have to focus. Kalle, I''ve never shifted. I don''t know how. So I can''t give Elia advice on how to control this, on how to change back because¡­ I''ve never done it. I''ve only heard the advice they give each other when they''re training the younger ones, but¡­ it''s not the same. I don''t know what it feels like. I don''t know how it works. And if she can''t figure it out¡­ she might lose herself to the beast."

    Kalle sucked in a breath. "What do you mean?"

    Gahrye leaned in, holding her gaze. "I don''t think you realize: The whole reason the Anima put so much training into teaching the young how to control their beasts, the whole reason we have wise-women who can give medicine to help them stop shifting if they''re struggling, is because the longer an Anima stays in beast form, the harder it is for them toe back. I mean, I don''t know the specifics, obviously," he said through his teeth, frustrated. "But¡­ Especially when Anima don''t have a lot of practice. Sometimes people have¡­ I mean, if they''re really grieving or¡­ I don''t understand it, because I''ve never done it!" he snarled bitterly, "All I know is that there are legends of people who gave over to the beast and never came back. They got¡­ trapped, in that form. It was as if they''d never existed. They became Silent Ones."

    ****

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 Chapter 281: Going Silent

    <h4>Chapter 281: Going Silent</h4>

    GOOD NEWS: Now that this book has hit 10,000 privilege chapter reads for the month,ter in July you will receive a 12% refund on ALL privilege purchases AND all chapter costs for chapters you unlocked after buying privilege!

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    *****

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    Gahrye stood in the hallway of the Big House with Kalle, swallowing, pleading with her silently to understand. He trembled with the gut-wrenching monster of fear that wed at his insides and wouldn''t ease.

    He couldn''t lose Elia to this.

    But how could he do anything to stop it?

    She stared up at him, as horror dawned on her face. "When Anima don''te back from their beasts¡­ it''s called¡­ going Silent?" Kalle whispered.

    Gahrye nodded, his heart pounding. "You''ve heard of it?"

    "I''d forgotten. We learned about that¡­ like an Anima form of suicide."

    Gahrye''s lips thinned. "I don''t know if they do it on purpose, or if they just get lost and can''t get back, but either way¡­ the legends are clear: Anima have to be trained how to control their beasts, and how toe back. Because if they don''t¡­ if they give over for too long¡­ they don''te back at all." He swallowed hard and wed a hand through his hair. "Elia''s had no training in this. None. We never even considered it¡ªwhich has to mean that our people didn''t know it was possible. Which means¡­ I don''t know what to do. The wise ones and Reth went over everything they could think of with Elia before we left. But they never even hinted at this¡ªand trust me, if Reth had known this was a possibility, he would have covered it. Or Aymora would have told us." Gahrye''s mind scanned back through those hours at the cave. They''d talked through so much. But there was nothing to even hint that they''d thought about this¡ª

    "You know Reth and Aymora?" Kalle asked breathlessly.

    "You know of them?" he replied. The fact that she knew of Reth wasn''t a surprise, but how had she heard of Aymora?

    "Everyone whoes gets asked to outline leadership," she said and licked her lips, leaving them glistening. Gahrye snarled at himself to focus. "Aymora hase up more than once. She''s a wise-woman?"

    Gahrye nodded. "And now she''s Elia''s Second. She is supporting the King while Elia''s gone. But¡­ look, if anyone would have known this was possible, it was her and she said nothing. So either this hasn''t happened before at all, or it hasn''t happened on Anima to be recorded. I need to know if there''s anything in your histories. Can you think of anything? Anything at all?"

    Kalle shook her head and Gahrye slumped. But before he could despair, she spoke. "That doesn''t mean we don''t have it, though. The human interaction with Anima isn''t something I''ve studied in detail. I always thought I''d need to understand the Anima better. We can go look, right now. And I can take you to the university library. My grandmother is there. She might know. In fact, I''ll phone her."

    Gahrye was about to ask, when Kalle slid her hands away¡ªhis chest felt suddenly cold¡ªand pulled something small and ck out of her pocket. A perfect rectangle that shone like obsidian, but was far too t and precise to be the stone¡ªunless they had very special tools here. But no, it had that horrific smell of this ce, of things burnt and¡­ unnatural.

    Then he blinked as light suddenly shone out of the stone and Kalle tapped something on it, then lifted it to her ear.

    "What are you¡ª?"

    "Hello?" the voice was small and tinny, as if it were at the end of a long cave. Gahrye startled and looked around, but there was no one with them in the hallway. And he couldn''t smell anyone nearby.

    "Grandma, I know this is going to sound weird, and I don''t have time to get into it, but can you tell me if you know of anything to do with humans and Anima getting pregnant together, and¡­ side-effects it might have when a human carries an Anima baby?"

    Why was she speaking to the rock?

    Gahrye almost swallowed his tongue when the woman''s voice responded.

    "I know I''ve read reports of those unions, and I think I remember something about symptoms. But it''s been so long. I''d have to do a search."

    Kalle nodded. "This is urgent. Can you gather anything together you can think of, and we''ll get over there soon. We just need to sort a few things out here first¡­ maybe an hour or two at the most?"

    "Sure thing, honey," the voice said. Gahrye raked a hand through his hair. How was the woman''s voice being transported to this stone?

    "Thanks, Grandma." Kalle pulled the stone away from her ear and tapped it again. "She''s going to help. Let''s take a quick look here and bring some things up, then¡ª"

    "What is that¡­ thing?" Gahrye blurted, sniffing, grimacing at the stench of it.

    "What, my phone?" Kalle asked, then looked down at it, then back at him, smiling. The whole room got brighter when she smiled. Gahrye stifled the mating call and had to look away for a moment. "I''m sorry, I didn''t even think. Of course you haven''t seen one before. This is a phone. It lets me get information and allows me to talk to people who are far away."

    "How far away?"

    "As far away as¡­ the other side of the world."

    Gahrye sucked in a breath. "Would it let us speak to Reth? Could we contact the¡ª"

    "No, no, I''m sorry. It''s not¡­ to speak to someone else they have to have a phone too."

    Gahrye huffed his disappointment. "I should have known. We don''t have that magic on Anima."

    "It''s not magic," she said with a soft smile. "It''s technology." Gahrye just frowned until she continued. She pointed at the phone. "It has¡­ special waves it makes. They''re invisible. But other technology can read the waves and turn them into sound, or pictures¡­ it lets us find information or speak to people pretty much no matter where we are."

    Gahrye frowned at the thing, his nose wrinkling. "It sounds like magic to me," he said.

    "It''s not, but¡­ it doesn''t matter. Come on. We''ll go down to the library. I need to show you where that is anyway, in case you want to research when I''m not here. Then I''ll take you to Grandmother. In the car. Oh dear, you''re going to love that," she said, and smiled again.

    Her eyes twinkled and she looked up at him through hershes, and Gahrye groaned. It was thoughtless to pull her into his chest, to wrap his arms around her, to whisper, "Thank you," in her ear when what he really wanted to do was make the mating call and take her. Right there.

    She was startled, and went still, but then she dropped her head to his chest and squeezed him back. "You''re wee," she said softly. "I want to help you, Gahrye. I''m sorry this has been such a rough start. Let me help you. Always. That''s what I''m here for. Never hesitate to ask me, okay? And if you need me to keep your secrets, I can do that too."

    He squeezed her again and had to fight the snarl that wanted to rise¡ªhe''d been spending too much time with predatorstely. But as he held her, so briefly, felt her warmth and her curves pressed against him for the first time, that burning sense of injustice was churning in his chest again.

    He was going to have words with the Creator about this torment.

    Very, very strong words.

    *****

    THE SUMMER SPOILER PARTY IS ALMOST HERE! If you join us TOMORROW (Sunday, June 13 at 6pm PDT--that''s Los Angeles time/date, so check your timezone for correct day and time) you will get:

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 Chapter 282: The Library

    <h4>Chapter 282: The Library</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund?

    IF YOU DO, I WILL MASS RELEASE 8 CHAPTERS ON 1 JULY!

    To make it happen, just purchase privilege before the end of June (even the 1 coin tier helps!), then stay up to date and read thetest chapters every day while they''re still unavable to normal readers. That''s all you have to do. LET''S GET THIS!

    *****

    GAHRYE ¨C Human World

    Gahrye caught himself staring at Kalle instead of reading again, and muttered a curse too low for her to hear.

    They were in the strange room she called the library. Despite his desperation, Gahrye had been awed when he entered. The room wasn''trge¡ªabout the size of his bedchamber¡ªbut the walls were entirely lined with bookshelves, from the floor to the ceiling. There were strangedders that rolled along the walls on tiny tracks, and¡­ the room smelled old, even to him.

    There was a lot less of the tangy, offensive scent of this world in this room and he thought if he needed a break, this might be a way to at least get some measure of relief.

    There was arge table in the middle of the room, longer than his bed, but not as wide, and eight chairs, sized for Anima, around it. At each end of the table was a rolling shelf unit and Kalle told him when he was finished with a book, to put it there. That they would reshelve it properly.

    "Don''t try to put them back yourself, even if you know exactly where it goes. My Grandmother can always tell, and she will¡­ have words with you."

    Gahrye had grinned despite himself. "Your grandmother sounds like Aymora."

    Kalle shrugged. "I wouldn''t know, but it wouldn''t surprise me."

    Then she got to work, walking the shelves, running a gentle hand along them, her fingers dragging across the spines of the books. Every few seconds she would stop and frown, then pull arge tomb from between its brothers and flip through it quickly, either adding it to the growing pile in her other arm, or putting it back¡ªvery carefully.

    Gahrye just¡­ watched her. Watched the way her hair wavered in the air from her movement. Watched the small lines pucker in her brow when she was looking for something. Scented the frustration in her¡ªand the little bursts of joy when she thought she''d found something.

    Something in his chest was slowly furling open, like a flower opening to the sun, and it terrified him. He couldn''t fall into this trap. He couldn''t let himself get distracted¡­

    But she was so damned beautiful.

    And she smelled like a dream.

    He wanted to taste her neck to see if the memories that had been nted in his mind were true. He wanted¡ª

    "Here, start with these," she said, suddenly turning to face him and catching him staring.

    He knew his eyes widened, but he was frozen in her gaze, her wide green-brown eyes blinking. Her cheeks beginning to pink. Then she swallowed and, with a small smile, brought the books and pushed them into his chest. "The top one is the histories of the traverse and it has a section about the humans leaving anding back. Below that are the stories of Queens¡ªI''m almost certain it tells of the human Queen from a long time ago. And the other two are about healing and¡­ what I would call medicine. Do you use that word?"

    Gahrye nodded dumbly. She patted the books and gave him a little nudge. "Then, why you don''t you start looking and I''ll see what else I can find. We can take these back to your rooms if we need to."

    The temptation was there to throw the books aside and just pull her in. But that would be highly offensive. It was always the female''s choice to mate. Gahrye swallowed and blew out a breath as he turned away from her, to sit at the table where at least his rising interest would be hidden from view.

    Focus. He needed to focus.

    With a heavy sigh, he opened the top book and began to scan the pages.

    *****

    An hourter he raked a hand through his hair and cursed.

    He''d found the notes on humans and the traverse and pointed out to Kalle where they referenced other volumes that she said were at the big library. She''d made notes and "texted" them to her grandmother whatever that meant. Apparently her grandmother would get a letter with the titles so she could locate them before they got there.

    The stories of the Queens didn''t immediately reveal anything useful, but Gahrye hadn''t given up. The healing volumes were much more interesting, but all seemed to focus on the Anima themselves, not humans, or¡­ whatever Elia was now.

    Would she change back when she wasn''t pregnant anymore? Gahrye blinked.

    What if she didn''t? What if she was Anima now? Or¡­ or something else that could shift?

    That wave of resentment roared up in his chest again and, with his elbows on the table, he dropped his head in his hands.

    He had to stop thinking about himself. He had to focus on getting Elia the help she needed to get back to her human form¡ªand then to stay there. He had to keep her healthy, and ready to return so that when Reth called her back...

    A shiver of fear rocked him. The light in Reth''s eyes when they''d taken the vow had chilled him to the bone. The promise of death if he failed hadn''t been empty. Reth had pressed it into him by sheer will. And the blood vow¡­

    He felt it pumping in his veins, driving him.

    He would seed, or die trying.

    And lose his True Mate in the process.

    He huffed at the ache that jolted behind his ribs at that thought.

    "Hey, hey. Don''t give up yet. This is barely scratching the surface. There''s so much more we can search. Don''t worry. We''ll figure it out. This is what the Creator made me to do. I''m really good at finding information and¡­ I''ll help you, Gahrye, I promise. I won''t give up."

    Her soft handnded on his shoulder and his skin pebbled under his shirt at her touch. He sat back in his chair and turned his head to look at her, his hair falling over his eyes because of the way he''d wed through it, but he couldn''t move. He could barely breathe. She looked him right in the eye and¡­ she cared.

    That was all. She just cared.

    It took his breath away.

 Chapter 283: Thoughtless

    <h4>Chapter 283: Thoughtless</h4>

    GAHRYE - Human World

    The library seemed to close them away from the world and Gahrye found he couldn''t focus on anything but her.

    "Kalle," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

    "Yes?" she responded in kind.

    "Are you aware of¡­ mates? In the Anima sense? True Mates¡ªpeople whose souls are tied together by the Creator? People who cannot help but love each other?"

    She nodded slowly, biting her lip. Her cheeks reddened again, her scent warming, washing over him until he had to stifle the mating call again. "I might have¡­ read some stuff about that, yes," she said, embarrassed. Why?

    Gahrye turned in his seat, his eyes never leaving hers. She was so much smaller than him, sitting in the seat next to his, when he leaned closer, he loomed over her.

    But she didn''t recoil.

    She didn''t look nervous, or afraid.

    She didn''t look disgusted¡ªor pitying.

    Her pupils dted and Gahrye inhaled to find the thread of desire in her scent again.

    He swallowed hard. "Do you believe it?" he asked, his voice rough.

    She nodded slowly. "I think¡­ I think some people are meant to be together, even here in the human world. I think we just aren''t as good at identifying who they are."

    Gahrye held his breath. She didn''t look away.

    As he scanned her beautiful face, her soft skin, her shining hair, his heart thumped painfully, and he heard hers speed up as well.

    That moment came back to him, when Elia hadunched at him, when he''d thought his death was before him, the sheer anger he''d felt that he''d never gotten to touch her, to kiss her, to tell her the truth. But if she couldn''t scent the link between them¡­ how could he expect her to know? To believe?

    Believing in True Mates was very different to having one presented to you, he was discovering. Was this how Reth had felt when he''d seen Elia in the Rite? Or was it different for everyone?

    Reth.

    Elia.

    Gahrye blinked and sat up straight, turning back to the table.

    Shit.

    "I''m sorry," he said rubbing his hands over his face. "I''m just¡­"

    Her scent was suddenly confused. Off bnce. She started straightening books on the table, stacking them and lining up the spines. "It''s been a big couple of days for you guys," she said hesitantly. She wasn''t looking at him anymore.

    "You have no idea."

    "Was there something you wanted me¡ªI mean, was there a reason you were asking about¡­ about Mates?" she said, her voice halting and high.

    He turned, instinctively, to look at her, measure her for pain or difort, to put himself between her and whatever might be hurting her.

    Then, he realized it was him.

    She nced at him from the side when he turned, but didn''t meet his eyes properly. Didn''t lock in as she had a moment ago.

    He recognized the expression, the scent. It was one the disformed had often in thepany of normal Anima. That sense of certainty that the other person didn''t approve, or wasn''t being kind, but uncertainty about how to address it. Whether to leave, or ignore it, or¡­

    Dear Lord, what was he doing to her?

    She''d looked away again and was reaching for another book that he''d discarded, but he caught her hand before she got to it, and she froze.

    When she turned her eyes up to meet his, they were wide and fearful¡­ but a spark burned in them too.

    His arm goosebumped. He was touching her. And she wasn''t pulling away.

    "Kalle¡­ don''t ever be afraid of me. Don''t ever think I do not want you near. I will always want you near. I''ll always want to know what you think, and why. Always."

    She blinked, surprised. "Why would you care?" she asked, her voice too high.

    Gahrye frowned. "Why wouldn''t I?"

    She spluttered augh and with her free hand, indicated him from head to toe. "Look at you! You''re a god!"

    Gahrye was genuinely confused. "I don''t know what your books say, but I assure you, Anima are not gods. We are mortal, just like you. We are just diff¡ª"

    "No, no, that''s not what I meant," she giggled and it sounded like a brook burbling over pebbles during spring and Gahrye''s flinched with the beauty of it. "I meant you''re hot as hell," she said, her cheeks blooming red. "Like, waaaaaaay out of my league hot."

    Elia and Reth had used this term, too. He knew it meant that she measured him as attractive, desirable to mate, and for a moment, his heart sang and he wanted to feel smug. But¡­ but females had mated him before just for fun. Had found him attractive¡ªor thought his disformation a kind of rebellious kink that made them curious.

    That wasn''t what he felt for her.

    That wasn''t what he wanted her to feel for him.

    "Hot is¡­ good. You''re¡­ hot¡­ also," he said uncertainly.

    She snorted and he cut off. She was shaking her head.

    She was shaking her head?

    "You deny the truth?" he said, confused. He''d seen females be coy in this way before, invitingpliments, inviting males to demonstrate themselves, orpete with each other so she could choose. But Kalle didn''t have the scent of those vixens that only sought to feed their own egos.

    Kalle had the scent of truth.

    "I don''t know how things work in Anima," she said, her cheeks even redder. "But by human standards you''re a ten. Hell, you''re a twelve on the ten scale. I''m like a seven on a good day. We are notpatible."

    He dropped her hand abruptly, cursing himself. He''d clearly misread this¡­ these humans were confusing. He''d hit this with Elia more than once where he''d assumed her words meant one thing when they actually meant another.

    Embarrassed, he turned back to the books. "I''m very sorry. I didn''t mean to¡ª"

    "No, Gahrye, no, look at me." She had her hand on his arm again and was leaning in. "I didn''t mean we couldn''t be¡­ good together. I meant¡­ when others see us together they''ll think you''re too good for me. That you should be with someone more attractive than me."

    "That''s fucking insane," he snapped.

    "It''s true, though."

    "Then humans are stupid¡­ I mean, some of them," he added hastily.

    Sheughed. "There''s no doubt about that, but it doesn''t change the fact that you are far more desirable to others than me."

    "I am disformed!"

    "So? You''re freaking Anima, Gahrye. You have no idea what you look like to¡­ people like me. Like¡­" she pped a hand back and forth between them. "There''s just noparison. At all."

    He frowned and scented her again, to double-check. She really meant what she said.

    Did that mean she believed it also?

    Was this what the voices had meant when they said he couldn''t have her without them?

    Then he remembered.

    What the hell had he been thinking?

    She couldn''t make the traverse. Ever. It would kill her.

    And he had to make it. Was avowed to make it.

    Vowed to protect the Queen, even with his life. Vowed to stand at her side as her Cohort until his death¡ªor be killed if he tried.

    He was on his feet and pulling away, removing himself from her scent, from her warmth. Her eyes widened and he saw the confusion and shock in them¡ªthe hurt. And he hated himself for it. But it wasn''t fair to her. If she didn''t feel what he felt yet. If she didn''t have the senses to do it, to awaken that in her would be cruel when he could only ever abandon her.

    "I''m sorry," he said gruffly. "You''re being an amazing help and I''m just¡­ babbling. I shouldn''t¡­ just ignore me."

    She blinked a couple times and straightened in her chair. He pulled the books together that he wanted to look at more closely, but kept his eyes off of hers.

    He couldn''t stand the ache of it. "I think I should check that Elia isn''t¡­ back, then if she''s still resting, we should go to this other library you mentioned," he said, clearing his throat. "I will try not to distract you again."

    "Oh¡­ Okay," she said uncertainly. "Sure. Just let me¡­ um, yeah." And she was on her feet, and busying herself with pulling together the rest of the books he wasn''t going to keep.

    And she smelled sad.

    Gahrye cursed himself. And he cursed the Creator for this sick, sadistic torment.

 Chapter 284: Jeens

    <h4>Chapter 284: Jeens</h4>

    A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I just want to reassure the fans of Gahrye that, while you''re going to see him struggle for a little while and deal with a lot of angst and self-doubt, just be patient. He''s working through some stuff, and the pay-off will be... quite the ride [insert winky emoji here]

    *****

    GHARYE - Human World

    The walk back to their rooms was ufortable and Gahrye cursed himself for handling that whole moment so poorly. But perhaps it was for the best. He couldn''t let her distract him from his purpose. He''d never mate her if he was dead at Reth''s hand. And frankly, if he failed and Elia was lost, he''d never forgive himself anyway.

    Kalle told him she needed to get something before they left, so they part in the hall when he first entered the rooms in case Elia was back. He stood for a few moments, looking and listening. But the room was unchanged¡ªthe door to her bedroom still closed, and no light under it.

    He intentionally made noise crossing the room so she would be warned that he was there. Then he stopped in front of the door.

    "Elia?" he said quietly, his forehead on the door. That low, rolling growl answered him, and he sighed. "I''m¡­ I''m trying to help, okay? Kalle''s going to take me to the library in this town and her grandmother may have help for us. If you can hear me¡­ you have to fight. You have to dominate. You have to¡­ take yourself back."

    He stood there, but there was no further noise, so he turned back, halting quickly when he found Kalle leaning in the door again, her face sad.

    Nothing? She mouthed.

    He shook his head. She gestured to herself, then the room. Could she enter?

    Gahrye looked at the door, then shrugged and beckoned her in. "I think¡­ I think as long as we leave her it will be fine. I think she can hear me. I think¡­" he said uncertainly, keeping his voice low.

    Kalle nodded. "All our research indicates that the human counterpart is at least aware, if not actively controlling the beast. That they have influence."

    He nodded. "She stopped it from attacking me. I''m certain."

    "Well, that''s a good sign, right?" she said softly, hopefully.

    Gahrye nodded. "If she can figure out how to get back, yes."

    They both sighed then. Then Kalle pushed a bundle of folded fabrics into his stomach, her expression ufortable. "I realized if we''re going to go out and people will see you, you''ll need to change your clothes. Yours look¡­ different. It will draw attention."

    Gahrye took the bundle, "Thank you." Then he shook them out and frowned. The trousers were made of a thick, blue material, and looked like they''d already been worn out by whomever used them before. He looked at Kalle and she bit her lip, smiling. "They''re called jeans," she said.

    "Jeens?"

    "Yes, they''re very popr here. And you''ll¡­. You''ll look good in them, I''m sure." Heat rose in her cheeks again and Gahrye looked away, forcing himself to calm. When her scent spiked like that¡­ He took a deep breath to try to calm, then silently cursed himself for it. He shook out the other bundle and found a strange, thick, long-sleeved shirt with cuffs and a hood.

    "It''s a hoodie," she said. "And¡­ it''s just the right color for your eyes."

    He snapped his head up to look at her, to measure the shift in her tone, but she was studying something on her long sweater, picking at it.

    "Thank you," he said quietly, and cing both on the back of the couch behind him, he started unbuttoning his shirt. "I wasn''t sure whether our clothes would be eptable here. I believe Elia will need some others, too." Shrugging off his soft linen shirt, he picked up the hoody.

    *****

    KALLE

    She wasn''t sure what had made him pull away so abruptly back in the library. And she was still feeling off-bnce about it. That littlement about his eyes was definitely not cool. She really needed to be more professional.

    She''d been pretending to pick at something stuck on her sweater, but really she was just giving herself a reason not to meet his eyes, because she was afraid to see him wanting to avoid her again.

    But when he asked about clothes for Elia, it was natural to look up to answer and tell him, "Oh, I''m sure we have things that will¡­ oh!" she said, breaking off softly.

    He''d taken off his shirt and was holding the hoodie, obviously trying to figure out how to attack getting into it.

    His chest and shoulders were bare, his rippled abdomen crunching whenever he moved his arms. He frowned at the shirt and the hair fell over his eyes and he was¡­

    Dear lord, he was heavenly.

    Her mouth dropped open as she scanned the bronze skin, veins and tendons standing proud whenever he moved, the muscles clearly visible and distinct enough to shadow. And yet, he wasn''t bulky. Rather¡­ athletic.

    More athletic than any man she''d had the pleasure to see naked, that was for sure.

    Desire curled low in her belly. Her breathing went shallow again and she could feel her cheeks heating¡ªthat blush reflex was so embarrassing. She was twenty-two years old. She should be beyond blushing by this time!

    Then, when she stopped talking, his head snapped up and their eyes met and she knew she couldn''t hide it from him. She knew he could see¡ªand probably scent, ew!¡ªhow staggered she was by his appearance.

    She yanked her gaze away from his face, but that didn''t help, because then she found the strong cords of his neck, the t corbones and broad pecs that¡­

    She wanted to lick him like he was an ice cream.

    She had never thought about licking a man before in her life. Not a real one, anyway.

    Then, apparently ignoring the effect he was having on her, he raised his arms and pulled the hoodie over his head and down, his stomach stretching as he pushed his arms through the sleeves and her mouth went dry. Then, when he pulled it down it hung off his shoulders like it had been made for him.

    She tried quickly to think of an excuse to touch them. But even as she opened her mouth, he took hold of the buttons on his leather pants and popped the first button.

    *****

    THE WINNERS OF THE 100 WEBNOVEL COIN VOUCHERS ARE:

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 Chapter 285: I Dream of You

    <h4>Chapter 285: I Dream of You</h4>

    BECOME A 1200 COIN TIER PRIVILEGE READER IN JULY AND HELP ME NAME A CHARACTER! All Ruler-Tier privilege readers who join my author chat (on discord) in July will be included in a private chat and allowed to submit ideas to name one of 3 characters (spelling TBD by me, lol.) You will also have ess to a private Q & A with meter in the month! Watch this space in early July for more details!

    *****

    RETH - Anima

    He fell asleep thinking of her, praying for her and Elreth, and then dreamed of her.

    As his body finally sank deep into fitful rest, his mind began to churn and reach, clinging to his prayers, clinging to his love, yearning¡­ stretching.

    In the way of dreams, everything was wrong, but he didn''t even think to question it.

    She bloomed in his mind from nowhere and he gasped.

    Elia was in arge room, very square and precise, with incredibly high ceilings. A human ce. From his time in that world he recognized the overly-decorative furniture and unnatural patterns on the wall. The human obsession with perfect lines and sharp corners.

    But in his dream, unlike it would happen in the human world, Elia was the curled on the floor, right on the carpet, like a beast¡ªhalf on her side, her knees drawn up to her chest, head resting on her arms. He couldn''t tell if she was asleep, or only resting, but as soon as he saw her, he called. And called.

    He tried everything¡ªthe mating call, screaming her name¡ªbut she didn''t hear him.

    As he became more frantic, desperation pushed him to the edge. He screamed her name until he saw stars, wing, then pounding on whatever invisible barrier separated them.

    Then, though he saw nothing different than a moment before, she blinked her eyes and pushed up on her hands to look at him.

    And her eyes were the golden pools of a lion.

    "Love, my love," he groaned, hisrge hand syed against the invisible barrier.

    At first she only stared, her eyes unfocused and brows pinched. But then her face crumpled and she cried, "Reth?"

    "Yes, love,e here, Speak to me. Why are you on the floor? Are you hurt? Is Elreth well? Did you¡ª"

    "Reth, are you there?"

    "Yes! I''m here! I can see you¡­ can you not see me?"

    Around and around they went, the dream tormenting him. She was so close, but he couldn''t reach her. And apparently she could hear him, but not see him.

    "Why do you cry, love?" he rasped, his heart breaking all over again for her tears. "Tell me what hurts you."

    "I''m so scared, Reth. I don''t know what to do."

    "Just be safe, Elia. Just¡­ be safe. Please."

    "But I can''t get out. I don''t know how."

    His stomach dropped like he''d been catapulted. "Elia, where are you? Are you still in the Traverse?"

    "No! I''m in the house. But I can''t get out. I can''t¡­ I don''t know how."

    "The Guardians?"

    "I have to hide. I have to keep Elreth safe."

    "But, are they not helping you¡ª"

    "They don''t know. I can''t tell them."

    "Tell them what, love?" he croaked. But she made no sense.

    Around and around, he pleaded with her to exin. Around and around she spoke in riddles, crying about being trapped, but in the same breath insisting that she was safe. Crying about needing to get out, but assuring him that no one was hurting her.

    He didn''t know what to believe.

    "Reth," she sobbed at one point. "I need you. I don''t know how to do this without you."

    "Oh, love," his voice broke, and he couldn''t find any other words. "Elia, I¡ª"

    "Promise me, Reth. Promise me if I don''t get out that you''ll tell her about me. Promise me."

    "Elia, please, what are you¡ª"

    "Promise me!"

    His face crumpled. "Of course, love. Of course. I would never¡ªbut you are going to be fine. You''re going to be safe and I''m going toe for you and¡ª"

    "Promise me, Reth," she cried. "Don''t ever let her forget me. Promise."

    "Elia?!"

    She was beginning to fade. He scrabbled at the invisible wall in front of him, but the darkness closed in over her, and as he sucked in a great, bellowing breath to scream for her, he woke suddenly, sitting bolt upright, tears on his cheeks.

    As soon as he realized it had been a dream, he slumped back to the furs, groaning.

    Hey there in the dark of the cave, his heart pounding, trying to let his breath return to normal, ignoring the wet spots on his pillow.

    Was he was going mad?

    It had seemed so real. And yet¡­ no more solid than vapor passing between his fingers.

    He groaned the mating call, then hissed when there was no response and rolled over¡ªall at once, realizing he was still fully dressed, and on top of the furs.

    He rubbed his face and sighed. He considered undressing, but he knew there would be no more sleep this night.

    Pushing himself up wearily, he resolved to speak with the guards and see if there had been any new attacks while he was sleeping. Then he would¡­ find something to upy his mind until the meeting with the security council at daybreak.

    But as he walked slowly through the cave, images of Elia, tears tracking down her cheeks, haunted him. And he prayed.

    And prayed.

    *****

    ELIA ¨C Human World

    Elia would have sobbed, but she didn''t have a body anymore. She was stuck in this impossible body, seeing things through these impossible eyes¡ªand yet, somehow, also aware of¡­ it.

    It felt that this strange cave was far too big, too much space at back and above. It¡ªshe¡ªhad curled up in the corner, between the strange tree that smelled liked a nest, and the hard, fixed wall of the cave. There had been no new sound since the prey that was not prey had spoken in the strange sounds.

    Elia would have shaken her head if she had one. Every time she concentrated on this beast, she sank into it. And something within her warned her, urgently, against allowing that to happen.

    She had to hold onto herself. She had to figure out how to take control, to return.

    But the beast growled and remained alert, despite being desperately tired.

    Elia screamed and pounded at her, but she would not release.

    There was a little one to protect from this strange ce. And Elia¡ªthe beast thought¡ªwas not strong enough to do the job.

    ****

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 Chapter 286: Dont Stand Out

    <h4>Chapter 286: Don''t Stand Out</h4>

    KALLE ¨C Human world

    As Gahrye''s hands slipped to the next button on his leathers, Kalle gasped and whirled around, putting her face in her hands. She had heard about this side of the Anima. Theirck of self-consciousness.

    "Oh! Um," she squeaked. "When adult humans change their clothes, they usually go into a different room so they aren''t¡­ you know¡­ naked in front of each other."

    "Oh, right," he hesitated. "Elia told me that. Sorry," he said, his voice low and deep, hushed. She couldn''t tell if he was embarrassed or irritated because she couldn''t see his face. She still had hers hidden in her hands. "I''ll just¡­ go," he said.

    Mortified, she listened to him move across the room. Well, not really, because he made basically no sound when he walked. But she could feel him walk away like she felt the sun move behind a cloud.

    She wanted to sink into the floor and die.

    She wanted to climb him like a tree.

    She wanted to be a fucking professional!

    Gah! What was wrong with her? She''d been around attractive men before. They didn''t turn her into this bumbling, childish girl. Why did he have that affect on her?

    She groaned quietly as the door to his bedroom closed behind her and she yearned to go throw it open and leap on him.

    She blinked and coughed augh as she remembered all the jokes she shared with her grandmother about what she''d heard about the Anima and how they functioned in these areas.

    They were¡­ quite open with their attractions apparently. Very unashamed of their bodies¡ªno wonder, looking at Gahrye¡ªand happy to discuss, er, rtions openly.

    She''d asked her grandmother once if she''d ever had sex with an Anima. They were around a lot more often when her grandmother was her age. Her grandmother had just winked and said she''d lived many lives and she couldn''t possibly remember back that far.

    Which meant she had.

    Kalle was¡­ curious. But given the conversation they''d just had in the library¡ªa conversation she''d thought was going well until she mentioned the differences between them. She knew they were all about dominance and hierarchy, maybe he thought he needed to find someone that other humans would see as superior? Or something.

    She didn''t know. She just knew what it looked like when a man was suddenly very clear about not being interested, and that was the signal he''d given her, pulling away, keeping his eyes down, finding a reason to move away from her.

    Maybe she''d misread what he was doing at the beginning. Maybe he hadn''t meant to indicate he was attracted to her, and when she''d said that he''d realized she thought he was.

    OH DEAR LORD, HOW MORTIFYING.

    Shaking off her embarrassment and horror, Kalle walked towards the door. She would wait for him from a safe distance over by the¡ª

    "Is this correct?"

    She hadn''t heard him open the door. Startled, she whirled, and her mouth dropped open again.

    The hoody was a lovely brushed navy with read and white lettering on the chest, and she''d been right. It was exactly the right color to set off his eyes. He stared at her, arms open to disy himself in the vintage jeans, the question on his face and she had to swallow.

    Twice.

    "Um, yes. Yes. That''ll be great," she said faintly.

    "So, I won''t stand out?"

    Her false smile faltered. "Oh, you''ll stand out," she muttered under her breath, then turned around as she realized he''d heard her. Stupid Anima hearing. "Shoes!" she said brightly and he flinched at her slightly unhinged tone. "You need shoes. That''s what we''re missing. I''ll just¡­ I''ll go get some for your¡­ veryrge¡­ feet," she said with a nce down.

    Then she practically ran from the room.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    After wrestling with the new trousers, and grimacing at the way they rubbed his skin, he opened the door of the bedroom and stepped out into the living area in the new clothes feeling very awkward.

    Wearing these felt like being wrapped in the leaves of the paper nt. He kept expecting to crackle when he walked. Especially the pants. And he walked somewhat stiffly, unustomed to the way the clothing felt like it restrained him. He hoped he wouldn''t look like there was something wrong with him.

    The pants¡ªKalle called them jeens¡ªwere thick and looked like they had already been worn out. Given the luxury of the rest of the house, he''s thought it odd that they would give him such worn and torn clothing. But when he walked¡ªstiffly¡ªout to see her, her eyes lit up when theynded on him.

    Humans liked clothing that looked worn?

    Uncertain what else to do, he''d asked her if he''d put them on correctly, and if he looked appropriately human so he wouldn''t stand out. But then as she turned away, she''d muttered under her breath, "Oh, you''ll stand out¡­"

    But before he could ask, she''d jerked her gaze from his eyes¡ªsomehow her scent still spiking when she scanned his shoulders.

    He felt that gaze like finger tracing his skin and had to swallow the mating call again.

    He had loved the way her eyes lit up when she saw him in these clothes, but he almost¡ªalmost¡ªwished they hadn''t. These things were so desperately ufortable, he''d hoped they wouldn''t work. But then she''d scanned down his body and babbled about shoes, something to do with his feet, then she fled, her scent stumbling over itself like a foal that hadn''t found its legs yet.

    What the hell just happened?

    He looked down at himself and the strange clothes that felt too stiff, and far too tight around his throat. He bent first one knee up, then the other.

    Well, at least he was unlikely to embarrass her by bing aroused while he wore these horrible pants.? Jeens, he reminded himself.

    Gahrye sighed and hobbled over to one of the chairs. If they were going to go to this library and meet her Aymora-like grandmother, he needed to look human. And ording to her, that meant dressing like this, so¡­

    He looked at the door where she''d disappeared and sighed.

    Humans were so confusing.

 Chapter 287: The Kar

    <h4>Chapter 287: The Kar</h4>

    READER SHOUT OUT: This chapter is dedicated to Kardelune because, Gahrye. *Insertugh emoji here*

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye couldn''t stop looking behind him, back towards Elia, as they walked through the house to find something Kalle called the kar.

    "I''m not sure I should¡ª"

    "This is the only way we can find what we need to help her, Gahrye. Come on," Kalle said, tugging on his sleeve. His very crisp, very ufortable sleeve.

    And so, he found himself walking out of the "Big House" as the Guardians called it, with the woman who set him ame, thrown together by both duty and desire.

    He couldn''t decide whether tough, or weep.

    Kalle led him out of what appeared to be the main doors, since there was arge, echoing area inside it, probably for greeting guests. Then they stepped through decorative double-doors into arge cobbled area and for the first time, Gahrye turned around and took a real look at the big house.

    His jaw dropped.

    Towering levels of sheer walls, glittering windows, a massive roof that peaked in several ces¡­ the ce was so massive, Gahrye had never seen a building sorge.

    "What magic do you use to keep such a ce from copsing?" he breathed.

    Kalle tugged at his elbow and muttered, "Trust me, it''s not magic," then pulled him down the stairs and onto the cobbles, towards a much smaller, but still veryrge building on the other side.

    Gahrye scanned the area, pleased to find so much grass, so many trees surrounding the house. It was a relief, despite their unnatural forms and straight lines. There were no other homes visible on this side¡ªonly trees and some kind of hard path leading away from the cobbled area. But then something began to rumble and Gahrye pulled Kalle back, putting himself between her and the¡­ front wall of the smaller building that was slowly levering up, by itself, into the ceiling?

    Kalle tsked, "It''s just the garage door," she said with a giggle. "But that was very chivalrous of you, Gahrye, thank you," she said and patted his shoulder as she trotted around him towards the slowly rising "door."

    The thing was huge. Easily as big as the openings into the market back home, but solid. Three or four Anima could walk abreast into it. How did it move? And why did it make such noise?

    Jaw ck and feeling slightly faint, Gahrye followed her warily into the dark area inside the building.

    This building stank worse than every other ce he''d found so far. So badly he coughed and wondered if he would be sick¡ªhe was overwhelmed with something sharp and medicinal, but there was a depth to the fumes that he''d never smelled before. But it rolled together with more¡ªstronger¡ªscents of the "stic" Shaw had mentioned, and something that seemed to be slightly burned.

    His nose wrinkled against the stench, and he began to breathe through his mouth.

    Then Kalle walked to something massive in the middle of the floor of this horrible building. Something blue and shining and¡­ it looked like there were seats inside.

    What hideous room was this?

    She walked to the other side of the thing and there was arge clunk then she swung a piece of the side open on a hinge like a door and beckoned him over. "You''ll probably need to put the seat back. It''s usually just Grandma or Shaw in this seat, so it''s probably too close to the dashboard for you." Then she caught the look on his face and her mouth dropped open. "You''ve never see a car before, right?"

    Gahrye shook his head. "What do we do here?" he asked hoarsely.

    "I, um, drive it and you ride inside and it will take us to the library in town. But you''ll have to¡­ you''ll have to not look like that when we get out of it because it''s still early enough that there will be people out at the university and they''ll think you''re¡­ strange if you stare at cars like that."

    He blinked and looked at her. "They''ll think I''m the strange one? And they all¡­ ride in these things?"

    "Yes. Everyone. All the time."

    He shook his head. "It stinks. It''s giving me a headache."

    She pushed her lips thin and ran a hand through her hair. "I''m sorry about that. I have some¡­ a medicine you could take if that would help. But apparently you all and your sense of smell¡­ I guess it will get better over time? The more time you spend out here the better it will get."

    Gahrye huffed. He sincerely doubted that.

    "I''m sorry, Gahrye, I know this has been a really hard day, but I really think you need to be there with me at the library. I''m afraid you''ll notice a reference I''ll miss or¡­ or something. Plus, I know Grandma will want to meet you and she has to work tonight."

    He met her green-brown gaze. She looked truly concerned. And he realized his mate thought she had to make things easier for him.

    What kind of male was he if he kicked up a tantrum about a bad smell?

    Muttering to himself he walked in his ufortable clothes, over to where she stood and peered into this horrible thing. She gestured into it and he slid into the seat, leaning down so he could get his head inside. A padded seat met him, along with some kind of stick or lever standing up between the two seats. And several dials and clocks. When he folded himself into it, his knees were bent up and pressed against the hard, t, stinking¡ª

    "Oh! Sorry!" she said and leaned down, her head near his knee as she reached between his shins. A momentter, there was a sharp nk, then the seat suddenly jerked backwards. Gahrye grabbed for the handle next to him, and the edge of the door, but the seat stopped sliding as suddenly as it had started, and Kalle straightened, her cheeks red again. This close he could smell her jasmine and sugar even over the awful odor of this¡­ kar. His heart was pumping from the jolt of adrenalin, and hers was too, though he wasn''t sure why.

    "I should have warned you," she said, backing up and standing straight, then with a sigh, she leaned back in. "Sorry, again, I just realized you need your seatbelt and you probably¡­ anyway¡­" She reached beside his shoulder and pulled down on some kind of strap with a metal and stic fixing on it, then, as his heart sped even faster, she leaned over hisp and clicked it into something, the strap now pinned across his chest andp.

    He pulled at it and it gave. "What is this for?"

    "If we¡­ I mean, it''s for safety."

    Gahrye frowned at it, dubious. Safe how?

    "Trust me," she said and his eyes snapped up to meet hers, only inches away.

    "I do," he said breathlessly, unthinking. For a second, neither of them breathed.

    "That''s good," she said softly. "You can. I want¡­ I want to help you."

    He nodded. Then she swallowed and backed up again, throwing the door closed behind her, shutting off her scent and leaving him stranded in this hellhole while she walked around, then casually got in the other side¡ªto a seat that had arge wheel in front of it and all those dials.

    She plugged a key into the shining metal lock under the wheel, then looked at him and smiled. "Are you ready for your first car ride?"

    Gahrye took a deep breath, then cursed himself when his throat burned with the stench of this ce. "Sure, he said."

    Kalle''s smile turned wicked. "You''re going to love this," she said then turned the key and the entire world began to growl.

 Chapter 288: The Stink

    <h4>Chapter 288: The Stink</h4>

    KALLE

    She had to give him credit. He had clearly been terrified during the drive¡ªoverwhelmed by how quickly the unusual sights and smells passed¡ªbut he''d just white-knuckled the Oh Shit handle on the ceiling and held his tongue. Luckily it was only a few minutes drive into the university town, and she had a staff park at the back of the library, so she didn''t have to look for one¡ªor force Gahrye to walk around campus. She had a feeling he was reaching overload.

    She pulled the car into the parking space that faced the red-brick behind of the library building, then turned the car off. Gahrye took a deep breath, then winced. But his eyes were open¡ªif slightly wide¡ªand even though he swallowed hard, his hand was steady when he tried to push it open.

    "You need to pull that little handle there in the middle," she said, pointing at it.

    He found it and pulled it, shouldering the door open and stumbling out of the car, then halting stiffly and staring around.

    Kalle looked. There was nothing significant about this area¡ªthe brick wall of the tall library with concrete steps and a single metal rail leading to the door. Several parking spaces in a U shape between this building and the next one, which was much smaller. Only one scienceb and the maintenance storage and security rooms. Behind them the area opened out into arger parking lot, with a few trees and the campus one hundred feet away.

    She couldn''t see anything especially dramatic, but she supposed this must look so different to him.

    To her surprise, he walked straight to the stairs and knelt, touching the molded concrete stairs first with one finger, then with all of them, then sniffing his fingers. "What is this stone? Why does it stink? How is it carved?"

    Kalle locked the door and walked around the car to join him. "That isn''t stone¡ªat least, not what you would call stone. It''s cement. It''s manmade. It begins as a liquid¡­ sort of. Like mud? We can pour it and mold it, then when it hardens it''s like that."

    Gahrye shook his head, staring at the concrete, then stood and ran his hand along the steel railing, which was so old the enamel paint was half-worn off from years of student and staff hands running along it.

    "Why is everything so straight? So¡­ precise?"

    "It''s required by ourws. So things don''t fall over. There''s special braces inside the walls and¡­ well, I don''t know enough to exin it intelligently, but I''m sure you guys use the same engineering, just maybe on a smaller scale? You don''t really have machines, right?"

    "No, we don''t," he said, and his voice was so t, she turned to face him to make sure he wasn''t about to pass out or something.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye shook his head. If this was what machines made, he wanted nothing to do with them. But he also didn''t want to offend his mate. So he straightened from the metal pole he''d been examining and looked at her. "This is the library?"

    "This is the staff entrance. Coming in this way means we''re less likely to run into people I know. And Grandma will¡ª"

    Gahrye saw a sh in the corner of his eye and turned towards the door at the top of the stairs as it opened and a man¡ªtall for a human, though still inches shorter than Gahrye¡ªstepped out and his eyes widened when he saw Kalle. He wore a long, straight coat that made his shoulders look very broad, and a thick scarf wrapped around his neck. His hair was strangely still and shiny, high and brushed back from his forehead. His jaw was shadowed with stubble and he wore strange ck frames over his eyes.

    He was handsome by Anima standards, though Gahrye was still unclear if that aligned with human ideals.

    "Kalle!" he said, his face lighting up.

    Kalle muttered, "Shit!" and cut Gahrye a look. "Let me handle this," she breathed low enough that only his Anima hearing would pick it up. He frowned at her, but did as she asked and waited for her to step ahead of him up the stairs where the man had walked to the end of thending and was smiling at her.

    "There you are," he said warmly. "I was just looking for you."

    "What are you doing here, Dillon?" she said without smiling.

    Gahrye stayed at her back as she trotted up the stairs, staying one step below her, but still towering over her when she reached the top.

    "I told you, I was looking for you, babe!"

    "I am not your babe."

    Gahrye tensed as Kalle folded her arms and her scent became prickly and hard edged. He eyed the male, who kept his chin too high and held a smile that was a little too unmoving to be natural.

    "Kalle," the guy said, cutting a quick nce at Gahrye, "Can we talk privately?"

    "No," she said shortly and fisted Gahrye''s shirt, pulling him up the final step. She caught him off-guard, and he was forced to put his hands at her hips to make sure he moved around her, rather than over her.

    The male didn''t miss the touch. His smile got tighter.

    "Hi," he said calmly, "I''m sorry I was rude. My name''s Dillon." Then he held out a hand and looked at Gahrye expectantly.

    Gahrye stared at the hand. What strange human tradition was this? Was it some kind of salute? He wouldn''t be drawn. "Hello, Dillon," he said, quietly. I''m Gahrye."

    "Nice to meet you Gary."

    "His name is Gah-ree," Kalle snapped. "And no, it isn''t nice that he had to meet you, Dillon. I told you, we''re done. Now, Gahrye and I," she put her hand up to pat his chest, "are working, so you''ll have to excuse us¡ª"

    As she spoke, Kalle took a step towards the door. But Dillon reached for her, grabbing her elbow hard enough that she was stopped in her tracks and she made a little noise of irritation.

    It was instinctive. A male had his hand on Gahrye''s mate when she didn''t wish it.

    Gahrye flowed between them, using a simple turn and brace of his arm around the male''s to break his grip and hold him in ce so Kalle could move away.

    "What¡ª?" the male stammered as he tried to pull away and found himself caught. "Who the hell do you think you are, asshole?" The foolish man jerked, tried to pull out of Gahrye''s grip, and almost broke his own arm fighting the lock Gahrye had on it. He made a strangled noise when Gahrye used the slightest pressure and Dillon''s elbow tried to bend the wrong way. Dillon froze.

    "You would hold a fem¡ªwoman against her will?" Gahrye growled, holding the male''s eyes and daring him not to submit.

    "This is fucking assault! Let me go!"

    "Please, Gahrye, ignore him, I''m fine," Kalle said, though there was a twinkle in her eye when she looked at where Gahrye had Dillon''s arm immobilized. Gahrye raised an eyebrow and she bit her lip, then shook her head. "Let him go," she breathed low enough that only Gahrye would hear.

    Snorting the putrid air from his nose, Gahrye released the male, who immediately shoved his shoulder and took a dancing step back, shaking the arm that Gahrye had held. Gahrye didn''t move, but stood ready and held the man''s eyes and let him scent his resolve.

    "If you wish to grab someone, try me," he said quietly.

    "I''m calling the fucking Police," the guy spat.

    "Oh, please, Dillon," Kalle rolled her eyes. "Nothing got hurt but your ego. Now leave, please, we''re busy."

    "You shouldn''t be alone with this psycho, Kalle. Let me drive you home." He took a step towards her, but Gahrye slid between them and he scrambled back again. "Get away from me, asshole!"

    Gahrye didn''t move until he felt a soft hand at his back. "It''s okay. "Let''s go. He doesn''t have keys. He won''t be able to get in unless he rings the bell and I''ll tell Grandma not to open it for him."

    Gahrye huffed, but started to turn until the male muttered, "Fucking pussy whipped."

    Gahrye didn''t know what that meant¡ªbut it wasn''t hard to imagine it wasn''t apliment. He turned to face Dillon, and Kalle sighed and grabbed his arm. But he didn''t step into him. This colt was pathetically defenseless. There would be no honor in beating him to a pulp. Satisfaction, maybe. But no honor.

    "I am not¡­ that. But I am done with males who try to dominate the weak through brute strength, rather than strength of will," he said through his teeth.

    "What the fuck are you talking about?!"

    "Dillon, leave!" Kalle sighed, pulling Gahrye out of the way so she could step into him. "And if youe back here again, I''ll tell my Grandmother why we broke up. Go!"

    The male''s face fell, but when he caught Gahrye staring, his jaw hardened and he lifted his chin again.

    Gahrye almost rolled his eyes. Instead he let Kalle take his hand and lead him for the door, listening for the approaching steps of the male in case he thought to attack at Gahrye''s back.

    But he was too timid even for a cheap shot, apparently.

    Kalle flipped her keys out and slid one into the lock, opened the door and shot a re over her shoulder at the male, then stepped inside, beckoning Gahrye to follow.

    *****

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 Chapter 289: The One Before You

    <h4>Chapter 289: The One Before You</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye didn''t know whether to marvel at this ce they''d walked into, or at Kalle''s strange scent¡ªthat he could only just catch and decipher over the strong stic tang of the hallway they walked. It was lined in some kind of covering that made it hard and shiny, but it stank enough to wrinkle Gahrye''s nose.

    "Thank you, but that really wasn''t necessary. He''s an asshole, but a harmless one."

    "Do males in your world always handle females in that way?" Gahrye said through his teeth.

    "No. I mean¡ªhe really didn''t hurt me. He was just trying to stop me leaving. I would have done the same to him."

    "The difference is, should he not wish to be stopped, you would be incapable of stopping him. Those who are stronger have a responsibility to take even greater care for their effects on others."

    Kalle stopped walking and turned to face him, her jaw ck. "Where¡­ who told you that?"

    He frowned. "You disagree?"

    "No! I just usually only hear women talk about that. Men usually¡­ugh it off as something we''re too sensitive about."

    Gahrye snorted. "This world is¡­ not what I expected," he muttered. "In Anima it is known that the stronger you are, the more care you must have for others. Domination is fine when one is challenged¡ªit''s necessary. But to harm someone who is not strong enough, or capable enough to defend themselves or harm you in return is¡­ dishonorable. My people would reject anyone who did it."

    Kalle shook her head. "I''d heard about this¡ªthis is that whole incapable thing, right? You don''t fight people who are mentally deficient, or weak?"

    "It is entirely appropriate to defeat an opponent, or anyone who challenges your ce in the dominance hierarchy. But someone who doesn''t know, or understand what they do? Or a child¡ªor as weak as a child? No. In my world, if I were to harm that person, I would be the one under discipline. And in rtionships between male and female, it is always ultimately the females choice if she is touched, or¡­ anything else¡­" he trailed off. He hadn''t intended to go there. He cleared his throat. "In my world for him to touch you that way was dishonorable to him. He''s lucky he''s weak or I would have hurt him."

    "Weak?!" Kalleughed. "Don''t let him her you say that. He works out every day for those muscles."

    Gahrye had to search, but he remembered Elia calling their early training "working out." He shook his head. "You humans have strange customs," he muttered.

    "You have no idea," Kalle chuckled, but she sobered quickly. "Anyway, thank you, but I want you to know, he''d never like, hit me or anything. He''s actually a big softy at heart. He just needs to grow up. And stop being selfish."

    "Soft is right," Gahrye muttered under his breath. "Who is he to you? He clearly believes you are¡­ mated?"

    Kalle choked. "Uh, not if you mean, like actual partners, no. Not the way Anima would see it anyway, I don''t think," she said, her cheeks coloring. "He''s my ex-boyfriend."

    "Ex¡­ boyfriend? This is¡­" Elia had exined it once, but he wasn''t sure he remembered all the ins and outs of the different rtionship structure here. Humans wereplicated.

    Kalle''s lips twisted and she looked at her hands. "It means for a while we¡­ mated, just with each other and no one else, but we were never Mates. Not in the true sense. We were¡­ considering that kind of connection."

    "You wished to Mate him?" Gahrye gaped. "That¡­ softy?"

    "I know, I know. I''m terrible at picking men. The truth is I have a habit of thinking I''m picking Alpha''s, when they always turn out to just be assholes. And in my defense, he''s a very, very pretty softy," she sighed.

    Gahrye looked back, but Dillon had disappeared. So he was considered handsome by humans as well. Gahrye raked a hand through his hair.

    "He¡­ wanted to take you as a True Mate?" Not that Gahrye could me him, but if another male had a ce in her heart¡ª

    "Aren''t you adorable," Kalle said dryly and started walking again. Gahrye fell in step as they passed down the long hallway, passing solid wood doors on both sides. "I doubt Dillon thought about anything beyond wanting what he couldn''t have," she said through gritted teeth. "I caught him cheating and he''s still trying make me believe I didn''t see what I saw."

    "Cheating?"

    Her cheeks bloomed red and she kept her eyes straight ahead on the double-doors they were approaching. "While we were supposed to be¡­ sleeping just with each other, I found him in our bedroom with another female and they had obviously just been¡­ mating," she said, embarrassed.

    Gahrye frowned. "Males here can''t mate different females?"

    "Oh, they can and they do, trust me," she said shaking her head. "But when you have an agreement, they shouldn''t. It''s called cheating. And even worse, it was a sort-of friend of mine. I introduced them¡­ anyway, it doesn''t matter. Dillon is a hound dog and I''m not interested in those, so I told him goodbye. And now, suddenly, when I don''t want him anymore, he''s decided I''m far more interesting and desirable than he ever found me when we were together. Men, huh?"

    "I don''t understand¡­ you had an agreement? He must have thought you were desirable to have made that agreement in the first ce?"

    "Well, there''s desirable, then there''s desirable if you know what I mean. Dillon''s out of my league. I never really understood what he saw in me anyway¡ªI shouldn''t have been surprised that he cheated really. The writing was on the wall."

    "Wait, what wall? And you''re talking about that male?" Gahrye stopped and turned to face her. Kalle stopped too, a strange look on her face.

    "Yes," she said.

    "Out of the league, this means¡­ he was more eligible than you?" Gahrye asked, shocked.

    Kalle chuckled. "Yes, I guess that''s the terms you would use."

    "But¡­" he turned and looked back the way they''de, back towards that weak, pathetic male. "Who would possibly see him as out of your¡­ league? He has no spine!"

    Kalle rolled her lips in to stifle whatever she''d been about to say, but her eyes were twinkling. "You are so sweet, Gahrye," she said softly and patted his chest.

    Gahrye felt the touch like a wave crashing over him and caught her hand, holding it there to his chest.

    Kalle blinked at where he touched her, then looked up at him uncertainly through hershes. But she didn''t pull her hand back.

    "I am not being sweet," he bristled. "That male has nothing to offer you."

    "Oh, I''m aware, trust me."

    "No, Kalle. Not if you would say he has value over yours. You are¡­ I know we have only just met, but you have strength, and beauty, and¡­ you are unique. He is¡­ is a ything. And now you''re¡­ free, yes? To pursue others, I mean?"

    She blinked several times. "Um, yes. I mean, I am. Free. Single, we call it."

    Gahrye nodded. "Good," he said.

    She stared into his eyes then, hers shadowed both with fear and something else. Something alight. Then there was a moment where Gahrye felt her, as if her heart reached for his. A tugging right at the center of his chest, pulling for her¡ªand it was as if he could feel her pulling towards him.

    Then she blinked again and stepped back, sliding her hand out from under his. "Thank you," she said, turning away so their eyes weren''t locked anymore. She tipped her head and started walking. "Thank you, that was very kind what you said about me. And¡­ thank you."

    She sounded flustered, but Gahrye found himself so off bnce¡ªthat piece of himself that belonged to her churning in him¡ªthat he couldn''t find the right words to soothe her.

    So, with a sigh, he followed her through the double-doors and into what was perhaps thergest room he''d ever seen.

    *****

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 Chapter 290: The Other Aymora

    <h4>Chapter 290: The Other Aymora</h4>

    THE NEW PRIVILEGE TIERS ARE NOW LIVE!

    BECOME A 1200 COIN TIER PRIVILEGE READER IN JULY AND HELP ME NAME A CHARACTER! All Ruler-Tier privilege readers who join my author chat (on discord) in July will be included in a private chat and allowed to submit ideas to name one of 3 characters (spelling TBD by me, lol.) You will also have ess to a private Q & A with meter in the month! Watch this space in early July for more details!

    *****

    KALLE

    Gahrye stopped after they passed through the double doors and Kalle smiled. He gaped at the old Victorian interior of the building. It had been updated and extended many times. But she loved the library, because the school had maintained the original interior, even having it restored back in the eighties after an earthquake threatened to bring down some of the molding and crack the ceiling.

    The library was three levels, but this lower level had a towering, vaulted ceilings, original, solid-wood paneling, and decorative pirs along the walls, and sprinkled throughout the shelves. The original wooden floor had been refinished again a couple years earlier, and some of the back rooms converted into study and research spaces that the students and staff could reserve.

    Kalle herself had a standing reservation of one of the small rooms for most evenings to allow herself privacy when she was studying the Anima¡ªsomething she''d done every day for as long as she could remember. She found them fascinating. And for obvious reasons, the only people she could speak to about them were her Grandmother and uncle. Her mother was dead, her father was¡­ no longer around. And her older brother had turned his back on the "myths" as soon as he was old enough to leave home.

    Kalle loved what she did¡ªwas so grateful to the Creator that she''d been chosen for this work. But it was true there were days she wished that she wasn''t sworn to secrecy. That there was someone special to share her joy and discovery with.

    Had she married, it would have been the choice of the Council whether she could tell her husband about the Anima¡ªthe Guardians encouraged marriage outside of the family line to keep their blood strong. But that meant dancing a fine line around the truth. Her own father had been aware of her mother''s role, but hadn''t ever really believed in the Anima. And then he''d left.

    Her brother called them myths¡ªlike Santa us, or the tooth fairy.

    Her grandmother had been dealing with them since before she was Kalle''s age, and she was rarely surprised or impressed by them anymore, though she too enjoyed her role.

    And Uncle Shaw had¡­ a very strange kind of hero worship for them. As if they weren''t just different, but better than humans. Kalle was often ufortable when he really got rolling, talking about his adoration of the Anima as a people. So she tried not to draw him into conversations about her studies.

    She couldn''t help but hope that Gahrye would have time to answer some questions for her beyond the things she would help him discover for Elia.

    She tugged at his sleeve so he''d turn away from staring at the vast library ande behind the reference desk in the corner, where his grandmother was smiling and watching them.

    Luckily, most of the students were busy and hadn''t noticed him stand, gaping at the room. But as they crossed towards her grandmother, Kalle didn''t miss the women whose eyes followed Gahrye.

    She couldn''t me them.

    "This must be Gahrye," her grandmother said and nodded her head in what was almost a bow.

    Gahrye''s eyes widened. "I''m¡­ yes," he said, then looked at Kalle. "You must be grandmother?"

    Sheughed. "You can call me Eve," she said, sping her hands to her chest. "I''m very d you''re here, Gahrye."

    "I am¡­ also," he said, looking around again, but he didn''t sound certain. "I understand you''ll be helping us. I''m grateful for your assistance. We are¡­ Elia calls it flying blind? I think that''s really a saying for the Avalines, but I understand it works here?"

    Grandmotherughed again. "Oh, yes, you''ll do, son. You''ll do. Pleasee with me. I put your usual room aside, Kalle, and I''ve already put some of the books in there."

    Gahrye fell in behind them as her grandmother started towards the room the smallest back room that Kalle preferred and Kalle followed, squeezing her hand when she caught up. Her grandmother widened her eyes towards Gahrye, then winked.

    Kalle rolled her eyes, but her heart sped up. She prayed Gahrye wasn''t paying attention enough to hear it. He walked closely behind her and she wished she wasn''t so hyper-aware of his warm strength at her back. She was already going to be sad when he left. She liked it. It made her feel more¡­ solid.

    It was only moments to reach the room that only included the grand, old paneling on one wall, while the others were simple off-white walls. An oval table sat in the center of the room, and a very small desk in the corner where Kalle usually put herptop so she could use the table to spread out the books.

    The book about the Anima were mostly all over one hundred years old, massive, hardback and leather bound, and beautiful. She always tried to avoid sitting them next to modern technology. It just felt wrong. Grimacing at herself, she stepped into the room, appreciating therge stack of books already on the table.

    "Thank you, Grandma," she said. "This is going to save us a lot of time."

    "Well, it''s not busy tonight, so if you need anything else, just let me know and I''ll find it for you so you two can stay here and keep looking. We''re still focused on the pregnancy?" she asked quietly, her white hair bobbing as she looked between them.

    Gahrye nodded, but he wasn''t looking at them. His neck was craned around and back, so he could look at therge book stacks out in the main library, and the room that he''d clearly found so impressive. Kalle would have to ask him whether it was the books or the size of the library that held his attention.

    He always stood strangely, Kalle realized, his hands out and loose, ready for something, rather than shoved in his pockets like most of the guys she knew.

    He looked so good in those jeans she wanted to eat him.

    She blinked at the thought and turned back to her grandmother, who was staring at Gahrye, her gaze measuring.

    "We''ll dig in and let you know. But if there''s anything you can think of, just bring it. I think¡­ I think we''ll be herete."

    Her Grandmother''s eyebrows arched, but she just nodded and patted Kalle''s shoulder. "Okay, I''ll let you know if Ie up with anything. It was nice to meet you Gahrye."

    He whipped his head around, obviously realizing he''d been staring and nodded. "I''m sorry, yes, thank you. Thank you for your help."

    Her grandmother gave a half-smile, then cut a look at Kalle. "No problem at all, son. I''ll be right outside."

    Then she left, closing the door behind her so they were closed off from the world. There was only a small window in the door, and Kalle pulled the shade down over it so no nosy students would be peering through and see Gahrye.

    They stood then, side by side, staring at the table full of books. "Are you ready?" she asked quietly.

    "Not even close," Gahrye said. "But I''m hopeful. So maybe that''s the same thing."

    Kalle nodded and pulled out one of the chairs. "Let''s get started."

    ****

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 Chapter 291: Frustration

    <h4>Chapter 291: Frustration</h4>

    THE WINNERS OF THE 100 WEBNOVEL COIN VOUCHERS ARE:

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    *****

    GAHRYE

    Two hourster, Gahrye pushed away from the table and sighed, raking his hands through his hair. He wanted to groan. He wanted to kick something. Hard.

    They hadn''t found anything. Not anything truly useful. Nothing that would even help figure out where else to look. Rubbing his face, he dropped his head back over the back of the chair and stifled a growl.

    He''d definitely been spending too much time with predatorstely.

    It wasn''t that he''d expected to find all the answers in two hours. It wasn''t even that he''d expected to find any. It was that¡­ that he felt sopletely inadequate to this task. He just picked up books, had Kalle point him to possibly relevant chapters or passage and flipped through them.

    Words were beginning to swim on the page because his brain was so overwhelmed, he worried he might miss something.

    He wasn''t the right Anima for this job, and it killed him. But what if it killed Elia too? Reth would never forgive him.

    Sighing, he looked up to find Kalle sitting sideways in her chair next to him, staring, her eyes wide.

    "What''s wrong?" he asked quickly, immediately scenting the air, though despite the much better smell of these books, the room still stank to him.

    "I was just reading on the mating cultures in the Anima and I just¡­ I realized you were reflecting all that earlier and it got me thinking¡­ I should have thanked you better about what you did with Dillon tonight. I mean, he wouldn''t have hurt me, but he''s remarkably persistent. Annoying. And it just urred to me that you were¡­ stepping into the gap. I should have said more. Thank you. Your¡­ respect meant a lot to me."

    Gahrye shrugged, but his heart thumped painfully. "I do respect you," he said. "But even if I didn''t¡­ no male should feel free to handle you like that. Unless you want him to." Then he met her eyes, and their gazes locked.

    Kalle was staring. She bit her lower lip and he didn''t think she realized she''d done it. He was suddenly grateful for the stiffness of the jeens as his body twitched in response to the desire that was beginning to thread through her scent.

    What had just happened? Where had thise from?

    "Gahrye, would you¡­ answer some questions for me sometime? I mean, unrted to all this," she said quietly, opening a hand towards the table.

    Then she leaned one arm on the table and closer to him.

    Gahrye''s breath got faster, more shallow. He tried desperately to remember what Elia had told him¡ªthe things he didn''t really want to listen to at the time, about how she and Reth got their signals confused because humans and Anima have different ways of signaling their desire to mate.

    How human women were much more subtle than Anima.

    What did it mean that she leaned closer, like that? That she put one hand in her hair?

    What did it mean when she broke the gaze, but only to scan down his body?

    He could smell her desire, but females often liked how he appeared¡ªeven desired to mate¡ªbut didn''t give the signals. Because they didn''t want to join with a disformed. They just liked how he looked.

    One of the few times Gahrye had entertained a conversation about such things, he''d asked Elia how human males knew when human females wanted to mate if they didn''t simply say so?

    Elia had smiled. And talked about signals. But she''d acknowledged there was often a time of uncertainty for both parties.

    "Just ask. If you''re ever in that situation and you aren''t sure, just ask. Most women will appreciate the chivalry of it. But even if they don''t, they at least will appreciate that you aren''t just leaping on them and pawing at them, unwanted."

    So, uncertain what else to do, he leaned towards Kalle, elbow on the table also, and silently cheering when she didn''t move away.

    "Kalle?"

    "Yes?"

    "I''ve heard about the differences between human and Anima from Elia. She''s been very generous in telling me about this world."

    "Oh? Why?"

    "Because she said she hoped I got toe here some day. She hoped I would find a female."

    Kalle blinked. "Your Anima females don''t appreciate you?"

    He shook his head. "I''m disformed."

    "So?" She seemed truly confused. "You''re Anima, aren''t you?"

    It was a stunning reflection of how he''d always seen himself, and wished to be seen. Just another Anima, who cared if he could shift? But to hear ite out of her full lips was like dropping into the hot pools on a cold day. His entire body prickled in response.

    "Yes," he breathed.

    Her eyes were slightly wide. And that feeling, that sense of a tugging towards her from the center of his chest started again.

    Gahrye swallowed. "Can you feel that?" he whispered.

    She nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "What is it?"

    Gahrye sucked in. "Kalle, do you¡­ would you like it if I kissed you?"

    "I think I''d like that a lot," she breathed.

    There was a moment where it hit him, he was about to touch his mate, about to kiss her, be close to her and his mind reeled. But he leaned forward slowly, measuring her eyes that only followed his. She leaned into too as he got closer, and his lips tingled with anticipation.

    When he looked down at her mouth, she licked her lips, and the sight shot straight to his groin. Then he raised a hand he prayed she wouldn''t see was shaking, and cupped her face in his palm, his fingers sliding under her ear, and into her hair.

    "Are you certain?" he breathed, still staring at her lips.

    She nodded.

    He leaned closer until her breath fluttered against his lips and he had to stifle the call. He swallowed convulsively. "Kalle, I¡ª"

    But she closed the distance between them andid her mouth on his, and Gahrye''s entire skin was suddenly alight.

 Chapter 292: The Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 292: The Kiss</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 privilege chapter reads in June and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS UNLOCKED AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund?

    IF YOU DO, I WILL MASS RELEASE 8 CHAPTERS ON 1 JULY!

    To make it happen, just purchase privilege before the end of June (even the 1 coin tier helps!), then stay up to date and read thetest chapters every day while they''re still unavable to normal readers. That''s all you have to do. LET''S GET THIS!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Frozen¡ªafraid this wasn''t real. Suddenly, everything within Gahrye exploded in a cascade of sensation and heat.

    They both sucked in. Kalle''s hands plunged into his hair and his scalp tingled under her touch.

    It was instinct to simply take her. Cupping both hands on her jaw, he tilted his head and tasted her, deeper and deeper, gasping as their tongues tangled.

    Then Kalle whimpered and suddenly Gahrye couldn''t think.

    He would be horrified at himselfter, but in the moment he had to have more of her. Be closer. Show her what she meant.

    Without breaking the kiss he started to his feet. And she followed him up, but she was so much shorter, he was curled over her, and that kept their chests apart, and he couldn''t do it. He couldn''t have space between them.

    With a deep, resonant groaning call that he''d never allowed himself before, he leaned down and gripped her ass, sliding her onto the table, pushing books aside to make room and stepping immediately between her knees.

    When he realized what he''d done he pulled back, cursing. "Kalle," he gasped, "Are you o¡ª"

    "Yes," she gasped and grabbed him pulling him back in, wrapping her arms around his neck when he came willingly.

    With a soft moan, Gahrye let his hands slide up her sides to pull her in tight against him. And she was perfect¡ªround where was t, curved where he angled and her kiss tasted like honey to his soul.

    Her breath thundered against his cheek, and his in her hair when, without thought he kissed his way along her jaw¡ªgroaning when she tipped her head back and offered her throat.

    The mating call tore out of him as he opened his mouth against her throat and his entire body shuddered. Then, thoughtlessly, he kissed his way to the spot right under her ear, just there. When his lips tasted that skin, she whimpered again and he felt her shiver and his entire body pebbled with aplicated mix of desire, gratitude, and joy.

    His heart raced and his hands shook, but he was frantic. Unable to release her, unable to give her space.

    He was suffocating, and she was air.

    Then she leaned back and hooked her legs around him and he almost came.

    Shuddering, he gripped her ass, then slid his hand down the back of her thigh, marveling at the perfect curve of her, that delicious hollow under her knee¡ª

    Images and thoughts intruded suddenly¡ªShaw''s smiling, but disappointed face. Gahrye''s sinking heart. Kalle''s sudden retreat.

    And he remembered.

    She can never go through the traverse.

    And he had to.

    They were doomed.

    The thought hit him like a fist to the sternum just as Kalle''s hand was sliding down his chest.

    He gasped and tore himself back, stumbling away, panting, backing away from her until his back hit the wall, and he stared at her, wide eyed, his chest heaving.

    She sat on the table, mouth open, gaping back at him. "What''s wrong? Did I¡ª"

    "You can''t¡­ you have to¡­" Gahrye plowed both hands into his hair. He had to break eye-contact with her, she was pulling him back in. "You can never go to Anima, is that true? You can''t make the traverse. Ever."

    "Yes," she breathed. "That''s true¡­" and grief shadowed her eyes. "But¡ª"

    Fucking Creator! Fucking ying with his life like a toy¡ªfirst the disformation, then dangling the hope of the human world in front of him¡ªthen his mate! His true mate! His true heart''s call! Letting him find her, taste her, feel her perfection, but never keep her. Always be torn between duty and love¡ª

    "I have to go," he snarled, pushing away from the wall and back to the table¡ªbut well wide of where Kalle still sat, gaping at him.

    "Gahrye, what¡ª"

    "I have to do it," he seethed, stacking books heedless of their subject, simply needing something to do with his hands, aware that he couldn''t run out into this strange world alone. He had to stay with her. Stay close. He groaned. "I am the Queen''s Cohort. I''m sworn. For life. It''s my life for hers. I swore to the King. I cannot¡­ I must¡­"

    He dropped the book that was in his hands and leaned on the table, forced himself to meet her wide sad eyes. "I cannot think of myself in this," he rasped. "The Creator tied me to the royal family and¡­ and I have to go back. I have no choice. I have to be ready to go back at any moment. I cannot¡­ I cannot be tied to this world. Kalle, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have¡­ I shouldn''t have done that. I shouldn''t have been so selfish," he croaked.

    *****

    KALLE

    The fire he''d lit inside her. She burned.

    She''d read about this¡ªabout people who had this heat. This chemistry. Whose bodies called to each other. But she''d never experienced it before.

    When he took her in his arms it was like she''de home¡ªbetter. It was like she''d found the ce she couldfortably never leave. And that ce was a spiral of desire.

    She yearned.

    She''d had sex before. She''d had good sex before. But this¡­

    He''d opened a hole right at the center of her gut that only he could fill. She''d never in her life jumped into bed with man¡ªnot that quickly.? She''d never felt safe enough. But if he''d locked the door just then, she would have pped her hands.

    And when he groaned¡­ it was startling and unique and made her gasp. But there was more to it than just a sound. More than just a response to the electricity that crackled between them.

    He called to her

    And she wanted to answer. Except¡­ he was back pedaling fast.

    Gahrye had pushed her away, then insisted that he couldn''t be with her, shouldn''t have touched her. She''d have understood it if it was just one of those moments, but his hands were shaking, and there was a tortured shadow behind his eyes. He looked at her like something precious had been stolen from him. And his tone was¡­ angry?

    "What the hell just happened?" she whispered.

    "What happened," he spat, stacking books again¡ªdespite the trembling in his hands, "is that I was just reminded that the Creator enjoys tormenting me. And I wish I knew why. I''m sorry, Kalle. I''m really sorry. I shouldn''t have kissed you. I won''t do it again."

    *****

    THE SUMMER SPOILER PARTY IS TOMORROW! (6pm, 13 June, Los Angeles date/time) And my discord will return to membership only through privilege after that)

    Time''s almost up! Download the discord app or register on discord, then manually enter this link to join us: https://discord.gg/CZWWgkUDtS (You might only need thest chunk of letters)

 Chapter 293: For the Creators Sake, WHY?

    <h4>Chapter 293: For the Creator''s Sake, WHY?</h4>

    SUPRRISE! We''re publishing early today BEFORE the Summer Spoiler Party--which begins in 1 hour from when this chapter was posted. This is yourst chance! Join us by downloading Discord (or registering on .discord) and enter this link manually to join us for some VERY special content and surprises:? https://discord.gg/CZWWgkUDtS (You might only need thest chunk of letters)

    *****

    KALLE

    A little spark of anger lit in her chest, right alongside the slowly dying embers he''d just lit inside her. She pushed herself off the table and walked around it, towards him. But he saw hering and turned his back, walking around the table further to the next stack of books.

    She had a sudden vision of herself chasing him around and around the table, begging him to kiss her, and him screaming that he couldn''t and she snorted.

    But Gahrye wasn''t inside her head and he turned, ring at her. "I''m d this is funny to you."

    "Oh, it''s not, I assure you," she said and put her fists on her hips. "But I think I''m starting to see the other side to this whole protective thing you''ve got going on. If we do this, will you always make decisions for the both of us?"

    He frowned, but didn''t hold her eyes, just kept stacking, and restacking books.

    His hands were still shaking. "I don''t know what you mean," he muttered. "I don''t¡­ I don''t understand how you think and I''m not thinking clearly and¡­ I don''t know what you mean." He stopped frantically stacking books and wed a hand through his hair, and his face looked so pained, so tortured, she wanted nothing more than to reach for him, to put her arms around his waist and just¡­fort him.

    "Gahrye," she said softly.

    He shook his head. "I can''t, Kalle. If I touch you¡­"

    "But, what if I touch you?"

    That groaning huff erupted out of him again and he put his face in his hands. "Please, don''t say that again," he whispered into his own palms.

    He looked so miserable, she wanted to weep. "Gahrye, what have they done to you?"

    He sucked in and shook his head, staring at the books in front of him again as his face went hard. "Nothing. I just¡­ I need to focus. Elia needs help and the baby and¡­ that''s my job now. I have more important things to deal with than my own love life. I need to go back to the house. I need to see if Elia''s okay. If she''s¡­e back. Can I take these books?" he said, waving vaguely towards the table.

    But Kalle sighed. She wanted to get offended that he so quickly dismissed whatever it was that was between them. But then she could see the fight inside him, the angst.

    She didn''t usually go for angsty guys, but he seemed like he had a reason to feel uptight. And when his hand trembled again, it touched her.

    He was so angry. So¡­ emotional. And trying so hard to do the right thing¡ªas he saw it.

    "So, that''s what integrity looks like," she muttered under her breath. "It''s been so non-existent in the men I''ve known before, I missed it. Sorry," she said, with a dryugh.

    Gahrye''s head snapped up and their eyes locked.

    Something inside her reached towards him. Then she realized she''d actually done it, actually stepped up to his side and put her hand on his arm.

    He made that noise again. She didn''t understand it, but it fluttered in her stomach.

    "What was that noise?" she asked, her hand still on his arm.

    He swallowed and his face dragged down. "How much do you know about the traverse, Kalle? About the voices within it?"

    She blinked at the strange change of subject. "I mean, I understand what they do. And what we think they are. But¡­ very little, honestly. It''s a mystery I haven''t had time to study. What does that have to do with¡ªwait! I forgot. I made a note because I knew it wasn''t the important part of this but you said you wanted to know¡­" she trailed off and looked down at the table, had to let him go and circle around it to the book she''d been looking at earlier. Then it took a minute for her to find the spot. By the time she did, he was at her shoulder. Standing close. Closely enough that he warmed her back. Her cheeks heated too, but she didn''tment.

    She wanted him close.

    "Look, I''m going to look this word up in our references, because I don''t remember it being referred to elsewhere¡ªdo the Anima have any role, or people they call Protectors?" She pointed to the passage in one of the oldest books they had. It was highly decorative, each page beautiful with tiny pictures drawn into a frame around the letters, and the first letter in each chapter turned into a small picture of its own.

    The pictures on this particr page were dark and twisted¡ªtiny gremlins peering out of the frame, sometimes with fangs, others with eyes so massive they took up most of their faces.

    "Protectors? These things?" Gahrye asked, pointing at the Gremlin that was bigger than the others, peering out of the little illustration around the P that began the chapter.

    "No, no, I think those are supposed to be the voices," she said. "This is the story of the discovery of the Portal and the journey of the King at the time¡ªthe first to meet my ancestors. I''m going to read deeper in case there''s further stories about him crossing the traverse again. But I thought it was odd that he mentions bringing a Protector with him for the journey¡ªwe aren''t supposed to be able to take more than one conscious person through at a time. But he mentions the Protector watching over him for the journey. And he''s talking about the portal."

    Gahrye frowned, leaning over her arm to read more carefully.

    She wondered if his skin prickled the way hers did where they were almost touching.

    Gahrye cleared his throat. "Can we bring this one back to the house?"

    Kalle sighed, then caught his arm when he started to stand. His eyes snapped to meet hers, and his hand twitched towards her, but then he slowly took hold of her hand with his other and took it from his arm, returning it to her. "I have to go check Elia," he said sadly and turned away.

    "What if I could check on her from here?" Kalle blurted suddenly.

    Gahrye stopped. "What do you mean?"

    "I mean if she hasn''t¡­ surfaced, if she''s not¡­ herself yet, what if we just took a break. I know a ce with fresh air."

    His eyes lit up, but then darkened again. "I can''t leave her to¡ª"

    "If she''s gotten up and returned to herself, Shaw will know. I can find out and if she hasn''t, all you''ll be doing is sitting around waiting. We can keep checking. Every hour if you want. I think¡­ I think it would do you some good to get out of the house. Outside."

    Gahrye gave it some thought. "Well, if you can be sure she''s okay?"

    "I don''t know about okay, but I can find out¡­ just give me a second." She called Shaw, who said they had thought Elia was sleeping. She didn''te down for dinner, and they had seen nothing of her that evening. She thanked him and hung up.

    "She hasn''t returned to herself yet. What do you say we grab some books, put them in the car, and then I show you a ce you might feel morefortable?"

    He stared at her, his brow lined with worry. His throat bobbed. "I feel like it''s wrong, but¡­ I would like to breathe easily," he said quietly.

    "I know the feeling," Kalle replied.

 Chapter 294: Love at First Scent - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 294: Love at First Scent - Part 1</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Being in the kar was terrifying. But he did his best to sit straight and not squeal like a boar. And there was no doubt he rxed more as the drive continued and they began to weave betweenrge fields and trees, then bushes and trees, then thick forest.

    He even opened the window when Kalle suggested it, and though he didn''t enjoy the sound of the air cutting through this¡­ thing, the smell¡­ the smell was better.

    About forty minutes after they''d left the library, she turned the kar off on a little dirt and gravel road. They weaved between trees and rocks for another minute or two, then she pulled the car off the road and turned it off.

    Gahrye breathed easier when the roar of the engine stopped.

    Then he realized how quiet it was out here.

    He blinked. Pulling the handle on the door, he got out of the car and stared around. There was still the hovering stench of the road on the edge of smelling. And the kar itself stank like poison. But he took a few steps away and it got better.

    Then Kalle got out of the car, pulling a nket from the back seat and folding it, her dark hair falling in beautiful waves when she pushed it back with her fingers. "Come this way," she said with a smile, beckoning him closer, tucking the nket under her arm. And Creator curse him, he couldn''t say no.

    He''d beenpletely self-indulgenting out here with her. But he was so, so d he had. As they walked away from the car, he caught himself and asked her wait, then stripped off the shoes and socks she''d given him, groaning with relief when his feet could spread out again. She opened the car so he could throw them inside, and they started across the road again, pointed at a trail between the trees just barely visible in the dark on the other side.

    Then suddenly a blinding re of fierce white light appeared from her hand and Gahrye almost hit the thing out of her hand before he realized it was this fone she''d used to speak with people from a distance.

    "We don''t need that," he said when he could breathe again.

    "I do, I can''t see," she said.

    "I can. Can I lead you? I would love to be out here in a way that''s natural for me."

    She stared up at him. Because of the re of the light she held, he couldn''t see the color of her eyes, but her expression was thoughtful. "Okay, you''ll have to touch me, though because I can''t follow you through this without something to hold onto."

    Gahrye took another deep breath, steeling himself to discipline, then offered his hand.

    When she took it her fingers naturally sliding between his, he had to stifle the mating call.

    He stared at their hands, entwined, her little, pale fingers gripped in his muchrger, darker ones, and shook his head. It was an image he''d prayed for his entire life.

    She touched him like it was nothing. "Thank you," he murmured.

    "What for?" she asked, giggling. "The trees? We can do this whenever you want. I alwayse out here when I''m stressed. I''d be happy to have yourpany."

    Then he looked at her face and she was smiling at him. "You''re stressed?" he asked quietly.

    She nodded, her smile faltering. "Not all the time, of course. But often. Ie out here because it''s beautiful and quiet and¡­ I can rest."

    He nodded. "This is how my home feels all the time. When there isn''t war. Or a lion Kinging at my throat."

    "Reth tried to kill you?!" she gasped, horrified. "Why?!"

    "Oh, no," Gahrye chuckled. "I was joking. But he would kill me if I went back without Elia. I vowed¡­" He squeezed her hand and fell quiet, praying she''d understand what he didn''t say. Then he started walking.

    She walked hesitantly next to him for a short space, then moved closer to his side. "Can I take your arm? I think I''d feel more confident."

    "Of course." He pulled his elbow away from his side, and she let go of his hand to slide it around his forearm, holding the nket in the other. He pulled his elbow in tight, to hold her close to him. Praying she couldn''t feel him tremble with the joy of having her so close.

    "So, what''s stressing you?" He asked after a couple minutes of walking the trail.

    She didn''t answer immediately, then when she did, her scent warmed, as if she were embarrassed. "I can sense something good in you, Gahrye. Elia too. I want to help you both, but¡­ I feel like it would be so easy to push you away by ident. You don''t think of things the same way I do, and I''m not sure I can provide what you need¡ª"

    "I have no desire to pull away from you, Kalle. None. But I am torn in twopletely opposite directions right now¡ªand I can''t be sure..." He sighed and pulled her in closer to his side. "The reason I asked you about the traverse earlier, and the voices, was because when I arrived and saw you that first time¡­ I already knew you."

    "What? We''ve met before?"

    "No. The voices showed you to me. And they told me that I couldn''t have you without them. When I saw you and you were real¡­ now I''m terrified."

    He heard her swallow. "Why?" she asked breathlessly.

    He stopped walking and she stopped with him, looking up at him in the near-ck dark.

    "Because, Kalle," he rasped. "I don''t know how they knew, but they showed me us together. They showed me how to kiss you, and touch you, and¡­ and now I know they were right. And that I can''t have you. Not the right way. And it''s getting worse."

    "Why?"

    "Because I want you so badly I''m ready to reject everything that''s good and important in my life. I''ve never been tempted that way. Ever. So¡­ does that mean that they got me? Did I give over and they erased my memory? Or is this the actual temptation? Is it possible I already belong to them? Because every second I spend with you, I''m more certain. I have no question, you''re my true mate. They told me that. Told me that you''re the one the Creator made for me."

    *****

    SUPRRISE! We''re publishing early today BEFORE the Summer Spoiler Party--which begins 30 minutes from when this chapter was posted. This is yourst chance! Join us by downloading Discord (or registering on .discord) and enter this link manually to join us for some VERY special content and surprises:

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 Chapter 295: Love at First Scent - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 295: Love at First Scent - Part 2</h4>

    BECOME A 1200 COIN TIER PRIVILEGE READER IN JULY AND HELP ME NAME A CHARACTER! All Ruler-Tier privilege readers who join my author chat (on discord) in July will be included in a private chat and allowed to submit ideas to name one of 3 characters (spelling TBD by me, lol.) You will also have ess to a private Q & A with meter in the month! Watch this space in early July for more details!

    *****

    KALLE

    Did he just say True Mates? About her? He just said True Mates. But he didn''t mean it, right? He was just using that as an example.

    But the tortured look that crossed his face when he realized what he''d said, the way he closed his eyes and seemed to brace, like he was waiting for her to be the one to pull away. His broad shoulders tensed, that hard line of his jaw began to flex like he gritted his teeth against pain.

    Like he was embarrassed.

    What the hell was happening?

    What the hell had the Anima done to him? Why didn''t he see his own beauty? How the hell did he see hers?

    "Gahrye," she whispered.

    He met her eyes and she blinked at everything revealed there¡ªheat, desire, fear, and something dark that she couldn''t put her finger on. Something that tortured him. It was instinct to touch him, to try to soothe that¡­ whatever it was. She reached out for him, put a hand to his arm and he shuddered. But she didn''t pull away.

    He looked down at her other hand hooked around his arm for several seconds, and his throat bobbed, then he looked back up at her again, his eyes locking on hers, a fierce light in them that stole her breath. And it was as if he''d made a decision.

    He turned towards her, standing closer until their faces were only inches apart, and all hints of his embarrassment and uncertainty were gone.

    "Do you know what happened to me today?" he rasped.

    She shook her head.

    "I thought I was going to die. Elia lost control of the beast for a moment and it stalked me. It¡­ pounced."

    Kalle was sickened by the spear of fear that shot through her at that mental image and her hand tightened on him.

    He shook his head. "I had seconds, I thought. And the only thing I could think¡ªthe only thing I could feel¡ªwas pure rage that I''d never gotten to touch you. I''d never gotten to kiss you. That I hadn''t told you¡­" he trailed off.

    Kalle didn''t breathe. Did he mean¡­? "Hadn''t told me what?"

    He took a big, deep, slow breath. "Kalle, the first time I saw you, I knew. You''re mine. You''re supposed to be mine. I don''t know how it works in this world, but in mine¡ª"

    Sucking in a harsh breath, she threw herself at him, letting the nket drop, she took his mouth, fell into his broad chest, and took his gorgeous face in her hands.

    He sucked in too, but he didn''t flinch¡ªas soon as their lips touched Gahrye made a gorgeous, resonant groan in his chest and pulled her in, his steel arms wrapping around her, one hand sliding up her spine to bury his fingers in her hair and hold her there.

    Her skin pebbled everywhere he touched her and her breath became shallow and fast. Her body came alive. And so did he.

    With another gorgeous huff in his throat, he swept her up, leaning back until she wrapped her legs around him.

    Then, when he dropped his head back with a tormented groan, she kissed his neck and let herself shiver at the call he made, the groaning huff that vibrated in her belly and set her alight. Then, one of his hands at her back, the other cupping her thigh, his hand sorge he could span it, fingers and thumb on either side and hold her, he tilted his head and took her mouth, deepening the kiss until Kalle could feel it in her toes.

    His breath heaved, and he made a small moan of protest, but he didn''t let her go. Didn''t stop kissing her, and internally Kalle celebrated. She wasn''t sure what this was going to mean, wasn''t sure how she could suddenly be so certain about him¡­ but she was.

    Deep inside, she was rock solid. This was the man the Creator had made for her. How was that possible?

    She pulled back, holding his face, staring at him, stunned.

    "What?" he asked, a thread of fear in his tone.

    "I just¡­ is this how it is for Anima? You meet someone and it''s just¡­ it''s all there?"

    "Not always, but sometimes," he said, his fingers stroking the back of her thigh. "When they''re your True Heart''s Call."

    "True heart''s call," she repeated, then bit her lip, smiling. "That''s¡­ that''s beautiful."

    "You''re beautiful."

    She couldn''t help it. She kissed him again. Desperately.

    True Heart''s Call. That''s what this was. Ande hell or high water she wasn''t going to let anything like a stupid curse keep her away from him.

    She kept her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, her breath ratcheting up. His hands were warm and sure. He was so strong holding her up, taking her weight, groaning as he stroked the back of her thigh.

    Then with a heavy sigh, he kissed his way along her jaw and down her neck, holding her tightly, his lips soft, then his teeth even softer and Kalle whimpered.

    Gahrye shuddered and clung to her, suddenly not kissing, not¡­ anything. Just holding her. His face buried in her neck.

    And he shook. From head to toe, he shook.

    "Gahrye, what''s wrong?" she asked in a voice too high and thin. But he just clung. She held him tightly. Or rather, clung to him as he held her. "Please¡­ talk to me. This is impossible, but it''s real and¡­ let me help you, please," she whispered.

    Then he pulled his face out of her neck and his eyes were shining in the sliver of light she could see.

    "I''ve dreamed about this my whole life," he rasped. "About holding you and having you hold me back. Wanting to hold me. I just¡­ I can''t¡­ I''m just so grateful."

    It should have sounded weak. She should have been skeptical, or thought he was desperate. But his words rang with pure truth and tears pinched the back of her eyes and narrowed her throat.

    "You''re so¡­ good," she whispered and kissed him.

    He shook his head and clung to her again. "If I was good I wouldn''t be doing this," he said inly. "I''d be back at the house and watching over Elia. But I can''t, Kalle. I can''t stay away from you. And I don''t know what that means for me. With what the voices said¡ª"

    "We''ll work it out," she said. "Just rx. We''ll¡­ we''ll figure it out. Because I don''t want to let go of you either."

    He groaned that call again, and she took his face in her hands and kissed him as if it was thest thing she''d ever do.

    ****

    WANT MORE? The new Privilege tiers for July are now live! There are some change to the early privilege tiers this month that offer more chapters for lower per-chapter cost, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! See the author note below if you have not purchased (or repurchased) privilege before!

 Chapter 296: Let Me Sleep

    <h4>Chapter 296: Let Me Sleep</h4>

    THE WINNERS OF THE 100 WEBNOVEL COIN VOUCHERS ARE:

    1. Rae_Read

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    4. DaoistK1pY1b

    There will be another drawing on July 15th, so? please continue to support Elreth and Aaryn with your votes! As we enter the new Win-win event this month, and pursue Spirity Awards, even if you cannot buy privilege, or prefer to read free, you can help us by voting,menting, and rmending this book to your friends! Thank you for all your support!

    *****

    ELIA - Human World

    It was pitch ck. No light at all. But she could smell the cave, smell her mate and her heart surged.

    "Reth?" she cried.

    There was a rustling behind her, as if the furs had moved. "Elia?" his voice was hoarse and weak, as if she''d woken him. "Elia?!"

    "Reth!" She rolled over and found that warm, steel strength of his chest under her hands. She sobbed and clung to him. "Reth, you''re here?"

    "No, you''re here. Elia how¡ª"

    But she''d found his face and pulled him in, kissing him, whimpering against his lips, and he took her mouth desperately, pulling her into his chest, groaning the mating call, long and deep until it vibrated in her chest where she was pressed against him.

    He wore no clothing and she clung to him, wrapped her leg over his waist, her fingers wing into his back, fisting his hair, pulling him, needing to feel him, until his muscles gave under her grip and he flinched. But he didn''t let go.

    He panted her name, his fingers in her hair, and stroking down her back, asking her how, protesting that it wasn''t safe, but she couldn''t answer. She was terrified, and ecstatic, and unable to think beyond holding onto him and never letting go.

    "Elia, love¡ª"

    "I can''t do this, Reth," she gasped between kisses. "I can''t be apart from you. It''s too hard. I''ve started shifting and I couldn''t get back for a while¡­? I don''t understand anything when you''re not in it."

    His breath was hot on her jaw. She tipped her head back with a tiny cry, and he growled, kissing his way, open mouthed, down her neck, to her throat.

    "Love¡­ my love," he gasped. "How¡ª?"

    "Please, Reth. I need you," she whimpered and pulled him until he rolled over her, his hips between her thighs and she arched, "Please!"

    With a frantic gasp, Reth found her. "Are you sure¡ªlove how are you here?"

    "I don''t know, but Reth, please. Please!"

    With a ear-shattering roar he entered her, his entire body shuddering. She cried his name, tears tracking down her cheeks, but she couldn''t think, couldn''t care. She only grabbed, her hands pping on his back with her desperation as he curled one arm over her head, pulled her hip up to meet him with the other, and they both clung, united and gasping.

    "I love you, Reth!" Elia panted. "I love you so much."

    "Elia¡ª" his voice broke and his body shuddered, but she kept pulling him in, arching against him, frantic, as something began to unravel and she could feel herself being lost.

    "No! Reth!" she kissed him and their tongues tangled. "Don''t leave me. Don''t leave me!"

    A sob broke in his throat and he curled into her, thrusting again and again, but holding her so tightly, their bodies never parted.

    "I love you, Reth."

    "I love you¡ª" he gasped.

    Elia buried her fingers in his hair and held her breath as that sparkling wave rushed over her and her entire body shook, "Light, Reth! Help me! I don''t want to leave you!"

    "I''m here, Love, I''m here!" But his voice was beginning to tunnel.

    Desperate, Elia grabbed at his hips and pulled with him as he roared and climaxed, his face buried in her neck. "Elia, Love¡ª"

    She sobbed as the warmth of him began to fade and her chest was no longer deliciously ttened by his weight. As the sense of him, all of him, on her skin, inside her, faded.

    "NO!"

    But when she reached for him to pull him back, to demand that he not leave again, she was grabbing air.

    No.

    His scent began to fade and turn cold and she cried gulping sobs, iling, trying to find him again.

    Please, no.

    Then she sucked in and suddenly she blinked and she could see again. Except that tears blurred her vision, there was dim light in the room¡ªbarely gray haze under the curtains, highlights on the furniture, and shadows in dark corners.

    Elia sat bolt upright, her chest heaving, tears rolling down her cheeks. "NO!"

    She was back it the bedroom at the Guardian house, sitting on the floor, her back to the wall. Her skin still pebbled with Reth''s electric touch. Her body still throbbed from her release.

    But he wasn''t here.

    He''d never been here.

    It was a dream.

    She? was back. She was herself. She didn''t know how it had happened, but he''d brought her back.

    But he wasn''t here. He wasn''t here.

    Limbs shaking and sobs breaking in her throat, she got slowly to her feet and stumbled over to the bed, throwing herself on it and looking for those pillows. The weight of them, putting one at her back, and one at her front, cuddling it, heedless of the tears that soaked it in patches.

    She kept shaking her head and murmuring, no, through her tears.

    It wasn''t fair. She couldn''t do this alone. She couldn''t.

    She needed to sleep again. To find him in the dream again.

    She had to.

    But all she could do was cry.

    *****

    It had to be at least an hourter when she finally stopped crying. She hadn''t been able to find sleep again, and as she calmed, she wondered what she would do now.

    She could remember being behind the beast. Remember struggling to tame it. Being unable to find herself again.

    How had that led her to Reth?

    If she could know for sure it would always be that way, she would have done whatever she could to shift again, right then. But she grimaced. She knew the dream had nothing to do with the beast. And she knew it wasn''t safe for her to be the beast.

    She needed to be grateful that she''de back. Somehow.

    She needed to take care of herself and Elreth.

    But all she wanted to do was sleep.

    A strange, groaning huff rose from her throat, and she let it, recognizing in it the timbre of Reth''s mating call.

    She thought of his beautiful face, his carved body, the warm gentleness of his hands, the sheer strength of him, and the call tore out of her again¡ªhigher than Reth''s, different. But the same. And she knew... She knew.

    And when someone knocked on the door and asked for her, she answered. Eventually. But she didn''t look up. And she didn''t speak to them.

    She couldn''t. She couldn''t even move.

    She needed to sleep. She needed to find Reth again.

 Chapter 297: Fail

    <h4>Chapter 297: Fail</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! Thank you privilege readers! You''ve clocked up over 5,000 chapter reads and so you''ve earned an 8% refund on ALL PRIVILEGE PURCHASES AND CHAPTERS READ AFTER YOU BOUGHT PRIVILEGE! And we aren''t even halfway through the month! Can we hit 10,000 reads in June and earn the 12% refund? Just purchase privilege (which most of you already have), then stay up to date and read thetest chapters every day while they''re still unavable to normal readers. That''s all you have to do. LET''S GET THIS!

    *****

    GAHRYE - Human World

    Gahrye was lost in kissing Kalle. He forgot he was holding her in the middle of a dark trail. Forgot that he had a human-Anima Queen back at the house who couldn''t find herself. Forgot that the voices had told him he couldn''t have Kalle without them. Forgot everything¡­

    The only thing that cut through the haze of his mind was her lips on his, her breath fluttering against his skin, her heart racing in time with his own, her hands on his shoulders and buried in his hair, her legs sped around his waist.

    Dear god, her legs. Had there ever been a more beautiful pair of legs made by the Creator?

    His body responded to the thought. Sucking in a deep breath, he pulled out of the kiss. "I have to put you down," he rasped.

    "Why?" she gasped, kissing his jaw.

    Gahrye groaned. "Because if I don''t, I''m going to take you right here, and this isn''t how I imagined our first time," he said, his voice husky.

    She did pull back at that, so quickly at first he thought maybe she was angry. But then she smiled and her eyes shed. "You''ve already thought about our first time?" she whispered.

    He snorted. "Just a little," he admitted and looked down, but that gave him a perfect view of the rounds of her breasts pressed against his chest and that wasn''t helping his current goal of not taking her in the dirt, so he manfully yanked his gaze back up to her eyes.

    She was giving him a sly grin. He prayed she ignored his rather insistent body that was responding very urgently to the way she''d wrapped her legs around him.

    Holding her ass in one hand wasn''t helping either, but he didn''t want to let go. So he used the other hand toe up and push her hair off her face. "Thank you for bringing me out here," he said carefully. "I want to do this¡ªbe close to you¡ªas much as we can. For as long as we can. But I don''t want to rush things. I don''t know how much time we have, Kalle, but what we get, I want to do it right. You aren''t just a female to enjoy for a moment''s thrill. You''re my mate. The only one in the world. In any world," he corrected himself, sheepishly.

    "You''re right," she said, her voice awed. "The only one, Gahrye. You''re the only one."

    Then she looked at him, eyes wide in the dark, not smiling anymore. As they stared at each other he wondered if it was hitting her, the way it hit him, that their time was limited. And they couldn''t ever know for sure how long it would be.

    He cleared his throat. "Kalle, I want to ask you¡ª"

    The night still was broken by a sudden, trilling, jangling noise that startled Gahrye and he grabbed her close, looking for a threat. But she patted his shoulder and said, "Don''t worry, it''s just my phone. But that''s Shaw''s ring, so I better answer it."

    He let her slide down his body, stifling the call again when her legs brushed against his. Then, without taking her eyes off his, she pulled the phone out of her pocket and answered it.

    "Yes?" Her eyes dropped to the ground and her cheeks pinked, but then she jerked her head back up to look at him as a tinny, crackling voice said, "You need to get Gahrye back here. The Queen is¡­ she''s not doing very well."

    Gahrye grabbed Kalle''s hand and they ran.

    *****

    Sick. He felt sick. He had left her far too long. He''d known. And he''d let himself give in. He''d been self-indulgent, selfish, irresponsible¡­ He shook his head as the car rolled around another corner. They''d been half an hour from the house and even with Kalle''s faster driving, they still had another ten minutes.

    Gahrye prayed for forgiveness, prayed that Elia had found a way back to herself and was just in shock. That there wasn''t anything serious wrong. Shaw hadn''t seemed to know how to exin what was going on, and just asked them to hurry back. Gahrye hadn''t wanted Kalle to ask directly in case they didn''t know Elia had shifted.

    So instead, they sped through the streets of the town, Gahrye''s heart in his throat, and Kalle reaching across the gap between the seats to hold his hand.

    "There was nothing wrong with you getting out tonight," she insisted.

    "Of course there was," he muttered.

    "No, Gahrye, you are carrying everything. That''s not healthy. You need to get breaks sometimes."

    "Not when my Queen is in beast form for the first time in her human life," he snapped. "I knew it was unwise. I was¡­ weak."

    "You are not weak." She used the word differently, a small smile popping up as she did. Gahrye''s heart thrilled that she saw him as strong, that desire threaded into her scent when she said it. But at the same time, he wanted to curse himself.

    He couldn''t let himself be distracted this way!

    Squeezing Kalle''s hand he took a deep breath. "When we get there I can''t touch you," he said, his voice rolling off into a resonant groan.

    "Why not? I''m not ashamed of¡ª"

    "Because I cannot let Elia know. If she knows she will make every effort to hide anything from me that would make me have to stay close to her rather than be with you."

    Kalle blinked. "That''s a bad thing?"

    "It is when I''m vowed to the death to protect her. She''s always determined to do things by herself as much as she can, and if she starts hiding things from me the risk is she''ll push too hard and put herself in danger¡ªand I won''t be there to help her."

    Kalle''s lips thinned. "I love that you''re so devoted to her. That you take your role so seriously, but¡­ but isn''t it good that she''d want you to spend time with me?"

    "Not if it puts her in danger. We have no idea what the wolves will do to try to weaken Reth. She''s their primary target. If they know where the portal is¡­" he groaned and buried his face in his hands. "I should never have left. When we get to the house, let me go in first, in case it''s a trap."

    "It won''t be a trap."

    "You can''t know that. The wolves have already tried to kill or remove Elia at least four times that we know of."

    "Four times?!"

    "Yes." He turned and looked at her. She nced back and forth between him and road as he spoke. "The danger to Elia is very real. It''s why Reth made me blood vow to keep her safe and bring her home. He knew that they would stop at nothing. I was supposed to have help¡­ though I suppose, if she can shift, at least she can take them by surprise and won''t be as weak as she was," he said, a tiny kernel of hope springing in his chest.

    "This seems like far too much for one person to take on alone," Kalle said. "Good thing I''m here to help you now."

    Gahrye''s jaw dropped open as he looked at her.

 Chapter 298: Riding the Crazy Train

    <h4>Chapter 298: Riding the Crazy Train</h4>

    WANT TO NAME A CHARACTER IN THE ANIMA WORLD? If you purchase the top tier of privilege in this book, or "Taming the Queen of Beasts", you will gain entry to a private chat group in my discord where ONLY top tier privilege readers are able to submit names for consideration for 3 different characters this month! The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, purchase the top tier of privilege, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

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    *****

    ELIA - Human World

    There was movement in the suite. Someone was in the living room, talking on a phone, she thought. But she couldn''t care enough to lift her head, let alone her body.

    She wanted to sink away from this ce, back into Reth''s arms. Back into the furs at the cave. She didn''t want to be here anymore. She huffed the call for her mate and listened. But there was no answer.

    Her heart grieved.

    Then suddenly the door opened and a familiar scent entered, leaving other, unfamiliar scents nearby, but not so close.

    Her body tensed. It was the wrong male. She didn''t want to look. She didn''t want to see.

    "Elia?" Gahrye''s voice was soft and hesitant. He stood at the side of the bed. "Elia, are you okay?"

    "No," she breathed.

    "Can you¡­ are you¡­"

    "I''m still me," she snarled through her teeth. "I''m still here. I''m still¡­ nothing has changed," she spat.

    "Elia, everything has changed. You can shift."

    She growled.

    Gahrye swallowed loudly. "Do you remember?"

    "Yes."

    "How did you get back?"

    "I don''t know. I just woke up on the floor a while ago."

    He blew out a breath and raked a hand through his hair. Elia caught a glimpse of his hand shaking and watched him from the corner of her eye. She didn''t want to see his worry, or the weight on him. She knew he would be feeling responsible even though there was nothing he could do. She knew she should be reassuring him. But she didn''t want to. She didn''t want to soothe anyone. She wanted to go home. She needed Reth. And she needed¡­ she needed to be out of this house and away from these strange smells that raised the hair on the back of her neck.

    Then she blinked. Had she really just told herself she didn''t care about Gahrye having to carry¡­ all of this?

    What was wrong with her?

    She covered her face with her hands. "I''m sorry," she whispered. "I''m sorry, I''m just¡­ this is really hard. I¡­ I dreamed about Reth and it just smacked me in the face with¡­ everything. I''m so scared, Gahrye. So scared."

    "Me too," he said, but he sank into the chair next to the bed instead of pacing. "I don''t know what''s going to happen, Elia. I''m really¡­ I''m really uncertain how this is going to go."

    She huffed a humorlessugh. "You''re unsure? Apparently, I''m pregnant, no longer human, and riding the crazy train."

    "The¡­ crazy train?"

    "Yeah. Nuts. Psycho. Losing my marbles¡­"

    "What does this have to do with children''s games?" Gahrye''s face was crumpled into a look so purely confused, Elia almostughed for real.

    Groaning, she forced herself to push up, to sit up, to face her dear friend.

    And it was only then that she saw the truth.

    The lines on his forehead. The way his hands clenched on the arms of the chair. The sweat at his temples. And his leg jiggling, because he couldn''t keep it still.

    "Oh, Gahrye, I''m so sorry," she whispered. "I shouldn''t have snapped at you."

    "I think under the circumstances I can forgive a little short-temperedness," he said dryly. But his lips were thin and his eyes looked haunted.

    "Did I¡­ did I try to hurt you?" she breathed, blinking, a vague memory cloudy in her mind.

    His eyes snapped to meet hers. "Your beast did. Almost. You stopped it."

    "I''m so sorry."

    "What for? You can''t be expected to control that. You¡­ how the hell did you be Anima, Elia?"

    She shook her head. "It''s got to be the pregnancy? Maybe¡­ maybe my blood is mixing with Elreth''s or something? Have you had any chance to look for any records or¡ª"

    Something strange entered Gahrye''s scent, a quality she didn''t recognize, but he shook his head quickly. "I mean, we looked. We''ve been looking. For hours. But we haven''t found anything about human pregnancies yet. Apparently they''re really umon."

    "Well, no surprises there, I guess," Elia said sadly.

    Gahrye shook his head, and they both sat there, not looking at each other for a minute.

    "What are we going to do?" she said eventually.

    He shrugged. "Keep looking. Keep trying. You need to rest as much as you can. And try not to get angry. I''ll¡­ I keep going back and forth about telling Shaw. Something about that guy just puts my back up."

    "Telling him what, though? About me shifting? He doesn''t know?"

    Gahrye shook his head. "I guess he doesn''t know the signs. He didn''t see your eyes change. I got you up here and kept you locked in. They thought you were sleeping, until someone came to check on you and I guess you¡­ growled at them? But you were you, already. They thought¡­ they thought maybe you were already starting to lose your mind. They didn''t want to tell me, in case I freaked out."

    "Where were you?"

    "I was¡­ Kalle took me to the library in town. We were looking for information. I brought a bunch of books back, if you want something to upy your mind. We haven''t even started with the records they have, and there''s just¡­ there''s so much to look through to try to find¡­" His jaw twitched and he raked a hand through his hair again. "There''s just a lot."

    "I''ll help, she said resolutely. "I''ll rest, like you said. I''ll be careful. If Shaw doesn''t know and you''re reading the winds and it''s not good¡ªwait, why should we be concerned about a Guardian? Aren''t they here to keep our secrets?"

    "That''s the thing. I can''t figure out what''s wrong. He''s not lying. He cares about you. He means it when he says he''ll do anything he can to help. I''m just¡­ there''s something about him that I don''t trust, but I can''t figure out why."

    Elia frowned. She trusted Gahrye''s judgment. But¡­ "Is it possible it''s just because he''s human? Do we smell different? Or¡­ do things that feel off?"

    "Always," he grinned, but it faded quickly. "But this is different to you and the things we went through where you didn''t understand, or I didn''t understand you. This is¡­ it''s like there''s something in him that''s hidden from me. But I can sense it. Except¡­" he groaned. "I don''t know, Elia, maybe it''s nothing. Maybe I''m just being paranoid."

    "Maybe, but I doubt it," she said. "I trust you, Gahrye. If you have a bad feeling, we''ll listen to that until we know otherwise."

    He took a deep breath, then winced. "This damn world stinks."

    Elia''s nose wrinkled as she breathed in. He was right. The air seemed almost to sting in her sinuses, it was so sharp. "Ugh, I don''t know how you do this," she said. "Distract me with something."

    "What?"

    "You said you went to the library. So you left the property? What did you see? What was it like? What do you think of my world?" she asked, and forced herself to smile.

    Gahrye shook his head. "Where do I start?"

    "How about at the beginning?"

    That strange edge threaded into his scent again, but Elia couldn''t identify it. Didn''t know what it meant. She looked at him, but he was staring at the door into the living room, which he''d left open. "I think¡­ I think I should tell youter," he said thoughtfully, as if his mind wasn''t really on her. "But I can tell you this now: I pray that we never get technology on Anima. That shit stinks."

 Chapter 299: Mind Games

    <h4>Chapter 299: Mind Games</h4>

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    *****

    RETH - Anima

    Reth woke shuddering and shaking, the mating call still fading from his chest. For a moment he was confused. He sat up, pulling the furs apart, searching for her.

    But all he found was her scent.

    When he''d finally woken properly, understood that it was just a dream, that his body was only responding to his mind¡ªthat even her scent in his nostrils was something remembered¡ªhe groaned and sank back down into the furs, shivering.

    Was he going mad? It felt real. It seemed like she was really there. But that was impossible. He leaned into her side of the furs, her pillow. Her scent was strong there, but it hadn''t faded in the days since she''d left yet.

    Then he realized he wasying the dark smelling his mate''s pillow and he fisted the furs and threw them back, shoving out of the bed.

    He spent two hard hours of training, ignoring the disapproving looks from the guards at the bathing pools. They could fucking deal with it. If he didn''t hit something he was going to lose his mind.

    But no matter how many thrusts, jabs, kicks, and blocks he practiced, he couldn''t get the memories out of his head¡ªcould stop his body rising to look for her again. Couldn''t make her scent leave his nose.

    Fuck, he missed her. After two hours he crawled back down thedder into the bathing pools, stripped off to let the water chill him to his bones, and ignored the guards looks.

    He would go to breakfast and he would speak with Aymora and Brant. Try to figure out what the hell was going on in his head.

    *****

    They sat at the head table in a subdued market. Because there were families living there now, the meals were served only in the front half, before the stage, and in shifts. He''d called Brant and Aymora to join him and Behryn so the people could see them there, enjoying a meal and living their lives. Which is what he wanted his people to do. To keep living.

    Please.

    But it was difficult to keep up the pretense of any kind of ease.

    "You look like you sat on a pricklepig," Brant said quietly from his right. "Do you need assistance to remove the spines from your ass?" Behryn, on his other side, snorted into his fruit.

    Reth shot his best friend a look before softening his expression to regard Brant. "Very funny. I''m trying. It''s been a tough few days."

    "And they''re going to get tougher before they get better, Reth. My advice would be to work on your game face now, before the entire cityes to believe we are on the verge of death."

    "What my brother means," Aymora added from his left, "is that while you are here in front of the people, you should do your best to keep your spirits up, then you can be¡­ unhappy with us, in private. Let us help you."

    "I need your help now," Reth said, doing his best to keep his face straight. "I need you to look into the histories for me."

    "For what?"

    "Any time when a human became Anima," Reth said quietly.

    Aymora choked on the barley she''d been spooning into her mouth while he spoke. Brant frowned.

    "What?" Aymora spluttered when Reth didn''t continue.

    He handed her a ss of water. "I had a dreamst night. A very real dream. And I wonder¡­ I wonder if it wasn''t entirely a dream. In it, Elia came to me and¡­ she said she''d started shifting. Are there any records of an Anima pregnancy causing a human to shift?"

    "None," Brant said firmly.

    Aymora nodded her agreement. "I know I would have remembered that," she said softly. "I''m sorry, Reth. I''m sorry you had a disturbing dream. But I think it was just that. I think your mind is venting its frustrations over not knowing what has happened to her by tormenting you with the¡­ possibilities."

    He couldn''t deny that that might be exactly what was happening. When his father died, he''d been tormented by nightmares for months.

    But they hadn''t felt like that dream.

    They hadn''t felt real.

    And they hadn''t felt good.

    "Okay," Reth said slowly, still uncertain what to think. "So, I want you both to be really straight with me. I know we didn''t want to scare Elia too much before she left. But you must have some ideas¡ªeven theories¡ªabout how bad this is. What can you tell me about¡­ how she''s going to cope. How much time we have. I know we told her six months, but¡­ I feel like¡­ maybe we need to be faster than that? What''s the reality of thisndscape. Just tell me."

    Aymora nced at Brant then turned to Reth. "I have to tell you that we differ a little on how we see this. I believe the pregnancy may make things worse for her, Brant believes it may improve her likelihood of staying sane. We are both specting, Reth. We don''t know. I''m just¡­ I''ve treated many females while they''re pregnant for a number of issues, and I have to say, pregnancy rarely seems to improve anyone''s health. Especially mentally. But with that said, since we don''t know what the actual cause of the insanity is, it is definitely possible that her pregnancy holds some kind of protection?"

    Brant cleared his throat. "I believe the pregnancy might help her in two ways. I think it gives her a purpose, and every person I know is in a better mental state when they have something to focus on other than themselves. But¡­ if the cause of the downward spiral is attached to something that the Anima don''tck, then having a pregnancy with an Anima baby may provide to her whatever it is we have that protects us from this."

    Reth looked between them both. They''d clearly discussed this before. "So¡­"

    "So, it might make it better, it might make it worse, and so far we haven''t found anything that would point in either direction with certainty."

    Reth sat back in his chair and rubbed his face. "No matter what we do¡­ no matter where we look, it just never ends. I just¡­ I just need to know! I need to know which risk is greater. In the dream she was¡­ she was falling apart, and I''m terrified I''ve made the wrong choice."

    Brant shook his head. "I don''t believe you have, no matter which way the pregnancy tips her. The wolves are far less likely to go through after her than they are to make a concerted effort to take her here. And we''ve already seen that we have spies. As soon as you bring her back the wolves are going to know. Right now, your ignorance is their ignorance."

    "But what if my ignorance is her death sentence? The bears will be there soon. If I don''t get her now¡­ we might not have a choice soon."

    "I don''t believe bringing her back now is the right idea, Reth," Aymora said. "And don''t forget, that if things get dire, Gahrye will help her get back and with the Bears clearing the region hopefully if she is forced back, she can get to us before she meets with any danger."

    "And then we deal with aplicated delivery."

    Aymora put a hand to his shoulder. But she didn''t deny it. "We''re praying for both of them, all of them, Gahrye too," she murmured.

    Reth nodded, but shrugged off her hand. He didn''t want to lose the fading memories of Elia''s hands on him.

    He finished the meal in silence, and his friends let him.

    *****

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 Chapter 300: The Downward Spiral

    <h4>Chapter 300: The Downward Spiral</h4>

    (Posted 10 JULY) WANT TO NAME A CHARACTER IN THE ANIMA WORLD? If you purchase the top tier of privilege in this book, or "Taming the Queen of Beasts", you will gain entry to a private chat group in my discord where ONLY top tier privilege readers are able to submit names for consideration for 3 different characters this month! The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, purchase the top tier of privilege, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

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    SEE YOU THERE!

    *****

    LERRIN

    "I''m telling you," Asta muttered as they walked through the camp after visiting the sentries to make sure the patrols were on their toes, "We need to stop with these petty skirmishes. All these little raids are only frustrating everyone."

    "Including our enemy," Lerrin said through his teeth, as low as possible so they were unlikely to be overheard. "Killing by a thousand paper cuts."

    "And allowing them to believe a paper-cut is all we are capable of!"

    "Exactly," he snapped. "The Cat will be lulled into a false sense of security, believing we don''t have the numbers for an all-out assault. His confidence will grow¡ªand then he''ll growx. Theirfort and convenience has made them soft. Trust me. What we need is time."

    "Except, all the time we use to make them rx, only strengthens their position¡ªthey be better equipped, better prepared. It''s more time for them to think through their defenses, and to find a way to infiltrate ours. Do I need to remind you they''ve already done that once?"

    "No," Lerrin growled. "I warned Lucine she was being cocky about¡ª" Lerrin snarled as his foot caught on something low the ground and he pitched forward, whipping himself around to keep his feet. He ended face to face with one of the hunters squatted next to a tiny campfire alongside his tent¡ªand the spear that he''d left where it must have fallen over the trail kicked to his feet.

    Lerrin straightened as the male rolled his shoulders forward and dropped his head. "I''m very sorry, Sire," he muttered.

    Lerrin was about to tell him to pay it no mind, when he became aware of the male''s campsite.

    There were other weapons leaned up against the side of tent¡ªits center pole slightly askew. Dirty dishes were stacked alongside the fire, crawling in bugs and obviously having sat there since the night before.

    Lerrin scanned the site, and those around it and saw the same thing over and over. Only little things, little details, but more than one at almost every site.

    "Clean up this site!" he snarled at the male, who flinched.

    "Yes, Sire, right away."

    "Do not let me find it in such condition again, or you''ll be assigned to the cesspits."

    "Yes, Sire. I''m very sorry."

    Lerrin snorted and turned on his heel, Asta falling in alongside him as he began to walk again. Though he hardly wished to open his mind, it wasn''t a conversation to be overheard, so he scratched at her mind and she opened to him immediately, if with some distance. They''d never been good at this kind of connection.

    It''s been barely two weeks and the people are already losing their edge?

    She looked around, her lips thin. They are tired. And demoralized.

    Two weeks, Asta.

    They were promised the Tree City. Instead they have¡­ this.

    They were never promised the Tree City from the first week! I thought our enemies were the soft ones. If this is what our soldiers havee to already it''s no wonder we haven''t made more progress. Get the fist leaders moving among them and shaping things up. If they aren''t on a raid, they need to be training or working with their people. They can''t be falling apart already.

    Asta rolled a growl in her throat. Morale is low because nothing is happening, she sent.

    Nothing?! They know nothing! Just because I don''t have the cat''s head on a pike yet doesn''t mean nothing is happening, Asta, you know that.

    But they do not, she added firmly.

    He stopped walking and she stopped with him, facing him, not backing down. Not dropping her eyes. It was an agreement between them that she would always challenge him¡ªwhether she believed what she said, or not. She would choose the best argument and bring it to him in every situation, and in this way they tested every decision.

    But her firmness now was real. He could feel it in her.

    She thought they should be doing more. She thought the people were justified in their little rebellions.

    Lerrin leaned in until they were almost nose to nose. She didn''t back down, but he felt her waver.

    You tell our people to keep their teeth and ws sharp, he seethed, because they could be called in at any moment. And you tell them that just because they don''t see progress does not mean their King is sitting on his ass, tickling himself with his tail.

    I''ll pass it on, she sent, nodding.

    But he didn''t drop her gaze, and neither did she. "What is the problem?" he hissed.

    I am impatient, too, she sent rather than spoke, wisely. I want to taste leonine blood. I am done being seen as the viin. It is our people who have been kept low for generations!

    Lerrin''s lip curled up over his teeth. Then you should remind yourself that our best chance for victory is to get our enemy off-bnce. We are strategists, Asta. We are disciplined and strong. We are not bears who will roar and rampage¡­ He threw a hand out towards the camp. Though you wouldn''t know it, looking around here.

    Can you me them? They were promised the Tree City and here we are¡­ camping. Well, except for our fearless King, she sent with a mocking bow. He has found at least some of theforts of home. Lucky male.

    A growl rolled in Lerrin''s throat.

    Don''t get pissy, Lerrin. I''m jealous. I wish I had a hand-maiden.

    The thought was colored with enough humor to soothe his anger a hair. But only a hair.

    You could have had one if your timing had been better, he sent. She needed cover, so I took her on. She''s proven more useful than I could have anticipated.

    "I''m sure she is," Asta said, smirking and arching an eyebrow.

    Lerrin growled. "Do not be the males you despise, Asta."

    That wiped the grin off her face. She bristled, but kept her stance casual. He could feel her anger through the connection though.

    Suddenly, Lerrin was very tired, and it was only morning. He couldn''t drop her eyes and be seen to submit, so he pushed at her through the bond until she sighed and looked away.

    Thank you, he sent. Now, what is going on?

    He watched her carefully as she now avoided his eyes and her hands clenched. "This isn''t about me having a servant, surely? She can be used to help others if you think¡ª"

    "No, it''s not. Not exactly," she said. "The female helps around the camp when you''re upied. No one resents her, they''re just ufortable."

    "Why?"

    Asta''s lips thinned. "The women are ufortable about her beauty and proximity to the King. The males are ufortable about her being disformed. Everyone near her is on edge."

    "She is not near the King. Not like that," he growled.

    Asta shrugged. "It looks like she is. To females who would have their eyes on you, it is a burr in their fur. But I''ve been near her. She does good work quickly and quietly, withoutint. No one begrudges you some help, Lerrin. Well, except for the bathing. That seems a bit indulgent."

    He snorted. "That''s the one thing I won''t give up."

    Asta tipped her head as if to say it was up to him.

    "Tell me, Asta. What is it you aren''t saying."

    "Nothing, Lerrin. You told me to challenge you on anything that seems valid, whether I agreed or not. Our current living arrangement, the uncertainty of the war¡­ it all feels frustrating. So, I let you know that. That is all."

    Except, there was a hint, the most subtle hint that she''d left something unsaid.

    They stared at each other.

    But she didn''t flinch.

    ****

    WANT MORE? The new Privilege tiers for July are now live! There are some change to the early privilege tiers this month that offer more chapters for lower per-chapter cost, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! See the author note below if you have not purchased (or repurchased) privilege before!

 Chapter 301: Impatient

    <h4>Chapter 301: Impatient</h4>

    If you''re reading this Sunday, 11 July (in the USA) there is a monthly voice chat hang-out at 1pm Pacific (Los Angeles time) on my discord today. If you''d like to join us, just download the discord app, or register on discord dot, click the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these characters:? a8wQdJ5M

    See you there!

    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    An hourter Lerrin stalked down the trails through the encampment, towards his tent. His ire rose as he made himself look and found many of the small diforts and ill-disciplines he had noticed with Asta, sprinkled throughout the camp.

    He wanted to bite something. What had infected his people who were usually so dedicated to cleanliness and detail? He would amend his order to Asta and demand to speak with the fist leaders himself tomorrow. This would not continue. But for now, he had to push on. He was alreadyte getting to his tent.

    The security council were going to meet there today since he had the most space. He''d warned Suhle that the males would being and might beat him to the tent. He''d hoped to be there to greet them¡ªignoring the little voice in the back of his head that whispered he wanted to be there so Suhle wouldn''t get that hunted look in her eyes¡ªbut dealing with Asta had taken longer than he''d anticipated, and now he was runningte.

    The fact that his own Second was questioning his decisions had made him decidedly irritable. Asta had his back, he knew that. No matter what she brought up between them, she would support him publicly. He wasn''t concerned about a revolt.

    He was concerned that she had her nose to the winds of the people better than he did. How had he missed the way the camp had begun to stray from simple discipline? He growled. He''d missed it because he''d closed his eyes to anything but his own purpose¡ªtask, he reminded himself. His task. He''d be obsessed with looking for angles and ns to take the cat out at the knees. And he''d lost sight of his own people.

    Uneptable.

    He looked forward to rying it all to Suhle that evening. She''d been right about how much easier his days, and especially his nights, had be since he''d begun telling her the events of his day, the frustrations and little defeats, as well as the victories. She rarely even responded and only once had offered advice. She generally just massaged his head and listened. And he¡­ released it to her.

    When he''d asked her once why she let him whine to her like a child, she''d gotten quite a fierce look on her face.

    "Rulers who carry the people do not whine¡ªthey think out loud," she said firmly. "They need a ce that is safe to release their concerns, and voice their worries. Because when they do, often they can see them more clearly. That is all."

    "When have you served a ruler before?" he''d asked curiously.

    "I was in the sphere of your father, though I did not serve him directly," she said quietly. Lerrin realized that was how he''d heard her name. "And I served your sister for that short period¡­ but other than my service has been to people of means," she admitted. "But I find that Anima nature is Anima nature. Whether your kingdom be a merchant''s wares, a family, or the revolution."

    "You''re very wise, Suhle," he''d murmured, then groaned as she hit just the right spot on his neck.

    "And you are very brave, Lerrin. We all have our strengths."

    He chuckled at the memory, at the remembered pink in her cheeks when he''d turned his eyes up to thank her again and she''d waved him away.

    The Creator had brought him Suhle to keep him sane in these insane days, there was no doubt in his mind. And he was grateful.

    He was not going to give her up now.

    But Asta''s words had rubbed his fur the wrong way. He wondered if he should ask Suhle to do more things for others and less for himself, so the help he received was not such a stark contrast?

    Then he remembered what she''d said that first day that had haunted him ever since¡­

    "¡­All of us have experiences we would rather forget, have we not?"'' she''d asked simply. "Will you allow me to serve, Sire? I can make your life easier, and you can make mine more peaceful. A¡­ joint endeavor, if you will ept me and im my service as your own¡­"

    She''d never actually answered his question about whether she''d been abused, or misused. And that in itself was an answer.

    That and the thread of fear that always lined her scent when unknown males came near.

    The question was, had her mistreatment urred under the Cat''s rule, or his own?

    He was determined to find out¡ªand to punish the abuser.

    But before he could do that he had to meet with the Security Council, and get an update on the bears. They needed to make a final decision about what to do with the portal region. They still held it, though the others thought he''d merely decided to do so to frustrate Reth and show their strength.

    He''d held to the secrecy vow around the portal¡ªin part because he still had dreams of walking through himself and ughtering the false Queen, dragging her body back and dumping it outside the Tree City, then listening for Reth''s roar. But mainly because¡­ he''d made a vow. He was only to share that secret in the most dire need, and so far¡­ so far that particr dream had not been the most pressing.

    But he also hadn''t given up on it.

    As he stalked up to the tent p and threw it back, he knew he was about to face the real battle, right here: Convincing his men to hold their bloodlust until¡ª

    He''d been deep in thought, but forced himself to smile and greet the members who had beaten him to the tent and taken seats in the circle Suhle had prepared ahead.

    Lerrin looked at her as she offered raisin cakes to the males from a wicker te, head bowed. Her shoulders were tense with all the males nearby. But she moved smoothly and slowly between them, filling cups of tea and bringing paper for notes.

    He was grateful. She thought of everything. And it meant when she was around, he could forget the details and focus on the decisions. He breathed easier¡ªexcept when she didn''t. When she clearly felt nervous.

    He would get to the bottom of this, he vowed.

    "Thank you for waiting for me, sorry I''mte," he said to the males around the circle. Most of them smiled and nodded.

    There was a small pillow on the seat that had been left for him. Another of Suhle''s small touches. He needed to speak to her about not drawing attention to him with her attention when others were near, not if the females were beginning to talk. Though he supposed when she worked so closely with him in private, it was no wonder they would have thoughts.

    It didn''t help that the woman''s council was pressing him to find a mate. As if he had time to even look, let alone build a rtionship? He had almostughed in their faces when they''de to him¡­

    But that was unimportant now. Now he had to face the males. Now he had to determine how they would bring threat to the Cat over theing days.

    Now he had to be King.

    Later, he promised himself. He would give further thought to Suhleter.

 Chapter 302: Let it Burn

    <h4>Chapter 302: Let it Burn</h4>

    To listen to my July Author Q & A, go to YouTube and search "Author AimeeLynn." There you''ll find a voice-acted recording of "Reth" reading Chapter 2 of this book, along with my recent author Q & A about the Anima world, tribes, and history! All for FREE! Enjoy!

    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    An hourter, rage was at a low simmer in his chest. And frustration, too.

    He''d been raised in the circles of power, attending security council since he was little more than an adolescent as part of his father''s grooming. Under the Cat''s rule those meetings could get heated, but were almost always measured, and usually very productive.

    A meeting of minds and males applying their intelligence and strength to problems. Even when they disagreed, it had been with the joint intention to find the best solution.

    What wascking in his wolf council?

    The passion was there. The strength. And the character. These men loved their families, were loyal to the pack.

    So why did they insist on snarling at each other¡ªand him¡ªat every turn?

    "¡­time to show our strength and put the fear of the Creator into them. This constant dancing at the borders of the city only risks showing our hand, and it allows them more time to prepare!"

    Lerrin''s stomach dropped at the echo of Asta''s words. But he held his ground. "We will never ovee the Leonine through brute strength¡ªthey will eat us alive. We must y to our strengths¡ªstrategy, shadows, and patience. Or have you all suddenly discarded your patience since we left the Tree City."

    "Patience got us nowhere!" Hern, one of the oldest members of the council snapped. He''d served Lerrin''s father as well. He held great sway with the others. "We lost our grip on the Queen and now he''s hidden her away."

    "Patience got us out of the City with all these resources. And it won us the West Valley where the Queen was taken. We will find her," he vowed. "Patience almost won us the King himself. If he is that stupid once, he will be that stupid again. We would be the stupid ones to simply rush, howling, on the Tree City. But if you want to make it a suicide mission¡ª"

    "A surprise attack is the very best strategy!"

    "It will not be a surprise if we do it when they are braced for it!" Lerrin snarled. "I cannot believe I''m listening to this from you, Hern. No one¡ªno one!¡ªwants to see that Cat dead more than me! But that does not mean we lose our minds to the hunt when we know the strength that exists in the Pride! You were one of the leaders to teach me that, Hern."

    "The Cat''s way of leading doesn''t work¡ªif it did, we wouldn''t be here," the male spat. "Our people need to see strength, and unity of purpose."

    "And they will. When the time is right¡ª"

    "By the time the time is right, our grand-puppies will be sitting in these seats."

    Lerrin frowned. "It''s barely been weeks. What is happening in your minds?! Did we really expect to leave the Tree City, then take it back in days?"

    "A wolf can hope," another of the males, new to Lerrin, muttered from the other side of the circle.

    "I want to see that Cat''s throat cut," Hern growled.

    "And I do not?! I have more reason to see him dead¡ªor defeated and dewed¡ªthan any of you! But I also carry the weight of the pack. Would you have me throw wolves to the ughter just to gain my vengeance?"

    "There are ways to overwhelm them¡ª"

    "Which we will use when we have all the information we need. If we apply those wolves to the task and lose we have lost not only our chance at the Tree City, but possibly our own lives. This is not a decision to be thrown to the winds! Your recklessness disappoints me." He snorted the air from his nose to make the point. They all red, shifting in their seats as he stared around the circle, waiting for another a challenge.

    "I will avenge my family," he growled, low and dark a momentter when no one else spoke up. "My father, my sister¡­ they did not die in vain. I will sit on the Cat''s throne, and I will rip the belly of any Anima that stays loyal to him. But I will not waste wolf lives to do it."

    When no one spoke for another moment, he was about to move on. To suggest a n that would lead them to all-out assault within weeks.

    But then Daryn muttered from three seats away, "If I had such¡­ attractive service awaiting my furs each night, I might feel more patient, too."

    Lerrin snapped his head to re at the male as Suhle, who had taken a seat against the tent side and picked up one of his shirts that she was mending, froze.

    Rage battered at his ribs¡ªand not a small amount of fear. Would they try to remove her from him? Would he¡ªno, he was Alpha. They couldn''t. And he would not. No matter what they said.

    "Speak. Your. Mind. Pup," he snarled. "Find your balls and do not hide behind passive-aggressive feints in the way of our enemies."

    The male had been slumped in his chair, arms folded. But when Lerrin challenged him, he met the gaze levelly and pushed up, leaning forward in his seat. "I agree with you regarding patience," he said, low and hard. "But you can agree with me that this camp is not what we envisioned when we made this n. This was always only a temporary solution. And yet I see buildings being erected. I see females nesting. And I see a King whose every need is met, and I wonder if he remembers the rest of us who are¡­ far lessfortable?"

    Lerrin''s lip curled away from his teeth and he leaned forward to meet the male in stance. "Firstly, you will remember: My every need is not met. I have a single servant under my cover who sees to the details of my life so that I can more fully focus on the tasks at hand. But that. Is. All," he hissed. "I do not use my power topel females." Daryn snorted.

    Lerrin went very still. "You call me a liar, Daryn?" he said quietly, with all the darkness and authority of his Alpha state.

 Chapter 303: Closer

    <h4>Chapter 303: Closer</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin waited while every wolf in the tent froze. Including Daryn. Though the male did not let his fear show, it threaded into his scent.

    There was a shining moment, a shivering breath where the younger male considered his chances and Lerrin let himself smile the shining, fanged smile of the hunter.

    But a breathter Daryn dropped his gaze and shook his head. "I know you are a not a liar, Sire," he muttered. "Forgive the offence."

    Lerrin didn''t drop his gaze for a moment. Let them all see the male submit and know that they would do well to follow his example. But when nothing else was said, he turned back to the task, ignoring the way his heart thumped painfully when Suhle''s head dropped further as if she wished to disappear.

    "We are here to develop a strategy for taking the Tree City. I do n assault, but we must first weaken their defenses. We must choose between assassination, or continuing to bleed them slowly. I would hear what you all think."

    "I say burn the fuckers to the ground," Faryth growled. It was the first time he''d spoken in days and Lerrin wasn''t the only one to blink from the surprise. When he had everyone''s attention, he continued. "Their weakness is in their numbers¡ªand their young. They are attached to their homes, their lives. Remove it from them and they will scatter pollen in the wind. The Cat will be taken with finding and holding his people and unable to protect them all¡­ which will drive him mad." The smile the male gave at that statement was chilling, even the Lerrin, though his own crept up too at the mental image of Reth standing among his people, twisting and turning, unable to spread himself thin enough.

    Stupid, emotional, pussy.

    There were nods and murmurs of affirmation around the circle, but Lerrin snapped out of the dream and shook his head. In truth, he had never been able to abide destruction purely for destruction''s sake. It seemed not only wasteful, but¡­cking in control. He''d never been a part of the youth parties that used to sneak out at night just to cause havoc. But that had made him stand out then among his peers, and he didn''t wish to do the same here and undermine himself.

    "Any resource we remove from them we remove from ourselves when we defeat them," he said dismissively. "If you think it''s difficult living here in the encampment, wait until we have to try to rebuild an entire city while bringing the people under new rule. No¡­ Not unless it bes our only option. I still believe we can take the throne without killing the people."

    "Then the only route open to us is assassination. Cut the enemy off at the head and let it bleed all over its people. They will soon be cowed. They will wee us in to fill the gap and stop the chaos that will result."

    Lerrin nodded. That was his thought, also. Not to mention that it satisfied his taste for revenge. And there was nothing better than a strategy that achieved two goals in one swipe. "I agree," he said. "So let us turn our thoughts to who, and how. I believe we should have three attempts nned. The Cat is wily and his guards are devoted. We will need to use the best of our hunters to get close to him¡­"

    Lerrin was relieved to see the males settle into the n, rather than continuing to argue for the destruction of the Tree City, bringing their knowledge of people and hunting, rather than their lust for destruction.

    But he wouldn''t soon forget that they''d begun to challenge his measured response to the circumstances. That they echoed Asta''s thoughts earlier, and were spoken openly before each other meant they''d been discussed outside of hispany.

    He would need to keep his ears perked for dissension. Ensure they didn''t have any youths getting hot for bloodlust and running off to burn the city down.

    It was that kind of oversight that had ultimately ruined his father. Lerrin would not make the same mistake.

    He turned his full attention the males around him, and kept them focused on this n.

    Kill the Cat. Move in behind, in the confusion, and take his people.

    Perfect.

    It was minutester that Lerrin stretched and found Suhle in his eyeline. He grieved the sadness there, but he would soothe herter. He would make sure she understood that the male''s jealousy wasn''t specific to her, but born of their frustration with these circumstances.

    She did not need to worry. She would not be removed from his cover. He would make absolutely certain of that.

    *****

    When they were finished, and everyone''s blood racing with the joint excitement over seeing the Cat taken down, Lerrin found himself¡­ fidgety. It wasn''t a feeling he was ustomed to, but as thest of the council farewelled him, then stepped out of the tent to the salute of the guards, he stood near the door, too energized to sit down, but too worn out to turn his mind to getting something else done just then.

    "Here." The quiet voice at his elbow,bined with the wafting steam of avender tea, took him by surprise. He''d forgotten Suhle was there. She was very good at disappearing into the background.

    "Thank you," he said, staring at the hot cup warily, but she nodded towards it and he grasped it, taking a hesitant sip.

    It was pleasant. Soothing.

    Suhle smiled. "It cools the blood," she said with a knowing wink. "I can have it ready at the beginning of Security Council next time, if you like. For everyone."

    The mischief in her eyes didn''t entirely cover the tension in her shoulders. He took another sip of the tea, but held her eyes.

    "You do not need to worry. The males only voice their frustrations to solve them." And Asta, as well, he supposed. "I will not remove you."

    She shrugged, but he saw relief on her face as she turned away. "That is well. I¡­ I had hoped to ask you something. But now I wonder if it is unwise."

    "What''s that?"

    She had returned to the corner where she began to make him a te. Was it dinnertime already? He should go to the campfire and¡­ but he didn''t want to make her more nervous by turning down her preparations. It wouldn''t harm the people to have one meal without him. Most would assume he was simply in meetings anyway¡­

    He realized she was staring and must have spoken, but he hadn''t heard her. He blinked and suddenly took her in.

    Her hood was pushed back now so her brown hair fell in soft lines down to her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes fixed on him, but the skies of them were cloudy.

    "I''m sorry," he said genuinely. "I was distracted. What did you say?"

    Her throat bobbed. "I¡­ I brought my bedroll. The tent I have been using has taken a male in, and¡­ I did not feelfortable sleepingst night. I wondered if I might rearrange that corner¡­ to be more avable to you?"

 Chapter 304: Compared to the Cat

    <h4>Chapter 304: Compared to the Cat</h4>

    (13 July 2021) Time to CELEBRATE #TeamReth: Tomorrow is this month''s win-win mass release for BEAST, so you can look forward to FIVE chapters released between 4:30-7:30pm Pacific (Los Angeles time). ENJOY!

    *****

    LERRIN

    Lerrin went very still again¡ªthis time every hair on his body standing up as she stared him straight in the eye and his mind was pummeled by images of her with those bright eyes closed and her head thrown back, mouth open in a cry of pleasure¡ª

    He blinked and cleared his throat. "Can I ask¡ª"

    "Only to be of assistance to you in the early mornings and for¡­ for my benefit," she admitted. "I am loathe to ask you after what was spoken at that meeting, butst night I¡­ I fear I may be less useful if I do not find a safe ce to sleep." Her throat bobbed, but her gaze didn''t waver. She didn''t like to ask, but she was not ashamed of it, either.

    She took Lerrin''s breath away sometimes with the simplicity of how she met the world. Head on, immovable, and yet without force.

    "You will always be safe here, Suhle, you know that¡­ right?"

    She nodded tightly. "That is why I asked. I did not wish to simply throw myself in your path. I know your solitude is of great importance to you. I will endeavor not to disturb you even when you do not have need of me."

    I always have need of you.

    The thought was shocking that he pushed it away. Speaking of not getting enough sleep. He''d been taking far too few hours for rest himself.

    "Of course you can," he said hoarsely, then cleared his throat again. "But only on one condition."

    "What is that?" she asked warily, her body suddenly tense.

    "We will get screens, or something, to give you your own space. And when our normal routine isplete, you will rx. You will not work greater hours because you''re here."

    Her heart sped up and a small smile rose on her face. "I am always happy to help you, Sire¡ª"

    "Enough of this Sire business as well. Suhle you''ve proven to be perhaps the most crucial person to my sanity since my sister was murdered. I truly don''t think I would have made it without you and your attendance. So, let''s dispense with this ridiculous formality. I''m Lerrin, and you''re Suhle. I am Alpha and you are not, but you are strong in ways I am not. I am grateful for you. If there''s anything else I can do to make your day easier or morefortable, you don''t even have to ask. Just tell me what''s needed and I''ll do it. It would be the least I could do."

    Her eyes widened, then she dropped her head, licking her lips as she said breathlessly, "Thank you¡­ Lerrin."

    "See, that didn''t hurt, did it?" he chuckled.

    She shook her head. "I did not¡­ I did not expect your kindness."

    He huffed his disapproval of that. "What did you expect?"

    She lifted her head and met his gaze. "Ruthlessness," she said quietly.

    He tipped his head. "Oh, I am ruthless when it''s needed, Suhle, make no mistake," he said, his voice husky. "But I was taught that the best rulers understand when and how ruthlessness should be wielded. Bringing it to bear whenpassion is needed is the fastest way to break the back of a people."

    She nodded. "I agree," she said. "I just didn''t expect you to think that way."

    Lerrin frowned. "Clearly I''ve been too distant from the people if you believed that I was¡­ what? Only thoughtful of my own needs?"

    "No, no," she said, one hand up to soothe him. "As I said, your sister spoke very highly of you. But your¡­ you remind me¡­ forgive me, Lerrin, but you remind me more of Reth than I would have expected."

    Lerrin jerked like he''d been pped. "Never speak that name to me again!" he snarled. "And do not ever think topliment me by aparison!"

    Suhle''s eyes went wide. "I''m sorry!" Then she dropped her face and rolled her shoulders forward, bracing as if¡­ as if he would strike her? "Please, Lerrin¡ªSire¡ªdo not misunderstand. I only meant that¡­ the¡­ he always struck me as someone who saw people. Whether I agreed with his choices or not, he seemed to speak with every citizen as if they were a¡­ a whole person. And you are this way too. You do not hold yourself apart as I expected. You do not regard me, or others here as simple tools for your whims. That is all I meant. I¡­ I am sorry if I caused offense."

    She wasn''t looking at him. Had made herself small, and her heart was pounding. He''d frightened her and he hated that. But¡­ gah. He wanted to spit the horrible taste on his tongue out of his mouth. He foundparison to that Cat the greatest of offences¡­ but that wasn''t how she''d meant it.

    Lerrin''s breath came too quickly. "Perhaps I spoke too quickly," he said darkly.

    "No, it was thoughtless of me. I apologize. Your family¡­ I remember them. I give them honor in my heart," she murmured desperately.

    Lerrin pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes. "You have no need to be frightened of me, Suhle."

    "You''re angry," she whispered.

    "But that does not mean I will harm you. Or refuse you," he ground out. "I don''t know what was told to you, or what you experienced that would have you believe if I am dissatisfied that you should cower. That is not necessary. I respect you. You should face me boldly. In fact, I insist on it. The only way to be truly effective as a leader is to have our weaknesses¡ªor potential weaknesses¡ªpointed out before they be the doorway for my enemy. My Second, Asta, treats challenging me as a form of daily bread," he said dryly.

    She nodded and swallowed again. "Humility," she said. "Your sister spoke of yours to me."

    He shrugged. "Whatever title you would put on it, I cannot say I will never let you down, or react wrongly. But I can tell you I will never strike you for it, or punish you out of petty spite."

    "That is¡­ good to know, Sire."

    He sighed. "Suhle, please¡ª"

    "Lerrin," she corrected herself. Hearing her soft voice curled around his name made him want to huff.

    Instead he forced himself to turn and face the corner of the tent she''d indicated and study it closely, letting both of them move on to¡­ something else.

    "Now¡­" he said after a moment. "Let''s see what we can do to make you a space of your own. I always said this tent was far too big for one, anyway."

    He breathed easier when Suhle''s shoulders rxed.

 Chapter 305: Dreaming in the Dark

    <h4>Chapter 305: Dreaming in the Dark</h4>

    RETH - Anima

    Three weeks. She''d been gone almost three weeks. Or was it two? Reth sighed and raked a hand through his hair. It waste. Veryte. The cave was pitch ck except for small lights from the bathing pools where the guards kept twenty-four-hour watch. He''d been in bed for over an hour, but he was just staring at the ceiling.

    He needed to sleep. He hadn''t slept well, or long, since the day she left. And when he was awake, he spent every second nning, strategizing, making decisions, and trying to reassure himself and others that they were going toe through this.

    The tension and adrenalin that carried him through the day¡ªa helpful spur¡ªbecame a whipte at night, as he saw his responsibilities beginning to wane. As more and more of his friends and helpers left to sleep¡­ his heart would race. Because he knew¡­ he knew he was going to go bed, andy there staring at the ceiling, wishing for her.

    He was a pathetic mess. But he knew himself¡ªand war¡ªwell enough to know that he had to find a way to rx. If he didn''t, now, while things were rtively quiet, he was going to fall apart when the real conflicts came.

    He sighed and rolled over,ying a hand t to her side of the furs.

    Her scent was almost gone and he grieved it. He''d made the mistake of sleeping on her pillow when it started to fade¡ªhe''d slept a little better that night, with her scent in his nose¡ªbut when heid down the next day the pillow smelled mainly of himself.

    He''d roared in frustration and identally brought the guards running. That had been awkward to exin. And the way the guards had looked at each other as they''d left, once they were certain there really was no intruder, had been a spear to his gut¡­

    His father had spoken to him about this time in war¡ªwhen the enemy was at the gate, but the assault had note. When you knew they watched, and they let you know they were there. But you could not see the battle front. Not yet¡­

    ¡­They''d been sitting in the building the security council used looking at maps. His father was showing him how the Tree City could be defended, and where its weakest spots were. How to hold those.

    "The inexperienced believe thatbat is the worst of war. And battle is ugly, son¡­ but it is not the worst. The Creator made you to deal with a problem. And when you''re in battle you know where your enemy is, and you know what you have to do¡­" His father had frowned deeply and pushed his hair back off his rugged face. "No, the worst time is before you know where they will attack. Before you have decided where you will go. When you wait. And anything is possible. Because every creaking door, every running messenger¡ªevery sparrow startled into flight could be the enemy. And every whispered word could be the verdict of your failure." He''d turned to Reth then, who was only seventeen at the time. "Don''t ever underestimate the enemy''s ability to put you off-bnce before you begin. Keep yourself centered. Keep your people hopeful. Keep your advisors close. But most of all¡­ don''t fuck up."

    Reth had snorted inughter, but his father hadn''t smiled. It wasn''t a joke.

    "That''s the moment you''ll know your true mettle as a leader, Reth. When you stand alone at the end of a long day and begin to understand the thousands of ways the decisions you made in those few hours might end in death for someone else. Do not underestimate the toll that will take on you¡­"

    Reth groaned. He wasn''t sure if he wanted his father there to help give him advice, or feared what his father would say¡ªthat he would dere Reth already a failure for being the one to have brought the Anima to this point.

    He blew out a breath. "You were right, Dad," he whispered.

    A male''s fears were the worst enemy, twisting his mind and heart until he couldn''t see straight for fear and yearned to simply leap into beast form and run to the hills. But the terrifying thing to Reth was that his fear for his mate outstripped even his fear for the Tree City.

    What kind of ruler did that make him?

    He slowly slipped into sleep asking himself that question over and over.

    *****

    Reth?

    Reth are you there?

    ELIA?!

    His heart thumped painfully. "Elia?!"

    She was there again. He couldn''t see, but he could feel her warmth and as he reached across the furs, she scrambled towards him, her hands wing at his arms in her haste to get him closer. But this time, instead of pulling him between her thighs, she wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him so hard he was almost suffocated.

    Elia, love¡ª

    Please don''t let me go.

    I won''t. I won''t. My love, I will never let you go.

    I''m so scared, Reth! She sobbed and he pulled her in tighter, if that were even possible, her hair falling over his face and filling his nose with her scent until his throat wanted to close with tears.

    "What''s happening. What''s making you fear?" he whispered.

    I can''t see you. I can''t hear you. I can''t be near you. And this baby¡­ it''s growing, Reth. I don''t know how, but I can feel her kicking already. That''s impossible, but it''s like a moth fluttering against the inside of my stomach. I''ve never felt that before. She''s growing so fast. What if the war isn''t over? How will I raise an Anima in this world¡ªlet alone give birth? What if the baby shifts? What if she''s the wrong shape and¡­

    What if I die, Reth. How will you get Elreth back to Anima?

    "Ssshhhh, love, don''t say that. We won''t have to¡ª"

    "Reth this is real," she gasped and he gulped. She was fully there now. He could smell her, and hear her. "What if I die? How will they save Elreth without a doctor? How will you get her to Anima if there''s a war? She can''t live here."

    "Gahrye is¡­ he''s still there to help you, right?" Reth said through his teeth, every fiber within him resisting the idea of another male putting his hands on her¡ªon his cub. But he knew Gahrye cared for Elia and would do everything he could to save her¡ªand Elreth.

    "What if you die, Reth? I wouldn''t even know. I would be waiting here forever. I''d never see you again, never touch you."

    "You have me now, Love. I''m here. I''m here."

    "How are we doing this? How am I reaching you?"

    "I don''t know, but I thank the Creator that you can."

    "Reth, I miss you so much," she sobbed. He felt the wetness on his neck and almost sobbed himself.

    "I miss you too, love," he whispered, squeezing her as hard as he dared.

    "Hold me, Reth, please," she whispered, but her voice was already fading.

    He gripped at her, pulling her in, desperately trying to keep her there and close. But her warmth was beginning to fade, her weight on the furs easing.

    "I love you, Elia," he shoved the words out through gritted teeth, his voice husky and strained.

    "I love you too, Reth," she cried.

    And then she was gone. As suddenly as she''d arrived, she was gone.

    Reth sat bolt upright in the bed, blinking into the dark that wasn''t so dark anymore. He could make out the forms of the furniture, and the tiny haze of light peeking below the door. His heart thumped frantically.

    Had it been a dream?

    But then he felt a tickle at his neck and put his hand up¡­to find a tiny spot of wetness at his corbone.

    And it smelled like her.

    Like a crazy man, he grabbed up the pillow from her side of the bed and inhaled.

    Her scent was back. Returned to him.

    He huffed the mating call, but knew there would be no answer.

    So he slumped back down to the furs, clutching her pillow to his face, and praying. Praying. Praying.

    Thank you for finding a way.

    Now please¡­ keep her safe. And Elreth, too. Keep them both safe until I can reach them.

    ****

    (13 July 2021) Time to CELEBRATE #TeamReth: Tomorrow is this month''s win-win mass release for BEAST, so you can look forward to FIVE chapters released between 4:30-7:30pm Pacific (Los Angeles time). ENJOY!

 Chapter 306: Crazy Cat Lady

    <h4>Chapter 306: Crazy Cat Lady</h4>

    (30 June) THE WINNERS OF THE 100 WEBNOVEL COIN VOUCHERS ARE:

    1. Rae_Read

    2. Marie_Bull

    3. Wavelink

    4. DaoistK1pY1b

    There will be another drawing on July 15th, so? please continue to support Elreth and Aaryn with your votes! As we enter the new Win-win event this month, and pursue Spirity Awards, even if you cannot buy privilege, or prefer to read free, you can help us by voting,menting, and rmending this book to your friends! Thank you for all your support!

    *****

    GAHRYE - Human World

    "It was so real, Gahrye, you don''t understand. I think¡­ I think we''re seeing each other somehow. I think¡ª"

    "Elia, I know that would be wonderful, but I really feel like you have to think this through. We haven''t found anything in any of the histories about people connecting across the worlds. And that kind of connection through the mating bond is so rare, even within Anima¡­ I just¡ª"

    "I''m not crazy!" she cried and bared her teeth, then pped her hands over her mouth.

    "It''s fine, Elia." He sighed when she just shook her head and put her face in her hands. "Elia, rx, it''s fine."

    Her blonde hair fell around her arms, fluttering and waving as she shook. Gahrye sighed and put a hand to her shoulder.

    They sat on the couch in the sitting room, Elia had her legs curled up, and Gahrye sat in the corner with one arm up on the back¡ªwhen he wasn''t touching her shoulder in an attempt to offer some kind offort.

    Elia was in pieces. She was feeling the urge to shift more and more often. She swung wildly between calm, sad, angry, and depressed. She''d growled at him twice already, then, just like this, got upset with herself for doing. She changed between emotions so quickly it gave him whish.

    "Elia, you''re going through so much. It''s okay. I understand."

    And he did. But his own hands ached because he was so tense he kept clenching them when he wasn''t using them.

    Usually Elia was asleep at this time, usually Gahrye was sneaking down to see Kalle¡ªor sneaking Kalle in to see him. But tonight he''d decided to shower before going to find her and while he was still in the bathing room Elia had only slept a few minutes, then woken from some kind of dream that had her convinced she was crossing the divide between worlds and seeing Reth.

    He didn''t know whether it was a dream, or she was already starting to lose her mind. And that thought threatened to make him lose his.

    Every moment he was with Elia he yearned to be with Kalle. And every moment he was with Kalle, he felt guilty about Elia. It was a vicious cycle that had kept him awake far toote most nights, and stopped him from taking the final step with Kalle¡ªwho was beginning to be harder and harder to convince to stop when they did have stolen moments together.

    Gahrye sighed heavily, and Elia did too.

    He now felt that he had a better window into why Elia had so desperately fought Reth on sending her here. He wasn''t sure whether the Kings resolution to put her here was a mark of his immense strength, or some kind of stupidity.

    Gahrye hadn''t even mated Kalle yet and it felt like leaving her for hours was tearing a piece of his soul away each time.

    How was he supposed to leave her here in this world when he had to go?

    "I''m sorry," Elia said a minuteter, throwing her head back so her hair flipped over her shoulders, and wiping her eyes. "I have turned into such a¡­ crazy catdy!" She sputtered and chuckled and Gahrye wasn''t even sure why. But before he could ask, she continued. "I can''t even¡­ I can''t believe you''re even putting up with this."? He squeezed her shoulder and smiled at her. She tried to return it through her tears. "I''m going to go back to bed," she said softly then leaned in to hug him.

    Gahrye felt bad. He''d avoided touching Elia so much since Kalle. It felt¡­ off to have another female in his arms. But she was so broken right now. They both were. Sometimes it was just needed. So, he opened his arm and she leaned on his chest and he squeezed her close. Just for a minute.

    "You''re going to get through this," he said softly. "We''re going to find what you need, and you''re strong. You''re going to do it."

    "I don''t want to die, Gahrye," she said softly. "And I don''t want to lose my mind. But sometimes I feel like I already am."

    His stomach plunged to his toes. This was what was keeping him awake at night. There were so many things going on, he couldn''t tell which to treat with the most urgency. Was it the pregnancy making Elia so erratic? Was that causing the shift? Or was it just being human anding back here that was making her fall to pieces, then jump down everyone''s throats a momentter?

    "You aren''t losing your mind. Not any more than usual," he joked, but it fell t.

    They sat there for a moment, both staring at the carpet. Then, without removing her head from his chest, Elia spoke in a whisper.

    "I need to ask you a favor."

    "Anything," he said, and meant it.

    "If¡­ if anything happens to me¡­ you save Elreth. You save her and you take her to Reth immediately. You don''t let her live here without either of us."

    Gahrye closed his eyes and swallowed. "Of course," he said, his voice strangled. "But nothing''s going to happen to you, Elia. Reths''s going to defeat the wolves, thene for you, and you''ll have her in Anima, and you''ll all be sickeningly happy, because that''s what you two were intended for. The Creator said so."

    "So, you have a direct line to the big guy, now, huh?"

    "What do you think reading the winds is?"

    Elia sighed. "Can you read the winds here?"

    He could, of a sort, though it felt different. He prayed that was simply a difference in the worlds, and not a limit to his ability. He needed to be able to scent iting if there was a problem.

    "Yes, I can," he said, after a touch too long.

    She squeezed him again. "It''s not your fault if this goes wrong, Gahrye."

    "I know, but¡ª"

    "No, listen to me," she said, pushing up and away, out of his arm. She met his eyes with her own red and shining. But her shoulders were back and her chin set low as it should be. "You were thrown into this with no help, no guidance, and nomunication. You''ve been¡­ amazing. I know I''m crazy right now, and I hope that I''ll get more control over this, not less. But no matter what, Gahrye¡­ I couldn''t have done this without you. You have been a gift from the Creator. So if something does go wrong, we''ll ept that that was part of his n, just as we would if it was good, okay?"

    Gahrye raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn''t believe in the Creator''s n?"

    She shrugged. "It''s true I swing back and forth on that right now," she said with half-grin. "But I am sure of this: If His n is real¡­ He put you here to help me."

    Neither of them mentioned Candace. It was still an open wound neither of them had the energy to face. She''d told him enough to understand what had happened¡ªhow quick it had been, mercifully. But they hadn''t discussed it since.

    Elia blew out a breath and got up from the couch. "I''m going to try to go back to sleep," she said quietly. "But I meant what I said, okay? You are not to take responsibility if things go wrong. We were thrown here with nothing¡­ I''m just d Kalle''s here to help you. I''m sorry I''ve been so preupied¡­"

    He made the right noises to let her off the hook, and she ruffled his hair then walked away, back to her room and closed the door with a soft, "Goodnight!"

    And Gahrye sat back to wait the hour he would wait to make sure she didn''t wake again, before he went on the hunt for Kalle.

 Chapter 307: On the Hunt

    <h4>Chapter 307: On the Hunt</h4>

    A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I just want to reassure the fans of Gahrye that, while you''re going to see him struggle for a little while and deal with a lot of angst and self-doubt, just be patient. He''s working through some stuff, and the pay-off will be... quite the ride [insert winky emoji here]

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He hadn''t turned on a light, hadn''t moved. He''d sat and thought through everything they were facing¡ªand every decision he had to make about Kalle, and Elia and¡­ just everything.

    When he finally crept out of their rooms, it felt as if the entire continent of Anima rested on his shoulders.

    There was a heated tension coiled in his chest that wanted to unleash in the face of the Creator for forcing him to walk this path. What had he ever done to deserve this? Why show him everything he''d ever wanted, then withhold it? Why put the one woman who had always treated him with respect into a situation neither of them could control, but that might make him pay with his life?

    He didn''t want to lose his friend. He didn''t want to lose his Queen.

    He also didn''t want to lose his mate.

    But he had no choice.

    A slinking, dark thought in the tone much like the voices in the traverse whispered in the back of his mind that if Elia died, he could just¡­ not return to Anima. He could make his life here with Kalle and¡ª

    He recoiled from the thought. Stopped, one hand still on the doorknob into their suite.

    Had he really just thought that? What a putrid, traitorous mind!

    Had the voicese with him into this world and he just didn''t know it? His hand trembled as he finished closing the door softly, then turned into the hallway.

    He didn''t deserve to have Kalle, even in this pale, restrained way, if that was how he thought about his friend, the only female who''d ever seen more in him than a pitiful disformed.

    Fuck, he was making himself sick.

    Trying to push away the disgust and unease twisting his stomach, he went on the hunt for Kalle. But she wasn''t in her room, and she wasn''t in the library¡ªthe two ces he usually found her, though this waster than he usually got to look.

    But as he rounded the bottom of the stairs and decided to check her room again, he heard voices from behind the closed doors of the formal dining room.

    When he peered inside, he found several booksid out on therge dining table, and Shaw leaning over them, shaking his head.

    And Kalle. His mate.

    Her scent washed over him like a cleansing wave. For a moment he could breathe easier. But then Shaw turned and saw him before she did, and he went very still.

    "Good evening, Gahrye. Is everything well with the Queen?" Shaw asked, smiling.

    His smile grated on Gahrye like teeth in his rump. "She''s asleep," was all he said, then let himself finally meet Kalle''s soft eyes, that were warm and brown tonight with the rust-colored sweater she wore that was long enough to cover her to mid-thigh.

    He wanted to slide his hand up from her knee to her hip, pulling that sweater with it and¡ª

    "Rest is probably the best thing for her, these day," Shaw said, turning back to the books on the table. "We''ve found a little something new on the pregnancy front. You might want to look at this."

    With a tortured look at Kalle, Gahrye hurried the few steps to the table to see what they''d found. The book was a healing and herbs journal for wise-women, and was mostly just advice for first-time Anima mothers on the care and nurture of their bodies during pregnancy.

    But Shaw pointed out that someone had made a handwritten note in the margins about a human pregnancy:

    Increase herbs for vitality of blood, and energy.

    Human body too weak for Anima needs.

    Gahrye blinked. "Who wrote that?"

    "I''m assuming it was one of the wise-women who served the former Queen three hundre years ago. This book is of the right vintage to have been in their hands at the time. It''s the only detailed ount we have of a human bearing an Anima, though it''s mentioned a handful of times elsewhere."

    "I''m going to go to the library in the morning and look for other books around the same age and see if I can find any others she might have made notes on," Kalle said from Shaw''s other side.

    Gahrye''s hands twitched. He wanted to touch her so badly. He needed to.

    "Perhaps we could look here tonight?" he said, his eyes on the book, but his entire attention on her. "Just in case?"

    "Yes, of course," she said and he heard the hint of a smile in her voice.

    "We keep very few journals of this age here. They need to be in the climate control we have at the university," Shaw said, still frowning at the book. "But check the encyclopedia of terms, Kalle. I think we have a few volumes here and they are likely this old. Also, that huge tome on the wars. I believe it has a medical section, and it would be the right age, too."

    Kalle nodded and made notes. Gahrye only saw her from the corner of his eye, but he yearned¡­

    Minutester, Shaw still buried in the book where they''d found the note, Kalle got up from the chair and started for the door, her little notebook under her arm. She turned to catch Gahrye''s eye as she walked and he followed.

    "Goodnight, Shaw," he said with relief. The man made him uneasy, though hecked that chirpy, overly-excited air tonight that always made Gahrye''s hair stand on end.

    They were three hallways away before Kalle spoke, and she didn''t meet his eyes. "Are you okay?"

    "No. Elia had a dream tonight and she was convinced it was real. I''m terrified she''s losing her mind already."

    Kalle reached for his hand, and even though he knew he shouldn''t, he let her take it, twined their fingers. Inhaled her scent.

    They didn''t speak again until they entered the library. While Gahrye stopped to close the door¡ªand lock it¡ªKalle put her notebook on the table and scanned the list she''d made.

    She was still frowning at it, muttering about another volume she was sure they had there at the house that was the right age, tapping a specific line on the page that she''d written, when Gahrye reached her. Standing directly behind her, pressed into her back, he sighed and dropped his lips to that spot where her wide-necked sweater had fallen almost to the point of her shoulder, and the ce where her neck met her shoulder was bare.

    She froze when his lipsnded there and he whispered her name against her skin.

 Chapter 308: Heart & Mind at War

    <h4>Chapter 308: Heart & Mind at War</h4>

    KALLE

    It happened this way every night. And every morning when she woke she swore she''d confront him about it the next time. Not let him follow the same pattern.

    But the moment he kissed her, or stroked her skin, or looked at her with those eyes shining with nothing short of adoration, she forgot all her resolve.

    When his warmth appeared at her back, then his lips at her neck, she sucked in. Her skin tingled everywhere he pressed against her, and goosebumps rose on her neck and shoulder, showering down her side in a cascade of sensation that started at his lips.

    As he whispered her name, one of hisrge, warm hands started at the back of her thigh and slid slowly up, cupping her bottom, then he took hold of her hip and pulled her back against him. While the other slid under her arm and around, he cupped her breast through the thick sweater, groaning, and opening his mouth against her skin.

    She dropped her head back, lifting one hand to fist her fingers in his hair, while the other slid along his arm until her fingers pressed on his through the sweater he''d bunched at her hip.

    "Gahrye," she gasped, "I¡ª"

    "I''ll tell you everything," he whispered. "Just¡­ just let me hold you for a moment first."

    She groaned as he turned her around and took her mouth, lifting her so she sat high on the table where he could stand between her knees and reach her more easily.

    She loved this. She loved being close to him. Loved the feel of way he caressed her leg, cupping the back of her knee, lifting it to encourage her to wrap it around his. But she needed to stop him. She knew that. He did this every night. Every night he stroked and sighed and kissed her until she lost her mind. Then, just when clothes would be too restrictive, when things would get good, just when they''d pushed barely beyond the line where he''d stopped the night before, he would force himself away, growling condemnation at himself and leave her gasping and frustrated while he yed himself for his distraction and "selfishness."

    As if the enjoyment of it were an offense. As if there was something wrong with them seeking pleasure andfort from each other.

    As if he were somehow a bad man for caring about her when he had other responsibilities.

    She admired his devotion to the King and Queen. And the friendship between he and Elia was in to see. He cared about her beyond his duty to serve her. But¡­

    But he cared about Kalle too. Even more, she suspected, though the thought stole her breath. It seemed impossible. But the light in his eyes whenever he met hers, the yearning there¡ªand fierce protectiveness.

    He loved her. She didn''t know how. But he did. And¡­ it felt right. Somehow, she loved him too. Even though she could count the time they''d known each other in days¡­ there was something between them that broke through all those normal, frustrating walls that kept two people from growing closer.

    It was as if, as Gahrye had said, the souls were tied. She recognized something in him she''d been looking for her whole life. She reached for it. Cherished it. Wanted it.

    But it seemed like every time they were about to cross the final bridge, to truly give over to each other, Gahrye was the one to pull away.

    He kissed his way up her neck, his breathing harder and faster, until he found that spot just under her ear that always made her shiver, and he sucked at the skin there, gently.

    She let her head fall back with a sigh. She couldn''t let him distract her again.

    But holy shit, it felt amazing when he kissed her there, and let his thumb drag over her nipple, even with her bra still on¡ª

    "Gahrye," she gasped, clinging to his shoulders as he curled over her, kissing his way along her jaw towards her mouth.

    "I need you, Kalle," he breathed. And there was an edge of desperation in his tone that had been building there for days. She almost did it. She almost just gave over and prayed he''d finally follow through. But she knew this went deeper for him. That he was twisted up with fear and self-loathing, anger and doubt.

    Summoning strength of will she didn''t know she had, she put her hands to his chest and pressed against him.

    He released her immediately, straightening, his chest heaving, and searched her eyes. "What''s wrong?" he panted.

    "That''s what I need to ask you," she said, breathlessly. "You look like you''ve seen a ghost. What happened. Why were youte getting out of the room?"

    His eyes closed and she missed them. Put a hand to his face as he blew out a breath and seemed to sag.

    "Gahrye, you''re scaring me. What happened?" she whispered.

    His eyes opened then, found hers, and that sadness she''d seen in him since the very first day, swam to the surface.

    "Elia had a dream. She thought it was real. She saw Reth and talked to him¡­ I don''t know all the details, but it''s obvious¡­ Kalle, I''m terrified she''s already starting to lose her mind." His voice broke on thest word and she gathered him into an embrace, wrapped her arms around his neck as he buried his face in her neck and hugged her, squeezing her close.

    She let her fingers stroke his back. "I don''t think she is, not yet. All of us can get confused by dreams. But even if she is¡­ we''re going to find the answer, Gahrye. We will. And when we do¡ª"

    "When we do, I lose you," he snarled, his voice suddenly dark.

    He tensed like he would pull away, but she gripped him, and he froze, then rxed as she continued stroking his back.

    "Gahrye, listen to me," she said, one hand in his hair the other ying over his upper back. "Reth could show up any moment. We could lose each other in thirty seconds. Or you might be here a year or more. We can''t know. It''s impossible to know." She leaned back, wanting to meet his eyes, but he tried to follow her. She gripped his hair and forced him to raise his head, to look at her.

    When he did, his eyes were pools of pain. She cupped his beautiful face and had to fight tears because he was hurting and she was so desperate to ease it for him. Combing her fingers through his hair, she kept her voice low and soothing. "If we are True mates¡ª"

    "We are!" he snarled, his upper lip twisting away from his teeth. "I''m yours, Kalle, heart and soul, I told you¡ª"

    "Shhhh, shhhh, I know, I know," she whispered and almost kissed him for his fierceness but she knew she''d never get this out if they started down that path. "Me too," she admitted breathlessly. "It''s true, Gahrye. There''s no one else, okay? You don''t¡­ you don''t have to worry about that¡ª"

    He made that gorgeous groaning huff that always made her belly tingle and he put his forehead to hers. He was going to kiss her again, but she shook her head, keeping the contact between them, but forcing him to meet her eyes.

    "Gahrye, we are mates," she said, her voice soft, but firm. "And that doesn''t change no matter where we are, no matter how far apart we are¡ªor how close. Fighting this¡­ hating yourself for it¡­ it doesn''t help. It only hurts us. Both of us."

    "I never want to hurt you, Kalle¡ª"

    "And I never want to hurt you, but I know we''re going to do it. That''s what people do. We hurt each other. And we get hurt. And here''s the thing: I want to fight anyone who would hurt you, Gahrye," she said, her voice quavering. "But right now, the person hurting you¡­ is you."

    He blinked. "I''m not¡­ what do you mean?"

    She swallowed hard and stroked his stubbled cheek. "I mean that¡­ you''re keeping us apart. And that''s hurting me. But it''s hurting you more. It''s like¡­ it''s like you think that having sex with me is somehow going to be wrong. And¡­ if the Creator meant for us to be together, if He twined our souls, I don''t see how that can be? If you were taken tonight¡ªif Reth came for Elia, or a messenger said you had to go¡­ it would hurt me so badly to say goodbye to you. But it would hurt me more to know you''d never let me show you how I feel."

 Chapter 309: Epiphany

    <h4>Chapter 309: Epiphany</h4>

    GAHRYE

    He stood there, holding her bnced on the table, their noses almost touching, staring at her wide, green-brown eyes, and it smacked him like a hammer, right between the eyes.

    He was hurting her. Telling her no, tearing himself away, making himself less¡­ it was hurting her? He''d thought he was doing the right thing, protecting them both from the greater hurt of having to say no after the mating bond snapped into ce, but¡­ He was hurting her.

    He wanted to weep. No matter which way he turned, no matter which decision he made, they would both be hurt and¡ªhe started to pull away, but she dug her nails in and wouldn''t let him go.

    "No! No, Gahrye, don''t do that. Don''t run. You have to stop running!" she whispered urgently.

    He froze in her gaze¡ªfierce light, warm love, and a stubborn insistence that she was going to make him see it her way this time.

    Gahrye swallowed.

    "You''re running from something you can''t escape," she said. "And you''re hurting us both when you do it. We want this because we''re meant to have it. The problem isn''t that we want to be together, it''s that life might take us away from each other. But that''s going to hurt anyway. If you have to leave and I can''t go¡­ it''s going to tear me apart. But at least¡­ at least give me memories. At least give me something to hold onto until we can find each other again. If you don''t, if you keep running, it will destroy me when you''re gone because I''ll have had so many chances to be close to you¡­ it will be like¡­ like this time was wasted."

    His jaw went ck. She stared at him then, her eyes pleading with him to understand.

    "Please, Gahrye," she begged in a whisper. "Please let me be close to you." Her cheeks went pink and he brought a hand up to stroke one of them, gaping at her in shocked silence.

    Was it that simple?

    Had he been putting off the inevitable, only to hurt them both more?

    "But, if we¡­ if the bond¡­ I''m afraid giving over to you will put me in conflict with my vows to Reth and¡­ I don''t want to fail you."

    "But¡­ I want the bond, Gahrye. I don''t want to ask you to break your vow. I just want that piece of you. I ache for it. I want to experience it. I already feel things for you that I''ve never felt for anyone before. But it''s like there''s all this feeling inside me and it has nowhere to go. Stop running from me. Please?"

    He sucked in a breath. Then another. She didn''t drop her eyes. Didn''t stop gripping him.

    She wanted him.

    For more than just pleasure. She wanted to love him.

    She wanted the bond.

    Fear exploded in his chest, right alongside a shimmering ball of hope and joy.

    He wanted it too. But he wasn''t sure if he was strong enough. It was so hard already to keep his mind and heart in his tasks, in his focus on Elia and her needs. What would it be like after¡­ how would he cope?

    And what about what the voice had screamed at him at the end?

    You can''t have her without us.

    Did that mean the mating bond wouldn''t work? Or that he''d have to leave and they''d never find a way back to each other?

    Or did it mean he''d already given over to them and he didn''t even realize¡­ that that was why they were together even this much?

    "Kalle," her name was honey on his tongue. "I''m not sure¡ª"

    "Please don''t say no," she said, her eyes silvering with unshed tears.

    He breathed her name again, stroked her face¡ªand shook his head. She was right. It didn''t matter. In the end, it didn''t matter why or how. They were here. Together. And she deserved more than this tortured back and forth. These stolen moments, and his conflicted heart. So he wouldn''t deny her. He just needed to figure out how he could bnce this with his duty to Elia and Reth¡­

    "I love you, Kalle."

    "I know. It''s impossible, but I love you too. That''s why this is killing me."

    He nodded. Creator''s Light! His hands shook as he held her. "I''m so sorry," he said.

    "Don''t be sorry, just stop pulling away," she said softly.

    He nodded. "I''ll¡­ I need to figure out how to¡­ Kalle, I want this to be special. But I don''t know how I can do that when I''m here, and we can''t, I mean I can''t¡­ if we were in Anima I''d know how to show you¡ª"

    "Gahrye, being with you is already special. I wish I could show you how¡­ different you are to the men I''ve known before. I feel stupidly grateful that you even want to kiss me, let alone anything else."

    If he''d been in beast form, he would have pinned his ears back. "I hate the way you speak about yourself when ites to males," he said fiercely. "As if you don''t see yourself clearly."

    "Newssh, Gahrye, neither do you," she said with a sweet smile. He didn''t know what a newssh was, but he would have crossed oceans to see that smile again¡ªthe shining adoration in her eyes, the simple emotion.

    He couldn''t resist, he kissed her. He''d intended for it to be sweet, and soft, just to show her how he adored her. But she arched into him, tilting her head and deepening the kiss immediately.

    Desire spun through him and he knew if he didn''t stop then, he wasn''t going to. But when he pulled away, taking her hands from behind his neck and pulling them down, her face crumpled.

    "No, don''t do that, don''t be afraid," he said softly, his thumbs ying over her fingers. "I''ve heard you. You''re right. But now you need to give me some time to just¡­ figure this out."

    She groaned and rolled her eyes, but Gahrye chuckled for the first time in what felt like weeks. He kissed her softly, but didn''t let her hands go, didn''t let her pull him in. But he did let his desire for her show in his eyes, did let her scent the burning in his chest that was only for her.

    "I''m not running," he said with a sigh. "But you must let me find the right way. I will do it, Kalle. I promise."

    "Will you find it soon?" she asked sheepishly. "I''m starting to have trouble sleeping."

    Gahrye raised an eyebrow. "I suspect that''s going to be a problem for a while," he said, his voice rough with desire.

    She misread his meaning at first, her face falling. So he tipped up her chin and made her meet his eyes. "Not like that," he whispered. "But because we will keep you busy during the day, then I''m going to be iming your nights. Try and get some rest tonight. It might be a while."

    Smiling growing she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him again.

    And this time, neither of them came up for air for a very, very long time.

    *****

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 Chapter 310: Advising the Advisor

    <h4>Chapter 310: Advising the Advisor</h4>

    (Posted 10 JULY) WANT TO NAME A CHARACTER IN THE ANIMA WORLD? If you purchase the top tier of privilege in this book, or "Taming the Queen of Beasts", you will gain entry to a private chat group in my discord where ONLY top tier privilege readers are able to submit names for consideration for 3 different characters this month! The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, purchase the top tier of privilege, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

    (There will be a small process to confirm your privilege status.)

    SEE YOU THERE!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    The following afternoon before dinner they were watching television¡ªsomething Gahrye still found deeply ufortable, but also fascinating. The pictures moved and spoke, yed music, and did incredible things that were impossible. It always left him slightly anxious. But Elia seemed to find it rxing, so he sat on the couch with her, thumbing through a book, while she watched somethings she called a movey.

    They were all moveys as far as he was concerned. He''d never seen pictures that moved before. But then he shrugged. Elia must have had simr experiences when she arrived in Anima, and she''d weathered them willingly. He would try to do the same.

    That reminded him.

    "I was thinking about when you arrived in our world," he said carefully.

    "Yes?" she asked him, still chewing. She''d asked Kalle to bring a bag of popcorn. Something Gahrye had never seen or tasted before. It was explosive in his mouth, but then dissolved.

    He hadn''t decided if he liked it, hadmented on the strange, unnatural vor of it, when Elia told him it had been cooked in a machine that didn''t use fire, yet heated food, and he suddenly lost his appetite.

    Human technology was sorcery.

    "How did Reth convince you to walk the mes and Smoke the very first night?"

    Elia snorted. "You forget that I''d just watched eight women be murdered," she said dryly. "All I was focused on was staying alive. And Reth exined it all, made it¡­ very obviously the right thing to do. He told me it was like getting married." Her expression softened for a moment. She looked down at the bag of popcorn with a small smile.

    Gahrye smiled. It was the first time he''d seen her look happy since they''d arrived. But it faded quickly. "Married," he said. "That''s the human version of mating?"

    Elia nodded. "Sort of. It''s more of a¡­ vow. A contract. And it means that you''remitting to stay faithful to each other. Or at least, that''s what it used to mean. I''m not so sure anymore. And people get divorced all the time now."

    Gahrye blinked. "Human mates don''t mate for life?" The breaking of a mating bond happened in Anima, but it was rare enough to be shocking.

    "Human mates don''t have the bond," she said. "At least, not usually. They can¡­ grow apart."

    This was an aspect to mating humans he''d never even considered. "How do you stop that from happening?" he asked, his voice a little strangled.

    Elia gave him an odd look. "I''m not growing apart from Reth, Gahrye," she snapped. "I feel like a part of my chest is missing being away from him."

    "I know, I know," he soothed. "I wasn''t¡­ I was just curious¡­ if humans don''t feel the bond¡ª"

    "Of course I feel the bond!" she snarled. "Why do you think I''m so miserable here?! You think I don''t want to go out and find my friends and see people? Have a life? But I can''t¡ªI''m¡­ all I can think about is him and what if something happens to him!?"

    Gahrye gaped, uncertain whether to try to help her, or ignore it as her lower lip trembled. But then she sat back and took a deep breath, eyes closed. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to snap at you," she said quietly a minuteter. "I''m just¡­ fuck, nevermind. There''s no way to change this. Why did you want to know?"

    "I was just curious about the difference between human and Anima mating rituals," he said hoarsely. "I hadn''t really thought about what you must have gone through those first few weeks. And you were mated right away¡­ that must have been really strange?"

    She nodded. "But it was the good strange, you know? Things with Reth were never hard. The difficult part was the rest of you all. If it hadn''t been for you, Gahrye¡­" she shook her head, staring at the popcorn in herp. "I don''t know if I ever thanked you properly for those first few weeks when you took the time to exin things to me." She turned to look at him. "I''m so sorry, Gahrye. You saved my life. In more ways than one. I don''t know why you were willing to be that guy. But¡­ I''m so d you were. Thank you."

    He squeezed her hand. "You''re wee. You were easy to want to help, honestly," he said with a wry grin. "You always looked so lost and afraid and¡­" he trailed off. Was that how he looked now?

    Something in him bristled. Was that what had happened? He''d be the old Elia that he''d felt such pity for¡ªstumbling around, uncertain and afraid?

    Shit.

    "I don''t want to be that guy," he muttered.

    "Don''t worry, you aren''t," Eliaughed. "I mean, I still get a kick out of the way you look like you''re about to karate kick the TV every time I turn it on, but I''ve watched you with Shaw and¡­ you''re not like I was, Gahrye."

    Wasn''t he? He suspected when Elia wasn''t there and he wasn''t being strong for her, that''s exactly what he was. And¡­ did that mean that''s what Kalle was seeing?

    Fuck. He had to get his shit together!

    "So, if the roles were reversed and Reth hade here¡­ what would you have done?"

    "I suppose he would have gotten down on one knee, and we would have gotten married. But he wouldn''t have had to fight to the death, and we would have waited a little bit of time. nned the ceremony, and stuff first."

    "Wait, down on one knee?"

    Elia gave a dry smile. "It''s tradition¡ªthe old tradition¡ªthat the male would get down on one knee and ask the female to marry him. And if she said yes, he''d give her a ring, then they''d start nning a ceremony. Like I said, it''s the old tradition. Not everyone does that anymore."

    "Ceremony? What kind of ceremony."

    She took another bite of popcorn, crunching as she spoke. "We have a ceremony we call a wedding where everyone gets dressed up and then you take vows to each other in front of the people you love, and then there''s usually a party afterwards, and then you''re married." She shrugged, her face sad. "It''s really only the vows that are important. That''s the point of it. The rest is just¡­ show."

    "What kind of vows?" he asked, and wished he could take notes without her asking why.

    "''Til death do us part," she murmured, ying with a piece of popcorn, but not putting it in her mouth.

    "What?" Gahrye breathed.

    ****

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 Chapter 311: Action

    <h4>Chapter 311: Action</h4>

    If you''re reading this Sunday, 11 July (in the USA) there is a monthly voice chat hang-out at 1pm Pacific (Los Angeles time) on my discord today. If you''d like to join us, just download the discord app, or register on discord dot, click the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these characters:? a8wQdJ5M

    See you there!

    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    Lerrin stalked through the Tent City¡ªthe name they''d given the encampment¡ªhis teeth set. He was on the edge of rage. He had no energy to try to avoid the eyes and words of his people. Let theme. And let them feel the rough side of his tongue if they did.

    They were self-indulgent and ill-disciplined. Even his soldiers! And he was finished stepping around the issue.

    His mind trailed back through that afternoon''s meeting with the three fists that had been chosen for the mission to assassinate the cat. All of them the best snipers, trackers, and hand-to-handbatants the wolves could offer.

    And all of them snarling, vibrating on their feet with bloodlust as if they''d never learned restraint! He''d been appalled. Asta had snapped at them to stand down, and they''d done it¡ªbut their intentions were clear.

    How could he possibly trust these wolves to take such an intricate mission, one that was so crucial and required such secrecy, when they couldn''t even stand before him without salivating?

    He''d been about to bark at them all to return to their tents with their tails between their legs when Asta had scratched at his mind.

    They will calm when they have a purpose. Let them take action. They''ll show you what they can do.

    Lerrin had snorted, though none of the soldiers had known why.

    Against his better judgment, he''d selected one of the fists¡ªthe one with the oldest male and female in its ranks, in the hopes that they would be a steadying influence on the others¡ªand told them to prepare. That the call woulde, and they should be ready. But he''d snarled at them to hold themselves on a tight leash.

    They hadn''t appreciated the metaphor. But he didn''t care. They''d deserved it.

    What had happened to his disciplined ranks¡ªthe hunters and fighters, the strategists? The wolves had always been known for their ability to slink through shadows and take down an enemy that didn''t even know it was under threat.

    Where was that control?

    He growled at the thought, but happened to be passing one of the smiths on the path, who flinched and dropped to a knee, saluting.

    Lerrin stalked past him without so much as a word.

    Was it because more of the females had stayed with the Cat than the males? He hadn''t noticed immediately, but as his eyes began to open to his people and he''d taken the time to simply walk the Tent City more than once in the previous week or two, he''d started to see the imbnce in his poption.

    Were the males struggling, not finding their needs met, and so bing more agitated?

    And yet, no oneined. It wasn''t umon for soldiers to go weeks or months without mating¡ªthe added aggression usually became an asset to them.

    What the fuck was going on?

    When he reached his tent he waste¡ªanother reason he was fuming. Ignoring the guards who stood just feet in front of the entrance, he pped the p aside and stormed in.

    Suhle stood at the side of the bath¡ªstill steaming, though he was half an hourte. He didn''t know how she did it. But she always seemed able to perfectly anticipate when he was arriving.

    She held a bar ofvender soap in one hand, and his towel in the other.

    "There isn''t time!" he snarled, then cursed himself when she flinched. But her voice was smooth when she spoke.

    "They will wait for you, Lerrin. I can get your food while you bathe. And the council will wait for you. Let them wait. You need to take a break or you will snap¡ªand you''ll regret it," she said firmly.

    He almost barked at her. Almost told her to stop speaking to him as an equal¡­ but he liked it. And that little warning voice in the back of his head reminded him of how she''d flinched.

    He refused to add to her fear of males.

    He stood for a moment, undecided, then sighed and began to strip off his leathers and shirt. "Very well. Let me bathe myself though, while you get food. I can''t make them wait too long, they''re losing their edge¡­ fuck!" he snarled as one of the buttons on his shirt caught he tore the fabric trying to get it loose.

    "I can mend that tomorrow. And there''s already a fresh shirt her. Be calm, Lerrin. Just breathe."

    Grumbling under his breath, he threw the clothes on the bed, then stalked to the bath. He didn''t miss that Suhle''s eyes raked down his form before he stepped into it, and for a moment he wanted to pause, to let her admire him. He hadn''t cked in his training¡ªhe hadn''t lost his edge!¡ªand it felt good to have a female admire him as a male for once, rather than as King.

    He gave in to the urge, and paused with one foot in the bath, and the other out, his hand out for the soap, just to see what she''d do.

    But her expression remained neutral as she raised her eyes to meet his, and slid the soap into his open palm.

    Disgusted with himself for expecting¡­ anything else, Lerrin sat too quickly and the water slopped over the side of the bath.

    "I''m sorry," he muttered and beganthering himself up. "I''m just¡­ don''t worry, it will dry."

    She hadn''t moved from her spot. And when she spoke, his ears perked at the tone. Completely normal, but¡­ breathless.

    "Are you certain you don''t want help?" she asked faintly.

    He hesitated, his body tightening at the image that bloomed in his mind of her, sleeves pushed up past her elbows, leaning into the water to soap him down¡ª

    "I''m sure," he snapped, shaking the thought off. He was as bad as the others if he let himself fall into those mental traps. "Just go get some food. I''ll be done here in minutes."

    As she turned away, pulling up her hood over her hair before she stepped out of the tent, Lerrin blinked. He wasn''t sure when she''d stopped keeping the hood up around him. It had just happened. But he liked it. He liked that she didn''t to hide herself from him anymore. That she didn''t put herself in that ce of enforced servitude. He liked looking at her. She was truly beautiful¡ªand yet, without guile.

    Lerrin blinked again. What the fuck was wrong with him? Suhle was devoted to service. She''d vowed to the old Covenant. And she was terrified of males.

    What the hell was he thinking?

    It had been too long since he''d found his release, he told himself as he set to scrubbing himself quickly so he could dry and dress before she returned.

    Perhaps the women''s council were right. Perhaps he did need to be intentional about finding a mate¡­

    Why did that thought make him want to squirm like an adolescent?

 Chapter 312: The Second

    <h4>Chapter 312: The Second</h4>

    To listen to my July Author Q & A, go to YouTube and search "Author AimeeLynn." There you''ll find a voice-acted recording of "Reth" reading Chapter 2 of this book, along with my recent author Q & A about the Anima world, tribes, and history! All for FREE! Enjoy!

    *****

    LERRIN

    He''d just finished soaping between his toes when the tent p fluttered and Asta appeared still in her fighting leathers, which meant she''d juste from the training ground where he''d left her with instructions to whip the chosen fist into shape before they were called into service.

    She had to have left just minutes after him. He growled. "What are you doing here?"

    "We need to speak," she snap.

    "Those snipers need to find their edge!"

    "And they will¡ªthat''s what I want to speak to you about. Give me the fist to lead against the Cat. Let me take them to the Tree City. I can ensure they will not step outside the n."

    "Absolutely not."

    "Why not?" she growled.

    "Because you are far too important here. If we lose you¡ª"

    "I will not engage, I will be there to manage the fist¡ªthey are trembling with the urge to hunt, Lerrin, they need a strong leader that can channel that¡ª"

    "At what point did our fist leaders lose control over their people?" he pushed himself to stand, the water trailing down his body, but Asta didn''t even blink.

    She leaned in, teeth bared. "At the point when the entire Tribe became under threat and has had to impatiently wait to see our enemy die!" she snarled back. "There is weeks of unsatisfied anticipation seething in their veins and you bark at them as if they are children."

    "They acted like children this morning. They showed none of their control. None of the discipline we''ve drilled into them for years!"

    "They face victory and they can taste it! If you stifle their bloodlust, you remove their courage. Let them quiver. When the momentes, they will show their true colors."

    "That''s exactly what I''m afraid of," he growled, stepping out of the bath and picking up the towel to dry himself in short, frustrated swipes. "If they are not motivated to hold themselves in check when their King stands before them, how can I believe they would do it when their enemy is within reach?"

    "Precisely why you should let me lead them¡ªto ensure¡ª"

    "Which is it Asta? You want me to believe they have the control? If they do, they don''t need you. If they don''t, having you or me there will make no difference. They will break under the lust and get themselves killed!"

    "You and I both know there is a fine line to be drawn in a wolf between eagerness and discipline. They show their desire to win¡ªsomething we encourage in them. Once they are moving and that eagerness is being satisfied, they will calm and focus."

    Lerrin shook his head. "I do not have your confidence. But it doesn''t matter. We have to let them try. Perhaps if they fail, the others will take the caution and approach our next attempt with more caution."

    Asta''s hands curled to fists at her sides. "Lerrin," she said quietly, almost a growl. "Let me lead them¡ª"

    "No." Holding her eyes, he infused the word with all the authority and dominance he possessed.

    Asta shivered, her body urging her to submit. Her jaw flexed and Lerrin shook his head.

    He''d pulled on fresh leathers and was picking up the clean shirt, shaking it out to find the opening for the sleeve. She used the movement as an excuse to look down and let him win, but he didn''t miss the light that red in her gaze when she lingered on his chest.

    He didn''t smile, but pulled the shirt over one arm, then the other, shrugging it over his shoulders and beginning the buttons without taking his eyes off of her.

    Let her defy him. Just let her try.

    Asta swallowed, then met his eyes again. "Why not?"

    "You are far too crucial. You''re needed here¡ªfor the rest of the soldiers who won''t be taking action and are apparently falling apart at the seams because of it. Besides, with all the tension here we can''t risk losing any of our leaders and tempting some of the more¡­ erratic wolves to try and fill their ces. Why do think I haven''t led a fist myselftely? We have to keep the leadership intact."

    "And apparently I can''t lead an assassination fist without losing my life?" she snapped.

    "It is a risk I am not willing to take!" he barked back.

    Asta growled, but looked away immediately. She knew she''d lost, but she wasn''t happy about it.

    He thought the conversation was over, that she''d submitted, and he turned away to find his dirty leathers so he could remove his belt and knife, but apparently she wasn''t finished.

    "Let me n an assault. Let me engage the soldiers in a n, preparation, whether the assassination is sessful or not. Let us see victory on the horizon, Lerrin! An all-out assault. We can take them!"

    "Are you mad?" Lerrin whirled back to face her. "Is this a joke?"

    "Why would you¡ª"

    He stepped right up into her space, letting her feel his dominance, his strength, and his iron will. Her eyes widened, but she didn''t give him space.

    He snarled through his teeth. "We will take the steps that are the most likely to seed, not those that are the most fun, Asta! What has gotten into you?"

    "I tire of sitting back and watching that Cat curl up in thefort of his cave every night while my people freeze out here!"

    "You think I do not? You think it doesn''t burn in my chest knowing the resources he has? The people at his disposal? You think I let the bears take thend because I wanted to?"

    "No, but¡ª"

    He leaned in until their noses almost touched, his eyes fierce and teeth bared. "We are smaller numbers, with fewer resources. We are a younger poption, and our people are frustrated and angry. We can win this, Asta, but it is not a simple matter of walking into the Tree City and taking it for ourselves. I wonder how you can even propose this, as if it is a simple decision to dy, rather than a strategy? What has gotten into you?"

    Her eyes narrowed, but at that moment the tent p pushed back and Suhle returned, a tray in her hand with Lerrin''s meal. She got two steps in before she sensed the tension and halted, staring between them. "Should I¡ª?"

    "No," Lerrin snapped.

    At the same moment Asta snarled, "Yes!"

    Lerrin growled. He couldn''t get any closer to her without physically touching her and he refused to be the one to begin a challenge, to weaken himself that way.

    As they stared at each other and Lerrin''s skin begin to prickle with the urge to shift and show his second exactly who was in charge, he smelled the edge of Suhle''s fear, like a de against his palm.

    "Do you wish to make a challenge, Asta?" he said very quietly. "Or are you only sulking? I''d rather not tear out your throat, but I will do it, if that''s what you need."

    She snorted, but a momentter, dropped her eyes, though her jaw clenched, the muscles twitching as she ground her teeth. "I pray the Creator is behind you, Lerrin," she growled. "And that this is truly strategy, rather than fear. Or all of us will pay for your cowardice."

    She turned on her heel to head for the door, but found herself face to face with Suhle, still holding his tray. Lerrin braced, ready to defend Suhle if she crumpled¡­ but then he blinked.

    She stood on the balls of her feet, eyes fierce and fixed on Asta''s.

    His Second paused, also clearly taken by surprise. "Move," she snapped.

    "If you undermine your King, you may find many more of the people against you than you would expect," Suhle said quietly, holding Asta''s gaze for a heartbeat longer, before stepping aside to let her pass.

    Asta snorted, but stormed past her and out of the tent.

    Suhle watched her go, then turned to look at him, the zing fire gone from her eyes as she gave her simple smile. "I''m sorry you weren''t able to rx," she said. "Sit. Eat, while it''s still hot."

    Lerrin''s heart leapt as she walked quickly over to the little table and single chair he''d moved behind the space for the bath to make room for her cot and the space he''d given her in the tent.

    "Thank you for your support," he said quietly as he followed her and took the seat while she set the te in front of him. "That was¡­ encouraging."

    "It isn''t only mine that you would have, Lerrin. You know that."

    But her smile broadened when she said it.

 Chapter 313: Steel & Strength

    <h4>Chapter 313: Steel & Strength</h4>

    LERRIN

    He barely tasted the food. And after a minute of chewing in silence, he told Suhle to pull up the little stool to the other side of the table. "Don''t make me eat alone. Next time bring your own and we will eat together. There''s no need for you to stand attendance when I''m eating. It would be good to share the meal."

    She nodded once, but her cheeks warmed and her scent spiked. Interesting.

    "Do you wish to tell me what happened earlier today? Why there is such tension around you?"

    Lerrin growled through his mouthful. "There is a difference in the way I wish to approach winning the Tree City, and how some of the other leaders and soldiers want to do it. They''re just impatient."

    She nodded. "And they use you of fear?" she asked carefully.

    His eyes snapped up to measure her for usation, but there was none of it in her scent. She regarded him evenly, her hands neatly folded in herp.

    "I think they use the usation to rattle me," he said after he swallowed. "But I''m sure they also wonder."

    "What is the true reason for your dy?"

    He grunted. "

    "Battle is¡­ unavoidable, I know. It is a necessary part of war. But assassination seems¡­ much more personal. And puts our people in such close quarters with the enemy¡ªin small numbers. I do not doubt the strategy is a good one. Only you asked why I seemed ufortable. I appreciate the need for war. But I do not have to like it," she said, her voice growing harder at the end. "With that said, anything that results in less bloodshed is a good n, I think. I am a hunter¡ªkilling for purpose¡ªnot a warrior, to kill for victory. I wish¡­ I wish there were a way to resolve this conflict without battle¡ªor assassination¡ªat all. I wish we could meet at the negotiation table. That is all."

    Lerrin blinked, the memory of Reth in the creek, staring at him intently, poised for flight, but his resolve rock-solid¡­

    "¡­Even your father knew that listening to your enemies was never a futile effort, Lerrin," Reth growled. "Now, listen: Your wolves are on edge, erratic and violent. As angry as they are, their aggression will being out whether it''s directed at me or not. And with Lucine''s example taking Elia¡­ Don''t forget that if they''ll do it with you, they''ll do it to you."

    Lerrin had wanted to spit on him. "I can''t decide if you''re foolish enough to believe you actually understand my people better than I do, or stupid enough to think you could intimidate me with them." He leaned forward, eyes locked with Reth in the primal challenge of predator to predator, yearning to bite out the cat''s throat. "The difference is, they love me. They serve me by choice."

    Reth sagged, shaking his head. "You have held the Alpha power for what, hours? Trust me, Lerrin, you will learn the value of a measured consideration. You showed that you have it when we discussed the attacks on Elia. I know¡­ I know this has been a difficult time, but please hear me: Should you ever discover you have reason to question this conflict, or your people are¡­ reaching for things you do not wish to take, get word to me. I will listen. We could end this together. Without bloodshed¡­"

    "Lerrin, are you well?" Suhle''s voice was quiet, but insistent.

    He blinked and realized she was leaning across the table, her hand hovering over his arm. He must not have responded when she spoke. She met his eyes, her own bright and curious, edged in concern, but she pulled her hand back to herp without touching him.

    "Sorry, I was¡­ thinking," he said, shifting in his seat. He went back to eating for a moment. Suhle waited patiently, but she smelled like she was on the edge of action. She had questions.

    "Why are you kind to me¡ªto all of us¡ªeven when we are¡­ aggressive?" he asked without looking at her. "Doesn''t that make people feel like it is okay to treat you poorly?"

    She shrugged. "I''m sure it appears that way to some," she said quietly. "But I am not kind where something else is needed. Only when I know that others are hard or angry because of their circumstances. Sometimes they only need to get those feelings out and then they can be more bnced. Being a target for that is a service I can provide, when it''s appropriate. And in my experience, when good people understand that you will be kind even when they are not, they¡­ adjust themselves. It is a good measure of person''s heart, how they treat the kind."

    Lerrin chewed on that along with the food. "When I am hard on you, please do not act as if it''s nothing. Show me. Give me an opportunity to¡­ adjust."

    She waved a hand. "You are never unkind, only angry at times. But I know that is because you are carrying heavy loads, and your heart and mind¡ªyour good heart and mind¡ªare at odds with those around you who seek blood, or revenge, or simply their own indulgence. I am happy to help you vent those frustrations so that others cannot use it as an excuse to undermine you."

    He stopped eating, gaping. "Why would you do that? Why would you let me be hard on you because of others?"

    "Because I know your goal is the best for all wolves. I want to help you seed in your purpose to bring the wolves to their best ce. I pray to the Creator that you''ll see clearly what that is and have the strength to pursue it, whether others agree or not. If you are weighed down with those voices, what chance do you have to think clearly in contradiction with them? It is a small price to pay, Lerrin."

    It took him a short time to realize what he was feeling was¡­ humble.

 Chapter 314: Wisdom in the Wild

    <h4>Chapter 314: Wisdom in the Wild</h4>

    (13 July 2021) Time to CELEBRATE #TeamReth: Tomorrow is this month''s win-win mass release for BEAST, so you can look forward to FIVE chapters released between 4:30-7:30pm Pacific (Los Angeles time). ENJOY!

    *****

    LERRIN

    The feeling didn''t sitfortably, no matter what Lucine might have said to Suhle about his attitudes.

    He ate the rest of his meal in silence, not tasting it. His stomach churning, not from the food, but from the way his thoughts disturbed him.

    He let himself scan back through the weeks Suhle had served him. All the times he''d growled at her, or ranted, snapping her down for her insightful questions while he was exining what had happened during his day¡­ and all the times she''d been kind in the face of his anger, soothing him and assisting him until and he''d left the tent calmer, with her smile at his back, better able to be patient when he met conflict with otherster.

    But¡­ but she was weak.

    Wasn''t she?

    He looked at her sitting across from him, endlessly patient. Her eyes were low, resting thoughtlessly on his arm, he thought. But when he looked up, she brought her gaze up to meet his, a question in her eyes.

    She wanted to serve. Wanted to help. She''d somehowe to believe that swallowing his poor behavior was, in some way, helping him do better. And it stunned him to realize she was right. But it was so desperately unfair, he was washed in a wave of self-loathing.

    Suddenly desperately ufortable and needing to move, Lerrin got to his feet and thanked her for the meal, excusing himself to go meet the security council. Again.

    He should speak with her. Tell her what he''d seen in her. Thank her for it. And promise not to put her through it again, but¡­ but he needed her. He needed her willing to help him. And damned if she wasn''t.

    How the hell was he supposed to do this?

    Checking that his de was at his belt, he started towards the door. Withoutment orin, Suhle rose from her seat now behind him to clear the table. He knew she would wash everything, mend his clothes, and prepare his bed and clothing for the morning, staying awake until he returned in case he needed anything, then retreat to her cot in her corner.

    And she did it all with the intention to aid him in his role. Because she believed in him?

    She would not ask for anything in return except safety, which as her ruler he owed her anyway, whether she served him personally or not.

    It struck him then, that he''d entered this tent in a roaring rage¡­ he''d been challenged by his Second, and yet, here he was¡­ walking out calm. Able to think clearly.

    Because of her.

    Before he reached the tent p, he stopped and turned.

    She straightened, his dishes in her hand and looked at him, eyebrows up, waiting.

    "Suhle, what do you think is best for the wolves as a whole? What direction do you think I should be taking now?"

    Her jaw went ck before she caught it and closed it. "I am sure I''m not the right person to tell you what the¡­ the right political decisions should be," she said, turning from him to push in the chair he''d been sitting in as if she didn''t want to meet his eyes while she spoke. Her scent was¡­ erratic. Fearful? Or only surprised? Both? It was different to discern, as if she wasn''t sure what she felt. "What I do know," she continued softly, "is that whether you speak of one person, or many, loving a person¡ªthe best kind of love¡ªis giving them what they need. Not necessarily what they want. If you give them what they need, whether they realize it or not, you offer what will equip them to thrive in the long term. Even if they struggle at the beginning, or misunderstand your intentions." Turning her back, she carried his dishes to the tub that she used for cleaning that she left on a stool nearby.

    Lerrin swallowed. He was King! Alpha! She was a servant! And yet¡­

    "How do you see a people thriving in the long term, if your early decisions cause struggle at the beginning?" he asked quietly.

    She hesitated, then left the dishes in the water and turned to face him, her eyes¡­ pleading? What did she hope for?

    "We are always made stronger by fighting for the right thing, even when it is hard," she said quietly, her eyes flickering back and forth between him and her hands¡ªas if she feared his response. "When we do reach a goal that has been difficult to attain, we are stronger than we were. And when deep down we know that goal is right¡­ it is true¡­ we be stronger. Less easily led into anything false or wrong. Because we have felt the strength thates from walking on a foundation of truth and right. To reach that same goal, to resist the struggle against everything wrong, will not be as difficult next time. It is the battle with our own wills, with the desire to give in to what we know is wrong, that causes the greatest struggles. When we ovee that¡­ we are better for it. Always."

    He agreed. The thought made Lerrin wanted to w something. "I wish you could say that without sounding like that fucking cat," he said, low and dark.

    She brought her eyes up then and locked on his. "Wisdom is wisdom, no matter the source," she said. "If we cannot recognize that, we are blinded by our own emotions."

    Neither of them backed down. He wanted to growl, but the truth was, he admired her for being willing to push him this way when he knew her fear was great.

    So, in a move that wouldter leave him breathless for the risk he took, he bowed and broke the eye-contact, giving her the win.

    Giving her dominance.

    Her eyes widened and she brought a hand to her chest.

    "Thank you for giving me what I need, not what I want, Suhle," he said softly, then turned and strode out to meet the wolves that needed to hear a dose of her wisdom themselves.

 Chapter 315: Sleeping & Spies

    <h4>Chapter 315: Sleeping & Spies</h4>

    (Posted 10 JULY) WANT TO NAME A CHARACTER IN THE ANIMA WORLD? If you purchase the top tier of privilege in this book, or "Taming the Queen of Beasts", you will gain entry to a private chat group in my discord where ONLY top tier privilege readers are able to submit names for consideration for 3 different characters this month! The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, purchase the top tier of privilege, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

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    SEE YOU THERE!

    *****

    RETH - Anima

    All he wanted to do was sleep. To rest and perhaps find Elia in the dream again. The drag on his body and mind, the constant urge to simply walk away and roll into his furs was a moment-by-moment battle.

    He had to talk to her. He had to understand for certain what she was facing. Make sure she knew that this was real¡ªcould she scent? Would she know if he¡­ he was able to touch her?

    Creator''s Mane, he wanted to touch her.

    He groaned in his chest and Behryn turned to look at him. They were both seated at the dining table in the Royal cave. Reth hadn''t wanted to start meeting there¡ªit was harder to concentrate with Elia''s scent still hanging around in ces¡ªbut with the market and outbuildings full of citizens from the more remote areas, and the Royal cave closer to the center of the city, and more easily defended, he couldn''t deny it was the best choice.

    He just wanted to sleep.

    He pushed the thought away and, ignoring the look of concern on Behryn''s face, sat back in his chair. "So¡­ we have the bears in the portal region without fighting?"

    "There were small skirmishes, but again, just as they''ve done here, the wolves seemed more interested in testing their strength than holding the ground. The bears have almost made it to the portal. They''re taking a mile or more every day. They''ll own the entire valley soon."

    Reth frowned. It made no sense. At minimum, Lerrin knew what the ground held¡ªand they all knew that the Queen had been there, along with her Cohorts. Why would Lerrin give it up?

    He rubbed his face with both hands. "I''m missing something."

    Behryn tipped his head back and forth. "I''m not sure either. It feels too easy. But we both know Lerrin wasn''t intending on holding that ground. Maybe he just never gave themitment to it?"

    Reth shook his head. "No. Either they''ve decided to give it up¡ªwhich means that they have another n they think is going to win it back for them. Or they''re up to something. My bet is on thetter."

    "Yes. Much as I wish Lerrin were that na?ve, I just don''t think so."

    "So what are they doing that they don''t mind losing control there?"

    Behryn frowned. "I''d say either preparing for an all-out assault in which they need all their soldiers, or¡­ I don''t know. I have to think¡­ I have to hope they wouldn''t decide to use the bear''s hibernation against them?"

    "The wolves hate the bears. Lucan was forever snarling at me about even meeting with them. I doubt Lerrin''spletely skipped his father''s prejudice."

    "I know he hasn''t," Behryn sighed. "He was at our nning meeting before they brought the petition. He was calm about it, but everything in him bristled. He didn''t want you aligning with the bears."

    Reth scowled. "Then it makes even less sense that they''re giving up the ground. Are they actually retreating? Or just not fighting hard?"

    "I don''t know all the details, but the scouts said there''s been very little bloodshed. Where the tribes have met face to face the wolves have only fought hard enough to keep the bears from pursuing. But there''s more than one ount of Gahwr''s people sighting the wolves as they leave. So¡­ I guess the question bes, how far are they retreating? Are those wolves returning to the encampment? Or just sitting on the boundary the Bears set?"

    "That''s our next step then. When they reach the portal cave, you send a fist of trackers. Ask Gawhr to let them through to follow the wolves."

    "We can''t, Reth," Behryn said, his eyes sparking. "You told them we wouldn''t enter it except on the trail. That the bears could have thend freely."

    Reth blinked. Holy shit. How had he forgotten that? "Well, then¡­ I''ll write a message and ask Gawhr if he''ll send some of his own after them¡ªor let ours through just for that purpose. It can''t hurt to ask."

    "Are you certain? The bears are¡­ unpredictable."

    "Aren''t we all when we''re at war? Isn''t that the point."

    "Yes, but the bears are bad on a good day. You risk the life of whoever you send if Gawhr''s in a temper."

    "Then I''ll go myself," Reth muttered.

    "Like hell you will, Reth. What the fuck is wrong with you? Have you forgotten everything you know about war, andbat?"

    "No, I''m just sick of this whole fucking thing and I want it done!" he roared.

    Behryn straightened, eyebrows arching. He nced over his shoulder towards the door to see if it was still open. Whether the guards outside would have heard. Certainly those in the bathing pools cavern would have. Then he turned back to Reth.

    "I know this has been a difficult few weeks¡ª"

    "No, Behryn. You don''t. You''re still going to home to your mate every day."

    "Every day, Reth, knowing that on any one of them I might not get to go home¡ªor I might find the wolves have targeted me through my weakest point. So you can just back the fuck off with the self-pity. You were the one who chose to send her¡ªand it was the right decision!" he rushed on when Reth opened his mouth to argue. "But the whole reason for putting her there safely was so that you could focus here. Getting reckless with your own life, or any of your people, isn''t going to help."

    "I''m not getting reckless," he growled.

    Behryn snorted. "You''ll go meet Gawhr yourself?"

    "We need to know what the wolves are doing. We need to understand¡ª"

    "And we will. Worse case we can send some birds out to scout until they find them."

    "I don''t trust the birds."

    "One bad apple, Reth¡ª"

    "We don''t know how many bad apples there are, Behr, so don''t give me that steaming pile of shit."

    They both red, then Reth sighed. But he didn''t drop his eyes. He did, however, drop his voice so no one who wasn''t as close as Behryn would hear him. "Have we heard from any of our spies? Do we know how many we got into the encampment?"

    Behryn''s lips thinned. "We''re pretty confident we have at least two. But we''ve had nothing. Not so much as a squeak. And that doesn''t sit well with me. I''m afraid either they''ve been discovered, or they''ve actually followed the wolves after all."

    Reth grimaced. "I wouldn''t be so sure of that. The wolf-packs are pretty tight. It takes time to infiltrate."

    "But that was the point. They were already in. Already trusted. That''s why we chose them. If they haven''t been able to send any news¡­ I fear for their lives. Or that Lerrin is keeping those close to him under such tight rein that there is simply no way for them to get out andmunicate."

    Reth swore. "Obstacles at every road, dys around every corner. I need to finish this, Behryn!"

    "What you need, Reth, is to win this war¡ªno matter how long it takes. And to remember that you can be grateful your mate it out from under wolf eyes. Not all of us are so blessed by the Creator."

    Reth knew his friend was right, but that didn''t stop the truth burning in his chest.

    He needed Elia here. He needed to watch over her, help her. If she was starting to shift because of Elreth, what if she got loose in the city and was shot?

    Reth had never told the Anima about the technology and weapons avable in the human world. He''d always feared someone might try to bring them into Anima. But what if¡­

    No¡­ he refused to even consider it. Elia was definitely safer there, especially hidden by the Guardians. He just needed to speak with her again.

    which meant, he just needed to sleep¡­

    ****

    WANT MORE? The new Privilege tiers for July are now live! There are some change to the early privilege tiers this month that offer more chapters for lower per-chapter cost, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! See the author note below if you have not purchased (or repurchased) privilege before!

 Chapter 316: Birds and Blows

    <h4>Chapter 316: Birds and Blows</h4>

    (30 June) THE WINNERS OF THE 100 WEBNOVEL COIN VOUCHERS ARE:

    1. Rae_Read

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    There will be another drawing on July 15th, so? please continue to support Elreth and Aaryn with your votes! As we enter the new Win-win event this month, and pursue Spirity Awards, even if you cannot buy privilege, or prefer to read free, you can help us by voting,menting, and rmending this book to your friends! Thank you for all your support!

    *****

    RETH

    He and Behryn had talked in circles around the Bears and what to do there. In the end, Reth reluctantly agreed to have Avaline scouts looking for the wolves, but an emissary would also be sent.

    "I''m pretty sure I know the right soldier, who won''t poke Gawhr, but will have the confidence to ask the right questions," Behryn said. "And he''s not mated yet, so if things do go wrong¡­" he trailed off and Reth growled in his throat.

    It was a sick truth of war that they would always try to put those without mates or families in the first line of fire. Reth despised the cold-hearted nature of their decisions. And yet, Anima were going to die. Where it was within his control he would see as few others impacted by that as possible.

    Raking a hand through his hair, he grimaced. Sometimes ruling made him sick.

    "Just make sure he knows all the right questions to ask," Reth graveled. "I don''t like the feel of this. Things are too quiet."

    "They''re trying to force you out, to force you to be the one who creates the final confrontation," Behryn said.

    "That makes no sense. They have to know we have more people, more resources¡ªhell, we have more experience and maturity. Why would Lerrin want us to take the first step?"

    "For the same reason you want him to¡ªbecause the people will ultimately see the first striker as the ce for me if things go wrong."

    Reth sighed. He knew Behryn was right. "So¡­ do we just sit? Not let ourselves be drawn?"

    "For now, I think, yes," Behryn said calmly. "Continue to protect and prepare the people¡ªdon''t allow the sentries and archers to be lulled into boredom. Lerrin will be hoping our defenses drop."

    "The wolves will be on edge. They do not do well with waiting."

    "I agree."

    They were both quiet a moment. Reth wondered if Behryn was also thinking about that moment he''d spoken to Lerrin in the creek. He didn''t have to wait long.

    "I was so angry, Reth, when you didn''t let me kill him," Behryn said.

    Reth nodded. "I know, but can you see it now?"

    "Honestly, not really. I suspect I know what you''re thinking. But I disagree."

    Reth met his best and oldest friend''s eyes. "Lerrin showed more bnce and more¡­ thought than any of the wolf leaders I''ve seen for generations."

    "He was also murderous that day."

    Reth nodded. "I would have felt the same if he''d killed my family. But I believe with time his rage will cool. And he will let himself see the truth about the society his father built. About what his sister did. He scented me for truth, Behryn, and he was honest about it. He did not shy from it."

    "He wanted to."

    "Don''t we all? Despite his natural biases, he told the people the truth."

    "Then tried to use you anyway."

    "He''d lost his father¡ªand now his sister too, both at my hand. I would give the Creator anything to have that fact changed, but¡­" he shrugged. "If he could admit before the people that I had not manipted or used Lucine, I have hope that over time he''ll let himself see that I did not choose to hurt his family¡ªtried to avoid it, in fact. I hope that he''ll see what his males are doing in the Wildwood, and he''ll decide to reject it."

    Behryn whistled, low and slow. "That''s¡­ quite the n there, Reth. I can''t say that I share your optimism."

    "Optimism is too strong," Reth growled. "I hope. It''s in the Creator''s hands. Until he makes the step, we fight."

    "Aymora said¡ª"

    "I know what Aymora said," Reth snarled. "And if the need arises, I will make the decisions that must be made. But I will not looking for them!"

    "What if one example, or two, would change the course of this war?"

    "I said, I will not go looking for targets. Those people are just as much my responsibility as the ones who stayed in the Tree City. If they''d chosen to leave, to make their own people, I would have allowed it. I wouldn''t feel responsible for them. But they''ve been manipted and influenced by lies. I will not begin the killing."

    "Lerrin would say you already had," Behryn offered, his eyes glinting.

    Reth didn''t fall for it. "We all know that this is still a cold war. Until we have outrightbat, I will continue to ask the Creator to let us end in peace. But I will also guard my people and attempt to see where or how our enemy may strike. So get someone out to the bears. Get details about the wolves behavior so far. And assuming the Bears do win the portal cave territory, determine whether the wolves that were there have returned to the encampment, or only retreated."

    Behryn nodded and Reth took a deep breath. None of this was good. But all of it was necessary.

    They sat in silence again until Behryn pushed his chair away from the table. "I''m assuming like me you''re ready for this day to be done. Let''s go get dinner. The early sitting is never as full. You''ll have fewer questions and conversations if we go now. And you can return here earlier. I won''t call in the security council tonight unless we have reports of a change."

    Reth felt so weary his limbs seemed too heavy. He wanted to sleep, but he had to fuel his body. He''d been struggling to eat since Elia left, and he didn''t doubt that Behryn had noticed, and was taking him to the market so he wouldn''t skip another meal.

    He pushed himself to his feet with a sigh, knowing his friend was right. He''d likely sleep better if he wasn''t hungry, and besides it was far too early for Elia to be sleeping, assuming she was on the same clock. And his only other way to kill time was to put more time and energy into nning how to kill wolves, or how to stop wolves killing them.

    He had had enough of battle already, and they hadn''t even met inbat yet.

    So he followed Behyrn out of the cave and forced himself to put some spring in his step to help the guards feel optimistic that their King was still strong. Still ready to face this challenge.

    He wished it didn''t feel like a lie.

 Chapter 317: Crosshairs

    <h4>Chapter 317: Crosshairs</h4>

    THE NEW PRIVILEGE TIERS ARE NOW LIVE!

    BECOME A 1200 COIN TIER PRIVILEGE READER IN JULY AND HELP ME NAME A CHARACTER! All Ruler-Tier privilege readers who join my author chat (on discord) in July will be included in a private chat and allowed to submit ideas to name one of 3 characters (spelling TBD by me, lol.) You will also have ess to a private Q & A with meter in the month! Watch this space in early July for more details!

    *****

    RETH

    Behryn had been right to take him to the market. Eating had helped his body, and spending time with his people had strengthened his resolve. Weary as he was, the smiles of the offspring, seeing the easing of worry lines on the elders when he reassured them, and joking with the youth had lifted his spirits as well as theirs. He''d spent so long connecting with the people after he''d eaten, they were still there when people began to arrive for the second serving, and he''d had a chance to speak with many more.

    He resolved to make the effort to return to the market on any night that his duties allowed. It would remind him why he was doing this, and it would please Aymora too, who said he needed more than fruit and raisin cakes to replenish his blood and keep himself strong.

    So, it was with a lighter heart that he and Behryn stepped onto the trail back to the cave, the guards near and close, but keeping enough space to allow them to move easily.

    Reth drew in a deep breath as they stepped deeper into the forest. At Behryn''s urging, he''d been working hard to keep a different routine every day, using different trails when he moved, and scheduling meetings and briefing at different times and ces each day.

    There had been many moments in the past few weeks where he had started to think it was all wasted effort. That the wolves were just going to sit back and let Rethe to them. But then the scouts would disturb another fist of wolves, clearly watching the City, or they''d find evidence of temporary dens that had been recently used.

    Every time he began to rx, something would ur, and he''d remember the tightrope they walked. But this constant waiting, the inescapable tension of knowing that the enemy was at the door, but had not knocked yet, was wearing thin.

    Perhaps that was Lerrin''s strategy. To get him to force confrontation out of pure desire to see it started.

    He huffed and let himself scan the forest. Their guards were all only feet away, but blending in and out of the trees on either side of the trail, spears and arrows drawn and ready for use.

    Behryn trained his men well. Despite theck of action these guards had seen¡ªmost of their days being spent standing outside doors or on the rooves of ces Reth was meeting¡ªthey were all attentive, their bodies poised for action, and their weapons ready for use.

    Reth almost smiled. The wolves were cunning, it was true. A formidable enemy. But he refused to believe they had either the discipline, or the drive, that Behryn''s men showed.

    "You have done well, friend," Reth said quietly, nodding at the forward guard who disappeared for a split second to check behind arge clump of underbrush that squatted alongside the trail. "Your men are a credit to you."

    "To you, as well," Behryn murmured back. "They listen to me, but they serve diligently because of you and the example you set."

    Reth wanted to roll his shoulders. He hadn''t been a good exampletely, he knew, consumed with his own pain and exhaustion. He was blessed that the men remembered the leader he had been before¡­ before his mate was forced away from him.

    A sh in the trees of the nearest archer station, the view of which was only caught at this particr bend in the trail, caught his eye. They''d sprinkled snipers and archers throughout the WildWood, but especially in the thickly wooded areas in the City itself, and around its perimeter.

    Reth hated knowing that there were deadly men with deadly weapons peppered around his home. But he hated the idea of anyone dying at wolf hands, more.

    For a breathless moment he remembered Elia''sints about the constant guards andck of privacy,ck of solitude they had caused her in those early months.

    He''d been so focused on her safety, he hadn''t appreciated what a stifling feeling it was to be under the eyes of many people every time she stepped out the door.

    If he was able to find her in the dream tonight, he would tell her. His heart grieved that he couldn''t swing her into his arms when he got back to the cave.

    The guards stepped in closer as they reached the meadow in front of the cave and left the cover of the trees. There was a whistle, high in the canopy¡ªanother of the Archers giving the signal to the others about Reth''s location¡ªand it was instinct to look up for those he knew were positioned on the mountainside above the cave. The snipers were remarkably adept at keeping themselves out of sight. But he''d seen these males and females, been a part of the group that chose their positions, and he knew where to look.

    Except, when he focused, the movement that shed behind the scrubby trees on the ledge just twenty feet above the cave mouth, was several feet left of where he expected to see it.

    Reth frowned. "Behryn, did you move the¡ª"

    "RETH! DOWN!"

    His brother hit him in a bone-crunching tackle in the same moment the unmistakable twang of an archer''s bowstring sang through the air.

    It happened too fast for him to do anything but remember itter.

    As Reth tumbled to the dirt, mming into it with a grunt at the impact that shoved the air from his lungs, he felt a second blow, heard the arrow find its mark, felt the shudder of Behryn''s entire body as it recoiled from the foreign invader.

    And from the pain.

    There were shouts and arrows flew in both directions between his guards, the archers in the trees, and the enemy snipers that had somehow made it to the mountainside above the cave.

    Rethy on the ground, stunned, his body trying to work, trying to suck in air, but all he could think¡ªall he could scream¡ªwas that his best friend was sprawled over him, his limbs spread as wide as he was capable, to make himself as big as he was able, to cover as much of Reth as he could.

    And¡­ he wasn''t moving.

 Chapter 318: Under Cover

    <h4>Chapter 318: Under Cover</h4>

    LERRIN - Anima

    It was night. Despite the extramp that Suhle had found and installed, the white walls of Lerrin''s tent looked gray because of the darkness pressing in behind them. Usually, when he wasn''t at war, this was his favorite time of day¡ªor night, as the case may be. When the darkness had descended and the air had cooled, but before weariness took over.

    At least, that''s how he''d felt at this time of day before he went to war.

    Lerrin held himself strong and scanned the men of the council who sat in the circle in his tent again. While things between them had mostly calmed, there had been more and more disruption among the people in the encampment. Reports of fighting between fists, and the first question of a group of males possibly mistreating a female had reached his ears that morning, though not through these men.

    Because they didn''t know? Or because they were hiding this from him? Lerrin wanted to bare his teeth, but held himself in check.

    Suhle had taken to offering them allvender tea before their meetings began¡ªwithout telling them why. Lerrin had to stifle a grin every time one of them said yes. And she''d been right. Things seemed to have been more civil since they''d been taking the tea. Fewer res of temper. Fewer arguments. But the underlying tension remained.

    When Suhle offered him a cup, he waved it away, though he supposed he needed it as much as the other men did. But he didn''t want his edge taken off today.

    Today he wanted to remind them all why he was Alpha.

    "Report," he barked. Let them get the practicalities out of the way, then he would start snarling.

    But Hern was too old to be intimidated by his abruptness. He only sat up straighter and leaned on one knee. "The first fist that was tasked with the assassination is in ce. We expect them to return tomorrow at thetest, victorious."

    Lerrin''s heart pounded. "Wake me if they return overnight¡ªvictorious or not¡ªdo not dy. Do we have the others ready and prepared to take their attempts if this group fails?"

    Hern nodded.

    "Good. Do not let me learn of their progress from anyone else, Hern. They report to you, you report to me, directly."

    "Of course."

    "Very well. Continue."

    Hern''s self-satisfied air faded to frustration. "The wolves that were posted where the Queen was killed are under pressure. The bears have worked through the higher grounds and are on their way down. They''ll meet within the day if we don''t pull them out."

    Trying to buy time, Lerrin had told the soldiers to pull back to the portal valley in case the bears didn''t make it that far before they were forced to sleep. But I looked like they were staying up this Autumn, at least for a time. Interesting.

    "How long until they enter the clearing if they''re unchecked?"

    "Hours."

    "And do we know whether they''re taking the width of the valley, or is it only the territory surrounding the trail?"

    "We''ve been retreating, so we don''t know how hard they''ll fight for it. But so far, they appear to be keeping their entire tribe on the move. They''ve spread themselves out to cover the breadth of the valley. I believe they n to take all of it."

    Lerrin nodded, cursing under his breath. "Very well, tell them to pull out¡ªbut find the lines the bears will draw for themselves, and remain there. In the shadows. They are not to let the bears know they''re there."

    "Are you certain you want to give the ground, Sire?" Hern asked, his voice sharper than it should have been.

    Lerrin met the male''s eyes. "As we discussed, I wish for the bears to believe that we are giving ground. Have you followed my instructions?"

    Hern nodded stiffly. "They''ve engaged only in skirmishes, allowing it to appear that they were surprised. But, Sire¡ª"

    "No buts, Hern. That is good and well. Continue with the n. Let our wolves draw blood, but not take life. They should appear to run, frightened when they retreat."

    Hern muttered something about wolves tucking their tales, and snorted air from his nose.

    Lerrin waited. When the male didn''t speak up, he leaned forward. "Speak your mind, Hern. I do not want to revisit this. What aggravates you?"

    "Sire, the bears have clearly aligned with the Cat. If we simply back away, we embolden our enemy¡ªand lose our easier ess to the royal cave."

    "We cannot afford to fight a war on two fronts," Lerrin growled. "And the bears, while perhaps working with the Cat, are not¡­ reliable. What say all of you. Let''s get this done. I am sick of running in circles like I chase my own tail."

    "I say you stick with your n to retreat," one of the younger males said. "But do as much damage as possible on the way out. Don''t hold back. Let them think we have truly fought for it."

    "And potentially lose wolf brothers and sisters to¡­ theatrics?" Lerrin said through his teeth.

    "Our fighters are gifted. If they cannot engage without death, it will be on their own heads."

    "Fool," Lerrin snarled. "You only demonstrated your inexperience. War is always unexpected and full of risk. Even the most skilled males and females can be killed. I do not see a gain that makes the risk worthwhile."

    "We should retreat as you suggest," Daryn, the dark and angry youth, said, "but wait on the line until they sleep, then return when they''re truly asleep and take them in their beds."

    There were several growling chuckles and whines of approval for this n. Lerrin fought not to let his disgust for the idea show. They could not see weakness in him. No wavering.

    "This wouldn''t be difficult to achieve. Though I believe we should bring most of the wolves back here for the weeks until we''re certain."

    Lerrin turned to look at Craye, his spy runner. It was rare for the older male to speak up in meetings. Lerrin had always suspected the man had spent so much of his life in the shadows, that he often forgot others could see him¡ªor perhaps, didn''t want them to.

    The man raised his hackles, but there was no doubt he was effective. "What would be the purpose of bringing our people out of thend?" Lerrin asked. "Is that not simple retreat?"

    Craye nodded. "And everyone outside of this room will believe so, as well, which means their spies will ry that. I can win this for you before anyone even knows it has happened, Sire."

 Chapter 319: Murder

    <h4>Chapter 319: Murder</h4>

    LERRIN

    A murmur of approval rippled around the room at the spy master''s words. Lerrin pretended to be thinking about what he said, but let his eyes trail past Suhle who stood behind the men and had suddenly gone still, staring at him. He could feel her pleading with him not to give in to this cruelty.

    But the Spy Master wasn''t finished. "As far as everyone else, including our own people knows, the wolves will be retreating¡ªchoosing not to hold thend. The Cat will hear and assume we must be weakened in our numbers." The man barely moved as he spoke, only stared at Lerrin as if no one else was in the room. "Both our people and our enemies will have no awareness that we will have our best covert operators hidden in the hills nearby. The bears will be watching and patrolling for soldiers. And I''m guessing the Cat has promised to protect them in their sleep¡ªso there will be scouts, also. The bears will not sleep immediately. They are not fools. But my best fist will keep watch without revealing their presence. And when all is calm, I will send the second in. Between them they can take the entire tribe in days. And the valley will be yours withoutbat."

    "You can take them without killing them?" Lerrin leapt on the idea.

    The male snorted. "Of course not. I said withoutbat, not without bloodshed. But my people are skilled. They will take the bears family by family, while they still sleep. They will not even wake."

    "That isn''t war, that''s murder," Lerrin muttered. Suhle watched the Spy Master, her face a nk mask. He rushed on before his true feelings began to show. "Whether one fist or five, the bears will scent wolves if they remain. You said yourself they will patrol and check after we have retreated. They are not fools. How do you propose to hide your people from them?"

    "There are ways."

    Lerrin held the man''s gaze and let himself feel the mantle of the Alpha¡ªlet his scent rise. Disgust over the n or not, Lerrin was of no confusion about who the strongest wolf in the room was.

    The Spy Master took a deep breath, then dropped his eyes. "Of course, I would share it with you, Sire. However, the more ears that hear our¡­ special talents, the less effective they will be. But trust me, I can hide five wolves within the boundaries of the valley and the bears will not sense them. Neither will the Cat''s scouts¡ªwe''ll be able to observe them and report, offer crucial information that could save wolf lives."

    "Five that are skilled enough to hide in this way, yet willing to stay there for weeks? Then immediately begin killing?"

    The male''s eyes lit from deep within. "They will anticipate it, Sire. They will bring you victory achieved in such a way that not even the Cat will know. You will take thend back without anyone the wiser, leaving you free to focus on your war here¡ªand opening ess from the west without the Cat, or his people even knowing until you choose to use it."

    There were a great number of howls of approval that rose at that.

    Suhle, however, turned back to her small fire and the tea she was steeping there. But Lerrin could see her hands shaking.

    His stomach turned over. "Are your people also skilled enough to leave the valley without detection in the event that we need them somewhere else before the appropriate time hase?"

    The Spy Master shrugged. "If it is necessary. The more difficult task will be getting a message to them by a lesser skilled wolf. But assuming we position one close to the boundary, it should be achievable. Returning to their hiding would be more difficult though, especially if the Cat''s scouts are well nned and not adhering to a routine."

    Lerrin gritted his teeth. He was still searching for a reason to say no that the rest of them would ept when the Spy Master dropped his trump card.

    "The likelihood is, Sire, that my spies will also identify where and how the false Queen was taken into that region. Perhaps even locate her. Certainly they have the skill to uncover exactly where she was taken within it, and whether she yet lives. A true¡­ how did that bitch put it? Two birds with one stone? Once they are done, you''ll be installed in the Tree City within days."

    The howls rose again, this time with the smiles and barks of certain victory. Lerrin didn''t move or speak, but he let himself think of having his hands on the false queen''s throat. The others scented his bloodlust and took it as affirmation of the n, as he had intended. But he stayed calm and still among their celebrations.

    He could not meet Suhle''s eyes when she turned, afraid of what he might see there. Or, rather, of what he might not see in her eyes.

    He, too, was sickened by the idea of killing helpless children in their beds. But this was war. And he was still considering going through the portal after Elia. Would have done it already if his father hadn''t so frantically warned himst year¡ªhadn''t made him vow an oath never to use the portal without a need that meant the survival of the wolves.

    Lerrin''s own confidence that they could take the Tree City had held him back from simply sneaking into the cave personally and taking care of this business. He''d almost done it when he''d found Lucine, but he''d known then that he would be breaking his vow to his father if he had. And now¡­

    Now he needed to give serious thought to his father''s warnings. Because if they did truly own the portal territory without the Cat''s knowledge¡­

    It really could win them the war.

    "Set the fist in ce," he said quietly.

    The howls around him rose higher and the Spy Master nodded.

    Lerrin didn''t look at Suhle.

    *****

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 Chapter 320: Voice of Reason

    <h4>Chapter 320: Voice of Reason</h4>

    (Posted 10 JULY) WANT TO NAME A CHARACTER IN THE ANIMA WORLD? If you purchase the top tier of privilege in this book, or "Taming the Queen of Beasts", you will gain entry to a private chat group in my discord where ONLY top tier privilege readers are able to submit names for consideration for 3 different characters this month! The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, purchase the top tier of privilege, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

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    *****

    LERRIN - Anima

    The moon was high by the time he ushered thest of the Security Council out of the tent and past the guards. When he turned, Suhle was already clearing the chairs and dishes, returning order to the tent, and removing the trash so it wouldn''t cause the tent to smell.

    She also wasn''t looking at him.

    Teeth clenched, Lerrin stalked over to help her with the chairs that would be stacked against the wall until they were needed again.

    "I am fine to do this, Lerrin, you need to rest. You should prepare for bed," she said, picking up the cushion she had ced on his chair and cing it on the end of his bed. All without looking at him.

    "I want to help," he said stiffly, reaching for a chair beside her just as she reached for it too.

    Their eyes met over the back of it and her lips thinned.

    Lerrin wanted to growl. "Don''t look at me like that."

    "I should not look at you?"

    "You should not look at me like that," he said, nodding at her.

    She blinked innocently. "May I ask what way I am looking so that I might be certain not to look in that manner again?"

    "Suhle¡ª"

    "Please, leave me to do this for you. It''s why I''m here." She grabbed the chair by one of the rungs that ran up the back of it and began to turn. But Lerrin already had a hand on it and held it to the ground. She was jerked back by her own grip. When she turned to face him again, her eyes were alight with anger.

    They red at each other for moment, then Lerrin took a breath.

    "Don''t look at me like that," he said quietly, "because I didn''t tell them to kill the bears. I haven''t given that order. But it is not wise¡ªI would be doing my people a disservice¡ªto give up that territory without some n in ce to regain it."

    "I''m certain I am not the person to question the King," she said through tight lips. "I only asked you to let me clear the chairs, and you are being stubborn."

    "Stubborn?!"

    She nodded. "Stubborn."

    He let go and straightened, gaping at her. But she only muttered, "Thank you," and picked up the chair to stack it with the others.

    "Suhle, I do not want to fight with you."

    "We are not fighting, Sire."

    "Sire? Why are you calling me Sire again?"

    "Because that is the appropriate way to address the Alpha and King."

    But I am not King with you, he sent¡ªthen almost swallowed his tongue. It had been instinct¡ªpure instinct¡ªto switch to the mind connection, to cover the words that he did not want the guards outside to hear. He''d done it like breathing and it wasn''t until she was responding to him that he realized what he''d done.

    Of course you are King with me! You are King wherever you go, whateverpany you keep. It is only right¡ª

    Suhle¡ª

    ¡ªyou should not punish me for doing what every wolf in your Kingdom does. It is ridiculous that you would expect differently from me. A servant!

    Suhle, he sent softly. Look at me.

    She turned, brows pinched and eyes ame, then froze when she saw his expression. What is it? She sent. If she''d been speaking it would have been breathless.

    Lerrin swallowed hard. We connected. Fully. I can hear you clearly. There is no¡­ distance.

    She blinked. We are standing very close, she sent uncertainly.

    But Lerrin didn''t think that was it. At all. But he also didn''t want to think about what that might mean¡­ so he swallowed and held her gaze. You have no reason to be angry. I didn''t give the order.

    But her expression hardened. I am not angry. I am¡­ disappointed.

    He jerked his head back. Disappointed? By what?

    By your ruthlessness,

    I didn''t give the order!

    Not yet. But you put spies in position, she sent, seething. Not to remove a tactical fist, not to attack soldiers, but to murder helpless females who are asleep and have just given birth. And their cubs? You would wipe out an entire tribe when they are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves.

    No! That idea sickens me!

    Then why did you indulge them?

    Because I need options and we cannot know what is toe in the next few weeks.

    No, we cannot, she sent furiously. But we can know that one of the possibilities is that the entire Bear tribe will be murdered in cold blood. At your hand.

    No. He strode across the room to stand right in front of her. No. I would not do that.

    Yet you have emboldened others to do so.

    You would have me choose the well-being of an unknown tribe¡ªan enemy tribe!¡ªover my own people? I cannot be King and not prepare for everything. Where there is a door open, I will do everything in my power to keep it that way until I am certain that my people do not need it to escape!

    Suhle had stopped cleaning and had been standing there, staring at him. But she suddenly broke eye-contact and turned away, walking over to the bowl where she would wash the dishes.

    You are right, of course, she sent. But her tone was t and dead.

    Suhle¡ª

    No, you are right. It was wrong of me to expect otherwise. It is right of the Alpha to do whatever is needed to protect his own.

    But she would not turn. She did not look at him. And he felt the loss of her eyes like a hole in his belly.

    Suhle, please.

    He followed her to the other side of the tent, standing behind her while she stacked and rinsed dishes.

    You do not answer to me, Lerrin.

    That she used his name was a smallfort. But the desperation rising in his chest surprised him. He put a hand to her arm¡ªthe gentlest of touches, just to get her attention, attempt to get her to turn her head.

    Instead, with a sharp cry, she became a whirlwind, twisting under his hand before he had time to move and trapping his arm between hers in a grip he recognized as preparation to flip abatant over a well-ced hip. But then she caught herself and stopped before she sent him tumbling.

    He was so stunned he froze, as did she.

    ****

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 Chapter 321: Talk About Ugly

    <h4>Chapter 321: Talk About Ugly</h4>

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    *****

    LERRIN

    Suhle dropped his arm like it burned. "I''m sorry!" she gasped, hands to her mouth. "I''m so sorry, you startled me and¡ª"

    "Suhle, who taught you to fight?" Lerrin asked faintly.

    She stared at him, shocked. "A family friend."

    "You said¡­ you said you chose service even before your first bleeding."

    "I did."

    He sucked in a breath. "Then why did you learn to fight?"

    Her face pinched, but she didn''t look away. "To protect myself."

    "From what?"

    Her breathing was quick and shallow, those haunted shadows he''d seen in her eyes at times were back. He thought she would look away, try to escape him. But instead she pushed her shoulders back and sent to him.

    During my twelfth summer I was¡­ attacked.

    Lerrin felt it like a punch to the stomach. He''d known. He''d known.

    Who? he asked.

    She bit her lip. A group of youths that were¡­ I was beautiful even then and they were in that adolescent phase. They thought I was older than I was and they approached me to demonstrate and try to entice me. I wasn''t even certain what they were doing. They imedter that I made the signals. But¡­ I didn''t.

    Rage exploded in Lerrin''s chest. With their minds connected, she wouldn''t just sense it in his body, and scent it, she would feel it.

    He shook with hot, pulsing anger. He''d tried to keep this side of himself away from her, knowing how sensitive she was to tension. But in that moment, he was overwhelmed with rage.

    He thought she''d be afraid, but instead she seemed surprised. "Lerrin, it was a long time ago," she said and reached for his arm, holding it softly¡­ as if to soothe him?

    "What tribe?" he snarled.

    "It doesn''t matter¡ª"

    "What. Tribe?" The words were dark and bitten off.

    Her jaw went hard. She regarded him carefully, but there was no fear in her scent, for which he was grateful, though he didn''t deserve it.

    Then she delivered the blow he''d been expecting, but feared.

    "They were wolves."

    Lerrin ripped out of her grip and stepped back, his heart pounding, hands fisted at his side. "Why didn''t I hear about this? What happened to them? Did you not report them? Were they punished?"

    "It wasn''t¡­" she trailed off, ncing at the tent p, then turning back to meet his eyes, she sent to him instead.

    You didn''t hear of it because nothing urred for you to hear of. An older male found me in the forest¡­ after. He took me to your father and reported it so I didn''t have to speak of it. Your father called the three in together. But they imed¡­ as I said, they imed I had made the signals. Their story was the same. It was their word against mine.

    Lerrin gaped at her. "Suhle¡­ I''m so sorry¡­"

    She shook her head and turned away, back to the dishes, her hands fluttering slightly. "You have nothing to apologize for."

    "But those males¡ª"

    "I prefer not to speak of it," she said firmly, still facing away from him.

    "Are they here?" he asked, horrified.

    She froze. I said, I prefer not to speak of it, she sent, without turning back to him.

    Lerrin raked both hands through his hair. No wonder she was afraid of males. No wonder she''d said she needed a master and asked for his cover.

    No wonder she was so upset about the Bears.

    He''d been such an idiot. So blind. So willing to overlook his instincts. So willing to dy looking into what had happened to her. He''d forced her toe to him, begging for a safe ce to sleep!

    He was desperate to hit something. To bite someone. Rage and desperation both rose in his throat, threatening to suffocate him. He wanted to punish these males¡ªstill would, once he found out who they were. If Suhle wouldn''t tell him herself, he guessed a few well-ced questions with the Spy Master was all he would need.

    But before then¡­ before then he had a beautiful, broken female in front of him trying desperately to hold onto a shred of dignity.

    He wanted to hold her, to gather her in and put himself between her and this world that would do such a horrible thing to her.

    Then it urred to him¡­ "Why did youe?" he asked, faintly. "If you were so mistreated, so wronged¡­ why would youe here? Why would you stay with the tribe?" To even ask the question was an admission that tore out a piece of his heart. But he would think about thatter.

    She slumped then, her hands dropping into the water. He wondered if she would cry. But instead she dried her hands on the towel next to the basin, then turned to face him. And her eyes were fire.

    "I came because I believed¡ªstill believe¡ªthat what I have to offer, what I am, serves good here," she said firmly. "Nowhere is free of threat. I choose not to run in fear. I choose not to hide from the world. I choose to stand and fight. There are times the fear touches me, yes. And I¡­ I am very grateful that you allow me space here for that reason. But I did note here for you, Lerrin. I came here to serve the Creator in the only way I know how. And because my purpose is the same as yours: To see the wolves brought to their best ce, under the best leader, and in the hope that with time, there will be no need for any young, any female, to fear the strength of an Anima male."

    "I already thought there was no reason for you to fear," Lerrin admitted, raking a hand through his hair.

    "You were wrong," she said simply.

    "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry, Suhle."

    Then she smiled at him, her small smile. The peaceful one he loved. "Don''t be sorry, Lerrin. Be better than the males that harmed me. Lead your people to be better. That is the very best thing any male, any King could do."

    He stared at her, stunned again by her beauty, but this time by the beauty of her heart.

    "I will," he replied hoarsely. "I vow to you, I will. But I''ll also do better than that."

 Chapter 322: Training

    <h4>Chapter 322: Training</h4>

    (Posted 10 JULY) WANT TO NAME A CHARACTER IN THE ANIMA WORLD? If you purchase the top tier of privilege in this book, or "Taming the Queen of Beasts", you will gain entry to a private chat group in my discord where ONLY top tier privilege readers are able to submit names for consideration for 3 different characters this month! The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, purchase the top tier of privilege, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

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    *****

    LERRIN

    He paced the tent, head spinning and stomach churning, waiting impatiently while she washed and dried the dishes, stacked them on the bench for the next day, then folded the towel and threw out the dirty water.

    It wasn''t until she returned to the tent from outside that she caught sight of him, still dressed and standing there, watching her.

    "Are you in need?" she asked, surprised. "Can I help you so you can rest?"

    "No, but I think I can help you," he rasped.

    She looked down at the bowl in her hands, walked it back to the bench with the other dishes, thenid it down softly. "Lerrin, I am grateful you would wish to help me," she said without looking at him. "But¡­ but this talking tonight has made me realize¡­ I have been wrong."

    He frowned. "How?"

    She turned to face him, but kept one hand on the bench behind her, as if she needed something to brace against. "I¡­ I lied to you in a way. I¡­ I did not lie about why I wanted to be here, to serve you, to keep my cot in your tent. But¡­ after that meeting¡­ I did wish for the others to believe we were mating¡ª" His eyebrows popped up, but she rushed on. "I did not intend to tempt you. I only wished to encourage the rumors!"

    He wasn''t angry. More baffled. She''d never touched him or been suggestive in the slightest way¡ªnever made the signals. He knew she wasn''t lying about that. "Why would you want people saying that?"

    Her throat bobbed, and something Lerrin''s stomach clenched. "Because when the males here believe you have me, they would view touching me as a risk. They would not breach what is seen as your territory. They fear you. I owe you an apology because¡­ I did not deny rumors when they were spoken near me. I¡­ allowed males to hear them and believe. I used you. I am sorry. Please believe it was never my intention to seduce you. I only wanted to use the talk to my advantage." She kept her eyes down. In shame? She had nothing to b ashamed about!

    His chest was cold. His hands were cold. Every time he turned around she surprised him. And this world¡ªhis people¡ªtook him by surprise too, but not for the better.

    Suhle allowed herself to be viewed in a way she did not choose, just because it made her feel safer.

    She worked in rooms and served males that made her afraid.

    She sought his cover, but not his bed¡ªand likely faced jealousy and spite from other females because of it.

    And she apologized to him?

    "I am the one who should be apologizing," he said, his voice husky. "I knew¡­ I could tell that there had been difficulty in your life, and¡­ I put off learning about it because I was afraid of what I would find. I was wrong, Suhle. I should have known this sooner. It will not happen again. Can you forgive me?"

    Of course, she sent, her eyes soft. There is nothing to forgive. This is my story, not yours.

    "Oh, it''s mine," he muttered. But the knot in his chest loosened and he could breathe easier. It was time to move to solutions.

    She had moved quickly and effectively, but if he hadn''t been taken by surprise, if he''d braced correctly, her grip may not have seeded in flipping him¡ªand even if it had, she''d been a touch too slow to make the final blow¡ªshe''d caught herself. Something she couldn''t afford when she was facing a true enemy. She needed to practice so she moved without hesitation.

    If you''ll allow it, he sent, I believe I can help you. I gather it''s been some time since you trained?

    Her eyes went guarded and he felt the trill of fear in her. She licked her lips nervously as she sent, Combat is not¡­ I do not enjoy it. I never did. When my friends saw my difficulties with fighting, they taught me other ways of defending myself. Combat is ast resort.

    Lerrin frowned. What other ways?

    She wiped her hands the front of her tunic. "It is difficult to exin. Perhaps we could go outside, to the forest. I could show you?"

    He blinked. For a split second his natural suspicion of any unusual event rose and he wondered if she was trying to trap him. But then he felt her through the connection¡ªhopeful, hesitant, slightly pleading.

    "Of course," he said aloud and turned to find his jacket thrown over the bedpost. "But you''ll need to wrap up, it''s much colder out there than¡ª"

    Jacket in hand, he turned back to face her, but she was gone.

    Lerrin blinked. "Suhle?"

    I am outside, she sent. Follow me. I will show you.

    Shoving his jacket over his arm, he strode out of the tent, catching himself mid-stride when he ran into the guards just two steps from the door.

    They both turned, surprised, and saluted him.

    "I will returnter," he snarled. "Don''t let anyone inside."

    They both agreed and Lerrin took another step, then stopped again. "Did you see anyone else exit the tent recently?" he asked.

    The guards looked at each other nervously. "No, Sire. Only you since the Council members left. Is there a problem?"

    "No, no," he said through his teeth. "No problem. I only¡­ nevermind. I will return. Please keep your ces."

    He wasn''t sure why, but the revtion angered him. He couldn''t see her, but he could feel her, out there. Moving. Their connection still strong, which was baffling to him.

    How did you leave without them seeing you? he sent.

    He could feel her amusement.

    Sometimes the best defense is when no one even knows you are there. Come, she sent. Tell me where you would have me meet you. I will show you what I can do.

    Lerrin''s jaw tightened, but he managed a cold smile. The east sentries, he sent. The encampment is barricaded there. Pass through without raising their rm. There''s a dead stump one hundred steps beyond the gate. Meet me there.

    He felt her ept the challenge and smile in return. Easy. I will show you as I pass them.

    Lerrin''s eyebrows popped up. Not if I beat you there.

    I would like to see you try, she sent back,ughing.

    Lerrin picked up his pace.

 Chapter 323: Lesson Learned

    <h4>Chapter 323: Lesson Learned</h4>

    If you''re reading this Sunday, 11 July (in the USA) there is a monthly voice chat hang-out at 1pm Pacific (Los Angeles time) on my discord today. If you''d like to join us, just download the discord app, or register on discord dot, click the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these characters:? a8wQdJ5M

    See you there!

    *****

    LERRIN

    He found her at the stump, already seated, waiting for him when he arrived. His hackles were up because he was humbled that she''d beaten him. He couldn''t deny it, though, she truly had done as she''d imed. She''d sent him the image of the guards, their backs to her as she slipped behind them and through the gate. He''d been so shocked he hadn''t even replied.

    Not only had she made her way through the camp without being seen, she''d passed two sets of guards to reach the stump. Faster than he had.

    Now she sat on the t top of the massive stump, bathed in moonlight, her knees drawn up and elbows on them. Her white hood was gone. Because it would make her more easily seen, he realized.

    "How?" he snarled as he stalked up to her, then stopped himself and took a calming breath. He couldn''tsh out at her. That was thest thing she needed. As she turned to face him, her beautiful face bare in the moonlight, skin glowing, he had to push away the surge of desire that rose in him. That was thest thing she needed. "How did you do that so quickly?" he said more softly as he reached the stump and stood before her.

    "A great deal of practice," she said. "I was taught by a master tracker how to be silent. Over time I learned how to avoid the eyeline of others. Most rely on their hearing to alert them to the presence of another so if I can avoid being heard¡­ and I am small for a wolf," she said with a shrug and a dry smile. "It is night so there are people around, and many shadows. There are many things that made it easier tonight. I could not have made it that quickly in daylight."

    Lerrin blinked. "You could make it through camp unseen in daylight?"

    She shrugged. "Likely. I haven''t tried. But I wouldn''t bet against myself," she said simply. "Part of learning service to others is to be able to make yourself¡­ unnoticeable."

    She was the furthest thing from unnoticeable to him, but he caught himself before he opened the thought to her. Now that he understood why she''d said she wasn''t interested in mating, he couldn''t me her. He wouldn''t make her ufortable by letting his desire for her show. No doubt she encountered that every day. Many times a day. She needed a ce to rest from that.

    She nced at him, then shifted over on the stump so there was room for him to sit down without touching her. He sat, but kept his feet on the ground so she would not think he was trying to get too close.

    It struck him then, what her life must be like¡ªso beautiful and desirable, yet frightened of the act. How every time she scented the desire of a male it must send a jolt a fear through her.

    He couldn''t imagine living in that way, constantly confronted with your greatest fear.

    "You cannot fix this for me, Lerrin," she said suddenly, as if she''d heard his thoughts. But he hadn''t sent them. Had he? "You should not try. You will only torment yourself. I am grateful for your protection. As I said, I did not anticipate your¡­passion. You have strengthened me simply by caring. Do not concern yourself with the rest. It is the life the Creator chose for me. I live it to the best that I can."

    She didn''t look at him, but she opened her mind as she spoke, and he caught shes of smiling friends, meals enjoyed, moments of self-satisfaction after a job well done. The triumph of learning new skills, the joy of watching loved ones seed, and¡­ one fleeting image of him, eyes crinkled in a smile. The image disappeared so quickly he didn''t catch the context. But he felt the warmth of it and it touched him to his soul.

    "Suhle¡­"

    "I did not wish to tell you this story because of the very way you speak now," she said through her teeth, her forehead lined in frustration. She still wasn''t looking at him. "It is an event in my life, and it causes pain. But it is not who I am. I am good at what I do, and I enjoy it. No one has a perfect life, without pain. This is mine. I seek ces of safety for rest, but I do not need to be hidden from the world by you," she said fiercely. "I told you because you needed to understand that these things ur. That they are not always dealt with appropriately. I hope you will do better."

    Better than who? "My father?"

    "He didn''t approve of what the males had done, but he was uncertain how to handle it when the testimony before him contradicted. When nothing came of it, other strong males came alongside me to help with healing and training. Not all of the males in my life have been hurtful. That is why you surprised me. I recognize in you the strength of character that I see in the males I love. I did not expect that."

    Lerrin wanted to growl. "Then the males near me are not among those you love," he said, his voice dark. "If you did not expect me to rank among those of value."

    She turned and held his eyes and he scented the mingling of determination, fear, and hope. Hope for what? She didn''t send anything along the connection, didn''t allow him anything. But she did not waver.

    "Your heart is good, Lerrin," she said quietly. "I¡­ I do not agree with every choice you have made. But I have yet to meet the male of whom I could say that. Your heart is good. It gives me hope for our people. For where you might lead them. I wonder, sometimes, how it might have been, for both of us, if the world had been different¡ª"

    She blinked and turned away, the edge of fear in her scent increasing, as if she''d startled herself, admitting that.

    He wanted to ask. Did she mean between them? How things might have been for them together? Or did she mean how their individual lives may have differed if she hadn''t been harmed, and he hadn''t been the Alpha of the revolution?

    But she didn''t continue, and his instincts were strong. Don''t push.

    He sighed. "You have trusted me with your secret, Suhle," he said quietly. She shifted her weight, but didn''t speak. "I''ll trust you with mine: The day I found Lucine dead and the full weight of our people transferred to me, I had a vision. I have grown to adulthood in the channel of power. I have always known the Alpha woulde to me. I was made for it. I do not fear it. But it¡­ it does not give me joy."

    She turned to look at him, eyes wide. "What does give you joy, Lerrin?"

    He huffed, suddenly very ufortable, feeling as if he was about to crack his own chest and offer his heart to an enemy. But she deserved it. She deserved to hold his weakness as he held hers.

    "I find joy in beauty," he said quietly. "And quiet. And the pack¡ªmy own pack. If there were a better male to take King from me, I would offer it dly. I would find my mate and retreat to the hills and make a den and raise young and¡­ never look back," he said softly. "It is the dream of an emotional female in her first breeding season. But it would give me joy," he said. "But you said it correctly: This is the life the Creator chose for me. I live it to the best that I can."

    They were both quiet for a moment.

    "You live it well," she whispered, and rested one of her small hands on his thigh, just above his knee. There was nothing suggestive in her touch, he knew. She wished tofort him. To offer something in return for his admission. But the fact that she would touch him at all¡­

    Lerrin went very still, as if a small animal hadnded on him and would be easily startled. He didn''t look at her. Didn''t look at her hand. Didn''t move.

    After a moment she removed the touch.

    He didn''t try to make her bring it back. But he grieved the loss of it.

 Chapter 324: Just Breathe

    <h4>Chapter 324: Just Breathe</h4>

    To listen to my July Author Q & A, go to YouTube and search "Author AimeeLynn." There you''ll find a voice-acted recording of "Reth" reading Chapter 2 of this book, along with my recent author Q & A about the Anima world, tribes, and history! All for FREE! Enjoy!

    *****

    RETH

    Four of the guards stood over them, shielding them from the attack while the others rushed to engage with the intruders.

    Toote. Toote.

    Reth tried desperately to suck in air.

    "Behr?" he croaked, his chest heaving. "Behr?"

    Behryn shuddered and his lips moved. Reth caught the bare murmur of his words, little more than breath over his tongue. "Fucking wolves."

    Reth blinked. A hystericalugh bubbled into his throat, but then Behryn''s eyes rolled back in his head, and Reth snarled. "Get the wise-women! NOW!"

    One of the guards, Tobe, an Equine in his thirties that Behryn had always spoken highly of, beckoned his brothers for cover, and squatted next to them, very carefully touching Behryn and examining the point where the arrow punctured his back¡ªhigh, and to the left.

    Reth wanted to roar, but his breath was still shallow, still trying to stop.

    "Sire, are you hit?" Tobe asked. "The arrow¡­ it''s deep. Did it¡ª"

    "No," Reth snapped. "Help him. I''m fine. The only thing that hurt me was getting hit by a horse."

    "That is good, but you cannot move," Tobe said, low and hard. "We need to brace the arrow so it won''t do further damage until it can be removed, and until we''re certain all the intruders have been killed or captured, it isn''t safe to get to your feet."

    Reth let his head sink back. "Hold on, Behr," he said. "Just¡­ hold on." He made himself focus on what was happening out of sight, beyond the men that had surrounded him for cover.

    There were shouts, snarls, and the thwack of blows, alongside further arrow strings. Leaves rustled as men engaged in the undergrowth, and someone blew the horn for back up. Calls rose in the forest, along with thundering feet as horses galloped for the Royal cave to join the fight.

    If Behryn hadn''t been so obviously in very serious pain, if his life wasn''t at risk, Reth would have been torn between tearing his head off for not knowing the wolves had infiltrated, and congratting him on the discipline and bravery of his men.

    While Tobe strapped bandages around the base of the arrow, Reth wincing, put a hand to Behryn''s uninjured shoulder. "Hold on, my friend."

    Seconds seemed to take hours. As two more males joined them, circling around Reth, the guards muttered between themselves,municating anything that could be a threat to each other, tightening their ranks when they saw movement on one side or another. And beyond them, above around the cave mouth,bat continued.

    But Reth could feel Behryn''s breathing get heavier, his chestboring, but the guards were entirely focused on keeping Reth safe and out of the view of the snipers that had almost killed him.

    "He needs help!" Reth growled.

    Tobe nodded. "But it will do us no good to get him to Aymora if either of you gets shot again, Sire," he said evenly. Reth admired the man''s self-control. He was a good friend to Behryn, and likely almost as upset as Reth that he''d been hit. But he did not panic. Or rage.

    He focused.

    Reth tried to take a deep breath without moving Behryn too much, who was still sprawled over him. But then his friend blinked.

    "What¡ª?" he groaned, his breathing bing quick and shallow.

    Tobe looked at Reth.

    "You were stupid enough to step in front of an arrow," Reth growled at him. "Don''t move. We''re clearing the area so we can get Aymora toe and rip you a new asshole. I don''t want to be you when she hears about this, Behr."

    "Wolves¡­" Behryn panted, his voice faint. "Got past the bears¡­ to get here¡­"

    "We don''t know that¡ª"

    "Listen Reth!" Behryn barked, then groaned.

    "Okay, okay. Sorry. Be calm. Don''t move."

    Behryn, still slumped on his shoulder took a moment to breathe, his forehead lined in pain and eyes squeezed shut. Then he breathed right into Reth''s ear, hiding it even from the guards.

    "Bears¡­ only¡­ for bears."

    Reth sighed. "I know."

    Arrows had ceased flying through the air over them, but there were still shouts, snarls, and scufflesing from the area above the cave mouth.

    "Don''t rely¡­ cover valley trail," Behryn wheezed.

    "We will, Behr. Don''t worry about it. We''ll get you patched up and you can berate me after Aymora¡ª"

    Behryn''s breath caught, then he coughed and something wet and warm pped Reth in the face and neck. Tobe eyes widened and as soon as he saw the look on his face, Reth knew.

    "Nicked a lung," Reth said, his own breathing picking up in fear. "Still think¡ª"

    "We''ll have to keep cover," Tobe said. "Are you strong enough to hold him still while we walk?"

    "I got thumped, not cut off at the knees," Reth growled. "Lift him so I can roll out without hurting him."

    Tobe barked amand at one of the other guards, who turned and knelt. The two of them very carefully holding under Behryn''s chest and hips to keep him in the same position as they lifted so Reth could slide out from under him.

    Those ribs he''d injuredst time ached from the thud to the ground, and his breath was a little short, but otherwise he was fine. He stayed low and the guards remained around him, putting their bodies between him and the enemies still fighting with their men.

    "You give the signal to capture them if they can," Reth muttered to Tobe as they worked between them to lift Behryn with the help of two of the guards while the other five stayed around them, watching and covering them with their bodies.

    Tobe nodded and whistled to short, sharp sts, followed by one long one. An answering whistle rose over the cave mouth and Tobe looked at Reth. "They will if they can."

    Reth nodded, his breath shallow, then tipped his head. "Let''s get out of here."

    Progress was painfully slow since they were forced to crouch and hold Behryn every time a warning whistle rose from one of the sentries in the trees, or there was a shout from the guards inbat.

    But finally, finally they made it to the trees and began down the trail, towards the Tree City, more and more guards joining them, until finally they met Aymora, under the watch of four tall males, rushing with a bag towards them.

    Theyy Behryn down on the ground as gently as they could, but he groaned again, and Reth took his hand.

    It was limp and cold.

    He stared at Aymora who crouched over Behryn, looking under the bandages Tobe had strapped down to keep the arrow from moving.

    When she nced up at Reth, her eyes held a warning.

    Reth started praying.

 Chapter 325: No Mercy

    <h4>Chapter 325: No Mercy</h4>

    (Posted 10 JULY) WANT TO NAME A CHARACTER IN THE ANIMA WORLD? If you purchase the top tier of privilege in this book, or "Taming the Queen of Beasts", you will gain entry to a private chat group in my discord where ONLY top tier privilege readers are able to submit names for consideration for 3 different characters this month! The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, purchase the top tier of privilege, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

    (There will be a small process to confirm your privilege status.)

    SEE YOU THERE!

    *****

    RETH

    Hourster, Reth sat on a bench in Aymora''s cave, trying not to let on how painful it was to breathe, while three wise-women worked on Behryn. They''d removed the arrow sessfully, but Behryn was having trouble breathing because his lung had been punctured, and Aymora was concerned about infection setting in because the Arrow had gone so deep¡ªalmost entirely through his chest.

    Reth had been updated on the battle every thirty minutes, and now it was over.

    Tobe, who''d returned to the royal cave as soon as they deposited Behryn with Aymora, was back, looking grimly satisfied.

    "Six in total," he said as Reth shook his head. "Four dead, we captured the other two."

    At those words, Aymora''s head snapped up from where she leaned over Behryn. "We have two of them alive?"

    "Yes," Tobe said. "One is injured, but not badly. The other was caught attempting to hide undetected. We''re sweeping for more now, in case there was another fist."

    Reth prayed they hadn''t managed to get two full fists past the sentries. His jaw was so tight he struggled to speak.

    "How did they get past¡­ everyone? That arrow flew from over the cave. Why didn''t the sentries see them? Scent them?"

    "We intend to find out," Tobe said through his teeth. "Would you like me to question them, or¡ª?"

    "Reth," Aymora said, short and sharp he turned to look at her, but she just stared.

    No mercy.

    Reth took a deep breath. Or tried to, anyway.

    "I will question them," he said, turning back to Tobe. "But let them sweat for an hour or two first. Where are they being held?"

    "They''re locked in a storage tree with no upper floor, and we''ve circled it in guards."

    Reth nodded. "Well done."

    "Reth," Aymora said again, and he turned to her, his lip curling.

    "I know," he growled. "The time is to create tension, not put it off."

    Her lips thinned, but she didn''t say anything more. Reth turned back to Tobe. "Separate the prisoners. Don''t give them any more time to strategize. Then in an hour, bring the toughest guards you have to them," he said reluctantly. "I''ll need two who aren''t afraid to use their fists, and a couple more with strong stomachs, just to make sure no one flees."

    Tobe blinked. "You''re going to¡ª"

    "We are going to get some answers," Reth said, his voice husky and dark. "Whatever it takes."

    Tobe nodded slowly, then dipped his chin to Aymora and left.

    She gave a quiet instruction to one of her assistants, then strode over to where Reth sat, staring at his own hands, asking himself if he was really capable of this.

    "If you get the answers we need, you''ll be saving countless lives, Reth," she said softly, one hand on his shoulder.

    Reth shook his head. "War means killing," he said. "But I do not have the stomach for killing an Anima who is incapable of defending themselves. This does not sit well, Aymora."

    She sighed and sat next to him on the bench. "Can you think of another answer?" she asked finally.

    He shook his head. "Not even because of what you said," he murmured. "They specifically sought me. They might have killed my best friend. I cannot bring my mate back while that is even a possibility. I have to know how they got there without being seen. And who else they n to send. This will not be thest attempt."

    "I''m d you see that," She replied quietly. "The wolves will always choose to hide in shadows and strike unexpectedly if they can. You have to be protected more heavily, Reth."

    He nodded, but he''d barely heard what she said. He was too busy imagining what he might have to threaten¡ªwhat he might have to do¡ªto get information from these males.

    Worse, what he might end up doing if they were too strong to give it up?

    Aymora patted his leg, then got up again, sighing heavily.

    Sighs seemed to be theirnguage these weeks. Reth hated it.

    Then Reth blinked. "Do you have anything that might¡­ loosen their tongues?" He asked quickly.

    Aymora winced. "I do, but it may be just as guilty of loosening them from reality. The dosing is difficult and sometimes they just sleep."

    "It can''t hurt, can it?"

    "It can if they lie to you because their minds are twisted by it."

    Reth snorted. "They''re wolves. They''ll lie regardless. What I need is something that may help them slip if I can catch them off guard, or find the right button to push."

    Aymora chewed the inside of her cheek. "Let me look at what is already prepared. But I can help you, I think," she said, taking no pleasure in it.

    "Thank you, Aymora."

    She started back towards Behryn and her assistants, then stopped and turned to face him. "Reth, doing this¡­ using your power to save many by harming two¡­ it does not make you a bad male," she said firmly.

    He let his eyes climb to meet hers, without lifting his head. He felt shame and he hadn''t even started. "They are my people, too. They have been manipted, as you said."

    Aymora shook her head and came back to stand before him. "No, I said some had been manipted¡ªprimarily the ones who are not wolves themselves. Do not misunderstand: Some of the wolves, many of them, are your sworn enemy, Reth. They would w your belly open as soon as look at you."

    "Perhaps. They are still my responsibility, until I can be certain which ones chose to walk a different path, harming any Anima intentionally does not sit well with me."

    "Even the Creator says to kill in defense of those seeking to kill is pure and right. These two tried to kill you."

    "And they did not seed."

    "They may have seeded in killing your best friend," she snapped. "We won''t know for days."

    Reth blinked. "Don''t say that."

    "You cannot walk into this soft-hearted, Reth. You cannot walk into this weak!"

    "I am not WEAK!" He realized he was on his feet, and he blinked.

    Aymora nodded and folded her arms. "You''re right, of course."

    Reth growled. "Do not manipte me, Aymora."

    "I''m not. I''m reminding you of who you must prioritize. You are too quick to trust, Reth. Too quick to give chances."

    Reth clenched his teeth, remembering Behryn''s displeasure that he''d stopped him from killing Lerrin. "And you are too quick to believe I do not understand what is needed in this moment," he said, low and hard.

    "I only¡ª"

    "Knowing the task, being willing to do it, does not mean I must enjoy it, Aymora, or cannot grieve it. True strength will ept the task, and do it properly, whether it is enjoyed or not."

    "And true mercy will choose the greater good, willingly. Even when it hurts."

    Reth growled. "That is where we disagree, Aymora," he muttered. "Mercy can only be given when it is undeserved."

    Aymora pulled her head back. "You would put the Tree City at risk to be merciful to these two traitors?"

    "No!" he barked. "Stop trying to bait me! I would regret the need to harm them, to kill them, because somewhere, not far from here, there are people who love them and whose lives will be utterly changed by what will happen this day."

    Aymora nodded. "Just as yours has been," she said turning to look at Behryn.

    Reth shook his head, then turned his attention to his friend as well. "Where''s Holhye?

    "She''ll be on her way. I sent a messenger to find her."

    "She''s already in the City?"

    "She''s been here since we brought the outliers in. She''s been avoiding you. She says in her old age she''s learned to avoid conflict."

    Reth huffed.

    Aymora raised an eyebrow. "You may want to leave before she gets here."

    "No," Reth said, his hands clenched to fists. "I will face her just like my prisoners will face me."

    Aymora snorted dryly. "You''re a braver male than I."

    ****

    WANT MORE? The new Privilege tiers for July are now live! There are some change to the early privilege tiers this month that offer more chapters for lower per-chapter cost, and still up to 50 chapters avable to read in advance! See the author note below if you have not purchased (or repurchased) privilege before!

 Chapter 326: Hollhye

    <h4>Chapter 326: Hollhye</h4>

    (13 July 2021) Time to CELEBRATE #TeamReth: Tomorrow is this month''s win-win mass release for BEAST, so you can look forward to FIVE chapters released between 4:30-7:30pm Pacific (Los Angeles time). ENJOY!

    *****

    RETH

    Tobe had returned quickly to tell Reth that the appropriate guards had been called in to help interrogate the prisoners, and they''d been split into two trees that Tobe ominously pointed out were too far away from each other for the prisoners to hear each other speak, though they''d catch any screams.

    Reth''s stomach turned. "You''ve done well, Tobe. You''re to take the Captain''s role until he''s back on his feet."

    Tobe''s eyes widened, but he saluted and stepped back from the table. "Thank you, Reth," he said slowly. "I mean, Sire."

    Reth huffed. "Reth is fine. We''re going to be in each other''s short and curlies before this is d¡ª"

    "Where is he?!" The voice was high and quiet and allowed no room for dy in answering.

    Reth turned and smiled as Hollhye, appeared in the mouth of the cave.

    Tall and elegant, her dark hair was prematurely peppering with white that from a distance made it look a deep steel gray. She ignored everyone but Aymora, who stood at

    Behryn''s bedside at the other end of the cave.

    "He''s asleep," Aymora said quietly.

    "No, I''m not," Behryn muttered, his voice a bare husk with pain and sleep.

    Hollhye made a little noise, but moved swiftly and gracefully through the cave, not even making eye contact with Reth as she passed.

    His chest tightened.

    Aymora stepped back as she reached Behryn, taking his hand and pulling it to her, leaning over him and stroking his hair.

    Because the arrow had entered at his back, Behryn was forced toy on his stomach, his head twisted away from the wound. Aymora and the others had propped him carefully, so his chest was higher than his feet, and his shoulders rolled forward, not taking his weight. But his knuckles whitened on his mate''s hand and he whispered things to her when she crouched so they were eye to eye.

    "If you die," she said quietly after he''d finished, "I will avenge you."

    "You will do no such thing," Behryn growled, sounding more like a predator than Reth had ever heard him. "Someone needs to stay here to kill Reth."

    Hollhye''s dark eyes shed, but she still didn''t turn to look at him. Reth sighed and got to his feet, dismissing Tobe at the same time Aymora sent the other two wise-women out of the cave.

    Hollhye leaned her forehead on her mate''s, murmuringfort to him, a sad smile on her face as she continued to stroke her fingers through Behryn''s hair until they had all gone, closing the door to the cave as Aymora had requested, so the guards were stationed outside.

    When the cave was still, Reth heard her whisper to Behryn, "I think I''ll kill him now, to save us both the trouble."

    Behryn huffed, then groaned.

    Aymora cut Reth a look, then walked back to the bench where he''d been sitting earlier. Reth walked with her, but didn''t sit.

    He needed to be on his feet when Hollhye was ready to speak.

    A few minutester, Behryn''s breathing slowed and evened out. Hollhye was still murmuring to him, still stroking his hair, until he no longer stirred.

    Then she ced Behryn''s hand gently on the bed beside him, stood slowly and turned to face Reth, her eyes afire in a way that made his beast sit up and perk its ears.

    She strode down the cave, all tension and hellfire, until she reached them at the other end.

    She looked at Aymora first. "Thank you for having someone find me so quickly."

    Aymora nodded. "I''m sorry we didn''t get there sooner. I thought you were at the market today."

    But Hollhye turned on Reth then, her jaw set. "I told you this would happen."

    "It''s good to see you too, Hollhye," Reth muttered.

    She was fast. He barely saw the blowing before his ear was ringing from the open-handed p she''did to his face.

    Reth growled, and caught her wrist before she did it again.

    "I told you this would happen," she snarled through her teeth, keeping her voice hushed to allow Behryn to sleep. If she''d been in beast form, her ears would have been pinned back, and her teeth bared, hooves shing for his head.

    "It was a surprise attack, Hollhye, snipers at the Royal cave¡ª"

    "I don''t give a shit. I warned you. I''ve told you for years. And now here we are."

    "He''s the Captain of the Guard. And my best friend¡ª"

    "Oh, I''m aware, Reth! I''m aware of all the nights he doesn''te home until high moon, then he leaves my furs to be your side at dawn. I''m aware of the day everyone was told you were going to bears, but you had him take you and Elia to the portal¡ªyou couldn''t even have warned me, Reth? When you didn''t get back, I thought the worst had happened!" she whisper-screamed.

    "I''m sorry. We had to make sure no one knew¡ªnot even the guards¡ª"

    "That''s exactly my point! He took all the risk for you and your mate! Alone! And you almost got him killed then! Now he''s taking arrows meant for you? What is next, Reth? The human world? Do I sing the funeral dirge while you dance on his grave with your mate?"

    "I would never¡ª!"

    "You have never valued his life as highly as your own¡ªor now your mate''s¡ªand this is whates of it. He throws himself in the way of whatever you chose in your recklessness, because he wants to stop you from being hurt by your own decisions! He believes in you, then gets himself¡­ gets himself¡­" her eyes welled and she swallowed, finally looking away to get control of herself.

    Reth frowned, but softened his tone. "Hollhye, you know I love him. I don''t ever want to see him hurt. Especially on my behalf."

    "Then stop putting him in the line of death!"

    "He''s a soldier!" Reth growled. "It''s his job!"

    "Then give him another job, Reth! You have the power to do that!"? She stamped her foot, and Reth let a growl of warning putter in his throat.

 Chapter 327: Dogs with the Same Bone

    <h4>Chapter 327: Dogs with the Same Bone</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    "Are you out of your fucking mind?" Reth snarled.

    Hollhye made a disapproving noise and looked over her shoulder to check that Behryn remained asleep before she turned back, whispering through her teeth. "He would be far more help to you as an Advisor. Keep him in the safety of the city, organizing and watching over the training and orders¡ª"

    "He''s already my primary advisor, and the reason he''s so good at it is because he''s in the middle of it with me. He knows what is going on with each facet of our people, and he''s able to take steps when I''m not there."

    "He cannot advise you or lead your troops if he''s dead! And if he keeps following you into danger because you are determined to get yourself killed, he will be lost to all of us!" she spat.

    Reth opened his mouth to refuse her, but Aymoraid a gentle hand on his arm and gave him a look. He bit back the words, and huffed, taking a moment to think.

    When they were all young, Hollhye had been just as adventurous as Reth and Behryn. Half the reason Behryn had noticed her was her fearlessness. And she remained courageous and strong¡ªeven stronger¡ªnow.

    But a few years ago when Behryn had taken a terrible wound from a Bear after one of Reth''s attempts to bring the tribes together, Hollhye¡ªwho had always been outspoken and never hesitated to give anyone a piece of her mind¡ªhad turned on Reth.

    For weeks, Behryn had been torn between the two¡ªfighting with Hollhye who wanted him to quit, about how necessary his role was to Reth, and his desire to be at the center of the royal Cohorts, and fighting with Reth about his need to step carefully and not give his mate reason to continue to lie sleepless at night.

    Reth had invited them to dinner with the intention of winning Hollhye back to stand alongside them. But they''d ended up arguing.

    After that, Hollhye had insisted on moving to one of the Great Trees outside the city limits, refusing to be under Reth''s eyes¡ªas she put it¡ªwhen she insisted Reth had no regard for Behryn''s safety.

    For four or five years now, despite hours that often kept him at work well past midnight, Behryn made the twenty-minute gallop home in beast form¡ªa distance that would have taken four times that to walk¡ªto be with her for whatever hours were avable.

    She''d softened somewhat in recent months, supportive of Reth finding a mate, and understanding the bond because she and Behryn were true mates, too.

    But clearly that little charity had been used up.

    Reth had heard when she learned that they''d gone to the portal that day, rather than after the Bears, she''d roared like a Pride member.

    Lost in thoughts of the past, Reth blinked back to the present when Aymora leaned in towards Hollhye. "I want you to know, the arrow itself will not kill him," she whispered, her eyes locked on Hollhye''s and intent. "It did puncture his lung which is causing great pain. But the herbs are working. He is healing quickly. My concern is for infection. The wound was so deep, and through his lung, we could not risk cleaning it effectively. If his body does not kill any infection, it will heal, sealing it in. That is why we are concerned. Not because of the¡ª"

    "I don''t care!" Hollhye hissed. "I don''t care where the riskes from. We are at war! We are all at risk. What I care about is that he not be running into the fire every day! One day he will not walk out!"

    "One day any one of us might be taken by the Creator," Reth growled. "That is not a reason to avoid what must be done."

    Hollhye turned on Reth in a sh. "I have never said you should not do what must be done. I have never said my mate should not do what must be done¡ªbut you take him to face obstacles and enemies that you choose, Reth! No, hold!" she snapped when Reth opened his mouth to argue. "I understand the True Heart''s Call. No one understands that better than me!"

    Hollhye had detected their bond earlier than Behryn, and pined for him for months before he''de to his senses.

    Reth had teased him mercilessly at the time. Now he wondered¡­ he only had days waiting for Elia, and they had been torture. What would it have been like to have her near and know she was his, for months, but be able to do nothing about it?

    "What I do not understand is how you can call my Mate your truest friend, your wisest advisor¡ªyour Second in this Kingdom!¡ªthen put him in harm''s way over and over, heedless of the consequences he might pay for what YOU chose."

    "I am not heedless!" Reth snarled.

    "When you bnce your costs, my Mate is lower on your list than your Kingdom, your enemies, and your mate!"

    "He''s also higher than I ce myself!"

    "Because you''re as thick-headed as he is!" Hollhyes eyes went wide and Reth prepared to catch another blow should she try to catch him again. "I would gamble your own mate begs you not to put yourself in the way of harm¡ªI know Behryn feels he fights you to keep you safe! When will you finally understand that unless you take care for yourself, you throw others in your path whether you want to or not because THEY value you?!"

    The blownded.

    She was right. Elia had been concerned for him more times than he could count. But Behryn¡­ Behryn had actively argued to keep Reth out of certain ces and conversations because of the risk.

    For a moment his mind swirled back to that day when Elia had been taken, and Reth had rushed for the cave without knowing who was inside, whether the enemy remained. Behryn had tripped him to slow him down, then rushed into the cave himself, to be certain he would be the one to take the attack if an enemy was there.

    Reth had been so consumed with fear for Elia, he hadn''t thought about it at the time.

    But looking at Hollhye''s eyes, the pain and fear that she covered with anger¡­ he sighed.

    "I hear you, Hollhye," he said gruffly.

    She shook her head. "No, you understand. But you don''t hear. Will you remove him from this post?"

    "No," Reth said through his teeth. "I won''t. He is too necessary, especially now."

    She opened her mouth, but he stopped her with a hand up. "I will promise you that while he still heals, he will not be given any responsibilities beyond Advisor. And I will¡­ I willmit to taking more care myself about where I go, and whose path I step into. I will remember that I push him ahead of me when I do."

    But Hollhye just shook her head. "I have heard that before, Reth," she said through her teeth. "I have heard your vows to protect him, and to watch over him. But now heys there, bleeding and struggling to breathe. So tell me what it will take to make you see him differently? To hold him in higher esteem?"

    Reth bared his teeth and leaned in until they were nose to nose. "You may disagree with me, you may chastise me, you may even strike me¡­ but you will not tell me whom I love, nor how deeply, Hollhye. That man holds my heart just as firmly as my mate, though in a different way. Do not think I will ept your petty usations. I remain your King."

    Her eyes red. "Yes, you do. And I pray the Creator works through you, Reth. Before all of us are dead."

 Chapter 328: Until Death Parts Us

    <h4>Chapter 328: Until Death Parts Us</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye gaped at Elia who was at the other end of the couch, that bag of popcorn in herp. What had she said? Until death do us part?

    "You humans vow to die, one for the other?" Gahrye''s heart sank. He couldn''t vow this to Kalle after the blood-vow to Reth. The two vows would conflict!

    But Elia snorted. "No. Wedding vows are mostly about staying together¡ªlike not having sex, or a romantic rtionship with anyone else¡ªno matter what. Rich or poor, healthy or sick, whatever. And the big line at the end was, ''Til death do us part.'' I mean, that''s the old English. But what it meant was, I''ll stay yours until I die." Then she swallowed hard and her eyes reddened. "The Anima version is ''even to death''."

    Gahrye was breathless. "So you are vowing to continue to hold the person in your heart until you die?"

    "Yes."

    Gahrye hardly dared hope. He could vow to Kalle in the human sense without breaking his vow to Reth? Or putting the vows in conflict?

    "But what if one of you is in danger? Do you not vow to stand in each other''s stead?"

    Elia shifted in her seat. "I mean¡­ I guess that''s the heart of it, but it''s not what people say. Our vows are more about the emotions of it. That you won''t give your heart to anyone else. They don''t really have much to do with¡­ physical things. Except sex, I guess. And even then, some couples¡ª"

    "I understand," Gahrye rushed forward, unwilling to hear that humans may wish to mate others after the bond. "What happens after you give the vows? Are there othermitments, or is it only about¡­ caring?"

    "It''s caring¡­ but it''s supposed to be caring about that person more than others¡­" she trailed off.

    Gahrye waited, but she continued staring at her ownp, frowning. "Elia?"

    "I don''t want to talk about this anymore," she said abruptly. And before Gahrye could even blink, she was setting the popcorn aside and getting to her feet. "I''m going to bed. And I won''t be getting up again. I''m really tired. You should¡­ you should go out or something. Enjoy yourself. Start looking for your own mate. Trust me," she said through her teeth as she brushed off her jeens. "She won''t be hard to find."

    "Elia, I''m sorry if I¡ª"

    "You have nothing to apologize for," she cut him off, but she still wasn''t meeting his eyes. "I just¡­ I just need to rest and be alone for a while. So you might as well enjoy yourself. That''s an order."

    Gahrye gave her a t look, but she finally turned and met his eyes. "I''m serious," she said quietly. "I know you don''t believe me, but¡­ I''m going to go to sleep and I''m going to try to dream of my mate again, because right now, it''s the only thing keeping me sane. So even if I wake up, I''m not going to get up. So, go. Do something fun, or interesting, or whatever. Or just rest. But don''t disturb me tonight, okay?"

    Gahrye sighed but nodded. "Do you need anything?"

    "Nothing that you can give," she said darkly. "Goodnight." Then she turned on her heel, and headed for her room.

    Gahrye blinked. It was the first time he was looking at her on profile for a while. And¡­ it was only a little, but her stomach was distended. Rounded. In the way of an Anima female with a foal.

    But that was impossible. The females didn''t usually show until the sixth month. It hadn''t even been that many weeks!

    Gahrye''s mouth dropped open, but Elia wasn''t looking at him. She just walked quietly to her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

    What the hell was going on?

    *****

    KALLE

    Kalle had dragged her dinner out for as long as she could without being obvious, but neither Gahrye nor Elia arrived for the meal. Shaw had arrived after her, but ate quickly, so she still lingered as he was finished.

    "How are things going with your research?" he asked, scraping thest of the vegetables onto his fork.

    "Slowly," she said carefully. "It''s hard because we''re looking for things that are so specific, but hidden within therger issues¡ª"

    "I''m d you''re both here."

    Kalle''s heart rose as Gahrye appeared in the doorway. He scanned her briefly, as if checking all her pieces were safe and in ce, then turned to Shaw. "I have a rather urgent need that I would ask your assistance with."

    Shaw pushed his chair out and stood. "Anything. That''s what we''re here for."

    "We need our own space. Our own home or¡­ the Anima would call it a cave¡ªElia needs a ce where she feels safe and as if the nest is hers. I do not wish to lose ess to the resources here, but I fear things are escting for her and we need to have her away from strangers."

    Kalle froze. He was leaving? He''d said he was going to figure it out. Not run. What had changed?

    As if he sensed her sudden ill-feeling, he nced at her and shook his head slightly, then turned back to Shaw, who was frowning.

    "We have safe-houses, and of course you are wee to one of them. But I''m not certain this is the best n Gahrye. If Elia needs assistance, the more distance between us, the harder it will be for us to attend¡ª"

    "For now, the greater concern is Elia''s heart and mind. And that will be improved by more space and solitude from strangers. A home she can call her own¡­" He swallowed hard. "And we must keep it a secret. From everyone. Even other Anima should theye through."

    Shaw''s head pulled back. "I thought you were hoping to hear from messengers?"

    "We are. But should they arrive, I would ask you to keep them here and allow me toe¡­ evaluate them. Elia''s tension is rising. Her instinct to protect her¡­ child, alongside her grief and fear¡­ it''s too much. She needs more quiet, and greater privacy."

    He wasn''t looking at her. Was avoiding looking at her. Kalle bit her lip as anger rose in her chest. He was going to leave? And¡ª

    "I''d really feel morefortable if you were here where a Guardian could assist her if there was need. I understand your concern, Gahrye, but I too have a vow to the Anima and for the good of the Royal family. It seems very risky to put you away from the rest of us when there is danger¡ªor at least, she perceives danger."

    Gahrye frowned. Kalle knew he didn''t trust Shaw, but couldn''t pinpoint why. She suspected Shaw just rubbed him the wrong way¡ªit wasn''t umon. But it meant Gahrye wasn''t going to give Shaw anything more than was necessary to move things in the right direction.

    "I am not suggesting that we have no contact with the Guardians, or even visits. Only that Elia feel she has control over who enters her space," Gahrye said firmly. "I would ask that Kalle join us daily, as she does here, to continue our research. And should there be need, she would be able to ess you and anyone else that would be needed."

    He finally looked at her and she saw there, in his shining eyes, hope. She had to work not to bite her lip.

    As Shaw opened his mouth, looking unhappy, she rushed in to speak first. "I''d love to help. I don''t mind being in another ce. And if we give them the right house, Uncle, it would actually be more convenient¡ªcloser to my apartment."

    Shaw looked at her, then back at Gahrye and threw his hands up. "I guess we can try it. But you must assure me that you won''t begin travel or¡­ or anything else without allowing us to help and watch over you."

    "I hope to travel as little as possible, frankly," Gahrye said with a shudder, and Kalle had to bite her lip not tough. He really did hate the car.

    "Very well," Shaw said after a moment''s thought. "I will begin work on it. It may take a few days, but we should have you in a new home by the weekend."

    Gahrye''s shoulders dropped. "Thank you," he said firmly, then turned to Kalle. "Could I ask your assistance this evening? Elia has given me a¡­ specific task and I would need your help for it, I believe."

    Kalle nodded and got up immediately, her heart pattering with excitement. She could still see the tension in Gahrye, but there was something else there too. Something she hoped¡­ she hoped was for her.

    They both farewelled Shaw hurriedly, then walked out, side by side.

 Chapter 329: Task Focused

    <h4>Chapter 329: Task Focused</h4>

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    *****

    GAHRYE

    Nerves trilled in Gahrye''s stomach as they walked out of the dining room and into therge, main hallway that held the massive, central staircase. He ached to touch her, but there were too many doors, too many staff that might see. But his hand was twitching toward her when Shaw must have appeared in the doorway behind them, because his voice rose, echoing in the long hallway, calling to Gahrye.

    Gahrye wanted to kick something¡ªmost especially Shaw¡ªbut he knew that wouldn''t help him get away to the real purpose for this night. So, keeping his expression neutral, he paused and turned to face the fat little man behind them.

    At least Shaw didn''t have that wide, bright smile that turned Gahrye''s stomach. "I had meant to ask you this evening, Gahrye, if we could arrange your interview for the histories? We have left it far toote to be fresh, but there is still value in lodging the predictions of the voices. And you''re close enough to the throne that I''m sure there are many leadership and societal gaps you could fill in for us for this modern time. Can we perhaps chat tomorrow?"

    "Not tomorrow," Gahrye said tly. "The task Elia has assigned will fill my day tomorrow. But perhaps the day after that."

    Shaw''s jaw went tight, but he nodded, dropping his chin until he almost bowed. "Very good. I''ll speak with youte tomorrow and you can let me know a time."

    "Fine," Gahrye said, and turned on his heel for the staircase, Kalle at his elbow. But he didn''t hear Shaw move away and he could feel the man''s gaze.

    Having that man''s eyes at his back made him his skin crawl. He just wished he could prove that something was wrong with the Guardian!

    Shaw hadn''t lied when they spoke in the dining room, at least not that Gahrye could scent. But there was something¡­ when Gahrye had said they had to keep Elia private, unknown to others, even other Anima, he could smell the peaked interest and curiosity threading through Shaw''s scent.

    Shaw''s curiosity smelled like the tang of poison, though he couldn''t figure out why. He''d yet to find the man doing or saying anything that was wrong. And Kalle said he was mere ''entric'' which he understood was a human word that meant a person didn''t adhere to normal social rules. But she called him harmless.

    Gahrye did not trust Shaw¡ªwhich meant Elia didn''t trust him either. The winds were confused around him. But as they passed up the stairs and out of the man''s sight, Gahrye reminded himself he wouldn''t focus on that now. Now he had a much, much better problem to give his attention to.

    His breath shivered.

    "Are we going to the library?" Kalle asked in the low, hushed murmur she used when she only wanted him to hear.

    Gahrye shook his head. "If you don''t mind, you''ll join me in our rooms tonight," he said, his voice husky.

    Kalle caught the tone and looked at him from the corner of her eye for a moment. "I don''t care where we are, Gahrye, I just want to be with you."

    He took a deep breath and clenched his hand so he wouldn''t reach for her. "That is true for me as well," he murmured.

    He smelled how pleased she was by his words and wanted to shake his head. How was it possible she was delighted by such a simple statement?

    When they turned the corner at the top of the stairs and there was no one in the hall, he couldn''t resist letting his hand rest at her lower back, just for a moment. And he wondered if it was his imagination that she slowed her steps a hair, to press more firmly into his hand.

    But soon they were at his and Elia''s rooms, and he pulled the key out to unlock the door and let Kalle walk in first, praying she wouldn''t see his hand shaking. He turned once they were inside and relocked it, which made Kalle raise a brow, but she didn''tment.

    When he faced her again, she stood not far away, but looking around the room. "Where''s Elia?" she asked carefully. "You said she had a job for us?"

    Gahrye swallowed. "She has already gone to bed and she doesn''t n to get up until tomorrow," he said, then cleared his throat. "And she''s told me¡ªordered me¡ªto¡­ to do as I wish with the rest of the evening."

    Kalle had been looking around the room, but when he said that, her eyes snapped to meet his and her breathing paused. The thing in Gahrye chest that always surged when she was close crackled with the question in her eyes¡ªand the desire in her scent.

    "Okay¡­ so, what is it you¡­ wish to do?" she asked quietly and Gahrye wanted to groan. Her scent said that if she''d been in beast form, she would have swished her tail at him.

    He swallowed and stepped right up to her, touching her face. She searched his eyes.

    "I might get this wrong, Kalle," he said quietly. "I''m¡­ I''m not certain how it works for you humans. But I want to¡­ I want to stop fighting this. And I want to show you¡­ everything."

    Her breath caught. She put a hand to his chest, her fingers curled into him. "If you''re being open with me, Gahrye, not holding yourself back, you can''t get it wrong. I promise."

    His brow crinkled and he leaned down to kiss her¡ªsoftly¡ªone hand rested, cupping her neck, the other at her waist. But before it went deep, he pulled away to meet her eyes, smiling. "I''ll remind you of that if you suddenly get that look on your face that says I''m being too Anima," he said softly.

    He reached for her hand, to move away, but she stopped him. ""You can''t be too Anima, Gahrye. It''s who are you. And that''s¡­ that''s what I want. We can work out the details. Just¡­ just give me you."

    Her simple deration was an arrow to his heart. The huffing groan of the mating call rose in his throat. He kissed her again softly, then took her hand and led her through the sitting room and into his bedroom, his heart pounding so hard he felt his pulse in his skin.

    *****

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 Chapter 330: Husband

    <h4>Chapter 330: Husband</h4>

    KALLE

    Gahrye led her into the bedroom he was using, but he was moving overly-carefully. As if he was afraid he might break something.

    When they got inside, he let her go and turned to close¡ªand lock¡ªthe door. She didn''t really pay attention to the room. It was him she wanted to see. And this room was in, little more than arge bed, sized for Anima males, a simple dresser¡ªalsorge and antique¡ªa chair in the corner that was extra deep and had a matching ottoman. To the right was the door into the bathroom that had been updated a few years earlier when the pipes of the building, which was well over a century old, finally began to fail.

    Gahrye was in his own clothes¡ªhe hated the human clothing and only wore it when they were leaving the house. Likely another reason he didn''t like the car, as she thought about it. He said their clothing was stiff and ufortable. She didn''t care. She loved the soft leather pants and off-white shirts he wore that were some kind of incredibly soft cotton, or a type of silk they didn''t have in her world. The pants clung to his strong thighs and calves, and even though the shirts were looser, they were trim enough to pull on his muscles when he moved his arms and shoulders, so she always had an eyeful of his strength.

    She stared at his back¡ªthe cotton of the shirt clinging to his broad shoulders, that cord of muscle that ran up, out of the cor and framed his neck, and his thick, barrel chest.

    He was so freaking gorgeous her mouth went dry. And she hoped¡­ Creator above she hoped he was finally going to give himself to her.

    The thought curled desire in her belly, and made her nerves flutter. So, when he hesitated after locking the door and didn''t turn around right away, she stepped into his back, wrapping her arms around him from behind, andying her chest against his warm back.

    He sighed and his hands slid from her elbows, up her arms, to twine their fingers.

    "You don''t have to be nervous," she said finally. "If this is your first time, I can show you."

    He snorted. "It''s not my first time giving my body, Kalle," he said dryly. "It is¡­ it''s the first time I''vee to this with my heart." He turned then, looming over her, his bright eyes fierce and intense, locking on hers immediately. "I''m terrified," he whispered.

    She had to take a breath. He''d lost that haunted look, the torment of fighting whatever it was inside him that held him back. But instead, it was as if he''d cracked his chest opened and offered his heart to her. He pulsed with vulnerability, as if the wrong move, the wrong word, would bleed him out.

    "What scares you?" she asked.

    He dropped his gaze for a moment, taking her hands and stroking them with his thumbs. "In the past I''ve always been someone to be pitied or ignored," he said slowly. "An object of disgust or just¡­ dismissed." He cleared his throat, then brought his eyes up to hers and she almost gasped. His were fierce and shing. "That is not me."

    "N-no, it''s not," she gulped.

    "They don''t know me, Kalle. Not really. Elia sees me, but¡­ I realized this afternoon that I have done the wrong thing with you. I''ve remained hesitant. I''ve held myself apart. I''ve expected you to¡­ reject me. But you haven''t. I''m¡­ overwhelmed by that."

    "You aren''t hard to love, Gahrye," she said softly, squeezing his fingers.

    He huffed a humorlessugh.

    "Gahrye¡ª"

    "No, let me do this, Kalle. Let me tell you, and then let me show you." He stared, his eyes hot and piercing. She nodded, and he blew out a breath. But their gazes never wavered.

    "If you were in my home," he began, his features tightening at the reminder of her inability to travel to Anima, "As soon as I knew who you were, what you were to me, I would have asked you to walk the mes and Smoke. The Anima would gather the females that were closest to you to prepare you, and the males near me would¡­ well, the point is, we would have prepared. And on that night, we would have stood firm. We would have fought to be close to each other. Denied all others to join together. And when I won you, I would have gathered you up and brought you to the home I''d prepared and offered it to you. And when you epted, we would have joined in truth. And from that moment on, we would be together¡ªalways in each other''s lives and hearts whether we were in each other''s presence, or not." He paused, gathering himself, and swallowed.

    "I understand that human traditions are different. That the vows are different. That the intentions may also be different. But I cannot change what''s in my heart, or what I choose. So¡­"

    With a shaky breath he lowered himself to one knee.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He hadn''t expected Kalle to remove her touch and it made his nerves spike. But when she''d seen him go down on one knee, her breath caught and she brought her hands to her mouth, staring at him, wide-eyed, over them.

    He was determined to finish this, to have her answer. To give himself. So he blew out a breath and held her eyes. He could hear her heart racing almost as fast as his own.

    "Kalle," he said hoarsely. "I love you. You are¡­ you are the one the Creator made for me. I''m certain of it. I wish to never be parted from you. But I know that life will likely remove us from each other. Even knowing that, I do not want anyone else. Whether together or alone, will you have me for your mate? Your¡­ your husband? Will you give me all of you, all of your heart, forever? Because I want to give you all of m¡ª"

    "Yes!" she gasped, grabbing his face, tiny whimpers breaking in her throat. "Yes, Gahrye, yes! I will! I love you! Yes!"

    *****

    THE PRIVILEGE TIERS HAVE CHANGED FOR JULY! To see what is avable, swipe right to pull up the chapter list, then scroll down to the orange button! Tiers 2-4 now include more chapters for less cost per chapter! NOTE: Thest tier has increased in price, BUT it now includes in the 99% discount, which means it''s still 50 coins cheaper than purchasing the old tier (1000 coins) and unlocking the chapters. AND if you buy it now, you''ll receive that discount on EVERY CHAPTER YOU UNLOCK THIS MONTH! Enjoy!

 Chapter 331: Wife

    <h4>Chapter 331: Wife</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Kalle, gasping, kissed him, deep, and frantic, and he was stunned.

    He''d expected to have toy out his ns, to show her that he was a male who would provide and ensure she was safe. An Anima female¡ªeven one in love, one who''d found their true mate¡ªwould make a show of thinking through what he offered, asking questions, and ensuring he truly sought to join with her. He''d expected Kalle to at least pretend to consider his proposal. To perhaps ask him questions. But she justunched herself at him, clinging to him, tears on her cheeks, and kept whispering "Yes!" against his lips.

    Overwhelmed, Gahrye stood up slowly, still kissing her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her to his chest, his hands shaking and his breath thundering. But he wasn''t finished. He had to¡­ had to do all of this.

    So, he pulled back just far enough to meet her shining eyes. "But I haven''t told you the ways I can provide, or care for your well-being, or our¡­ our children¡ª"

    "I don''t care," she said, her voice too high and thin. "I know who you are, Gahrye. I know how you see the world. That''s enough. I just want what you are."

    He gaped. He was left speechless for a moment. But she just stared at him, her eyes¡ªgreen today¡ªwide with delight and her hair falling down her back as she looked up at him. Then he remembered himself and closed his mouth and took his hands back to search his pockets.

    "I have something for you," he said. Kalle blinked, covering her mouth again. "I understand that humans are ustomed to the giving of rings as a symbol for their union. I''m sorry I don''t have the resources here that I would have at home, had I known¡­ but it doesn''t matter." He shook his head and pulled the light leather ring from his pocket.

    "When I learned that you were ustomed to rings, I didn''t have the means to have metal smithed," he said softly. "So, while this does not have the permanence of those materials, I want you to know what it is." His hand shook as he held out his hand with the ring on his palm so she could see it.

    "One of my roles on Anima is as a merchant. I didn''t have all the colors with me that I would have preferred, but I want you to know¡­ the cords here are of the strongest leather I knew how to produce. The three strands symbolize me, you, and the Creator." He fingered the tiny ring in his palm, turning it over so she could see the intricate, tiny braids he''d used to fashion it. "One of the strands was taken from a ne I''ve worn every day since I was an adolescent. It was given to me by my mother. The second is from a bracelet Elia gave me after I became her Cohort, which is the most respect I have ever been shown by¡­ well, anyone. And the third is¡­ the third is from my wares. I only brought a handful of them with me in case I needed gifts. It is to demonstrate to you that, no matter what, no matter where I am, I will always see you provided for."

    He gulped as she stared at the ring in his hand. She wasn''t smiling. But it was toote to find something else now. If she didn''t want it¡­ "I wonder if you would wear this as a symbol that you are mine," he said softly, his voice rough and husky. "If you would show yourself before your people as mated¡ªmarried. Once, for all time. I vow to you, Kalle¡­ I want to give you forever. This ring is a circle that never ends, because I would ask you to forsake all other males. If you take me¡­ take me whole. And I will vow to you that even if we are torn apart, I would never touch another female, would never yearn for any but you."

    He trailed off, still staring between her eyes and the ring, his heart thumping painfully. What if she thought it wasn''t enough?

    "Oh, Gahrye!" she cried suddenly, holding out her hand, syed, so he could put the ring on her. "I''m not even¡­ I¡­ Yes!"

    With shaking fingers he took the little ring and ced it on her finger pushing it down. Thankfully he''d measured her finger correctly and it fit well, not too snug, not too loose.

    When it was in ce, she looked at it and her tears spilled over. "I love you, Gahrye!"

    "Oh, Kalle," he whispered and kissed her. She whimpered, throwing her arms around his neck. "I''m not¡­ I haven''t even told you the ways I would vow to hold you¡ª"

    "I just want you, Gahrye." She broke off with a little sob and kissed him again. "We can figure out the restter."

    He blinked in shock. "Thank you," he blurted.

    "You''re thanking me?!" Kalle cackled augh, then pped a hand over her mouth. "Gahrye¡­ you have no idea," she said when she''d gotten a hold of herself, her voice awed. "If any other human woman saw you doing this, she''d be convinced that you could do so much better than me!"

    Gahrye grunted and shook his head. He didn''t wish to offend her, but¡­ "Humans are strange," was all he said.

    She smiled through her tears. "And I''m so d you think so," sheughed softly. "Yes, I will have you, Gahrye. The question is, will you have me?"

    He blinked. This wasn''t going at all how he had imagined. He''d prepared to prove himself, to demonstrate his intention and persuade her to take a chance on him beyond their physical connection. But Kalle was biting her lip, gripping his hands, and taking a deep breath. As if¡­ as if she thought she had to ask for him?

    "Kalle, you don''t have to¡ª"

    "No, let me do this, Gahrye. Please."

    He swallowed and nodded as she braced herself.

 Chapter 332: Fight

    <h4>Chapter 332: Fight</h4>

    If you''re reading this in the first few days of July, you are a top tier privilege reader and you are eligible to be a part of my special, private discord chat in which you can make submissions to help me name 3 new characters over the course of this month!

    If you aren''t already in my discord, just download the app, or register on the website, and press the plus sign to add a new server, then add these letters:? c88BuMv5

    When you enter the server, tag me in the general chat and I''ll add you to the private room!

    ******

    ELIA

    Eliay in the dark, staring at the ceiling, blinking back tears.

    She couldn''t sleep.

    She couldn''t sleep and her beast was raking at her insides, wing to get out. Part of her wanted to give in because it seemed like whenever she was finally able to find her way back, she almost always found Reth along the way. And she needed him tonight. Even if it was just for moments. She felt like she wasing apart at the seams. And the only thing that would soothe the burning in her wounds was his voice, and his touch.

    Perhaps she should give in to the beast if it would help her find him?

    But something within her growled at the idea. A growl that was deep and came from the very same broad, scarred chest that made her ache to think about.

    From her very first night in Anima, Reth had told her to trust her instincts.

    Well, she''d found as soon as the beast arrived in her life, her instincts sharpened right along with her other senses.

    She didn''t know why, but something told her that to give in to the beast tonight would be incredibly dangerous. And so, shey on the bed, staring at the ceiling, gripping the quilt in her fists and holding onto herself. Desperately. Fiercely.

    And terrified.

    She''d almost gone after Gahrye when she realized the battle she was fighting, but she had known it would only hurt him to learn she fought so hard not to shift, when he had fought so long throughout his life to find his beast.

    "It''s not fair," she whispered into the dark. And it wasn''t. None of this was fair. On any of them.

    Then she''d heard Gahrye return to their rooms¡ªand he wasn''t alone. At first she hadn''t thought twice. The two of them were forever studying, looking for answers to help her. She''d sat up and started to get out of bed, to go speak with them. Perhaps the distraction would help.

    But because her beast was trying to rise, her senses were even sharper. So, despite the thick walls and solid door, she had heard every whispered word.

    "Where''s Elia?" Kalle had asked carefully. "You said she had a job for us?"

    "She has already gone to bed and she doesn''t n to get up until tomorrow," Gahrye said, then cleared his throat. "And she''s told me¡ªordered me¡ªto¡­ to do as I wish with the rest of the evening."

    Elia had been walking towards the door until she heard him say that with a tone she recognized, but had never heard from him before.

    There was a breathless pause, then Elia''s eyes closed as she caught the scent of desire on Kalle and her heart exploded in an overwhelming mix of joy and pain.

    Gahrye had found his mate.

    He''d done it. She was here!

    But¡­ why hadn''t he told her?

    "Okay¡­ so, what is it you¡­ wish to do?" Kalle had asked quietly.

    "I might get this wrong, Kalle," he said quietly. "I''m¡­ I''m not certain how it works for you humans. But I want to¡­ I want to stop fighting this. And I want to show you¡­ everything."

    Elia heard her breath catch. "If you''re being open with me, Gahrye, not holding yourself back, you can''t get it wrong. I promise."

    "I''ll remind you of that if you suddenly get that look on your face that says I''m being too Anima," he had said softly.

    Then Kalle had said the words that had made Elia cry in pure, unadulterated joy for her friend.

    "You can''t be too Anima, Gahrye. It''s who are you. And that''s¡­ that''s what I want. We can work out the details. Just¡­ just give me you."

    And then the mating call rose in the air, a different resonance in Gahrye than it had in Reth, but no less powerful or touching. Elia put a hand to her chest as she ached with grief for the space in her heart that was her mate.

    As Gahrye led Kalle through to his room, Elia had run back to the bed and thrown herself in it, but her cursed beast senses meant she had been unable to hidepletely from all that was happening just two doors away.

    No amount of pulling pillows over her head or humming to herself could block them outpletely. She was tempted to go out into the living area to turn on the television. Loud. Hoping it might cover enough that she could sleep. But she didn''t want to disturb them. Didn''t want to steal this from Gahrye.

    And so she''d known¡­ this was a battle she must fight alone. Gahrye deserved everything he found here. And even if this meant¡­ meant that Elia had to go back to Anima alone¡­ that was okay. She was happy for him. So happy for him.

    But so, so, deeply sad and afraid for herself.

    How had she missed it? How had she not seen it?

    Because she wasn''t there. Because she was fighting her own war here. One none of them had anticipated. And tonight for the first time, she felt like she was truly losing.

    She''d settled herself into the pillows and braced against the puttering growl that wanted to rise from her own throat. Tried desperately to dislodge the ws that felt like they punctured her lungs, from the inside.

    She would fight, tonight. And she would win. Or she would die trying.

    And she wouldn''t tell Gahrye a thing.

    A tiny piece of her heart cracked knowing he hadn''t felt like he could tell her. But she also understood. He was carrying so much¡­ well, she would give him every opportunity to enjoy his mate before the difficulties of this trip overcame them.

    Because deep down, Elia''s instincts were rising. And not only were they certain she had to do everything in her power not to shift into her beast form tonight. But they were equally certain that the day woulde when it would be out of her control.

    And if that day came before she got back to Reth¡­ Her instincts said, that would be the end for her.

 Chapter 333: Be Mine

    <h4>Chapter 333: Be Mine</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye used his thumbs to wipe Kalle''s cheeks as she stared up at him, pleading. He ached to stop her tears, but understood. His own throat pinched. The feelings were¡­ overwhelming. Joy, excitement, fear¡­ they were all there. And as he saw fear sh in her eyes, he yearned to reassure her.

    "I won''t pull away again," he whispered. "You''re safe."

    Her face crumpled and she leaned into his chest for a second. He held her, eyes closed, his nose buried in her hair and inhaling her perfect scent.

    "See what I mean?" she said into his chest, her voice muffled as she clung to him. "Way out of my league," she sniffed.

    "Kalle¡ª"

    "No, I''ll stop being a coward," she said and took a deep breath. Then she straightened, lifting her chin, craning her head back as if she had no fear for her throat, to meet his eyes. "I don''t know what happened to you before I met you," she said, her voice shaky. "I don''t know what they told you when you were growing up, or how the people who are normally around you speak to you, but¡­ from the minute I saw you all I know is, I felt safe. And that never happens to me," she said breathlessly. "I don''t just mean physically, either. Gahrye you are¡­ good. Your heart¡­ your integrity¡­ the way you observe others and don''t expect things from them, but give yourself¡­ I am humbled every day that you still want to kiss me and touch me. I can''t believe the Creator chose me for you because you feel impossible to me.

    He trembled, every word plunking into his chest like a stone thrown into a pool.

    "I know you''re saying we''re going to have to be apart eventually. And that kills me. I hope¡­ I hope I can find a way to make sure that doesn''t happen. But if I can''t¡­ you have to know, Gahrye," she said, her voice high and pleading. "You have to let yourself see who you really are, no matter what else is said to you by stupid bigots or¡­ whatever! Because the man you see in the mirror is better than any man I''ve never known¡ªpatient, selfless, and brave. And I can''t believe he wants to be with me¡­" she trailed off in a pinched squeak as her tears welled again. "Gahrye, will you be my husband? Will you have me as a wife? Because I don''t feel like I deserve you. But by God I''ll love you, no matter what. If you''ll have me¡­ I''ll love you for the rest of my life whether you''re with me, or not."

    "Yes!" It tore out of his throat as he pulled her into a searing kiss. And even as her shoulders shook and she sobbed, she grabbed him and held him close, didn''t let him pull away. "Yes, Kalle" he said against her lips. "I''m sorry I hurt you and made you wait. I''m sorry. I never want to do that to you again. No matter what, I''m here. I''m yours," he whispered, kissing his way along her jaw to that space under her ear. And she tilted her head and clung, her breathing faster as her tears passed.

    As they kissed, as she surrendered under his hands, her head back and throat bared, as he gave up to his fear and embraced the pain that he knew was toe, something shiny and warm appeared in his chest. A light unfurling, bringing a piece of him with it, out of the darkness and shadow, something that flowed in his veins and reached for her.

    And it was answered by something within her.

    As they tumbled onto the bed, for the first time Gahrye didn''t question himself. He didn''t remind himself of the warnings of the Voices, or their impending separation. He wed his fingers into her hair, and she gasped his name as he groaned the mating call against her skin.

    *****

    KALLE

    It was like he''de alive. In a heartbeat something within him had unleashed. Something she''d never seen, but it called to her.

    Suddenly, there was no need reassure him, no urge to protect him. Instead, Kalle gasped, clinging to his shoulders and trying to keep hold of herself under the onught of his lips and tongue, and the possession of his hands.

    He made that noise, that call, and her entire body shuddered as something inside her spiraled to life, opening, reaching, aching for him. It flowed out of her chest in rushes that timed with her heartbeat, rippling through her veins, then out to the ces where they touched. Which was everywhere.

    "Gahrye¡­" She could barely breathe for wanting him, and it was clear he felt the same, as all hesitation left him. He tumbled her back onto the bed and for a moment there were inches between them as she fell to the bed and he braced on his arms. His eyes raked from her waist up her body¡ªand she felt it like fingers dragged on her skin. Then he was on her, hands in her hair, and¡ªwhen she arched¡ªhis mouth open on her throat, and that delicious puttering in his throat.

    "Kalle," he gasped against her.

    "Yes." It wasn''t a question. She would have been embarrassed if he hadn''t groaned and pulled himself back, chest heaving, hair falling into his eyes, and his eyes¡­ his eyes a strange warm brown that she didn''t recognize, but that seemed to hold her in ce with the intensity of his gaze.

    "In Anima, it''s always the female''s choice," he said, his voice a harsh rasp. "If you aren''t certain¡ª"

    "Gahrye, if you do not have sex with me right now, I swear on all that is holy that I am going to eat you alive."

    He chuckled, warm and deep, all hesitation gone. Her desire surged just looking at his smile.

    He raised one eyebrow and the light in his eyes red as his voice went husky.

    Then he leaned in, saying "Have you ever mated an equine before, Kalle?" before heid the t of his tongue on her neck and sucking that spot just under her ear so her skin pebbled all the way down her arm.

    "N-no, I¡ª"

    "Then my advice," he rasped pushing himself back up, bracing on his strong arms to either side of her head, "is to just let go¡­ and enjoy the ride."

    The smile he gave then was downright wicked.

    *****

    If you''re reading this in the first few days of July, you are a top tier privilege reader and you are eligible to be a part of my special, private discord chat in which you can make submissions to help me name 3 new characters over the course of this month!

    If you aren''t already in my discord, just download the app, or register on the website, and press the plus sign to add a new server, then add these letters:? c88BuMv5

    When you enter the server, tag me in the general chat and I''ll add you to the private room!

 Chapter 334: Waited for This

    <h4>Chapter 334: Waited for This</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Kalle''s beautiful lips pulled up in a smile. Gahrye was overwhelmed¡ªso full of feeling just at the sight of her. He huffed the mating call, long and low. Her eyes widened and she pulled him into a kiss, her lips hot and seeking, her hands wing into his back.

    Unable to resist, he took her mouth like he wanted her body, his tongue invading the sweetness of her, lips dragging on hers.

    There were far too many clothes in this room. Far too manyyers between them. They needed to do something about that.

    Gahrye kissed her eagerly, his hands trailing towards her buttons¡ªbut then he hesitated, remembering the story he''d heard about Elia and Reth and their aborted attempt at mating, interrupted by the guardsing in to call Reth to deal with a massive Silent One roaming the WildWood.

    When he pulled back, Kalle froze, her face painted in fear. "What''s wrong?"

    It was a spear to his heart that he''d caused her to think anytime they were close that he would pull away. "Nothing at all," he said, stroking her cheek. "I''m just going to make sure we aren''t interrupted."

    She smiled with relief and her eyes twinkled. "Good idea."

    He pushed away from the bed and trotted to the door, checking that it was locked. His chest was heaving, but he didn''t care.

    Unwilling to lose any time to insignificant details like buttons, as he walked back to the bed, he took hold of his shirt at the nap of his neck and pulled it forward and off, tossing it to the floor.

    Kalle was doing something with that phone, but when he got the shirt off, she stared at him, her jaw ck, and the already pulsing scent of desire spiked on her.

    Taking the cue from him, she grabbed the hem of her sweater and, wiggling to get her weight off the back of it, pulled it up and over her head to reveal some kind of strange harness around her breasts. Wide rounded triangles hid each breast from his view, while straps circled her ribs and over her shoulders to keep them up.

    What kind of human madness was this?

    Gahrye had just reached the bed and was crawling towards her, but he stopped, tipping his head. "Why do you hide them even under your clothes? Do you fear someone will remove it and you''ll be left bare?" He was well versed in Elia''s easy embarrassment around nudity and sex, and had to keep reminding himself that Kalle would likely share some of those concerns.

    Kalle looked down at herself, then grinned. "You''ve never seen a bra before?"

    "What is a¡­ bra?"

    "It holds them up and keeps them¡­ perky," she giggled, palming herself and picking up the weight of each breast in one hand, jiggling them as if to test the strength of this ''bra.''

    Curious, Gahrye crawled over her legs on all fours. This close he could see her nipples through it and his already alert body tightened in response. He looked at her, raising one hand towards her in a question. Kalle smiled and, still sitting up, leaned back on her hands, pressing her breasts forward, watching him. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips and he almost groaned.

    Holy shit he was a blessed male.

    Carefully watching her, scenting her, to measure what she liked and what she didn''t, he drew one finger across thece, the fabric had the strange tang of that thing she''d called stic, but it was remarkably soft to the touch, the textures making his fingers tingle as he stroked and explored, so lightly.

    His breath was loud in the room, but so was hers. He stroked again, all his fingers dragging down the texturedce, catching her nipple that was rising to meet his touch.

    Kalle bit her lip and closed her eyes as he dragged his fingertips up to follow the strap that ran over her shoulder, then caught it and pulled it slowly down her arm.

    Her skin pebbled and he swallowed hard.

    The straps weren''t long and pulled against her upper arms, pressing into her skin there in a way that worried him. "How do you¡ª" he croaked, but Kalle straightened and took his face in her hands, kissing him long and deep. When she pulled away, she smiled.

    "You''re adorable," she whispered. "Hold that thought." Then she twisted her arms behind her back for a bare second and suddenly the entire thing sagged.

    Her face got serious as she brought her arms forward again, covering herself, holding it to her with one arm as she drew her arm out of the other, then used that one to hold it, while she freed the second.

    There was a moment then, where she covered herself and stared at him.

    "You do not need to fear me, Kalle," he rasped, keeping his eyes on hers. "You are beautiful to me. Everything about you¡­" Especially her legs, which his body was desperately aware remained extended under him.

    He hadn''t wanted to press her to that intimacy too quickly, so had focused on her chest and face. But perhaps for her it was different?

    "I know," she whispered. "I''m just¡­ I''ve been waiting for this, Gahrye. And I''m so d. I just want to savor the moment, that''s all." Then she leaned in and kissed him, her mouth open but lips so soft they barely dragged on his. His breath shuddered and he cupped her face with one hand, tilting his head to deepen the kiss.

    She sighed into it, then dropped her arm, tossing the bra away, onto the floor and taking his face in both hands. When he pulled her in tight and her breasts brushed his chest, they both groaned.

    She began toy down then, pulling him with her until he covered her, both of them bare from the waist up.

    He got lost in her. Time ceased to matter. All he was aware of was her lips, her tongue, her soft, soft skin, the beautiful blush of her nipples¡ªthe fierce peaks of them against his chest, and under his hands¡ªand the warmth of her gentle strength as she pulled him down.

    Gahrye trembled with the fight to restrain himself, to keep himself gentle and slow, to let her warm to him. But as the kiss deepened and her breath came faster, he struggled. Fisting his fingers in her hair, he tugged her head back andid his mouth on her throat, groaning when she gave it willingly, her hands dancing all over his back and shoulders as she panted.

    She tasted like honey andvender and he shuddered again with repressed desire.

    When she whimpered and clung to him, his entire skin lit up.

    Panting, he pushed himself up just far enough to meet her eyes and raised one eyebrow, stunned and smiling at the way her lips were pink and swollen already. "Have you ever mated an equine before, Kalle?" he asked before heid the t of his tongue on her neck and sucked that spot just under her ear. Her skin pebbled all the way down her arm and she arched.

    "N-no, I¡ª"

    "Then my advice," he rasped pushing himself back up, bracing on his hands, either side of her head, "is to just let go¡­ and enjoy the ride."

 Chapter 335: Along for the Ride

    <h4>Chapter 335: Along for the Ride</h4>

    KALLE

    They smiled at each other and her stomach clenched. She held her breath and Gahrye swallowed.

    "You''re sure that¡ª" he began, but she interrupted him.

    "Gahrye?"

    "Yes?" His brow furrowed. He looked so anxious she had to stroke his face to soothe him.

    "I want you," she whispered, then reached for the buckle of his leathers. "And I want you right now."

    That strange, resonant call vibrated in her bones where their chests met as Gahrye buried his fingers in her hair and finally let himself go. She smiled as he descended on her, but her grin soon disappeared.

    He stole her mouth, his tongue delving and dancing, lips demanding, his breath hot on her cheek. He sucked in a breath, his hands dragging up her sides until his hands covered her breasts and he groaned, sliding down her body with lips and teeth until he found one nipple and opened his mouth over it, then sucked.

    Hard.

    Kalle gasped and arched, burying her fingers in his hair, but he''d already moved to the other, his thumb stroking where his mouth had just been, his tongueving the other peak as he sucked until she whimpered.

    His broad shoulders rippled over her where he braced to take some of his own weight, but he let himself rest enough to press her deeper into the bed. And the longer he gave his attention to her breasts, the more she writhed under him.

    Desire curled in her belly, spiraling through her chest and making her entire skin crackle with the electric zing of his touch.

    Then he rolled his hips, bringing them together through his leathers and her leggings, and she gasped. She tried to reach between them, but he was already sliding further down her body, kissing her stomach, dipping his tongue into her navel, his fingers wed by gentle, dragging trails down her sides like fireworks, leaving sparkling trails of sensation behind them.

    She arched instinctively, and he grabbed at the stic waistband of her leggings, pulling them down past her hips, then dropping his mouth there, his tongue against her hipbone.

    She sucked in and writhed into his kiss, but his weight had her pinned to the bed. She could only do as he''d said and hold on as he began to paint her body in kisses, and strokes, sliding her leggings down, kissing along her inner thigh when he bent first one leg up to slide the stretchy fabric off her foot, then giving the other the same treatment, until she was bared to him. She didn''t have time to get self-conscious, though, because he pushed himself up to kneel, throwing the leggings and her underwear off the bed and reaching for his own belt buckle.

    But Kalle sat up and grabbed his hands. "Let me," she whispered, and immediately began working on the belt, the thick leather pping as she tugged it through the beltloops and started on his buttons.

    He groaned, but let her, reaching for her breasts until she was able to free him and he sprang into her hand.

    But before she could even begin to touch him, he backed off the bed and shucked his leathers off, leaving them on the floor.

    Their eyes met as he leaned back onto the bed and began crawling towards her, his eyes hot and fierce, the muslcles and tendons in his arms and shoulders rippling and rigid.

    Naked, he was stunning¡ªevery muscle carved as if from marble, a bare smattering of hair on his chest, thedders of muscle on his sides flexing and rolling as he crawled towards her, his strong thighs firm and much lighter than the rest of his skin.

    She was sitting up when he reached her and cupped his hand at the back of her neck. She smiled, expecting him to pause again, to ask her, or something. But instead he rasped, "Hold on," and tipped her back and down onto the bed.

    The onught was breathtaking.

    His weight pressed her into the mattress, though he took some of his own weight on his elbows, one hand curled over her head as if to shield her, but the only thing she needed protection from was the way her mind ceased to work as his body rippled against hers.

    Hey between her thighs and rolled against hers, the slow slide over her most sensitive skin leaving her skin jangling with the promise of what was toe.

    She arched into him and gasped, but he didn''t pause to breathe, just rolled against her again, one hand sliding behind her hip, then down, over her buttock to cup her thigh and pull her leg up, urging her to wrap her legs around his waist and open herself to him.

    He groaned when she did it, deepening the kiss as she arched her back until she almost caught him, almost took him in.

    He chuckled and shook his head, cupping her jaw with one hand, his fingers sliding against her scalp so she goose-bumped and he dropped his head to kiss his way down her jaw, to her throat, down the column of her neck.

    "Gahrye," she gasped when he rolled against her again. "I don''t want to wait."

    He hummed and took her mouth,? his breath thundering against her cheek. She thought he would deny her, y her, and she pulled him in, arching hard against him.

    "Please."

    With a groan, he pulled his head back enough to meet her eyes, bracing on one elbow, the other hand cupped under her knee. Then he rasped, "Mine," and thrust into her in an explosion of sensation so shocking, her mouth dropped open and she didn''t breathe.

    He pulled almost all the way out and hesitated a split-second. She breathed out and was about to plead with him when he used the hand on her leg to pull her in harder as he thrust a second time.

    "Mine." The word was guttural, and hit her like a blow at her core in the same moment he filled her.

    *** STOP!!! ***

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 Chapter 336: Only You

    <h4>Chapter 336: Only You</h4>

    *** STOP!!! ***

    If you are considering buying an expensive privilege tier to read extra chapters, WAIT! Privilege works on a calendar month, which means in 4 days the calendar will reset (31 July in the USA, 1 August elsewhere) and any privilege ess will be revoked until the subscription is re-purchased. So, just hold on for a few more days, then purchase after 9:00am on 31 July (Pacific - Los Angeles time) to ensure that you get an ENTIRE MONTH of content in advance!

    If you just can''t wait, purchase the tier you want now, and unlock ALL chapters released between now and the monthly reset, even if you won''t read them right away. Once you have bought the ess and unlocked the chapters, you own them and they cannot be removed from you. But you will have to re-purchase after the reset to unlock any newly released chapters.

    *****

    KALLE

    Kalle cried out, dropping her head back against the pillow.

    Gahrye, open mouthed and panting,tched onto the spot where her neck met her shoulder, his tongue tasting her skin while his teeth grazed.

    He didn''t bite down, but she sensed it was in him to do it and she wed her hands into his back, pulling him in as they began to roll together.

    "Mine," he groaned, "You''re mine. Only mine, Kalle."

    "Yes!" she gasped, beginning to tremble, her breathing in short pants.

    Something inside her was beginning to unfurl, that elusive wave she''d never quite found with another human being.

    But right alongside it, something else glittered and beckoned, opening in her veins and pulsing with the beat of her heart.

    As Gahrye rolled into her again, and again, his hands stroking, his lips always on her skin, she felt a piece of her heart¡­ blossom. As if she were a flower, and he the sun, something within her turned to him, opening. It sent shivering joy and light through her veins, out from her skin and it found him and pulled him in.

    When she might have cried out for the loss of a piece of herself, he answered, stering himself to her, holding her tight and pushing into her, frantic, desperate, his kiss deep and searing.

    And with his touch, his groan, his weight, came a piece of him, riding the light in her bloodstream and finding that new, small hole in her heart and diving in to fill it.

    As Gahrye picked up the pace and she could do nothing but hold on, kissing his neck, his jaw, clinging to his shoulders and seeking his body with her own, she began to cry his name.

    That sparkling wave was building and she cried out again and again with the sheer bliss of it, silently pleading with him not to stop.

    "Oh, Kalle¡­ I''m¡­ fuck¡­" he groaned.

    She could feel him trembling, knew he was close. Then he threw his head back and pulled up at her hip. Frantic, she arched against him and sucked at his neck, his throat, his corbone.

    He cried out his love for her, bracing on one arm, sliding the other hand behind her hip and lifting to thrust into her so hard, their bodies pped.

    The wave within her crested, pulling that warmth and light from her, the pieces of both them, sucking it down to her core where everything in her head and heart went silent¡­ until it crashed and her entire body shuddered as she called his name again and again.

    With a guttural cry, he buried his face in her neck and held on, pressing her into him so she could barely breathe as he jerked and twitched, calling his love, calling his ownership of her soul¡ªuntil they both sucked in and sagged, panting, curled into each other and clinging.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He couldn''t think. Could barely breathe. His head buzzed. Desperation for her hit him like a blow the sr-plexus, stealing his breath.

    He trembled and almost sobbed.

    Both their chests heaved and he was painted in sweat. But he couldn''t think beyond the single word.

    Mine.

    She shook too, and her breath came in shuddering pants. But when he pulled back to see her face, she was smiling and her eyes were silvered with tears.

    "Oh, shit, Kalle, are you okay?" he rasped, stroking her hair back from her face with trembling fingers, feeling like the bottom was about to fall out of his entire soul.

    He wanted to weep.

    "I am¡­ wonderful," she whispered,bing his hair back from his forehead, her smile growing. "Are you?"

    He nodded, gulping. Something inside him¡­ he felt like he would break apart. Like something within him that was broken was about to give under the weight of how much he loved her.

    "I¡­ I''m not¡­" he tried to get the words out, but they strangled him. He sucked in a breath, but it was as if the air had no oxygen.

    Her smile disappeared and she took his face in her hands. "Gahrye¡­ what is it?"

    "The mating bond¡­ did you¡­ feel it?" he gasped.

    Her eyes widened. "Is that what that was?"

    He nodded, his chest heaving. Why couldn''t he breathe?

    She kissed him, murmuring sweet words that fed his heart, until he almost choked on the upswell of emotion expanding his chest.

    He clung to her, pulling her in so they were pinned together, his fingers wing at her back, and hers on his.

    His heart thundered, and not just from the climax. He felt desperate panic. Certain that if he let her go, she would shatter and disappear on the wind.

    "Gahrye?" she whispered, kissing his neck where her face was buried. "Gahrye, I''m here. I''m fine. I''m better than fine. I''m the best I''ve ever been. You''re mine, Gahrye. You''re mine." She stroked his hair and held him tight.

    A single, choking sob broke in his chest. He shuddered once and she clung tighter.

    "What is it? What''s hurting you?" she whispered, frantic.

    "I just¡­ I never thought¡­ You''re my One, Kalle," he whispered, barely able to force the words past his lips. "I found you. I really found you."

    "Yes, you did," she said, her voice high and faint. She held his face and pulled back to meet his gaze, her eyes welling, tears trailing to her temples. "And I''m never going anywhere, Gahrye. Never. You''re stuck with me. Forever. I promise."

    He groaned with mingled blow of grief and joy, and took her in a kiss that left them both breathless.

    He couldn''t believe it. He couldn''t let himself believe that she truly loved him as he loved her. But he''d felt the bond take. He''d felt a piece of himself leave and enter her¡ªand felt her find him in return.

    She was his True Mate. His True Heart''s Call.

    The rest¡­ the rest he would think aboutter. But just in that moment, he held her tightly and prayed he would never fail her.

    And then he realized, he was breathing again. Inhaling her scent. Taking her in.

    He''d been all wrong, panicking about oxygen in the atmosphere.

    Kalle was the only air he needed.

 Chapter 337: Simmering Pot

    <h4>Chapter 337: Simmering Pot</h4>

    LERRIN

    The morning after Suhle revealed her talent for evading notice, and ability to sneak through a busy encampment¡ªeven past guards¡ªLerrin had woken with an itch in his skin, something that made him want to roll his shoulders, or scratch behind his ear. He could not shake it. It put his teeth on edge. So, he was already tense before he realized he''d slept through the night without any word about their attempt to assassinate the Cat.

    He sent one of the guards to find Hern and bring him for a report, then paced the floor. Was the fact that they hadn''t returned a good sign, or a bad one? And was this the only reason he felt so uptight? Or was it because of Suhle?

    She gotten up and left the tent silently before he woke and he hadn''t seen her. Hadn''t been able to see if she was okay after making herself vulnerable the night before. Hadn''t been able to see if she now judged him differently for knowing he didn''t really wish to rule.

    He growled and rolled his head on his neck. He needed some of hervender tea or he was going to bite someone''s face off today.

    Finally, half an hourter, the guard returned to announce Hern, and the older wolf strode in, offering Lerrin the salute.

    "News?" Lerrin said without any courtesies.

    Hern didn''t appear to care. "None."

    "What does that mean?"

    "It means either they were caught, or they were sessful, but are having to evade the enemy. They were always going to have to take a long route out. In the event of discovery, they were to travel southeast to throw them off, and only circle back if they lost their pursuers."

    Lerrin nodded. "Then I guess we pray that that''s what has happened."

    The older man nodded, then waited, eyeing Lerrin curiously.

    "What is it?" Lerrin asked sharply.

    "I only wondered if¡ª"

    "Sire! Captain! A report, sirs!" The young sentry rushed into the tent without announcement, which meant his message was truly urgent. He submitted before Lerrin even as he handed a folded paper to Hern, who took it and read it, then snarled.

    "What is it?" Lerrin asked.

    Hern shook his head and handed the paper to Lerrin. Then he turned to the sentry. "Did you read this message?"

    "No, sir."

    "Who brought it?"

    The Sentry looked confused. "The wolf you sent to watch for the return," he said.

    A low growl rolled in Hern''s throat, but he didn''tment. "Thank you. You have done well. Return to your post."

    "Yes, Sir."

    Lerrin watched Hern carefully, then opened the paper, dread thick in his stomach.

    We killed four and have taken the other two as prisoners of war.

    They will provide me what I need, or they will be killed.

    This is what will befall any you send against me. Stop being a coward. Turn and face your enemy.

    Signed: Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn

    "Fuck." Lerrin snorted the scent of the cat from his nose, his fury rising to make his hackles stand. "Fucking cat." He crumpled the note and threw it to the ground with a snarl.

    "We knew he would be difficult to reach," Hern said tly.

    "How did he get this to us?"

    Hern shook his head. "He has to have kept a couple of tame wolves. I didn''t set a Watcher for them. Whoever brought this, brought it from Reth and knew enough of our ways to speak with the Sentry and convince them he was one of us."

    "You''re telling me they just walked up to our camp and gave us a note? No rm? No concern? Nothing?"

    "They must have maintained their connection with the pack mind."

    "So, we could have disloyal wolves just walking into our camp because our sentries don''t know every face?"

    "No. They targeted an outer sentry. I will investigate and learn exactly how it happened. But our system is for runners to bring messages quickly¡ªespecially if the messenger is tired. I''m guessing they yed that card, knowing our sentry would bring it to us. The guards at the gates and boundaries would have questioned them. They''re older and know most of the people. They would scent the Cat on them."

    Lerrin snarled again and turned away, fury burning in his veins. At every turn his people proved inadequate!

    "Call the security council here now. We will get to the bottom of this, and make a new n. I will not have that Cat taunting me in my own home!"

    Hern''s jaw twitched, but he nodded and strode out of the tent just as Suhle returned. She appeared startled toe face to face with the male, but dropped her head and stepped out of his way quickly, avoiding eye-contact.

    He sniffed at her, but kept walking, the tent p snapping in his wake.

    Lerrin sucked in at the sight of her. She had put her hood back on and she stood, shoulders rolled forward in the posture of submission, until several seconds after Hern had left, then she raised her head, lowered her hood, and found Lerrin with her eyes.

    Neither of them spoke.

    Lerrin swallowed back his anger, knowing she would have already scented it. "Good morning," he said carefully, trying hard not tomunicate his tension. But apparently failing.

    "What has happened?" she asked, walking over to him, brows pinched over her nose.

    He snorted. "The fist we sent to assassinate Reth were all either killed or captured, and he sent us a note to tell us so. Got a messenger to our sentry somehow, who didn''t even register that it wasn''t a wolf from the encampment. So now I have six men dead and an entire boundary I cannot trust!" he snarled, then took a deep breath when she tensed.

    "I will make you some tea," she said quietly.

    She was lifting her hand, as if she would rest it on his arm, when the tent p snapped again and one of the guards stepped in to announce the first of the council arriving. Suhle very smoothly changed the movement to lift her hood back over her hair and turned for the kitchen area, no doubt to make tea and prepare food.

    Lerrin told himself he only wanted to bite the male''s throat out because of his frustration over losing an entire fist of good, strong fighters.

    He would have wanted to attack anyone that walked it.

 Chapter 338: Another Day to Die

    <h4>Chapter 338: Another Day to Die</h4>

    To listen to my July Author Q & A, go to YouTube and search "Author AimeeLynn." There you''ll find a voice-acted recording of "Reth" reading Chapter 2 of this book, along with my recent author Q & A about the Anima world, tribes, and history! All for FREE! Enjoy!

    *****

    LERRIN

    Lerrin lounged in his chair, temple on his fist, making himself appear as rxed as he was capable while he listened to the different members of the security council debate the way forward. Though he struggled to concentrate, frustration and anger pulsing in his veins like a drumbeat. It served his purpose, he supposed. They could all scent the tension in him. They had walked wide as they filed in one by one when the messengers found them. Now they were beginning to rx and forget¡ªor perhaps not realize¡ªjust how tightly he was wound.

    "¡­we knew this was a possibility, it''s why we have three teams prepared with different approaches. The loss of one is sad, but not unexpected. And we are prepared for it. The second can be on the move tonight if needed, though I suspect the Cat''s security will be even stricter now. It might be worth waiting a short time to let them rx."

    "They will never rx, they are under eyes and dominance of their precious false King. I have been saying from the beginning, all of this sneaking in the shadows will make the people nervous and serve to keep us in their minds. But it will not work to actually ovee him. He is too established, his guards too well trained, his people too loyal. He even kept some of ours!"

    Lerrin sat bolt-upright at that, his voice a deep growl when he spat at the men, "He deceived some of our people into believing they were better off under his arrogance and tyranny. Do not speak to me our people being kept. They were lied to and manipted."

    Most of the men submitted, but Daryn, one who''d spoken, stared a challenge back at him. "To continue sending small groups inside their boundaries is just a slow, steady way to kill our fighters off, one by one. We need to stop skirting around this and wage war!"

    Lerrin became suddenly very calm. Behind the men, Suhle sat with her mending in herp¡ªone of his shirts that needed two buttons reced. To the casual observer she appeared engrossed in her work. But he saw the tension in her shoulders and the jerky movements that meant she was listening. And she was afraid. His anger ratcheted up a notch.

    "Tell me, Daryn, how you would have us take the Tree City¡ªwith their sentries and scouts, our army wouldn''t get within a mile of the city limits before theirs would be in position and ready to defend. They have greater numbers, and better resources."

    "And greater numbers to manage and protect. I am not suggesting a frontal attack."

    "Then what do you suggest?"

    Daryn''s eyes shed. "Fire the city."

    Suhle went still. Lerrin snorted. "We already discussed this, I am not losing all the resources avable and forcing myself to rebuild. Not yet. It is far too early."

    "It doesn''t have to be a forest fire. We could burn strategically. Or¡ª"

    "We could burn only to the west. Take down the Royal cave and surrounds¡ªthey''ll think it''s another assassination attempt¡ªscatter the guards. And while all eyes are on their precious pussy, move in behind and take the City."

    Lerrin stopped, turned to look at Craye, the Spy Master. His instinct was to discard the idea, but he could not immediately fault it.

    Craye smiled because he knew it. "You either get the Cat and so have a fighting chance of taking the City, or you weaken their defenses and distract the people, giving us a better chance of taking it by storm. Regardless, we move forward."

    Lerrin rubbed the stubble on his chin, frowning. "A distraction."

    Craye nodded. "Pull their resources out of the City, thene from the other end so even when they turn around, they''ve got a fire behind them. We can push them onto it¡ªeven ce some firebirds ready to reignite if they do get it under control. We can pressure them, then pick them off. Especially the poption if they don''t submit."

    Lerrin stifled a shudder at the mental image of females and offspring fleeing his wolves, only to be turned back by fire. But he knew he had to present a front of both strength and ruthlessness. So he stared the Spy Master down as if he seriously considered his proposal. "I will give it thought. I am not ready to take that step."

    Craye''s lips thinned. "You want to avoid a frontal assault, this is your only¡ª"

    "I said, I will consider it, Craye!" he snarled. "Your proposed chaos scatters not only our enemies, but also our troops. Sending wolves fueled by bloodlust into a fire-ravaged city is a recipe for the dissolution of our hierarchy oncebat begins. The idea has merit, but it is not a simple n, nor am I yet convinced we will need it. For now, we will prepare the second fist to make an attempt on the false King, but we will discuss this again in a few days."

    Before Craye could respond he turned to the other men, growling. "What I need to understand today is how we had a messenger from the Tree City appear, provide their message, then leave without so much as a question from our Sentries. What the fuck is going wrong?"

    As Hern began to report on what he''d found, and some of the others chimed in, Lerrin''s tension did not ease, though he fought to look as if it had.

    Suhle remained in her chair, staring at the mending in herp, but had not made a stitch since the issue of the fire had been raised.

    He didn''t even think about it, just sent to her, do not fear.

    Her eyes snapped to his and he looked away immediately, but she did not stop watching him.

    For the rest of the meeting, as he received reports, disciplined his males, and dominated the challenges that rose, he felt her eyes on him like fingers dragged through his fur.

 Chapter 339: Better Than This

    <h4>Chapter 339: Better Than This</h4>

    LERRIN

    It was different than the time before. There was no false distraction in her, no attempt to avoid or deflect. By the time he had farewelled thest of the security council it was time for lunch and he turned, expecting to ask her to bring their meals back to the camp because he hoped, like him, she would want some minutes without others nearby, to discuss what they had talked about the night before. And the¡­ implications of it.

    But when he turned from the tent p ande back to help her with the chairs, she didn''t even bother to continue stacking them. She flipped her hood back and fixed him with a hard, flinty-eyed re.

    Somehow she was even more beautiful when she was angry.

    "What?" he said through his teeth, not appreciating the sudden chill in his stomach. He was Alpha. King. Pack leader. She was a devoted servant. She should not even feel free to look him in the eye.

    He was so d she did.

    And, apparently, much more than that.

    She stalked up to him, eyes shing and stood right at his toes. He opened his mouth to speak, but her voice appeared in his head, crystal clear again in a way he''d never experienced with another wolf outside his immediate family.

    Your purpose is to bring the wolves to their best. You truly believe firing the City is the step towards that goal?

    I told you, when my people are at risk I will not close a door until I am certain I do not need it.

    Really? Then what is next, Lerrin? Because you know, don''t you, that to approach from the west means needing the bear''s territory¡ªand what do you think Craye will then determine is necessary for the wolves to approach without raising rm?

    We have other options¡ªthe birds, first of all¡ª

    She snorted. You make yourself small by even entertaining this n and you know it. Do not let yourself believe Craye has not raised these two approaches separately because he did not think of the link. That male has a n and he is using you to work it.

    Lerrin bared his teeth. I do not make myself small for anyone, Suhle. Not even you.

    She tipped her head and for a moment her expression softened. "Yes, you do," she said quietly. Then the mes lit in her eyes again and she sent, I saw the grief in you. I saw you recoil from this. Why do you not tell your males how you choose to rule? Why do you not make yourself the leader they need?

    "You think I am not?" he snarled, looming over her. "That is exactly what I''m doing!"

    "No, you are not." She bit the words off. Then she sent the cutting blow. There is little point saving the wolves if it is only to make them the viins in Reth''s story.

    Lerrin felt like he''d been torn in two, the inner conflict so extreme it stole his breath. On the one hand, rage roared within him, a bonfire hot and tall, ready to remove anything in its path.

    On the other, grief and pain and fear because those words¡­ those were words he''d spoken himself to his father when his father was Dominant. Less than a year earlier he''d stalked alongside Lucan, returning home after a Security Council meeting with Reth in which he''d been forced to submit, and humiliated. He''d voiced their concerns about the Queen not taking her King to Mate and he''d been put down¡­

    "¡­You have been heard, wolf," Reth had snarled, his voice guttering in a growl. "Now hear me: I wee a challenge from any male in this city. If you believe yourself stronger than me, smarter, better able to lead, you just say the word and I''ll happily meet you in the circle. We will decide dominance the way the Anima always have. But do not think to undermine me through lies and plots. Take great care in seeding doubt through whispers, or you may find the ground underneath you crumbling."

    Lerrin hadn''t responded, just stood, tense. His nostrils red at the scent wafting off of Reth¡ªthe sheer dominance, the aggression. All the men in the room shifted at the stink of their King''s displeasure and certainty in himself.

    When Reth didn''t continue, Lerrin bowed and finally took a step back. "You are heard and understood," he said stiffly. He wouldn''t challenge the King like this. He had still, so naively, believe Reth to be the better ruler. How wrong he had been.

    Reth had stepped forward again, chin down and poised to fight, and muttered, "Do not allow Lucine''s failure to bring down the entire pack, Lerrin. You''re smarter than that¡ªand I''m not dumb enough to miss how she''ll try to seek revenge. If one hair on my Queen''s head is harmed by a wolf, the entire pack will pay in my discipline. Do you understand?"

    "Yes." Lerrin spat.

    "Yes, what?"

    "Yes, Majesty."

    Reth snorted air out of his nose¡ªan insult among the Anima that implied the person''s scent was offensive. "Leave this council and pass my message on to your people. Now."

    Lerrin bowed again and turned on his heel, leading the other two wolf-males out of the room.

    They had walked straight out to find his father waiting on the trail.

    Lucan, the wolf dominant, Alpha, and Pack Leader of the Lupine tribe, had reassured Lerrin that the challenge better came from him. If he were sessful, he gained in the hierarchy. If he wasn''t, the tribe didn''t suffer because their leader had been dominated.

    They had argued then, storming along the path, deep into the forest, leaving the others behind. His father had been grooming him for leadership his entire life. Whenever these difficult interactions cropped up, it was his habit to walk through it with Lerrin, to exin his thinking and challenge Lerrin to see his own way through.

    But this time¡­ this time he hadn''t been teaching. He''d been seething. He hated the Queen with a fire that Lerrin had never seen in him before. Knowing that Reth threatened the entire tribe if harm came to her made Lucan so angry he shook.

    "It would be a simple thing to take her, a sniper above the cave, a dash of poison on her tray from the kitchens. The King would not be so quick to threaten then, when she fell at his feet dead and nothing he could do about it," his father had said.

    And, chillingly to Lerrin, he''d smiled.

 Chapter 340: Remember When

    <h4>Chapter 340: Remember When</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin had swallowed the clinch of fear that struck him at the vicious expression on his father''s face and shaken his head. "No, Dad, we can''t take the Queen like that. You''ll just martyr her then, and make Reth a figure of sympathy as well as strength. We have to take her head-on. Challenge her. Prove to the tribes how weak she is¡ªand that her weakness weakens him! If we take her out, it makes us the viins and everyone else will see him as even more of a hero."

    Eyes dark, his father''s lip had curled away from his teeth. Lerrin knew¡ªbecause he''d heard his father rant about it¡ªthat he was once again cursing himself for being the one who brought the human Queen into Anima.

    A year earlier, when the Rite of Survival had been called by the people and King Reth was forced to take a Queen, Lucine had been chosen by the wolf tribe as their Sacrifice. But it was tradition for the humans to contribute a Sacrifice also.

    As the second most powerful Tribe in Anima, the wolves were assigned the task of finding the best the humans had to offer.

    Lerrin had known early on that his father had a n. Had identified a female that, he believed, would both lose the Rite to Lerrin''s sister, and in doing so, undermine the King''s sense of his own strength. His father had thought it the perfect n¡ªbring the female from the King''s childhood into Anima and let him watch her be ughtered by the wolf Sacrifice. Let him know that they knew of his past, and that they, the wolves, had been the ones to bring out the downfall of the only female the King had ever held with feeling.

    It was supposed to be the first step in the wolves'' domination of Anima¡ªimmediately followed by Lucine taking the Queen''s throne, and further undermining Reth''s dominance through her own sheer force of will, and by bringing the wolves into leadership and power around him.

    Lucan''s n would have taken years, but would have ended in Reth''s emasction, until he was King in name only¡ªand Anima was truly ruled by Lucine, and the wolves.

    Except¡­ it hadn''t happened. Somehow Elia had beaten Lucine¡ªworse, hadn''t killed her, leaving the decision in the King''s hand. Of course, Reth chose Elia as his Queen and allowed Lucine to live¡ªeffectively dering her incapable.

    Lerrin had noticed the shadows in his father''s eyes from the very first day he had returned with Elia from the human world. He''d scented the shadow that Lucan carried ever since. The scent was chilling, and somehow cold. But it also seemed to wax and wane on Lucan. There were whole days Lerrin forgot his worries about his father''s mental state because he seemed to be himself again.

    Then something like this would happen.

    His father walked alongside him, muttering, snarling, whispering words that he knew must be threats. True, bloodcurdling threats. But against himself.

    He med himself for bringing the Queen into Anima, and every time she, or her mate, the King, took another step forward, Lucan seemed to get lost in this self-hatred, and terrible, terrible anger.

    The feeling it gave Lerrin reminded him of the days when he was a pup and might have peed on himself in fear.

    His father spluttered another curse and an eerie growl erupted from deep within his throat.

    Lerrin was so startled, he stopped walking. "Dad?"

    "¡­cut her stomach open and spill her bowels!"

    "Dad!" Lerrin said, grabbing him at the arm so he would stop. And he did. He jerked to a halt, blinking at Lerrin as if he hadn''t been aware his son was there. "Dad, what is going on?" Lerrin whispered, looking around to see if there was anyone nearby. "What are you doing?"

    His father blinked again, then took hold of his arms. "You must make me an oath, son," he said urgently, all trace of his rage gone.

    "I mean, sure, but for what?"

    Lucan reached to his belt for the knife he kept there and before Lerrin could even ask, he sliced his own palm, then handed it to Lerrin. "Do it," he said, low and hard.

    "What? What for?"

    "You will vow to me, an oath that will keep you safe and keep you in power, even if I''m gone."

    Lerrin frowned, but there seemed to be more harm in resisting his father, than in doing it. His father was so erratic now, he hoped giving this to him might help him settle when he got odd ideas about Lerrin working against him. "O-okay," he said and took the knife, running along the heel of his own palm.

    His father sped his hand immediately, gripping him and staring into his eyes with a strange, fierce light. "You vow to me that should the need ever arise to enter the human world again, you will not go yourself¡ªor send another wolf¡ªunless it is the most dire of needs. Unless it threatens the entire tribe!"

    "I¡­ I will, Dad, but can you tell me why?"

    "Do it!" he snarled, bringing all of his Alpha power and authority to bear so that Lerrin leaped to do as he asked without even thinking.

    "I vow it!"

    "What do you vow?"

    "I vow that I will never cross the traverse to the human world myself, or send another wolf, unless it is for the most dire need¡ªa threat to the entire tribe."

    His father took a deep breath, then sagged, pping his shoulder with his free hand. "And I vow," he said a momentter, his eyes still fixed on Lerrin''s, "that no matter whates, I will stand in your stead¡ªleave you safe to pursue the dominance of the Lupine. You are our future, Lerrin. You and Lucine. I vow that I will give anything, even my own life, to see you both in power."

    Lerrin blinked, confused and touched. But his father just gave a small smile then squeezed his shoulder again and began walking as if nothing had happened.

    As they passed under the upward pointing leaves of one of the great trees, Lerrin stared at his own bloodstained palm and a tiny serpent of dread slithered through his gut. He wasn''t sure what had made his father so anxious. Whatever it was, it had happened in the human world. He''d been different ever since he returned the second time.

    He looked at his Dad, who walked alongside him normally now, no longer cursing or baring his teeth. But he knew it was only a matter of time. These moods seemed to take him more and more, especially when it had anything to do with the King and Queen.

    Lerrin wished he had nothing to do with the Alpha power. It only ever seemed to bring heartache to people. He prayed that the Alpha role would remain Lucine''s mantle to bear. She''d take it dly, he knew. And while Lerrin outranked her in the hierarchy, his strength was¡­ reluctant. He was d his father was Alpha, and prayed if anything ever happened to him that another male would step in, capable to lead. Lerrin would let him take the Alpha authority dly.

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 Chapter 341: The Reason Why

    <h4>Chapter 341: The Reason Why</h4>

    LERRIN

    "If you do not wish to listen, or to speak to me, you have only to say so, Lerrin. I submit. I will not fight your orders," Suhle muttered and began to turn away from.

    Lerrin blinked, realizing where he was. He''d fallen into the memory so deeply he''d lost himself. When he saw Suhle beginning to leave it was instinct to take her arm, to catch her elbow¡ªand he cursed himself the moment she flinched.

    Yanking his hand back, he swore at himself for the fear he saw in her eyes. "Suhle, I would never hurt you," he whispered a momentter. "You do not need to fear me."

    "You really do not understand, do you, Lerrin?"

    His anger still simmered in his chest, but he knew he had to be patient with her. He couldn''t send her out already shaking and fragile when she might meet one of those wolves¡­ he growled, shaking his head and pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes.

    Tell me what I do not understand, he sent. Tell me.

    She turned back to face him, her beautiful face sad and still pinched with fear.

    Please, Suhle! Exin to me why you fear me! I have never hurt you, and I never would!

    She shook her head, her blond hair waving around her face. You are Alpha, and you still do not see¡­ what you say, what you do, how you empower others¡­ it has consequences.

    "Are you fucking kidding me?" he spat. "You think I don''t understand¡ª"

    Suhle shook her head and stepped back, putting further space between them. "I will speak to you tomorrow when you are calmer¡ª"

    "No, Suhle. Please." The urge was there to use his authority, to force her to obey. But deep within, his instincts screamed that if he were to do that, he would get his answers, but lose her trust. That she must share this of her own ord. He gritted his teeth and swallowed. "I will¡­ try to calm. But please¡­ exin to me what you see."

    She folded her arms and frowned at the wall of the tent, obviously considering whether or not to speak. When she had decided she took a deep breath, and sent it so others would not hear.

    I do not fear you, Lerrin. I do not fear you as a male. I sleep in your tent. I have not slept in the tent of with male present that was not family for years. You¡­ you are a good male. I know this. That is not what I fear.

    "Then what is it?"

    She swallowed and took one step closer, but still kept herself out of arms reach.

    I fear your rule.

    He frowned. What do you mean? You said it was my purpose¡ª

    It is. Your purpose is to bring the wolves to their best. To return to them to the Light. But they spew darkness and you continue to swallow it.

    "I do no such thing!" he snarled, then cursed himself again when she balked. He put his hands up, palm forward, and this time he took a step back. I will listen, he sent. Please, tell me.

    Her jaw tightened and her shoulders went back. He caught a glimpse of the fierce female that hid beneath the hood and she was so stunning his mouth went dry.

    I fear your choices, Lerrin. You gave the wolves permission to discard the boundaries of the Leonine King''s rule. They threw away not only the¡­the oppression they felt of their tribe''s secondary status, they threw away theirmitment to honor and decency. They have be selfish, bloodthirsty. No female without rank is safe anymore.

    "You''re safe," he said quickly. "Always."

    Now I am safe, Lerrin, because I am beside you. But when an Anima''s safety has been removed from them once, they never truly feel safe again. So is it safety, really? Some of the males in this camp have given away the Light, while others stand by and let them do it. All under the banner of a revolution. Well, from where I stand, you are not fighting Reth, you are fighting the darkness in your own people. And you are. Not. Winning.

    His breath came too quickly, rage bubbling beneath the surface, right along side fear, and disgust. "The males¡­ there can''t be that many¡ª"

    "How would you know. Have you looked? Have you asked?" she said through her teeth, her steely eyes locked on his.

    Lerrin didn''t drop her gaze, but his stomach flipped.

    He hadn''t. Not really.

    I will not let you be hurt, Suhle, he vowed and took a step toward her, but she stepped back and shook her head.

    So I enjoy safety while others are broken? That is not a life, Lerrin. That is not freedom. I have been free and this is not it.

    He flinched like she''d flicked water in his face. "What are you saying?"

    She held his gaze and bared her teeth, but her words appeared in his mind through the mind-link, shing at his belly with ruthless fangs.

    I didn''t feel this way in the Tree City.

    And then she wed his legs out from under him with a single thought.

    I wish I could go back.

    He staggered as if the blow were real.

    "You dare¡­" he snarled. "You dare speak to me of that male, who murdered my father and my sister, who subjugated my people, then banished us¡­ his is the rule you desire?!"

    She blinked and turned away from him, rolling her shoulders forward, avoiding his eyes. "No, Lerrin," she whispered, then with a nce at the tent p and likely a thought for the guards on the other side of it, she sent, I wish you would rule like that. Punish the callous and cunning. Reward the brave and kind. I wish my Alpha, you, were as ready to stand in the way for the weak¡ªand that your people were as ready to listen.

    "Get out."

    The look she gave him wasn''t frightened or angry. It was pained. As if he''d hurt her. But his insides were torn apart by the ws of her words and he couldn''t take any more. "Go find something else to do. Get out of my sight."

 Chapter 342: Scenting the Air - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 342: Scenting the Air - Part 1</h4>

    LERRIN

    Suhle sighed and her body slumped, but she nodded and pulled her hood back up before she pushed out of the tent p and into the bright,te morning sun.

    He immediately regretted sending her out and started after her, but as he reached the p, he heard the guards sniggering and stopped dead in his tracks.

    "Don''t worry," one of them muttered as she passed, "You piss the King off, one of us will be happy to take care of you."

    She growled and they bothughed. Lerrin shook with pure, murderous rage. Shoving the tent p aside, he stormed out. The two guards snapped to attention, allughter gone.

    He stared back and forth between them, keeping his face expressionless, but feeling his strength and certainty, brimming with the Alpha power until they both began to twitch with the desire to submit.

    "If either of you," he said in a voice low and smooth with promise, "or any other male in this camp ever so much as touches her, I will personally bite out his throat and throw him to the vultures." He let himself sit with the rock-solid certainty of his dominance and willingness to follow through the promise, knowing they would scent it on him. "Are we understood?"

    They both nodded and saluted. One of the quivered.

    Lerrin let himself smile the way he would at prey. "Tell your friends: If I catch one of them touching her¡ªor any female who hasn''t made the signals¡ªI''lle for them¡­ and for you."

    One of the guards dropped to a knee, fist to his chest and eyes to the dirt. "Yes, Sire."

    The other shook with the struggle not to submit, but nodded and saluted again. "Yes, Sire," he said breathlessly.

    Lerrin looked at them both a moment longer, letting the hint of a growl putter in his throat. Then he looked for Suhle, to go after her. But she was gone. "Which way did she go?"

    The guards both blinked and looked around. "I¡­ I don''t know, Sire. You came out and¡ª"

    "Hold your posts and remember what I said," he snarled, then started down the trail towards the cookpots. Perhaps she had gone to get some lunch.

    But almost an hourter he was still wandering the encampment anding up with nothing. At least, no sign of Suhle. How did she disappear that way? In part it made him relieved. She would be safe until she felt likeing back.

    And she woulde back, he told himself. She knew him well enough now to know his anger would ease. He would have to apologize to her. But she would return¡­ wouldn''t she?

    He turned back towards his tent. Perhaps she had already returned and was waiting for him?

    He picked up his pace. He was on the other side of the encampment now and it would take some time to get back. He couldn''t be seen to hurry because his rush would make others think there was reason to panic. But he could walk briskly, as if he had somewhere to be. Then those who saw him would be less likely to ask him to stop and speak.

    As he walked the trails between tents, he continued scanning for Suhle, but without any sight or scent of her, something else began to draw his attention¡ªand raise the hair on the back of his neck.

    He couldn''t quite put his finger on it.

    There were still asional campsites with the mess and ill-discipline he had rebuked earlier. He would have another word to Asta. Those who were guilty needed to be given a final warning. He would not have this self-indulgence!

    But the mess wasn''t what made his skin crawl.

    A camp like this was always busy. Fighters and scouts worked on shifts, so there were always some awake and some asleep, no matter the hour of day or night.

    And where soldiers or trackers were not working, they congregated in packs to y cards or drink.

    Lerrin had no issue with drinking. He enjoyed thistlewine in particr¡ªand in his youth he hadn''t been above a night with his pack mates getting legless.

    But now? During war? Alcohol clouded the mind and made a strong body weaker. Yet, when he passed the third fist of soldiersughing raucously though it was only lunchtime, his hackles rose.

    Then he turned a corner and found one of the servants, a washer, lugging tworge baskets ofundry back to her tent. And right on her tail, two males, smiling and nudging each other. Neither offering to help with her heavy load, though they clearly had their focus on her. And her scent prickled with¡­ weariness? Not fear, exactly. But a resigned air. As if this was not a new experience for her and one she did not enjoy, but fully expected to meet again.

    He stepped out of the way, off the hard-packed trail for her to pass with her baskets and she inclined her head towards him. "Sire," she said quietly.

    He let her pass, then stepped up before the two males, his expression intentionally stony.

    "Sire!" they both snapped to attention and saluted. So they were soldiers.

    "Busy day?" he asked them casually.

    They looked at each other, then the one on the right, with rust-colored hair and a scar on his cheek, answered. "Not today. It''s our day off," he said hesitantly, as if unsure if Lerrin approved of days off.

    He did, as it happened, by they didn''t need to know that.

    "If you wish to help with theundry, it can be arranged," he said, tipping his head. "That is why you follow her, correct? Because you want to be of aid to her?"

    The second male, dark haired and shorter, stockier, snorted augh. "Sure!" he said with a grin. "We always want to help."

    Lerrin waggled his eyebrows and the two looked at each other, smiling. Apparently these kinds of fun and games were not a surprise.

    Not even with their King.

 Chapter 343: Scenting the Air - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 343: Scenting the Air - Part 2</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin swallowed a growl and beckoned the two young soldiers closer, looking around as if he wanted to tell them something privately. They came eagerly, smiling wide and leaning in to listen.

    "If I see you harassing a female again who has not made the signals," Lerrin whispered, his voice dark with conviction, "if I see you interfering in the work of any other Anima to amuse yourselves, I am going to castrate you. With my teeth." And then he smiled.

    One of them immediately went wide-eyed, while the other still smiled a moment, as if he thought it was a joke. Then he caught his friend''s eye. Then he scented the pure fury Lerrin let himself feel at the idea that that poor female had had to walk through her day wondering if pups like these two would interfere and make her job harder.

    Or worse.

    The male''s face went somber immediately and he stepped back, dropping his eyes to the ground. "Yes, Sire," he said. "Of course. It was only a bit of fun."

    "Go have fun with females who wag their tails at you," he growled. "Leave the others alone, or I will hear of it, and I will deal with it personally."

    "Yes, Sire!" they both yelped. He sent them on their way, and they practically ran. He stood in the trail to make sure they''d go in a different direction than the female had, but as he stood there, near-shaking with rage, he could barely breathe.

    He needed to open his eyes. He needed to see what was happening within his people. And yet, he felt in himself the yearning to turn away. To rationalize. To not see or hear, because he feared what he might find.

    "Find your spine!" he muttered to himself, raking a hand through his hair. His breath was shallow and fast and he found himself shocked. He was truly frightened of what he might face. He truly recoiled¡ªhad been turning his back with a hope not to see. Not to have to address it.

    Just like his father had done when Suhle''s users were brought forward.

    Listen to the story you want to hear, rather than the one that is true.

    Creator''s Light, how had he been so blind?!

    He looked up. The trail ahead was empty. He ahd to brace himself. He would step out now, and he would examine his people. Examine himself.

    He would not let the sun go down today without understanding what and who he ruled.

    And he vowed, he would not let himself sleep tonight until he admitted his own part in it. Whatever it was.

    He could not change something he refused to see.

    Swallowing hard, he put his shoulders back and began to walk, to listen, and to observe. And to his dismay, he discovered it was even worse than he''d thought.

    *****

    Four hourster, Lerrin dragged himself back to the tent, unsurprised to find that Suhle had not yet returned. He''d crossed her scent several times in the camp during his explorations. But he hadn''t found her, nor any scent of her that was fresh enough to warrant following to find her.

    He suspected she did not want to be found just then, and he couldn''t me her.

    His pack was in disarray.

    When he opened his eyes and his nose, he found anger, petty resentments, selfish ambition, and¡­ sickeningly, a cruel and twisted thrill among some of the males.

    He''d spoken to three more males whose behavior had set his teeth on edge¡ªnever actually violent, never actually aggressive. But¡­ somehow threatening. And in two cases, toward females.

    No wonder Suhle didn''t want to sleep in other tents.

    He''d seen stressed and ragged females in every corner of the camp¡ªand even though not all seemed aware of the issues, he couldn''t help noticing that many of the females, particrly the young or low in the hierarchy, now walked with their heads down and eyes on the dirt.

    When had the wolves ever walked without pride?

    When had their females ever had to fear?

    Then he remembered Suhle''s story, and his stomach got sick.

    Apparently this thread of violence or whatever it was, had been part of his pack for many years. But he knew, he was certain, if he''d been aware of it years ago, he would not have turned from it.

    What changed within their people?

    What had changed within him?

    Rumblings in the back of his mind wanted him to look at the conversation he''d had with Reth when they meet the day the Cat killed Lucine, but that was another crisis for another day.

    Now, here, today, he had to figure out what he was going to do.

    He now understood why Suhle had pressed so hard about his willingness to allow the spies and soldiers to set up for bloodthirsty goals.

    Without discipline, a wolf who desired violence, or the subjugation of another, would crack and take what they wanted, even if the orders did not exist.

    Especially in the chaos of a battlefield.

    She was right. She had been right. And he had thrown her from the tent.

    Creator''s fangs, what was wrong with him?

    He''d been pacing in the tent, staying out of sight while he tried to wrap his mind around everything he''d seen¡ªeverything he''d been refusing to see before now.

    He had to do something¡ªbut what? The Alpha authority pulsed in his veins. His own anger and indulgence yearned to simply walk around the camp and take down every male he suspected of this cruelty.

    But the truth was, if there was enough of them, they would overpower him.

    He had to find out if they were organized. He had to find out where they hade from¡ªand? how they found each other.

    He had to find out if they followed him¡ªand whether they believed he was one of them.

    He would never be one of them.

    Do you hear me, Suhle? I will never be one of them.

    He stopped mid step, heart pounding.

    He could feel her. She was there in his mind. She''d heard him. He''d sent to her, not even knowing where she was, and she could hear him.

    How was that possible? He had trouble maintaining a mind-link with his father for more than one hundred paces. And the pack mind could only extend a mile at most, and then only when many, many wolves were connected. For small groups it was a quarter of that. Or less.

    Suhle? He sent.

    It was the strangest feeling to know she was in his mind, could feel him, could hear him. Yet she did not send back to him.

    He whined in frustration and fear.

    I''m seeing it, Suhle. I didn''t. I didn''t let myself. But today¡­ I heard you and I walked the camp. And I can see the darkness here. I am not one of them. I will root them out of our people. I vow to you.

    I will not make this mistake again.

    She huffed, but did not speak and after a minute or so, her presence left. She closed herself off. He wanted to reach for her again, to make her listen, and for a moment in a burst of anger, he almost did.

    Then he caught himself.

    That was how this must have started.

    That was how these male must have moved from honorable and forthright to¡­ whatever it was they had be.

    He couldn''t give in. If he did, he would be no better than any of them.

    But what he had to figure out was how to find them. And what to do with them once he had.

    ****

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 Chapter 344: Scenting the Air - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 344: Scenting the Air - Part 3</h4>

    LERRIN

    There was no Suhle for his bath that even and a small, coiled chill began in his stomach.

    He got his own dinner from the cookpots, and met with the resource officers to discuss the need for extra hunting packs to travel further, now that they had cleared the immediate area of food.

    He spoke with Asta¡ªcarefully¡ªabout the continuedck of discipline in the camp and asked her to gather the fist leaders in the morning.

    And he went back to the tent and readied for bed, and tried to read. But he couldn''t focus. Eventually he gave up and blew out thenterns, praying she would return. That she would not put herself at risk to avoid his anger.

    When high moon arrived and she still had not returned, he became truly worried. He prayed that she woulde back. That she woudn''t spend a night cold, or afraid, because of him.

    But it was almost an hourter before the light from the other side of the tentp flittered in and though he didn''t move, he sucked in a huge sigh of relief.

    Suhle tip-toed into the room, moving smoothly and quickly, yet he didn''t hear a sound. She truly was a master a hiding her passage.

    As she disappeared into her own space, behind the screens they''d found and erected in one corner to make a small bedroom for her.

    He debated whether to speak or send to her, to see if she would respond. But he couldn''t risk the Guards hearing what he had to say. And something about forcing her to speak in the dark¡­

    Suhle, he sent. I''m sorry. I''m so d you came back. I''m sorry. I should never have kicked you out.

    She sighed audibly. The rustling sounds of her changing her clothing made his body tighten, but he ignored it. She did not need to scent desire on him after what he''d found today.

    I looked at my people and I saw¡­ too much that is not good, he sent. You were right. I should have listened. I''m sorry. I''m calm now. I will try to make sure I stay that way.

    There was a hesitant moment where she did not move or speak. He closed his eyes and thanked the Creator when her voice bloomed in his head.

    You have not seen all of it. I am certain.

    He nodded, swallowing. I''m certain you''re right. If you would tell me, I will listen.

    She sighed and he wished he could pull down the screen between them, see her face and know what was painted there.

    Lerrin closed his eyes and focused on her scent instead, grimacing when he found edges of fear, anger, and resignation mixed right alongside her resolve and sense of purpose. He waited to see if she would agree to speak, and was rewarded when she did.

    The ill-discipline you see, the self-indulgence, that is only the beginning, she sent.

    He nodded and let her feel his conviction that she was right. Tell me, he urged.

    She sighed again. There is a portion of the males here¡ªonly a corner of them, but some are influential, and all are strong. They¡­ they want only the wolves to thrive, and for themselves they want to enjoy what they call freedom, but it is in fact only self-indulgence.

    What are they doing? he asked.

    They are taking females. Young, strong females. Females with desirable qualities.

    Lerrin felt like he''d taken a spear to the gut. But she wasn''t finished.

    They want to increase the wolf-poption. Or so they say. But in truth, they seem merely interested in their own pleasure. And power. I believe they do it mainly because¡­ they can.

    Lerrin''s breath began to tear in and out of his nose. Why didn''t you tell me?

    You didn''t want to hear it.

    He felt that like a blow as well and covered his face with his hands. I want you to know, Suhle, I will never take you. I will never ask you to give yourself. You are safe here. Always. Until your days end, you are safe you can sleep easily at night. I will offer my cover¡ªeven if I take a mate, or¡­ or anything else. And if you''re ever approached by a male who will not wait for the signals, youe to me, and I will deal with him and anyone who supports him. You will be safe. I vow it.

    I believe you, she sent and he could feel the warmth in her. Gratitude. He did not deserve it. But there is a risk to you if you address this eye-to-eye, she sent.

    What is that?

    There''s a faction in this camp that are¡­ waiting. Waiting to see if they will follow you. They are powerful and strong. They have not thrown their lot in with you yet. But they have not abandoned you either. They wait, I believe, to see if you will give in to this¡­ cruelty.

    Lerrin felt ill. And murderously angry.

    Suhle tensed, he could feel it through the link. But she did not flee.

    That is why you were so angry about me leaving these doors open? he sent reluctantly.

    Yes.

    Lerrin suddenly felt too hot. He pushed the nkets down to his waist, pulled his hands up to his face and tried to think. Tried to breathe.

    How do you know of these people? How many of them are there? he sent.

    Your sister¡­ she was sympathetic, she replied. She had told them she would bring you to it, but that they would need to wait. That you would be harder to convince.

    She knew they were harming females?! He sat bolt-upright and turned toward the screen. When she didn''t answer right away, he sent again. Suhle, tell me. Did Lucine know?

    "I thought she didn''t," Suhle whispered. "When she took me in personally, I thought she was only sensing my difort around certain males¡ªshe¡­ interrupted something once. But by the end¡­ she would warn me when they wereing, and once I heard her warning them away from someone else. She knew, Lerrin. I''m sorry. She did not like it, and she tried to protect females. But she knew."

 Chapter 345: Scenting the Air - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 345: Scenting the Air - Part 4</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin was washed in a wave of nausea¡ªa sick, putrid surge of bile. Unable to be still, he pushed out of the bed, uncertain if he would get a drink of water, vomit, or merely pace. But he had to move. And he did not light thenterns. He suddenly needed to be in the dark, hidden.

    But once he was on his feet he staggered to a halt in the middle of the floor, confused and physically ill.

    He''d known Lucine was in a bad ce. That she, like their father, had been losing her grip on reality. But he hadn''t ever imagined it had gone so far. He thought only her ambition had blinded her. That she refused to see certain things. He''d never imagined that she was actually losing her mind. Giving over to¡­ what?

    But if she was warning the males away from females, and yet continued to work with them. If she''d thought she could bring him to a ce where he would agree?

    He gagged and rushed over to the basin in case he lost his stomach. Gripping the sides he leaned over it, forcing himself to breathe, to keep his stomach in ce as his mind spun, whirling to turn him inside out.

    Everything that had happened in the weeks leading up to the Petition, up to his father''s, and then his sister''s death, began to look different. Everything the Cat had said, even¡­

    No. He could not let himself think that. His family may have been wrong, skewed in their thinking. But that did not change what had happened to the wolves over decades in the Tree City.

    Did it?

    He trembled from head to foot.

    "Did my father know?" he croaked.

    He startled when Suhle''s voice appeared from right beside him, a towel and pitcher of water appearing on the bench next him, while he gripped the basin so hard his knuckles were turning white.

    She ced the items down¡ªsomehow always of first mind to help him.

    He didn''t deserve it. He didn''t. He groaned.

    Suhle hesitated, then put a soft, tentative hand to his back.

    Lerrin closed his eyes, trying to focus on that sweet, warm touch, rather than the roiling in his stomach. It was the second time she''d reached out and he knew what it cost her to do so. She humbled him.

    Then, wisely, rather than answering him out loud, she sent to him, her voice gentle.

    I do not know if Lucan knew of the interference with females. But I do know that he was aware of the¡­ violent tendencies of these wolves. He remained neutral publicly, but encouraged it privately.

    Lerrin dropped his head, shaking it. It was an affirmation of what he''d feared, and not wanted to see.

    Had that been the beginning? Was that when he''d started choosing to blind himself to the truth? Was that the first step that had brought him here, until he was surrounded by death and destruction?

    Why didn''t you tell me sooner? he asked, careful to keep his tone away from anger.

    You were not ready to hear it, she replied simply. And I knew that you were¡­ that you believed your people were better. And I knew why.

    You were shielded from this, Lerrin, she sent, her voice firm. I heard Lucine speak to the leaders among these people¡ªif you can call them that. She warned them away from revealing themselves and their goals to you. She said you would need more motivation. She asked them for time. To trust her. I do not know¡­ I do not know if she yed a game with them. I do know she hid them from you.

    I knew some of it, he sent as if the words were dragged from him. But he knew the time hade to start owning his piece of all this. I knew that those three that went after the Queen¡­ I knew Dad must have known about them ahead, because he wasn''t surprised when we received the report. He wasn''t angry enough about the fact that they had moved without his instruction. I knew¡­ deep down I knew¡­ But this?

    Suhle sighed. Many things changed in those months before we were banished, she sent, her voice in his head simple and blunt. Many wolves became something they had not been¡ªor had not shown themselves to be before that time. My fear¡­ my fear increased, Lerrin. I had thought myself safer than I was. When your sister took me in, I thought myself safer again. I have learned from this. Nowhere is safe. Not truly.

    You are safe here. If he''d spoken the words would have been insistent. Shoved through his teeth.

    He swallowed hard several times until the nausea passed enough that he could stand and turn to face her.

    She barely reached his shoulder, but she met his eyes with all the confidence and rity of another Alpha. Even in the dark, her skin shone and her eyes¡­

    They fixed on him, pleading, hopeful¡ªand fearful.

    "Suhle, I would never¡­" he breathed.

    "I know."

    "I can''t fathom what would have taken him down that path. He hid it from me, you have to know that. I know that I allowed myself to be deceived. I didn''t want to see it. And that is my burden to carry. But you have to know, he hid it from me, and so did Lucine."

    "Because they know you are a good heart, Lerrin," she whispered. "As do I."

    They stared at each other in the dark and he wanted to touch her so badly his hands twitched. But he knew he couldn''t. He could never touch her. It would destroy her if he did.

    "Suhle¡ª"

    "Don''t, Lerrin," she said quickly, shaking her head. "I could never¡­ Don''t"

    His heart sank, but he nodded and forced himself to straighten, to keep his hands fisted at his side. To not beg her to touch him, to kiss him, to¡­

    He groaned and turned away from her, back towards the center of the tent.

    He didn''t know how it hade to this, but he was now truly fighting two wars, on two fronts.

    One against the Cat.

    The other against his own people.

    ****

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 Chapter 346: The Cost of Mercy

    <h4>Chapter 346: The Cost of Mercy</h4>

    RETH

    Reth had avoided going to the prisoners as long as he could by insisting upon receiving his briefings from the sentries and guards before he did anything else, and by speaking with Behryn briefly when his friend woke, about the most important questions to ask them. Their discussion about what information he should prioritize in the event that one of them was dying as he answered, turned Reth''s stomach, and clearly wore Behryn out. But Reth knew Aymora was right about at least one thing: The loss of these two lives¡ªif it was necessary¡ªwas better than the lives it might save.

    What Reth had to reconcile was what he would do, how he would feel, if he killed these men, but they gave him nothing. He prayed that wouldn''t be the case. Though he knew Aymora would say that their deaths would still benefit him when the rumors reached their enemies that Reth had personally tortured and killed the prisoners.

    She believed that on hearing that, any of their people who might have considered leaving the Tree City¡ªand Reth''s rule¡ªwould be convinced it wasn''t worth it.

    Reth wondered if instead he would be galvanizing his enemies and stopping the return of any of their number who might be beginning to see through the Wolves'' false fa?ade ofraderie. What if those Anima heard of his ruthlessness and felt they had no option but to support Lerrin and his rebels?

    The truth was, he would never know.

    But he''d sent one of Aymora''s assistants and a couple guards to administer the herb tincture Aymora gave him an hour ago. And it should now be at full potency. So there was nothing left to wait for. He had no choice but to go to the trees where the prisoners were being held.

    After farewelling Aymora and a silent Hollhye, he walked out of the cave with a sigh. He didn''t shift into his beast form to travel to the other side of the city. He needed his mind, and he needed the time. He spent the first half of the walk praying for wisdom and forgiveness for what he was about to do. These were the moments he wished he could speak with his father who had waged war against rebels for a full two years. But the only moment that came back to him now was the night soon after he''d returned from the human world when he''d woken in the night and needed a drink and walked out into the Great Room of the cave, only to find his father sitting in a chair by the fire, staring into it.

    At twelve he was already tall and broad, though he hadn''t reached full adolescence yet. Even so, to him his father was huge, his hand spanning almost the entire fat arm of the chair that¡­

    Reth swallowed. His own hands spanned that arm now. When had he be as big as his father?

    He shook his head and turned his mind back.

    "Dad?" he''d asked, certain his father must have fallen asleep, or perhaps been ying a game. Why else would he sit there by himself in the middle of the night?

    "Son," his father said, suddenlying alive. He''d turned his head to find Reth walking around him. "Did I wake you?"

    "No, I was thirsty." By then he was in front of his dad, his back to the fire, the orange light flickering over his father''srge form, casting a Reth-shaped-shadow across him. But even in the low light, and even sleepy, he could see his father was pale and his skin mmy. "What''s wrong? Are you sick?"

    His father had sighed and Reth had sensed in him that parental concern that meant he felt Reth wasn''t yet ready to hear the real answer, so he would make one up.

    But then he hesitated.

    Reth waited.

    His father pulled his hands into hisp and stared at them, turning them back and forth as if he were searching them for something on his skin. "Son, war is ugly," his father said suddenly, his voice low and rough. "I pray you never have to face it. But if you do¡­ do not make choices from anger. Or fear. Whatever you choose, choose it because you know it to be the very best way forward. Then, when it is over, you will still be able to look at yourself in the mirror."

    It had been lost on him, then, what his father was saying. Why he sat staring at mes in the middle of the night. But now¡­ walking towards the moment he''d always prayed he''d never be asked to face, Reth understood.

    And he knew that there really wasn''t another option. It was a provision from the Creator that these males had been captured. An opportunity to discover things about their enemy that could not only save lives, but possibly win a war.

    He knew he had to do it. He would not ask another Anima to do a job he was not prepared to do himself. And he would not put blood on the hands of someone who served him because it turned his stomach.

    No. He would do this, though he may have his own nights in front of the fire after. But the one thing he would be absolutely certain of was that he did not enter this weak, or fragile.

    So, as he turned his mind to what was toe and stalked the rest of the way to the trees where the males were being held, he spent everyst breath bing as full of himself as he was capable.

    He wanted them to smell himing. So as he walked, he scanned back through his life, remembering every victory. Every challenge he''d met, every enemy he''d faced down¡ªor killed¡ªand let himself feel his full authority. He remembered the call of his Pride, and the roar of taking his mate. He remembered every moment he''d ever seeded, every mountain peak he had climbed¡ªliteral, and figurative¡ªto reach where he was today.

    He was King.

    He was n Leader.

    He was Alpha of all.

    And he was more than a match for two fucking wolves.

    His breath was deep, but quick, his body pulsing with the Alpha power, the scent of which wafted off of him in waves and¡­ for the first time since Elia had entered Anima, he let himself be truly angry.

    These males had invaded his home, attempted to kill him¡ªand almost seeded in killing his best friend and second. Had his mate been there, they would have taken her¡ªwere likely a part of the group that had tried to in the past.

    There was a sh in his head of Elia in the meadow the night those three wolves had tried to take her¡ªthe fear and fragility on her face, the way she''d clung to himter, her body trembling. Her frantic need to get stronger, ever stronger, because she was so desperately aware of how weak she was inparison to the Anima.

    She did not need strength. He had strength for both of them, and these two were about to find that out the hardest fucking way in creation.

    He gave in to the urge to roar, to tell his enemies that he knew them and wasing for them, letting his call echo out over the entire WildWood so Lerrin could hear it too. Then he let it putter out into a growl that he held as he walked.

    Fucking wolves.

    Fucking war.

    Stealing his mate from him. Stealing his people. Stealing his soul.

    Then he caught scent of the imprisoned wolves¡ªtheir sweat, their fear, their defiance¡ªand he began to prowl.

    By the time he stalked out of the trees into the small clearing where the first storage tree stood, he throbbed with so much Alpha power, the guards were fighting the urge to submit purely at the sight of him.

    He hoped these fucking wolf cunts pissed themselves when they smelled him.

 Chapter 347: Meet the Beast

    <h4>Chapter 347: Meet the Beast</h4>

    RETH

    He stood in the middle of the now-empty storage Tree that had no windows, eyeing the wolf in front of him held by two of his guards. Two of his guards who had strong stomachs, and liked to use their fists.

    The male between them had his teeth bared, but he sagged from where they held him at the armpits. He was rtively young¡ªprobably twenty¡ªbut big and strong, in both body and mind. He''d been forced to submit when Reth walked in, but somehow he had since held out on giving Reth answers, despite the drug Aymora had provided that made his words slur asionally, and stopped his eyes fixing properly on anything.

    "This is thest time I''ll ask," Reth snarled through his teeth. "How did you reach the cave without being detected?"

    The wolf kept his chin down, his teeth bared, but his eyes locked on Reth. His breath made his shoulders heave, but he couldn''t even stand without wavering thanks to the drugs. Unfortunately, as his body failed him, his mind seemed to only get stronger.

    "Answer me, Pup!" Reth growled.

    The wolf spat on the ground. "NO!"

    Reth let his lip curl up to show his teeth and stalked across the space between them, his hands clenching and unclenching.

    "The only value you have, dog, is in information. If you will not give it, or cannot, you give me no reason to keep you alive."

    The male chuckled coldly. "Big words for a soft King."

    Reth smiled the smile he saved for prey. "You think me soft?" he asked quietly.

    "Soft for your mate, soft for your people, too soft to even attack your enemies¡ªyou had to send the Bears to do your dirty work for you."

    "Oh, no, that''s not it at all," Reth said, still smiling. He prowled right up to the prisoner, grabbing a fistful of his hair and leaning down into his face. "I was just saving my hard parts for you," he muttered, then pulled the male forward in the same moment he snapped his knee up into the male''s ribs.

    Coughing and choking, the male sagged between the guards, who both grinned, but kept him upright.

    "How did you get up there?" Reth asked again.

    The wolf male wheezed. "You''ll never¡­ learn it from me."

    "Then you, sir, are going to have a very, very unpleasant afternoon," Reth said, and smiled, showing his canines.

    Then he looked to the guards. "Release him and hold the door so he can''t escape."

    The Guards looked at each other, then let the male go¡ªwho immediately fell to his hands and knees, still sucking in air as his body tried to recover from the blow.

    While the guards positioned themselves before the door, Reth paced back and forth in front of the man.

    "So you''ve heard the stories about the soft King. The merciful King. The one who does as he pleases and charms everyone into submission, is that it?" he asked quietly.

    "The whimpering, childish King who cannot bear a challenge and tore out the throat of my Alpha because my Alpha didn''t recognize his mate? Yes."

    Reth chuckled. "Your Alpha¡ªexcuse me, former Alpha, Creator take his soul¡ªwasn''t killed because he didn''t recognize my mate. He was killed because he tried to kill her¡ªand he wasn''t strong enough to do it."

    The wolf said nothing his jaw hard, despite the way his eyes blinked and widened and he shook his head because of the drugs¡ªand probably theck of oxygen, too.

    "You have been lied to, dog," Reth snarled. "I don''t expect you to believe me, though you''d be right to. The rumors of my honest are true. But hear me on this, your only chance for survival is to be a traitor to your rebel King. I will not fill you with false tales of allowing you the freedom to return to Lerrin. Or of living among us in peace. No. The wolves underestimated my appetite for war," he lied. "And I fear you may have, perhaps, underestimated my appetite in general."

    The wolf was still struggling a little to breathe. Reth paused. "Do you know," he said softly, "I haven''t let my beast hunt in months."

    The wolf blinked again and tensed, but didn''t say anything.

    "The difficulty I have is that often once he catches the scent of blood, I struggle to wrestle back control. Have you ever experienced that, dog?" he growled.

    The wolf looked him, still wheezing, but didn''t say anything.

    "It''s a pity," Reth said, "because so often, by the time I regain control, he''s already eaten half the kill, and I don''t get to enjoy it at all." He paced back to stand before the man on the ground, then knelt right in front of him, grabbed his hair, and pulled his head up. "So, let me warn you now: If you do not speak and give me the answers I need, prepare to have your limbs eaten¡ªhe likes the thighs and buttocks the most, but it''s entirely possible he''ll take a chunk right out of your stomach. You see, he''s an animal. And they''re so practical, as you know. He actually prefers it if you don''t die quickly. Because he likes fresh meat. And it doesn''t get fresher than eating you alive."

    The wolf''s eyes widened.

    But Reth didn''t stop. "So, my warning to you is this: If you do not answer me now, while I remainpletely here, when he starts to eat your leg and you change your mind and want me toe back, it may take some time." He frowned then, pretending the thought had just urred to him. "Have you ever heard a lion crunch through a thigh bone? It''s quite impressive¡­ Though I imagine the effect will be lost on you since you''ll be, you know, screaming."

    The wolf paled, to Reth had to respect that he didn''t speak or protest. And he hadn''t wet himself. Not yet anyway.

    "Last chance," he said softly.

    The wolf pulled his head up, his entire body wavering slightly, but then he sneered. "You don''t scare me."

    Reth shrugged. Perhaps not. But perhaps this will.

    Then he shifted into his beast.

 Chapter 348: The Weight of War

    <h4>Chapter 348: The Weight of War</h4>

    RETH

    Reth sat with his back to the wall of the tree, staring at the mangled body, his breath still too fast and quick despite how long it had been since he''d wrestled back control.

    Reth wasn''t a liar. He really hadn''t let his beast hunt in months, precisely because he really did struggle to regain control when he did.

    He''d told the prisoner that. But he hadn''t believed him. Now they were here.

    Reth felt sick.

    Movement in the corner of his eye made adrenalin shoot through his system and he almost startled. But it was just the guards.

    "Sire, are¡ª"

    "Leave me," he said hoarsely. He needed time to amodate this. To prepare for the next one.

    There was a hesitation. "But¡ª"

    "LEAVE ME!" he roared.

    The guards scrambled over each other to get the door open and get themselves outside. They were strong and true, but those two had just watched their King hunt a prisoner. They were on edge¡ªbut that they still cared about him was a small balm. He knew he''d frightened them, shifting like that. But they understood the need.

    His eyes fell on the twisted, broken body in front of him. Did he have a mate, Reth wondered? Was their bond true¡ªdid she know he was gone? What about pups? He was young, likely his parents were still alive. Were they with the rebels, or here in the Tree City? Would Reth have a grieving couple in the market when they heard?

    Would he have to apologize to peace-loving parents because he''d allowed his beast to hunt their son?

    An image shed in his head, in the watery, uncertain way of memories born of the Beast. The male leaping to his feet and trying to run, looking back over his shoulder, his eyes wide. And the Beast leaping, ws extended, to rake down his back and bear him to the ground.

    As hunting went, it hadn''t been satisfying. The beast had allowed him to get up and run more than once. Until he couldn''t anymore.

    He hadn''t shifted. Which meant he was disformed. A disformed that Lerrin¡ªor his people¡ªhad given what had to be one of the most prominent roles in the war.

    And Reth''s beast had killed him, like a cat ying with a mouse.

    Exactly like that.

    What a fucking waste.

    Reth pulled his knees up, dropped his head in his hands and swallowed back the urge to weep like a cub.

    He had some time before he had to go to the other tree. He''d discussed it with Behryn, and then with Tobe. He''d known the n was good.

    When he''d asked which of the prisoners was more likely to break, everyone agreed it was the second male, in the tree closer to the edge of the City. So the decision to approach this one first had been intentional¡ªuse the resistance of the first to frighten the second and make them more malleable.

    That''s why he''d let the beast y. The screams¡­ they were a tool.

    A gut-wrenching, traumatizing, never-get-it-out-of-my-head tool.

    Because this was war and war meant death. But death meant saving lives. It was a sick and sorry truth that Reth hated.

    And now he hated himself too, for not finding a way around it.

    So he sat in the near-silent tree, and stared at the body and the blood, and did his best not to remember what he''d just witnessed, what he''d just allowed. Instead, he focused on what he still had yet to do.

    He had to confront the other prisoner and convince them to speak.

    If they did not, he had to kill them.

    And then he had to figure out how the wolves had gotten so close.

    He dropped his head in his hands again. What would Elia think of this? What would she tell him to do?

    And would he do it?

    He didn''t know. He was a tangled mess of emotion and fear, confusion and doubt. Behryn near death and Hollhye determined to take him awaypletely. Elia with only one Anima guardian and possibly shifting when she had no control, and no one there who could train her. His people torn in two and fighting each other.

    What the hell had he done? How had ite to this?

    He was suddenly exhausted and it was barely mid-afternoon. And he likely had another killing ahead of him.

    At what point was the cost of war too high? At what point did surrender make sense?

    Reth turned it over in his mind, what the Tree City would look like under Lupine rule.

    Lerrin sitting at the head table, his chilling eyes darting around the room. His second, Asta, next to him, and likely his mate by now.

    And before them¡­

    Before them only wolves.

    Reth blinked, but he could still see it.

    The wolves took dominance literally. If they ruled the Tree City, only wolves would be in positions of power. Only wolves would receive des. Only wolves would have a choice! He could see the market, the front half full of wolves and perhaps a few of their allies. But very clearly dominated by the pack.

    Then the rest of the people spread out from there. Separated entirely by Tribes, because history told him whenever a leader targeted a bloodline, the other bloodlines began to iste¡ªout of self-protection if nothing else.

    The histories were very clear: The fastest way for politics to create war in the Anima was to decide that a solitary tribe needed to be contained, or eradicated. Because even those tribes that aligned with the leaders soon discovered their differences. And instinctively knew, if they would do with you, they''d do it to you.

    The Tree City would be remade in a pack-heirarchy, choosing bloodline over merit. And always, always the wolf-family first.

    The other tribes would be weakened if they fought. Anima would be a ce of hate and fear.

    Reth mmed his fist into the floor next to him and shoved to his feet.

    No. It would not happen. Anima would not be segregated under his rule. The tribes would be unified, not pushed behind fences!

    He stormed out of the Tree, ignoring the guards who trotted up behind him as he stalked towards the other Tree, just two hundred feet away so that the wolves would have been certain to create a mind link¡ªif they were capable of it.

    He hoped this male had seen his brother die. He hoped this male would be ready to talk. He truly had no more appetite for blood today, but he would allow it. He would give his beast the call to hunt if that was what was needed. That was what leaders did.

    The guards that circled the second tree jumped to attention when he appeared, offering salute, but he ignored them too. He waited outside the door for his guards to enter first so they could be certain there were no traps.

    When the door opened wider a momentter, Reth strode in, focused on his Alpha power and letting everyone feel it.

    But one of the guards reached a hand back as he passed through the door into the tree. "Reth, I''m not sure that¡ª"

    He''d been about to snarl at the male when his eyesnded on the prisoner and his stomach flipped over, threatening to revolt.

    The prisoner had stered themselves against the opposite wall in fear, eyes wide, looking as if they tried to press themselves through it bodily.

    The prisoner was a female.

    Reth swore.

    *****

    (POSTED 10 JULY) If you''re reading this before July 12, you''re a top tier privilege reader and that means you can join my discord to be part of a private chat in which you can submit names for 3 characters this month AND I will "Anima-ise" your name for you if want!

    The first round of submissions is happening RIGHT NOW and closes in 48 hours. To join, download discord (or register on the discord dote website), hit the plus sign on the left hand menu, and enter these letters:? b3288RHR

    (There will be a small process to confirm your privilege status.)

    SEE YOU THERE!

 Chapter 349: Countdown to Death

    <h4>Chapter 349: Countdown to Death</h4>

    (August 2021) READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the very, very generous gifts you gave in July. I am always a little embarrassed when readers give extra on top of paying for my content. I am truly humbled. I want to say a special thank you to these readers whose generosity made my jaw drop:? PBMamaRae, MoonGoddess21, DaoistPrvZp, Jak_BeQuick, S_courge, April_Jo_Perez, Stacey Moncrief3242

    *****

    RETH

    Female. The other prisoner was a female. And Avaline. He knew her. Damned if he could remember her name, though. That was a blow. He was missing an opportunity to show her what real leadership looked like.

    Then her scent hit him and he almost fell to his knees.

    She was pregnant. But it was early. Did she even know?

    Reth would have groaned and asked the Creator what He thought He was doing, but the bird female watched him, her eyes wide and chest heaving.

    So, the wolves hadn''tpletely disregarded the other tribes if they were sending some of them on such important missions. Reth was surprised, but he would analyze what that meantter.

    "Leave us," Reth growled at the guards without looking away from her. "Stand outside the door. Do not enter unless I order you to, no matter what you hear."

    The guards, who had stood by to watch his beast tear apart the previous prisoner and only been wary of their own safety, both paled. "Y-yes, Sire," one of them said. They both bowed, then backed out of the door, looking at each other as soon as they thought Reth wasn''t looking. He would have sighed if it wasn''t his job to frighten the shit out of this bird.

    Creator''s Mane, what was he going to do if she didn''t talk?

    She still stood against the wall, her chin down and arms syed as if she wanted to crawl backwards through it. Her eyes were locked on his, though he didn''t give her the respect of returning the gaze. She was not a challenger to be regarded as if she had strength.

    Instead, he scanned her body, noted the dirty clothing, tear in her leathers, the scratch on her cheek. If she thought his eyes lingered on her breasts, she was sadly mistaken. He did note the lost button on her shirt, and the bruise at her jaw.

    "Did my guards rough you up, or was that a gift from your¡­ journey?" he asked, his voice as low and gruff as he could naturally make it.

    She just stared at him, wary and poised to run. There was still a good twenty feet between them. He began to unbutton his shirt, and her eyes followed his hands then snapped up to his face, shadows of the hunted behind them.

    He made himself sick. But better to frighten her, than to kill her.

    "I''m certain you heard yourrade die. It was not pretty. And it was at my hands¡ªor should I say, fangs? I will offer you the same deal I offered him¡ªwith one¡­ addition."

    He let his eyes scan from her toes to her eyes.

    Her lips pressed tight and thin, her breath tearing in and out of her long, fine nose.

    "You will tell me how the wolves came to be so close to the cave without being detected, and what their ns were to assassinate me in the event that this attempt failed. You will tell me everything you know about the leadership under Lerrin, and their ns to take the Tree City. And anything else that might be beneficial to me, or I will kill you. I will let my beast hunt you, and eat you alive. Literally. I''m sure at this point you realize I don''t make empty threats."

    Creator knew, he wished he could. But no one respected a leader who did not follow through on their word. And now that she knew he''d already taken down her teammate¡­

    "And the addition?" she asked suddenly, her voice high and melodic. He didn''t answer immediately and her throat bobbed as he popped thest of his buttons and tugged his shirt out of his trousers to reveal his muscr torso and massive shoulders.

    He pulled the shirt off his arms and tossed it to the side. Let her see exactly who she was dealing with. Then he walked towards her slowly, prowled as he would towards prey, but tilting his head and letting his eyes follow the lines of her arms, her legs. She pressed herself hard against the wall behind her, clearly terrified. Yet, though she kept her chin down, her eyes stayed on his.

    He growled, low and rolling and reached for her jaw. Her teeth clenched, but she let him turn her head back and forth while he stared at her bruises.

    "Did thise from yourrades?" he asked, stroking his thumb over the bruise on her jaw, "or my males?"

    She jerked her chin out of his grip and snapped, "Does it matter?"

    "To me it does. And before you speak, let me assure you, you will find working with me much more pleasant than working against me."

    She stared another long moment, her shoulders rising and falling with her breath.

    "Why?" she asked, breathless.

    "Why what?"

    "Why does it matter to you?"

    He narrowed his eyes, then leaned right in over her until their noses almost touched. She shrank away, but didn''t break the gaze. "Because I do not rule an ill-disciplined people," he growled. "And if this was done by my males, I wish to know why. Make sure you deserved it. Yourrade didn''t have bruises."

    She huffed. "There are many, many things that I have, that myrades do not," she muttered.

    Reth arched an eyebrow. Was she being suggestive? Bragging? Or did she need help? When she didn''t continue, he growled again. "I asked you a question," he said, low and hard.

    "That one was not done by your soldiers," she said finally, her eyes daring him to contradict her.

    He straightened then and folded his arms. Let her see the breadth of his shoulders, the size of his arms. "Interesting that you chose not to lie and potentially turn my thoughts against my own soldiers."

    "Interesting that you would care to ask about them in the first ce," she returned.

    "What is your name?"

    She eyed him for a moment. "Paryk."

    "Paryk, you were the Avaline who flew the supplies to us when we got caught in the storming back from the Bears two years ago, correct?"

    She blinked. "Yes."

    He nodded. "It was very brave of you."

    "Yes."

    Reth almostughed. But he could not let her see him soften. "So, Paryk, what made you go with the wolves?"

    She didn''t answer, and her eyes went even more guarded.

    Reth sighed. "And we were doing so well. Very well, Paryk the Brave, just remember that I wished to understand. It was you who did not wish to share. You asked what my addition was, this is it: Are you aware that you carry a chick?"

    Her eyes flew wide, then she blinked several times. "I¡­ what?"

    "Are you aware that you are pregnant?"

    "How did you know that?"

    "I have the gift for scenting it. Did you know?"

    She didn''t answer and he wanted to bite something. Didn''t she know how he valued the lives of their unborn? Hadn''t she lived under his rule her whole adult life? He growled and she flinched, but still didn''t drop his gaze.

    He was suddenly impatient. "Paryk, if you tell me why you went with the wolves¡ªif you make me understand the appeal¡ªI will give you one more day to consider your position, to consider whether you can truly expect the wolves to give you and your offspring what you need, and whether my rule was so horrendous. I will give you until high sun tomorrow to tell me what I need to know, or I will kill you, offspring or not. That is the mercy I offer you. So tell me¡­ why did you go?"

    She stared at him, her breathing faster and he could smell her suspicion and uncertainty, and also her joy.

    She wanted the babe.

    He could use that. Creator forsake him for such a thought, but it did not make it untrue.

    He could use this, if she would let him.

    Neither of them had to regret this day.

 Chapter 350: Look at Me

    <h4>Chapter 350: Look at Me</h4>

    To listen to my July Author Q & A, go to YouTube and search "Author AimeeLynn." There you''ll find a voice-acted recording of "Reth" reading Chapter 2 of this book, along with my recent author Q & A about the Anima world, tribes, and history! All for FREE! Enjoy!

    *****

    KALLE

    She''d never in her life had a man look at her¡ªreally look at her¡ªthe way Gahrye did. After they''d made love, something inside him cracked open. It touched her to her soul. And then, as they talked and kissed and the night gotter, they ended upying side by side, staring at each other.

    When he smiled, the room got lighter.

    She struggled to believe this was really happening. She put her hand to his strong shoulder and her eyes snagged on the ring now nestled on her left ring finger. Had he really proposed? Did he even know what that meant? Oh, he knew. She suspected he understood it far better than any of the men she''d known before.

    She trailed her fingers along his shoulder, down to his corbone, then his pec. She ttened her palm there, feeling his steel strength covered in velvet skin and her breath caught. Every line of him was divine¡ªflowing, masculine strength. How was it possible he saw her as a prize?

    Then she met his eyes and couldn''t decide whether tough, or weep.

    He looked at her as if he was asking the same question. She could feel it in him through the matebond.

    How was this even possible.

    He brought a hand up to her cheek, stroking with his thumb as he murmured, "So beautiful."

    She rolled her eyes to break the moment, squirming with difort. It felt like a lie to let him believe that.

    She wasn''t unattractive, she knew. She was not someone who dismissed themselves to encourage others to build them up. She was just stupidly outmatched, and she knew it. And he didn''t. She wasn''t sure how it was possible, but he really, truly, didn''t know how gorgeous and good he was.

    So, as theyy there together, staring and drinking each other in, she vowed to be the one who would make him see it.

    She would tell him every day, until he believed it. And then pray he didn''t leave her when it became clear to him just how wide the chasm was between them.

    He shivered under her hand and she suddenly realized she''d been stroking him this whole time, her hands trailing up and down his chest. And his body was alreadying back to life.

    Again with the amazing man. Male, she reminded herself. Anima didn''t refer to themselves as men very often. They usually used the term "male."

    Looking at him, she could understand why.

    Her mind shed on one of the moments when they''d finally joined, when he''d filled his hands with her, taking her in deep, rhythmic thrusts, his head thrown back¡ª

    She blinked and stifled the curling heat in her belly. But Gahrye''s eyes lit up and he scooted closer, pushing up on one elbow to loom over her, stroking her hair back off her face.

    "What did you think about just then?" he asked quietly, his fingers drawing down her scalp, creating a delicious, tingling wave that washed down her shoulders and back.

    She wanted to arch into it like a cat. "You," she breathed.

    Gahrye hummed with approval and dropped his chin to kiss her neck. She wrapped her arounds around his neck and pulled him in, desire exploding in her.

    It was embarrassing the way she wanted this man. He barely had to look at her and she was already aching for him. When he kissed her¡­ it was like her stomach exploded with light and heat.

    "What do you think about, mate? I can smell you wanting me," he groaned. But before she could answer he rolled over, gathering her into his chest and pulling her over to straddle him.

    Kalle''s breath caught when they came together so simply, and he rubbed himself against her.

    "You," she repeated, bracing herself on his chest and pressing against him until they both sighed and she dropped her head back. "Just you, Gahrye. You are¡­ you''re all I have to think about. When you touch me¡­" she trailed off as he brought his hands up to cup her breasts, then grunted and curled his body so he couldtch onto one, gripping her at her lower back and rocking into her.

    The change in angle, the pressure he brought against her made her breath stop and her mouth fall open. She dropped her head back to arch more fully into his mouth and he moaned. "Can I have you again, Kalle? Please?"

    "Yes," she breathed, curling a hand around the back of his head pulling him in as he rolled against her again. "Yes."

    "Hold on," he whispered and sat up. He was tall enough to still look down on her even though she sat on hisp. His eyes were hot and shing and his lower jaw already ck. "Hold on, mate."

    She bit her lip as he grasped her hips and shifted her, plunging into her in a single, demanding thrust.

    "Gahrye!" she sucked in and clung to his shoulders as he wrapped his arms at her lower back and tipped her backwards over them, shifting the angle again.

    "Fuck you''re beautiful. I can''t believe it, Kalle," he said, thrusting into her hard enough that her breasts jiggled. "I have ached for you my entire life. I''ve prayed to find you. I¡­ I struggle to believe you''re real," he rasped, and thrust again.

    She''d meant to answer him, she really had. But then he slid one hand into her hair, but kept the other at her hip as he took her mouth again. A tiny whimper broke in her throat when he pulled back and leaned away, looking down to where they were joined. He cursed under his breath and held her tighter.

    She should have been embarrassed. She should have worried about whether her stomach was making rolls, or whether she was hairier than he was used to¡ªor maybe, not hairy enough? These things usually urred to her. But the way he stroked her skin, the way his lips yed along the side of her neck, the groan he gave when she deepened the kiss and nipped his lower lip¡­

    All she could think about was that she was the one who''d been looking for him her whole life. He was right, this seemed impossible. And if he was right, there was a good chance she''d lose him. At least for a time.

    But she couldn''t focus on any of those things. As he began to roll, making their bodies sing together, and his hands stroked and teased and adored, his whispered love pelted her heart, all she could do was what he''d told her at the beginning.

    Hold on.

    Just hold on.

    ****

    WANT A PAPERBACK???

    There is an extra FIFTY chapters avable through the privilege system! Support Reth & Elia in the new Win-Win event (which will earn readers refunds on coins! Last month you got 12% refunds!) by buying ANY privilege tier and unlocking the chapters in those tiers every day as they be avable. (You can follow our progress in the "Explore" tab of the app. Just hit the "Win-Win" ranking which is the bottom icon on the lefthand menu!)

    AND, if you buy the TOP TIER in this book (and/or in QUEEN OF BEASTS) you will gain an entry into the drawing for a Paperback copy (only 12 in existence!) at the end of August! (You will need toment on the most-recently released top-tier chapter at some point during the month to enter, or join my discord and join the private author chat for Ruler-Level Privilege tiers by downloading discord app, click the plus sign in the left hand menu, then enter these letters: 92g42X4nRv

 Chapter 351: The Impossible You

    <h4>Chapter 351: The Impossible You</h4>

    (August 2021) READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the very, very generous gifts you gave in July. I am always a little embarrassed when readers give extra on top of paying for my content. I am truly humbled. I want to say a special thank you to these readers whose generosity made my jaw drop:? PBMamaRae, MoonGoddess21, DaoistPrvZp, Jak_BeQuick, S_courge, April_Jo_Perez, Stacey Moncrief3242

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Touching her was a world of starlight and shivering sensation on his skin. Looking at her, skin blushed and mouth open, eyes closed andshes fluttering, hearing her call his name and feeling her grip on him tighten¡­ feeling her clench around him as her desire grew¡­

    He wanted to weep.

    He''d seen this in Elia and Reth and envied it¡ªthe heat between two people that meant more than simple release. The need that drove them together, not just because their bodies demanded indulgence, but because their hearts yearned for it.

    Gahrye had mated before, many times. Sometimes it was fun. Sometimes just awkward. But it had never been like this.

    He ached for her¡ªyearned to show her something with his body that could not bemunicated in another way. He wanted to devour her, take her within himself and hold her away from the world so it could never hurt her.

    What was happening to him?

    Her kiss was frantic, desperate, demanding and he returned it in kind. Then he pulled her against him at the same time he thrust, and she cried out. Still hanging onto his neck, she let her head drop back, mouth open, as tiny sighs and groans broke from her throat in time with their lovemaking.

    Lovemaking.

    That was what this was, he realized. That was what was different.

    This was not a meeting of bodies to sate an appetite. This was a meeting of souls expressed in the flesh.

    "Creator''s Light," he gasped against her throat. He couldn''t resist any longer, he had to touch her legs.

    Dragging both hands down her back, he grasped her ass first and pulled her against him, then, when she was gasping, cupped his hands at her thighs and pulled up, urging her to wrap her legs around him. Her beautiful legs¡ªstrong muscles lined her thighs and the round swell of her calves sliding around to hold him close where they were joined made him want toe.

    "Kalle¡­ Kalle¡­" he couldn''t find words that meant enough, except to say her name.

    "I love you, Gahrye," she whispered, her voice high and thin. "Only you."

    He groaned and opened his mouth at her throat, marveling at the trust she showed in him to let him graze his teeth there, awed when her skin prickled with goosebumps and she clenched around him again so he had to slow down, or risk finishing this far too quickly.

    When he gripped her back and stopped moving, panting, she raised her head to meet his eyes. "Are you okay?" she whispered, stroking his hair.

    "I only want to make thisst," he grinned and kissed her, but the way she rolled into him at that was not going to help.

    With a groan he broke the kiss and opened his eyes, staring at her, searching her for any deceit or hesitation.

    But there was none.

    Her eyes, her scent, her body¡­ it was all open to him. Waiting for him. She wanted him and she did not hold herself back.

    He shook his head.

    "What is it?" she asked with a sh of fear in her eyes.

    He frowned immediately. "I''m sorry I have made you feel that I would run, Kalle. I''m sorry you worry that I might abandon you suddenly. I know I did that. I have done that. I''ve been¡­ fighting. Because I''m terrified of what will happen the day I have to return to Anima. But do not fear me any more. I am yours," he said simply, swallowing a pinch in his throat. "I could not run now if I wanted to¡­ and I do not wish to. That''s the problem. I will only want to be with you from this moment on. My mate. My wife." He stroked her hair back and she closed her eyes to enjoy it more fully.

    He''d meant to say more. To give her more. But seeing her that way, the pleasure on her face, he could not wait.

    With a groan, he held her tightly, rolling them both over until he was braced on his elbows and nestled between her thighs. She''d given a little shriek and opened her eyes when he moved so suddenly, but they sparkled, and when sheughed it made her tighten around him.

    Gahrye groaned again. "I cannot wait, mate." His voice was husky and tortured.

    "That''s okay¡ªoh!" she gasped when he arched his back and thrust into her, a shuddering moan breaking from his throat when she clenched.

    "Kalle, promise me¡­"

    "Anything."

    "Promise me," he rasped.

    "Anything, Gahrye. Anything." Her hand pped to his back and her fingers dug in as she gripped and pulled with him until they both began to tense.

    Bracing himself on his hands at either side of her head, he arched his lower back to pull into her and thrust. Hard. Her mouth dropped open.

    "Never," he rasped, and thrust again. "Stop." Thrust. "Loving me."

    "I won''t! Oh, Gahrye! I won''t!"

    With a long, puttering groan he gave the mating call, and let himself off his tether, pounding into her, but eyes open to watch her, breasts bouncing, mouth open, keening, her both writhing beneath his, until she was crying his name and grabbing for him, pleading.

    His climax threatened, but she hadn''t reached hers, but she was close. So close.

    Sliding one hand beneath her lower back, he lifted her up at the same moment he thrust and she gave a strangled cry, her eyes rolling back,shes fluttering and her body danced with his as she clenched around him in waves of pleasure.

    Once, twice, three times and his own orgasm hit him at the base of his spine and he moaned the mating call over and over, his soul crying for hers, as she gasped his name. Until finally he slumped, spent, over her, taking his weight on his elbows and cupping his ahdns over her head.

    If he could have hidden her from the world, from everyone and everything, he would have. If he could have stolen her away, taken her somewhere safe and locked the door, he would have.

    He would break his vows for her.

    He would die for her.

    Whatever it took, he could not let her go.

 Chapter 352: Dont Fail

    <h4>Chapter 352: Don''t Fail</h4>

    GAHRYE

    The next morning was fascinating. Gahrye had never curled up with a female before, never allowed himself¡ªor her that intimacy. But with Kalle it had been entirely natural to hold her until they both slept.

    He''d woken, bleary eyed fromck of sleep and turned to find her watching him, smiling, waiting for him to wake, her scent washed in desire.

    He''d taken her again. He''d been unable to resist.

    Reality hadn''t crashed in until theyy there together, their breaths easing, and the sun rising outside.

    She''d groaned and covered her face, and for a moment he''d panicked. "What is it?" He rolled over to lean over her, pulling her hands away so he could see her, measure her. What had happened?

    She let her hands fall, then pushed her lower lip out. "I have to go to work today," she grumbled.

    Gahrye had chuckled to cover the spear of disappointment that shot through him at the words. He''d been looking forward to cementing the bond, giving her his full attention as much as he could. But, Creator knew, he understood the need to fulfill responsibility. Even if it was fiercely inconvenient.

    "That''s nothing," he said, to reassure her. "I thought something truly awful was happening."

    "It is!" she said, blushing. "That means I have to leave this here while I go¡­ look at books!" She stroked her hand down his chest and their eyes met again.

    He leaned down to kiss her gently. "How soon do you have to go to work?" he asked gently.

    "Like, now. I mean, I need to get ready. Can I use your shower? Then all I have to do when I get home is change my clothes."

    "Of course."

    She kissed him and sighed again. "I will find a way to get off early, I swear."

    Gahrye pretended he wasn''t at all bothered when she kissed him and graoned, then slipped out of the bed, walking naked to the bathing room and throwing him a grin over her shoulder before she stepped inside.

    Hey there listening to her move, curse under her breath, turn on the shower and step inside.

    His body twitched. He wanted to shove that door open, step into the shower with her, take her against the wall and convince her not to leave. But he knew he couldn''t. The urge was strong enough to scare him, though.

    If he felt so strongly that he didn''t want to lose her for a few hours, when she would be only minutes away by one those hellish cars, what was he going to do when the day came that he had to leave and they were separated by the traverse?

    He pushed the thought away and forced himself to focus. He needed to see if Elia was up and¡­ well, he needed to check on her. Reluctantly he got out of bed and headed for the door¡ªhe''d almost opened it before he remembered he wasn''t dressed and if she was up, Elia would be embarrassed. Since he would shower after Kalle had gone, he picked up his leathers from the floor where he''d tossed them, and put them on quickly. Then stepped out in the living room. But there was nothing. Elia''s door remained closed, and nothing in the room had been moved.

    He stood there a moment wondering what to do. But sitting on the bed, staring at the door until Kalle came out of it struck him as juvenile¡ªand probably a little creepy. So he sat on the couch and stared at the door to the bedroom instead.

    But sitting there, waiting for his mate to emerge sent his mind back to all the days and times he''d yearned for this day. How differently he''d assumed it would go. And how much stronger he''d always thought he would be. And even though Kalle appeared to love him as much as he loved her, he was terrified he would kill whaty between them somehow.

    His life was marked by failure. First as an Anima when it was discovered that he couldn''t shift. That was a shame he''d carried since his earliest memories¡ªthe look on the faces of the adults around him marked either by pity, or distrust. Or both.

    Chased out by their disappointment, he''d moved out of his parents home as soon as he was old enough, but despite his best efforts, he''d been unable to support himself entirely through his work as a merchant. He''d remained reliant on the Tribe to help him survive.

    When he reached out to Elia¡ªhating to see the lost and confused look on her face because it reminded him of how he''d felt as a young colt when he hadn''t understood why he was treated differently by his peers¡ªhe''d thought perhaps he''d finally found his ce. She offered him a position of influence, as well as friendship. Then he''d touched her in front of Reth and he''d been terrified for weeks the King might remove him from the role.

    When that hadn''t happened, he''d started to rx again. He hadn''t cared that many of the people didn''t trust her, either. She''d be friends with his friends. The Outsiders embraced her, and she them.

    But then Reth learned that he''d been sneaking her out and training her¡­

    He suspected he''d never been closer to death than the day Reth pulled him aside privately and made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that he was never to remove Elia from the watch of her guards again.

    And he hadn''t. But he''d known the King would never really trust him again.

    Which was why this post meant so much to him¡ªand why he was so frightened to fail again. And yet, it seemed inevitable. He couldn''t get word to the Anima. Elia was shifting and he had no way to help her. He was one of the few Anima who could give her no meaningful help. And she still didn''t know how toe back.

    Her pregnancy was progressing faster than they''d expected, but as long as the war raged they couldn''t return.

    He felt sick when he considered what would happen if she got stuck in beast form.

    Now he had a mate¡ªa mate he was desperate to be with and who seemed to want him just as desperately. But he couldn''t tell Elia, because if he did, she''d try to make space and time for him to be with her. She''d do to him exactly what she did to Reth and hide things from him just to stop him worrying.

    And to top it all off, the answer to all these issues¡ªgetting Elia safely back to the Anima¡ªwas the one thing that would separate them.

    That scared him most of all.

    He dropped his head in his hands, his mind spinning, his gut twisting with fear.

 Chapter 353: Oops

    <h4>Chapter 353: Oops</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Images of Kalle, surrendering her throat, her body writing, her breath tearing from her in desperate pants, shed in Gahyre''s head and his skin came alight.

    How would he ever live without her?

    Then the door to the bedroom swung open and she was there, her hair wet and straggling around her neck, but her eyes bright and wide, searching for him. He stood as she stepped into the room¡ªran, really, straight to him, throwing her arms around him.

    "I was afraid you''d gone," she whispered.

    "Never."

    He took her face in his hands and kissed her with the desperation she deserved.

    When they finally pulled away she yed her hands over his chest while she spoke. "I had an idea."

    "What''s that?

    She looked up at him through hershes, then dropped her eyes back to his chest where her fingers followed the lines of his muscles and made him goosebump. "I was thinking I could ask Grandma if she can fill for me today. As long as she''s not rostered on, it would give us another day before I have to go¡ª"

    Hope broke in his chest and he took her mouth. "Yes," he whispered against her lips. "Do that."

    But he didn''t let her do it. He didn''t let her do anything. He was too busy clinging to her, kissing his love and fear and frantic desperation into her, his breath heavy, heart thundering in his ears so loud that when he heard the click of a door, he didn''t immediately register it.

    It took Kalle pulling back and blinking, apologizing, and for the sweet voice behind him to reassure her, for Gahrye to wake up and realize Elia had walked in and caught them kissing.

    And she was staring at them with tears in her eyes.

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d known it would be awkward¡ªespecially for Kalle¡ªif she''d had to tell them she''d had to listen to themst night. Gahrye would hate it if he knew she''d cried for hours because listening to his love and desire reminded her so much of Reth. And now she was the one who would sit on the sideline, yearning, but with no one to hold while her best friend found his happiness.

    And she wanted that for him. She wanted it for him so badly. But¡­ but she hurt for herself, and for Reth. And she''d been fighting her beast all night, too and¡­ it was all just too much. The idea of enduring an awkward conversation that might make one or both of them pull away¡­ she couldn''t do it.

    So she''d been a creepy stalker and waited for them to be out there together and hoped she could, just as she had, interrupt them so they all got to discover this together.

    What she hadn''t anticipated was the bullet to her heart when she saw Gahrye holding her, his fingers wed into her hair, and at her back. Just the way Reth had held her so many times.

    And just as distracted, apparently.

    It had been Kalle who pulled away first. When Gahrye turned, his eyes were wide and frightened and his face lined withck of sleep.

    "Oh! Elia! Sorry!" Kalle said, her cheeks turning red.

    Elia shook her head. "I''m sorry to interrupt," she said, and forced herself to smile. Then she inhaled. "Congrattions, you two. I didn''t know¡­ I¡­ you should have told me Gahrye!"

    He didn''t let go of Kalle, but he stared at her, pleading in his eyes. "I didn''t want to worry you," he said. "I''m not going to break my vow. I will get you home safely, no matter what."

    Elia blinked, then forced herself to p a hand, dismissing it as nothing. "Don''t even worry about it. When Reth wins the war he''lle for me himself. You probably won''t even need to leave¡ªor maybe Kalle cane with us if she wants to? Reth would never separate True Mates. That''s¡­ that''s so special you two. I really am happy for you."

    She wanted to hug Gahrye. She wanted to celebrate with him, but it hit her then what it meant that she was female and he was male.

    It hit her that this would put distance between them. That she was no longer the most important person in his life.

    She tried really hard not to hurt for that. Not to envy it.

    She tried really hard to look normal when everything about her felt different¡ªfirst because of the changes within her, then because of this. Because this, whether she wanted it to or not, would rightly¡ªnecessarily¡ªiste her further from the one man who connected her to her home.

    She wanted to weep. And she wanted to punch herself for being so selfish. Gahrye had wanted this for so long. And judging by the expression on Kalle''s face, she was aspletely surrendered to the bond as he was.

    This was a wonderful and beautiful thing. "Wee to the family, Kalle," she said, smiling genuinely. "It''s a little crazy here, but the hearts are good."

    "Um, thank you!" Kalle said looking up at Gahrye, gauging him for hisfort with the idea of what Elia wasmunicating, and Elia loved her for that.

    "You got the second best one," Elia said with a wink.

    Gahrye frowned for a moment, then his face broke into a smile. "Thank you," he said gently.

    She nodded. "Well, I don''t'' know about you two, but I''m starving. I''m going to head down for breakfast. You guys do your thing and¡­ you can join me downstairs when you''re ready, Gahrye. Kalle, you''re wee to join us for¡­ everything today," Elia chuckled, but her smile fell off quickly.

    "Thank you, but I have to work today. I''ll be around againte this afternoon though, when my shift is done."

    Gahrye snapped his head around to look at her, and she made a face at him. Clearly they were discussing something, and she''d interrupted. "Well, whatever. Anytime you''re around, please don''t hesitate. You''re Gahrye''s mate. You''re one of us now. Please be here as much and for as long as you both want."

    Gahrye gave her a grateful look, then she waved. "I''ll see you bothter," and she walked for the door, and out into the hall to go downstairs alone.

    Which wasn''t the end of the world. It wasn''t like she didn''t have breakfast alone sometimes at home, she reminded herself.

    But as she trotted down the stairs and the door to the suite closed, echoing in the hall, and her heightened hearing caught the giggle of Kalle as Gahrye¡­ did whatever he was doing to try to convince her to stay, Elia had to swallow hard, more than once.

    Everything was so different. At least this was a good thing that was new.

    But it just reminded her of what she''d lost.

 Chapter 354: Careful With Your Words

    <h4>Chapter 354: Careful With Your Words</h4>

    ELIA

    When she reached the dining room, the morning sun was glittering on the massive, old-fashioned chandelier that hung over the table, making the light prism on the walls. But Shaw sat at the head of the table, a tablet next to his te, reading something as he ate.

    "Good morning, Your Highness," he said happily as she walked to the buffet on other side of the table and picked up a te.

    "Good morning, Shaw," she said quietly, suddenly so weary. She didn''t want to talk to this strange man. She didn''t want to have to answer his inevitable questions¡ªor navigate dodging them. Gahrye''s instincts about Shaw hadn''t changed. They still didn''t know what was wrong with him, but something was not to be trusted. And as long as that was the case, she found the man tiring.

    "I haven''t been seeing you at meals very much. Are you getting enough food? You know in your condition it''s very important to eat and drink plenty. You''re providing for two now!" he said with wink that made Elia want to shudder.

    She turned her back to dish herself some food and answer when he couldn''t see her face and would be less likely to pick up the lie.

    "I''m fine," she said. "Very healthy, in fact. I haven''t had any sickness at all, yet. I guess we''ll see, won''t we?" She nced at him over her shoulder.

    Shaw nodded, his sses reflecting the light from the window behind her. Elia couldn''t figure out why that made her feel nervous, so she turned back to the food.

    By the time she was seated at the table and had taken half a dozen bites of food, Shaw was rambling about his research. It wasn''t until he mentioned the voices that her ears perked. But just as she was about to ask him, Gahrye and Kalle appeared in the doorway, making their way through¡ªvery carefully not touching¡ªto the food.

    Elia looked down at her te and stifled a smile. She was going to have to tell Gahrye if he wanted to hide their rtionship, he was going to have to stop watching her every move as if she was the most fascinating creature in Creation. And the hottest.

    Then she swallowed a mouthful of bacon along with the pinch that appeared in her throat as she remembered catching that same look on Reth''s face when she turned in a full room.

    She sighed heavily.

    Shaw looked like he was about to ask her something, when Kalle spoke to Shaw. "Have you had any luck with the house, Uncle?" she said casually, though Elia knew she was asking for Gahrye''s benefit.

    Shaw grimaced. "Sort of. I''m pretty confident of which one we should use. It will allow you ess to here, to the portal, without a vehicle. But it hasn''t been opened in years. I''m paying cleaners to go through it this week, just to make sure there''s no infestations or other issues. We should be able to move you both in a week or so."

    Elia''s skin prickled. She wanted to get out of this house, out from under the eyes of this man and the staff who lurked in the halls. But she knew this had been sprung on Shaw, and she shouldn''t expect him to be able to materialize a house of thin air.

    She just desperately wanted to rest.

    She rolled her head on her shoulders. She was so tired her skin felt too tight.

    "Have you had any progress in your research, Gahrye?" Shaw asked eagerly. "Can we arrange that interview for tomorrow do you think? I really want to get through our questions before the memory fades too much.

    Elia''s stomach went cold. If there was one part of this trip she''d been avoiding so much as thinking about, it was the voices in the traverse. Just the mention of it made her hackles rise. She rolled her shoulders.

    Gahrye nced at her, but answered Shaw reluctantly. "We''re finding little things," he said vaguely. "But nothing significant yet."

    Shaw nodded. "That''s usually how it goes until you find a nugget. Then that text will lead you to another, which leads to another. I''m sure you''ll get there. Don''t give up."

    "I won''t," Gahrye said, tly.

    Kalle looked at him, and Elia made a mental note to mention the big-eyed staring to her, as well.

    Elia shifted in her seat, suddenly ufortable¡ªuntil she realized what she felt was desire. She could scent it on Kalle and it was triggering her own.

    Oh dear lord, how embarrassing. Gahrye would smell it on her and he might think she was interested in him¡ªor worse, Shaw.

    Elia choked on her toast at the thought.

    "Elia?" Gahrye asked quietly.

    "You''ll need to be careful eating. In your state, you don''t want to take any risks," Shaw said, as if he were some kind of expert on pregnancy?

    Elia stared at him, her teeth clenched. "I assure you, I am taking no risks at all," she snarled.

    Gahrye''s scent threaded with an alert warning, while Shaw chuckled.

    "Well, we both know that''s not true. Coming here at all is a big risk, and yet, here you are!"

    Elia sucked in a breath. "You think I came here for shits and giggles?"

    Gahrye was staring a warning at her. She heard him loud and clear. But this guy was getting on her nerves.

    "No, no. Of course not!" Shaw said, putting his hands up, palms towards her. "I only meant, you can''t be too worried about the babe if you''re willing to take the traverse with it."

    "The traverse cannot touch my child," Elia spat. "And I assure you, it was only the direst need and brought me here."

    Shaw bobbed his head side to side. "Yes, yes, of course. Forgive me. I did not mean anything by it. We are, of course, thrilled that you are here. I hope you are able to make yourself avable for an interview about the voices yourself, soon?"

    Something in her chest twisted tight and Elia stifled a shudder. "I will not be speaking the voices," she replied through her teeth.

    Shaw froze, frowning. "You cannot be serious?"

    "Deadly," she said.

    *****

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 Chapter 355: Warrior

    <h4>Chapter 355: Warrior</h4>

    ELIA

    "Elia," Gahrye said, with a nce at Kalle, "I know you''re tired. Why don''t we take our meals up to the room?"

    Irritation and hot anger speared through her. Why was everyone always trying to manage her, or manipte her? Why couldn''t she just be here and deal with her life without so many people making demands or¡­ hovering?

    But then she did shudder and suddenly Gahrye''s warnings made sense. She''d been fighting the beast for so long now that she was beginning to be able to ignore the signs of it. It was bing a part of her.

    That wasn''t good. "Maybe that''s a good idea," she said quietly, and pushed out her chair to get to her feet.

    Gahrye looked at Kalle again and Elia wasn''t sure why that bugged her, but he got up and gathered his things. "Have a good day at work," he said quietly to Kalle. But he didn''t touch her, or stop to hold her.

    Elia''s stomach clenched.

    "Before you go," Shaw said as she started to walk towards the door. "That interview¡­ I really would like the opportunity to show you why it''s important that we''re able to do it¡ª"

    "Not. Today," Elia snapped.

    "I''m sorry, Your Highness¡ª"

    "Would you stop calling me that! I am not a highness. The best title is Sire, but would never ask it of you. Just call me Elia!" she snarled.

    Shaw went still, his expression stiff. "There is no need to be angry, Sire. I only wished to give you your due."

    "Then ept it when I tell you I will not speak about that¡­ that evil that is in the traverse. No person should be forced to relive it¡ªlet alone a pregnant female!"

    "You didn''t worry enough about that to avoid the traverse in the first ce," Shaw shot back and Elia felt herself go.

    She hadn''t defended. Hadn''t prepared herself for an assault from this fat little beetle of a man. So when he threw a shot at her, something within her just snapped.

    "You will not speak to me that way," she snarled, her voice bing rough and guttural.

    "Elia," Gahrye said, now directly behind her. "Let''s go."

    Shaw sniffed. "I am doing everything I can to help and you treat me as if I am an irritation to you."

    "Deal with it! I was forced toe here for the safety of myself and my child and I will not have you trying to force me into your research simply because it suits!"

    Shaw''s head jerked back and he opened his mouth.

    "Uncle, I don''t think¡ª" Kalle began, but he was too quick for her.

    "Can we even be certain you are here for safety, Elia? Do you know the Anima have never requested the use of a house before? Yet, here you are, supposedly Queen, and with a disformed Cohort, and an Anima pregnancy? I begin to wonder if we have been deceived, and that is why you want the house, so no Anima who mighte through will be able to point a finger at you."

    "WHAT?!" she growled.

    "Okay, that''s enough," Gahrye said, taking her te and handing it to Kalle who''d also gotten up. He took Elia''s hand and tried to lead her away from the table. "Let''s go get some rest."

    But Elia yanked out of his grip and strode over to put her finger in Shaw''s face. "I just fought for a year to be recognized and respected as Queen, and now you would remove it from me? YOU?!"

    "Elia," Gahrye snapped.

    "Yes," Shaw said, lips pressed thin. "Yes, I would question whether or not you are truly an Anima Queen¡ª"

    She didn''t hear what Gahrye bellowed, or what Shaw screamed like a woman as she burst into Beast form.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    "Oh my," Shaw said quietly, his eyes as wide and round as tea mugs.

    Shit.

    SHIT.

    Without thought Gahrye flowed to put himself between Kalle and Elia as Elia''s beast emerged, snarling and crouched, tailshing.

    "Elia! Elia, you can''t do this here! Please! You''re safe and you are my Queen! You are the Queen of Anima and your King is waiting for you¡­ Elia, please. You have to dominate. You have to¡­ you have¡­" he trailed off because while the Beast was not threatening him, it kept shifting, peering around or behind him to find Shaw, a low growl puttering in her great chest.

    She was huge, filling the entire space between the dining table.

    "Shaw get Kalle the fuck out of here, right now," Gahrye hissed without turning around, keeping himself between her and Elia.

    "Is it enough to go into the next room or will we need to leave the property?" Shaw asked calmly. If Gahrye hadn''t been so intent on blocking Elia''s view of them, he would have turned to gape. Was the man actually insane?

    "Uncle," Kalle said softly, her voice tense and shaking, "Leave through the kitchen, tell the staff to leave. Tell them we don''t need them today. Do NOT tell them we have a lion in here. Get everybody out and off the grounds."

    "But I need to observe¡ª"

    "NOW!" Gahrye and Kalle barked at him at the same time.

    "Okay, okay. Just¡­ you must let me interview you tomorrow and learn how she¡ª"

    "Uncle!" Kalle hissed.

    "I swear to the Creator, Shaw," Garhye snarled, "if you don''t get out of this house right now¡ª"

    "I''m going! I''m going," the man said and his voice was already fading. "But we are speaking of this tomorrow!" he called as he disappeared through the door into the kitchen and Gahrye rxed a hair.

    Elia''s beast snorted the air from her nose. But then her eyes met his and it hit him then, her dominance, her strength.

    And he didn''t know what was the best course¡ªto try to dominate her, to help Elia ovee? Or to submit? Would submission remove him as a threat, or turn him into prey?"

    "I don''t know what to do, Elia," he said quietly. "I need your help here. I''m so sorry¡­ I don''t know what to do."

    *****

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 Chapter 356: Battle of the Sexes

    <h4>Chapter 356: Battle of the Sexes</h4>

    GAHRYE

    "She needs to know she''s safe," Kalle said from directly behind him. Her hand suddenly resting on his back, right between his shoulder-des.

    Gahrye jolted. He thought she was leaving with Shaw?! "Kalle, get out of here. Beasts are unpredictable even for experienced Anima. Elia doesn''t have the control and I don''t have the experience to help her. Please you have to go¡ª"

    "I read about this," she whispered. "She needs to feel safe."

    "Good luck when she''s in this house, pregnant and without her mate. Kalle, please."

    "I think¡­ I think you need to leave, Gahrye. Let me talk to her."

    "Not on your fucking life!" he whipped his head around, to let her see how serious he was, but Elia growled and he turned back immediately, hands up. "I''m not hurting her, Elia. I''m just¡­ I need her to be safe so I can help you."

    "I am safe, Gahrye. Her beast is female, right?"

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Don''t you get it? When a woman is surrounded by men it''s an insecure feeling sometimes. Seriously. Go into the kitchen or something. Let me talk to her."

    "Kalle there is no fucking way I am leaving you alone with a lion. You need to leave!"

    Elia growled at him again and he blinked.

    "See, she agree with me," Kalle said smugly. "Look, I can prove it. Elia, if you just want to be alone with me, or even by yourself, when I step out, you turn to face me, okay?" Kalle said quietly.

    "What, no¡ª!"

    Gahrye tried to hold her back, behind him, but he could turn to see which way she went, and she simply side-stepped him.

    And when Kalle slipped around him, she immediately put herself down on her knees with her head bowed. "I recognize you," she said softly.

    Elia''s beast''s nostrils red but¡­ she turned to face Kalle and made the deep whining putter Gahrye had heard others make when they wereining.

    He shook his head. "She can''t be¡­ it can''t be¡­"

    "She''s pregnant, scared, and lonely. She just got challenged by a male. And you''re here being all aggressive."

    "But¡ª"

    "I know you meant well, and believe me, I love the dominance thing. Like, anytime, for real, Gahrye, you give me tingles when you do that. But right now she doesn''t need to be dominated, she needs to beforted. And you can''t do it."

    "I''m her best friend!"

    "You also have a penis. Trust me, there''s a time a girl just needs girls."

    Gahrye huffed, uncertain whether he shouldugh or be offended. But Elia made that noise again, and shook her head until her ears pped.

    "Please, Gahrye," Kalle said without lifting her head. "I''m not guessing. I read about this¡­ about how it''s different for males and females getting back from their beasts. So¡­ just leave, okay? I''ll be safe. I promise."

    "You can''t possibly know that!"

    She turned her head then, slowly so she wouldn''t startle Elia, and she met his eyes with a wicked grin. "Trust me, I''m surviving this so I can find you and you can do that protective thing again because that was hot, husband. That was fucking hot."

    He blinked at her, a smile threatening. But Elia growled and he tensed again.

    "She''s growling at you and your penis," Kalle said, biting her lower lip before she added. "Please, Gahrye. I can exin it all to youter, but we were trained for this since I was kid. This is just my first chance. I will be safe."

    "But¡­" he didn''t want to admit that he thought she was probably right, but the idea that there might be even the slightest threat to her was turning his bowels to water. "Kalle." He swallowed convulsively.

    She reached out and put a hand to his shin, squeezing it. "I''ming back to you. I promise," she said quietly. "I promise, Gahrye."

    Elia shook her head again, but she''de half out of her crouch and her tail wasn''tshing so furiously.

    Gahrye shook his head and blew out a breath. "I''ll go, but I''m going to be right there. If there''s even a hint that she''s stalking you¡­ you just scream. Do you understand me?"

    "Yes, I do, mate of mine. And¡ªjust a note¡ªI do enjoy it when you give orders," she said with a smile. "Now leave us alone for some girl time."

    Gahrye backed slowly toward the door to the kitchen where Shaw had left. Apparently Elia''s beast couldn''t navigatetched doors. But did that only mean he was locking his mate away with a lion?

    He looked at Kalle, still kneeling on the floor, her hand still on his leg, but her head and eyes down in submission.

    She was so confident. She had to be right. She had to be.

    Reluctantly, slowly he pushed through the door and closed it. But he stayed there, listening. He would run back in if there was any sign of violence. Any at all.

    He just had to pray he wouldn''t be toote.

    *****

    KALLE

    As soon as Gahrye disappeared behind the door, Elia made that groaning whine in her chest again and began to pace.

    Kalle kept her head down and her hands sped in herp so Elia wouldn''t see them shake. She was just d Gahrye was tense enough that he hadn''t noticed.

    "I¡­ I see you, my Queen," she said quietly. "Elia, I recognize you. I know you are truly a Ruler in Anima. Shaw was only trying to bait you. He uses that tactic sometimes to learn things. People will often give away information when they''re unsettled. He didn''t realize you were capable of this. I''m sorry we haven''t found any help for you yet, but I hope¡­ I hope I can help right now. So just¡­ be calm.

    "The only staff that are at the house this early are the cook staff and Shaw''s just had them leave, so they''re gone. The house is empty. I want you to know that I see you. And I''m here in peace. And I will happily help you if you need it. Or I can bring you through the house to your room so that you can be in the dark and find your calm there. I know you were challenged, and I know this whole ce is frightening.

    "I hope¡­ let me help you now, if I can. Come back. Be calm. Come back. No one is here to hurt you. Let me help you. Gahrye cares for you so deeply, and you''ve been so good to him, please, Elia, let me help you."

    "You already have," Elia said faintly, then sobbed.

    *****

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 Chapter 357: Trust

    <h4>Chapter 357: Trust</h4>

    LERRIN

    Suhle was, frankly, magnificent.

    He''d brought her out into a small clearing in the forest, near the ravine. Far enough away from camp to be to themselves so no one else would know. But close enough to hear if the horns were called, or there was any kind of disturbance.

    Suhle had tied her hair back¡ªthe first time he''d see her bare her neck, and he kept having to look away because it was making his body respond. Her face was covered in sweat, and it dampened the hair at her temples. But her jaw was tight and she was fierce. Even if she didn''t want to do this, she did it with everything she had.

    He adjusted her stance, then held his palms in front of her. "Again," he said in a quick, lowmand.

    She gave him a glowering look. "I told you, I do not need this."

    "The time wille, Suhle, when you don''t have warning and can''t sneak out. When you''re under the eyes of an enemy before you know you need to flee. When that happens, I will not have you ill-equipped to deal with it. Now, do the punches again."

    "Yes, Sire," she snipped sarcastically.

    He smiled. "Sir is fine. That''s what we use when we''re training."

    Her eyebrows arched, but she did the punches, shoving the words out between them. "Very well¡­ Sir. Yes¡­ sir."

    "Next time, like you mean it," Lerrin grinned.

    Something spiked in her scent a split second before she grasped his wrist, whirled herself so her back was into his chest, then snapped her hips back, pulling him diagonally over her leg.

    He was strong enough and practiced enough to brace correctly so he didn''t lose his feet. But he pitched forward. In the half-second it took him to catch his bnce, she whirled again and was gone, disappearing into the trees.

    In the second it took him to his feet under him and turned, she was gone from sight. "Very good, Suhle," he called.

    Do you believe me yet, that I do not need this training? She sent.

    "No," he said, folding his arms across his chest. "When you were caught off guard and defensive against me, you hesitated."

    "That is because it was you," she said from behind him and he was the one to startle and whirl into a defensive stance.

    It took him a second to clear his mind of the initial shock and register what she''d said.

    He blinked. "Your enemy is your enemy, no matter who they are," he said quietly.

    "You are not my enemy, Lerrin," she said softly. She stood two feet away, no longer defensive, her hands sped at her waist. "Not unless¡­ not unless you are going to go along with this."

    She was referring to the violence, assault, and¡ªhe feared¡ªrape that was urring at the hands of some of the wolves in the encampment.

    "You know I am not," he growled.

    "It has been two days. What are you waiting for?" she asked, and the expression on her face was so vulnerable, it made his gut clench.

    "I am nning," he growled. "I have to sniff them out without making them suspicious. Or any of the wolves that would support them. We cannot¡­ I cannot use falsely. If they can prove I did so it would provide room for escape for all of them. I have to catch them in the act and bring discipline there and then. But that means I have to identify them and try to infiltrate¡ª"

    She went very still and her eyes widened. But her scent was guarded, not afraid.

    What is it? he sent, looking around. Are we being watched?

    Her hearing was uncanny, he''d learned since sharing a tent with her. She said it helped her in her duties.

    "We are alone," she said softly. "I only¡­ What if I told you I had already identified some of them. That¡­ that I knew where the leaders meet. And when?"

    Lerrin froze, staring at her. "How?"

    "I cannot sleep if I do not know I am safe. It was in my interests to identify who might be a threat. And on the nights when safety could not be found, I may have¡­ used my skill to listen around the encampment."

    "Why didn''t you tell me when we spoke of this the other night?"

    "You didn''t seem ready. You were still trying to ept. And¡­ and you will not like who you find. I did¡­ I do not want to be med for revealing them to you," she said hurriedly, her eyes dropping to her hands¡ªnow blistered from the training they''d been doing. "I was going to lead you to them the next time they met and hope¡­ hope I could make it look like I just discovered them."

    "You would have lied."

    Her eyes snapped up to meet his, ring with the anger that eased his heart. He hated seeing her fearful. "I may choose not to tell you all of my truth," she whispered. "But I will never lead you astray. I will not deceive you." Then she blinked and looked down again. "Perhaps that is why I am telling you now?"

    He should warn her against hiding things from him, demand that she share anything she knew. He was her Alpha and King! But¡­ somehow he knew that would only make her retreat. He blew out a breath. "Thank you for telling me," he said. "If you would lead me to them, that would be very helpful."

    She nodded without meeting his eyes again. "When I hear of their next meeting I will tell you. Until you see them for yourself and know¡­ do not trust anyone. You cannot give wind of this to anyone. They are unaware that I know of their meetings."

    "You promise you''ll take me to them?"

    "I vow it."

    "Then I won''t speak to anyone else about it yet. But I will discipline anything I witness until we can find the root of this darkness to dig out and kill."

    Neither of them spoke for a moment.

    She seemed fragile again, all of the sudden. He supposed thinking of these males and what they''d done after what she had been through must have been sickening to her.

    "Suhle," he said softly, taking a step toward her. She tensed but didn''t flee. He held his breath and took another step so they were toe-to-toe. "I want you to know something," he whispered.

    She lifted her chin to meet his eyes, wary, but curious.

    Lerrin cleared his throat. "Any help you offer, it is your choice. Any secrets you reveal, it is because you trust me. I will never demand it of you. I want you to know that. I¡­ I trust you. Which puts you in very limitedpany. So, anything you bring me, you bring to Lerrin the male, not Lerrin the King. And anything you offer, I receive it as a male, not a ruler. Do you understand what I mean?"

    The tiniest of smiles lifted her lips. "Yes, I understand," she murmured. "Thank you."

    Then she met his gaze again and something within him broke open, twirling and twisting through his veins¡ªa shivering thrill that he couldn''t quite ce. He blinked as the sensation increased, spreading throughout his body, raising the tiny hairs on his arms and neck. A call surged in his throat and he stifled it¡ªuncertain why. But something¡­ something pressed from inside him, yearning to release. And instinct told him not to give in.

    But as he looked at her, and she at him, it seemed to Lerrin that something within her called to him, dragging at his skin, his blood¡ªpulling him towards her.

    Suddenly the urge to touch her was not merely a desire, but an aching need. His weight shifted towards her. His breathing sped up and he was forced to grip the thigh of his leathers to keep himself from reaching for her.

    It was overwhelming.

    "Suhle, can you feel that?" he whispered, brows pinched with the effort restrain himself.

    Her eyes went wide and her jaw ckened.

    "Suhle?"

    She blinked once, then again. Her mouth opened and he prickled with anticipation of what she would say. But then she blinked again and tore her eyes from him. "I¡­ I have to go," she cried suddenly, her voice shaking.

    And then she fled.

    Instinctively, Lerrin took a step after her, but caught himself, his hands trembling as that fizzing heat that had been furling in his veins suddenly died, fading out in him as she ran and the distance between them increased.

    *****

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 Chapter 358: Awakening

    <h4>Chapter 358: Awakening</h4>

    LERRIN

    He walked slowly back to camp so he wouldn''t catch her unless she wanted to be caught. The truth was, he wasn''t sure he wanted to. His mind was spinning. He was trembling. The feeling was gone now that she wasn''t there, but it had been so real. So tangible.

    He''d never experienced the True Mate''s bond, but¡­ but he''d heard. And that¡­

    But she''d fled. She''d seen in the look in his eyes, likely smelled his desire, and she''d fled.

    It hit him then, what these males were doing, what any Anima did when they vited another¡ªtook what didn''t belong to them. They stole more than they could see.

    Those males had made Suhle afraid of something that should be beautiful. Something precious. Something pleasurable.

    They''d stolen her ability to receive¡­ love.

    Lerrin snorted, swallowed, raked a hand through his hair. Even to himself he sounded like an adolescent female. But the conviction wouldn''t leave him.

    When those males took her young body against her will, they stole a piece of her that was now broken and¡­ and it might mean she could never enjoy the body of a male who would not steal, but offer himself for her. Where most Anima received the scent of desire and were ttered, or would consider if the other were of interest, Suhle had been taught to fear.

    The thought made him want to weep for her.

    Then it made him want to weep for himself. Because if he was right, they''d stolen her from him as well.

    He blew out a breath, still unable to believe what he was thinking. What he was feeling.

    It was too surreal. He couldn''t be right.

    Could he?

    Then it struck him that it didn''t actually matter even if he was. She would never take him. She would never take any male. She''d been wounded beyond healing. And she didn''t need him vering over her every time she turned around.

    If he was right or wrong, the result would be the same. Unless he caused her to fear¡ªand then she would be wounded again.

    He shook his head and swallowed the pinch in his throat. He would go back to the tent and work on those maps he''d been putting off. And when she came back, he''d be¡­ untouched. Unaware. He would not put himself in her space. He would show her she was safe and had nothing to fear. He would swallow down whatever that feeling was and he would show her she could live in peace.

    And he would give her his cover for¡­ well, forever.

    He nodded to himself, and picked up his pace. He wanted to make sure he was at the tent when she returned.

    *****

    He was dyed in the camp for almost half an hour, breaking up a fight between a fist of drunk guards. After dominating them and calling in their fist leader¡ªa graying male who shook his head and apologized to Lerrin for having to deal with the pups¡ªhis resolve to address the issues in his people was galvanized.

    He could not keep putting it off. He had to get proactive. If Suhle couldn''t find out when the next meeting was between the leaders, he would have to begin addressing the surface tensions publicly and pray they thought him only concerned about issues of discipline.

    When he reached the tent, he was deep in thought, but as the Guards saluted and he walked between them, he hesitated. "I have some very important strategies to work on. Do not allow anyone to interrupt me. If my servant returns, tell her to make tea and remain quiet while I focus. Unless the Security Council is called, I do not want to be disturbed between now and dinner."

    "Your servant is within, Sire," the male said. Did Lerrin imagine the emphasis he gave to the word "servant"? "And she isn''t alone. Would you like us to chase the male out?" the guard said, fighting a smirk.

    Lerrin frowned. "Who is with her?"

    "One of your council males. Daryn? He said he had a report for you and needed to¡ª"

    But Lerrin was already gone, shoving back the tent p and striding into his tent to find Suhle standing with her back to the bench where she prepared the tea, while the male stood over her, too close.

    Far too close.

    Lerrin growled.

    Both of them snapped their heads around to look at him. Lerrin didn''t miss Suhle reaching behind her for the knife that she used to strip herbs from their stalks while Daryn was distracted. Lerrin caught her eye once¡ªsaw the cold terror there mingled with rock-solid determination¡ªand he snarled, "What are you doing here, Daryn?"

    To Suhle he sent, Did he touch you?

    No, she replied and if she''d spoken it would have been breathless. Lerrin wanted to bite something.

    Unaware of their connection, Daryn eased back from Suhle slightly. Though he kept his stance casual, he still remained far too close to her in Lerrin''s opinion. "I was waiting for you, and I hoped your servant might make me some tea while I waited," he said, with a hot nce at Suhle.

    Her upper lip twitched to bare her teeth. But Lerrin was already striding over, putting himself between them, shoving the male back with a snarl.

    Daryn''s eyebrows popped up as he stumbled back, taken off guard. "Sire, what¡ª"

    "We are wolves. We have honor. We do not take what is not offered!" he growled, pushing Daryn back again so the male stumbled and had to catch his step.

    He straightened looking confused, and a little nervous. "Of course not, it¡­ it was just tea¡ª"

    "Do I strike you as a fool, Daryn? Do you think I miss your eyes on her? The way you stand over her? Do you think I will turn a blind eye to you pressuring a female when she has not made the signals? I will not. I do not."

    The younger male''s eyes turned stormy and he braced. "I was just asking for fucking tea."

    "Well, if you will not take her signals, receive mine: The answer is no. You are not wee here and you will never be. Get out of my tent. If I see you looming over an unreceptive female again I will personally tear out your throat."

    "It was tea!"

    "Do not lie to me!" Lerrin snarled, his voice guttural, the words trailing into a growl as he invaded the male''s space and let himself feel his Alpha power. "I am neither blind, nor a fool. I do not know what has infected our people, but you follow me and I say no. Do you understand?"

    The male held his gaze for a silent second and internally Lerrin pleaded with him to take a strike so he had reason to shift and bite out the male''s throat.

    But Daryn was on the security council for a reason. He was not stupid or blind, either. A momentter he blinked and submitted, though reluctantly.

    Lerrin continued to stand over him in warning. "You will leave here, and you will never enter my tent again save for a council meeting or personal invitation from me. Do you understand?"

    "Yes, Sire," he ground out.

    "And if I see, or hear of any situation in which a female near you feels threatened I. Will. Kill. You."

    Daryn quivered and turned away, stepping for the tent p and freedom, well aware that he had been bested, though angry about it. "Yes, Sire," he growled. Then he was gone.

 Chapter 359: Dont Move

    <h4>Chapter 359: Don''t Move</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin stayed where he was in the middle of the tent, his back still to Suhle. He could smell her¡ªa heady mix of fear, relief, and something he couldn''t identify. He clenched his hands and reminded himself that he couldn''t reach for her. Had to make herfortable. Had to let her see that he would never let her be put in this position again.

    He cleared his throat and didn''t turn. He needed another moment to be strong. "I am sorry that happened," he murmured. "I will attempt to ensure that it is not possible in future. I will give an order to the Guards that no one is to enter the tent when I am not here," he said. "Please don''t¡­ don''t be afraid to be here, Suhle. I will¡­ I am going to fix this."

    "I know," she breathed from directly behind him, much closer than he''d expected.

    He turned, startled, to find her standing toe-to-toe with him, eyes wide and locked on his.

    The bubbling that had started in his veins as soon as he saw her rose to a full boil. Heat, yearning, a desire to protect¡­ Everything within him pulled towards her so strongly, and he had to fight so hard to keep himself back, it frightened him.

    What was it about her that drew him so? And clearly not just him, but any male who spent time in herpany.

    It wasn''t just her beauty¡ªLerrin rarely noticed anymore. And she hid under that hood most of the time when there were others present¡­

    "Suhle, I''m sorry I¡ª"

    I did not run from you because I was afraid, she sent, her eyes tight and pleading.

    Hope exploded in his chest and Lerrin held his breath.

    I ran because¡­ because¡­

    She trailed off and tore her eyes away from his, looking down at the ground, her eyes darting back and forth as if she were truly searching for something.

    He waited while she struggled, praying she would find the words, praying that the growing ball of hope wouldn''t be shattered.

    I did note here for you, Lerrin. I did not know if I would stay, she sent hesitantly, still not looking at him. I came because I thought I could do good, but I swore to myself that I would not¡­ that I would not stay if¡­

    "I''m sorry," he breathed. "I should have seen it sooner. I should have let myself see it. I am¡­ I am trying, Suhle. I will not allow this to continue whether you are here or not."

    She nodded, but still sent through the bond rather than speaking to him.

    I know. I knew you were a good heart, Lerrin. I knew that pain was driving you and that when that passed, things would improve for you. I wanted¡­ I wanted to take some of that for you. To help you.

    Instinctively he reached for her¡ªto cup her face, tob her hair back so he could see her clearly. But he caught himself when she tensed, his arm halfway up.

    It grieves me that I make you fear, he sent.

    She blinked. "You do not," she said simply and finally looked at him again. "You do not frighten me at all," she whispered.

    He frowned. Yet you do not want me to touch you.

    I want you to touch me very much¡ª

    Lerrin sucked in a breath.

    ¡ªbut I fear¡­ I fear if you do I will never return from it, she sent and her eyes closed as if she were in pain.

    She was there. Right there. Hurting and confused and he didn''t know why. But he knew if he stepped wrongly, this was thest time she would ever be so close.

    Tell me, what''s the right thing to do? he pleaded with her.

    She looked up at him and his stomach dropped. There was so much grief and fear in her gaze he was certain she was about to tell him never to reach for her.

    But instead she looked into his eyes, back and forth, as if he awed her. Then she swallowed audibly. "Don''t move," she whispered.

    Lerrin froze, everything within him spinning, as she shuffled in thest inches to stand between his feet and she reached up, slowly, her fingers trembling.

    His breath came faster and his skin prickled before she even touched him, as if everything within him reached for her, pulled towards her hands, her skin.

    Then, with the lightest feather-touch, she stroked her fingertips along his forehead.

    The lines here, she sent, they are always deeper when you''re worried. I want to wipe them away.

    Then she trailed her fingers down the side of his face to his jaw, where she drew the line of it.

    This is so strong, so handsome, she sent, her cheeks pinking. But always hard when you are angry, or flustered. I want to soften it, to show you that you do not have to set yourself against everything. That you are not alone in facing what you face.

    His breath wasing faster and he prayed she wouldn''t notice¡ªuntil he realized her chest rose and fell quickly too.

    Her throat bobbed, but she didn''t remove her touch. A momentter she let her eyes drop back to where her fingers still rested on his stubbled jaw, then follow them down the line of his throat.

    He wanted to flinch away, to snarl.

    He had never in his life allowed another Anima to touch his throat.

    But with a quick, soft look in his eyes, she returned to watch herself trace the line from his jaw, down his neck, to his Adam''s apple, then the hollow between his corbones.

    And this, she sent. This is where I want to protect you.

    A tiny groan broke in his throat and her eyes snapped to his.

    Terrified that he''d frightened her, he forced himself to remain still. But she smiled, only a small smile.

    Lerrin?

    Yes?

    Don''t. Move.

    He watched as she slid her fingers to the back of his neck, then she buried them in the hair at the nape of his neck, tightening her grip there until he almost groaned again.

    Then, before he could bring himself to believe it, she pulled his head forward and down, and, watching him closely, she stretched up on her tip-toes toy her mouth over his.

    *****

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 Chapter 360: The Bond

    <h4>Chapter 360: The Bond</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin shivered, breath shuddering as her lips barely traced his, the touch so light he almost questioned if it had happened. But he sucked in deep and so did she.

    Then she traced her tongue along his, tilted her head and pulled him in and Lerrin groaned into her mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

    Suhle¡­ please¡­ he sent. Can I touch you? I would never¡ª

    Yes.

    A high, thin whine broke in his throat. Trembling with equal parts want and fear, he finally brought his shaking hands up to cup her beautiful face and took her mouth with every ounce of the love and heat he''d been trying to ignore for weeks.

    His skin tingled wherever she touched him¡ªhis lips, his jaw, her hands now trailing down his back. She breathed deep and quick. Though her kiss was slow, tentative, her scent bubbled with joy¡ªit was not threaded with fear.

    Lerrin wanted to howl.

    But still, he cautioned himself to take care with her. He''d seen her eyes shadow, her body tense too many times not to know that it could happen in a blink and he was determined to make sure she would want to kiss him again.

    So, despite the urgent desire to gather her in, to pin her to the bed and take her, to pound his heat and love into her, he kept every touch soft and slow, every slide of his lips, every delve with his tongue¡ªall of it gentle, tender. He kissed her not with his heat, but with his care, his awareness, his desire to protect.

    And he shivered as she returned the same. Her small hands traced his shoulders, trailed down his spine, then around his sides, to climb his chest with the bare, fluttering touch of a bird''s wings. And her breath got louder.

    Lerrin had mated females before, but he''d never met someone who turned his mind to rtionships. He had always assumed one day he would find a mate and make a den, and maybe even have pups. His parents had been extremely fertile by Anima standards and he''d hoped for the same.

    But he''d never thought about who the female would be. What she''d mean, or why. He''d just¡­ seen it in his mind. But this¡­ this sparkling electric touch stole his breath. Made him shake. Made him want to curl into a ball with her and weep. And made him want to pull her into his arms and possess her, body and soul.

    He had mated before.

    He''d never felt this.

    That fizz began in his veins again, twisting up his insides in a delicious spiral and feeding out through his veins to his arms, his legs, and other parts of him that he needed to ignore just then. Though it got more difficult when Suhle wed her hands into his hair and pulled him closer, pressed in harder, her breath thundering against his cheek.

    He shook¡ªtruly trembled, from head to toe. There was something within her that called to him and he couldn''t resist it as everything within him tightened and unfurled at the same time, fed out through his skin, reaching for her, calling to her, a rising wave of something he couldn''t describe. Not pleasure, not bliss, but a piece of himself.

    And suddenly he could feel her too¡ªthrough the mind link, through her skin, through her mouth that continued to dance with his, as if her blood bubbled too. As if something within her had heard him and was answering.

    Suhle¡­ he sent, though he didn''t even know what he would say.

    When she didn''t answer immediately, he fought the urge to pull her in tighter, to demand her attention, only letting his hands trail down the outside of her arms so she was never trapped against him.

    Lerrin, I¡­

    Yes?

    I need to tell you¡ª

    The sound of the two guards outside saluting and calling honor on a superior officer stopped them both cold.

    Their eyes opened while their lips still met. But when he saw the horror in her gaze he released her immediately, stepping back, but not dropping her gaze.

    She stood in ce for a moment, staring at him, her wide, liquid eyes rmed, yet¡­ grieving? He wasn''t sure and was about to ask when the tent p twitched aside and Hern stepped inside, his eyes thunderous.

    Suhle slipped aside as Lerrin straightened to meet the male, but it was an exercise in restraint not to follow her with his eyes, not to check that she was not fleeing from him.

    "Sire," Hern snapped, "An urgent report."

    "What¡ª" Lerrin croaked, then cleared his throat. "What is it?"

    Hern strode up to him, frowning slightly and looking around the tent, but then turning back to Lerrin withoutment. "The prisoners," he said, his voice gruff.

    "What about them?"

    Hern took a deep breath. "He killed Horsche. And ording to my contacts, the Bird is still being held, but under threat of the same."

    Lerrin''s stomach plunged to his toes. He felt Suhle tense behind him, which was impossible, but he couldn''t look at her to see if he was right. What had she been about to say to him? Would this mean she wouldn''t take him again? Or was this only an interruption to¡ª

    He realized he hadn''t answered Hern, had left the man standing, staring at him and shook himself to clear his head. "Did Horche break?" he asked.

    "No. Our ount is that he refused to speak, which is why he was killed so quickly."

    "And the Avaline?"

    Hern growled. "We do not know whether she is talking, or the Cat is toying with her. But her life wasn''t taken. Yet."

    "I knew it," Lerrin muttered. "I knew the Cat couldn''t control his people¡ªall those righteous speeches about unity and the better good¡ª"

    "No, Sire. He killed Horsche. Himself. The King."

    Lerrin heard Suhle gasp behind him.? He froze, his vision tunneling on Hern.

    "He¡­ what?"

    ****

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 Chapter 361: Drawing the Line

    <h4>Chapter 361: Drawing the Line</h4>

    (August 2021) READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the very, very generous gifts you gave in July. I am always a little embarrassed when readers give extra on top of paying for my content. I am truly humbled. I want to say a special thank you to these readers whose generosity made my jaw drop:? PBMamaRae, MoonGoddess21, DaoistPrvZp, Jak_BeQuick, S_courge, April_Jo_Perez, Stacey Moncrief3242

    *****

    LERRIN

    Lerrin didn''t let himself move or show any reaction.

    Hern''s face was grim. "Horche was killed by Reth. He let his beast¡­ hunt him."

    "Reth personally killed a prisoner?"

    "Tortured and killed him, yes."

    Suhle spoke and Lerrin almost jumped. She rarely spoke when other males were there. "Is it possible this is rumor rather than fact? Something¡­ something t-the Cat set up for you to hear to¡­ spark you to retaliate?" she said softly from the other side of the room. Hern looked at her oddly, then turned back to Lerrin.

    "My eyes and ears were very close. They listened to the screams. Only the King and two of his guards were in the building, and only the King left with blood on him. Plus, they heard the Lion im its kill."

    Lerrin swore, rage surging into his throat to choke him.

    Reth? The same Reth that swore to his face that they could make peace between them?

    The one who banished the wolves for having a strategy against the Queen? Who spouted pretty speeches about bringing the tribes together? Who imed he never killed except in defense of self or others?

    That Reth killed a prisoner in cold blood? Tortured them?

    Even Lerrin was stunned.

    And fucking furious.

    He could feel Suhle in his mind, her confusion and fear for what this would bring. She was at heart a peace-lover and did not want to see Lerrin bring the pack against the Tree City. But if Reth had discarded his scruples about killing, Lerrin had to step very carefully.

    What would be next? Would the Cat finally bring an all-out assault against the encampment?

    Lerrin hadn''t realized how much he''d assumed Reth''s desire for peace would hold him back. How little he''d considered the idea of the Tree City descending on them where they stood.

    He sucked in a breath and tried to focus.

    He was torn down the middle, his mind fighting for rity. He needed to talk to Suhle to understand what had just happened between them. But this¡­ this was war. This was strategy. This was the mental game.

    This was what he was good at.

    His body still tingled, yearning to go back to Suhle. But his rage screamed for release. The Cat was killing!

    In a moment it became clear¡­ it was high time Lerrin did the same.

    He hesitated, that small voice in his head urging him to caution. But he knew when his people heard about this, they would require blood for blood.

    This was no soldier killed in battle. This was murder. Lerrin had no choice.

    "Call the Security Council here. Now," he said, low and sharp. Hern nodded. "You can give us all the full report and we''ll decide the best way forward."

    But¡ªSuhle sent, then cut herself off. Suddenly she was gone from his head as if she''d never been there and Lerrin almost turned to look at her. Almost gave himself away.

    Instead, he called after Hern who was already on his way out. "Oh, and Hern?"

    "Yes, Sire?"

    "I''m removing Daryn from the Council. Either gather them without him, or if you already know a good, solid male to rece him, bring them along. But that male does not step foot in my quarters again, and he is not given authority over others¡ªespecially females. Am I understood?"

    Hern looked at him a moment, expressionless. "Understood. Though, can I ask why?"

    "I will fill you inter when we have dealt with this. But there will be many changes in theing days. Be prepared."

    Hern nodded, then stepped out. Lerrin turned to Suhle immediately, to ask her why she''d cut herself off from the link.

    But she was gone.

    Lerrin blinked at the space in front of the bench where he would have sworn she was. Where she''d gone when Hern entered.

    Hadn''t she?

    Suhle? he sent.

    But she didn''t answer. And he couldn''t feel her listening.

    *****

    Lerrin sat in the circle with the Security Council and wanted to w his hands down his face. Thebination of rage and excitement in the wolves was reaching a fever pitch. Even Hern was affected, though he battled to keep himself in check, as Lerrin did. The others though¡­ Lerrin could smell their bloodthirst.

    With Suhle gone, Lerrin had had to set up the chairs himself, and there was no calmingvender tea. So the males had joined him, and Hern had filled them in¡ªto a chorus of snarls and growls, and threats.

    While no one had actually leapt from their seats, the suggestions for retaliation had be almost ridiculous. But Lerrin sat through it all, stone-faced, and tried to bring them back into logical thinking. He was loathe to connect minds with them all, but he would do it if that''s what it took to bring them back under his hand.

    "Enough!" he snapped, when the idea of burning the city was raised again. "We will not self-destruct just because the Cat has lost his mind. This is time for cold strategy and determination. Hern, do we know where the Bird is being held?"

    Hern shook his head. "We have a rough idea, but we do not have the specific building. I believe she has been moved."

    "How much does she know?"

    "Very little. She was briefed on the operation itself, but she has had no contact with the wider strategies or ns. She''s stayed close to her tent and her Tribe until they left on this attack."

    Lerrin nodded. That as good. Their n had worked. They''d been careful to keep the other tribes at the outskirts of the encampment and away from the councils so there was no chance of them carrying information back if any of them defected back to the Tree City.

    A move Lerrin assumed Reth would have weed¡ªwhat with all his talk of mercy and unity. But perhaps he had finally snapped?

    Lerrin supposed it would only help them if the people here learned that Reth was bing ruthless. Less chance of them would leave, taking important information with them. The males around him continued to debate the merits of different approaches, but the sinking dread in Lerrin''s stomach was telling. He knew what had to be done. He''d just been hopeful that these males woulde up with an alterative that hadn''t urred to him.

    Instead, they sat here, vering over the idea of sinking their teeth into their enemies.

    If he wanted any kind of bnce or caution in this, he was going to have to do his job as Alpha and take the reins for this one.

    "I think the time hase," Lerrin said quietly.

    All discussion stopped immediately. Even Hern looked at him with sharp eyes. "What do you mean, Sire?"

    Lerrin shifted his weight and looked around the room, aching for Suhle to be there, so he could get her perspective on all of this afterwards.

    He shook his head. He needed to focus.

    "I think," he said quietly, "the time hase to stop ying at the edges of war, and to lead the charge. It''s time to take this fight to his door."

    The wolves began to howl.

    Lerrin felt sick.

 Chapter 362: Means to the End

    <h4>Chapter 362: Means to the End</h4>

    LERRIN

    The wolves were ecstatic. Lerrin wanted to vomit¡ªbut then he remembered what the Cat had done, killing his people in cold blood and the fury that rose in him stole his breath. Perhaps it was a good thing that Suhle wasn''t here. She would likely be frightened by the sense of impending violence among these males.

    "What do you see, Sire? What approach do you take?" Hern asked him¡ªless excitable than the others, he was of course the one that would turn them back to the practical.

    He looked around the circle. That was the question, wasn''t it. What approach would he take? As he caught the shing smiles and thirsty eyes around him, considered who would be best for what roles, filing through the dozen different ways he could take this, his mind turned back to one of the conversations he''d had with his father.

    It was before his father had gone to the human world, before he''d been forever changed by the events that began to roll out that night Elia arrived in Anima.

    His father had insisted on leading the team that would go to the human world and look for the Sacrifice. Lerrin had known enough not to question him in front of the others, but when they''d left and were walking home in the dark night, he''d brought it up, asked his father why he would take such a role himself.

    His father had turned to him in the moonlight. Lerrin expected a smile, a story about adventure, or perhaps some shadow of strategy that Lerrin hadn''t seening.

    Instead, his father looked somber, his gray eyes sad.

    "Never go too long between victories, son," he''d said.

    Lerrin had frowned. "What do you mean?"

    His father looked back over his shoulder in the direction of the meeting they''d just left. "The best leaders know how to use the assets around them. Know how to delegate, and bring others alongside. Make them loyal. But never let your people begin to wonder if you have lost your edge. There are times when, in order to be a leader that your people will love, your most crucial wins muste at your own hand." Then he''d looked down at Lerrin and sped his shoulder as they walked. "Always give them a reason to see you as their hero. If it''s been a long time since they''ve seen you achieve victory, they''ll start to question you the next time you face a challenge. When you face potential failure you will need their confidence in you to bolster you."

    "I don''t understand," Lerrin had said, "What does this have to do with the human sacrifice?"

    "The Creator has a n, son," Lucan had said softly. "This is fight I must wage for myself, and win¡ªto show anyone who''s watching that there''s a reason I''m the Alpha. Then when something urs that is unexpected, or weakens us, they will not look to undermine me, they will look to me for leadership."

    Lerrin blinked back to the present, heart beginning to race.

    He now understood what his father met.

    And it had been far too long since he''d taken a victory. None would be sweeter¡ªor more crucial¡ªthan to take out the Cat that killed his family and banished his people.

    "This needs a two-pronged approach," he said quietly. The males all leaned in, waiting to hear. "A team to take out the Cat¡ªa team I will lead personally¡ªand the rest to take out the City once they''re weakened and confused by his loss."

    There were growls of approval and whines of excitement to meet this announcement. But Lerrin didn''t smile, and neither did Hern.

    "Sire, I''m not sure¡ª" Hern began, but Lerrin shook his head.

    "I am. The only thing I''m not certain of is how to gain ess to him¡ªespecially now that his guard is up. It may be that we need to split our attentions¡ªweaken him by attack on two fronts so he is forced to choose which one to fight first."

    "Do you wish to assassinate, or face him down?" Craye asked¡ªthe only other wolf who had stayed quiet during the celebrations so far.

    Lerrin turned to the male and met his steely gaze. "I want to close my fangs on his neck just like he did to my father," he snarled through his teeth.

    Craye nodded. "I can get you close enough. But it will not allow a great deal of room for fighting. You would need to be utterly confident in taking him out. We couldn''t send more than two in with you."

    Lerrin sat up straighter. "I''m listening."

    Craye smiled. "We could use the entrance to the cave above the adjoining cavern that they use for bathing and¡­ entertainment."

    "I thought that was heavily guarded now, since we sent Jak?"

    "It is, but because they don''t wish to draw attention to it, most of the guards are posted inside. With the right team, I could remove the guards on the mountainside, then in the cavern itself. nt you inside to wait for him and take him when he doesn''t expect it."

    Lerrin tipped his head. "You mean at night? Won''t they have patrols?"

    "I mean in broad daylight. I mean we position you when the cave is empty so that you are waiting for him when he returns."

    Lerrin''s stomach began to fizz. "That sounds¡­ intriguing. Why have you not proposed this before now?"

    "It is only a theory. We will have challenges around shift changes and so forth. But you are skilled, Sire. I know you will not give yourself away. There are few I would trust to have the brains to navigate all the potential ways the situation could change or progress. But you are one of them."

    "You tter me."

    "No, I speak the truth. Most wolves are too¡­ excitable for this kind of work. You are not. And this is a bow we can only string once¡ªand still we might not be sessful."

    "That is the risk of war," Lerrin growled. "Very well, let''s discuss the logistics. Who and when, how we will enter the space and what we expect to find. And how to time the release of the soldiers against the City alongside this¡­"

    They got lost in strategy and nning then and Lerrin forgot about the weight in his stomach, and he almost forgot the absence created by Suhle''s disappearance. Almost. Not quite. But an hourter, he was confident they had found an appropriate way to achieve their goals. He could use this, and he could win.

    The question was, to what end?

 Chapter 363: Where Are You?

    <h4>Chapter 363: Where Are You?</h4>

    LERRIN

    It took hours. But when the council were finally finished meeting, Lerrin ordered them to begin preparations immediately.

    "I want us travelling this time tomorrow, or the next day at thetest."

    The younger members of the council barked and whooped with anticipation, while the older smiled and pped each other on the back. Although his own stomach hadn''t settled, he knew they were right to be optimistic. Their n was good. He was sure of it.

    He pped his hands and got to his feet, the others following suit.? It took a few minutes to get them all out of the tent. But he caught Hern before he left and pulled him aside.

    "Can you do me a favor and send one of your messengers to get Asta and tell her I need her here immediately?"

    "Yes, of course," Hern said, the older man looking towards the tent p where the others were slowly leaving. "Right away," he said. He looked distracted and preupied, but he saluted Lerrin, then started towards the door himself.

    Lerrin waited until he was gone¡ªthest of them¡ªand began to stack the chairs. Immediately his mind turned back to Suhle. He had a strange, ufortable tension in his belly that had nothing to do with the kiss they''d shared.

    He''d been d she''d left before that meeting. He knew she wouldn''t approve of their ns. Most especially of Lerrin taking action himself direct and personal against Reth.

    He hated to think it, but he knew, deep down, that she believed the fucking cat was a good ruler, because under him she''d felt safer. The Cat! The cat who had not only banished the wolf tribe en masse, but now had killed at least one of their number in cold blood? She thought she was safer under him?

    That little voice niggled at him. She didn''t fear Reth, she feared the males who were terrorizing females, and he couldn''t me her. But Lerrin knew, everyone in the encampment had been in the Tree City with them before they''d left. She''d been no safer then, only perhaps more hidden from them.

    Well, he would root them out. He would make her safe. She did not need fucking Reth for that.

    The thought turned his mind back to what she''d said two nights earlier.

    He would set the example of conduct and put them straight¡ªor kill them if they would notply. He would not loose that evil on the world.

    He snorted the air from his nose at the thought.

    As he put thest of the chairs in the corner, he shook his head. There were so many things he needed to do. He needed to clear this¡­ infection out of his people. He needed to take the Tree City and show the Anima what real leadership looked like. He needed to kiss Suhle again, and convince her that she was safe and¡­ and that he was always going to be there for her¡­

    He swallowed and turned away from the direction that thought tried to take him.

    Where was Asta?

    His stomach churned with nervous energy¡ªand anticipation. But also concern. Suhle had disappeared so abruptly. Instinctively, he opened himself to her and made a sending.

    Can you hear me?

    He stood there, still, not breathing, waiting to see if she would respond, see if she was open. But there was nothing. And his nerves fluttered higher.

    What if she didn''t take care and ran into one of these groups? What if she''d gone out into the forest to be away from people and some of them found her? What if¡ª

    He shook his head. Spection would only twist his mind like a pup chasing its tail. It would get him nowhere.

    He was angry, he realized, not just because the Cat had killed his people. But because he didn''t feel like Suhle was safe walking around his encampment. What kind of ce did he rule if he couldn''t be sure his ma¡ªa female he cared about was safe to be alone?

    He had to find the leaders of this faction.

    He had to root out the males that were targeting females.

    He had to find anyone that was not fullymitted to him and his pack.

    He had to bring the Tree City to its knees, and the Cat with it.

    He had to return his people, triumphant, to the center of Anima and show all of them how life should be.

    He had to find the false Queen, make sure she knew her mate had been killed, and kill her too, to avenge his sister.

    And he had to honor his father''s desire for him to live a long and fruitful life as Alpha, returning the wolves to their former glory.

    His mind spun again, turning over all the things that felt utterly necessary, things that only he could or would do. It was overwhelming.

    He needed Suhle there with her calming words and kind wisdom. He needed her there so he knew she was okay. He tried sending again.

    Suhle, please. Come back. You''re safe here. With me. Please.

    He waited, but nothing. He could not even sense that she heard. Either she was out of range, or she had cut him off.

    He suspected thetter. She had left disturbed, not only by the news of what went on in the Tree City, but because of their kiss.

    Lerrin snarled. She needed to know he would honor her! He would never press her! She was safer nowhere than at his side, no matter who was near. He groaned and raked a hand through his hair, pacing the floor. If only she would¡ª

    The tent p twitched aside and he whirled, hoping for the white hood and the silent steps, but instead, Asta, in full, ck fighting leathers stepped into the tent, her cheeks pink and temples damp. She''d been training.

    Good girl.

    "What is it?" she asked. "The messenger said it was urgent."

    "It is," he said, his voice gruff.

    Asta raised her eyebrows, waiting.

    "The Cat killed our prisoners."

    "What?!"

    "I''m going to lead the team to kill him and take back the Tree City."

    "WHAT!" Asta stepped forward, her face fierce. "Lerrin, you told me we are too important¡ª"

    "That''s why I wanted you here. This will happen in the next day or two at most. And if anything is to happen to me, you will step into my ce."

    She stopped short, mouth open, gaping.

    Lerrin nodded. "You can do it, Asta. I pray you won''t have to. But if I do not return, you can take our people. You can."

    She blinked and licked her lips. "I¡­ you wille back, of course," she said faintly. "You should not even be going!"

    "I have to, Asta. I couldn''t tell the council. Any of them. It has to be chess moves with them. But you can know. You can understand: I have to take him down. I have to end this. Or die trying. You understand, right?"

    She locked eyes with him. Her throat bobbed. Then she nodded. "Yes," she breathed finally. "I understand."

    He nodded back and breathed a little easier. "Good. Good." he said.

 Chapter 364: Needing You

    <h4>Chapter 364: Needing You</h4>

    ENJOYING THE READ? Don''t forget to vote! Your votes (powerstones) show Webnovel the kind of content you like so they''ll increase the promotions for those books. More readers mean more ie, which means I can afford to spend more time writing more chapters of the book(s) you like!

    *****

    ELIA

    It was terrifying how quickly it happened. How fast she lost control.? One second she was arguing with Shaw in the dining room, the glittering chandelier irritating her with the way it fractured light, while a twisting, wing deep in her belly made her want to bite something. Literally.

    The next she was looking at Shaw, at this room, at Gahrye and Kalle through eyes that weren''t her own.

    But then she''d been deep in the beast, deep in fear and rage, and the instinct to kill. She''d started fighting immediately, but nothing had happened. It was as if she was nothing but a passenger on this beast''s back.

    It wanted to eat Shaw.

    It wanted to eat Gahrye.

    Kalle was something of an after thought.

    As Elia realized with horror that she wasn''t sure how to stop it, she wanted to turn away. To not see what it did. The urge was there to just give up, to let it take whatever it wanted¡ªwhomever it wanted. Because that was the truth. She could feel it, and it wanted blood. It was terrified in this strange ce. It''s instincts told it to kill first, to create space and control.

    Then she''d heard that sweet, soft voice speaking her heart.

    "She needs to know she''s safe¡­ When a woman is surrounded by men it''s an insecure feeling sometimes."

    She''d wanted to argue¡ªwhen she was with Reth, when Reth was one of the males she was surrounded by, she never felt insecure or lost. But without him¡­ without him everything was scary. The things she could hear now, the things she could sense and smell. Her entire world had changed, and the only person in Creation who could make sense of it all for her wasn''t there.

    She''d been curious about this woman who seemed to know¡­ something about what she needed. Somehow she''d urged the Beast closer¡ªto do as she asked when she told Gahrye that she could prove Elia was there.

    And suddenly, it was instinctive for Elia as well, that direction. Showing the beast what she wanted, what she needed. And although there was resistance, the beast did as she asked.

    She just wished she knew how she''d managed it.

    Then, Kalle did the most amazing thing. The thing Elia hadn''t even realized she''d needed.

    She''d met eyes with the Beast¡ªnot in challenge¡ªand murmured, "I recognize you."

    The deration went straight to Elia''s heart. She hadn''t even realized she''d been feeling so lost, so bereft. As if here, somehow, she wasn''t what she used to be. As if without Reth next to her, without being present in the Tree City, she had be nothing again. No one.

    Shaw''s challenge hadn''t hurt her feelings, it had spoken her unspoken fear. It was why the Beast hade forward. And why she''d been tempted to let it stay there.

    She''d needed something to show herself that she was still Elia. Still Reth''s mate. Still the Queen of her people¡ªwhether they recognized her or not.

    That one, simple gesture had broken her heart open and she''d wanted toe back then. Except¡­ how?

    The Beast didn''t care about who was there, only that she feel safe. But Elia was fascinated to watch Kalle¡­ understanding Gahrye. It made her heart squeeze¡ªand grieve, just a little bit. She knew what it did to find that person. It was the most wonderful thing that could happen to you. But it forever changed your rtionships with everyone else.

    Gahrye wouldn''t need her, Elia, like he had before. And that was good. But Elia would miss the closeness they shared.

    And she was going tough her ass off when they were all back in Anima, in peace, and Kalle was still running circles around him.

    "I know you meant well," Kalle said and Gahrye''s eyes bulged. "And believe me, I love the dominance thing. Like, anytime, for real, Gahrye, you give me tingles when you do that. But right now she doesn''t need to be dominated, she needs to beforted. And you can''t do it."

    "I''m her best friend!"

    "You also have a penis. Trust me, there''s a time a girl just needs girls."

    If Elia had been in human form she would haveughed and sobbed in the same moment. She hadn''t thought about it, had been avoiding thoughts of Candace altogether¡­. But with Aymora with Reth, and Candace gone¡­ Kalle was right.

    Elia needed a girl friend who could understand¡­ well, just being female.

    The rest was something of a blur. Kalle spoke softly to her¡ªand Elia had the feeling that if she could have, Kalle would have stroked her fur. And as Kalle got lost in talking to her, trying to help¡­ she did.

    Elia wasn''t sure how, but at some point she simple came back. It happened as quickly as the shift had descended on her. She wasn''t even sure why.

    But she could hear Kalle. "¡­Come back. Be calm. Come back. No one is here to hurt you. Let me help you. Gahrye cares for you so deeply, and you''ve been so good to him, please, Elia, let me help you."

    Then she was there. "You already have," Elia said faintly, then sobbed.

    Kalle turned, eyes wide and they regarded each other.

    "Thank you," Elia said through her tears. "I''m not sure why I''m crying."

    "Grandma says pregnancy is a bitch," Kallemented with a shrug.

    Eliaughed and cried at the same time. "Yes, yes it is."

    They both stood there for a minute, then Elia swallowed her pride and reached out to hug the girl. The girl? She realized Kalle was probably not more than three or four years younger than her. But somehow it felt like a decade.

    She pulled her into a hug and whispered, "Thank you."

    "You''re wee. It''s what I was trained for. I''m just d it worked," Kalle said, squeezing her back.

    "Not just for this," Elia said and swallowed more tears. "Thank you for seeing Gahrye."

    Kalle sucked in a breath, then pulled back and met her eyes. "I''m pretty sure he saw me first."

    Elia nodded. "He''s good at that."

    "Yes, he is."

    There was another pause, then Elia said, "If you hurt him I am going to let my Beast eat you."

    Kalle''s eyes widened, then she grinned. "Deal."

 Chapter 365: Let Me Sleep

    <h4>Chapter 365: Let Me Sleep</h4>

    ELIA

    When Kalle called for him, Gahrye came rushing back into the room, his eyes searching Elia to make sure she was okay, but he rushed to Kalle and pulled her into his chest, his hands searching her to make sure she wasn''t injured. And then, while she murmured reassurance, he buried his nose in her hair and whispered words that Elia''s Anima ears could hear, that made her blush and squirm.

    She suddenly realized what he''d been going through, watching her and Reth for the past year.

    Dear Lord, how had the poor man not vomited¡­ or just given up and stopped helping her?

    While theyforted each other, and Kalle began to celebrate that at least something of her training had worked, Elia slipped away, back to their suite. Her entire body trembled, and she could still feel her beast vibrating under her skin, itching to get out.

    How had this happened? Why?

    It had to be the baby. Did that mean it would stop when she wasn''t pregnant anymore? Would it help her deliver, or make it worse? Hadn''t Aymora said there were times it was necessary for mother to shift? Or was that the baby? She couldn''t remember and she suddenly felt like a failure.

    She was having a baby. She''d barely given herself time to think about it. Hadn''t really believed it, to be fair. Buttely¡­ those flutters in her stomach¡­

    She looked down at herself and the loose sweater she''d put on. Loose, because she was trying to hide the fact that her belly was already distended.

    Not a great deal, just a rounded bump between her hipbones. But¡­ wasn''t it far too early for that? Shouldn''t it be several months, not several weeks, before she started to show?

    Everything within her yearned to sleep¡ªyearned to find Reth in her dreams. It was the only time she felt whole again. Even though she knew it was a dream, her mind was so good at conjuring his scent, his touch, the feeling of his skin, and the sound of his voice. The ache within her was physical and she trotted up the rest of the stairs, and down the hall.

    She was exhausted, and scared, and¡­ She just needed to sleep.

    Usually, these days, sleep was hard toe by. But when she entered the suite and there was no one there, and she closed the door of her bedroom behind her and pulled the curtains to make it as dark as it could be to her Anima eyes, her body dragged at her toy down, to close her eyes, to sleep.

    And so, she did.

    *****

    RETH

    He wasn''t aware of having fallen asleep. Hisst conscious memory was of stripping off his clothes and throwing them over a dresser in the bedroom¡ªa messy,zy thing to do. But he''d found he didn''t care.

    He''d still been thinking about how unimportant it was inparison to everything that was happening, when he rolled over and it was utterly dark.

    And Elia was there.

    "Love?!" he cried, reaching out for her.

    "Reth!" she gasped and threw her arms around his neck, one hand buried in his hair, the other arm under his neck and bent to his back.

    "Elia." His voice was choked and ended in a whine, but he didn''t care. "Elia, are you well? Is Elreth safe?"

    "Reth, I can''t do this without you!" she croaked in his ear, her lips against his jaw. "I''m terrified and sick and¡­ Reth, I shifted. Into a Lionness. It isn''t possible but it happened, and I''ve been trying to hide it, but Shaw just pissed me off and it came out and¡ªd"

    "Whoa, whoa, love¡­ shhhhhh¡­ slow down." He pulled back slightly, then realized he couldn''t see her eyes in the dark, so he pulled her back in and put his lips to her ear, stroking her back and sides, feeling the rise of her hips, and the round of her ass. "I have to tell you¡ªthis is real. Love, listen to me: If we can figure out how we''re doing this, we can do it anytime, and we can share information and¡­ Elia, this is real."

    "What? This is a dream. I wish it was real, Reth, but¡ª"

    "Elia, you left your scent on my sheetsst time. I don''t know how, but the Creator found a way. It is a blessing, because we can''t get to the portal. The Bears are holding it for us and¡­ there''s so much. So many things I need to tell you," he groaned. But then he couldn''t resist any longer and he took her mouth in a frantic, desperate kiss.

    She immediately clung to him, her entire body trembling, her skin prickling under his stroking hands, tiny whimpers bursting from her.

    "Reth, oh, Reth," she sobbed. "I can''t do this without you."

    "What? What is it, Love?"

    "This. The waiting. The changing. The uncertainty. It''s breaking my mind, Reth. I have to¡­ I have to get back to you, please."

    "Not yet, Love. But as soon as possible, I promise you."

    "Reth, please!"

    "Elia¡ª"

    Their mouths met, tongues sliding, lips demanding, breaths mingled and hot. She shuddered and he felt her back ripple and every instinct within him snapped to rm.

    "Elia¡­" he groaned and pulled her close. "Hold on. Hold onto me."

    "I need you, Reth."

    "I know. I need you too, Love. I need you more than you can imagine."

    For a moment he let himself get lost in the kiss, but his instincts were bristling and he feared he might lose the connection any second. So a momentter with a groan, he stopped kissing her¡ªeven when she leaned in and tried to keep the contact¡ªthen held her face, whispering to her.

    "I''m going to prove this to you," he rasped. "When you get back, smell yourself. Smell the back of your hand."

    He took her hand and licked the back of it, and felt her skin pebble under his grip.

    Then, in a stroke of inspiration, he sped her wrist. "This will hurt a little, but I need to do it to prove to you¡­" he trailed off, then took a fingernail and dragged it down the back of her wrist hard enough to cut the skin.

    Elia gasped and flinched, but when he let her go, murmuring his apologies, she only took his mouth again. Desperate.

    But it was toote, she was beginning to fade. And even as he made the mating call and pulled her in, she cried, "I love you, Reth! I love you!" then disappeared from within his arms.

    He roared in protest, but it made no difference. She was gone.

    Reth plowed a fist into the pillow, mming it so hard he burst a seam. His entire body shook, fighting the truth of having lost her.

    But then, as he rolled onto his back andy there panting, he brought his hands up to his face. He thought he might weep like a cub, but as he inhaled, he caught the scent of her¡ªand her blood.

    Blinking, finding himself back in the dim cave light, he lifted his finger to his nose and discovered the scent of her under his nail, where he''d raked it down the back of her wrist, to break her skin.

    He closed his eyes and sighed with relief.

    He could prove it now. He could prove it.

    ****

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 Chapter 366: Do Not Fear

    <h4>Chapter 366: Do Not Fear</h4>

    LERRIN

    Late that evening he was returning to the tent after dinner when he realized he hadn''t bathed. No wonder his entire body felt ufortable.

    Greeting the two guards, he swept into the tent where antern had been lit. He hoped it meant Suhle was back. But unfortunately, she wasn''t anywhere with in its walls. He even carefully checked her screened off corner in case she just didn''t want to speak. But, nothing.

    He didn''t like to admit to himself that he felt like he needed help and support. He''d never felt that way before in his life. Even learning from his father, being groomed for leadership had never felt like hisck, only his destiny that he was fully capable to walk into.

    Now¡­ he was not ustomed to needing to hear the thoughts of another. To weighing himself against their measure.

    And he definitely had never thought of himself as someone who needed a servant. He was a strong and capable male. The Alpha. He could draw himself a bath.

    He snorted and strode to the corner where the tub was left, ready for its next use. He knew how to heat water, and lug water. And yes, there were many who would happily do the job for him if he asked. But it didn''t feel right to invite another into Suhle''s territory. So he would do it himself.

    Forty minutester he was muttering curses under his breath and wondering why he''d even started. Every bucket of cold water he dragged back to the tent seemed full of rocks. Every kettle of hot that he heated either scalded him, or barely seemed to touch the chill of the water in the tub.

    It took almost an hour, but he finally managed to get the temperature just right¡ªsteaming, but not ready to blister his skin¡ªand he stripped and sank into it with a groan. He needed it even more now that his shoulders ached from hauling the water, and he''d gotten sweaty.

    He made a mental note to thank Suhle for the work she''d been doing every day to indulge him. He''d had no clue how hard the work was. He wondered if it was worth it¡­ but shuddered at the idea of not bathing daily¡ªor of bathing in the icy mountain streams.

    Lucine had always teased him for his fastidious care of his "fur" as she called it. And Lerrin didn''t know why. But he was always morefortable, more rxed when he was clean.

    For a few minute he just soaked in the tub with his head tipped back onto the high lip of it, eyes closed as he breathed in the steam. But eventually he knew the water would begin to cool. So with a sigh, he opened his eyes and looked for the soap and small rag he''d left on a stool next to the tub.

    And found himself staring at Suhle, her hood still up, standing just feet away, staring at him¡ªeyes wide and pleading.

    "Suhle! Are you alright?!" he started to push up, out of the tub, but she rushed forward and put a hand to his shoulder to keep him down.

    "No!" she whispered. "Stay there.

    She''d touched him in this functional way so many times, but now¡­ his skin under her hand prickled and that entire side of his body pebbled with gooseflesh.

    If she noticed, she didn''t mention it. Instead, once he''d settled back into the water without sshing it over the sides, she pulled a small stool over to sit behind him and picked up the soap and rag he''d left next to the bath.

    Lerrin''s eyes closed as she began to scrub him as she had so many times before.

    But it was an entirely different experience now, having her hands on him, her gentle touch all over his skin as her scent wafted in the steam.

    He didn''t want her behind him, he wanted her in front of him where he could look at her.

    "Who hauled the water for you?" she asked softly as she scrubbed his back. "I will make a point to thank them."

    "I did it," he said simply. "Suhle¡ª"

    "You are a good and humble man, Lerrin. But you should not do that kind ofbor when there are those whose jobs depend on doing it for you. You will have them thinking they are not needed."

    "I did need you, Suhle, but you weren''t here and you weren''t listening to me."

    Her hands on his shoulder froze.

    Lerrin swallowed, all his anger and bravado of the day gone, sucked out of him by the water, or her presence, he wasn''t sure. Suddenly none of the things he had to do seemed as frightening as the prospect of failing to keep her there, with him.

    "I was afraid you weren''ting back," he whispered, staring at his ow knees pushing up out of the water. "I want to kiss you again, Suhle, but I won''t if it will keep you here. I would rather have you close and not that close, then not with me at all."

    She didn''t move, or respond.

    "Where did you go? Were you safe?" he asked, cursing himself for the pathetic weakness of his voice.

    "I was safe, always," she whispered finally.

    "Where did you go?" he repeated.

    He heard her swallow. "I needed to think. To decide. I did not think I could be near a discussion of violence just then. I knew¡­ I know Paryk, the bird," she said softly. "She is a dear heart. I fear for her."

    "Oh, Suhle, I''m sorry. I didn''t even think about you knowing them." He twisted around in the tub so he could see her over his shoulder. "I want you to know I''m going to take care of this. I''m going to take Reth down directly. I will make sure, if he has killed her, that she is avenged. You can trust me, Suhle, I will make certain. I vow to you."

    She blinked and her eyes somehow went wider. "You would¡­ what?"

    "I''m going to the Tree City. I''m going to get to Reth and I am going to kill him," he said through his teeth. "You do not need to fear this happening again."

 Chapter 367: To Kill a King

    <h4>Chapter 367: To Kill a King</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin was still twisted in the tub to look at her over his shoulder. He''d never seen Suhle look so openly emotional¡ªshock was painted all over her features, along with fear, and something else he couldn''t be certain of. Grief?

    "Lerrin, you can''t," she breathed. "He''ll kill you."

    Lerrin growled. "Not if our n works. And even if it goes wrong, I would pit myself against him."

    "Lerrin¡ª"

    He turned back to his bath, unwilling to see the horror on her face, or consider what it meant. He spoke to the water. "I know you want to see this end peacefully, but you must see if that if he has begun killing his former people in cold blood, he is only one step away from descending on us here. It is crucial that I take the reins, keep control of the conflict¡ªwe are outnumbered."

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Do not worry, Suhle, our n allows me an escape¡ªeven if it goes wrong, I will not sacrifice myself to the Cat. I will live to fight another day. But I will be there this time to make absolutely certain he is defeated. I will not leave it in the hands of someone who cannot dominate him if ites to that."

    "But¡ª"

    He twisted around again. "Imagine this, Suhle, I will defeat him while my men take the Tree City. Then I will bring everyone together and we will clean out the bad blood. We will return to our lives¡ªyour safe life¡ªbut with the wolves at the top of the Hierarchy. That feeling you had? It wille back. I''ll make certain of it. I will not stop until it does," he finished on an urgent whisper.

    She put a hand to his shoulder. "You are¡­ too good, Lerrin. But I cannot¡ª"

    "Don''t. Don''t Suhle. Don''t say anything you can''t take back. Not yet. Let yourself think on it. Watch." He pleaded with her scent the truth on him, to see his conviction, to know it wasn''t driven by his own need for power. But because somehow, without him noticing, she had be the center of his world. She had be the face of his people who needed help. But also, so much more.

    Swallowing back the call, the words that would reveal himself when she was so obviously not ready, he pushed on, trying to convince her to stay.

    "I''m going to lead the attack on Reth. I will face him, male to male, and take him down personally."

    "Lerrin, you can''t!"

    "Yes, I can. And this is the right way. You and I both know this taunting, these skirmishes, they do not¡­ they are not honorable. That is not how to show the people what is needed, or how I will rule. You were right, Suhle. You were right that I need to show them how this should be done. So I am going to. I will face my enemy. I will outsmart him, I will dominate him, and if he will not submitpletely, I will kill him. And then I will lead the rest of the people to a ce of strength and honor¡ªone they will not have to fight for. We will take the City with the minimum of bloodshed, I swear it!"

    Her brow lined and her hand tightened on his shoulder. "If you don''t want the people to fight, why not meet Reth at the negotiation table? Or challenge him for dominance directly, without¡­ without the attack?"

    Lerrin shook his head. "It''s gone too far now. That''s no longer possible," he said, and was surprised to find he grieved the fact¡ªdespite the anger that rose right in its wake. "He has taken lives for his own purposes. He no longer fights to the win for his people, he now kills his people to win his own way. I cannot sp arms with that male."

    "But just think, Lerrin. If you were to formally challenge him for dominance, directly, people would have to ept the winner. The throne has always changed bloodlines in that way. You would not be a rebel, or revolutionary. You would just be¡­ Alpha. n Leader. The people would ept your dominance and then you could do whatever you wanted. Punish whomever you wanted. You can run anything or anyone you dominate as it should be: with true care and justice."

    As if her words created a picture, he saw a foggy version of himself, standing in the market, greeting people¡ªaddressing them, calling to celebrate,ughing with the tribes, in fact, all the things he''d¡­ all the things he''d seen Reth do most of his life.

    Lerrin shook his head, shoving the thought away.

    "No," he said firmly. "I''m sorry. It is a good idea, but it is not possible now."

    Her face fell and she dropped it into her hands.

    rmed, he pushed up out of the bath, the water trailing down his body as he picked up a towel and dried himself off while he spoke. "This will work, Suhle. Don''t give up. Give me a chance to show you. I will do what I promise. I will clean the rot out of our people. I will make a safe future for you¡ª"

    Her voice bloomed in his head, crystal clear when she sent, it isn''t the future that I''m afraid of, Lerrin.

    He blinked. What is it, then?

    Her face dragged and she closed her eyes.

    What if¡­ what if he kills you?

    The emotion that arrived through the link alongside those words hit him in the chest like a running bear. His heart tumbled backwards, flipped over and upside down, one moment ecstatic that she truly cared¡ªwas devastated at the idea of losing him¡ªbut the next, despairing, because even as she let him feel her heart, she was pulling away, retreating.

    Terrified.

    Wrapping the towel around his waist he stepped up to where she was sitting, but she got to her feet, shaking her head and circled around behind the chair to put it between them.

    He stopped in his tracks, unwilling to scare her, but when he was no longer moving, she stopped too. And she faced him, her eyes silvered with tears, but meeting his unashamed.

    "Suhle," he breathed. "When you kissed me, I never wanted to frighten you¡ª"

    Her hands shook and she fisted them at her sides, her breath shuddering as she drew it in. "You didn''t," she said.

    Then she sent, I have healed a great deal from my experiences. I have¡ªhad found a ce of bnce. A year ago I was not afraid to mate, Lerrin. Not with the right male. But it seems like ever since the new Queen came there has been an issue among the wolves. A¡­ dark thread in many of their scents. And it has gotten worse since we came here.

    I live in fear again, now, when I did not before. There have been moments here¡­

    Lerrin''s head jerked back. "Did they touch you?" he growled.

    She shook her head quickly. No, it was only¡­ I felt the threat of it. But I have heard of others. And every day it seems there is a cloud over our heads. An evil twisting within the tribe. I don''t¡­ I don''t think I can stay here, Lerrin. I''m sorry. I wanted to. I wish to. I came to you because I needed your protection, and you gave it.

    Alwayse to me, Suhle. I will always give it. Every day, for the rest of¡ª

    She flinched. And I am so¡­ grateful, Lerrin. Truly. You have had every opportunity to harm me if you wished to, and you have not. I am your servant.

    "You are not my servant!" he hissed.

    Suhle twitched, but she didn''t break the eye-contact.

    "I only meant I am grateful," she said faintly.

    Is that what the kissing was? Gratitude? he sent, his lips twisting.

    Her shoulders rose and fell with her breath as she stared at him and clearly considered whether to answer him honestly or not. But she pushed her shoulders back and didn''t drop his gaze when she said, "No. That was my heart."

    Her heard her breath stop after the admission, and he held his. They stared at each other, her eyes wide and shining with both love and fear.

    His pulse pounded in his ears until he couldn''t hear anything else. He took a stuttering step closer. "Suhle?"

    Wide-eyed, she pushed the chair aside and took a step, right up to his toes. He froze again, careful not to do anything that would scare her away. But she dropped her head to his chest and put her arms around his waist. "Will you... hold me?"

    He almost groaned with relief as he wrapped his arms around her.

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 Chapter 368: Dragged Down

    <h4>Chapter 368: Dragged Down</h4>

    LERRIN

    Holding Suhle was almost as wonderful as kissing her.

    Almost.

    Her hood was back and she was warm and soft in his arms, her cheek resting on his chest, her breath fluttering her hair. He held her, but loosely, trembling with the restraint it took not to explore her with his hands, but she trembled too, and not for the reasons he would wish.

    Her scent was aplex mix¡ªrelief when she pressed into his chest, grief, and fear foremost. But a new kind of fear. It had a quality he hadn''t sensed in her before.

    What is it, Suhle? he sent. There''s something more.

    She sighed. I fear where this will take us. I fear what might be of me. I fear what will be of you. Lerrin, Reth is not an easy foe. There is a reason he has had no challengers. He¡­ it would be so much better to meet him at the table¡ª

    He almost pushed her away. But he knew one wrong move and she would retreat forever. But he tensed and she felt it and her sending stopped.

    "That male¡­ he says he wants peace, but then he tortures and kills simple soldiers? Paryk isn''t even a fighter! He told me he wanted peace, but he does not."

    Her breath shuddered as she sucked in, then she pulled her head up and her eyes shone with tears. For him? "He told you he wanted peace?" she asked faintly.

    Lerrin nodded, and sent her the memory¡­

    ¡­Below Lerrin''s position on a wide boulder overstanding the river, Reth stood in the water, the donkey behind him. The water rippling around their legs.

    The false King''s eyes widened. "You stood for Elia?" he asked, genuinely shocked.

    Lerrin sneered. The memory twisted in his gut. "When she gave her story, yes. I saw the vision of what you hoped to achieve. I am ashamed to say I urged my father to caution in moving against you. I can see now what a betrayal that was to my people."

    "No, Lerrin, that means we can find our way through this. You and I, together¡ª" Reth took a step forward, but was stopped by Behryn grabbing the back of his shirt.

    Lerrin dropped his chin and let every ounce of hatred he felt for this man shine in his eyes. "The only way I see through this is over your grave, cat," he snarled.

    "I know you''re angry," Reth said in that patient tone that, to Lerrin, felt like fur rubbed the wrong direction. "But when this shock passes, remember, I never take the first strike. You know that. You''ve seen that in me your whole life."

    "I don''t give a shit who started the fight. You ended it, Reth. When you took my sister, you took thest of my pack. I will hunt you to any corner of the Creator''snd, but I will take you¡ª"

    "For the Creator''s sake, don''t do it, Lerrin!" Reth cried, his hands up, palms towards Lerrin. "Don''t align yourself and your word with something you''ll regret. You can still hunt me. But don''t paint yourself into a corner by vowing it. Listen!"

    "I am FINISHED listening to you!"

    "Even your father knew that listening to your enemies was never a futile effort, Lerrin," Reth growled. "Now, listen: Your wolves are on edge, erratic and violent. As angry as they are, their aggression will being out whether it''s directed at me or not. And with Lucine''s example taking Elia¡­ Don''t forget that if they''ll do it with you, they''ll do it to you."

    "I can''t decide if you''re foolish enough to believe you actually understand my people better than I do, or stupid enough to think you could intimidate me with them." Lerrin leaned forward, eyes locked with Reth in the primal challenge of predator to predator, yearning to bite out the cat''s throat. "The difference is, they love me. They serve me by choice."

    Reth sagged, shaking his head. "You have held the Alpha power for what, hours? Trust me, Lerrin, you will learn the value of a measured consideration. You showed that you have it when we discussed the attacks on Elia. I know¡­ I know this has been a difficult time, but please hear me: Should you ever discover you have reason to question this conflict, or your people are¡­ reaching for things you do not wish to take, get word to me. I will listen. We could end this together. Without bloodshed."

    "ENOUGH!" Lerrin shook with pure fury. "ENOUGH! Shut your fucking mouth, Reth. You betrayed your people¡ªall of us! But especially my sister and my tribe. We will not let a traitor stand on the throne. You broke Lucine, then buried her. And I vow you will pay!"

    For a moment he was poised there, on the edge of the rock at the edge of the water, teetering, about to leap and take his chances¡ªhis beast snarling toe forward and take them. But then something shed.

    Before Lerrin could find the source, Reth, half-crouched in the water, screamed "NO!" and threw up an arm, blocking Behryn as he moved.

    Lerrin hesitated as Behryn bellowed in frustration and the metallic sh of whatever weapon he''d thrown dropped impotently into the water twenty feet away.

    Lerrin, shocked out of his anger looked first at the rippling water, then snapped his head to find Reth, who had one arm gripped on Behryn''s wrist and the two were ring at each other¡ªalmost on the edge of violence between them.

    Had the cat just saved his life?

    Was that possible?

    What an utter, utter fool.

    Lerrin, his mouth still open, shook his head. "Weak," he said. "That was your chance and you defeated it yourself?"

    "I do not make the first strike, Lerrin." Reth''s eyes burned with conviction that only seared Lerrin''s hate. The self-righteous prick. "I told you. If you ever wish to speak with me, send a message. I will listen¡­."

    ¡­Lerrin blinked back to the present. Suhle was blinking too, and her scent a confusing mix of so many emotions he couldn''t pick them out.

    "He said all that, Suhle, then see what he did."

    She turned away from him, stepped out of his arms and Lerrin took it like a punch to the gut. "Please, don''t¡ª"

    "You''re right, of course you''re right¡­. He was wrong to kill the prisoners," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will weep for them. But¡­ but Lerrin¡­ he saved your life. His convictions¡­ they were real. He showed you they were real. He has done things he should not do, but don''t we all? Can you not see: Peace is possible."

    Lerrin''s heart began to pound as he saw the memory not through the filter of his own hate and anger, his grief. But through Suhle''s eyes. Saw it how she must see it. For a moment the world shifted¡ªhe could get a message to Reth. He could offer a negotiation. They could share territory or power. Reth could help him clean the rot from among this people¡ªand he could help Reth see the ways the Anima needed to change. He could¡ª

    Memories shed like the wings of a pheasant bursting from under foot.

    His father, skin gray and throat open.

    His sister, a de inserted in the back of her skull.

    His loyal people¡ªthrown from their homes and livelihoods despite having nothing to do with his father''s plots¡­

    A wave of rage and hate shattered the warmth he''d been feeling. Lerrin''s jaw clenched and he let his eyes go t. "The Cat sees himself as better than he is. And I will show him he is not," he said, his voice low and dark.

    Suhle sighed and swallowed.

    Lerrin sucked in a breath. "Suhle, please, believe me. I aming back. And I will keep you safe." He reached for her, slowly, so he wouldn''t frighten her.

    She didn''t frighten. But her eyes followed his hands as they came closer, then she shook her head and stepped back, then back again.

    "No, Lerrin," she whispered. "By your own memories, I cannot be a part of this. I cannot choose war where peace would be possible. I am sorry. I will pray for your safe return." Her eyes snapped up to meet his then, wide again, fear bleeding into her scent. "I will pray fervently for your safe return."

 Chapter 369: Signal Fire

    <h4>Chapter 369: Signal Fire</h4>

    RETH

    He hadn''t slept. Or at least, only barely.

    The memories of what he had done that day¡ªand thoughts of what he might do in the days toe¡ªtormented him as he stared at the ceiling of the cave in the deepest dark of the night. gued by disgust, fear, rage, and betrayal, he''d been yearning for his mate.

    His mind was already reeling, but then to have that desperate moment with his Mate? He couldn''t fathom¡­ he''d gathered before that she had shifted, but she was a Lioness? She''d have no control¡ªand stuck in the human world with only a disformed to help her. It was a recipe for disaster!

    After that first dream-meeting, he''d spent the night searching for Elia, desperate to sleep again and find her in the dream, but constantly alert in case she appeared in the furs. Which he knew could not happen, and yet his sted senses kept searching for her. Tugging at him to wake and check for her the moment he began to doze. For a time when they could be together and alone. A time when his days were marked by love, not war.

    He was out of the furs before thenterns lit, checking the guards, examining the events in his mind, searching for a way out of taking the life of an Avaline and her unborn. Waiting for the moment it would be eptable to turn up at Aymora''s cave and demand that she search the histories¡ªElia couldn''t be the first human to have be Anima. It had to be the pregnancy, surely?

    But as he walked up the path to Aymora''s cave soon after dawn, Reth''s weariness was a boulder on his back. It dragged his limbs down and slowed his mind.

    Usually the sight of his dearest friends would lift his heart, or at least bolster his hope. But this morning as he entered the cave Behryny sprawled in a cot on Aymora''s floor, and she leaned over him, her brows furrowed in concern.

    He hurried forward, a question in his eyes¡ªwas there infection?

    But Aymora''s face lightened some when she saw him, and Behryn was able to shift himself to better see Reth approach. "Good morning," he said, his voice hoarse and rough withck of sleep.

    "Morning," Aymora said.

    Behryn grunted. "You look like you got dragged backwards through a warthog''s den," he quipped, though his voice didn''t sound any better than Reth''s.

    Reth grimaced, but immediately put his hand to Aymora''s face. "I told you, Elia ising to me in the dream. It''s real. And she''s shifting. We have to figure out what''s going on!"

    Aymora blinked twice, then sniffed at his finger. Her eyebrows rose almost to her hairline. "How?!"

    "I don''t know, but it''s real. And if we can figure out how it''s happening, maybe we can use it."

    Aymora gaped, at him, but she nodded. "I''ll¡­ I''ll look into it. But, Reth¡­ I''ve never heard of this¡ª"

    "I know. I know. And I know you''re busy. But please¡­"

    "I''ll look, Reth. I will. I just¡­ don''t get your hopes too high, okay?"

    "What is going on?" Behryn asked weakly. Reth sighed and pulled up a stool to sit next to his best friend''s bed as Aymora, her mind a mask of confused preupation, continued to undress his wound.

    "Elia is shifting, and appearing to me through the dream," Reth said.

    "What? You can''t be¡ª"

    He shoved his fingers in front of Behryn''s nose, who sniffed and blinked. "Creator''s Light!"

    "My thoughts exactly. Did you sleep?" he asked gruffly.

    Behryn started to shrug, then caught himself. "Not a lot. But then, I spent half the day out of it, so we''ll see."

    "He''s healing," Aymora said quietly with a nce at Reth. "But he won''t be off this cot until tomorrow, and nothing strenuous for a week, just to be certain. We have to watch for infection and that can take days."

    Reth nodded, but Behryn rolled his eyes. Reth put a hand to his friend''s back, low down, where it wouldn''t hurt. "Do as she asks. Otherwise Hollhye will literally kill me," he muttered.

    Behryn snorted, but his heart wasn''t in it. "She''ll be here in an hour. You might want to be busy by then."

    Reth nodded and Aymora rolled her eyes. "You could both learn a great deal from a female in this."

    Reth frowned. "How so?"

    "She doesn''t want to remove Behryn from the work he loves. She wants to be heard and valued. Instead of arguing with her, ask her how she would solve the problem."

    "She would solve it by removing my Captain and Second!" Reth muttered.

    "Not if she wasn''t afraid. Behryn, you remind her how much you love your role. And Reth, you tell her she''s important so you need apromise, and ask her what she would see as a solution."

    Reth looked at Behryn, who was frowning. "I have told her many times how I love my role."

    "When you weren''t arguing? Have you asked her to see your world? Your heart? Or merely tried to prove her incorrect?"

    Behryn''s frown deepened. Reth would haveughed, but Aymora gave him a look that included him in her question and he turned away.

    Aymora went back to dabbing some kind of mixture onto Behryn''s wound and Behryn winced. "Distract me, brother," he said through his teeth. "What have you decided to do with the Bird?"

    Reth sighed heavily and wed his hand through his hair. "I have no choice," he said. "I have to¡ª"

    Footsteps sounded on the path outside the door. Running footsteps. Reth was on his feet so fast the stool fell over, but the guards didn''t alert, and a momentter Tobe ran into the cave, his eyes wide.

    "Captain do you know ¡ªoh, Sire! You are here!"

    He slid to a halt in front of them, panting¡ªwhich meant he''d truly been running. The Equine were notoriously long-winded.

    "Yes, I am," Reth said calmly, though it was a fa?ade. "What has happened?"

    Tobe looked over his shoulder, panting, then turned back to them and murmured barely loud enough to be heard. "There''s been a message from one of your contacts within the encampment, sir!"

    All three of them froze.

    Reth looked at the open door to the cave, then strode over to close it, before returning to Tobe and the others. "Which one?"

    "I don''t know. An arrow was shot into one of the sentry posts with the message tied to it."

    "What?!"

    Tobe nodded and pulled a small piece of parchment from his little bag, unfolding it and handing it to Reth. "The Sentry said they didn''t see anyone."

    "I bet they shit themselves," Behryn muttered.

    "I would assume so. I didn''t see them until a messenger reached me, but¡­ the male was pale," Tobe said, his lips twitching.

    Reth looked at the parchment first¡ªclean and smooth, it had obviously been tied with some care around the arrow if it had reached them in such good condition. Or the arrow had flown true¡ªwhich didn''t seem likely with the uneven weight and airflow that would ur with the message tied to it.

    Then he read what it said and all other thoughts fled from his head.

    THE WOLVES KNOW THE PRISONERS WERE KILLED.

    THEY PLAN TO ATTACK. SECURITY COUNCIL MET. ALPHA FURIOUS THAT PRISONER WAS KILLED IN COLD BLOOD.

    I DID NOT HEAR THE DAY, BUT THE ATTACK WILL COME TO THE LION AT HOME AND THE CITY ONCE HE IS DISTRACTED.

    BE PREPARED.

    Shit, Reth thought. Shit, shit, shit.

    It was happening. This would not be another assassination attempt. This would not be a skirmish. There would be no bringing Elia back.

    The war wasing to the Tree City¡ªand to Reth, apparently.

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 Chapter 370: Eyes and Ears Among Us

    <h4>Chapter 370: Eyes and Ears Among Us</h4>

    RETH

    He sighed heavily. Behryn and Aymora watched him, waiting.

    "It''s happening," Reth said. He handed the note to Behr first, who read it with a short nce, then swore too.

    "Yes, it is," Behryn said sadly, holding the note up with his fingers so Aymora could take it.

    "No more waiting," Reth said, grieved.

    "Nope."

    "Well, fuck," Aymora muttered, then folded the parchment back up and handed it back to Reth.

    Tobe watched between the three of them, poised for flight, his breathing already returning to normal, despite the way he must have sprinted all the way here from the outskirts.

    Reth gave Behryn a look over the paper, then turned back to Tobe. "Did you read this?"

    "I did, Sire, but I did not share it. I had to make sure it wasn''t relevant to the moment it was reported."

    Reth nodded. "Very good. Who was the sentry that received it?"

    "It was reported to me as Jhed, but I can''t be certain. I didn''t take the time to confirm it."

    "Fair enough, but you dig deep on this and ensure we have an urate picture¡ªwho found it¡ªand what tribal and family connections they have, exactly how and where they found it, and at what time. Any events before or after that might give us an indication of its source."

    "Yes, Sire," Tobe said.

    Behryn looked up at him. "You don''t already know?"

    "I have an idea, but the method of delivery? He is not an archer. I want to be certain."

    The truth was, as soon as he''d seen the handwriting, he''d known. But why send a note, not just bring the message? Was it possible one of his eyes and ears had been discovered and now Lerrin was trying to use them? It seemed unlikely given the content of the note, but still¡­

    "Gather the fist leaders, Tobe," Reth said, his voice low and hard. "I''ll meet with them in an hour in the security hall. We will need to discuss the maps and possible approaches at the cave."

    "Yes, Sire." Then Tobe and Behryn discussed the best ways through the investigation into the information, to confirm it quickly and quietly without actually using anyone of anything, while Reth tried to keep all the threads of his responsibility clear in his head.

    He needed to find out how Elia had started shifting, and whether that would help or hinder her pregnancy.

    He needed to understand how and why they were connecting in the dream and find out if there was a way to make it happen.

    And he needed to prepare for war. Because his enemy was on their way. Right now. And Reth was well aware that to meet the wolves unprepared was to lose against them.

    Behryn fidgeted as Tobe saluted and started briskly out of the cave, but Reth gave him a look. "I''m not risking losing you again, friend. I''m sorry, but Tobe is a good male. Let him take care of this."

    "This isn''t just a skirmish, Reth, this is war."

    "I know. And you''ll be better in a few days, by which time he''ll be exhausted, so let''s look at this as a good reason to have back up and help for you. Hollhye will love me for it."

    Behryn snorted, then grimaced. When the pain had passed so he could breathe again, he said, "She won''t ever love you, Reth. Her heart is taken."

    Reth chuckled, but his heart wasn''t in it.

    Then they all went silent as the weight of what was toe pressed down on all of them.

    "Creator, help us," Aymora murmured, finally beginning to wrap Behryn''s wound.

    Reth nodded. "And guide us," he said quietly.

    "What are you going to do with the second prisoner?" Behryn asked. "Did they give up anything?"

    Reth sighed. "She told me that¡ª"

    "She?" Behryn asked quickly.

    Reth sighed. "Yes, and no one warned me. I almost gave myself away when I entered I was taken so off-guard. If she hadn''t been so frightened I think she would have realized I wasn''t ready to kill her. But she told that she followed the wolves because she was following her male. But that was as much as she would give. No names or¡­ but it doesn''t matter. It makes me wonder how many others went for the same kinds of reasons and now might be wishing they hadn''t. It makes me want¡ª"

    "You cannot do it, Reth," Aymora said, quietly but firmly. "You cannot show mercy. You cannot open doors. They will be entered by the enemy."

    "I know," he said. "I just¡­ This is ugly. She''s pregnant."

    "What?!" Behryn and Aymora both said, Aymora turning away from Behryn''s shoulder to look at him.

    Reth nodded, holding her eyes. "If I kill her, I kill her chick, too."

    For the first time he saw Aymora waver. She ran a hand through her blond-peppered-with-gray hair and blew out a breath.

    "Perhaps the one mercy, if the wolves attack today, is that I will be forced to put off making a decision about her," Reth said quietly.

    Behryn nodded. Aymora too.

    "Perhaps even tomorrow," Aymora said, then frowned. "You will be very busy getting ready to face the attack, after all. And¡­ she''d make great bait for our enemies?"

    Reth let himself smile slowly when Aymora looked at him. "Yes, you''re right, of course," he said. "Bait. An excellent reason to keep her alive."

    Aymora nodded. "It''s just logical, under the circumstances."

    "Agreed."

    They stared at each other for a moment, then Aymora smiled. "I love you for your gentle heart, my King," she whispered, squeezing his shoulder, then turning away to take the dirty dressings to the trash in the corner. "Now, our patient needs to rest again, and you need to go find your Alpha beast and ready yourself to tear out the throats of our enemies so we can still gather here in a few days and remember the days before we fought our own brethren," Aymora said sadly.

    Both Reth and Behryn sighed and nced at each other. Even though they wouldn''t be fighting equine or leonine, they both knew this was going to get ugly. Reth shook his head. "I never thought I would see the day¡­"

    Behryn nodded. "Creator help us, is right," he murmured.

    ****

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 Chapter 371: Like Magic

    <h4>Chapter 371: Like Magic</h4>

    ELIA

    She sat bolt-upright in bed, panting and shaking. It was morning. How was it already morning? She''d only just gone to sleep¡ªand been with Reth no more than a few minutes. She blinked and looked around, but it was definitely the morning light shining behind the curtains of therge room and making triangles on the vaulted ceiling.

    Then she remembered what Reth had done and she turned her hand over, sniffing it carefully.

    Her heart leapt. She could smell him. And there was a light, but very noticeable scratch down the back of her wrist.

    She couldn''t have done that to herself in her sleep, surely?

    Heart pumping, she leapt out of the bed and hurriedly got dressed, then ran across the suite to Gahrye''s room.

    "Gahrye! Gahrye! You have to smell my¡ªoh!"

    Gahrye rolled over in bed, his eyes puffy with sleep, but Kalle yelped and yanked the sheets up higher to hide herself. Elia whipped around so her back was to them. "Sorry!" she said. "So sorry. I was just¡­ I forgot. I won''t¡­ you should really lock the door, Gahrye!" she said, hiding her face in her hands. "I''m so sorry. But I have to show you this, Gahrye. I saw Reth in the dream again and he told me this is real. He said I left scent in his bed. And so he left scent on me, look! Please! You have to tell me I''m not crazy!"

    She held her hand up but didn''t turn around. She heard the nkets slide back, then quiet feet on the flooring towards her.

    "Gahrye, clothes," Kalle sighed a secondter.

    "Oh, right. Just a second, Elia," Gahrye said, his voice rough with sleep. Elia blushed to her roots, but she was stiflingughter. The poor guy was surrounded by prudish human women. He wasn''t going to catch a break with the nudity thing.

    Elia waited impatiently while Gahrye pulled on his leathers, then returned to her side. She turned to face him¡ªkeeping her eyes off Kalle and the bed¡ªand offered him the back of her hand.

    He looked at it, frowning.

    "Sniff it," she said, biting her lip.

    He leaned down and inhaled, then his eyebrows popped up. "Did you have something of his in your bag?"

    "No! I mean, maybe, but I haven''t been in the bag because I''ve been wearing human clothes. But this¡­ Gahrye, it''s real. It wasn''t a dream. He left that scratch on me too. How are we doing this?!"

    He gaped at her. "I have no idea!"

    "Wait, what?" Kalle said, sitting up in bed, clutching the nkets to her chest. "What''s going on?"

    Elia turned to face her, beaming. "I''ve been seeing Reth in my dreams. I thought it was in my dreams, anyway. But he said I left scent on his sheets, andst night when I saw him he licked my hand, and left a scratch on the back of my wrist so I''d know it was real!"

    "That''s¡­ what?! So you guys can see each other and touch each other¡­ in a dream?"

    Elia frowned. "I don''t think it''s a dream. We can''t see each other. It''s always pitch ck. But we can smell and touch each other and¡­ I don''t know. I just¡­ have you ever read anything like this, Kalle? In the histories, I mean."

    "I don''t know," the younger woman said, frowning. "I mean¡­ Maybe?"

    "I know you two deserve a day off, but¡­ but would you mind looking for some books for me today, Kalle? Anything about Anima magic, dreams, or¡­ anything supernatural, I guess?"

    "Sure," she said. "I can bring you several right now if you want. I know we have some downstairs. And if we go to the big libraryter, Grandma will have a ton."

    "Thank you. I want to see if I can find out how we''re doing it, so I can do it by choice."

    There was an awkward moment then when she realized Gahrye was still sniffing her wrist while his naked mate talked to her, then Elia blushed again and turned for the door. "Thank you, both of you. I''m so sorry I''m just¡­ I''m going to leave now. And I''ll knock next time."

    Gahrye waved her off, but she knew Kalle would only be good-natured about this once.

    She went back to her room and waited until she heard Kalle head downstairs, then ran back out to find Gahrye.

    He sat on the chair that faced the door, watching it, yearning on his face.

    Elia felt terrible. When the bond was new¡ªhell, even when it wasn''t¡ªthe ache to be with your mate was overwhelming. She''d struggled at times being apart from Reth. She shook her head. Thinking about her mate wasn''t going to help.

    "I''m sorry I sent her out. But as soon as she''s back you guys can go do¡­ whatever you want. I just needed something to look at, and I think I shouldn''t go out. The beast, you know? I think it would be better for me to stay in here until we get a house," she said softly.

    Gahrye looked at her and smiled. "It''s fine," he said, though his eyes looked pained. "She won''t be a long time. She said she knows exactly where the stuff is that you need."

    "I''m d," she said, then walked to the couch that was next to the chair and sat down. "I think¡­ I think I need to avoid people until I either learn how to get it under control, or the beast stops shifting on its own. But if anything happens, Kalle really helped me yesterday. I''m not sure how, but let''s keep her around, okay?"

    Gahrye nodded. "I n to. As much as I can." A shadow passed over his eyes that Elia couldn''t pick. Did he think she''d disapprove? Or stop them being together? She leaned forward and put a hand on his arm that rested on the chair.

    "I''m really happy for you, Gahrye," she said. "Really."

    His eyes lit up. "She''s¡­ incredible."

    "And she obviously loves you already," Elia said, winking.

    He snorted. "I don''t know why, but I''m notining," he said, and looked at the door again. He reminded Elia of the dog she''d had when she was young, staring at the door when he expected her dad toe home.

    Elia sighed. "So happy for you. I can''t wait until Kalle sees Anima and meets Reth and all those people who were so hard on you¡ª"

    "Elia, she can''t¡­" he said, his voice suddenly dark. He didn''t turn away from the door, but those shadows in his eyes got darker. "Kalle can''t go to Anima. Ever."

    "Wait¡­ what?"

 Chapter 372: The Specter of a King

    <h4>Chapter 372: The Specter of a King</h4>

    (August 2021) READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the very, very generous gifts you gave in July. I am always a little embarrassed when readers give extra on top of paying for my content. I am truly humbled. I want to say a special thank you to these readers whose generosity made my jaw drop:? PBMamaRae, MoonGoddess21, DaoistPrvZp, Jak_BeQuick, S_courge, April_Jo_Perez, Stacey Moncrief3242

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. "Kalle is a Guardian," he said quietly. "They have a vow¡­ a curse. They aren''t allowed to cross the traverse. If they do, the voices can take them¡ªat least, that''s how I understand it. I''ll admit, when Shaw told me I wasn''t at my best. But in speaking to Kalle¡­ she can''t ever go to Anima. And the day wille when I have to. The day mighte tomorrow. I don''t want you to worry about it. We knew this going in. It''s just¡­ it''s just hard."

    Elia stared at him, her eyes wide. "It can''t be that cut and dried¡ª"

    "It is," he said firmly. "You think anything else would have kept Shaw out of Anima for all these years? The man is obsessed with us. It''s creepy."

    Elia snorted. "I had noticed a certain amount of¡­ I don''t know. He just seems a little imbnced on it all. It''s like he gets excited when bad things happen."

    "Kalle says he''s just fascinated and doesn''t have a good sense of self-preservation," he told her, "but I''m not so sure. There''s something up with that male. I don''t trust him."

    "And I won''t either. So, why are you trusting his word that Kalle can''t go through?"

    "Because Kalle told me that herself. She said she''s going to look into it. See if there''s any loopholes. But there won''t be. I''m certain Shaw must have looked into that at some point."

    "Then that means¡­" Elia bit her lip. She scratched the arm of the couch with a fingernail, her brows furrowed. "That means you need to stay here when it''s time for me to go back. I will miss you, Gahrye, but I would never stand between you and your mate."

    Gahrye shook his head. "I knew you''d say that. And I love you for it. But it''s not up to you. I made a vow¡ªa blood vow¡ªto Reth. Not to you. You can''t release me from it. And we both know Reth won''t. Not until you''re safe with him, at least."

    Elia shrugged, ufortable. She didn''t want to admit that her mate was stubborn as a rock and would prioritize her over everyone¡ªanyone¡ªelse. "Well, then, you return with me to get me to him, then we exin the situation, and he can release you, and you cane back here. I mean, that''s assuming that you want to."

    Gahrye gave her a t look. "I only want to be where Kalle is," he muttered. "But my first vow was to you. I''m still your Cohort and Chief Advisor. That''s a lifetime role, Elia. Reth vowed rewards for me if I brought you back. To snub those would be an offense to him, but I''d have to be in Anima to receive them it''s just¡­ there''s just a lot."

    "I''ll grant you that the blood vow thing is sticky," she said. "And the idea of being home without you breaks my heart. But I''m living the kind of separation you''re talking about right now, Gahrye. I wouldn''t wish this on my worst enemy¡­ well, maybe Lucine¡ªbut my point is, I''m not selfish enough to put you through this. When the timees for me to go back, you''lle with me, and then as soon as possible, we''ll send you back. Even if Reth doesn''t like the idea, he knows what it''s like to be separated now, too. Leave him to me. We''ll figure it out."

    He stared at her. "But¡­ who would advise you?"

    "I don''t know," she said simply. "But I''m willing to bet I can find someone. Especially after the war. Everyone will be a lot more invested in peace then, I hope. Plus, Reth and I will be together, and¡­ I''m just certain with nning and a little time, we can work it out. Maybe you can stay long enough to help me find someone you know I can trust, and then youe back here?"

    Gahrye swallowed hard, afraid to hope. The picture she painted¡­ it was too simple, he knew. She was unaware of the Anima traditions around Cohorts and their loyalty to the Crown¡ªnot just the Queen, but the throne itself. He would not be free to leave Anima permanently without Reth''s approval.

    But if Reth did approve¡­

    Gahrye closed his eyes and let his head drop back to the seat back. If only it could be that simple. He would pray to the Creator who had cursed him¡­ maybe He would finally cut Gahrye a break.

    Gahrye wasn''t going to hold his breath. And he wasn''t going to let himself get his hopes up. They would cross that bridge when they came to it. "We don''t need to talk about this right now," he said. "We have more important problems to look at first," he said. "Like¡­ Elia, your stomach is already round."

    She tensed. "I know. And¡­ I think I can feel Elreth moving."

    "What?!" Gahrye sat up and gaped at her. "Already?"

    She looked frightened, then she blinked and her face cleared. "I don''t know what that makes me in terms of length of the pregnancy, but¡­ it''s too fast, Gahrye. I should have months, even in a human pregnancy, and Anima are supposed to be longer. I don''t understand how it''s happening, but this is going too fast."

    Gahrye blew out a breath. "We''ll¡­ we''ll figure it out, Elia. Somehow."

    She looked at him, her eyes shining with tears. "Even if we don''t, it''s not your fault, okay? And now that I can talk to Reth, I''m going to make sure he knows that, too. If anything happens to me, it won''t be on you."

    He raked a hand through his hair and snorted. "Right. You be sure and tell the Lion King that, Elia. He''s going to be really philosophical about it if he loses you."

    She grimaced. "Maybe¡­ maybe if anything does happen to me, you just don''t go back? Take Kalle and run. Go find your own ce. Make your own life together."

    Gahrye shrugged. "He would find us. I know he''s gentle with you, Elia, but you saw him when he got angry at Lucan, and Lucine. You know what he''s like when he sees someone as an enemy."

    "You will never be my enemy, Gahrye."

    "No, I won''t. But I might be Reth''s."

 Chapter 373: Problem Solving

    <h4>Chapter 373: Problem Solving</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle had run to the library and found six books that she thought might have something Elia was looking for. While she was walking, she''d also texted her grandmother, who was going to gather a few more things together for the dreaming¡ªbut she said she''d already found a few more options that might have something for Elia about bing Anima¡ªthough she made no promises.

    Kalle thanked her and hurried back to the suite.

    She had the strangest tightness in her chest being away from Gahrye. It wasn''t like other rtionships she''d been in where she was infatuated and just wanted to be close to the guy. This was¡­ this felt like when she was apart from him a piece of her was missing. As if there were a hole in her chest that only his presence and his touch could fill.

    She was married. She still couldn''t quite believe it. But she''d known when Gahrye made the vow, when she made her promises to him, that this was much more than a deration.

    She was mated. And she couldn''t believe it¡ªsomething she''d always wished would happen to her, but had never seriously considered. But Gahrye kept saying they would be forced apart, and now, this morning, when she was only two floors away from him, the thought put panic in her heart.

    She had to find a way to stay with him. Or keep him here. Or something!

    When she pushed the door open into the suite, a wave of relief rushed over her as soon as she could see his face.

    He and Elia had been talking, both looking very serious. But when she stepped inside, his eyes rose to her and his face lit up.

    She didn''t deserve that. She''d done nothing to earn him looking at her like that. But fuck she loved it when he did.

    She hurried across the room, practically dumped the books on the couch next to Elia, and was talking to her while she rushed over to stand next to Gahrye''s chair. Except, as she got there, he took her wrist and pulled her down into hisp. Which was embarrassing, but Elia just smiled sadly.

    Clearly her mate had done simr things to her.

    "That top one is an actual ount of the types of magic in the Anima records, so it''s probably your best bet," Kalle said, her skin shivering as Gahrye''s hand trailed up and down her back. "But the others all have sections on magic and telepathy¡ªI know I''ve read ounts of Anima mind-connecting before, but I honestly couldn''t remember where. I''m hoping there will be an ount in one of those."

    "Thank you, Kalle," Elia said, picking up the top book and flipping it open. "I''ll go through these today."

    There was a pause where none of them spoke, then Kalle looked at Gahrye, then back at Elia. "You know¡­ my uncle knows a lot of things I don''t. And¡­ he''s really eager to talk to you both about the traverse and the leadership." When both of them tensed, she rushed on. "He gives these interviews to every Anima thates through, they aren''t personal to you. And I''m wondering¡­ I''m wondering if you told him what he needs to know if he might help you. Or at least, give you some clues? I''m guessing if weid this all out for him, he''ll know things me and Grandma don''t. He''s fascinated with you guys. He''s done nothing but study you since he was a child."

    Gahrye sighed behind her, but Elia''s face went dark. "I don''t want to talk about the voices," she muttered. "I don''t even want to think about them."

    "I know, I know," she said, twining her fingers with Gahrye''s, who had wrapped his hand around her waist. "I just¡­ I really think he might be able to help. And you don''t have to tell him anything you don''t want to. I mean, don''t lie¡ªhe''s surprisingly good at analyzing people. And lying to him just makes him more determined to get to the bottom of whatever it is. But he knows so much about the Anima and the world¡ªand even the traverse and going between the worlds. He hardly ever has to open a book anymore. He remembers stuff like aputer. He would be really useful to talk to about all this. And now that he knows you can shift¡­"

    "What''s aputer?" Gahrye asked curiously.

    "It''s a machine that keeps information and shares it with when you ask¡­ imagine that every word in every book about the Anima had been copied into it. You could search through it just by telling it words you wanted to find, or the name of a book you needed. It would do all the searching for you."

    "Then why haven''t we used thisputer before? Instead of all this hunting page by page?"

    Kalle and Elia shared a small smile. "It would need a person to type every word that was ever written in the histories, into theputer and¡­" she started a lengthy exnation, but when she turned to catch his eyes, she could see it was going straight over his head. Kalle shook her head. "Anyway, it doesn''t matter. The Anima histories will never be put into aputer, because it''s too risky that they can then be stolen or seen by someone else."

    Gahrye frowned. "How? If we keep theputer here¡ª"

    "Computers can talk to each other. Silently. Through the air. Like my phone," Kalle exined gently, stroking his arm. "If the wrong person connected with theputer, they would be able to read or copy everything on it just by pushing a few buttons."

    Gharye shook his head. "It is you humans who have the magic we should be worried about," he said darkly.

    Elia and Kalle both stifledughter. "It isn''t magic, I promise," Kalle said.

    Gahrye looked skeptical, but Elia piped up then and Kalle turned away from him.

    "You say Shaw might know of things you or your grandmother don''t?" she said softly.

    Kalle nodded. Gahrye''s hand tightened on her waist. "I know you don''t trust him, I get it. But I think it''s just because he''s different. I''ve never seen him act against an Anima before. Ever. He loves you guys."

    Gahrye sighed. "It''s true that he speaks the truth when he says he wants to help," he admitted reluctantly. "But there is something in the air around him¡­ I cannot trust him."

    "Can you work with him, though?" Kalle asked. "Can you tell him enough of your story to feed his appetite, then ask him your questions? Just in case there''s something he knows?"

    Gahrye and Elia looked at each other. She sighed heavily, but nodded. "Yes, I can. Can you, Gahrye?"

    His hands tightened further on Kalle, and she gripped his arm, pulling him in.

    "I¡­ I guess," Gahrye said. "But if ites down to it, I will tell him directly that I am not sharing something if I feel¡­ if my instincts say something isn''t right."

    Kalle nodded. "That''s good. That''s the right thing."

    She had the feeling he didn''t realize how openly he gazed on her then, how much his eyes told her¡ªand Elia, if Elia was paying attention.

    Which she clearly was, because she cleared her throat and got to her feet, gathering up the books from the couch. "I''ll just take these to my room and get started. You guys¡­ do what you want to do. I''ll be here. Make sure you lock the suite door if you leave. If my beastes out I want no chances that I end up roaming the halls."

    They both murmured their agreement to her, but by the time she''d walked through her bedroom door and pushed it closed behind her, she and Gahrye were already in each others arms.

    How was she ever going to let him go?

 Chapter 374: Work to Do

    <h4>Chapter 374: Work to Do</h4>

    GAHRYE

    An hourter they were down in the library again, pouring over books that Kalle''s Grandmother had saved for them. They would have to take another trip to the Big Libraryter that day, or the next at thetest. But for now, Gahrye was just relieved that he wasn''t in that horrendous car. Yet.

    They sat side by side, close enough that their elbows brushed when they reached for books or moved things on the table.

    Gahrye''s body was on high alert. She''d showered and her hair smelled like flowers, the sweet tang of them mingling with the faint scent of their lovemaking, and something uniquely her.

    She hated that he could smell her, but he loved it. It was like carrying her with him when his eyes weren''t on her.

    He was having a lot of trouble concentrating though.

    As he skimmed through yet another page where he''d found reference to the Protectors, he let his hand drift to Kalle''s thigh and began to stroke while he read.

    There was a niggle in his gut that there was more to understand about this group of Anima who seemed to disappear from the histories three or four hundred years earlier. So far he''d found three references to them, all in books that were over three hundred years old. He had to take so much care with these old artifacts¡ªand there were only a few of them. This one spoke of the fertility of the Anima. He knew he wasn''t understanding everything¡ªbut the Protectors were noted as a group whose offspring were always more powerful than their parents. And the protectors in general were more likely to have offspring to begin with.

    What had happened to these people?

    He was trailing his hand up and down Kalle''s thigh, and as he turned a page, he registered that her heart rate sped under his touch. He smiled.

    He still stared at the page, but he was no longer reading.

    When he reached her knee¡ªswathed in the soft, stretchy fabric of the leggings she preferred in the colder months¡ªhe opened his hand so he spanned her thigh and pulled his hand up slowly, slowly, his fingertips trailing on the inside of her thigh.

    She took a deep breath, but her legs rxed and opened slightly to give him better ess.

    His body saluted her.

    Neither of them looked at each other as he trailed his hand back down to her knee, then back up again¡ªslowly.

    Her heart began to race.

    She sat back in her chair and blew out a breath. "I''m really not going to be able to concentrate with you doing that."

    He hesitated. "Do you want me to stop?"

    Kalle turned, her dark hair shining under the overhead light. Her pupils wererge, and her scent reeked of desire. "Not. At. All."

    Gahrye leaned in, smiling, but stopped just barely shy of kissing her. His lips brushed hers as he said, "Well, if you don''t want me to stop, but you can''t concentrate¡­ maybe I should give you something else to focus on?"

    "Yes, please," she breathed, her handsing up to his neck and she pulled him in.

    Gahrye groaned into the kiss, the mating call erupting from his throat¡ªhe still couldn''t stop it. It poured from him every time they were about to make love.

    And she got goosebumps every time.

    She let her head sink back and he kissed his way down her jaw, to her throat, while his hands explored her, over her clothes, stroking her shape.

    Then he reached the bottom of her long sweater and slid his hand underneath it.

    Her stomach sucked in when he stroked his way back up her side, to cup her breast through that sted bra that she insisted on wearing¡ªinsisted that humans would notice if she didn''t wear it and it would be considered inappropriate in mixedpany.

    While there was no doubt he enjoyed the way the harness plumped and presented her breasts under her clothes, he could not see the point. She always sighed with relief whenever she took it off.

    Clothing should not cause difort, though human clothing seemed determined to do so.

    He wasn''t looking forward to wearing jeens again, either. They were almost as bad as the car.

    Then Kalle''s hand appeared on his thigh and pulled up the inside of his leg, to cup him through his leathers and he moaned.

    Burning up inside for her, he forced himself to let her go, to turn to the table and carefully push the books aside¡ªthe very old, very valuable books¡ªso there was a space left in front of them.

    When he turned back, Kalle was smiling. "What are you¡ªoh!"

    He''d pulled her into his chest, out of the chair, and lifted her onto the table before she could so much as get a leg hooked around him.

    She giggled when he plopped her down. But theughter fell away quickly.

    Standing between her knees, cupping her face, he stared down at her, swallowing a surge of emotion and desire that threatened to overwhelm him. He didn''t want to frighten her.

    But her eyes were wide and her face serious. She ran her hands up his arms, then cupped the back of his neck and stared at him. And he could smell the emotion on her, as well¡ªdesire, love, thrill, and a tiny bit of fear.

    "You do not need to fear me," he rasped,bing his fingers through her hair. "If I ever do anything to you that you don''t like, you only need to tell me. I will stop immediately."

    Her cheeks pinked. "I love everything you do to me," she whispered.

    "Is the door locked?"

    "Yes, I locked it when we came in, just in case," she said and a wicked smile bloomed on her beautiful face.

    Gahrye groaned as he took her sweet mouth and their tongues began to dance. He pressed his hips into hers and they both made noises.

    "Are you certain, Kalle?" he whispered against her lips, then sucking on her tongue.

    She groaned and her breath rushed out of her nose, fluttering on his skin as she arched into him. "Yes," she breathed, then kissed him deeply. "Yes."

    "I am the most blessed male under the Creator''s sun," he sighed and pulled her in.

    *****

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 Chapter 375: Book Lovers

    <h4>Chapter 375: Book Lovers</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle sucked in a breath and pulled him close, leaning back as he pressed in on her, his hands sliding under her sweater. She arched her back, expecting him to remove it, but instead, his hands went to her hips, then down, his fingers on both sides sliding under the waistband of her leggings, pushing them down until his hands cupped her ass.

    He pulled slightly away then, a gleam in his eye as he locked on hers.

    Kalle bit her lip and leaned back, lifting her butt off the table while he took her weight, and slid her leggings off until they were clear of the table, and his hands cupped the backs of her thighs.

    She let herself sit again, sucking in at the cold surface of the table under her bare buttocks, but Gahrye was looking down at her, his breath picking up, as he slowly, slowly, dragged his hands down the backs of her legs, her leggings bunching up and sliding off in front of his grip.

    Kalle leaned back on her hands, half-embarrassed at the way he was baring her, half thrilled. So thrilled, that when he reached her knees and had to step back to slide the leggings all the way to her ankles, she grabbed the hem of her sweater and pulled it up and over her head.

    Gahrye froze, staring at her, his hands cupping her leg as he peeled the leggings off one foot. He scanned her from her knees to her breasts, then swallowed. Then his eyes snapped up to hers and, without breaking eye-contact, he knelt on the carpet then turned his head toy his lips at her now-bare ankle.

    "You''re the most beautiful female I''ve ever seen," he murmured against her skin, slowly kissing his way up her calf.

    Kalle snorted. "I know that''s not true. I''ve seen other Anima."

    He stopped kissing her and straightened his head. "They are not you, though," he said, his voice husky, gravelling.

    Then he looked back down her body and began to touch her, one hand supporting the weight of her leg behind the knee, the other sliding up and down the outside of it in long, slow strokes.

    His pupils got bigger, darker, and Kalle''s breathing sped up. "This is the most beautiful part of the most beautiful female. My female," he rasped, and the sheer possession, the masculine dominance in him made her skin prickle. He paused again and met her eyes. "You like it when I say that."

    Damned Anima senses. They didn''t give a girl any room to be coy. She swallowed. "Yes, I do, Gahrye. I told you, the dominance thing¡­ it''s hot. You''re hot."

    He started to smile, then opened his mouth andid it on her calf. Watching her mate suck and kiss his way up her leg, over her knee, to her inside thigh, was the most unexpectedly erotic thing she''d ever seen. She began to tremble inside her skin, as if her bones vibrated.

    Tingling desire burst to life low in her belly and as he kissed his way up. "Mine," he whispered as she reached for his head, burying her fingers in his hair, pulling him up, closer and closer.

    But he would not be rushed. When he''d kissed his way up her leg, right to her hip, he opened his mouth on the crease between her thigh and torso andid the t of his tongue there on her skin.

    When she closed her eyes to better focus on the prickling sensations he was wringing from her skin, he swung around and started on the other leg.

    By the time he made it to that hip, Kalle was leaned back on her hands, her chest rising and falling, legs syed, bare to him.

    She watched him kiss his way up her body, muttering "Mine" at each stop¡ªher navel, her waist, and the space between her breasts.

    She bit her lip when he tugged aside one cup of her bra. She was about to suggest she remove it when heid his mouth over the peak with a harsh, "Mine!" then sucked, sending a jolt through her body that had her sucking in a breath and grabbing for him.

    And realizing he was stillpletely clothed.

    "Gahrye," she gasped as his tongue made love to her nipple, promising so much more that was toe between them. "Let me take off your clothes."

    He grunted and stood, his hands trailing up her sides to cup her face.

    He was breathing heavily, his eyes bright with desire for her. But even with her on the table he overstood her by a foot. That deep, rolling huff of a call broke from him and something within her tugged, pulling for him as he searched her face.

    "Gah, I love it when you do that," she whispered, starting on the buttons of his shirt.

    "You tear it from me," he rasped. "I have never made the mating call before you, but the moment I saw you¡ª"

    She stretched up to pull him down, kissing him open mouthed and urgent, her breath hot and mingling with his.

    He groaned, and she made fast work of the buttons on his shirt, grasping the belt of his leathers and tugging it free, delighting in the way his body rolled towards her when she pulled at it.

    He kept his fingers in her hair, syed at the nape of her neck, holding her there, kissing her deeply as she pulled the belt through and it pped against his thigh. Then she started on the buttons of his leathers and he sucked in a sharp breath.

    She would normally have taken her time, teasing him, stroking him, but something within her was desperate, frantic to be close to him. So as soon as she got the buttons undone and pushed his leathers down, she pulled him close and leaned back, wrapping her legs around his hips in the way she already knew he loved, so they were brought together in an electric heat.

    He kissed her, his breath thundering against her cheek, his tongue seeking hers over and over, his fingers fisted in her hair as she rolled her hips to rub herself on him.

    "Oh, fuck, Kalle," he groaned, still keeping her pulled up against him, one hand at the back of her head.

    "Yes, please," she whispered, arching so her nipples rubbed against his chest. "I always want you, Gahrye. Always."

    ****

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 Chapter 376: Alive

    <h4>Chapter 376: Alive</h4>

    GAHRYE

    He shook, he wanted her so badly. Her legs wrapped around his waist and he devoured her mouth. Unable to control himself, he slid against her over and over, rocking, finding the rhythm that made her breath stop. Then when she dropped her head back, eyes closed, he kissed his way down to her jaw, leaning her back until she braced the hand that wasn''t holding his head back on the table, then he slid his fingers between hers, entwining them, gripping them.

    He slid against her again and cursed under his breath. "So ready for me. How is it you''re always so ready for me?"

    "I love you, Gahrye," she gasped. "You''re my mate. I''ll always want you."

    The wordsnded like a delicious blow to his heart. He grunted and reached between them to find her, pressing himself to her right¡­ there¡­

    Her mouth dropped open and he whispered, "I''ve got you. Always." Then he entered her in one, electric thrust.

    She made that noise in her throat that he already adored¡ªhalf-shock, half-pure bliss. He sucked at her throat and began to roll with her, slowly.

    Seconds became minutes¡ªminutes spent tasting her with every part of himself. Rolling together with increasing demand, but forcing himself not to quicken the pace. Instead, slowly pulling almost all the way out, then pressing forcefully back in, still gripping her hand on the table, still fisting her hair and holding her to his kiss.

    They writhed together, bodies alight and Gahrye struggled to take in the perfection of it all¡ªthe smell of her, the salt of her skin, the perfect warmth, the slide between them that threatened to open his mind and crack his chest.

    She was perfect. And she loved him. And she was his.

    Only his.

    He muttered another curse and gave in, increasing the pace, but still making sure he pressed for breath at the top of each thrust. Kalle dropped her head back again so he was free to kiss down her throat¡ªshe gave herself with such trust it blew his mind. How was she so free with him?

    With the peak of each thrust he grew closer and closer to climax, but he felt like he''d barely tasted her.

    But then she dropped her hand down from his head, pping as she grasped for his lower back, gasping his name, pulling him into her.

    He groaned the mating call, and she cried out, her breathing faster, tiny pants and whimpers telling him she was already close.

    "Gharye!"

    "Hold on," he rasped. "Hold onto me."

    She tore her hand out of his grip and threw her arms around his neck, the shift changing the angle between them as she grew desperate and pulled herself harder and harder against him, until Gahrye was shaking, praying for control, calling to her at the peak of each thrust. And she cried for him, begging with broken whispers for him not to stop, never to stop.

    "Kalle¡­ I love you¡­"

    "Yes!"

    "Don''t ever leave me."

    "Never!"

    With an almighty groan, he pressed her back, until shey out on the table, her legs still around his waist, and he grasped her hips, lifting her as he began to pump, teeth clenched, muscles and tendons standing proud with his fight for control.

    "Oh! Gahrye! Oh!" Her eyes flew wide and her head went back as her climax hit, and she clenched around him again, and again, shuddering, sobbing his name, her body twitching with her release.

    Then Gahrye groaned her name and his rhythm grew erratic as his entire body came alive in a tingling rush that started at the base of his spine and washed over him like a tidal wave of sensation and emotion.

    Then they copsed together, sprawled on the table, both panting, hands shaking, clinging to each other.

    Gahrye face was buried in the soft curve where her shoulder met her neck, and he groaned, kissing her skin there, and whispering her name.

    "I love you, Kalle."

    "I love you, Gahrye."

    "I love you more."

    *****

    He still couldn''t concentrateter. Kalle kept smiling and touching his arm, or his thigh, leaning in to kiss his neck, or flipping her hair over her shoulder when she leaned across to show him something in a book.

    The smell of them together permeated the room and was intoxicating, awakening his body over and over again. But he pushed the desire aside, knowing they needed to stay focused.

    But always, as he marked page after page in the book, as his mind only half-absorbed what he was finding, as the smallest piece of him remembered Elia back in the room alone and searching for information to bring her to her mate, to possibly save her life and the life of their cub¡­ all he could think about was her. The way she gave herself so freely, loved him with abandon¡ªwith gratitude of all things!¡ªand how she remained hopeful that they wouldn''t be separated. That she could find a way to keep them together.

    She was incredible.

    She caught him staring at one point when turned her head. She smiled. "What?"

    He used a finger to push her hair over her shoulder. "I''m just thinking about how much I don''t deserve you, but how d I am to have you," he murmured. When she made the little hum of approval that he loved, he raked her with his eyes, then leaned in to kiss her neck at that spot under her ear that always made her shiver. Letting his fingers find the gooseflesh that rose on her neck and shoulders, he kissed her there again. Then, "I''m thinking that I wish you knew what it would have been like if we''d met in Anima, if there wasn''t a war, or a Queen to care for, and I could give you my full attention. All the way''s I''d show you that I love you, all the ways I''d provide for you. All the things I''d give you.

    "I''m thinking it''s impossible to show you what you mean to me while we''re stuck in this little room, with these busy needs, and¡­ I just wish it could be different. I wish we were living a normal life, together, without anyone else around, or making demands. I wish you were truly only mine."

    He raised his eyes to meet hers and she looked both sad and touched.

    "But I am," she said softly. She put a hand to his face and leaned into him, a smile breaking on her face. "There''s nothing I''d rather be doing than be close to you," she whispered, then kissed him softly. "No matter where, or what else is going on. I''m yours, Gahrye. And you''re mine. That''s all that matters."

    She pulled him in,ying her mouth to his throat,ving his skin with her tongue in a way that made him shiver. And he went dly¡ªhumbled and overjoyed when she started on his buttons again.

    They weren''t going to get their work done this afternoon, that was clear.

    As she kissed her way down to his corbones, Gahrye hurriedly put one of the little cards they used as bookmarks into the spine of the old book he''d been scanning. There was a reference to protectors in this one. He didn''t want to lose it.

    But then he put the books out of his mind.

    He needed his mate, and she needed him.

    That was all he could think about just then.

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 Chapter 377: In the Dark of Night

    <h4>Chapter 377: In the Dark of Night</h4>

    LERRIN

    An hourter the tent was dark, allnterns extinguished. The camp was quiet in the hours of sleep¡ªbut there was no sleep toe for Lerrin.

    Hey in bed, staring at the ceiling of the tent, swinging back and forth between anger and fear.

    Suhle hadn''t run from the tent. He had to reassure himself with that¡ªthough the temptation to pull the screen back and make sure she hadn''t somehow magicked her way out without him knowing was fierce. But he wouldn''t do it to her. He''d promised her she''d have her own space, and he would keep his word.

    His word.

    Since sending that memory to her, he''d been turning it over in his mind and the thing that kept catching his attention was the moment Reth pleaded with him not to vow. Not to bind himself to an oath to kill.

    He''d thought at the time it was just the Cat''s self-serving righteousness¡ªalways painting himself as the good male, the wise one.

    But there was one other possibility.

    If Reth knew that he, Lerrin, was a male of his word. If Reth understood that he had honor and lived with conviction. If he considered Lerrin a¡­ a righteous male himself.

    He would beg, then, that Lerrin not vow, because he would know that Lerrin''s own integrity would require it of him.

    Was it possible that the cat had such foresight? He snorted and pushed the thought away. He would not entertain it. It did not matter, in any case. Reth had proven himself just as ruthless and bloodthirsty as any of the wolves he despised.

    He was a hypocrite of the highest order.

    And Lerrin was going to kill him. Soon.

    A rustling in the furs behind the screens made adrenalin shoot through his system and he stopped breathing for a moment to listen. She was still there. Lerrin red his nostrils and inhaled deeply, slowly.

    She smelled of sadness, grief, and fear. And a niggling tension that he couldn''t quite name.

    He desperately wanted to reach for her. To pull her into his furs and hold her. To tell her not to fear, and to stay there, waiting for him to return.

    Because he would return. And he would return victorious. And he would take her in his arms and he would kiss her, and vow everything to her¡ªeverything in his power, everything in his heart. He would give it all to her if she''d take it.

    He imagined for a moment, her joy that he was alive, the bright smile and twinkling eyes of delight. That she grasped his weary face and pulled him in, kissing him deeply. That they staggered into the tent together, and to the bed. That she was not afraid. That she began to undress him, and he her, and that once he had her bare, his hands trailed down her sides, across the soft skin of her back. That she pressed her breasts into his chest and sighed his name, and he tasted her throat¡ª

    Lerrin sucked in a breath and pushed the images away, his body painfully tight and wanting.

    This was not going to help him sleep. And he needed to sleep. They would begin travel the next evening, and meet the King head-on the day after that.

    He may own the Tree City in two or three days. The thought stole his breath.

    But instead of his mind turning to the victory, to the fulfillment of everything they''d been working for, his mind went straight to Suhle.

    Suhle who would remain here in camp until the Tree City had fallen to them. And who likely would remain even then to assist in packing and moving everything back. While Lerrin stood as Alpha of WildWood and held the Tree City against any rebel factions that might remain.

    He would not be able toe for her.

    He would not be here to protect her. And the others would know she was alone.

    His stomach went cold. Then sick.

    Rage bubbled in his chest¡ªrage at those who were under his rule who were not yet loyal. And rage at the males who believed it their right to spread their seed, or take what they wanted, without say or consent.

    Rage that, even as King, he feared leaving his most precious pack member here because he did not trust his own people.

    The full impact of that thought hit him square in the chest.

    He did not trust his own people to take care with¡­ his most precious pack member.

    Precious.

    She was precious to him.

    Creator''s Light¡­

    Suhle? he sent faintly, in case she was asleep. He could feel her there immediately, open and hearing him. But it took two breaths for her to answer.

    Yes?

    Lerrin swallowed. I fear for you here. I hate that I have to even think that, but I fear for you here without me. I want¡­ I want you to hide. I want you to keep yourself away from everyone else until I return, make sure no one knows where you are. Please.

    She sighed, and he knew¡ªhe knew the sound of her. How had he not realized that he knew the sound of her? That he knew her heart? That this was not just a product of living in the same space and working closely¡ªhe had more time, more history with Asta, but he was not certain that he would know Asta''s sigh in the dark.

    But he knew Suhle''s.

    Covering his face in his hands, he stifled a growl of frustration and pain.

    He wasn''t even touching her, but that light began in his veins again, unfurling, seeping through his bloodstream. Seeking¡­ seeking¡­

    Seeking Suhle.

    Seeking his mate. His True Mate. His True Heart''s Call.

    His breath stopped.

    He''d seen it, felt it, and ignored it. Until they were touching, out in the forest, he''d ignored it. But deep down, he''d known. In his bones. In his soul.

    Creator''s Light, she was his mate. And he was going to leave her here at the mercy of these males who had already tried to take her?

    He would leave her here without the protection of his presence? His cover? His strength?

    What kind of fucked up male was he?

    "Suhle, we have to talk."

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 Chapter 378: Confronted

    <h4>Chapter 378: Confronted</h4>

    LERRIN

    His heart raced, thundering in his ears. How had he been so blind? How had he ignored this? How could he have dishonored her this way?

    "Suhle?" he breathed. "Please¡­"

    I fear that you will say something we cannot take back, Lerrin.

    Her voice in his head was a beautiful chime that echoed in his heart and he cursed himself again for not allowing himself to see this sooner.

    Tomorrow I leave to secure our future, he sent. But because I have not secured our present, I leave you in danger. This does not sit well with me.

    I have spent much of my life in danger, she sent quietly. You know I can hide. I will protect myself.

    But I want to protect you.

    The words were stark and revealing, and she knew it. Her breath sucked in, then stopped.

    Lerrin plowed on, sending images of her as he saw her¡ªgentle, loving, thoughtful, wise, so patient and self-controlled. Her dignity and grace. Her subversive sense of humor.

    Her humility.

    Her faith in him¡­

    You are not my servant, Suhle. I do not know what has stood in the way for me. I have been blind to so many things. I see myself now more clearly every day, and I do not like what I see.

    Do not shun yourself, she returned. You are a good male, Lerrin.

    Not good enough. I didn''t see what was happening in my people, I didn''t see you. Suhle, I see you now.

    He felt her tense, and wasn''t sure if it was through the bond, or because she was so close he could sense it. But it wasn''t the kind of tension he''d hoped she would feel.

    Lerrin¡ª

    Let me tell you what I see now. And we¡­ we must figure this out, Suhle. I cannot leave you here unguarded. I cannot take you with me. We must figure it out. Together.

    There is no need¡ª

    There is every need! You are the mate to the true King! You are the mate to the Alpha! I will not stand for anything, or anyone to harm you!

    Her intake of breath was tiny and sharp. Lerrin''s pulse pounded in his ears. He feared she would speak rather than send, and that he wouldn''t hear her when she did.

    He sat up in the bed, staring at the screen thaty between them, pleading with her to reveal herself.

    Lerrin¡­

    Suhle, it''s true. You know it''s true. I''m so sorry I didn''t see it. How long have you known?

    She sighed. But it was not a sigh of relief.

    Fear jangled in his belly.

    Suhle, please¡ª

    I was not sure until¡­ until I kissed you, she sent, and he could feel her cheeks heating through the bond.

    Hope burned in his chest right alongside the terror.

    I am so sorry I was so blind. To so many things. But especially to this, he sent. Forgive me. If I had known I would not have left you in this¡­ very.

    I am not a ve! she sent back firmly. Do not pity me, Lerrin. I choose servitude because I find joy in it. Do not steal my joy from me.

    I never would. I never want to. Suhle¡­ Suhle, you are my mate. My True Mate. I cannot fathom how I did not see it¡ª

    You cannot think on this now, she sent, her voice a frantic wail in his head.

    He had to fist the furs to stop himself going to her, reaching for her. He could not reach for her until she wanted him to, he knew that. But fuck¡­

    Suhle, let me hold you, please.

    His voice in his head sounded hoarse, even to him. He vibrated like he might shatter.

    How had he not seen this? How had he not known?

    But if you hold me¡­ if? hold you¡­ then he kills you¡­ Lerrin¡­

    A stab of pain shot through the bond¡ªher pain. The image she sent was of a tall, beautiful and graceful wolf, brought down, her guts spilling to the forest floor as she writhed in pain.

    Lerrin sucked in and was halfway out of the furs, his feet almost to the floor, when the screen pushed back and Suhle stood there, staring at him in the dark, a long, soft nightdress hanging from her shoulders.

    Their eyes met in the dark and Lerrin''s breath shoved out of him as if he''d been punched.

    Neither of them moved.

    Lerrin licked his lips, yearning to touch her, to hold her. But terrified of scaring her away. And through the bond, she showed him¡­ himself.

    The strength that she saw him carry¡ªhis willingness to press on even when those around him were more barrier than support.

    The integrity in his eyes when he bnced the bloodthirst of his men and used his mind, rather than his hunting instincts.

    The gentleness she felt from him when he looked at her, or thought of her. The care he showed to keep her safe and away from fear. The tenderness in his gaze when they were alone.

    Then she showed him the way he looked to her. Tall, handsome, fur and hair dark as night, but not his mind. He saw himself smile¡ªshe noticed the tiny lines at the corners of his eyes, and the smooth strength of his jaw.

    She noticed the hard, straight lines in his neck, and the hollow of his throat.

    She noticed the warmth of his skin when she bathed him, and the marble lines of his muscles at his back, his shoulders, chest, and stomach.

    She wanted to trace the lines of muscle on his thighs.

    She wanted to lick his corbones.

    Dear Creator above, she wanted him.

    And she was terrified of that.

    But she wanted him.

    Lerrin grunted like he''d been stabbed. "I would never take you, Suhle. You are safe with me."

    "I know," she whispered. "And it only makes me want you more."

    Lerrin''s control broke and he stumbled around the bed towards her.

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 Chapter 379: When the Time is Right

    <h4>Chapter 379: When the Time is Right</h4>

    LERRIN

    Suhle took two stumbling steps towards him before he reached her and pulled her into his chest. There was a sh that he should not reach, should not press her¡ªbut even as he began to rx his grip, she clung, whimpering andid her mouth to his.

    It was as if his entire skin was washed in starlight. Everything rushed out of him, towards her and something within him broke open, a surge of love and desire, possession and desperation bursting out of his heart and flowing through his veins, racing to fill his muscles, his bones, his skin.

    He buried his hands in her hair and held her, kissing her with every ounce of fear and faith within him. Hands shaking, breath shuddering, he forced himself to gentleness when everything within him instinctively wanted to take, to own, to mark and possess.

    It was natural for wolves, the most dominant tribe beyond the Pride, to mate with hunger and aggression. Male, female, there was little difference. The indulgence of the flesh among the pack was a bold and uninhibited disy of want¡ªappreciated by all parties. It was the reason the wolves rarely inter-bred with other tribes, and even more rarely with prey tribes. Many of the others found them intimidating in the act.

    Lerrin knew, he knew, she could not see that in him. She could not find fear in his touch, or a need to protect herself. It would break them before they''d evenpleted the bond.

    That meant he had to protect her. Even from himself.

    So even as his body pushed him to own her, to take her, he kept himself on a tight leash, forced his touch to slow and gentle, his kiss to sweetness, to a question, not a demand. Kept his hands in her hair, on her back. Let her cling to him and show him with her body what she wanted. What would not frighten her.

    She shook in his arms, her breathing shallow and rapid. Her scent a heady mix of desire and fear and yearning. He let her feel him soften. Pleaded with her to feel the way he wanted nothing bad for her¡ªonly joy, only safety. That he would share himself as much or as little as she desired. That he, too, yearned for her, but that he would never take what she did not offer freely.

    "Suhle," he breathed, tasting her lips in sips and gentle slides. "You are safe with me."

    She arched into him, deepening the kiss, her tongue seeking his, hesitant, but curious.

    And she trembled.

    "You will always be safe when I am near," he whispered. "Always."

    She whimpered again and the sound called to him¡ªtightening his body, even as his throat pinched.

    She wanted. She feared. She desired. She braced for pain.

    With a groan, he pulled out of the kiss, but didn''t let her go. Stroked her hair and found her eyes with his¡ªher wide, bright, shining eyes that locked on his and didn''t let go.

    His fingers trailing through her hair, he sent to her in that joining of minds that had so confused him at the beginning. But of course¡­ of course she could hear him without barrier. Of course he didn''t feel distant.

    She truly was his. Made for him. Made with him in mind, and he for her.

    Their bond, once cemented, would never be broken.

    He gaped at her in stunned silence. "I have been such a fool."

    She shook her head. "You are the furthest thing from a fool. You are¡­ Lerrin, you carry too much. Too alone. Let me share it, please. Let me¡­ take some of it so you can walk free."

    "I do not deserve you, but I thank the Creator for you."

    She dropped his gaze then, her cheeks heating and he grieved the loss of her beautiful eyes. So he cupped her face and slowly, gently brought her back up to him.

    "Never take yourself away from me," he whispered. "Please. If I hurt you, if I frighten you, you need only tell me. I will turn from it. I will find the way back to your safety. Please, Suhle, never turn from me."

    Her forehead furrowed. He wasn''t sure if she would cry. But she put a cool hand to his face and whispered, "You do not frighten me, Lerrin. You are a part of me. I never imagined¡­ never anticipated when I came here¡­ but you are mine."

    Joy so sharp it hurt broke from his throat in a whining huff. Unable to resist, he took her mouth again, sucking in when their lips touched, wrestling with himself to keep himself restrained.

    But as he held himself in check, Suhle seemed to do the opposite, her hands wing at his back, her lips demanding, breath hot. She sought him, insistent, pressing herself into him until he worried he would find his release before he''d even taken her.

    The thin fabric of her nightdress was the only thing between them, and it tickled at his thighs, rubbed against his stomach, raising gooseflesh on his skin.

    He fisted it at her back, arguing with himself about whether or not to lift it. She had never seemed afraid of his nakedness¡ªmost Anima werepletely unconcerned about the nakedness of another before them. But once he''d known about her experiences, he hadn''t been sure whether she was trulyfortable, or merely forcing herself to calm.

    Yet, here she was, first cupping his ass, then trailing one hand¡ªslowly, hesitantly, but with intention¡ªup his back until he wanted to arch into it like a cat.

    Lerrin shook, his breath shuddering in her mouth and she clung to him. She gave every signal of a female ready to mate¡ªalbeit, one without the aggression and boldness typical of a wolf. But he needed to be certain. And so did she.

    So slowly, gently, he turned her, walking her backwards towards the bed, their legs pressing, moving in time, their weight shifting. And when she moved with him, sighing into his mouth, he prayed her skin prickled as his did with the promise of what was toe.

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 Chapter 380: Breaking the Bond

    <h4>Chapter 380: Breaking the Bond</h4>

    YOU ARE AMAZING! Thank you! At the time of writing (24 hours into the new Golden Rankings) Reth & Elia are 7th overall, and you have already earned 2 chapters for the 1 September Mass Release! I better get writing, lol! I wish you could all see my face. Your willingness to give these rewards to my book(s) is truly touching. Thank you. Whether it is 1 ticket, or 20, I am grateful for you! *Insert squeezy hug here*

    *****

    LERRIN

    Suhle tilted her head and traced his tongue with hers, and Lerrin instinctively made the call¡ªa resonant, groaning huff he''d only ever heard his father make for his mother when he was a pup, that imed her as his and spoke of his desire.

    But it wasn''t enough.

    Something within him reached for her¡ªthrough his skin, within his blood¡ªit spun and stretched, reaching for her as if she was the answer to the only question left in the world.

    Then she backed into the bed and their progress stopped. Lerrin straightened to meet her eyes, fear and hope warring in his chest.

    She stared at him wide-eyed.

    He was about to speak, to reassure her, but she shook her head and took a deep breath, then took her hands from him to put them to theces at her throat and slowly, with trembling fingers, began untying the bow there, pulling the fabric free of theces until the two sides of the fabric fell aside, baring the space between her breasts, and she let her hands drop back to his hips.

    Lerrin looked at the smooth skin there, the hint of the swell on either side, and the call broke from him again. With a searching look at her to make sure she as okay, he raised one hand, put one finger to her skin, to slide the fabric aside and bare one breast, one perfect round, already peaked and aching for his touch.

    "Suhle." He whispered her name like a prayer.

    She closed her eyes and leaned back into his other hand, still at her lower back, as he dropped his chin, took that peak in his mouth and sucked gently.

    She gasped and one of her hands pped to the back of his neck.

    He growled with pleasure when she pressed herself into him harder and she gasped again, her body beginning to writhe.

    Unable to resist, he nuzzled the fabric aside to bare the other breast, and as her breathing got louder, he kissed and sucked,ving her nipple with his tongue, tasting her sweetness.

    Then he bent her back, towards the bed.

    At first she went willingly, arching back, gripping his neck, wing at his back, her breathing fast and shallow, her body rolling with the ache, the need to get closer.

    Lerrin sent up a silent prayer that she wasn''t afraid¡ªand the plea that she would not be so.

    But as he moved his kiss back to the first breast, then began to kiss his way up, he felt her tense.

    The temptation was there to press, tofort and reassure, to show her that she would be safe to continue. But he knew he couldn''t risk it, so he stopped immediately, lifting his head and beginning to back away so she would feel safe to move.

    But she held onto him and stopped him from leaving her. Lerrin held his breath. Perhaps she did not want to stop? Only to¡­ breathe for a moment?

    What is it? he sent. Tell me what frightened you and I will ensure never to do it again.

    No, I''m not frightened, she replied. And then he realized he hadn''t been paying attention to her scent¡ªher scent full of love and conviction, and joy, and¡­ grief.

    Hebed her hair back from her face with his fingers. What do you grieve?

    I grieve that we cannot do this now, she sent sadly.

    The tiny ball of hope in Lerrin''s chest shriveled.

    Suhle swallowed, her breathing still very fast. We cannot risk this now, Lerrin. Ours scents will entwine. With you leaving¡ªthey''ll know as soon as they scent us. If weplete the bond, they''ll all know. They''ll¡­ they''ll use me against you. Pressure you to their ends.

    The Cat will never scent me¡ªor you, he growled in her head. There will not be time for them to find you¡ª

    No, not Reth, she sent. The males here. This¡­ group, this faction. If they learn that we are True Mates, they will use me to put pressure on you. We cannot give them that leverage on you, Lerrin. We can''t.

    He huffed his displeasure. He knew strategically she was correct. But he did not want to wait!

    For a moment, his fingers tightened in her hair. He wanted to fight. Wanted to argue. But she reached a hand up and stroked his face.

    When this is done. When you are in your ce among the tribes, I will still be here, Lerrin. I will not let them use me as a weapon against you.

    Then she let him feel her through the link¡ªlove, desire, and a fierce desire to protect.

    A tiny whimper broke in his throat and he leaned closer to her, threatening to kiss her again, but she smiled.

    Imagine it, she thought to him. Imagine how it will be, when we are at peace and in it together. Imagine it, Lerrin. It will be the best day of my life.

    His throat suddenly pinched until he was forced to swallow to clear it.

    I imagine more than that, he sent. I imagine walking the mes and Smoke with you. I imagine a den of our own, and pups, and¡­ Suhle, I imagine you. I have always seen that picture in my mind for myself. But now I see it for you. With you. Promise me you will wait. Promise me you will stay safe and wee me home. Promise me.

    A heavy breath rushed from her and she pulled him into a kiss, but differently this time¡ªsweet and yearning and¡­ a promise.

    "I love you," he whispered, shivering with the overwhelming emotion of it all.

    "And I love you," she whispered back, her hands at his face. Then the first shadow flitted across her eyes and he pulled her in tighter. "I pray we will have all of the future, Lerrin. Please. You must try for peace. You must. If you fight¡­ I fear I will lose you forever."

    He tensed, but put his forehead to hers. "I will think on it," he said reluctantly. "I will promise you this: If the Creator brings me into the presence of the cat as he did once before, where talk is possible, I will speak with him before I kill him. I will seek peace first."

    Her eyes closed and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him to her.

    Thank you, she sent. Thank you.

    **** YOUR POWER (and a Mass Release!) ****

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 Chapter 381: The Real Enemy

    <h4>Chapter 381: The Real Enemy</h4>

    LERRIN

    Later, Suhle slept in his arms¡ªcurled almost into a ball, her back to him, but her arms resting on his where he held her at the waist, their finger entwined. He wrapped himself around her smaller frame, his knees under her thighs, his chest at her back, his nose in her hair. He needed to sleep, but he couldn''t.

    She seemed so small, suddenly, so breakable. And yet, he knew better than most the strength thaty within her. But something within him fought all of this¡ªfought the need for it. And a niggling, frightening voice kept whispering, what else had he missed? What else was real that he had not seen?

    Whenever he thought about the cat his anger was overwhelming. But when he''d shown the memory to Suhle, she''d found hope in it.

    He needed more time. He needed to look at all of this closer, to look back through the preceding weeks and analyze them. Pick them apart. Ask himself where the threats trulyy, and where else he had missed something important. But there was no time. The cat had killed. Face to face. An innocent party. Possibly two.

    Lerrin knew the marks of both war, and murder. And he knew the progression of the Anima male heart and mind.

    Once a male had started down the path to ruthlessness it only became easier, not harder.

    The killing of prisoners would be the killing of citizens as soon as the citizens fought back. And the killing of one''s own people became tyranny. Cruelty.

    No matter where or when Reth had had the discipline for peace, he had begun down the road now.

    Lerrin would never have killed a prisoner of war¡­ He would have kept the prisoners. Tortured them, yes. Broken them, perhaps. But never stolen their lives in cold blood. Reth should have kept the prisoners alive, but in chains. Lerrin would have.

    But then that voice, whispering against the skin at the nape of his neck¡­

    Perhaps Lerrin would not have, but what of his people?

    The memories of the things he''d seen for himself in recent weeks¡ªand the things he''d been told by Asta, by Suhle¡­

    He knew not every Lupine male would take a female against her will¡ªhe prayed the real number willing to do so were very few. He was certain that not every male would harass or threaten others. Not every Lupine would leap to violence.

    But some would.

    Their tribe had not always been this way, of that he had no doubt. His own father had changed in the past year. Wolves could be ruthless, yes. But they valued intelligence and strategy over pure intimidation. Or at least, they had. Lerrin had been raised to use ruthlessness only as a tool against the enemy. Only to achieve a greater good. Never solely to take power.

    And yet¡­

    In the months since the human Queen had arrived, Lerrin had watched his father do and say things which he had raised Lerrin to despise.

    It hit him then, that that was where the blindness had begun: In the first weeks after the Rite. When Lucine was shunned and broken, and his father railed against the injustice of it all. When small groups began to propose ns. When Lucan wouldugh them off, then whisper with the perpetrators when he though Lerrin wasn''t looking.

    When Lerrin had chosen to turn away, to walk away, to tell himself that his father was only venting frustration and anger, not¡­ not being a traitor.

    Lerrin blinked, scanning back through the months, all the little ways and means he''d watched his father dissolve into the erratic, frightening wolf he''d be before his death.

    All the days Lucan had given every sign of lying, and Lerrin had chosen to justify it to himself.

    Then he remembered Lucine, his precious, ambitious sister. The tears and pleading as she told them the story of her union with the King¡ªthe false King. The traitor King. All the ways she''d said he''d trapped her. All the ways she''d been overwhelmed by his strength and power.

    And he remembered, the first time she told the story, the niggle in his chest, that little ache that reminded him that his sister never did anything she didn''t want to do. She never took a step she hadn''t measured¡ªwhether rightly or wrongly, it didn''t matter. She was not a thoughtless female. She was cunning and intelligent and strong.

    And when she''d spoken about being pressured to the King''s whim, he''d known in his gut that it was not so. But it had suited him not to question her¡ªand his father and the other Alphas had celebrated it. It was fuel to their fire.

    It had been Lerrin''s insistence that they use the old Petition that had turned his father away from outright revolution.

    He''d forgotten that.

    Creator''s Light, he''d forgotten.

    His father had been ready to attack the Tree City from within¡ªeven though the encampment already existed. Why wait for war, his father had asked, why not burn them in their beds?

    Lerrin began to shake.

    Why did those words sound so familiar¡­ because they were the ideas, the feelings, being proposed by his males. His security council.

    It had been Lerrin''s suggestion that they take the King down by his own standard that had turned his father''s head. And it had been working¡ªuntil Reth demanded that Lucine be scented for truth.

    Truth.

    His sister had lied.

    How had he forgotten that? How had he let himself forget that?

    He''d scented it on her himself. And yet¡­ and yet, he''d found reason to turn the people to listen to her anyway. And the King had banished them. Turned them out.

    Not killed them.

    Not burned them in their beds.

    He''d told them to go in peace and find their own way.

    He''d left them to live.

    Lerrin gulped and held Suhle tighter as she slept. She rolled her head, pressing back against him, but her breathing stayed deep and slow as he kissed her shoulder and trembled.

    He had been so blind.

    Lerrin could barely breathe. Was it possible he¡­ was he the traitor here? Was he the enemy?

    Was he the viin?

    His skin felt too tight and he began to shake.

    *****

    WOW! Reth got to Top 4 in the new Golden Rankings yesterday and this morning was still 7th! Thank you! You''ve already earned 5 chapters for the mass release on 1 September! The increases will slow now that most readers have given their stockpile of tickets. Please keep voting--at the end of the chapter you can click "vote" and select "Golden Tickets" to see if you have any avable to use!

    1 September Mass Release, here wee! Can you bring enough votes to make that 10 Chapters?! CLICK VOTE NOW or purchase a gift worth more than 300 points. (NOTE: If you n to buy two massage chairs, THANK YOU, but know that 2 chairs cost 1000 coins and will only bring 2 tickets. However, if you buy one luxury car for the same price, Reth will get 3 golden tickets!)

 Chapter 382: You Wouldnt Think

    <h4>Chapter 382: You Wouldn''t Think</h4>

    YOU ARE AMAZING! Thank you! At the time of writing (24 hours into the new Golden Rankings) Reth & Elia are 7th overall, and you have already earned 2 chapters for the 1 September Mass Release! I better get writing, lol! I wish you could all see my face. Your willingness to give these rewards to my book(s) is truly touching. Thank you. Whether it is 1 ticket, or 20, I am grateful for you! *Insert squeezy hug here*

    *****

    LERRIN

    Hey in the bed, mind reeling, the dark for once feeling like cover. As if it saved him from facing what he truly was.

    Suhle was warm and soft in his arms. Suhle smelled like mint andvender.

    Suhle was afraid he would die.

    She had seen it, he realized. Seen everything he''d been blind to¡ªeven before they left the city she had understood what was happening. And she''de with them to do what she could to bring them to the truth.

    She had positioned herself to influence power without asking for power of her own.

    His mate. His beautiful, intelligent, magnificent mate had seen through all of it¡ªand not even known he was her mate. She''de despite her fear, despite the way she''d been betrayed.

    Her heart, her courage was what their tribe needed. She was what Lerrin needed.

    He did not sleep. Not when Suhle felt him tremble and turned in his arms to bury her face in his chest and hold him. Not when the dawn light began to shine through the walls of the tent, turning them gray, then orange, then pink. Not when he took a cold, hard look at himself and saw his ownck.

    And not after he realized that the die had already been cast. That he had led his people to this ce, and war was now inevitable. Would happen whether he willed it or not.

    Did he will it, though? And if he did not¡­ what did that mean for this day?

    His own heart and mind were warring factions¡ªone reminding him of every slight, every restraint ever ced on the wolves by Reth to keep the tribe from bing too powerful.

    The other remembering every step towards peace, every resource shared, every Anima allowed to thrive under the cat''s rule.

    Every lying sister given opportunity to live and seed despite her machinations.

    Every power-hungry father warned over and over, despite attempting to take the life of the Queen.

    Every argument put forward and pursued, rather than power unted.

    Every conversation entertained when hierarchy could have been called out and used to force submission.

    Every encouragement offered to seek peace, even when he, Lerrin, gave over to murderous rage.

    Every life saved.

    When the dawn light was bright enough that even a human would have been able to see the individual hairs on Suhle''s head, Lerrin knew he didn''t have much time.

    There was a great deal of nning to do today, then travel this evening. He should already be out of bed. He should already be out to select the guards and¡­

    But Suhle.

    What was he going to do to keep her safe?

    She had been right¡ªhad theypleted the bond, she would be in even more danger today than they''d thought. If Lerrin''s thoughts¡ªthe ideas he really did not want to let himself so much as think¡ªwere toe to fruition. But¡­ if he couldn''t let himself think it, how would he step into it?

    His hold on Suhle tightened and she stirred, taking a deep breath and stretching.

    Lerrin smiled andbed the hair back from her face as she blinked awake. "Good morning," he rumbled, his voice hoarse and rough fromck of sleep.

    "Good morning," she whispered back. Then looked around, saw the light seeping through the tent and her face went pale. "I have to get up. If anyone were toe¡ª"

    "Just one minute, there''s something I need to tell you."

    Then she held him as he showed her everything he''d been thinking, the memories of his family, his father''s degeneration into what could only be described as madness¡ªand his sneaking fear that Lucine had been on the same path.

    He showed her what he remembered about the months leading up to their challenge of Elia as a false Queen, and the subsequent usation against Reth as traitor.

    He showed her that Lucine had been lying, and Reth had not.

    And he showed her the memory of Reth in the river¡ªbut now with the filter of his opened eyes.

    He still couldn''t stand the self-righteous prick. But he also couldn''t deny¡­ other than the prisoners, he would have done the same things if he were in Reth''s shoes.

    In fact, Lerrin suspected that if he were to have faced Rething after Suhle, he would have been far more ruthless in his response.

    Suhle''s eyes got wider, and bigger with each memory, each thought he sent, until she was clinging to him, shivering with abination of joy and terror.

    What are you going to do? she sent urgently when he was finished.

    I truly don''t know. If I do not lead this charge for the Tree City, they will turn on me. I am certain of it. They''ve been waiting for this. If I don''t let them have their heads now, they will go behind my back. Just like my father did.

    Suhle gripped him so hard her fingers dug into his shoulders, but he only held her tighter, and swallowed both his pride, and his fear.

    I think I have to ask you to help me, Suhle.

    Anything, she sent back without even a hesitation.

    I fear the danger it will put you in.

    I do not fear danger, Lerrin. I fear the loss of things I wouldn''t choose to give. I fear losing you. If I can do anything that might make it more likely for you toe back safely, I want to.

    He stared down at her precious face and wanted to howl with triumph that his mate¡ªhis!¡ªwas the most amazing female. Courageous and strong and so wise.

    And he wanted to weep. Because what he was about to ask her, might get her killed. But if she wasn''t sessful, he would likely be the one dead¡ªand her not long after.

    Because once the wolves made a decision, they did not break away from it. And that meant if he had rebels within his circle¡ªespecially rebels willing to take unwilling females¡ªonce they determined that he was no longer sufficient as a leader, they would not only kill him, they would kill anyone they believed was loyal to him.

    And that was when he knew... if he was truly a King of his people, he had to choose between the safety of those who had been dragged into this untenable position unwillingly, or the approval of those that would willingly to send them all into hell.

 Chapter 383: A New Plan

    <h4>Chapter 383: A New n</h4>

    READER SHOUT-OUT: Thank you, Qp637, Grace_Gilbert_4063 and Stacey_Moncrief_3242 for being the TOP supporters for this story! Your generosity and faithfulness humbles me! I pray you have a blessed week!

    *****

    LERRIN

    Lerrin began to outline his thoughts, but they were both desperately aware that today was a hugely important day, and Lerrin would be interrupted and called upon any moment something arose that might slow their travel. Lerrin had also agreed to evaluate the soldiers first thing that morning. So, he and Suhle agreed to finish the conversationter, when they could be hidden from others, and got out of bed and dressed for the day, Suhle once again disappearing behind her white hood.

    Lerrin took a moment before they left to push it back and hold her face. He sent her his admiration along the link

    I will have to treat you as if you are¡­ unimportant when we are in front of others. For your own safety. But speak to me this way and you will hear the truth. Suhle¡­ you are precious to me. Do not ever doubt it.

    She gave him a lopsided grin.

    I see your heart, Lerrin. I know it. I do not fear. I am ustomed to standing in the background. I prefer it.

    He shook his head at her humility. You are an example to me, he sent. Then he kissed her briefly before pulling her hood back up and turning for the tent-p.

    Lerrin hated seeing her hide herself. Hated even more that when they stepped out of the tent and there were witnesses, he had to pretend he was barely aware of her¡ªwhen every inch of his skin pulled towards her, every sense was heightened to any movement, any sound she made.

    She carried his bag¡ªothers would believe her joining him to assist as he nned and gathered resources for their trip¡ªfollowing him out of the tent, to the training ground that had been established in the forest where Lerrin was to examine the soldiers and choose his guard for the attack on the city.

    When Lerrin caught sight of the clearing, Asta¡ªwhom he''d sent, with some difficulty, a warning that he was approaching¡ªstood at the head of the field, the best fists lined up behind her, each in two lines behind their fist leader.

    When Lerrin stepped into the sunlight, the fist leaders all called themand to salute, and the fists, in perfect unison, each took the knee and snapped their fists to their chests. Lerrin was d to see they''d found their discipline, but there was no relief for him in it, under the circumstances.

    Asta nodded at him when their eyes caught. But then she saw Suhle walking directly behind him and her head tilted. She stared a question at him but he turned and immediately began speaking so she wouldn''t scratch at his mind. He couldn''t risk linking any more than absolutely necessary with anyone beyond Suhle today. It was too high a risk that some of his emotions might bleed through and bring suspicion.

    "Thank you for your service to the Lupine Tribe, and to your Alpha!" he called across the field so everyone would hear him clearly. "You are the best of our people, the strongest, fastest, and most disciplined, and all of you will be recognized. I am here to tell you that the time hase. You will be part of the troops that bring this fight to the Tree City."

    The discipline broke as the soldiers¡ªalmost entirely male¡ªlifted their chins and howled their delight to finally be engaging inbat. Lerrin forced himself to smile. He felt Suhle shift her weight behind him.

    "When we leave this ground, you prepare your packs for at least two nights on the trail, andbat rations. We leave at sundown. But now I will watch your final training and select from among you the fist that is to be my personal guards. If we are sessful in our attack, you will remain as the core of my Guard when I have taken the throne as the true King of WildWood!"

    The wolves cheered and he smiled grimly. It was true. Or would be, if he were to step onto the throne.

    Then he turned to Asta who called them all to attention again, and they began the exercises that they believed would help him select the best among them for his purpose. But Lerrin could barely concentrate. Most of his mind and senses followed every movement of Suhle, down to the flutter of her hair. But to the others he looked like he examined the soldiers and evaluated their form in the sparring and movements.

    He and Asta discussed the individual soldiers, and the fist leaders, Lerrin specifically looking to find those that were the most disciplined, most likely to follow his orders without question.

    In the end, with little difference between the groups, he chose the group that had one female among them who seemed very steady, and the males who had looked at Suhle the least.

    The fist stood to attention when he informed them, proud and grateful for the chance to follow him into battle.

    A battle he no longer believed in, but couldn''t see a way to avoid. Yet.

    Then he farewelled them and started from the field. Asta joined him, walking him to the edge of the forest, with only one nce at Suhle behind him.

    "Are you ready?" she asked quietly.

    "We are working on it. I have several stops to make this morning," he said, his voice short and abrupt so Asta would think him busy and distracted.

    "Will you need me before lunch?"

    Lerrin blinked, it was an odd question, but he guessed she only asked because he would be leaving and she wished to be avable to him beforehand. "No," he replied. I will need to speak with you before dinner. But in truth, Asta, you already know my wishes for the Lupine. In the event I am dyed, simply make the choices you believe I would make."

    She nodded, a guarded edge in her gaze that he didn''t like, but understood. She always hated emotion, and he suspected that, like him, she was very aware that this was likely the closest he would evere to walking directly into the face of death.

    Strange that he didn''t feel nervous about that. Yet.

    "Very well. I will meet with some friends before lunch, but make sure I am avable from the midday meal onwards. Call me when you need me."

    Lerrin felt Suhle tense behind him, but he couldn''t turn. Couldn''t let Asta know she was anything but a servant to him. But in a rush now to speak with her, he nodded and waved Asta off. "Thank you for bringing the guards together. They''re looking good. It''s a relief."

    She gave a t smile then turned away, another nce at Suhle, but withoutment, then jogged back into the clearing to release the soldiers.

    Suhle''s tension increased with every step, but they could not afford to risk anyone noticing anything different about them. So Lerrin waited until they had walked much deeper into the forest¡ªaway from the encampment, towards a small clearing with a cave that he was aware of and had visited a few times when he needed privacy.

    Are you well? he sent as they turned onto a deserted trail.

    She opened her mind to him immediately and what he saw there almost made him shift on the spot.

    *****

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 Chapter 384: Betrayal

    <h4>Chapter 384: Betrayal</h4>

    LERRIN

    He was staring at a memory, crystal clear in his mate''s mind. She peered through a small crack at the base of a tent, a spot where the canvas had caught on something and a sliver of light cut through.

    And inside the tent were six wolves.

    Five of them were faces Lerrin knew, though he could only remember names for two of them. But the sixth¡­ the sixth was Asta.

    And the reason Lerrin''s hackles rose and his beast snarled for release, was because the six discussed mutiny.

    "We need to know where he truly points! Yes, his rage for the cat is real. But do his goals align with ours?" one of the males growled.

    Asta pursed her lips. "It is¡­ ufortable measuring him. He is a truth speaker. But also very adept at speaking the truth you do not know you''re hearing. His goals for the cat are entirely in line with ours¡ªhe wants him dead. If he can achieve our goals for us, we are in a much better ce to take the reins of power when the cat has already been defeated. We may even find working within his circle a better strategy¡ª"

    "Do not start with that again," the first wolf growled. "He has already proven soft in the gut. His own father worked around him. He was neutered before he began. We wait only the timing. The time for Lupine dominance hase and we grow impatient. So stand with us and continue to report, or stand aside and allow us to work without you. But do forget, he will bite out your throat himself when he sees what we have on you."

    Asta snorted. "I am not disloyal to the cause. I only wish to see dominance among the tribes achieved with a minimum of wolf bloodshed. There are still many here who will stand for the birds and serpents. The fact that they epted the segregated camp is only because so many of them arefortable. But you begin killing our allies and some will find it a step too far. And once we reach the Tree City where there is room for all, you will find many of them do not have the appetite for this kind of separation."

    "Leave the people to us," a third wolf said, his voice low and dark, from behind Asta. "You would be surprised what people will ept when the pain is not their own. And we will not be killing any of the tribes, only those among them that would fight us. It will be a clean te. A new beginning. The Cat gone, the tribes aligned, and the wolves in such dominance, they will be the royal bloodline for millennium.

    "Now, bring us the report, and we will decide. But in the meantime, we must discuss the ancestry. If we can get the females with pup while we are here in the encampment, their pregnancies will be half-gone before we get to the Tree City. Do we have new numbers yet? I know Gersh was working with¡­"

    The memory faded and Lerrin realized he was standing in the center of the trail and staring at Suhle, his teeth bared.

    He snapped his head to look back the way they''de, toward Asta¡ªhis friend! His second!

    The wolf he nned to leave in power during his absence. He took a step and Suhle''s handnded on his elbow. "You cannot tell her you know."

    "What?!" he snarled. "I cannot in good conscience leave her in a ce of power while I am gone¡ªshe is a traitor¡ª"

    "I am not certain of it," Suhle said, her eyes darting nervously around. She tipped her head for them to continue moving, but Lerrin stood, rigid, unable to walk away from the greatest betrayal he had ever experienced. "Lerrin, please," she whispered. "I have much to tell you¡ªand I believe when she asked you about meeting with her friends this morning it may that this was what she meant. And if so, I could follow her, we could learn for certain whether she is trustworthy or not."

    "Trustworthy?! Are you insane?!"

    She gave him a t look and tugged at his arm until he reluctantly began to move, but his stride was quick and stalking, the hair on the back of his neck standing tall. He wanted to hunt. He wanted to bite. He wanted¡ª

    "You heard her say that perhaps they would work with you. She has insisted on that every time I have been able to listen. I wonder if she keeps watch over them for you, rather than the other way around."

    "Now I know you are insane," he growled, stalking down the trail. "Suhle, I know your heart is good and you wish to see good in others. But she meets with these people without my knowledge, she brings her power with her¡ªand by association, mine. She has been lying to me. I''ve asked for reports on any factions causing division or strife¡ªshe stood there and listened to those males discuss the females!"

    "They were discussing the volunteers," Suhle said through her teeth.

    "They¡ªwhat?"

    "Some of the females who support this movement have offered themselves to breed. I cannot be sure, but I believe these group has been identifying the most fertile wolves in their ranks and having them mate regrly, hoping for offspring."

    "To what purpose?"

    "To increase the numbers of the wolves and thus help the bloodline increase in dominance over the generations," she said simply. But he was finally able to think enough to look at her closely.

    She was pale.

    "Suhle," he said softly, "I''m sorry if I frightened you. I would never be aggressive with you, even if we argue. I only wish to discipline these¡ª"

    "Lerrin, I am not frightened of you. I have told you this. My fear is for you, for what you face today. Tomorrow. And for how we must navigate this while you are gone."

    "There will be no navigating," he growled. "My second is a traitor and she will be strung up for it."

    "I told you, I''m not certain she¡ª"

    He whirled on Suhle, his jaw tight and snarled through his teeth. "She has been lying to me for months. Whether she intended to unify us, or not, makes no difference. She has deceived me and worked at a cross-purposes with my goals. She knows that is treachery in my pack. I will not stand for it. Good intentions be damned¡ªif they even exist."

    Suhle took a deep, shaky breath. "But, if she intends to help¡ªor at least to soften this group¡ª"

    "It does not matter. Asta is a soldier. She knows. She''s knows, Suhle. I know it does not suit your sensibilities, but I will not discuss this further. My Second will die today, at my hand."

    "Die?!" Suhle gasped. She stopped walking again and put a hand to his chest. "Lerrin, you cannot kill her. You must let me go to this meeting and see! Make sure her intentions are malicious! If they are not¡ª"

    "If they are not, she should have told me what she was doing. She should have been reporting to me about them from the first she became aware of them. But instead she feeds their fire and uses her authority to their benefit." He snorted the air from his nostrils. "Not only will I kill her myself, I will make her an example to the rest of them!"

    "But, can''t you see Lerrin, that''s exactly why you can''t do that¡­ yet," Suhle said faintly. "Please, let me show you. Please?"

 Chapter 385: Persuasion

    <h4>Chapter 385: Persuasion</h4>

    LERRIN

    They made it to the cave he''d intended to take her to, but his mind was still reeling. He still fought the urge to return to Asta and bite out her throat. Or maybe that was too good for her. Maybe he''d disembowel the traitor, let her die slowly and in pain.

    He nodded to himself grimly as Suhle tugged him toward the cave where they could be out of sight just in case anyone happened into the area. But Lerrin could feel that they were alone, and Suhle agreed. And her hearing was even better than his.

    As soon as they were out of the open, he turned with a question in his eyes, and when she smiled, he pulled her into his chest. She came willingly, resting her temple on his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist.

    "I cannot imagine leaving you," he said hoarsely. "I have to. I know that. And I will. But you must know, Suhle, that if there were anything less important, I would not do it. I cannot¡­ I do not wish to be separated from you at all."

    "I pray it will be only a short time," she whispered.

    He sighed. They both knew with what wasing there was every chance one of them could end up dead, or a prisoner, or¡­ he turned his mind from those thoughts. They would not help.

    "I have to return to the Security Council soon. Tell me what you wish to tell me," he said quietly. The memory of Asta bloomed in his head and his jaw clenched with the urge to go after her.

    Suhle stroked his back. "I know it smells bad, and this will taste bitter in your mouth, but¡­ if you reveal to this faction that you know of them, if they are warned before you leave, then any of them who have not been identified will use your absence against you. You know it true, Lerrin. You could return to your own revolution."

    He stiffened under her hands.

    She was right. But he wanted to fight it anyway.

    "How can I leave a known traitor in charge while I am absent?" he growled.

    "If they believe one of their leaders is in charge, they''ll feelfortable¡ªmorefortable, in fact. They will rx because you''re gone. They''ll be waiting to make sure that you''re doing what they want from you. Their security will mean that they will feel less¡­ urgent."

    "Or they will use my absence anyway, and I will have left them the vehicle to do it."

    "I will follow Asta this morning. I will listen. If they n a revolt in your absence, I will tell you before you leave.? I promise it, Lerrin. But they have always discussed letting you lead them until they''re returning to the Tree City. They wish to create a new society when that urs. That is when it will be right to remove Asta, and take the others by surprise at the same time."

    He shuddered. He could see the wisdom in the n, but it went against everything in him to leave the people¡ªespecially those who''d held their honor¡ªin the hands of these evil doers.

    "Asta may not be the viin you believe her to be, Lerrin," Suhle said quietly. "I had nned to find out more before I brought her to you. But with you leaving¡­ Just¡­ the time to gather information and think is needed. I imagine they will meet a great deal with you out of the encampment. I can look into it while you''re gone."

    "No, you can''t," Lerrin sighed. "Because I need your help."

    She went still, waiting to hear his thoughts.

    "Suhle," he whispered, "I can see the truth. I couldn''t sleepst night for seeing it¡ªeven more than the truth you''ve brought me. My people are falling apart from the inside. Their goals are not honorable. I''m not sure when they changed¡ªthis isn''t the tribe I grew up in.

    "Last night while you slept I thought all of it through and now¡­ now I better understand Reth. I still cannot stand the male¡ªbut I see that¡­ I see why he should stay in the Tree City."

    Suhle froze, startled. Lerrin swallowed hard and held her close. "I need to speak with him. Do you think you can sneak into the Tree City? Get close to him?"

    Every muscle in her went rigid and he opened his mouth to retract the request. She was terrified. He couldn''t put her in a ce of that kind of fear. But before he could find the words, she whispered, "I am certain I can. At least close enough to get a message to a family member who will get it to Reth directly. But if I can take it myself, I will."

    "No, no. I don''t want you in his hands, Suhle. He is killing prisoners, I refuse to take that risk with you."

    "He would not kill me when he heard the message I brought," she said, squeezing him. "He wants this with you, Lerrin. I''m certain of it. It is his way. That memory you shared with me¡­ it proves it."

    Lerrin growled, but didn''t contradict her. "Then¡­ then I have to ask you to go. Today. You must beat us there. I am¡­ Suhle I am going to betray my own people by doing this. It is not an honorable thing to do¡ª"

    "There is nothing more honorable than turning from hate, Lerrin," she whispered. To his surprise, she lifted her chin and pulled him down into a soft, lingering kiss. Then she spoke against his lips. "You were blinded by hate and pain. But now¡­ now you see. And you are willing to turn away from the dark. That is the most honorable thing an Anima can do. I knew you were good, Lerrin. I knew it."

    Lerrin sighed, butpped up her attention. When they finally broke the kiss, neither of them spoke immediately. But he was desperately aware that he couldn''t disappear for lengthy periods today without it being noticed. So he began to outline the vague n.

    ****

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 Chapter 386: Traitor

    <h4>Chapter 386: Traitor</h4>

    (August 2021) READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the very, very generous gifts you gave in July. I am always a little embarrassed when readers give extra on top of paying for my content. I am truly humbled. I want to say a special thank you to these readers whose generosity made my jaw drop:? PBMamaRae, MoonGoddess21, DaoistPrvZp, Jak_BeQuick, S_courge, April_Jo_Perez, Stacey Moncrief3242

    *****

    LERRIN

    "I am going to tell you our nned attack¡ªwhere we will enter his territory, where we will hide to wait, what time we will attack, where I can be found. I am¡­ I am putting my life in his hands, Suhle. He may kill me first. But¡­ but I cannot in good conscience see the people at war¡ªI cannot risk our people winning, knowing what the wolves are moving towards. And yet, I cannot put my people back under him, either. He has not done well for the wolves. I hope, pray, there is apromise we can find. A way to live in peace, or¡­" he whispered. "Is it possible to be a traitor to a people who live in hate and will use their power against others? Am I wrong? Or are they? Are we both? I am¡­ I am so confused¡­"

    "Do not be. You walk in the Light, Lerrin."

    Lerrin snorted. "I do not know about that. What I do know is that I cannot see another way to eradicate the rot from among my people and NOT kill everyone in the Tree City two days from now. I wish I had seen this sooner. I know you were trying to help me see, Suhle. I am sorry I was so blind. About so many things."

    They held each other for a moment before he pulled back to look at her precious face. "The time hase to work with one enemy in order to ovee a greater one. If I can get the Cat to listen."

    She raised an eyebrow. "You might not want to call him ''the cat'' at the negotiation table," she said dryly.

    Lerrin chuckled, but it died on his lips quickly. He stared into her beautiful eyes and his chest ached physically¡ªfear of losing her, grief at what had happened to her, anger at the idea that she would be in danger while he was gone¡­

    He pulled her into his chest again. "I have never been so afraid in my life," he admitted gruffly. "Thinking of sending you into his paws makes me want to wet myself."

    "I am more frightened for you," she whispered, clinging to his back. "And frightened of never holding you again, never being held. You are¡­ so important to me, Lerrin."

    "I know you were right about not fulfilling the bond," he whispered. "I know you are safer because of it. But¡­ I wish it wasn''t so. I wish we had."

    "I do too."

    Lerrin frowned. "How can that be, after what you have been through?" he asked carefully. "I know you told me that you do not enjoy the physical acts of mating, Suhle. If we need to wait, or¡­ or not do that¡­ I will understand."

    She swallowed and pulled back again so he could hold her eyes. "I have discovered something these past weeks. I am no longer so¡­ against it." She took a deep breath. "The difference isn''t the act, it is why.

    "Before I met you, I never felt truly safe with a male in that way¡ªeven those I enjoyed and who loved me. I was always afraid. So any touch felt like a vition."

    He squeezed her again, but she didn''t drop his gaze. "You make me feel safe, Lerrin. I feel safer with you than I do alone. That has never happened before. And with that feelinges desire. I did not ask for it. I did not expect it. But it is there.

    "I cannot say how my past will affect me, or that I will never recoil from you. But you should know that if I do, it will not be because of you. And¡­ and I look forward to being that close to you. I want toplete the bond. I want¡­ I want to do that when you return," she said breathlessly.

    He nodded slowly. "I want that too. I want everyone to know you are mine. Only mine. I want them to be certain I will kill them if they touch you. But more than that¡­ I want to show you how I feel about you."

    Her cheeks pinked, but she leaned up to kiss him softly.

    Lerrin wanted to get lost in her, to spend these final minutes alone in nothing but love. But he knew they had to discuss the? n. So a momentter he pulled back and beganbing her hair back from her face with his fingers as he spoke, outlining how they would reach the royal meadow. Where the soldiers would be positioned to take the Tree City. The signals they nned to use.

    Suhle''s face grew more and more grim as he spoke and understanding dawned on her face¡ªif this went wrong and Reth wasn''t able to guard against it, it would happen. And the wolves might win.

    "¡­are you certain you can get to him?" Lerrin asked for the fourth time.

    "I am certain I can get a message to him," she said softly.

    "You have to ry that conversation at the River. No one will know about that except me and Reth and Behryn. He will know the message trulyes from me if you include that."

    She nodded. "I remember. I will quote it."

    Lerrin began to tremble, his mind suddenly full of fearful images of her being taken by a group of guards, thrown into a prison, tortured¡­ killed.

    He sucked in a breath. "No¡­ this is wrong. I can''t put you in this kind of danger."

    "I will never let myself get in danger, Lerrin. Trust me. Look at me!"

    He did look down at her again and her eyes shone with confidence and love.

    "This is why my skills leave me uniquely equipped," she whispered. "I can be in and out before they even know I was there."

    Lerrin grunted. "As soon as you have gotten the message to him, you have to get out of there. But¡­ how will you do that? He is killing prisoners¡ª"

    "I know how to get information to him without putting myself in his hands. And if all else fails, I have a family member that can ry it for me¡ªthey will not give me up. And you are correct¡ªthat memory will validate the message." But then her lips thinned. "The thing I fear is that he may have be so frightened that he will not give you freedom. He maye for you¡ªand not to speak."

    Lerrin swallowed hard. As usual she saw the truth.

 Chapter 387: The Drums of War

    <h4>Chapter 387: The Drums of War</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin''s chest was tight, his mind echoing with images of the prisoners who had already been killed, with vivid images of Reth descending on him, tied in a corner and unable to defend himself.

    He knew the risk was real. And he knew if he were in Reth''s shoes it is what he would have done¡ªhaving received an urate message to stop the attack or not. He wouldn''t have allowed the Cat to live. If he''d been provided the means to find and imprison his enemy, not only would he have taken it, he would have bitten out the male''s throat the moment they were breathing the same air.

    The thought he had then took his breath away. It came to him, in full color and sound, that he walked into this day praying that his enemy¡ªthe male he''d taunted, attempted to kill, and dered war on¡ªwas more merciful, more bnced, more wide awake, than he was himself.

    How was that possible?

    Creator, help us, he prayed silently. I have been changed by these events¡ªI see more clearly now. Please make sure my enemy does the same. I do not wish to lose my mate when I have just found her¡­

    He swallowed hard and kissed Suhle briefly, inhaling her scent, andmitting to memory the softness of her skin, the exact timbre of her sighs.

    If it had not been for discovering her, he might have prayed that Reth would kill him. Every time he thought of how he''d turned his eyes from truth, how he''d been determined to hate even when his instincts told him¡ªcorrectly¡ªthat he was not seeing clearly, his stomach became a pit of dread and putrid sick. Shame coated him, soaked into his skin until it overwhelmed his scent.

    How could he call himself an Alpha, a leader¡ªa King!¡ªand not have seen what was happening in his people? It burned in his gullet that Reth had tried to warn him right back when this began, that the cat had somehow already known. Or at least had some hint¡­

    He shook his head and found Suhle''s eyes again.

    "I am ready to fight for my life," he said, his fingers still trailing through her hair and down her back. "But we both need to pray that Reth is willing to follow through on his promise for peace. That he has not been tainted by war. That he found some reason for killing the prisoners beyond sheer bloodlust. Because that is the only way I will be able to return to you quickly." He swallowed hard and groaned. "Suhle, how did we get to this point? I cannot send you into danger, but I must!" he clung to her, resting his forehead on hers, his eyes closed against the pain of the images blooming in his mind¡ªof her in Reth''s hands. Or his beast''s ws.

    He swallowed hard. "When you''re done, the moment you have delivered the message, you must return here immediately. You must hide until I return so there is no chance¡ª"

    "No, Lerrin." Her voice was soft, but determined. "I will return to the camp and I will hunt down this faction. Anything I can find can only help us identify them and their goals more clearly. So while you are gone and I am driven mad with worry, I will spend the time until you return gathering information on them so that when you return¡ªor we are called to the Tree City¡ªyou can know who to target. I will find out everything I can. For you. So you can remove them."

    Just that little idea reminded him that his oldest friend, and Second, was a traitor. The rage bubbled up into his throat and he growled. But Suhle stroked his chest and whisperedfort.

    "I know you fear that she has betrayed you, but I am not certain she is a traitor, Lerrin. I have seen her discussions with them three times, and it is always the same. She forwards the idea of working with you, of finding a way through this that involves you."

    "The fact that she lied makes her a traitor, no matter what goal she began with. I will remove her on my return, regardless," Lerrin snarled.

    "But¡ª"

    "No, Suhle. I adore your heart, and you are wise. But I am not moveable on this." His determination matched her own. "She has hidden the truth from me at the very least. And has likely been undermining my throne from the start. I will not give her any further chances to bring the people closer to this sick goal of theirs."

    Suhle paled. "Do you truly believe her sin unforgiveable, even if she hoped to bring you together?"

    "Yes," he spat, then closed his eyes. "Do not flinch. It is not you I am angry at, I''m sorry, Suhle. I''m sorry."

    But despite the paleness of her face, she was nodding. "I hear you, Lerrin. I would not be so quick to dismiss, but I hear you." She sighed, her fingers digging into his back. "Very well. I will discover as much as I can about who else is involved and at what level. And if I find anything that confirms Asta as a traitor, I will tell you, I promise."

    And then they were done, he realized. And his stomach sank.

    Neither of them wanted to leave. Neither of them wanted to part, or stop holding the other. But Lerrin knew they had to.

    So, as she stared up at him, he tipped her chin, marveling at how she bared herself to his touch so easily.

    "I am yours, Suhle," he whispered. "Forever. You have me."

    Tears filled her eyes, shining on hershes. "And I am yours," she said in a choked whisper.

    "I love you."

    "I love you."

    "We will be together again and we will¡­ we will make a life," he said hoarsely.

    "Yes." She smiled then, and the whole world got brighter. As he pulled her into a kiss, he prayed one day he might have a heart as good as hers. That she might rub off on him, until he could be as proud of himself as he was of her.

    Then they finally let each other go, though they held hands until they stepped out of the dark of the cave and into the light, on their way to war.

    *** USE YOUR GOLDEN TICKET(S) TO EARN A MASS RELEASE! ***

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 Chapter 388: Time to Talk

    <h4>Chapter 388: Time to Talk</h4>

    KALLE

    They''d gone to the dining room to get breakfast for Elia and returned to the suite. But when she came out of the bedroom, Kalle was worried.

    Elia''s skin was dry and her hair dull. Her eyes had dark shadows underneath, and she looked utterly exhausted.

    Kalle had enough extended family to know this wasn''t umon with women in pregnancy. But Elia''s exhaustion had a quality to it she didn''t like. They''d hoped that her bing Anima¡ªor some kind of hybrid¡ªwould mean that her body was strong enough for the pregnancy. But here they were six weeks in, and her stomach was rounded enough to be noticeable in jeans or any top that wasn''t baggy. And she looked terrible. Kalle made a mental note to ask her grandmother about those herbs again.

    While Gahrye got changed in his bedroom, Elia sat, listless, at a small table in the corner and picked at the bacon and fruit they''d brought her. Kalle filled her in on their finds from the night before.

    "¡­I was inspired when we talked about the pregnancy and I looked up human pregnancies in some of the medical journals here. Going by your size, I think you''re the equivalent of an early second trimester human pregnancy already. And it turns out even with normal pregnancies there''s a condition where your bloodstream can end up crossing with the baby''s¡ªwhich can cause problems if you''re a different blood type.

    "I''m wondering if that''s what''s happening to you. If Elreth''s blood is mixing in your system and that''s¡­ that''s what''s causing you to shift, and¡­ everything else?" She didn''t want to tell Elia how terrible she looked. She didn''t think that was going to help.

    Elia nodded. "That would make sense," she said quietly, pushing the bacon around on her te with a fork. "And, actually¡­ if that is the issue, then it''s probably helped by all the blood they gave me when they were healing me before we crossed."

    Kalle had heard the story and had the same thought. "They gave you a transfusion, right?"

    "Sort of," Elia said, her brow pressing into lines. "I guess they kind of¡­ hooked me up to an Anima and we shared blood? That''s what they called it, anyway. I wasn''t awake, so I''m not sure. But then¡­ then Reth¡­ bled on my shoulder when Lucine had bitten me, and¡­" Elia swallowed hard like she was swallowing nausea.

    Kalle put a hand to her shoulder. "It''s okay, you don''t have to talk about it. We know you got Anima blood twice in less than a week, right?"

    Elia nodded.

    "So, if webine that with the baby''s bloodstream¡­ that''s three different sources of Anima blood in a really short period of time. I''m guessing that''s what we should be looking at. I''ll ask Grandma if she knows where to find anything about Anima blood. Maybe they''ve even studied this with humans before. You said Aymora got the idea from a journal, right?"

    "I¡­ I think that''s what she said?"

    Kalle rubbed her shoulder. "Don''t stress about it. We''re going to the Library now and I''ll ask Grandma and we''ll just see whates up. Okay?"

    Elia didn''t look up, but reached up to put her hand to Kalle''s on her shoulder. "Thank you. Please take Gahrye. He REALLY doesn''t like going in the car, or being in the city."

    Kalle snorted. "You think? Last time I swear he was about to throw up when we got home."

    "I was not," a dark, gruff voice said from behind her. Kalle''s heart leapt¡ªit was ridiculous. They''d been apart for less than five minutes. But turning to find Gahrye standing behind her in the jeans and that sweatshirt that matched his eyes made her breathe faster.

    Her scent must have changed too, because his eyes went from shing with irritation, to heat in a blink.

    She gave him a wicked grin and leaned into him, putting her arms around his waist. "I know you''re a big, strong male, don''t worry."

    He grunted, but even though his hands trailed up and down her back, he turned to look at Elia, who had suddenly found her te very interesting.

    "We will get you more books," he said softly to his friend. Kalle adored how concerned he was for her, but she wished he wouldn''t me himself for her condition. There were so many factors at y that were likely dragging her down both physically and emotionally, it was unrealistic for him to think he could fix them all somehow.

    "Thank you. I really don''t think I should go out and¡­ well, you guys have fun."

    "We will!" Kalle said brightly at the same time Gahrye snorted. Then they farewelled Elia and headed out to the car, Gahrye dragging his feet.

    When they passed the dining room, Shaw was at the table, speaking with one of the staff. Kalle tugged Gahrye''s elbow to hurry him past. She didn''t want Shaw to notice them. He was beginning to get very insistent about the interviews that Gahrye and Elia kept agreeing to, then putting off.

    Gahrye gave her a look, but was smart enough not to speak about it until they were outside alone.

    "What''s going on?" he asked, his shoulders back and hands tense¡ªhe was concerned enough to have forgotten they were walking to the car.

    "He''s pushing for that interview. I really think you guys need to go ahead and do it. The longer you put it off, the more suspicious he gets that you''re hiding something." They were crossing the cobbled driveway to the garage.

    Gahrye frowned. "Elia really doesn''t want to talk about it. She won''t even tell me what they said. I can''t see her deciding to open up to Shaw."

    "Then maybe we need toe up with some kind of usible lie, or part truth? I know you don''t trust him, Gahrye, but he really does talk to every single Anima thates through. I don''t know how honest they all are, but he''s got a lot of information about it. And who knows, it might help us? You and me, I mean?"

    She looked at him carefully. He could get touchy when she talked about looking into ways to cross the traverse. He was fiercely protective and worried she''d get herself killed.

    "You haven''t heard the voices," he said, his voice even darker than it had been back in the room. "We''re not messing with this shit. Elia thinks I can get back to you. I don''t know. But¡­ we''re not taking the risk," he said in the tone that meant he would not be debating it further.

    Kalle rolled her eyes. "Okay, boss," she joked. "Let me know when I''m allowed a bathroom break, okay?"

    He turned to her, confusion written all over his face. "I''m sorry, is this a human joke? I''m not familiar with¡ª"

    She hit the button to open the garage door and Gahrye jerked to look at it, frowning at the garage like it was a death trap, waiting to spring on him.

    "The car," he said in a tone that she would have used to refer to toxic waste.

    Stifling a grin, she hugged his waist again and whispered, "I asked Grandma to give us the room that locks," then kissed the side of his neck.

    Gahrye sucked in and Kalle smiled against his skin. "It will be worth it, then," he said a secondter. "But only just."

 Chapter 389: No Asswipes Allowed

    <h4>Chapter 389: No Asswipes Allowed</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Between the car fumes and the movement of the vehicle, Gahrye was nauseous by the time they made it to the back entrance of the library and the familiar brick buildings and covered stairs up to the ss doors.

    He didn''t tell Kalle, though. His male pride prickled. He thought he''d done a better job of hiding it from her. He''d been in the car more than once every week since they arrived. Surely by now he should be ustomed to it? But he still shook every time he sank into the seat, and his stomach turned for the entire ride, no matter how long or short it might be. So, as usual, as soon as the car stopped in the parking space, he had his door open and was pushing out into the sunlight, inhaling deeply, then grimacing at the disgusting odor of this ce.

    It had eased somewhat since he''d arrived. But he was still waiting for the day when this world didn''t make his nose hurt with its tangy stink.

    In public and outside the suite when they might be seen, he and Kalle were still pretending they were just friends. So he didn''t touch her after she circled the front of the car and walked ahead of him up the stairs. But it felt wrong to keep that couple feet of space between them. When she opened the ss door, he reached over her shoulder to hold it open for her until she passed through, then followed her down that long, stic lined hallway.

    He always enjoyed the sight and scent of the library when they first arrived, and he was busy looking over his shoulder into what Kalle called the Stacks when they turned to approach the enquiry desk where Kalle''s grandmother worked.

    Grandma caught Gahrye''s eye as they approached, and once again, he wondered if she knew what was between he and Kalle. She always seemed to regard him either with delight, or serious concern. But her scent was never angry or wary. She liked him, he was certain.

    And yet, today when she saw him her face became very serious and she looked over her shoulder to the back room where the staff had their breaks, but then turned back to them, her smile tight.

    "Good to see you both," she said quietly as they approached and she put a set of keys on the counter in front of them. "I got you the research room, Kalle, and I''ve already put the books in there. Are you sticking around, or just picking up?"

    "We''re going to stick around and maybe look for some extra¡ª"

    "Kalle?"

    Gahrye snapped his head up at the deep voice that rang a bell in his head. It wasn''t until he turned and found the high, slicked-back, dark hair and wire-rim sses that he remembered why he suddenly wanted to kick something.

    "Dillon?" Kalle''s voice was aghast¡ªand irritated.

    Dillon''s eyes slipped to Gahrye and he tipped his chin up, which almost dropped Gahrye''s jaw¡ªhe clearly did not understand that to an Anima he was offering himself for death.

    Gahrye shifted his weight so he stood almost shoulder-to-shoulder with Kalle, chin down and eyes fixed on the male''s. Let him scent that Gahrye was happy to take him up on that offer if he was so inclined.

    Below the level of the counter in front of them, Kalle nudged his thigh so he''d give her more space, then she scowled at Dillon. "Why are you behind the desk?"

    "He got the job," Grandma said with a sigh.

    "WHAT?" Kalle said, too loud for the library. Gahrye could smell her immediate anger¡ªand fear. He red at the male who had made his mate pin back her ears, and waited. She would deal with him. And if she did not, Gahrye would.

    Dillon chuckled. "When you resigned I had already put in an application, so they called me." He kept his gaze fixed on Kalle, his smile easy, but he ignored Gahrye.

    "The decision was made before I came into work yesterday," Grandma added casually, but her eyes were sharp on Kalle. "Management felt confident of him since they knew how close we were to Dillon, and that we trusted him."

    Kalle''s jaw dropped.

    After their first day together when she''d been forced to leave Gahrye for work, she''d decided to resign in case their time together was short. She''d said that as a Guardian she didn''t need the money¡ªan odd form of currency used by the humans for just about everything, ording to her¡ªbut she enjoyed having a routine. And they would keep in touch with the library, going there so often. She thought if she ever wanted it, she''d get the job back. But now it looked like their hours in the library might be haunted by this male that made her so agitated.

    "That is¡­ so not okay, Dillon. But I''m not going to give you the satisfaction of the attention, so we''re going to head to our research room and you can¡­ do your job." Then she swiped up the keys from the desk, gave Gahrye a pointed look, and turned on her heel, leading him to the research room they''d had the first day they''de to this amazing ce.

    Gahrye smiled at her back, at her scent that was both furious, and pleased with herself¡­ and when they turned the corner into the room and no one else could see them, she took his hand and pulled him after her, closing the door, then putting both her hands on his chest.

    "You know I have zero interest in that asswipe, right?"

    Gahrye snorted. "Asswipe? That''s a new one for me."

    "I''m serious."

    He let his lips pull up on one side and sidled up to her, taking her at the waist. "Perhaps more importantly, I have zero interest in that asswipe, wife." And he kissed her.

    She made that little groan in her throat that he loved, so he pulled her harder against him. He did not like these jeens and the thick stiffness of the material that didn''t allow him to really feel the warmth of her thighs against his. But the way she grabbed his ass and pulled him tighter against herself, he decided it didn''t really matter.

    Pretty soon they would leave the library and go back to the Big House and then the jeens woulde off. Creator willing he wouldn''t have to wear them again for several days.

    Then Kalle sucked on his tongue and every hair on his body stood to attention.

    Along with other parts of his anatomy.

    They really needed to get some work done, but¡­ perhaps a small break wouldn''t be a big problem.

    He leaned down to swing her into his arms and she shrieked, then pped a hand over her mouth as he lifted her and carried her over to the table he had very fond memories of.

    The asswipe was not going to steal his time with her today.

    He settled her on the top of it, between the stacks of books and she smiled up at him through hershes. "This is bing a habit," she said softly. He could smell the desire growing in her.

    "Oh, I''m not going to take you here," he said softly, sliding a hand to the back of her neck and curling his fingers at her nape.

    "You''re n-not?" she said as he leaned in.

    "No. I''m just going to remind you what I want to do to you tonight when we are alone and there are no¡­ asswipes nearby."

    Their breaths mingled as their noses almost touched. Gahrye slid his free hand around her thigh, cupping it at the back.

    She swallowed. "I think I¡­ I think I forgot about what you like. You might need to show me," she said breathlessly.

    Gahrye smiled very, very slowly.

 Chapter 390: Countdown to Answers

    <h4>Chapter 390: Countdown to Answers</h4>

    KALLE

    An hourter, her blood still fizzing a little because Gahrye, true to his word, had not taken her on the table like she''d thought he would¡ªwhat guy had that kind of self-control?¡ªKalle was struggling to concentrate.

    She ran a hand through her hair and flipped the page. Gahrye was on the other side of the table¡ªshe''d insisted on the space, because if he was going to stroke her and kiss her, then not follow through, she would be a mess by the time they left. This way at least she could pretend to get some work done.

    Then she frowned. She didn''t want to pretend.

    She hadn''t told Gahrye, but she was digging deeper on the disformed. Something was niggling at her, but she couldn''t figure out what. Something kept pressing at her.

    Why was Elia¡ªwho was human, or at least started that way¡ªable to shift, yet he could not?

    She''d gone back to the oldest records she knew, the myths and legends of the Anima''s Creation. There were several different ounts, and she''d never known which to take more seriously.

    But when she''d gone back over them, two things stood out: The first was that the humans were one of the original tribes. All the earliest stories of the Anima included humans as if it were assumed they would be there. And, by all ounts, they were humans like Kalle¡ªno special powers. No different, better, or worse than she. They were notably not as physically strong, but also notably focused on invention, inspiration, and building. Industry. The earliest humans in Anima were builders and inventors. Creatives. In all the ounts, no matter how fantastical, the humans solved problems.

    Interestingly, in more than half of the ounts of Creation she found references to Protectors, or Anima that held what she now understood to be the Protector''s role¡ªto keep the Ruler''s safe when dealing with¡­

    Kalle blew out a breath.

    Each legend was different, but they all had a viin. In some, the viin was an individual. In others, it was a group. In one it was a group of what could only be called spirits, or supernatural beings.

    But no matter which ount it was, the Protectors were always assigned by the Creator to stand between the King and Queen, and the person or faction that was trying to destroy the Anima as a whole.

    Kalle gave a nervous chuckle. She wasn''t sure why these stories affected her so. She''d read them a dozen times before. Perhaps it was because she saw Gahrye''s face, and Elias. Now, when she read of a King, she imagined the male that had Elia''s heart and devotion.

    The stories suddenly seemed real.

    The thing she wasn''t finding, was any reference to the disformed. In fact, even while she was researching other things she''d been paying attention. And a pattern was beginning to show: The disformed were never mentioned until three or four hundred years earlier.

    As if they just appeared, suddenly, centuries ago. It didn''t make sense.

    And where they were mentioned, no one ever exined why they couldn''t shift. It was either assumed, and not addressed at all. Or they were criticized or derided, and overlooked.

    Disformed never yed the hero in the stories. And if any of the historians were themselves disformed, it was never mentioned.

    It was as if the Anima wanted to ignore that they existed.

    And that thought made her spitting mad.

    She looked up. Across the table, Gahrye was reading through a page, hair falling over his crinkled brow and eyes that read quickly, determined to find the secrets they sought.

    Why would the Anima want to ignore him¡ªor others like him? What was it about them that made the others so ufortable?

    She must have voiced the question without realizing it, because Gahrye blinked suddenly and looked up at her. "The disformed?"

    "Yes."

    His lips twisted. "Apparently, we smell wrong," he said darkly, his eyes returning to the book as he began to flip through pages to a specific chapter. "But I think it''s mainly that they don''t want to think about if it happens to them, or their offspring," he muttered.

    Kalle frowned. "Being disformed is catching?"

    Gahrye pped a hand. "No. I just mean, they don''t want to be us, so we''re just a problem they don''t know how to solve. Don''t humans do that too? Try to pretend a problem doesn''t exist¡ªor that it''s someone else''s to deal with?"

    Kalle snorted. "Oh, yeah."

    "So, I think it''s that. I think instinctively they know we''re different, but they don''t know why. And so that leaves a lot of questions they might not want the answer to. They''d prefer to ignore the problem."

    Anger burned in her chest. "Well, I don''t want to ignore you, Gahrye. I''m¡­ humbled by you."

    "What?" He sat up straight and stared at her, his eyes wide. "What do you mean?"

    "I mean what I told you at the beginning. You''re way out of my league. I''m still waiting to wake up one morning and find out you came to your senses and left me."

    "I will never leave you!" he said fiercely. "I mean, not by choice."

    "Hey, hey, it''s okay." She leaned across the table to reach for his hand and he caught hers, gripping her fingers in his long, strong hand. "I didn''t mean I thought you would. I meant, I thought you should."

    "Why would you think that?!" he was aghast, and she realized she was scaring him.

    "Oh, Gahrye, you are so wonderful. Please don''t ever change," she said, squeezing his hand. "Don''t listen to me, I''m just being silly. I''m going to go back to my reading, and you go back to yours. We''ll be fine, okay?"

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Kalle''s talk of him leaving, the way she''d looked at him, like he was a prize¡­ the whole thing made him so ufortable. When she''d settled back down into her reading, he''d excused himself to use the bathing room.

    He didn''t really need it, but he did need to move, and he loved to see the beautiful building they were in. Every time he used the rooms here at the library¡ªno showers, just hard, stinking, metal stalls, and the little water fountains¡ªhe took his time walking back through what Kalle called the stacks¡ªthe long, high rows of books that ran floor to ceiling throughout this side of the building.

    It was an old building, though Kalle had exined that much of it had been rebuilt or restored in recent decades and was no longer original. The tall windows with carved frames, the vaulted ceilings, so much higher than any hand-made structure in Anima¡ªtaller even than the ceiling of the market!

    He crossed between stacks and trailed his hands along the books. They were all older in this section. They still had an odor, but it wasn''t as offensive as the brand new books on the other side that stank of these chemicals and¡­ whatever this world seemed to be made of.

    As he stepped into the aisle that would take him past the desk where her grandmother worked, and beyond that, to the research room, Gahrye thanked the Creator for her. Again.

    His mate.

    It still blew his mind to even think that. And to think she thought he was too good for her! He couldn''t fathom it.

    He smiled as he turned in the doorway of the little room. Perhaps he would take her on the table after all, if she''d¡ª

    He stopped just inside the door to find Kalle, halfway around the table, her face a thunderstorm.

    And that asswipe of a male, Dillon, looming over her.

 Chapter 391: Get With the Program

    <h4>Chapter 391: Get With the Program</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Kalle stood square on to Dillon, the long, dark green sweater she wore ring out from under her fists, which were resting on her hips. Her eyes were bright and ame.

    Dillon stood with his back to Gahrye, but close to her. Far too close to her. Gahrye tensed.

    Kalle caught his eye from the side.

    "I would be happy to kick this pup in the ass and send him home whining, if you''d like," he ground out, ring at Dillon''s back.

    Kalle''s lips twitched, but she shook her head. "Dillon was just leaving."

    "No, I wasn''t," the male growled. "You can''t be serious about this guy. He doesn''t even have a job, right? You''ve known him for what¡­ two months, maybe?"

    Kalle snorted. "You said you were in love with me after six weeks!"

    Gahrye felt the words like a tiny knife sliding between his ribs. But he didn''t flinch.

    "That''s you and me," Dillon insisted. "This loser is¡ª"

    Gahrye bristled, but Kalle held him off with her eyes.

    "That is my husband you''re talking about, Dillon, so shut up until you know what you''re saying."

    Gahrye was surprised she admitted it¡ªthey were supposed to be hiding. But not as surprised as Dillon.

    "Husband? You¡ªwait¡­ HUSBAND?"

    Kalle shushed him, her eyes going wide as she realized what she''d done and looked frantically towards the door. "Keep your voice down! Yes, my husband!"

    Gahrye leaned back to peer out and make sure there was no one nearby to hear, then stepped in and closed the door, turning back to face them both¡ªwhen rage consumed him.

    Dillon had taken hold of Kalle''s wrist and was swearing at her hand. "A leather ring? A leather fucking ring and you''re going to throw away what we had for a year¡ª"

    "I get that you don''t understand the symbolism, Dillon, but unlike your gestures, this one has meaning."

    "You barely know this dude!"

    "I am in love with him. We have a¡­ very unique bond. You need to move on."

    "Move on?! Move on?! We weren''t even finished!"

    "You finished us the second you slept with someone else!" Kalle tried to yank her hand out of his grip, but he didn''t let her go.

    It was instinct. Thoughtless. A simple matter of gripping the male''s wrist and bringing an elbow to that particr spot near the joint so that his entire hand would feel as if it had been jolted by lightning.

    Dillon yelped and dropped her hand and Gahrye yanked him around and shoved him back hard enough that he stumbled, following him and stepping right into his space even as the male cowered and began to yelp about assault.

    "You do not. touch. my. mate."

    "Don''t you touch me! Don''t you do it! I''ll call the cops this time!"

    "Oh, for fuck''s sake, Dillon," Kalle sighed. But she didn''t pull Gahrye away from the male, and Gahrye was d. He would not like to have resisted her in front of this¡­ asswipe.

    Instead, as Dillon backed into the wall and started fumbling for something in his pocket, Gahrye stood over him and spoke through his teeth.

    "No matter your anger, no matter your feelings, you do not hold a female against her will. Ever."

    "Thanks for the tip, Captain America¡ªbut she''s my girlfriend and¡ª"

    "I am not the Captain¡ª" Gahrye started, confused. But Kalle broke in.

    "Dillon, I am not your girlfriend and haven''t been since I found you in bed with someone else. So, go lick your wounds somewhere else before my husband gets angry."

    "BULLSHIT, THIS ASSHOLE IS NOT YOUR HUSBAND!" Dillon yelled.

    "Would you shut up?!" Kalle hissed.

    But as Dillon''s lip pulled up, away from his teeth, and he started in again, "NO I WILL NOT¡ª" Gahrye was done letting such a beta speak down to his mate. Until he taught her how to measure herself urately, he would handle the asswipes of this world for her.

    He grabbed Dillon''s throat, his fingers digging hard into either side of the male''s esophagus until Dillon''s words cut off and he made a strangled noise and grabbed for Gahrye''s wrist.

    The male could still breathe, but only just. Gahrye let him see the desire in his eyes to close his fingers and tear out the male''s pathetic, undefended throat.

    "You will speak to her with courtesy, or you will not speak at all," he said quietly.

    "Gahrye, don''t. Really. He can report you for that and¡ª"

    "Listen to your wife," Dillon croaked, his face growing red and hands shaking on Gahrye''s wrist.

    "Gahrye, let him go. Please."

    Kalle put a hand to his back and he gave the male a withering look, then shoved him back against the wall.

    "Psycho," Dillon croaked.

    "I don''t know what that is, but I''m assuming you don''t want one hunting you in the night. So, keep your hands off my wife."

    There was the tiniest happy sigh from behind him, but when he turned to look at her, Kalle''s face was innocently nk.

    Dillon sneered, but didn''t move away from the wall. "I''m reporting you to the Police for assault," he said hoarsely. "That''s the second time."

    Gahrye smiled. "Go ahead. I''m happy to tell them about you holding onto my wife when she tried to get away from you."

    Dillon opened his mouth, but Kalle stepped in. "Just leave, Dillon, please. I''ll talk to him."

    Gahrye raised an eyebrow at her, but she was urging him out of the way to let Dillon pass. The male tried to look strong walking away, but Gahrye didn''t miss that his footsteps became faster the closer he got to the door.

    The male was quite tall and broad, so the view beyond him was obscured when he walked out the door. Gahrye turned to Kalle to ask her about this "talking to," but her eyes suddenly went wide, and then she looked at Gahrye nervously.

    He was turning to see what had scared her when her grandmother''s soft voice said, "I knew it. You''re true mates, aren''t you?"

 Chapter 392: History

    <h4>Chapter 392: History</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle stared, wide-eyed as her grandmother slipped into the room, closing and locking the door behind herself, whispering the whole time.

    "¡­I knew it. And I was afraid to ask¡ªbut I was going to if you didn''te clean soon. Kalle, you should have told me, I have so much to tell you!"

    Gahrye nced at her, a question in his eyes. Kalle shrugged and widened her eyes at him. "Help with what, Gramma?" she asked, confused.

    Her grandmother turned around folded her arms and looked at Kalle like Kalle should know better. "I''m going to help you help Gahrye understand himself better. And maybe¡­ maybe he can help you get to Anima. I don''t know. I make no promises, but¡ª"

    "Wait, what?"

    "Gah, it''s been so frustrating keeping all of this from you. But it was part of my swearing not to reveal it until or unless it was relevant¡ªthere are prophecies about us, Kalle. Do you know that?"

    "What?!"

    "The Guardians. We have always caused as much conflict as we''ve solved. If you''d been older, I would have chosen you as my heir, but I had to choose and Shaw was so enamored¡ªat the time he was the right choice. But now¡­"

    "What? What''s wrong with him now?"

    Her grandmother''s brows pinched together. "I don''t know, he''s just so¡­"

    "Fascinated," Gahrye said quietly.

    Her grandmother smiled at him. "Yes. It''s kind of creepy, don''t you think?"

    "Hecks bnce."

    "Yes! And imbnced people can always be pushed in directions that they might not want to go¡ªor might not understand. Anyway, that''s not important. What''s important is, if you two are mates, I''m no longer oathbound to keep this from you. Honestly, Kalle, I can''t believe you didn''t tell me! How long have you known?"

    Kalle looked at Gahrye and he smiled. "I''ve known since I arrived."

    Her jaw dropped. "You did?!"

    Then he looked away, a shadow behind his eyes, but he turned to her grandmother and smiled. "We gave vows a couple weeks ago."

    "Weeks?!" Grandma whirled on Kalle. "Why didn''t you let on? I could have given these to you that day!"

    "Give us what?" Kalle eximed. "And I was going to, I wanted to, I just¡­ it''s all so new and we didn''t want Shaw to know. I thought you had to tell him!"

    Her grandmother snorted. "Shaw believes he''s at the top of the pile because I let him believe so. If he could get his hands on what I''m about to show you, he would have kittens. But you cannot show him. His imbnce would¡­ it just wouldn''t be good."

    Kalle''s head spun. She looked at Gahrye, but he was busy staring at her grandmother, an odd mix of admiration and wariness on his gorgeous face. She saw his nostrils re and was about to ask when he blinked.

    "The winds¡­" he breathed, his eyes going wide. "You will¡­ what do you know, Eve? What gives you such conviction¡ªand such fear?"

    Her grandmother put her hands to her mouth, her eyes shining. "Gahrye, you''re¡­ you''re what they call disformed, correct?"

    "Yes."

    Kalle snapped at look at her grandmother. "He is no less an Anima than¡ª"

    "Believe me, Kalle, I know it better than anyone," her grandmother replied. Then her face lit up in delight. "I''m going to show you the hidden histories. They''ll exin everything, I promise. Oh, and that will mean you''ll be able to choose your own heir to learn them as well! But¡­ Oh gosh, I need to think this through. Look at me, I''m all flustered. I''m just so excited!"

    "Grandma, what are you talking about?" Kalle demanded.

    Her grandmother shook her head and took a deep breath. "I''m sorry, I''ve been waiting and hoping for this for so long: Kalle, it has always been prophesied that when two humans heard the True Heart''s Call, they were the ones to open the hidden histories. When I heard about Elia being Reth''s mate, I hoped and prayed. And now¡­ Kalle, you can read these. The prophesied ones¡­. They''re you! You and Elia!"

    "Wait¡­ What?"

    *****

    Reeling from the shock of her grandmother''s rambling excitement, she and Gahrye ignored a pouting Dillon who sat at the front desk as they followed her grandmother out of the main library space and down, through the rabbit warren of hallways, storage closets, and dusty rooms, to the basement of the building.

    Kalle feared they would be walking into something from a horror movie when her grandmother mentioned the basement. But it was surprisingly well lit, and although out of date, the rooms at the bowels of this building had been refurbished thirty or forty years earlier, then only used for storage.

    Her grandmother''s tension increased as they walked, but so did her smile.

    When she finally stopped, and with shaking fingers unlocked one of the doors, Kalle took Gahrye''s hand. What were they about to find?

    "I don''t mind telling you, I''ve waited for this day my whole life," her grandmother said with a sigh. "I prayed I would be the one who got to hand over the true histories. I hope¡­ I hope you''ll choose to share them with me. Keeping these hidden has been the hardest battle of my life. The temptation¡­ but it doesn''t matter. I didn''t break the vow. The histories have remained hidden. And now you can be the one to open them," she said softly, swinging the door open and ushering them through.

    Inside was a bare, nondescript room, one long, narrow window high in the wall to let in some natural light. One side of the room was lined with boxes, almost to the ceiling. On the other, a wooden, rectangle table the size of a small dining set squatted with two or three stic chairs around it. And behind that, in the corner, what looked like an old, steel railway trunk, a massive, but contemporary padlock falling from a brass hoop on its front.

    Her grandmother trotted straight across the room to that trunk and knelt down, picking through the keys on the ring she always carried at her waist.

    "I can''t believe it. I can''t believe it!" she whispered, her gray hair fluttering because she shook. "We can finally read them!"

    Then she shoved a key into the padlock, turned it and the lock sprang open easily.

    "It''s here, Kalle," she said, opening it up and then stepping back to let Kalle and Gahryee closer. "It''s all here. Everything. The Anima. The humans. The voices¡­ everything." Her grandmother turned and looked at her, as if she''d never seen Kalle before, her eyes wide and awed. "It''s really happening. We''ve been waiting centuries for this."

 Chapter 393: Hope

    <h4>Chapter 393: Hope</h4>

    RETH

    After leaving Aymora''s cave, and a very frustrated Behryn who was ready to be back on his feet, but being held prisoner by his Mate, and old friend, Reth stalked along the trail towards the royal cave with his teeth gritted. The four guards Tobe had assigned to him were attentive, but he could smell their nerves. He was on edge, torn between anger and a desire to begin the fight, and they sensed it and reacted. He had to do better. They had to feel certain and secure, not be watching their King for attack, as well as for assassins.

    But he couldn''t think of anything to soothe them. The truth was, they were all walking into war. Any one of them could be dead in days. Hours, maybe. And he had one more prisoner that he had to decide what to do with. One more horrendous decision he''d been able to put off, but that weighed heavily. He had already dyed the execution of the bird. But if the wolves were about to attack, she might be an asset to them...

    Reth shook his head to free it of the images. He had to find a way to keep her alive without being seen to be merciful!

    A peewit called through the forest and he was reminded how life continued, even when you ran from impending death.

    He''d considered not going back to the royal cave¡ªthere were ces he could sleep throughout the Tree City. Any home would have made room for him to keep him out of his normal routine and make it harder for assassins to find him. But he knew with all the outlying Citizens now in the City, even with the homes that had been vacated by the wolves, space and beds were tight. By taking even the smallest Tree House he would be moving out an entire family, forcing them to bunk in the market with the others who had no homes.

    Something within him wasn''t yet ready to give up on his home, his connection to his mate. Tonight could be hisst chance to sleep there for some time. If true war began tomorrow, there would follow days, perhaps weeks, where he would be unable to return to his cave because there would simply be too many things to do. And it might be the target of his enemies.

    So, tonight he brought guards and prayed the trackers and scouts Tobe had sent up the mountain had truly cleared it of all threat from the wolves. He needed his own furs, and to possibly meet his mate in the dream¡ª

    They took a turn in the trail and Reth''s eyesnded on a folded piece of parchment pinned to a tree-trunk by an arrow.

    He stopped mid-stride, nostrils ring, the guards widening their stances and searching the nearby forest for intruders. But then Reth saw the signal.

    The white fabric, tied to the arrow.

    "Praise the Creator," he breathed. He raked a hand through his hair, then raised his voice for the guards. "Stand down. This isn''t a threat." He took the few steps up to the tree, yanked the arrow out and unfolded the parchment, blowing a breath.

    It was really true. He''d measured the other note correctly. His source¡­

    His head snapped up and he let his eyes show his urgency to the Guard in front of him. "Do you know the wolf, Charyn? You know where his home is?"

    "Yes, Sire."

    Reth nodded. "Go, right now, as fast as you can. Bring him, and his cousin to Aymora''s cave."

    "But, I''m not supposed to leave you, Sire!"

    "I aming with you as far as the City and the other three will stay with me all the way to Aymora''s."

    "But¡ª"

    "Your Captain answers to me, and I am telling you, this is of vital importance. Lives may be saved in the next few minutes. Do as I tell you."

    The guard swallowed, the nodded, but Reth was already on the move, the guards circling him as he ran. When they reached the Tree City and the path that branched off towards Aymora''s cave, Reth took a deeper breath when the guard peeled off and headed towards the Wolves.

    The parchment was crumpled in his fist and he held onto it like a lifeline. He''d been waiting for this. Why had it taken so long?

    *****

    When he arrived back at Aymora''s cave less than half an hour after leaving, Behryn was still on the cot, but grumbling about being a grown male. Hollhye stood over him, her arms folded, and Aymora just a few feet away, frowning. But all three turned quickly when he raced inside.

    "Change of ns," he said, low and hard. Aymora opened her mouth, but turning back to one of the guards who''d taken position in the doorway, Reth growled. "I need a report of the Avaline prisoner. Has she slept and eaten today? If she is asleep, have her woken up and kept awake. Do not give her any more food without my order, but she may have as much water as she needs."

    "What''s going on, Reth?" Behryn said, getting to his feet.

    "What''s going on is that I know who our messenger was, and now that it''s dark, they''reing to see me. To see us. We''re going to get the full story. We will not be sleeping this night," Reth said, his heart pinching because when would he have a chance to dream with Elia again? To see if there was a way to hold her there close, for longer? "I have a guard bringing them here now."

    "What happened? How did you¡ª"

    "A message was left for me near the trail back to the cave. You don''t have to worry, this one isn''t¡ª"

    Reth cut off at the sound of rushed footsteps running up the path. They all turned to find the guard Reth had sent, leading Charyn, his chin down, but eyes up, searching the cave worriedly, and behind him a small female with the white hood of servitude. She waited until the guards had saluted, then stepped back, then she pushed back her white hood and raised her eyes to meet his.

    "Suhle," Reth breathed. "Thank the Creator. I thought they''d got you."

 Chapter 394: Agent for Peace

    <h4>Chapter 394: Agent for Peace</h4>

    RETH

    Suhle rushed forward and threw her arms around him. He pulled her close and squeezed her. She trembled slightly, but made no sound.

    When she took a deep breath and stepped back, Reth caught Charyn''s concerned gaze. But he spoke to Suhle first.

    "What kept you so long? I was convinced they''d discovered you."

    She shook her head. "It has been¡­ difficult," she said quietly, her bright eyes peering up at him through hershes as she kept her chin low. "I almost couldn''t stay. There were¡­ evils at work. But Lucine took me in first. Then, after her death, Lerrin."

    Reth blinked. "You''ve been the wolf''s handmaid?" his eyebrows climbed almost to his hairline. He''d always known she was brave, but¡­ "Suhle," he breathed. "Are you hurt? Do you need¡ª"

    "No, no. I am well. And safe. I have been kept safe. He is an honorable male," she said softly.

    Reth growled in his throat, but she just gave him a look, then continued. "He has sent me to ry to you. I have a message for you. Just for you, Reth."

    Reth eyed the guards at the door and jerked his chin up for them to step outside and close the door behind them. Then he looked at Charyn, then to Suhle. She nodded. "My cousin can be trusted."

    "Then all who are here are safe to hear it," he said.

    Suhle blew out a breath, then sped her hands in front of her. "Lerrin sends that¡­ he has finally understood what you meant that day at the river."

    Behryn gasped, but Reth raised a hand to keep him from talking and didn''t take his eyes off the female wolf.

    She swallowed hard. "The difficulty is that he has only recently discovered the evil within his ranks. And most of the wolves and their allies remain unaware. They believe these leaders to be freeing them from oppression, not bringing them under it. He does not know how to steer the good among his people away from this course. His leg is in a trap. No matter which way he turns, he will have to chew off a limb. So he sends me to you with¡­ with the n. The attack that ising. He¡­ he offers you the opportunity to thwart them, to meet it, and to take him. The attack wille tomorrow night, or the night after. Lerrin would ask for mercy, and the opportunity to speak with you directly to make a n for peace."

    "You arranged the message I received earlier?"

    She nodded. "I couldn''t make it through the city during the daylight hours without being spotted, so I had Charyn bring you the warning so you could prepare. But I bring much?more than that. I bring you locations, numbers, and strategies."

    Behryn blew a long, low whistle.

    But Reth only ground his teeth. His hands were shaking, so he fisted them at his sides and began to pace. He looked at Behryn, whose eyes and mouth were wide with shock.

    "I can''t believe it," his Second said quietly, "it worked."

    "What worked?" Aymora snapped.

    Behryn turned to her while Reth paced on. "When we were trying to get back from the portal, we had escaped the fist that were chasing us, but Lerrin came along, alone, and caught us before we could hide. He¡­ he couldn''t reach us, so Reth was able to speak with him. I thought he was wrong to do so, but he offered Lerrin mercy¡ªtried to get him to see¡­ tried to offer a chance for peace talks. Lerrin¡­ was not open to that idea."

    Reth growled. "And he did not shift in his heart for a very long time. I do not know whether to trust this at all. Suhle, is there any chance he has discovered your subterfuge and¡ª"

    "None," she said, quiet but firm. "He has put his trust in me. I could have fed him to you for weeks, and he knows that. I had him out of the encampment more than once. He knows I work for the good of all. He knows I do not hate you. He just¡­ he does not know that you and I are¡­ personally connected. He knows I wish for peace. He does not know that I have been working to bring the two groups back together, even without him."

    Reth measured her, scented her, but she believed what she said was true. And of all Anima, the only judgment he would question less was his own. Suhle had the Creator''s soul. She sought peace in all things. He''d seen her take harm to herself to save others. He knew she was not easily manipted, or deceived.

    As far as she knew, she had been sessful in hiding her former alliance with Reth.

    "I did not know you were a spy, Suhle," Behryn said dryly. "Apparently my brother holds more secrets than even I realized."

    Reth opened his mouth, but Suhle beat him to it. "I am not a spy. I am¡­ a friend. I am a servant to whom I choose. But I know Reth to be good and I support him and his mate. I went to the wolves of my own ord."

    "And I wished you hadn''t," Reth broke in. "But in this moment, I am grateful that you did."

    Her face softened then. "It was not nearly as bad as I expected," she said. "Lucine, of all people, saved me from unwanted attentions¡ªwhich opened the door for me to serve her and be close. I know her death was necessary, but I will tell you, she was not evil in all ways."

    Aymora and Behryn snorted, but Hollhye nodded. Reth took a deep breath. It was toote for any of this to matter. They had to get into the details of what Suhle knew and could provide, then determine whether they were going to believe it.

    He gestured to the table and muttered, "This is going to be a long night. I think we should all sit down."

    They all moved toward the dining table, except Aymora, who turned to put on a pot for tea. Then Reth caught sight of Charyn, looking back and forth between him and the chairs.

    "You have done well, brother," Reth said to reassure him. "I know you were kept in the dark. Thank you for remaining loyal."

    "I thought she went because of her work," he said, swallowing hard. "I didn''t realize that work was for you."

    "As you know, your sister serves the Creator before all¡ªincluding me. She will be remembered for her courage and the role she ys here. And so will you. But, I''m afraid I must ask you to take your leave now, Charyn. But I do thank you for your assistance today."

    Charyn nodded once, then turned, squeezing his sister''s hand as he passed her. She smiled at him gratefully, but didn''t speak. None of them did until he was out of the cave and the door closed behind him.

    Then Reth turned to Behryn. "Is he¡ª"

    "We already have surveince on him. They haven''t found any issues yet."

    Reth nodded, blowing out a breath.

    "My brother is a wolf to his core," Suhle said quietly. "But he is a male of his word. If he helped you, he has made his allegiance known. He will not sway from it."

    Reth wasn''t as sure, but he didn''t want to say, so he only nodded and pulled back a chair from the table. "Let''s begin," he said. "I suspect there is much to get done this night."

 Chapter 395: The Enemy Without

    <h4>Chapter 395: The Enemy Without</h4>

    RETH

    Forty minutester Reth sat at the table, his nails digging into the hard, stone top to keep himself from shaking.

    There is every possibility this n the wolves had designed would have worked. Realizing that was humbling, frightening, and¡­ possibly the coldest rage Reth had ever felt. If his enemy had not turned on his back and bared his belly, Reth may have been dead within days.

    If it was true. And that was the question that tormented him like a fly buzzing around his head. Could this be trusted? Was there any chance Suhle had been deceived? Was there any chance Lerrin had been found out and deceived?

    But Suhle was adamant: He was trusted by the others, and honorable. When he had realized what was happening among his people, he''d seen no course but to put their fate in Reth''s hands. Because Reth had seen thising and Lerrin had not.

    "He does not like you," Suhle said, her lips twisting on the words.

    Reth snorted. "I suspect that statement is a remarkable understatement."

    Suhle''s lips pressed thin. "He has been¡­ buried in his grief and anger. His heart for his family¡­ it is real, Reth. That they both died at your hands¡­ vengeance burned within him. He still battles it. But he hase to his senses. He has learned of the betrayals of those in his leadership. And of the evils urring between the people. He cannot fight wars on two fronts."

    "So he leaves it to me to fight one for him," Reth snarled. Suhle opened her mouth, but he spoke over her. "No, it is true. Your¡­ concern for him is admirable, Suhle. But understand, he has absolved himself of responsibility. What happens if I''m not sessful in stopping his men? What if he is killed? He has done little but given me warning. The war must still be fought¡ªbut now, if I do not seed, he does not have to see himself as the one to carry fault."

    "He already sees himself at fault," Suhle insisted. "That''s why he sent me."

    And that was another thing. Reth rolled his jaw. "He knows of your¡­ talents."

    Suhle nodded. "I was forced to tell him¡ªto show him. When he first learned of the males within their ranks who¡­ threatened the females, he wished to teach me to defend myself. He did not understand that I choose to avoidbat. So¡­ I showed him."

    Reth''s eyes narrowed. "How long has he known you can be the ghost?"

    "A few weeks."

    "Weeks?! He knew of rape among his males for weeks before¡ª"

    "No, Reth. Truly. It isn''t what you think. He¡­ truly did not know what was happening before I showed him. And, like you, he does not take the word of a single person. He investigated. He has had to swallow a great deal of his own pride to reach where he is now. In other circumstances you would apud him."

    "Never," Reth snarled. "I told him his wolves were out of control. I told him they would eat themselves. He had a front row seat to his own father''s sick¡ª"

    "No, he did not," she said firmly. "I believe Lucan left both his children ignorant to some degree. Lucine was protective of females, though at the end I am certain she was aware of what was happening. She was only consumed with her own ambitions by that time. So she protected whom she could, and turned a blind eye to the rest. I even heard her warn others from informing Lerrin of certain things. Even she knew he would not support them. So you see¡­ he was steeped in rage and hate, and unaware of the crimesmitted around him¡ªbecause he is not a male who wouldmit them himself."

    "You speak of him as if he is a close confidant," Aymora piped up from next to Reth.

    Suhle nodded. "We have grown close in the past few weeks as he began to see the problems and didn''t know who he could trust. Because I raised them to his attention, he knew I would not betray him to the others. He had no one else."

    Aymora gave Reth a skeptical look. "I don''t know. It all seems a little too¡ª"

    "Lerrin has made many mistakes, and I have not refrained from speaking them to him. He knows he has done wrong, and he seeks to right the wrong he chose. But this all began because he saved me from¡­ unwanted attention¡ªbefore I served him, before he knew me. I was nothing to him, no one. He could have walked out of that tent and left me in evil hands and he did not. And he did not use his own strength to protect as leverage to gain from me, either. I offered to serve him after seeing his honor!"

    Reth blinked. Suhle''s righteous anger on Lerrin''s behalf was a shock. She usually stayed neutral where politics or personal conflicts were concerned. She wished to see the best in everyone, and guard against the worse in each as well. For her to speak highly of Lerrin wasn''t just shocking¡­ it put Reth off bnce.

    "I almost left," Suhle said a momentter, her eyes glinting in thentern light. "I almost gave up because I could not see this ending well. It was watching him begin to shift, begin to open his eyes, that changed my mind. He is a male surrounded by hate and violence, yet he listened, watched, and finally came to understand. He is a good soul who was led astray, and is now trying toe back¡ªnot to save his own skin, but to save the good among his people. He feels responsible for them and will do whatever he can to bring them back to safety."

    She blew out a breath, then sat back in her chair. This was perhaps the longest speech he''d ever heard her give. Certainly the most passionate.

    He measured her carefully. Had anyone asked him prior to this day, he would have said he trusted her judgment of an Anima''s character above¡­ just about anyone. And yet¡­ something was within her that he didn''t recognize. It niggled at him, but he couldn''t pinpoint what it was.

    Frustrated, he held her gaze. "You truly believe if I make myself avable to him, he will listen?"

    Suhle nodded and when he raised an eyebrow, she didn''t back down.

 Chapter 396: The Cost of War

    <h4>Chapter 396: The Cost of War</h4>

    RETH

    "You''re telling me," Reth said carefully, "that you would bet the lives of others¡ªthat you would bet your own life on the honor of this Lupine who has brought the Tree City to its knees?"

    "Yes," Suhle said, hushed, but emphatic. "He is a male, and stubborn in his pride as you are. But his good will continue to outweigh that. He has been slow to see the truth, but he found it on his own. He knows he cannot root out the cancer within his own ranks, and fight yours. He knows he is wrong. He has brought you his own people¡ªhe begs you not to kill them, but to deflect them, or take them. But he acknowledged that their deaths¡ªand his own if it were toe¡ªwould be on his own hands, because he led them to this point. He called himself blind."

    They all sat there a moment, thinking. Then Aymora shook her head. "It doesn''t matter, Reth. It doesn''t matter if he''s good, or if he''s right¡ªeven if he''s given the wolves up. It only matters that we would not be here if he had not brought them to that point¡ªwith Lucine out of the way, you offered him peace! And he denied it! He is right, any deaths that have urred are entirely on his hands. You cannot soften in this¡ªyour grace has only paved the way for this to happen. You must be cold. Ruthless!"

    Suhle shook her head. "I told Lerrin it was no good if he won this fight, only to be the viin in your story, and I would say the same to you. Taking victory here does not make you honorable if in turn you lose your soul. You are merciful because the Creator is merciful, Reth. Do not lose that."

    "I do not lose my mercy, Suhle. I lose my appetite for defeat at the hands of those without it. Already this conflict has split the Tree City, split tribes and families. It has cost countless injuries, and dozens of deaths. It almost took the life of myself and my best friend. It has removed my Mate from me. Where does it end if I do not draw a line and stand to protect it?"

    "It ends when you bring Lerrin in and the two of you work together for the good of all," Suhle said quietly. "I believe in you. I believe in him. Together you can save the Anima."

    Aymora snarled and Behryn winced, but Reth just held her gaze.

    "I only stayed as long as I did because I had hope he would reach this point¡ªand he has. My judgment proved true," she pointed out. "I have had an opportunity to influence him, and he is open to the influence of the Creator, and those who follow into good. He and the other wolves are not irredeemable. It is that dark, evil faction among them that must be torn out by the roots. You do not want those Anima, Reth, and neither does Lerrin. They will infect any they have a chance to influence. Lerrin is ready to fight them. Are you? He cannot win against them without your help. And if he does not beat them, who will? Without his honor to hold them back the bears would have been killed in their beds, and the Tree City burned. Consider what ack of mercy may bring upon you, as well as him," she said.

    Reth growled. "The bears?"

    "His spymaster, Craye, positioned assassins to take them out in their sleep, to hide among them for weeks, if necessary. He offered to y everyst bear. To eradicate the tribe."

    With a snarl, Reth pushed out of his chair and began to pace again. "This is why he hase for our help," he growled. "He has seen his own deathing and seeks our help to save him. But what would stop him from turning on us once those are taken care of?"

    Suhle shook her head. "He does note to you as a middle measure, Reth. He will submit to you. He will lead his people to submit to you. If you had seen the hate and vengeance that burned in him¡­ this is a true reversal. Lerrin regrets the role he has yed and seeks to repay. He would lead the good wolves back to the Tree City¡ªback to you, Reth."

    "I cannot know that."

    "Not until you speak with him," she replied.

    They were all tense. Aymora ran a hand through her graying blond hair and growled under her breath. She looked ready to bite something.

    Hollhye reached for Behryn''s hand, and he shifted his weight to put himself between her and Reth instinctively. His best friend remained silent, but his eyes were pinched and he followed Reth''s progress back and forth across the floor of the cave.

    Suhle put her shoulders back and spoke directly to Reth. "The only chance for peace here is if you are willing to cross the line and bring the wolves back. He cannot bring the Tree City to the wolves."

    Reth snarled. "That male broke my heart. He forced me to turn away my mate. He forced me to kill operatives that he sent to kill me! I am disillusioned and heart broken. I need hope."

    "This is your hope, Reth," Suhle said fervently. "No more fighting¡ªat least, not in force. Lerrin will submit to you¡ªand the good among his people will submit with him. Together, you can all eradicate the rest."

    "I don''t know, Reth," Aymora said. "Even if this were to happen, even if they were willing, the people here will no longer trust any that chose to leave. And although their numbers are smaller than ours, the difference isn''t great enough to give us the easy upper hand if they should be among us and turn on us, together."

    "That will not be allowed," Reth growled.

    "How would you stop it if you allow them back into the City?"

    Reth snarled and turned on his heel to pace the floor again. "I do not have time to think this through, to see it clearly!"

    "You know you must reach out for the wolves, to stop this attack!" Suhle said desperately.

    "Yes, but do I simply kill them? That is the question, Suhle."

    "But¡ª"

    "Enough. We do not have time. The first part of this will remain unchanged: We have to stop the nned attack, and we must do that in a few hours. We will begin nning. We will put the people in ce. In the meantime, I will consider what to do with them once they are ours."

    "But¡ª"

    "No, Suhle," Reth turned on her with a growl. "You have said your piece and you have been heard. Now it is my choice, and I will consider it. Imend your mercy, and your wisdom, I always have. I pray you will continue to offer it. But do not push me further right now. That is the best I can promise you: I will consider it."

    She submitted immediately. "Of course, Reth. Of course. I only¡­ I am certain you will make the right choice."

    Reth grunted. He wished he was.

 Chapter 397: The Road to War - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 397: The Road to War - Part 1</h4>

    LERRIN

    Leaving Suhle had made him tense and irritable. He stalked among the troops that were moving on foot and hadn''t yet left, barking orders and demanding answers. While it wasn''t really fair on them, it had the effect of keeping everyone''s mouths shut and no one questioning where he''d been for the past few hours.

    Most of the footsoldiers had left in staggered groups hours earlier¡ªonly two or three fists at a time, never more than twenty wolves, and each group spreading out and approaching the Tree City from different directions so that if one were discovered or attacked, they would be seen as simply another assassination attempt.

    Some would march for several hours to circle wide around the Tree City ande at it from the East. But still, the assassins and some of the more strategic fist leaders were being flown in by the birds. They, along with thest of the foot troops were still at the gathering point just outside the encampment when Lerrin arrived and began spitting orders.

    Craye, Hern, and some of the other Security Council who hadn''t gone with the foot soldiers were gathered at the top of the clearing, speaking low voices, and not meeting his eye. Even Craye didn''t want to draw his attention when he was in this mood.

    Every time he thought of Suhle¡ªnot only approaching the Tree City, but doing it at a time when so many of the wolves were also sneaking through the forest and might stumble upon her¡ªmade his skin itch to shift. He wanted to run circles around her, keep her out of the sight and smell of every living male to ensure she made it safely. But he knew¡­ he knew he had to trust her to do this. She had evaded him even when he knew she was there. She could stay out of sight of the normal soldiers easily.

    He hoped.

    On one side of the clearing, dozens of birds stood with the harnesses they would use to transfer the key wolves to their positions¡ªand to drop Lerrin and the rest of the assassin group onto the mountain above the Royal cave so there was no scent trail to be found.

    Using birds to move small groups of Anima short distances wasn''t anything new to the? Anima, but they''d developed a new approach that he knew had to be baffling Reth.

    The weakness in this form of travel had always been the visibility of the shifted Anima birds when they flew. Asrge as they were, they couldn''t be mistaken for anything else. But the size of the other Anima and the loads they created meant that flying in the higher altitudes was extremely difficult with the load.

    With the harnesses they''d developed, two Birds could fly two or even three other Anima, sharing the load.

    And the wolves had asked more of them. They had been training flying at the limits of their abilities, pushing themselves higher and higher, until on a nce they would appear to be a much smaller bird¡ªexcept closer. From such heights they could spiral down and drop the wolves on the mountain without anyone touching the ground to leave a scent trail to be discovered by scouts.

    Essentially, as long as they flew at night, and at the highest altitude they could, the birds could drop the wolves off, then fly a short distance unhindered to sleep and eat until they were strong enough to return. Meanwhile, the wolves would only be discovered if the scouts came to the exact spot where they hid.

    The experiment had been a sess¡ªgetting the other fist in to take their shots at Reth without raising any rm. The problem was that the efforts to move for the many miles and at such altitudes exhausted the birds. They remained vulnerable after dropping the wolves in because they didn''t have the energy to return home or reach the heights they''d need to to pass over the Tree City safely.

    Instead, twice as many birds were needed¡ªa full contingent to move the wolves, then another full contingent to bring them back out when they were done. Every fist and operative had a retreat route in case their bird was shot down, or injured. But those routes took days to return to the encampment safely.

    That was how the prisoner had ended up in Reth''s hands. She had been so exhausted, she hadn''t slipped away far enough from the battle, and she''d been caught in the ensuing sweep.

    Lerrin ground his teeth. These birds had been warned¡ªfor their own safety!¡ªto ensure they kept enough energy aside to get themselves at least a mile away after their drop off.

    Learning the fate of the prisoner had motivated them. They were each standing alongside the harnesses looking well rested and fed. But Lerrin knew they would be pushed to their limits that night.

    He tossed his bag into the harness that was set aside for him and his partner¡ªa bodyguard¡ªthen knelt to check the pockets onest time.

    When he stood, Craye was behind him, though he hadn''t heard the male approach. He had to fake not being surprised to see him.

    "The firestarters are already in ce," Craye said quietly, his smile shing his teeth. "If you call through the mind link, they will begin¡ªand if anything goes wrong, head West. You''ll be able to link with my operatives waiting to take the bears. They can clear any families or groups on the path to get you through unnoticed."

    Lerrin froze, then turned to more fully face the male. "I never approved the killing of the bears."

    "No, but I wanted to remind you that they are in position and avable for your use, Sire¡ª"

    "Tell them to retreat."

    Craye blinked. "What?"

    "Tell them to leave the region. The bears are beginning their sleep, yes? They are not a threat to us. Get them out."

    "I can''t speak to them from this distance, I was assuring you that if you were go that route¡ª"

    "No, Craye, you aren''t listening: I''m saying, get those you have positioned to kill out of that region. If they are asleep they do not risk discovering us if we are forced to flee."

    "But Sire¡ª"

    "I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!" Lerrin snarled. Immediately several males around him submitted. But Craye¡­ Craye took a defense stance, and a tiny growl puttered in his throat.

    *** USE YOUR GOLDEN TICKET(S) TO EARN A MASS RELEASE! ***

    (This message was added August 17th, after the chapter was published so you weren''t charged for these words. )

    I WANT TO SHOW YOU MY THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR MY BOOKS! Between 18 and 31 August, for every 50 Golden Tickets this book receives, I will add a chapter to a mass release in the first week of September (up to 10 chapters.) So click "vote" below, then select "Golden Tickets" and get voting!

    After the mass release on 1 September, I''ll provide a new goal and new rewards for you to work towards. Thank you in advance for all your support for me and my books. I can''t wait to see what we can achieve together through this new system!

 Chapter 398: The Road to War - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 398: The Road to War - Part 2</h4>

    (August 2021) READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the very, very generous gifts you gave in July. I am always a little embarrassed when readers give extra on top of paying for my content. I am truly humbled. I want to say a special thank you to these readers whose generosity made my jaw drop:? PBMamaRae, MoonGoddess21, DaoistPrvZp, Jak_BeQuick, S_courge, April_Jo_Perez, Stacey Moncrief3242

    *****

    LERRIN

    Lerrin made no sound, only faced down the older, but slightly smaller Craye, who shifted his weight under the suddenpulsion from Lerrin to submit. He wasn''t an overly strong or fit wolf. The Spymaster''s formidable weapon was his mind. Lerrin did not underestimate that.

    "You challenge me, Craye?" he asked, so quietly, he wondered if those nearby¡ªwho had all frozen when he shouted¡ªwould hear it.

    "No, Sire, I simply need you to understand: Not all the bears are sleeping yet. They are veryte, but there are still eyes in that valley."

    "And I''m telling you, I don''t care. Pull the wolves out. I am notmitting genocide on the bears for any reason."

    "You said¡ª"

    "I said I would consider it. I said I left them there as ast resort. I no longer need nor want them in ce. Return them here before Ie back from this mission, or I willy your belly open and string you up by your guts."

    "You cannot simply abandon that ground! It is crucial to¡ª"

    "I can do whatever I wish because I am Alpha¡ªor do you call challenge for my power, Craye?" Lerrin snarled, his chin down and eyes ame, beckoning at the man toe for him, to give him the chance to take his throat.

    Craye''s upper lip curled away from his teeth.

    Lerrin was suddenly aware of another male¡ªyoung, but heavyset¡ªat his shoulder. He couldn''t turn away from Craye''s challenge to check the male, but given the way the younger man growled and leaned towards Craye, Lerrin didn''t think he needed to.

    He gave the smile he''d give for prey. "Not that I need the back up, but your own males are telling you to stand down, Craye," he taunted the spy master. "Or do you order them to pretend loyalty to me so that you can use them behind my back?"

    Craye opened his mouth, but the young male beat him to it. "No, Sire, we work at your pleasure and call," the male at Lerrin''s shoulder stated. "I step alongside only to be of service."

    "Stand down, young one," Lerrin growled. "I can handle this."

    The young wolf, showing more discipline than half of Lerrin''s security council, stepped back immediately, with a barked, "Yes, Sire!" While Lerrin only raised an eyebrow at Craye.

    When the spymaster didn''t submit, Lerrin snorted the air from his nose. "You have a final chance: My order to you is to remove the assassins from the western valley and leave the bears to their hibernation, or do you require me to bite out your throat and do it myself?"

    Craye shuddered, but he dropped his head and rolled his shoulders forward. "No, Sire. I do not," he spat."

    "Good. Then you will leave now to give the order, and if I learn when I return, that even one bear has been harmed by our wolves, I will string you up. There is no loophole, no strategy to employ. This is simple andplete retreat, am I understood?"

    "Yes, Sire," Craye ground out.

    "Then leave. Now¡ªAlone!" he added, when Craye looked like calling for the male who''d stood at Lerrin''s shoulder.

    Craye growled, but did as he was told, stalking back across the clearing alone.

    When he was out of sight, the soldiers went back to their preparations and Lerrin turned to find the male who''d stood behind him, speaking with one of the birds.

    "You are one of Craye''s?"

    "Yes, Sire," the male said quickly and standing to attention.

    Lerrin smiled. "I appreciate your discipline, Son. What is your role today?"

    "I''m on foot, Sire, to bring up the rear and ensure the supplies make it to the fists."

    "Not anymore you''re not," Lerrin said, on a whim. Turning to the fist of wolves clustered nearby that he''d chosen to apany him, he tipped his head to the male that had been assigned as his partner and bodyguard for this operation, beckoning him over.

    "What''s your name?" he asked the young wolf while the other approached.

    "Nhox," the young male said, looking back and forth between Lerrin and the approaching soldier.

    "Nhox, I appreciate your discipline, and your initiative."

    The soldier reached them then, and Lerrin turned to him. "Tell your Fist Leader I have chosen a new bodyguard for this trip. He will take the flight with me instead. You can be assigned to a different role."

    The male¡ªtall and strong, almost as dark as Lerrin himself, blinked and opened his mouth as if he might argue. But when Lerrin''s jaw tightened, he only saluted and said, "Yes, Sire!" then bowed and retreated back to the others and to fill in his Fist Leader.

    There was some discussion with the Fist Leader, who didn''t look pleased. But then, Lerrin wouldn''t appreciate having a soldier reassigned at thiste date, either.

    Lerrin examined his instincts. Was he being reckless? Or perhaps endangering himself? But no, the quiet solidness was there. This young male was intentionally loyal to himself, not Craye¡ªor anyone that Craye might have influence over. Which meant there was a good chance he wasn''t part of the faction, or part of the bloodthirstyck of discipline that apparently gued the wolves now. He was exactly the kind of wolf Lerrin wished to have on his team.

    And if he was honest, having someone young and perhaps untried, wouldn''t necessarily be a bad thing if Reth took him up on his offer. The male would, possibly, not understand what was happening until it was toote.

    No, Lerrin decided, he would not change his mind again. And as the Flight Commander called for the birds to shift in preparation, he took Nhox to the birds they would be flying with and introduced them.

    A few minutester, he and Nhox bothy t on the canvas hammocks that would curl around them when the birds lifted off but that, for now, were little more than sheets on the ground with handles on two ends.

    Lerrin had flown in training, but this was the first time he''d be in the air for hours. He was suddenly d that Nhox would be hispanion. It would be a chance to get to know the wolf better, since the birds couldn''t speak when they were in beast form.

    As the two birds¡ªboth over six feet tall and with wingspans twice that¡ªtook the handles in their talons and began pumping their wings for the slow take off, Lerrin felt his weight shifting, then swinging as the hammock harnesses left the ground.

    There was always a moment of terror when the birds first began to climb that they wouldn''t have the strength and they would all plummet to the ground. But for the first time, Lerrin found himself praying and confident that he was exactly where he should be, and aiming for the right target.

    He prayed all the good males and females around him would escape injury when the Cat turned their attack on its head.

    But thinking back on Craye''s savage desire to eradicate the bears¡ªand shock that Lerrin didn''t want to¡ªhe did not regret the decision.

    He did not regret it at all.

 Chapter 399: Flight

    <h4>Chapter 399: Flight</h4>

    READER SHOUT-OUT: This chapter is dedicated to Janell_Apple for proposing the name "Knox" in the July Reader Privilege group. I had to change his spelling to fit the Anima mold, but your ideas inspired me. Thank you! I hope you like him!

    *****

    LERRIN

    The flight would take hours. If they were to simply put the birds in the air and fly straight to the Tree City, the journey would be less than an hour. But between the altitudes they had to climb, the slower pace because of drag from the wolves in the hammocks, and the out-of-the-way-route they used in an attempt to stop any Anima catching sight of the birds in flight, it would be three or four hours before they wouldnd.

    One hour in, Lerrin was cold, and bored. His hammock nted down towards his feet, which gave him a sliver of view of the ground in the distance, the forest canopy in the dark¡ªand it was very dark. The moon was little more than a sliver itself, and the Creator had blessed them with clouds to skitter over it every few minutes. Lerrin was not concerned that they would be seen by those on the ground.

    He was only concerned with what would happen once they got there. The foot soldiers had been moving into position since the afternoon¡ªthey had a long hike, and another round-about route to avoid being noticed by Reth''s scouts, along with the sheer numbers they were trying to move in secret. Those things took time.

    The wolves who were positioning themselves to attack the Tree City would move for ten hours or more, then sleep through the heat of the day, only guards for each fist remaining awake in two hour shifts.

    Lerrin and the assassins, along with two fists to guard and start fires, would be flown in while it was still dark, then rest through the day, then begin their own tactics just after dark the following evening.

    Unless Reth had received Suhle''s message and was working to sessfully thwart them¡ªand capture Lerrin.

    Or kill him.

    Lerrin took a deep breath. He did not want to die. He did not want to miss taking Suhle as his Mate. But he had to ept that it was a possibility. War was chaotic. Even if Reth was still open to talks for peace, there was no guarantee one of his soldiers wouldn''t find Lerrin, or kill him.

    Lerrin swallowed hard and prayed.

    Please let him get safely back to Suhle¡ªand her safely back to him.

    Please let them begin a life together. Anywhere. Just as long as they were together.

    He had to get his mind off of her and the danger she was in, or it would drive him mad, so he scratched on Nhox''s mind. As usual for Lerrin it was an effort to reach the stranger, despite him hanging at Lerrin''s shoulder. But it would be easier as they grew to know each other.

    Nhox opened to him fully, and Lerrin blinked. If he wished, he could rifle through the young wolf''s mind and memories.

    That kind of authenticity and openness was rare even in families. Lerrin resisted the temptation to test the male deeply, though he examined his memory of the interaction with Craye, and was happy to see that his instincts had been right.

    This male had honor. Integrity. He tried to choose right. There was an almost disturbing submission to authority¡ªLerrin thanked the Creator that he''d gotten Nhox out from under Craye. That could have gone in some very ugly directions¡ªbut he was d to have found someone trustworthy. Someone would who listen and act with discipline.

    With a sigh of relief, he sent, Thank you foring alongside me earlier tonight.

    You''re wee, Sire.

    That won''t have been a popr decision among some of the ranks, Lerrin sent, his tone slightly questioning.

    He felt Nhox shrug. I want to see the wolves stand tall and will follow whoever is likely to get us there. The others are more interested in what they can gain. As long as our goals align, I will work with them. But¡­

    Lerrin nodded. It has been a difficult bnce to strike, and I am afraid that I am only just beginning to see that I may have gotten it wrong. Tell me, when you''re with the ranks, have you observed any behavior that was¡­ dishonorable? Anything you felt should not have urred?

    The younger wolf sent in a tone that was almost a sigh, Most of my brothers are good wolves, strong, and want to see the Tribe and their pack advance. They want to feel like they are seen and valued.

    I know, Lerrin replied. I desire those things as well. But I have recently be aware of issues, violent behaviors,ck of discipline, aggression against our own¡­ these things are not part of our creed. They should not be.

    He felt surprise from Nhox.

    I have heard of these groups, the young wolf replied. I interfered in one situation¡­

    He sent a memory to Lerrin, a friend demonstrating for a female who made her disinterest in. But the friend did not wish to give up, and the female became aggressive in return¡ªbut Nhox could scent the fear in her. She wasn''t sure she was strong enough to take the male out alone.

    Nhox stepped in, cajoling his friend to ease his mind and walk away. Charming the female with apologies and reassurances. The tension was relieved, and Nhox walked his friend away, distracting him.

    But the incident left him sick.

    He was beginning to hear the males talk of these things, of taking what the Wolves needed¡ªand seeing some females give themselves to this as well. Nhox couldn''t pinpoint why that disturbed him, but it all left a bad taste in his mouth.

    The memory ended and Lerrin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

    There had been a sh at the end, a moment Nhox remembered thinking that this new attitude started from the top and was filtering down through the wolves.

    Lerrin felt that assumption like teeth in his guts.

    I have never chosen this for the wolves, he sent to Nhox. Never. And I do not support it. I have averted my eyes when I should not, but those days are over. I will eradicate this dishonor from the wolves. And whatever form we take when we step into the Tree City, I will lead all of Anima to evict these males and females¡ªwhomever they may be. No matter how close to me. You have my word on that, Nhox.

    Lerrin could feel him smile.

    The Creator has given me this chance to speak with you alone, he sent. I am honored to serve, Sire. I will not waver.

    No, Nhox, Lerrin sent. The honor is mine. And you should waver: If you see these things, if you observe these attitudes, call them out. Bring them to me. No matter who demonstrates them. Question everyone, and everything. It is the only way we will cleanse this darkness from our people.

    Nhox sent him the image of himself saluting.

    Lerrin sighed, but sent back the image of himself epting the salute.

    And so they flew on towards a destiny that Lerrin couldn''t know¡ªbut that he was aware, might cost the young wolf his life.

    Keep him safe, too, Lerrin prayed. He is a good wolf. The kind we need in Anima. Keep him safe, even from me.

 Chapter 400: On the Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 400: On the Mountain</h4>

    LERRIN

    The birds carrying them were panting heavily for the entirest hour. At one point Lerrin feared they may begin to descend early and risk being sighted.

    But the birds plowed on, until finally the mountain that overshadowed the Royal Cave began to loom from below them, and Lerrin braced.

    The most difficult and dangerous part of these operations were thending. The wings of the birds made significant noise when they were taking off, or beating for speed.

    They''d learned to circle, riding the winds until they could drift onto their chosen clearing. The birds at the front, where the wolves feet were positioned, would drop their ends of the harness, and the wolf would drop out¡ªshifting to beast form while in the air to give themselves four legs, and the added agility to make thending. But more than one wolf had broken a leg when the birds dropped a few feet to high, or their speed had been too quick.

    A mountain gave greater opportunity for the birds to drop them and drift on without having to beat their wings, because they could continue to descend alongside the mountain without hitting the ground. But it also meant a much greater precision was needed for when and how to release the wolves.

    As they began the final, drifting descent, riding the updrafts that often banked along the mountains, and slowing their pace, Lerrin braced. The birds couldn''t speak or gesture to let them know when the drop would begin. He''d learned to anticipate it, but still, when the moment came and the bottom of his hammock dropped out from under him, revealing a long, narrow clearing on the side of the mountain rushing up to meet them, Lerrin''s stomach plummeted far faster than the rest of him as he shifted in beast form.

    He stumbled on thending, tweaking one paw. He was forced to run a few steps to slow his momentum. But Nhox was right beside him. And as soon as they had their bnce and control, both of them darted for the trees, then shifted back into human form.

    Lerrin turned to the male in the dark and smiled. Nicely done, he sent.

    Nhox shrugged. We''ve been practicing a lot.

    They both looked down the mountainside to the sh of wings barely visible in the dark, in between the gaps in the trees as the Avalines drifting on. The exhausted birds would circle to the back of the mountain and find a spot out of the way to rest and recuperate until they were strong enough to fly home. It wasn''t the first time Lerrin wished they could mind link with other tribes. He''d been there to witness how the birds fared after these trips¡ªit wasn''t good. They often took days to recover.

    But it served the purpose they needed, and so far, apparently the Cat hadn''t discovered this. Otherwise he would have had archers lining the mountain on all sides to take them down as they approached.

    Did that mean he was allowing Lerrin tond safely? Or had Suhle been unsessful?

    It urred to him then that she still might be close enough to reach and his heart sped up. As he led Nhox to the tiny cave hidden by a rocky overhang, and positioned next to a small stream, they didn''t speak. But once they''d had a drink and were settling out of sight under the rocks, he sent, Can you monitor the pack mind? I have to reach some others individually.

    It was true that he would try to reach Suhle, and perhaps the Fist Leader for the Firestarters when theynded¡ªLerrin nned to doublecheck that his orders to hang back until the signal had been marked. But his real reason for staying out of the pack mind was the inherent risk in someone delving deeper into his mind than he''d intended.

    He couldn''t afford for anyone to see his memories of Suhle, or the message he''d sent to Reth.

    But Nhox didn''t even question, simply nodded and closed his eyes.

    With a sigh, Lerrin also rested back against his bag and closed his eyes, opening his nostrils to take in the scents nearby, and soothed when there was nothing beyond trees, dirt, and water. And Nhox.

    Then, almost holding his breath, he reached out for Suhle.

    Are you there? Can you hear me?

    He''d been able to speak with her from far greater distances than he''d ever experienced with another Anima¡ªthat had baffled him at the beginning. Now, of course, he knew why.

    She was the one the Creator made for him.

    As if she''d been waiting for him, she sent back, Yes! You''re safe!?

    If they''d been speaking, her voice would have been breathless.

    His heart fluttered at the sound of her voice. I am safe, he sent. You are still in the City?

    I wait for a chance to reach Reth directly, she sent. Ive had a brief message taken to him so he can being preparations. But I want to try and speak with him.

    Suhle! His heart pounded. You cannot risk yourself! If they find you¡ª

    My family are helping. If I cannot get to him privately before the end of the dark hours, I will leave. Do not fear, Lerrin. I am safe. But are you?

    Yes, he replied, still very ufortable with what she was attempting. We are safe and there is water here. We will remain until the new night. You must be back at the encampment before then, Suhle. I can''t risk the fire if you''re there.

    Do not fear, Lerrin, she said, her voice smooth and soothing. I will be long gone.

    Listen for the Terrabird, he warned her. It does not call in this region. If you hear it, you are hearing a signal between the fists who are about to attack. If you hear it, run.

    I will, she sent back, along with the mental image of herself stroking his back. Do not worry for me. Focus on keeping yourself safe.

    He took a deep breath. I wish I could hold you, he admitted after a moment of silence between them.

    Come back safely, she urged him. Hold me when we are at peace.

    I love you, Suhle.

    And I love you, Lerrin. Do not doubt it

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 Chapter 401: The Scent of War

    <h4>Chapter 401: The Scent of War</h4>

    RETH

    Behryn, with Hollhye at his side and Tobe who had joined them when Reth started giving orders, Aymora, Suhle, and Charyn all sat at Aymora''s table, watching him pace and mutter to himself, waiting for him to decide the next step. But he was mentally reviewing first, to make sure he hadn''t forgotten anything.

    The Sentries on the mountain had been told not to sound rms for anyndings they saw, but instead to mark the locations and send runners with directions.

    The archers and scouts had been sent to positions just outside the City to catch any wolf forerunners.

    Reth had secretly called in the Master of the Wood, who oversaw and managed all the shared resources of the Tree City. When Reth had described the risk of fire, the male¡ªa highly dominant Ram¡ªhad immediately dispatched his teams with instructions to be as quiet and unobtrusive as possible. Currently all water sources and bodies that weren''t essential for the Citizen''s survival, were being diverted to soak as much of the ground surrounding the Tree City as possible¡ªand some of the people had been tasked with soaking the buildings thaty near the edge of the City.

    All families with young, or those who were very old, had been moved to the center of the City. The Market was chaos, but the children were loving the excitement of being up when it was still dark, while their tired parents attempted the impossible task of settling them back to sleep.

    Reth hadn''t yet been able to bring himself to visit the Market personally, to see exactly what it would cost them if he measured theing day wrong. Or if Lerrin was setting a trap.

    He still swung back and forth on that point.

    As Suhle had assured them, there were already reports of bird clusters circling the mountain and dropping loads, but often with limited visibility. Only on Sentry had marked individual wolves, and locations were going to be hazy between the dark, and theck of scent trails¡ªthough Behryn had called for their maps, and wasparing the sentry reports with known clearings and cragsrge enough for the birds to drop Anima.

    The Tree City guards and soldiers that weren''t on shift had all been roused from their beds, quietly and without fanfare, gathering just inside the City limits in fists and herds, ready to move and engage at a moment''s notice, though Reth prayed it would not be necessary.

    No matter what information they had, no matter how they might anticipate their enemy, the truth was that war cost lives.

    He did not look forward to reading the lists of the dead in the days toe, and sent up prayers that somehow they could avoid a massacre.

    But now¡­ now was the crucial moment. Now he had to decide what to do with the wolf himself.

    "Remind me of the n onest time?" he asked Suhle quietly.

    Everyone turned to watch her. She took a deep breath. "He''s to be dropped on the mountain with the assassin fist, and Firestarters. They n to infiltrate your cave through the¡­ there is a cavern entrance on the mountainside?"

    Reth nodded, and caught eyes with Behryn, whose frown was deep. He hadn''t known about that vulnerability until recently months, and he was still sore about it.

    Reth wondered whether the wolves had already known, or had learned since he appointed guards there. There had been no attack there until they attempted to take Elia¡ªwhich was after Reth had shared its location.

    He still wasn''t convinced they didn''t have a mole in the guards.

    "The Firestarters will move through to the wood on the western side of the City while Lerrin and his fist take you personally. When they give the signal that they have you, the fire will be allowed to burn towards the Royal meadow¡ªto draw your forces to that side of the City. And when you are fully engaged there, the forces wille in from the East, hoping to overwhelm whoever, or whatever has been left to guard the rest." She hesitated. "They will burn the City, Reth, if it is what is needed. If they cannot attack, bring their forces close, they will burn it. Although Lerrin has not given that instruction, those who are in a position to lead the fight have called for it more than once. You must let them believe they cane in to fight. They must be allowed to believe the forces have been drawn away."

    Reth growled and looked at Behryn. "I know you would never create such a destructive n, but if you were to attempt this¡­ how would you do it? What would you need to see to move on foot, rather than fire the City?"

    Behryn''s lips twisted in distaste, but he rubbed his chin. Hollhye watched him, concerned.

    "If the choice is to attack, or burn, I would have posted scouts around the city to watch the forces drawn away from it¡ªto make certain that enough bodies were engaged on the other side, before I entered. I would have to see the guards and soldiers leaving the City, flooding to fight the fire or attack the King, to be certain that my forces to the east were greater than what was left behind." He paused, then shook his head. "And I would send something¡ªforces, or more fire¡ªin behind them once I was certain that the bulk of the fighters had moved out of the city.

    Reth looked at Suhle. She sighed. "I did hear something about pinning them between mes, but¡­ I''m sorry, I don''t know."

    "It only makes sense," Reth growled and turned on his heel, pacing again, raking his hand through his hair. But that meant that no matter what he did, he was lining his people up to die.

    How could he move his forces into a trap to trigger when it would only allow his enemy greater freedom in the City?

    And yet, if he didn''t, they would be forced to fight fire instead of warriors¡ªthen be left exhausted and depleted, then fight the warriors afterwards anyway.

    Overwhelmed with visions of his people, fighting, burning, dying¡­ Reth staggered to a halt with a groaning huff, fighting tears.

 Chapter 402: Call of the Battle King

    <h4>Chapter 402: Call of the Battle King</h4>

    RETH

    Reth stood there, hands over his face, with all of them watching and his stomach churned so he wondered if he might vomit. But he knew he couldn''t give in. He couldn''t fall apart. And he couldn''t make anyone else choose. He was King. He was Alpha. It was his responsibility¡ªand no one else should carry the consequences if this went wrong.

    He almost raised his head to look for Elia, to ask her with his eyes toe be close and rest her small hand on his back and hug his side the way she had so many times. Then he remembered, and even though the separation hit him all over again, he was so grateful¡­ so entirely, unfairly grateful that his mate did not stand in the path of this¡­ annihtion.

    He was King. He was Alpha. And he was the only one whose mate was utterly without risk as this sh with their enemies loomed.

    He was the most blessed male in Anima, and he knew it. And for that reason alone, he would do everything he could to save as many of them as the Creator willed.

    "Here''s what we''re going to do," he muttered into his hands. Then he sucked in a breath and dropped his hands to face his friends and subordinates who all stared at him somberly¡ªSuhle with great sadness on her face¡ªeven Hollhye didn''t look angry. "We are going to ask for volunteers. Adults who do not have offspring. We are going to exin the risk. Then we''re going ce them all around the City. And when the horn cries, they are going to answer the first call¡ªtowards the Royal cave. They are going to rush to fight the fire, and guard against the assassins. They are going to look as if they are our guards and soldiers, on their way to help.

    "All the other people¡ªthose with young, the older, the few we can spare to guard them all, those we will gather on the western side of the city, allow them to mill there as if they are considering going to help against the fire once it begins. The mothers¡­ we''ll tell the mothers to take beast form and protect their young." He swallowed hard.

    "We''re going to hide most of the real guards, the real warriors, around the eastern and southern sides of the City¡ªvery close to the edges, but they will not enter the woods. Only the normal guards, normal sentries, will be visible, taking the same risks they always take. Except¡­ except we''re going to tell them that when the wolves advance, they''re to pretend to be hit. To pretend to be removed as a threat. That we will have Anima standing behind them, ready to fight. We will still lose some of them, but I pray not all.

    "We will allow the wolves to enter the city, to believe they advance. And we will ambush them from within its boundaries. We will need true leaders for this fight¡ªto judge when the wolves have advanced enough to be taken off guard, but not so far that they may overwhelm us. And then we will fight. We will fight for the Tree City from within the Tree City."

    He looked at Behryn who nodded. Then he looked at Hollhye, whose eyes were guarded.

    "Behryn will stay here, within the market, to guide and direct, but not meetbat."

    Hollhye sagged like she''d been shot, but Behryn''s face went hard. "Reth, I am almost entirely healed!"

    "And as my Second, you may be needed. Because I am going to the Royal Cave tonight. I am going to sleep in my bed, and dream of my mate. And when the enemy attempts to take me, I am going to meet him and challenge him, face to face, for dominance," Reth said in a growl so low it seemed to rise from the dirt beneath his feet.

    "What?! No!"

    "You can''t take that risk¡ª"

    "Reth, please¡ª"

    But he growled again and they all cut off. "I have made my decision. Behryn will advise me and the guards who will be posted with me. I do not¡­ I don''t see how we can avoid posting guards at the cavern entrance¡ªif we don''t, they''ll smell a trap. I don''t¡­ I don''t know who to ask to do that¡­ or how¡ª"

    "I do," Hollhye said hoarsely.

    They all turned to look at her. She swallowed, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at her mate, then back to Reth. "There are some of the elderly¡­ a handful, who havee in from the outskirts¡­ they are struggling, Reth. They want to serve and help, but they don''t have the strength. I would guess if we were to propose to some of them to take those guard duties, that they would do so with¡­ with great dignity and¡­ d to have a purpose."

    The idea was all at once perfect, and a spear to his heart. Reth stifled a groan, but he nodded. "If you know who to approach, I would be very grateful if you could do that in the next hour. They may want to spend some time with¡­ with loved ones. And before it''s light, we will need to dress them and position them, and douse the lights so they aren''t obvious from a distance."

    Hollhye paled, but she nodded. Behryn put a hand to her arm and squeezed.

    "Of course," Reth added, "We are going to try to find them before night falls. Try to stop any of this from happening. And should we take Lerrin and his assassins, we will make a full frontal assault on the warriors waiting to attack us. But it is critical that we do not tip our hand. Everything we do, every word we speak, must appear to be a part of our normal routines, our normal days. Which is another reason why I must go back to the cave tomorrow. And why all of us must work. We have to appear to be unaware of what is building around us. Only through that might we stop it from happening. Do you understand? All of you?"

    He scanned them, their faces lined with weariness and grief, the hands white-knuckled on the table on in theirps¡­ but all of them, even Charyn, nodded.

    Reth prayed he would see all of them still here in theing days.

    Show us how to find them, how to finish this without bloodshed, he prayed.

    "Very well," he said, "that is the n. And there is much to do to make it happen. Tobe, I need that report from the guards of the prisoner. I also need an escort for Charyn to get home safely. Behryn, I''ll have you look over the maps with me one more time, please. We need to target our searches in daylight for the best chance to find the wolf.

    "Aymora, prepare the wise ones and assistants. We may have need of a great deal of help tomorrow night. They should prepare, then rest, and wake ready to help heal those who have been in battle."

    Aymora nodded, her lips thin. But she was the only one who wasn''t pale.

    Even Reth could feel the blood draining from his face at that word, "Battle."

    It wasing, anding quickly.

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 Chapter 403: A Secret Shared

    <h4>Chapter 403: A Secret Shared</h4>

    RETH

    Reth determined thest details, then assigned everyone tasks¡ªor told the others who they''d need to delegate to. One by one, each of them left on the way to find other Anima to help on this most crucial of all nights.

    Eventually, only Reth, Suhle and Charyn remained. Reth waited until the door closed behind Behryn and Hollhye¡ªwho had insisted on staying within sight of Behryn, that they must go together to find the people they needed. Behryn looked resigned, and Reth didn''t have the heart to tell her it was going to take twice as long that way¡ªwhich would mean Behryn would be twice as tired. He couldn''t fault her. If his mate had been there, he wouldn''t have wanted to let her out of his sight, either.

    Reth had had to close the door on the sight of the two of them walking down the path under guard, their fingers entwined, and Hollhye leaning on Behryn''s arm. It was exactly how Elia used to cling to him when she was scared or feeling protective. It made his stomach clench.

    He shook off the yearning and turned to the two wolves who remained sitting at the table behind him.

    Charyn nced at Suhle uneasily, then back to Reth. "Would you like me to leave?"

    Reth shook his head. "I need to speak with both of you."

    Suhle looked at him sharply, but Charyn took a breath and sat back in his chair, waiting.

    Reth took the seat across the table from the two of them¡ªCharyn a handsome, but heavier and much less refined version of his cousin. Suhle dropped her gaze to the table in front of her, but didn''t fidget. She was remarkably calm, under the circumstances. But then, she''d always been amazingly cool-headed in a crisis.

    It was after the crisis that she fell apart.

    Reth sighed and fixed his eyes on her, though she hadn''t yet looked up to meet his gaze. "Suhle," he said softly. She tensed anyway. "I have told you since we met that I would not breach your privacy, nor ask you to bring me anything that you did not¡­ offer freely."

    Charyn shifted in his seat, looking back and forth between them, obviously uncertain what was about to pass.

    "Charyn, I apuded your courage ining forward, and when Iter realized you were Suhle''s cousin, it urred to me that there was clearly a thread of integrity in your family that¡­ well, frankly, that I could use."

    Charyn nodded to ept thepliment, but still looked confused.

    Reth looked between them. "Under any other circumstances I would never ask this of you, but I fear that without this information, even what Suhle has brought may not be enough. I ask you here alone, because I n to tell no one else if you choose to answer me. And¡­ and I will vow to you," he said reluctantly, "that if you choose not to answer me, I will not hold it against you. I am aware that I am about to ask you both to breach the integrity with which you have acted consistently¡ªand towards me. I apologize in advance for that."

    Suhle''s eyes snapped up to meet his, though she didn''t move. Charyn just waited, his face expressionless.

    "I need to know exactly how the wolf mind-link works, how deep it goes, whether you can breach another wolf''s mind without their consent, and whether they can breach yours."

    Suhle froze. But her cousin''s eyes went wide. "How do you know of the mind-link?" Charyn choked out.

    Reth blew out a breath and Suhle''s jaw tightened. "I guessed," Reth said, "apparently correctly. I apologize for presenting that in such a way as to deceive you about my knowledge, but¡­ but I am desperate."

    Suhle made a small noise of disapproval. Reth gave her an apologetic look.

    He''d skirted around this question in the past and she''d refused to entertain the conversation. The wolves were vowed to keep the mind-link protected and secret only to the Tribe. Suhle was a female of her word and always functioned always from a ce of honesty¡ªaspletely as she could. She grieved when lies were necessary for the investigations she undertook, but she recognized the need for them.

    Her vows to the wolves, her loyalty to her family and those she loved was untainted by her work for Reth. And actually, she prioritized her family over his needs¡ªshe wasn''t actually his spy. She was a friend. Someone he admired. And a female he had asked to help him on more than one asion.

    He hadn''t had a chance to speak with her when he''d banished the wolves, but he did already have spies within the tribe¡ªthough some question as to whether they would remain loyal under the pressures from their packs. But Suhle¡­ he''d known she would want to stay at the Tree City. He''d hoped she would decide it was important enough to go to the encampment, but he never would have asked her to do it after seeing the way the wolves were throwing their honor to the winds. When he''d been unable to locate her in the days after his return from taking Elia to the portal, he''d prayed for her safety. On a variety of levels.

    He knew she would struggle if the encampment proved to be the nest of violence Reth suspected it was.

    Behryn had found Suhle training with her uncle when she was still a young adolescent and he''d seen something in her that most would have missed. He read the winds around her¡ªthe air of pain, but of strength, of integrity, and fear. He''d offered to take her to a training far more effective than that given by her Uncle.

    Despite her shyness, she''d leapt at the chance to train with the Apprentices with the spirit of a warrior. But the first time he''d led her into the training ring with a male, she''d almost wet herself.

    It hadn''t taken Behryn¡ªor Reth¡ªmore than that to figure out what must have happened, but she would never speak of it. Only assured them as she grew that she was both choosing servitude, and Devotion to the Creator, over personal ambition. And a family.

    She nned to never mate.

    Which made her the perfect operative. But Reth knew he was asking would challenge her on every level. So, he held her disapproving gaze and searched for the right words. For the honesty she deserved.

 Chapter 404: The Start of Suhle

    <h4>Chapter 404: The Start of Suhle</h4>

    RETH

    Despite Suhle''s beauty¡ªwhich she mostly kept hidden under the white hood of a Devotee¡ªReth had never seen her take a flirtatious stance with a male, or use her looks to manipte, invite, or encourage, the demonstrations of males. She was the least coy female he''d ever met. She seemed to have little interest at all in males outside of her own family, which came to include Reth, Behryn, Tarkyn, and a couple other of the leaders that trained their spies.

    Reth had known her for years, though only closely in the more recent ones. He had initially taken an interest in Suhle''s training. But as he''d watched her thrive and strengthen, he''d be actively involved.

    He had always admired her fortitude and strength in the face of what he often spected must be overwhelming fear given the way she froze up asionally. Yet, she handled herself with an honesty and authenticity that, at times, could be quite disturbing.

    Her courage at times stole his breath. And yet, it was that very courage that he knew meant he would never be able topletely control her. She had truly given her heart to the Creator. So he would only ever ask Suhle for her help, never demand.

    Reth blinked back to the present, and the two very disturbed looking wolves in front of him. Charyn''s scent wavering between indignation and a desire to please. Suhle''s was hard and prickly. He''s rarely seen her truly angry, she had the patience of a saint. But even Behryn stepped carefully around her when she did get heated.

    "You dishonor us, Reth," she said through her teeth.

    He shook his head. "I do not ask lightly. I ask because I believe without this knowledge it is possible the wolves might take hundreds of lives¡ªmore if we''re unsessful in stopping them."

    "How will you not seed?" she asked. "You have the locations of all the¡ª"

    "War is an ugly business, Suhle," he said, meeting her eyes earnestly. Even if we''re able to take Lerrin before the others be aware, there are those among his ranks that will likely try to attack anyway. And once the bloodlust begins¡ªespecially among the wolves¡ªthere is little stopping it. If their discipline has not improved since they left¡ª"

    Suhle shook her head. "It has¡­ eroded further."

    Reth sighed. "Then it is even more imperative that I know. How many can speak at once? Can everyone hear everything, or¡ª"

    "Reth, would we be traitors to our entire tribe¡ªnot just Lerrin''s wolves, but everyone¡ªif we were to speak of this. To even confirm that it exists!" Charyn broke in, his eyes pleading. "My cousin has only just returned. Please don''t ask her to do this after everything she has already given."

    Suhle looked at him like she wanted to say something, but didn''t open her mouth.

    Reth opened his hands. "I know. I do. But I want you to understand, that all I seek is answers about what we face in trying to ovee therger group. And do we have any tools without our ranks that could perhaps help in deceiving them, or throwing them off the scent?"

    Both Suhle and Charyn shook their heads. That much, at least, they were willing to share.

    Reth sighed. He''d hoped¡­ well, he didn''t know what he''d hoped. Perhaps that there was a way for a wolf to speak with the others without being identified? But if there were no tools avable to them within the Tree City¡­

    "Not even you, Suhle?" he asked, desperate.

    She shook her head. But she did not open her mouth.

    "Please," Reth began, "if there is a way to find out when they approach, when they will break¡ªwhether they have changed their ns in the field, anything!"

    She shook her head, and Charyn, watching her, did as well.

    Reth wanted to grow, but he''d given his word that he wouldn''t hold it against them if they didn''t answer. He knew to speak with him about it would break vows they had kept since they were pups. He didn''t like asking, but dammit!

    "I cannot¡ªwill not¡ªspeak of anything that is private to the wolf tribe, that I have sworn to protect," Suhle said quietly. "But I can tell you that the ns you''ve been given are legitimate. I listened when it as was not known¡ªeven by Lerrin¡ªthat I was hearing their ns. When he brought them to me individually, he ryed exactly what they''d discussed as a council. You have every true word on their ns that is known by their Alpha himself, Reth. If anything else were to ur, it has been nned outside of Lerrin''s knowledge. He desires to speak to you. Truly. I did not push him to this¡ªhe came to me. He will not allow the n to change in a way that would risk that."

    Reth wasn''t as sure, but he also had no evidence by which to know she was wrong. He ran a hand through his hair. "I just wish I had one more safeguard. One more check to ensure I do not send my people into battle¡ªinto death¡ªbecause of deceit."

    "I can tell you that Lerrin is not deceptive," Suhle insisted. "However, when I return to the encampment I am already set to follow and listen to a faction among them that may be deceiving Lerrin¡ª"

    "Wait, Suhle," Reth said quickly. "What do you mean, when you return?"

    "I am returning, before first light," Suhle said as if it were something Reth should know.

    "Absolutely not!" Reth spat. "You are not walking through a battleground on the eve of war!"

    "I will not be seen, Reth, I know the route to take¡ª"

    "That isn''t the point. The resources are here to keep you safe. If this goes wrong, that camp will be chaos. I cannot in good conscience let you take the risk."

    "But I must! I told Lerrin I would return. I have to hunt down those that are nning to work against him if he does not take things in the direction they desire¡ªand I assure you, aligning with you and negotiating peace is not on their list of demands!"

    "Suhle, no," Reth said. "I speak to you as you friend and as your King. I am still your King, am I not?"

    She looked offended at the question. "Of course!"

    "Then you will listen to me, and you will obey," he said, allowing himself to feel his power, his strength. Charyn began to squirm with the desire to submit. "You will remain in the Tree City. You will take your ce among the citizens and help protect the young ones. It is the safest ce I can offer you."

    "If you truly believe this may go badly, I would be safer in the forest!"

    "No, Suhle, hear me," Reth said, his tone on the edge of a snarl. "You are not returning to the encampment. Whatever will happen to end this war, one way or the other, urs in the next two days. I will not see you separated from we who would protect you and in the hands of those who may scent your subterfuge. I will not. No matter what goes on here, you are safer with us. There is no further discussion on that point."

    Suhle''s mouth dropped open as Charyn rolled his shoulders forward and submitted.

    *** YOUR GOLDEN TICKETS EXPIRE THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW! Please click "vote" below, then SELECT "GOLDEN TICKETS". (And keep reading to hear about the Mass Release you earned with your tickets in August!)

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 Chapter 405: Stay

    <h4>Chapter 405: Stay</h4>

    RETH

    Suhle stared at him for a moment, then dropped her eyes in submission. But she was trembling. With anger or fear? He could smell both on her.

    Reth softened. "Suhle, we will keep you safe. I am concerned for those who fight at the front lines. I am concerned for the loss of life of those who must help us appear as if we are not aware of our enemy at the gates. That''s what is weighing on me. The chances of the wolves actually taking the Tree City are very small¡ªand if they did¡­ you would be no safer. In fact, I believe you would find the wolves finally giving in to their basest of instincts. You say they are already ill-dsicplined and violent. Imagine if there were no checks, no strength in opposition. Do not flee to them because you fear the fight here. I will keep you safe!"

    "That is not what I fear," Suhle said through her teeth. "I gave my word. I wish to return toplete the work I have been doing. This faction in the wolves, it must be rooted out! Plus, if the wolves escape¡­ I have been there with them. I can continue to listen, to feed information back to you. I am effective! It would be stupid not to take advantage of that!"

    "No, Suhle, you haven''t seen war. I''m telling you, everything changes from now on, no matter what happens tomorrow¡ªtoday, at this point, I suppose. If I am forced to kill Lerrin, those in the encampment will be tyrannical. And if I bring Lerrin on side, they will be searching for anyone loyal to him, and they will kill them. If you have been close to him you will be their first target."

    "But¡ª"

    "Suhle, I have not wanted to be hard on you, but you need to know: The wolves have been attacking the bears. Some of the males have attempted to take the female bears without¡­ without the signals. Being in that camp is not safe."

    Suhle flinched and Reth winced. He hated hurting her. But she had to understand.

    "It has never been safe, Reth. I do it because it is right. Because I can help. It is my purpose."

    "Your purpose cannot be fulfilled if you are dead or broken," he said bluntly. Then he sighed. "But¡­ Suhle, you know I admire your heart. You are right that those within that faction need to be stopped, whether they are there, or here. You have my word that I will see those Anima finished¡ªand if we bring any of the encampment back here, I will ask for your help to find and defeat any that exist within our ranks. You will keep your word. It will only be dyed."

    "But¡ª"

    "I will not waver on this, Suhle. Stay. I order you to stay. I know you are safer with me, than there. The gains are not worth the risk of losing you if this goes to shit."

    Suhle shuddered as she fought the urge to submit. Reth gave her a soft look

    Then he turned to Charyn, leaving Suhle gaping. But he knew her, and he knew her heart. She may resist, but she would obey. He would not even require her to respond. She would stay.

    "Are others in the City aware of Suhle''s presence with you?" he asked the male who was eyeing his cousin uneasily.

    "No, Sire. We were careful. It''s possible some saw her when the guard brought us, but we attempted to stay away from eyes and she kept her hood up."

    Reth nodded. "Return her to your home¡ªdo you have room?"

    "We are making room, Sire. She is too important not to."

    Reth nodded. "Too important to all of us. If you struggle with rations you have only to ask me, I will ensure that you have everything you need. There is enough, but we have to manage it carefully. Suhle will be provided for without cost to you."

    "Thank you, Sire," Charyn said carefully, eyeing his cousin. "I only wonder¡­ she has done such great work. Is it not a risk to¡ª"

    "I have spoken on this matter," Reth said sharply, looking at both of them. "This is decision that I must carry¡ªalong with the others¡ªof whose life to risk, and whose to save. Suhle is too valuable to risk her for the little gain we might find under the slimmest of circumstances. You are safer nowhere than under my eyes, Suhle. No one else will offer you cover as I will, you know that. So this is the time to be patient. There will be many ways that you can fulfill your purposeing in the future and you are too precious to risk."

    He pushed back his chair to let them be certain that this was the end of the conversation. "Take guards with you, return to your home before first light," he said to Charyn. "Do not let others know she''s here until the battle is underway. Just as I have spies in his camp, it would not surprise me to find Lerrin has more than one here. If Suhle has been close to him it will be a matter of pride to keep her. If he is a good male, if we can negotiate peace, you can exin to him then, Suhle. And if not¡­ I will not leave you in the reach of his teeth."

    He stood and started for the door. "I have to go, but I am grateful, truly grateful to both of you for the aid you''ve given me and all of Anima through me. You will not be forgotten for this."

    Then he pulled the door open and nodded for the guards toe through.

    After assigning two to the pair, he asked the others to apany him. Tobe was still not back with that report on the prisoner, and the time hade for Reth to use that. He had only hours left. The time was beyond past.

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 Chapter 406: Bargain

    <h4>Chapter 406: Bargain</h4>

    RETH

    When Reth reached the storage tree they were using as a jail, he stormed past guards with barely a word, the guards that came with him stopping at the door when he cut them a nce as he slipped through the door.

    The female was curled in the corner, her back to the wall. He''d ensured she wouldn''t be dehydrated, but she was likely hungry by this time. Her eyes widened when she saw him and she scrambled to her feet as he crossed the floor between them.

    He could smell the terror coating her and hated himself for it. But it was necessary.

    She pressed herself back into the wall as he stormed up to her, stopping only just short so her panting breaths¡ªsour and shallow¡ªwashed him. He wrinkled his nose, but let her think it was disgust for her that made him do so.

    "You have benefited from the business of war because I haven''t had time to deal with you. But the time hase. I have a final proposal for you. I will exchange the life of your unborn chick¡ªand you with it¡ªfor a simple deception."

    She turned her jaw slightly away from him, but her eyes didn''t leave his.

    Reth snorted the air from his nose. "I have received information. I know how you work. I know what you did, how the wolves are travelling, and how they reached the Royal cave. It didn''te from you, but I will tell anyone who will listen that it did. So¡­ you have the option to remain alive and aligned with us here, help us¡ªand if you do, you will not be trusted, but you will be protected."

    She blinked. "Or?"

    "Or you can return to the encampment with the rumor on your heels that you spoke and betrayed them."

    Her brows pinched. "You would make me a traitor even though I am not!"

    "Yes."

    "Then they would kill me!"

    He nodded. "Likely with no regard for the life you carry. The wolves care only for wolves¡ªhave you figured that part out, yet?"

    "But you are just as bad!"

    "No. I am not. You have lived this long because of the life within you, and I offer you a means to remain alive and to care for your offspring. That is mercy. I will protect you from them. That is generosity. I suspect you would not find the same among the wolves."

    Her lips twisted and she looked away from him, searching her mind. He knew he was right, but given that she had not submitted before now, it was likely she wouldn''t admit it.

    "I don''t have time for this. What is your choice?" he barked.

    "There is no choice!" she cried. "I must stay. You have left me no choice at all!"

    "I have left you the only choice I can. And you have made it correctly. The day wille when you will thank me."

    They stared at each other a moment, then Reth turned on his heel and stalked out. He left an order with the guards to feed her, and to give her a nket, sleeping roll, and pillow. The guards blinked in surprise, but one of them trotted off to get the supplies before Reth had even left the clearing.

    He felt¡­ satisfied. He''d been terrified she wouldn''t take his offer. Terrified that he''d have to sentence her to death. Because he knew, even if he''d let her go, return to the wolves, and they had killed her, he''d have done so knowingly. Her blood would have remained on his hands.

    He had been a coward, offering her that instead of simply showing her mercy. But the line he had to walk was so fine¡­ so easily broken¡­

    He growled.

    This entire situation made him sick. But he had to get back to the security council building now. It was nearly dawn. Behryn and Tobe would be there soon to discuss the movement and positioning of the scouts and trackers who would look for Lerrin and his assassins. They would make the final review of the ambush and preparations to keep the City safe from fire.

    But soon¡­ just hours from now¡­ it would all begin. And once that boulder began rolling down the hill, nothing and no one would be able to stop it, Reth knew. Not even him.

    His father had warned him of this during his training when he was young, and he''d always prayed he would never need to find the truth of it¡­

    ¡­they''d been training at the grounds with his father and his Captain, and several of the young apprentices. He and his father had been arguing the strategy of war the night before, and Reth wasn''t backing down. He was full of his own growing power and strength. He couldn''t see any reason not to simply wipe out an enemy when your strength was greater. While his father insisted diplomacy was the best approach to any conflict.

    When the training was almost at and end, his father leaned into the ear of his Captain, and pointed towards the young males. His Captain eyed Reth, then nodded.

    What ensued was, perhaps, the most chaotic hour of Reth''s life.

    Time and again the two older men split the trainees into groups and set them at each other inbat, each with a specific goal or target.

    And every time, something went wrong, or something changed.

    Reth beat his opponents more than once¡ªeven helped others with theirs twice. But more often the ns he''d made to engage or overwhelm the target he was given were forced to change by necessity when the enemy didn''t do what they expected.

    His father kept watching him, a grim smile on his face.

    The lesson wasn''t lost on him, but Reth was young and hungry. Reluctant to admit this exercise with only dozens of fighters, was an appropriate reflection of true war.

    Then, on thest run, the Captain set the enemy to all target Reth on his side.

    It took only seconds for his allies to shift their focuses from attacking the enemy, to protecting Reth. But that was a few seconds too many.

    They had him on the ground and pinned, forcing him to submit, andughing when he finally did.

    Reth sprang up as soon as he was released and strode for his father. "That would never happen in war! They would never disregard the threats of others¡ªthe numbers would be too high!" He went on and on, yelling and gesturing. The other trainees watched with wide eyes as the King''s son spoke to the King as a father, not as a ruler.

    But the father was a ruler and he did not respond with any less authority.

    "That is where you are wrong, son. And if you allow yourself to believe your enemy will not sustain harm in order to deliver a killing blow, you will lose."

    Then he turned to all of them, chin down, shoulders back, the Alpha power emanating off of him like an invisible wave.

    "All of you, learn this lesson and learn it well: War is evil. War is destruction. War is death. And many, many minds that ept that fact will turn that evil destruction into a tool. Never allow yourself to believe your enemy is not more ruthless, more deadly, harder hearted than you. Never let yourself believe he will not sheath the sword in his own flesh in order to then sheath it in your heart.

    "War is ugly. It is not noble. It is not exciting. It is death, walking. It is and always should be yourst resort to stifle conflict. But if you find yourself on the battlefield, remember: He will cut off his own arm to take your legs. Don''t let him. Don''t let him hurt himself to bleed you out. Because he will do it, and he willugh. And you will call yourself a fool for believing his conscience as soft as your own."

    Then he turned to Reth personally and spat through his teeth. "When the dayes that I am forced to war, I will protect those I love¡ªyou¡ªfrom that destruction. Because I do not underestimate my enemy. Do not waste my efforts by throwing yourself away on an arrogant conflict with no thought for anything except your own victory. Because you will not meet victory on that battlefield, Son. You will meet death."

 Chapter 407: The Only Way Out is Through

    <h4>Chapter 407: The Only Way Out is Through</h4>

    RETH

    Reth had arrived at the security council building almost an hour earlier and spent the time preparing for the Captain''s arrival. But in truth, he was wallowing in the silence, trying to settle his own heart. His pulse raced. He did not want what this day brought. But he would meet it, and meet it to the best of his ability.

    He was already pouring over the maps when Behryn and Tobe finally arrived, Behryn moving more slowly than he had when he''d left the cave. Reth looked at him sharply¡ªand then at Hollhye, who stood in the doorway behind him, her forehead lined with worry.

    "I''ll get him back to Aymora''s after this," Reth told her without even greeting them first.

    She snorted, but nodded, and closed the door.

    Tobe was ncing worriedly at Behryn too, but his second walked normally across the room, his stride unbroken. What worried Reth was the paleness of his face, and the way he seemed to breathe too quickly.

    "Are you okay? Truly?" Reth asked him quietly when they made it to the map table.

    "I''m tired," Behryn said, "and that''s making it harder to breathe. But I am not hot, or achy. You will all need to stop pecking me like mother hens."

    Reth''s lips twisted, but Tobe grinned.

    "Whatever. Take a look here. I''ve marked the spots you gave for where we think the wolves are most likely hidden. And down here in the City, I''ve marked the water stations¡­"

    They all became consumed with the nning¡ªhow to send trackers and warriors up the mountain without tipping their hand that they knew what and who they were looking for. How to move the sentries and guards around the City without looking like they were specifically blocking theing attack.

    "¡­scouts in four different directions, so no special attention will go on the mountain," Tobe said half an hourter. "I know the best ones, we''ll keep them in the direction we know they''re hidden, and send trainees the other ways. We''ll also send the birds to circle the mountain as scouts¡ªto stop the wolves bringing theirs back to retrieve them."

    "In daylight?" Reth confirmed.

    Tobe looked at Behryn and nodded. "They''ll likely be sleeping, so if we can find them quietly, we can dart any that you want brought in, and kill the rest before they even know they''ve been discovered."

    "I think its highly unlikely they aren''t taking shifts watching," Reth muttered.

    Tobe nodded again. "But we also know that a single guard in a silent forest in the heat of the day when there''s no known threat¡­ well, better warriors than these wolves have fallen to the devil of sleep. And we know they won''t shoot the birds out of the air because they don''t want their presence to be discovered."

    "I can''t see any way to finish this without some conflict, though, Reth. Battle is inevitable," Behryn added, tracing a line on the map and frowning. "Unless the Creator yanks a miracle out of his beard, at least some of them will be awake and watching and¡­ fighting will be unavoidable."

    Reth sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "And those that are caught will likely get the signal out to those waiting to hit the City. It may all happen very quickly."

    "Don''t we have the signals? Can''t we give the signal for retreat?" Tobe asked.

    Reth shrugged. "We will try. But I suspect it will not be heeded." He knew for certain now that the pack mind existed¡ªwhich meant it was likely if the signal wasn''t given and affirmed through whatever link they had, that it would be identified as a false signal. But he couldn''t be sure. He wanted to curse Suhle and Charyn for not giving that up.

    He could exert influence on Charyn he supposed¡­

    "Is Lerrin our only live target?" Tobe asked carefully.

    Reth sighed again. "What do you think, Behr? Part of me wants to bring the whole fist in if we can. But if this proves right, we already knew their battle n. Is there any gain from keeping them alive, except the risk that they will get free, or harm one of ours?"

    "I know I told you to be more ruthless, Reth, and I agree with Aymora, we need to let our enemies know that there are lines they cannot cross and expect mercy, but¡­ but killing warriors in their beds when we''re told theye¡ªor, at least, their leader does¡ªto find peace?"

    "If they all came for peace, they would present themselves. If what Suhle was told is true, Lerrin ising in the hopes of not losing his good people. But he fights the bad among them. And he has not told those of his shifting alliances. We can''t know which those close to him will be until¡­ Well, we can''t know. I think we take Lerrin. If the others surrender, bring them as well. But do not risk our warrior''s lives to give them the chance. And if Lerrin fights¡ªif there is any hint betrayal is a ploy, you kill him as well."

    "Are you certain, Reth?" Behryn asked quietly.

    Reth took a moment, but nodded. "No more dragging this out. It is time for this to be over one way or another. We will take Lerrin, or he will be killed. We will defeat the wolves, or if they flee, we will rally and follow. I want this done! The time hase."

    "I''d like a stab at the wolf myself," Tobe said darkly.

    Reth shook his head. "Do not kill him unless it''s unavoidable. Only he has information beyond what we know, and I wish to measure his honesty for myself. Even if this is a ploy, speaking with him will offer the chance to scent him for truth. If he fights and tries to kill us, he will be killed. But if he only defends, or flees, he must be taken. And if he surrenders¡­ Creator willing, we may find peace after all."

    "So, scouts and dummy guards to locations just after dawn when they''re likely not moving anymore, then tracking after high sun?"

    "Yes. But there likely will be little or no scent trails. Tell the trackers to be on high caution at all times. They will probably only know they''re in the right ce when they are steps from our targets."

    Reth''s gut clenched at the mental image of a tracker stepping into a fist of wolves he hadn''t scented. He pushed the image of carnage and vengeance away.

    "We believe we have two fists on the mountain, another in scouts and firestarters at the base, and how many to the east awaiting the signal to take the City?"

    "Almost two hundred," Reth said with a snarl. "Almost as many as we have ourselves."

    Tobe whistled. "It will be war in truth."

    "You thought I jested about that?" Reth asked, surprised.

    Tobe shook his head. "No. I only¡­ I wish it hadn''te to this. But you''re right, of course. We have to go balls to the wall now. No flinching. No waiting. No more hope. We have to take them out and finish them, or we will be finished ourselves."

    Reth nodded, but his stomach churned.

    *****

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 Chapter 408: Darkest Before Dawn

    <h4>Chapter 408: Darkest Before Dawn</h4>

    RETH

    When the Captains left¡ªBehryn to rest, Tobe to rally thest groups and bring the warriors to the training grounds at dawn so Reth could speak with them¡ªReth was supposed to take Behryn to Aymora. But Hollhye, it turned out, had merely waited outside, not trusting Reth to keep his word.

    He would have. But the truth was, he was relieved that he didn''t have to. He wanted one more, private conversation with Suhle before he faced Lerrin¡ªor had him killed.

    So when the others had left, in the coldest, darkest hour before dawn would light the sky, Reth trudged through the City, under guard, to Charyn''s house.

    Charyn''s wife was a quiet, but pretty wolf who bustled through the house bringing drinks and flustered that the King hade to her home. He smiled at her and reassured her that he wasn''t in need of anything except a little time and privacy with Suhle.

    Suhle, called from the room she''d been given upstairs, came slowly, watching Reth warily, until her cousin and his mate left them to speak privately. Reth knew they''d likely hear every word unless they were very disciplined not to listen. But he supposed that wasn''t a bad thing.

    He had nothing to hide. The question was, did Suhle?

    When they were finally alone, he reached across the table and squeezed the hand she had left resting on its top.

    Her hair was down and her face free of that sted hood, so he could see her quavering smile.

    "I am so d that you are safe," he said quietly. "Relieved, and grateful. How did you hide your rtionship with me?"

    "You know very few know of our connection, Reth," she whispered. "I was prepared to lie if it was needed to protect you. But in the end, no one even wondered. They pay little attention to the disformed¡ªthey are not hateful. They do not mention it, especially as I am a servant. But I am¡­ overlooked. For both reason. Except by Lerrin¡­ I spoke with him honestly about you, Reth. You need to know that. When he was being led in dark directions¡­ he allowed me to speak truthfully. Even it when it hurt him. He is more like you than you know."

    Reth sucked in a deep breath. It was a thought he''d had willingly a few months earlier. But now¡­ now he didn''t want to think that he could ever do or be what Lerrin had. He shrugged off his difort at the thought. "You are so brave, Suhle. I am so impressed. And¡­ you said you have stayed safe. Was that true or were you trying to save the feelings of your family?"

    "It is true. As I mentioned, there were issues. I almost left. I would have except¡­ I am so certain that Lerrin can be brought to the ce of rightness, Reth. And that will only benefit all of us."

    Reth nodded. She was right, if it was true. He was just yet to be convinced that Lerrin hadn''t either deceived her, or been deceived himself.

    "They are trying to breed, Reth," she whispered, without looking at him. "Some of the females give themselves for it. They are¡­ they are trying to grow. This faction is¡­ they are very intentional about it."

    Reth growled deep in his chest. "It''s a power y, and I will not stand for it. We cannot let that kind of sick ploy into our people. Where would it end?!"

    "Lerrin works to identify all who are sympathetic to that faction," she murmured. "It is why I am so desperate to return¡ªI can find things out so much faster because they don''t know to look for me¡ª"

    "I''m not discussing it further," Reth muttered.

    Suhle sighed. "When you draw lines that way, Reth, you require people to decide between you and their consciences. You told me you would never ask that of me."

    "This is not an operation, Suhle. I do not ask you to resist your own heart about the work you do. I ask you to guard your own safety¡ªallow me to guard it¡ªfor the next two or three days when I know there is going to be great violence and conflict."

    "But this is the catalyst, Reth. This is why he realized he was wrong. This is the war he cannot fight and fight you as well¡ªhe has turned, can''t you see¡ª?"

    Reth ttened his hand on the table far too hard, and Suhle jumped. "He never should have been fighting me to begin with!" he snarled. "You have been spending too much time among them, be too sympathetic. Months ago you would never have fought me on this! Don''t you remember the events that brought you and I together in the first ce? You have never shared your story with me, and I do not pry now. But it is obvious to anyone who pays attention that you were misused. And the thought of that makes me so angry, Suhle. So angry. Why would you seek to work with the tribe that would do that to you¡ªand now to others?"

    "When I was hurt," she said quietly, but firmly, "the event was strange. Unique. It was not the culture among the wolves. But something¡­ something has infected their hearts and minds this past year. Not all of them, but enough. I cannot exin it to you, Reth, all I know is that what is happening now is not the Tribe that I grew up in¡ªand even I, who did experience¡­ pain, even I can say that!"

    "I will kill them, Suhle. I am putting the wheels in ce to end this. No matter what happens with Lerrin, we will not release this battle. We will take the wolves, or we will kill them. But there will be no more of this!"

    Suhle smiled. "That is what Lerrin says, too! You two really are of one heart, I wish you could both see it!"

    Reth squirmed under her gaze and her grin widened. "Lerrin doesn''t like it when I say that, either," she said.

    He sighed and sat back in his chair. "We''re sending the first scouts and warriors after the wolves in two hours, Suhle. I have asked the soldiers to bring Lerrin in alive but I cannot be sure they''ll be able to. It will depend whether he fights."

    "He won''t fight," she said emphatically.

    "Well, I hope you''re right. But I want you to know, regardless, you are not to worry. Whether he is alive or dead, I will protect you from any potential bacsh because of this. He will not touch you on my watch."

    "Oh, Reth, I don''t need protection from Lerrin. Go find Craye, and Daryn. Go find Asta, though I still believe she may be trying to settle the conflict. Go find the males that are taking females, and the leaders who encourage this awful breeding program. Let me return and make a list for you¡ªI will bring it back myself. Then you will know¡­"

    But Reth only shook his head. "Not now, Suhle. Later, perhaps. But not now. Not until we know where we stand. I refuse to be the reason you are killed¡ªnot now that I have you out and safe. This battle¡­ even if it works out, there are still more than one hundred wolves in the encampment. It will takes weeks to determined who is safe to return¡ªif any are."

    "Many are," she tried to reassure him. "Many were manipted by their packs or frightened to be left in the City without their families. They went not because they hated you, but because they feared the loss. They will dly return."

    But Reth shook his head again. "Understand, Suhle, that even if they went out in fear, the people who stayed will see them as traitors. I can''t just let them return to their lives."

    "Why not?!"

    "Because I will then begin a war within our people, instead of without. The people will split down the lines of sympathy anyway. No, Suhle, this has gone too far now. Peace¡ªtrue peace¡ªis no longer possible. You must see that?"

    Given the sadness in her eyes, the lines on her brow, he wasn''t certain that she did.

    But he did not back down. As he got up from his chair and walked around to hug her, then make certain she had all she needed, he did not waver and she did not challenge him.

    They both knew, at this point, he was going to do what he felt he had to, regardless.

    He just prayed she remained safe if her role in this ever came to light.

 Chapter 409: Brave Heart

    <h4>Chapter 409: Brave Heart</h4>

    RETH

    Hourster, after the sky had brightened from gray, to pink, to yellow, Reth walked out of the forest into the training grounds that were packed with every guard, scout, tracker, and fighter that wasn''t already on duty. Behryn stood at one end of the field talking to the fist leaders, and Tobe at the end where Reth entered, briefing birds and scouts.

    They caught eyes as Reth passed, and Tobe ducked his head in acknowledgement. On the way across the field to Behryn, Reth also saw Tarkyn, the young guard he''d selected for Elia''s guard, and for a moment his breath stopped.

    The young male saluted, his face somber and eyes sad. But he''d filled out in the months since Reth had evaluated him¡­ his muscles bigger and more defined. That wasn''t umon among the Anima. What surprised Reth was the sense of steadiness around the young man. The singrity of purpose with which he focused himself on the task at hand.

    He was one to watch. If he didn''t get himself killed in whatever they were about to face.

    Reth stifled a wince and strode across the grass to Behryn''s side.

    They sped hands and held each other''s gazes for a moment, but neither of them spoke. Behryn, seeing Rething, had sent the Fist Leaders back to call their Anima to arms, so the two stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, watching as the males and females that would carry their hopes in the following days¡ªReth prayed it wouldn''t be weeks¡ªwere gathered and lined up in their fists.

    "You aren''t going to stop breathing and die on me, are you?" Reth muttered so the males nearby might not hear.

    Behryn snorted. "I''m more concerned that Hollhye''s going to slide a knife between my ribs when she gets back and realizes I left."

    "You didn''t tell her?"

    "She was gone speaking to the¡­ the elders that you asked her to." Behryn shifted his weight and didn''t look at Reth.

    "I''m sorry that I had to ask that of her, but¡ª"

    "Don''t. She''s the right person. And she''ll honor them in it."

    Reth nodded. Both of them stood with their arms folded, watching all the Anima before them, males and females in their prime, tall and strong, healthy and brave¡­ all of them looking ahead with eagerness for the task, when all Reth could wish was to pull them all free of it. To remove the threat, to¡­ Well, it was only torture to think that way. He had to let them walk into this. Into fire. Into death. He had to let them fight. If the roles were reversed, he would have chosen to be one of these fighters, too. And he would have resented any leader that held him back from the conflict.

    They all loved this city and each other as much as he did.

    Behryn''s hand pped to his shoulder and held. "Creator, may we see them all return," he murmured.

    Reth grunted. "Healthy and whole."

    Behryn nodded. "Unscarred, and without ghosts."

    "Amen."

    There was a pregnant pause where Reth wondered if he should give Behryn some kind of pep-talk. But instead, his Second and best friend turned to him. "You do the right thing, Reth. You cannot fight this alone. You cannot win this without numbers. These are the best numbers in the Anima. They will win this for you."

    "I''d be happy enough if they won it for themselves," Reth said, low and dark.

    "They will. But it will be your approval they seek at the end," Behryn said. "Don''t fight it. No matter what they''ve been through, knowing that you approve of their actions, their achievements, it will make up for much."

    Reth turned that over in his mind. It was something his father had talked about¡ªthat Rulers would be sought not for their wealth, but for their approval¡ªbut hadn''t appreciated when he was younger. But now¡­ now he understood. And he had an idea.

    "Will you address them, or do you want me to do it on your behalf?" Behryn asked quietly.

    "I''ll do it. And they won''t have to wait until theye back bloodied for my approval," Reth muttered.

    Behryn turned to look at him, but the Fist Leaders called everyone to attention. Tobe was trotting around the outside of the field to join them, and the birds and trackers had joined the lines at the back.

    The field went silent except for the chirp of early morning birds, and Reth marveled again at the discipline Behryn had instilled in them.

    Then he stepped forward, arms swinging at his sides, and regarded them all. He refused to let any of them walk into this day uncertain about whether they were known, whether they were honored.

    He would honor them for the rest of his life.

    "I see you, Anima!" he boomed so that even the furthest away would hear him clearly. "I see you Equines, I see you Avalines, I see you Serpents and Goats. I see your courage. I see your dedication. I see your heart to protect and to squash the enemy. I see your desire to destroy evil, and your appetite to honor good. I see you, Anima. I see you daughters and sons, mates, and offspring. I see you brothers and sisters, parents, and leaders.

    "I see the hole you would leave if this were to take you from us, and I grieve it. I pray the Creator''s hand of blessing on you and those who already serve, ready and waiting to protect. I pray that in one day or two we will gather here again and I will see you again.

    "I see the lives you lead. I see yourughter and your tears. I see your goals, and the failures you have ovee. I see you, Anima, and I honor you!" he let thest, shouted word roll off into a roar.

    The field erupted with coughs, calls, barks, and cheers. No one stepped from their lines or turned their heads, but they answered their King and celebrated his honor.

 Chapter 410: The Time Has Come

    <h4>Chapter 410: The Time Has Come</h4>

    RETH

    Reth faced the lines of young, strong Anima who might die and forced himself to strength.

    "Thank you for being willing to take this responsibility in the defense of your people¡ªand in the defense of me. You humble me! You leave here this morning with my gratitude, my admiration, and my approval.

    "In the hours and days toe, you will facebat. You will face hatred and ugliness. You will face death. You will make decisions and live or die by them. You will form memories¡ªsome of which you will wish you had never seen. But you will also walk into the gap and, when you returned, bloodied and weary, you will see the faces and hearts of those you fought to save.

    "Never forget that, my Anima. Never forget that every step you take puts you between someone else and their death. Never forget the young that will remember this day and, whether they know your face or not, they will see the sun because you stepped in to kill the enemy that would have taken them.

    "Never forget that the lives of every other Anima ride with you¡ªand you honor them simply by being willing to fight. You fight for yourselves and your families, but you also fight for mine."

    Reth''s voice broke on thest word and he swallowed hard, ignoring the sound behind him of Behryn doing the same thing.

    "Never forget that your King¡­ Your King loves you and appreciates you. Never forget that no matter what you are forced to do or see in these days, you have only my honor and my gratitude. Never forget that you offer your own life for the good of another, and there is no single action one can take that shows more love than that.

    "Thank you for your love, Anima. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your strength. And when we return here at the end of this, thank you for forgiving me for asking it of you. You go with my heart. You go at my word. And you go strong, Anima. You go with love. And you go knowing with certainty that you stand on the right side of our history today!"

    He roared again, and they called again. There were tears among them, but also beaming smiles, and anticipation. While he faced them, he smiled and he raised his hands to apud them. But when he turned back to Behryn, the smile fell from him as if it had been dropped.

    How many of them would not see the sunset today?

    How many would he grieve just hours from now?

    Please, not many, Creator, he prayed. Please not many.

    You can''t fight them alone¡­

    The words echoed in his head, pounding at his heart. But before he could examine them more closely, remind himself of their truth, there was another pounding¡ªa p on his back as his Second passed him, walking quickly to give a brief word to each of the Fist Leaders as they began to move their teams.

    Reth did the same, walking between the lines and groups, nodding his acknowledgement of the salutes and calls he was given. sping hands with those he knew personally, and smiling at those he did not.

    He tried to burn as many names and faces into his brain as he could, Anima to check for, to pursue when they returned¡­ to make sure they did return.

    As the first groups began to roll out, jogging double-time back to the City, and fist after fist called, then followed, Reth itched to go with them. To put his teeth and ws to work against the flesh of the enemy. To have a task, a purpose that put him before them so they did not have to do it. But he couldn''t. He knew he couldn''t.

    If he was taken¡ªnot even because of himself personally, but just because of what he represented¡ªthe fighters would be demoralized and frightened. And the responsibility for the hardest and most deadly decisions would pass to someone else.

    First Behryn.

    Reth snorted. He would stay there itching just to avoid the wrath of Hollhye if Behryn was pressed into that on this day.

    But as more and more of the fighters, scouts, and guards trotted past him, possibly to their deaths, Reth needed to move. He found Behryn and Tobe standing just inside the forest where the trails branched, where each fist moved in the direction of the task they''d been assigned. The two equines were greeting and cajoling, calling and apuding as each of the groups passed, and Reth joined them, adding his own encouragement until thest of the groups had disappeared down the trail.

    Then the three of them went silent¡ªand serious.

    Reth''s chest was swelled with pride in the strength and courage of his people. And in the cleverness of his leaders to help them win this.

    He wished Lerrin could stand here in this moment, see what their people were offering, see how true leadership should look.

    See the heartache that Reth couldn''t hide now that the fighters were gone.

    You can''t fight them alone.

    "How is the King now?" Behryn asked quietly. Tobe turned to look at him as well, one eyebrow raised.

    Reth snorted. "Heartbroken, honestly. But less so than I will be tonight when we learn how many we have lost."

    "Do not dere them dead yet," Behryn warned him. "Let''s get the wolf first, then see where that takes us."

    Reth shrugged. Yes, they would go after the wolf first. And if he was caught, perhaps he would see what he was dealing with. Perhaps they could negotiate peace. But the truth was, Reth would not grieve if the wolf was killed. There had been too much death and destruction already, and they hadn''t even started.

    You can''t fight them alone¡­

    He made himself focus on the two men who were watching him, concerned. And he forced himself to smile.

    "It''s time," he said to Behryn, who nodded. Then he pped Tobe on the back. "Let''s do this."

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 Chapter 411: Priorities

    <h4>Chapter 411: Priorities</h4>

    KALLE

    There was so much material. So many books. So many subjects. And so little time. Kalle stared at Gahrye as they spread the books out on the table and attempted to sort them into some kind of order.

    Kalle shook her head at the sheer amount of information that had to be contained in these pages. Her grandmother stood aside, eyes alight and hands over her mouth, clearly yearning to touch the books and look inside, but unwilling to do so without being invited.

    "Are there... rules?" Kalle asked. "I mean... do we have to do something specific, or--"

    "I don''t know," her grandmother answered, brows pinched into a v over her eyes. "The original copy of the prophecy was lost. We only have it handed down from the oral tradition now. So we don''t know if it''splete. I''ll be honest, I hope it''s in here somewhere."

    Kalle scanned the piles of books on the table and blew out a breath. It would take months to read everything.

    She looked at Gahrye, who was staring wide-eyed at the treasure trove. When he looked up, his eyes were alight with both fear and excitement.

    "If the prophecies center on you and Elia," he said quietly, "then we must focus on keeping you both safe. We have to... we have to try to find anything to help her carry the cub, and... and anything that will keep you safe. The traverse, the voices, the Guardian''s curse. Those have to be our priorities unless we find something that tells us otherwise," he said firmly.

    Kalle and her grandmother nodded.

    Kalle blew out another breath. Her chest felt tight with fear and hope. "Grandma," she said quietly, "I''m sorry, I want your help, but I think¡­ I think we should be careful here, just in case. There has to be a reason these were hidden, right? A reason they were kept apart from the rest. So¡­ until we know what that is, I think¡­ I think I should try to keep this between me and Elia and Gahrye."

    Her grandmother''s face fell, but she nodded and forced a smile. "That''s wise," she said quietly.

    "And don''t tell Shaw," Gahrye added sharply.

    They both agreed with him. Kalle turned back to the table and shook her head. "The first thing we have to do is sort these out. Try to get some idea of what they are and group them together so we know where to start," she said to Gahrye.

    They both began to pick up books which were older and more fragile than most they had ess to in the library. But also in better condition. Kalle''s research brain lit up like a Christmas tree imagining what must be here. But she forced herself to scan the titles and contents or first pages and create piles. This was not the time to get distracted by a fascinating story or piece of information.

    "Keep an eye out for an ount of Creation," Kalle told him.

    Gahrye tipped his head and ced a small book at the corner of the table. "Why is that important?"

    Kalle sighed. "I''m not sure. But I just have a feeling¡­ I keep going to back to them and I don''t know why. Maybe if we find one here it will shed some light. I can''t exin it better than that, I''m sorry."

    Gahrye shook his head. "Don''t apologize. You are listening to your instincts¡ªand mine say you are right. So if I find one I will show it to you immediately."

    They spent an hour trying to categorize the books. Kalle was certain they were doing a poor job, but she also knew they would refine it as they learned and better understood what they had avable.

    At some point her grandmother had slipped away. Kalle felt bad and almost went after her. But she couldn''t shake the conviction that it was necessary to keep these ounts as private as possible. And if Gahrye said her instincts were right¡­ well, she trusted his judgment better than her own.

    Eventually they ended up on the same side of the table, most of the books already sorted into eight or nine piles that incorporated everything from historical ounts of the leaders and societies of the Anima, all the way through to two small journals on the health and wellbeing of the Anima that Gahrye was itching to dive into in case it would help Elia.

    They stood so close to each other, their arms and hips brushed when they leaned over the table to ce books.

    Kalle''s stomach began to spiral with desire when Gahrye put a hand to her back as he leaned in front of her and she cursed herself.

    Now, of all times, was not the moment to be distracted by her desire for him!

    Gahrye straightened and looked at her, a sly smile creeping up on one side of his mouth.

    "What?" she asked, her cheeks pinking. She suddenly needed to trace the etched cover this book in her hands and examine the extremely old leather-bound, gold-edged pages.

    "My mate has desire for me," Gahrye murmured, grinning.

    "Your sense of smell is very inconvenient," she said as airily as she could. "But that doesn''t matter anyway, because we need to figure out what we''re taking back to the house tonight, and what is staying here. I wish we could take everything, but there''s no way we could move all of this. And I think it''s safer here, anyway."

    Gahrye frowned at the trunk and the books on the table. "If you think we could keep it under guard at the house, I think we should take it back."

    "How? That thing is huge and filled to the brim with books. We''d need five men to carry it."

    Gahrye snorted. "No we won''t. I''ll admit, I''ll need to rest, but I can carry it."

    "You can¡ª" Kalle cut off, wide-eyed. She looked down at the huge stack of books, and the metal trunk, then back at him. "Seriously?"

    He nodded. "I believe so. Yes." There was a pause, then his smile widened. "That makes you desire me more?" he chuckled.

    Kalle groaned and leaned into his chest, putting her arms around his waist. "Everything makes me desire you, Gahrye," she breathed.

    "Well, thank the Creator for that," he murmured back, then took her mouth softly.

 Chapter 412: Hidden Treasure

    <h4>Chapter 412: Hidden Treasure</h4>

    GAHRYE

    It almost made himugh how eager Kalle smelled at the idea of seeing him lift the trunk. Anima females enjoyed demonstrations of strength as well, but she seemed especially excited. He made a mental note to lift things around her more often.

    Kalle realized, though, that her car would not fit the trunk¡ªthe name she gave to therge case the book had been held within. And Gahrye needed to get back to Elia.

    They went back and forth about the best way forward, but Kalle wanted to dive into the histories, so they decided to choose one stack of books each and take those back to the Big House, then they would borrow a truck and return the following day for the rest.

    While they spoke about how to carry the trunk into the house without Shaw seeing them, Kalle kept stroking his upper arms. It made his breathe faster and he had to restrain himself. These weren''t the kind of books to be swept to the floor in the heat of passion. Besides, they would be home soon. He would have all night with her¡­

    Clearing his throat at the mental images that flooded his brain, he made himself busy choosing which books he would take to look at the for the rest of the day.

    In the end, hended on the pile of books he''d made that discussed Anima society. He hoped there would be information there about the Guardians, or perhaps the Protectors. He slipped the two small journals of medicine onto the pile for Elia to review, and one small, but thick book that had the scent of age even more than the others. He wasn''t sure why it drew him, but he hadn''t been lying when he told Kalle he believed following their instincts was the best way forward.

    He scented the winds, but found nothing new¡ªexcept a sharp tang around the idea of that male, Dillon. He would bear watching¡ªand warning again. He was pathetic and weak, but unustomed to being thwarted. He would try for Kalle again.

    Gahrye would make sure he understood.

    "What were you just thinking?" Kalle asked him quietly.

    He turned. He hadn''t realized he had a hand at her waist. "What?" he asked, startled.

    "What were you just thinking? You grunted and tightened your grip on me."

    Gahrye frowned. "Only that we must keep everything precious protected," he muttered and turned back to the books.

    He could feel Kalle''s eyes on him, but he didn''t meet them. He didn''t want her to see how much the idea of that other male bothered him. He knew she was devoted to him. He didn''t understand why. But he loved that every time he looked for her in a room, she was usually already looking at him. That she measured him for a reaction every time something happened, before she responded to it.

    There was something between them now, some golden thread that connected them at their cores, and she was learning to tug on it, to use it to feel him. And he with her. The string connected at his innermost core¡ªbut it also, somehow, impossibly, filled a hole there. As if she had taken residence in his soul.

    He loved it.

    And every time he thought about returning to Anima without her, it froze him from the inside out.

    He shook his head and hurried to collect the books and slide them into the bag Kalle had brought in case they had books to bring him.

    And did they have books.

    He had to admit, even aside from what he hoped this prophecy meant for Kalle¡ªand thus, for him¡ªhis heart sped up at the idea of the answers that might be within these works.

    While they restacked the leftover books back into the trunk and ensured that the lock was snapped closed, he prayed to the Creator that they would finally find something solid to hold onto. Something that would help Elia, help him, help Kalle. Something that could take them all back to Anima safely¡­

    But he knew the prayer was selfish. The truth was, his love for Eliay in the shadow of his love for Kalle. He knew his dear friend would tell him that was as it should be¡ªthat she loved Reth more than she loved him. And he knew that was correct.

    But he couldn''t help fearing that the Creator would see it differently. Might see his divided loyalties and determine that he was unworthy of both.

    His hands shook as he led Kalle out of the basement room and waited for her to close and lock it with the keys her grandmother had given her.

    He swallowed hard as they walked the hall, then ascended the stairs.

    He couldn''t do anything about his feelings for his mate, except be willing to make the right decision even when it was hard.

    He just hoped the Creator understood that.

    "What is it?" Kalle asked him as they returned to the main level of the library, her voice low so humans would be unable to hear it unless they were as close to her as Gahrye.

    "Nothing to be concerned about," he said quietly. "I am only weighing all the tasks, all the responsibilities, all the people¡­ it feels like we are about to take a big step forward. But I don''t mind telling you I''m afraid of taking it in the wrong direction."

    "Me too," she whispered. Then they made it back to the service desk where her grandmother stood, frowning at Dillon, and Gahrye was forced to eye the male from behind Kalle so she wouldn''t see him dominating the asswipe.

    Dillon stared at him from behind those strange ck frames, and Gahrye let himself feel his strength and his certainty of Kalle.

    This male was weak¡ªno matter how strong he might look to the humans. Gahrye snorted the air from his nose, though none of them noticed.

    He had a vision for a moment of challenging the male to go downstairs with him and see if he could lift the trunk! But that was juvenile. The type of demonstrations Anima made when they first hit adolescence.

    Kalle didn''t need to see thempete. She had given her heart to Gahrye.

    The asswipe could just suck it.

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 Chapter 413: Shenanigans

    <h4>Chapter 413: Shenanigans</h4>

    KALLE

    They were almost back at the suite. Gahrye carried both bags of books and Kalle walked right behind him as they turned to swing up the stairs and go find Elia and show her¡ªtell her what they''d learned!

    But Shaw''s voice echoed from the hallway downstairs behind them. "Kalle! Gahrye! Can I grab you for a minute?"

    Gahrye turned to look at her, both of them hyper-aware of the books he carried, of what Shaw would do if he found out about them.

    Kalle sighed and stopped walking. "You go check Elia," she said loud enough for Shaw to hear. "I''ll catch up with him." Gahrye shot a dark look over his shoulder back, toward where Shaw must be standing, waiting, but he just nodded and turned, trotting up the stairs with his long legs in a way that made Kalle realize he must constantly shorten his stride for her, slow himself to match her.

    Her heart throbbed, but she had to keep her expression nk as she turned and started back down the stairs.

    "What is it?" she asked Shaw as kindly as she could.

    Shaw was watching Gahrye stride up the stairs his expression frustrated. "Can I speak with you privately?" he whispered, tipping his head towards his office down the hall.

    "Of course. Is there a problem?" she asked as they walked.

    Shaw nced back over his shoulder, then shook his head. "Wait until we''re inside."

    When they reached the office¡ªnot arge room, but with extremely high ceilings that gave it the feel of being bigger than it was¡ªShaw indicated that she should take one of the thick chairs on the other side of his desk.

    Shaw''s desk was something she and her grandmother had always giggled about, amid whispered jokes of ovepensation.

    Shaw was not arge man. But his desk¡ªsolid wood, antique, and rich mahogany¡ªwasrge enough to swamp Gahrye. He had a footstool hidden beneath it, because without it, he couldn''t use the desktop without his feet swinging, inches from the floor.

    When he got himself settled¡ªwhich put him in a position a good foot above Kalle¡ªhe pulled off his sses and rubbed the heels of his hands in his eyes.

    "I know you''ve be good friends with Gahrye," he started. Kalle almostughed. "But I have been asking both he and Elia at every opportunity, and they still refuse to allow me to interview them. Kalle, you know that my research and our records are not intended to hurt or disturb them. But it is crucial that we keep records of every traverse and the promises, prophecies, and threats made! Without those we cannot trace the uracy of what the voices are saying¡ªor know with any certainty what to protect future Anima from!"

    "I know, I know," Kalle said. "They aren''t trying to upset you, Shaw. They''re just¡­ going through a lot. I think they don''t really want to relive those moments."

    Shaw shook his head. "They will already have forgotten many of the smaller details. We are already in a position of being reduced in what we can record. And now Elia is shifting?! We have to explore that¡ªlearn how or why she is able to. Unless she was Anima all along? Did the wolves deceive the Guardians about their reason for taking her through? If so, we need to know that as well!"

    Kalle put her hands up towards him to calm him down. "No, no. Elia is human. At least, she was. We think¡­ we think this is to do with the pregnancy. But we''re still struggling to find any records that will exin this. Do you know anything, Shaw? Have you ever read or heard anything about humas bing Anima? Being able to shift?"

    Shaw shook his head. "I have been wracking my brain about this. I think there was something, one time. But just a passing reference, and so far I haven''t been able to find anything. But if I do, I will show it to you."

    "Thank you, we''re really struggling."

    Shaw''s lips pinched thin and he returned his sses to his face. "I understand that this has all been very challenging for them, and I understand why they want the space to themselves to move, but I have to tell you, I am notfortable moving them from this house before they''ve shared their experiences with us and allowed us to add their ounts, and their lives and knowledge to the histories! If we let them hide away, we will never hear from them. Can you¡­ can you speak with them about taking the interview with me? I would be happy to shift them over to the other house once it''s done."

    Kalle''s stomach clenched. "You''re going to¡­ ckmail them into doing the interviews?"

    "No, no. Just motivate." When he saw the look on Kalle''s face he rolled his eyes. "Kalle, you know I have no malicious intent towards them. But I have to serve all of the Anima, not just Elia and Gahrye. If something were to happen to them and their knowledge holds the key to helping someone else, we are up shit creek without a paddle. I am not asking for this for my own purposes! I am asking because we ask everyone¡ªand all haveplied before this. What are they hiding that they cannot¡ª"

    "They aren''t hiding anything, Uncle, at least, not that I know of. Elia is truly struggling, and Gahrye is truly frightened for her. They don''t understand the importance of the work you do. I can''t make guarantees, but I''ll speak to them."

    Shaw slumped back in his chair, but he did look relieved. "Thank you," he said. "Please¡­ try hard. If they don''t tell us something we need to know, the next Anima toe may punish me for not having retrieved what we needed. I would prefer not to face¡­ that."

    Kalle frowned. "Punish you? How would Anima punish you? Don''t you help them?"

    "Yes, of course. I simply mean that they will disapprove, and may perhaps decide not to share their information either¡­ this is not a precedent we can set, Kalle! The ounts of the voices have been our guide for what issues to prepare to fight for decades."

    "But, I thought they lied a lot?"

    "They do¡ªbut the issues they raise, the people they target, these are always an indicator of who and what is going to be important. We must take what we can from them and use it to the best of our ability."

    Kalle stared at her Uncle, but he didn''t waver.

    "I''m serious, Kalle," he said softly, in a much calmer voice than his usual wheedling tone. "We need to find out what the voices pinpointed about both of them¡ªwhat they promised or predicted. That is the way we know what to protect against."

    Kalle sighed. "I''ll talk to them."

    "Today?"

    "Yes, today. Just¡­ be just a little more patient, please. They really are struggling."

    "Aren''t we all?" Shaw muttered.

    Kalle looked at him sharply. "Are we? Not the way they are, I don''t think?"

    Shaw pped a hand at her. "Of course not, of course not. I just meant¡­ life is hard. It''s hard for all of us. Sometimes we have to do things we don''t want to because it''s right, not because it''s easy."

    Kalle raised her eyebrows at him. "Then I guess you might have to wait a little longer, Uncle," she said and turned it into a tease with a wink.

    He snorted, but he didn''t smile.

 Chapter 414: Heavy Breathing

    <h4>Chapter 414: Heavy Breathing</h4>

    ELIA

    She startled when the door opened, but then she was flooded with relief to see Gahrye walk in, his face a thundercloud, but tworge bags of books, one in each hand, that he brought straight towards her.

    "I''m d you''re awake," he said quietly. "I have something to tell you."

    "What is it?" she croaked.

    Gahrye stopped cold, then hurried across the floor. "What is it? Why are you pale? Are you sick? What''s going on?"

    He ced the bags¡ªvery carefully¡ªon the coffeetable in front of where she sat, then joined her on the couch, putting a hand to her forehead and leaning in to smell her.

    Elia still hadn''t ever gotten used to that way of the Anima to use scent to determine what was going on with a person. But she shook her head and pushed him back withoutment on that. They had bigger fish to fry.

    "I shifted again," she said, then gulped.

    Gahrye blinked. "But you got back. I mean¡ª"

    "Yes, but I don''t know how, and I can feel it, Gahrye. I want to do it again. I''m hanging on by my ws here. I''ve been walking around in here and waiting for you guys toe back. I''m too scared to leave the room. I almost didn''t leave my bedroom just in case. But¡­ I have to move and I feel ike being in the dark just makes me want to retreat more. I''m just¡­ I need something to distract me. Please? What have you guys been doing? What do you have to tell me? Did you find something?" she asked frantically, desperate for something, anything, that would relief this awful tugging and wing inside her as the beast ravaged her insides, screaming for release.

    She swallowed hard. Gahrye took her hand and took a deep breath. "Just breathe," he said quietly. "I don''t know a lot about this, but I know being calm and unemotional is going to help as much as anything else. So just breathe, Elia. Just breathe."

    She nodded and followed him in taking three or four deep breaths. It didn''t really change how she wanted to shift, but it did help her think more clearly.

    Gahrye stared at her worried. She squeezed his hand. "Tell me what you were going to tell me."

    He swallowed then. "So, um, Kalle''s grandmother found out about us today. It was an ident. But it must have been the hand of the Creator, because it turns out¡­ Elia, there''s a prophecy about two human females finding True Mates among the Anima¡ªat the same time. It''s got to be you and Kalle!"

    Elia blinked. Of all the things she''d thought he might have found¡­ that wasn''t it.

    "Prophesied how? To do what?"

    Gahrye grimaced. "We aren''t really clear on that, we''re hoping the hidden histories will reveal something¡ª"

    "Hidden histories?"

    Gahrye rubbed his face. "I''m doing this backwards. Listen: It turns out there''s two different¡­ I don''t know, groups? Factions? In the Guardians. And Eve¡ªKalle''s grandmother¡ªis one that was charged with waiting for these prophesied females. When she learned that Kalle and I were True Mates, she led us to the hidden histories."

    Elia whistled, and Gahrye nodded. "There''s so much there, Elia, you wouldn''t believe it. We brought a bunch home, but we have to be careful. Eve says my instincts about Shaw are right, that there''s something off about him¡ªshe said not to let him know about these histories. He doesn''t even know they exist. If he did, he''d try to take them for himself and Eve believes there''s stuff in there just for you and Kalle¡­ or something. Like I said, we aren''tpletely clear on this yet. But we brought some of the books home. And¡­ I''ve been so frustrated, Elia, I''m hoping this is it. I''m hoping these books will hold everything we need. They have to, surely? If they knew you wereing?"

    Elia sat back shaking her head. "That''s crazy."

    "I know." Gahrye reached for the bags of books, selecting one then digging through it to produce some books as he spoke. "I brought these just for you. They''re about health and care and I hope they might have something that will help you. It''s urred to me that hopefully you''re Anima enough that whatever helped them will help you."

    He handed her two, smaller, thinner volumes than they normally found among the Anima materials. The covers were soft leather, rather than hard, and looked well thumbed and used. But even though the pages were yellowed with age, they didn''t have that powdery, dusty feeling she''d be ustomed to from the really old books. The paper was still strong, though it cracked somewhat when she opened the book.

    "Will that be a good distraction?" Gahrye asked softly.

    She looked up at him. He was staring at her, scared and pleading, and her heart went out to him. All at once she was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the way he was always looking out for her and concerned for her. Tears welled in her eyes. "Oh, Gahrye, I''m so sorry!" she threw herself into his chest and he oofed a little when she hit, but wrapped his arms around her.

    "Hey, hey," he said softly, rubbing her back. "What''s wrong?"

    "You''re just such a good friend¡­ and I''m pregnant¡­ and I wish you could just be here and hang out with Kalle¡ªbut I''m so d that you''re here for me and¡­ it''s all just too much!" she wailed.

    Gahrye shushed her and held her and even though it wasn''tforting the way being held by Reth wasforting, she did feel better.

    After a minute, she took a deep breath and swallowed the hups, wiping her tears away as she sat up and pulled the books back into herp from where they''d tumbled onto the couch.

    "Thank you. And I''m so d that Eve had this for you. For us. I hope¡­ I hope you''re right, Gahrye. I hope this is the answer."

    The beast within her suddenly snarled. It felt like ws ripped along the inside of her ribs and she gasped, grabbing at her chest. But as her body rippled and itched, she gritted her teeth and fought.

    "Elia?" Gahrye whispered.

    "It wants me to give in so badly," she replied, eyes screwed clothes. "I''m fighting so hard, Gahrye."

    "Keep fighting, Elia," he murmured, one hand rubbing her shoulder and side. "Keep fighting. We''re going to figure this out."

    Elia hoped so. She was starting to feel like maybe the fight wasn''t worth it anymore. And that scared her.

    She refused to let the beast win.

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 Chapter 415: The Fight

    <h4>Chapter 415: The Fight</h4>

    GAHRYE

    They were still sitting on the couch, Gahrye almost afraid to breathe¡ªhe was so closely monitoring her breathing and scent. If she was going to shift, he wanted Kalle out of the way. Just in case. But Elia remained in her true body, though her hands shook as she turned pages on the first of the journals he''d given her.

    He''d picked on book out of the bag at random and was thumbing through the lineage of the Kings seven hundred years earlier when the door finally opened again and his mate entered. He''d heard her steps climbing the massive staircase, but it was still always a relief when she was in front of his eyes.

    Yet, as he got to his feet to greet her, she gave him a warning look, turned and locked the door behind her, then turned back to them both, leaning on the door behind her.

    "What''s wrong?" Gahrye asked immediately.

    Elia looked up, her face falling into worry when she saw the look on Kalle''s face.

    "You guys are going to have to talk to Shaw. He''s getting desperate and I''m not sure what he''ll do if he breaks."

    "What?!" Elia growled.

    Gahrye put a hand to her shoulder. "Stay calm," he muttered.

    Elia took a deep breath.

    Kalle walked toward him a warning in her eyes that he didn''t understand. "He''s¡­ he''s basically told me he''s not going to give you another house until you tell him what the voices told you or tempted you with in the traverse. He''s the record holder¡ªand it''s legit. I mean, I can''t deny that. He has these interviews with every single Anima whoes through. So he''s not making this up to try and pry. But he''s¡­ he''s definitely disturbed that you guys aren''t talking. Disturbed in a way I haven''t seen him before."

    She walked straight to Gahrye and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You have to do it. Just get it over with. Decide what you''re going to tell him, and what you aren''t¡ªtell him you don''t remember, or whatever¡ªbut you need to get him off your back. The fact that you guys aren''t talking is making him think there''s something you don''t want to tell him¡ªand that''s just going to make him even more determined to get it out of you."

    "But there is," Elia muttered without looking up from the book in herp.

    Gahrye looked a question at her, but she wasn''t watching them. Then he remembered how he''d felt watching her and Reth all the time and he felt bad. He stroked Kalle''s cheek, then took her arms from behind his back and gave them back to her with a tip of his head towards Elia.

    "What is it that you don''t want to tell him?" Gahrye asked Elia, walking around the table to join her back on the couch.

    "All of it. I don''t want to talk to anyone about it," Elia said. She sounded like a child, pouting. Was this another surge of pregnancy emotions? Gahrye frowned.

    "I don''t either," he said softly. "But Kalle wouldn''t tell us to do it if it wasn''t wise."

    Elia looked up at Kalle then, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I don''t care. I know you mean well, Kalle, but you don''t understand. You haven''t been through there. And you can''t¡­ you can''t understand it until you do. I''m not dredging all that up. I''m not talking about it!"

    Kalle''s forehead lined with worry. "Shaw is only going to record the facts, he isn''t going to use it against you."

    "I don''t care. This isn''t about Shaw. I don''t want to talk to anyone about it. I can''t!"

    Something prickled in Gahrye''s instincts when she said that, but before he could ask, Kalle came around to sit on the coffeetable in front of Elia. "Is there¡­ is there a half-truth you could tell him? Something simr to what happened, but not the actual story? He knows more about the voices than anyone, and if you don''t tell him, he''ll be prying and pestering¡ªhe won''t give you your space."

    "Well, he can kiss my¡ª"

    "That''s a good idea, Kalle," Gahrye rushed in quickly, uncertain if Elia remembered that Kalle was Shaw''s niece. "Elia, wouldn''t that be easier? Coming up with something close to the truth, but not the truth? Then he''ll get off our backs, and we can get a more private ce for you to rest."

    "Why should we? What''s he even going to do with it?"

    Gahrye hadn''t seen Elia so defensive since her early months in Anima. She looked like she wanted to bite something¡ªand that she was afraid something would bite her.

    "Elia¡­ can you tell us¡ªtell me¡ªwhat it is you''re wanting to avoid? Is there something you need help with?"

    "No!" she snapped and pushed to her feet, away from Gahrye. "This isn''t anything to do with any of you and I''m not¡­ I''m not interested in talking about it with anyone!" she leaned down and picked up the two books Gahrye had given her. "I''m tired. I''m going to go to my room and read." She pushed past Kalle''s knees and around the couch to return to her room behind them.

    Gahrye sighed. "Elia¡ª"

    "No, Gahrye. I''m not doing it. I''m Queen. If that''s what it takes, tell him I''m pulling rank. I''m not talking about this. Not with him. Not with you. Not with anyone. The voices aren''t real and they can''t do any of the stuff they say they can. So there''s no point."

    "Okay, okay, we won''t force you to talk, Elia," Gahrye said, following her quickly. "But I want Kalle to hear what''s going on with you and the beast. The shifting. You''re struggling. Let us help you!"

    Elia stopped with her hand on the knob of the door to her room. For a moment, when she dropped her head, he thought she was going to start crying. But then she sucked in a deep breath and turned to face him, her shoulders back and chin down.

    "I''m fighting all the time. Every day. And I''m¡­ I feel like I''m starting to lose that fight. So I''m going to goy down and be calm, like you said," she said through her teeth. Then she looked at Kalle. "You take care of him. If he wants to talk to Shaw, that''s fine. But you don''t let Shaw hurt him or you deal with me. And remember, I have teeth now. And ws."

    Kalle blinked, but Gahrye sensed she was fighting a smile when she nodded. "I''m sorry you''re struggling, Elia."

    Elia''s breath caught. "Thank you for helping us. I''m sorry I''m so strung out today. You guys should just rest and read and¡­ whatever. I''m going to be by myself for a few hours."

    "Elia¡ª"

    But she just shot him a look, then disappeared into her room. He heard the click of the lock and sighed.

    He didn''t move for a minute, asking himself what he should do. She was clearly tense and hurting. Was it better to leave her alone as she''d asked? Or to make Kalle go so he could talk to her alone?

    The two females liked each other¡ªhe could smell it on both of them. But that didn''t mean they knew each other, or trusted each other. Not yet.

    He raked a hand through his hair, then suddenly Kalle was there, holding him, pressing her head into his chest and he couldn''t do anything but slide his arms around her and pull her in.

    "She''s going to be okay," his mate whispered. "We''re going to help her, and she''s going to be okay. And so are you."

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 Chapter 416: Never Forget

    <h4>Chapter 416: Never Forget</h4>

    ELIA

    As soon as she closed the door on them she wished she hadn''t. She knew she was venting her frustrations on Gahrye and Kalle and that wasn''t fair. They were putting their own needs aside to help her at a time when they should have been reveling in each other. And it was her fault. She wasn''t handling this well.

    A shudder rocked through her and she felt her back ripple, felt the beast pushing through, wanting to take over, and she almost gave in. Almost.

    She stood next to that door for the next several minutes, ignoring the whispered voices she could catch and focusing on white-knuckling her way through keeping the beast at bay.

    When she finally felt herself enough to move, she was trembling from head to toe.

    That had been close. She did need to rest. And be calm. And not think about things that made her feel bad, or angry, or scared.

    Memories of those cackling voices in the traverse whispered through her head and she shied away from them.

    She needed something else to concentrate on! She looked at the books in her hand, but then shook her head. There was no way she could concentrate enough to be certain she''d absorb anything within them. No, she needed to move, needed to do something productive. Something calming.

    Outside the sun broke out from behind a cloud and shone brightly through the window, suddenly, casting shadows from the deep, old-fashioned windowsills that were deep enough for her to sit in if she squeezed. She needed to put the books somewhere safe and she needed to figure out something to do¡­

    Then her eyes fell on the bag squatting in the shadow below the windowsill. Her bag from Anima. She''d been ignoring it¡ªshe couldn''t use most of those things here. And they only made her ache to leave. But maybe leaving them there like that, a constant reminder was the problem. Maybe¡­ maybe she should unpack those things so they were out of sight. It wasn''t like she didn''t have enough furniture and storage in this room to unpack her entire life from Anima and still have space.

    Yes. Fine. She would unpack the bag, then wrap the books in the bag and stow that away. And then¡­ then maybe she''d go apologize to Gahrye and Kalle.

    Her skin still itched, and she still felt like she was wrestling with something on the inside, but having a n, something to focus on, did seem to help. So she strode over to the bag, picked it up¡ªit was lighter than she remembered¡ªand dropped it onto the bed.

    Anima didn''t use zippers, so their bags were closed by wooden pegs and loops. There were eight of them on therge duffle-shaped bag, and she worked to undo all of them, before she started pulling out clothing items one by one.

    The smell that came with them almost made her weep, and yet it calmed her too.

    She was there. The clean smell of stone and water, pine and the healthy kind of dirt you found in a forest were all there. And she could pick out all of them now. But¡­ but she could also smell Reth.

    A tiny sob broke in her throat as she unbuttoned the nnel shirt and jeans she''d put on that morning and dressed in her Anima leathers and cotton blouse.

    She couldn''t leave the house in these. They made her look like a cross between a cowboy and a hippie¡ªand not a cool one. But no one was here. And the smell on her body, the soft fabrics¡­ They made her feel like she was going home.

    Fuck, she wished she was going home.

    Shaking her head, she dug back into the bag, pulling out the piles of clothes, and that paper-wrapped stack of dried beef she''d forgotten. Well, at least she had something if she didn''t want to go down to dinner tonight, she supposed.

    Reluctantly, she stacked the clothes in the deep drawers of one of the units along the wall, between the windows. Then she went back to the bag to pull out more.

    There were the warm, plush leggings she''d begged Candace to make for the colder months. More of the cotton and linen blouses¡­ Had she brought the dress? She''d thought about it, but decided it was too risky to travel with it. Hadn''t she?

    She dug deeper and saw a snatch of blue. With a gasp she grabbed at it and pulled out the scarf she''d used when she offered herself to Reth.

    And the scent of him was stronger on that.

    Choking back tears, she brought it to her nose and inhaled deeply.

    The mating call broke in her throat and she pped her hand over her mouth. She''d never made that noise before. She put her hand to her own throat. What else would she do now that she hadn''t before? Would Reth like it? Or would it freak him out when she went back and she was so different?

    The image of Reth, staring at her, his nostrils ring, and his brows pinching because she didn''t smell like herself anymore sent a spear of fear into her chest. She couldn''t think about that!

    Desperate, she grabbed the bag and turned it? upside down on the bed, shaking it to get the rest out, to make sure she didn''t miss anything¡ªhad she packed any other keepsakes? But all that tumbled out were more clothes, another pack of dried beef, and¡­ a thin, paper parcel tied in string.

    She blinked. She didn''t recognize it at all. Had Aymora or Brant given her something she''d forgotten about?

    But then she turned it over and saw the handwriting.

    Reth.

    Reth had snuck something into her bag.

    The mating call groaned from her as she crawled onto the bed. Curling up, she brought it to her nose and inhaled¡­ Reth.

    Her mate. Her love. Her husband¡­ He was all over this and she''d missed it. She''d left it the bag sitting there all these weeks.

    Before she even opened it, she clutched it to her chest and wept.

 Chapter 417: The Gift - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 417: The Gift - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    Still sobbing, but working to catch her breath, Elia told herself it was stupid toy there feeling sorry for herself when she could be receiving something from her mate. So she wiped her eyes and sniffed, and pushed herself up to sit.

    She stared at the paper parcel in her hand and urged herself to open it.

    At first, she was terrified to, afraid of what she might have lost, or be yet to lose. But then in her mind she saw Reth''s thick hands, his fingers working on the thince of this, his frown of concentration as he must have worked to tie the whole thing together and she realized he may have written something.

    She opened her legs side so the parcel fell to the bed between them and through blurred eyes, started working on the knot in the leatherce to get it undone.

    It took some time¡ªAnima would usually have simply cut the tie, but she didn''t want to lose or destroy anything that she still had of Reth. She using nails and teeth¡ªand only growling once¡ªshe finally worked it loose and pulled it free of the paper with swift tugs until the paper opened, crinkling, to release its treasure.

    Elia''s breath caught.

    Inside were two pieces of thick paper, folded in half, with Reth''s writing all over them. And a soft leather satchel-style wallet, also tied closed, the soft leather thick and pliable, but lumpy with the promise of whaty inside.

    Elia looked back and forth between them, half-ted like a child, half-grieving.

    Open the gift, or read the note first?

    She yearned so hard to hear Reth''s voice, she feared nothing else would satisfy her after that. So, she picked up the wallet first and untwisted thece around it until she could open the p and look inside.

    Her nose was assaulted immediately with so many scents, so many memories, she almost started crying again. But she didn''t want to get clogged up.

    She prayed and inhaled, and focused. She couldn''t weep. She had to see everything. Be able to smell it!

    Then, blowing out a breath to calm herself, she reached inside the wallet and brought out a soft cloud of fabric that was inside. When she unrolled it, she recognized it and began to cry again. But she didn''t want to focus on her grief. So she unrolled it, then set it to the side to look at the other items andy them out, one by one.

    Tears flowing despite her resolve, she pulled apart the few little things that had tangled andy them softly on the quilt until there were several small items disyed between her knees, and the clutch of soft fabric at the top.

    She thought she knew, was certain she understood, but she wanted to hear him say it. So with the fabric clutched to her chest in one hand, she used the other hand to pick up the papers and unfold them. And then she read, her tears flowing, but this time with joy because she could hear his voice in her head as she read his words.

    ~

    Love,

    I hope you find this quickly. I hope you have a ce to put these things before you so that you can remember me each and every day you are gone and know, without doubt, that I ache for you.

    You aren''t even gone yet, and I ache.

    All of this was supposed to be your Name Day present. I had been collecting these things to remind myself of you for my whole life, but especially since the night you arrived. And because I couldn''t remember your true date, I had been nning a night at the cave with our loved ones where we would celebrate, and I would give this to you, along with the note, as a surprise.

    But once I knew we had to part¡­ I couldn''t bear to give away a moment alone with you. And there was no time. So, when you return¡ªand no, do not think like that, you will return!¡ªI will give you a human Birthing Day party. That is what you call it, correct? We have obviously missed one of them already. That is my failing. I will not miss another.

    I wrote this note to give you that night. I had intended to allow the others to celebrate you, and then when I had you alone, I would give you these things one by one, telling you where they came from and why I remember them, then give you the note so that you could remember it any time you wished.

    I wish I could be there with you to do exactly that. But this will have to do.

    Close your eyes and imagine my voice, Love. Imagine my fingers stroking your cheeks, wiping your tears, buried in your hair. Imagine that every breath you take, I am about to kiss you, and I take it with you.

    You are my heart, Elia. You are everything that is most important to me in the world¡ªyou and Elreth. It sears my every instinct to let you out of my arms. But I know, I am certain, that this is what is best for you. So we must. We must. But I ache.

    Never let yourself believe there is a moment that I am not yearning to have you with me. And once you return, there will not be a moment I will let you out of my sight.

    Please, hold these things. Remember me. Embrace me in your heart. When we are together again, it will truly be forever. And I will give you another, then, to add to these.

    I love you with every breath,

    Reth

    ~

    Elia was already sobbing, but then she pulled the second piece of paper to the top and her tears streamed.

    There, in his careful, flowing hand, each item was identified and exined. And it was a walk through the life they had built, the moments they''d spent¡­ and the most precious memories of Elia''s life.

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 Chapter 418: The Gift - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 418: The Gift - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia blew out a breath and looked at the items on the quilt as she switched the pieces of paper so she could read what he''d written about each.

    And as she did, her heart broke and was stitched back up with each little evidence of his thoughtfulness and love.

    ~

    Elia,

    I share these with you in order of when they came into my life. I hope you enjoy these memories as much as I do¡­

    The first is probably the one you don''t recognize. You made two of these, though I''ve only managed to keep one safe through the years. Remember that you wished, when you were small, to have your ears pierced? You made these little crosses of twigs one day in the forest behind our houses, and I looped the string so you could hang them over your ears. You wore them every day for a week, and I found it very funny. The day I was forced to leave, I went to our fort in the woods and collected everything. I was still angry and, selfishly, I took them. But they became precious. One was crushed in my journey. But I have kept this protected since, and now I return it to you, though you need no embellishment to your beauty.

    The second, the round rock, I picked up on the night you came to Anima. When we entered the circle for the mes and Smoke I kicked it and stopped to pick it up. It was intended to be a marker for me to remember that night¡ªto remind me that the Creator can do anything. That the twists and turns of life as I see them are straight lines to His eyes. Now I pass it to you. I have held this since the night he returned you to me. The most grateful night of my life.

    The third may not survive with time, but I learned when I was in your world that when water evaporates, anything within it is left behind. So this little bottle will always contain a trace of the bathing pools. Do you remember when we made love there the first time? The first night, in fact. I already knew I loved you then. I already knew we were True Mates, and already burned for you. But that night¡­ that night is precious in my mind because it was the night you gave yourself to me. I am humbled by that memory every day, Elia. Your willingness to allow me into your body was a privilege¡ªand remains so to this day. I love nothing more than you, and enjoy nothing better than you. You are my heart, and you have me by the balls. And I am d for it.

    The fourth is one you may not recognize. Do you remember the morning, after we''d started training together above the bathing pools, where I taught you to wrap your hands for protection? This was one of theces we used. I still remember you, your little hand extended and already wrapped, asking me to tie thece for you. You were so eager, so ready to keep going, though your body ached and you were so tired¡­ I admired your spirit, my beautiful mate. You held your wrist for me to tie thisce around the linen, and you smiled up at me. And when I was done, you called me Sir¡ªbut with that wicked grin that I love so. We made love up there at the end of the session, and the memories of that still cause my blood to boil when I think of it. You are delicious and brave, my beautiful mate. Never change.

    The next is that beautiful creation that Candace made for you. I so love that your friend is a part of our memories, and that she remains your support as Cohort and Companion. Can we please ask her to make more of these? I enjoyed it greatly¡ª

    ~

    Elia had to drop the paper for a moment, the tears came so thick and fast and she was afraid her tears would smudge his precious writing.

    He''d written this before Candace was hurt¡­ killed¡­ He''d written this before Candace was killed. He hadn''t meant to hurt her with this reminder. He celebrated her friend. Elia choked out a prayer to the Creator to bless her friend. But her heart ached. She needed Candace. She needed Reth. She needed to be back in Anima.

    Nothing was as it should be!

    It took minutes before she was calm enough to wipe her face and return to the letter. When she did, she skimmed to the bottom of Reth''s paragraph about the little, sheer slip Candace had made for her. She would read thatter when there weren''t other griefs to steal from her honor of her friend.

    Then she took a deep breath and picked up the next item Reth described. It was a small bundle of fabric. Thin fabric that had a cluster of something rolled into its center, then was tied, like a small candy twisted into paper. Elia lifted it to her nose and inhaled as she read.

    ~

    ¡­Thisst is actually two of my most precious memories rolled together. Within that little parcel is a handful of blossoms and leaves from the Weeping Tree, and a handful of grass and field-flowers from the mountainside where I took you before we faced the Elders to address the final Petition about your throne. Not a happy day, I will admit. But the night before Lucan took you, we visited the Weeping Tree alone. It is a ce I vow I will take you again, Elia, and these petals mark my promise. Then the following day I took you up the mountain so we could be alone and we made love¡­ we made Elreth. I grabbed a handful of the tiny blossoms and grasses because I knew. That day, although marred by such sadness and anger, is the happiest of our memories together. You carry our daughter, my love. You carry our future. You carry an entire person whose heart is half of me and half of you. And I cannot be prouder, or more excited. No matter whates, no matter where we are, whether we are together or apart, there is a person who exists, whose soul was created, to mark our love, my love. And I will never forget that day, and I will always smile when I think of it. Because that is the fulfillment of my wishes and prayers since I was a cub myself.

    You, Elia, are my heart, and my soul. Elreth is my life. Should we be blessed with more offspring, they will be added, making my life richer and fuller and more beautiful again.

    I do not know why the Creator chose me for such bounty of love. I do not know how He came to decide that you were for me. But He did. He made me for you, and you for me. And now He has made another person¡ªan entire life¡ªout of our love.

    I am humbled beyond words. And I love you beyond expression.

    Take these things my love and wallow in the memories as I do.

    There will be more, many more toe.

    With all of my heart and soul,

    Reth

    ~

 Chapter 419: Thwarted

    <h4>Chapter 419: Thwarted</h4>

    LERRIN

    The dream began as if he''d woken in the forest. Nhoxy next to him, sleeping, which shouldn''t have been, but for some reason, Lerrin didn''t care. Then he realized what had woken him: Suhle was frantic, screaming for him, somewhere deep in the forest and unable to find him, calling for him, his name echoing through the trees.

    He ran and ran. Human form, beast form. His breath tore in and out of his throat, but he couldn''t answer her. Couldn''t find the link. Could only hear her suffering. Hear her fear.

    It tore him apart.

    Then she screamed and he leapt into beast form to¡ª

    ¡ªLerrin sat bolt-upright, panting, heart pounding so hard it throbbed in his ears, in the shade of the rock that sheltered them from the afternoon sun. He opened his mouth to call for her and a hand pped over it.

    He startled and tried to yank free, but Nhox was in front of him, eyes wide, not making a sound, gesturing.

    There was someone nearby.

    Then, as Lerrin blinked and breathed and tried to remember where he was and what was happening, Nhox scratched at Lerrin''s mind.

    Lerrin opened to him, sucking in when he felt the male''s rm.

    Nhox had stayed awake to guard Lerrin. Against orders, he''d patrolled.

    The young male was rigid with tension, but not shaking, his face tight, but determined.

    There are trackers less than quarter of a mile southwest, he sent, tipping his head in the direction. More than one. I think they''ve already taken the firestarters and one or two of the snipers. They''reing closer. They know we''re here!

    Nhox sent an image of shadowy figures moving extremely slowly through the trees to keep themselves silent. Arrows knocked in bows held ready.

    Lerrin nodded, then blinked.

    He needed to be found. He needed to be taken. But Nhox was good. He''d protected Lerrin and would continue to do so. If they were found, Nhox would fight to save him¡ªthen he''d die, and likely one or two of the trackers as well.

    Three lives, to save his own skin when he was going to surrender anyway.

    Should he tell Nhox? Would he have time to convince him¡ªor would Nhox turn on him, seeing him as a traitor.

    Then the young male sent the final blow.

    I''ve got the bird on the way. He''s exhausted but maybe he can at least get us off the mountain.

    That won''t be necessary, Lerrin sent quickly, scrambling. They were heading east, right? They may not even find us.

    Nhox shook his head. They are patrolling the entire mountain. Though they passed us for now, they''ll return. I watched them for an hour just in case it was as you said. But they are covering every square inch. We have an hour at most.

    Careful not to open any of the thoughts to the male, Lerrin swore to himself over and over. This was the one possibility he hadn''t considered¡ªhaving such a diligent guard that they identified the enemy when there was still time to escape.

    I''m getting you out of here, Nhox sent. Its time to abort. They already have the firestarters. The jaws of our trap cannot be closed. We''ll get you out of here. I can tell the mindlink to retreat¡ª

    No, not yet! Lerrin sent hastily. Tell them only to regroup. Go back to the rendezvous point and we will meet them there. Perhaps we can establish another fist and try again tomorrow.

    Nhox smiled and nodded. Very well, he said, too easily impressed so that Lerrin felt like a dog for deceiving him. I will tell them that. The bird should be here any¡ª

    Just then the call of the Terrabird whistled from just below them on the mountain and they both froze.

    You tell the packmind. Show them me with the bird, Lerrin sent.

    They both pushed to their feet and crept out into the hazy afternoon shadows under the trees, Lerrin praying that somehow, somehow he could make this work. He could get a message to Reth¡­

    Suhle.

    As they crept slowly down the mountainside, all the terror he''d felt in that dream rushed back and he reached for her, desperate.

    Suhle, are you safe?

    Yes.

    Thank the Creator. You''re still the Tree City? Were you caught?

    I am dyed, but not imprisoned. I am with my family.

    Stay where you are, if you can, until you hear from me again. There has been a change of ns, out of my control. But I''m working to get it back together. I may need you to deliver a further message to¡­ to Reth.

    Okay, she sent and he would have sworn it was relief in her tone. Be safe, Lerrin. Don''t die.

    He almost coughed, which might have been deadly.

    As they reached the bird¡ªstill exhausted and pale and standing in the shade of a tree looking like just climbing up to them had finished him. How was he going to fly them anywhere?¡ªLerrin sent to Suhle again.

    Don''t move. Keep your head down. You will hear from me again. I love you, Suhle.

    I love you, Lerrin.

    A warm wash of something beautiful and pure came at him through the bond and the pin-hairs on his arms stood up.

    You are mine, she sent, hushed and awed. Do not doubt it.

    I don''t.

    Lerrin sent her an image of him submitting to her, offering his throat and he felt the rush of emotion she had in response, but Nhox was already whispering in the bird''s ear and Lerrin needed to focus. Needed to think. Needed to figure out how he could deliver himself to the Cat without getting any of these males killed.

    Get himself to the cat. Keep his life. And be reunited with his mate in a way that was safe. Because he was willing to give up everything else to Reth. But not her.

    She was his, and he was hers. And even the Cat wasn''t going to stand in the way of that.

    *****

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 Chapter 420: Crash Landing

    <h4>Chapter 420: Crash Landing</h4>

    LERRIN

    They gave precious moments up as Nhox and the bird argued. The bird was terrified, but adamant: He wasn''t strong enough to fly both of them, especially not alone.

    Lerrin wanted to send Nhox with him¡ªthen he could allow the trackers to find him and he could surrender! But he knew the moment he proposed such a thing, both the males would suspect him. It made no sense. In all cases, the Alpha was to be protected, at all costs.

    So, reluctantly, he agreed that the bird should take him, while Nhox continued northeast, towards the wide-route that the fighters had nned to use so they didn''t pass close to the Tree City before they rallied their numbers.

    With the bird''s help, Lerrin would make it in an hour. Nhox would be lucky to make it by nightfall¡ªand only then if he wasn''t forced to halt or go further out of his way to avoid more patrols.

    Lerrin insisted they give Nhox fifteen minutes head start¡ªwhen the birdunched from here, his wings would be heard. If they were luck, the patrols would far enough away to mistake it for one of therger eagles that sometimes nested in the mountains. But the more likely thing was that they would be rushing to this spot within seconds.

    So the birdid out the harness for Lerrin, his skin gray and pale, while Lerrin sped hands with Nhox andmended him through the link.

    You will not be forgotten, Son, Lerrin pressed on him. Be safe, get to the rendezvous, and find me when you do. I have a position for you in my personal n.

    Nhox''s eyes widened, then he dropped to one knee with the formal salute. Lerrin pulled him to his feet.

    Not now. This isn''t the time. Thank you for your diligence. We''ll give you ten minutes. Now go!

    Nhox nodded at the him, then at the bird, then he faded into the trees silently¡ªso silently, even Lerrin was impressed.

    With an apologetic look at the bird, Lerrinid down in the harness and pulled up the handled sides for the male to grip once he''d changed and they were ready to go.

    Then he closed his eyes, and cursed himself for a fool. For thinking it would be so easy as to let the Cat catch him.

    He couldn''t let this all fall apart now. He couldn''t. His people were being eaten from the inside. Killed by a cancer. And he had to end it. Now. Today!

    He just had to figure out how.

    As the bird sighed, then took his beast form, Lerrinid very still.

    *****

    Ten minutester, Lerrin worried that he had more present concerns than what to do about getting to Reth.

    The bird struggled from the first moment they took off. His wings pped the air, pulling at them both, the harness swinging beneath him as the sound of his ps echoed across the sky until Lerrin feared they wouldn''t need to find another answer, they would simply be shot down.

    But the bird kept climbing, then gliding on the updrafts, circling small and tight, following the line of the mountain and the canopyyer of trees as closely as he could. But they lost altitude quickly, and soon he was pping again.

    Lerrin felt sick. This poor male was already panting, and he could feel the drag his body and the harness created on the poor creature. He wished there was a way to lessen the burden. They skimmed along the tops of the trees, which would make them less visible to any underneath, but meant the poor bird had to work to sustain his momentum.

    Then, through the gap in the canvas hammock, he caught sight of the plume of smoke rising, thick, though notrge, from the base of the mountain.

    Had one of the firestarters gotten free and attempted to do his job anyway? Or was it a signal? Or had the trackers identally triggered one of the firestarters?

    He reached for the pack mind, but he was too distant, or there were too few connected. He couldn''t find them.

    Peering down at the smoke, Lerrin tried in his mind to ce its location precisely.

    At the Royal meadow, he thought. But he wasn''t certain how far they''d circled around the mountain. It was possible it was set at the edge of the Tree City, on the Royal side. But who would have¡ª

    The bird grunted and the hammock dropped suddenly, caught and began to rise, then something gave and suddenly Lerrin was plummeting, silently screaming because it happened too fast, before he could suck in a breath.

    Branches snapped and cracked, there was a cry, and something stabbed at Lerrin''s side, and scraped up his back in a way that felt like it cut. Then the hammock stopped, suddenly, the branches around him that weren''t broken swaying and rustling, and Lerrin left hanging on his side, draped with the hammock across a one of the branches of a Great tree, it''s upward pointing leather leaves crushed under him and hooked into the hammock.

    Lerrin paused, forced himself to breath and to think, to evaluate himself.

    He was injured, but not badly, he didn''t think. He would be able to walk. The question was, would he be able to climb down?

    Shifting himself, pushing the edge of the canvas down that had hooked on a wicked branch just beyond his head that he thanked the Creator he hadn''t been impaled by, Lerrin looked around and down at the ground. Then cursed.

    The birdy awkwardly on the ground between this tree and the next¡ªunmoving and back in human form because he was dead. He was arched back, his body broken, limbs syed, neck clearly snapped. Which was probably a mercy, because there was a wicked looking arrow piercing his chest.

    Fuck! No matter what decisions he made, he got people killed.

    Cursing himself for a fool, Lerrin stopped being careful and pushed the hammock aside, catching himself on the branch above to hold himself until he could get his legs clear of the canvas, then climb down, his ribs aching, and that scrap on his back sticking to his shirt.

    It took only seconds to examine the arrow that had taken the bird down¡ªstraight through the heart. Though it was one of the thicker arrows, from the longbows. Which meant the archer could have been anywhere between fifty and one hundred and fifty feet away when they took the shot.

    But even if they were more than that, they had to have seen where the bird went down. They would be on their way. Especially if they had figured out it was Lerrin.

    Lerrin sighed and considered letting theme for him. But¡­ no. He had to work this out. Had to make it work. Had to find a way to Reth that didn''t cost more lives¡ªincluding his own, if it could be avoided.

    So, he got to his feet and started northeast, his mind spinning.

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 Chapter 421: Wolf in Sheeps Clothing

    <h4>Chapter 421: Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing</h4>

    LERRIN

    As soon as he''d found his bearings and knew where he was, he reached for Suhle again.

    Can you hear me?

    Yes! What is happening, Lerrin? She sounded frantic.

    Our n was thwarted. Tell Reth there''s a smoke plume somewhere on the Western side of the City, I don''t know who lit it. I''m northeast. Suhle¡­ I''m alone. I have to figure out how to get to Reth¡ª

    He cut off as the sound of voices reached him. He''d thought he was far enough out of the city, and far enough away from his own army that he would only need to contend with scouts and patrols. But these were voices, multiple voices, talking. Andughing.

    Laughing.

    Lerrin, what is it?

    I''m not sure. There''s someone out here. I''ll tell you in a moment.

    He slowed to a creeping stalk and, after a moment, shifted into beast form.

    Shifting wouldn''t help his wounds, but his senses came alive in his beast, and he was better able to walk silently on the forest floor.

    But toote he realized Suhle, who was disformed, couldn''t send to him in this form. She likely couldn''t even sense him and would be frightened when he didn''t respond quickly, or if she asked him something and he didn''t respond. So he urged his beast forward, to peer between the underbrush until he saw¡­

    Until he saw two Lupine males standing shoulder to shoulder, and a female beyond them, pressing her back into a tree.

    Lerrin''s hackles rose. He considered his options. Were these wolves from his people, or the Tree City? Was the female with them willingly, or¡ª

    That was answered for him when the female tried to leap past the two of them and was caught by the one on the left, curling an arm around her middle and plucking her out of the air to shove her back against the tree again.

    She fought. Hard. But she was a sheep, if his senses were right¡ªhe sometimes struggled to tell the sheep from the goats¡ªand she was tiring quickly.

    And the males weren''t finished.

    Without thought, Lerrin shifted back, Suhleing alive in his head as he did.

    ¡ªWHAT HAPPENED, WHO IS THERE? LERRIN, TALK TO ME!

    He winced. She must have been talking the entire time he''d been in his beast. Her voice was high and sharp with fear.

    I shifted to my beast to move quietly, he sent softly and she cut off. There are two wolves here, tormenting a female.

    He could feel her shock and disgust at the other end of the link.

    Fear not, my love, he said, his voice dark with promise. They will pay.

    He waited until the two were beginning to close in, no longer nudging each other, but their stances dominant and powerful, their attention wholly on the female, who was beginning to bleat, pleading with them to stop.

    "I won''t tell them you''re here. Just let me go!" He caught a glimpse of the female''s face. She was pale and had the same horrified fear he''d seen sh on Suhle''s face when she told him her story.

    "Oh, we will," one of the males said. "After we get you pregnant¡ªcould you imagine?" he said to his friend,ughing again, "A true wolf in sheep''s clothing."

    Lerrin''s rage went up like a dead tree in a forest fire.

    The second wolfughed with his friend and Lerrin''s stomach turned.

    ENOUGH! he sent¡ªand must have said as well, because the two males turned in shock. But Lerrin was already only feet from them and he leapt forward silently.

    The two had no warning, and less chance against his rage. Sliding between the two, he took the one who''d spoken by the hair and snapped his neck. The male hadn''t lost his shocked look from hearing Lerrin''s voice before his eyes zed and he dropped to the dirt with a thunk. But Lerrin hadn''t stopped moving, using the momentum from twisting the first male to continue turning and m his elbow in the ribs of the second who was trying to scramble away.

    The male doubled over, but recovered quickly and was already shaking, wide-eyed, thinking more quickly than hispanion.

    "Sire!" he barked and dropped to a knee. "Sire, I submit!" he raised both hands, palms up¡ªthe one on the side he''d elbowed much lower than the other.

    Lerrin stood over him snarling, "A wolf in sheeps clothing?"

    "A-a joke, Sire. You wished for the females to bring offspring¡­ the predator blood would win¡ª"

    "I had NO SUCH WISH!" Lerrin growled so hard he shook with rage. He had to keep his voice down, avoid attracting guards to this spot. But his anger burned as if this were Suhle who''d been cornered and he surged with the bloodlust.

    Yanking the wolf up and onto his feet, he put himself in the male''s face. "I never gave any order, any hint that I wanted females taken for breeding. None! Who told you this?"

    The male, eyes wide, but downcast so as not to challenge him, paled. "I, uh, they all did, Sire. The¡­ um¡­ My fist leader. Asta. Craye. They said it was from yo¡ª"

    Unable to hold himself back any longer, Lerrin shifted, releasing his beast to bite out the male''s throat. And he didn''t immediately take back control, allowing the beast to glut itself on the blood, and shake the male until his neck snapped.

    But momentster, Lerrin became aware of the shaking, terrified female, crouched on the ground, hands in her hair, staring with horror at Lerrin''s deep ck wolf.

    With a growl, he wrestled back control and, ignoring the male dropping to the dirt in front of him, turned to face her.

    Impossibly, her eyes got even wider. "Please¡­ Please!" she shrieked.

    He didn''t advance on her, just shook his head, hurt and angry that she thought he would harm her. "I came to help you," he whispered. "I am so sorry that my males¡ª"

    He stepped forward to offer her a hand, to help her to her feet, but she only cried out and cowered, her entire body trembling.

    She smelled like she might loose her dder if he came any closer.

    He stood there a moment, watching her, searing himself with the understanding of what his wolves had been doing. Of how they had hurt the females. Of how he had failed them all¡­ and he made his own stomach sick.

    "I''m sorry," he murmured a momentter. She flinched, but didn''t run. "So sorry. I didn''t know¡­ I didn''t know they were doing this. Not until¡­ I''m sorry¡­"

    He stepped back, almost tripping over one of the bodies, but keeping to his feet as he gave her space. Then, when she still didn''t move, further, and off to the side so she had a free run straight ahead.

    She stared at him, sobbing, obviously not believing that he would leave her in safety.

    "Go," he croaked. "I will not harm you. I will not chase you. Go. And tell your King of this. Tell him that I killed the males who did this to you. Please. Go."

    Then he stepped back into the trees and leapt back into his beast and began to run from every way he had failed himself, his pack, his people.

    *****

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 Chapter 422: It Ends With Us

    <h4>Chapter 422: It Ends With Us</h4>

    LERRIN

    Minutester, he finally stopped running and took his own form.

    He could think clearly again, and the sick disgust in his stomach was turning, galvanizing, bing something else. Bing resolve. Bing determination. Bing a n.

    Suhle, he sent, can you hear me?

    Yes! Are you safe!

    Yes, but no one else is. Not while my army is here. Not until they are¡­ they are done. Can you get back to the City? Can you get another message to Reth?

    There was a hesitant pause and he hated himself for pressing her into fear. But then she came back and her voice was strong.

    Yes, I can, she said.

    Okay, thank you. Thank you, my love. I''m so sorry to keep sending you into danger. I just¡­ I don''t trust anyone else.

    You can trust me, Lerrin.

    I know. He swallowed hard and blew out a breath. This ends now, Suhle. Today. I refuse to¡­ I cannot lead a people who would do this. This is over whether Reth will work for me or not. I need you to do two things. First, tell Reth that the army is moving and he needs to make his presence known to the East or they may throw caution to the wind ande for the city.

    Then, as soon as you''ve delivered that, you get out. You run. Stay West and north¡ªdo not look back. Get to the encampment and get Asta and the Council and tell them there has been a change of ns. The army is at the rendezvous point, and they are needed there. That we are walking into war and I need my generals. Can you do that, Suhle?

    Yes, but¡ª

    It is bait, Suhle. When you get that message to Reth he''ll call his army to ces. Ours will not move without the advantage of surprise, and I''m about to remove it for them. But the horns must blow. Can you make certain of that?

    I will make sure the message is¡­ clear, she sent.

    Thank you, Lerrin sighed. Thank you. You beautiful female. Now, when you are travelling, you must take great care. There are rogue factions here, Suhle. When you go to the encampment you must use all your skill to stay out from under the eyes and hands of anyone else at all. Even if you believe them to be someone who is safe. You cannot risk it. Do you understand? The lust of war is upon the fighters and they are losing their fight for discipline.

    I will stay out of sight. It is easy to do in the forest. But, Lerrin, what about you?

    Lerrin sighed and turned. The temptation was there to just walk to the City and allow himself to be taken. But he knew that would only martyr him in the eyes of the army. And if the fist leaders were instructing their males to¡­

    I have a job to do, he said. I am Alpha. I am King of these people. It is up to me to cut the cancer out of them. Not Reth. So I am going to do that.

    Oh, Lerrin. Please be safe.

    I love you, Suhle, he sent without responding to her request, knowing there was no way he could promise it. But also knowing that for the first time he was certain of what he must do. Absolutely fucking certain.

    I love you, Lerrin.

    Suhle, if I don''t return to you¡­ know that my biggest regret is not being able toplete the bond. But¡­ perhaps that is for the best. Please, never change. Please stay who you are. And if I live through this day, know that I will find you. I will take you as mine, proudly, before all of Anima. I will protect you if I can, and if I cannot, I will offer myself for you.

    Lerrin, don''t, she whispered in her mind.

    I love you, Suhle. You have my soul. If I cannot hold you again, know that. Know it to your bones.

    I do, she replied, sending images of his face, the way she saw his strength, his beauty, the way her heart surged with love at the sight of him. I love you, Lerrin. Come back to me. Please,e back.

    I will do my best. But if I fail, be pleased with me, Suhle. I am not turning my back anymore. And I won''t allow others to do it, either.

    Thank you, Lerrin. Thank you.

    Don''t thank me yet.

    There was a heavy pause between them. He could still feel her there, listening, waiting for him. And he was afraid to end the connection in case¡­ in case it was thest he heard of her¡ªor she from him.

    But finally, she was braver than him.

    I love you, Lerrin, she sent. He sense she shed tears that he couldn''t see, but he could feel the clench in her chest.

    I love you more, Suhle. Stay safe. Please. For me.

    Then they both retreated before it was impossible to part.

    Clearing his throat, Lerrin turned his head and caught the afternoon sun dappling the forest floor, shining on a leatherleaf at the base of the tree near where he walked.

    Lerrin took a deep breath, then closed his eyes and with all his concentration, reached out, praying he''d hadn''t gotten far enough away to be out of reach for Nhox.

    Are you there?

    Yes! The sending was faint, but clear. Lerrin heaved a sigh of relief.

    Did you get safely off the mountain? Are you travelling, or still having to evade the scouts?

    I haven''t seen anyone in several minutes. Moving slowly, but moving.

    Lerrin sent up a silen prayer of thanks, then, I can''t find the pack mind, he sent to Nhox. Were you able to reach them?

    Yes!

    Tell them that the cat is onto us. We have been chased from the mountain, some dead, some imprisoned. Tell them to continue to the rendezvous point. This isn''t over. I will meet them there and we will see this finished!

    Just then, the horns of the City rose over the WildWood,? high and mourning, and were answered by the Sentries around the City.

    Lerrin''s arms prickled with goosebumps. He felt the urge within Nhox to howl, but the male only sent that he would do so as quickly as he could, then they broke off the connection.

    Lerrin looked around himself at the forest, benign and quiet, that was soon to be a battleground.

    He prayed somehow this would not be thest day he would see it. But even if it was, he prayed that the Creator would strengthen and empower him to do this.

    There would be no going home. No new strategies.

    He was going to finish this.

 Chapter 423: Look East

    <h4>Chapter 423: Look East</h4>

    RETH

    Reth was at Aymora''s cave, reviewing the notes he''d made with Behryn about positioning for attack, because Behryn was at the training field¡ªa fact that Hollhye was steaming angry about. Reth had left them to it, but now found himself wishing he could find Behryn without finding his mate.

    Then the message arrived that Suhle asked to see him. In the middle of this crisis, of everything else, she sought him out. Reth almost froze in ce¡ªshe had to have heard something. Which meant she had to have used that bond. Which meant at least some of the wolves were close enough to the City for that to happen.

    His stomach fizzed. He told them to bring her.

    Sure enough, when the guards led her into Aymora''s cave, her white hood pulled low to hide her face, her hands were shaking as she ryed the message that the fire was to the west, but small, and that Reth needed to make his presence known to the East to lower their appetite for a straight attack.

    "Convenient," Reth growled after calling the guards to sound the horns and call everyone to their ces for an assault.? "This all smells like strategy to me."

    The fire to the west had already been identified and controlled. He wasn''t concerned about it. But this? An all-out assault? Anima to Anima? He prayed they could avoid it somehow. Prayed even harder that it wasn''t a ploy.

    Suhle was beside herself, her face pale, jaw tight. "No, Reth, I was listening to the Security Council meeting where they discussed this. This was intended to be their triumph. They''ve thrown everyone who wasn''t critical to their survival at it. Something has happened. Perhaps your scouts disrupted more than they know?"

    The scouts had found eight Anima in the end¡ªnone of them Lerrin, or anyone high in the hierarchy of the wolves. And true to the orders the fighters had been given, all of them were dead because they hadn''t surrendered, but had fought, tooth and nail.

    "Reth¡ª" Suhle sounded shakier than he''d ever heard her.

    He made himself meet her eyes gently. "It''s okay. I believe you that something has happened. The wolves were where we were told to find them. Exactly. Except Lerrin."

    "He must have been moved when one of the others was attacked."

    Reth shrugged. He doubted there''d been enough noise, but who knew? Perhaps the King¡ªas he saw himself¡ªpositioned himself closer to the others than he was supposed to.

    Once he''d assured her he would treat the information seriously and put the warriors on the eastern boundary, she rxed but only a hair.

    He told her to go to her ce of safety and leave the rest with him, then nodded to the guards to take her but she raised a hand, "Wait!"

    Reth held the guards off for a moment, one eyebrow levered up. Suhle was rarely demanding. "What is it?"

    She swallowed and blinked. Then edged closer to Reth, keeping her voice low so Aymora and the others would hear unless they were paying attention.

    "I must go," she whispered. "You must¡­ you must trust me that it will work to the advantage of the Tree City if¡ª"

    "No." His voice was hard and t, and broached no argument.

    "Reth, please!"

    "No, Suhle. You have just told me to blow the horns for war. I cannot have you running out there where the enemy prowls, looking for their way in."

    "But, Reth, you don''t understand!"

    "I do, and I admire your dedication. But I am not covering this ground again. Please don''t make me order the guards to force you out, Suhle. I don''t want to ask them toy hands on you."

    Her eyes widened. "You are serious. You will not even consider it?"

    "No," he said firmly. "And please don''t give me reason to put guards on you and your home. I will do it if¡ª"

    "No, no," she said sadly. "Don''t use your males that way. It won''t be necessary."

    Reth finally took a deep breath. "Thank you, Suhle, I really don''t want to be worried about you while this is going on."

    She looked up slowly, from beneath her hood, meeting Reth''s eyes through hershes.

    "I can tell you that I have other things you can do, ways you can help. Once this battle is behind us, as soon as you feel ready, you let me know. I trust you, Suhle. I will let you choose your path."

    "You will?"

    "Yes. I know that your intentions are honorable. I will let you choose the way you would go."

    "Thank you, Reth," she whispered.

    "Thank you, Suhle, I suspect were it not for you, we would already have lost many to this fight. So, please, be safe. And return to me when you wish to consider a new focus."

    She nodded and turned for the door. Then she hesitated and rushed back to him, throwing her arms around his middle. "Thank you¡­ for believing me," she said into his chest.

    Reth huffed and patted her back. "I''ve always believed you, Suhle," he said. "I only want to see you safe, that''s all."

    "I know," she whispered. "And I want you to know¡­ I am¡­ I have always been¡­ I have admired and appreciated you, Reth, right from the beginning. If anything were to happen today, or tomorrow, and I haven''t spoken to you¡­ know that. Know that I wish there were more males like you in this world."

    Coming from Suhle, that was as big apliment as Reth had ever received. He shook his head and squeezed her. "Thank you," he said quietly.

    "I pray the Creator keep you safe and blessed, under His hand of protection," she murmured. Then broke away from his grip and fled the cave, the guards he''d assigned to bring her, hovering at her side.

    Sad that she was upset about his restrictions, but touched by her words, Reth smiled and watched her leave, praying blessings back on her.

    Then he turned back to the notes he''d made with Behryn.

    Their time was running short.

 Chapter 424: Traitor - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 424: Traitor - Part 1</h4>

    RETH

    Two hourster Reth stalked through the Tree City, barely hearing the greetings from his people who called with tight voices and worried eyes. He forced himself to look rxed and under control, but inside he was seething. Aymora had been in his ear about showing no mercy to any of the prisoners they took, or any enemies found. And even though he hated it, he knew she was right. There was no room for error now. No space for mercy.

    He stalked the City, searing himself against the urge to embrace, to soothe. He stalked the City reminding himself of the loss that had urred because of these fucking wolves. And he took the route past the storage trees to remind himself what had urred¡ªand what was about to happen.

    A very bloody reminder.

    A pile of bodies had been discarded alongside the Trees they used as a prison, just in case more prisoners were taken. Eight of the wolves that had been in ce to assassinate him and fire the meadow were now dead, their bodies beginning to swell and stink, and left as a warning to any others who came.

    But death had alsoe for two of Reth''s scouts.

    Was that how Lerrin had gotten away? Reth''s hands twitched with the urge to wring the wolf''s neck.

    Was he ying Reth, or had he been yed himself? Perhaps the same wolves that had killed Reth''s scouts had also killed Lerrin? Or taken him to the leadership of whatever mutiny had stepped in when they''d realized their Alpha was handing them over to the enemy?

    Reth growled. It was all spection, there was no point trying to figure it out. He had bigger fish to fry.

    Now, having trusted Suhle''s information, he''d brought the hidden army forward to the boundary of the City, and to visibly man the defenses deeper in the forest. He hadn''t restricted it to the East, though. There were scouts, sentries, and arms all the way around the City, as if they were already under assault. But they''d been waiting the past two hours and¡­ nothing. And Reth didn''t know if that was good or bad.

    He suspected the wolves were trying to unnerve him, and it was working, and he was pissed.

    Then he remembered that Suhle must have gotten her information from the mind link, and it urred to him that she might be able to get him the answers to some of these questions.

    Turning to one of the handful of runners who tailed him everywhere now in case he needed information sent somewhere quickly, he tipped his head back towards the City. "Do you know the wolf, Charyn?"

    "Yes, Sire."

    "He has a cousin staying with him. Tell them that I need to see her. Right away. She cane to the Security Council. It is urgent."

    "Yes, Sire," and the young equine, probably not more than fourteen, was off and running.

    Behryn had insisted that the young and lithe were the best for this role. But scanning the three more that remained behind his guards, Reth prayed he wasn''t putting these young ones in the line of fire.

    With a growl of frustration that nothing was as it should be, he stormed into the Security Council building, praying Behryn had made it back now. He needed all his brightest minds to help him see what the wolves were doing.

    *****

    Half an hourter, while he was still arguing with Behryn about sending scouts to the East to try and find the line of wolves, the door finally opened and Reth turned, ready to growl at Suhle for taking so long toe.

    But he was faced not with Suhle, but with Charyn, standing with his shoulders down, his posture rigid, and hands clenched at his sides.

    "What is it?" Reth growled, his stomach sinking. He prayed he was wrong about what he was about to learn. "I asked for Suhle. Was the message incorrect?"

    "No, Sire," Charyn said, his light eyes flicking up to measure Reth, then down again. "But Suhle could note."

    "Why not? Is she hurt?"

    "No, Sire."

    Reth forced himself to keep his expression nk. "Then why?"

    Charyn took a deep breath. "Because she has gone to the encampment."

    "What?!"

    Behryn stood to his feet so quickly his chair fell over behind him. "She is a traitor?!"

    "No!" Reth and Charyn both snapped at him at the same time. But Reth turned on Charyn, furious. "That is not your call to make! Did she sneak out? Did you only just discover this? Why didn''t you tell me sooner? We could have sent trackers to bring her back before she passed the forward line!"

    Charyn''s jaw tightened. "No, I¡­ I knew she had gone. I helped her go."

    "What." Reth''s voice was short and dark and brimming with promise of violence.

    Charyn''s throat bobbed. "You did not listen to her, Sire, or the reasons she needed to go. If you had¡­ if you had asked why she was willing to argue with you when she never is¡­ you would have let her go too."

    Reth trembled with fury¡ªand fear for Suhle. But the anger was paramount. This presumptuous wolf had decided that his orders were to be simply ignored?! "You stand here, before your King, and you tell me the decision I would have made?" His voice puttered into a growl at the end.

    Charyn''s head and eyes dropped. "No, no, that isn''t what I meant, only that¡­ she did not tell you the personal reasons she needed to go and¡­ I feel certain if you knew¡ª"

    Reth stalked up to the man who shrank under his gaze when he reached him to stand toe to toe, looming over the smaller wolf. "You try to tell me what decisions I would have made?"

    "No, Sire. I am sorry. I only¡­"

    "SILENCE, WOLF!" Reth snarled. Every male in the room went quiet and still. "You will speak only when I ask it of you, otherwise you will keep your trap shut, do you understand?"

    "Yes, Sire."

    Reth looked back and tipped his head for Behryn to join them, then turned back to Charyn. "What was it that made you think you could determine what my citizen, my friend, and my servant should be doing now, in this time of war?"

    Charyn raised his eyes, pleading, but firm. "She has found her True Mate and he was¡­ under threat. She returned to make efforts to help him."

    Reth blinked. Of all the things he''d expected¡­ that was thest. Suhle had found a mate? Then he remembered who they were speaking about. "Impossible," he snarled. "She takes no interest in males. And besides, her scent was clean. She was not entwined with anyone."

    "They didn''tplete the bond because¡­ because he was protecting her. He didn''t want her targeted on his behalf if things went wrong in the war."

    It flickered through Reth''s mind that this was exactly the decision he might have made in simr circumstances. But then he shook his head. It didn''t matter. It didn''t matter if it was the right choice. It didn''t matter if it was a good choice¡ªwhat mattered was that the Anima with the integrity he trusted had betrayed him.

    "She is a trai¡ª"

    "No, Sire¡­ she believes you sanctioned it."

    Reth stopped cold, staring at the wolf. "How could she possibly believe that? I told her on two asions that I did not."

    Charyn swallowed again. "Because I told her that you did."

    The moment hung, silent and pure.

    Then Reth exploded.

 Chapter 425: Traitor - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 425: Traitor - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    All the frustration, the anger, the fear he''d been tamping down for days spewed out of him in a wave of aggression.

    Reth took Charyn in his grip and shoved back against the wall before anyone could blink. Charyn yelped, whining when the breath was knocked out of him. Behryn called out and leaped on them, gripping Reth''s arms and trying to pull him back, snapping that Reth had his hands on a citizen, but Reth didn''t care. He held the shirt of the male and pulled him close then mmed him back against the wall again, snarling his threats as Charyn met his eyes¡ªapologetic and firm in the same moment. He did not challenge, but he did not back down.

    "You spoke for your King. You countered my orders to one of my citizens?!" Reth snarled.

    "She was so torn, so broken by the decision. She needed to go back, Reth¡ªit wasn''t a simple case of desire. She was pulled to it. And because I have a True Mate I understand that¡ªas do you! She considered breaching your orders and I couldn''t let her do it. I couldn''t let her make herself a traitor because her heart is good!"

    "It was not your choice to make!"

    "She is precious to me. She is family. I saved her from herself."

    "It was not your salvation to offer!"

    "Forgive me, please. But understand, her gratitude to you for¡­ for being willing¡­ she wept with it. She had been readying to leave¡ª"

    "YOU COUNTERED THE ORDER OF YOUR KING! YOU MISREPRESENTED YOURSELF AS MY AUTHORITY!"

    "No! No! She only believes that you sent a message. That you would allow her go as long as she left immediately, before any conflict urred. She was so grateful¡ªbut she had no time to think it through. She would have figured it out. I¡­ I deceived her for her own sake!"

    "You deceived her for your own ends," Reth snarled.

    "Reth," Behryn said quietly. "Everyone is tense. Give this some thought¡ª"

    "There is no thought needed. This male is a traitor and harbors ill will for his King¡ª"

    "No!" Charyn gasped.

    "Reth, are you certain¡ª?"

    "WOULD YOU COUNTER YOUR KING ALSO?"? he whirled on his best friend and second and Behryn submitted immediately, along with most of the council behind him.

    "You know I do not, Reth," Behryn muttered, his eyes to the floor. "I only ask you to take a breath. You are under immense pressure and this may look differently in the morning."

    "The male admits himself that he pretended my authority, and countered my order. We are at war¡ªthe cusp of death and brutality, and this male pretends to be me to send another citizen to the enemy¡ªpossibly to her death!"

    "I know, I know, Reth. It''s bad."

    "It is beyond bad."

    "I am so sorry, Sire. I hoped she might return¡ª"

    Reth whirled back to the wolf and snarled through his teeth, "Be grateful I do not tear out your throat, Charyn!"

    Charyn submitted, dropping to one knee and saluting, his eyes on the floor also. "I submit myself," he whispered, his jaw trembling. "I submit myself to the King and ask for mercy."

    For one moment, Reth asked himself what he was doing. He knew this wolf''s heart was good. But... but these were the moments that had led so many people away from him. This belief that he would over look offences, make room for disobedience... He growled in his throat. "I cannot give mercy to a traitor. You have left me no choice. You fucking idiot! Why would you do this?"

    "Please, Sire, I acted in love¡ª"

    "Death is stronger than love, you stinking dog. Death ends love. And you sent your cousin to her death IN MY NAME!"

    "I beg you¡ª"

    "I have no way of knowing if you are friend or foe. None. You take action to help me, then hold information back that I would use, then misrepresent me to another¡­ and now you ask me to be kind?!"

    "You can trust me, Sire. You mate would know if she heard me¡ªshe would trust me. She would measure my heart, you know she would! My cousin acted in love, and your mate''s love for the people was even stronger than her fear. She would have¡ª"

    "You do not let my thought of my mate cross your mind, dog," Reth spat. "I know no such thing."

    "Reth," Behryn said quietly. But Reth shook him off without looking away from Charyn.

    "You are a wolf to your core," Reth snarled at the cowering man. "Your loyalties lie not to the crown, but to your pack first and foremost¡ªand you have seen where that took yourrades!"

    "They are not myrades! I am true! I am loyal to the crown! I gave up everything except my mate and son to stay here, to follow you. And I told you about the encampment and their ns¡ª"

    "So you say, but how can I know now? Perhaps you have been ying into that dog''s hands the entire time? Or you pushed your cousin out in direct rebellion of me, I have no way to know."

    "You know because she told you. You know because I showed you what I knew! You know because without her you would not even know that Lerrin wants peace! We all just want peace, Reth!"

    "THEN YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE BREACHED MY ORDERS, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE SPOKEN FOR ME!"

    They both stopped, panting, staring at each other, Reth snarling, Charyn pleading with his eyes. For a split second, Reth saw what the male meant. But then he imagined the army hearing of this¡ªa single male, giving orders in the King''s name, countering the rules set down by the King and¡­

    He couldn''t let it be.

    He took a deep breath and dropped his grip on Charyn''s shirt. But his face didn''t soften.

    "You are banished," Reth muttered.

    "What?! No! My mate is here! My son!"

    Reth shook his head. "Take them with you, or don''t. But you are to leave. And you are never to enter the Tree City again. You may take whatever things you need for your trip, but you may not step foot in my region again. Take your divided loyalties to your precious peace-seeker, if that''s what you need."

    Charyn gaped. "She found her True Mate! Would you truly ask her to stay away?"

    Reth leaned in and Charyn flinched. "I have no one''s ount of this beyond yours. And you are a self-admitted liar. Be grateful I do not take your life. I choose not to¡ªthat is my mercy¡ªbecause of the help you have given, and because of the family you have. But you will be taken under guard to your home, allowed to pack a bag, then escorted to the edge of the City. And you will never be wee here again."

    "But¡ª"

    "The King has spoken," Reth snarled.

    "As it was said, so it shall be," the elders intoned, though none of them sounded happy about it.

    The guards leapt forward to take Charyn between them, and no matter the male''s protests, they led him out of the building.

    Reth didn''t look at him, but turned back to the elders and their sour faces.

    Reth didn''t like what had just happened either. But he was also done. The time hade for ruthlessness.

    There was no other choice.

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 Chapter 426: Beating the Drums of War

    <h4>Chapter 426: Beating the Drums of War</h4>

    RETH

    The silence after Charyn left was heavy. The Council didn''t fault Reth, not exactly. But no one, including Reth, wasfortable about what had just urred.

    Conversation slowly returned, the men discussing what could be expected from the wolves. But Reth''s mind kept spinning back to Suhle.

    She had found her True Mate? But he was a wolf? And high enough in the rebel rankings to be careful to protect her, to deny the draw of the bond to save her from notice.

    The fact that she had taken Charyn''s word that Reth sent the message... she wanted to go. Likely would have gone, anyway. But this... this let her go without Reth having to punish her as a traitor if she returned. That was one thing, the only thing in this shitshow that he could be grateful for.

    The problem was, now he had no one to give him inside information about the wolves. Now there was no way to know if their movements that day had turned the wolf attack awaypletely, or only dyed it.

    Blinking, he reminded himself, no matter what happened to those he loved, he had a war to win. He blew out a breath and turned back to Behryn and the others who were still arguing over the map.

    "We have to n an all-out assault. No more waiting. No more defensive maneuvers. One day. Two at most. We need to meet the wolves in battle before they turn and find a new n of attack. One way or another, this ends here. Now."

    The males looked at each other uneasily, but they nodded. Even Behryn.

    Reth felt sick.

    *****

    Hours and hours¡­ they chased their own tales until midnight, but in the end, there was no other choice. They had to send scouts to find where the wolves stood, where they gathered, count the numbers. The role was crucial¡ªand the most dangerous they''d sent any citizen to since this began.

    Reth and Behryn made the decision in private, so even the council didn''t know who had been chosen for the role, so there was no chance of a spy catching wind of who was leaving, who would pave the way for the Anima to take victory from the wolves.

    When they''d narrowed the field to two, Behryn suggested they send both.

    "There is always the chance one will be caught, or injured. With two approaching from different directions we have a better chance of one returning quickly and with the answers we need."

    Reth nodded, but he was struggling to concentrate. He was so tired already. How was he going to endure this? How would he stay alert, not let his people down?

    Then Behryn put a hand to his shoulder and he startled. His friend stared at him, his face grim, butpassionate. "Reth¡­ you need to rest. This is going to get worse before it gets better. You can''t¡­ you can''t start already walking this edge."

    They''d argued, of course. But now it was high moon, and Reth was under guard, but returning to the cave, leaving orders for him to be woken and notified if one of the scouts returned before daylight.

    Behryn had nodded, but reminded him they wouldn''t likely stage any attack untilter the next day anyway. "Whatever we need you for, you''ll be called in, Reth. Don''t you worry."

    Reth snorted, but it was a mark of how exhausted he was that he allowed his brother to talk him into this. And¡­ a mark of how desperate he was to see Elia. Just the mere hope of that made his heart flutter in his chest as they entered the cave. He waited while the guards swept the cave¡ªand the bathing pools cavern where the decoy guards had been reced with real ones.

    Another thing Reth was grateful for: None of the brave elderly who''d taken those positions had suffered as much as a bug-bite.

    Reth reminded himself of that as he barred the door behind the guards, then trudged to the bedchamber and undressed to slump into the furs: They had saved lives that day. Many, many lives.

    He was asleep before he''d had a second thought¡ªand Elia was there, in his dreams, immediately. But something was wrong.

    It wasn''t the darkness of that first dream. And it wasn''t the tangible furs of the connected dreams.

    This was a dream, and he knew it. His mate wasn''t there and he ached to have her. And yet¡­

    Reth stood in the meadow outside the cave, naked, in the dark. And Elia lioness was there. Huge and golden, she stalked in a circle, her eyes never leaving his face as she paced. The deep, huffing call of the yearning female breaking from her chest over and over.

    Reth yearned to have her in his arms, to pull her close. He called back, the mating call, and she responded, but shook her head.

    She couldn''t shift back. She was within her Beast and couldn''t reach him.

    "I love you, Elia, and I miss you¡­ so much my chest aches with it," he said.

    Her eyes never left his.

    Reth kept speaking, hoping to draw her out. "We go to war today. Tonight. Sometime soon. We thwarted an attack today, but it wasn''t enough. The enemy army still remains, and hovers in the WildWood. Our Scouts will find it tonight and then tomorrow¡­ tomorrow we will fight.

    Her skin twitched and she huffed again, but remained in her beast, pacing more quickly, shaking her head.

    "Do not fear for me, love," he said gently. "If we are sessful it may be that we can bring you back within days. I do not know. Only the Creator knows how this will go. But yearned to see you, so I''m grateful you are here."

    She groaned, huffing, shaking her head, then abruptly turned toward him, walking to him and pushing her great head into his chest.

    He embraced her, scratching behind her ears as she whimpered.

    "I am here, love," he whispered. "I''m sorry you''re afraid. I''m sorry this is hard. It has cut me in two to be without you. But I know this is for your best. I do not regret keeping you safe. Death is urring here and I would not have you in the path of it."

    She nudged his chest and he was forced back a step, chuckling softly. "I love you, too," he murmured.

    Then, in a moment of inspiration, he took his beast form as well. She blinked at him staring. Then he forced the beast to sink to its haunches, finallyying t, and groaning at her to join him.

    And she did. Curling herself against his stomach and chest, huffing the mating call as he licked her ears¡ª

    Reth sat up, heart pounding, the mating huff dying in his throat, to find Behryn shaking his shoulders, and two guards standing alongside the sleeping tform.

    He blinked and rubbed his face, cursing them for stealing him from Elia. Even Elia in her beast form. "What is it?" he asked gruffly.

    Behryn gripped his shoulder. "Both of the scouts are already back."

    Reth blinked. "How long has it been?"

    "Only a couple hours."

    His stomach clenched. "Where are they?"

    "The scout on foot reports that the front line is less than a mile away. The bird says the bulk of their warriors remain a couple miles beyond that at the beginning of the ins." Behryn stopped, his jaw tight.

    "What is it?"

    "You''re needed now. Both scouts agree: They''re preparing to attack, Reth."

    Reth growled and leaped out of the bed.

    *****

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 Chapter 427: Betrayer - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 427: Betrayer - Part 1</h4>

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    *****

    LERRIN

    Suhle had sent to him while they were still flying. Her voice was faint¡ªfrom her weariness, not the distance¡ªbut she had done as he''d asked. She''d gotten to the encampment and called Asta, Craye, and the few other leaders that remained, told them that the drums of war were beating, and they were on their way.

    The birds left to fly them didn''t have to fly high, or take the long route, so he was relieved when, just a couple hourster, Suhle told him they were almost there.

    When you arrive I will treat you as my servant, not as my mate, he cautioned her. But know that I have not been able to breathe with you gone. It will be the joy of my heart to have my eyes on. When this is over, I''m taking you, Suhle. Forever.

    I wait for the day, Lerrin. This war, this conflict¡­ it grieves me.

    He didn''t tell her that it grieved him as well¡ªeven more so since he stood in the middle of the Fist Leaders and was forced to organize an army he did not want to send on the Tree City, and yet, still hadn''t figured out how to hold back.

    He had cautioned them all to patience. ns made in haste were likely wed, he reminded them. But he could not deny the wisdom of preparing for battle. So he''d approved the formation of the frontline, scouts and sentries, and now they gathered the troops on the edge of the in in preparation. They used the shelter of the trees and underbrush, but most of his fighters rested in their fists in the grasses. They would wake with the dawn.

    When the birds began tond out in the field, one by one, Lerrin''s breath caught. One of those carried his mate, and she was safe. She''d crossed a warzone, called his enemies to him, and now she was arriving.

    He would make certain she was out of the way before he dealt with Asta and Craye.

    Because that was his goal for this night. No matter what urred tomorrow, no matter how dark things became, he would be certain that the wolves walked into the new dawn fully aware of where he stood and who stood with him.

    So as the first of the birds back-pped to lower themselves and their loads gently to the ground, Lerrin was already stalking towards them, the council and generals behind him.

    Before he''d reached them, he saw Suhle climbing out of one of the hammocks, pulling her hood up to cover her hair that had been mussed by the wind. His heart leapt and he caught her eye only for the briefest of seconds, but it made his entire body clench.

    Stalking forward though, he headed first for Asta, who was climbing gracefully out of one of the hammocks in her fighting leathers, her hair tied back in a tight braid, and her bow on her shoulder.

    She caught sight of Lerrin stalking towards her and gave him the salute she used before the fighters, as an example to them. She was leaning down to pick something up from the hammock when he called for her.

    "Asta!" he barked.

    She snapped her head around, catching the tension in his tone anding to her feet again. "Yes, what is¡ª"

    Lerrin snarled and leapt into beast form. He was upon her before she''d even realized he attacked. But she had trained with him since they were adolescents, and she had a brilliant mind forbat. She didn''t question, only shifted to meet him, snarling, mouth open to show her teeth as he bowled into her and almost took her off her feet.

    Those around them went still and silent. As Alpha it was Lerrin''s prerogative to discipline whomever he deemed necessary. The others would not interfere, but with no warning, all watched, curious and nervous. He could hear the pack mind.

    Why did the Alpha attack his own Second?

    Asta yelped when he got teeth into her ear, but she shoulder checked him and front paws lost traction for a second. They broke apart and began to circle each other, her silver and gray hackles high and head low as she looked for an opening to get her teeth into him.

    Why are youing for me? she sent, her tone genuinely confused, though her beast''s upper lip rose to show her teeth.

    Lerrin went one better and opened his entire mouth, letting her see both rows of his teeth, snapping and snarling. Those watching inched further back to give them more space.

    You have deceived me and engaged with those who would remove me if I did not serve their purposes, he sent, descending on her, growling. You are not a loyal wolf, you are a betrayer and I will not leave you in power to draw the innocent with you!

    Her beast tensed and stopped circling, but didn''t leap. Though her ears were pricked and she didn''t drop his gaze, she kept her chin low and lowered her head to stand beneath him. Lerrin, I¡ª

    Silence, bitch! And he feinted, snarling, spittle flying from his lips and teeth as he overstood her, snapping just an inch from the back of her neck.

    I am not a traitor! She pleaded with him. I was trying to bring them to you¡ª

    You left my back unguarded¡ª

    No!

    ¡ªand you marked me a fool to those who knew. You left me walking in the dark when you should have stood before me!

    I couldn''t tell you, you would have just killed them all. I was spying for you¡ª

    Even when they took our females for breeding?! Asta, how could you?

    She whined, and dropped her head further. Lerrin, she sent desperately, I do not aim for your throne I serve you!

    You serve no one but yourself!

    He tensed to pounce, but to his surprise, Asta returned to human form and debased herself before his beast, kneeling, one hand to the dirt, the other to her heart.

    *****

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 Chapter 428: Betrayer - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 428: Betrayer - Part 2</h4>

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    *****

    LERRIN

    Everyone held their breath, staring at the Second, in submission¡ªin the dirt¡ªbefore their Alpha.

    "I dere my allegiance to the King!" she cried so all in the camp would hear. Lerrin felt them tense, eyeing him, unaware of why he had taken issue with his Second. "I do not defy him¡ª"

    Cheap words! Lerrin sent to the pack mind. Cheap words from a self-serving, liar and traitor!

    Asta hesitated, but swallowed and went on. "There are those who would call me traitor, but I dere for the Alpha! I do not defy him!"

    Murmurs rose in the crowd around them and Lerrin growled.

    "All I have done has been for the Pack!" she cried, her voice hoarse and desperate. "To further our reach, to lift the wolves to their proper ce¡ª"

    Lerrin had heard enough. As Alpha it was his right¡ªhis duty¡ªto keep his people in line, and to punish those who stepped out of it. With anyone else he would not even have engaged in conversation. But Asta was his oldest friend and Second.

    But this¡­ this showing she made, this attempt to garner the support of the people¡­ he would not stand for it.

    Before she could say another word, he leaped on her, closing his jaws on her throat hard enough to break skin and to squeeze the air from her.

    She wed at him, scrabbling uselessly at his fur as he closed his jaws tighter and tighter.

    Lerrin, please!

    You were my closest friend and you lied. You supported my enemies. You cannot be trusted. Goodbye, Asta.

    But¡ª!

    He snapped his jaws closed, and Asta twitched for a moment, her fingers wing at him, but her strength already gone.

    Within seconds, her body slumped and Lerrin''s beast dropped her, whining against the restriction he held. It would not eat Asta. He would give her that much.

    Then, his stomach sick and cold, he shifted back to his human form again and turned to regard the shocked wolves all standing, staring, wide-eyed.

    "My second betrayed me," he snarled. "Mark me now: You may stand beside me, or behind me. You may aim for the same goal and we will live in harmony. But if you lie to me. If you hide from me. If you attempt to thwart me behind my back, I will. Kill. You."

    Ignoring the bloody body behind him, he began to walk the line of fighters, fist leaders, and councilmen that had stopped to watch the conflict.

    "This is your Alpha, Lupines! See me! Know that I will not take mercy on any that would attempt to harm me, or you! I refuse to give our pack over to the darkness! We are being eaten from within by a cancer, and I will kill it. I will root it out and remove it so we can return to strength and honor."

    Someone began to howl, but Lerrin whirled on them. "Not yet!" he snarled.

    He paced, seemingly naturally around the circle of those watching, but in truth he was bringing himself near those who had just arrived from the camp.

    "The cancer among us remains!" he growled. "Those who would choose their own purposes, and lead our people into darkness. I will not stand for it. We enter war with those who have retained their honor, while we stab each other in the backs and strategize to kill our own?"

    A sharp intake of breath rushed across the field as the wolves heard their Alpha condemn his own, while lifting the Cat. Wolves shifted on their feet and murmured in the pack mind and each other''s ears. But he would not take it back.

    Instead, he strode to where Craye stood alongside some of the fist leaders, his eyes glinting in the moonlight.

    Lerrin let himself smile then as Craye''s eyes caught on his and locked.

    "There is a cancer among us," he called, deep and loud. "And another tumor I will remove tonight!" Then he turned to face the crowd.

    "In theing hours we face war. I intend to bring the wolves into the Tree City, back to our home, back to the resources andfort we have deserved. But we will do it by the light of the Creator. We will do it in truth and honor. You can follow me¡ªor you can die!"

    A cheer rose then, and Lerrin caught sight of Nhox, pushing to the fore, his face wide and beaming.

    He could feel Suhle behind him and reached for her, not sending words, but only the sense of his resolve. His intention for truth. In return, she sent back her own feelings¡ªshock and sadness about Asta, but she was also full of hope as she poured love toward him through the mind link.

    Lerrin washed her in gratitude, then turned his mind back to the people. "If you want to see the wolves return to the ce we deserve. If you want to see us thrive. Then stand with me as I cut out the cancer at its root and bring our tribe one step closer to honor!"

    The cheer rose again, many barks and howls.

    Then Lerrin turned, his eyes locking with Craye, who stared at him in apparent fascination.

    "Do you want to kill the cancer, Craye?" he growled, knowing that those who were not close enough to hear would receive it from those in the mind link.

    "Of course, Sire. Tell me where you see it and I will send my best fighters¡ª"

    "That won''t be necessary," Lerrin snapped. "Did you do as I asked and pull your wolves from the West? Out from among the Bears?"

    "You gave the order, and I followed it," Craye said with no noticeable change to his expression.

    But Lerrin could smell the deceit in him.

    Liar! He sent, so forcefully that Craye blinked. Then smiled.

    "Sire, it is not a simple thing¡ª"

    "Actually, Craye, removing cancer is proving to be far easier than I ever would have thought," Lerrin snarled, then shifted into his beast and leapt for the spymaster.

    *****

 Chapter 429: Fighting for the Light

    <h4>Chapter 429: Fighting for the Light</h4>

    LERRIN

    Minutester, the wolves surrounding him in stunned silence, Lerrin was back in human form, panting, standing over the dead and cooling corpse of Craye. And suddenly everything had be clear.

    There was only one way to end this. And he should have used it right in the beginning. His father should have used it. It was right and true. It was how the Anima avoided war.

    And it would likely be the end of him.

    Lerrin brought his eyes up to search for Suhle. He found her, still standing in front of the birds, her eyes wide with shock whenever she looked at Craye or Asta''s bodies. But she did not flinch away from them.

    When she caught Lerrin looking at her, she nodded to him and put a hand to her heart.

    Thank you, he sent.

    What are you thanking me for? You did this, Lerrin. You''re being true. You''re fulfilling your purpose. Clearing the wolves of the darkness within will benefit everyone. I admire you, my Mate.

    His stomach twisted in a bittersweet pang of joy and grief at that word.

    Say it again, he whispered in her mind.

    Mate. My True Mate. You are mine, Lerrin, she replied, her eyes bright and insistent.

    Lerrin was forced to look away from her for a moment, to acknowledge the celebrations that were beginning around him. But while he kept returning his eyes to her whenever he could, he turned to demonstrate to the crowd so they did not know his mind was elsewhere.

    Taking a deep breath and epting the salutes of those nearest him, he let her feel his weariness and grief.

    I am so sorry my love, but I have another task for you. Only one final one, then you can rest.

    Anything, she sent and he could feel her tears. She hoped. She prayed. And she feared. And he felt it all.

    Swallowing the wave of emotion that threatened to overwhelm him, Lerrin continued to face his people who all gazed at him in variety of shock, disbelief, and excitement. He let himself feel the Alpha power. Let himself remember the utter certainty he had for his purpose. But as he acknowledged first one howl rising for the moon, then another, he showed Suhle his n.

    She howled with the others, but hers rose in a tangled mess of hope and fear.

    Go back to the Tree City, he sent as the Fist Leaders pressed forward to make their salutes. Tell Reth I will meet him on the Hallowed Ground tomorrow at twilight. I have seen the way forward¡ªshould have seen it months ago. There is no need for Anima to fight Anima. I will challenge Reth for dominance. The winner will take the people as they always have. The winner will retain the people, and the City. As it should have been from the beginning. Tell him¡­ tell him war will not be necessary. Tell him I prepare them. The good will follow. And those that don''t¡­ they are the cancer in our ranks that must be eradicated.

    Something inside of Suhle broke and he suspected she had guessed his n. But he would not discuss it with her. Would not give her a reason to hesitate in her purpose, or question herself.

    I don''t want to leave you, she sent. I want to be here for you while you prepare.

    You will be, he replied. You are in my heart. You are in my mind. Send your message, then return to me so I can hold you before I go to the challenge.

    But¡ª

    Go, he sent urgently. Go while they are distracted. Go while it is not yet day so that we do not risk an attack tomorrow and you will have time to return. My appetite for blood is sated. I do not wish to see any true or honorable wolves dead¡ªat my hand, or someone else''s. So go¡­ And know that I love you.

    There was a pang from her through the link. Lerrin closed his eyes and raked a hand through his hair to hide the emotion it raised in him¡ªthe joy of her, the beauty, the admiration. But without another word, she slunk away. While the others pressed forward to celebrate their Alpha, he sent her memories, images of himself embracing her, kissing her, holding her close.

    This is the life I would have wished for, Suhle, he sent over the images as she slipped into the dark forest and began to run, tears tracking down her cheeks. My only regret is not having you.

    I love you, Lerrin. I love you.

    I love you, too.

    As she faded into the night, Lerrin turned his attention back to his people who closed in, ignoring the bodies, instead celebrating their Alpha¡ªthose that had honor, or those that wished to look like they did.

    Lerrin was no longer blind. There were too many of his wolves that had given over this insidious infection. But he could make it harder for them to get away with their dark deeds until he was able to identify all of them.

    Leaping onto a nearby boulder to put himself above the crowd, he stood in his power and let the scent of it wash over those nearby, who submitted.

    "Hear me, Anima!" he shouted, and the entire camp barked and called in response. "The dawn will bring a new day for the Lupine! Your Alpha has found the way forward, and you will return to power with your heads high, with safety, and without bloodshed. Because tomorrow, your Alpha challenges the Cat. And your Alpha will lead you into the promise of truth, and light!"

    They howled again, hearing what they wished to hear in his promise. Hearing him vow victory, where in truth, he vowed only rightness.

    But they cared only to hear that the wolves would win. That the wolves would return to the Tree City. And that the wolves would do so with power.

    He just prayed the darkness had not infected them sopletely that they would reject the right power when it stepped forward to im them.

 Chapter 430: Returned

    <h4>Chapter 430: Returned</h4>

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    *****

    RETH

    Reth stood in Security Building again, the council seated around the table, all of them grim, but focused.

    The Scouts had left a few minutes earlier after briefing everyone. But in truth, there was nothing beyond the initial report of real note.

    The wolves hadn''t retreated back to the encampment. They had only regrouped nearby, and now held the Eastern border of the Tree City territory unless Reth sent in an outright attack to take it back.

    He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, then looked at Behryn.

    "Morning, or evening?" he asked his friend. Do we give ourselves time to rest--but also give them time to n? Or do we rush ahead and possibly miss some of our own preparations?

    Behryn tapped his fingers on the table, and therge room was so quiet the noise bounced off the exposed rafters above.

    "I think..." Behryn said, and his reluctance to speak told Reth what his answer would be. "I think you make the call to war at dawn," he finished. "Give them no more time."

    They stared at each other, both their thoughts to turning to all that might be lost in theing hours.

    Forcing himself not to give in to the bone-deep fear and grief that wanted to steal his mind, Reth turned to the other members of the council. "Do you have any thoughts that might temper this¡ª"

    There was a disturbance outside the door. They all leaped to their feet as one of the guards cried, "Hold!"

    Voices rose, then hushed and Behryn tipped his head at the other Equines and they rushed for the door to the building to see what was happening.

    Reth''s stomach sank. Were they toote? Had the attack already begun?

    His mind turned back to Elia and Elreth and he sent up a silent prayer to the Creator that no matter what happened to him, they would remain safe and healthy. And that they could return to Anima safely.

    It was a full minute before the door opened again.

    Behryn walked in first, shock on his face, then he opened the door wide so the others woulde in¡ªfirst two guards, then¡­

    Suhle?

    Reth was on his feet in a second, swinging back and forth between joy and rage.

    Think. Think. Think. He told himself. She has a True Mate. She was deceived.

    "You have returned," he growled.

    Suhle blinked at the anger in his tone. Clearly she hadn''t been back to her family, hadn''t heard that her cousin was gone.

    "I¡­ you sent the message¡ª"

    "I did not," he snapped. "But we will address thatter. Tell me what you havee to say."

    Suhle blinked again, then looked down at the floor, rolling her shoulders back and gathering her courage. When she spoke her voice was quiet, but strong.

    "The wolf Alpha, Lerrin, sends a message to the King of the Tree City," she said formally. Behind him some of the others sucked in. But something had just urred to Reth and he had to force himself to stay calm as he nodded to ept the message.

    Suhle swallowed, then continued. "The Alpha of the wolves would meet you on the Hallowed Ground. He says¡­ he says there is no need for Anima to fight Anima. He requests that this conflict be resolved as it should always have been¡­ War will not be necessary. He will challenge you for dominance. And the winner will take the people. He said¡­ he said that he prepares the people. That those who follow the winner are the hearts that are good. And those that do not are those that would be enemy to all."

    Then she finally met Reth''s eyes. "He was removed from his position on the mountain by a diligent guard who saw your trackersing and got him out. He has not¡­ he has not told them that he would align with you. But he has taken steps¡­ even this night¡­ to begin eradicating the¡­ the cancer from his people¡ª" her voice broke and she stopped speaking, swallowing hard, her eyes downcast.

    Reth stood there, stunned. "You are certain this is true?" he whispered, his mind reeling.

    Suhle nodded. "Utterly certain," she said. "He¡­ he goes to the Grounds willing to ept whatever the oue."

    Reth gaped. No need for war. No need for ughter. No bloodying the Tree City¡­ And no protection for him. The risk that all the Anima would fall under Lupine rule.

    He swallowed, shocked from his anger.

    To break the tension, he rubbed his face with his hand, tried to keep his mind straight. "Suhle, where did you go tonight?"

    "I returned to the encampment, then was flown to the Lupine army."

    "Why?" Reth asked, his heart beating hard in his chest. "Why would you¡­ why was it so important to you to return?"

    She blinked and sucked in a breath. "Because¡­ because my True Mate is there, and so my heart is there, also. My soul."

    Reth''s nostrils red. "Who is it?"

    "My mate?"

    "Yes. Who is your mate, Suhle. How do you know so much? How are you so certain of its truth? Who is your mate and what is his role in the wolf tribe?"

    She looked at the males behind him, obviously measuring whether there was risk in them hearing the answer¡ªwhich really was an answer in itself. Reth''s heart sank. It couldn''t be? Surely?

    Then her throat bobbed and she said in a clear voice, "My True Mate is Lerrin, the Alpha. I am his servant¡ªwas his servant. He gave me his cover before he¡­ before either of us knew¡­ And now¡­ now he seeks peace. Because he knows love. And love has¡­ conquered his hate."

    Reth slumped into his chair trying, but unable to unravel the weaves of all this.

    His friend, his spy was Lerrin''s True Mate. Lerrin''s Mate had been loyal to Reth''s throne for ten years. Lerrin sent her to give him information. And she came¡­ Did the wolf move chess pieces on the board? Or was this all the provision of the Creator? To whom was Suhle truly loyal in this?

    "When he sent you to bring me messages¡ª"

    "He had seen my skill for hiding myself and evading notice. He sought to use me because he trusted me."

    "Yes, but does he know how deeply I trust you, Suhle?" Reth asked.

    Her face fell. "I have¡­ my courage failed me. I fear when he learns it will not go well for us."

    Reth dropped his face into his hands. "Suhle, as this moves forward¡­ I cannot protect you¡ªI cannot protect him! I must¡­ I must do what must be done."

    "I know," she breathed. "I know."

    Then she began to cry.

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 Chapter 431: Vengeance

    <h4>Chapter 431: Vengeance</h4>

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    *****

    LERRIN

    While Lerrin''s direct challenge to Reth required less preparation than outright war, the wolves would not gather under the eyes of their enemies without a n for escape in the event of betrayal or ambush. Lerrin tried to downy the necessity, and his efforts were taken¡ªas he intended them¡ªas confidence in himself to beat Reth.

    By the early hours of the morning, everything seemed to be in order, though there was a tingling anticipation in the camp¡ªand in the pack mind. Lerrin couldn''t shake the idea that something was about to happen, that a threat was imminent. He couldn''t stop looking over his shoulder and he noticed most of the other wolves doing the same. The feeling hung over them like a storm brewing. Lerrin just prayed he''d have them in front of Reth before it broke.

    Two hours after she left, Suhle sent to him, faintly, that Reth had received and epted the challenge.? He would meet Lerrin at the Hallowed Ground at high sun.

    Lerrin could breathe more easily then, though he didn''t like the distance between him and Suhle¡ªwas it simply the space between them? Was this the furthest they''d been from each other? Probably. He urged her toe back as quickly as she was able, but he was immediately pulled into a conversation with the Fist Leaders about positioning the different teams for the challenge and had to engage his whole mind in convincing them that they would abide by the normal rules of challenge for dominance. That this was no longer a war. It was now a challenge, and it was in his hands to bring them through it.

    Most of the fighters and fist leaders were obviously relieved, but there was a portion of the males, in particr, who seemed to feel like they''d been denied an opportunity.

    Lerrin was careful to ensure they were left with no question about where he stood on the issue¡ªand what would be of any wolves who attempted to create conflict between the armies.

    All would be there to witness. All would see if there were any foul y. Dominance would be won, and the wolves and their allies would respect that, just as they had for millennia.

    After the conversation with the troops, he pulled Hern aside and told him to keep a close eye on the fist leaders that weren''t smiling. He would walk into this challenge with honor¡ªthey were not to take it out of his hands.

    Hern saluted and assured him there would be no assault under his watch.

    It was another hour before Lerrin realized he hadn''t heard any more from Suhle. His stomach tingled and he sent to her immediately, as he crossed the camp towards the tent that had been prepared for his own rest. He had only hours until they needed to move towards the Grounds.

    Where are you? Have you returned yet? I need to see you. Will you¡­y with me tonight? We will notplete the mating¡ªthings are still shaky here. But I want to hold you.

    He left unsaid the words, "in case it is thest time," but he was certain, given her emotion when he sent the initial message that she was well aware of the risk.

    I¡­ I cannote, Lerrin, she sent, and her voice was fainter than any time they had been able to establish the link.

    Why not? He sent, every hair on his body standing straight.

    I am¡­ not free toe. I have been¡­ held. Reth¡ª

    WHAT?! Lerrin was so taken aback he stopped midstride and the guards walking with him almost ran into him. Why are¡ª

    Do not fear for me, Lerrin. He treats me well. He believes he keeps me safe. He¡­ is concerned that the wolves will learn I came to him and they may¡­ they may try to remove me¡­

    Lerrin began to shake. The rage he''d thought was draining from him daily, suddenly hot and insistent, demanding release.

    He growled and the wolves near him submitted.

    I will kill him, he sent, his hands fisted so tightly his nails almost broke the skin of his palms.

    No! Lerrin, don''t give in to the anger. He is like you, honorable and protective. He worries for my safety. That is all! I am not a prisoner. I am only¡­ restricted for a short time. Until this is decided.

    Torn between anger and the desire for her safety, Lerrin wavered for the first time since he''d decided on this approach. It had all seemed the perfect way to protect his people, and give himself the opportunity to solve the problem without their bloodshed, but if Suhle was taken¡­ if she was being harmed.

    He couldn''t risk being removed from this life if it left her unprotected!

    Suhle¡­

    Do not worry for me, Lerrin. I am well. Truly.

    She sent him an image of the room where she sat on a bed, water and food on the table next to her, a window¡ªthough a guard''s head was visible outside of it.

    He only protects me for my own good, she sent quietly. You would do the same, I think.

    But you are mine to protect, not his!

    He thinks everyone is his job, she sent carefully.

    Lerrin snorted. There was deep truth in that. The arrogant prick of a cat.

    Then Lerrin shuddered. Could he really walk into this without seeing her again? He begged the Creator not to make it so.

    I''m so sorry, Lerrin, she sent. I wished to be at your side. To serve you. Tofort you. To¡­ just to be with you.

    It is my own fault for sending you into his reach, Lerrin sent back darkly. Tomorrow¡­

    Tomorrow he will free me when you return here, she sent and he could feel the way she forced the brightness into her words. You wille tomorrow, Lerrin, I know you will. We will be together then. And without the ugliness of war to steal us from each other.

    His eyes closed and he had to shake his head. She truly didn''t understand.

    Even if he wasn''t killed¡ªa very slim possibility¡ªif he submitted to Reth tomorrow, it would be Reth''s choice what to do with him. But if this was how the cat was going to treat everyone who came to help¡­

    Could he submit to the male that held his mate captive? Would Reth allow him to return at all, even in submission?

    Lerrin knew what he''d do if he''d beaten a male in a direct challenge and then needed to return the people to unity.

    He wouldn''t even hesitate to kill or banish the challenger to ensure all saw and understood the consequences for defying him. And Lerrin knew, if Reth suddenly had an army on his hands that had been disloyal¡­

    There was no way the Anima were uniting under one banner tomorrow. Not really. There would be a time of transition and negotiation and¡­

    Lerrin dove into the tent he''d been given in the camp, snarling at the guards to leave him alone, and slumped onto the bedroll, face in his hands. He felt like he was being sucked into quicksand, with no branch to pull himself free.

    I love you, Suhle, he sent, trying desperately to stifle the rage burning in his throat and urging him to kill, kill, kill.

    I love you too, Lerrin, she sent. My heart is with you. Go with the Creator''s blessing tomorrow. You walk into honor, my love. I am so proud of you.

    He hated that he wanted to cry at that.

 Chapter 432: Dream of Me - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 432: Dream of Me - Part 1</h4>

    LIMITED EDITION PAPERBACKS avable in giveaway only! In light of WebNovel''s move towards offering books in other formats (we''ll see if we get there!) I have a very limited number of approved paperbacks for giveaway ONLY, and no more will being. So, this month, if you purchase the top tier of privilege (50 chapters for King of Beasts, or 45 Chapters for Queen of Beasts) thenment on thest avable chapter "I want a paperback!" You will be entered into the draw. Check out thements where I''ve posted a picture of the books!

    *****

    ELIA

    She''d fallen in and out of the Beast for days, her body and mind exhausted, her emotions at once a hurricane of feeling, then a numbing void.

    Nothing was as it should be. Nothing. And she fought. She fought and fought and fought. And she was tired.

    When she woke up on the floor of her room again and knew she''d been the beast, but didn''t know for how long, but it waste,te in the night. Very early in the morning¡­ She couldn''t find it in herself to interrupt the bubble of love that Gahrye and Kalle were living.

    Biting back tears of self-pity, she crawled up into the massive bed and pulled the covers over herself, curling herself around her rounded stomach, terrified that all this shifting might be hurting Elreth.

    She needed her mate. So desperately. She needed his arms and his strength. She needed his whisperedforts, and the shiver of his hands on her body. She needed him. Without him none of the rest of this mattered.

    As she pulled the covers over her shoulders and buried her face in the thick pillow, she pleaded with the Creator to bring them back together.

    Please, please, please¡­ just bring him back to me¡­

    *****

    RETH

    He fell into the furs, exhausted, exhrated, terrified, and aching for Elia. His earlier dream of her in the beast form had been bothforting and scary, and now he just yearned.

    There was a chance he would not live to see the next night. That he would not sleep again before he left his mate forever. The thought made his entire body tremble.

    Please, he pleaded with the Creator. "Please, let me see her and touch her and¡­ show us how to be in this together. I need her. I need to say goodbye, just in case¡­"

    He fell asleep praying and opened his eyes in the darkness of his bedchamber, his heart sinking.

    Until he realized he could smell her. And there was a lump in the furs next to him.

    "Elia?" he croaked, frightened that it was only in his mind. Only a dream again, or¡ª

    "Reth?" Her voice was high, faint¡ªnot because she was fading, but because she had only just woken.

    She was warm, and flushed and round and she was there.

    "Love!" Reth breathed. "You''re here¡­ you''re here¡­ thank the Creator, you''re here!" He didn''t give her a moment to turn over to face him, but pulled her into him, dragging her across the furs and wrapping his arms around her, burying his face in her neck, exploring every inch of her skin, examining her for wounds or¡­ "Elia¡­ your stomach!"

    "She''s here, Reth. She''s real." She twisting, rolling over in his arms and pulling herself even harder against his chest. Her words were muffled, but he couldn''t bring himself to hold her any less tightly, terrified she would fade. "¡­she''s growing so fast, and I just¡­ I need you so badly, I''m falling apart. I keep shifting and I don''t know why. I can''t deny it. I can''t stop it from happening¡ªsometimes I don''t want to. Sometimes it''s an escape and Reth¡­ I need toe home. I need to be with you. I can''t do this anymore!"

    "Oh, Elia, Love," he croaked, squeezing her so hard he was afraid he would hurt her, but she only clung even harder, her nails digging into his back. "I prayed," he whispered. "I prayed and prayed to speak with you before¡­ I need you too. And you''re here. Thank you, Creator. Thank you."

    "What''s happening, Reth? What''s going on?"

    "I need to see you," he said hurriedly, holding her with one arm while he pushed them both up to sit.

    She obviously didn''t want to stop touching him, rolled herself into his chest, but she tipped her head back to look at him, and gasped. "I can see you!"

    He took her face in his hands and stared at her, her wide blue eyes looking gray in the dark, her hair mussed, but beautiful, fluttering around her face. Her breasts full and round¡ªover her belly that¡­ dear Lord. Elreth¡­

    Reth huffed a call that he''d never made before, the call of father to child, the call to safety, toe, be near me little one.

    Elia''s breath caught in her throat and she put one hand to her mouth, the other to her belly.

    It wasn''t big the way females became at the end of the pregnancy, when their entire bodies were overtaken by this little life. No¡­ it was a beautiful swell, rounding her stomach and pressing out to announce its presence quietly.

    With shaking hands, Reth leaned shifted back enough to put his hands on either side of her stomach and made the call again.

    Elia gasped. "She¡­ she moved. She can hear you!"

    Reth huffed and his voice broke and he didn''t even care. With Elia sobbing, her fingers buried in his hair, he curled forward, putting his cheek to her belly and called to his baby. His daughter.

    Then a tiny bump, little more than a flutter, flicked his cheek and he reared back, mouth open. "She kicked me!"

    "She''s strong, just like her daddy," Elia cried. "Reth¡­ oh, Reth!" She broke apart, sobbing open mouthed, and threw herself back into his chest. "Reth, we need you. We both need you!"

    He pulled her in, one hand cupping the back of her head. The other wrapped around her waist. His entire body shook, both with love and with fear.

    What if he lost tomorrow? What if¡­ what if he never got to see his beautiful daughter.

    The snarl broke from his throat to choke him, just as the ache of it all, the terror of losing her, of losing them both, threatened to crack his heart in half.

    "Elia," he rasped, "Love¡­ I''m here. I''m here right now. Hold onto me, Love. I''m here."

    She sobbed again, but her grip on him was a stranglehold. And he loved it.

    He never wanted to let her go. Ever.

    Creator, please¡­ never let us be parted.

 Chapter 433: Dream of Me - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 433: Dream of Me - Part 2</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! You''ve already earned 3 chapters for the October mass release through your Golden Ticket votes. THANK YOU! Please keep offering your Golden Tickets, and I will keep writing more chapters to show you my gratitude!

    *****

    RETH

    They held each other and cried together, and for a moment, when it urred to him this might be thest time he would ever hold her, Reth felt like he was losing his mind. He reeled, his sight blurring, heart hammering at his ribs until his chest was cracked and bleeding, like the fear of losing her might actually kill him.

    His head pounded and he whined his pain.

    Elia only clung tighter. What woulde of her if he was killed?!

    Creator, help us, he prayed. Help us¡­ why would you do this to us?

    Then, as had always happened when he pleaded with the Creator, images throughout his life of all the many ways the Eternal n had taken him into dark forests, only to emerge in everrger sunny fields and glisteningkes. That somehow silent, somehowforting voice of love and protection crooned at him that the n was good¡ªand everything that was toe, painful or not, would be used for his best.

    That voice whispered at him to look at where he was, at what he had, and to never lose hope.

    Reth groaned.

    Elia¡­ for so many years he''d though he''d lost her. Would never be able to have her. And yet, here she was.

    And somehow, impossibly, in the middle of all this hell, she was safe. She was miserable and scared, but she was safe. The others in the Tree City couldn''t say the same. His dearest friends couldn''t.

    Reth sucked in a deep breath to calm his pounding heart. Elia still shook in his arms¡ªbut that was one more thing to be grateful for. She was there. She hadn''t faded. They were still together.

    Straightening, he began tob her hair back from her teary, flushed face. "Elia¡­ Elia, look at me."

    Still crying, she did. She opened her eyes and stared at him. Her forehead wrinkled again, and she choked, but she was smiling through it. "I love you so much, Reth," she gasped. "So much."

    He nodded and searched her beautiful eyes. "You''re here. I don''t know how this is happening, but it''s an answer to prayer and I will not question it. You''re here. I''m here. Be with me, Elia. Just for a little while, let''s just¡­ be here."

    Her eyes widened and she nodded. "You''re right. Oh gosh, you''re right." She wiped her eyes and sniffed, then she looked up at him again. "Hi."

    The mating huff broke in his throat and he held her face cupped in both his hands. "You are the most beautiful creature alive," he whispered.

    Sheughed through her tears that were slow to fade. "Now I know you''re biased."

    "Elia¡ª"

    "Reth, just kiss me, please?"

    He didn''t need asking twice. With a groan, he took her mouth, fisting her hair and pulling her in. And she whimpered, and clung, her lips desperate, breath hot as she arched into him, squeezing his shoulder, his side, clinging like someone might tear him from her grip.

    Tasting her, tangling their tongues, her breath thundering on his cheek, Reth came alive in a way he hadn''t since the day she left. Wherever she touched, his skin fizzed and tingled, lighting up under her fingers. And her could feel her skin pebble under his.

    His kiss was rough, heavy, demanding, yet she didn''t flinch. She met him stroke for stroke, gasp for gasp. And when he began to lower her back to the furs, she dropped her head back and cried his name.

    He was frantic, desperate for her, terrified she''d fade away at any second, and yet so, so willing to savor her. So ready to simply be, to forget everything that pulled at him, that threatened.

    Let us be, he prayed silent. I will go where you point. I will submit to your n. Please¡­ let us be here, together now. Give us this night.

    Then Elia licked the underside of his lip and he huffed a mating call that rolled off into a groan of pure heat.

    Letting his hip sink to rest between her thighs, he arched and they both sucked in as her soft heat met his steel strength.

    Every nerve ending in his body seemed to leap to the surface of his skin, until he trembled and shook, jerking with the overwhelming sensation of being close to her. As he rolled his hips to slide against her, opening his mouth on her throat, her head dropped back and she grabbed at his back.

    "Don''t wait, please, Reth! Please!"

    In answer, he reared over her, pulling her hands away and cing them over her head, gripped in his. He took her mouth, sliding his tongue along hers in a promise of what was toe.

    Then he positioned himself, and thrust.

    They both cried out, lips touching but unwilling to retreat, mouths and cheeks trembling as Reth pulled all the way out, then thrust back in, long and slow. The sensation was her taking him, the overwhelming wave of pleasure was so acute, he almost came.

    Elia''s breath was fast and shallow, her skin prickled, the tiny hairs all over her body standing straight as she begged him not to stop, cried her need for him. And he groaned his for her, holding her hands over her head, forcing her breasts¡ªcovered in gooseflesh, her nipples tall and proud¡ªhigher, teasing them against his chest as he rolled into her again, and again.

    "Oh, Elia, my Love!"

    "Let me touch you!" she gasped. "Let me hold you!"

    He groaned and dropped his face into her neck, rolling into her again and holding at the peak. Elia didn''t breath, her mouth open, tiny cries breaking in her throat, until he was pulling out, only to invade her again.

    And again.

    And again.

    He began to moan with the sheer joy of being with her in this way, of being owned by her, of owning her in return.

    The mating call began in his chest and she arched, crying his name, and began to struggle against the grip he had on her hands.

    Without letting go of her wrists, forcing her to stay beneath him, he dropped his heat to her throat and grazed his teeth along her corbones.

    "Mine," he growled.

    Shuddering, Elia called to him, and he almost came.

    *****

    MY MONTHLY LIVE VOICE CHAT IS THIS SUNDAY, 12 September at 1pm (Los Angeles time). To be a part of it, download the discord app, then hit the plus sign at the bottom of the menu, then enter these letters: NksgE7krmD. Or listen to a rey on my YouTube channel (@aimeelynn_Author) next week! See you there!

 Chapter 434: Dream of Me - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 434: Dream of Me - Part 3</h4>

    ELIA

    The sensation of having him inside her was stunning, shuddering through her body, radiating through her until she could it in the soles of her feet. Her heart expanded just for being touched by him.

    More. She wanted more. Needed more. Her mate. Her Soul Mate. Her Love. She couldn''t get enough¡ªthere was never enough. And he might be gone from her again in seconds! The thought made her panic.

    "Please, Reth!" she pleaded, trying to pull her hands from his iron grip. "Please, let me touch you!"

    "No¡­ you have to submit," he rasped, then opened his mouth on her neck and sucked at her so that her entire side goose-bumped again. "Submit, Love."

    She opened her eyes to argue, but he had already pulled his head up, locked on, staring at her, his mouth half open with the heat of it all, his eyes alight with love and passion and that indescribable wildness that terrified others but that was only ever pointed to protect her.

    "Reth¡­"

    He shook his head and his hair fell over his face, framing his hard jaw, the cords of tension in his neck, the rigid strength of his shoulders. "We cannot¡­" he croaked, "we cannot fight what ise. We cannot fight the Creator''s n. We can only submit. And He has given us this¡­ give over to me, Love. Give over to Him. Be here with me. Do not fight. Let us meet this together¡­ with Him. In peace."

    She made a noise¡ªhalf pleasure-sob, half-frustration¡ªand arched to meet his next thrust, holding him inside her, her ankles locked behind him and her heels digging into his back.

    "Reth!"

    "Submit, my love. ept it. Whateveres, I love you¡ªadore you. You are mine. You are everything to me. Submit. Let us take what we can, please!" his voice cracked and sent a spear of pain and desire through her chest, cutting through thest of her selfish fear.

    She would do as he asked. Give herself over. Submit. To him, and to this terrible ce where they found themselves.

    She would take her Mate into herself and wallow in the love of him while she could.

    "Mine," she gasped. "No one else but you, Reth. No one else can have you. You''re mine."

    Reth roared and plunged into her as she rippled to meet him. Sliding his free hand up her body, through her hair to where he held her wrists, he took her hands and entwined their fingers, both hands clenched with hers and he began to thrust.

    Tiny cries broke from her throat in time with his pounding, but she couldn''t be embarrassed because Reth, too, kept calling, that resonant groan that echoed in his ribs, vibrating in his chest with every thrust.

    Lips pulled back from his teeth, he didn''t break eye-contact as he dropped his head, his biceps bulging, and braced himself over her, tilting his hips to deepen the contact.

    Elia cried out, shivering as that wave began to crest within her. "Reth¡­ Reth!"

    "Come for me, baby. Come for me."

    "Reth, I don''t want it to stop."

    "I''ll never stop loving you," he gasped. "But let me see you¡­ oh fuck¡ª"

    Elia couldn''t keep her eyes open as her body began to shiver, her breasts aching with the sensations he wrung from her. Unable to move her hands, she arched her back, lifting to meet him, her ankles locked and gripping his lower back, pulling him deeper.

    Reth groaned, his feet digging into the furs for traction as he pressed into her desperate and shuddering.

    She couldn''t make words, only moaned and cried as that wave, glittering at the edge of sight, suddenly crested, breaking over her, washing her entire body in a shivery, sparkling heat.

    As she clenched around him, Reth bellowed and let go of her hands, pulling her in, his hands in her hair, his forehead on hers, sobbing her name over and over as their bodies rocked in time, spasming and ecstatic.

    Then they slumped, sweaty and shaking, wrapped together, panting, neither of them willing to bear any space between their skins.

    "Love¡­ my love¡­" Reth breathed, kissing and licking her neck, "Elia."

    She cried again, but in joy, her arms wrapped around his neck, then turned her head, seeking his mouth again. "My mate," she sighed into his mouth. "My beautiful mate."

    He took her kiss despite his thundering breath, holding her chin and taking her mouth, frantic, the call muffled in his throat, vibrating in his chest so deeply, she felt it in her own.

    They clung to each other, panting and shivering, Elia blinking, trying to make sure this was all real. That she wouldn''t wake and be heartbroken to find it was only a dream. But it was a dream¡­ wasn''t it?

    "How are we here?" she sobbed, holding his gorgeous face, her fingernails scraping on the thick stubble because it had been days since he''d shaved.

    "Only by the Creator''s grace," he panted, thenid his head next to hers on the furs. She turned her head to keep his eyes, and he stroked her cheeks and her hair, wiping her tears with his thumb.

    "But¡­ but I can''t say goodbye to you, Reth." Panic fluttered in her chest and she pulled him in.

    "Sssshhhh, love, it''s okay¡ª"

    "No, it''s not, Reth! I''m going to be taken from you any minute and¡­ no!"

    She could feel it, that fade within her, as if she was bing weightless. The surreal feeling that came when the world began to separate from her. She reached for him, grasping, and he clung to her, whispering urgently.

    "No, Elia! Submit! Don''t fight it! Don''t fight to stay¡ª"

    "But I need you!"

    "And I need you¡ªbut we have to give each other up. ept His will, Love¡ªept that we are forced apart for a time¡­"

    Elia shuddered, and clung. "I can''t be away from you¡ª"

    "But you must, Love. You are there where you''re safe. I am so grateful you are there because it keeps you safe from everything here. No one else has that. He has protected you. You must see it¡­ see the good in it!"

    Elia sucked in a breath. She could see that. She could see that she''d been kept apart from the conflicts between a people so much stronger and faster than herself¡­ she''d been kept apart from Reth at a time he had to focus on protecting all of his people, not just her¡­ She was safe, growing a baby at a time when all of Anima was at risk of death and destruction¡­ That was a good thing. She could see that.

    "Elia¡­ look," Reth whispered, awed. He was holding her hand that had been clenched on his shoulder. It was no longer fading. She was solid.

 Chapter 435: Dream of Me - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 435: Dream of Me - Part 4</h4>

    RETH

    Elia blinked.

    He held her hand, kissed her palm, marveled at it. He finally understood. "He wants you to submit to His n, to see the good in it Elia. ept that and¡­ and He''s giving us time."

    Her throat bobbed and she blinked again. "But¡­ epting that means¡­ means going back."

    "You will have to go back anyway, Love. You know that. This isn''t¡­ this isn''t permanent.

    "I know but¡­" her face crumpled and she began to shake, her weight suddenly less.

    "Don''t! Elia! Please! Give over to this, to our fate. Whatever it might be!"

    "But we can''t know!"

    "No, we can''t! We can only trust that the Creator does, and that this¡­ this time is a gift. Please, love, stay with me. Submit, Elia. Stay with me!"

    "I¡­ I¡­" She stared at him, pleading, and he saw the moment she understood. And then she submitted to it. She gave up control.

    Her eyes closed, and her forehead crinkled. She cried then, great gulping sobs, the kind that hurt her throat. And she clung to him, her hands buried in his hair, her body jerking with the cries.

    "Love, love you''re still here. I''m here. We''re here."

    "But for how long. Reth, it is KILLING me to be apart from you. I don''t know what to do."

    "Just ept, my love. ept what time we have here and love me. I love you, Elia. I will never stop loving you, no matter how long we are apart, or how far."

    "I love you, Reth."

    "You''re my life, Elia."

    They held each other for a long time, Reth thanking the Creator that she''d stayed and was solid again. He held her until her sobs became hups, which eventually soothed to sighs.

    He held her while she stroked his skin and kissed his chest, and murmured her love against his neck.

    And he held her when she curled up in a ball and shivered.

    A long timeter, when her breathing had returned to normal, she finally lifted her head and met his eyes. "Okay¡­ I''m ready. Whatever this is about¡­ whatever this is leading to¡­ I''ll do it. But... this is so hard,? Reth. Not knowing the future. Not understanding the present. It is so hard."

    "I know, love, I know." His heart leaped and sank in the same breath. He put a hand to her beautiful, flushed face and kissed her deeply.

    Then he sighed. "Tell me what you have been doing. What you''ve learned. Tell me about shifting, tell me everything, Elia. Tell me how you are." His voice cracked on thest word and she took his hands and pulled them to her mouth, kissing his knuckles even through her tears.

    "Aren''t you afraid I''ll be taken away? Shouldn''t we talk about something more¡­ important?"

    "I am trusting that we will get the time we need now, Elia. I have to. There is nothing else I can do. But¡­ tell me about Elreth. Tell me about bing a mother. Tell me anything that''s on your heart."

    She smiled, and for the first time, he saw the old light in her eyes. "It''s incredible, Reth," she whispered. "Everything is different, even though nothing has changed. I can''t¡­ I can''t exin it to you. My body is alive with her. She moves and I feel her. She sleeps and I know I''m cradling her. She gets startled when there''s a loud noise¡­ I never imagined she would be so aware!"

    "But¡­" he was confused. "You''re not even three months in. How can you feel her so clearly? How could I feel her?"

    Elia''s brow pinched into lines. "Something is¡­ different," she said carefully. "We''re looking into it with the help of the Guardians. But Reth¡­ this isn''t going to take the ten months of the Anima pregnancy. It won''t even be the nine of a human pregnancy. I think¡­ I think I''m halfway through already. I looked up one book about a normal human pregnancy, and I have all the markers of someone who has been carrying their baby for six months. Do you think¡­ do you think maybe I got pregnant earlier and you just noticed it that day?"

    He shook his head vehemently. He knew. The Creator had shown him. He''d felt it. "No, Elia. And besides if you had been that far along before you left Anima we would have already known."

    She slumped. "I know. You''re right. I just¡­ I didn''t want this to be something so unknown."

    Reth sighed. "Unfortunately it seems that our entire lives are to traverse the unknown right now. That''s why I pleaded for him to bring you here, Elia. That''s why I begged for this time. I needed to see you, to exin things, to¡­ I just needed to be with you and without the rush."

    "Reth, you''re scaring me," she said in a small voice. She tried to pull him in again, but he shook his head and kept her where he could see her.

    He dropped his eyes to look at their sped hands and swallowed the tears that rose when he saw how small she was. "I prayed for this, Elia. To see you, to speak with you. This is real. It is impossible, and it''s real. And it is necessary. I had to see you. I couldn''t wait. The Creator knows I needed this chance because I couldn''t know¡­ I couldn''t know what tomorrow will bring."

    She waited, but he couldn''t find the right words to say more. After a few seconds of staring, he screwed his eyes closed and pressed his forehead to hers.

    Something cold settled in her stomach. "Reth, what is it? What''s going on?"

    "I needed to see you, because I needed to tell you¡­ many things," he said hoarsely.

    "Tell me what? I''m here. Tell me."

    His throat bobbed. He stroked the side of her face and met her eyes again. "Tomorrow¡­ in a few hours¡­ is a very, very important, and very dangerous."

    "Why? Why is more dangerous than before? What''s happening?" her voice was high and thin with fear.

    He cupped her face and held her gaze. "Because tomorrow, Lerrin and I fight to the death. Only one of us can walk away victorious."

    *****

    EXCITING NEW CONTENT COMING THIS MONTH! To make sure you''re the FIRST to hear, go to this book page in your library and click my author name (directly under the title) then click the red "heart" icon. Then, as soon as there is exciting new content from me, WebNovel will make sure you know ALL about it!

 Chapter 436: Dream of Me - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 436: Dream of Me - Part 5</h4>

    RETH

    Reth pulled her into his chest and told her everything. Everything about the wolves. About Suhle. About Lerrin. About how close it had alle. Her grip on him got tighter and tighter with every word.

    Then he told her about the challenge.

    She pulled back from his chest and met his eyes, her own wide and worried, her tears threatening again.

    "Why? Why would you agree to that? Why would the Creator want that?!"

    "Because it is the truth, Elia. It is the way the Anima were made. We follow the strongest, the best protector, the one who can hold the greatest number safe."

    "But¡­ but if he cheats¡ª"

    "If he cheats it will be under the eyes of every Anima in the WildWood. Everyone will know it. No one will submit to the Alpha who stole the throne. He knows that. He has¡­ he has truly submitted himself to the best course, Elia. He must truly want to see his people safe. In this way, far more so than in war, he is ountable."

    "Or he just wants to tempt you to a ce of his choosing so he can ambush you!"

    Reth shook his head, proud of her thinking, but she didn''t understand. "No, the Hallowed Grounds are part of the Tree City territory. We''ve had patrols and Sentries on it since before all this began. No, Lerrin has offered toe to me, to take the risk of my ambush, to propose this. He is¡­ I don''t know what he''s doing. But he has truly offered himself and his people toe to us."

    Elia gaped. "You sound like you trust him!"

    "No, I don''t," Reth growled. "That male, his father, and his sister have too much to answer for. I will never trust him. I will take his throat, Elia, do not fear. He will pay for what he''s done. But I concede that he has chosen honor, atst. He did not at the beginning but¡­ all of us need to be able to turn from our wrongs. He is doing so, I believe. My question is whether his people turn with him. Even if I win, there is still so much at stake."

    "If you win? If? Reth, you could take him in a heartbeat!"

    Reth growled his approval and pulled her in for a kiss. "You are beautiful and fierce, my Mate. And I love you. And I love that you believe in me. Of course I hope to win, but I do not underestimate Lerrin''s strength¡ªboth in heart and in body. He has a speed I do not possess, and his mind is extremely sharp. He proved that in building the n Suhle revealed to us. No¡­ I do not underestimate my foe. Of course I hope to beat him, and easily. But I do not expect that."

    Elia''s brows pinched in again and Reth shushed her, stroking her hair. "I wish you could be there to see. The traditions are clear on this, Elia. And the people will follow. This is truly the best way this could have ended. I am only sad because¡­ because the risk is real and I yearn for you and¡­ I do not know how this will end. Not with certainty."

    "Here we are again!" she spat through new tears. "Always walking into the unknown, always fighting just to be free. Reth, when will it end? When will the Creator decide that we can just love each other?"

    "I don''t know," he said honestly, shrugging. "All I know is that He has control I do not have. I can fight against him, knowing I will lose. Or I can be at his mercy and¡­ submit. I can offer myself and find peace there, regardless of the oue."

    Elia dropped her face into her hands. "This just all seems so backwards!"

    "His ways are not our ways, Elia. But his ways are good. He has never taken me down a path that did not end in victory. I trust that he will bring me to that end with this as well."

    She snorted, more in fear than anger. "And if He doesn''t?"

    Reth sighed andbed her hair back from her face. "If He doesn''t, then there is something good toe out of that. I don''t know what it is, Elia. I would not pretend to understand. I would not choose to leave you and Elreth if there was any option open to me. Know that. Be certain of that. But hear me: If I am ended tomorrow, keep watch. Because the Creator has some good toe out of it."

    "Good? How could there be good? What good could evere of death?!"

    He held her gaze and didn''t waver. "Without death, you and I would never have been able to mate."

    "What?!"

    "I haven''t told you this because I didn''t want to hurt you, but my father would not have approved if he''d known I went back for you. That was why I went in secret after speaking with my mother. She saw the beauty of my heart for you. But my father, even when I first returned as a twelve-year-old, warned me against mating a human for the weakness it would bring to the line."

    "What?!"

    Reth nodded. "His death paved the way for us to be together. The death in the Rite of Survival¡ªso much death, and the brutal kind of death that I abhor¡­ but without it, you could not have been chosen for me. Without the death of Lucine, you could not be safely in the human world. Death is a part of life my love, ites to all of us. We do not want it when we are young, and yet¡­ sometimes it is a necessary tool."

    Elia shook her head. "I can''t¡­ I can''t see it that way."

    Reth shrugged. "Just know that if I say I ept the future, whatever it will be, it does not mean I wish to leave you¡­" he trailed off, then looked down, sliding his hand down toy it on the side of her belly. "Or you, little one," he whispered.

    Elia whimpered and pulled him into a hug thatsted a very long time. When they finally pulled apart, she was trying to bring her emotions under control. And he admired her for it.

    She wasn''t happy about it, not at all. But she turned her face to his and kissed him, murmured her love, and her prayers for his safety. And he returned the favor, holding her close and pleading with the Creator to bring them both back together soon. Safely. Whole. And without fear.

    He felt himself tugged back before she did. Then he faded for a moment, her hands beginning to shift as his bulk wavered, then returned under her palms.

    "Reth! What¡ª?"

    "It''s time, Love. Be brave!" He kissed her again, felt his entire body shudder and twitch, something pulling at him as if from the center of his chest and out, through his back.

    "NO! Reth, please!" she grasped for him, panicking. But he buried his hands in her hair and took her face while he still could,ying his mouth on hers and breathing his love against her lips.

    "I love you, Elia. Forever. No matter whates, I love you. Remember."

    "I love you, Reth!"

    "Forever, Elia."

    "Forever!"

    And then she was gone.

    *****

    MY MONTHLY LIVE VOICE CHAT IS THIS SUNDAY, 12 September at 1pm (Los Angeles time). To be a part of it, download the discord app, then hit the plus sign at the bottom of the menu, then enter these letters: NksgE7krmD. Or listen to a rey on my YouTube channel (@aimeelynn_Author) next week! See you there!

 Chapter 437: Wake Up

    <h4>Chapter 437: Wake Up</h4>

    READER SHOUT OUT: There''s another greeting in the next chapter, but here I want to shout out EVERY reader who has given Golden Tickets and helped Reth climb to the top 5-7 of the new Golden Rankings. I am sopletely grateful, you seriously have no idea! I have personally asked WebNovel to adjust the reader listings so we can see every reader who gives GT, not just the top. But for now, I''d like to thank PbMamaRae and Purelb73 for your incredible contributions. You''ve made me feel very loved!

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia woke in the earliest dawn light. The cavernous room was dark, and to her human eyes it would have seemed the deepest night. But her new senses could pick out the rising light seeping out from behind the edges of the curtains.

    She sat up for a moment, holding her breath. She could smell Reth on her skin, and for a split second, her heart leapt, believing he was there.

    Then she realized where she was... where she had been... and she remembered what Reth had said.

    "¡­I would not choose to leave you and Elreth if there was any option open to me. Know that. Be certain of that. But hear me: If I am ended tomorrow, keep watch. Because the Creator has some good toe out of it¡­"

    It hit her like a sucker punch, stealing her breath. Her heart began to race, thrumming in her ears, and her skin throbbed with her pulse.

    If I am ended tomorrow¡­

    If I am ended¡­ today.

    Nausea surged, and she covered her mouth, breathing deeply, pleading with her body not to rebel. But all she could see was his beautiful face, the feel of his warm, steel strength under her hands.

    And his utter eptance of whatever his fate might be.

    "No," she breathed. "I did as they asked. I never spoke of it. I didn''t tell. You can''t take him. You can''t!"

    But the terror wouldn''t leave her, and suddenly her mind filled with images¡ªReth taking a spear to the heart and falling to the ground, still.

    Reth''s neck being snapped and his massive body slumping to the dirt.

    Reth, snarling as Lerrin in wolf-form tore out his throat and he was born to the ground, his blood spilling¡ª

    Elia threw herself off the bed and towards the bathroom, making it only just in time as her body repelled the idea of her vital, beautiful mate reduced to ashy, cold skin and bones.

    No. No, no, no, no, NO.

    But the images wouldn''t leave her, and the fear only gripped her heart like a fist, the fingers of it digging in as her heart pounded faster, harder.

    No!

    She couldn''t breathe. She was going to suffocate¡ªshe was going to die!

    She couldn''t live in a world where Reth had been taken from her, she couldn''t!

    She felt her back ripple, felt the beast roar, wing at her insides to be released, to fight the threat. And at first she fought back, stumbling back into the bedroom, fisting the quilt of the bed in both hands and focusing on who she was, and this body, this form. Desperately trying to keep herself in this world.

    Then a voice, a whispering, needling voice that rang with the familiar, nudged at her.

    Why bother fighting anymore? If her mate was going to die, she couldn''t bear that. She couldn''t be expected to bear that! She needed relief.

    And if he dide through safely, he could save her.

    Why fight anymore? Why not give the beast its time?

    She was just so tired¡­

    She shuddered and felt the pulling sensation that always urred right before she shifted. She shook her head, a feeble argument against the voice, still poking at her, showing her the relief of being separated from her emotions, of no longer needing to fight...

    Then a tiny noise, only audible because of her heightened senses.

    A soft sigh, two rooms away.

    And a muffled groan.

    Elia closed her eyes against the sob that wanted toe.

    Kalle and Gahrye were awake, and¡­ in love.

    As the sounds of their lovemaking began to break through more often, slightly louder, Elia shuddered again and let go of the quilt she''d been using to anchor herself to this ce. She straightened and walked very carefully to the small table in the corner to pick up the paper and pen, with her trembling hands. As she wrote the note, her tears fell to ssh on it.

    "I''m sorry, Reth," she whispered. "It''s just too much. I can''t do this anymore. I''m just too tired."

    She put the pen down with trembling fingers, read the note, nodded to herself¡­ and then she gave up to the Beast.

    *****

    RETH

    You have to wake. It is time. Let us bless you.

    Reth blinked and rolled over under the furs, his heart singing at the memories that came rushing back.

    He''d held his mate! Spoken with her! Made love and kissed her!

    He could still smell her on the furs. Was she here?!

    He sat bolt-upright, blinking in shock as three females jerked away from where they''d been leaning over him. But none of them were Elia.

    Reth blinked again and blew out a breath, trying to find his bearings.

    Aymora. Aymora was here, staring at him with motherly concern. Behind her, Huncer and one of the females he didn''t know as well¡ªhe thought her name was Porsha¡ªstood, both watching him warily.

    "What¡ª?"

    But Aymora leaned in again and sniffed delicately, then her eyes snapped to meet his. A moment of understanding passed between them before she whispered, "How is my daughter?"

    Reth huffed. "She struggles. The cub grows quickly. Too quickly."

    Aymora frowned.

    "But¡­ Aymora, why are you here?" he asked gently.

    His dear friend''s face softened. "The blessing, Reth. It''s time. The day is here. You are to be challenged, and wee on behalf of the females of the pride to bless you."

    Reth was humbled. The blessing was a prayer for those who walked into mortal danger on behalf of the Anima, and signified the good will of the people, asking the Creator to make the path straight, and keep the Anima strong through the person who was blessed.

    It was a gift, anding from Aymora personally, a true honor.

    Reth looked at each of them and sighed. "Thank you," he said quietly.

    They all nodded. Then he got out of the furs and stood beside the sleeping tform as the women began to sing, and anoint his head with oil.

    Their mournful keening in the ancient tongue made his skin prickle, as did the tingling path of the oil down his scalp until it dripped to his shoulders.

    But he did not move. These females bestowed on him a true blessing¡ªa prayer of power and protection. Aymora stood there in ce of his Mate who would have¡ªshould have¡ªdelivered it. And with tears in her eyes that matched Reth''s, she called for the Creator to walk with Reth and keep him safe.

    And the whole time, inside, he called for the Creator to do the same for Elia.

    ****

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 Chapter 438: The Blessings

    <h4>Chapter 438: The Blessings</h4>

    MY BLESSINGS TO YOU! This chapter is dedicated to reader, Jayah_Bookworm. Jayah, I am blown away! I don''t even know what to say. Your incredibly generous gifts AND all those Golden Tickets... "Thank you" isn''t enough. I''m stunned. I''m going to write your name on my mirror and ask God to bless you every morning this month. Seriously, thank you. That''s going above and beyond. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I wish I could offer something more!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth hadn''t thought about what this day would be like and the steps it would take.

    The night before, once they''d made preparations to keep the people safe in the event of a deception from the wolves, he hadn''t thought much beyond the challenge itself. And there was no preparation there beyond discussion of likely strategies. Lerrin was a formidable fighter. But so was Reth.

    If it had not been his own life on the line, Reth would have been fascinated to see the oue.

    But as the wise women ended their keening and urged him to dress to meet the day, there was a sick, hollow pit in his stomach.

    He had to win this. He had to. He couldn''t leave his mate¡ªhis child. He couldn''t leave the people in the hands of the wolves. No matter if Lerrin had had a change of heart. There was darkness in that tribe. A darkness he refused to deliver the rest of his people into.

    So he dressed with purpose, reminding himself of the battles he''d won already. The strength of his beast, and of his resolve. He was King. He was n Leader. He was Alpha of all¡ªincluding Lerrin and his wolves¡ªand he would prevail. There was no other choice.

    "Creator, go with me," he murmured under his breath as he followed the females out of the bedchamber to get some breakfast. But to his surprise, when he reached the Great Room the cave wasn''t empty.

    Reth swallowed a sudden surge of emotion to find his dining table spread with a veritable feast of fruit, dried meats, breads, spreads, and grains. And around it, the Brotherhood milled, each of them tense and somber, along with Brant and Tobe.

    Reth took a deep breath. "Wee, brothers," he said, including Brant and Tobe.

    The nine males all nodded and murmured greetings to him. But it was Behryn who spoke. "Eat, Reth. Gather your strength. We''re here to see you safe."

    There was something in his best friend''s face that Reth didn''t like¡ªa level of grief or fear that shouldn''t have been present. Not yet. When Reth ran headlong into danger, heedless of his own safety, it was Behryn to called him back, who worked to bnce him.

    But where the challenge was measured, expected, and met head-on, Behryn''s confidence in Reth usually exceeded his own. Which was saying something.

    Reth wasn''t ustomed to the questions in his own mind that morning. And even lessfortable seeing them in his best friend.

    But he pulled out a chair and bid the males all join him. He put aside his fear and questions, and instead, let himself stay in the moment with these males who''d stood at his side for so much of his life. Who''d vowed to protect himself and his kin. And who did not shy away from this day that might end him.

    For half an hour they ate, and teased, and cut each other down. And Reth smiled.

    But then they were finished, and the time hade. Reth had to travel. The males had roles, responsibilities to fulfill in this. And all of them faced the potential of an entirely new future to begin that afternoon.

    There was a pregnant pause where each of them stared at the empty te in front of him and realized that the time for goodbyes hade. Then Brant cleared his throat and stood and everyone looked at him.

    "Reth, you go with our blessing, and the blessing of the people. Our belief is in you and your strength. I trust the Creator will show your heart true and bring you back to us. But in the event we have been deceived, or there is a n we have not anticipated, we gather this morning to be certain you understand that you are loved, you are appreciated, and you go with our hearts riding with you."

    Struck speechless, Reth just nodded as Brant urged him to stand, then walked around the table to kneel before him, fist to his chest in salute.

    "Brant, that isn''t¡ª"

    "I submit to you as King, Reth," the older male said, his voice ringing with the depth and strength of a boulder bouncing down the mountain. "I ask the Creator''s blessing on you. And acknowledge your power and strength above all others. You are King of the Anima. Carry my strength with you."

    Then Brant got to his feet, sped Reth''s arm and smiled. "The Council watch your back today. Do not fear for your safe travel. I''ll see you at the Grounds."

    Reth nodded, squeezing his friend and confidante and bidding him goodbye.

    As Brant turned away and started for the door, Reth''s jaw dropped because the others all stood and, one by one, each came to kneel before him and gave the same vow¡ªin essence, willing the Creator to send their strength with him, rather than hold it with themselves. It was a gesture, but one of great dignity and impact. The males essentially offered themselves as tools for Reth''s use.

    Then they bid him farewell and left.

    By the time Behryn stood before him, thest of the males, Reth was swallowing tears.

    "If you turn into a pussy now I will have to withhold my blessing," Behryn said, his voice oddly shaky, despite the teasing grin.

    Reth shook his head. "Brother, I¡ª"

    "Don''t do it, Reth. I see the fear in you and you cannot give space to it. You know you have the strength and the character for victory today. You know you have the will¡ªyou will take the wolf, and you will return the Anima to the City. You will bring peace. And you will return your mate to her throne, and your cub to safety. You know this."

    Reth took a deep breath, nodding, though he felt no such certainty.

    What had happened to him in these weeks and months? He had never in his life found such a wavering sense of self-belief.

    Of course, he''d also never had more to lose.

    He stared at Behryn, his mind turning over every step they''d taken together, from their adolescent days, to the early days of Reth''s rule, to Behryn''s rise to Captain, to the recent years¡­

    Behryn nodded at him. "I will not be on the battlefield with you, Reth, but my heart will be with you. And my strength. I pray the Creator give everything I have to your safety, to your strength, to your will."

    Reth''s breath caught. But Behryn wasn''t done.

    "And I pray brother¡­ I beg you¡­e home. Come home safe. Return victorious. Come home with your people¡ªand then we will bring your mate."

    Reth grunted and, shaking, offered his arm. But Behryn pulled him into a full embrace.

    Reth was startled, but returned the hug, both of them squeezing and pping each other''s backs.

    "You''ve got this, Reth," Behryn muttered as they pulled apart, both of their eyes shining. "Don''t doubt it. You were made for this."

    "I really, really hope so," Reth croaked. "Because if I wasn''t, you''ll have to pick up the mantle. And you have an entirely different kind of mane. Not to mention, what are you going to do when you kill that motherfucker for me? Neigh? It just doesn''t have the same ring to it, I''m afraid."

    They bothughed until there were tears in their eyes. And they both cleared their throats and wiped their eyes more than once before turning for the door and walking into this day that would change everything.

 Chapter 439: Walking on Hallowed Ground

    <h4>Chapter 439: Walking on Hallowed Ground</h4>

    This chapter is dedicated to DespinaNY: I have been blown off my feet by your generosity. Truly. I was stunned when another author saw the notifications of both Magic Castlesst night and informed me of your INCREDIBLE gifts. I literally don''t know what to say, except that you were yet another topic for discussion and thankful prayer in my homest night. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

    And to everyone else who is reading this... Thank you. Your gifts, your votes, yourments... they are all contributing to making my dreamse true and I cannot put into words what that means to me.? I am genuinely thankful for you, personally, no matter where you are, or what you''re doing. If you''re reading this, you are a gift to me. Thank you!

    *****

    RETH

    The Hallowed Grounds were an ancient site, used by the Anima for millennia. The sides of the great bowl reared out of the forest floor, rising half the height of the mountains, yet within it, the earth hollowed. As if the Creator Himself had torn the top off the mountain and scooped out its guts, leaving only the dead carcass behind.

    Despite the virulentnd around it, the dirt within the Hallowed Grounds was virtually barren. While trees and bushes sprouted from between cracks in its walls and reached for the sky, only sparse grasses grew from the rocky soil itself.

    t at the center, the grounds rose towards the sides of the great bowl, creating a natural amphitheater with sides one hundred feet high.

    When Reth reached the ins and saw the yawning sides of the Hallowed Grounds ahead, rocks and crevasses marking its sides like teeth in the mouth of a great giant open to the sky, he couldn''t help but pause to take it in.

    He had entered the Hallowed Grounds only twice before in his life, once as part of his education when his father brought him as a child to exin the traditions of the ce, and once when he was fifteen and his father met a challenger from the Equine tribe.

    That challenge had been quickly set down. But Reth remembered the feel of this ce, the haunting power of it. He did not know what had happened here, only that he felt closer to the Creator when he stepped within its walls.

    Now, bracketed by Brant and Tobe¡ªBehryn having been appointed to stay in the Tree City and carry the Guard through the protection of the elderly and the young, those who were sick or injured, and the few merchants and healers who were deemed crucial to the WildWood''s survival¡ªthe view of this incredible ce took Reth''s breath away again.

    They were still almost a mile from the opening in the wall where the stomach of the Hallowed Grounds spewed out between the walls in a barren scar that slowly blended into the ins, to be swallowed by grass and brush, and eventually the trees of the forest.

    Reth tensed. From this distance he could see the lines of Anima making their way to the great bowl¡ªoneing from the north, wolves and serpents, along with some birds, the other ahead of Reth, approaching from the southwest¡ªboth lines entering the bowl with the greatest space between them possible.

    Guards had been posted both at the opening, and within the bowl itself, to ensure that there were no fights among the people. Their orders were to stop any bloodshed¡ªand if they were to begin bloodshed themselves, Reth had vowed he would personally kill the Guard that broke the terms of peace of the Hallowed Grounds.

    This ce was sacred to the Anima, and the only blood spilled upon it must be only by the yers in a Rite who came knowingly and agreed to the terms.

    The legend was that the Hallowed Grounds had once been lush. A haven. But there had been a challenge to the throne a thousand years earlier and, unwilling to ept their new King, the people fought each other on the grounds. Their blood had soaked into its rocky soil and the Creator had cursed the ground.

    The death of this ce was a warning to all who attended today. The Hallowed Ground was a ce of peace.

    To recognize this, the Anima from within the Tree City who had already reached the bowl were singing, Reth realized as they slowly approached. Their voices raised to the sky in wee their Alpha, and to call the Creator''s blessing on him. Reth''s shoulders went back and his chest swelled the closer he became to the Hallowed Grounds, its walls vibrating with the voices of his people.

    As the current Alpha, Reth was required to be thest to enter the grounds, so he had left the Tree Cityst, Brant at his side, and maintained a snail''s pace in case any of his people had been dyed.

    As the grass under their feet gave way to the barren gravel of the grounds, Reth turned to make sure there was no one behind them. Then, with the way clear, he trudged up the rolling gravel until he reached the top of the rise and the bowl opened below him in a breathtaking expanse.

    With the sun directly overhead there were no shadows within the bowl. Each of the armies and tribes following him and Lerrin had taken their sides, spreading out and sitting on the risen sides of the bowl so they could see the center where Lerrin and his second already stood, awaiting Reth''s arrival.

    Brant grunted when he saw them. "He hasn''t brought Asta," hemented quietly.

    Reth, distracted from his scan of the grounds, took a closer look and realized the older man was right.

    Very interesting, but not entirely unexpected. There was every chance Lerrin had left Asta behind in case this all went wrong, just as he''d left Behryn. Hemented as much to Brant, who shrugged.

    They both stared down at the view before them and shook their heads. "How quick our people are to celebrate death," Reth muttered.

    Brant grunted again. "The fact that you do not celebrate it with them is a big part of why you make a great ruler, Reth," he said, his voice gravel in the water. "Are you ready for this?"

    Reth turned to look at the older male, his eyes crinkled and cheeks lined, though he remained strong and capable. Then he shook his head. "I doubt I am ever ready to kill¡­ or be killed."

    Brant nodded. "The day you are is the day I will cease to support your rule."

    "Good to know."

    Brant chuckled and pped Reth on the back. "Your people await. The future awaits. We have blessed you, and prayed. We have prepared, and ced guards. Now there is nothing left but to walk in and see what the Creator has nned for us. All of us."

    Reth nodded, then motioned for Brant to go first to ensure that he was thest to enter the grounds. The older man patted his back one more time, then began the walk down into the center, as the people continued to sing.

    Cheers rose when Reth stepped into the grounds¡ªand some growls from Lerrin''s side. But they were quieted quickly by Lerrin and his second, standing in the center.

    It took almost a minute for him to walk to the center, but finally he made it and took his ce next to Brant. He kept his back to Lerrin for a moment, acknowledging his people. Then finally, with a silent prayer to steel his spine he turned and met the ice-blue eyes of the wolf Alpha.

    "Wee to the Hallowed Grounds, Lerrin," he growled. "Isn''t it a beautiful day to die."

    *****

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 Chapter 440: Tell Me Truly - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 440: Tell Me Truly - Part 1</h4>

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    *****

    KALLE

    As she watched her mate tense and fight not to leap across the massive desk in front of him and take Shaw by the throat, Kalle wished she could be open with Shaw about their rtionship so she could touch Gahrye. He was wound so tightly he shook with it, and she could hardly me him.

    She''d still been in bed that morning when Gahrye had gotten up to find Elia in beast form¡ªagain¡ªand a note scrawled on the table.

    I SAW RETH IN THE DREAM.

    HE AND LERRIN ARE FIGHTING FOR DOMINANCE TODAY.

    HE DOESN''T KNOW IF HE''LL WIN.

    I CAN''T TAKE THIS ANYMORE. I''M SORRY.

    Gahrye had rushed the note in to her. "Does it mean she''s going silent?" he''d asked, panicked.

    "No, no, Elia would never do that, would she?" she''d tried to reassure him. "I''m guessing she just means she wants to spend the day alone. She''s been struggling already. This has to be so terrifying. If it was you, Gahrye, I''d be¡­ I''d be¡­" Her breath had caught with emotion and she''d stroked his chest, and despite all his tension, he''d pushed her back into the covers and made love to her again¡ªthey''d already woken in the night and ended up in each other''s arms.

    She''d thought the fierceness of their desire for each other would fade as the novelty of being together became afortable fact. But between Gahrye''s fear they could be separated any day if he was called back to Anima, and her own delight and fascination in her mate, they could barely keep their hands off each other.

    She''d be one of the women she''d always been jealous of, before. Someone who knew who their person was, and was unapologetic about it.

    She would have been sickened if she could see herself, gazing on Gahrye like the sun shone out of his ass. But the truth was, he was so damn close to perfect, she was still struggling to believe he was real.

    Kalle blinked herself back to the present, where her near-perfect mate had been rying what he was willing to share about his trip through the traverse¡ªthe ce sounded creepy as hell¡ªbut was now leaning forward in his seat, snarling at Shaw, his teeth bared like he was a predator.

    "¡­haven''t been through it, Shaw, you can''t possibly understand, so don''t patronize me."

    "I didn''t mean I shared the experience, of course not, of course not. I meant that I have a great deal of experience speaking with and learning from those who have. So I understand¡ªin concept¡ªwhat you faced. I only wish to know whether, given your disformed status, there was something unique about your experience. That is all, I assure you!"

    Shaw was almost salivating about finally getting Gahrye here to answer questions. He was the first disformed that Shaw had interviewed¡ªthat he knew of, anyway. He''d been very disappointed to hear that Elia was in beast form, but had quickly recovered and sat Gahrye down.

    The two had been at each other''s throats ever since.

    Well, Gahrye wanted to be at Shaw''s throat. Her uncle was just being his usual insensitive self. He was a man who found information far more interesting than people, and often forgot entire that in order to gather what he needed, he had to work with people who prioritized things like social etiquette and¡­ empathy.

    "Let me try this question again," Shaw said, only a touch of impatience in his tone. "I will do my best to be thoughtful of my words. Please describe to me whether the voices used temptation, or threat against you. And what form it took?"

    Gahrye frowned and slumped back in his seat. "Both," he said finally.

    Kalle tilted her head. As far as she knew, those who walked the traverse dealt with one approach or the other. The voices seemed to know whether to appeal to ego, or fear. She and Shaw had discussed in the past, trying to identify whether there was a pattern based on Tribe, gender, or some other constant. But so far they''d never found one.

    "Please, exin," Shaw said, leaning forward over his notes. "Did they use both simultaneously? Did it change?"

    Gahrye kept pausing before answering, obviously deciding what details he was going to share. Again Kalle wished she could reach for his hand, offerfort. But she was supposed to be there as an observer and extra mind to apply to the interpretation afterwards.

    She was going to have to be careful not to bring in any of the little things she''d already gleaned from the hidden histories. They hadn''t found anything significant yet, but she knew¡ªshe knew!¡ªthe key to what they needed was in there. Both for Elia, and for Gahrye. And maybe even for herself.

    "They started out trying to tempt me, to offer me things to follow them."

    "Things like what?"

    Gahrye scowled. "Nothing of great importance. Status, recognition. Wealth. I kept walking. I wasn''t tempted by those things."

    Shaw scribbled notes furiously. "Curious that they took an approach that did not immediately appeal. They are¡­ very gifted at finding the heart of what an Anima¡ªor a human¡ªwants."

    "I''m not saying those things don''t appeal to me at all. Only that they weren''t important enough to tempt me from my goal."

    Shaw nodded and wrote more. "Then what happened?"

    "Then I was walking, but it was hard. Like they were pulling me back. I tripped at one point and¡ª" Gahrye broke off and his face went thoughtful. Kalle watched, her heart in her throat, what was he remembering? But then he blinked and shook his head. "I don''t remember what the catalyst was," he said, and she knew he was lying, "but they seemed to get more desperate. I was walking faster and faster, and they started to threaten me. Threaten to kill me. Threaten to take the Queen."

    "How did you respond?"

    "I just kept running andunched myself out of the portal as quickly as I could."

    It was so simple, and not entirely unlike other stories she''d heard, though it was different that the voices changed attack. She looked at Shaw. Gahrye was clearly hiding something¡ªbut was it only clear to her, his mate? Or would Shaw pick up on it?

    Her Uncle made another note, then put his pen down and folded his hands in front of him. When he looked at Gahrye, it was with the light of fervor in his eyes that always creeped Kalle out a little bit.

    *****

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 Chapter 441: Tell Me Truly - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 441: Tell Me Truly - Part 2</h4>

    GAHRYE

    The urge was there to lick his lips, but Gahrye forced himself to stillness. This little turtle of a man was no match for him physically, but there was great intelligence, and a wealth of balls behind his soft fa?ade. Gahrye did not underestimate the male''s ability to corner him in an argument. So he was very careful with his words.

    Shaw had put his pen down and was staring at Gahrye, his eyes alight with whatever it was about him that always put Gahrye on edge. There was something wrong with this male.

    "So, let me make sure I understand," Shaw asked quietly. "You entered the portal and nothing spoke to you until you began to walk?"

    "Yes."

    "And when they first spoke, it was to tempt you with riches and favor among people."

    "Yes, but the people of Anima, not here."

    Shaw''s brows popped up and he made another quick notes. "Very well, then you say you tripped, then began to run, and they changed their approach? Was this because you were close to getting out?"

    "I don''t know, honestly. It seems like I had to be more than halfway through, but maybe not. I was moving a lot slower at the beginning. So perhaps it only felt like halfway because of the time. I don''t know. To be honest, it felt like time stands still in that ce. I didn''t¡­ I didn''t feel time passing."

    Shaw stared at him, the strangest look on his face. Then he made a hurried note. "That is¡­ very interesting," he said carefully. Then, after onest note, he looked up again, his eyes glinting with something raw. "That is the part that confuses me, Gahrye. I have heard dozens of these stories over the years¡ªboth those I interviewed, and the records from earlier Anima. And in every ount, the slowing of your movement is connected to them having some kind of hold on you. Yet you say you were not tempted by what they offered to you?"

    Adrenalin spiked through him, but he reminded himself that Shaw couldn''t hear his heartbeat, or scent the change in him. So he kept his face nk, and nodded. "Truly, no. It appealed in the broader sense. But I was never drawn to their offers more than the task at hand."

    How he wished he could touch Kalle, just to feel her there with him. But they couldn''t let Shaw know.

    Shaw pursed his lips. "And then you tripped¡ªover what, do you know?"

    "A rock in the path."

    Shaw frowned. "A¡­ rock?"

    "Yes. On the path."

    "And then you began to run, and they began to threaten you."

    "Yes."

    "With what?"

    "I''m sorry?" Gahrye asked, scrambling to remember what he''d said a minute before.

    "What did they threaten in your life? You, or someone else?"

    "Both," he said, mentally shying away from the images the voices had given him of Kalle, their threats that she would never be his without them. The niggling fear he''d had ever since that there was perhaps some kind of connection with the voices that he didn''t remember.

    Were they just utterly wrong? Or did they still have a means to remove her from him?

    He nced at her and found her staring at him, worried. He prayed Shaw wouldn''t notice and forced himself to turn back to the male, hold his challenging gaze. "Look, Shaw, I don''t remember all the details. I was running. I was afraid, and I was trying to stay focused on my task. But I know they threatened to kill me. I know they threatened Elia. And I know when I got out, I was so relieved¡­ I never wanted to go back in there again."

    Shaw examined him through his sses as if he were a worm under the eye of a bird.

    "It is odd, also, that they would threaten the Queen when she is not your mate. Not actually connected to you as family. The voices always y to the deepest rtionships¡ª"

    "Gahrye is Elia''s Cohort," Kalle interrupted. "And as a disformed, no one else has ever given him the recognition or power that she provided to him. I''ve watched them together. They''re very close. Plus, he vowed to her mate that he would protect her. Perhaps the voices mistook his dedication to her as something¡­ more intimate?"

    Shaw snorted. "Impossible. They do not make mistakes like that."

    Gahrye frowned. "I love Elia," he said, confused. "She is my best friend, my Queen, the most¡­ central figure in my life. She brought me to a ce of status when others shunned me. Before I came here, there was no one I cared about more."

    "Before?" Shaw said, his head tilting. "You have developed feelings for someone here?"

    Gahrye frowned and shook the statement off, but his heart was pounding. "Elia and I have only grown closer by sharing this experience. But that is not what I meant. I meant that she is my family, in practice. My own family care for me but they are¡­ baffled by my inability to shift. They allow me to live my life and do not burden me with¡­ responsibilities to them."

    Kalle shifted in her seat and something new entered her scent¡ªsomething angry and protective. She was hurt on his behalf¡ªand wished to confront those that had hurt him.

    Gahrye made a mental note to kiss her for thatter. But forced himself to keep his attention on Shaw. The man''s scent was confusing¡ªpart frustration, part satisfaction, and something else¡­ something Gahrye couldn''t identify. As if something twisted him up inside. And yet, it was something he did not fear or wish away.

    It was a very strangebination, one Gahrye had never smelled before.

    "Very well," Shaw said after a moment. "I ept that you were under extreme stress at the time of this event and that it has been some time since it urred. But I would like to go back to the records and look into a few things, then perhaps meet again. Would you agree to do that¡ªin a timely manner?"

    Gahrye snorted. "I will do what I can, outside of my duties to the Queen," he said carefully.

    Shaw''s face ttened. "I have to tell you, Gahrye, I find it intriguing that you have had such a¡­ resistance to meeting with me. I am usually the Anima''s greatest asset on this side of the traverse. I have been willing to allow Kalle to assist you since your duties are far more suited to her work. But, may I ask why you wish to avoid speaking with me?"

    Gahrye huffed. There were the man''s balls.

    The question was, did Gahrye tell him the truth?

    He looked at Kalle briefly, then turned back to Shaw, smiling at the irony of his own words. "I apologize if I have seemed standoffish, Shaw. But frankly, you smell wrong."

 Chapter 442: Tell Me Truly - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 442: Tell Me Truly - Part 3</h4>

    HELP! Please jump into the feature page on the app, hit that bright orange "When there''s nothing to read" title and scroll down. Directly below the title is a survey asking readers whether they want "Love Triangle" or "Human and Beast". Now, obviously our crew in Anima will qualify for the "Human and Beast" category! Help an author out and vote? The votes are currently neck-and-neck!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    True to the male''s nature, Shaw hadn''t found the answer offensive. Instead he''dughed¡ªseemed quite tickled about the idea.

    "Smell wrong?" he giggled. "In what way?"

    "I cannot identify it, that is why it puts me off."

    Shaw seemed almost pleased, which only made Gahrye more confused by him.

    "Well, perhaps I can put your mind at ease: The Guardian bloodline has a unique element. We don''t know what it does, only that when we are tested in human hospitals, we have a very rare blood type, and often other strange or rare gic¡­ anomalies."

    "Anomalies?"

    "Things about us that don''t fit the norm. Perhaps that''s what you''re smelling?"

    "Perhaps," Gahrye pretended to agree. "But please don''t take it personally. As a reader of the winds I find it difficult to shut my instincts down. And mine¡­ wish to avoid you."

    "Because I''m weird, right?"

    Gahrye frowned. Did humans normally take that as apliment? "I suppose so," he said carefully.

    Shaw pped his hands and hacked augh again. "Well, one of these days we''ll have to have a drink and you can tell me what I stink of that offends you so."

    "I would have to identify it first," Gahrye said honestly.

    Shaw pped a hand. "Perhaps I can help you? I know quite a lot of strange things. Sometimes even I''m surprised by what I remember when the right question is posed."

    Gahrye stared at the man, but this was what Kalle had encouraged him to delve into with Shaw. He did, indeed, know and remember things she and her grandmother didn''t. So Gahrye took his fear in check and went right to the heart of his questions.

    "What do you know about the Protectors of old? Were they humans? Is that where the Guardian linees from?"

    Shaw''s face brightened and he opened his mouth, but then froze. For half a breath he didn''t move, his expression didn''t change, then he blinked and tilted his head, chuckling. "My, my. You have gone deep, haven''t you? We don''t have reports of Protectors for many, many centuries. Millennia, really."

    "I know. But I''m curious who they are. How they did what they did," Gahrye said, forcing his voice to be casual. "If there''s a way that we can take the traverse more safely, it might help me get Elia across and back to Anima when the timees."

    Shaw shook his head. "I am sorry to say, Protectors are just a legend, Gahrye," he said, looking back down at his notes and shuffling through them. "There is no evidence they actually existed. Some of our ancestors believe they were likely made up."

    Gahrye worked hard to not to show his skepticism. What had happened to the strange male¡ªas if he''d started to speak, then remembered something and changed his mind? "What is¡­ your theory?" he asked Shaw carefully.

    Shaw''s face lit up. "I will be honest, I think they''re some kind of allegory for the Creator¡ªI assume you''re a believer in the Creator?"

    "I am," Gahrye said, though it made him squirm. He had had a lot to argue about with the Creatortely.

    "Well, to me, the fact that we know no one can sessfully enter the traverse in a group or pair means that the Protectors couldn''t possibly be actual Anima. I believe they are a symbol, or a metaphor, written into the stories by some of the old historians. Perhaps not just the Protectors, either. There are others¡­ but my niece is giving me the look that means I''m about to go on a rabbit trail. So I will say this to you, Gahrye¡ªdon''t take the histories too literally. I believe there''s evidence to support this theory through the histories, and not just about the Protectors."

    It sounded usible. There was no doubt that many Anima histories had been altered by the verbal nature of records for so many centuries. As well as the Anima penchant for drama. Gahrye wouldn''t have struggled to believe the Protectors were an allegory¡ªexcept that they were written into histories that included lineage, and records of rulers, many confirmed and corrted facts.

    And he''d read a story about one of them that included his physical birth¡ªunique because he was raised in the royal family, as one of their own, adopted. A very rare urrence indeed. And the Protectors were always given names, often stories were told of them over decades and¡­ why would they change if they were all the same?

    If every Anima royal had been served by a supernatural Protector in the Creator, wouldn''t they all have been depicted as the same being? Not different ages, histories, appearances, and tribes?

    Shaw continued to babble about the use ofnguage and metaphor in the Anima histories, and Gahrye pretended to listen. But in truth, the longer he thought of it, the more certain he was that Shaw didn''t want him to discover who the Protectors were, or how they''d done what they''d done. Shaw wanted to throw him off the trail, rather than help him.

    Why?

    Gahrye wanted to growl. He''d definitely been spending too much time with predators.

    Twenty minutester, he and Kalle left Shaw''s office, and Gahrye heaved a sigh of relief. Although the question had been left open about him interviewing again. In truth, he didn''t intend to ever give that man another speck of information if it could be avoided.

    He waited until they were upstairs and almost back into the suite before turning to Kalle.

    "Did you see it?" he asked. He''d learned that his heightened senses often meant that things in bodynguage of others were more apparent to him than to Kalle.

    "The weird way he acted when you asked him about the Protectors?" she muttered.

    "Yes, exactly. As if he would answer, then stopped himself."

    "Yes, I did catch that, and I don''t mind telling you it gave me the heebies. It was like he hisputer got stuck processing an equation for a second¡ªdid you see the way he froze?"

    She was right. It hadn''t been the way of a human or Anima who has remembered something and hesitates. He really did seem to stop being aware of himself for a moment.

    "Have you seen him do that before?" he asked Kalle.

    She shook her head.

    Gahrye sighed. The only thing to havee out of this was his resolved intention to discover what was behind the Protectors. How they''d done what they did. Obviously, if Shaw was holding it back from him, he was on the right track.

    *****

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 Chapter 443: Silence

    <h4>Chapter 443: Silence</h4>

    KALLE

    When they got back to the suite, Gahrye raced in to check Elia, but was chased back out almost immediately by a deep growl. He appeared, his face sad and haggard, but he didn''t say anything. Just closed the door quickly and quietly, then slumped. Kalle hurried over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and stroking his back,ying her head against his chest.

    "Hey, hey, she''ll be okay. She''s just struggling. It''s not going to be a big deal if she takes a couple days out. Maybe by that time Reth''s here to get her¡ªI bet that will bring her out the beast faster than anything."

    Gahrye rubbed her upper arms, but didn''t meet her gaze. He was frowning at the door as he if could see what was on the other side of it. "I don''t know. Something feels different, Kalle," he said quietly, his voice deep and hushed. "It''s like¡­ It''s like she''s not fighting anymore. She''s been the beast so muchtely¡ªand before that she kept talking about how hard it was to fight it. Usually when she looks at me in the beast I can see that sh of recognition, you know? But now she''s just¡­ she''s just acting like a lion. I''m terrified she''s going silent¡­ or that she will if Reth is¡­ I mean he''s probably fighting Lerrin right now. What if he¡ª"

    "Let''s not worry until we know we''ve got something to worry about, okay?" she said briskly¡ªandpletely faking. She prayed Gahrye was too consumed with his own concerns to scent her closely. She was terrified he was right. Terrified they wouldn''t receive news, which was the worst news of all, because surely if Reth won, he''d send someone to bring Elia back right away? But Gahrye needed some hope and she was determined to give it to him.

    "We have to get her back to Anima," Gahrye said as if he hadn''t even heard her, his eyes fixed in the middle distance. "She''s alive over there. And there''s people who can help her with the beast. I have to get her over there, Kalle."

    Kalle''s stomach dropped, because he didn''t say the words with determination, or excitement. He didn''t say it as if he''d had a brilliant idea.

    He said it like it was a death knell.

    "Well, you can''t do that yet. We don''t even know if the wolves have given the territory back¡ªsurely if they had, Reth would have sent someone through, right? So you guys can''t risk that. No." She was babbling, she knew, but she could see Gahrye''s jaw tightening. See the way he was bing resolved. ying himself. Determined to do what was right, not what he wanted¡ªto stay there with her.

    And dammit, that''s what she wanted him to do, too.

    She''d been trying to avoid thinking about this, about how quickly it might happen. She''d been distracted that morning from the implications of Elia''s note by getting Gahrye through it and to the interview with Shaw. But¡­ but now those words kepting back to her.

    HE AND LERRIN ARE FIGHTING FOR DOMINANCE TODAY.

    That meant¡­ that probably meant that Reth would have the Anima back by that evening, tomorrow at thetest. Even if he had things to work through, transitions¡­ Things were moving. They likely had weeks at best. Possibly only days.

    If it was a resounding victory, perhaps hours.

    Her entire body went tight as the image of holding Gahrye, saying goodbye, washed over her like a memory, as if it had already happened. And her heart cracked.

    "What?" he said, suddenly focusing on her. "What did you just think, are you okay?"

    She clung to his chest, his voice rumbling in her ear and she nodded. "I''m-I''m fine. I''m just¡­ I''m just sad for Elia and praying for Reth and¡­ and hoping. I''m still hoping Gahrye. I''m not giving up."

    He pulled her face away from his chest,bing his fingers through her hair, and stared into her eyes. "Me too," he said, his voice low and rough. "Every minute, Kalle. I''m praying."

    She swallowed. Gahrye wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest, nuzzling her hair. But after a minute of listening to his heartbeat, his voice vibrated under her ear again.

    "We''re getting the hidden histories, all of them, and we''re bringing them back here. I''m going to find out how the Protectors got people across, Kalle. And I''m going to find out if we can get you there. I have to."

    She didn''t even try to argue, just nodded, swallowing back tears and pulling out of his arms. "I had an idea," she said. "That trunk will be really noticeable, but suitcases won''t be. Not to other people. So lets get some luggage and bring them all back that way."

    "Luggage?" Gahrye said, his brow pinched to lines.

    "It means cases made specifically for travel, when we fly, or drive a long way¡ª"

    "You can fly?!" he gasped.

    Kalle snorted. "No, I mean, airnes. Not birds. We can¡­ nevermind. Just, trust me, suitcases are the way to go. And they have wheels, so I can carry much heavier loads."

    He still looked skeptical, like he thought she was lying. Kalle made a mental note to y him a video of an airne taking off sometime soon, just to see that nk, fascinated, terrified look on his face that he always got when he saw technology at work. Then she kissed him and ducked away to get the suitcases and keys.

    *****

    It took three hours to get everything together and down to the basement of the library. But Gahrye was able to carry two of the cases at a time¡ªhe would have taken more but she told him people would notice¡ªso once she got the books into the luggage, they were able to load up the car quickly.

    He still held the Oh Shit handle every time he was in the car, but he''d stopped turning gray around the edges of his face.

    Kalle wondered how long he''d have to be there before cars didn''t freak him out anymore. Maybe never. He said they still stank.

    Thoughts of him staying inevitably led to thoughts of him leaving and Kalle found herself near tears, so she pushed the thoughts away and turned back to the books they had spread out on the coffee table.

    They''d decided that the safest ce for the cases was in Elia''s room. She was always there¡ªand if anyone who wasn''t them went it, they were going to leave pretty fast. But taking the cases in there, Kalle saw what Gahrye meant.

    Elia in lion form wasn''t watching them like she knew them¡ªwhich she''d done before. She watched them the way a scared lion would when it found itself in an enclosed space with strange humans.

    And that was perhaps the scariest thing of all. But Kalle refused to let herself imagine where that would take them, what threat Gahrye would be? under if¡­

    No. She wasn''t thinking about that.

    She was going to find what they needed to get Elia safely across the traverse so she could get back to her mate and get healthy again. And she was going to pray¡ªevery minute¡ªthat they could find something to get Kalle across, or to free Gahrye toe back to her like Elia had suggested.

    Come back to her. Quickly. And safely.

    That was what they needed.

 Chapter 444: Hidden in the History

    <h4>Chapter 444: Hidden in the History</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Hourster, Gahrye sat on the couch, hunched over the book in front of him on the coffee table, staring at the page of one of the oldest books he''d touched yet. It smelled like oak and dust, but it still didn''t overwhelm Kalle''s scent to him.

    She sat next to him on the couch. He had one hand cupped on her thigh and stroked it with his thumb absentmindedly. Her scent was distracting, but also soforting. He needed her close enough to touch, to be certain she was there, because with every passing moment, with every line of text he read, he was bing more and more convinced that he needed to get Elia back to Anima, regardless of the risk.

    Dying here¡ªor being absorbed by her beast¡ªdidn''t save her from the wolves. And if she really was trying to go Silent, he''d take the risk with the wolves anyway.

    But how did he get a massive lioness across the traverse?

    He gripped Kalle''s thigh harder, but she was distracted. She''d insisted that they needed some order. Some way to keep the book straight, to know what they had, what they''d read, and to cross reference when they started finding things.

    She''d brough out something called ap top that she was writing on.

    The thing stank, and it was noisy, but she was saying she had ways to categorize the books and be able to search for them, find them when they needed them¡­

    Gahrye was afraid it was a waste of time, but she insisted in the long run it would make them faster. So he agreed. He wondered if they were both trying to put off the moment when they found what they needed and he had to go¡­?

    With a sigh, he forced himself to turn back to the book. It was one of the medical journals. Elia had left it open on her table and he was wondering if she''d perhaps found something¡ªbad news¡ªthat had made her lose hope so desperately. He didn''t know whether to pray he found something like that, or didn''t.

    He rubbed his face and stifled a groan. He felt like he was being torn in half. He''d never expected¡ª

    "Why would they put a children''s book in the hidden histories?" Kalle said, turning a small, square, hardcover book over in her hands. "It seems unlikely they''d identally put anything in here, surely? Maybe it was just to save it for history or something?"

    "In the hidden volumes?" Gahrye said, frowning. "Seems very unlikely. What''s it about?"

    Kalle flipped it open and started to read quickly through the first few pages. "Oh, I know this story," she said with a faint smile. "It''s like the Anima version of a fairytale. It''s cute. There''s a King and a Princess¡ªlook they''ve even drawn pictures." She showed him the page where a man built like Reth who looked like a human with lion ears and mane, stood with a crown on his head, speaking to a female that looked something like him, except she had the lion nose and ears, no mane.

    Gahrye struggled to find any enthusiasm for a child''s tale, but Kalle seemed taken with it. She flipped through the pages faster and faster, her eyes zipping around the pages.

    "Let''s put it in Elia''s room. She''s going to have a cub. Maybe when it''s older¡ª"

    "No, Gahrye," Kalle said, her voice hushed.

    He turned to look at her and realized she''d gone pale. "What is it?"

    She continued flipping through the book, biting her lip and reading faster and faster. "It can''t be¡­ it can''t be that simple¡­"

    "What?"

    "Have you¡­ Gahrye remember that day we brought back all the stories of Queens from the libraries? When we were looking for humans in Anima. The books weren''t the really old ones. There was a kids book in that lot too. Do you remember where we put it?"

    He vaguely remembered, but it had been weeks earlier. "Didn''t we take them back?"

    She shook her head. "No, I switched topics, but I didn''t want to have to look the books up again and I always meant to go back to it. I put them aside. Shit. Where did I put them?"

    Still clutching the little volume under her arm, open to a specific page, she hurried into Gahrye''s room and thumped around for a few minutes.

    Gahrye could smell the tension on her, even from this distance and got to his feet. She was worried about something, but excited too.

    He walked over to the door and stood inside, watching her pull books out of a bag in the corner, and another stack out of a deep drawer under the bed. "I think they''re here," she said hushed and started pulling books out, looking at the covers, then throwing them on the bed.

    "Do you want to tell me what you''re looking for? Can I help?" he asked carefully. Sometimes when his mate got going on something important she got irritated by having her train of thought broken.

    "No, I¡ªhere it is!" she gasped, standing up quickly. Gahrye hurried over to stand behind her and look over her shoulder as she opened another smaller book and started flipping through.

    He saw a lot of simr drawings, these clearer because the book was newer, but he hadn''t read the pages before she flipped through them, so he wasn''t sure what she thought she was finding until she gasped and, with shaking hands, pointed at one of the pages.

    It showed a male, small and thin, entirely human and hunched over in submission, speaking to the King, while another male, big and strong¡ªalso with a mane and lion nose, stood nearby, smiling smugly.

    "They changed it. They changed it to hide the truth!" Kalle whisper-screamed.

    "Kalle, what are you talking about?"

    "Look, Gahrye, look. This story, the one that''s newer, it tells about a Leonine Princess who wanted to go to the human world for an adventure, and she gets over there, but she gets in trouble and this Guardes to save her¡ªlook, it doesn''t matter. The point is, when she has to cross into the human world there''s a disformed servant who''s supposed to go first and make sure she has someone waiting for her. But he gets scared and won''t go, so he convinces another male to go instead. I was so mad when I read it because it just stank of this prejudice¡ªgah! It doesn''t matter look. Look at the old book. From the hidden histories¡ªGahrye look!"

    Her fingers trembling, she flipped the square book open and through the pages until she reached a certain point, then turned around and shoved it under his nose, pointing at the second page.

    He searched the pictures, shaking his head. It was just the Princess under guard from a tall, strong male with no animal features. "So¡­ the disformed went across in this one?"

    "No! Gahrye, look at what it calls him!"

    Heart beginning to pound, Gahrye scanned the writing at the bottom of the book. It was old enough to have been handwritten, but one word screamed off the page.

    Protector.

    Ghayre grabbed both books from Kalle and, ignoring the pictures, read the story.

    In the first, the Princess convinced her father to let her go on the adventure, then the servant let her down and she almost died. But another Guard¡ªa Leonine¡ªwent after her and saved her. Then she had her adventure and returned to Anima, bringing a small cast of humans with her who had taught her many lessons and returned with her to make their new lives in Anima.

    The second¡ªthe older version¡ªhad entirely the same story, except for those few pages in the middle. Instead of the disformed servant being afraid and letting her cross alone¡­

    He was a Protector.

    A male who looked human. No animal features.

    He crossed the traverse with her. At the same time. He helped keep her safe in the human world until she returned with her new friends, now wiser and better prepared to be Queen.

    Gahrye read it twice, then again, his stomach flipping more than the pages.

    "Kalle," he whispered. "This¡­ this is saying¡­ this can''t be real."

    "Gahrye, it''s real. It''s in the hidden histories." Kalle swallowed hard and he looked up to find her eyes wide and shining. "Gahrye¡­ You aren''t disformed. You''re a Protector."

    *****

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 Chapter 445: The Call for Peace

    <h4>Chapter 445: The Call for Peace</h4>

    YOU''RE ALMOST AT 5 CHAPTERS FOR THE MASS RELEASE! Your support has been so amazing I''ve decided it will be a lot more fun to celebrate a couple times a month. So look forward to a 5 chapter mass release sometime this week when we pass that 1000 Golden Tickets threshhold (we need about 75 more at the time of this chapter release.)

    Thank you, deeply, for everything you''re giving me and my books. I am so grateful!

    *****

    RETH

    "The challenge was issued by Lerrin Mhygha o''Lucan of the Running Fang," Brant called, turning in ce to face every inch of the grounds and the audiences watching on every side. "He challenges Gareth Orstas Hyrehyn for dominance. The Hallowed Grounds will see the Anima King crowned this day!"

    Anima on both sides cheered and howled, calling their support for their Alpha, their confidence that they would walk from the grounds victorious. Reth shook his head at the bloodthirst in his people. One nce at Lerrin showed the wolf, face tight either with anger or fear. Perhaps both. It was coldfort that he did not smile when his people called for Reth''s death. Of course, he clearly didn''t feel the prick of Reth''s Anima calling for his, either.

    "In the ancient tradition, this challenge will be met, and respected, by the Anima as a whole. Whichever Alpha is triumphant, the people will follow. ALL of the people!" Brant shouted so he could be heard, his own dominance vibrating in his voice which was amplified by the bowl. The people were not so quick to cheer this time, though many apuded. "Anima!" he barked. "Do you submit to the Creator''s n which will unfold here at the Hallowed Grounds?!"

    The people raised their agreement in chorus, both sides of the bowl washing with affirmation of theirmitment. But Reth shook his head. He knew they all imagined their opponents forced to submit to their King. None answered with the sobriety of knowing their own lives might change.

    Turning to face his people again, he roared to silence them and the wolves became quiet too, to listen to his words.

    "Anima of the Tree City, know your own hearts! I walk into the Hallowed Grounds ready for battle. I will fight for you with myst breath. But should I lose, you will submit to your new King. Where it is within your grasp, you will live in¡­ in peace with his people. Do you agree?!"

    There was a hesitant pause as Reth red at the people spread out before him. But one by one they began to nod and p, calling their submission to the challenge until Reth sighed and turned back, challenging Lerrin with his eyes. But the wolf had already turned to face his own.

    "The Lupine and our allies live with honor! We choose honor! If I am your King, call your honor!" Lerrin barked. His entire side of the bowl rose, awash with howls and calls, to answer his call. Lerrin nodded. "Your future is bright. I fight for your good, for your strength today. But if I am dominated, you know that is the Creator''s n and you walk into unity¡ªinto peace!¡ªwith respect for Anima life. Any who breach that peace will be removed from among us¡ªyour lives forfeit. Do you agree and submit yourself to the Creator''s n yed out on Hallowed Grounds?!"

    Again, the howls and barks rose, but smattering in ces. Reth eyed the groups that did not raise their howls. As the noise eased, he grunted. "A people contained by threats of violence will not soon live in peace."

    Lerrin bristled, but didn''t respond. Reth reluctantly admired his self-discipline.

    Brant, eyed each of them in turn, then returned his attention to the people.

    "The Hallowed Grounds are Hallowed by peace. No blood may be shed on this ground outside of the challenge. Anima! Take your vows of peace to your Alpha,mit yourselves to the victory of today."

    As Reth and Lerrin each led their people in the Anima vow of peace, Reth had to fight not to turn and stare, to pick out the wolves, or their allies who perhaps avoided speaking the words. His stomach twisted with the tension of knowing, even should he win, there were likely Anima here would choose to fight, rather than submit.

    It was why Behryn was back at the Tree City with the young and old, why the Sentries hadn''t been removed from their posts, and why a contingent of the Guard remained behind, patrolling. He did not trust the wolves to hold their vows this day. And even less trusted any who had note to the Hallowed Grounds.

    He''d told Elia true: This answer, the direct challenge between he and Lerrin, was the real answer, the best answer. But he knew the people were yet unhealed.

    If the wolves did not like the oue of this day, war remained on the horizon. But he would lead his people to peace, and pray somehow, Lerrin found bnce if he were to win.

    When everyone was silent again, Brant positioned himself to stand halfway between Lerrin and Reth, a few feet off to the side.

    "It is tradition in formal challenge to meet without weapons. To fight hand to hand, skin to skin, beast to beast. However, weapons may be agreed between Alphas. Reth, as dominant, you choose the weapons."

    Some of the wolves growled, but once again, Lerrin snapped a re towards them, and Reth caught some of the leaders moving among them, quieting those that were creating ill feeling.

    "I choose Alpha to Alpha," Reth called so they could all hear him. "What passes this day will pass at our own hands¡ªor ws."

    Lerrin''s mouth tightened.

    Nodding his agreement, Brant turned to Lerrin. "It is tradition that the Alphas meet in beast form¡ªthat all wounds sustained be left to teeth and ws so the Anima can walk away in peace. The challenger will choose the terms."

    Lerrin looked at the young wolf next to him that Reth didn''t know personally, then turned back to his people. "I walk in honor, and fight in honor. I hold myself to the Tribe. We fight under terms of Protection¡ªmale to male, face to face. We will not bring our Beasts to the Hallowed Grounds."

    The bowl rocked with the immediate, vehement protests of the people.

    Reth was startled. Lerrin wanted to face in human form? Why? While Lerrin was no small male, Reth was one of thergest Anima alive when in human form. The terms would seem to give him an advantage.

    Did he have a n? Something Reth was more vulnerable to as a human?

    "Why?" he snarled at Lerrin. "Why would you choose this?"

    He expected the wolf to spew nonsense about making him pay. But Lerrin only clenched his hands to fists at his sides. "This way there is no excuse for anyone¡ªany of the people¡ªto me beasts, bloodlust, or instinct. We will meet as rational males and one of us will win or lose in our right mind. I will own my decisions, Reth. Will you own yours?"

    Reth let a growl putter in his throat¡ªhe apuded the intention, but didn''t trust Lerrin''s honesty. He eyed Lerrin warily, but the male was too busy dominating his people who howled to see the wolf take the lion''s throat. But Lerrin shook his head and red until they all quieted. Then looked to Brant with a short nod.

    Brant, eyebrows up nced at Reth for eptance of the terms, then took a deep breath. "Finally, it is tradition for victory to be drawn at the line of submission¡ªwhen one Alpha clearly dominates the other. The Alpha, from the seat of power, will choose the line of victory. Reth, which do you choose?"

    Reth hesitated as Lerrin stared at him, a strange light in his eyes. He never expected Lerrin to choose human form, to reduce them both to that. And the truth was, he was far more hesitant to¡­ was that Lerrin''s strategy?

    Reth''s options were first blood¡ªthat the first male to draw blood on the other would ept the submission of the wounded party. A perfect resolution between leaders or citizens in conflict, but not to resolve war.

    Challenges of this nature usually ended in submission. Traditionally, it was the line drawn¡ªit allowed both Alphas to live, but left one in dramatic humility before all the people, reducing them greatly and cutting off at the knees any rebellion they might raise. Who wanted to follow a male they''d seen bare his balls to another?

    The final line, and most rarely sought, was a fight to the death. Where both parties agreed their life was forfeit to the other.

    Clenching his teeth in distaste and with reluctant admiration for Lerrin''s sheer balls to force him into this corner, Reth shook his head. But Lerrin didn''t smile, or pale. He only waited, every muscle in his body rigid, the veins in his arms standing proud, his shoulders rippling with the tension he held.

    "Poor move, Lerrin," Reth muttered so only the males there at the center of the hollow would hear him.

    The male with Lerrin blinked, but Brant only watched Reth carefully.

    Lerrin didn''t speak, but waited for Reth''s verdict.

    "The Anima are in need of peace, not further revolt. Not further dissension. One Alpha in victory. One Alpha for the people," he bellowed so everyone would hear him. "I submit myself to the Hallowed Grounds and dere this a fight to the death."

    The bowl erupted.

    *****

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 Chapter 446: [BONUS CHAPTER] Ready to Die?

    <h4>Chapter 446: [BONUS CHAPTER] Ready to Die?</h4>

    THANK YOU for allllllll your Golden Tickets, amazing gifts, and summoning pens! This chapter is for YOU! (Don''t worry, the two standard chapters will be released at normal times as well.)

    And a special recognition to Cassie_Dawn_Saz, along with PbMamaRae, Jayah_Bookworm, Russell2112, and Sravanthi, who have all given incredibly generous gifts in the past 24 hours.

    You''re all gifting so much, I don''t have enough chapters to dedicate to you all individually! I''m so sorry! But thank you from the bottom of my heart!

    I have told other authors for months that I have the best readers on Webnovel. I still maintain that that is true. So thank you for ALL that you give me!

    *****

    LERRIN

    Lerrin felt Nhox tense at his back before the words sunk in. They circled his head like vultures on a carcass. He''d half expected them, but it wasn''t until ''to the death'' left Reth''s mouth that Lerrin realized how much hope he''d held that there still might be a quiet cave in the mountains somewhere for him and Suhle. It wasn''t until he realized he had hours¡ªperhaps only minutes¡ªleft to live that he truly let himself grieve for her. How na?ve he had been! How pathetically stupid¡­

    You were right not toplete the bond, he sent, praying Suhle could hear him from this distance.

    What is happening, Lerrin? Her voice in his head was quiet but clear¡ªand frantic, on the edge of tears, shaking with emotion.

    Lerrin sent all the love along the link that he held in his heart for her. Then he sent, Reth chooses a fight to the death.

    The howl of sheer grief that rose in his mind from Suhle raised the hair on the back of his neck and made him yearn to weep.

    Lerrin closed his eyes. As the crowds around them crowed for blood, he turned his mind in and showed his heart to her. Be strong, my love.

    Lerrin! You can''t! You have to submit! Let him know what you''re doing! Let him see!

    I''ve done everything I can, Suhle. I''m sorry. The people have to follow him. He''s right, this is the only way. I was na?ve to hope¡­

    Lerrin, please!

    I love you, my mate. My onlyfort in this is that you will not feel the cut of losing the bond so sharply. You were wise, my beautiful. Always so wise.

    That isn''t why I avoided it!

    I know. But the Creator uses it to save you pain. Let''s be grateful for that.

    Lerrin!

    I love you, Suhle. Love I have never felt in my life before, and never will again.

    Lerrin! Please!

    Stay with me, love. Stay with me until this is over, then pray me to the Creator.

    I will, she sobbed in his head. I will Lerrin. I love you, I love you so much.

    Keeping his mind open to her¡ªutterly open. She could rifle through his memories if she wished, see his darkest moments, and his greatest triumphs. He held nothing back and prayed she would search his mind for all the ways he admired her, loved her, wished only good for her.

    Then, steeling himself, he turned to face Reth.

    The older male stared at him, every muscle tense and tight. "You said you wanted to be fully aware of this, face to face," he growled as if Lerrin had used him of something.

    Lerrin only nodded, but he ground his teeth to stop himself speaking the words that wanted to swim in usation for a King to imed to abhor bloodshed.

    Brant had slumped, his eyes to the ground, clearly struggling to amodate this news. But as the people''s calls grew rabid, he raised his head and his hands, roaring for their attention.

    They calmed, though notpletely.

    "It is a fight to the death!" he rasped. "There will be no mercy, and no forfeit. The winner owns the loser''s life. Do you agree to the terms of your Alphas?"

    The people roared, a cacophony of every chirp, howl, and roar among the Anima. It buffeted Lerrin and vibrated in his ribs.

    Reth shook his head and stared at his people with sadness, but he didn''t speak, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides.

    Brant looked back and forth between them as the echoes of the crowd behind them grew to overwhelm anything else they could hear. He shook his head and Lerrin wondered, not for the first time, how differently things might have gone if the wolves had run under the dominance of someone like Brant, rather than his father.

    Suhle''s voice suddenly rose in his head, even over the chaotic roar behind him.

    If the wolves had been under the leadership of you, Lerrin, the true you¡ªthe heart of you that yearns for peace and is not driven by hate, or grief... if the wolves had walked up under that male, none of this would have happened. I know we cannot change the past, and I would not change anything that brought me to you, she sent through tears. But know that I see you. I see the goodness in you. I see the victory this should have been. I see who we would all be if we had known you better. And I grieve the loss of that.

    Lerrin dropped his head, checking the braces on his wrists for an excuse to look away from the other males and blink.

    Promise me, he sent. Promise me you will be safe and happy. Promise me you will find joy. Promise me you will not forget me.

    I could never forget you, Lerrin, she sobbed and he felt her as if she stroked his chest. I will love you until myst breath.

    "Then the time hase," Brant said, his voice a low growl. "In the spirit of the Hallowed Grounds, in the pursuit of peace, sp arms in salute, recognize the strength in each other, and then lets get this shitshow on the road."

    Lerrin turned to Nhox, who stared at him wide-eyed and at a loss. Lerrin forced a small smile. "I wish we had met earlier," he said carefully. "Thank you for saving my life so I could get here."

    "But¡ª"

    "Stay true, Nhox. Don''t let hate or anger drive you away from what you know is right. An order that leads you into vengeance is an order to ignore."

    Nhox''s mouth dropped open and Lerrin pped him on the shoulder. Then the young male and Brant each scanned the space for anyrge rocks or sticks¡ªa token gesture towards the decision for the Alphas to fight hand to hand.

    As the two of them spanned out, searching the grounds, Lerrin finally turned to face Reth, surprised that there wasn''t more anger burning in his chest.

    Reth''s eyes burned with something Lerrin couldn''t quite ce, but anger was there. He nodded to acknowledge his role in bringing them here. Reth nodded back.

    The male overstood him by only an inch or two, but he was considerably wider, his body tanned and scarred for the battles he''d already fought. Lerrin, just as hard, but finer in his features and body.

    He was faster than Reth. But as soon as Reth had hands on him he would lose to the lion''s power in him.

    Which was why Lerrin couldn''t afford to let Reth get a sp on him until he''d made certain of the future Reth aimed for.

    Finally, Brant took his position in front of the Anima from the Tree City, and Nhox took his stance before the wolves and their allies. Then Lerrin turned to Reth and offered his arm.

    "For peace and the lives of our people," he growled quietly.

    Reth snorted. "For peace and innocent lives," he countered. Then he scanned the bowl one time, before looking at Lerrin and smiling for the first time, his eyes shining and teeth glinting under the high sun.

    "Ready to die, dog?"

    Lerrin bared his teeth.

 Chapter 447: The Ticking Clock

    <h4>Chapter 447: The Ticking Clock</h4>

    YOU''RE ALMOST AT 5 CHAPTERS FOR THE MASS RELEASE! Your support has been so amazing I''ve decided it will be a lot more fun to celebrate a couple times a month. So look forward to a 5 chapter mass release sometime this week when we pass that 1000 Golden Tickets threshhold (we need about 75 more at the time of this chapter release.)

    Thank you, deeply, for everything you''re giving me and my books. I am so grateful!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He and Kalle had pored over the hidden histories until well after midnight, then fallen into bed and into each other''s arms.

    Gahrye still marveled at her passion for him, the way her breath quickened at only one kiss. The way she shivered when he kissed her breast. The gooseflesh that rose when he stroked her legs.

    The news they''d received, his conviction that he had to get Elia back to Anima, and Kalle''s certainty that he could¡­ it all conspired to make them both desperate.

    When he entered her that night he felt it in his skin. Head to toe, he shuddered, the mating call groaning in his throat in waves, over and over, and Kalle whispering his name in reply.

    He swung between clinging, covering her with his body and pulling her in until neither of them could breathe, to arching back and pounding his love into her.

    And through it all, she sighed, and gasped, and cried out in joy, her hands exploring every ridge and ripple of his body, her lips on every piece of his skin she could reach, her tongueving his throat until he fought against the climax.

    It was too soon. Too soon to lose her. Eternity was too soon to lose her. But lose her he would, and he didn''t know how much more time he had. He had to savor her, burn every moment into memory, every sensation into her skin.

    When he sat up, pulling her with him into hisp, she gasped and he took her mouth again while it was open, grasping her hips and pulling her down onto him as he rolled into her again and again. Her kiss broke as she gave over to the sheer pleasure of where they joined, her head tipping back to bare her throat and he leaped on it, tasting, sucking,ving it with his tongue,mitting the specific vor of her throat, the cord of her neck, that triangle of skin between her corbones to memory.

    Then, still rocking into her, he let his hands slide down, over her ass, then to the soft skin at the back of her thighs, trailing his fingers slowly up, up, up to the back of her knee where he grasped her beautiful legs and began to pull her against him.

    "Oh¡­ Gahrye¡­" she whisper-moaned. She leaned back to change the angle and he groaned as he felt himself reaching the depths of her at the same time her breasts were freed to bob and bounce in time with their lovemaking. Then she leaned back on her hands to deepen their contact still more, and he panted through his teeth to stop himself froming.

    The sight of her,id out like that for him, unashamed, her body rippling with the impact of his thrusts, her head thrown back, his name on her lips.

    "Shit¡­ Kalle¡­ Shit¡­"

    She groaned and arched, bracing herself against him, her breathing in short, sharp pants, held in between as she sought her release.

    "Gahrye¡­don''t¡­ don''t stop¡­ please¡­"

    Hands pping in his desperation, he grasped her at her lower back so she arched over his arms, and then he began to pound. Teeth gritted and chest heaving, he pulled her into him as he thrust. Her breath stopped though her mouth opened and closed, and her eyes flew wide.

    With the rest of her body arched away from him, she lifted her head, mouth open and seeking, and locked eyes with him.

    He cursed and pulled her in harder.

    "I l-love-you¡­ Gahrye," she gasped.

    As his pleasure rose, beating at his control, threatening to break over him, her nipples stood higher, her skin pebbling from head to toe. Cries broke from her throat, pleas. She lifted one hand to his shoulder to pull him in and the shift changed something.

    Her fingers dug into his shoulder, her nails almost breaking the skin, as her eyes rolled back and she called his name, her body tense and fluid in the same breath, her skin washed in prickling waves.

    She clenched around him and he lost hold of the tether, his own release hitting him like a wave in the sea, pounding through him in shuddering jolts as he groaned her name, then sucking slowly away.

    Her orgasm seemed endless, her body shuddering, then suddenly she sagged. With a groan, she pulled herself up, into his chest, taking his mouth, frantic and whispering his name as he pulled her in tighter, their bodies still trembling with the force of their releases.

    Momentster, she sat in hisp, her face buried in his neck. His arms wrapped her so tightly they crossed her bodypletely and he gripped her sides with his hands. Neither of them moved. The only sound in the room was their twin breaths, panting, slowing, easing back to normal one step at a time.

    She''d wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled herself into him, her lips against his throat.

    "Oh, Gahrye," she whimpered.

    He lifted one hand to stroke her hair, and shushed her. But she''d broken open.

    He felt the first tear slide from her cheek onto his shoulder, drawing a thin, cool line down his chest.

    "Baby, don''t cry," he whispered, screwing his face up against the pinch that wanted to start in his own throat at the thought of her tears, at the thought of leaving her alone.

    "I can''t help it," she murmured, her voice high and thin. "You are¡­ the most precious thing in the world to me, Gahrye¡­ you need to know that."

    "I do," he rasped. "Because that''s what you are to me."

    "No matter what happens¡­" she trailed off, gulping, trying to get herself under control, then she sat up and took his face in her hands, her eyes shining silver with her tears. "No matter what happens to Elia, no matter what they say about you¡­ you are precious. Do you hear me?" her words were fierce and forced through her teeth.

    Gahrye cupped the back of her head and pulled her into a kiss.

    "I''m serious, Gahrye."

    "I know," he breathed, his heart aching both with love, and with fear. "I know."

    "Promise me you won''t listen to them."

    "I do."

    "Promise me!"

    "I promise, baby. I promise."

    *****

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 Chapter 448: Bleed for You - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 448: Bleed for You - Part 1</h4>

    YOU''RE AMAZING! You''ve already earned 3 chapters for the October mass release through your Golden Ticket votes. THANK YOU! Please keep offering your Golden Tickets, and I will keep writing more chapters to show you my gratitude!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    An hourter, both exhausted, but unwilling to sleep, theyy curled up together under the covers. They faced each other, Garhye wrapping his body around her, his chin on her hair, holding her to him while she curled up like a child as they whispered, trying to work out everything they were learning.

    "So, someone changed the histories," Kalle said, pulling her head up to meet his eyes fiercely, the Guardian and researcher within her bristling against the fact in a way that made Gahrye smile. "They intentionally went through our information, our books, our texts and changed things, eradicating the Protectors, calling them disformed, turning the people against them¡­ but why?"

    "Well, they can get the Royals safely back and forth between Anima and the human world. There must be something in that that whoever these people are, they didn''t want happening."

    "Yes, but I mean, think about it, Gahrye, that means there was a shift in the Anima themselves at some point, as well. I mean, Protectors didn''t just disappear. You''ve always been there. But they started calling you something else. They turned people against you. How does that happen when people are still alive and can remember things? Wouldn''t they just go, no, those people are good and they serve a purpose?"

    Gahrye stroked his hand slowly up and down her back, thinking through what she was saying. Because she was right. The question wasn''t just how, but why? What was it about the Protectors that warranted such a massive undertaking? Because Anima memories were strong¡ªattached to scent and other heightened sensations. The oral history alone, let alone the written texts¡­ how had they done it? And why?

    "I think¡­" he said, hesitant to give voice to the idea that hade the moment she''d called him a Protector. "I think I need to do a¡­ what did you call it, a dry run? I need to try going through the traverse alone and safely first."

    "Oh, Gahrye, it''s so hard because I know you''re right and I''m so sure you can¡­ but I''m terrified too. I''m so scared you''re going to try it and¡­ something will happen and¡­ I just¡­ I need you toe back."

    She pulled him closer and he hugged her, kissing her hair. "I know, me too. But¡­ I think we can be sure there''s something here that I can do. I just don''t want to try it the first time with someone else. I mean, if I make a mistake or¡­ something."

    Kalle pulled him in even tighter and he sighed before he continued. "I just need to make sure I don''t put anyone else at risk. Then I can see if the wolves have the territory or find out what''s going on, ande back for Elia. I mean, be ready to take her through when shees back."

    "You can''t take her through in her beast form?"

    "I wouldn''t know how," he said honestly. "And even if I could tempt her through and keep her on the path¡ªthere''s no guarantees there¡ªI don''t know what affect it would have on her to be in that form when she crossed. We were warned so distinctly not to try anything we hadn''t been given specific instructions to do. I think¡­ I think I just need to try it and we can go from there."

    He didn''t say the obvious: That even if he was a Protector, that didn''t mean he''d get through safely. The histories were clear that even Protectors had to prepare themselves for the traverse, ensuring they crossed with clear minds and hearts.

    "But what is it about you that makes you different? I mean, obviously, whatever it is, it stops you from shifting into beast form too, right? But why? Whoever made you or, or whatever, they had to have a reason for that. Or maybe the not shifting is just a bi-product of whatever it is you can do that keeps people safe in there? But what is it you do? If other people can''t cross together, howe you can? And can you just do it? Or do you have to do something specific? There has to be something you can do or¡­ something."

    Her reference to being different reminded Gahrye of his conversation with Shaw that afternoon, and the memory he''d had¡ªand instinctively hidden from Shaw¡ªshed through his head again¡­.

    The voices had tried to tempt him with status and des, and when that didn''t work, they''d shown him Kalle. He''d been enthralled. From nowhere he''d known her¡ªknown the smell of her skin and the dips and curves of her, the way her spine curled when she leaned into him. He knew the sound of the sigh that meant do that again, and the one that meant she was ready.

    All the things he''d now seen and experience, they were alive in his head that day as if they had already urred. Desperate because the images pulled at him so, he pushed harder, harder towards the light that now glimmered faintly at the other end of the path. He knew if he let himself see this female, if he let himself think about her, he would give in and go and he would never fulfill his vow, he would leave Elia without a guide, and¡­

    With a harsh, guttural cry, he pushed himself forward, pulling at his own body as if he was in chest-deep mud and it sucked at him, his mind torn between the scene ying for him, and the light ahead where he had to go. He had to. He knew he had to¡ª

    "Mine," she whispered in his mind, her lips at his neck, her tongue tasting his skin. "No one else can have you." And he knew.

    He knew.

    She spoke those words to no one else. Before or after. She would never choose another.

    He was hers in truth, though others might not know it.

    Blind to anything but what he was seeing in his mind, Gahrye stumbled, his knees barking on the dirt of the path and a jagged stone that sliced through his leathers and into his skin and he bled.

 Chapter 449: Bleed for You - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 449: Bleed for You - Part 2</h4>

    GAHRYE

    The images that had been in his mind vanished, the voices howling and hissing, their screams echoing in his ears.

    Gahrye gasped at the pain of the gash on his knee, but he blinked as the sensation of all that resistance that had kept him moving so slowly just fell away. Suddenly, he could think. He could see.

    He could run.

    The voices threatened. They called to him. They would take his life. They would take Kalle''s¡­ But he pushed to his feet and sprinted, straining, pushing himself to the limit of his strength and speed.

    "She cannot be yours without us."

    "You will never own her except through us¡­"

    ¡­Gahrye shuddered and Kalle cupped his face. "What is it?"

    What it was was the terror he''d felt ever since that moment that he was going to lose her, a terror that was far starker now that he knew her, now that he''d had her.

    But he couldn''t put that on her. Not when he thought he knew the real answer they needed.

    "It''s my blood," he rasped, shaking.

    "What?"

    "I fell, while I was in the traverse. I fell and cut my knee on a stone and it was as if¡­ as if they fled from me. There''s something in my blood, Kalle. That''s what keeps them away. That must be why I can take someone else through. They''re scared of my blood."

    She went very still, staring at him.

    "What is it?" he asked breathlessly.

    Kalle became a tornado of flying limbs, and sheets, scrambling out of bed. "I just remembered something. I need to check¡­"

    Without warning she clicked on themp at the side of the bed and Gahrye hissed as his sharpened sight was blinded by the light.

    "Sorry! Sorry!" she whispered. Face in his hands, he could hear her trotting across the room, picking something up¡ªa book, because she fluttered pages, then the sound of her stabbing a finger into it. "I knew it! Gahrye, look at this."

    She threw herself onto the bed and put both the story books in hisp, each open to the same page.

    When he could blink his eyes to adjust, he squinted at them. In both stories the one who took the Princess through the traverse¡ªa Protector in one version, and a Guard in the other¡ªwere pictured, leading her into the portal, one hand extended before them, holding a sword and¡­

    Kalle pointed to the male''s wrist and Gahrye sucked in.

    In both images, though neither made it terribly obvious, there was a patch of blood on the sleeve. As if he''d been cut and it continued to bleed.

    And in both images, he held her hand as the dark spirits whipped through the dark in front of them, but didn''t attack.

    Gahrye blew out a breath, then sat back against the wall, staring at the images. "Is that it? Just bleed?"

    "Isn''t that enough?" Kalle asked, hushed, her face saying she was both fascinated and revolted by the images.

    He swallowed hard. "Do you think¡­ do you think this would work for me to take you across?" he asked, the question they''d both been thinking, but avoiding ever since this came up.

    Kalle bit her lip. "I don''t know. The curse¡­ the vow¡­ whatever you call it. It''s really specific. That they have a right to us if we enter. Don''t you think¡­ I mean¡­ I don''t know."

    Gahrye nodded and rubbed her back, both of them still staring at the books. "I think I should try tomorrow."

    Kalle sighed heavily. She didn''t agree with him, but she also didn''t tell him not to. She just curled up into his chest.

    "Kalle, I''m so sorry," he breathed into her hair minutester.

    "For what?"

    "For having to put Elia ahead of you in this. I just¡­ she''s my responsibility. And if I don''t do this, we''re going to lose her, I know it. I don''t know if it''s on the winds, or just an instinct. I just know, every time I think of sitting here, waiting for Reth, I go cold. I have to get her over to Anima. If I don''t, we''ll lose her forever."

    "I know," Kalle said, her voice shaky. "It''s okay. I know."

    *****

    KALLE

    Gahrye sighed and she heard it in his chest. "I don''t think you do," he said, his voice that graveled honey that she loved so much, and she clung to him and burned the memory of how it rumbled in his chest into her mind. "I don''t think you do, because I didn''t even until now. I finally¡­ I finally understand why Reth forced her toe here. Because even though I can''t bear the idea of leaving you, knowing you''re here when things over there are so uncertain¡­ it makes me feel like I can breathe. You''ll be safe. You''ll be here. If I can just get back to you¡­"

    "I know. It''s okay, Gahrye." It wasn''t okay. Not at all. But she was fighting that. She agreed with him. She wanted him to do the right thing. She just didn''t want to lose him herself. There was no point putting more guilt or fear onto him when she knew he was doing what he thought was right, not what he wanted.

    But did it have to start the very next day?

    She was opening her mouth to ask him when the door into the bedroom suddenly swung open and a naked Elia stumbled into the room, clearly blinded by the light.

    "Elia!?" Kalle gasped.

    Gahrye was already out of the bed and rushing to her as she stumbled to her knees, shuddering, her teeth chattering. "Elia, what''s¡ª"

    "I c-can''t do it anym-more," she said, her fingers wing into the thick carpet.

    "Can''t do what?"

    Gahrye tried to bring her to her feet, but she shuddered and her back rippled, and she shook her head. "I''m trying to stay here, but I can''t. I¡­ I gave over and¡­ and it keeps calling me back. I''m sorry. I''m so sorry, Gahrye. I got w-weak and n-now I can''t get s-strong again."

    "Elia, stop worrying. Just¡­ rx. I have a n. Just give me a day or two."

    But she lifted her face, her eyes wide and pleading with him to understand. Kalle started to cry and she wasn''t even sure why, as Elia gripped his hand. "It''s toote," she whispered. "I don''t th-think I cane back this time. There''s no way to stop it. Don''t b-me yourself, okay? Make s-sure R-Reth knows I said that. It''s n-not your f-fault!"

    "Elia¡ª"

    Gahrye sped her hand in his, and wrapped his other arm around her side to try to bring her to her feet. But she shuddered again, then growled, "No!"

    It all happened so fast. Gahrye started to speak to tell her that he was helping her, when one of her hands wed out, pping him off.

    Kalle heard her hand¡ªpaw?nd like a blow with a great whump!

    Gahrye was thrown backwards and Kalle squeaked, leaping off the bed to run to him, but before she got two steps, Elia had finished shifting, and her lioness was backed up, tailshing, mouth open in a hiss, squinting into the light of themp.

    And before either of them could do anything, she''d whirled and darted out into the darkness of the next room.

 Chapter 450: The Portal - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 450: The Portal - Part 1</h4>

    YOU DID IT! You hit the 1,000 Golden Tickets overnight (give a special thanks to reader Benees_mae_basiga who gave 28 of the 60+ needed!!!), so I''m going to release FIVE chapters TOMORROW! (That''s Sunday evening for those in the USA, Monday morning for those in Asia.) Thank you so much for all your support again this month. I am truly touched. And we are still counting Golden Tickets for thest half of the month, and for every 200, there will be another chapter added to the mass release on 30 September!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Dammit.

    She got his ribs.

    Gahrye grunted, shoved backwards with surprising force as Elia whirled and ran from the room, her tail a serpentine of her fear and aggression. Kalle was already on the floor next to him, wide-eyed and reaching for his chest before he got himself back up to sit.

    "Gahrye, you''re bleeding!"

    "It''s fine," he muttered. "It''ll heal in a day or two. They''re not deep." There were three gashes and a scrape on his ribs, only two were deep and they weren''t bad. They stung like he''d been stuck with a fucking jabberthorn, though. He''d have to poultice the wounds to make sure there was no infection from her ws.

    "Gahrye!" Kalle snapped as he tried for the third time to push her hands away. "Let me look at it. Anima ws can cause serious infection here."

    He pressed his lips thin, but let her look¡ªand discovered that there was something within him that enjoyed watching her fuss over him.

    She was naked and kneeling in front of him, one knee bent underneath her seat, the other bent up. Her hair¡ªmussed by his hands¡ªfell in her eyes. She kept puffing it back with her breath. While she muttered and swore and talked to herself about how to dress it, hebed her hair back off her face, then smiled when she looked up at him.

    "Thank you for caring," he said quietly, then leaned in to kiss her gently. "But I promise, it will heal quickly. If you have something to stop infection, I''ll apply it."

    Her cheeks had pinked and he smelled her desire rise, but she just bit her lip and got up, rummaging through the bathroom drawers for a moment before she returned with a foul smelling tube that made Gahrye want to cough.

    While she squeezed some of the sharp-smelling goo onto her fingers to apply to his wounds, he sighed. "I''m even more certain I need to get her back there, now," he said quietly, staring at the door. "She''s bing more¡­ bestial¡ªow! Fuck! Kalle! Shit! What the hell are you doing!?"

    She giggled as he jerked away from where her fingers spread what felt like fire made of ice on his skin.

    "Ooooo, is the big strong Anima male scared of a little disinfectant gel?"

    He red at her. "I don''t know what that is, but I don''t need it."

    "Yes, you do. It will kill any bacteria in those wounds until they heal."

    "By suffocating them? I can''t walk around smelling like that! I''ll give myself a headache! And besides, even a child would smell meing for miles!"

    "Humans don''t use scent to find each other," Kalle grumbled, still trying to put more of the disgusting stuff on his skin.

    He caught her wrist, holding it firm until she lifted her eyes to his face. "Kalle, I have to go into Anima. I have to see if the wolves have taken the territory. It will be extremely important not to be scented. Please. I''ll be fine."

    Her face fell, but she nodded, then got up again to wash her hands. A momentter, Gahrye followed her into the bathroom. He needed to wash the cuts and get that stuff off.

    Both of them were distracted from the inevitable by the wound. But by the time he''d showered¡ªno soap, because that stuff would be scented in Anima too¡ªand they''d gotten back into bed with several books, still looking for anything more they could find on Protectors, Gahrye''s side was aching and the heaviness of what was toe was weighing on him again.

    But by the time they were both nodding into sleep over their books, the only thing he''d found was a little snippet about the fact that Protector offspring were generally more powerful than their parents, and that interbreeding in the species was rmended.

    He looked at Kalle and it hit him. She might be pregnant with his foal. His baby.

    He swallowed hard, blinking back the sting in his eyes as he stared at her beautiful, creamy skin, and the way her forehead lined when she frowned like that.

    She caught him staring and stopped reading. "What is it?"

    He shook his head wordlessly, stacked the books on the bedside and pulled her back down into the covers to love her again before they slept.

    But through it all, his mind kept ticking, reminding him that time slipped through his fingers like sand. And with it, thest of his moments with his mate.

    *****

    The next morning, Kalle was twitchy and nervous. He kept reassuring her. "I''m not going to venture into Anima. In fact, if I catch sight or scent of a wolf before I''m out of the portal, I''ll turn around ande right back."

    "But what if it doesn''t work? What if you''re stuck just doing the traverse again and¡­"

    "Rx. I know what to expect this time. It couldn''t¡­ it couldn''t be worse thanst time," he lied. Kalle gave a grim smile, but it seemed like she was pretending too.

    Gahrye dressed in leathers and his best Linen Anima shirt. He slid the small knife into the back of his leathers, and a second into a sheath at his waist. He hadn''t worn a knife since he''de to the human world. And for some reason that little gesture of sliding the knife into the sheath made him feel like he was going home. But he wasn''t. He was only going to barely see home. Then he wasing back to his mate, he reminded himself.

    Kalle stood in front of him while he dressed, her face pale and forehead lined with worry. When he was done, he let his arms drop and looked at her. "It should only be a few hours. Ten or twelve at most¡ªand then only if the time moves differently. I know I''ll be backter today, Kalle. You don''t need to worry."

    She snorted, but stepped in to wrap her arms around his waist, then look up at him.

    D¨¦j¨¤ vu hit him so hard, it stole his breath.

    That vision the voices had given him. That first sight of her¡­

    Everything about this moment was the same except the clothing he wore.

    He stiffened and she got worried. "What is it?" she asked, hushed.

    But he forced himself to stroke her hair, her back and shake his head. "Nothing, nothing. I just thought I''d forgotten¡­ but it doesn''t matter. I''m fine. And I''m going to be fine. I''m a Protector, remember?" he said with the lopsided grin he knew she loved.

    Her heart raced, but she took a deep breath and forced herself to nod. "Yes, you are. And I''m going to see you in just a few hours."

    He took her face in his hands and kissed her. "I love you, Kalle. Nothing''s going to keep me away, okay? Nothing," he said, far more calmly than he felt. For her sake he was d she didn''t share his senses. If she did she''d know how terrified he was¡ªjust as he knew that everything in her was screaming to cling to him and not let him go.

    But instead, they pretended for each other, holding on for far too long, then unable to break the kiss for even longer. By the time Gahrye finally stepped out of the suite and headed for the door to the garden, his breath wasing quickly and Kalle was fighting tears. But he knew he had to keep her calm.

    He''d meant what he said, there was nothing that would keep him from returning to her if it was in his power.

    A little niggle sounded in the back of his head, but he ignored it. He was testing the traverse, that was all. Just testing the traverse, thening home.

    There was absolutely nothing to worry about.

    *****

    EXCITING NEW CONTENT COMING THIS MONTH! To make sure you''re the FIRST to hear, go to this book page in your library and click my author name (directly under the title) then click the red "heart" icon. Then, as soon as there is exciting new content from me, WebNovel will make sure you know ALL about it!

 Chapter 451: The Portal - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 451: The Portal - Part 2</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye trotted down the stairs, through the wide halls and lobby of the Big House, and then into the darker, narrower hallways that led to the back door. He had almost reached it when Shaw popped out of one the nearby rooms and called his name.

    He jolted to a halt, closing his eyes and praying for peace before he turned to face the man. "What is it?" he asked, more sharply than he should.

    Shaw''s brows popped up. "I''m sorry, sorry to interrupt again, but I just wanted to¡­ where are you going?" the man asked, all the wheedling suddenly gone from his tone.

    "I''m just going for a walk. Elia is still in beast form so we can''t leave and I just¡­ I need to be outside," Gahrye said.

    Shaw stared at him a moment longer than was needed, but before Gahrye could ask, he suddenly tore his eyes away and pped his hand. "Oh, nevermind then. You go have your break. I''ll speak with youter. You''ll be here, I assume?"

    "Yes," he said through his teeth. "Elia¡ª"

    "Right, right. Okay. I''ll speak with youter. Enjoy your walk!"

    Gahrye turned on his heel, feeling disturbed, but grateful the man hadn''t held him up longer. He needed to get into the traverse before he lost his nerve and ran back to his mate with his tail tucked into his ass crack.

    *****

    It had been so long since he''d been in the gardens, Gahrye had to scent his way down the lines of perfectly symmetrical flowerbeds and shrubs to the area at the end of thewn where the portaly.

    To the normal eye it appeared to be a pile of boulders and dirt camouged somewhat by nearby shrubs and trees. But he could smell the different air¡ªpungent, rotting¡ªwafting from it. That smell brought back the memories of hisst crossing. They hit him like a punch to the gut. But he didn''t have time to think about what he''d been through, or what it meant. He had to see if this was real. He had to see if he could bring Elia across safely. The mindframe she was in now, even if she could hold human form long enough he never would have let the voices at her. She would snap. He was sure of it.

    He had to see if it was true that his blood protected anyone who walked the traverse.

    Checking over his shoulder to ensure that Shaw hadn''t followed, though he wasfortable that he would have heard the man if he did, Gahrye rolled back the sleeve on his right arm until his entire forearm was bare, then he slipped the smaller of the two knives from its sheath. With a silent prayer to the Creator that he wasn''t crazy, that he and Kalle had seen the truth about what he was capable of, he drew the sharpened de along his wrist, careful to miss the thick vein there.

    Blood welled and began to slowly drip down his arm. Shaking slightly from the pain, Gahrye wiped the knife on the back of his forearm, sheathed it, then stepped toward that impossible space between the boulders that seemed all at once, entirely solid, and light as air.

    When his blood hit the surface of the portal, light appeared, swirling and sucking towards his arm¡ªand a new sensation¡­ a wee.

    The portal wanted him toe inside.

    Shaking his head, Gahrye braced himself then stepped through that cool wash of¡­ whatever this ce was, into the dark, dank cavern of the traverse.

    Dust, dead air, barely visible light from an unidentifiable source¡­ none of it had changed. As he stood just inside the portal, the only thing he could hear was his own breathing and the pit-pit-patter of his blood hitting the dusty stone under his feet.

    Then he took a step, and the voices rushed in, swirling, crying, screaming around him. He could feel their anger, feel their pain¡ªthe scent of his blood hurt them!¡ªbut they did not touch him. There was no presence at his ear, sliding along his back. Noughter. No whispered temptations.

    Only threats.

    Thrown from a distance, screamed in hate and rage.

    But nothing barred his movement. Nothing held him in ce. Gone was the sensation of being stuck in a swamp to his neck, each step heavier than thest.

    Gahrye moved lightly, quickly, keeping his eyes on the path, doing his best to ignore the ear-piercing screams that promised death¡ªdeath to Gahrye, death to his mate, death to his Queen¡­

    Step by hurried step, he crossed the traverse, his heart lighter and more hopeful with each passing minute.

    They were right. They had found the answer.

    Gahrye wasn''t disformed.

    He was a Protector.

    He could get Elia home.

    His heart pounded with excitement and fear. Desperate not to hear what the voices swore they would do to Kalle, he began to jog, then run, then sprint for the light that was now visible at the other end of this strange path¡ªa light that glowed and weed him again. Definitely stronger thanst time, it cast warm, white light to the stones and dirt beneath it, beckoning him home.

    Gahrye''s heart leaped¡ªhe was going home!¡ªand he pushed himself to the edge of his strength and speed as the voices howled, gnashing teeth, their ws swiping at nothing but air.

    They could not touch him. And they hated that he knew that.

    They hated him.

    They would kill him if they could. No longer would they toy with this male. No longer try to tempt him to take them into his world. No¡­ if they touched this one it was to be certain he had breathed hisst.

    Gahrye swallowed and shook his head, his breath catching mid-pant. He was almost there! His feet pped on the dusty stone faster again, the blood from his wound sttering on the dirt, on his leathers, on his shirt. But he didn''t care.

    He reached the slightly wider end of the path were the tall, oval space of the portal glowed, shimmering and swirling, sucking in towards him to help him through, to help him out! It stretched for him as he ran, until he reached the end and forced himself to slow. He had to take great care in passing into the Anima world in case the wolves held the territory and guarded the portal.

    As he stumbled to a halt, the portal surged, urging him forward, reaching for him.

    The voices surged too¡ªrailing at him for thwarting them. Promising pain, promising darkness and death. But he shoved them back to a buzzing in his mind.

    Leaving his bleeding arm at this side of the portal, he leaned slowly, slowly into that rich, shimmering surface that seemed to want to suck him in, until he could finally see the cave on the other side.

 Chapter 452: The Portal - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 452: The Portal - Part 3</h4>

    ELIA

    She tried to sleep, but this cave that smelled so strangely and was so tall, would not let her rx. Even the prey that were kin, the prey she could not eat, remained quiet.

    She needed her mate. The urge pushed her to her feet again, pacing the unsafe space. She needed her mate. Young wereing and he was needed. His strength, his dominance, to watch over her when the time came.

    He was out there, she could scent the space that led to him. But he did note.

    She tried to sleep, but she could not.

    The one that was inside reeked of fear and pain, pining for the mate as well. Battering her insides, begging to be freed.

    She growled. This one was hurt and sick and growing weak. Too weak.

    She shook her head, her ears snapping against her skull.

    Too weak to be allowed to roam when young wereing. She needed to be kept safe.

    But she fought. She fought with the lion''s heart. So the lion tried to sleep, but she could not.

    The one that was inside needed to understand¡ªshe was safer there. They were both safer there until the mate came.

    She was weak. Far too weak.

    But at least her strange voice was getting quieter¡­

    The beast tried to sleep, but she could not.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    The cave was silent. Dark in this side-tunnel where the portaly, but cold light seeped into it from the main cave.

    Gahrye took a deep breath and his heart raced. Clean, pure air! The scents of home!

    He hadn''t realized how much he''d missed it until that scent filled his nose and he wanted to weep with relief. But he couldn''t. He couldn''t make a sound. He couldn''t risk it.

    Drawing himself into the cave on tip-toe, he forced himself to focus. The air in the cave was clean, dusty, dry and¡­ old. The trace of scents from Anima across months were there¡ªincluding wolves. But all were cold and weak,id over by dust.

    Old.

    Nothing fresh. Nothing new.

    He took another step closer to the main cave, then another, scenting then waiting, scenting then waiting.

    His heart sang with the smell of his home, the clean, crisp air that fed something in his chest. He felt stronger already! But grief hit him in the chest as well.

    He needed to be here. Elia needed to be here. But Kalle could not be here.

    He couldn''t spend time thinking about that.

    Slowly, over minutes, he made his way out of the branching tunnel where the portaly, and into the main cave, blinking at the sunlight that yed outside¡ªthe grass, the trees, the blue sky, the rushingughter of the nearby creek, the mountains looming in the distance.

    He was home. He was truly home.

    Then, near where the cave opened in the rock, an old scent that hit him like a spear in the gut.

    Candace.

    She hadin here. Her blood drying. Her scent cooling. Her life¡­gone. She had been here.

    Squeezing his eyes against the tears that he could not afford, Gahrye knelt and ced his hand in the dirt that held her faint scent and prayed. Prayed she had not suffered. Prayed she was with the Creator. Prayed she could see the love they held for her, even now.

    Prayed Elia would not have the skill to scent this when they arrived.

    Then he swallowed and stood, and walked into the sunlight and rushing beauty of his home.

    Ten minutester he was certain. The clearing around the cave was empty. There were slightly fresher scents crossing it, many times, mostly wolves, which made his stomach clench. But the scents were old. And then he found the tracks of bears near the water.

    Gahrye blinked. The tracks were old, dried into the mud of the bank because no other animals or Anima had visited since.

    All these scents were all old trails, fading quickly in the sunlight. Not as old as the scents in the cave, but almost gone.

    Gahrye blew out a breath. He was safe. He was certain of it. There was no one nearby.

    But¡­ but if that was true, why had Reth not sent anyone to tell them what was happening? Why hadn''t they had a messenger¡ªor a visit from Reth himself?

    If the portal territory was held by the Tree City, why had no onee through?

    Uneasiness churned in his stomach as Gahrye turned to face the breeze and his nostrils red. He opened himself then¡ªsomething he''d been unwilling to do fully in the human world, with so much darkness and stink. But now he opened himself to read the winds.

    Images shed in his head¡ªAnima fighting Anima.

    The fear of females at the hands of males.

    Alpha hearts torn between ruthlessness and mercy.

    Alpha hearts torn between love and hate.

    A time of confusion and heartbreak, a time of unwanted change. And purposes¡­ purposes found, but for all the wrong reasons.

    Death. The desire for death.

    Blood. Bloodshed wasing.

    Alpha hearts had to return to bnce!

    He, Gahrye was needed. Elia was needed.

    The Anima walked into a new age and without them¡­ without Elia and Gahrye, the Anima would not survive.

    Gahrye sucked in the breath he hadn''t realized he was holding and his eyes flew open. Then he was running, scrambling, stumbling, wing his way back into the cave, into its depths, past the ce where Candace had rested, into the branching tunnel were the Portaly.

    He threw himself at that glimmering, shifting air, threw himself towards the traverse¡ªand was thrown backwards like he had hit a wall.

    He bounced to the floor of the cave, stunned, his eyesight doubled.

    Confused, he leaped to his feet again and ran for the portal, then bounced off it like he had run into the side of the cave.

    Panting, cursing, Gahrye stared at the swirling light. The light that had beckoned him through.

    It shifted, taunting him, glittering, beckoning. But when heid his hand to it, he could not pass through.

    The portal would not let him enter.

    *****

    ARE YOU A BADGE COLLECTOR? Fun news: Reth is currently #2 in the ssic rankings of the "Win-Win" event. (It counts privilege chapter unlocks per month. To see ssic, go to the "Explore" menu in the app, then scroll down to the bottom and hit "win-win", then on the top right, hit "Filter" and select "ssic.") If he remains in the top 3, you''ll get a CUSTOM badge, just for KING OF BEASTS! So keep unlocking those privilege chapters every day and let''s have some fun!

 Chapter 453: To the Death - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 453: To the Death - Part 1</h4>

    LERRIN

    He and Reth eyed each other, waiting for the whistle. Brant, as Second to the reigning Dominant would blow it, but his sense of drama had obviously kicked in, because he looked around, and appeared to be holding back, waiting for the silence of the people.

    While they waited, poised, for the fight to begin, Reth turned to meet his eyes in the challenge, ring.

    "Take the stance," he growled quietly, so Lerrin would catch it, but too quietly for the crowd to hear.

    Lerrin didn''t move. He stood, tense and ready, but not in the fighting stance Reth had taken. Not outwardly prepared to attack. The cat seemed disturbed by that.

    "Take the stance, Lerrin," he snarled, his teeth gleaming in the afternoon sun.

    Lerrin just raised an eyebrow at him, so Reth growled. Lerrin wished they were both on the pack mind so he could taunt the perfect Reth with his show of impatience. Juvenile, he knew, but it was thest moment that he would step into fully himself. Taking ast shot¡ªno matter how petty¡ªwas in his blood. And if he died today, Reth would remember it.

    Reth''s upper lip curled back to bare his canines. But then, finally, when the entire bowl seemed to be holding its breath, Brant raised his fingers to his lips and let out a piercing whistle.

    The crowd leaned in and let out a roar.

    Lerrin let his breath ease out, long and slow, centering himself, as Reth became a whirlwind, shing toward him, hands a barrage of strikes at Lerrin''s head and chest, then letting loose a powerful kick at Lerrin''s stomach.

    Lerrin blocked each one sessfully, though the kick reached inches closer to him than it should have. He only just deflected it, and Reth''s foot grazed his hip before therger male danced back. But his eyes were alight with rage now.

    "Fight me, Lerrin. Take the stance and stand for your people or I will be forced to snap your neck like a child''s!"

    Still Lerrin only stood, chin down, weight on the balls of his feet. But he did not raise his hands to strike. "If you won today, would you vow to eradicate the darkness that has infected my people?" he snarled through his teeth.

    Reth''s forehead crinkled as he flowed forward again without answering, this time attempting to take hold of Lerrin''s arm, to twist and flip him, force him bodily intobat.

    Lerrin managed to snap out of the clinch before Reth could brace to throw him, but his heart raced and adrenalin flooded his system. That had been very, very close. Too close. Despite his bulk, Reth was far faster than Lerrin had anticipated.

    "Speak to me, dammit!" Lerrin growled. "I am not whining at you to hear my own voice!"

    "I will not fall for your distractions, dog!"

    Lerrin snarled as Reth came at him again and he was forced to shuffle back to give himself more space. Reth''s arms were as long as his, and legs slightly longer. His reach exceeded Lerrin''s by a good couple inches¡ªwhich could make all the difference when they actually came to blows.

    But when Reth didn''tnd a thrust and Lerrin didn''t try, Reth sank in his stance, bending his knees to shift his weight lower, preparing a strike in truth.

    Lerrin sucked in a breath. "If you be their Alpha, will you vow to hunt down those within the wolves who seek only for themselves and keep the others safe?!"

    "I am no fool, Lerrin," Reth snarled through his teeth. "This is between us. You will not shift my focus." He growled as he raced forward again and they both became a flurry of limbs, the thwack of their arms, hands, and legs echoing across the bowl, unheard by the maddened crowd who continued to cheer and howl for their leaders.

    Lerrin wanted to bite out his throat in frustration. "You are a fool if you do not listen and force me to hurt you! Why do you think I gave you information? Why do you think I am here! Tell me your intentions for my people. If you win, will you vow to cleanse the wolves without genocide?"

    "They are already my people! And if I win, I do not answer to you!" Reth roared, one of his thick legs swinging up from the hip in a full circle to take Lerrin at the temple.

    Lerrin only just ducked the kick, flinging himself aside. But he wasn''t fast enough to block the shocking jab Rethnded on his ribs before shifting back, out of reach again.

    Both their chests heaved, rising and falling with the heat and the adrenalin, but neither of them cared. "This is not a ploy, Reth!" he spat, keeping his elbow tucked in to guard the rib Reth had likely cracked. "I sent the messenger. I came because I need help¡ªI recognize that¡­ you were right when we spoke at the river. I can now see that my reign has been¡­ tainted."

    Reth scoffed and came at him again. For a full minute, Lerrin dodged, darted, blocked and twisted to avoid the thicker, stronger lion gaining a grip on him that would end in him being powered, face-first into the dirt.

    Heart pounding in his ears, and narrowly missing being tripped, Lerrin finally twisted,nding an elbow in Reth''s side as he whirled to the Cat''s back to give himself a moment to breath as Reth was forced to dart away, to put space between them and find his bearings again.

    Only then did Lerrin be aware of the cheering and calls of the crowd, the buffeting roar of the Anima, calling for blood. He growled his disapproval. "My question is real: Will you protect innocent wolves from those within their tribe that would destroy all of us?"

    "I will always protect the innocent, Lerrin."

    "Even wolves?" Lerrin insisted. "Even those that have stood in rebellion, but did not understand who or what they followed?"

    Reth''s gaze went guarded. Both of them panted, slowly circling each other, hands up to guard. Those in the crowd screamed for more fighting, but Reth was finally listening. Lerrin prayed¡ªhe prayed!¡ªthat Reth would see the truth.

    Reth feinted and Lerrin danced back, but didn''t fall, then they circled again.

    "Will you protect innocent wolves?" Lerrin spat. "Is the question so hard? What happened to the male who insisted we could speak for peace?"

    "That male watched you destroy the people of the WildWood!" Reth roared and whipped forward.

    Time slowed. Lerrin''s mind flickered through everything that had brought them to this moment¡ªeverything he''d done, everything he''d seen and understood, and it finally became clear to him.

    As Reth plowed forward like a boulder down the mountain, Lerrin knew there was only one way to end this.

    He stayed in ce until thest possible moment then, as Reth hit his full stride and dove for him, slipped a half-step aside, not attempting to block the grip Reth aimed for his forearm, but using it to shift the male''s weight while he still had momentum, whirling them both until Reth''s shoulder was strained, almost to breaking point as Lerrin brought the limb around behind him, catching it when Reth tried to let go and applying pressure until the joint was ready to pop.

    He couldn''t kill Reth from this grip, and he didn''t doubt the warrior knew¡ªas he did¡ªthat there was only one way out of it¡ªand that would injure Reth, but if used correctly, could turn the fight to his favor.

    He had seconds, at best.

    "Listen," Lerrin snarled into his ear as Reth tested his strength and braced to flip him¡ªwhich might dislocate Reth''s shoulder, but if he used it correctly, would also allow him to pin Lerrin before Lerrin could find his feet again. "I came for peace, but it had to be a peace my people¡ªmy good people would follow. Do you vow to protect them? If you do, this fight is yours."

    Reth froze, chest heaving. Lerrin didn''t rx, but he also didn''t apply the pressure that could break Reth''s elbow.

    "Tell me, Reth!" he hissed. "Will you protect my good people?"

    "You mean MY people, Lerrin?" the older man snarled back. "My good, innocent people that you and your pack leaders manipted and deceived? Yes. Yes will protect them. I will give my life in service to every one of them!"

    Something inside Lerrin broke open as Reth braced for the flip that would hurt himself, but bring Lerrin to the ground. But in the course of a breath, Lerrin knew.

    He knew.

    As the crowd around them roared for blood, for death, Lerrin released Reth just as the male began the twist.

    Theck of resistance threw his bnce off, and Reth stumbled forward, but Lerrin didn''t follow.

    By the time Reth caught his weight and turned, bouncing on the balls of his feet to meet whatever trick he believed Lerrin was about to employ, Lerrin was dropping to his knees.

    Reth froze, his eyes widening as Lerrin, without breaking eye-contact, offered his wrists. Then, when Reth didn''t take the offered victory, Lerrin growled a curse and tipped back his head to bare his throat.

 Chapter 454: To the Death - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 454: To the Death - Part 2</h4>

    YOU DID IT! You hit the 1,000 Golden Tickets overnight (give a special thanks to reader Benees_mae_basiga who gave 28 of the 60+ needed!!!), so I''m going to release FIVE chapters TOMORROW! (That''s Sunday evening for those in the USA, Monday morning for those in Asia.) Thank you so much for all your support again this month. I am truly touched. And we are still counting Golden Tickets for thest half of the month, and for every 200, there will be another chapter added to the mass release on 30 September!

    *****

    RETH

    The moment Lerrin got him into the hold, Reth had cursed¡ªand yet, he was nervous, but not despairing.

    His shoulder ached and his elbow screamed, but Lerrin wasn''t going to break the joint yet. He held the pressure as a threat¡ªgaining himself time. So Reth would let him speak, but because that gave Reth time that the vowed he would use to prepare himself. Getting out of this hold would be painful, and he would take some time to heal¡ªbut he would do it.

    He would do anything to bring his people home.

    So as Lerrin braced behind him, Reth took a deep breath and enviusioned the twist he would need, anticipated the pain it would cause, and forced himself to ept that. To embrace it. Sometimes pain was needed in this life to achieve victory. Sometimes pain was worth the result it would bring.

    This was one of those times.

    He would use this to his advantage and bring the wolf to ground.

    Creator, help me, he prayed silently. Do not let me flinch. He''d been taught this in training more than once¡ªbut they neverpleted the move because to do so would dislocate the shoulder. Once he began the turn, if he didn''tplete it, not only would his shoulder pay the price, but Lerrin would have the upper hand.

    It was all or nothing.

    Reth braced for everything and with a hiss through his teeth, nted his feet and began the turn. But then, just as suddenly as he began to apply his strength, the pressure was gone.

    Without resistance, Reth stumbled forward¡ªhis shoulder still intact¡ªand caught his weight. He turned in a sh, ready to attack or defend. But instead¡­ his eyes went wide.

    The roar of the crowd would have been overwhelming, but he''d been so focused on his enemy, he hadn''t even heard them, just felt them, their cheers and jeers vibrating in his chest. Suddenly, that sensation was gone and he watched as the impossible happened.

    Lerrin, his eyes pained, yet pleading, sank to his knees, thudding to the dirt, his shoulders slumped and rolled forward, though his eyes still fixed on Reth''s¡ªthe strength and power of the Alpha burning deep inside and, if Reth didn''t miss his guess, pushing at him. The wolf trembled, battling his natural urge to dominate, to fight, to win. An urge Reth understood.

    He was stunned speechless.

    His mouth dropped open as he watched the male he''d hated, fought against, cursed, and judged, kneel in the dirt, humbling himself, shaking in restraint, every dominant hair on his body rising against what he forced himself to do: Submit to Reth.

    And then, when Reth didn''t immediately respond, Lerrin cursed and, jaw tight and twitching, he let his head fall back to bare his throat.

    Lerrin bared himself for Reth to take his life. "Please," he breathed below the level of the baying crowd. "Please listen. Ie to you for help. For peace." But his eyes¡­ his eyes promised both submission, and payback.

    If Reth didn''t stay true to his word, this male would hold him ountable for it. Or make sure someone did.

    Reth''s hands began to shake. It was the ultimate act of submission, presented by his enemy, and it stole his breath.

    "I am here," Lerrin rasped, "because I can''t do it. I can''t fix what is broken in my people. But you can. The wolves need¡­ they need someone better than me, Reth." Lerrin shuddered, desperate and angry, grieving and resigned, but also resolved. His eyes red with a light of hope, but also of anger. Despite the conflict within him, the instincts roaring at him not to give himself, Lerrin did not waver.

    The hair on Reth''s arms stood up. "Do you have any idea what you''re doing?" he hissed. "Lerrin, this is a fight to the death!"

    Lerrin nodded his head, his eyes screwed tight. But when he opened them, they were clear. "Yes," he said simply. "I offer myself for the good of my people. If you will save them, my life is a price I''m willing to pay."

    Reth sucked in, then realized he could hear his own breath. He blinked and turned.

    All around them, the bowl had gone silent¡ªthe wolves and their allies gaping in disbelief, while the citizens of the Tree City stared, too afraid to hope.

    Reth knew the feeling.

    But then he tensed. Think, he told himself. He had to think this through. As Lerrin watched, Reth considered him, there in the dirt. He''d released Reth from his grip. Was not fighting. Submitted. Was it a ploy? Could it be a strategy? But Lerrin had done this publicly. His own people¡ªhis own pack leaders¡ªwere watching, along with his enemies. It was a public deration of his submission to Reth. Even if he were to leap to his feet and begin to fight now, very few of the people would see him as Alpha any longer.

    And now Reth had to respond. To show mercy, or to kill. To take what belonged to Lerrin, or to offer something back.

    Everything hinged on this moment.

    This was the male who''d stood by while his mate was almost killed. This was the male who had led a rebellion. Who had sent warriors that killed Reth''s people. Who had tried to kill Reth himself, and almost took his best friend.

    This was the male who had almost taken the Tree City¡­ but had given Reth the keys to his n.

    Killing him¡­ tearing out his throat or breaking his neck¡­ it would not solve the issues within the people. But it would shift the bnce of power. Reth would stand Alpha over all, again. He would be n Leader in truth.

    And he would be true to his word to root out the darkness, the cancer within the wolves. No more turning an eye of mercy upon the tribe that undermined and sought to kill others. Any Anima¡ªno matter their tribe¡ªthat did not swear fealty, that worked in secret to harm, would be killed.

    Just as Lerrin had done.

    And just as Reth now had to do.

    Killing him would bring all of Anima back to the Tree City. It would return their lives back to a society, rather than the preparation for war.

    Everything Reth wanted stood on the other side of killing this male¡­ who had just sacrificed himself for the same people Reth now sought to lead. It was the ultimate act of submission, and of love. Real love. The kind that gave of itself in order to save someone else.

    Reth remembered the prophetic words...

    There is no greater love than this: That a male give up his life for his friends.

    His heart softened.

    Then Aymora''s face appeared in his head, along with echoes of her stern warnings.

    No mercy. Mercy only convinces them that they can do wrong and not pay for it.

    Reth steeled himself.

    With Lerrin gone, the war would be over. Even if there were battles to be fought, it would be against this thread of cancer within the tribe, rather than between tribes and the peoples of Anima.

    It would free him to bring Elia back.

    And that thought¡ªthat thought of his beautiful, crying mate who''d clung to him and wailed his name, who was struggling and with child¡ªhis child! His poor mate who needed him¡­ that made Reth''s decision easy.

    Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward to stand over Lerrin, let the wolf see the grief on his face. "I''m sorry," he said, his voice as low and humble as he could make it. "I cannot let you live."

    Never breaking eye contact, Lerrin nodded, his throat bobbing.

    "I''m truly sorry, Lerrin. I want you to know, I will remember this. I will¡­ I will honor this. You have shown yourself a true Alpha today, whether they realize it or not."

    Lerrin blinked several times. "Thank you." They stared at each other a moment longer, then Lerrin sighed. "Just do it."

    As Reth reached for his head¡ªhe would make this as quick as painless as possible and snap his neck in a sh¡ªLerrin closed his eyes and his face paled. His lips began to move and his eyes squeezed tighter. His hands on his thighs fisted so hard they turned white.

    Reth''s breathing sped up as he fought with himself over showing mercy, his fingers wing into Lerrin''s ck hair. But there was no room for mercy here. The fight was dered on Hallowed Ground, before the people. He had no choice!

    Then, Lerrin sucked in a breath and whispered, "I love you Suhle!"

    Groaning in grief, Reth braced his feet to give himself traction to make the break swift and painless.

    ***** END OF VOLUME 2 *****

 Chapter 455: Temptations

    <h4>Chapter 455: Temptations</h4>

    ARE YOU A BADGE COLLECTOR? Fun news: Reth is currently #2 in the ssic rankings of the "Win-Win" event. (It counts privilege chapter unlocks per month. To see ssic, go to the "Explore" menu in the app, then scroll down to the bottom and hit "win-win", then on the top right, hit "Filter" and select "ssic.") If he remains in the top 3, you''ll get a CUSTOM badge, just for KING OF BEASTS! So keep unlocking those privilege chapters every day and let''s have some fun!

    *****

    KALLE

    By dinnertime Kalle was beside herself, pacing the floor of the suite, hands shaking.

    He should have been back by now, surely?

    She forced herself to go downstairs and bring up three meals, muttering about working, researching, all of them tired and unwilling to take a break. The cook smiled and made her a tray, but Shaw''s eyes were sharp on her and Kalle hustled out of there, too shaken to be able to lie well.

    Why wasn''t Gahrye back? Even if he wasn''t a Protector, even if they were wrong he could have crossed and thene back.

    Couldn''t he?

    Images rose in her mind of Gahrye leaving the portal and walking into the arms of the wolves. Or of fleeing them, back into the portal and being chased by ignorants who didn''t know they couldn''t cross with him¡ªunless he was a Protector, she reminded herself. Then they would be safe.

    She gulped. Then Gahrye would make a homicidal wolf safe, have to deal with it in the portal. Her Gahrye. Her peace-lover.

    Her mate.

    She choked back a sob and forced herself to sit at the coffee table and chew and swallow food to keep her strength up. But she didn''t taste a single bite.

    Gahrye was only dyed. Probably by the difference in how time passed. Or maybe he took a message to Reth. Or¡­ something. He wasing back. He would be back any minute. And then she''d feel stupid for doubting.

    She didn''t let herself think about the alternatives, but nausea rose in her throat and she stopped eating.

    Two hourster, as the windows became ck, and the cool fall air became the chill of night, Kalle moved all the hidden histories into Elia''s room to keep them safe, and had to listen to her groan in her sleep. The sound¡ªthe sheer pain of it¡ªcut at Kalle''s insides.

    Elia was missing her mate. Elia was grieving¡ªso deep and harsh she''d retreated into her beast. But even her beast wasn''t free of it.

    It hit her then that that would be her soon. Soon she would be the one spending nights alone. Pining. Unable to escape the fear. Nothing to do but wait¡­

    The thought, the vision of it in her mind, made her freeze. Then she became a whirlwind.

    She locked the door on Elia''s room so there was no chance of her getting loose in the house. She ran to Gahrye''s room, to the clothes she''d brought there, and dug through her things before wrapping a scarf around her neck and pulling on her warmest sweater and gloves, her fleece-lined leggings. It was going to be a cold night and she couldn''t stay another minute inside these four walls. She was going to go wait for her mate.

    She had not said goodbye to Gahrye forever this morning. She''d said See You Later. That was all. And she was going to prove it.

    *****

    The Big House gardens were peaceful at night¡ªonly the distant rush of cars in the little city below where they were positioned on the hill, and the glow of the streetlights below silhouetting the trees and walls around the property.

    But when Kalle made it to the Portal entrance she could feel something¡­ uneasy. As if eyes watched her and warned againsting too close.

    She''d never been tempted to try the portal before. Never even really considered it. But just then, it called to her. Made her ache. She needed to know what was going on inside it. Needed to know where Gahrye was, what had happened to him. But she couldn''t and it tore her apart.

    She wasn''t going to try to cross. She wouldn''t even touch it. But she wanted to be close. She might see himing, see¡­ something.

    She didn''t want to wait a second longer to find him than she had to.

    So, breath shallow and quick, she approached the pile of boulders and dirt that looked so non-descript. Then her breath caught.

    There was a faint glow emanating from it. she''d never seen that before. It called her and made her frightened at the same time. What was causing it? Was Gahrye on his way? Did he make the portal light up.

    She sat there for several minutes, barely breathing, waiting for some change. But nothing did.

    She took a step closer, then another. Until she stood in front of it like a door. Her feet itched to step forward and she had to sp her hands together, reminding herself that she couldn''t go through. That she had vowed not to. That she was unprotected¡ªworse, she''d made an oath that gave the voices control over her if she did.

    If it was real.

    One thing that she''d been thinkingtely, that she hadn''t mentioned to Gahrye because she hadn''t wanted to get his hopes up, was that she wondered if the oath was a shield. Propaganda. A ploy.

    The few references to Guardians she''d found in the histories only ever showed them in the human world, but there were no warnings given, no tales of the oaths¡ªand no moral tales of what happened to the Guardians who tried to cross.

    It was something she''d noticed in Anima history: Whenever there was aw, a restriction, a caution, there was always a story to tell them what happened to the Anima who tried to breach it. Always.

    And yet, there was nothing about the Guardians.

    It gave her hope that perhaps, just perhaps, Gahrye could take her through. But she wasn''t going to risk that until she was sure. If she insisted, and she was killed¡ªor worse, taken by the voices¡ªGahrye would never forgive himself.

    She felt certain she had the moral fortitude to resist them. Nothing meant as much to her as Gahrye. All she would have to do was keep him in her mind¡ªremember who she was going to, who she would win by defeating them and she would make it through. She was certain.

    She leaned towards the Portal and it glowed slightly brighter as her breath hit the surface of it. Kalle blinked. She brought one hand up. She wouldn''t pass through, she''d just touch to see if it¡ª

    "STOP!" A deep voice snapped from behind her. Then a strong, male hand mped around her wrist and yanked her back, turning her from the portal so quickly she almost lost her feet.

    Kalle shrieked and braced, one hand to her chest, and ended up blinking in the twisted, raging face of her uncle Shaw.

    "You aren''t going in there!" he growled. "I won''t let them have you as well."

    *****

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 Chapter 456: The Trouble with Shaw - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 456: The Trouble with Shaw - Part 1</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle sucked in a breath, but didn''t have time to respond as her uncle Shaw, still in the cks, shirtsleeves and sweater vest he''d been wearing at dinner, mped onto her arm and started dragging her back towards the house. She had a passing thought that it was too cold for him to be out there dressed like that, but he stormed forward, only turning to re back at her over his shoulder with a look that said he''d like to p her face.

    "Don''t ever got anywhere near there, Kalle!" he snarled, holding her wrist in a vice grip. She tried to break it, tried to pry his fingers off, but only ended up stumbling along behind him.

    "What¡ªwhat are you doing out here?" she hissed.

    But Shaw was still pulling her away from the portal, gesturing with his free hand, spitting he was so angry. "What the hell are you thinking?! Your mate will return¡ªand even if he doesn''t, you''ll only get yourself killed by going in there!"

    Kalle''s jaw dropped and she stopped dead as Shaw froze, obviously realizing what he''d said.

    "Uncle?" she whispered. "You know about¡­ about my mate?"

    He took a deep breath and turned to face her, sighing and removing his sses to wipe his eyes with the back of his wrist. "Yes, I know," he muttered. "And I''m severely disappointed that you never told me, Kalle." He returned his sses to his face, then finally met her eyes. "But I have to say, I''m even more angry that you''ve been lying to me. And since he isn''t here right now, I think maybe it''s time we finally had a chat."

    Before she could answer, he grabbed her wrist again, and started pulling her back to the house. At first she trotted with him, but then she tried again to pull out of his grip and he wouldn''t let her. Spluttering in confusion, she used her other hand to try to break his grip¡­ and she couldn''t. He was remarkably strong¡ªtoo strong. She''d seen him struggle under the weight of a pile of books before. Her uncle was very intelligent, but he even said of himself that he hadn''t been blessed with the muscles to match.

    Shaw, apparently unconcerned that she was trying to get loose, didn''t even look at her, just kept pulling her across the grass.

    "Shaw," she said, her stomach sinking, though she made her voice angry. "Let me go."

    "No," he hissed and tugged at her again so she almost tripped. "You were about to make the most stupid decision of your life. I won''t allow it."

    "I wasn''t going to go in, I was just¡ª"

    "You so much as put a fingernail in there and they will take you," he hissed into the dark, still yanking her along behind him. "Don''t do it."

    "Okay, okay, I won''t. Just¡­ let me go."

    "No!"

    "What?! Why not?" She started to scrabble at his hand, digging her nails into him, trying to pry individual fingers, but it was as if he didn''t even feel it. Kalle''s stomach twisted in fear. How was he so strong? Why couldn''t she move him. She was a couple inches taller than him and a lot fitter.

    "Shaw," she demanded, her voice shaking. "Let me go."

    "No," he snarled, then whirled on her, still holding her wrist in like a manacle. "And don''t get any ideas about oveing me, you won''t be able to do it. They make me strong. You can''t beat me. I''ll only end up hurting you, and I don''t want to hurt you. So be a smart girl and don''t fight. Come with me, and we''ll make a n."

    "A n for what? Uncle, what are you talking about?"

    But Shaw just growled, "Stop whining! I just saved your life! If you''d gone in there you would never have seen your mate again¡ªnot as yourself, anyway."

    "What are you talking about? How do you know¡ª"

    "Because they tempted me and I tried it and I''ve been paying the price ever since. So I just saved you and you can thank meter."

    "Wait¡­ what?!"

    "We have to get away from here, their power is stronger the nearer you get to the traverse, so keep your mouth shut and wait until we get inside. I''ll exin. I will. But promise me, Kalle, you will never, ever try to go through. You cannot. The curse is real. If you so much as breach the portal door they will take you and you will have no choice. They don''t have to tempt you¡ªyou''ve already given them the open door. I''m sorry, I know this isn''t what you want to hear, but it''s true, so keep your mouth shut so they don''t notice what''s happening. If I''m going to help you I have to do it when they aren''t paying attention."

    "Who?"

    "Who do you think?" he hissed, whirling on her¡ªbut still not letting go of her wrist. "Wake up, Kalle! You think we live this way, we exist in this world without an enemy? You think we are called Guardians for fun? Time to grow up and realize, your life hangs in the bnce. Your life is forfeit if you go through their¡ªand they will do everything they can to steal anyone you care about, any hope you hold."

    He stared at her, shaking with rage and Kalle shrank from the weird light in his eyes. Then he growled¡ªvery much like Gahrye did when he was frustrated¡ªand turned around, stalking towards the house again, dragging her with him.

    But this time she didn''t fight. She didn''t know what was going on, but clearly Shaw knew a lot more about the voices than she realized, and they were far more present than she''d ever been willing to think. Which meant Gahrye''s instincts had been right. And that meant Kalle needed him to think she was listening¡ªand afraid. That she would do whatever he told her.

    And she had to pray she''d been right about Gahrye being a Protector. She couldn''t even bear to think what it would mean if she wasn''t.

 Chapter 457: The Trouble with Shaw - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 457: The Trouble with Shaw - Part 2</h4>

    KALLE

    When Shaw pulled her through the back door into the Big House, he still didn''t let go. Kalle''s wrist was beginning to ache, but she needed to convince him that she wasn''t trying to fight anymore, so she hurried after him and didn''t fight as he led her, not up the stairs towards Gahrye and Elia''s suite, but deeper on the ground floor, to his own office.

    When they were inside, he whirled to the door and pulled a key out of his pocket, using it to lock the door from the inside so she couldn''t get out.

    Kalle swallowed while he wasn''t looking at her, her heart beginning to race. But something told her not to push. She had to stay calm¡ªkeep him calm. But she prayed that no matter what the voices had done to him, he still cared about her enough not to hurt her before she could get back to Gahrye.

    When the door clicked Shaw took a deep breath, then finally let go of her wrist.

    She rubbed it surreptitiously as she took one of the chairs on this side of his desk. Usually when they spoke he would sit at his massive desk, but not today. Instead, he turned from the door and stared at her long enough that her stomach began to twist, but when she opened her mouth he turned suddenly on his heel and began to pace, back and forth, in front of the door.

    But still he didn''t speak.

    Eventually, unable to think of anything else to ask, she simply blurted, "How did you know about me and Gahrye?"

    Shaw stared at the carpet as he paced, his hands moving as if he were speaking, but he hadn''t made a sound yet. He answered her without looking up. "They can smell it on you," he said.

    A chill ran down Kalle''s spine.

    "I don''t know how long you have¡­ I don''t know if they knew the first day. But when I got close to you the other day, it was obvious to them."

    Kalle swallowed and nodded, but her head was spinning. So the voices couldn''t just watch them, then? They weren''t just floating around the house and¡­ Kalle shuddered as her mind filled with images of evil spirits drifting through walls to follow them, to watch them sleep, to watch them¡­

    Oh, gross.

    Pushing the ideas away, she took a deep breath.

    "There is something I need you to find out for me," Shaw said, his voice still t and monotone. Then he looked at her and Kalle almost flinched. That strange light was back in his eyes, and stronger somehow.

    "W-what do you need to know?"

    "I have to find out what Elia saw in the traverse."

    Kalle frowned. "But¡­ wasn''t that the voices? Wouldn''t they already know that?"

    Shaw blinked¡­ then blinked again, his face pinching. "They do not know," he said finally. "Or, at least, they do not know all of it. So I must find out." He turned to pace back across the floor and Kalle felt her skin crawling.

    What the hell was happening to him?

    "What''s so important about this one person?" she asked carefully.

    "She''s not just any female," Shaw responded without hesitation. "She is a Queen. And a unique one at that. We cannot risk anything slipping through."

    "Sure, but¡­ does it really matter? I mean, aren''t everyone''s stories pretty much the same? With the voices, I mean? They either throw temptation at them¡ªsomething they really want, or they threaten them. Something they''re really scared of."

    "Don''t you understand, Kalle? Those conversations are only the tip of the iceberg," Shaw muttered. "What they offer or threaten reveals much about the Anima or human. And there are¡­ other aspects to what they hear and see in the traverse¡ªlook, just trust me. We need to hear her story!"

    "I-I believe you!" she said quickly, flinching back from the sudden rage on his face. "But, she''s in beast form right now. She hasn''t been out of it for more than a few minutes all week. I can''t¡­ she cantmunicate when she''s like that. And she would find it very strange if, suddenly, in those few moments she can speak I was pestering her for¡ª"

    "Hold her here, when shees back. When she''s human again. Give her the tonic. That will keep her in form for at least a few hours."

    Kalle''s eyes went wide. "Um¡­ what tonic?"

    Shaw cursed, then turned on his heel again and hurried across to a small chest on floor underneath the shelves. "This one," he said, scuttling back to her to hold out a small, ss bottle. It was new enough to have a stic twist lid, but the thick ss and rubbing on the stic marked it as something that had been around for a while. Kalle opened it and sniffed it suspiciously, jerking back at the sharp smell.

    "Give that to her when she''s in human form and it will keep her there for at least a few hours. Then¡­ tell her you believe the key to her return to Anima might be in the story of her traverse. See if that will work. I know she''s eager to go back."

    Kalle almost scoffed? Eager? Elia was literally dying without it. But did she trust Shaw to give her something that would actually help?

    Gahrye wouldn''t, she was sure. But she nodded and thanked him, holding the small bottle in herp. "I''ll try. I mean, she hasn''te out of it in days that we know of, but¡­ I''ll keep this on me. Thank you."

    Shaw nodded, staring at the bottle in her hands rather than her face, but then, instead of going back to his pacing, he stepped back to lean against his desk and stared at her.

    "Uncle?" she asked after a minute, wishing she could shudder without him noticing.

    "You vowed, Kalle. You took the vow as a Guardian¡ªthat means the traverse is not open to you under any circumstances. You must believe that."

    "I do."

    "I just watched you reach out to it."

    "I was worried about Gahrye, that''s all¡ª"

    "BULLSHIT!" His rage was explosive and immediately and Kalle startled, grabbing the arms of her chair and almost pushing out of it. But Shaw had dropped his head and was shaking it, rubbing his forehead. "It''s fine. I''m fine. I''m not¡­ you can''t lie to me, Kalle. It calls to them when you do."

 Chapter 458: The Trouble with Shaw - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 458: The Trouble with Shaw - Part 3</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle''s hands were beginning to tremble. With the bottle still in herp, she gripped the arms of the chair to hide her shaking. "I really was¡ª"

    A strange noise, like an angry cat, pierced Shaw''s throat. "If you touch it, if you try to put even just your hand through, they will bring you the rest of the way and they will never¡­ let¡­ you¡­ go¡­" he growled.

    Kalle swallowed. "How do you know this, Shaw?"

    "Because I tried," he muttered without looking up at her.

    "What¡­ what do you mean?"

    "I mean, I tried to go through. I wanted it so badly. I read everything avable, I couldn''t see any cautions throughout history for Guardians against crossing¡ªno moral tales, no recounting of the vow, nothing. There were agreements mentioned, between the Anima and the Guardians, but no curses. I thought¡­ I thought maybe it had been made up¡­"

    "I''ve noticed that, too," Kalle said quietly.

    "Don''t believe it!" he hissed, and raised his head. "Don''t let anyone tell you that you are anything but cursed if you try to walk that, Kalle, do you hear me?"

    Kalle nodded, but her mouth had gone dry in fear.

    He stepped right up so she was caged, the chair at her back, him at her toes. Her skin began to prickle. She forced herself not to flinch away from him when his breath washed over her and it smelled faintly of rot.

    "I don''t want to do the things they make me do, Kalle," he said quietly, that fervor burning in his eyes. "But they require it. No matter what, you cannot try to go through. They own me now. If I don''t do as they say, they will hurt me and hurt those close to me. You are one of those that I care about, Kalle. Don''t let them steal you from me.

    "Listen carefully: You are going to leave the portalpletely alone. You are going nowhere near it. You are going back to your books, and your mate if he returns, and we are not going to discuss this again. Do you understand?"

    "Y-yes, but¡ª"

    "NO BUTS!"

    Kalle gasped, "I didn''t meant to argue your point! I''m not going to try, I promise you! I was only going to ask¡­ how do we¡­ do we need to¡­ avoid you with our¡ª"

    Shaw stood up like something had snapped his spine straight and he barked, "No! No! You will not leave me out of anything! You will tell me everything you learn, do you understand?"

    "Yes, yes, Shaw, I was only asking. I just want to¡­ to do this correctly. That''s all," she soothed, but inside she was screaming. His eyes had changed. Something had appeared in him when he straightened.

    Shaw was not alone in his own head, and she could see it. It made her sick, and terrified in the same breath. And determined never, ever to let him know a single thing about her mate.

    She held her hands up, palms facing him, letting him see her shake. Let him be convinced she was cowed, that she wouldn''t step out of line again. "I just want to make sure I''m doing right by the Guardians and by you. Okay? I won''t break my vow. I won''t. I don''t want to be cursed. Thank you for making that clear."

    He eyed her warily, then nodded. And finally stepped back. But those mes were still in his eyes.

    "I''ll take you back to the suite, you can wait there," he said suddenly, then turned away from her abruptly, pulling the key from his pocket.

    Kalle blew out a breath and leaped out of the chair, catching the little bottle she''d forgotten about until it began to drop. But once she was on her feet and turning for the door it was clear her uncle was suddenly himself again, rambling under his breath about the key, about too many things to do. When he reached for the handle of the door, his hand was steady, and once he''d opened it, he turned and smiled. As if nothing had happened. It was eerie.

    "I''ll walk you up. We can see if Elia is herself."

    "S-sure," Kalle said, hurrying towards the now open door in case he changed his mind again. Her wrist still ached where he''d pulled her around, but she forced herself to fall into step with him as they started down the wide hallway.

    She had to keep him believing she was going to follow him¡ªand had to keep Elia and Gahrye safe from him and whatever was driving him to this.

    "Don''t forget the tonic. As soon as you see her human, you just have her take two or three swallows. Force them on her if needed. She''ll thank you for it."

    "Right¡­ sure. I will," she said, eyeing him from the side. "Can you tell me if there''s anything else you know that might help her?"

    "I''m afraid it''s toote to truly help her," Shaw said, his voice the kind of sad that people used when they knew they were supposed to be sympathetic, but didn''t really care. "We just need the information from her, then we can allow nature to take its course."

    "N-nature?" Kalle asked.

    "Yes!" Shaw said brightly, turning to smile at her. "She''s Going Silent. Oh, don''t look like that, I doubt she even realizes that''s what''s happening. But she''s in despair. Coming back here after living there so long was never a good idea¡ªand leaving her mate there has sped up¡­ well, everything. The affects of her return here, the loneliness, her pregnancy¡ªand the natural processes that have been¡­ improved by the Anima blood¡­ everything within her, both good and bad, is happening at an elerated rate. You can''t save her, Kalle. That''s why it''s so crucial that we get her story, that we know what she knows. No one can save her now¡ªbut we can use what she teaches us."

    Kalle stared at him, her mouth open and her eyes beginning to sting. "How can you be so sure?" she breathed.

    "Because, I told you. The voices know, Kalle. They know almost everything, but the thing they know best is death. And Elia stinks of it."

 Chapter 459: Alone

    <h4>Chapter 459: Alone</h4>

    KALLE

    They got to the suite and somehow Kalle convinced Shaw that even if Elia was in her human form, she was likely to shift back into her beast if she saw him, so he had to wait outside for her to check which form Elia was currently in.

    Kalle breathed a sigh of relief when she eased the bedroom door open and saw therge, dark shadow of the lioness sprawled on the massive bed. Elia''s beast began a low, puttering growl. She could probably smell Shaw on Kalle.

    "Don''t worry," she whispered. "I''ll¡­ I''lle back soon. He won''t be here. Just rest." Then she closed the door and headed back out to the hallway

    "No, she''s still her beast," she said, trying to sound as if she were sorry about it. "But I''ll keep this close and as soon as she changes, I''ll give it to her."

    "How will you convince her to take it?" Shaw asked in that strange monotone.

    Kalle swallowed. "I''ll tell her it will help her stay human, and that it''s good for the baby. That''s all she''s worried about."

    Shaw nodded, watching her, unblinking. She was about to ask him if there was something else, but he finally turned away and walked off to the stairs without looking back.

    Kalle stepped back inside and locked the door before she let herself slump back against the door and shake.

    "Gahrye¡­" she whispered, dropping her face into her hands. "Where are you?!"

    She wouldn''t give in to tears. That wasn''t what any of them needed right then. Instead, she got her phone out of her pocket¡ªjuggling it when she almost dropped it, then with trembling fingers, tapped the message thread with her grandmother.

    YOU ARE NEEDED HERE RIGHT NOW. TELL NO ONE. COME TO THE SUITE.

    She waited, biting her lip. But the answer was almost immediate.

    I''LL SEE YOU IN HALF AN HOUR. HOLD ON MY GIRL.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye sat on the floor of the cave, right across from the portal opening, his legs pulled up so he could get to his feet quickly, his hands resting on his knees. The glimmering surface of the portal mocked him, drawing him, as if begging for him to enter. But every time he touched it, it was like touching the rock wall of the cave.

    Why wouldn''t it let him back in? He was a Protector! He''d read more than one story where they crossed the traverse frequently. No mention made of time limits or any restrictions. Of course, there was no guarantee that the histories they had wereplete¡ªor even urate. He growled his frustration and pounded a fist on the floor.

    Why? He threw at the Creator. Why put me here with the beginning of the answer, then deny me the rest? My mate is back there! My QUEEN!

    He dropped his face into his hands and groaned. It felt like this entire journey¡ªthis journey that was supposed to bring him everything he''d ever wanted¡ªwas only setting him up for failure after failure.

    But no¡­ no¡­ he reminded himself of what he''d just learned.

    As he absentmindedly picked at the dried blood on his wrist, he listed everything the Creator had shared.

    He was important. His sess was important. He and Elia were crucial. The Creator had a n. And they were part of it.

    Reading the winds had been such a blessed relief after so long in the human world where he was so reluctant to open his senses any more than necessary. But he was going to have to, he could see. He should have sensed this even over there. This picture involved both worlds, and he and Elia''s journey in particr. But clearly Kalle and Reth¡ªand their offspring¡ªas well.

    He needed to get back there! He needed to be reading the winds every hour until he was certain of the path.

    He had to get Elia back here, to Anima, that much was abundantly clear. Her bloodline¡ªReth''s bloodline¡ªwould be the salvation of the Anima. And she was going to need his help.

    And they couldn''t tell anyone. Not the important parts anyway.

    He let his head drop back against the cave wall, praying that Kalle hadn''t told her grandmother about what they''d found about the Protectors. That information had to be kept away from everyone. Absolutely everyone.

    He could see now. The disformed had to be protected, increased, trained and¡­ held away from the rest of their society until they were ready. Because if the wrong people learned even a hint of this, they''d be hunted down and eradicated. The voices, or whoever, or whatever controlled them would genocide the disformed. Genocide all of Anima, actually.

    When he''d been reading the winds and thought about telling even Reth, his mind had swum with image after image of a great wave of fire, engulfing the WildWood, burning every male, female, and offspring in its path.

    There was no way out, except through. And the only way through this was to keep everyone believing that the disformed were¡­valueless. No one could know their value. No one.

    His spine stiffened at that thought, but his instincts were true, he knew it. And he finally understood something that had been bugging him.

    When they''d firstprehended that he was a Protector, that the disformed bloodline was a family created to provide this for the Anima, he''d wondered who would want to hide that. He''d assumed it was the voices, or someone working with them.

    But it sat wrong that they could, in living memory, make a people forget. Whenever the loss of this information had urred, it hadn''t been at the end of the lives of every living Anima. People had to have known¡ªyet they allowed the histories to be expunged¡ªnot even a whisper of a rumor of this?

    But¡­ if the Creator had let the Anima in on this n. If the Anima themselves¡ªthe healthy Anima, the rulers and their people¡­ if all of them had known that no one was to learn this except the future prophesied ones?

    That made a lot more sense.

    They had agreed not to teach their children. And the knowledge would have been lost in two generations. And for a good reason.

    Gahrye shook his head. This whole thing seemed impossible, and yet, here he was. Fresh out of the Portal and the voices hadn''t been able to touch him. He had a female on either side of him that had been prophesied, and suddenly the histories were avable to them, after centuries¡­

    It was incredible. But also impossible to do what needed to be done from this side of the traverse!

    He stared at the glimmering door again and frustration rose to choke him. Throwing himself across the cave, he pounded at the door, swearing, then froze.

    Carefully, he ced his palm t on the portal opening and pushed.

    He couldn''t get his hand through it, but the surface, that shimmering, twirling surface that called to him¡­ it flexed. Giving under the pressure of his palm.

    Gahrye''s breath rushed out of him. Perhaps there was just a wait time? He pressed on it again, but couldn''t sense any change to the amount of resistance.

    So he sat back again, on the opposite wall and resolved to try it every hour until it allowed him through. He didn''t care how long it took. He wasn''t going to leave his mate¡ªor his queen¡ªalone in the human world.

    Then Kalle''s beautiful face, smiling up at him, shed in his head and Gahrye groaned. He had to correct the thought.

    He wasn''t going to leave his mate alone in the human world¡­ yet.

    *****

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 Chapter 460: Sick Truth

    <h4>Chapter 460: Sick Truth</h4>

    GAHRYE

    It had only been minutes, but Gahrye felt like an hour had already passed since hest tried to get through the Portal.

    The cave was dusty and the rock under his ass cold. His body was beginning to ache. Sitting there in the dusty cave for another hour was only going to drive him more crazy. Plus, if he was getting out of here again, he yearned to fill his nose with the scents of home one more time, where even the air seemed so much more alive.

    But, unwilling to miss any opportunity, Gahrye got to his feet and pressed on the portal again¡ªand again, no noticeable shift in how much it gave under his hand.

    He grit his teeth.

    "You tell me she''s needed¡ªnecessary¡ªbut then won''t let me back to her to help?" he prayed quietly. "You tell me what to do, then put obstacles in my way?" he breathed through his teeth. "She''s prophesied too! Am I supposed to ignore that? Sit here on my ass and¡­ what? Just show me what to do!"

    A flutter of wind rattled dead and dried leaves near the opening of the cave and the sound echoed through the chamber like bones ttering. Gahrye froze, then when there was no further noise, no footsteps, he crept to the end of the tunnel, where it met the main cave, and peered around the corner.

    The breeze still eased down the long cave. When he poked his head into that main chamber it washed his face with hints of the fresh scents of pine and honeydew, his favorite smells¡ªrefreshing and soothing. Gahrye sighed and nodded. "Fine," he muttered. "I''ll wait."

    Rubbing his arm¡ªit was beginning to itch where the blood had caked to the healing wound¡ªhe realized he was thirsty. He would kill some of this mind-numbing time by sneaking out to the river and taking a drink before trying the portal again.

    He took his time getting through the cave, very careful not to inhale as he passed the spot where Candace''s body hadin¡ªuntil he reached the mouth of the cave, where he stopped and for several minutes, scenting the wind and scanning even the tree canopy and mountainside above to ensure there was no one nearby before he crept back out into the sunlight and across the little clearing, to the trees on the other side and the creek behind them.

    He took another minute at the edge of the trees on the bank of the water, looking for any sign of life nearby, but there was nothing. No one. The only sounds and scents came from the small animals or the flora, the rustle of the leaves in the breeze over his head, or the tinkling rush of the water.

    Finally, he crept out to the soft earth on the edge of the water, keeping himself partially hidden behind the overhanging branches and grasses from the bank alongside, and stooped, kneeling, to first wash his hands¡ªand his bloody arm¡ªthen when he was sure all the blood was gone, cupping his hand and leaning down close to the surface of the water to drink quietly.

    Once his thirst was ked, he indulged only for a moment, inhaling deeply of the scents of the Wildwood, picking out the individual bird calls in the trees above, watching everything shift in the light wind.

    This was his home, and he missed it greatly. But with Kalle and Elia both gone¡­ he was eager to leave as well.

    He didn''t look forward to what would have toe. To seeing Kalle''s face when he exined. To the feeling it would cost him to walk away from her. But at least there were no more questions in his mind.

    He knew what was needed and even if it wasn''t what he wanted, at least he didn''t have to doubt anymore.

    He prayed the Creator would find a way to bring Kalle here, or to take him back to the human world without threatening this one.

    Please, please don''t ask me to give up my mate forever. She is perfect. Please don''t ask me to do that.

    The thought was so ufortable, he pushed to his feet and started the slow progress back to the cave, checking always for unwanted eyes, ears, presence. But nothing.

    Once again, his stomach went cold when he thought about what this meant¡ªwhy Reth hadn''t been sending anyone through to them if the wolves weren''t here. But that was one answer he didn''t have, so as he passed back into the cave, he shook it off and hurried back through to the tunnel towards the Portal.

    He was busy praying that Kalle hadn''t told anyone, that Elia would be back in human form so he could exin everything¡ªat least this meant it wasn''t likely dangerous to bring her back through. At least, not here at the Portal itself.

    He stopped just before he reached it.

    Did he need to go back, get closer to the Tree City, learn what was happening there? Was that why he''d been dyed? Was there more to learn before he returned?

    Gahrye looked back, towards the mouth of the cave, then forward again, to the Portal.

    Was it safe to bring Elia through? But no, he knew she needed to be here, as soon as it was possible to make it happen. There was no doubt in his mind. Even if there was danger in the Tree City, it didn''t matter. Elia needed to be in Anima, and he needed to be here with her. They had a job to do.

    Resolved, he took a deep breath, then turned back to the Portal again. His nerves red as he began to reach towards it and that glittering surface twisted again, lighting up for him. His heart pounded and adrenalin surged through his system as his hand came into contact¡­and then passed through.

    Thanking the Creator as his hand disappeared into the darkness on the other side, he pulled the knife from its sheath as he stepped through.

    Any amount of pain was worth it to get back to Kalle.

    *****

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 Chapter 461: Time for Silence

    <h4>Chapter 461: Time for Silence</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle sat on the couch in the suite, staring nkly at the firece, trying desperately to keep her fear in check.

    Visions of Shaw, that feverish light in his eyes kept shing through her head¡ªthe terrible shifts in his voice. It was impossible to know when he was himself, and when he was under the influence of the voices¡­. Or maybe he was always himself, but he was being¡­ urged? She didn''t know, and she couldn''t ask.

    She''d almost given up on her grandmother arriving when the door jiggled, and she realized she''d left it locked.

    A soft knock sounded on it as she hurried across the room to unlock and yank it open.

    She didn''t even give her grandmother time to say anything, just grabbed her hand and pulled her into the room, then leaned back out to see if anyone was there, or watching. But she couldn''t see anyone.

    When she closed the door again and turned to face her grandmother it was a battle not to give in to tears and just throw herself into her grandmother''s chest.

    "What''s going on, Kalle?"

    Kalle took a deep breath. "We¡­ we learned some things yesterday and Elia showed up in the night¡ªshe''s breaking, Grandma. Like, I don''t know if she''s losing her mind, or just her will to live. But she''s only been herself for bare minutes over the past week or more. And Gahrye is convincedpletely convinced¡ªthat he has to get her back to Anima or she''s not going to go back at all. He¡­ he went¡­ he went through to make sure they could do it safely and¡­ but he''s note back and I''m getting worried. And Shaw is pressuring me to get Elia''s story and¡­ Gahrye should have been back by now. I just don''t know what to do!"

    Her grandmother''s face sharpened. "He''s pressuring you for Elia''s story? Specifically?"

    Kalle nodded.

    Her grandmother''s lips pursed. "Okay, I think we better go back to the beginning. I have to be missing something. What have you found in the histories so far¡ªat least, what you think you can tell me?"

    Kalle took a deep breath. Could she tell her grandmother about the Protectors? She knew Grandma had a good heart. Surely that would be fine?

    She started across the room towards the couch and chairs. "Let me check Elia, just in case and let''s sit," she said quietly. "This might take some time."

    Her grandmother took a seat while she peered around Elia''s door again, then shook her head. The lioness was still there, and Gahrye was still gone and¡­ Kalle wanted to scream. Instead, she very stiffly made her way back to the chair, sitting at an angle from her grandmother. Then she took a deep breath and threw caution to the wind.

    "Last night, we were going through the histories and I found a little book¡ª"

    The sound of the door utching acted like a gunshot. Kalle leaped to her feet for the second time that day, her heart pounding so hard, she couldn''t hear anything but its thrum in her ear.

    But when the door opened, it was the tall, broad shape of her mate that met her hungry eyes. "Gahrye!"

    She ran¡ªliterally ran¡ªacross the floor to throw herself into him, her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, and they clung to each other. She was crying, she realized, letting her tears slide down his neck because she couldn''t bear to lean back far enough to wipe her eyes.

    "Thank the Creator, thank the creator, thank the creator¡­" she kept whispering against his shoulder.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye shushed her and soothed her, but he held her just as tightly as she held him. "I''m fine," he whispered, kissing her hair, "I''m safe. I''m sorry you were scared."

    "What happened?" she cried, squeezing him tighter. "What kept you?"

    "How long have I been gone to you?"

    "It''s been almost a full day! When the sunes up¡­"

    Gahrye went very still under her hands.

    "Why?" she asked, pulling back to meet his eyes. He still held her weight. "How long has it been for you?"

    "A few hours," he said. "Maybe six or seven? It''s hard to tell how long the traverse takes. But it seemed very quick to me."

    Kalle shook her head. "It wasn''t quick," she said, biting her lip. Then she put a hand to his face. "I''m so relieved¡­ so relieved. Did you¡ªdid you see anyone or¡ª"

    "No one," he said gravely, searching her eyes. "There was no one guarding the portal. Nothing."

    She blinked. "But¡­ then why¡ª?"

    "Can I ask you a couple of questions, Gahrye?" Eve said from behind her and Gahrye startled. How had he missed the grandmother''s scent? It was the Creator''s grace that he hadn''t said anything important yet.

    "Hi, Eve," he said, looking at her over Kalle''s shoulder. "Thank you for being here with her."

    Kalle sighed, but held onto his shoulders and let him go with her legs to stand in front of him and turn to face Eve.

    Eve waved off his gratitude. "You''re bleeding," she said pointing to his arm.

    Kalle opened her mouth as if she was about to exin, so he rushed in to speak over her. "Yeah, yeah. It''s not deep. It''ll heal in a few hours. I just¡­ caught it on something."

    Eve''s forehead puckered. "That''s bled a lot. Are you sure you don''t want some kind of disinfect¡ª"

    "No," he said hurriedly. He didn''t know how soon he was going to be able to take Elia back, but he knew he couldn''t go through stinking of that horrible stuff. "Thank you, but it really will be fine. I''ll go take a quick shower and put on some clean clothes. Kalle could youe with me for a second?"

    "Of course," she said, her eyes a little wider than usual. She looked at her grandmother than back at him. "We won''t be long Grandma."

    "It''s fine, honey. You guys do what you need to do." She grinned and winked as Kalle tugged Gahrye through to the bedroom. Gahrye nodded his thanks and followed his mate, his heart filled to the brim with yearning and with dread, because he could smell the hope and desire on Kalle, and he was going to have to break her heart¡ªand his own.

 Chapter 462: Dark Times

    <h4>Chapter 462: Dark Times</h4>

    LIMITED EDITION PAPERBACKS avable in giveaway only! In light of WebNovel''s move towards offering books in other formats (we''ll see if we get there!) I have a very limited number of approved paperbacks for giveaway ONLY, and no more will being. So, this month, if you purchase the top tier of privilege (50 chapters for King of Beasts, or 45 Chapters for Queen of Beasts) thenment on thest avable chapter "I want a paperback!" You will be entered into the draw. Check out thements where I''ve posted a picture of the books!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    "We need to get you out of these clothes," Kalle whispered with a wicked smile as soon as he closed the door behind them. Her fingers were already on his buttons and flying. For a moment he let her because she kept kissing whatever triangle of his skin that appeared as she got the buttons undone, and he didn''t know how many more times he would feel her lips on him, and he was too weak to say no.

    But once she''d pushed his shirt off his shoulders and he''d kissed her, and her hands began to trail down his chest to the waistband of his leathers, he caught her wrists. He kept his eyes closed and stopped kissing her, resting his forehead on hers.

    He could feel the tension snap into her. "Gahrye?" she whispered. "What is it? What''s wrong?"

    He swallowed hard. "Is¡­ um, is Elia still¡ª"

    "She''s still the lion."

    He cursed and brought his hands up Kalle''s back to bury his fingers in her hair. He was going to kiss her¡ªdesperately¡ªbut then let her go when she dropped her head back, baring her throat. She''d put her arms around his waist, and he almost took her hands from his back, almost made her let him go, because all of the sudden¡­

    He''d been here before.

    When he was in the traverse.

    This was that softly-lit room that he hadn''t recognized¡ªstrangely square and mercilessly clean, it stank of the strange, sharp scent of the human world. Of little that was natural and so much that was¡­ false.

    Behind him, arge, perfectly rectangr bed squatted on the floor. And just like the memory the voices had given him, before he''d even known her, there he stood with his back to the bed, shirtless. Oh, there were little details that were different¡ªhe wasn''t in those horrendous jeens, nor were his hands shoved deep in his pockets. But this was the female¡ªhis female¡­ his Mate. She stood, pressed into his stomach, her arms inside his, wrapped around his waist.

    And it was the strangest echo in his head to know her, and remember knowing her before he knew. Really knew her.

    Now he knew both in his mind, and in practice, the sounds she made when he kissed her skin. Knew the look of love in her eyes, the scent of desire¡­

    Kalle was short, barely reaching his corbones, but she had her face tipped back so her entire throat was exposed to him¡ªa throat that he had tasted. He knew its texture and warmth. He knew the salt of it. Her eyes, that strange mix of green and brown that changed with the light, sparkled. Her dark brown hair was long enough to hang, but short enough that it didn''t catch on her shoulders. And without a word, she stared, wide-eyed up at him. "What is it? What''s wrong?" she breathed. Then, when he didn''t answer right away, she dropped her open mouth to his chest.

    Gahrye grunted as his body responded, not only to the vision of her lips on him, but to her warm press on his skin.

    "It''s¡­ Creator''s Light, Kalle," he croaked. He forced himself to return his hands to her back, to pull her close. "I know so much more than I did yesterday," he rasped.

    Her eyes widened. "You do?! What did you learn?"

    "You can''t tell anyone, Kalle¡ªnot even Eve. You haven''t, right?"

    She shook her head and a tiny thread of his tension unraveled. He cupped her face and held her there, looking at him. "You can''t tell a soul about the Protectors," he whispered. "Or any of the other things I''m going to tell you. Only Elia can know. And us. Do you understand? There are no exceptions to that rule."

    Kalle''s throat bobbed, but she nodded. "I understand."

    "Okay¡­ okay¡­ I know this is going to sound crazy, but just let me get it all out, okay?" Then he told her¡ªthe empty cave, only old scents around the cave, no Anima anywhere that he could smell. Breathing the winds and reading them, and the jolt of the Creator opening his eyes. The horror that would result if they failed¡ªif they told anyone. And his mad rush back to the portal, his frustration that he couldn''t cross and had to wait¡­ and the settling certainty on the heels of the future the Creator had described.

    He had to go back. He and Elia. There was no choice. They had to get her back there before it was toote.

    Then Kalle''s eyes flew wider. "Shaw," she whispered.

    "What?" Gahrye bit the word off.

    "He''s¡­ I got worried about you and went out to the Portal¡ªjust to watch. But he found me there and pulled me back inside. He was acting so strangely. Gahrye, he tried to cross the traverse at some point and the voices got him." But before Gahrye could take in that shock, she continued. "He told me¡­ he said that Elia''s going silent. That it''s toote to bring her back. She''s going to be human less and less until one day she just¡­ isn''t anymore."

    "No!" Gahrye snarled.

    Kalle''s eyes filled with tears. "We have to save her."

    Gahrye yanked himself out of her arms and rushed back to the door, forgetting he was wearing no shirt and Kalle had gotten his top button undone, until Eve''s eyes widened slightly when he yanked the door open into the living room.

    "Eve?" he said sharply.

    "Yes. What can I do?" she asked quickly, always ready to answer to Anima emergencies.

    "We need to know if the traverse has ever been taken in the beast form. Was it done safely? And if so, how?"

    Eve nodded and pulled a little phone out of her back pocket. "I think¡­ I think I know where to look for that. I''ll go check that now."

    "Thank you. I''m sorry. I''m sorry I can''t tell you more."

    "It''s okay, gorgeous," Eve winked. "Just take good care of her for me, okay?"

    He sucked in and nodded, but she just smiled and walked quickly across the room, calling back to him to lock the door once she was through.

    He followed her and did as she''d suggested, then turned to find Kalle right behind him, her eyesrge and shining.

    "You have to go, don''t you?" she asked in a tiny, broken voice. "Like¡­ right away?"

    He nodded. He could feel his mouth pulling for the floor, the weight of grief pressing on his chest like iron bands.

    "I can''t¡­ I can''t go," she said, her voice hitching. "Shaw¡­ exined. I''ve¡­ they''ll take me. If I even touch the Portal opening, they''ll take me. I can''t go, Gahrye!"

    "I know, baby," he whispered and pulled her into his chest. "I know."

    Kalle sobbed into his chest.

    Gahrye had to swallow and swallow not to follow her into tears.

 Chapter 463: Live and Let Die

    <h4>Chapter 463: Live and Let Die</h4>

    LERRIN

    It was strange, Lerrin realized in that moment of facing death, the little details that stood out.

    The Hallowed Grounds were so silent, he heard a gust of wind flutter in his ear as it ruffled his hair, and whipped Reth''s ck hair across his cheek.

    Reth stood over him, his warm-brown skin glistening with sweat, the rounds of individual muscles reflecting the sun as he moved a step closer, his rugged face drawn down in sadness.

    And his eyes¡­

    Lerrin saw in the male that stood over him the eyes he used to see in his father. The eyes that regretted pain. That sought strength, but not at the cost of someone else''s weakness.

    Lerrin saw in those eyes the heart he wished he had.

    Lerrin''s knees hurt from hitting the hard-packed soil that was growing hotter by the second under the afternoon sun. But he didn''t care. He was about to die.

    That thought brought his body alive. His heart thudded in his ears. His skin suddenly felt too tight as if it sought to pull him away from danger. And his heart¡­ his heart soared for the victory he knew woulde from this, and sank deep, into the earth below him, with the pain of leaving his mate here to face her life alone.

    She''d suffered enough pain in this life. He had wanted to ease her struggles not add to them.

    Reth gripped his hair. "I''m sorry," he said, his voice as low and humble as he could make it. "I cannot let you live."

    Lerrin didn''t break eye contact, just nodded slowly and swallowed back the sudden surge of fear that screamed at him to run.

    "I''m truly sorry, Lerrin. I want you to know, I will remember this. I will¡­ I will honor this. You have shown yourself a true Alpha today, whether they realize it or not."

    Lerrin could barely take in the words except to know that he didn''t deserve them. "Thank you." They stared at each other a moment longer, then Lerrin sighed. "Just do it."

    With a heavy sigh, Reth cupped his forehead in one hand, and his chin in the other giving himself the traction to snap Lerrin''s neck.

    He was grateful. It was a far more honorable death than having his throat torn out, or his guts spilled.

    Lerrin closed his eyes and his heart thrummed in his ears. He didn''t want to make things worse for Suhle, but he found himself weak in those moments, reaching for her across the distance¡ªto find her waiting, open, screaming his name in her head, pleading with him.

    For as long as he could, he murmuredfort to her, sent images of himself¡ªmemories, the feeling in his gut when she smiled, the light in her eyes that fascinated him, the way he''d found a single hair of hers on his bed once and wrapped it around his finger like a ring.

    He began to tremble with the tension of waiting for the pain and knew he couldn''t let her feel his death the way he''d felt his sisters, so, with his hands fisted on his thighs and his arms shaking from the effort to restrain himself from fighting, he sent, "I love you, Suhle. More than my own life. Never doubt it."

    Reth grunted and the dirt under his feet crunched as he braced. Lerrin cut off contact over Suhle''s begging and forced himself to rx his neck and shoulders, not to fight as Reth''s grip tightened on him and the male hunched over him, pulling Lerrin''s head to his chest to get the right angle to make the break.

    There was a single, shining moment, where Reth seemed to have him in the grip of a lover and Lerrin ached for Suhle, he held his breath and weed death¡­ then the male''s hands trembled.

    Lerrin heard Reth''s voice shoved through his teeth¡ªand also echoing in his cavernous chest currently directly under Lerrin''s ear.

    "Shift," he growled.

    Lerrin sucked in. "What?" he rasped.

    "Shift. Breach the terms. You''re going to be dishonored in their eyes anyway. You''ve already lost Alpha. But I honor you, Lerrin."

    "But¡ª"

    "Shift for fuck''s sake. Get loose. Breach the terms! Then I can imprison you instead of kill you. Do it. Now!"

    Lerrin didn''t even think¡ªReth had given that order all the power of the Alpha he''d just submitted to. It was within him now to obey.

    Heart hammering, he exploded into beast form and Reth leaped back, cursing as he darted out from under Reth''s arm and whirled to face him on the sun-baked ground, his back to Reth''s people.

    The Hallowed Grounds thundered¡ªthe wolves and their allies screaming in hope, the Tree City Anima roaring their disgust.

    "He breaches the terms!" Reth bellowed and the crowd on both sides surged.

    Lerrin''s beast shook his head so hard his paws scrabbled on the dirt, fighting for control. It did not want to return to submission, but Lerrin roared from within and required it, appearing again, still kneeling as Reth called for his capture.

    Guards from the tree city that had been positioned across the front rows of the bowl darted forward, pulling their spears and short swords from their backs.

    "NO!" Reth roared. "NO BLOODSHED!"

    The guard hesitated, their ranks slowing, but then they pushed on to surround Lerrin. Tobe and Tarkyn reached him first, pulling their weapons, but only using them to keep Lerrin from moving, Tobe screaming to his fighters for control, for restraint, even as the wolves began to rush in from their side, towards Reth.

    "CEASE! NOW!" Lerrin snarled at his own guard, unleashing all the dominance he''d fought to contain against Reth.

    His males yelped and scrabbled, their bodies offering submission while their minds still fought.

    The crowds across the bowl screamed, called, and cried until the ground vibrated, and Reth and Lerrin found themselves surrounded by warriors¡ªhalf in submission, half in disciplined restraint, only a hairsbreadth of control between the two armies.

    Lerrin, his chest heaving scanned his people, punishing them with his eyes, demanding their submission, then looked at Reth.

    "The Lupine Alpha broke the terms!" Reth bellowed, turning to ensure all of Lerrin''s warriors would hear him clearly. "His discipline belongs to me. The n Leader. The King. The Alpha of ALL!"

    The Tree City fighters cheered along with their people, stamping their feet and crowing their victory.

    The wolves turned to look at Lerrin, their eyes full of disgust.

    He shook his head. "Stand down," hemanded. "The war is lost."

    There was a single, silent breath. Then a male voice within the Lupines screamed, "The King dishonors himself and his people! The Lupines do NOT recognize the Lion!" His scream was swallowed in a roar from the Lupine side of the bowl and Lerrin cursed as all hell broke loose.

 Chapter 464: War

    <h4>Chapter 464: War</h4>

    RETH

    There was no time to prepare. No moment to consider or n. Not even a breath.

    The wolves surged towards them and Reth froze, watching death roll in.

    "RETH!" The scream came from only a few feet behind him. He turned to find Tarkyn, the young guard he''d evaluated and been impressed by, appointed to Elia''s personal guard, tossing him a thick spear, his mouth open in a scream of warning.

    It was little more than reflex to catch it and turn, roaring, to meet the rippling wave of wolf warriors, watching the crowd bing a ripple of ck and gray as the warriors took beast form.

    The wolves had lost their preferred element of surprise, and been thwarted from their ploys and tricks. But they were fierce fighters and raging. Reth''s heart sank.

    Many, many would die today.

    Once again, the Hallowed Grounds would be covered in blood.

    Then, from his left, and just behind, Lerrin screamed, "WOLVES WITH HONOR, I SUBMIT! HONOR THE GROUNDS! DO NOT SHIFT! DO NOT FIGHT!"

    "ANIMA!" Reth roared. "DEFEND! DO NOT OFFER DEATH ON THE GROUNDS!"

    The end of his scream was drowned out by the howling of those in beast form as they flowed forward to sh with his own fighters¡ªthe shing teeth of the prides and ck hooves of the herd meeting ws and coiled fangs.

    It was chaos. All around him the barks and yelps of dying wolves, the screams of injured horses, and roars of the lions, bubbled around him and made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

    Then they were upon him. A massive brown-gray wolf throwing himself across thest ten feet, straight for Reth''s throat.

    "Forgive me!" Reth pleaded to the Creator and dropped to a knee, thrust the spear he''d been tossed high to impale the wolf right in the center of his chest. The wolf screamed, snapping at the spear buried in its chest, but even as Reth jerked the butt of the spear up to turn the wolf over and slide if off so the weapon could be used again, the body shifted, returning to its human form in death, and Reth grieved.

    Forgive me, he pleaded as he whirled, a hurricane of death, the spear whipping into a blur around him taking cheeks, necks, snapping mouths, and onerge serpent right in the throat.

    Forgive me, he begged as he turned from ying one wolf to find another leaping on Tobe¡ªwho had lost his weapon, so had taken his Beast form, kicking and squealing, mouth open to use his teeth on his long neck, clearing space near Reth¡ªbut had missed the wolf that sprang over the bodies of his brothers to snap at Tobe''s belly in an attempt to disembowel. Reth roared and threw the spear straight into that gaping maw of teeth, then raced after it, jerking it out of the wolf''s throat before it had stopped convulsing and shifted back to its human.

    Again and again he prayed for forgiveness as life after life was ended on the Hallowed ground, as wolf blood mixed with equine, mixed with the lifeblood of the pride. And still it raged on.

    Then, in one stunning moment that would always remain crystal clear in Reth''s mind, he''d leaped into the air to bring the spear down like a hammer on the neck of a wolf that had its jaws locked on one of the equines. He sessfully severed its neck, but his spear caught in the bone and it took two jerks to free it. As Reth braced for the second a short sword whirred over his head and he ducked¡ªjust in time to see ite home on the throat of another, massive wolf, near-ck in its coat and eyes red with bloodlust, aiming straight for Reth''s back.

    Startled, Reth whirled, pulling the spear free, to find Lerrin, still in human form, sliding the sword out of his own warrior''s neck.

    They stared at each other for a blink, then Lerrin screamed, "BEHIND YOU!" and Reth whirled to counter the onught.

    He was aware of Lerrin behind him from that moment on, the two of them fighting back-to-back and together as if they''d done it for years, leaning and spinning, Reth''s spear and the sword Lerrin had found keeping every w and fang at bay.

    Reth roared and Lerrin snarled, and together, slowly, slowly, they cut through every wolf that came for either of them, because it was very quickly clear to Reth that the wolves were as determined to kill Lerrin as they were to murder Reth himself.

    But soon another pattern emerged¡ªworried, grieving faces all the way around the bowl, even on the Lupine side. A line of warriors that had heard their Alpha submit and followed his orders stood between their defiant brothers and the rest of the rebels who had ignored the order and continued to fight. Many of Lerrin''s people had not sought to dirty the Hallowed Grounds.

    A corner of Reth heart celebrated even as he was forced to continue ying wolves and serpents, even as he bellowed at them to submit and be freed.

    He began to tire, his arms bing heavy, but still he fought, the de of his spear rending through fur to find the flesh beneath¡ªand he and Lerrin remained at the center of the storm.

    "Protect the Lupine Alpha!" he screamed endless minutester when he realized Tobe and the others hade to his aid, but were still eyeing Lerrin and not stepping in to help him. "Protect your King and the Lupine Alpha!"

    His warriors were disciplined and submitted. They obeyed.

    And then, finally, the tide began to turn.

    Reth wanted to sob with relief the first time he took a breath without swinging the spear, it was a small break, little more than a blink, but there was more sunlight, fewer shadows in his peripheral vision. And still, Lerrin, at his back, fighting in human form with remarkable skill. Enough skill that Reth found himself grateful they hadn''t actually fought hand-to-hand.

    Then, suddenly, a wolf howled and behind him, Lerrin slumped.

    *****

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 Chapter 465: Submission

    <h4>Chapter 465: Submission</h4>

    LERRIN

    His massive chest heaving, Reth stood in front of Lerrin as both of them turned to scan the ground and find they werepletely surrounded¡­ by Equine guards, all facing out, spears and short-swords ready. But no more enemiesunched at them.

    The cries and snarls of battle still rose in small clusters of fighting around the floor of the Grounds, but as Reth and Lerrin both turned, looking back and forth, it became apparent.

    The Tree City warriors had won.

    The rebellious wolves and serpents were surrendered, or routed.

    Reth turned to Lerrin, covered in sweat, dirt, and blood, his chest heaving, but his eyes still bright.

    Lerrin''s Alpha power pressed forward, wanting to fight, but he swallowed it back.

    They stared at each other for a moment, then knowing that his life had been spared¡ªand his people''s lives had been spared¡ªLerrin cleared his throat. It was up to him to make the gesture here, to be seen by his people¡ªnow Reth''s people once again¡ªto submit and relinquish control.

    Shaking with weariness and relief, Lerrin lowered himself to one knee, thumping his fisted hand to his chest in the traditional salute to the King.

    "I am your servant," he rasped, the acoustics of the bowl ensuring everyone in the forward rows could hear him. "Thank you. Thank you for not killing all of my people."

    "My people," Reth snarled.

    Lerrin nodded and dropped his eyes to the dirt. "Thank you for taking your people back," he whispered.

    Reth sucked in a breath.

    Tobe who must have taken over as Captain¡ªhad the reported assassination actually taken Behryn?¡ªstared between them, his jaw tight, but his eyes searching, questioning Reth.

    Lerrin understood that question. The Anima that remained had proven that here and now, at least, they would listen to Lerrin and submit. But would they truly give themselves to the Leonine King?

    And the people who had remained loyal, who had fought¡­ naturally they would be suspicious of anyone who had not. Even the best people worried and wondered¡ªwishing for the good in others, but always fearful, mindful of rebellion. Of the finality of death.

    Reth scanned the crowd on the Lupine side, frowning, clearly having the same thoughts as his Captain awaited instructions. Then he turned to scan the battlefield, the few remaining fighters, and the bodies of warriors strewn from one end of the Hallowed Grounds to the other¡ªblood once again staining the dirt of this sacred ce.

    Lerrin sighed, forcing himself to remain submitted, also waiting for Reth''s decision. The lion had muttered that he would keep him alive¡­ Lerrin had to pray that was true.

    But when Reth caught his gaze, he felt his courage waver. It was the gaze of a King, the father of a people, and he was grieving loss so acute, it could not be counted.

    His face hardened and Lerrin braced.

    "Take him into custody," Reth growled.

    Tobe''s eyes widened, then he scrambled forward.

    Lerrin dropped his weapon and sagged, but didn''t fight as four of the weary equine guards darted forward to take him.

    *****

    RETH

    Once Lerrin''s weapon was removed and his hand had been tied behind his back, Reth turned to Tobe. "Where''s Brant?" he said, a sick pit in his stomach. The older male was strong, but he was a thinker, not a fighter. And his prominent presence at the beginning of the Rite would have made him a target for the wolves.

    "I''m here," a weary voice said from behind him.

    Brant stood between two equine guards, his arms slung over their shoulders, his face haggard and blood smeared. But he was alive.

    Reth almost rushed over to hug him. Instead he met the older man''s eyes with appreciation. "How bad are your injuries?"

    Brant growled. "Not bad, but a wolf got his jaws on my ankle. It will heal."

    Reth wondered what had happened to the wolf. He suspected the blood spattered over Brant''s face told the important part of the story.

    He was about to make a joke, but the hair on the back of his neck rose and he heard Tobe mutter an order for caution to the guards. Reth turned.

    To his right, a sea of wide and disturbed eyes¡ªthe eyes of the people who''d rejected him and the Tree City and rebelled. Were led to rebellion by Lerrin and Lucine and¡­ and they were watching their leader be debased and bound. They''d already seen him submit¡ªwillingly. They''d followed his orders. But now they were rudderless and leaderless unless Reth stood up.

    The problem was, how? They all knew he was their Alpha now. But they were likely even more nervous than he was to have their backs turned.

    The tensions were not over.

    Not to mention that Reth was certain there were moles among them¡ªspies that had been sharp enough and forward thinking enough to use the chaos of battle to return to the people and insert themselves as if they wanted peace.

    Reth growled. Brant urged the two guards to help him hobble to Reth''s side.

    "What do you think?" Reth asked under his breath.

    "They can''t just walk into the city. Those back home will be terrified," Brant replied just as quietly. "I''d suggest a council on neutral ground, with leaders from among them¡ªthose they do trust."

    "It''s a good idea¡ªnecessary," Lerrin said, though no one had asked him.

    Reth growled, but the wolf just stared at him.

    Reth knew he couldn''t let his pride make him stubborn. Not now. Not with this very fine line to walk. So after a moment he nodded, then pushed his shoulders back to address the rebels.

    "You arewfully won. Your Alpha has submitted. You have proven honor. You will not be rejected. However¡­ we have many questions as I''m certain you do, also. Return to your camp to rest and refuel. Inform those who stayed behind of the oue of this day. We will all meet at the outpost clearing tomorrow at dawn. All of the people will gather, and the councils will speak. Everyone will hear every word. We will negotiate your return to the Tree City. We will find our way to peace and unity again."

    Cautious murmurs rose among the people and Reth shook his head. "You do not need to fear me. You are my people. If there are no attacks on the Tree City, you will receive none, I give you my word as King and Alpha of all. Sentries will remain appointed as they always have, but only to guard against attack. Our troops will not move against you." Next to him, Tobe snorted, but Reth ignored it. "You are my people and I wish for your best. We will take tonight to honor our dead. Then tomorrow will dawn a new day, and a new WildWood!"

    There was a smattering of apuse and few cheers, but mostly the Lupines just murmured to each other, and bowed their heads.

    Reth sighed. No, the fighting was not down. It would just be undertaken at a different level now. But at least¡­ as least there was a chance for peace.

    *****

    EXCITING NEW CONTENT COMING THIS MONTH! To make sure you''re the FIRST to hear, go to this book page in your library and click my author name (directly under the title) then click the red "heart" icon. Then, as soon as there is exciting new content from me, WebNovel will make sure you know ALL about it!

 Chapter 466: No Mercy - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 466: No Mercy - Part 1</h4>

    LERRIN

    The equine guards weren''t rough on him, but they eyed him with cold disapproval and clearly restrained themselves. Lerrin was impressed. If he''d taken Reth he knew his guards wouldn''t have been as kind.

    Yet another blow. How had he not seen the darkness infecting his people?

    Memories of that ck and gray wave of wolves, ignoring his direct order, rolling into the Hallowed Grounds to kill and destroy¡­ it was only a small balm that many of his people had listened, but he would take the sun where it peered through the shadows. He didn''t have any choice.

    His people were cut adrift. He had to do everything he could to help Reth bring them back¡ªwisely, carefully, but quickly¡ªso that healing could begin.

    His shoulders ached from the binding on his wrists behind his back before they''d even left the Hallowed Ground. By the time they reached the Tree City, he could barely feel his hands. He was marched¡ªby Reth himself, which Lerrin didn''t know whether to take as apliment or an insult¡ªdirectly to a cluster of the Great Trees on the northern end of the City. They were once used for storage, but Lerrin gathered they''d be Reth''s jail. When they passed the first tree there were guards at the doors and the only window was high in the wall. Too high to climb.

    Lerrin caught a hint of Suhle''s scent as they approached and held his breath. He doubted Reth yet knew about their Mate status, and he didn''t want to put her in deeper trouble with the lion. Not yet.

    Then they rounded the next tree and Reth turned in and Lerrin stopped dead.

    In the middle of the clearing between the trees was a pile of bodies. Wolf bodies. He''d smelled the rot faintly as they walked, but the wind was carrying the scents away from them.

    Rotting and bloated, the bodies had been thrown together like trash and Lerrin knew¡­ he knew if he were to turn any of them over, to examine them, if he could see past the ckened skin and bloating, he would find faces he recognized. He shuddered, but the guards pulled him by his elbows, his shoulders screaming at the added tension. But Lerrin barely noticed.

    This was mercy?

    This was peace?

    This was honoring their fallen?

    Reth followed Lerrin''s gaze, then snorted. "They tried to kill me," he growled. "They were needed as a warning to those we took as prisoners."

    Lerrin snapped his head to the side to meet Reth''s eyes, but the leonine only stared back, his face nk and unapologetic.

    Rage churned in his chest, but he swallowed it back.

    He''d done the same thing with the three guards they''d taken when Reth rescued Elia, he reminded himself.

    He''d done it for the same purpose.

    For the first time since the battle, Lerrin began to shake. But when the door into the tree was opened and he was ushered through, he didn''t fight. His head was spinning though. He hadn''t expected to make it this far, to face these atrocities. What else awaited him on this journey?

    Would he end in a pile like that? A warning to those who returned to the City?

    What would he have done if he''d returned here triumphant?

    He rolled his head on his aching shoulders as one of the guards gave him a slightly harder shove than was strictly necessary to get him deeper into the tree while they followed him inside.

    Reth slipped in too, his massive shoulders filling the door as he entered, then the guards, each with a weapon drawn.

    Lerrin gave them both a t look. He hadn''t fought¡ªhad, in fact, given himself up, even though he was near-certain he might have beaten Reth one-on-one if he''d put all his might and power into it. Now they treated him like he might take a cheap shot at any of them?

    He sighed. He had to keep reminding himself what he would have done in the same shoes. And there was no doubt he would have taken even greater precautions to keep Reth contained. Aching shoulders or not.

    Reth stared a challenge at him and Lerrin met it¡ªwithout challenging in return. So they were left there, ring at each other, while the guards checked the door and window, inspected the tree for any attempts to create an opening, then finally, when they were done, Reth instructed one of them to return to Lerrin to slit the ties at his wrists with the de of the spear.

    His shoulders screamed again when the pressure was finally released, but he only sucked in, rolling his shoulders slowly, allowing his arms to rx at his sides, clenching and unclenching his hands to get the blood flowing properly into them again.

    And always, holding Reth''s gaze.

    Reth, who remained expressionless throughout the entire silent exchange.

    "Leave us," he rumbled eventually.

    The four guards hesitated. "Sire¡­"

    "I said, leave us. Guard the door and the window. Ensure no onees close. Do not enter unless you hear me give themand."

    Lerrin tilted his head. "You don''t need code words with me anymore, Reth," he growled.

    "That remains to be seen."

    Lerrin shook his head, but forced himself to break the gaze and look around the storage tree, giving Reth the dominance again.

    His instincts might press him to challenge, but Lerrin really did desire peace for his people. If he had to keep licking the lion''s fur to get it¡­ well, he would.

    They both waited until the guards had slipped out of the door, thest one checking behind him until the door clicked to lock and they were alone.

    The thick walls of the tree shielded them from most of the noise outside, but Lerrin could hear the faint murmur of the guards discussing them outside. If he''d tried, he would have been able to make out the words. But he didn''t. Instead he continued rolling his shoulders and working his wrists and hands. His arms trembled. He doubted he could hold a mug yet. Not that it mattered. When he turned back to face Reth the Leonine had widened his stance and had his fists at his sides.

    Lerrin scanned him from toe to top, every inch the embattled warrior and furious King. When he made it to Reth''s eyes¡ªalight with rage and righteous fire¡ªLerrin took a slow breath. "What''s on your mind, Reth?" he growled.

    Reth leaned in until they were almost nose to nose. "I should kill you."

 Chapter 467: No Mercy - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 467: No Mercy - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    The wolf had stared at him with an usation in his eyes when he''d seen the pile of dead wolves, and Reth had almost¡ªalmost¡ªapologized. Then he''d steeled himself.

    Had the tables been turned he was confident Lerrin would have done far worse.

    Why didn''t that soothe his conscience?

    As soon as they were in the tree though, Lerrin''s natural arrogance returned and he began to stare at Reth. The fucking nerve of the male!

    Reth waited until the guards had done their job, then he ordered them to leave and note back unless he gave the direct order.

    Lerrin had given a tiny snort and Reth almost tore his head off on the spot. But the wolf''s arms were useless at his sides, his hands white and shaking as he clenched and unclenched them, trying to bring feeling back to the crucial limbs.

    Reth didn''t like that he felt safer because Lerrin was obviously unable to use his hands effectively. He didn''t like that the wolf had submitted rather than been dominated.

    He didn''t like that he''d saved Lerrin''s life and now couldn''t kill him without looking like he''d taken petty revenge.

    But he would, if that''s what was needed.

    When Lerrin turned to face him and scanned him from his toes, as if he measured every inch of Reth, Reth lost the leash on his anger.

    "I should kill you," he snarled.

    Lerrin''s eyes shed. "You still can. I''m submitted. I won''t fight you. But that won''t solve the problem you''ve got, and you know it."

    "It would solve one particr problem," Reth pointed out fiercely.

    Lerrin''s eyes narrowed. "Have I not just proven that I''m submitted? That I want the greater good? Isn''t that what you wanted?"

    Reth didn''t answer. Didn''t like that his mind felt foggy and his body loose and liquid, as if he might fall over at any moment. He felt weak and vulnerable¡ªand feared that only his anger about that fact kept him sturdy on his feet.

    Lerrin gave a little shake of his head and snorted quietly. "So much for mercy. So much for peace."

    "You expect mercy now?! You expect peace after what just urred? How many lives lost, Lerrin? I did not seek war¡ªyou did. And you brought the most toxic and hateful of the Anima to the Hallowed Grounds to soak sacred ground with blood! Yet I am the poor leader for treating you with contempt?"

    "I have proven myself! I heard your plea when we met at the river¡ª"

    "How many monthster?"

    Lerrin stepped forward and Reth had to brace himself not to flinch. "I am not proud of my blindness, or the time it took me to open my eyes, but a true leader will turn from wrong and face right when they see it¡ªand I did," he growled. "Have you never held onto grief, Reth? Never blindly med another for the pain in your chest? The problems that exist began well before I took Alpha. Where is your righteous anger for those who led two years ago? Five? Eight? Oh wait¡­ that would be you¡­"

    Reth''s upper lip curled. "If this is submission, I hate to think what your challenge looks like."

    "Yes, you would. The wolves understand that leaders are only strengthened by feeling the challenge of their servants. I have been honed by those around me, forced to fight for my choices. I have not been apuded at every step."

    "And you believe that I have?" Reth would have gaped at the sheer ridiculousness of the usation, but he wouldn''t weaken himself with the show of emotion.

    "I believe that your choices have not always been challenged, when perhaps they should have been," Lerrin growled. "But it is of no ount anyway, because I am here. I am submitted. Even to death."

    Reth blinked at the echo of his vows to Elia and the honor inherent in those words. "Thank you," he said quietly, startled.

    "What else do I have to do, Reth? You need me right now¡ªI can tell you how to approach the wolves. I can tell you how to make this transition work. I can tell you how to bring them back. And I want to. But if you''re going to see everything I say and do through the filter of the past three months, we aren''t going to get anywhere¡ª"

    "The filter of the attacks on my mate? The filter of your personal hatred, your sister''s petty vendetta? Your father''s outright insubordination? That filter, Lerrin?"

    Lerrin scowled, but didn''t answer.

    Reth held his gaze until he looked down¡ªteeth gritted and shoulders tense, but he did it.

    Reth blew the air from his nose. "We have a serious problem now¡ªa tightrope to walk. Mine made more difficult because of your mutiny, so do not look at me as if I am the problem here. ws or not, it is not I who chose war for the WildWood, Lerrin¡ªand you know it, otherwise you wouldn''t be here as you are."

    Lerrin''s face twisted with anger. "Fine! String me up! Don''t use my knowledge. Don''t use the help that I offer. Fulfill your desire for revenge¡ªjust as I did¡ªthen tell yourself you were justified in it. I must say, you did an amazing job at making yourself look merciful before the people, only to bring me here, to kill me in private and the dark¡ª"

    "I don''t want to kill you, Lerrin, that''s the problem. I''m a fool!"

    Lerrin''s mouth dropped open. "You just said¡ª"

    "I said I should kill you, not that I wanted to," Reth growled, then turned from the wolf to pace the floor. "You showed honor today¡ªgreater honor than I would have anticipated. Which has made my te more difficult to swallow, because now I have a living, breathing, mutinous Alpha¡ªa figurehead for his people."

    "And you have him on a leash," Lerrin growled. "Much more powerful than martyrdom, and we both know it."

    "Only as long as the leash remains," Reth rumbled back. He continued pacing, considering and discarding options, his head spinning.

    "I don''t get it," Lerrin said finally. "What is it you want from me?"

    Reth stopped pacing and held his eyes. "Open your mind."

    Lerrin blinked. "What?"

    "Open your mind willingly. Let another wolf examine you, your motives, your ns¡ªlet them tell me that your words are true and do not hide an agenda. A wolf that I trust to link minds with you and reveal all of your secrets."

    ****

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 Chapter 468: No Mercy - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 468: No Mercy - Part 3</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin was frozen to the floor. Reth knew about the mind-link? How was that possible? It was a secret that had been kept for millennia.

    Hadn''t it?

    He opened his mouth to brush off the request, to plead ignorance of what Reth spoke, but¡­ something held him back. Their eyes locked. If Reth truly knew about the mind link and Lerrin lied about it, Reth wouldn''t believe him on the other things. His only chance to be heard, to be a true help to his people was to affirm the breaching of this secret¡­

    For the first time in a very long time, Lerrin found himself stuck, unable to determine which was the greater transgression.

    Reth growled. "I had the mind-link confirmed by wolves who were deceived. They did not know that they confirmed what, until that day, were only suspicions. I bluffed and it worked. Do not me some among your tribe for trusting more than they should. It is a reflection of their good hearts."

    Lerrin snorted. "What does it say about yours, though?"

    Reth crossed the space between them in a sh, standing over Lerrin, teeth bared, every ounce of sheer, masculine dominance wafting off him until Lerrin had to fight not to shake.

    "It tells you that I held my suspicions until I was certain the breach was actually needed. It tells you prioritize the good of all over a single tribe. And it tells you that the fact I have shared this knowledge with you means I do not hold it expand my own power, you cowering welp!"

    Lerrin growled, but submitted, dropped his eyes and rolled his shoulders forward. He didn''t speak, but his posture said it all.

    Reth snorted the scent of him from his nose and walked away, Lerrin still shaking with the restraint he''d needed not to fight back, not to challenge.

    This was going to be a lot harder than he''d thought.

    Neither of them spoke for a time. Lerrin worked his arms and hands, breathing, trying to bring himself back to calm. Reth paced the floor, muttering and casting dark nces at him.

    Then finally the lion stopped and turned to face him from several feet away. "If you are true. If you hide nothing, prove it. Let me bring a wolf to you and you open your mind fully. You hide nothing. I will ask them questions and they will answer for you."

    "How do I even know if this wolf can be trusted to tell you the truth? Clearly he''s loyal to you. What if he decides he will end this for you by lying about my intentions?"

    Reth''s lips twisted. "That will not ur. Wolves are wolves first, even you know that." Lerrin didn''t answer, but Reth saw the truth of it in his eyes and it made his own light with righteous anger. He strode to cover the space between them and Lerrin forced himself not to flinch when Reth didn''t stop until he was at Lerrin''s toes. "This will be a trust exercise for both of us," he said, his voice a low, husk. "I am already certain of my trust. Therefore, I will allow you to examine them first. Ask any question you please. Examine their mind for deceit, or ill-intent. If you do not trust their motives, we will abandon the exercise. There is only one wolf I would trust with this. Unless you trust them too, and open fully, it is pointless anyway."

    Lerrin stared. "Who would you trust with this? I am not certain I would trust any."

    "That will be a very disappointing end if that is where wend. But I pray it is not. Let me bring them to you. You can ask anything you wish, link with them, see their thoughts, yes?"

    "That doesn''t mean they can''t hide. We all hold back something."

    Reth frowned. "Can you tell when that urs?"

    "If I ask a specific question, or if their emotions are not clear enough, yes."

    Reth nodded. "Then you will ask your questions first, and when you have been convinced that there is no trick, no agenda, you can offer yourself for questioning. If you are not convinced, it will not happen. I cannot force you."

    That was pure truth, but Lerrin felt like he''d already spoken out of turn and revealed to much, so he only considered the proposal. No matter which angle he came at it, he couldn''t see a risk any higher than simply saying no. Even if the wolf was not to be trusted, at least he had shown his willingness to try. And if he said no without trying, he knew Reth would suspect¡ªas he would in that position¡ªthat his own agenda was at threat.

    "Okay," Lerrin said finally. "I''ll measure your wolf. Bring him in."

    Reth nodded, then walked to the door, gave the knock, and exited the building.

    Lerrin, left in silence, found himself suddenly exhausted. There hadn''t been a moment to breathe for days and here he was at the hands of his enemies, helping them¡­ He dropped his face in his hands and blew out a breath.

    Creator, let this all be over soon, one way or another. Let Reth be the leader the people needed, and let Lerrin and Suhle reunite and disappear together to make a quiet life in the mountains, and never grace the trails of the Tree City again¡­

    There were several minutes before he heard the footsteps of several males outside. Then the door began to open and one stepped in, peering around the door with his spear in hand to make sure Lerrin hadn''t set an ambush.

    Lerrin, on the other side of the tree, rolled his eyes. "Do you really believe I submitted, to get myself imprisoned, to pounce on you?" he asked dryly, to cover his nerves.

    All other issues aside, he''d never let anyone but Suhle truly into his head before. What would it be like? What would they find?

    His pride was pricked, remembering everything from the violence of killing the wolves that had pinned that sheep, all the way to the days in his adolescence when he''d discovered self-pleasure. Surely they wouldn''t have need to delve into that?

    He snorted at himself. The world was falling apart and he was worried a wolf male would see him masturbate.

    It would have been funny. He might haveughed, but by then the four guards were back inside, edging around each other near the door to block Reth and hispanion as they entered.

    Just as Reth stepped aside from filling the doorway and Lerrin looked, curious to see who had gained his trust, a gust of wind blew straight in the door, ruffling the hair of the guards, and bringing the most beautiful scent in the world.

    Suhle! She must be nearby! Perhaps even in the next tree¡ª

    Then the guard stepped aside to reveal Reth, his hand on Suhle''s shoulder. She wore no hood, but stared up at Reth with a small smile¡ªthe kind she gave for those she cared about and trusted. As Lerrin gaped, trying toprehend what he was seeing, they both turned to look at him, Reth''s gaze wary, Suhle''s pleading. He drank her in, checking her from head to toe for injuries or signs of harm. But there was nothing. She was safe. Unharmed. Safe. And¡­ she trusted Reth. And he trusted her.

    What the fuck was going on?

    "Do you trust her motives, Lerrin?" Reth asked quietly.

    Lerrin''s entire body mmed to a halt. Including his heart.

 Chapter 469: No Mercy - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 469: No Mercy - Part 4</h4>

    YOU DID IT! You hit the 1,000 Golden Tickets overnight (give a special thanks to reader Benees_mae_basiga who gave 28 of the 60+ needed!!!), so I''m going to release FIVE chapters TOMORROW! (That''s Sunday evening for those in the USA, Monday morning for those in Asia.) Thank you so much for all your support again this month. I am truly touched. And we are still counting Golden Tickets for thest half of the month, and for every 200, there will be another chapter added to the mass release on 30 September!

    *****

    RETH

    He''d hated locking Suhle in, but he knew, if anyone did, the draw of the True Mate. He hadn''t been able to risk her running after Lerrin and getting herself killed to be close to him. She''d understood, but been very unhappy. He''d made her asfortable as possible in a tree by herself and left a minimum of guards.

    The moment he walked in after the challenge, careful to be alone so the guards wouldn''t frighten her, she leapt off the bed they''d made for her and ran to him. "What happened. You have blood on you¡ªwhere''s Lerrin?!" she cried, grabbing at his vest.

    Reth took her wrists gently and pried her hands off. "He''s safe, for now. And he''s here. I need your help with him."

    "Anything! Does he need tending? I can¡ª"

    "No, Suhle, listen to me, I need your help. And it''s help that Lerrin has agreed to."

    She blinked, her bright eyes wide and liquid. "What is it?"

    She didn''t have her hood¡ªhad lost it somewhere in her travels¡ªand they''d provided her some clean leathers and a shirt. She looked more¡­ normal than Reth had ever seen her. Her hair was down, fallen out of its braid and swinging around her shoulders.

    "I need some information from him, but I need it with some¡­ reassurance," he said quietly, knowing she wouldn''t approve of what he was about to do, but hoping that her desire for peace would urge her to agree. "He has agreed to open his mind and allow himself to be read¡ªto allow another, trustworthy wolf to find the answers for me."

    "He knows I''m¡ª"

    "No," Reth said quickly. "I needed to know that his answer to the question was genuine. He was already ufortable with me knowing about the mind link. I needed to make sure he wasing into this without expecting special treatment. But I know he''ll trust you, Suhle. And I know you won''t breach his privacy. I give you permission to tell me only what is pertinent to the actual issue. If you find more¡­ keep it to yourself."

    She blinked, then blinked again, took a step back, her mouth turning down. "This isn''t right, Reth. The mind link¡­ it is for trusted members of the tribe."

    Reth nodded. "And I will respect that. No one else will be in the room with us. I will not speak of it to anyone else. Not even my mate. Suhle, this is purely to help me determine what I can and can''t do with Lerrin¡ªhow far he can be trusted."

    "He can be trusted as I am trusted!" she said, indignant.

    Reth gave her a look. She shoved her jaw forward and folded her arms, unwilling to give.

    "Suhle," he sighed, "he has just led a rebellion. We''ve lost lives. I cannot¡­ I cannot just take your word for the goodness in him."

    "You have seen it yourself¡ªyou said so! You offered him peace because you knew of it!"

    Reth nodded. "And then he tried to kill me, my Second, and sessfully killed dozens of our allies. He is a powerful male, Suhle, and I cannot risk more lives for him."

    Her lips pursed. "He has agreed to this? Or was he coerced"

    "He agreed. I have even said he can refuse if he doesn''t trust the wolf I choose for the role. I know he does trust you, Suhle, so that won''t be an issue."

    For the first time, he saw uncertainty in her eyes. Her entire stance became wary, her eyes darting to the door. "You may find¡­ once he understands our connection, he is not so trusting of me."

    "You are his True Mate, Suhle. It would take a will of steel to deny the bond. It will already be calling him¡ªI heard him call for you when he thought he was about to die. You are his heart, rest in that. He may be angry, but he will move past it. We always do."

    She eyed him with a look that said she wasn''t so sure, but then shook her head and looked away again. "I do not like this, Reth. It feels like a vition."

    "I know. And I give you my oath I will make it no more of one than it has to be."

    Suhle sighed heavily, but nodded. "Very well," she said finally. "But if he chooses not to allow me in, I will not use my influence to persuade him."

    Reth nodded and scratched the back of his neck. I can live with that, I suppose. You''re a good female, Suhle."

    She snorted, then looked at the door. "Can we go now? How far is he?"

    "Yes, and he''s just two trees up," Reth said, then smiled when her face lit up. As they turned for the door, his grief and ache for his own mate cut him. But it somehow felt¡­ right to bring these two together. He would have to consider where Suhle would be housed after this. Likely she would wish to be with Lerrin. But he wasn''t sure what he was doing with Lerrin yet.

    He would cross that bridge after they got through this.

    He''d never seen Suhle excited before¡ªnot really. But she was practically bouncing on her toes as they left the tree and started around it, to another just a hundred feet away.

    She kept her pace with Reth''s, but she kept peering forward as if she might see him, her hands sped at her waist, her thumbs rubbing together to soothe herself.

    Yes, he was doing the right thing to bring them together. And if he could, he''d allow them to house together tonight. They would both sleep better for it.

    Thoughts of his beautiful mate, where she might be, where she might sleep, shed through his head and he had to push them away to focus as he made the motion for the guards to precede them into the tree, one of them stepping in first and checking around the door to make sure Lerrin wasn''t waiting to ambush them.

    Suhle was trying to peer around them, but they were all so much taller than her, she made a little growl of frustration. Reth made her go after him, just to be certain of her safety. The wolf stood in the center of the floor eyeing them warily. But as Reth stood aside and Suhle stepped in, he saw the moment Lerrin recognized her scent¡ªthe joy and pain, thrill and fear that entered his eyes. Then he led Suhle through who was suddenly very nervous and looked up at him with a small, pleading smile. He nodded to reassure her, then turned to face Lerrin, whose face had gone deathly pale.

    "So... I''ll ask again: Do you trust her motives, Lerrin?" he asked quietly.

 Chapter 470: Defining Truth - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 470: Defining Truth - Part 1</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin didn''t answer Reth. He couldn''t. His head buzzed with shock. Conflicting emotions roared through him, burning paths that filled some holes in his heart, even as they left gaping wounds behind. He was overjoyed to see her¡ªhome was wherever she stood. Her safety was his heart.

    And yet she was here, giving soft smiles and seeking reassurance from his enemy¡ªthe male that had been his enemy. Suddenly her ability to get messages to Reth over the past two days, his concern for her safety, didn''t seem quite so courageous.

    He shied from the thought.

    "A-are you safe?" he croaked to her.

    Suhle rushed forward, tears in her eyes and threw her arms around his neck. "Yes. Oh, thank the Creator, you''re safe, Lerrin. You''re safe. I''m here¡­"

    He couldn''t think. Couldn''t speak. But he had to hold her, bury his nose in her hair and fill it with her scent.

    But in the back of his mind, the drum was beating a rhythm he did not want to hear. Trying desperately to ignore it, he left his hands at her face so she wouldn''t be scared and held her. But before he could check with her, she stretched for him, took his mouth in the sweetest tasting sip of the most delicious lips he''d ever encountered.

    He whined in his throat and pulled her tight against him. She pressed herself into his chest and gasped. He froze, ready to release her if he''d frightened her¡ªbut she only tilted her head to take the kiss deeper, her fingers wing into his scalp.

    When they finally broke apart, gasping, Lerrin cut a look at Reth and stifled a growl¡ªthe male was watching his mate! But Reth immediately took his eyes away and down, shaking his head. "I am no threat to her, Lerrin. I am¡­ overjoyed to see her happy and feeling safe."

    Lerrin shuddered as Suhle rested her temple on his chest and squeezed him again. "Are you injured?" she asked quietly. "Do you have need of any¡ª"

    "I''m fine," he said, his voice low and hard.

    Suhle, feeling the tension in him, pulled back far enough to meet his eyes. He had to tear his gaze from Reth, but he couldn''t deny her anything. Couldn''t deny himself the sight of her. He''d been afraid, so afraid, he''d never have opportunity for it again.

    For a moment, all the thoughts buzzing in his head went quiet because she spoke to him through the link and with her this close, it was like she spoke from within him.

    Has he forced you to this? She sent. I told him I would not do it if you had been coerced.

    Lerrin blinked. She had enough leverage with Reth to refuse an order?

    I¡­ no¡­ he sent. I need him to believe me. I agreed thinking it would be someone else. A male. Someone he''d perhaps had in the camps with us.

    Then he blinked again. "Like you," he said, his voice a husky gravel. He took a step back and her brow furrowed. Then he looked at Reth. "Let''s get this done and over with," he growled.

    Reth nodded, then looked at Suhle, eyebrows up. She didn''t look away from Lerrin right away, but she murmured that they could start.

    Reth cleared his throat. "Tell me what he thinks of the battle this afternoon."

    Suhle still had a hand on Lerrin''s chest, but he felt her nudge in his mind, asking the question, being polite. He took a deep breath and opened to her. Completely.? Holding nothing back. Staring into her eyes as she rifled through his memories, his feelings, everything he''d ever thought or done, to find the recent memories of the battle.

    She told Reth of his frustration when Reth wouldn''t speak, his fear that he would be forced to fight just to keep himself alive long enough to convince Reth.

    She spoke of his grief when his own warriors began to shift and descend on the Hallowed Grounds.

    And his admiration for Reth as a fighter¡ªhis relief that he hadn''t been forced to take him to the death. But also, his conviction that he could have done it.

    Lerrin broke Suhle''s gaze then to look at Reth¡ªand was surprised to see Reth rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I certainly thanked the Creator that we never had to find out which of us would have won," he said quietly when he caught Lerrin''s gaze.

    Lerrin grunted, but turned his eyes back to Suhle.

    He felt like he as being torn in half.

    Then Reth asked, "What made him change his mind about seeking peace?"

    Suhle took a deep breath and Lerrin''s jaw went tight.

    She knew. She didn''t need to search his mind for this. But she did, because she was usually honest, and did things as they should be done.

    Usually.

    A tiny candle of anger red to life in Lerrin''s chest. She marked it and her eyes got sadder.

    "He¡­ he began to observe the problems within the camp. The conduct of a certain faction of the wolves and our allies. When he investigated¡­ he became certain that this faction would destroy the wolves from the inside out. That the leaders of it sought their own power over the good of the people¡ªand that we had all, he had been manipted," she said, her voice trailing off to almost a whisper.

    "What opened his eyes? What moved him to seek me out?"

    Suhle held his gaze never breaking it, rarely even blinking. Lerrin stared back as the candle began to burn bright, to blossom. She barely touched his mind, barely had to seek for it, because she was a part of the memory.

    "I did," she whispered. "I¡­ Imended you. When he shared the memory with me of your meeting at the river¡­ I asked him to view it differently. And¡­ he did."

    Lerrin could feel Reth''s eyes on him, but he was beyond caring. He rifled through his own memories too, suddenly seeing them all differently¡­ suddenly seeing Suhle and her role in all this. Seeing the ways she''d hidden her true loyalty.

    His candle became a torch. She felt it and flinched.

    **** Privilege Warning & Mass Release ****

    1. Don''t forget: DO NOT buy expensive privilege tiers thiste in the month, because privilege resets on 1 October (30 September for the USA) and you would have to pay again! Wait until the monthly reset and enjoy your privilege ess for the full calendar month for a single charge! (And if you buy in October you''ll be entered into the draw for a limited edition paperback of Volume 1!)

    2. Your Golden Ticket support has earned an additional mass release chapter! But because I''ve been so touched by all your support--reading,menting, gifts, and summoning pens--I''m going to release FOUR chapters on thest day of the month to say THANK YOU! (that''s 30 September on Webnovel, 29 September in the USA.)

    Thank you again for everything you do to help me and Reth & Elia continue to thrive. You are a gift to me!

 Chapter 471: Defining Truth - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 471: Defining Truth - Part 2</h4>

    LERRIN

    As Reth continued to ask fairly benign questions, and Suhle continued to answer in halting, stilted sentences, Lerrin spoke to her through the link.

    Liar, he sent.

    No, she replied with a nce at Reth. I was always honest with you. I only hid how close we were.

    Spy AND liar, he used.

    She shook her head and turned to answer Reth about the numbers in the encampment before the battle, the guards and their cements. Then she returned to Lerrin''s gaze, but his own had gone cold. He could feel it in himself.

    Reth took a thoughtful pause, so Lerrin and Suhle had a moment uninterrupted.

    Just like Asta, he growled through the link.

    No, Lerrin! I never worked against you!

    Liar. Pretended friend and ally. Deceiver.

    Lerrin, please¡­ Her voice in his head was soft, pleading and it tore at his heart like ws on a tender belly.

    "When did he stop supporting my reign and resolve to overthrow me?" Reth''s deep voice was slower than it had been, more cautious.

    Suhle, her eyes bing pink as she fought tears, blinked and tried to refocus. Lerrin red at her, but left his mind fully open, even offering her the memories of the moment¡ªminutes after the death of his father, when he knew his sister would be called to testify before the entire Anima because Reth denied that his union with her gave her rights the throne.

    Lerrin had believed Reth had taken his sister''s rightful ce at the Rite and sullied it, then discarded her when something he wanted better came along. Then he''d murdered their father, provocation be damned.

    Lerrin snorted the scent of the King from his nose. He knew Reth regretted the decision¡ªthe entire episode. And he knew his sister had¡­ exaggerated Reth''s involvement in it. But he still remained angry and disgusted that it had happened at all.

    Suhle, in a halting voice, began to ry all of this to Reth.

    But Lerrin wasn''t done. Inside his mind, he began pelting her with other memories. Other motives.

    Tell him about the moment you offered your service to me, that you begged for a master¡ªbut made no mention of your alliance with him.

    Lerrin, please!

    Lerrin shoved the memory at her¡ªhow he''d been startled to realize she didn''t feel safe. How he''d taken her for no reason other than her own safety, vowing that he would not touch her against her will.

    How she had warily answered his questions about her past and made no mention of working with Reth.

    I am not an official spy! I am my own person. He does not order me. I take him what I determine to be important!

    Lerrin huffed again.

    "Did he ever partake in this¡­ breeding?" Reth growled. "These attacks on females of other tribes? Did he know of them, or in any way encourage them?"

    Suhle answered sharply, "No! He was unaware. I had to¡­ to show him¡­ to make him see. As soon as he did, he began nning to remove those wolves from among the people."

    Show him, Suhle, Lerrin snarled through the link. Show him all of it. That''s why I''m here, right? Because you both conspired to bring me to this point, to make sure I was not a true challenge to him.

    No! she sobbed and her eyes welled. She had turned mostly away from Reth, to face him. Lerrin flung the memories at her.

    The night she''d shared her story and he''d wanted her, so badly, but forced himself to keep his hands to himself out of fear she would be frightened off.

    Thank you, Suhle breathed in his mind.

    How he''d interrupted Daryn trying to take advantage of her, stood between them and removed the male from the Security Council for it¡ªbecause of his care for her. How he would have done it anyway, but it gave him satisfaction to do it for her, because she already owned his heart.

    Her eyes softened at that and Lerrin flinched.

    She sent him back the memories of the moment he dered himself. The moment he recognized the bond and made her see it too. All the moments he held her, so carefully.

    The first time he told her he loved her.

    Lerrin dropped his head in his hands, his love for her doing battle with his anger.

    You lied to me, he hissed through the bond. You cannot be trusted.

    No! You are mine, Lerrin, and I am yours. That is real! That is true!

    I will deny it!

    Please, Lerrin! Her voice was desperate¡ªalmost as desperate as when she''d been certain he was about to die.

    Thank the Creator we neverpleted the bond, he snarled. We will not¡ª

    Lerrin, please, don''t do this.

    ¡ªI will never take the bond now¡ª

    Don''t vow something you don''t mean!

    ¡ªI refuse you, he snarled. I refuse the true mate''s bond. I deny you. I have no mate.

    Suhle made a little cry and dropped to her knees, reaching for him. But something inside him had died. Lerrin was cold. Cold as ice. Frozen from within. His heart cracked, whining like ice between his teeth.

    Suhle''s hand shook as she stretched to ce it on his knee, to grab him, to plead with him, but Lerrin stood and walked a few feet away, his back to both of them.

    "What''s going on?" Reth asked carefully.

    "What''s going on is that I will not bond my life to someone who would lie and manipte me. Who would present themselves to me as¡­ as something pure and giving, when in truth they have pursued an agenda. I have been toyed with¡ª

    "NO!" Suhle gave a guttural moan and sprang to her feet. He could feel the vibrations in the wood beneath his feet as she darted across the floor to take his arm and pull him around.

    But even her touch made him recoil. He stared down at her as she took him by the shoulders, eyes zing with tears of grief and anger.

    "No!" she repeated, shaking him. "I am your True Mate. And you are mine, Lerrin. MINE!"

    "You should have thought about that before you lied to me."

    "I told you I almost went back to him! I told you I admired his rule! Your anger¡ª"

    He leaned down into her face and spat, "And I took those words from you because I trusted you. Because I thought you offered them for my wellbeing, for my good¡ªto find my purpose!"

    "I did!"

    "NO YOU DIDN''T!" he roared. "You had a n from the moment you entered that encampment¡ªyou started it with my sister, and ended it with me!"

    "I never pretended, Lerrin!" she sobbed, still shaking him by the arms. "It was real. It was all real!" her voice cracked and her tears spilled over.

    Lerrin shook with the turmoil of it all¡ªthe sense of betrayal, the fear that he''d been deceived, the anger that she had made herself to be his angel, when in fact she angled for his defeat. The love he felt for her, the yearning to be close, conflicting with the revulsion that she''d lied and he''d fallen for it.

    "I thought you were good," he muttered through his teeth, refusing to allow himself to reach for her, though he ached to wipe her tears and hold her close¡ªand also felt nauseated by the idea. "I thought you were so much better than this."

 Chapter 472: Defining Truth - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 472: Defining Truth - Part 3</h4>

    LERRIN

    His words echoed in the stomach of the Great Tree, but Suhle''s only answer was the hitch of her breath and tears falling in a new wave. It was the Lion King who answered him.

    "She is good. The best female I know, bar my own Mate," Reth rumbled from across the room.

    Lerrin lifted his gaze to stare down the Lion and the two did battle again¡ªthis time, a battle of minds and wills.

    "She speaks true, Lerrin. Scent her for it. Whatever she told you, whatever motives she described, they were real."

    The tiniest re of hope lit in his chest as Lerrin looked down at her again, his nostrils ring as he inhaled her gorgeous scent.

    Her eyes widened and her fingers squeezed even harder on his arms. "Yes!" she said quickly, licking her lips. "Scent me true! I never lied to you. I never had any agenda that I did not describe!"

    Lerrin blinked. For a moment he could see the fine line she walked¡ªher heart for her people, her desire to see them thrive, her fear for where they were going. Her willingness to put herself in the path of danger to attempt to influence their path¡­

    He swallowed. Hard.

    Was it possible she really had onlye to the Lion because he''d asked her to? He was afraid to ask. But Reth must have anticipated the question.

    "She told you true, Lerrin. I do not send her. She offers herself¡ªor brings me information I didn''t seek. Her heart is good and true. And it''s very clear that she loves you. I''ve never seen any male evoke this kind of reaction from her. I had to lock her in to keep her from running to you, despite the imminent battle. She would have resisted my orders not to return to the wolves, had they been left in ce, because of her feelings for you."

    Suhle nodded, her eyes never left his, her tears spilling, tracking down her cheeks to patter to her arms, or the wood under their feet.

    For a moment, Lerrin could breathe¡ªcould see what she had intended, what she''d hoped to achieve. For a moment he could see her courage again.

    Reth cleared his throat, but spoke gently. "Hear me, Lerrin: Suhle is not an agent of the crown. She is a personal friend. A trainee¡ªa former acolyte whose values and goals align with mine. She is a blessing from the Creator¡­ for all of us."

    She is a personal friend¡­?

    The memories raced in¡ªthe moments he''d asked her about her past and she''d never mentioned Reth. The conversation they''d had about Asta¡ªabout her hiding among the faction and Suhle''s insistence that he should forgive her if she worked for his good, even without telling him. His warnings¡ªhis gut-wrenching fear about sending her to the Tree City and her quiet confidence.

    All opportunities to tell him.

    And none of them taken.

    He leaned down and took her by the arms and her eyes widened again, until he opened his mouth and snarled through his teeth. "If you believe you have not deceived me, that only proves that you are adept at lying to yourself!"

    The urge was there to shove her away, but even in this moment, even in his rage, he could not bear to see fear in her eyes.

    His hands on her arms prickled and stung where he touched her skin, as if he gripped cinders of his rage. He let her go like her skin burned him.

    "Lerrin! No!"

    But he lurched away from her, shaking his head putting a hand up to stop her from touching him again¡ªan order he knew she would obey because of her own aversion to unwanted touch.

    I trusted you, he sent. I trusted you further, deeply, more wholly than anyone in my life¡ªmore so even than my family! And you betrayed me.

    No!

    You should have told me. You should have aligned yourself with me.

    I did!

    Lerrin shook his head and a growl puttered in his throat. "Answer the King''s questions, then take whatever you please. Make it good. It is thest time my mind will be open to you."

    She sobbed, pleading with him, humiliating herself to beg him to reconsider. But he only stared, t-mouthed and heartbroken at the wolf he''d thought would be his True Mate. He''d thought she would be everything to him, for always.

    He''d thought finding her was worth losing his family. His family!

    "Lerrin," Reth started, but Lerrin snapped him a searing gaze.

    "Ask. Your. Questions," he snarled. "She can answer them. Then, when you finally know my honor, when you finally believe my truth, take her out of my sight. Never bring her to me again. I submit to you. I do not submit to her."

    Reth sighed, but Lerrin just stared until he nodded slowly. He asked his questions quietly after that, quickly and efficiently. Suhle answered through tears, rifling through Lerrin''s memories, but punctuating every one with cries of her love, pleas for him to understand.

    He made himself ice. He stood cold and unmoving, until Reth finally nodded again. Then the lion''s eyes dropped to Suhle, who knelt on the floor, her head bowed. Unlike every other wolf with the exception of his family, Lerrin and Suhle had never needed eye contact or even close proximity to send to each other.

    Lerrin''s stomach twisted.

    "Suhle," Reth said kindly, "Can you find anything else, see anything else, that you think I should know? Is there anything that would help or hinder our desire to bring peace to the Anima and unite what good is left in the rebellious tribes? Take your time."

    Lerrin''s upper lip lifted to bare his teeth. He knew what Reth was doing, giving her an excuse to stay in his mind, to swim in his memories, to speak to him.

    But Suhle only brushed his mind with her own, a feather-touch, as if she found the core of him and cupped it in her hand, stroked it with a gentle finger.

    She looked up then, her eyes red and shining, her face twisted in grief, but her jaw set and hands fisted on her thighs.

    I love you, she sent, the words strangled by grief. You are mine and I am yours. I will wait for you, Lerrin. I will not take another. When the dayes that you realize¡­ that you can see what I have for you¡­ I will still be waiting. No matter how long it takes. You''re mine. Only mine, she ended fiercely.

    Then she closed her eyes and pulled out of his mind.

    He was truly alone.

    He barely heard Reth''s muttered apologies to Suhle, or her high and broken answers as Reth ushered her to the door.

    He barely noticed Reth touching her¡ªand her unafraid.

    He noticed only when the door closed behind them and the room echoed with silence. It buzzed in his ears.

    And on the wooden floor in front of him¡­ tiny, wet sshes where her tears hadnded, one after the other. Raindrops of grief and pain. He could smell the salt in them.

    Lerrin shuddered and closed his eyes.

    He would have to learn to amodate this. He was strong. He could do it.

    He needed no one. Not even her.

 Chapter 473: Ticking Clock - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 473: Ticking Clock - Part 1</h4>

    CONGRATULATIONS PBMama_Rae! You won the August Top Tier Privilege draw for a paperback of KING OF BEASTS! Contact me on my discord, or [emailprotected]</a> to arrange to receive your prize!

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    If you didn''t win this time, keep watching my announcements for your next chance to win!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye held her there, standing just inside the door of the suite. He held her as she sobbed her fear and grief. And she held him while he fought his.

    He wasn''t sure how long they stood there, but he stroked her hair and that soft line down her spine. He stroked her face and kissed her hair, inhaling her scent.

    How long did they have? Hours? Days? He didn''t know, but it felt like every moment might be thest and he was terrified. How was he possibly going to make himself go through with it? How could he walk through that portal with Elia knowing he might? not make it back? And she never could make it to him?

    He wanted to scream, to rail against the Creator, to kick out the wall.

    Then, in his mind, all the nights he''din alone in his tree back in Anima, pleading with the Creator to find his Mate, to bring her to him, to bring him the love he watched between Reth and Elia¡­

    Then he looked down at Kalle, her cheeks pink and blotchy from crying, but she was beginning to pull herself together and it hit him like a boulder bouncing down the mountainside.

    He''d rather have found her and had these months, than have stayed alone.

    He would.

    "What is it?" she hupped, her eyes wide and bloodshot.

    "I''m just so grateful for you," he whispered, stroking her face with his thumbs. "I just¡­ I don''t know how I''m going to do this."

    She took a deep breath and screwed up her face, forcing herself not to give into tears again. "You''re going to do it because you''re needed. You''re important Gahrye. To so many people. Not just now¡­ but for the future. And frankly, I''m not surprised. You were never meant for life as a merchant," she said dryly.

    He shook his head. "No one else ever thought twice about it," he murmured.

    "Except Elia," she pointed out.

    He nodded. "I have to go pack. I have to be ready any second. Then I have to go to her. I have to take one more shot at pulling her back. But if shees, Kalle¡­ we can''t wait. We have to go the minute she shifts."

    They stared at each other lost in the horror of their mutual visions of what that meant. But then, before she could dissolve into tears again, Kalle pulled out of his arms. "I almost forgot!" she said, cursing as she dug into the pocket of her hoodie and pulled out a small, ss bottle with a lid that stank of these synthetics that humans loved so much.

    "What is that?" he asked.

    "Shaw gave it to me."

    Gahrye immediately snatched it out of her hand as if it might explode and harm her. "What are you doing with it?"

    "He said if she came back into human form to give it to her, it would help her stay human for a few hours at least."

    "Why would he help her?"

    "Because he''s insisting that I find out what happened to her in the Traverse. He said she has a unique story and he needs to know it."

    "You don''t tell him a word," Gahrye said through his teeth.

    She shook her head. "I won''t. He was acting so strangely, Gahrye. Like, he was trying to save me, like he cared. But then, also like¡­ like there was something wrong with him. And he switched in and of this weird mood¡­ it gave me the creeps."

    "He''s given me the creeps since the moment I? met him," Gahrye muttered, opening the top of the bottle and taking a hesitant sniff. Then he jerked away and started for the bathing room. "We''re not giving her this," he snapped, storming through the living room.

    "Why not?" Kalle asked on his heels.

    "Because it''s poison. I know sometimes poisons have to be used in treatment of certain things, but I do not trust him. I will not give her this. Likely it will only make her stay human because it will kill her¡ªwe all stay in human form once we''re dead."

    Kalle shuddered and put a hand to his back. "I wouldn''t have given it to her without you here to check it," she said, "But still¡­ ugh."

    Ugh was right. Gahrye dumped the contents into the toilet and flushed it, still slightly nervous around the deep sucking noise it made, though he appreciated the hygiene of the human systems and wondered if they could improve their own back in Anima. But that was such a small detail.

    The deposit and removal of waste wouldn''t be a concern if the Anima were extinct. And they would be with Elia, of that he was convinced.

    Tossing the bottle into the trash in the little bathroom, he washed his hands, then turned back to Kalle, putting his hands to her shoulders. They stared at each other and her eyes dropped to his lips.

    Gahrye''s cock twitched, but he pushed the thought away. "Packing first," he said quietly. "Then¡­ then we''ll take some time."

    *****

    KALLE

    Kalle nodded and followed him in the bedroom where Gahrye pulled therge duffel-style bag that he''d brought from Anima out of the closet, then began to collect the clothes and items he''d brought from Anima with him. There weren''t many, so it didn''t take long. But that just made the whole thing more terrifying.

    She had the urge to just hold onto him, to follow him around the room hugging his arm or his leg like a child¡ªhe was leaving soon! Her breath came fast and shallow for all the wrong reasons and she started to feel faint as she ran to find items he asked for with quick, low instructions. Including a visit to the kitchen for some non-perishable food.

    She was only able to bring back a few carrots and some beef jerky, but he said it would do. They likely would be able to get back to the Tree City right away. He just didn''t want to take the risk if they got stuck in the forest.

    "How are you going to bring her back? To herself, I mean?"

    "I don''t know. But I do know there''s people there that can help. They can help her find herself¡ªhelp reach her from within the beast. And hopefully Aymora has a real tonic that¡­ I don''t know," he repeated sadly. "But I know she has to be there. I know it''s crucial. As soon as possible. The very first moment¡­"

    He trailed off and Kalle swallowed. He looked at her, pleading with his eyes. "If she walks through that door right now, I have to do it, Kalle. I''m sorry," he breathed.

 Chapter 474: Ticking Clock - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 474: Ticking Clock - Part 2</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle was torn.

    She stood, mouth open and arms at her sides, on the other side of the bed from where Gahrye was pushing shirts into a bag. He muttered to himself about Elia and how to manage this, but Kalle just stood there and drank in his wide shoulders and strong arms, the V shape of his body as it plunged toward his leathers.

    She didn''t want him to go. More, she inwardly battled the very idea. She felt nauseous at the images in her mind of saying goodbye. And raging angry. She wanted to stamp her feet and scream at him that it wasn''t fair! It wasn''t his job! He was her Mate!

    But she loved the Anima, too. Without them, she wouldn''t have him. Was there any more bittersweet feeling than being desperate to keep these people alive and thriving, and knowing that to do so would mean breaking her own heart?

    "Are you¡­ do you have any idea if you''ll be able toe back?" she finally found the courage to ask. His story about reading the winds hadn''t included any timeframes. Only purposes. Only cautions.

    Gahrye shook his head and stopped packing for a moment to drink her in. "I will try. I hope¡­ I pray I can at least visit," he said. "Obviously the role of the Protectors is to make the traverse safe. I¡­ I pray that means I''ll need to use it, often. And every time I do¡­ Kalle, you can''t leave. You can''t give up. I have no idea what we''re going to find there, or how long it will take to navigate. But please¡­" he put the shirts in his hands down in the bag, then circled the bed toe stand in front of her, "don''t ever stop waiting for me. Please."

    "I won''t," she sobbed and buried her face in his chest.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Their progress was slowed by frequent hugs and pauses to reassure each other with kisses and vows, but soon Gahrye''s bag was ready. He had to prepare Elia. He turned to face his mate. "Even if she is giving in, even if she''s¡­ not all there. I have to try," he said quietly.

    "I''ll help."

    Which was good. He couldn''t bear to let her out of his sight. He took her hand and they crossed the suite to Elia''s room where Gahrye didn''t even pause, just opened her door and walked into the dim room.

    The room smelled musky, the air humid and sticky. The lioness had curled up on therge bed, but she raised her head when they walked in, her eyes bright on them.

    Gahrye nced at Kalle, then turned back to her.

    "Elia, I know you''re in there. I know you can hear me. I want you to know¡­ it''s safe to go back. Safe enough anyway. I checked. And¡­ the winds¡­ we have to go back, Elia. Even if it isn''t safe. We have to. All of Anima depends on it."

    The beast looked at Kalle, then back to him.

    Gahrye sighed. "Kalle has to stay here."

    The beast huffed, then smacked her lips twice and Gahrye nodded, he wasn''t impressed either. But when she looked back and forth between them, his stomach clenched. Was this Elia reacting, or was the Beast only reacting to Elia? Was he fooling himself that she could even hear him? Was she too far gone already?

    He prayed it wasn''t so.

    "I need you to trust me," he said. "We have to go back. Can you¡­ can youe out? Please? Elia¡ªif you cane out I can take you back to Reth, do you understand."

    The lioness went very still and Gahrye tensed. He and Kalle both waited¡­ but nothing urred.

    "Please, Elia," he murmured. "Try. Please. I can get you there safely if you''ll juste out. Fight! This is worth fighting for! I can take you to your mate!"

    And for once, he truly understood the impact of those words¡­ and hated them in the same breath.

    Kalle squeezed his hand, but he couldn''t look away from the beast on the bed. "Please."

    But she didn''t so much as twitch a whisker. And there was no sign of the ripple that would herald the shift and Gahrye''s hope began to shrivel.

    *****

    ELIA

    The beast raised her head to watch them enter, the prey that was kin, and the human who knew the heart of the lioness within.

    She watched them carefully, no longer threatened, but defense of the one within was important¡ªshe carried offspring. There was no risk that belonged only to her.

    The other voice inside began to weep, battering at her chest for release, but she resisted. The one inside did not know her own mind. It was not a healthy mind. It would not help the offspring. She was strong. She would help.

    The prey spoke in the tones so quick and strange to her¡ªlike the birds when they called, only less beautiful. But the other voice inside hung on every sound.

    The mate. She sent the smell of the mate. The prey could bring the mate. The lioness huffed. Reunion was beyond necessary. Instinct said it would save the life of the offspring.

    Yet the voice within battered at her again, began the calls that meant anger and despair. The lioness became very still. They could bring the mate. The mate would dominate. The mate was needed.

    They would bring the mate. Then she could rest. But for now she would sit guard for the offspring, and for the voice within.

    They both needed her.

    She dropped her chin to her paws, but did not take her eyes from the prey and the human.

    The lioness was still uncertain whether the humans were predator or prey. They had the minds of predators, but the strength of prey. She measured each on its own.

    These two were safe for the offspring, the voice inside had made that clear from the first day.

    Then she huffed a final time.

    Bring the mate, prey. That was who was needed here. Bring the mate.

    She shook her head, uncertain if he understood.

    Foolish prey.

    *****

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 Chapter 475: Ticking Clock - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 475: Ticking Clock - Part 3</h4>

    GAHRYE

    No amount of calling, pleading, or exining to the beast had any effect. An hourter, Gharye and Kalle gathered up Elia''s things and while Kalle ced them all carefully in the bag she''d brought from Anima, Gahrye moved slowly towards the bed.

    Elia''s beast watched him warily. She didn''t show signs of aggression, but she was tense.

    "You have to trust me," he said, carefully. "You have to let me near you. We might¡­ we may have to travel together, or¡­ Elia, please. If you''re in there. Please! I need to know if you can''t hear me!"

    The lioness sprang to her feet suddenly and Gahrye flinched as she shoved the t of her massive head into his chest. But she trembled¡ªas if she wasn''t even sure why she''d done it. They stood there a moment, no one breathing. Even Kalle had frozen, gaping.

    Then slowly, slowly, Gahrye lifted his hands to scratch behind her ears¡ªsomething he imagined he would enjoy in beast form.

    The lioness gave a groaning huff, then pulled away, sank onto her haunches and sat, staring at him, her tail flickering left and right.

    "You''re still in there," Gahrye said quietly.

    The lioness blinked at him cidly, but didn''t move again.

    "Okay. I''m not giving up," Gahrye told her. "I hope you can hear this. I''m going to say it more than once, just in case. But please¡­ if you can hear me¡­ please, Elia. Don''t give up. Fight! You have toe back to us! I have to get you to Anima! Now! If you¡­ If youe now, I will take you now. This minute! I''m serious! This isn''t a ploy to get you to change or anything. I went back. I had to. I had to test something. Now I know I can get you there safely. And I know it''s safe on the other side¡ªat least the Portal cave is empty. We can get over there and get out and investigate the restter.

    "I don''t know what the hold up has been, why Reth hasn''t sent anyone through. But you have to understand: I can take you to Anima tonight if you''re here! We''ll¡­ we''ll see your mate in hours!"

    The lioness tensed and stood again. Gahrye stared. "Please, Elia," he breathed. "I read the winds in Anima. A great¡­ a great storm ising. I don''t know what or who or when¡­ but it''s worse than what''s happening there right now. It threatens? to destroy our entire people. And the thing standing in its way is us. You and me and Kalle and¡­ and the disformed. I know you must know something. That must be what happened in the traverse, or your instincts¡ªsomething has been pulling at you to go back, right? Well, this is it. You were right. We have to go back. Right now. Without us, Anima will die. All of them."

    The lioness huffed and took a step towards him. Gahrye''s eyes widened as she shook her head again, more violently this time. The entire bed shook under her weight. When she stopped her eyes shed, and for a split second, Gahrye thought he saw them turn blue.

    "Elia?!"

    But the lioness growled and leaped off the side of the bed to pace the floor. Gahrye made himself stand still and not flee from her as she passed him, her eyes never leaving him, her mouth slightly open. She was panting and continued to shake her head as if her ears were being bothered by a fly.

    "Elia, please¡­ fight. Keep fighting. I can get you over there. I can take you tonight."

    Every time he said the words he felt Kalle tense and his own heart clenched. But they were true. He''d told her. She understood. If Elia shifted, he had to go. There was no choice.

    A yawning chasm of pain opened in his chest when the lioness stalked to the other end of the room and he was able to look at Kalle.

    She stood, a folded shirt clutched to her chest, her face pale, eyes on him, her mouth dragging down. It was instinct to hold her, to soothe her pain, but it was his pain too.

    "I''m sorry," he whispered.

    She shook her head. "I love you, Gahrye."

    "I love you too. This is impossible. I can''t¡ª"

    "Don''t!" Kalle said fiercely. "You can''t fight this. If you fight it, she''ll give up¡­ you have to do this. She has to do this. We can¡­ we''ll find a way. I know we will. This isn''t goodbye forever, it''s¡­ it''s see youter. That''s all!" But her eyes swam with tears and as she shook the shirt out and refolded it uselessly, they fell from her cheeks to ssh on the bag in front of her.

    Gahrye decided he didn''t give a fuck about the lioness. He flowed across the feet between them and pulled Kalle away from the bag, away from the packing, away from Elia. He took her in his arms and kissed her and begged her to forgive him for not finding a way through this.

    "Stop it! This isn''t your fault!"

    "I don''t care. I wish it was. I wish there was a way I could change this. All of it. But this is what the Creator gave us and¡­ I can''t regret it, Kalle," he whispered, holding her face. "I can''t regret it even if I die, or you do, even if I never see you again. I cannot regret finding you and having you and¡­ you''re my heart. It''s going to kill me to leave. But I wouldn''t change a thing."

    She smiled through her tears and pulled him down for another kiss. "I wouldn''t either," she breathed.

    Gahrye sipped at her lips like they were honey, savoring the sweet softness of them, memorizing her scent, the texture of her tongue, and the soft sighs she gave when he kissed her.

    He imprinted all of it on his mind to be held and cherishedter, letting his hands drag down her back as¡ª

    "Can''t¡­ can''t hold it."

    Kalle froze and Gahrye whirled.

    Elia crouched on the floor at the foot of the bed, her entire body trembling. Her eyes still the gold of the lion.

    **** Privilege Warning & Mass Release ****

    1. Don''t forget: DO NOT buy expensive privilege tiers thiste in the month, because privilege resets on 1 October (30 September for the USA) and you would have to pay again! Wait until the monthly reset and enjoy your privilege ess for the full calendar month for a single charge! (And if you buy in October you''ll be entered into the draw for a limited edition paperback of Volume 1!)

    2. Your Golden Ticket support has earned an additional mass release chapter! But because I''ve been so touched by all your support--reading,menting, gifts, and summoning pens--I''m going to release FOUR chapters on thest day of the month to say THANK YOU! (that''s 30 September on Webnovel, 29 September in the USA.)

    Thank you again for everything you do to help me and Reth & Elia continue to thrive. You are a gift to me!

 Chapter 476: Ticking Clock - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 476: Ticking Clock - Part 4</h4>

    KALLE

    "Elia!" Gahrye gasped.

    The poor woman shivered on all fours on the carpet at the end of her bed and Kalle''s breath stopped. She looked terrible. She was pale. There were dark circles under her eyes. Her arms were too thin, but her stomach¡­ her stomach was very round.

    "Can''t¡­ hold it," she said through gritted teeth. "You have to¡­ have to take me¡­ I''ll try to help, but¡­ can''t stop sh-shift¡ª"

    "Can you hear me when you''re shifted?!" Gahrye gasped, rushing to her and taking one of her hands. A dart of pain sliced through Kalle''s chest. Of course he had to speak with her. He had to leave Kalle to help Elia¡ªshe knew that. But this moment¡­ right now? He''d thrown himself away from her without a thought when¡­ when they might not get another moment together.

    Shaking her head, Kalle pushed away the selfish thought. It had been her instinct to run to Elia, too. And Gahrye was vowed to her service. Of course he ran. He had to. It was the right thing for him to do.

    But as she saw him, palms up, getting close to her, that urgency and concern on his gorgeous face, Kalle was hit all over again with the overwhelming sense of loss so her vision blurred.

    Elia turned her face up to him, her eyes still fierce and golden, and she nodded. "I c-can, hear you but¡­ but it''s getting weaker. This world is killing me, Gahrye. I can''t¡ª"

    "I know, I know. We''ll get you out! Hold on!" Heedless of anything but the need to get Elia back to the Portal, Gahrye leaped up and raced back to Kalle who was shaking, but she shoved the bag into his hand and sobbed his name. He grabbed her to his chest and whispered, "Forever, Kalle. I''ll wait forever."

    She grabbed his face like it was a lifeline in the water, trying so hard to remember the certain warmth of his skin under her hands, the rough prick of his stubble under her palms. His eyes widened and he stared at her, his mouth slightly open. Kalle nted a kiss on him, then pushed him back a step, nodding. "Go. Just go. Get her out of here," with the tears hitching in her throat.

    A broken cry broke in Gahrye''s chest, too, but after a breath staring their love at each other, he turned on his heel. "I still need my¡ª"

    But they were both looking at Elia now, who''d made a strange noise. She was quivering, both hands back on the carpet, her eyes screwed closed. "T-take me b-back," she said through clenched teeth, every muscle in her arms and back standing proud as she rippled and fought off the shift. "If I''m g-gonna d-die¡­ wanna d-do it over th-there."

    "Elia, just a few minutes. If we can get you to the Portal you won''t shift while you''re in it. You''ll keep¡ª"

    She turned her head and opened her golden eyes, her forehead furrowed. "T-toote," she whispered, and tumbled into the beast.

    Gahrye let loose a string of curses. He dropped the bag and the lioness whipped away from him, around behind the bed, to crouch below its level, her shoulders pressing up to shadow her head as she peered around the end of the bedframe to stare at him.

    Gahrye''s shoulders slumped and stared at her, his breath heaving in his chest. "I know you''re in there. You listen," he said through his teeth. "You have to follow me. You have toe with me. I''m¡­ we''re just waiting to find out how we can do this. Either you need to make the Beast stay with me, or we''ll wait outside the Portal and you need to fight, Elia! Fight harder than you ever have in your life. Take yourself back. The minute¡ªthe second you shift, we''ll go through. But we have to get out there and she can''t flee from us¡­ she can''t hurt us. You have to control her, somehow¡­" he trailed off, shaking his head as the lioness let a low growl roll in her massive chest.

    Then he turned to face Kalle and she could see his fear. His despair.

    "Gahrye, don''t! This isn''t your fault!" she cried and crossed to him to pull him close. They wrapped their arms around each other and stered themselves together.

    Gahrye''s hand was fisted in her hair and his other fist clenched behind her back. His breath tore in and out of his throat. He kept muttering curses under his breath, but he held her so tightly¡­ Kalle wished for more.

    When he dropped his head to her shoulder, still panting and cursing, she shook her head, then took his chin in her hand and forced him to meet her eyes.

    "We''ll figure it out," she said. "We''ll make it happen. There''s no point ming yourself¡ªor anyone else. If she can''t control it, she can''t control it. You''re right. We''ll get her out there and we''ll wait. And the minute¡­ the minute she''s back you''ll go."

    Gahrye eyes were red and wild. "I can''t take a grown lioness into the garden in a city," he said. "She might kill someone. And the more she''s forced into her beast instincts, the harder it will be for her to get back."

    "Well, like I said, we''ll figure it out."

    They stared at each other and Gahrye''s expression changed from frustration and fear, to grief and love.

    "I couldn''t have done this¡ªeven this much¡ªwithout you," he said. "You''re the Creator''s gift to me, Kalle."

    Her lip began to tremble and she wanted to panic. But instead, she swallowed the tears back and made her voice calm. "And you''re mine," she said simply. "Now¡­ I''m going to call Grandma and see if she''s had any luck. And you''re going to get these bags out to the door, and then we''re going to figure this thing out."

    He nodded. "I love you, Kalle."

    "I love you more."

    He just shook his head. "Not possible."

 Chapter 477: Precious Minutes

    <h4>Chapter 477: Precious Minutes</h4>

    GAHRYE

    While Gahrye made sure they had all of Elia''s things in her bag, including a strange collection of items from Anima that he hadn''t seen before, and tried to coax the lioness to be close to him without fear, Kalle called her grandmother, but didn''t get an answer, which she said was odd. But she hoped it meant Eve was down in the bowels of the library again, in the old records, where the coverage was patchy, whatever that meant.

    A few minutester, as the lioness clearly began to tire of him, Gahrye realized there was nothing to be done, but to wait to hear from Eve.

    He got up off of Elia''s floor, closing the door to the room and went to join Kalle on the couch¡ªbut when he got there she had her feet curled up next to her and tears tracking down her face and he just¡­ melted inside.

    "We have some time," he said gently as she stared at him, her tears glistening on her darkshes. "Why don''t we take it while we can?"

    She blinked, then her eyes widened and she nodded, taking his hand and getting off the couch to follow him into the bedroom.

    He didn''t let go of her hand while he locked the door, but he turned from it and they looked at each other. Kalle started to speak. "I don''t know how I''m going to¡ª" and he couldn''t bear it. He shushed her quickly and pulled her into a searing kiss, wing at her clothing as she sucked in a breath and grabbed at his.

    It was desperate, the need to be skin to skin, to have no barriers between them. With clenched teeth and hissing breaths, hands flew, and clothing tore until they fell into each other with sighs of relief as her breasts pressed against his chest and his hands found the soft plump of her ass. But still, it wasn''t enough.

    Lips still searching, tongues ame, they stumbled to the bed together until Gahrye lifted her bodily and she wrapped her legs around his waist, holding onto him as he crawled up onto the quilt, then sank down, covering her.

    One hand cupped over her head, the other at her back, Gahrye caught himself and leaned his forehead on hers, already panting. She was too, and she looked up at him, fear in her eyes when he stopped kissing her.

    "Gahrye¡ª"

    "Shhhhh¡­" This might be thest time. He couldn''t rush it. Couldn''t bear to see it end, actually. But it would have to, he knew. "Just be here," he whispered, "with me."

    Her face crumpled, but she pulled him in.

    Trembling a little, he kept the kiss slow, eased into the roll of his hips that had begun the moment their skins met. He stroked her hair and whispered her name, dragged her lower lip between his teeth, and held the press of their bodies at the arc of each roll until she was beginning to tremble too.

    Every touch, every look had to mean something. When he opened his mouth on her throat, it was to taste the mingle of sweat and tears, to lick them clean and rece them with love. When he stroked from her shoulder, to her side, to cup her waist, it was to measure it with his hand, ensure he remembered exactly the fit, the softness of the skin there, and that warmth in the arch of her back where his palm fit perfectly and before they were done, where he would pull her closer.

    When he began to slide down her body, stopping to taste first one nipple, then the other, to suck and nibble, to listen to her gasp, it was to catalog the tiniest ways her eyes fluttered when he got the pressure just right¡ªhow she gasped when he sucked, and shivered when heved it with his tongue¡ªthe way her cheeks heated with the flush of her arousal that he could smell. And once he''d kissed between her breasts, then each rib, her navel, the crease where her thigh met her stomach, when he''d tasted his way down the long muscle of her thigh and cupped the back of her knee to raise her leg¡ªthe most beautiful part of her body in his opinion¡ªhe dragged himself back, onto his knees to take in the sight of her.

    She was ustomed by now to his scrutiny and didn''t try to cover herself or hide anything. His throat tightened with the beauty of her fair skin, flushed and warm, waiting for him.

    As he spoke, he let his hand y from her foot, up her calf, to slide under her knee, then over to cup her thigh and stroke down to her hip, then back, over and over again, his eyes ying along, watching the tiny hairs rise to meet his touch, marveling when her skin prickled.

    "Don''t let anything make you doubt my love for you, Kalle. This purpose of mine, it is necessary, but it does not mean my love for Elia or my people is greater than my love for you. It is only¡­ it is the Creator''s right to ask it of me. And to refuse it¡­ I could not look you in the eye if I fled from this." He nced up at her eyes to measure her, to ensure she was truly listening¡ªbelieving him. Then let his gaze dance along the skin of her beautiful leg again.

    "I don''t want you to run from it, Gahrye," she said softly, then bit her lip when he let his finger trail very closer to the apex of her thighs. "I know why He chose you. I would have, too. You can be trusted with the important things. It''s why Reth sent you with Elia. Imagine if he hadn''t? Where would we all be now?"

    He blew out a breath, touched by her simple trust. "When I''m gone, I want you to remember this conversation, this¡­ between us," he said softly, ignoring herpliment because he couldn''t think how to respond. I want you to close your eyes right now and just remember. Hold this with you. And any moment you start to question, wonder if I''ve forgotten you, or chosen not to return to you¡­ think on this."

    She nodded. "I will."

    "Promise me, Kalle." His voice was a raw husk.

    She blinked several times, fighting tears. "I promise."

    He leaned over her, not letting his body rest on hers, but bracing on either side of her shoulders and holding her gaze. "I love you to my soul, Kalle. Remember that."

    "I will," she whispered. "Every day. As long as you promise me, you''ll remember that about me too. Because of the two of us, I think you''re more likely to decide I''ve forgotten you."

    He took a long slow breath, searching her eyes, remembering every moment in his life when he''d yearned for this, when he''d longed for someone to look at him the way Elia looked at Reth. The way Kalle looked at him right now.

    "I''ll remember," he whispered. "I promise."

    Then he finally, finally let his body rest on hers and began to love her in truth.

    ******

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 Chapter 478: Precious Memories

    <h4>Chapter 478: Precious Memories</h4>

    KALLE

    Gahrye had always been attentive, had always proven an exciting and thoughtful lover¡ªsomething she knew was rare enough that she sometimes spent quiet minutes in her own mind, just appreciating it.

    But the intensity in his eyes now as he leaned over her and made her vow to remember the way he loved her, the turmoil in his voice¡­ when he finally leaned down and let their bodies rest together, a shudder wracked her from head to toe, her breath jumping in her chest as if being skin-to-skin with him was electricity to her bones.

    She felt charged, shimmering with love and fear, passion and grief. Her fingers shook when she raised her hands to w her fingers into his hair and pull him down to kiss her. Her entire skin trembled with tension and desire. Then Gahrye whispered, "Are you ready?" and she nodded, not trusting her voice.

    Then, without warning, he took her, the mating call vibrating in his chest against hers as he entered her in one long, slow slide that she felt to the soles of her feet.

    Kalle''s head dropped back and she didn''t breathe until he was pulling back out, almost the entire way, then whispering, "I love you, Kalle," as he rolled slowly back into her.

    Slowly, tenderly, carefully, intentionally, he took her again and again making certain she felt every inch, every stroke. No press of the lips too quick, no touch without purpose. Everything expanded¡ªshe would have sworn she could feel the swirls of his fingerprints when he kneaded her breast, could feel every hair on his jaw when he ducked to kiss her throat, could feel the very texture of his skin when they rolled together.

    And still, he kept the pace slow, punishingly slow.

    It was as if her skin rose to meet him, expanded to include him, as if she could feel him not only within her, but through her¡ªa shuddering, delicious wave of sensation that had her panting and yearning, stretching for release, sweating and near begging for more. And yet, the room was silent except for their heavy breaths.

    The roll of his hips barely increased, but he held her at the peak of each one, his tiny gasps bing grunts, bing the breaking groans of a male on the edge. And still he didn''t let go.

    She couldn''t put words to the sensations that bubbled to the surface of her skin.

    He''d only opened his mouth over her nipple and sucked, yet lights shed behind her eyelids and her breath rushed in.

    She put a hand t to his chest and felt his heartbeat pounding against her palm. It was all at once, exactly right and excruciatingly intimate to feel it speed up when she kissed his chin, his jaw, then his neck when he groaned and dropped his head.

    Minutes, hourster and they rolled together as one, in perfect harmony, Kalle''s breathing in short gasps as she reached for that glistening wave of pleasure that beckoned just out of sight.

    Gahrye had begun to tremble and grunt, yet still he didn''t unleash.

    "I love you," she whispered against his lips, arching to meet him.

    "I love you," he rasped, rolling into her and groaning with the sheer pleasure of it.

    His breath fluttered across her cheek and she could taste the adoration on it. His hand pressed into the skin of her ribs and she could feel the yearning in him.

    Then, as his control began to break, while he fought desperately to hold onto it, she shook her head. "Let go, my love," she whispered. "Let go and love me." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself up, into his kiss, into the thrusting of his hips, now jagged, pace increasing. She tasted his desperation, his fear of leaving her, and she took it, offering herfort, her love in return.

    She felt his grief, and gave her joy.

    She tasted his rage, and offered her certainty.

    Then, as that beautiful wave broke inside her, washing every inch of her with prickling, thrilling pleasure that cracked her chest open and offered her heart, she clutched at his back and cried her love and admiration of him as he began to shake, groaning her name like a plea.

    They hung there together for a half a breath¡ªa silent, perfect eye in the storm that held only their hearts, their love, and their souls¡ªthen they both crashed back to reality, tumbling back to the bed, panting and Kalle sobbing his name.

    And despite the tearing breaths and shaking bodies, they did nothing but cling and hold and remember, freezing the moment in their minds and pleading for more, even as they both knew their moments were growing short.

    Gahrye had slumped with his face in her neck, his back rising and falling under her hands, the sheen of his sweat leaving salt on her lips. He trembled, still, panting her name, then began to roll, to take his own weight so he wouldn''t crush her, but Kalle clung to him, shaking her head, insisting that he stay right there, pinning her to the bed with his weight.

    And he gave in, sliding both his hands, palm up, under her head so she rested in his grip, then lifting his head only far enough to meet her eyes.

    His hair fell over his forehead, almost into his eyes, framing his beautiful face. She put her palms to his cheeks and just stared, letting her thumbs stroke the prickling stubble he hadn''t yet shaved, letting her nails catch it, memories the texture, the sound, the smell of him there so close, the way it tasted when their breaths mingled.

    And neither of them said "I love you," but she knew he felt it just as strongly as she did, as if their bodies said it instead.

    I love you.

    I will miss you.

    You are my life.

    I don''t know how I''ll live without you.

    But I will, because then I will see you again.

    I will be here. Always.

    Forever.

    *****

    GOLDEN TICKETS = MASS RELEASE!

    The new month begins on Webnovel TODAY. Do you have any Golden Tickets? If you choose to give them here, your tickets count towards our tally for a mass release in the? middle of the month! For every 200 tickets I''ll add a chapter to the mass release! So hit that vote button below, then "Golden Tickets" to contribute. And, as always, THANK YOU! Your support is genuinely appreciated and touches my heart every day!

 Chapter 479: Purpose

    <h4>Chapter 479: Purpose</h4>

    GAHRYE

    He hadn''t intended to do anything but hold her for as long as he could, but he blinked away suddenly when the buzzing of her phone began on the bedside table. He pulled his head up, bleary eyed, to find it, reaching it with his much longer arm to bring to her.

    He showed her the screen that said "Grandma" and showed a sweet picture of Eve and Kalle hugging each other and smiling behind the desk of the library.

    Kalle''s beautiful brows pinched over her nose, but she took it from him and put it to her ear as he let his head sink back down to kiss her temple while he waited to hear exactly which way this was going to go.

    "Kalle?" Eve''s voice was tinny and distant, but he could hear every word clearly.

    "Yeah?" Kalle cleared her throat of both lust and tears, "what did you find?"

    "I¡­ I thought so but I didn''t want to tell you until I was certain. She can cross. Even in beast form. She can do it, and she''ll be safe. The voices can''t take an animal. But¡­ but the reason they don''t do it¡­ it''s because if she can''t control the beast¡­ if she runs off¡­ if she doesn''t go to the other side, there''s no way to bring her back. She''ll be lost." Gahrye pushed up to lean on his elbows and listen more carefully. Kalle met his eyes. "Gahrye has to stay on the path, Kalle, tell him that. He cannot step off it. Even if Elia does, he can''t."

    Kalle put her other hand to his cheek and he leaned into it. "He won''t," she said softly.

    "Then¡­ then he should just go. Kalle, I''m sorry. If they need to go, they can. If he can get her to go into the Portal with him, they should just go. But remind him about the path. There''s only one path through. He has to take it and no other. Every other path is disaster."

    Kalle nodded and Gahrye took her fingers, turning her hand to kiss her knuckles. "I''ll tell him," she said.

    "Okay¡­ okay. Do you need me? Do you want me toe? Do you¡­ do you want somepany?"

    Kalle squeezed her eyes shut then and her lips pressed together hard as tension and grief entwined in her scent. "Not tonight," she said after a breath. "Tomorrow. I think I''ll need you tomorrow. I think that will be good. I can call you in the morning if you want?"

    "Sure, honey. You can call me in the night if you need to, too. I''ll keep my phone on, okay?"

    "Okay¡­" Kalle''s voice had be very high and thin and she squeezed his hand so hard hers began to shake. Gahrye gripped her back and held on.

    "You tell that male of yours that he''s good and I''m proud of him. I''m proud of both of you."

    Gahrye''s breath rushed out of him and he swallowed tears. "Thank you, Eve," he rumbled quietly.

    Kalle nodded, her throat bobbing. "Did you hear that, Grandma?"

    "I sure did. You two spend a little time together before you start this, okay? I don''t know how you''re going to do it, but I have a hunch once you start, you don''t stop. So¡­ I''ll be praying it goes smoothly when you''re ready."

    "Thank you." Kalle''s face crumpled. Gahrye gathered her in, holding her as she said goodbye then dropped the phone and clung to him. "You have to do it," she whispered in his ear, her voice a tortured gasp. "You have to."

    He just held her tightly until she stopped shaking.

    *****

    Later, when they were up and showered and dressed, Kalle was full of nervous energy, but she was using the phone to find information about lions.

    Gahrye sat on the edge of the bed, watching her pace as she tapped away at the phone. He suspected that the lions in the human world were likely different than an Anima beast, but she clearly needed something to do, so he didn''t argue.

    "They''re nocturnal, I''d forgotten that," she said, biting her lip and frowning at the phone. "I mean, you should go in the dark anyway, so no one sees her. But still¡­ I guess that''s good, right? That she''ll be morefortable at night."

    "Kalle¡ª"

    "Should we go get meat? Do think she''ll be hungry? I mean, of course she''ll be hungry, but a lot of animals stop eating when they''re anxious, and I think she''s going to be pretty tense when we try to get her outside."

    "Sure, but Kalle¡ª"

    "What am I saying, of course we''ll take meat. I mean, it''s not like it''s the end of the world if it doesn''t help. But if it does, we''ll be grateful for it."

    "Kalle, it''s just the garden. If we need something we cane back for it."

    "Not if you''re already in the Portal!" she snapped, then pped her hand over her mouth. "I''m sorry. I''m sorry. I''m not angry, I''m just tense."

    "I know, me too," he said, then got up and walked to her, to pull her into a hug.

    They stood there, holding each other for a long moment. "This might not even work," Gahrye said and knew there was a hint of hope in his voice. Because it was true¡ªif it didn''t work, if they couldn''t get her to follow, he''d be back here in a few hours, making love to her again. And a big part of him hoped that was the way it would go. As long as he''d tried. As long as his conscience was clear.

    But¡­ deep down¡­ he knew it wasn''t true.

    He wasn''t sure how long it would take, or how exactly they would do it. He didn''t know if he''d read with the winds without thinking, or if it was the Creator talking again. But deep down, he knew.

    This was the night. He was taking Elia back tonight.

    "I know," Kalle whispered.

    Gahrye blinked, he hadn''t realized he''d said that out loud.

    "I wish I could watch," Kalle said. "I wish I could be on the other side to see you get her there, and meet Reth, and see how grateful he will be, and¡­ just all of it."

    Gahrye groaned. "So do I. So do I."

    ******

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 Chapter 480: Nocturnal Creatures

    <h4>Chapter 480: Nocturnal Creatures</h4>

    GAHRYE

    In the end it was harder to get Elia''s beast out of the suite than it was to get her out of the house. Once Elia had her moving, she seemed not to want to stop. Gahrye had to rush ahead, while Kalle stayed at her side to keep her on track as she trotted through the house, down the stairs, and across the massive entryway, down the much thinner hallway at the back to the grounds behind the Big House.

    Kalle had already made sure all the garden gates were closed. Though it was a still arge two-acre, walled plot, at least they didn''t have to worry about her getting loose.

    Well, they did if she went to the eastern corner¡ªor if she proved to be able to leap to the top of the ten-foot walls that circled it under the trees. But Gahrye decided he wouldn''t borrow trouble.

    Once they got her moving, it was only a couple of minutes before they had her in the short hall¡ªGahrye at one end with the door outside and his own bag slung over his shoulder, Kalle at the other to block her from turning back, and Elia''s bag on hers.

    "Okay, Elia, we''re going outside now," Gahrye whispered. The lioness had stopped walking, but she was panting, open mouthed, and her eyes were fixed on him¡ªand not in the good way. "You have to stay close. But if anyone else turns up, hide. Don''t let her attack, don''t let her run. There''s trees and bushes most of the way that arerge enough for her to hide behind or within, but we''ll have to go into the open to get to the Portal itself. So¡­ keep her on track. Please. We can''t¡­ we aren''t going to be able to keep her contained with only two of us. You''re going to have to do this part."

    There was no visible response from the lion, except that flicking tail, that never stoppedshing until she was moving. So after a moment, Gahrye met eyes with Kalle down the hall, then pushed down on the door handle and opened the door into the cool, dark night.

    He turned to peer out of it and make sure none of the staff had decided to take ate night walk, or¡ª

    Suddenly a massive body pushed him out of the way from behind and as he stumbled forward there was a sh of warm fur and puttering growl, then she was outside and fleeing into the thicket of trees that marched alongside the path for the first hundred feet.

    Even with his eyesight, Gahrye could only just make out her movement between the trees, she blended so perfectly with nature.

    But he saw her dart into the undergrowth, then stop, crouching.

    It was unnerving how silent she could be. He''d barely heard her great paws on the grass at all. Gahrye swallowed and prayed the Beast didn''t overwhelm Elia and decide that he was prey.

    Then Kalle reached him and put a hand to his back. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

    He nodded and took her hand. "Let''s just try moving first and see if she''ll follow. If she doesn''t¡­ I guess we''ll get the meat out."

    They started along the path, moving slowly so she could follow them easily, even if she needed to move around trees or obstacles. Gahrye kept watching in the bushes, catching the odd sh here and there of movement, but otherwise, nothing. She was amazing.

    Kalle''s grip on his hand was cold and mmy. Her breath was shallow and she walked stiffly, as if her joints didn''t want to bend. Her heart pounded mercilessly, but he knew it was because she feared the moment of goodbye. Feared that something would go wrong or¡­ just feared.

    He did too.

    As they walked quietly through the dark, he started to whisper to her. "Just in case this happens quickly, I want to tell you this now," he said, cing his feet very carefully on the grass path and watching ahead for when they would turn and the Portal woulde into view.

    His heart was pounding, too.

    "Okay," she said. There were not tears in her voice, for which he was grateful.

    "First, give me the bag, just in case. I don''t know how this is going to go, so¡­ now that we''re out here, I''ll take it."

    Reluctantly, obviously feeling like it was a link to him, Kalle slipped the long hand of the bag off her shoulder, then offered it to him. He had to let go of her hand to take it and swing it up with the other one. But then he found her fingers again immediately.

    She hugged his free arm as they walked.

    "Elia said she would ask Reth to release me from the blood vow so that I can return."

    "That was before she knew about the prophecy."

    "I know, but it''s another obstacle. So¡­ no matter what we have to do, I''ll be working on that right away so there''s no chance of getting stuck if¡­ if anything happens.

    "If anything puts Elia back in danger, Reth might not want to release me. I just want you to know I''m going to ask him to do that right away. But I won''t be able to leave until we know what we''re facing and how we''re going to help the disformed."

    "You have to help them be Protectors?"

    He nodded. "But without telling anyone¡ªeven them¡ªwhat it really means."

    "Why?"

    "I don''t know. I just know that if we tell anyone, it won''t work. They''ll be destroyed and then all of Anima will die. So it''s me and Elia and you. And since we''ll be working with the traverse¡­" he turned to look down on her. "I''ll being back, Kalle. I don''t know how quickly. But I will being back. You count on that."

    They had just reached the bend in the trail that would swing them around to face the Portal. Kalle forced a small smile and opened her mouth, but another voice cut through the dark night and growled, "I wouldn''t be so certain."

    Gahrye whirled, putting himself between Kalle and the voice that hade from the same side of the trail as Elia¡ªbut there was no sign of the lion as Gahrye half-crouched into defense position and Shaw stepped out from behind a line of tall, pencil pines that lined the path.

    **** Privilege Warning & Mass Release ****

    1. Don''t forget: DO NOT buy expensive privilege tiers thiste in the month, because privilege resets on 1 October (30 September for the USA) and you would have to pay again! Wait until the monthly reset and enjoy your privilege ess for the full calendar month for a single charge! (And if you buy in October you''ll be entered into the draw for a limited edition paperback of Volume 1!)

    2. Your Golden Ticket support has earned an additional mass release chapter! But because I''ve been so touched by all your support--reading,menting, gifts, and summoning pens--I''m going to release FOUR chapters on thest day of the month to say THANK YOU! (that''s 30 September on Webnovel, 29 September in the USA.)

    Thank you again for everything you do to help me and Reth & Elia continue to thrive. You are a gift to me!

 Chapter 481: True Colors

    <h4>Chapter 481: True Colors</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye froze. Shaw, still fifteen feet away, began towards them, his eyes strangely fixed on Gahrye. The male smelled wary and fearful¡ªalso determined. Gahrye settled on the balls of his feet, ready to fight.

    "Uncle Shaw, what are you doing?" Kalle asked, her voice a touch too high.

    "He isn''t to cross again. He''s angered them, I''m sorry," Shaw muttered.

    Gahrye wasn''t sure Kalle was close enough to have heard him. "Sorry for what?" he spat.

    Shaw made it to a few feet in front of him and stopped, his throat bobbing. Gahrye''s arms were far longer and he''d trained. Surely this male didn''t think he could¡ª

    "Shaw, what are you sorry about?" Kalle asked stepping towards him.

    When the male turned to look at her, Gahrye stepped closer and snapped his hands out to grab Shaw''s arms, but the male moved faster than Gahrye would have thought possible,shing out with a tense grip that Gahrye defended, then jerked away from when his palm was sliced open.

    Instinctively, Gahrye assumed it was a w or tooth¡ªbut that made no sense. Shaw had no¡ª

    "He''s got a knife!" Kalle gasped in the same moment Shaw flowed forward, his squat little body suddenly whip-fast and his short arms moving so quickly they blurred even to Gahrye''s sight.

    It was reflex to reach for the arm, block the downward slice with an upward forearm to catch the blow and take Shaw''s wrist in his other hand to marginalize the weapon. But when his bloodied hand touched Shaw''s wrist the male screamed and scrabbled at Gahrye''s grip. The knife thudded to the grass beneath them and Gahrye kicked it away, struggling to keep his hold on Shaw''s arm, which baffled him. This male was soft and small and had no training¡ªor had he?

    "Let me go! Let me gooooooo!" Shaw howled, twisting, panicked, in Gahrye''s grip. "It burns, it burns!"

    Gahrye struggled with him for several seconds until Shaw dropped to one knee, his joints cracking and groaned. "Please¡­" he begged. "Please¡­ let me go¡­"

    Then he hissed, like a cat. Or¡­

    It hit Gahrye like a club between the eyes. "The voices," he croaked, uncertain Kalle would hear him over the noise the male was making.

    "What?" Kalle asked, holding the de away from them both.

    "That noise he just made," he said, his voice shaking, "it''s exactly the same noise the voices made in the traverse. Kalle¡­" he risked turning his head to find her wide eyes, "he''s not just being pressured. They''re¡­ they''re here."

    Kalle''s mouth dropped open. "Uncle," she whispered. "What have you done?"

    "Let me go!"

    "They''re inside him," she said on a hush as Shaw desperately to pry Gahrye''s bleeding hand off of his own. His skin was beginning to turn red around where Gahrye had him gripped¡ªnot the red of a blood smear, but the angry flush of swelling, the skin shiny, like a burn.

    Then they both stared, terrified, as Shaw''s head tipped back and his mouth opened, and horrific voices that were not his, surged from his throat.

    "Get away from us."

    "Unhand us, hero."

    "You will regret not listening. You do not understand who you burn."

    But Gahrye, his grip so tight his knuckles were white, shook his head. "Who are you?" he snarled through his teeth.

    "We are the ancestors."

    "The beginning."

    "The Alpha of Alllllll¡­"

    "Liars!" Gahrye recoiled, everything within him shuddering, driving him away, away, away. But he knew he couldn''t let Shaw go. The male was¡­ not even in his own mind. The voices spoke through him, but his body didn''t move naturally, his eyes zed as his thinning hair fell back from his receding hairline because he''d arched back and wasn''t moving.

    Unholyughter erupted in Shaw''s throat and his eyes widened in fear, as if they weren''t connected to the voices emerging from him.

    "You will see."

    "The hero will see¡ªalways the yearning to win, to be recognized. We recognize you, hero."

    "You will see, but you will be too dead to enjoy it."

    Three separate and distinctughs bubbled out of Shaw and Gahrye shuddered.

    Kalle stood with her hands over her mouth. He wasn''t sure what she''d done with the knife, but she stared at her uncle, horrified.

    "They are liars, Kalle, don''t listen to them!"

    "I''m not¡ª"

    But Shaw interrupted her. "We know the truth¡ªall the truths. All possible truths. Every path, every future. The truth dances in morning light for us."

    "You remember: Are you not a hero? Did you not find your mate and yet cannot take her because you are not with us? Did we not tell you, Broken?"

    "You will see¡­ you will see¡­"

    "It isn''t toote, hero¡ªshe can still be yours. Together forever, but only with us¡ª"

    Gahrye ground the male''s wrist in his grip and Shaw screamed again, the skin around Gharye''s hand beginning to rise and blister.

    The voices began to scream, demanding, begging, insisting on release.

    "Tell us what you know or I will paint you in my blood!" Gahrye snapped, his voice hoarse. "Why is Elia''s story so important? You were there! You were the ones who spoke with her in the traverse."

    But Shaw, his eyes wide and face pale with pain, only groaned and shook his head.

    Gahrye took the arm in the grip of his clean hand, then slid the bloodied palm further up Shaw''s arm.

    The man screamed like he''d been set on fire. He writhed and fought, spitting and hissing, so much stronger than he should have been. So strong, Gahrye wondered if he would lose his grip.

    "Tell me!"

    "She is the one! Hers is the only story that matters! Hers and the heart-sister!"

    "How did you even know who she was?!" Gahrye snarled.

    Shaw twisted again, groaning when he couldn''t break Gahrye''s grip. It as the voices that answered him.

    "The wolves¡­" one of them hissed. "The wolves journeyed the traverse and were¡­ open. They studied the reports, we examined those who tempted the King. The King yearned for her, knew her heart, was drawn. His heart was hers. The ancestors told him she would find another and never be his, yet still he yearned. The wolves discovered this with our help. She is the prophesied one, always intended for the King."

    Gahrye looked at Kalle and swallowed. Reth was prophesied too?

 Chapter 482: Truth in Shadows

    <h4>Chapter 482: Truth in Shadows</h4>

    ADMINISTRATION NOTE: For the next week or two I''m going to try uploading the daily chapters a little earlier (4:30 and 5:30pm, Pacific) to make the content avable to the East Coast readers at a more convenient time. On Webnovel, little details like upload times can have an impact on ie, so this is an experiment to make sure I''m not hurting Reth & Elia''s audience. I''ll let you know if it changes again!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye frowned and turned back to keep his eyes on Shaw. "What about my mate? Why didn''t you let Shaw see her? She''s prophesied also."

    "How did you know?"

    "How did you know?" The voices sounded frantic, raging, but also fearful.

    "Tell me why Shaw didn''t see that Kalle was prophesied!" Gahrye gritted his teeth and ground his bleeding grip on the man''s arm to get the blood flowing again. Shaw screamed, but when he sucked in another breath, it was the voices who answered.

    "He loved the bitch."

    "We would not let him sabotage." That seemed the only reason they would give as the voices dissolved into a new round of hissing and fighting. Shaw''s small, round body twisted like an Alligator attempting to roll prey. But Gahrye only held on, lifted him off his feet to stop him turning his elbow. He was too busy absorbing all of their words, trying to discern truth from lies.

    If thatst statement was true, then Shaw had some measure of control¡ªor, at least, the ability to resist.

    "And me?" he asked finally. "Why didn''t Shaw kill me sooner?"

    "You were not predicted, coward!"

    "Broken!"

    "Desperate!"

    "Too weak to be strong without us!"

    "Only together do you be the prophesied Pair. Only together could we see you¡ªin our hands. In our control. Apart you are useless. You will lose this, hero," they spat. "You will lose because you will be broken without us."

    "Don''t listen to them Gahrye," Kalle broke in. "They''re lying."

    "Bitch!"

    "Cunt!"

    "Stupid to trust. Stupid to believe. We did not see you for what you were¡ªbut we do now. We will destroy you when he is gone."

    "Unless youe to us¡ªwe can use you, you can still fulfill your purpose."

    Gahrye looked at Kalle and she stared at him, more grief in her gaze than fear. She could? never step into the traverse. They both knew it. And they grieved it. There would be no miraculous answer. She would not see Anima. Ever.

    "You can! You can! Come to us! We will take you through¡ª"

    "What do the prophecies say about her?" Gahrye ground out, twisting both hands to press his blood into the male''s skin. "What purpose does she serve?"

    The voices only hissed, but pulled his bleeding hand up to his mouth, tore at it with his teeth so the blood would flow more freely, then tore off Shaw''s sleeve and wiped it down his arm before being forced to grab the male with both hands to stop him escaping.

    He continued to screech and scream, writhing like he was truly on fire¡ªhis skin blistering and rising in shining welts wherever Gahrye''s blood touched him.

    "What are the prophecies!" Gahrye snarled. "Tell me everything!"

    Shaw groaned and rolled his eyes as the voices retreated in a sucking, croak. His entire body shook, but just as Gahrye was about to ask Kalle for the knife, Shaw licked his lips and began, barely above a whisper.

    "Two human females, each a True Mate,

    One to guard, to hold the gate.

    One to guide, to deny hate."

    He sucked in a breath, his body beginning to tremble.

    "Mate hearts pure, love true. Mate hearts pure love.

    Love is the hope of the Anima.

    Humility will be their guide.

    Strength unseen will hedge them in safety until the worlds collide."

    Shaw was beginning to fade, his weight dragging down on Gahrye''s grip, but Gahrye refused to give in and shook him until he started speaking again.

    "Love must sustain to keep Anima hearts safe.

    Love in silence. Love in distance. Love in death.

    Love must sustain to keep Anima hearts true.

    Love in silence. Love in distance. Love in death.

    Only purest love will bring forth the saving grace.

    Love must sustain to bring Anima hearts to truth.

    Love in silence. Love in distance. Love in death.

    Love is the hope of the Anima.

    Humility will be their savior.

    Pride, and the Anima will die."

    Kalle gaped and moved around to Shaw''s other side so she could see Gahrye and her uncle without forcing Gahrye to turn.

    Shaw began to cry, his entire body shaking like he sat atop a shivering bear. "Let me go, pleeeeeeeease¡­ let me go¡­ stop hurting me. Please¡­"

    It was Shaw''s voice, his normal voice, but Gahrye didn''t trust it even as Kalle''s hands pped over her mouth and tears rose in her gaze. But her uncle was on his knees on the grass, slumped as low to the ground as was possible with his arm craned up in Gahrye''s grip.

    There was no more hissing, no more curses. The male sobbed and all strength had gone from his attempts to free himself.

    Gahrye was uncertain what to do. "What do you think?" he asked Kalle.

    "They seem toe and go," she said examining her uncle. "I noticed it the other night¡­ like sometimes he was himself, and sometimes he wasn''t. It was like they left him and he could function without them knowing¡­ but this¡­ I don''t know."

    "They flee the Protector''s blood," Shaw mumbled, his voice dry and cracked. "Please¡­" he whispered through gray lips. "Please, you have to help me. I''ve been trying to get free of them for years. Help me, please¡­"

    Gahrye wavered. There was no doubt his blood was causing the man a great deal of pain. But he didn''t trust this male¡ªhadn''t trusted him since their first meeting. So why should he now?

    He looked up at Kalle and shook his head. "I''m not sure¡­ he''s weak now, but¡ª"

    He hadn''t meant to drop his guard, lose his hold. But when Kalle looked at him he''d forgotten, just for a second that he was holding the male.

    His grip must have loosened and Shaw struck like a snake¡ªwhipping his body to the side, his other elbow extended to take Gahrye right in the stomach, hard enough to wind him. Then, when Gahrye hunched against the blow and tried to suck in a breath, Shaw grabbed a new knife from his ankle andshed out with it like a hammer in his fist, taking Gahrye right in the side.

    Gahrye froze as every nerve ending in his body lit up in pain and he lost his grip on Shaw, falling to his hands and knees.

    "NO!" Kalle screamed and tried to grab her uncle, but he scrambled out of her grip, giggling and stumbling backwards down the path to stay out of her grip. "Stop!" she screamed, but froze, torn between helping Gahrye and trying to keep her uncle from getting free to hurt him again.

    Shaw giggled, twenty feet away and stopped. His bloodied arm hung useless at his side, but his eyes were aze with that fierce light again.

    "Stupid hero. Not a hero at all," Shaw taunted and took one more step back into the moonlit shadow of a tree that Kalle had always used for summer shade growing up. "Stupid horse will never¡ª"

    Kalle screamed as a massive, golden body, with an open, glistening maw appeared from nowhere, ws tearing into Shaw at shoulder and belly.

    It happened so fast even Gahrye wasn''t certain of what he was seeing.

    Shoved into the dirt by the sheer weight of her, Shaw screamed the tortured scream of a dying man¡ªand cut off when the Lioness''s jaws closed over his face and neck.

    His tormented grip, and spasmodic blows did nothing against her thick fur and gleaming ws as she dragged him, wriggling and jerking, back into the darkness of the trees, her eyes catching Gahrye''s for a split second before she disappeared into the dark with her prey.

    Then she was gone, and Gahrye sucked in a breath, slumping to the grass as Kalle leaped to help him.

    "Good one, Elia," Gahrye rasped, wincing as Kalle helped himy down on his back. "Very, very good."

    ******

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 Chapter 483: Emergency - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 483: Emergency - Part 1</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle''s hands trembled so badly she hurt Gahrye trying to get pressure on the wound. It was in a strange spot on his side, slightly closer to his back. She''d initially helped himy down on his back, but as she tried to get pressure on it, she realized she needed him rolled over.

    "Y-you need to roll onto your stomach, Gahrye, so I can get pressure on this."

    He groaned, but rolled with her help, his eyes screwed tight with pain. The wound had already saturated his side.

    She didn''t want to scare him, but she was afraid Shaw might have nicked one of his kidneys and she didn''t remember all the details, but she knew that was bad if it had happened.

    Very bad.

    "Okay. Okay," she said, her voice high and tight. "This is going to hurt, but I need to try and stop the bleeding, so I''m going to press hard and¡ª"

    Gahrye bellowed as she leaned her weight on the wound. She hadn''t seen it very well, but the hole in his shirt was small, so she prayed that meant it was more of a puncture wound than a slice.

    Gahrye, breath tearing through his nose against the pain, spoke through his teeth. "D-don''t worry, I''ll heal quickly," he rasped.

    "I, uh, I don''t know if, I mean, I need to call for some help¡ª"

    "Kalle, look at me." Heid with the arm of his good side under his head, his chin tipped down so he could meet her eyes at his side. The arm near the wound was tucked closed to his side, instinctively protecting it. He swallowed as she met his gaze, but when he spoke, his voice was only tight. "I am going to be okay. Are you listening? I''m going to heal. This is just a set back. He wasn''t sessful in trying to kill me. Be certain of that, okay?"

    She nodded, though she wasn''t certain at all. Though his steadiness in this crisis definitely helped her stay calm.

    "You don''t move," she said quietly, leaning on the wound with one hand while she pulled her phone out awkwardly with the other. Using one shaking, blood-smeared hand to turn the phone on turned out more difficult than she anticipated, and with her slick fingers she almost dropped it twice.

    But once she got the phone on and open, her thumb hovered over the emergency call button. She wasn''t supposed to bring medical orw enforcement to the big house for an Anima unless it was literally life or death¡ªand even then, the Guardians would try to save them first. But she was alone and¡­ but Gahrye was looking at her, his eyes clear. She shook, but he was coherent and¡­ "You tell me the second you start to feel faint or¡­ or dizzy, okay?" she said, her voice shaking as much as her hands.

    He gave a short nod. "I''m okay, I promise. It just hurts."

    Kalle snorted out a short breath, but then tapped the contacts on her phone list and called her grandmother instead.

    "Hel¡ª"

    "Grandma, we have a crisis. We need you here NOW, with a first aid kit and¡­ and¡­ we just need you here."

    "I''ll be eight minutes," her grandmother responded. "Hold on, honey."

    Kalle blew out another long breath. "We''re out in the garden, halfway to the portal and¡­ and Elias out here somewhere and she''s¡­ um¡­ she''s eating Shaw."

    "Oh dear," her grandmother said. Then hesitated.

    For a moment it struck Kalle as both the grossest of understatements, and the most hrious reaction she''d ever have expected. She started to giggle, then spluttered into augh. "Oh d-dear is right-t," she said, her teeth beginning to chatter.

    "You''re in shock," her grandmother said easily. Kalle could hear keys clinking and doors opening and closing in the background. "I''ll try to be there in six, but I don''t want to get stopped by the Police. So you just hold on and you keep breathing, okay?"

    "He''s bleeding."

    "I''d imagine he''s more than bleeding."

    "No, not Shaw, G-Gahrye," Kalle said and her voice cracked.

    "What happened? Wait, no, tell me when I''m there. What do you need right now?"

    "A way to stop bleeding on a stab wound¡­ a cover story for Shaw dying by lioness attack¡­ and Elia toe back so Gahrye can take her through the portal."

    Her grandmother barely hesitated. "Well, I''ll see what I can do," she said.

    Kalle startedughing again.

    "Calm down, honey. I''m getting closer every second."

    "I need my hand to put pressure on the wound," she said.

    "Okay, but you just keep breathing okay? Is Gahrye conscious?"

    "He seems¡­ he seems okay," she said with a quick nce at her mate''s face. He winced again and looked a little pale, but his eyes focused on her fine and he shifted his head on his arm.

    "That''s good news," her grandmother said, sounding relieved. "You just keep doing what you''re doing. I''ll be there in just a few minutes, okay?"

    "Okay. Don''t forget we''re outside."

    "I won''t."

    "Bye."

    "Love you, Kalle. Keep breathing."

    "Bye."

    Kalle hung up the phone and let it drop to the grass so she could put pressure on Gahrye''s wound with both hands. He gave a growling groan when she pressed harder, and closed his eyes for a minute. But soon they were open again and staring at her.

    "Did you catch it?" He asked.

    "Catch what?"

    "They¡ªthe voices¡ªsaid that¡­ Shaw loved you," he said, over a breath. "They don''t know everything, Kalle. They didn''t know who you were in the bigger picture. They don''t know everything."

    She looked at him. "I think they know if they can take me," she said quietly.

    Gahrye gave a sigh. "Probably. I mean¡­ I wouldn''t risk you to them," he said, wincing again at a stab of pain.

    "We already knew I couldn''t go," she whispered.

    He nodded again. "I mean¡­ I guess I still hoped."

    "Me too."

    Gahrye slowly, very carefully, levered his hand to rest on her arm where she braced on his wound. "I will find my way back, Kalle, I promise you."

 Chapter 484: Emergency - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 484: Emergency - Part 2</h4>

    ADMINISTRATION NOTE: For the next week or two I''m going to try uploading the daily chapters a little earlier (4:30 and 5:30pm, Pacific) to make the content avable to the East Coast readers at a more convenient time. On Webnovel, little details like upload times can have an impact on ie, so this is an experiment to make sure I''m not hurting Reth & Elia''s audience. I''ll let you know if it changes again!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    "Do you believe me?" he said a momentter.

    Kalle nodded, swallowing again and again. "I know you''lle back for me. I know we''ll be together again, but¡­ you might not have any choice if we can''t find Elia."

    Gahrye winced again, but then he said, "She''s not far away. She''s eating him. At least, pieces of him."

    Kalle''s eyes widened. "That''s¡­ that''s so¡­"

    "It''s only what he deserved.

    She shook her head. "It''s what the voices deserved. Uncle Shaw was only guilty of wanting to see your world so badly he tried to go over there. But they''re the ones that made him do all these horrible things. I can''t believe he put the wolves onto Elia."

    "Did he, or did they just know where to look? If the voices were inside them as well, maybe it had nothing to do with Shaw."

    Kalle shook her head. "No, that''s when he got obsessed with those reports. I remember because it was so odd that he was suddenly so fixated on that one detail. I thought it was because we had several Animae through twice, in quick session, and he had more stories than he''d ever had before. But I remember thinking it was odd at the time¡­ it doesn''t matter. It''s all done now. The wolves are back in Anima and Shaw''s dead and¡ª"

    "Shit¡­ shit, of course!" Gahrye cursed. "That''s what''s happened to the wolf pack. The voices are loose in them, Kalle! That''s why we have this stupid war! That''s why Lucan went badst year¡ªor worse, anyway. Of course. I can''t believe I didn''t see it."

    "You didn''t know any of these things back then, Gahrye," she muttered, carefully lifting her hands to see if the bleeding was slowing.

    It did seem like his shirt¡ªthough saturated¡ªwasn''t spreading as quickly as it had. He hissed at the pain when she moved her hand, but breathed through it until he could talk again.

    "It''s the voices," he sighed a minuteter. "That''s why there''s suddenly so much darkness¡ªprobably one of the reasons the people wouldn''t ept Elia. Definitely why the wolves wouldn''t. Reth is going to have kittens."

    "Well, let''s get Elia through that first and then see how we go," Kalle said breathlessly.

    Gahrye started tough, then groaned and she bit her lip, but he squeezed her hand. "It''s just pain. I''m going to be fine. I won''t even feel it anymore in a couple days. I promise."

    "I really, really hope that''s true, Gahrye."

    They stared at each other for a minute and her eyes silvered with tears in the moonlight. He could smell the saltiness of them. See the shine in her eyes. He wanted to tell her not to cry, but he knew she was already fighting it. And he was so tired¡­ he let himself just drink in the sight of her. He didn''t know how long it would be until he couldn''t do that anymore.

    He didn''t tell Kalle, but he could hear Elia, digging into her meal in the trees not far away. He imagined that his mate wasn''t ustomed to the¡­ brutality of the Anima beasts that rarely got to hunt. He''d been impressed with Elia''s instincts. She''d timed that exactly right, and hit him just right, too.

    He was about to ask Kalle if she could appreciate how fierce Elia had been, when he heard the distant bang of the door into the Big House, and footsteps hurrying along the grassy path towards them.

    "Eve''s here," he said quietly.

    Kalle sighed with relief, then broke into tears a momentter when her grandmother dropped to the grass next to her with a thick, but small red case with a cross on it.

    "Okay, somebody tell me exactly what happened," she said as she flipped a little catch on the box.

    Kalle stumbled through it, while Gahrye added a detail here and there. They didn''t get into the prophecies¡ªhe gave Kalle a sharp look when she sounded like she was about to get into that. He didn''t know how much this crossed over with his purpose yet. He didn''t want to risk identally giving anyone a clue about what he''d learned.

    While Kalle spoke, Eve pulled out several sharp-smelling, crinkling packets and began to open them, revealing bandages, tape and other things made of these awful stics, though the bandages held the faint whiff of linen¡­ though coated in something so sharp it made his head hurt.

    But as Eve quietly consulted with Kalle, and Kalle showed her the wound, Gahrye could already feel himself growing stronger. His body would heal this wound, he was certain of it.

    Eve tsked and swore after she cut his shirt open to reveal the wound properly¡ªstill bleeding, but slowed to a trickle.

    "I don''t think it''s far enough around, or deep enough, to have hit the kidney, but you''ll need to tell me about any deep aches that aren''t rted to the stab itself, Gahrye."

    "I will."

    Eve spent several minutes stitching his skin¡ªwhich hurt like a bitch¡ªand spreading more of that awful sharp-smelling disinfectant on it. Gahrye hated it, but they told him it would stave on infection, so he submitted.

    Elia''s feeding frenzy slowed while he was being patched up, then stopped. He didn''t hear anything from her direction for a full minute and wondered if she was going to go to sleep after her meal. Gahrye shuddered and Eve identally stuck him with the needle again.

    Kalle had moved to be next to his head, stroking his hair and arm while Eve worked.

    He turned his head to look up her and she smiled. Her tears were dried, but still threatening.

    "Such a drama queen," she said with a quavering grin.

    Gahrye snorted. "You have queens for that?"

    Kalle''s brows pinched, then sheughed. "Oh, no, it means¡­ it means someone who makes things dramatic on purpose, when they don''t need to be."

    Gahrye raised his eyebrows. "I think that''s our Queen, don''t you?"

    Kalle grinned and looked over her shoulder. "Is she still nearby?"

    He nodded. "I can still smell her, but she''s not moving that I can tell."

    Kalle''s face dropped and she stroked his hair again. "So¡­ you think you''ll be okay to go through?"

    "I''m certain of it," he said quietly.

    She nodded. He held her hand in silence until Eve was done.

    *****

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 Chapter 485: Elia

    <h4>Chapter 485: Elia</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye sighed. Already impatient withying there in the grass when they needed to get getting Elia to the Portal, but knowing Eve was helping his body heal, he made himself wait patiently.

    Then a tear from Kalle''s pretty cheek sshed into his hair. He reached for her hand and she gave it and he kissed her knuckles.

    They sat together until finally Eve sat back on her heels and said, "Okay, I think that''ll keep you. You should take those stitches out in three or four hours at the most."

    Then both women helped him first sit up¡ªfeeling a little dizzy until he took a few breaths¡ªthe finally get to his feet.

    As soon as he was certain he wouldn''t fall, he pulled Kalle into his chest and they held each other. "That was so scary," she said into his chest.

    He gripped her back and squeezed as much as he could without making his wound hurt too much.

    Eve quickly and efficiently picked up the papers and medicines she''d used, then stood, brushing her bloodied hands on her jeans. "Where''s Shaw?" she asked him grimly, obviously realizing he''d be able to scent the body.

    Gahrye nodded towards the thicket two rows back in the garden. "She took him in there. But I think she''s still there with him. I haven''t heard her move away."

    Kalle''s hands tightened carefully on his upper back. "Are you sure you still try¡ª"

    "Yes," he and Eve answered at the same time. He gave the older woman a grateful smile and she shrugged. "If I''ve learned anything in my years, it''s that dy only makes the pain worse in the long run. Why don''t I see if I can get close over there and see how Elia''s doing while you two have a minute?"

    Gahrye looked down at Kalle, whose fingers were digging into his upper back. He stroked her hair back from her temples with his fingers as Eve started down the path.

    "This is¡­ I can''t believe this is it," she said, her full lips pushed out and her cheek glistening from her tears.

    "It might not be. I still have to convince Elia toe through."

    Kalle''s lips pressed to thin lines. "I think¡­ I think we won''t give up. I think we''ll get there. She was following before. Now that she''s fed she''ll probably be less agitated."

    Gahrye sighed, then dropped his forehead to Kalle''s and buried his fingers in her hair, inhaling her scent deeply, trying to ignore the sharp, medicinal scents on his own skin. Sheid her cheek on his chest and tried to swallow her tears.

    "I''m going to take Elia through and figure out what''s going on with Reth and the wolves. He needs to know what we just learned," Gahrye said quietly. "Then, just as soon as it''s safe, I''m going to ask him to let mee back, even if it''s only for a few days. He''s just been separated from his Mate. I think¡­ I think unless there''s something going on that needs me he''ll be¡­ he''ll think about it, anyway."

    Kalle swallowed. "Even if he doesn''t, I will still wait," she whispered.

    Gahrye nodded. "Me too. You''re mine, Kalle," he said, surprised by how vehemently the simple statement crossed his lips. "Stay away from that fucking asswipe at the library."

    She snorted and it turned into a sob. "I will," she wailed. "Man, I''ve been such a baby tonight, I''m so sorry."

    He shook his head. "Your grief honors me," he said formally, then frowned.

    But Kalle nodded. "I want to honor you, Gahrye. I want the whole world to honor you for you who are."

    They embraced and Gahrye knew his shaking wasn''t simply the pain or the events of the night. He wasn''t quite sure how he was ever going to let her go.

    But as it turned out, it happened naturally when Eve appeared a few feet down the trail from behind some tall grasses with furry-topped stalks.

    "Uh, Gahrye¡­?"

    Gahrye looked up and Kalle turned to face her grandmother,ing out of his arms.

    "I think¡­ I think you need to get moving. This is a mess that I can''tpletely hide," Eve said sadly. "We can wait a couple days to report him missing, but the staff would notice and¡­ somebody''s going toe across this. So I''ve got some work to do to make this believable as a feral dog attack. And just in case¡­ just in case I think it''s better for you to be out of here."

    Gahrye nodded. "I''ll just see if I can coax Elia out¡ª"

    "That won''t be necessary," Eve said. When he frowned at her she nodded, her eyes fixed on the space behind him.

    When Gahrye turned, the lioness was there, her head lower than her body, and that tailshing. But she was watching them like she knew them.

    Gahrye blinked. "Elia? Can you¡­ can youe out?"

    He waited, but there was no sign of a shift, and then the lioness shook her head so hard her ears pped.

    Gahrye sighed. Beast form it was going to be, it looked like.

    He just prayed going through the traverse that way didn''t impact Elia''s already fading ability to shift back.

    "Elia, will you¡­ walk with me?" he said, and taking Kalle''s hand, started down the path. He nced back only long enough to see the lioness follow him, hesitant, and sticking close to the clusters of nts and trees, but she was moving, following him.

    Kalle''s breath caught. With a squeeze of his hand, she trotted back, giving Elia a wide berth, to pick up their bags. She struggled under the weight, but Gahrye knew he was already going to have a lot of pain from the wound when he carried them, and he didn''t want Elia to follow him in the wrong direction, or get confused. So he walked very slowly so Kalle had time to struggle under the weight of the two bags¡­ just the way Gahrye suddenly felt himself struggling under the weight of their pending goodbye.

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 Chapter 486: Goodbye

    <h4>Chapter 486: Goodbye</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Eve hurried to help Kalle with the bags, heaving one onto her shoulder. Then they made the strangest procession to that cluster of rocks at the end of the garden, near where the trees lined the wall. Gahrye was concerned as Eve staggered, but they made it and Gahrye paused as the two women circled back around them, putting the bags to the ground near the opening to the portal itself, then came back to him.

    Eve walked over to squeeze his hand once. "It was an honor to meet you. Thank you for making Kalle so happy," she said.

    Gahrye blinked. "Thank you, too. For everything. I hope I will see you again soon."

    "Not too soon," she said, ncing back towards where Shaw''s bodyy. "I think we might have some trouble with the Police for a while and I don''t want you caught up in that, okay?"

    He nodded. They squeezed hands again, then she turned and walked slowly back up the trail. She wouldn''t leave, he knew, but she was giving them space.

    Then he turned to his mate and readied himself to say goodbye as Elia paced the grass beside him.

    Kalle bit her lip and stared up at him in the moonlight, and he didn''t think there was a more beautiful sight in all of Anima. When he stroked her cheek, she blew out a breath and it made her hair flutter, pushing her scent towards him. He resisted the urge to close his eyes and absorb it. He didn''t want to take his eyes off of her.

    "I''m sorry that I have to go," he murmured.

    She shook her head. "Let''s not get into that again," she said in a high voice, then cleared her throat. "We just got a whole bunch of new information. We''re learning so much. I''m going to keep learning. I''ll have a ton to tell you when you get back, so you better make sure not to leave it too long. I''ll read all the histories and¡­ and I''ll be ready. When youe back, you''ll have questions and I''ll be ready to answer them."

    He nodded and stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I love you, Kalle."

    "I love you too."

    "I''m so grateful to the Creator for you, that He gave me to you for this time."

    "Me too."

    They stared a moment longer, then he took her mouth, unable at first to do more than simply brush his lips over hers in a bare touch, letting the tip of his tongue trace her top lip.

    She sighed and pressed closer, opening her mouth, and suddenly the kiss was deep and desperate. She was so careful to avoid squeezing his sore side, and he marveled again at her thoughtfulness and kindness. He could barely hold her hard enough, pulling her in, despite the pain it caused in his back.

    "Mine," he whispered, then nipped at her neck.

    "Yes," she cried and let her head drop back so he could take her throat.

    "Forever, Kalle."

    "Yes. And you''re mine," she said, suddenly fierce.

    Gahrye groaned as she kissed her way up from his corbone to this throat, pulling him down so she could reach, and sucking at the cord of his neck, nipping at this skin. Gahrye gave the mating call and she whispered, "Mine," again. Then he groaned and dropped his head to hold her, shaking with the intensity of the emotions rolling through him.

    Suddenly, from behind him, Elia''s beast groaned something akin to the mating call¡ªbut not. As if she acknowledged them as Mates, but didn''t take it for herself. He turned, tears in his eyes, to find the beautiful beast staring at him. And there, in the deep golden gaze of the lion, he remembered his purpose. He remembered why this goodbye was necessary.

    And he remembered his friend and prayed he hadn''t lost her.

    "We have to go," he said, his voice rough and husky.

    "I know." Kalle wiped her eyes and stepped back, then leaned back in one more time for a quick kiss. Then she picked up the bags one by one to help Gahrye put the straps of both over one shoulder, and stepped back.

    "Forever," she murmured under her breath.

    "Forever," he repeated.

    Then he turned to find Elia still staring at him through the beast''s eyes and opened his hand. She stalked forward slowly, her great body liquid and silent, padding across the grass. When she reached his side, he put a hand to the top of her head. "Just follow me," he said, then with ast, longing nce at Kalle, he started forward, his breath hitching in his chest.

    He was shaking, but he ignored it, putting his free hand forward to breach the Portal first as they approached that shimmering light¡­ only for his fingers to stub on its surface.

    It''s surface that was, once again as hard as the rocks around it.

    *****

    "How did you get backst time?"

    "I don''t know," he growled, frustrated. "At first it was like this, then after a while it started to give under my hand¡­ then half an hour after that I could walk through again."

    "Do you think it was just time?"

    "I don''t know. I didn''t see anything in the stories about the Protectors not being able to go through."

    Eve frowned. Kalle had taken his hand and been unwilling to let it go, he feared this drawn out goodbye was just killing them both. He raked his free hand through his hair, then hissed at the pain from his back. Kalle looked at him, worried. "I''m fine, I just forgot and moved too quickly."

    "Tell me everything you did on the other side, Gahrye," Eve said, frowning at the Portal. She kept mouthing the word ''protector,'' but whatever she was thinking, she hadn''t found her answer yet.

    Gahrye made himself think back. Sitting outside the doorway, pressing on it. Praying. Pressing again. Then again¡ªand it gave, just a little. Praying some more. "Then I got thirsty and went out to the river to drink. When I got back it opened for me immediately."

    Eve looked at him sharply. "What did you do at the river?"

    "I washed my hands and arms¡ªI had been bleeding from the trip through¡ªthen drank, then¡­ nothing else."

    Eve blinked. She looked at his hands, then his side, then his face. "Protectors," she said, hushed.

    "Yes?"

    "The traverse¡­ you can''t go through it in groups usually, correct? Even if the groups are separate?"

    Gahrye nodded, not following. "Yes. Without a Protector, an Anima has to go alone. If more than one Anima enter the traverse at the same time, neither of them are ever seen again."

    Eve closed her eyes. "And it''s your blood that you use to keep the voices at bay, when you cross?"

    He nodded. "Yes, why?"

    "Your blood is the key, Gahrye. You need¡­ I think you need blood spilled just for the purpose of protection. Then the portal closes, stopping anyone else from going in unaware of your being there already. You need to wash off all the old blood. Then it will open for you."

    Gahrye''s jaw dropped and he turned to look at Kalle. "I think she''s right. When I wasing back I had blood from the first crossing. When that was gone, it let me in."

    Kalle''s smile crumpled. "I think that''s it, too."

    Elia''s beast huffed. She was still pacing, but she wasn''t panting anymore.

    A few minutester, he and Kalle emerged from behind the boulder pile where he''d changed into clean clothes after Kalle washed all the blood off of his side and hands.

    He opened his mouth, reached for her to pull her in, but she shook her head. "You need to just go," she whispered, her voice trembling. "If¡­ if you don''t¡­ I won''t be able to let you go. Just do it, Gahrye. Don''t think. Just go. I love you. Never forget that, I love you and I''ll wait forever."

    He groaned and squeezed her hand, but he knew she was right. So with onest, longing look at her beautiful face, onest stroke of her cheek to wipe away her tears, he lifted the bags onto his good shoulder and turned to find Elia at his hip again.

    Then, without looking back, he and Elia''s beast walked through.

 Chapter 487: Vultures

    <h4>Chapter 487: Vultures</h4>

    RETH

    The thing no one ever mentioned about battle¡ªof any kind¡ªwas the clean up. The sheer stink of it, the weight of bloodied bodies and broken hearts. When they''d left the Hallowed Grounds he''d known they would being back to clean it. that they couldn''t allow the desecration of that ground to remain. But as he sat in Aymora''s cave with her and Behryn, Hollhye, and Brant¡ªwhose ankle was being dressed and braced¡ªit was thest thing he wanted to think about. So many other things, other people seemed so much more important. But they had to. He knew it.

    He was so sick of blood and death. But he had to ask the people that night and the following morning to band together in this, the cleaning and remembering of their dead. It would be ugly, but perhaps it would sober them enough to avoid further battle.

    He could only hope.

    Shaking off the dark thoughts, he went back toying out for Behryn what ns he''de up with so far.

    "As long as the scouts don''t interfere, just ensure that they actually go back to the encampment and remain there, I''ll allow it," he said. He''d been angry to learn that Behryn had sent warriors after the wolves without speaking to him first. But everything had been so chaotic. He couldn''t me his Captain for doing his job. "Outside of that, monitoring only¡ªlet the birds circle and keep an eye out for groups or attacks. But let them be highly visible. We''re not fomenting conflict here, we''re trying to bridge the gap between peoples."

    Behryn nodded. He seemed to be doing well. He''d stopped looking pale and even though Hollhye had a hand to his shoulder, Reth suspected that was more just her needing the reassurance, than him needing the support.

    He was chomping at the bit to get back to work, and she wanted him to drag his feet. But the truth was, Reth couldn''t me her. If the next few days went as nned he would be returning to his own mate, and even the thought of that made his heart pound. He needed her. She needed him. All true mates did.

    Which sent him tumbling back into the impossible situation he''d left Suhle in.

    As his friends bickered over the best way to monitor the wolves, Reth sighed. Walking Suhle away from Lerrin had been the saddest thing Reth had seen in a long time. The poor female was heartbroken, pale and shaking, but fighting to keep her determination. To believe that it would work out. She''d started to fight for him before they''d even left. But Lerrin was¡­ well, stubborn was a nice word for it. He prayed the male wasn''t cutting off his own nose to spite his face. That female adored him.

    And what would happen to Lerrin if he lost his connection with his love? Suhle herself said it had led him out of his hate. Would his hate return?

    The wolf would bear watching.

    Reth just wished he could offer Suhle some reassurance. If the bond had beenpleted he was certain Lerrin wouldn''t be able to deny it for long. But with it iplete, who knew? He''d never heard of a True Mate denying their bond after realizing and feeling it.

    "Please don''t kill him, Reth. Please." she''d begged him as they walked away from the prison trees. He had no reason to hold her any longer, so he''d told her to return to her home. She''d looked back over her shoulder, towards Lerrin, but she''d nodded.

    He tried to imagine how he would feel if it was Elia back in that tree, under guard, and denying him¡­ he thought it might actually cut out his heart.

    "Are you going to be okay?" he''d asked her. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

    "No," she''d sighed, still swallowing tears. "Just pray. That is the very best thing any of us can do. It will take the Creator''s own power to break through to him."

    Reth had huffed. "I don''t know about that. You got through his hate and rage towards me."

    She shook her head. "No, Reth, that was the Creator. I was just a¡­ mouthpiece. He saw the bigger picture, not just thendscape I wanted him to see."

    Reth nodded. "Then trust that he can do it again," he said softly.

    Suhle paled further. "I just watched him kill his best friend since adolescence because she lied to him and worked behind his back. He sees no difference between her and I. I suspect it was only the instinct of the bond that stopped him from attacking me. Whether you realize it or not, Reth, he is a male of great integrity. He struggles against evil and sees it very clearly. He was right. I should have told him. I was not listening to the Creator in that, I lived in fear and let it drive me. By the time I had seen what was needed, it was toote and there were too many things going on. I wish he would forgive me, but I will not condemn him for hating my deception. He was right. I did lie. I chose to. He gave me opportunity to be open and¡­ I took his honesty and held it, but did not give my own in return."

    Reth wasn''t so sure about that, but he hadn''t been there, so he hadn''tmented. He''d walked her to the intersection of trails where he had to turn for Aymora''s cave. There he''d hugged her and told her if there was anything he could do, she need only ask.

    "Thank you," she''d whispered. Her hands had raised to her shoulders, as if she nned to lift her hood. A brief moment of confusion shed across her face, then she shook her head and turned from him, walking down the path with her eyes up, but her shoulder stooped.

    He prayed she would survive this. He''d never thought he would see her given over to a True Mate. He was so happy for her that she''d found one. Now, if the stubborn ass would just ept it¡­

    But that was a different problem for another hour. His friends were all staring at him now. Someone must have asked him a question. "I''m sorry, I was distracted," he muttered. "What?"

    Aymora frowned and Behryn grunted. "What are you going to do with the wolf?"

    Reth sighed.

    ****

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 Chapter 488: The Wolf - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 488: The Wolf - Part 1</h4>

    WINNERS! WINNERS! CHICKEN DINNERS! The winners of the Top Tier Privilege Paperback Draw for September are.... *Drum roll please...*

    KING OF BEASTS: Lisa_Demko

    QUEEN OF BEASTS: Alyssah_Maree

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    *****

    RETH

    Raking a hand through his hair, Reth sat back in his chair across from Behryn. Hollhye watched him with eagle eyes, but didn''t say anything.

    "He''s submitted. Fully," Reth said quietly. "He came with a true heart. He wants peace, and he sacrificed his own Alpha power to get it. he cares more for the people than his own well-being. I cannot fault his intention."

    Hollhye snorted. "Really? The male tried to kill you how many times?"

    "Thankfully he did not seed," Reth said with a warning look at her. "Also, apparently he was¡­ blinded when that was happening. ording to Suhle, as soon as he realized the darkness in his people, he started working towards getting them back to me. It takes a great deal of humility as an Alpha to trust your people to someone else at all, let alone, to submit your own power to achieve it. I¡­ I find myself admiring him," Reth admitted reluctantly.

    Hollhye snorted again, but Behryn just looked thoughtful. Aymora''s face, however, was thunderous. "Too little, toote," she snarled.

    "Be calm, friend," Reth soothed. "I''m not suggesting to free him. I just meant, he is no longer an enemy. The question is, what does he be now, and how do we deal with it?"

    "You can''t have him here," Hollhye snipped.

    Aymora nodded. "Even if he doesn''t want to harm you any more, he is a symbol to those who do. Even if he remains loyal, his own followers might as well. It is a recipe for disaster." She was cutting fruit on a board in front of her and the knife nked down on the wooden board as if she had made a judgment.

    Reth nodded. "I agree. In the long run he cannot be in the Tree City. But I am reluctant to banish him right away. He has a unique and unmatched knowledge of his people and how to reach them. I believe we can still use his influence for good in this transition¡­ bringing the people together seems a near impossible task. I will be yearning for any assistance I can get. I will not deny him the chance to advise. And seeing him work with us¡­ if his people remain on the fence, or are wavering, watching hime to us, to trust me, may press them to our advantage."

    "Or just turn them on him and end in greater conflict," Brant interjected from the cot where hey looking frustrated.

    "I have no doubt that would have been true with the warriors. But he lost more than half of his fighters in the battle, and even a few others whose bloodlust took hold. While I wish it had not happened, I can''t deny that it has solved a problem for us. They were wicked fighters. Trying to ovee them in strategic battle would have cost us dearly."

    "Don''t believe some of them were not calm enough and disciplined enough to stay with the people who listened to Lerrin," Brant warned. "Craye is an extremely intelligent and effective spymaster. Even among their people he would have ced spies and informers. Craye trusted no one."

    "Craye is dead," Reth said quietly. "Suhle said Lerrin identified him as a rebel and a threat, Asta as well. He killed them both personally."

    Aymora blinked and Behryn grunted.

    "He was not broken by this, Brant," Reth said, but for all of them to hear. "He sits in that prison now, still with his heart. He has not lost his strength. He chose correctly, and he knows it. He walks in the light."

    "But many of his people do not," Aymora muttered.

    "And we will find them, and rid the Tree City of them," Reth said firmly. "But the only way to do that is to get them here, under our eyes, so we can begin to identify them."

    "You would bring the enemy back under your roof?" Hollhye eximed.

    Reth growled. "These people are not my enemies! They are my people! They were manipted and scared and they havee back¡ªor they will. I will not lose a third of my people for the sake of a small portion who are not. I have never ruled that way."

    "You have never faced a rebellion before," Behryn said calmly. "You cannot expect everything to return to being as it was. We lost a hundred wolves today, easily. And dozens of our own fighters. There will not be a tribe or family group untouched by this. Everyone is shaken. That will lead to distrust and¡ª"

    "Precisely my point," Reth sighed. "I need Lerrin to hear his people and help me know how to reach them, and I need them to hear him and draw them back. I need our people to be willing to forgive at least enough to try to reconcile with those who were influenced to leave. And¡­ and I need my own mate back. I need peace," he groaned. "Just peace."

    The others all nodded, but Aymora tsked. "Bad feelings and tensions are inevitable. To ignore or brush over them would be deadly."

    "I do not intend to ignore them!" Reth snarled. "But I want to soothe and remove them as much as I can before the people return."

    "If you allow Lerrin to live, those who are wavering, or who find the transition difficult, will return to him at some point. No anima is perfect. If Lerrin''s back was not broken by this, if he remains strong, he will only be more tempted to go along and return to his Alpha state if the peoplee for him."

    "I don''t know," Reth said, scratching the stubble on his jaw. "Lerrin was always a reluctant leader. I don''t think he''d want to return to the position of power. He doesn''t seem suited to it¡ªor, rather, he doesn''t seem to want the pressure of it. Plus, those who are still rebellious saw him submit to me. I don''t know that they want to call on the leader that brought them to me in the first ce. They would reject him now. No," Reth added, "I don''t think he is a threat to my rule at all. I think his presence would be confusing for the wolves though."

    "Kill him," Aymora said, plunging a knife into arge citrus fruit that she was cutting up to eat. "Kill him and remove the spine of the rebellion."

    Reth growled. "So bloodthirsty my friend."

    Aymora pointed at him with the knife in her hand. "Not as bloodthirsty as the wolves you''re about to invite back into the city. Not by a long shot."

    *****

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 Chapter 489: The Wolf - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 489: The Wolf - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    Reth growled, but Aymora didn''t drop the knife she''d levelled at him, just raised an eyebrow. "I am practical," she said dryly. "I don''t desire death for anyone. But when one person''s death might save the lives of many others, it''s a valid protection of the people. And when that person is someone who has proven to run in circles of evil¡­ there is no question in my mind. Remove him from the city as you will any of the others who remain dark."

    "But he isn''t dark anymore, Aymora, that''s my point," Reth pushed out of the chair he''d been sitting in and began to pace the floor. "He saw the light and followed it. He did the right thing. I will wait to see what threat is formed by his presence¡ªif there even is one at all."

    "What do you envision, though, Reth," Behryn asked firmly. "Even if he''s good. Even if his every intention is loyal now¡ªwhich I would question¡ªwhat do you envision for him? To be a prisoner for the rest of his life? Freedom? You cannot have him walking the trails of the Tree City. Even if his intentions were good, he would keep thoughts and feelings of rebellion alive, just by being seen. Hell, some of our citizens might kill him for their perceived threat!"

    "I am aware," Reth muttered. "I do not n to free the wolf¡ªnot here. But I am not certain I can kill him. Not after what he did to right the wrongs he helped create. But I''m also not going to make a decision until I''m certain. And as long as he is here, I''m going to use him to my advantage. He''s a tool provided by the Creator. One I will use dly."

    Aymora rolled her eyes, "He is a tool provided by your mercy and kindhearted willingness to forgive, Reth. A quality I admire in you normally. But a quality that puts us at threat right now."

    "You are under no threat from Lerrin! But I will not make decisions now in spection! Nothing in this conflict, these days, has gone as I would have expected. Not one thing! I will not now determine that I can see into the future, and take a male''s life based in my own fear. I had him analyzed. His heart is true."

    "Now. But it wasn''t. For a long time. That is the very definition of inconsistent," Brant said quietly.

    "Which is why he will remain a prisoner," Reth growled. "But your arguments only make me more certain I am right, so we should move on. I am sick of blood and death. I was glutted this morning. I will not invite more that might be avoided." He pulled the chair out and dropped into it, leaning on the table towards the others who all watched him warily. "What we need to do is prepare for tomorrow''s council with the wolves. We need to find a way to bring the tribes together. How do I convince the people to allow them toe back, assuming the wolves are willing?"

    Everyone was quiet for a moment, but Reth just waited, looking at each of them in turn until Behryn said, reluctantly, "Remind them that they those who are still alive had a chance to fight¡ªto kill¡ªand didn''t. That they honored the Alpha challenge, and they listened to reason, even in the midst of high emotion. That is proof of their consideration, if not their loyalty."

    Aymora''s lips were thin, but she put down the knife and opened her hands. "Remind them that the sooner this conflict is behind us, the sooner we can return to normal life."

    Reth nodded at both of them. "I can understand why our people won''t want to turn their backs on an old enemy though. Simply having the wolves in the Tree City isn''t enough. There must be a way to bring the peoples together so that they can¡­ rx around each other."

    They all stared at each other, but very soon it became apparent that none of them had a solid idea. Finally Brant said, "This is a question for the councils. Let the people who walk the trails every day¡ªand will have to walk alongside their former enemies¡ªlet them tell you what they think is needed to bring unity. Sometimes they see problems differently than we do."

    "And if they have no ideas?"

    "Then you should question whether they even want to be reunified. If neither our people or theirs can suggest ways to help, or we can''t find agreement between them, you may be forced to find another way to solve this." Branty back on his cot and sighed. "I don''t envy you this, Reth," he said slowly. "I admire your willingness to walk into it, and I pray we can be sessful. But I would not be in your shoes if this goes bad."

    "Thank you for the reassurance, Brant," Reth said dryly.

    "Always happy to help," the older male grinned.

    "I can''t believe you let them convene beforeing to meet us," Aymora grumbled. "They could be nning a take-over even now. That was how all of this started, remember?"

    "Not with less than a half of their numbers, and after watching their Alpha submit," Reth growled. "At best they can n an underground movement. But they will not be able to increase their numbers for some time¡­ no I think we are safe from any attack, bar assassination. At least, in the short term."

    "Great, then let''s just worry about the long-term," Behryn snipped.

    Reth stared him down. "I have ns in ce for the short term, as well. To ensure we are safe. Don''t toy with me right now."

    "I''m not toying¡ª"

    "Don''t bait me, then. I have asked Suhle to connect with the wolves. She''s trusted among them, and was seen in the higher levels. She will be able to tell us if there is any¡­ unrest."

    Brant nodded. "Good n."''

    "But not foolproof," Aymora said.

    "Nothing is," Reth replied. "That''s why we pray."

    ******

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 Chapter 490: The Need of the Mate

    <h4>Chapter 490: The Need of the Mate</h4>

    WINNERS! WINNERS! CHICKEN DINNERS! The winners of the Top Tier Privilege Paperback Draw for September are.... *Drum roll please...*

    KING OF BEASTS: Lisa_Demko

    QUEEN OF BEASTS: Alyssah_Maree

    Congrattions!! If you can both contact me on email ([emailprotected]</a>) and let me know the address you''d like me to send the book to, and what name I should sign it to, that would be great!

    And don''t forget, I''m doing another Paperback draw for Top Tier readers of both books in October. All you have to do is buy the top tier of privilege, thenment on the most recently published chapter, "I want a paperback" and you will be entered!

    *****

    RETH

    They continued to throw ideas around, but nothing was helping. Reth epted that until they had the people together and could hear their suggestions, he might not be able to walk in there with a n.

    "I want to gather the Tree City tonight to hear from them¡ªand to prepare them," Reth said. "Behryn, let''s put the call out to gather after dinner. I will just speak to the people and hear them. We will let them know you and Aymora and Brant areing to council with me tomorrow."

    While Hollhye looked on, worried, Behryn spoke to the guards and messengers outside the door. With no more talk for a moment, Reth''s thoughts immediately turned to Elia¡ªto the fact that if he could get the people united, if they could be certain the bloody conflict was over, that he could bring her back.

    Everything in him ached for her now. The temptation had been burning since he left the Hallowed Grounds to just go get her. The threats were not nearly as serious now as they had been, but the niggle question of how many spies they might have¡ªor rebellious operatives trying to lull Reth into a false sense of peace¡ªstayed his hand. Elia was leverage to use against him, the strongest leverage. He would not risk putting her in enemy hands again¡ªnot yet, anyway. But soon¡­ hopefully soon there would be no more true threat. Hopefully soon, he would hold her again. Her and Elreth.

    He wanted to groan, the ache in his chest was so sharp. But he knew the others would only be concerned.

    Then a gentle hand appeared on his shoulder. He turned to find Aymora standing behind him. He hadn''t even heard her get up from her seat.

    "You smell¡­ pained," she said quietly.

    "I need my mate," he said hoarsely. "I can''t wait much longer. And I don''t think she can wait at all. It''s like¡­ it''s like something inside me is pulling for her. It isn''t even just missing her it''s¡­ it''s a need."

    Behryn looked at Hollhye who sighed and shook her head, but didn''t speak up.

    Reth caught his best friend''s gaze. "Get a message to the bears. Tell them I''ll be going for her soon. We don''t know exactly when. But they should expect to see Anima in the region, possibly within days because I''ll be taking Guards to watch the Portal until we return so we can''t be taken by rogues. Tell him none will venture more than 100 feet from the trail while we travel, or the Portal cave while I''m gone."

    "Gawhr is asleep, Reth. I don''t think there''s any point risking a messenger just to tell him you''re going to do what you said you would do at the beginning."

    "Do you know where Gawhr is hibernating?" he asked Behryn, shoving down the anger that wanted to rise at his friend''s resistance. They were all on edge. All sick and tired of fighting and risk. It wasn''t just him.

    "We don''t know for certain, but we know the cave he and his family group spent a lot of time near, right before the bears slept. They were slow to go to ground, so they were sighted several times."

    Reth nodded. "Send the messenger. They can leave the note near the entrance to the cave in case he wakes. He isn''t at his best when he wakes up. I don''t want him taking us out before he''s even realized what''s going on."

    "But that''s exactly my point. If the scent of the messenger, or the sound, wakes him. That poor soul won''t stand a chance."

    "Send a bird," Reth said through his teeth, "They can drop in, leave the note and fly out without being on the grounds. But do it. I will not risk angering them at thiste stage! I am returning for my mate. Do not ask me to make that journey under greater threat!"

    Behryn sighed, but returned to those outside, speaking quietly with the messengers outside the door, and passing them a hastily written note.

    Reth''s fingernails were digging into the tabletop when Aymora cleared her throat. "You need to eat before your meeting tonight, and I''m guessing you won''t be going to the market, so let me get you something," she said.

    "I''m not hungry."

    "That wasn''t a question, Reth, I was just being polite."

    Brant chuckled from his cot. But before Reth could shoot him the dark look he deserved, Aymora said from the kitchen, "Brant, you''re staying here tonight so we can monitor that ankle and make sure no infection sets in while it heals. So getfortable."

    Brant''s face went stony, and it was Reth''s turn to grin. Behryn¡ªwho was walking back to join them¡ªdid as well. But Hollhye stood. "If you''re going to the meeting tonight, you need a nap. I''m not having you out all night. You''re still healing."

    "I''m fine!" Behryn frowned as he took his seat. But Aymora growled. "I told you, Behryn, a week¡ªa week of good rest and no physical challenges. Do as your mate says or I''ll tell Reth that you''re off duty until you do."

    Reth smiled at his best friend, who was now pouting like a child. His mate ushered him back to his feet and out the door.

    Reth let the smile fall as they disappeared. He was d Hollhye was taking such good care of Behryn. His wound was not insignificant.

    But there was something prickly and burning in his chest.

    It took him a moment to realize it was jealousy. Reth blinked. He hadn''t felt that way in so long¡ªnot really. Not since Elia arrived.

    But here he was, watching Hollhye stroke Behryn''s back, her eyes alight with joy to be close to her mate and taking him away to be alone. And¡­ Reth was jealous.

    He needed Elia. So badly.

    A te of dried meat and fruits plunked down on the table in front of him and that warm handnded on his shoulder again. "It won''t be long now," Aymora said quietly, rubbing his back. "Be thankful you can get her back."

    She hadn''t meant it as a jab, but Reth swallowed. He was grateful. So grateful not to be in Aymora''s shoes and never see his mate again.

    "Thank you," he said quietly, looking up at her. "I mean it."

    "I know," she said, then went back to her herbs.

    *****

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 Chapter 491: The Truce - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 491: The Truce - Part 1</h4>

    This chapter is dedicated to Jayah_Bookworm. Jayah, your support in August with gifts and Golden Tickets was staggering. (I''m sorry I couldn''t do this sooner. I had already written the material this far.) Thank you for being willing to give so much to my story and characters! I''m humbled. I hope you enjoy this:

    *****

    RETH

    The early dawn light filtered through the trees of the WildWood. Reth''s breath made a cloud in the air and in ces the grass crunched beneath his feet. Winter wasing¡ªanother reason to move the people towards peace quickly. None of them wanted to be out inbat, or guarding their homes when the snows came.

    When he entered the clearing, the air was hushed, despite the massive crowds.

    It was a massive space, usually used for training exercises or gatherings that included most of the City. Reth would have held this at the amphitheater, but everyone needed neutral ground until the figured out how they were going to do this.

    So Reth entered the Clearing¡ªsurrounded by the forest and a sprinkling of the Great Trees with their long, thick boughs parallel to the ground, most of them covered in young whose parents put them up there so they could see¡­ or to keep them out of the line of any conflict. Reth prayed that wasn''t it.

    Just like they had in the Hallowed Grounds, the wolves and their allies, and the Tree City Anima had taken opposite sides. Reth was unnerved by how much like the earlier challenge this felt, with both sides there peaceably, but staring at the other with suspicion and tension.

    When Reth entered, surrounded by guards and walking alongside Lerrin, the intake of breath was audible. He''d warned his own people that the wolf Alpha would be present. And told them why it was necessary¡ªthough the number of dark looks Lerrin received from the Tree City side of the clearing made Reth certain he would never be able to let Lerrin loose.

    Too many people had lost loved ones to ever trust him.

    Which made Reth question why he was beginning to. He shook his head. He couldn''t get stuck in those thoughts now. He had a people to unite.

    The wolves and their allies were agitated with chatter and hushed murmurs, staring at Lerrin and Reth as if they had grown extra heads.

    In the center of the clearing Brant, Behryn and Aymora already waited. Standing facing them were Hern, Nhox, the male Lerrin told him had been so diligent and loyal, even in the face of Craye, and a female named Jayah that Reth knew was very steady. He was pleased to see her selected for this. She was young to be an elder, but the wolves had lost many of their leadership in the battle on the Hallowed Grounds. If this was the new guard, despite its youth, Reth''s hope grew.

    In the front row of the Tree City, Hollhye stood, her hands sped and in front of her chest, staring at Behryn like he might suddenly be snatched from her. The raw fear in her features made Reth frown. His brother was doing well. But then, she''d almost lost him. He couldn''t fault her for worrying. If the same had urred to Elia he wasn''t sure he would have let go of her hand yet.

    Something sat heavily in his gut as he looked between Hollhye and Behryn, though. His brother was tense¡ªon the verge of anger. Reth wondered if Hollhye realized she was pushing him to his limit. He was no longer a mischievous colt. He was the Captain of the Guard, and a damned good one. Capable and strong. If his mate didn''t release her grip on him soon, Reth smelled trouble.

    As the circle of guards opened and moved to surround the council members, Reth and Lerrin stepped into the center¡ªLerrin''s hands bound in front of him, though his shoulders were back and his eyes bright, as if he weren''t tied at all.

    He searched his people, nodded to some. Reth was pleased to smell the relief on him. He truly did want good for his people.

    "Anima!" Reth boomed and the murmurs and conversations faded. "Thank you foring. Your willingness to be here, to hear our voices and walk towards peace is a balm to my heart. You are the heart of Anima¡ªour people. And we gather today to speak and to listen, to negotiate the path that we will all take together, to reunite under the canopy of the Tree City, and walk into the new age of peace and harmony."

    He opened his mouth to say more, but a voice rose from the wolf side of the clearing.

    "If you want peace and harmony, why do you bring our former Alpha here like a leashed pet?!" Some hushed the male, but many murmured agreement with his question.

    Reth looked at Lerrin. He''d been about to address this very issue, but instead, Lerrin turned to scowl at the male. "I am not a pet, nor your Alpha. Your Alpha¡ªand mine¡ªstands here next to me, and honors me with an opportunity to hear and discuss these very difficult times. What you see is not a taunt, but a mercy. This is the Anima we walk towards. If you were once mine and you cannot appreciate the gesture, consider what we might have done were the roles reversed. If we are to walk forward into peace, rather than death, we must be willing and able to listen to each other. Our Alpha demonstrates his willingness to do so, do you my people?!"

    As the people responded¡ªreluctantly¡ªReth wondered whether Lerrin had scented Suhle yet. She was here, standing across the circle in the strange, half-open ce where the two tribes met but didn''t yet minglefortably. She was monitoring the pack mind for him, though she had vowed she would tell him nothing unless there were mutinous ns in the making. They had a signal for an attack on Reth himself, and a signal for generalbat.

    He prayed she would raise a hand to neither, this morning.

    Their eyes caught as he turned to look in every direction, to draw the people in. Suhle dropped her eyes to the ground and her chin slightly in a bow to him, to show her readiness. Reth heard the slight intake of breath that Lerrin gave when he noticed her. She stared past Reth to her mate, her eyes openly hungry for him.

    Reth didn''t turn, didn''t want to intrude. But he gathered from the noise Lerrin made and the soft scuffle of feet, that the male turned away from her.

    His heart sank for Suhle. But she didn''t stop staring at Lerrin with love in her eyes. She didn''t need her eyes to hear the pack mind.

    Reth just prayed that her love would be noticed and returned. That Lerrin wasn''t able to be as blind towards her as he had been towards the people. Then he turned to address the entire clearing, and hopefully bring the Anima together once and for all.

 Chapter 492: The Truce - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 492: The Truce - Part 2</h4>

    ADMINISTRATION NOTE: For the next week or two I''m going to try uploading the daily chapters a little earlier (4:30 and 5:30pm, Pacific) to make the content avable to the East Coast readers at a more convenient time. On Webnovel, little details like upload times can have an impact on ie, so this is an experiment to make sure I''m not hurting Reth & Elia''s audience. I''ll let you know if it changes again!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth took a deep breath. "Today we are all here to begin the journey towards my vision for peace," he started. "A vision that includes all tribes, all people, all leaders from all tribes in council and working hand in hand to bring the people to their best purposes. All packs, herds, flocks, and family groups certain of their ce in the Tree City¡ªin the Anima as a whole¡ªand allowed to make the most of their lives. My vision is formunication between leaders and tribes to be open and without guile. But in order to achieve that, we must find ourmon ground, ourmon goals. We must agree to what our future looks like, to be certain we are walking in step to achieve it.

    "I open myself tonight, as your Alpha, to your suggestions. To your insight. To your struggles. What is needed among us so that we might trust one another again? What is needed between us so that we can offer the hands of peace and friendship once more? What is needed to return these wolves and their allies to the Tree City without harm¡ªor segregation?"

    Reth swallowed. The clearing was silent. "The only way I can see clear to all of us returning to normal life together, is if we acknowledge our faults, and our strengths together.

    "To those of you who remained in the Tree City during the conflict, please, look at your Lupine brothers and sisters and their allies. Yesterday, each of the Anima before you had an opportunity to bring anger and war to you. And each of them stood their ground. Either by the instruction of their Alpha, or their personal moral code, these Anima proved themselves trustworthy, even in the most difficult of circumstances, not to choose violence even as their brothers did.

    "And to the wolves and their allies, I ask you, see your people who remained! See that they never chose to lose you. Never chose conflict. Never chose war. That they, too, had opportunity yesterday to vent their anger, ore for you in vengeance, and they did not. Even the warriors among them defended and did not attack until their lives were at threat."

    He kept turning slowly, meeting as many eyes as he could on both sides. "I would gamble that there is one thing all of us already wish for, and that is no more bloodshed. I would wager that every Anima here, male or female, young or old, would choose to live in peace, if peace could be achieved. Can you not see that all of us want this?"

    There was a low murmur¡ªstronger from the Tree City side, but then, there were more than twice as many Anima there.

    "Every one of you left loved ones on the Hallowed Grounds yesterday!" Reth snarled. "Every one of you has felt the sting of loss in these months¡ªhas lived in fear or anger. Let us choose to be stronger than that, together! Let us choose to fight instead for peace, for life as it should be. For right!

    "With this in mind, I dere tomorrow a day of mourning. Everyone capable will move to the Hallowed Grounds at first light. Together we will take our dead and bury them, celebrate their lives, and mourn their deaths. And we will not fight! Not only on the grounds, but on the trails, or during our burials. We will respect and honor the losses each has suffered. We will offer hands of help and gestures of goodwill. And tomorrow night, when all are remembered, we will feast together at the market. We wille together, sit together, eat together, and remember that we were all one once before, and we can be that again. Are you with me, Anima!"

    The response this time was louder, but stillcking the enthusiasm Reth knew they needed. The people were suspicious¡ªwilling to be peaceful, but not trusting others to do the same. And in this way, he knew, they would kill any chance at peace that existed.

    "Bring me your fears and your problems. Bring me your offerings and solutions. On this day, we will draw the map that brings every Anima home, every family reunited, and every tribe together as one¡ªthe Anima tribe. Tell us your fears! Tell us your solutions! Only in this way can your leaders find ourmon goals. And only in this way can we leave this day in peace!"

    Then he stood back as the people began, one by one, to raise their concerns for theing reunification. And the councils began to address them one by one.

    Reth nced at Lerrin to measure male¡ªwas he d for this chance, or was it a burden to him? But Lerrin stood, hands fisted in his bonds, very clearly working to stop himself from turning to look at Suhle.

    Reth sighed. But this wasn''t the time, and he knew he couldn''t force the wolf to reconsider his position. So instead he stepped up beside him and murmured quietly so none bar the council could hear.

    "What can you be certain we need to address for them? What tempted them away from us in the first ce?" Reth muttered.

    "They see an imbnce¡ªthat the pride was empowered, while the wolves, though growing in strength, were restrained. They will feel that more keenly now with their numbers lower, and the tribe split in loyalties." Lerrin turned to look Reth in the eye. "Find the way to make them all certain that they will be heard and valued¡ªallowed to grow¡ªand you will find their hope."

    Reth nodded. "Thank you."

    "Don''t thank me," Lerrin said calmly. "Just do something about it."

    Reth snorted. "I''ll get right on that."

    But Lerrin didn''tugh or look away. For a moment, their eyes held and Reth saw in him the sheer determination and grit that he''d always yearned to see in the other Alphas¡ªthat desire that moved beyond a hope for power, and into an almost parental love for the people.

    "You are a good male," he whispered. "I wish I had been certain of that sooner. I''m sorry I didn''t look deeper."

    Lerrin huffed and turned away, but some of the tension went out of him. "I''m sorry I let myself be blinded by my father''s¡­ insanity."

    Reth shook his head. "Lucan wasn''t insane. He was hungry for power and it gripped him so totally¡ª"

    "No, Reth. Don''t be blind like I was. Something happened to my father. He was a different wolf thosest few months. And whatever got to him has infected the people. I''m confident most of those afflicted died yesterday, but they are an intelligent and wily people. Some remain. And when I''m gone, you''ll have to find them and kill them." Lerrin turned to look at him. "I don''t think there''s any other way to deal with it."

 Chapter 493: The Truce - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 493: The Truce - Part 3</h4>

    RETH

    The discussions had paused for everyone to take a meal at high sun, but their talks continued an hourter. By mid-afternoon, Reth was bing hopeful.

    The issues had started specific and practical: Would the wolves be allowed to return to their former homes? How would the Tree City Anima that lived in the outskirts ever feel safe? With careful discussion amongst the councils, it was agreed that all Anima would return to the homes they''d had prior to the wolves banishment. Those in the outskirts could then take any homes now left empty, or even trade.

    The elders¡ªwhich included a male and female from each tribe¡ªwould appoint at least one of their representatives from the rebels, so their concerns were heard and led appropriately. Then as a whole, the councilors who had been appointed for this meeting would continue to work together to watch over families that had split down lines of loyalty

    Resources would be shared among the tribes as they always had¡ªmaking adjustments for numbers now. But no tribe or family group would be denied their rights as an Anima to everything they needed, or the chance to barter or trade.

    As solutions were slowly found and agreed upon, the goals were written, and when the tribes came back together after the meal, the list ofmon and agreed goals was read. But even though there were more smiles and talk amongst the people, tension still hung thick in the air.

    These questions and their solutions were all necessary to the function of the Tree City when the Anima returned and needed to be discussed. But they did not address the conflict that had seeded this battle. Reth feared if the people¡ªall the people¡ªdidn''t acknowledge the tensions that had been in ce before, didn''t resolve their mutual responsibility for them¡ªnothing would change. But he couldn''t raise it. He couldn''t be seen to be antagonizing the wolves. How to get someone to broach the original rift?

    Then, to his surprise, Lerrin stepped froward, towards his former people and raised his voice. "Don''t be cowards!" he snarled. "I stand here, humbled, in a desire to see you brought to your true fruitfulness! Your best lives! You cannot do that if you will not raise your deepest concerns. If we do not dig out the root that brought us into conflict, it will only sprout again. Please, Anima! Speak! Why did you wish to leave! What do you feel will ur with time if you return? How do we move forward in a different direction than before?"

    Reth had to stifle a smile. He did not want the people to think that he had spurred Lerrin to this. But his desire to grin was short lived when none of the wolves stepped forward. Lerrin had a low growl rolling in his throat as the entire clearing remained silent, the wolves staring at each other.

    "Oh, for fuck''s sake," the wolf snarled. He took a deep breath as if he would address the entire clearing again, when a quiet voice from Reth''s right piped up and everyone leaned in to hear Suhle.

    "The wolves and their allies felt... undermined, and undervalued," she said with quiet dignity. "The Anima code is that all tribes are one. Yet, many of our roles and traditions require the setting apart of one group or another. While the Pride seems always to step from strength to strength--and their allies grow with them, particrly the Equines--the wolves experienced a hand of restraint. Of caution. Mistrust. Why should the wolves return in peace if they will only be pressed low again while other tribes flourish?"

    Reth had the unique pleasure to be watching Lerrin''s face when Suhle spoke¡ªto see the yearning and love pass behind his eyes, then be snuffed out like a candle.

    There was hope for these two yet.

    But when she finished her address, he cleared his throat and stepped forward.

    "No Anima¡ªincluding me¡ªis meless as we stand here today. I can see that I allowed personal conflicts with the former Alpha of the wolf tribe to grow and expand over the years. You are right to have determined your tribe was stifled. It is true I worked against you. I offer my apology for that. I seek your forgiveness. But I also see your acknowledgement: In recent years, the wolves prioritized their own tribe and worked to undermine others. I cannot tell you if the distrust began in the wolves, or in the Pride. But I can tell you that from this day forward Imit to speak with your leaders, to findmon goals, and to eradicate the lines between our tribes. Lupine leadership will not be marginalized. Your people will no longer be stifled. We will, instead, work together to ensure the future is bright for all of us!"

    He waited for the response, but it was lukewarm at best.

    They didn''t believe him.

    Reth looked at Lerrin who shrugged. "You''re going to have to do better, I''m afraid."

    Reth turned back to the wolves, thinking hard. What could he give them that was more than words? What would show hismitment to hearing them? To leading them into true strength? He wanted to bring his mate back here without threat to her from within the people. He wanted his offspring to be born into an Anima that was not divided in the same way¡ªand he was sure they did as well.

    But how to show them the Anima he wanted his daughter to see? To know? To grow up in?

    He could see it in his mind¡ªtribal lines drawn, but not held. Leaders working in tandem, to mutual benefit. Wolves alongside equines, alongside birds, alongside sheep¡­ Market tables turned into round tables for debate and discussion not within the tribe, but between them. A people who truly saw themselves as stronger when their neighboring tribes were growing.

    That was the Anima he wanted his daughter to know and love and eventually lead.

    Then it hit him.

    His daughter.

    That was exactly what they needed.

 Chapter 494: Unexpected Hero

    <h4>Chapter 494: Unexpected Hero</h4>

    LERRIN

    He was so busy keeping himself turned away from Suhle, he almost missed it when the shift began. He was so consumed with the sound of her voice, reying it in his mind, that he almost didn''t pay attention to the moment the mood began to turn.

    Next to him, Reth muttered, "That''s it!" then took a deep breath.

    Lerrin didn''t turn towards him because he would be able to see Suhle in the crowd behind Reth from this angle and he didn''t want to. He''d looked at her reflexively when she started to speak¡ªsuch a surprise, she hated the attention from a small group, let alone as many as this¡ªand he''d been unable to tear his eyes off of her. He''d felt himself leaning, his entire body pulling towards her. It had taken physical effort to turn away and now he was afraid if he gave in, he''d never look away again.

    So when Reth started to speak, he didn''t have eyes on him. But the hair on the back of his neck began to rise as the male began to exude¡­ something. Inspiration? Love? Something that drew Lerrin''s eyes and his heart.

    "Anima!" he cried. "Hear me! See this! Our problems, our rifts, they exist between us¡ªyou and I. Our leaders and people. All of us. We bring the past with us as we walk forward and continue to make these mistakes with each other. But all of us¡ªall of us¡ªyearn for the survival of the young. All of us long to see them do better than we have, do we not?"

    There was a lot of hesitant, uncertain nodding among the people. Reth had stepped far enough forward that Lerrin looked at him from this corner of his eye. What was the lion getting at?

    "Perhaps we cannot ignore, or cannot pretend to forget the ways that we have let each other down. But we can all invest in our offspring, in the young, in the future of the Anima that might see things differently.

    "Imagine¡ªimagine if my young walk alongside yours? If wolf-pups and lion cubs are not ssmates, but friends? Imagine if we teach our young tomunicate to bring their questions and their ideas to each other. To spend time together outside tribal lines¡­ imagine if they grow differently than we have. Not to ignore their tribes, but to look for ways that the other tribes might benefit each other?

    "I propose that wemit, all of us, to the next generation. We invest in them. Perhaps lions and wolves of this generation will never fully trust¡ªbut can we trust the young who have been raised to understand each other? To work together? To grow together?" He paused and scanned the crowd again.

    "I say we can! Let us bring them together at every age and stage. Each of our tribes can establish leadership lines, councils for the young, bring the young together every week of their lives, challenge them to think for all of Anima, and to see first how their tribe can improve others, then how others can benefit them."

    Lerrin''s skin prickled as the image blossomed in his mind of young ying, not just at feasts or name days, but every day. Of the adolescents being groomed for eldership and challenged to discuss the issues to find solutions. Of the tribal lines beginning to blur¡ªnot in tradition, but in thought.

    "Our young will always be our young!" Reth eximed, his eyes bright and arms gesturing quickly with his passion. "My daughter will be lion or human, no one can steal that from us. But I will raise her to see every tribe as valuable, every tribe as having something to offer. Every tribe a cord in the braid that keeps us all strong.

    "We are not enemies, Anima! We are notpetitors. We are brothers and sisters. Peace must be sustained¡ªand we willmit to everything we have discussed. But can we all choose the vision for bringing our young to the table together? Not as separate units to work alongside each other, but as one unit, one mind, one voice, each cord colored differently and carrying a different load, but all stronger together. Can you see it, Anima?"

    "Yes!" There was one cry from the Lupine side of the Clearing and Reth pped his hands once. "Come with me on this journey, friends. Let us all CHOOSE our future, by walking our children to the water of peace! Let them ssh and y in it together.

    "But¡­ what if you say this but do not do it?" a female voice called.

    Reth pointed at her. "I will not onlymit to the programs that bring our children together, we will use the new elders to oversee ourselves. ountability. When wemit to something, all must be able to see the change, all must be able to get behind it, or we will not do it. Or we will be disciplined. No more voting for majority¡ªwe must walk into these changes unanimous."

    "But we''ll never get anyone to agree. We''ll end up doing nothing!" someone from the Tree City cried behind him and Reth whirled, his face alight. "No! Because we must make use of all of us. So if there cannot be an agreement on the proposal, the elders will determine a new one that everyone can get behind. We will learn tomunicate, we will learn to work together, by forcing ourselves to be ountable to it. Then we will teach our children what we learn. Anima, please! You must see, this is our future! This is how we can reach for what is right together. Will youe with me?"

    "But the wolves will just plot behind our backs and we''ll be right back here in ten years," someone snapped from the Tree City. "Everything they do is in the shadows. How are we supposed to trust them not to work around us if we don''t even know they''re doing it? We didn''t know about the encampment until they had already prepared it and left!"

    Reth drew up short, frowning. Then looked at Lerrin. Who shifted ufortably. The lion knew one answer to that¡ªhe''d done it with Lerrin. But the mind link wasn''t his secret to tell. And it wouldn''t work with every wolf.

    Then Lerrin blinked, because he did know the answer. And Reth didn''t. But¡­ but¡­

    He turned to Reth. "Will you keep me alive if theye for me?" he murmured as low as possible.

    Reth''s brows pinched. "Why would theye for you?"

    "Because I''m about to betray them for their own good. Will you protect me? My time here is not done."

    Reth turned and looked behind him¡ªat Suhle if Lerrin didn''t miss his guess. Then he turned back. "I will do everything in my power to keep you alive if theye for you."

    Lerrin took a deep breath and turned to face his people¡ªbracing for the rage they would unleash on him for this.

    *****

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 Chapter 495: Betrayer for Salvation

    <h4>Chapter 495: Betrayer for Salvation</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin scanned the crowd who were all watching him and Reth, and he swallowed his fear.

    "There is only one way that we can be as one," he said, keeping his voice calm despite having to project to the backs of the crowd. He turned to face the Tree City Anima. "You are right to be concerned. We wolves do move in darkness. And when we do so with good intent, it is helpful to all. But the reason I brought the wolves back was because I saw the darkness within." Then he turned to face the wolves, who were all staring at him with a mix of awe and anger. "When we carry the darkness with us, we do not just do harm to our enemies, we do harm to ourselves."

    The clearing was silent. Lerrin could feel his people urging him not to reveal their secrets. He would hold tightly to as many as he could. But the time hade to bring his people back to the Anima and if their secrets were the sacrifice¡­ he would make them.

    "Lupines, you have experienced the Tree City and the Leonine rule. You have experienced the encampment and our rule¡ªand if you are honest with yourselves, you''ll see as I saw: When we left the City, we took darkness with us. We let darkness lead.

    "The only way to end darkness is to bring it into the light. I led you here, I returned you to the Leonine rule, because we need to be a part of the Anima to stay in the light. Hear me!" he barked when voices began to rise in a murmur of concern. "You listened when I called for peace because your hearts desire peace. If any among you is here in deceit, if any among you continues to carry the darkness, this is yourst chance to leave in peace. You may walk away, here, now, and we will not kill you. But if you are found out after this moment, the Leonine will not need to punish you, because the wolves will remove you from this world ourselves."

    He waited then, Reth staring at him curiously, but all his attention was on his people, who continued to shift on their feet and look at each other, and at him.

    He knew they had some spies among them¡ªthey must. It was what he would have established if he''d been in leadership of that faction. But he would root them out. And he would return the people of good heart back to the Anima.

    "There is only one way that everyone can leave this clearing in peace. One way that we can reunite and return to the Tree City together and without conflict¡­ Lupines, submit yourselves to the melding of the minds."

    So many of them gave a sharp intake of breath, the clearing echoed with it. Reth''s eyes snapped to the people behind Lerrin and he made a gesture for patience.

    "Traitor!" someone hissed from among the Lupine. "You reveal Lupine secrets¡ªhe has be the lion''s pet!"

    Lerrin shook his head. "No. I am not a traitor. My only wish is for the good of my people. I stand before you bound to prove that I will do anything to bring you back to the Light¡ªplease! Do not so easily overlook what happened among us. The wolves that would lead you into secrecy and istion from the other tribes, those wolves lead you to death! We will always have our traditions and our skills. Those will never be lost to us. But this¡­ this moment requires something more of us, Lupines! It requires humility! It requires strength! It requires you to be willing to give, rather than take.

    "Give for the good of your young, and for the unity and peace of the Anima as a whole. Give for the sake of your consciences and hearts that have been drawn closer to darkness. Give for the Creator who put you here and who would see you thrive in this life as part of something so much bigger!

    "This is our chance, Lupines. This is our moment in history to draw a line in the sand and determine whether we are only for wolves, or whether we are for the peace and survival of the Anima as a whole¡ªand the wolves within them.

    "I propose the melding of the minds that will vow our peace among the tribes. I propose the melding of the minds for the safety of those around us¡ªand for ourselves and our kin. You will vow, to each other and to the Creator, that your intention is for peace, and that you will not subvert this King. You will vow that should your heart harbor ill-intent, you will be revealed to your Lupine brethren. And you will vow that should another''s dark heart be revealed to you, that you will bring them before the King."

    The voices of the people rose until Lerrin had to shout to be heard over them. Reth watched him uneasily, but Lerrin knew this was the only way. Even if the wolves wanted to live in peace and wanted to stay in the Tree City, their hearts had been hardened to prioritize wolves over all. Unless they were required to unify, they wouldn''t. He could see it now. This would make them ountable. This would bring them all back together. And if he was betrayed for it, if the dark wolves stole in and took his life, at least he could die in peace, knowing he''d done everything he could to make his people safe before he was gone.

    "The melding of the minds will require you to aim for good for all people¡ªincluding the wolves! In this way, we root out the cancer in our tribe¡ªand with ourmon goals we root out the darkness anywhere else. In this way, the other tribes learn to trust again¡ªand we see the benefit of working with them. In this way, the Lupines remain Anima and do not¡­ remove ourselves.

    "Please! Sisters and brothers! Think of your offspring! Think of your future! If we are not willing to face the darkness within us and deny it, it will consume us!"

    **** Privilege Warning & Mass Release ****

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 Chapter 496: Dissent

    <h4>Chapter 496: Dissent</h4>

    RETH

    Voices rose in a mor from among the wolves. Although some leaned into their brothers and sisters to discuss the proposal, many cried out their dissent.

    "You would leave the wolves restrained again!"

    "You betray our secrets!"

    "Why should we vow when the people of the City do not?!"

    Reth took a long, deep breath and tried to catch Lerrin''s eye. But the wolf faced his former people, his face grave and disturbed. But he didn''t waver, only shook his head, or held the challenging gazes that would have weakened him. He stood with strength and certainty. Had his hands not been bound, Reth would have thought him not only free, but the true leader of these Anima.

    When they didn''t stop throwing their usations, Lerrin''s upper lip curled away from his teeth. "I cannot raise my hands to quiet you, and we cannot answer your questions until you let us speak!" he bellowed, then gave them another moment to settle.

    There was a murmur of grumbling and shushing as neighbors of the angry nudged them to quiet. When the voices had dropped to a low hubbub, Lerrin finally spoke again, projecting his voice calmly so all could hear, but without aggression.

    As he watched the male restrain himself, Reth grieved that they''d never harnessed his natural leadership and channeled it positively before now.

    "You use me of betraying, and I grieve it," he said somberly. "I would not choose it for any reason beyond the greater good of the Lupine tribe. There are legends of the melding. It is not unknown in the histories, only in our modern day. Forgive me, sisters, brothers¡­ but I cannot see another way. We must show our true hearts¡ªour willingness to walk hand-in-hand with all of the WildWood, to bring our young to greater peace than we have lived. I would give anything for that, would you?!"

    Reth saw a lot of nodding among the females, especially those he knew had young. But many still looked very uneasy. But Lerrin wasn''t finished.

    "You question why we would bind ourselves to a vow when the others do not¡­ The wolves will vow to remain in one heart with the greater Anima," Lerrin said firmly. "We do not tuck our tails between our legs and flee¡ªwe pursue amon goal. Wheremonality cannot be found, our vow will not apply. But we vow not to raise rebellion, because we have already done so, and look where it brought us¡ªhalf our warriors dead, dissension among our own people, and darkness infected hearts that began eating our own. Do not lie to yourselves, Lupine¡ªyou saw where we ended. You saw what we were bing. Turn away from it! Turn to face the light and walk alongside our Anima brothers and sisters!"

    Discussion rose in bubbles through the Lupine side of the clearing, while most of the Anima behind him remained quiet, but Reth knew they were likely as fascinated as he himself. He''d always suspected the wolves had some kind of special way ofmunicating without words, and the mind-link had proven even more expansive than he''d imagined. He''d struggled to contain his shock at what Suhle could draw from Lerrin¡­ but it also gave him insight as to how the wolves were so effective in their nning and strategy. Their ability to silently butprehensively share information gave them a decided advantage. He prayed they would give in to Lerrin''s suggestion of this melding. Without it he feared even he would not be able to trust the tribe again.

    As the voices rose again, more questions, more concerns, Reth kept his weight evenly on both feet and watched the Lupine tribe closely for any hint of aggression. He would save Lerrin if he could, but he didn''t like the male''s chances with his hands bound if this entire tribe descended on him.

    So as Lerrin continued to speak, Reth prayed. And waited to see how history would unfold.

    *****

    LERRIN

    He had to do it. He had to join the mind link to show them all what he saw, what the future could be. He knew it. But he''d hung back because to do so¡­ Suhle would be there. And they would all see at least a measure of his humility. His brokenness. Even if he was able to shut her out, they''d feel his yearning and¡­

    Lerrin blinked. He woulde this far, then let his own pride stop him being effective? Was he an Alpha, or not?

    He was, and he knew it. And he knew the time hade to stop allowing himself to be his own mountain to climb. His people needed the vision that Reth hadn''t been able to ignite in them.

    And they needed it from him.

    "Follow me, Brothers. Follow me, Sisters," he said formally, the wolf call to mind link. When he opened himself¡ªcarefully, touching only the surface of the link¡ªit was almost overwhelming. He''d stayed out of the main link most of the time since this rebellion had begun. It was overwhelming to feel the aggression and pent-up frustration of so many wolves¡­ but that meant he''d missed the fear.

    When he joined them, finally, and they reached out to embrace him, he cursed himself for having kept so separate.

    Hearts yearning¡­ mothers fearing¡­ fathers desperate to protect their families. Young wolves terrified of the future. Old wolves, terrified of humiliation in their twilight years.

    Fear, fear, fear.

    Lerrin shook his head and gave himself over¡ªspeaking the words that the Anima would hear, but knowing it was the images in his head that the wolves would listen to.

    Images of a peaceful day in the market. Smiles and Anima sharing tables and feast together.

    Images of the young in training together¡ªfirst as pups, then as adolescents finding their feet in society, then as young adults bearing the fruit of the years between now and then.

    He showed them mated pairs living in peace and no longer fighting for prominence. He showed them lupine offspring ying in meadows in the summer with prey and predator alike. He showed them Lupine in training as guards and royal strategists. He showed them unity¡ªthe heart of light, where love flowed in all directions, and came back to the one who''d offered it.

    And he showed them Reth sping his arm, watching over the Lupine, embracing them as he had the Equines¡­ the strength they could develop together¡ªeach tribe bringing its own talents and skills to bolster the others.

    He envisioned Lupines smiling and cheering, enjoying a feast with other tribes.

    And he showed them the dark, the lone wolves, the sick infection that would be routed out by theirmon strength¡ªhow those who would not give it up would have no choice but to abandon the rest because they could not stand in the face of an Anima in unity.

    In the end, he spoke almost at normal volume, and the wolves around him had gone silent as they all caught his heart, his mind, his vision of the future.

    "¡­We cannot change the past, my pack. Who we were, what we believed has brought us to this crossroads. Will you allow us to step forward into peace?"

    Then he waited, holding his breath. And next to him, Reth tensed.

    He couldn''t do more than that to convince them.

 Chapter 497: Speak Your Mind

    <h4>Chapter 497: Speak Your Mind</h4>

    LERRIN

    "The melding is ancient, it hasn''t been used in generations. Who knows if it even works anymore?" The old male, Rhegyn, spoke clearly, but his voice wavered and cracked.

    He was one of the elders who could no longer fight and track silently, but whose experience was respected within the tribe. He''d been at the encampment. If his resistance had shifted from the idea, to the method by which they would make it real, Lerrin knew he was winning. It was an effort not to howl in excitement.

    But, clenching his jaw to keep himself in check, he nodded and opened his hand towards the male. "I understand the concern, but we have lost none of our skill or strength in the generations that have passed. I am certain not only that it will work, but that it will usher us into? a new era of unity such as we have not seen in living memory. There is a reason the melding was creating. We are a people given to conflict. This allows us to choose our goal and walk toward it in step."

    Lerrin paused, giving them all a moment to consider it.

    "Who would lead the melding?"

    Lerrin sighed with relief. They wereing. As he exined his own role¡ªthat he would, with Reth''s permission, lead the people in this to guarantee unity¡ªhis heart began to sing. They wereing.

    Here and there he could see pockets of frowning, of angry or fearful murmurs. But that was the point of the melding. Those who agreed in principle woulde despite their misgivings. And those who didn''te¡­ everyone would know who they were.

    Every wolf would be ountable.

    "Are we agreed?" Lerrin asked, his voice sharp with anticipation. But as the wolves looked at each other, as he could feel them softening in the bond, a voice rose from behind him.

    "How do we know this isn''t a trick?"

    Reth whirled, his brows pinching down over his nose at the voice that came from the Anima of the tree city. He opened his mouth, but Lerrin rushed in. "We will show you. We will take the melding here, before you¡ªand you will see. No Lupine can take the melding then act in contradiction to it¡ªtheir intention will be open to all, and all will know their transgression. And you would see it, also," he said calmly, then turned to the side so he looked back and forth at both groups. "This is your warning, Lupine. The melding will ur. Those of you who cannot give yourselves to it, you will be identified¡ªand named before all of Anima."

    Voices on both sides of the clearing rose in discussion again. Lerrin waited.

    Reth looked at him sharply and stepped closer. He spoke in a hush below the level of those talking around them. "You can identify any dissenters?"

    Lerrin nodded. "Their absence will be noted. They won''t be able to¡­ join the rest of us. Any of us could identify them¡ªor rather, their absence. Like scanning a crowd and seeing that they are not there."

    Reth nodded thoughtful, then nced at the Lupines.

    Lerrin leaned in. "Do we give them an amnesty? The chance to leave peacefully? Or will you take them?"

    Reth looked over his shoulder and raised his chin. A momentter Behryn had left the council ande to join them, leaning in so they could speak quietly.

    "The wolves that won''t join the greater group," Reth whispered to him. "I''m considering allowing them to leave. Do you have thoughts?"

    Berhyn snorted. "I have many thoughts, but they are not all helpful."

    "What risks do you see in allowing them to leave independently?"

    Behryn nced at Lerrin. He could scent the suspicion on the Equine, but he raised an eyebrow and presented his bound hands as proof that he was submitted.

    Behryn''s lips thinned, but he didn''t nod. "It depends how many of them there are," he said quietly, looking back and forth between Reth and Lerrin. "If there is only a handful, they are weakened by being seen to be in such minority. They may cause petty issues, but we''ll know them and they will be easy to find. However, if you have whole packs, fists¡­ if their numbers are over twenty, while they may not be a threat of war, they could take many lives before we eradicated them if they chose to truly try."

    Reth turned to Lerrin. "Do you have any idea?"

    Lerrin scanned his people. He could feel the resistance in the bond, the hearts that balked, wanted to pull away from this n. But without speaking with each wolf individually, without the melding, there was no way in the greater pack link to identify them quickly or easily.

    But they were not loud.

    "I don''t think we have too many. Twenty? Possibly. But not more than that."

    "You can''t tell?" Behryn asked sharply.

    Lerrin swallowed a growl. "The melding would give us a much greater awareness of each individual within. The only way to identify them without it would be to speak with each individually. It would take far too long."

    "Then how do you propose to do this?" Reth said, eyeing Behryn and the wolves behind him.

    "I propose that we offer the melding. As itpletes, we will be aware of any of the wolves that have remained, but have not joined with us. We can identify them then, though I doubt they will still be among us at that point. That''s why I asked. Do I offer them a chance to separate in peace? To simply leave? Some may have already slunk away once they realized the way this was going. But those that remain now¡­"

    "Those are our infection," Reth finished for him.

    Lerrin nodded.

    "I can give the signal," Behryn said quietly, eyeing Reth.

    Lerrin''s ears perked. Signal for what?

    The two stared at each other for a long moment. If he hadn''t known better, Lerrin would have thought they could mind link just like the wolves, for all the information that seemed to pass in that gaze.

    Then he scented the predatory intent on Reth and a growl began to roll in his throat. "What are you up to, Reth?"

    ******

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 Chapter 498: Cleansing the Anima

    <h4>Chapter 498: Cleansing the Anima</h4>

    WINNERS! WINNERS! CHICKEN DINNERS! The winners of the Top Tier Privilege Paperback Draw for September are.... *Drum roll please...*

    KING OF BEASTS: Lisa_Demko

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    Congrattions!! If you can both contact me on email ([emailprotected]</a>) and let me know the address you''d like me to send the book to, and what name I should sign it to, that would be great!

    And don''t forget, I''m doing another Paperback draw for Top Tier readers of both books in October. All you have to do is buy the top tier of privilege, thenment on the most recently published chapter, "I want a paperback" and you will be entered!

    *****

    RETH

    Lerrin''s gaze on him was hot and wary. The male had subconsciously taken a defensive stance. Reth tsked.

    "There is no agenda, Lerrin," he growled quietly. "We have guards and watchers within the people to watch the mood and try to settle any trouble before it starts. There''s a signal we can give to move them to the outsides of the clearing, to watch for any trying to escape."

    Lerrin nodded but remained wary. "Will they take prisoners, or fight?"

    "Depends what signal we give them," Reth said.

    Behryn shifted his weight. He hadn''t wanted Reth to share this kind of information with Lerrin, even now. But Reth knew to build the bridge between their peoples, he had to be willing to step onto it first.

    Lerrin sighed. "Well, do you want to make the call? I need to know what to tell them. They won''t take an instruction to meld from anyone but a wolf. And besides, if this goes ass over head, you don''t want to be associated with it," he finished dryly.

    "This will definitely work? No loopholes?" Reth asked him.

    Lerrin nodded. "They won''t be able to work against the agreement without everyone knowing. It''s intended to keep the wolves on amon path, and usually only used for issues within the tribe. But¡­ this isn''t the first time in history that the wolves have needed to prove their ability to y well with others."

    Reth huffed a humorlessugh and once again wished that he''d seen the value in Lerrin before things went this far. "But what will happen to those who leave, if you do this. They''ll be cut off from their tribe?"

    Lerrin winced.? "Sort of. They will be¡­ outsiders. It''s impossible when you resist themon good for others to trust youpletely. If any of them don''t want to take the melding but want to stay, you''d have to decide what to do with them. The lupines will hold them at arm''s length."

    "Shunned?"

    "Not exactly, but close. They will not be trusted. By anyone."

    "Which will only push them further into their resistance," Reth growled.

    Lerrin nodded, but didn''t speak.

    Reth raked a hand through his hair. No matter which way they turned, there was no chance of walking away from this clearing with every one from every tribe. So he had to determine what course of action would bring them the most¡ªwithout putting the majority at risk.

    He looked at Aymora and Behryn caught his gaze. "I wouldn''t," his best friend muttered. "She''s not on board for this yet. Too protective of her people, and you. She fears it''s all trick. She will work with any Lupine that show themselves open and submitted, but this goal to bring them all back to the City today¡­ she''s struggling with that."

    Reth sighed. "Okay¡­ Lerrin, you tell them that they can leave peacefully, but they must move away from the City, and we''ll have eyes on them. They have to leave the Tree City region. And if they''re found to gather and organize in groupsrger than ten, we will hunt them down."

    Behyn''s eyebrows popped up. "Wouldn''t it just be better to¡ª"

    "They''ll have loved ones remaining in the City," Reth interrupted. "If we start killing wolves before we''ve even tried to join¡­ they won''t trust us. We have to take some risks, Behryn, and this is one of them. Set the signal for the guards to retreat and watch. They can follow any they see heading towards the City¡ªno ambushes."

    Both males nodded and turned, Behryn to give the silent signal to his guards, and Lerrin to face his people who remained deep in discussion¡ªsome arguing, some clearly showing excitement for what was toe.

    Reth realized he was clenching his teeth so hard his jaw was aching and he opened his mouth to roll his jaw for a moment to rx it.

    Help us, he prayed silently, sensing the tension rippling through the clearing as Lerrin stepped forward to address the Lupines again.

    "My brothers and sisters!" he called and the hum of discussion eased. "Our Alpha has decided mercy¡­ if you do not wish to take the melding, you will be allowed to leave, but you must move away from the City. And trackers will be watching you. If you organize in groupsrger than ten, you will be hunted. The Anima will not be allowed to live in dissension any longer. I urge you¡­ take this step in faith with us! Move towards peace, not more war. Do not allow your pride to determine your steps! I stand here before you, a testament to where pride can bring you. Do not follow me in this!"

    There was an uneasy moment where everyone realized they had reached the point where they would be forced to make a decision. Lupines eyed their neighbors and whispered, their faces pinched and drawn.

    Then, one voice rose and everyone turned.

    "I will not watch Lupine lives given to service of the Pride!" a single male snarled, storming out of the crowd and towards the edge of the clearing. "You all lost a battle, not your spines. Do not believe this cat and his sycophants. If you align with this, if you take the melding, it will only be a long, slow death under the paws of the pride!"

    There were several hisses from the Anima behind him, but Reth didn''t take his eyes off the wolves. Most of whom watched the male storm out of the clearing, throwing his arms as if pushing off their gazes.

    Reth waited as, here and there, a single wolf at a time, seven or eight individuals muttered curses, then pushed out of the crowds to follow the male out.

    He caught eyes with Behryn, who nodded. They had guards set to watch these people. But no one argued with them. No one tried to pull them back.

    Was it possible there were so few that would refuse the melding? Or were there dissenters among them that thought they could somehow avoid it?

    Only minutester, no other wolves were moving and everyone turned to look at Lerrin, whose throat bobbed. "Are there any others who will not take the melding?"

    Everyone looked around and down the rows of Anima around them, but no others moved.

    And then, remarkably, despite the tension in the air, despite the murmurs of disapproval, Reth began to see heads nodding and Anima encouraging each other. He watched as a few of the Lupines approached the Councils and discussion began. And when Lerrin smiled, he knew.

    It was going to work.

    *****

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 Chapter 499: Beast in the Traverse - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 499: Beast in the Traverse - Part 1</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye gripped his fingers deep in the scruff of Elia''s beast''s neck as the cold, dank scent of the Traverse hit him.

    Her lion growled and began to tremble. She''d stopped as soon as they entered, which was good. Gahrye needed a moment to open his skin and get the blood flowing before they stepped forward.

    In the distance he could see the light of the other end glowing. He didn''t remember seeing it so clearlyst time. Perhaps with each crossing it became clearer?

    "You must stay close to me, Elia. I have to be touching you, I think. Unless¡­ unless I''m touching you I don''t know what they can do. So just¡­ don''t run, okay?"

    The beast held her low, rolling growl and didn''t look at him. Laying the de to the inside of his forearm, praying that it would work as it had when he''d gone through alone, he waited for the bite of the cold metal, then until the blood began to drip before he stepped forward, holding to the loose skin at the back of the lioness''s neck.

    An echo of hissing voices and fury began, far away this time, as if they''d seen himing and were hanging back, but they couldn''t resist letting him know they were there.

    Gahrye swallowed and took another step.

    Elia''s beast darted forward as he began to move, and adrenalin rushed his system in a panic that she would run off. But she felt his grip on her scruff and hesitated, her growl intensifying.

    For the first minute they walked unhindered, Gahrye''s eyes fixed on the portal at the other end, the lioness swinging her massive head side to side, her growl rising every time one of the voices got louder. But when they didn''t approach, Gahrye''s breath came easier. It was working. It was working!

    Gahrye''s heart thudded so hard he could feel it in his skin. But they were well onto the path, the yawning chasms either side of them, before the voices approached. He didn''t know what had held them back¡ªperhaps the beast?¡ªbut suddenly, with a rush like a stiff wind, they began to circle. Unlike when he''de through alone, they seemed to want to rush Elia''s beast, always keeping their distance from his blood, but whipping close in the air around them until one came so close, the beast''s fur ruffled and she snarled, sinking back on her haunches.

    Gahrye wasn''t sure if she was about tounch herself forward, or was balking about moving any further. But before he could offer her any encouragement, they started speaking.

    And this time they weren''t just furious.

    "Should have listened, Protector. Should have heard us. You lost your chance. Your mate will be ours, in our hands, left alone and weak."

    "Stupid, stupid hero."

    "She cries for you, Protector, and doesn''t watch her back."

    "The Ancestors will have her because you refused us."

    "Go safely, Protector. Enjoy your life. We will take your mate and enjoy her, over and over. She belongs to us, now."

    "I will open her skin."

    "I will eat her entrails."

    "I will drink her screams."

    "No," Gahrye muttered. Elia''s beast snarled again, her head whipping to the side to nudge his bleeding arm that gripped her and he realized he''d held the skin of her scruff so hard his nails were beginning to break the skin.

    But even though he loosened his grip slightly, blinking, trying to clear his mind, he couldn''t stop hearing the voices.

    "Selfish, selfish male."

    "Left your mate to the horror of us even after we warned you."

    Gahrye shook his head. His hands trembled, but he forced himself to keep walking. They were liars. They couldn''t do that! Kalle wouldn''t enter the Portal. She knew she couldn''t, after seeing Shaw. And she''d promised¡ª

    "The fat one was not the only one in our grip, stupid."

    "The asswipe believes himself in love with your mate."

    "The asswipe would give anything to have her again."

    "The asswipe offers himself to whatever power would strengthen him."

    How did they know about that? How did they know that word? Were they in his head?

    "He will be our gateway. We will take her and she will break your bond, taking him."

    "She will gasp her pleasure in his arms, as she has before."

    "She will forget you, Protector. And if she does not, we will use him to kill her."

    "No!" Gahrye hissed.

    The beast was beginning to tremble, her ears flicking back and forth as she tucked her hind end, her paces quickening. She made a strange, low resonance in her chest and dropped her head.

    She wanted to run. She could see the Portal, and she wanted to run.

    But Gahrye was sickened,pelled to hear the threats, imagining how that weak, peacock of a male might reach Kalle in her vulnerable state. Searching his mind for how he might stop it from happening.

    Elia''s beast groaned and darted forward a step, stopping when she felt the pull of Gahrye''s grip on her. But she turned quickly, as if she shied, her great paws scattering dust and small gravel from the path and she eyed the darkness alongside.

    "Don''t!" Gahrye warned her, swallowing hard and forcing himself to focus. "We can''t go off the path. Just keep walking. Stay close to me and keep walking. They can''t touch you when I''m with you."

    "Perhaps not, Protector. But we can touch minds."

    "We can call hearts."

    "We can take. We will take. Everything from you we will take."

    The lioness picked up her pace and Gahrye hurried alongside her. The Portal was getting closer, but still seemed so far away, glowing blue as if it called him¡ªcalled both of them.

    Then the voices moved again, circling around in front of them and the lioness sank down again, hissing her displeasure.

    "Please, Elia," Gahrye muttered desperately. "We have to keep going. Straight. Head for the light. Don''t listen, don''t¡­ don''t feel them. Just¡­ keep walking."

    "Protector protects the lion, but who protects the Protector?"

    "Who watches over the Protector''s mate?"

    "Who watches over the Protector''s offspring?"

    Gahrye shuddered to a halt. Elia''s beast trembled and growled, crouching low.

    "Wh¡­ what did you say?"

    "He doesn''t know."

    "He doesn''t know!"

    Gahrye blinked. "You¡­ You are liars¡ª"

    "We showed you the mate, did we not, Protector? You know our truth."

    "We know all truths."

    "All possible truths."

    "We showed you the mate. Now we show you the offspring."

    Gahrye screamed. It was as if someone hadshed him with a whip thatnded inside his skull and ced a memory there.

    The voices hissed and snarled, apparently pained by being so close to him. But Gahrye, trembling from the rippling pain that had rocked through his head and still hadn''t passed, stood in ce, his breath tearing in and out of his throat. And, just as they''d done with Kalle, Gahrye saw the image as if it was a memory of something that had already urred. He saw the little one.

    In his mind''s eye hisrge, long arms cradled a tiny, warm body. A human male, by it scent. But it was wrapped in a soft wool nket and he couldn''t see its face.

    Cooing, Gahrye peeled back theyers. "Where''s my little man?" he whispered in a voice so full of joy and love, it ached in his gut.

    And when the nket was teased back, wide, round eyes the same color as his mother''s stared up at him from over perfect, round, red cheeks. "Already awake?" he whispered, and smiled.

    And he was rewarded with a thick, wet smile hidden behind a tiny fist shoved into his mouth, as the little male blinked up at Gahrye. And he smiled because he saw his father.

    ******

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 Chapter 500: Beast in the Traverse - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 500: Beast in the Traverse - Part 2</h4>

    CELEBRATE 500 CHAPTERS WITH ME! I can''t believe it. If you''d told me we would be here back in February when I started this book, I would haveughed at you. THANK YOU for making 2021 such a joy and sess. I am so deeply, personally grateful.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    "It''s not true," Gahrye whispered. But no matter how he blinked, the image wouldn''t leave him of that tiny, toothless smile that looked so like his own.

    Next to him, Elia''s beast growled and leaned forward against the grip he had on her neck. But he didn''t move. He couldn''t.

    The darkness pressed in and Gahrye swallowed hard.

    "It''s not true," he repeated, stronger this time. "You''re lying."

    The voices twisted around him, still keeping their distance, but pleasure in their tones now. "Were we lying about your mate, Protector?"

    "Should have listened to us, hero," another voice spat. "Our reach is far wider than you think."

    "You think you walk into safety?"

    "There is no safety from us. You walk into our clutches."

    "But no mate!"

    "Never a mate again!"

    "She is ours, Protector, and if we cannot keep her, we will use ours to take her. Only after she has had the babe, of course."

    "His pain¡­" the voice made a sickening noise, as if it sucked in something delicious. "The pain he will feel with no mother and no father¡ª"

    "No," Gahrye growled, looking around, trying desperately to find them in the dark. "No!"

    Elia''s beast growled louder, and hooked Garhye''s leg with one paw, her ws sheathed.

    Gahrye blinked and she leaned into his grip on her scruff, pulling for the portal. And Gahrye looked up and it was there. Right there. The doorway just two or three lion lengths away, it''s blue glow swirling, beckoning to him.

    And Gahrye shuddered.

    Was this hisst chance? He had Elia here. He could make sure she went through, but he could run back, make sure Kalle was safe. Warn her. Hell¡­ could he bring her back through, too? Would his blood Protect her¡ª

    "Yes," one of the voices hissed. "Yes. Bring her here."

    "Bring her to us."

    "Bring her and the offspring she carries."

    "You couldn''t touch her!" he screamed into the dark, his voice echoing distantly, but never quite fading. "She is mine!"

    "No, Protector, nothing belongs to you. No one."

    "So weak."

    "So needy."

    "Couldn''t even protect his mate."

    Theirughter crawled up Gahrye''s spine. His shoulder jerked forward suddenly as Elia''s beast let a growl putter in her throat and began to pull for the portal. And Gahrye''s hand slipped. Only half an inch, but some of her skin pulled through his grip and he¡­ let it.

    The beast stopped and turned, her eyes finding his in the dark as the voices''ughter echoed around them.

    "Come, Protector. Show us what you can do. Prove us wrong."

    "Go back to your mate and see. She lives yet. But not for long."

    "The Asswipe will find her soon and he will take her, or take her from you."

    "Come, Protector."

    "Come. Come back."

    Gahrye swallowed as Elia''s beast began to make a strange, low keening in her throat.

    He could put her through the Portal¡­ let her go as she passed through¡ªshe''d be fine for a few hours. He wouldn''t be more than that. He could go make sure Kalle knew she couldn''t go anywhere near the Portal or Dillon¡ª

    One of the voices whispered a promise for his mate in his ear and Gahrye froze. Why were they close to him now? They hadn''t been able toe close since he''d¡­

    He looked at his arm.

    There was the tiniest trickle of red still wet at the cut, but it was beginning to close, to heal.

    Everything closed in. The voices, theirughter, their promises to take Kalle, the vision of his baby. Elia''s beast growled and tugged against his weakening grip. And Gahrye was frozen, unable¡ªor unwilling¡ªto choose. And something within him began to crumble, some strange sense of certainty was eroding like sand pouring out of a crack.

    "Go back now, or she will be ours."

    "It''s not toote."

    "We''ll even let the little one live¡ª"

    It all happened so quickly, Gahrye didn''t really piece it together untilter.

    His grip on Elia''s beast loosened and he started to turn, opened his mouth to tell her to go to the Portal, began to lift his hand to point.

    And then she struck.

    Silently, with not even a warning growl, her head whipped to the side and she took him at the wrist, her teeth puncturing his skin.

    He cried out at the same time the voices screamed and rushed away¡ªand Elia''s beast took off running, dragging him by his arm, her head turned slightly to keep hold of him, but dragging him the final feet to the Portal as he screamed at her to stop, that he had to go back.

    His feet scrabbled on the dirt as he screamed for her to stop. But instead she gathered her haunches andunched them both at the Portal.

    Gahrye''s head exploded in pain, the voices shrieking and screaming as he passed through the blue light and hung for that single, infinite moment in the bnce between the Portal and the Human world, then suddenly gravity, and pain, and hard, wet rock under his hands and face, his knees battered and scraped, and sobs choking from his throat as he tried to push himself up onto all fours.

    His lungs didn''t want to inte.

    His head throbbed with pain. He was bleeding from a cut, and from puncture wounds on his forearm. And he was crying great, gulping sobs, trying to cry Kalle''s name, pleading with the Creator to save her as he fell forward and his cheeknded on the rock.

    He sucked in another breath and this one actually came, filling his nose with the scents of Anima, even in the dusty air of the cave.

    And as he gave in to relief and sank to the floor of the cave, sobbing, his head echoed with the promises of the voices, with prayers that they were lying¡­ and with despair.

    He was a Protector. How had they gotten to him? How?

    And would he ever be able to go back through without giving in to them?

    **** Privilege Warning & Mass Release ****

    1. Don''t forget: DO NOT buy expensive privilege tiers thiste in the month, because privilege resets on 1 October (30 September for the USA) and you would have to pay again! Wait until the monthly reset and enjoy your privilege ess for the full calendar month for a single charge! (And if you buy in October you''ll be entered into the draw for a limited edition paperback of Volume 1!)

    2. Your Golden Ticket support has earned an additional mass release chapter! But because I''ve been so touched by all your support--reading,menting, gifts, and summoning pens--I''m going to release FOUR chapters on thest day of the month to say THANK YOU! (that''s 30 September on Webnovel, 29 September in the USA.)

    Thank you again for everything you do to help me and Reth & Elia continue to thrive. You are a gift to me!

 Chapter 501: [Bonus Chapter] Home

    <h4>Chapter 501: [Bonus Chapter] Home</h4>

    WELCOME TO YOUR MASS RELEASE! Thank you for all your support with the Golden Tickets this month. I have been blown away. Please enjoy FIVE chapters tonight, one every 30 minutes from RIGHT NOW!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    A thick, rough tongue scraped up the side of his face, taking his tears¡ªand probably ayer of skin with it. Gahrye rolled onto his back and told himself he had to pull himself together. He was in Anima. With Elia. She was in beast form, but she was here¡ªjust as she was needed.

    Something urgent and frantic with him that had been pressing at him ever since the Creator''s revtion when he was here the day before had loosened its grip the moment they''d passed through the Portal. But as hey there on the cold stone he realized that while it no longer pressed him forward, a piece of it remained. A knot. Something to be untangled. Something important.

    He could hear Elia''s beast breathing heavily, but he struggled to open his eyes and face it all.

    He was in Anima.

    Kalle wasn''t.

    And she was, possibly, carrying his baby.

    "They lie," he whispered to himself, his knuckles curled and pressed into his eyes. That tongue raked up his face again and he put one of his hands to her face to reassure her. "I''ll¡­ I''ll be fine in a minute. Just¡­ Just give me a minute."

    She huffed, her breath washing over his hands and face, then she turned, padding down the tunnel.

    Gahrye pushed himself up to sit and propped his back against the cave wall, staring at the Portal doorway, it''s blue, shimmering surface twirling slowly again.

    Kalle was on the other side of that. A short time, an impossible distance. She was right there and possibly¡­ possibly in danger, possibly pregnant. Possibly already dead.

    Gahrye shook his head. He couldn''t let himself think that way. Shaw hadn''t ever hurt Kalle, and he''d been possessed by the voices¡­ or whatever it was that they''d done to him.

    No. They were lying, trying to throw him off the Creator''s n. And it had almost worked. He couldn''t let that happen again.

    No more crossing the traverse without giving time and energy to preparing for the onught.

    No more taking others across until he was certain he could do it again safely alone.

    And no more listening to the voices when he did.

    Gahrye sucked in a deep breath and threw up a prayer for Kalle and¡­ and the baby, and opened his eyes.

    His hands were there. His body. Everything was normal. Well, except for the bite marks on his arm, the massive crescent of puncture wounds from Elia''s teeth.

    She''d done the right thing. The question was, had it been Elia or her beast that had known he needed saving?

    He sighed and turned. "I don''t know which of you was¡ª"

    He blinked. Then blinked again.

    The tunnel was empty.

    Elia was gone.

    "Shit!"

    *****

    ELIA

    The prey that was kin was struggling. But she had protected, had listened to the other within and saved him from himself, from the ancestors of malice. But now the other within was fading. The little one wasing. Both weakened.

    She groaned with the pain of it, like ws up her side and back. Too soon. Too soon. This little one hurried to join the world.

    She needed the den. The mate. Her mate was strong, he would protect her and the other within until the cub was born. She was tired from not sleeping, holding guard, watching for the mate. But the other within had made her understand, the mate was here.

    This ce smelled good, filled her with life. Filled her with hunger.

    With ast scent of the prey that was kin, licking her teeth clean of his blood¡ªand growling at the voice within that said NO, she turned from his sadness and padded up the tunnel. The pain was gone again. It came and went without rhythm. She needed food before it returned, or became too strong to deny.

    The pains of a little one on the way. She shook her head so hard her ears snapped against her skull.

    Too soon. Too soon.

    Stay where you are, little one.

    But it was the Creator''s choice. As she turned into the main cavern of the cave, she paused and looked back.

    The prey that was kin had pushed himself to sit, but his eyes remained closed.

    He would follow when he caught her scent. She had to find food before the pains overwhelmed her.

    Food. Then the mate.

    With a low groan at thest echo of the pain, she started down the cave, reading the stories it old in the scents of its floor and walls, the winds that breezed through it.

    She was home. This ce¡­ this ce was where she should be. She did not know where the prey that was kin had taken her, but it was an ugly, dark ce owned by the Ancestors of Malice. Now that she knew its scent she would not enter it again. She would stop anyone that tried to enter it. That wayy death.

    She stopped at the mouth of the cave and raised her nose to the wind, groaning with pleasure at the feast of scents that greeted her, the fresh air, the natural cave¡­ everything here was right.

    This was where she was meant to be. This ce was safety. If she could find the mate. His scent was not on the wind, and she didn''t know thisnd. But she could hunt as she travelled.

    Food first, her stomach reminded her. Food first, then the mate.

    She would sleep well tonight under his protection. If she could find him.

    And she would not think of what might happen if she didn''t.

    It was the Creator''s choice who lived and who died. Not hers. Perhaps life without the voice within would be easier.

    She shook her head again. Something about that did not sit on her well. But she could not change it. The one within weakened. The little one, too.

    Perhaps the pains brought the little one to death. She would grieve, if so. She would honor. She would remember. But she would walk on in this ce that fit her.

    It was the Creator''s choice who lived, and who died. And when.

    She was only to listen and follow.

    Food first.

    Then the mate.

 Chapter 502: Dastardly Lion

    <h4>Chapter 502: Dastardly Lion</h4>

    ADMINISTRATION NOTE: For the next week or two I''m going to try uploading the daily chapters a little earlier (4:30 and 5:30pm, Pacific) to make the content avable to the East Coast readers at a more convenient time. On Webnovel, little details like upload times can have an impact on ie, so this is an experiment to make sure I''m not hurting Reth & Elia''s audience. I''ll let you know if it changes again!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He''d made it this far, now he was going to lose Elia to her beast in the WildWood?

    Gahrye stumbled to his feet, cursing and ran for the tunnel just in time to see a burnished brown rump disappear around the corner, tail shing before it blended into the wilderness behind it.

    "Shit!" He ran the length of the cave, sliding to a halt at the open mouth just as breeze, blowing from the east, while Elia had gone West, which meant he was going to have to track her since the wind would be blowing his scent to her, rather than the other way around. "Elia!" he called, then pped a hand over his mouth as the WildWood went quiet around him, except for the rustle of leaves and distant birds.

    He still had no idea what was going on with the wolves, or where Reth was. He couldn''t risk drawing attention to their presence until he knew for certain it was safe.

    Throwing a hasty prayer skyward that he could find her quickly and convince her to follow him again, Gahrye started running, then groaned and slowed, gripping his side.

    He''d forgotten about the stab wound.

    Fucking Shaw. He was d Elia had eaten him, though he wasn''t sure how she was going to feel about that, if she remembered it.

    Somehow in the adrenalin rush of the Traverse he hadn''t really felt it. But now¡­ now that he''d rxed, and he''d been dragged thirty feet through the dirt and dumped on the cold stone of the cave¡­ now he was reminded.

    Biting back a groan, he slowed to a walk and searched the dirt for tracks, inhaling the fresh, glorious air of Anima.

    If he had his choice, he''d still be in the human world, holding Kalle, making love to her. But if he had to be apart from her, there was nowhere he''d rather be.

    Now if he could just get the Queen back to her King before she disappeared into her beast, or just in disappeared, maybe he could figure out how to convince Reth to send him back across the Traverse to warn Kalle.

    There was a broken twig that held the dark musk of lion. Gahrye passed it and kept searching for more clues about where Elia had gone. Either she didn''t remember her way back to the Tree City, or she''d gone so deep that the beast was in control.

    Neither of those was a good answer for Gahrye.

    He desperately needed to get her back to the Reth¡ªquietly, and preferably in her human form. But how to get her to change?

    He''d hoped the sight and smell of Anima would draw her out. But based on the tracks he was finding, and the scent on the leaves of the underbrush, she was still in lion form.

    Gahrye''s stomach trilled. He kept his eyes on the ground, darting in every direction looking for more tracks. He couldn''t afford to lose her now. But he also couldn''t afford to yell at her. The deeper they went into the forest, the stronger the smell of bear.

    They should be sleeping thiste in the season, but the scent of a lion, especially if Elia didn''t change back, was enough to pull any out of sleep if she got too close. Thest thing he needed was to get her back here, then have her killed by a bear.

    What the fuck were the bears doing west of the Tree City? It made no sense!

    Gahrye shook his head and winced against the pain in his side and his arm. "Come back, Elia," he muttered under his breath as he leaped onto a mossy rock to get some height and see if he could see any sign of her in the clearing ahead. "Come back. For your mate. Come back for me."

    Gahrye swallowed hard. The birds in this clearing weren''t singing. Perhaps because a massive predator had just passed through?

    Then¡ªthere! A sh of brown at the other side of the clearing and a short branch quivering where it passed.

    Gahrye jumped off the rock and started across the clearing as fast as he could without reopening any wounds.

    "Elia!" he hissed as he shuffle-jogged across the space. "You''re going in the wrong direction!"

    There was no sign that she''d heard him, or decided to listen if she did. He reached the point where she''d been and there was a few short strands of hair caught in the thick, evergreen leaves of the small branch. But no sign of a waiting lion or¡ªeven better¡ªa weary and frantic Queen.

    "Elia!" he whisper-screamed again. "I''m here. And you''re going the wrong way!"

    But even the birds didn''t answer him.

    With a heavy sigh, Gahrye plowed into the underbrush and started walking as fast as he could and still look for signs.

    It was growing darker by the minute. For a moment he thought perhaps she was just looking for a den to sleep in, then he remembered, no. Lions were primarily nocturnal. If he didn''t find her quickly, she might slip past him in the dimmer light of night.

    For a moment he wanted to just sink to the dirt and curse the Creator. Why was it always this way? Why did everything he was asked to do turn into such a shitshow?

    All he''d ever wanted was to matter. To love and be loved, to have a family, and to matter to someone.

    He mattered to Elia, he knew. The dark, selfish thoughts made shame heat his cheeks. If the roles were reversed, he knew Elia would have hiked through the forest for as many days as it took to find him. He knew she would.

    He just wished¡­

    Gahrye sighed. He just wished for once something could be easy. That he could seed in something he tried, without a fight. That he could point at a target and reach it without diversion.

    That he could take a single step with certainty.

    Was that so much to ask?

 Chapter 503: The Melding of the Minds - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 503: The Melding of the Minds - Part 1</h4>

    LERRIN

    In the end it was easier than Lerrin would have expected to bring the Lupine together. Once the decision had been made and the majority of the pack mind had agreed that it was the only way forward, the others were pulled into the current of their families and packs. Wolves on both sides of the clearing¡ªfor there were some that had stayed with Reth from the beginning¡ªmade their way to the center.

    It wasn''t until they''d gathered as a tribe¡ªfrom both sides of this conflict¡ªthat the emotion of the moment hit Lerrin. Suhle was in this crowd somewhere. And if things hadn''t gone wrong he would have found her, called her to the front so that she would be part of his circle. For the melding required wolves to be touching each other, to align their bodies and hearts with their minds.

    As it was, she was deep somewhere in the crowd and Lerrin couldn''t be close to her anyway. To have touched her in this moment, this time of joining and aligning, would have ruined him.

    He could never trust her again. How could he open himself to her during the melding?

    How could he not?

    Reth and Behryn ushered all the Anima that weren''t wolves out of the center of the clearing, standing back with the Anima from the Tree City, and the serpents and birds allied to the rebellious wolves to watch, for the first time in known history, the wolves undertake the melding.

    Although, as Lerrin had pointed out, historians had recorded the rumors, the understanding of the melding, in truth, the wolves had sessfully hidden their unique talents from the other tribes almostpletely, across time.

    Many of the wolves¡ªeven those who agreed that the Melding was needed¡ªlooked on him with dark eyes of disapproval for speaking of it in front of the other tribes.

    Perhaps it was just as well that he was bound and would not roam free.

    Some of these wolves would hate him, not because he''d led a rebellion that had failed, or because he''d brought them back under Reth''s dominance¡­ but because he betrayed his own people by sharing one of their deepest secrets with all of Anima.

    He shook the dark thoughts away and pushed his shoulders back. "Take the hands of those to either side, and make utterly certain that every wolf here is joined. Do not allow your neighbor to let go. Do not break the chain," he called.

    The wolves did as he''d suggested, their eyes soft when they looked on each other, but wary when they fell on the other tribes.

    Lerrin wanted to growl. But he reminded himself that this melding would achieve what likely months of diplomacy could not.

    When all the wolves had joined, he opened himself once more to the pack mind. His dominance had suffered as a result of his submission to Reth, and it was harder to be heard above some of the other males. But to his relief they all submitted when he spoke in, scanning those nearby with his eyes to back up the words he sent to their minds.

    ''Wolves are strong. We are certain. We are agile and intelligent. We are made to lead,'' he sent.

    There was a lot of nodding and murmurs of agreement around the crowd of wolves.

    ''But we do not live in istion, and we do not desire to do so. Creator wee for the Melding of the minds. We, as a tribe, must be of onemon goal, onemon heart, onemon ideal. We wish to thrive alongside our neighboring tribes. We wish to raise our young to recognize the value and strength of others, without denying our own. We wish to earn the loyalty of others by cing ourselves in a position of humility.''

    Many wolves sighed or shifted on their feet. But the pack mind was of one ord on this¡ªit was a sacrifice to make in order to see the wolves grow.

    ''We submit, Creator, to your power. We submit to the unique joining you have offered us. And we ask you to bind us to this vow.''

    The air almost seemed to hum, suddenly, the tension in the circle rose so sharply, some questioning whether they had been tricked, others yearning to return to their families who remained in the Tree City.

    ''We are not yet one heart, Creator,'' Lerrin sent. ''Show us the way. Show our minds the way to forward so that we might step into this future together, in harmony with each other, and all of Anima. Show us¡­ please¡­ show us¡­''

    He thought he was still sending when an image suddenly bloomed, like a flower opening, into the pack mind.

    The wolves in their homes, sleeping peacefully and alongside other tribes.

    The wolves in the market taking positions both of leadership, and of service.

    The wolves in Council¡ªthe elders, the security council, the women''s council¡ªin all areas, sping arms with other tribes, greeting with smiles.

    The pups gathered and excited to share their little lives with lions, sheep, and equine a like.

    Lerrin''s breath was stolen and the entire crowd rocked as they all saw it¡­ the Tree City as a ce of peace, not burden. Their lives centered not only on family, but also on the Anima as therger pack.

    The tribe strengthened through alliance, not subterfuge.

    Their skills used to benefit not just the wolves, but the other tribes as well.

    And other tribes holding wolves in high esteem.

    It was a beautiful picture for a people who had felt targeted and oppressed for two generations. And as it faded on an image of Reth, raising a series of wolves to honor and status among the tribes, some of the wolf females had tears on their cheeks. And some of the males eyes were bright.

    ''You have seen what we can be. Do you agree that this is for all of us? For our good? For the good of our young?''

    Lerrin held his breath.

 Chapter 504: The Melding of Minds - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 504: The Melding of Minds - Part 2</h4>

    LERRIN

    The murmur that came in response shook him to his bones,ing as it did from both the voices of those standing around, and the minds within.

    WE DO.

    Lerrin sucked in a breath and was suddenly grateful for his bonds that held his hands close so none of them would see them shaking. Those to either side of him had taken his elbows and he was grateful, certain, suddenly, that if they''d held his hands, his heart might have broken for the sheer beauty of the moment.

    ''Follow me in the vow: I vow to be of one mind, to bring my strength and intelligence to bear for the good of my pack, my family, my tribe, and all of Anima. I vow to be of one heart, to see the failure of any Anima¡ªwolf, equine, pride, serpent¡ªas my own. To weep with those who weep, to rejoice with those who rejoice.

    ''I vow to forgive. To walk into a new future without the resentments of the past. I vow to uphold anymonly held goal¡ªto walk forward in step with the Pride, and any leaders among the Anima that hold the wolves interests in heart.''

    The murmur rocked him to his core and he was almost swept away as the Creator took the wolf mind, the pack mind, and made it one, sweeping them all into central truths. The understanding of their purpose, and the surety of their strength.

    He continued with the vow, and the others repeated it, but none of the words registered any longer, because Lerrin had realized.

    When finally they all raised their heads and began to embrace, he searched and he was not shocked to find her, three rows away, but in eye-line.

    Suhle, staring at him, hood down, her hair bare, and her incredible eyes bright with tears. And because he was open, she was able to speak to him before he caught himself.

    ''I told you that you would lead us to our best, Lerrin. I knew it. Thank you. Thank you for not giving up even when you were hurt. No matter what, I will always be grateful to you for returning everyone to¡ª''

    He cut off the contact like a knife through a string. Suhle''s mouth dropped open and the hurt on her face eviscerated him.

    The pain was tangible. Yet she didn''t look away.

    Lerrin closed his eyes, and closed his mind, turning himself away from her tears that cut him like any razorde.

    Instead, he turned his back on her to join the others and received the embrace of peace from his brothers and sisters who all stood with steady resolve now. He allowed them all to touch him and hug him and whisper peace in his ear. Each of them filled with purpose and certainty.

    Aiming for their best.

    Just like she''d said.

    And every moment, every touch, every smile, every whispered word, he wished it were hers.

    He almost turned at one point. The ache to see her, to be close to her, to feel her embrace was so strong it was a physical thing.

    But even though he shuddered, he didn''t give in. He couldn''t.

    He could never trust her again. He''d let her in. He''d given himselfpletely, in a way he''d never given to any wolf before. And she had lied to him.

    He''d never get past that. It would whisper in his mind for the rest of his days¡ªthe question whether his mate spoke truth, or held things from him.

    The question of her loyalty.

    With another naked shiver, he turned from the wolf female that was gripping his elbow and murmuring her thanks to him that she would dine with her son that night. And he very carefully turned in the opposite direction from the one that would take his eyes past Suhle.

    He needed to get out of there. The job had been done. He''d brought the wolves home and under Reth''s rule. Even if they had some dissenters hidden among them, even if the infection remained, it was for Reth to address now. Reth and the Lupine elders.

    He could rest, finally.

    He could sleep easily. He had done what he''d sworn he would do.

    He just wished he''de through it with a heart intact.

    *****

    RETH

    He caught the moment Suhle and Lerrin locked eyes¡ªand he didn''t miss that Lerrin was the one to break the contact.

    Poor Suhle deted like a popped dder. He wanted to go to her, to offerfort, but she was immediately embraced by another female next to her, and then the entire tribe spent minutes greeting and affirming each other.

    For a moment, Reth wished to have their unity¡ªto be able to link with others, to know for certain where they stood, or how they might work together.

    But then he caught Behryn''s eyes, and Aymora''s grin, and he had to smile. He wouldn''t give up anything in his life. He was as blessed as a male could be.

    And it was time for him to go get his mate.

    Raising his chin to get Behryn alongside, he waited until everyone was consumed with the wolves reuniting with their number that had remained at the Tree City, then he leaned into his best friend''s ear.

    "You got the message to Gahwr?"

    "Yes," Behryn said, though reluctantly.

    Reth nodded. "Thank you. I will need four guards and whatever back up you think is? necessary to hold the Portal while I''m on the other side. I''m going to get Elia."

    "When?"

    Reth frowned. "Now! When do you think?"

    "Reth¡ª"

    "We''ve just watched the wolves vow peace, Behryn. They''re embracing their friends and family from the Tree City," he growled, throwing a hand wide towards the evidence.

    "The danger of this conflict isn''t entirely¡ª"

    "I don''t care. It is resolved enough!"

    "There are lone wolves still in the WildWood."

    "And you have guards following them, do you not?!"

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Reth," Aymora piped up from Reth''s other side. He startled and turned his head quickly to find her. Her eyes were sad and full of sympathy. Which he hated. Sheid a hand on his thick arm and squeezed. "Reth, you know it''s too soon. There''s still so many things that need to be arranged before we can be certain. Give it a few days."

    "No."

    "Reth," Behryn snapped. "You are King first. Alpha of All, remember?"

    Reth red at his best friend, but Behryn only stared back.

    "You have a responsibility to them first, Reth," he said quietly.

    Reth looked around at all the people¡ªsome ecstatic, others happy, others nervous, then turned back to his friends. Aymora''s eyes held even more sympathy than before. It made him want to bite her.

    "Tomorrow," he said. "I will wait one more day. I will ensure the wolves have reentered the City and the peace has held. Then I''m going."

    Behryn sighed, but Aymora nodded and patted his arm. "A good decision," she said quietly.

    "Are you serious?" Behryn asked her, gaping.

    Her smile fell from her face as she turned to Behryn. "I would give anything¡ªanything!¡ªto be close to my mate one more time. I will not begrudge my dearest loved ones the chance to take advantage of something I would kill for!" she snapped.

    Behryn''s face fell. "I''m sorry, Aymora," he said quietly.

    She shook her head. "Don''t apologize to me. Apologize to your mate who yearns for you and fights others rather than risking greater distance from you, Behryn."

    Behryn frowned deeply and Reth spluttered. "What? Hollhye is here with¡ª"

    "Fucking males and their fucking blindness to anything that doesn''t make their cocks stand up," Aymora muttered and turned away from both of them. "Fucking Alpha male bullshit."

    When she''d stormed off into the crowd Reth gaped at Behryn. "Do you have any clue what she''s talking about?"

    Behryn shook his head, but he kept frowning in the direction Aymora had disappeared.

 Chapter 505: A Night to Forget

    <h4>Chapter 505: A Night to Forget</h4>

    GAHRYE

    The mountains that loomed over the WildWood were limned in light gray, as if they glowed, when he finally found her. He''d been tracking Elia''s beast for hours, catching sight, but never able to reach her. An hour earlier he''d found a spot where she''d sessfully hunted a small deer, apparently prowling to catch it in its bed. She''d dragged it for more than a mile before she''d finally settled down to eat.

    When he finally caught up to her, she hunched over the carcass, still eating, and growled at him, turning to position the carcass between herself and him, so she could watch him while she ate.

    He''d assumed she''d eaten Shaw and wouldn''t be hungry. Perhaps he''d been wrong.

    "Oh, Elia," he said quietly crouching at the edge of the trees a few feet from her kill, keeping his head down so he''d be seen as no challenge by the Beast. "Did you stop her eating that little asshole?"

    The beast paused in her chewing and eyed him for a moment, then went back to her feasting.

    Gahrye sighed and dropped the bags off his back, then moved slowly back to sit against the trunk of one of the trees and wait for her to be done. He rolled his aching shoulders that felt like the bags, which had started out not feeling heavy at all, had been dragging them towards the dirt.

    While Elia ate, Gahrye looked around. They were so deep in the forest now, so many miles from the Tree City, he prayed it was close enough to dawn that she''d decide to sleep now that she''d eaten. He needed rest, but he couldn''t let her out of his sight.

    "You went the wrong way," he said sullenly as she cracked through one of the deer''s legbones, then gnawed on it, her huge teeth scraping every ounce of flesh from the bone. "We''ve got hours to get back to the City."

    She ignored him.

    "Reth is there."

    The beast paused in her eating again and turned her head to meet his gaze again, licking the blood from her muzzle as they stared.

    "You need to rest, then we''ll go find him. I was trying to tell you¡­ I''m sorry I fell apart when we got here. The voices¡­ look, I''m guessing we can get to Reth in two or three hours? But I can''t keep up with you when you run. You''ll have to stay slow, with me, so I can show you." And pray that they weren''t walking into a warzone.

    Or worse.

    What if Reth wasn''t even here anymore? That thought hadn''t even urred to Gahrye before now, and a chill ran down his spine.

    The beast gave a small groan and turned her head to lick her stomach. When she turned back, she growled and didn''t go back to the meal. Gahrye watched as she licked the carcass, then picked it up by the back of its neck and dragged it forward a couple feet, towards Gahrye. Then she dropped it and looked at him.

    He stared. What was she doing?

    Then she huffed, picked the carcass up again, and dragged it closer, until dropping it almost on his feet.

    She was giving him the carcass?

    Gahrye swallowed. "Uh¡­ thank you. I''m¡­ I''m not hungry right now." His stomach growled to call him a liar, but it was true that he wasn''t yet hungry or weak enough to be tempted by the raw meat.

    Gahrye decided in that moment that he was more human than he''d realized.

    They sat there for a long minute, just staring at each other. Then Elia''s beast got to her feet again and Gahrye leaped up. She startled but he just picked up the bags, then raised his hands to show her his palms and kept talking.

    "Elia, can youe out? Can we¡­ can we talk?" he waited, but the beast just watched him until he sighed. "Look, you need to rest. If you''re going to move to find a ce toy down, you need to move slowly so I can keep up. I can show you how to find Reth in the morning. But right now, we both need sleep."

    The beast huffed, and immediately turned, but kept her pace at a walk. Gahrye hurried to keep up with her.

    He followed her another twenty minutes until she found a small cave in the side of the mountain. By that time he was genuinely worried. She''d been panting the entire walk, despite keeping the slow pace. And she''d groaned a few times as well, once stopping to turn and butt her own stomach.

    Was this why she''d been running? Was she in pain? Was she sick? Was something wrong that she couldn''t tell him because she couldn''t get back to her human form?

    Or was he following and talking to a wild lion that was just deciding whether or not to eat him?

    The thought wouldn''t leave him alone, but he told himself that couldn''t be it. A Silent One wouldn''t have let him so close when she was eating.

    When they found the little cave, she approached cautiously, her nostrils ring, each step slow and silent until she''d walked as deep into the little cave as she could and found nothing but bats and insects.

    Then she groaned and dropped to the rock floor, her chin on her paws.

    Gahrye turned to look out of the cave mouth.

    They were on the rising side of a valley floor, the mountains reaching for the sky on every side, while the trees punctured it in small thickets. Everything was outlined in silver by the half-moon that was still low in the sky.

    The sky itself was slowly turning from indigo to gray, the stars twinkling out one by one. A soft breeze fluttered in his face bringing all the smells of Anima and Gahrye''s breath caught in his throat as he stared at the beauty around him.

    The beauty of home.

    And yet¡­ it couldn''t be home anymore without Kalle.

    Keep her safe, please, he prayed to the Creator. Keep her away from Dillon, aware of the voices¡­ just keep her safe until I can reach her again.

    Then he turned and looked at Elia''s beast, whose eyes followed him without moving her head. "We''ll get back to them. Both of us," he said, quietly but fiercely. "You first. Tomorrow. Or,ter today I guess."

    She blinked, but didn''t move and Gahrye sighed. He dropped the bags at the mouth of the cave, then walked back to where shey,id himself down on the dirt next to her, his back against her side so while the cold of the ground seeped warmth out of him, her fur and body would return it to him.

    Something was definitely going on for her. Laying against her side like this, he could feel her body tightening and loosening against him. Against pain. "Oh, Elia¡­ we''ll get through this. We have to," he whispered.

    And then he fell asleep praying that Kalle was safe, and that if she was pregnant, his son would remain safe too.

    And never, ever alone.

    **** Privilege Warning & Mass Release ****

    1. Don''t forget: DO NOT buy expensive privilege tiers thiste in the month, because privilege resets on 1 October (30 September for the USA) and you would have to pay again! Wait until the monthly reset and enjoy your privilege ess for the full calendar month for a single charge! (And if you buy in October you''ll be entered into the draw for a limited edition paperback of Volume 1!)

    2. Your Golden Ticket support has earned an additional mass release chapter! But because I''ve been so touched by all your support--reading,menting, gifts, and summoning pens--I''m going to release FOUR chapters on thest day of the month to say THANK YOU! (that''s 30 September on Webnovel, 29 September in the USA.)

    Thank you again for everything you do to help me and Reth & Elia continue to thrive. You are a gift to me!

 Chapter 506: A Morning Dawns

    <h4>Chapter 506: A Morning Dawns</h4>

    RETH

    Reth had barely slept. Between his tension over the wolves and the next steps they would need to take there, his excitement that he could be seeing Elia within a day or two at most¡ªto touch her and smell her and speak to his daughter within her¡­? his body wouldn''t rest. Even though he was exhausted.

    He didn''t eveny down until the early hours of morning.

    After the melding of minds no one had seemed to know what to do. But Reth had known what they needed was something as normal as possible. So, at his request, the Tree City citizens had prepared a meal and taken it to the clearing to share with the wolves.

    Reth had stayed, along with Behryn and the Councils, to continue in talks for peace.

    The tension had definitely lifted somewhat from the people, but the mood still felt like a wary ceasefire, more than peace.

    The meal helped. Everyone rxed, and the people began to mingle. The wolves, especially, from both sides of the divide, joined in the middle to eat together. Reth saw some of the birds reunite with family as well. But still the people stayed mostly segregated.

    How were they going to get to them to finally fall in together and stop seeing each other through this filter of war? How could they return to normal life¡ªto merchants, and feasts, and educating their young¡ªif they continued to be suspicious?

    So, he and the Councils had agreed that their day of mourning¡ªor morning of mourning, more urately¡ªwould remain. They would all work together the next morning to prepare and bury the bodies of those who fell in the battle of the Hallowed Grounds. It would be a sobering time, and he''d recognized the risk that seeing the dead and the evidence of conflict, might reignite the mes of anger.

    But the wolves themselves had bridged the gap, offering not only to remove the bodies of the fallen, but to consecrate the ground.

    Reth had agreed, then spent the rest of the evening, and most of the night, ensuring that all the necessary supplies and provisions were in ce so that there would be no conflict over resources, or the ugly job of burying the dead.

    All adults that didn''t have young remained at the clearing, bedding down together for a night in a show of solidarity.

    And so the first day of the new Anima, the new WildWood, dawned with creaking bones and gritty eyes.

    But they''d done it.

    It was lunchtime, and Reth stood at the opening to the Hallowed Grounds, surveying thend and asking the forgiveness of the Creator, as the people all began to move, hesitantly at first, then with more confidence, towards the Tree City.

    He had announced to them all that this marked the end of their war. From this moment on, they were one people. One Kingdom. And he, their King.

    "Tonight we feast," he''d called across the Hallowed Grounds as the people raised cheers. "Tonight we remember peace. Take the next few hours to gather your things. If you are no longer in your own home, return to it. If you are returning to the City, be patient, but your home will be made avable to you¡ªor you may take one of those Trees that are now empty," he said, his voice heavy with grief.

    "From this moment we no longer look back, we look forward. We rebuild. We forgive. And we be stronger together."

    Although the apuse was quiet, there was a strength in it, a hope that lifted Reth''s heart.

    And so, along with his people, he trudged back to the Tree City, where he, Behryn, Aymora¡ªand a healing Brant¡ªstood at the main intersection of trails and watched families reunite. And watched peace begin to take hold¡ªhesitantly, reluctantly in some cases. But with relief for all.

    The Tree City was at peace.

    The Tree City was at peace.

    And as he surveyed his people, Reth''s heart turned to his mate. He needed his own reunion. He needed his own peace and rest and relief.

    "I''m going to get her tonight," he said quietly to his friends. "After the feast. I''m going to get her. I''ll do my best to return before breakfast tomorrow. But if I can''t¡­ I will need you to carry the people for a few hours."

    "Reth¡ª" Behryn said, shaking his head. "It''s too soon."

    "I will not wait another day, Behr," Reth said with finality, giving it every ounce of his Alpha strength and power, until a passing Serpent shuddered and submitted. He sent the male on his way, then turned to his friend. "I need peace as much as the people do. And I can''t have it without her."

    "You don''t even know what kind of state she''s in. She may not be able to travel¡ªor may not be there if she doesn''t know you''reing. You can''t assume you''ll get back here in a few hours¡ªeven if you can cross the traverse safely which isn''t guaranteed!" Behryn said, his arms gesturing wildly with his frustration. "Tomorrow will be crucial for the people! They need to see you and be reminded of what they''re doing and why."

    "They will be so busy returning to their lives and family and friends, they won''t even notice if they don''t see me for a few hours," Reth said.

    Aymora stood with her arms folded, chewing her lip. Reth shot her a look from the corner of his eye. "You can argue if you want to, but you won''t change my mind."

    "I think he should go, if anyone cares," Brant said wearily. The other two turned to stare at him, and Reth smiled. The older male didn''t take his eyes off a family of wolves that were greeting each other at the door of their old tree. "Bringing the Queen back will be a symbol of Reth''s love and trust for the people¡ªand his assurance that they wolves won''t take her again. Not to mention that the people need her too. Whether they realize it or not. She holds their hearts. They need to see her here and safe and ruling alongside Reth."

    Aymora frowned. "Our daughter may not be in any state to rule when she firstes back. She is pregnant, and possibly suffering shifts she can''t control. Even if that''s not right," she said with an apologetic look at Reth, "being in the human world will have taken it''s toll. She will need time to rest and recuperate."

    Reth''s stomach clenched, but Brant just nodded. "All the more reason to get her back here. Anima will heal her¡ªor you will, Aymora. Either way, the process will begin sooner if she''s here."

    Reth sped Brant''s arm and thanked him for his support.

    Behryn was still shaking his head, but he didn''t raise any further arguments. "You''re taking a full fist with you, Reth, to guard the Portal. And we pray that either Gawhr got the message or none of the other bears wake when we travel through. This is risky. Very risky."

    Reth nodded. "Whatever you think we need, I will do," he said. "But I''m not waiting another day. We go tonight."

    Then he took a deep breath and turned to watch the people again, warmed by the thoughts of seeing his mate again in mere hours.

    The time couldn''t pass quickly enough.

 Chapter 507: Protector

    <h4>Chapter 507: Protector</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye wasn''t sure if Elia''s beast was as exhausted as him, or if she was so ufortable, she hadn''t wanted to move. Either way, he didn''t wake until well into the afternoon, to find the beast still at his back, panting, staring at the cave mouth.

    He''d been worried. Her breathing would stop periodically, as if she braced against something. And he felt her body tighten. He''d been concerned it might be the pains ofbor, but he thought those came regrly and these seemed to have no rhyme or reason to them. Sometimes her body writhed several times in a few minutes, other times she seemedfortable for quite a while.

    In the end, when she didn''t get up when he got to his feet, his worry spiked. "Stay here," he said, praying Elia was in enough control to help him. "I''ll bring you water and some food."

    He knew the carcass wasn''t far away and hoped it hadn''t beenpletely consumed overnight. But he''d been a little turned around and lost the scent trail, so had to backtrack. By the time he''d found it, shaken off the insects and shooed away the vulture that had found it, then dragged it back to the cave, it had been almost an hour and he was panicking that she might have left again.

    But she was still there, blending with the rock when she didn''t move, when he entered the little valley and dragged the carcass to her.

    He''d been concerned that she might not want to eat if she was hurting, but she leaped on the corpse as soon as he presented it to her. Growling as she ate. So he stepped away a few feet and dug into his bag for some of the dried fruit he''d packed just in case, grateful that Kalle had urged him to prepare for any eventuality. Then he waited until Elia''s beast raised her head and was no longer chewing.

    Without a word, he picked up the bags and threw them over his sore shoulders, then they walked down to the burbling creek at the bottom of the valley. Elia crouched on the bank, her heavy paws leaving tracks in the softened earth as shepped up the bright, clear water.

    Gahrye drank his fill. It was such a relief to drink water that didn''t taste like the terrible stench of the human world!

    When they were both watered, he turned to scan the valley and the position of the sun. "This way," he said quietly, tipping his head towards the beast. "We need to go east, and a little north, I think."

    He started walking quickly. He wasn''tpletely certain where they were, but he was confident of the general direction, and that eventually they would reach a part of the WildWood that he was familiar with so he could direct her more confidently.

    They would be at the Tree City by this evening, he was sure of it.

    He turned to look for her, to make sure she hadn''t darted off, and realized she wasn''t next to him. Whirling, adrenalin shooting through him in fear that she''d disappeared again, it was first with relief that he found her several feet behind him, walking very slowly.

    Then the worry was a de in his stomach.

    When he caught her eyes, she huffed, but she didn''t stop moving.

    Gahrye waited until she caught up, then turned and walked, much more slowly this time. And paying attention.

    What he saw over the following hour did not soothe his fear.

    Elia was in pain. And struggling. She walked slowly, panting, and would randomly turn her head quickly, as if something wasing at her from the side that she needed to guard against. She would groan now and again, too, and her pace slowed further whenever she did.

    Their progress was so slow, Gahrye started taking breaks in the walking to give her a chance to rest, and whenever he did, she would slump to the ground with a massive sigh that cleared the dust from the path in front of her and drop her chin to her paws, curling her feet up under her. But whenever he stood, she always sighed and got up to follow him.

    At one point a bird had flown high above them. Gahrye''s first instinct had been to get their attention, but then he remembered the number of Avalines that had defected with the wolves. Instead, he''d ushered Elia silently into a thicket of trees and bushes where they''d crouched for half an hour until he was certain the patrol had moved on.

    It took them five hours just to get to the Portal cave. By which time the light was beginning to fail.

    Gahrye''s heart raced when they found it¡ªhe knew the way from here! But then he looked at Elia''s beast, who had immediately made her way to the creek at the side of the clearing and waspping water again, though they''d had a drink less than an hour earlier.

    Something was very very wrong.

    When she stopped drinking and turned, he stepped in front of her.

    Her beast stopped dead, eyes locked on his, wary and suspicious.

    "I need to get you help," he said quietly. "Maybe¡­ maybe you should wait here and I can run to the City. I don''t know what''s going on there. I don''t know what we''re walking into. I don''t want to risk¡ª"

    She growled and started walking again, pushing past him on the trail and walking into the deep dark under the trees. When he didn''t immediately follow, she turned her head and looked back at him, and for a moment in her eyes he saw Elia¡ªsad, scared, in pain, unwilling to be alone. Then the beast''s golden gaze was back, admonishing him until he started walking, following her, then hurrying to catch up and walk alongside. Slowly.

    She groaned and whipped her head around to nudge her own belly, but she didn''t stop walking.

    Gahrye''s stomach plummeted to his toes. "I''m so sorry, Elia. I didn''t realize. I''ll¡­ we''ll get there when we get there. We can hide you in the cave, or¡­ we''ll figure something out. Just hold on, okay?"

    The beast didn''t respond, but she did keep walking, following Gahrye when they met an intersection of trails and he led back towards the Tree City.

    His tension rose as they made their slow progress. But he could see she wouldn''t stop.

    So he had to pray that they didn''t meet with the wolves, or any kind of enemy. Because she wasn''t in any state to be fighting, and he couldn''t shift.

    For a moment he saw himself, helpless in the onught of teeth and ws, watching as the Queen he''d finally returned to Anima was attacked and devoured by her enemies.

    Rage burned in his chest that he''d been born so ill-equipped.

    But then he caught sight of the bloody smear on his wrist and he took a deep breath.

    He might not be able to protect her from a pack of wolves. But he could protect her¡ªor anyone else from the voices. From what had happened to Shaw.

    And that wasn''t nothing, he reminded himself.

 Chapter 508: Feast of Reunion

    <h4>Chapter 508: Feast of Reunion</h4>

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Your Golden Tickets have earned a total of FOUR chapters for mass release this week, so strap in for FOUR chapters, one every half hour, beginning NOW! To earn more chapters at the end of the month, keep blessing Reth & Elia with those Golden Tickets!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth entered the market that night and his skin felt too tight. His breath kepting too quickly and he was sure he carried excitement in every step. He prayed his people saw it as his joy that they were returned and unified. But in truth, he was bouncing on his toes with the anticipation of seeing Elia again.

    It took him several minutes to make it through the market, the people pulling him aside for greetings, thanks, and some tearful offerings of gratitude from mothers and grandparents who were sharing their first family meal in months.

    But there wasn''t only joy in the market.

    Most families had lost someone, or were close to those who had. For every family thatughed and chattered with the joy of reunion, another wept together for the loss of their loved ones.

    The WildWood was going to take a very long time to heal. But for the first time since and he Elia had been pulled before the Elders, Reth was certain they were all going to make it through this. Those that were here, that remained¡­

    His mind skittered back to Lerrin, locked in a storage tree alone, except for his guards. And Suhle, likely somewhere here, though he couldn''t pick out her scent.

    If only he could unify those two he would feel that everything was right¡ªor as right as it could be. He shook his head and kept walking towards the front. There was nothing he could do to fix that right now and he needed to get this night going. To get his people celebrating as much as they could. To bring them to the end of the night so he could leave and have his own reunion with his mate.

    He''d barely taken his seat at the table, nodding at Brant and Aymora when he found himself frowning at the empty seat that was Behryn''s, looking up and scanning the market.

    "Where''s Behryn?" he asked quietly so only Aymora and Brant would hear him.

    "He got called out by Tobe a few minutes before you arrived," Aymora said. "Something to do with the patrols. I''m sure they''re just debriefing him."

    A tiny fizz of nerves started in Reth''s stomach, but he pushed it away. The number of wolves that had refused the melding was so small, they couldn''t pose a major threat anymore. He was certain of it. Even Behryn felt the threat was small enough that they could handle it with simple surveince and vignce.

    So, why was his Second not here, then?

    Reth greeted the people and announced the following day a day of rest and time for families to enjoy each other. "From this year forward we will recognize this day with the Feast of Reunion¡ªa time to remember peace and that the effort to work together is worth the peace it will bring us all."

    The entire market had cheered at that and his spirits had been lifted. And still Behryn didn''t appear.

    The food was being brought out by the servers¡ªbrought to the Royal table first, of course, so that Reth was forced to ask the server to return for Behryn''s order¡ªwhen finally his best friend appeared, walking slowly but surely through the market. His face tight with tension. Reth was cheered that Behryn hadn''t taken the back route, wasn''t rushing. Whatever made his steps stilted, his shoulders tense, it wasn''t a timely matter.

    When Behryn finally pulled out the chair next to him and gave Reth a formal salute for the sake of the people, Reth only had to raise his eyebrows to get his friend talking.

    "I''m sorry, Reth," he said. "I have some bad news."

    Reth went very still and watched his best friend closely. All possible options began to flip through his head¡ªwolves attacking, the mind meld being a lie, conflicts between the tribes¡ª

    "It''s about Elia."

    Reth''s entire body went cold.

    Behryn raised his hands. "No, no, what I mean is, there will be a dy to your leaving to find her," he said hurriedly.

    Reth''s upper lip raised to bare his teeth. "No, there won''t."

    "Reth," Behryn said, putting a hand to Reth''s arm and gripping it, hard. "I''m not making this up. I''ve just spoken with the patrols that scan for the bears and the portal region. A Silent One was sighted twice today¡ªa female."

    "What?!"

    "I know. The second patrol tried to get low enough to scent them. It was hiding in a thicket, but they caught that sharp, medicinal scent you mentioned from therge one you killedst year."

    "What?"

    "I''m sorry, Reth, but we need you to handle this before you go. She''s could already be close. She was moving slowly apparently, but in the direction of the Tree City. If she attacks a bear in their hibernation¡­"

    Reth''s hand, that he''d been gripping in a fist, gave suddenly, the porcin of the cup he''d been holding shattering under his grip and slicing the pad of his thumb before he realized what was happening.

    There was a muttered curse from Aymora who immediately jumped forward to wrap a cloth napkin around his hand and put pressure on the wound, but Reth barely felt it. Servers rushed forward to take away the broken shards, and bring the King a new, fresh meal since his had been dangerously showered in pieces of broken porcin.

    When the hubbub died down and there were fresh meals in front of both Reth and Behryn, and Aymora was convinced the cut was minor enough to be allowed to heal without assistance, Reth looked at his te and scowled. He''d lost his appetite.

    What was the Creator doing to him? Dying this again? He knew he should trust it, trust the timing, trust the n. But he was so close.

    "It doesn''t change anything. Have the fist readied."

    "Reth," Behryn hissed, "We can''t have a lone lion roaming the City region¡ª"

    "We won''t," he said through his teeth. "I''m leaving in a moment and I will find her and will get her out of here. And then I will immediately go to the Portal and get my mate. Tell the fist to ready. If they haven''t heard from me by high moon, they''re to go to the Portal and stand guard until I get there."

    Behryn sat back and stared at him. Reth met his gaze evenly.

    "Aymora?" Reth said a momentter when Behryn didn''t speak.

    "Yes."

    "There''s a female Silent One in the forest to the southwest. Bear country," he said carefully. "Patrols reporting that same smell that I caught on the Silent Onest year. Would you join me to find her and help me move her, let me know if you recognize the scent?"

    "Well, of course," she said hesitantly. "But is this a good time¡ª"

    "It has to be me," Reth said through his teeth. "We can''t risk her getting to the City. But as soon as she''s dealt with, I''ll be going for Elia."

    Aymora nodded, looking back and forth between Reth and Behryn, sensing the tension there. "Okay."

    "Can you be ready to leave in half an hour?"

    "You''re going to leave the feast?"

    "Yes, I''m going to leave the feast," Reth hissed, shoving away from the table and getting to his feet. "I am not going another night without my mate, so you can either help me do so safely and quickly, or you can stand back and judge, both of you."

    Aymora and Behryn looked at each other and he didn''t appreciate the sense that they were each considering his wisdom. But he also was too determined to care.

    "I''ll be ready," Aymora said a momentter.

    "Good," Reth spat and turned on his heel to leave through the back door from the stage so he wouldn''t have to answer any more questions.

    *****

    ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK? I''ve just returned because I want to be friends with you! Find my (BRAND NEW) profile as Aimee Lynn (search "Aimee Lynn Webnovel" and find the profile that has the same image as my profile here on WN) and introduce yourself! Let''s be friends!

 Chapter 509: Eyes Open

    <h4>Chapter 509: Eyes Open</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye estimated they were about an hour from the City when Elia''s beast began to fail. Her already slowing pace began to falter. She''d started groaning in long, low huffs an hour earlier. But now shey down suddenly on the path, her sides heaving with her rapid, deep breath.

    "Elia?" Gahrye whispered, scanning the trail before and behind them. "I can run for help. I can¡ª"

    But then she was back on her feet. Her head was low, her great shoulders rolling slower with every step, but her eyes were fixed and clear.

    They walked another ten minutes, Gahrye at her side, scrambling to think of a way to help her, tofort her, buting up empty. He shifted the bags on his aching shoulders again and considered leaving them here. Once he had her back at the City, they coulde back for them, or send someone else to¡­ unless there was still a war being fought at the Tree City.

    Or unless Reth had lost to Lerrin and they were about to walk into the wolves.

    Gahrye pulled up hard on the trail, grabbing at the lioness''s scruff to stop her. She huffed and turned her head to look at him, her eyes bright with pain.

    "I''m sorry," he said, low and quick. "But we don''t know what we''re walking into here. I think¡­ I think I need to find a ce to hide you while I go see who is leading the Anima and where¡ª"

    The beast snarled, growling and baring her teeth at him. Gahrye flinched, but didn''t give ground. "I''m sorry, Elia, but we can''t deny that there is a danger that Reth has been hurt or¡ª"

    She hissed and raised a paw like she might cuff him¡ªher ws partly unsheathed and glinting in the moonlight. Gahrye ducked and threw himself backwards, tripping to fall on his ass just as a breeze rose in the WildWood, fluttering through the trees and rushing dead leaves along the path ahead of them, then over them and they both froze.

    Reth. Aymora. Other Anima¡­

    Home.

    Gahrye''s mouth dropped open as Elia soundlessly took off down the trail, following the wind, her gait short and choppy, but she ran anyway¡ªfaster than Gahrye could on his human legs¡ªdisappearing into the dark before he was even back on his feet.

    "Elia!" he screamed. "Stop! We can''t be sure!"

    Throwing the bags to the side, Gahrye took off after her, pounding, pushing his aching and tired body as fast as it would go, praying that this wasn''t a trap. Praying that Reth wasn''t being used to bait them.

    Praying that Elia wasn''t going to kill herself by running when she was so obviously ill.

    *****

    RETH

    Half an hour out of the City, Reth pushed the pace, despite his weariness and tired limbs. He''d helped in the burying that morning and his body hadn''t done that kind of heavy lifting for a while. He was going to have to get back to training so he could work with his hands for more than an hour without muscles aching.

    Aymora kept stride with him, despite the pace, her hair fluttering around her face in the chill breeze that was blowing up. "The rains will begin soon."

    "Then the snow," Reth replied.

    "You need your family here and safe before theye."

    "Just one more reason to get it done tonight," Reth said through his teeth, daring her to challenge him. But she didn''t. After a minute Reth shook his head. "What is a female doing out here alone? Surely she''s scented the bears. I pray she isn''t rabid."

    "Be careful," Aymora said. "I know the females aren''t as big, but they''re the true hunters. We need to be watching carefully¡­ we should have brought the fist."

    "I didn''t need another thing to slow us down. And every time I''ve met a Silent One it''s been alone in one fashion or another. I only brought you because I want to see if you know this scent. I wish I''d had you at thest one."

    Aymora snorted. "For more than one reason," she grinned, teasing him about his inability to stop shifting because he hadn''t taken his mate andpleted the bond.

    Those days¡­ they seemed so distant. Was it possible that was only a year and a half ago? Less?

    "I know we''ve been advising you to wait, Reth, but I want you to know that I will be very, very relieved to have Elia back to us. All of us. But especially you."

    Reth sighed. "Thank you."

    "Behryn''s tense because he''s afraid you''re going to get reckless when he isn''t there to caution you."

    "Nothing new there."

    "Actually, there is," Aymora said carefully.

    Reth shot her a look. "What are you saying?" Aymora shrugged awkwardly, and Reth''s jaw dropped. Aymora was never awkward. "What is it?" he asked. "What are you saying?"

    Aymora sucked in a deep breath and opened her mouth, but just then they both caught the sound of feet, pattering on the dirt, galloping.

    The scent of a female lion sucked down Reth''s nose and hit him in the chest.

    It was instinct. They''d been sighted and she was on the hunt.

    "Get up a tree!" he snarled at Aymora, poised on the balls of his feet, half-crouched, staring down the trail in the dark, preparing to shift as soon as the female came into view. As soon as Aymora got out of harm''s way.

    But the stupid female wasn''t running, she was digging in her pouch. "I have a dart," she said. "Just in case. I can take her down." She pulled the long, thick straw of a hunter out of her bag and a tiny, feathered arrow that she hurriedly dipped in the top of a bottle she''d produced from the bag. "We can''t risk it, Reth¡ªyou said thest one that smelled like this attacked without warning too!"

    "No!" A distant shout came and they both tensed as the lion hurtled into view, mouth open and her eyes, reflecting the light of the moon, fixed on Reth.

    "Who¡ª"

    "Get down, Reth!" Aymora snarled. "Give me a clear shot!" and she put her mouth to the straw, drawing air in through her nose, preparing to blow the dart at the lion when she was close enough.

    Reth hesitated. Everything happened at once. The lion, her paws scattering dirt and pebbles, sank onto her haunches mid-stride andunched for them.

    Aymora blew hard into the straw and the lion snarled.

    Reth powered into his beast to meet those massive, outstretched paws just as a familiar voice edged in panic screamed, "Don''t hurt her! It''s Elia! RETH, IT''S ELIA! DON''T HURT HER!"

    ******

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 Chapter 510: Paralyzed

    <h4>Chapter 510: Paralyzed</h4>

    RETH

    He''de forward to meet the battle, but the scent was all wrong.

    He met the female in mid-pounce, paws wide and ws out, mouth open and aiming for her throat. But the call of the familiar prey, out of reach, lit up the other inside.

    "It''s Elia! It''s my mate!"

    As they crashed together, then to the ground, he rolled, took the brunt of the fall, but she groaned anyway, rolling from him with a huffing sigh.

    He scrambled to his feet and sniffed her, then again.

    His mate. His mate was here.

    His mate was here.

    The mating call erupted from him and he nudged her neck with his broad muzzle, greeting her, calling.

    Why wasn''t she answering?

    He fought with the other inside, wrestling for control¡ªthe mate needed help! But the other was too strong and he gave way¡­

    Reth came back to himself crouched over the massive lioness who was sprawled on her side, her eyes almost closed, her mouth open as she panted.

    "Elia?" His voice cracked. "Love?"

    Her breath was too fast, to deep, her skin stretched over her ribs when she exhaled, then distended when she breathed in. When he spoke her front paw paddled the air for a moment and she groaned, but other than tossing her head, she slumped back to the dirt, still panting. Tiny whines searing through her chest. He could feel the vibration of her under his hands as he buried his hands in her fur, inhaling her scent, memorizing it.

    This was his mate. His mate. His glorious, strong, massive mate. And something was very, very wrong.

    "What did you give her?" he snarled at Aymora without taking his eyes off her. "What was on that dart?"

    "I''m sorry, Reth," Aymora gasped. "I didn''t hear him in time. I wouldn''t have shot her¡ª" she dropped to the ground next to Elia''s head, lifting her eyelids and leaning down to listen to her breathing.

    "WHAT WAS IT?!" Reth roared.

    "It''s a paralytic. She won''t be able to walk for a few minutes, that''s all. Just in case¡­ I didn''t want you getting harmed before you were going to make the traverse. That''s all. She''ll be fine."

    "Will it hurt the cub?!"

    "N-no. I don''t think so? I don''t know, Reth. I''m sorry. I wouldn''t have¡ª"

    Pounding feet reached them and Gahrye sprinted into view, sliding to the dirt at Reth''s side, his hands immediately going to Elia''s back and the side of her belly. "What did you do? How did you hurt her?!"

    "I didn''t," Reth snarled.

    "She''s in pain already. Something''s wrong. She was barely walking, it''s why it took us so long to get here¡ª"

    "She was more than walking when she arrived here!"

    "She took off when she smelled you, but she wasn''t moving freely. She''s in pain."

    Aymora hurried to her feet, then around Elia to her side toy her head on Elia''s stomach, pressing on her belly in different spots as she listened. Then moving her hands to press again, her ear still to the beast''s belly.

    Elia''s beast groaned and her entire body tightened, but she didn''t move.

    "Shit," Aymora spat. "Shit!"

    "What is it?" Reth asked, his voice heavy with dread.

    "The baby. She''s having contractions."

    "WHAT?!" Reth and Gahrye both cried.

    "It''s far too early!" Reth gasped.

    "She''s been developing fast, Reth," Gahrye warned. "Too fast. But I didn''t think she was that far¡ª"

    "She''s not," Aymora said, her voice low and efficient, most of her attention on Elia as she palpated her stomach and checked her eyes again. "But she''s having contractions anyway. I''m guessing the baby is in human form and her beast''s body is trying to get rid of it. We have to get her back."

    Reth turned to Gahrye whose mouth was opening and closing like a fish''s.

    Somewhere in the back of his mind he registered the haggard face, the dirty clothing and skin, and the wide-eyed fear on the male''s face. But nothing could overshadow his mind screaming at him that Elia was here. She was here! But she was hurting. He had to help her!

    "Spit it out!" he snarled at Gahrye. "What''s going on? Why is she still in beast form. Why¡ª"

    "She''s been in her beast form most of the past two weeks. She struggled with it for weeks, always struggled toe back. But thest two times she''s shifted it''s been for only a minute or two. Seconds. She''s¡­ she said she can''t fight it anymore. And Shaw told me she''s going Silent¡ªyou have to help her Aymora!"

    "Shaw?" Reth croaked. "The Guardian?"

    Gahrye growled like a predator as Aymora cursed again, then started digging in her little bag.

    "Shaw tried to cross and the voices got him," Gahrye snarled. "He''s been trying to trap us. We just learned¡­ I think he was going to kill Elia. I don''t know. But he was up to something."

    "WHAT?!" Reth''s head spun and he grabbed Gahrye''s arm. "What are¡ªyou can''t be serious? Shaw?!"

    "She ate him," Gahrye said breathlessly. "He attacked us when we were leaving. Stabbed me, and she took him. She killed him. Or her beast did, anyway."

    Aymora and Reth both gaped at Gahrye who looked back and forth between them. "There''s so much you don''t know. You have to help her. She doesn''t know how to shift back. She''s struggled with it since the first time. She tried to just keep herself from shifting, but it didn''t work and I didn''t know how to help her and¡­" He trailed off, hands in his hair, his eyes so wide they showed the whites all the way around.

    Reth realized the male was on the edge of his limits. He''d clearly had a helluva visit to the human world. And, Reth realized, his own stress over Elia wasn''t going to help Gahrye tell them everything. He had to calm down. Gahrye had been protecting her. Watching her for him these past months. He was grateful to the male. He was. Even if he did put his hands on Reth''s mate without thought.

    Reth growled and Gahrye''s eyes pulls wider.

    **** Privilege Warning & Mass Release ****

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 Chapter 511: Come to Me

    <h4>Chapter 511: Come to Me</h4>

    RETH

    Aymora muttered something about Alpha males, then leaned over Elia and passed Gahrye something. "Chew this, it will help," she said quickly.

    Gahrye took the leaf she offered and put it in his mouth without question, then Aymora went back to her pouch and examining Elia''s beast.

    "Reth," Aymora said, her hands cupped to Elia''s chest as she listened to the beast''s heart. "You need to call her back. If she''s struggling to dominate¡­ or¡­ ore out, you''re going to be the biggest draw for her. The beast should be weaker while she''s paralyzed like this. Call her. Call your mate. Now."

    Trembling, Reth pushed to his feet, then walked to Elia''s head and knelt before her where she could see him without moving. Her breathing picked up faster and he shushed her.

    Everything else faded as he looked into the eyes of the beast and made the mating call. He didn''t see Aymora. He didn''t smell that terrible tang, or Gahrye''s fear¡ªor feel his own.

    He took that beautiful, furred face in his hands and pulled her head onto his knees, stroking her and calling, whispering between.

    "Love, I''m here. Please. You have toe to me. Please, baby. I''m here. You''re home. You can rest now. I''ll take care of you, I promise."

    The beast''s eyes blinked, then for a moment he saw a flicker of Elia''s blue eyes, sad and pained, staring at him from the beast and his heart throbbed. "Oh, Elia. Love, I''m here. Come be with me. Want it. Need it. Fight for it, Love. Fight for us."

    The lioness tossed her head and Reth lost his grip, but then sheid her muzzle on his thigh and groaned. "Let her go," Reth snarled at the beast. "Let her go. I will take her now. Let her go. Let here to m¡ª"

    Aymora and Gahrye both leaned away as the beast''s body rippled and flickered. She gave the mating call and her entire body flinched, then Elia was there, sobbing, her head on Reth''s thigh, her hands wing for him as tears poured down her face.

    "Reth! Reth!"

    "Elia, love¡ª" The words broke out of him as she scrabbled in the dirt and he gathered her up. But she was obviously still feeling the effects of Aymora''s dart. She couldn''t seem to move her legs correctly, and there was no strength in her arms. He shushed her, over and over, ignorant of his own tears that pattered from his cheeks onto her hair as he gathered her up. "I''m here, Love. I''m here. Shhhhhhh¡­ be calm. You''re safe. You''re safe."

    "Nnno!" she said through a jaw that didn''t want to move. "Can''t¡­ ssstop shhhifting¡­"

    Reth sat back, pulling her up into his arms, cradling her to his chest, burying his face in her neck, her hair, shushing her, but also himself. She snuggled into him, her arms uncoordinated, but finding their way around his neck as she sobbed and begged for him.

    He put a hand to the back of her head and held her to him, whispering reassurance andfort. It was overwhelming. Impossible. She was here. She was really here. He trembled, his entire body shaking, buzzing, as if he''d had an electric shock.

    "Elia. Elia." He couldn''t stop saying her name. Rocking her, holding her, gripping her to him. He was overwhelmed, suddenly, with the fierce conviction that she would be torn from him again, and he tightened his grip. "No! No, you''re here. You''re mine! Love, you''re here. I won''t let anyone hurt you!"

    She iled a hand at his check, trying to pull him in. "Can''t sssstop. Hold m-me. Pleassse."

    "I have you, love. I have you."

    "Love you, Reth. Isss thisss a dream?"

    "No, no. Elia, you''re here. You''re here. You''re home. You''ll never have to leave again. I promise you. No matter what. You''ll never leave. Look at me. Look at me."

    He tilted her chin up and she blinked her teary eyes open, her chin and shoulders hitching with her cries. But he locked eyes with her. "I vow to you. You never have to go back. Never."

    She dissolved into sobs and he pulled her in tight again. So he sat with her, rocking her, praying, his nose in her neck.

    Yet even in the middle of this impossible, beautiful moment, he could feel how thin she was. Her ribs hard ripples on her back. Her arms too thin. Her cheeks gaunt.

    But her belly.

    Her belly wasrge and round and pressed between them like a boulder.

    Reth had seen many pregnant females. There was no way Elia''s baby¡ªtheir cub¡ªshould have grown sorge, so fast.

    What the hell was happening to her?

    Then she flinched and grabbed at her own stomach with hands that wouldn''t properly grip, hunching over with a groan. "Hurts¡­" she hissed a momentter. "Too ssssoon."

    Reth looked at Aymora, pleading. But his friend''s face looked as worried as he felt.

    "I don''t have any of those herbs or¡­ Reth you have to get her back to the cave. I''ll go grab another healer and the things we might need and we''ll meet you there. She''s still having contractions, even when she''s not the beast. So that wasn''t the problem. We have to get them stopped. She needs more time."

    "Go," Rethmanded with every stitch of Alpha power he possessed. Themand hit Aymora like a blow and she scrambled to her feet and was running without another word.

    Then he looked at Gahrye, who gaped at Elia, eyes wide, cheeks and forehead lined and the pure, undilutedbination of jealousy and grief on his face said it all. For a moment he thought Gahrye wanted Elia himself. But the grief¡­ Reth made himself inhale the male''s scent. Then it all made sense.

    "Where is your mate?" Reth asked him.

    Gahrye''s eyes snapped to meet Reth''s. "She''s¡­" he started hoarsely, the cleared his throat. "She''s a Guardian," he said. "She can''t cross. She isn''t here. She can never be here."

    Reth closed his eyes. It was a problem for another day. One he couldn''t solve just then. His own mate was in pain. He had to get her back to the cave, to their shared furs, to the healers¡ª

    Elia''s back rippled and Reth froze.

    *****

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 Chapter 512: Mated by Heart

    <h4>Chapter 512: Mated by Heart</h4>

    RETH

    He was suddenly pressed down by the immense weight of a massive lioness who growled and twisted back onto her feet and stood, ears back and tailshing, but didn''t attack.

    "Love," Reth said, his voice rough with emotion. "My love."

    Her ears came forward and she stared at him, then took first one, then two steps forward to press her broad head into his chest. Her chest expanded with the force of her sigh as he gripped her head and nuzzled her.

    When they both pulled back, he didn''t take his eyes off hers as he spoke, low and quiet, to Gahrye. "I''m going to run with her, get her back to the cave as quickly as she''s able," he said.

    Gahrye shifted On his feet behind him. "Good idea."

    "I am¡­ so grateful, Gahrye. You brought my mate home to me, just as you said you would. You have fulfilled your blood vow. You have all my gratitude. When things have settled down we''ll discuss your honor."

    Gahrye swallowed audibly. "I don''t really care about honor anymore, Reth," he said, his own voice rough with emotion as well. "I¡­ I need¡ª"

    Elia''s beast grunted and sank down, hissing, as her stomach clenched. Reth tsked and shook his head. "We''ll speak of this again when my mate is safe," he said. "I promise you, Gahrye. I owe you. You have my gratitude. Anything you need, you just ask."

    "Thank you, Reth."

    "Sorry to leave you out here alone."

    "It''s okay. Unless¡­ is it safe to go to the Tree City?"

    Reth sighed. "Yes, but the peace is brand new. Only established today. Step carefully. And do not speak of your travels to anyone but Behryn until we''ve had a chance to talk."

    "Okay. I won''t."

    Reth finally took his eyes off Elia and turned to meet Gahyre''s. "I know you won''t. You''re a male of honor. Elia did well, choosing you."

    Gahrye blinked at him in shock, but Reth got to his feet and shifted¡­

    His mate was the best scent in Creation.

    His mate was in pain.

    He rubbed his face against hers, groaning the mating call, which she returned, though weakly.

    He shook his head, his ears pping against his skull, then he started down the path, turning to make sure she followed. Groaning to her when she seemed hesitant.

    They needed the den. The other inside would help if they just got to the den. He trotted a few more paces, then waited for her to catch up. She was tense and smelled afraid. But he rubbed her face again, licking her fur.

    She huffed and kept walking.

    She woulde to the den where she could rest.

    But her body was tired and in pain. The little one wasing.

    His instincts screamed against it, but she must walk. He had to get her to safety. So he walked alongside her, moving into a stiff trot when she could. He called his encouragement and kept himself right at her side, his heat to warm her, his strength to protect her.

    She woulde to the den. She would rest.

    He would keep her safe.

    *****

    Far too longter, they trotted into the Royal meadow and Reth wrestled back control, shifting back into human form to open the door of the cave.

    Elia made a low yeowling in her throat, but trotted through, head low and rear tucked in as she darted through the Great Room and immediately around the corner to the bedchamber. Thenterns would be lit, but he could blow them out. She would be morefortable in the dark.

    Aymora better not be long.

    His tension was ratcheting up with every passing moment. And it got worse when he entered the bedchamber to find her already curled on the furs, panting, on her side. Rolling and turning, as if she couldn''t getfortable.

    She acted like a female inbor. A female near to delivery.

    This was not good.

    "Hold on, Elia," he said quietly, joining her on the furs to scratch behind her ears and shoulders. "I''m here. You''re safe. Hold on."

    *****

    When Aymora finally arrived, Reth was beside himself. Desperately stressed and even more desperately trying not to let Elia know how stressed he was.

    Aymora called out as she came through the door into the Great Room¡ªlikely just in case Elia was naked¡ªbut she hurried through.

    Reth was on his feet at the side of the sleeping tform. "Thank the Creator. I''m worried, Aymora. She''s acting like she''s actually¡ª"

    He broke off as a second figure came through the door in the same moment the scent of wolf hit his nostrils and a snarl erupted from him instinctively.

    Aymora and the second female¡ªJayah, he knew her name. She''d been part of the wolf council, though she was young for it¡ªboth dropped their heads and rolled their shoulders.

    "Reth, she''s extremely skilled in pregnancy and delivery. And she''s delivered mixed tribe pups. I believe she can help."

    Reth gestured for Aymora to go to Elia, but his eyes didn''t leave the young female as she straightened and waited for his permission.

    "Mixed tribe babies?" he asked.

    Jayah nodded her head. "We had a wolf who gave birth to a serpent, and I helped a bird give birth to a wolf."

    Reth frowned. Why hadn''t he heard about these? Likely they hadn''t hadplications and the offspring had simply been absorbed into the appropriate tribe. But with the recent events in the wolf tribe¡­ "Did you support the rebel wolf strategy for breeding?"

    "No," she said firmly. "It is part of the reason I was so eager to return here." Her eyes said there was much more to the story, but she understood the urgency of the current situation.

    "I am trusting you with the life of my mate. Wolf or not, I am notfortable doing that with anyone."

    Jayah nodded again. "I vow to you I will do my best to help her, and the cub."

    "We don''t know for sure it''s a cub," he said, hesitantly, though Elia''s scent made him almost certain that it was.

    But Jayah just shrugged. "Baby, Cub, I do not care. My goal is only to help her stop thebor if she can, and deliver safely for both of them, if she can''t."

    Reth eyed her a moment longer, but Aymora was up on the sleeping tform, hissing at him to let her help.

    "Very well," he said, his voice as deep as the rocks beneath their feet. "But do not take risks with my mate''s life."

    "No, Sire," she said simply, and hurried past him to Aymora''s side.

    *****

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 Chapter 513: For Me?

    <h4>Chapter 513: For Me?</h4>

    RETH

    Reth paced the floor of the bedchamber while the two females worked over Elia¡ªlistening to her heart and stomach, palpating her belly, speaking to each other in the quiet, clipped tones of those with a job to do, and very little time to do it.

    Reth kept raking his hand through his hair, rubbing his face, holding a hand over his mouth. Now that someone else could watch over her, he had no strength left to fight the abject terror that ripped through him.

    Elia unable to shift back to human form.

    Elia inbor far too early and in her beast.

    Elreth, their daughter, grown so fast, yet Aymora said even for the development she had achieved, this was too early. Would she survive the delivery, let alone life outside her mother''s womb?

    Reth groaned and Elia''s beast whined.

    Aymora shot him a look over her shoulder. Though she didn''t speak, the message was clear¡ªbe the strong one. Don''t add to his mate''s fear.

    Reth swallowed and prayed.

    And prayed.

    And prayed.

    "We have to get her to eat the herbs," Aymora said secondster. "It''s the only chance."

    "But if she''s past the point of no return, it will slow herbor and put more stress on the offspring."

    Aymora sat at the beast''s head, stroking her fur back from her eyes and leaned in to her ear. "Elia¡­ Elia, daughter, I''m here. And we''re going to help. I know you don''t feel like eating, but there is medicine in the meat. It might¡­ it might stop the pains. I can''t be certain. Your body is trying to deliver now. But we might be in time. Please¡­ if you can do anything, urge your beast to eat. We''re here to help you. No matter what happens, we are here to help."

    The beast huffed. Aymora nced at Jayah who remained down at her belly, one ear to her nk. "The babe has shifted into position, but isn''t engaged in her pelvis yet, if we can get it to stop now¡­"

    Aymora nodded and offered the beast a b of meat, not much bigger than Reth''s hand. Bleeding and sulent, it was peppered in herbs.

    Please, Reth prayed. Please, make her eat it.

    The beast licked the meat, then groaned deep in her chest and closed her eyes as another contraction tightened her body from shoulder to nk.

    Aymora kept petting her face. "Please, Elia. Make her open her mouth. This will help."

    The beast began to pant, but even when Aymora ced the beef against her teeth, she only smacked her lips, then turned away, twisting her head.

    Aymora, on her knees, sank back to sit on her heels. "I don''t¡­ I don''t know what to do."

    "She keeps panting," Jayah said carefully. "Will she drink?"

    Aymora looked at Reth, who raced into the kitchen immediately and prepared a small bowl of water, running too quickly to bring it back so that half of it had spilled before he passed it to Aymora with shaking hands.

    She ced the bowl on the furs next to the beast''s head, and her ears pricked. She pushed herself up onto one shoulder andpped at the small drink. It was gone in seconds and she licked the bowl before slumping back down to the furs with a sigh.

    "Put the herbs in a drink," Jayah said quickly.

    "They might make her sick without food. If she just throws them up¡ª"

    "Do we have any choice? If we don''t get the contractions stopped in the next hour, there will be no going back."

    Reth wed both hands into his hair and stared at Aymora, overwhelmed with fear and pleading. "Do it," he croaked. "We can''t¡­ just do it."

    But Aymora was frowning at the wall, clearly thinking. "Blood," she said quickly. "We need blood. It''s more likely to tempt her, and it might coat her stomach enough to keep the herbs down. But I didn''t bring any¡ª"

    Reth knew exactly what was needed, and hurried over to the table in the corner where he kept his knives and belts, pulling one from its sheath. "Give me the bowl."

    "Reth, you cannot weaken yourself right now!" Aymora snapped.

    "Watch me," he snarled back, returning to the side of the sleeping tform. "Give me the fucking bowl, Aymora."

    With a growl of displeasure, Aymora picked up the bowl and pushed it to the edge of the tform where Reth stood. Without hesitation he drew the de across the inside of his arm, holding it over the bowl so that the tiny stream ran across his skin, then pattered into the stoneware.

    Reth just watched it, shaking, but certain. "How much?" he asked quietly.

    Aymora tsked. "You shouldn''t¡ª"

    Reth snapped his eyes up to meet hers, pouring every ounce of his love for his mate, every particle of his strength and control as Alpha, and every moment of the years he and Aymora had known and loved each other into the gaze.

    Aymora''s mouth closed with a snap. She blinked and tears welled in her eyes. Then she turned back to stroke Elia''s head again. "At least half the bowl," she whispered.

    Reth nodded, clenching and unclenching his fist to keep the blood flowing.

    A minuteter when there was finally enough, he picked the bowl up and carried it around the sleeping tform to Aymora''s side.

    Aymora hurriedly dropped several different herbs into it, then held her hand out for Reth''s knife, and used the tip to stir it.

    Then she looked at Reth and took a deep breath. "Put pressure on that so you don''t lose anymore. And¡­ and pray."

    Reth nodded, then stopped because it made him slightly dizzy. He reached across her with his good hand and cupped the beast''s face. "Please, Elia," he whispered. "Drink this. Drink it now and don''t stop until it''s gone. Do it for our daughter. Do it¡­ for me?"

    The beast groaned and paddled one paw up to hook inside his elbow, then she turned her head to lick his palm.

    Reth scratched her face, then looked at Aymora, who nodded and brought the bowl to the beast''s nose.

    *****

    GOLDEN TICKETS = MASS RELEASE!

    The new month begins on Webnovel TODAY. Do you have any Golden Tickets? If you choose to give them here, your tickets count towards our tally for a mass release in the? middle of the month! For every 200 tickets I''ll add a chapter to the mass release! So hit that vote button below, then "Golden Tickets" to contribute. And, as always, THANK YOU! Your support is genuinely appreciated and touches my heart every day!

 Chapter 514: Lions Blood

    <h4>Chapter 514: Lion''s Blood</h4>

    LET''S CELEBRATE! IT''S MY BIG DAY: A WHOLE NEW BOOK, A WHOLE NEW WORLD, A WHOLE NEW HERO! Check out the excerpt at the end of this chapter (added after the chapter was published so you aren''t charged for the words). I hope you love Zev as much as I do!

    *****

    RETH

    "Put pressure on that wound!" Aymora hissed.

    Reth pped his hand over the other arm, but watched, holding his breath, as Aymora offered the bowl to the beast.

    It''s nostrils red and it lifted its head top at the blood. Reth''s heart flew into his throat¡ªthen plummeted again when she shook her head, snorting, and dropped it back to the furs with a soft groan.

    "Shit! The herbs are bitter," Aymora cursed. "The blood will congeal soon¡ª"

    "Do you have a waterskin in there?" Reth asked, his voice shaky.

    "Yes, but water won''t stop her stomach from rejecting¡ª"

    "Empty it," Rethmanded, crawling up onto the tform. "Get off here and empty the waterskin, put the blood in it, and hand it to me."

    Aymora didn''t even hesitate. She scooted off the tform, leaving room for Reth at Elia''s head. He pulled himself into the space, his legs extended in front of him. Then, while Aymora did as he''d told her, he cooed at his mate and coaxed her to lift her muzzle, to rest her head against his thigh, so her nose was high, but he could still see her eyes.

    "I''m going to give you this, and it won''t taste good," he murmured, stroking her face as he would when she was in human form. "But you need to drink it because it will help the pain stop. Help the cub stay inside for now. And then you''ll be able to rest, Love. I know you''re tired. Do this one thing, okay? Then you can rest."

    She stared into his eyes, but hers remained the warm gold of the Lion, even when she huffed, her nostrils ring to take in his scent.

    He continued stroking the side of her face, keeping her muzzle high and whispering his love until Aymora held the waterskin out.

    A teardrop shape, the cap was on the thin end. Elia''s beasty with her nose high and mouth slightly open to pant, her tongue curling between her front teeth. Reth removed the cap from the waterskin and ced it over her tongue, pinching the end so that it only allowed a trickle? down her tongue, into her throat.

    Her breath quickened and the first time she swallowed, she tried to pull away. But Reth just kept whispering to her, telling her all the ways that he had missed her, that he needed her, that he couldn''t live without her. All the ways this was best for her and their child¡ªand all the ways he would show her his love when she was feeling better.

    She snorted more than once, and tried to pull away two more times, but over the next minute Reth emptied the waterskin into her mouth and she swallowed every drop.

    Finally he could breath. Tossing the skin off the bed, he curled over her massive head, holding her, pressing his forehead to hers. "You did so well, beautiful, so well. Don''t give up now. Pray with me."

    And he prayed, and prayed, and prayed.

    While Jayah and Aymora spoke to each other in whispers, while Elia panted and nuzzled his chest, while his heart pounded against his ribs, he prayed, pleading for her life and the life of their child. The cub. He thanked the Creator for bringing her back so quickly after peace reigned¡ªhe thanked the Creator for the tentative peace, for the wolves return. For¡­ all of it.

    He prayed that he and Elia would have many years ahead, and pleaded that they would not be marred by the loss of the life of such a precious little one.

    A rough tongue darted out to lick his cheek more than once, and his arm, that was still trickling blood. But he only nuzzled her and kept praying. Begging the Creator to bring them through this night safely. All of them.

    At some point heid down on his side, the Beast''s forehead against his chest. He kept stroking her and scratching behind her ears, telling her all that the Creator had done since she''d been gone. All the ways he''d been miserable without her, and all the joy he felt? now that she was back.

    "Come back to me, Elia," he begged in a whisper. "Please. All the way back."

    The beast took a deep breath and sighed heavily.

    He didn''t know how long it had been, it seemed like hours, when he was snapped out of his whispers by the realization that the beast had fallen asleep, her head still pressed into his chest.

    "She''s not panting," Jayah said suddenly a few minutester, and leaned into her ribs. "Her heartrate has dropped also."

    Aymora, who had been busy mixing more herbs on top of the dresser against the wall where Reth had taken Elia once, rushed back to the bed and knelt next to Jayah, between Elia''s beast''s legs and pressed on her stomach.

    The beast groaned, but didn''t start panting again.

    Jayah pointed to the muscles behind her ribs and near her nk. "They''ve stopped contracting. For now, at least."

    Aymora nodded and felt her stomach all over. "The babe is still down though, the head at the top of the canal. She could begin contractions again at any time."

    Jayah nodded. "She needs to remain on rest. Off her feet. In a few hours when we''re certain the contractions won''t start again, we need to see if we can get Elia to shift back. We''ll be far better able to monitor her in her human form. She can always shift back for the delivery if it''s needed. If the cub shifts."

    "No, she can''t," Reth and Aymora said at the same time.

    "At least, we don''t know if she can. The shifting is new for her. She''s not really able to choose it," Reth said.

    Jayah frowned, then looked at Aymora. "You don''t use the jabberthorn tonic?"

    Aymora''s head pulled back. "What jabberthorn tonic?"

    "The one that will force a shift," Jayah said, confused. "You truly do not know it?"

    Reth and Aymora gaped at each other.

    *****

    NEW BOOK OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! It''s still in the process of being vetted by Webnovel, but you can find it if you search "Rise of the Dark Alpha":

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 515: Not a Dream

    <h4>Chapter 515: Not a Dream</h4>

    RETH

    "You have a tonic that can force the shift?" Reth asked Aymora breathlessly, hopeing alive in his chest.

    "No!" Aymora cried, then turned to Jayah. "We can stop the shift with the venom of the swamp toad, but¡­ you can force a shift?"

    Jayah blinked and pushed herself back, off the sleeping tform to pick up the small bag she''d dropped at its base when she hade to help. She dug through it to pull out a small, ss bottle stoppered with the gum of the msses tree. "The wolves have used this for generations," she said quietly, her forehead lined with confusion and unease. "I¡­ I assumed all the tribes had it. We use it to test young that might be disformed. And to stop anyone from bing stuck. I try not to use it during delivery, only because we do not know the effects it might have on the offspring. But we have before, with good results." She handed the bottle to Aymora who stared at it like it was a precious jewel. "I can show you how to make it."

    "How¡­ why¡­"

    "Perhaps the wolves have hidden more of our knowledge than I realized," Jayah said, her eyes jumping to Reth for a moment. "Perhaps¡­ perhaps we need to get the healers together soon topare our resources?"

    Aymora nodded. She closed her mouth, but was clearly still reeling from this revtion. "And this will send them in either direction?" she asked faintly. "If we give it to Elia¡ª"

    "It has many of the herbs that we used to stop the contractions," Jayah said apologetically. "We would need to make certain that she waspletely free of the others before giving her that. And¡­ and we cannot give it duringbor, except at the very end if it is obvious she needs to be in a different form. Itsts for an hour or more¡ªgiving more inside that time will only make the first shiftst longer. We¡­ we must use it carefully. But yes, under the right circumstances, we can return Elia to her human form. To my knowledge, as long as she''s there, as long as the bond remains, it will work."

    Reth looked down at his peacefully sleeping mate. In her lion form she was so strong, so massive¡­ He wondered what affect the shift had had on his small, beautiful mate. Had she taken any of the Beast''s character?

    Did he care?

    He decided that he didn''t. He just wanted his mate back.

    "How long will it be until we''re certain that these herbs have worn off and she''s not going intobor again?"

    Aymora frowned. "At least six hours, possibly eight. I would make it eight to be certain, before we give her anything else."

    "And if she shifts in that time, can we give her the other tonic, to keep her in her human form?"

    Aymora nodded. "We can," he said reluctantly. "I don''t like that idea, though, Reth. She may need to shift if she goes intobor again. And the baby may need to shift as well. We don''t know what affect that tonic will have on the baby. We don''t know if.. if it will rewire her as she develops. I would be hesitant to take the risk."

    "You will give Elia anything that keeps her safe," Reth growled. "Our cub is strong. She will endure."

    "But what if it flips the switch in her and she is born unable to shift at all?" Aymora asked him carefully. "That is the risk you run, Reth. We don''t understand all that happens with a babe in the womb, or when things are¡­ finished. Especially with Elia''s pregnancy. She''s developing so much faster than she should. Who knows what affect that kind of drug would have your cub?!"

    Reth let a growl roll in his throat. "I will love my daughter disformed or not. I only need her safe."

    "But that''s what I''m saying, Reth. We don''t know¡ªwe can''t know what kind of affect it could have."

    Reth was tempted to say to hell with the possible effects. He just wanted his mate back. But he knew¡­ he knew he''d regret it if he harmed their child without need.

    "We will wait until we know how she is. What is needed. But we will not rule it out, Aymora," he said with a warning in his deep voice. "In the end I''d rather have them both alive and affected, than gone from me."

    Aymora sighed and nodded. "Well, we can''t make that decision for several hours yet, anyway."

    "But you do not withhold what is needed in an emergency, Aymora," he growled. "If I am not there, you do anything you are capable of doing to keep them both safe."

    Aymora nodded again and reached to put a hand on Reth''s shin. "I hear you, friend. Be easy. I love her too. Whatever is needed, we will do it."

    Reth breathed a little easier then, though Jayah looked uncertain. But he decided not to worry about it just then. What was important then was that Elia was no longer in pain. She was resting. And she still carried the babe.

    "Is the cub¡­ okay?" he asked suddenly.

    Jayah leaned over the beast''s belly again, a small cone that she''d brought out of her bag held against Elia''s stomach, and to her ear. "The heartbeat is strong," she said with a smile. "She is well. For now."

    Reth didn''t like the implication of thosest two words, but he did breathe easier knowing that Elreth was safe.

    He was about to ask Aymora if she''d eaten when the furs seemed to fluff and the warmth he''d been holding for hours disappeared.

    "Reth?" Elia''s voice was tiny and hoarse, and the most beautiful thing Reth had ever heard.

    "Elia! Love!" he gasped.

    Shey on her side on the furs, her head turned to look up at him, her blue eyes an echo of a cloudless sky, and the smile that broke on her face was like the sun rising through it.

    Elia began to cry, happy tears. "It''s real¡­ you''re really here? It''s not a dream?" she asked weakly.

    "You''re really here, Love," he said, his own voice rough with emotion. "And you''re never leaving me, ever again."

    She tried to press up onto her arms, but she was so weak, he gathered her in and just held her there, his nose in her hair,ying on the furs, stroking her back while she cried.

    And he might have shed a few tears himself, but the females were too busy gathering their things and discussing what Elia would need for the next few hours to notice. So they fell into Elia''s hair and dried.

    Thank you, he prayed silently, holding his mate''s shaking shoulders.

    Thank you.

    *****

    DON''T FORGET: HUUUUUUUGE announcementing this weekend! To make sure you''re the FIRST to receive the news, click into my author profile (go into thements and click on my little round pic next to my name where I havemented) and make sure that heart is filled in red! Then Webnovel will share my news with you BEFORE the rest of Webnovel/the world sees it!

 Chapter 516: Reunited

    <h4>Chapter 516: Reunited</h4>

    LET''S CELEBRATE! IT''S MY BIG DAY: A WHOLE NEW BOOK, A WHOLE NEW WORLD, A WHOLE NEW HERO! Check out the excerpt at the end of this chapter (added after the chapter was published so you aren''t charged for the words). I hope you love Zev as much as I do!

    *****

    RETH

    Aymora forced Reth to let Elia go long enough that she could check Elia quickly, while Jayah examined her stomach and listened to the baby''s heart after the shift.

    Elia watched them both with wide, sad eyes. She shivered, though it wasn''t cold in the room, and Reth worried that she was going to shift again.

    "Give her the tonic so she can stay," he said, catching Aymora''s elbow when she started to back off the sleeping tform.

    Aymora''s forehead pressed into lines as she looked down at Elia, who had immediately buried her face in Reth''s neck and clung to him.

    He held her there, stroking her arm, but ring at Aymora. "Do it. I need to talk to my mate, and she needs to be with me."

    Aymora looked at Jayah who shrugged. Then she sighed. "I will give her enough for the next few hours," she said reluctantly. "But we need to have a serious conversation before she takes any more. If the contractions start again¡­" she trailed off.

    Reth just nodded, then coaxed Elia to sit up while Aymora spooned some of the tonic from the green bottle into her mouth. She winced at the taste, but swallowed it, then blinked and smiled at Aymora.

    "It''s you! You''re here too!"

    Aymora half-frowned. "Yes, sweetheart, of course. I''m going to care for you¡ªwith Jayah''s help. Elia¡­ are you okay?"

    Elia''s brows pinched together and she looked back and forth between Aymora and Reth. "I feel so tired. I just¡­ I feel so tired."

    Reth pulled her in and held her close, waving Aymora off when she looked like she might lean in for more examination. "Let her rest. We''ll find out more tomorrow when she''s been able to sleep and eat and just rest," he said gruffly.

    Aymora backed off the sleeping tform, but her eyes didn''t leave Elia, and Reth didn''t like the uneasiness on her face. His mate was fine. She''d just been stuck in her beast, gone into earlybor, and now she was exhausted. She had reached her limit. That was all.

    He was about to tell Aymora so, when there was a knock at the door and they all startled. They''d been so consumed with Elia, they hadn''t noticed the footstepsing up the tunnel, or Gahrye peering into the room.

    "Are you¡­ is she okay?" he asked carefully.

    Elia gasped. "Gahrye!?" she sat bolt upright, pulling out of Reth''s arms and started trying to drag herself off the bed to go to him. Reth was stunned.

    And furious.

    Elia struggled to get herself off the sleeping tform, Aymora ended up helping her, with cautious looks over her shoulder at Reth. But Elia tottered over to Gahrye and gripped his arms as Reth struggled to swallow back a growl.

    "Thank you¡­" she wept. "Thank you for getting me back here."

    Gahrye eyed Reth warily and didn''t pull Elia into a hug. "It''s fine. I''m sorry it was so hard. Are you okay?"

    "No! And yes! I mean¡­ I''m so tired and¡­ nothing seems real. Does this seem real to you?"

    Gahrye nced at Reth again and his throat bobbed. "Uh, yes. But I know what you mean. It''s surreal. Hard to believe."

    She nodded quickly. "And¡­ and we need to talk. And I need to talk to Reth!" she gasped, turning then to face him again and Reth did his best not to scowl as she scrambled back to him, her face crumpling. "I can''t believe you''re here. I can''t¡ª"

    He took her face in his hands and all his anger melted away at the confusion and fear in her. "Elia, listen. I didn''te to you, you came to me. You''re here. You''re in Anima. Do you understand?"

    "I do. I do," she said, nodding, her eyes silvered with tears. "It''s just¡­ it feels like a dream. You remember, right? The dream."

    He nodded too and pulled her into his chest, stroking her hair and kissing her temple. "No more dreams, Love. We''re here now. You don''t have to worry. I''m here. Aymora''s here. Behryn¡­ we''re all going to make sure you and Elreth are safe.

    Then Elia sucked in a looked down at her belly, stretched out between them and put her arms around it, like every mother throughout time, as if to hold Elreth closer.

    "Is she¡­ is she okay? I was in the Beast for so long."

    "She''s fine so far," Aymora said briskly. "You shouldn''t worry, Elia. You should focus on resting and gaining some weight, and getting your strength back."

    "But I couldn''t get back. I kept getting stuck inside it." She looked up at Reth the way a child would look at their father and she shuddered.

    Reth swallowed and held her, uncertain what to say. His heart was sinking to his toes. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong with his mate. She was acting like a child.

    "Elia?" he murmured quietly.

    She pulled her head up to meet his eyes. "Yes?"

    "I think you should rest. I think we should both rest. And we can talk about all of this in the morning. Okay?"

    "Okay."

    Without letting her go, Reth looked at the others. "Leave us. Please. She needs a break. And so do I. You can stay in the cave¡ªall of you, if you want," he said, pushing away the Alpha within him that wanted Gahrye as far from his mate as possible. "But please, leave us alone."

    "Reth, we need to keep checking her every couple of hours to make sure the contractions aren''t returning."

    He nodded. "Then you knock first and you don''te in until one of us tells you to."

    Aymora nodded, and Jayah submitted.

    Gahrye had dropped his head and was already turning for the door. Reth forced himself to call him back. "Gahrye¡­ she''s right. Thank you. I know you got her here. And it wasn''t easy. Thank you. We''ll talk tomorrow. I promise."

    Gahrye nodded, then hurried out of the door head of Aymora and Jayah. Reth asked Aymora to blow out thenterns on her way, and she did, pausing before thest one to give him a weak smile.

    "I know it''s scary, Reth," she said. "But she''s strong. She''ll get through this. You both will."

    He nodded, then closed his eyes in relief when the door finally closed and they were alone.

    *****

    NEW BOOK OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! Add "Rise of the Dark Alpha" to your library now:

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 517: Torn Apart

    <h4>Chapter 517: Torn Apart</h4>

    ADMINISTRATION NOTE: For the next week or two I''m going to try uploading the daily chapters a little earlier (4:30 and 5:30pm, Pacific) to make the content avable to the East Coast readers at a more convenient time. On Webnovel, little details like upload times can have an impact on ie, so this is an experiment to make sure I''m not hurting Reth & Elia''s audience. I''ll let you know if it changes again!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    It was an act of sheer self-discipline not to simply walk out of the cave and back to the Portal and go back to his mate. Watching Elia and Reth embrace, seeing the love in the eyes of the King, and the fear in Elia, knowing his own mate was floundering without him¡­ and he without her.

    He''d been uncertain what to do when he finally reached home. Alone and in the dark, he''d dropped Elia''s bag off at the cave mouth, then taken the trails to go home, his head spinning with the sheer joy of being in the WildWood again¡ªwith its fresh air and the scents of everything natural.

    It waste, but the market was alight withnterns and noise, music¡ªwhich meant they were feasting.

    Reth hadn''t been lying that the peace was new. It seemed like the entire city must have been at the Market, because there''d been no one on the paths.

    He almost walked into it. But he was dirty and tired and¡­ utterly uncertain of himself.

    It was strange. His time in the human world was already fading. The strength he''d known there. Despite his confusion andck of knowledge of the ce, being among humans who were so weak, and their senses so diluted¡­ he''d felt strong. Afraid, certainly, of making the wrong decision. But not of being overpowered. He''d never questioned that in any situation he could control whomever needed controlling.

    And Kalle¡­ her admiration and desire. The sheer joy she took in him¡­ it had been a balm to his fear and insecurity about what to do with Elia.

    When the Creator gave him this purpose, this prophecy, he hadn''t wanted it truthfully, hadn''t wanted a reason to have to stay in Anima without Kalle. But by the same token¡­ he''d seen his own value. Seen that he was needed. He felt purposeful.

    But suddenly, being back here, knowing he was likely only minutes away from walking under the eyes of someone who looked at him and saw nothing but his inability to shift¡­. It was as if everything he''d done, everything he had meant nothing again.

    And his calling? His purpose? No one could know. He couldn''t prove himself to be more than they''d seen, because he couldn''t tell them what he was there to do.

    As he walked back into the Great Room of the cave where he''d sat with Elia so many times, it was a relief to know the decisions for her care were back in Reth''s hands¡ªand that the King was grateful for what he''d done. But it didn''t change the fact that he was¡­ worthless again.

    The sound of sniffing behind him broke through his thoughts.

    "What is that smell?" Aymora said. Gahrye turned to find her frowning, her nostrils ring.

    He looked down at himself, turning¡ªand the twist of his body made the wound in his side sting. "Oh, it''s something the humans put on a wound to stop infection. They call it disinfectant."

    Aymora leaned in to sniff his side, then reared back. "It is very sharp. That must be the smell Reth mentioned on the other Silent One?"

    Gahrye just shrugged. "I''m sorry, I don''t know."

    Aymora frowned harder, then shook her head. "It does not matter. I only wished to tell you before you rest, you are a good male, Gahrye," she said quietly, rubbing his back as he dropped his bag onto one of the couches. "Thank you for bringing Elia back safely."

    "Did I?" he grunted. "She seems¡­ off."

    Aymora hesitated. "She''s acting differently than she did before you crossed the traverse?"

    He ran a hand through his hair. "I don''t know. She''s been in beast form for so long¡­ thest two times I''ve seen her she''s been falling apart, and only herself for a minute or so before she shifted again. She''s really struggled, Aymora. I''m worried¡­ her mind¡­"

    Aymora tsked. "Do not carry that. I do not think it has happened. She''s far too alert. But even if it had, it wouldn''t be your fault. She just spent months apart from her mate, pregnant and alone, in the human world. It would tear anyone apart."

    Gahrye nodded sadly and looked down at his hands. They were dirty. He needed to clean. But where?

    "Will you stay here?" Aymora asked kindly, tipping her head at the Great Room.

    "I don''t think I have any choice," he said. "My house¡­ there was a family in it."

    Aymora''s eyes went wide. "Oh, that must have been a shock. I am sorry, Gahrye. With the war we had to pull in everyone from the outskirts and around the Wood¡­ But your home can be returned to you tomorrow¡ªor perhaps an even better one. I know Reth wants to honor the work you''ve done to keep our Queen safe for these months."

    Gahrye shrugged. "It doesn''t really matter," he said and found that for once the words were true. It really didn''t matter what home they gave him. Where he slept. What position he was given. None of it mattered if Kalle wasn''t with him, or he with her.

    But when would that be possible?

    Aymora watched him for a moment. "Are you okay, Gahrye?" she asked carefully. "Are you hurting?"

    He was, but not the way she thought. Gahrye eyed the wolf female that was settling herself onto a couch at the other end of the room and pretending she couldn''t hear them. "I will be fine," he said honestly. "There''s also nothing anyone can do about it. So¡­ thank you for caring."

    Aymora tsked again. "Of course there are things we can do¡ª"

    "Not right now," he said firmly. "Right now, I just want to bathe and sleep and¡­ just rest."

    Aymora tipped her head, then smiled and rubbed his arm again. "Why don''t you go to the bathing pools? Reth won''t be taking Elia there tonight. That will help you rx to sleep as well. We will be getting up every couple of hours, but you can ignore us. Sleep."

    Gahrye said yes just so she would stop talking to him. He appreciated that she cared, and knew if he needed something he could go to her. But just then the only thing he wanted was Kalle. Or failing that, to be alone.

    So, trying to ignore the waft of Kalle''s scent that came when he opened his bag, he grabbed a change of clothes and bid both the females goodnight, then walked through the cave towards the bathing pools.

    As soon as he pushed into the high, dark cavern of the bathing pools, with its pleasant rush of falling water sttering onto the rocks and running cool and fresh into therger of the two pools, with the clouds of steam rising in waves, bringing with them the scent of the mineral pool, the glistening rock shining from the reflection of the shaft of moonlight that came from the hole above where guards could be seen standing over it¡­ all he could think was how much Kalle would love it.

    He remembered that first night she''d taken him out to the forest, when he''d needed to be outside so badly, and the memories of holding her there, kissing her, the yearning that welled up in his chest was a physical ache.

    So, he didn''t stop to enjoy the pools, or rx. He stripped off, lowered himself into the water and scrubbed at his skin, then immediately got out. There was a towel folded near the cave wall as he walked in, so he used it to dry himself, then got into his clean clothes with, with a heavy sigh, pushed the door back into the cave.

    As he curled up on the couch trying not to be noisy to disturb the females who would have their sleep broken anyway, he stared at the cave ceiling and swallowed again, and again, and again.

    But the pinch in his throat just wouldn''t go away.

 Chapter 518: Dont Sleep

    <h4>Chapter 518: Don''t Sleep</h4>

    PATREON SHOUT OUT: Thank you, @Sravanthi82 for being a SUPER FAN on Patreon! I am always so blessed by your generosity andpassion for my characters. Thank you for being such a great support to me!

    *****

    RETH

    Theyy together in the dark of the cave, Elia''s head on his shoulder and her breath washing over his skin. She didn''t breathe like she was sleeping, but she also didn''t speak. He left her to rest and vowed to watch over her, to keep her safe. To know if anything began to go wrong, even before she did.

    He couldn''t rx.

    He was overjoyed that she was back. Terrified of what was yet toe with this unknown pregnancy and¡­ The image of her pulling out of his arms to rush to Gahrye kept running in a loop in his head. Her childlike confusion and frantic emotions.

    He shifted uneasily, dropping his head to the side to kiss her crown.

    Elia''s hand that was resting on him twitched, her fingers digging into his chest for a second. Her nails¡ªlong and uncut for weeks¡ªbiting into his skin.

    He was grateful for it. It meant she was truly here. He wouldn''t wake in a moment with the scent of her on the furs, but her warmth fading and her presence¡­ gone. He knew he wouldn''t. He knew she was truly here. But a sharp, unfocused terror still screamed in the back of his head.

    He''d almost lost her, that much was clear. She''d been stuck in her beast¡ªand who knew whether she yet would be again. She''d almost delivered their cub prematurely, and still might. And she''d¡­ she''de back changed.

    Had the human world broken her mind?

    He prayed it hadn''t. He prayed her confusion tonight was a result of the herbs, the fear, the time in her beast, the dreams¡­ all of it. He prayed that when she woke, finally rested, her mind would be clear and she would turn that look of love and desire back on him¡­ that they would share the struggle of keeping her healthy and their baby growing inside her for as long as the Creator allowed.

    He prayed that she wasn''t changed permanently.

    He huffed a humorlessugh at his own thought. Of course she was changed permanently. He had been. And his life had at least been¡­ recognizable. Hers? Her entire world had shifted, literally.

    She was Anima now.

    He shook his head. She was beautiful, and magnificent, massive and fierce.

    And she was his. No matter what, she was his.

    He pulled her tighter into his chest, and she buried her nose in his neck and sighed, clinging to him.

    No matter what, he thought as he stroked a hand down her back.

    No matter what.

    *****

    ELIA

    It wasn''t real. It couldn''t be real. It was another dream¡ªand scary this time because she''d almost lost the baby in it. A nightmare. But Aymora had given her the tonic, so she would stay here for a while, and she needed to be here.

    She couldn''t handle it anymore. Everything that had happened, everything that hadn''t happened¡­ she''d retreated into her beast, and she knew it. She''d given up fighting and it was the wrong thing to do. But she didn''t know what else she could have done.

    Gahrye had Kalle and they needed to be together as much as they could.

    Reth was fighting Lerrin¡ªpossibly even losing, though her entire body tightened at the thought and she prayed and prayed that he was safe.

    They''d been given the hidden histories, but her mind¡­ she couldn''t hold the information anymore. She''d tried. She''d tried to read and remember and¡­ she''d failed.

    No. She was easier to care for as the beast, so she needed to stay that way until Reth came for her.

    Kalle and Gahrye would find what was needed.

    They would deal with Shaw¡ªanother reason for her to stay in the beast.

    An image shed in her mind then. Part of this dream. This horrible dream. So much darker than the others had been.

    Shaw''s face¡ªfirst twisted in anger and malicious glee, then wide and screaming with pain.

    The taste of him, of his blood, his flesh was in her mind and she shook it away.

    That wasn''t her. It was a dream. She hadn''t done that. It was a dream.

    The voices¡­

    That was the onlyfort in this dream, it had shielded her from the voices. Not forced her to meet them again.

    She didn''t think she could have done that.

    But Shaw¡­ if the voices could follow people out¡­ had they followed her and Gahrye?

    She tensed in a rush, her entire body going rigid. Dream-Reth shushed her, pulling her closer and kissing her hair, murmuringfort.

    This was the best part of the dream. She didn''t want to leave it.

    She couldn''t go to sleep. As soon as she slept she would fade and she would be back in her own world, alone and in pain and with no answers about Reth¡­

    No. She needed to stay here and stay awake, and enjoy this for as long as she could. Because there was nothing on the other side for her. Gahrye deserved to be with Kalle without her ruining everything.

    She sighed and inhaled Reth''s scent deeply, memorizing again the texture of his skin, the salty taste of his corbones.

    Everything within her seemed to swell at the smell of him, the warmth, the smooth strength of his skin.

    How was she going to survive leaving again?

    She wouldn''t. It was that simple.

    So, she couldn''t sleep. As long as she stayed awake, the tonic would keep her here, and she could love Reth and be close to him, and he was alive.

    It didn''t matter how tired she was. It didn''t matter how spent, or weak.

    She wouldn''t sleep. She would justy here with Dream Reth and love him. Ache for him. And pray that none of the things she''d seen in the past twenty-four hours would actuallye true.

    She wasn''t sure she was strong enough to do the traverse again. But if Gahrye could keep her safe in it, she would. To get back to Reth, she''d do anything.

    She definitely wouldn''t eat Shaw. Hadn''t eaten him. Even in the dream she''d stopped herself after only a few bites.

    He''d tasted horrible.

    The hair on the back of her neck stood up and she turned away from the thoughts.

    That wasn''t what she needed right now. Right now she just needed to be here, close to Reth, to soak him in.

    Who knew how long it would be before they could meet again in the dream like this?

    *****

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 Chapter 519: Dream of Me

    <h4>Chapter 519: Dream of Me</h4>

    RETH

    Reth hadn''t thought he''d sleep at all. But then he was suddenly aware of being in the cave, in the pitch darkness, Elia''s warmth beside him.

    It took a moment of blinking to understand that he was back in the dream and she was there with him.

    And she was crying.

    "Elia?" Heart pounding, he reached over to pull her in, dragging her across the bed until her back was pressed to his chest.

    She sucked in a breath and rolled over, her hands immediately going to his face, his hair, his neck. "Reth, you''re still here?!"

    "Love, I''ve been here¡ªwhat''s wrong. Why are you crying?"

    "Because I can''t go back, Reth!" she wailed, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his throat until he almost couldn''t understand her words. "I can''t wake up! I can''t do it anymore!"

    "But¡­ but, Love you''re here with me. When you wake up¡­ you''re here. You''re home."

    "Reth, this is a dream!"

    "This is," he said, pulling his head back so he couldb her hair back from her wet face. "But you are here, in Anima, with me. Don''t you remember?"

    She went very still, staring up at him in the dark. For a moment he reminded himself that she couldn''t see him¡ªthen he remembered, she had Anima senses now. Her eyes weren''t searching the dark for him, she was searching his eyes for the truth.

    He dropped a soft kiss on her lips, then pulled away again. "Elia, you''re home. You''re in Anima. We''re in the furs together and I''m holding you and this¡­ this is forever. I''m never sending you away again. It almost killed me, Love."

    "It almost killed me too," she said and her breath caught. "I can''t¡­ I''m afraid, Reth."

    "Oh, Love," he breathed, stroking her hair off her beautiful face and kissed her again. "I''m here," he whispered. "I vowed your life before mine, and I only mean it more every day. If anyonees for you, they''ll have to get through me first¡ª"

    "No, Reth, that''s not what I mean," she hupped. "I''m¡­ I''m scared of what''s going on in my body. I''m scared I''m going to get lost in my beast forever. Sometimes¡­ sometimes I don''t want to be in my own skin anymore. Sometimes I just want to let her have everything and¡­ go away."

    His hands tightened on her reflexively and he had to swallow a growl. "Why would you leave me?" he whispered, surprised by the dart of pain in his chest at her words.

    "I wasn''t leaving you, Reth. You weren''t there and I couldn''t get to you, and I couldn''t talk to you and I had no idea if you were even alive! And it just¡­ it was killing me. I had to get away from the pain. It was making me insane!" she wailed. She pressed her face into his neck again, her tears trailing down his throat to his corbones.

    Panic fluttered in his chest. What had he done sending her over there? What price would they pay for it?

    "Elia¡­ Elia, look at me." He urged her to pull away, to meet his gaze in the dark. He stroked her hair back from her face and took one of her hands in his and kissed her fingers. "I''m here, Love. Look at me, feel me. Hear me. I''m here. This is the dream right now, but when you wake, I''ll be there too. You''re home, Elia. Getting here¡­ it wasn''t a dream. Being here wasn''t a dream. You''re home, Love. You''re really home. And I''m never going to send you away again, no matter how dangerous it gets."

    Her tears fell faster, but he could feel her softening, breaking, beginning to believe him.

    "Come with me, Elia," he whispered.

    "Where? I''ll go with you anywhere, Reth."

    "Let''s wake up and start our lives again."

    She sucked in and he shook his head. "Trust me. Do you trust me, Elia? Still? After all this?"

    "What are you¡ªof course! Reth!"

    He nodded. "Then trust me: You are here, Elia. It isn''t a dream. It wasn''t your mind making things up. Your beast crossed the traverse¡ªsomehow¡ªand you are here. And I am¡­ so grateful. Creator''s Light, Elia, you have no idea."

    She spluttered into tears again, but for the first time she smiled through them.

    "Are you ready?" he asked quietly, letting his voice go slow and soothing.

    "I¡­ I don''t know."

    "Do you believe me?"

    "I believe that you believe it."

    He chuckled and her eyes closed, joy passing over her face. "I love you, Reth," she whispered. "I love you more than anyone."

    "And I love you more, Love, you know that." He took her mouth again, his stomach clenching and body hardening, shuddering with the sheer delight of having her in his arms.

    Something inside her snapped and she opened her lips, taking his tongue with hers and whimpered into his mouth, arching her back to bring them against each other.

    Reth pulled her thigh up and over his hip, her thick, round stomach between them like a ball of warmth. He curled around it, stroking her leg with one hand, cupping her face with the other, and kissing her like they were about to make love.

    She shook, clinging to him, her voice high and thin.

    If he didn''t stop, he was going to take her right here, and that might just confuse her more. So he forced himself to stop kissing her, though his hand still gripped the back of her thigh, and his breath heaved.

    "Are you ready, Elia?"

    "For what?"

    "We''re going to wake up and you''re going to see that you''re with me. That we''re together now. And we''re going to face this. Right now."

    She stared into his eyes hers still shining with tears, but she nodded her head. "I¡­ just in case," she whispered, "Just know that I''m in love with you, Reth. I need you. No matter what happens, or where¡­ where I go. I need you."

    He groaned and leaned in quickly for one more kiss. "I need you too, Elia. It''s why I''m so thankful that you''re with me," he whispered against her lips. "Now, wake up."

    ******

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 Chapter 520: Life Again - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 520: Life Again - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    The first thing she was aware of was her arms and legs.

    She was human again.

    She breathed out in a great rush of relief, flexing her fingers and toes tentatively to test them. Yes. They were still there.

    She was herself.

    She didn''t know for how long, but she was herself again.

    Then she felt the solid steel warmth at her back and she froze instinctively, breathing in¡ªall the scents of Reth¡ªpine and rain, the furs, their bedchamber, and that unmistakable musk that was uniquely him.

    Then arge, calloused palm, a handrge enough to circle her ankle, that had been cupped over her thigh began to slide up her body, following every ripple and valley, as the broad chest behind her began to vibrate against her back with a low groan of pleasure.

    "Elia¡­" His voice was deep and resonant, his breath fluttered in her hair as he buried his nose in it, nuzzling her jaw. "Love¡­"

    Crying tears of joy, she dropped her head back against his shoulder and stretched to bare her neck to him. He''d pushed up on one elbow so he curled over her, his massive body covering hers¡ªhis knees behind hers, his feet under hers, his arm under her head, and his hand roaming, cupping and shielding herrge stomach.

    He opened his mouth on her neck and goosebumps prickled from her neck to her knees on that side. She screwed her eyes tightly closed, knowing if she saw him she would burst into tears. And she was so, so sick of crying. Even tears of joy.

    She had to find it in herself to believe she was truly here. To let herself take the risk of being let down¡ªa hope that, if dashed, she feared would break herpletely.

    Then he whispered her name again and his breath thundered in her ear and her heart sang.

    This wasn''t a dream. That she was back in the arms of her mate and he was promising never to let her go again.

    "Reth." His name broke from her throat like a call and she tried to roll over, but he stopped her, whispering about the baby, her stomach, his desire not to hurt her. Instead he turned her jaw and found her lips, plundering her mouth with a promise of what was toe.

    Elia''s heart pounding in her ears until she almost couldn''t hear him say her name like a prayer. She raised her arm to reach for him, to fist his hair and pull him against her. He trailed those gorgeous warm fingers up the underside of her arm and her skin pebbled like chicken skin.

    Then something within her broke open and she sobbed with joy. And as Reth gave the mating call, she couldn''t kiss him deep enough, couldn''t get close enough, wanted to pull him inside herself and hold him there so they would never be apart again.

    His body rolled and rubbed as she arched against him, whispering his name, her skin ame wherever he touched.

    When she felt him, velvet covered steel, pressing at the seam of her thighs, it was as if he''d sent a jolt of electricity to her core. Her body came alive and she cried out.

    Reth growled and held her even tighter against him, one hand that had been stroking her stomach pulling up to cup her breast, rolling her nipple between his thumb and forefinger to send more electricity, jagged and alive, through her to meet the boltsing from between her legs.

    Then, with a long, low call, deep and resonant, that echoed against the walls of the bedchamber, he lifted her upper thigh and found her with his fingers.

    Elia gasped and broke the kiss to drop her head back against his hard shoulder.

    "Light, Elia," he croaked, his voice shaking. "Do you know you''re here? Do you know this is real?" he pleaded, rolling against her. His body, hot and demanding, threatened to overwhelm her senses, and she wanted it. She yearned for it.

    "Yes!" she gasped. But still he didn''t take her. "Reth, please¡ª"

    His hands were everywhere, stroking, finding her, sending hot and cold sparkles across her skin wherever he passed. When he slid over her core, teasing her, her mouth dropped open. She almost couldn''t find her voice, but she needed it to tell him, to demand that he give himself to her! "Reth¡ª!"

    "Thank the Creator that you''re here, Elia," he groaned andtched onto her neck with an open mouth, sucking and holding her to his chest with the arm under her head, at the same time that he pulled her thigh higher and finally, finally entered her.

    She didn''t know who made the noise that erupted from her, but the world faded, tunneling to a tiny universe where nothing existed except Reth¡ªhis love, his power, his strength, his body. She felt him everywhere¡ªher skin, the soles of her feet, behind her eyes. It was as if his body called to hers, and when they joined her soul throbbed.

    He cried her name with every slow, lingering thrust, clinging to her, gripping her to him as he curled around her. He shook with the force of his need, his hands so gentle, and yet desperate, raking fingers up her sides, a warm sp at her inner thigh, soft lips on her neck, the gentle suck on her earlobe¡ªand the probing, velvet iron of him inside her, until she was no longer Elia, but half of a whole that started with him.

    "Reth!"

    "Oh, God, thank you¡­ Elia!"

    "You''re here! You''re really here!"

    "Love!"

    "Never leave me, Reth, please!"

    "Never!"

    "I love you, Reth! I need you!"

    A strange shudder broke over his body and he lost control, one hand cupping her forehead, the other holding her thigh as he began to pound into her, his cries of her name evolving to a wordless moan, to the mating call.

    And its response broke from her throat, enveloping them both in a resonance that hummed in her bones.

 Chapter 521: Life Again - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 521: Life Again - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    She couldn''t think, couldn''t breathe, couldn''t move, could only throw her hands back to find his shoulder, his neck, his hair, and hold on as he took her like he would die if he didn''t.

    And with every thrust the mes inside her roared higher, until his fingers found her, cupped her, slid from the point where they were joined up to press on that swollen bundle of nerves and she shattered.

    Screaming his name, she arched, clenching down on him as she rode out the wave of love and pleasure that called to her soul.

    "Elia! So beautiful!" Reth thrust again, again, and a third time, then he roared as his entire body shuddered, overwhelmed and wrecked then copsed, drenched in sweat, panting in her ear.

    Neither of them moved, both of them frozen, locked together as they slowly slid back to earth¡ªbut didn''t want to.

    Elia''s skin throbbed and her heart swelled. But she didn''t want to cry. She wanted to shout for joy. She wanted to roll over, but she couldn''t bear to lose him inside her, and so she? pulled his hand from between her legs to rest on her stomach, sliding her fingers down the stiff hair of his forearms until her fingers slid between his.

    Something within her, tight and hot, wasn''t letting go and she was d for it, for this reminder of what they were, what they had, what they could do to each other.

    Reth''s chest heaved like a bellows, but he finally moved his head toy soft lips at that spot below her ear. "Are you okay?" he whispered, then kissed her again.

    "Oh, Reth," she sighed, on the edge of tears again.

    But before she could finish the thought, feet pounded in the hallway outside and Reth hurriedly yanked the furs up and over Elia''s nakedness, snarling a growl as the door flew open to reveal a furious Aymora standing in the light of the tunnel outside.

    "What the fuck are you thinking, Reth? Both of you!"

    Reth''s growl rolled, deep and aggressive, his instincts clearly pushing him to protect her from the potential threat of an angry lioness.

    "Reth, it''s okay," Elia whispered and tried to squeeze his fingers over her stomach. But just then her entire belly gave a sharp tug and she clenched around him again.

    Reth groaned and raised his head from hers, turning to look at Aymora in the doorway, anger painted on every feature of his rugged face. "Aymora. Get. Out."

    "No, Reth, YOU get out! You can''t mate right now! You''ll get her contractions started again!"

    "I''m fine," Elia said, her voice shakier than it should have been, partly with nerves, partly from the pain of the cramp searing across her belly.

    "Get. OUT!" Reth snarled.

    "Reth!" Aymora snapped. "Listen!"

    "Both of you, stop." Elia tried to make it amand, but it came out on a rush of breath as the entire lower half of her body seemed to suddenly bear down and pain speared through her.

    Elia grunted and curled over her stomach, suddenly sick, her hands shaking as she refused to let go of Reth''s hand.

    "Elia?" he asked quietly, shocked out of his anger. "What''s wrong?"

    "I''ll b-be¡­ f-fine¡ªoh!"

    "Shit!" Aymora strode into the room.

    Reth snarled and started to rise, to pull out of Elia, but she didn''t want him to leave, grasped for his arms and spluttered, "No!"

    Half-sitting, still holding her hip, he snapped his head to look at her, his eyes sharp and zeroed in like a hawk about to dive. "Elia, what''s wrong?"

    "I just¡­ I just¡­" She couldn''t quite get her breath. The pain in her stomach and lower back felt like someone had held a de over the fire until it glowed red, then plunged it into her.

    "She''s going intobor again, you fucking idiot," Aymora snarled as she reached the end of the sleeping tform. "Elia, I know you don''t like this, but I need to examine you. You''ll need to¡­ separate yourselves so I can see if there''s anything we can do."

    Elia wanted to swear. And disappear. But instead she buried her face in her hands as Reth, whispering promises of Hades on Aymora, slid out of her and kissed her neck and her hair, breathed promises of more love, forever love in her ear, then pulled the furs up to Elia''s chin and growled at Aymora to just give her a damn minute.

    "A minute might be too long, Reth! If you''ve triggered actualbor, we might all be spending today delivering a cub. What the hell were you thinking?!"

    "I was thinking that my mate is finally returned and I needed her."

    "Well, I hope it was worth it. After the night we had I can''t believe you didn''t think!"

    "Stop," Elia whispered, but neither of them heard her.

    Another set of footsteps entered the room and Elia smelled wolf. For a moment her entire body tensed¡ªwhich sent her back and stomach into another round of white-hot spasms.

    "He couldn''t keep it in his pants for five fucking hours!" Aymora ranted. "Can you get the tonic and the warming poultice. It could just be a response to the activity, but we need to get her rxed immediately."

    "Then stop y-yelling," Elia groaned into her hands. "Please."

    "Love, are you¡ª"

    "Reth, get out of those furs, you''ve done enough."

    "I am not leaving my mate!"

    "No one has to leave¡ª" Elia tried to say, but it turned into another groan and she dropped her hands to her belly, hugging it to her, suddenly not able to speak as the pain mmed into the base of her spine, like a truck barreling over her.

    There wasn''t anymore yelling then. Aymora''s voice became all cool and calm collection as she put one hand to Elia''s head and the other to the side of her belly.

    "Hold on, sweetheart," she said softly as Jayah clinked bottles and rustled through bags somewhere else in the room. "Try to breathe. Try to rx. And just hold on."

    "Reth?" Elia said in a tiny, wavering voice.

    "I''m here, Love. I''m not going anywhere."

 Chapter 522: Just Hold On

    <h4>Chapter 522: Just Hold On</h4>

    RETH

    The following hours were the most horrifying and helpless feeling Reth had ever experienced¡ªeven more than throwing Elia into that damned Portal by herself. Watching her writhe on the bed, tears in her eyes from pain, and Aymora and Jayah work so hard to ease her, to stop her body trying to push this cub out before her time¡­ it twisted his stomach in knots and made him want to fight something, or someone.

    But the enemy wasn''t a person. It wasn''t even a force. It was Elia''s own body.

    There was a moment when Aymora''s voice became very clear and tense, and Reth''s heart raced so fast he thought he might faint. But when he tried to ask, she only growled at him to wait and pray, that no one had control there except the Creator himself.

    The following minutes were so tense that Reth''s hands clenched to fists and he wanted to growl. At one point he considered plowing into Lerrin''s prison and challenging him, just to have a way to vent his fear and frustration.

    He couldn''t do a damned thing except stand next to the sleeping tform, petting Elia''s hair and watching while the females tried to save his mate, and his cub. It was the first time in his life that he couldn''t control the win.

    He couldn''t win, at all.? He couldn''t dominate. He couldn''t over-power. He couldn''t persuade. Nothing.

    He was useless. And so he prayed.

    At least Elia was in human form this time¡ªand after a heated debate between them, Aymora, reluctantly, gave her the tonic again to make sure she stayed that way. But the fact that Elia was no longer a beast just meant that he could see her eyes and the pain they held. The paleness of her skin. How thin her arms and legs were. How weak she looked¡ªeven more weak than she''d been before, which seemed impossible.

    How had she be Anima and ended up weaker?

    "Pull it together," Aymora hissed at him at one point, when Jayah had Elia''s attention and was exining to her that they had to examine her to see if she had begun to dte. "Your Mate is fighting for her own life and the life of her cub and you''re standing here looking like a cub who got lost chasing a butterfly. Snap out of it, King Reth!" she sneered.

    Reth growled, and opened his mouth to tell her exactly how much bigger than a cub he was, when Aymora broke into a relieved smile.

    "Much better," she said, then turned on her heel, muttering something about Alpha pussy cats.

    Reth humphed. But he didn''t have time to focus on Aymora''s maniption.

    "She''s dted, but only two centimeters," Jayah said to Aymora who took a deep breath. "That would be natural for anyone thiste in the pregnancy," Jayah added to Reth directly. "It''s a good sign. These contractions¡­ we should be able to stop them."

    It seemed like he held his breath for an hour. But between the herbs they were able to give her, and the rxation exercises Aymora talked Elia through for what seemed like hours on end, eventually the sheen of sweat on Elia''s forehead dried, and her eyes stopped pinching.

    At some point, Aymora slumped, leaning on the sleeping tform. "Okay¡­ I think she''s okay." She said quietly.

    Eliay on her side, one arm around her belly in a protective gesture Reth had seen of every pregnant female, no matter her tribe, the other tucked under her pillow. Her eyes were closed, and the deep purple bruises underneath them weren''t quite as stark. There was a hint of color back in her cheeks.

    Reth leaned his forehead on her temple and stroked her hair.

    Her hand came off her belly to find his cheek and cup it, though she didn''t open her eyes. "I''m okay, Reth. I''m okay. We''re both okay."

    "For now," Aymora said, that steely disapproval back in her tone. She had paled slightly as well, some of gray at her temples stered to the sides of her face with sweat. "But you absolutely cannot do that again."

    Reth bared his teeth.

    Aymora growled first. "How could you have been so thoughtless? Is it worth the life of your cub just to wet your prick?!"

    "I had no idea it would affect her in that way!"

    "Oh, please, Reth. You are not a stupid male!"

    "Perhaps in these matters I am."

    "Then hear me clearly: You do not touch her. You do not bring her pleasure. You do not take her in any way until this cub is born. Anything that stimtes her is at risk of setting off contractions again, and I cannot safely keep giving her these tonics! She has at least two or three weeks left before your cub will be big enough to deliver safely. And she is to stay off her feet during that time as much as possible."

    Reth blinked. "Two or three weeks? She should have months! What the hell has happened?"

    Aymora''s jaw tightened. "I do not know, exactly. But that cub fits the size and development of an Anima pregnancy of seven months. She seems to be developing three or four times faster than a normal pregnancy."

    Reth''s jaw dropped. "How can that be?"

    "It''s the blood," Elia said faintly. He and Aymora both turned to look at her. Reth''s stomach dropped. Was she losing touch with reality again?

    "What did you say, Love?" he asked carefully.

    Elia opened her eyes to give him a distinctly flinty look. "I am physically weak, not mentally, Reth," she said dryly, though her voicecked power. "And I''m telling you, I think it was the blood. The blood they gave me when Lucine cut me. And your blood that you gave me because of my arm. Kalle thought my bloodstream must have mixed with the baby''s. And maybe that''s part of it. But¡­ but if it''s a blood thing, my money''s on the blood sharing. Somehow it made Elreth grow quickly, and made me¡­ change."

    *****

    (POSTED 16/17 October) LIVE Monthly Voicechat and HUGE announcement tomorrow, starting at 1pm Pacific (that''s Sunday in the US/Monday in Southeast Asia)! If you can''t be there, ask me your questions in thements and I''ll answer them live, then you can watch the reyter on my Youtube channel (Author AimeeLynn). Or make sure you''ve "liked" my author profile on WN to receive the announcementter in the day.

    If want to be there live, join my discord TODAY by downloading the discord app on your phone and clicking the + sign, then entering these characters: 92g42X4nRv

    SEE YOU THERE!

 Chapter 523: Authority

    <h4>Chapter 523: Authority</h4>

    WINNERS! WINNERS! CHICKEN DINNERS! The winners of the Top Tier Privilege Paperback Draw for September are.... *Drum roll please...*

    KING OF BEASTS: Lisa_Demko

    QUEEN OF BEASTS: Alyssah_Maree

    Congrattions!! If you can both contact me on email ([emailprotected]</a>) and let me know the address you''d like me to send the book to, and what name I should sign it to, that would be great!

    And don''t forget, I''m doing another Paperback draw for Top Tier readers of both books in October. All you have to do is buy the top tier of privilege, thenment on the most recently published chapter, "I want a paperback" and you will be entered!

    *****

    RETH

    Aymora raked a hand through her hair, her eyes thoughtful at Elia''s words about the blood sharing.

    "That''s probably true," she said. "I hadn''t considered that the healing effects might elerate other things."

    "What are you talking about?" Reth sighed. Baffled. "I healed her with my blood. But it was only her arm. She didn''t ingest it. There was no sharing the way the wise-women do it."

    Aymora nodded. "But some of your blood must have gotten into her bloodstream¡ªespecially if the wound was grievous. We haven''t shared blood with a human before, to my knowledge. Of course, I hoped it would heal her, but I hadn''t thought about¡­ perhaps whatever it is within us that moves healing so quickly could also do other things. Like grow a cub."

    "But¡­ but she hasn''t had the Anima blood for months!"

    "Exceptst night," Aymora said, dropping her face into her hands. "I''m such a fool. Of course. That''s why¡­ that''s why it workedst night¡ªit elerated the impact of the herbs as well."

    Reth grunted. It did make sense. If Anima blood healed faster, it must also elerate other processes in the body¡ªespecially effective in the body of a weak human. Aymora hadmented at the time that Elia had healed even faster than she would have expected from an Anima. That somehow the leonine blood had worked better for Elia than it did even for the Leonine.

    Reth''s heart leapt. "That means we can heal her, right?! Get her to the ce where she can handle this and her body will stop trying to move the cub¡ª"

    "She doesn''t need healing Reth, far from it. We have, without intending to, healed her into overdrive. I can''t give her any more blood because we don''t want to speed this pregnancy up any further¡ªit''s eating her from the inside out. Look at her!"

    "No, she''s¡ª" he turned to look at his beautiful mate and noticed again her gaunt cheeks, the dark shadows under her eyes, her limp hair and thin limbs¡­

    Creator''s Light. Aymora was right. "And we gave her morest night," he groaned.

    "There''s nothing to be done for it now," Aymora muttered. "But no more. Whatever affects it has¡­ those will have to do. She needs rest. To eat as much as she can so the blood can work from the fuel she''s giving it, rather than her own body. And no more mating!"

    The words were a pang to his stomach, but the idea of harming Elia¡­ he shivered.

    "I''m serious, Reth."

    "I know you are." He waved her off, already convinced on that point, and crawled up onto the furs with Elia, toy on his back and pull her under his arm. "Rest, Love. Everything''s safe for now."

    Elia sighed andid her head on his chest. "I just need a little sleep," she said, yawning.

    Reth nodded and stroked her hair. But as Aymora and Jayah arranged different herbs and bottle along the top of the dresser, and Elia nodded off, his face went stony.

    Elia could not do anything. He couldn''t allow her to do anything that might jeopardize herself, or Elreth. Until Elreth was born¡ªan entirely new threat, that process¡ªhe must make sure Elia did nothing except rest and eat.

    Except¡­ except he was King. His people had just been through war. The entire WildWood was reeling.

    And he had an Alpha wolf in prison.

    Reth wanted to bite something.

    He had a people who had just found peace. Who needed to be guided back to unity. History was being written every day.

    Yet, his mate was here, walking the tightrope between the life and death of their cub. And possibly her own.

    He sighed even more heavily than Elia had.

    As Elia began to snore quietly, Reth gestured to Aymora, who came to stand next to the sleeping tform.

    "Do you have any messengers outside?" he asked as quietly as he was able.

    Aymora shook her head. "No, but when I went to my cave yesterday to get supplies and find Jayah, I told Behryn what had happened. I believe he''s put sentries in the meadow."

    Reth nodded. "Ask one of them to get a message to Behryn and the Security Council. I need to meet with them, but I don''t want to leave. Get them? here. I''ll speak with them while she sleeps. You or Jayah can call me back in if she wakes."

    Aymora smiled and patted his arm. "We can watch over her until you''re done, Reth¡ª"

    "No," he said firmly. "She got confusedst night. She thought we were in the dream. She thought when she woke she would be back in the human world. She was terrified, Aymora. I have to be here for her. She has to be able to see me and touch me and know she''s safe. That she never has to go back there."

    Aymora''s forehead lined with worry. "She had¡­ lost touch?"

    "Not exactly. She just thought that seeing me and being with me¡ªand you¡ªhere in Anima was a dream. She was afraid to sleep and then wake up from it, as we had while we were? apart. She was¡­ Aymora, she had started giving up."

    Aymora sighed and looked at Elia''s face on his chest. "My poor daughter."

    "We have to keep her close and rxed. If she thinks she''s been separated from me again¡­"

    "It''s okay, Reth. We''ll help you. I''ll get a message to Behryn and the others. They''lle. They''ll be d to know Elia is here, I''m sure. Don''t worry. We can do this."

    Reth wasn''t so sure. He might get away with not being seen by the people for today, while everyone was preupied with moving and reuniting with their families¡ªand sleeping off the effects of the feastst night. But soon¡­ soon decisions would have to be made. Soon he would need to be seen, just for the people to know that all was well.

    But he would think about thatter. "Thank you, Aymora. Thank you."

    She nodded and left the room quickly to do as she''d promised.

 Chapter 524: [Bonus Chapter] Broken Wolf

    <h4>Chapter 524: [Bonus Chapter] Broken Wolf</h4>

    LET''S CELEBRATE! IT''S MY BIG DAY: A WHOLE NEW BOOK, A WHOLE NEW WORLD, A WHOLE NEW HERO! Check out the excerpt at the end of this chapter (added after the chapter was published so you aren''t charged for the words). I hope you love Zev as much as I do!

    *****

    LERRIN

    He hadn''t seen Reth since they left the clearing, Lerrin''s people in tow¡­ no, not his people. Reth''s people, that he loved and watched over. Lerrin had spent countless hours since just staring at the wall wondering what would be of him. At times death seemed like it would have been a relief and he wondered if this was the Creator''sst punishment¡ªto bring him through his own sin healthy and strong so that he was forced to face it.

    Then,st night, faint scents and sounds of the feast reached him even through the thick walls of the Tree. At first they were sessful in buffeting him, reminding him of what he''d lost, what he yearned for.

    But then he remembered¡­ he had never really yearned to be Alpha.? Not in the way of the WildWood.

    For a time he lost himself in thinking about what he would do if he could. If there were no limits. No responsibilities. No expectations.

    What would he have done with his life if he had a choice?

    Images of that cave in the side of a mountain, of vast forests and ins empty of Anima. Of his own pack, the pups running to him to beforted, to be protected.

    Of his mate, turning to him in the furs¡ª

    But he''d seen her face then, a part of the vision he''d never had to endure before. And he hated her for it. Hated her, in that moment, for stealing his peace. For her lies and her deception. For not being the female he''d thought her to be. For allowing him to let his guard down for the first time. For showing her beauty, but not revealing the darkness behind it.

    He''d shuddered and rolled over on the floor, pulling the thin nket over his shoulder and he had closed his mind and gone to sleep.

    Then woken in the early hours of the morning this morning and been unable to sleep further.

    And so, he stared at the walls and watched for the moment when the morning sun finally reached the high window above him.

    When the handle on the door turned, adrenalin shot through his system. His father had held prisoners before. He knew what could happen to them when the victors got bored or angry. So whenever that door opened he was always on his feet in a defensive stance, and ready.

    Except¡­ this time the guards only peered around the door to check that he hadn''t ambushed them. Then they disappeared and her scent hit him before she appeared, a much smaller figure, carrying a tray, with the white hood of servitude pulled low over her hair and eyes.

    The storm within him threatened to tear him in two.

    One half of his heart sang, leaping for joy at the sight and smell of her. It pushed him forward, his hands twitching to reach for her. Begged to know if she was safe and healthy. How she had fared returning to the City.

    But the other half of him was a roiling storm¡ªthunder crashing, lightning bolts of jagged anger that lit up the rest of him and made his hands yearn for a throat.

    She knew none of this, of course, as she walked across to him, carrying the tray that held his breakfast¡ªand a much nicer breakfast than he''d been given any other day.

    She also had a small basket over her elbow, but he forced himself to look away as she set everything on the ground, then approached him, slowly, with just the tray.

    "Your breakfast," she said, barely above a whisper. She held out the tray and after a moment he took it from her.

    He didn''t begin on it, though his stomach grumbled at the scent of the food¡ªstill warm, if he didn''t miss his guess. And some of his favorites. The raisin scones he''d always taken extra of when they were made by the cooks. And some of the salted pork that cooked in slices.

    "I¡­ I tried to bring the things I know you enjoy," she said in that hushed voice. She still hadn''t lifted her head. He couldn''t decide if that was a mercy or not. When he didn''t speak, her throat bobbed. "I also brought cloths and a small bucket of water," she said, her voice faltering. I''m sorry it''s not warm, but I wasn''t allowed¡­ I know how you like to be clean. I''m sorry it isn''t a bath. But I will request¡ª"

    "That won''t be necessary," he growled.

    She startled and it pained him to see her body flinch that way, but he didn''t say anything.

    They stood there a moment, her staring at her feet, him staring at her. Then she turned around and picked up the basket she''d had on her elbow and began to pull things out of it. Arge, thick jar with a wide cork that held clear water. Four thick cloths. And a small bar of soap.

    "I''m sorry it isn''t more," she whispered when she''did them on the floor at his feet. "It is the best I could do."

    "You can go. I don''t need a servant," he snapped.

    Her shoulders dropped. "I do not serve you, Lerrin," she said hesitantly. "My devotion is for the Creator. But he has¡­ tasked me with caring for my ma¡ª"

    "Leave."

    The little intake of breath was a de between his ribs. He thought she would go. But instead she lifted her head, her hood falling back far enough to reveal her clear, bright eyes¡ªand the pain and tension behind them.

    He swallowed. He wanted to snarl at her to leave him alone. To stop staring at him. To stop showing him the light that burned in her eyes¡ªthe hope she still held! The desire!

    He could not stomach it.

    He broke the gaze and looked down at the cleaning things she''d brought for him. "Thank you," he ground out.

    "I could¡ª" she reached for his buttons as she had done for months, to help him remove his clothing so he could wash, but he sucked in a breath and jerked himself back a step. Then another.

    "Do not touch me."

    A small shiver travelled the length of her spine, and he hated himself for the reminder to her.

    With a muttered curse, he said, "Suhle, I didn''t mean¡ª"

    "I know," she said, her voice barely louder than a whisper. She forced a small smile. "I only grieve because it is my calling, my purpose in life to serve you, Lerrin," she said simply. "I would take joy in assisting you¡ª"

    "No!" he barked, and stepped away again. "Please. leave. I am¡­ I am grateful for your thoughtfulness, but I do not need assistance. I will clean myself and leave the things near the door so they can be picked up againter. By whoeveres next."

    "That¡­ that would be fine," she said carefully. "I will pick them up when I bring your lunch."

    "You don''t need to do that personally," he muttered. "Any servant will do."

    The tiniest corner of that light in her eyes snuffed out, but her smile only faltered for a moment. "The others don''t wish to serve the wolf king," she said. "But I do."

    He stared at her, unable to think how to respond to that.

    Then she bowed, tugged her hood up over her eyes again, and turned around and left.

    *****

    NEW BOOK OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! It''s still in the process of being vetted by Webnovel, but you can find it if you search "Rise of the Dark Alpha":

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 525: Broken Hearts, Broken Minds

    <h4>Chapter 525: Broken Hearts, Broken Minds</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye hadn''t really slept, though hours after he went to bed on the couch he''d reached that ce where the world was fading and he was drawing into himself.

    Until he heard them.

    First, Elia, her voice high and desperate. Then Reth, calling to her. The adrenalin rush sucked him out of the half-sleep void and his eyes opened to the darkened cave, the arm of the couch under his head, and the rhythmic joy of the voices in the bedchamber.

    The thick, rock walls of the cave were a mercy. He couldn''t hear everything. But he could hear enough.

    He was immediately mmed with the memories of his own mate¡ªher head thrown back and throat bared, her body prickling under his hands, writhing. Her voice in his ear.

    The sheer desperation he felt for her tightened his body. Then Elia cried out and Gahrye was on his feet, hands shaking. Despite eyes stinging and bleary withck of sleep, he was wide awake and he had to get out. Get away from this.

    He couldn''t be in the presence of their joy and desire. It would break him.

    He''d left all his things inside the bag on the floor, so it was a simple matter to pick it up and throw it over his shoulder and stride for the door.

    Aymora cursed as he was crossing the Great Room towards the door. She leaned over to shake Jayah, muttering something about stupid Alpha males, but Gahrye didn''t care. He didn''t want to hear anything. None of it.

    He''d unbarred the door and was pushing to get out, almost at a trot, when Reth''s roar shook the cave. He didn''t even pretend anymore and began to sprint, the echo of Reth''s roar chasing him into the meadow.

    He couldn''t go back. He couldn''t. But as he sprinted towards the trees, he also realized he had nowhere to go.

    He''d gone to his old Tree the night before¡ªto find lights on, and the noise of a family bubbling from inside it.

    Aymora had exined that many of the Anima had been forced to share or move to make room, to bring everyone into the protection of the Tree City when battle was imminent. She''d assured him they would have a home for him today. But¡­ but that didn''t help him just then.

    He slowed once he got under the trees and onto the path back to the City. Then stopped.

    Where would he go?

    For a moment the sheer misery of his situation washed over him in a wave. He dropped his bag to the ground and stood there, face in his hands, fighting tears. Had he done so little, meant so little that he was just an afterthought now?

    Elia would help him, he knew. But she was consumed¡ªwith her mate, and with hering cub.

    Instinctively he turned back¡ªthen remembered Elia''s cry, and Reth''s roar. His mind flooded with Kalle¡ªthe scent of her, the warmth and softness of her skin, the rose blush of her nipples¡ª

    He jerked his head aside, pushing the images away. He couldn''t torture himself that way, it would tip him over the edge.

    But what could he do? Sit in the market all day?

    It didn''t sound appealing, but he also wasn''t sure what other option he had. He picked up the bag and began to walk¡ªuntil he looked up and realized, the sky was barely gray. The market wouldn''t be open for at least another hour. Probably two.

    Kalle''s eyes, that strange mix of brown and green and gold, shed in his mind and for a moment she was there with him. Smiling up at him, rubbing his arms, enjoying his strength.

    She leaned into his ear and whispered all the ways she admired him¡ªthe desire she felt when he lifted heavy things. The admiration she had for his integrity, his mind. The trust she felt.

    "I know you''ll always do the right thing," she''d said to him. "I know I can trust you no matter what''s going on. You''ll always do what you think is right. Do you know how rare that is?"

    She''d looked up at him with thoserge eyes, her lips pulling up into a smile. "The world needs more men like you, Gahrye."

    Then she''d shown him exactly how much she trusted him.

    He stumbled on the path and blinked,ing back to the present with a jolt.

    He couldn''t let her down. He couldn''t be anything less than she''d seen. The Creator would never let him go back if he failed.

    Gahrye took a deep breath of the clear morning air and raised his head to scan the forest.

    He was here. He was back in Anima. He was alone¡ªbut not forever. Somehow he would get back to his mate. Somehow. Until then, he couldn''t give in to this pathetic self-pity. This weakness.

    He was not weak. He was not stupid. And no matter what the Anima here thought of him, back in the human world, his mate saw his strength.

    He would show her that whether she was with him or not, she never had reason to fear that he would do anything to shame her.

    Snorting and nodding once, he started along the trail again. But now his mind was racing. He needed a ce to sit in the quiet and n, to figure out the best way forward in his purpose. The purpose the Creator Himself had given him.

    Then he met a fork in the path and hesitated before taking the one that would return him to the center of the Tree City and the market. Because he''d just remembered: The disformed cave.

    He and the other Outsiders used it to gather when they were tired or sick of being under the eyes of anyone who judged them for their birth.

    It wasn''t the mostfortable spot, but it would be mostly private, and only interrupted by Anima he actually wanted to see.

    Maybe¡­ maybe he could start on this purpose today. After all, the disformed were the ones he had to focus on. What better spot to begin his¡­ what was it? A campaign? A battle? A n?

    All of the above.

    And he was the right Anima for it. Even the Creator made that clear.

    The rest of them could kiss his ass, as Kalle would say.

    He knew what he was there to do.

 Chapter 526: Purpose

    <h4>Chapter 526: Purpose</h4>

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Your Golden Tickets have earned a total of FOUR chapters for mass release this week, so strap in for FOUR chapters, one every half hour, beginning NOW! To earn more chapters at the end of the month, keep blessing Reth & Elia with those Golden Tickets!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    The trail went due north to the Tree City and the market, but Gahrye set his eyes on the northwest fork. His bare feet made barely a sound on the hard packed dirt. It was so early the birds hadn''t even started to sing yet, though they would start soon.

    And he would wee it when they did.

    As he trudged along the trail that curled around the edge of the City, towards the side of the small mountain that loomed, a lonely peak, on this side of the City. As the ground began to climb, he wondered if he would find other disformed already in the cave.

    They hadn''t really furnished it, but there were a few mats and bags spread around for people to sit or lie on. And most of the disformed he knew had slept there more than once¡ªusually when there was conflict within their families or home over their disformed state. There was a small, branching tunnel at the back of the cave where Gahrye had bedded down in the past. But in the months before he left with Elia, there''d been no need. He was the Queen''s Advisor.? A Cohort. Though it hadn''t necessarily changed the minds of the Anima, there was no doubt that they felt less free to hold him in contempt. And some had stopped sneering at him altogether.

    His family had never rejected him outright. He''d always felt his parents were just¡­ sad about the state of him.

    For a moment he envisioned telling them¡ªnot only was he a Cohort now. He was a Protector! The disformed weren''t useless. Their human state had a purpose and their blood could save lives!

    Then he was reminded of what the Creator had shown him¡­

    He was a Protector, that much was true. But when he read the winds it came through vividly. The disformed could be Protectors. Many were capable of it. But right now, they were weak and untried, and not all had the strength of character.

    He couldn''t tell anyone. The Creator had made that clear. Elia could know. Had to know. Kalle, too. But no one else. They couldn''t speak of it¡ªnot directly¡ªto anyone else. The disformed were still to weak. If others were to learn the power they could wield, the battles they would win¡­ their enemies would descend them now, while they remained in this state, unprepared and weak. They wouldn''t have what was needed to ovee the attack.

    So everyone else had to continue to believe the disformed were useless. Otherwise they would be revealed too soon, and that would be catastrophic.

    When the time came, the Creator would bring the right Anima to know and understand. And that person would know not only how to protect the Protectors, but how to bring them to their greatest strength.

    That was not Gahrye''s job. His job was to hold their secrets, and to prepare them for the day they were called into their true destiny.

    He and Elia and Kalle.

    The disformed were going to save the Anima from an enemy so vile that, if it seeded, it would end their people and destroy their world.

    Elia is in Anima now, just as she needed to be. She was the bloodline. It was Gahrye''s job to help her. But he also had to start identifying other Protectors and training them. Preparing and equipping them for the day they were needed.

    And all in secret.

    He reached the cave and for a moment as he walked up the path to the cave mouth, he was ovee with a sense of walking back in time¡ªhad it really only been a year ago? The days he had trudged up this path, beaten down and discouraged. Convinced his life was useless and would never amount to anything of value to his people.

    Look how far he hade already!

    Then he stepped inside the cave mouth, found the cavern empty and dusty and¡­ depressing.

    He scanned the floor and walls and sighed. There were a few pillows and bags on the floor, and a dresser with a broken leg against the wall that he and a few of the other males had carried up two summers ago in case there was ever anything that needed to be stored here. There was a small pile of tes and cutlery inside an enamel bowl, though he caught a niceyer of dust and a dead spider inside it as well. It looked like no one had been in here for a while. The pillows weren''t dusty, but everything else looked¡­ forgotten.

    This wasn''t the ce that would make the disformed feel like they had a ce to belong. They needed to do better. He needed to make this a cave to wee and hold the disformed in safety. A ce to retreat when they struggled, or needed each other.

    They needed sleeping tforms, chairs, tables, and a few rugs.

    They needed to make this a home.

    The home that the disformed would use to shield themselves from the contempt of the rest of the world. A ce to just be themselves, but together.

    He dropped his bag against the wall, near the dresser and made a mental note to get what was needed to fix the splintered leg on it. Then looked around.

    There was a broom here somewhere. He''d sweep it out. Fluff the pillows, and maybe ask Elia or Reth for some furniture¡ªor at least a few more bags for people to sit on.

    They wouldn''t be able to fix everything today, but apparently the Tree City had just walked away from war. What better time to create a ce of congregation for the disformed than now?

    In his mind he could see Kalle''s smile, her sheer delight at what he envisioned. She would makements about needing flowers and throw rugs. Things to make the room soft and inviting. And maybe he would do that one day. But for now¡­ for now he needed the ce functional. And clean.

    It wasn''t like he had anything else to do.

    Gahrye dusted his hands off and got to work.

    *****

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 Chapter 527: The Specter of Fear - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 527: The Specter of Fear - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia rolled over in the bed and for a moment she smiled. She wasying on fur. Reth''s scent was strong, and though only onentern was lit, she could see clearly, her Anima-sharpened eyes not needing even that small light to¡ª

    She''d stretched out a hand and begun to roll back, to reach for Reth, but he wasn''t there. The furs were cold where he should have been, and when she rolled all the way over, there was no sign of him at all. No leathers tossed over the dresser, no drawers left open, no little note or gift on the pillow.

    It was as if he''d never been there.

    Elia sucked in a breath. "Reth?" she whispered. Then again, louder. "Reth?!"

    Hands shaking and heart pounding, Elia threw the furs back and scooted herself awkwardly to the edge of the sleeping tform. Internally, her mind screamed.

    He''s not here.

    He''s not here.

    HE''S NOT HERE.

    Her teeth chattered, not from cold, but from fear. It was a dream. She was back in the dream and when she woke up she was going to find out that all of this¡ªbeing back in Anima, being herself again, loving with Reth that morning, even the risk to Elreth¡ªhad been a dream. She was still in the human world¡ªback in her beast trapped, unable to speak or exin anything to anyone.

    She was a prisoner in that ce, a prisoner watching herself slowly lose her mind.

    Her feet, softened again by months on carpet and shoes, ached on the cold stone of the bedchamber. Then she stepped on a small pebble that had obviously caught in someone''s clothing and been dragged into the room. She hissed a curse and almost fell, gripping her stomach instinctively to protect Elreth as she stumbled across the floor towards the door.

    Still naked¡ªnot that that mattered in the dream¡ªshe took hold of the door handle and turned, throwing it wide so she could see if any nightmares waited for her on the other side.

    She sucked in a huge breath to scream when a white face and long hair were right there¡ªbut it was Aymora.

    It was Aymora.

    She hadn''t breathed out yet, but her adoptive mother hurried inside, her eyes surprised and unhappy. "You aren''t supposed to be out of bed unless you need the¡ª"

    "Where''s Reth?" she gulped, holding Aymora''s arms.

    Aymora paused, holding her arms back. "He''s in the Great Room. He''s meeting with the Security Council. He asked me to stay with you. I just went to get a cup of Kaf¡ªI didn''t get enough sleepst night. Elia, you need to get back in bed. Being on your feet might start your contractions again."

    "I need to see Reth." It was irrational, but something told her if she could just see him, touch him, she''d know he was real. That she was really here. That it wasn''t a bad dream, but¡ª

    "Well, unless you want to walk naked into the Great Room and greet Behryn, Brant, and the rest of the Security Council naked, I''d suggest you get back into the bed and let me bring you a drink. Reth wille as soon as he''d done. I assure you, he left very reluctantly," Aymora said, with a dry smile.

    "But¡ª"

    "Elia¡­" Aymora''s voice was gentle but firm. She rubbed Elia''s arms and held her gaze. "I''m here because I love you. Reth''s here and he loves you so much it''s a little bit sickening. But he is the King, and our people have been at war. He cannot spend all of this day holding you. I''m sorry, but you need to get back in bed. And let himfort youter."

    Elia''s heart pounded, racing, her head beginning to thump. She opened her mouth to argue¡ªshe was supposed to be getting past this human fear of nakedness anyway, right? None of the Anima cared. If she walked out¡ªthen her stomach gave a sickening lurch and a tiny pain began at her side, just in front of her hip.

    She blinked and let go of Aymora to hold Elreth.

    "Now," Aymora said sharply. "Lay down this moment, Elia."

    Fighting tears, but knowing the woman was only trying to help her, Elia nodded and turned, slowly crawled back up onto the bed, andid down on her side.

    At first, Aymora didn''t speak. She picked up a long, thin cone that looked as if it had started life as a seashell, and a small bottle and spoon from the top of the dresser, then she joined Elia at the bed.

    A few minutester she dered Elia safe, for now. "You need to stay as rxed as possible. We need to keep your body from believing there''s a reason you need to deliver.

    "I know," she said quietly, rubbing her hard belly. "I''ll do as you say. I''m just¡­ I''m just tense, Aymora."

    "I know," the older woman sighed. She returned the items she''d held to the dresser then came back to the side of the sleeping tform. "So, what do you need right now. Other than Reth, what can I get for you?"

    "Nothing, I''m fine," Elia said quickly, and even she could hear how hollow her voice sounded.

    Aymora sighed and picked up Elia''s hand from the furs and lifted it, showing it to Elia, one eyebrow raised to make her point.

    Elia was clenching her hand so tightly, her knuckles were white.

    Elia swallowed and took her hand back, cradling it to her chest. "I just¡­ the only thing I want is Reth," she said weakly.

    Aymora shook her head. "That isn''t true. It''s just how it feels," she said quietly. She looked thoughtful for a moment, then suddenly climbed up on the sleeping tform andy down next to Elia on her back, staring at the ceiling, her hands on her stomach.

    Elia watched her, uncertain what to say.

    Slowly, Aymora took her hand, then once their fingers were entwined, began to speak.

    ******

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 Chapter 528: The Specter of Fear - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 528: The Specter of Fear - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    Aymora cleared her throat. "You''re suffering, Elia. You have experienced awful things. And a great deal of fear. You cannot stifle that and believe it will not cost you. If you try¡­ it will onlye out in ugly ways. You''ve been through a lot of fear and change in the recent months. So has your mate. You will both be changed by it, and you''ll shock each other with your changes. Elia, you need to be open and honest about what you''re feeling, what hurts you, and what frightens you."

    Elia swallowed. "There are three things," she said carefully. "Being apart from Reth. I''m terrified we''ll be kept from each other. Losing Elreth. And¡­ getting stuck in my beast again. If I shift¡­ Aymora, I''m not sure I can get back."

    Aymora took a deep breath. "When you are delivered and your cub has grown, we can train you for the shifting¡ªif it''s still happening."

    "Why wouldn''t it? Aren''t I Anima now?"

    Aymora shrugged. "We don''t know if the effects of the blood are permanent or not. As for your cub, well, we can never be certain with a delivery. It is dangerous, it''s true. But myself and Jayah and all the wise-women will help, and the other mothers. We haven''t lost a baby in the Tree City because of delivery in many years. We''ll pray you aren''t the next. But¡­ Elia you just need to keep her inside as long as possible."

    Elia nodded, stroking her belly. "I know. She''s grown so fast." Then her heart began to pound again. "Will she continue to grow too fast, do you think?"

    "I don''t think so. I think it''s your human blood. Once Elreth is out of your body¡­ unless she has human blood herself¡­" Aymora sighed. "The truth is, I don''t know. That''s why things are scary. But we will get through them, Elia. Together."

    Elia swallowed tears. "Thank you."

    They were both quiet for a moment, Aymora''s fingers entwined with Elia''s. But then, as if she braced for it, Aymora rolled her jaw and spoke again.

    "As for your fear about Reth, about being apart from him¡­ I understand that fear. I have lived it," she said quietly.

    Her mate, Elia thought. She lost her mate. "Do you want to talk about it? I don''t want to pry."

    "You''re my daughter. It isn''t prying for you to ask about my life, Elia."

    Elia waited, watching her face, but Aymora didn''t turn, didn''t meet her eyes. Just spoke to the ceiling of the cave.

    "The truth is, I never want to speak of it. But I hope it might help you to hear my story. Or at least, let you see you are not alone in your fear."

    Elia swallowed again and squeezed Aymora''s hand as the older woman''s eyes began to well.

    "It''s okay," Elia whispered. "I''ll still be here when you''re ready."

    Then shey there, stroking Aymora''s hand with her thumb, and waited.

    *****

    RETH

    He sat in thergest chair in the Great Room, his the dry skin of his elbow catching on its worn leather. The males around him continued to discuss what was happening in the City¡ªwhere they''d reached the day before, what had happened over night. But Reth was struggling to concentrate.

    Elia was here. She was home. And she needed him.

    She''d curled up like a child in his arms all night, clutching him even in her sleep whenever he moved as if he might shift away.

    Aymora had stayed in the room to be with her while he was gone. She''de out a few minutes ago to get a drink in the kitchen, moving quietly and discreetly so she wouldn''t draw attention, but Reth had wanted to roar at her¡ªhis mate was alone! What was she doing?!

    He knew the urge for the irrational thought that it was and kept his teeth closed to stop himself speaking. He should take it as a good sign that Aymora had left the room for a moment. That meant that Elia wasn''t in danger.

    Didn''t it?

    "¡­all in all, it could have been so much worse." Pharrayn, the sheep eldermented. "The melding does seem to be keeping the wolves in check, at least for this initial gathering. We do have some logistics to sort out today¡ªsome of the homes are still empty, while others have more than one family. We''ll need to explore whether they''re staying together because they wish to, or whether one side doesn''t want to relinquish it. But these are little more than petty squabbles. We should have them sorted in days."

    "Petty squabbles can be bloodthirsty conflicts when the people are tense," Behryn replied.

    "Certainly. But my point is that if we appoint an elder, or a panel, to mediate any conflicts that arise, if we prioritize housing and food for everyone, even the small pressures we have now will dissipate. We just spent a peaceful night, the very first night after a split tribe reunited¡­ frankly, I''m floored."

    The other elders murmured, either in agreement, or reluctant uncertainty.

    Reth agreed that a night with no actual conflicts was a achievement, given where they''de from just days earlier. They continued to discuss the best way forward and it was decided that since Brant was still ordered by Aymora to stay off his feet, he could attend a table in the City where the people could bring their questions or concerns about housing or resources, and the joint council would answer them daily.

    Reth breathed easier knowing he wouldn''t have to be instrumental in that.

    He almost felt peaceful, so grateful was he that the people seemed to be invested in their own peace.

    Then Behryn had to go and drop a steaming pile in the middle of the room.

    "I think the thing we have to decide quickly is what the hell we''re going to do now with Lerrin. Reth? Bringing him in was your stroke of genius. Mind sharing with the rest of us where you think this goes from here?"

    Reth swallowed the sudden urge to bite out his best friend''s throat.

    *****

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 Chapter 529: Rebel in Disguise

    <h4>Chapter 529: Rebel in Disguise</h4>

    RETH

    Reth''s hands tightened on the arms of his chair until his nails threatened to punch through the old leather.

    His father would kill him if he did that.

    "Thank you for bringing it up, brother. You are, as usual, as subtle as a jabberthorn."

    Behryn snorted and a few of the males chuckled. But Reth didn''t smile.

    "Well?" Behryn asked a momentter, his eyes firm and glinting. Reth made a mental note to check in and make sure his brother was okay. It was unlike him toe to a meeting looking for a fight.

    "I haven''t decided yet. I''m open to advice. The one thing I do know is that the male has proven he was true in his intentions to bring the people to me, back to the rest of the Anima. I do not believe he deserves death."

    "You dismiss death as a punishment for raising a rebellion? For splitting the Tree City to its roots? For attempting to kill you¡ªand for almost killing me?"

    Ah, so that''s what this was about. Hollhye must have been in Behryn''s ear again. She remained hostile towards the wolf, despite his sess in bringing the people back to peace.

    "Those actions, in istion, would have had me killing him on the Hallowed Grounds, and you know it," he said firmly. "But since those actions, the wolf has proven his humility, his love for his people¡ªover protection for himself¡ªand his strength in leadership. Until I am certain how to channel what he is, I will not make a decision that I cannot take back."

    "Can''t take back¡ªlike murdering the King? Or the Captain of the Guard?"

    "Like adding bloodshed to bloodshed when I am trying to tell the people that our goal is peace. Peace under threat of violence is a false peace, Behryn. And you know it."

    His brother''s lips were tight, the muscles at the back of his jaw twitching. He eyed his best friend with concern. What had made him so angry? He had been nervous about bringing Lerrin in, but on board for the male to be given a chance to prove his intentions at the beginning. What had changed? And why hadn''t Behryn talked to him about it in private?

    "Well," Brant spoke up, his voice slightly hoarse fromck of sleep,? his injured ankle extended on a chair in front of his seat¡ªat the insistence of Aymora. "While I agree both that the wolf has taken actions that deserve death, and proven that his intentions have changed¡­ I am more concerned with being realistic about our options, and considering the impacts on the people. He raised a rebellion Reth. One that was very nearly sessful. If you wanted to seed further discord among an already uneasy people, to have him walking around free would likely do it. Any wolf that determines they are wounded or have suffered injustice would immediately rally behind him¡ªor find inspiration in him. He still lives, he still walks without apparent consequences¡­ that does not speak of caution to anyone who would consider the same action."

    Reth nodded. It was the dilemma he''d been juggling since the moment he realized he was going to save Lerrin, not kill him. And there had been more than one moment since that he''d regretted the decision, though not for the reasons these males would understand.

    "As I see it," Reth said carefully, "the wolf has helped us, which does not mitigate the actions he took, but does give me reason for mercy in choosing his punishment. I do not believe he deserves to die. But I agree, he is a figure to ignite rebellion. By the same token, however, do not underestimate how some of his people will react if he is killed. They love him. They have followed him into hell, and now back. They choose me only because he told them to, and lived the example. Their loyalty to me is not won yet. If he were killed in apparent cold blood, there is just as much risk of raising a rebellion in retaliation, as there is in resentment, in my opinion."

    "He is not respected as Alpha any more¡ªhe submitted to you and broke the terms of the Rite. And on Hallowed Ground. He showed no honor at all in the end!"

    Reth snorted. "If you truly believe he is not respected after he submitted, then how do you exin so many of the people holding back when their warriors attacked? It was at his order that they stopped advancing. They also listened to him when we met to negotiate."

    "They argued a lot."

    Reth gaped. "When have we known wolves not to argue?"

    Behryn rolled one shoulder, but his face was dark and angry. Reth frowned. They definitely needed to speak in private.

    "As for him breaking the terms of the Rite¡­ that was my idea," Reth admitted. Eyebrows went up around the room. "I could see that he had chosen the good for his people, though he had the strength to win the challenge¡ªor at least make a very real attempt. I couldn''t in good honor not kill him under the circumstances, but if he broke the terms, the rules were no longer in y. I asked him to shift, to break the rules, so that I could keep him alive."

    He''d thought he was being merciful not only to Lerrin, but to Suhle. Yet¡­ well, that hadn''t gone as he''d nned.

    The males all shifted in their seats, their eyes darting to each other, looking distinctly ufortable at this admission.

    It was Behryn who spoke up, though. "Mercy is admirable, Reth. But you have created as many problems as you''ve solved with that little stunt," he seethed.

    "Under the circumstances, I still believe it was the best decision I could make with the information I had at the time. So, we cannot go back to change the past. We must walk forward to the future."

    "What future? That''s the point. What are we going to do with him?"

    "If nothing changes, if there is no other requirement for him, and he has not breached the peace, or encouraged others to do the same, I will likely banish him," Reth said slowly. "Let him make his way elsewhere, in peace, but no longer a threat here. That is, I think the very best oue we could expect."

    ******

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 Chapter 530: Heartstrings

    <h4>Chapter 530: Heartstrings</h4>

    RETH

    Behryn gaped. "You''d just¡­ let him go? And trust him to stay out of trouble?"

    Reth growled. "Of course not. I would escort him to the end of the WildWood and bid him make his own way from there."

    "How would you ensure he never returned?"

    "Firstly, the guards can watch to ensure he crosses the ins. But once they have returned, we would guard against him in the same manner that we guard against every other threat," Reth snapped, losing his patience. "With diligence and patrols, and a good eye for our own defense."

    "We missed the encampment."

    "And we will not make that mistake again. Have you not been continuing the bird patrols?"

    "Of course, but they will only get more clever now that they know we know what to look for."

    "Have you considered that they might not be nning a second rebellion? That the melding was real."

    "Yes," Behryn said baldly. "I''ve also considered that it is stupid to see what I want to see, and not n for the worst."

    The males around the room murmured to each other, discussing the options. Reth waited, but no one raised protest¡ªor agreement. They seemed willing to wait until Reth had made his decision, though not entirely easy with it.

    "I have been clear," Reth said. "I will not sentence him to death unless something changes. And the moment it changes, I assure you all that I will. But if we assume that Lerrin is not going to give back in to the evil that took the wolves from us, then what we need to figure out is how it looks today. Tomorrow we can take care of tomorrow." He sighed. "For now, he will remain a prisoner, and one who cannot take visitors. Once we have the people in their homes, the rations distributed, and we have looked to quell any rebels¡­ then I will see where we are with Lerrin and the wolves, and I will make the decision then."

    A discussion began then about the rebels that might still remain among them¡ªthe one part of this entire situation that still had Reth losing sleep. He knew¡ªwith certainty¡ªthere had to be spies among them. The question was whether any of their leaders still remained. And what they would do with their limited numbers if they did.

    But as the discussion continued, Reth''s mind turned once again to the bedchamber and his weak and at risk mate.

    Aymora still hadn''te out. He prayed that meant she and Elia were reconnecting. Elia needed a female''s touch. Although Aymora could be brutal at times, she was wise, and she hadpassion. Especially for Elia.

    Hopefully, they were enjoying each other and would be able to do so until he was free.

    His heart yearned to simply get up and walk away from the males, but he knew he couldn''t. He had to lead all of his people, not just his family.

    Then he remembered the sight of Elia this morning, curled into the furs, deeply asleep, but her forehead still lined with worry, her thin shoulder pushing out from under the fur, her skin pale.

    It was like taking a knife to the gut.

    Please keep her safe, he prayed. Her and Elreth. Don''t let either of them be stolen from me. Please.

    But of course, there was no answer.

    He would have to just wait and see¡­

    *****

    LERRIN

    When the door opened that morning, he was still in his furs with his back to the door. But instead of the adrenaline rush he normally experienced with the guards came for a visit, his heart sank.

    Only Suhle entered with those quiet, shuffling steps. He could feel her eyes on the back of his neck, and he froze. If he turned, she would be there, her eyes on his¡­ those pools of bright love and hope that continued to shine, no matter how cold or indifferent he pretended to be. They were breaking him down, those eyes. He had to steel himself before he rolled over to see them.

    But even catching sight of her from the corner of his eye shook him. He only made it to his back, then covered his face with his hands as if he were still waking up. In truth, he was a coward hiding himself from his mate.

    The female who would have been his mate, he corrected himself.

    "Are you¡­ well?" she asked, her voice a little too high and thin.

    His instinct was immediately to check her and he did so without thought¡ªturning his head quickly and scanning her from toe to crown. She had that shaken quality in her voice that was usually only there when she''d caught unwanted attention from a male.

    "Are you?" he asked carefully. There were no marks on her clothing or person that he could see. But there were high spots of color in her cheeks, and her eyes has that shining glint that often preceded tears. "What happened?" he asked, though she hadn''t responded.

    He was half out of his furs and getting to his feet when she startled, lifting her hands to stop him. "Nothing! I''m fine!" she rushed to whisper. "I only¡­"

    "What?"

    "The guards."

    "What. Did. They. Do?" His voice was dark with promise of what would happen to them if they had touched her. She blinked and her breath came faster.

    "They only tease," she said breathlessly. "Truly, they mean well. But they believe Ie to¡­ service you."

    Lerrin stalked across the room, brushing past her, forcing himself not to stop as he was hit by her delicious scent. He reached the door and¡ªas he suspected¡ªthe guards hadn''t locked it. He yanked it wide and the two guards who had been chuckling with each other outside immediately turned, their spears pointed at Lerrin''s throat.

    "Back up!" the older of the two snapped. "Or I will open your throat!"

    Lerrin raised an eyebrow. He stood there naked, without weapons, in a doorway, while they were armed, and there were two of them. He was good, but not that good.

    Well, not with the slop they''d been feeding him, anyway.

    "If either you or any other guards say another inappropriate word to her, I will have your throat," Lerrin snarled.

    The guard blinked. But he was disciplined and not easily distracted. "Get. Back," he said through his teeth. "Now."

    Lerrin stepped back and folded his arms to show that he was not defending himself. "Shees in good heart to lighten my load and you cheapen her devotion to the Creator with your coarse implications. Do not do it again. Do not allow your brethren to do it. I wish to remain in peace, but I will not stand for her honor being disparaged!"

    The lieutenant eyed Lerrin for a moment. He didn''t lower the spear, but he gave a single nod. "I will pass the word around."

    The second guard, younger, huffed. "Why would you care about the honor of a rebellious wolf?" he muttered.

    Lerrin and the lieutenant both red at the male. An equine if Lerrin didn''t miss his guess. "Shut your mouth until you''ve grown some hair on your balls," the first guard growled. "The honor of a female is the honor of a female, no matter her tribe. If I can own my wrong, so can you. Or you can dig cesspits for a month until you learn to!"

    The guard muttered, but Lerrin nodded. Then he closed the door and turned on his heel to return to his furs.

    Suhle stood in the middle of the floor, her mouth slightly agape¡ªand smiling.

    Lerrin''s stomach sank again.

    "Thank you, Lerrin," she said breathlessly. "I didn''t¡ª"

    "Go," he grunted, returning to his furs without meeting her eyes. "This is not the ce for you."

    He caught the confusion on her face before he passed her, and his stomach clenched. But he didn''t stop, dropping to the floor to pull the furs over himself again, and turning his back on her.

    "I¡­ but¡­"

    "Go!" he barked. "Do not force me to throw you out bodily!"

    Her breath caught and held. Lerrin didn''t move.

    He didn''t hear anything until the door opened and there was a low murmur as she greeting the guards on her way back out.

    He wished his chest didn''t tighten, as if bands of steel encased his ribs.

    He had done the right thing.

 Chapter 531: Glad Youre Back - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 531: d You''re Back - Part 1</h4>

    READER SHOUT: Kathy_prewitt thank you for suggesting the names "Rawl" and "Elyn." And huge thank you to IrishJ_MJ and Janell_Apple for being top 3 Golden Ticket Supporters during September! There''s a little surprise for both of you here. I wish I could see the names of EVERYONE who donated Golden Tickets so far this month. Me and other authors have put in a request to Webnovel so we can identify all of you! Until then, just know that I am so grateful!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He had just finished sweeping and was about to pull the dresser out from the cave wall to see what he would need to fix the leg when voices began to echo on the path outside. Momentster, five disformed walked into the cave, teasing and joking, then going still when they saw him there.

    "Gahrye!? You''re back!" Elyn leaped forward. The blonde equine was all legs andrge smiles as she rushed forward. He only just made it to his feet before she hit his chest, hugging him and squealing about how good it was to see him.

    "When did you get back?"

    "Why didn''t you tell us?"

    "What was the human world like?"

    His friends gathered around, calling questions over each other and for a minute he was smiling too, trying to answer their questions, but never getting one finished before another was thrown at him.

    "Wait, you''re cleaning?" Elyn said. She''d stepped out of his arms when the others got close, but she was scanning the cave.

    "I just¡­" he scratched the back of his neck. "I was awake and didn''t know what to do with myself. So I came here and¡­ I don''t know. I just thought we should clean it up a little. Maybe get some more furniture¡­"

    "Who cares about the cave¡ªwhat was the human world like?!" Jhanhel sped her hands to her chest and bobbed on the balls of her feet. "Were any other Anima over there? Is the Queen safe? Why didn''t you tell us you were back?!"

    "I just got backst night," he said, uncertain where to begin about the other stuff. His friends had all heard about his yearning to visit the human world after the encouragement Elia had given him. He might have been guilty of nting the idea for the others as well. But perhaps that would work in his favor now.

    "Then what are you doing here?" Rhawl asked. As an Amphine¡ªand one of the rare frogs¡ªhis voice was deep and resonant, but his face was wide and open. His disformation didn''t cause him issues with his own family group. There were so few of them, they didn''t reject anyone. But the serpents who shared their tribe had gone with the wolves. Gahrye was eager to hear how his friend''s family had fared during the war. But before he could ask, the others all crowded in again, babbling a ton of questions at him until he couldn''t keep them straight.

    In the end he raised his hands. "Look, why don''t we sit down and talk. I need to start at the beginning, I think," he said. "I don''t suppose anyone brought breakfast?"

    "I''ve got some raisins," Ihrysh piped up from behind the others. She was small enough that he hadn''t seen her behind Elyn and Rhawl''s height. So he leaned around Elyn to smile at her.

    "Then you can sit next to me," he said with a grin. "I''m starving and I can''t be bothered going to the market."

    They all ushered him over to the center of the cave where the single rugy after he''d shaken it out, and pillows and a couple bags were sprawled. They all found a ce to sit and Gahrye found himself sitting, facing the cave mouth, with his friends in a circle around him, all staring at him like he was an actual visitor from the human world. "So¡­" he said. "I''m not even sure where to start."

    "Why are you here? Did the Queen kick you out?"

    Gahrye spluttered. "No. No¡­ I''m still her Advisor. Cohort. I just¡­ it was so strange to be back, I needed some space and I figured this was a good ce to see you all when the time came. Unless¡­ haven''t you beening here? It seemed like it hadn''t really been used."

    "It was outside the first line of sentries when we were locked down," Ihrysh told him, her eyes big and round. "We weren''t allowed toe until thest couple days and even then¡­ most of us are still being careful. We aren''t really sure how the wolves are going to react."

    "The wolves are back in the Tree City?" Gahrye''s eyebrows climbed almost to his hair.

    The others talked over each other so much it was hard to follow, but in the end he got an idea of everything that had urred in recent weeks¡ªand the most recent days.

    Elia was going to have kittens.

    After he''d asked what the hell a mind meld was, and the others gave what little information they had, Jhanhel, who''d sat on the opposite side from Elyn, put a hand to his arm. "Are you okay?" she asked carefully. "You look like you''ve lost weight."

    Had he? Probably. The human food wasn''t great. "I''ve just been really busy and the food wasn''t as good over there," he said, brushing it off.

    He filled them in on the basics, as little as they would let him, ying down the stress of what they''d been through, and leaving out Elia''s transformation. He figured she might want to share that with the people herself.

    He also didn''t mention that she was preparing to give birth less than four months after she''d gotten pregnant. None of them would have believed him anyway.

    "So, what have you all been doing while all this was going on?" he asked.

    All five of them rolled their eyes or shrugged. Ihrysh looked a little ufortable, but she didn''t speak.

    "We''ve been training when we could," Rhawl said carefully.

    Jhanhel snorted. "Liar," she muttered, then looked at Gahrye. "Sometimes we couldn''t'' because there wasn''t anywhere we could go to be private. And other times¡­ everyone''s just been a little stressed and stuff. Especially when the wolves actually attacked¡ªthey almost killed Behryn!"

    Gahrye growled. Ihrysh''s eyes went wide, but Elynughed. "You''ve been spending too much time with predators," she said.

    Gahrye forced himself tough.

    "So what are you going to do now?" Rhawl asked. "If you''re still Advisor, why are you here?"

    Gahrye thought for a minute. "I''ll still be helping Elia a lot," he said carefully. "But¡­ I learned a lot in the human world and I want to share it with you guys when there''s time. There''s just a lot to cover. I don''t want people to miss out. Do you think it''s too early to get everyone together? I mean, after yesterday?"

    They all looked like he''d suggested a party.

 Chapter 532: Glad Youre Back - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 532: d You''re Back - Part 2</h4>

    GAHRYE

    "No," Ihrysh snorted. "They''re all bored as hell. They''ll jump at the chance to hear about what you''ve been doing. It''ll be a lot more interesting than us."

    There was a nervous sense in her and the others, but Gahrye put it down to everything they''d just been through. He was on edge, too.

    "In that case, go tell the others I''m here and bring them back. I''ve got a few hours. I''ll tell you all together so I don''t have to repeat it."

    They leaped up, chattering and telling him not to move, excited to have something to do, he thought as he watched them all turn tail and practically run out of the cave.

    All except Elyn, who remained next to him until the others had disappeared onto the path.

    When he turned to ask her if she was okay, she was leaning in to sniff him. He saw the moment she realized and her mouth fell open even as her eyes lost some of their light.

    He''d been close to Elyn, once.

    "Congrattions," she said with forced brightness.

    Gahrye almost winced. "Don''t congratte me yet," he said darkly.

    "But¡­ you mated right? A true mate? Gahrye, that''s incredible!"

    He nodded, not missing that she didn''t want to meet his eyes now. "Yes, it is. It was. And I''m really grateful. But she can''te here. So we''re separated until I can get back over there."

    Elyn looked up at him carefully, then swallowed. "Well, if you get lonely, there''s plenty of disformed that would keep youpany. Don''t forget that. We''re here for you."

    "Thank you," he said, and he meant it. "It''s going to be a rough time for a while, I think."

    He gave her a quick hug, then turned away to go back to the dresser. But Elyn caught his arm. He turned quickly¡ªhad he forgotten something?

    But she was staring at him, her lips pressed to thin lines. "What I meant, Gahrye was¡­ I''d be happy to keep youpany. If you''re lonely. You''re valuable and special and¡­ we all realized that even more while you were gone. We kind of fell apart without you, honestly."

    Gahrye wanted to p her hand off his arm for the suggestion in her eyes, but she hadn''t spoken it, so maybe he was misreading? So instead, he pulled firmly out of her grip and used the other hand to pat her shoulder. "Thank you. I¡­ thank you."

    Then he did turn his back and walk over to the Dresser and start turning it on it''s side, praying she would leave and note back until there were others here.

    She didn''t move for a moment, but when he didn''t talk to her again, she finally shuffled out of the cave.

    His stomach was sick by the time she left.

    "Oh, Kalle," he breathed. "How am I going to do this without you?"

    He leaned his head on the broken dresser and just breathed until he was certain he wouldn''t give in.

    *****

    KALLE

    "The Coroner is of no doubt that there was a wild animal¡ªa veryrge animal¡ªinvolved. Our concern is the source of it. And what happened to it afterwards."

    The detective stood in the dining room in front of Kalle and Eve, a small notebook in his hand. He wore a suit, not a uniform. He''d been polite and non-confrontational. But he''d arrived today without an appointment. Kalle smelled something up. It made her uneasy. She stood with her arms folded, while her grandmother smiled lightly and ushered the Detective to a seat. Then she and Kalle joined him at the other side of the table.

    "Is there anything we can help with?" Eve said softly.

    The detective flipped through some pages on his notebook, frowning. "We suspect an exotic animal. The Coroner is still working on the actual size of the jaws¡ªshe''s getting expert advice from a colleague. But she is of no doubt it is an exotic breed. A big cat, likely. And as you can imagine¡­ we''re all a little curious how arge cat might havee into the City." He looked at them both evenly. "You see, usually when there are exotic animals in a ce as popted as this, they have either escaped from a zoo of some kind, or¡­ someone very rich has purchased them on the ck market and they have¡­ run wild."

    He made a pointed look at the chandelier above therge table, hung from the very tall ceiling. He didn''t need to point to the opulent entryway, or the sheer size of the Big House and its grounds.

    The Guardians were very aware of the wealth that surrounded them. And it was true any of them could have afforded to import a big cat if they''d had the desire. Of course, they dealt with animals that were far more interesting. Who needed to make their own zoo? But the Detective didn''t know that. Kalle had to fight a smile when she thought about what the Detective''s face would have looked like if he''d known what¡ªor who¡ªreally attacked Shaw.

    She imagined herself reminding him of the missing person''s case from the previous year¡ªa young university post-grad who disappeared without a trace. She wondered what his face would look like if she told him that young woman could now be a lioness, then exining how the shift into animal form worked¡­

    He could close two cases in one move. He''d be ecstatic. Or he''d have hermitted¡­

    "I understand your concern, Officer, but I assure you, no one here has any interest in, or desire to import an exotic animal. Our lives are quite exciting enough without that," Eve said with a warm chuckle.

    The detective didn''t smile back. "Are you certain that Shaw himself hadn''t taken a recent interest in this kind of¡­ pet?" he asked carefully. "It wouldn''t be the first time. And I can assure you, that it would be far easier for the precinct to clear a case of illegal smuggling, than homicide.

    The word fell to the floor in the middle of the room like a grenade with the pin pulled. They all waited for it to go off.

    It was the first time anyone had used the word in rtion to Shaw''s death.

    "There are no animals here, detective," Kalle said. "Not even from Uncle Shaw. He was entric, but¡­ in a different way. And anyway, if there were, I would tell you. I find the caging of animals unnecessarily cruel. If you''d like, you''re wee to search the property."

    She held his gaze and waited. He thought she was bluffing. She wasn''t. And they both knew they''d already had evidence teams search the property high and low.

    The detective nodded. "Thank you," he said and flipped another page in his notebook. "I will see if the Commander wants to search again." He frowned at his notebook, then looked up. "I guess that''s all, thank you for your time."

    That was quick, and rtively painless. Kalle sighed with relief as they both stood and walked the detective out of the dining room and into the entryway. He shook her grandmother''s hand first, then took Kalle''s.

    He was turning for the door when he caught himself and turned back quickly. "Oh, one more thing. As long as I''m here, perhaps I could explore one other avenue?"

    "Of course," Kalle said tightly.

    The detective looked down at his notes, read something, then flicked his eyes back up to lock on hers.

    "I understand you were married recently. I found it odd that you hadn''t mentioned that when we interviewed you yesterday. Can you tell me: Where is your husband? And what''s his name?"

    *****

    (POSTED 16/17 October) LIVE Monthly Voicechat and HUGE announcement tomorrow, starting at 1pm Pacific (that''s Sunday in the US/Monday in Southeast Asia)! If you can''t be there, ask me your questions in thements and I''ll answer them live, then you can watch the reyter on my Youtube channel (Author AimeeLynn). Or make sure you''ve "liked" my author profile on WN to receive the announcementter in the day.

    If want to be there live, join my discord TODAY by downloading the discord app on your phone and clicking the + sign, then entering these characters: 92g42X4nRv

    SEE YOU THERE!

 Chapter 533: Aymoras Story - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 533: Aymora''s Story - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia waited a long moment. She could feel Aymoraying on the furs next to her, bracing. Readying herself to tell a story that was clearly painful for her.

    She knew Aymora had lost her mate, but she''d never heard why. But now, after this separation from Reth, she had only a glimpse of the pain it must have caused Aymora. She couldn''t imagine being in that ce with nowhere to go. No way to ever see¡ªto even hope to see¡ªher mate again.

    Elia shuddered.

    "I do not wish to feed your fear, Elia," Aymora said quietly.

    Elia shook her head and squeezed her hand. "You won''t. I was shivering for you. I can''t¡­ I can''t imagine it."

    Aymora sighed heavily. "I would not wish this pain on anyone, Elia, it''s true. Not even the worst of my enemies."

    Elia waited. Aymora shifted her head on the pillow. When she spoke her voice was soft and¡­ happy. A lightness to it that Elia had never heard in her before. As if she were a girl again.

    "My mate was beautiful," she said first, as if it were pure fact. Elia could hear the smile in her voice. She turned her head on the pillow to look at her adopted mother, to watch her profile light up with the memories. "He was big and strong and¡­ when he walked into a cave, it was as if he brought the sun with him. My heart recognized him when I was only eighteen. I was younger than him by a few years, more than you and Reth. At first, even though my heart sang whenever he was near and his scent lifted me, I never imagined he would return my feelings. He seemed¡­ out of reach. He was the Captain of the Guard¡ªlike Behryn¡ªand had remained without a mate for so long, we all assumed he would not take one. He¡­ did not hurt for female attention." She cleared her throat and something passed over her face that made Elia''s heart pinch. But then she smiled and put her free hand to her chest in an unconscious gesture that made Elia''s eye''s sting.

    "Two years before the war I became a healer. And the wise women were grooming me, coaching me for leadership. It was expected that I would join them when I was older. Until that time in my life I had been quite quiet. Reserved. Certain of my thoughts, but uncertain how I would be received by others. So I had always remained to myself. Others perceived it as aloof. I didn''t know that then.

    "One evening at the market I was invited to sit with the wise-women. We''d been training that day in the wisdom of words¡ªknowing when to speak, and when to bite our tongues. Some of the security council joined our table. There was, even though, rumblings of the war that was toe. A debate arose between the wisest among us and the council members. One of them called Drhake over to add his thoughts to the conversation.

    "The position he took was¡­ untenable to me. I do not even remember now what it was. Something small and unimportant about the bnce our society should maintain between soldiers and merchants, or some such. A concept. A nothing. But something that he said lit a spark in me.

    "The wise women always watched the acolytes closely to see that we were taking our training and applying it. I knew their eyes were on me when I resisted his position, so I knew I had to speak boldly. So, even though I gripped my hands under the table so no one would see me shake, I did. I spoke to him. Clearly.

    "He did not appreciate being set down by a younger female who was not even a wise woman yet and our debate raged, until no others at the table were engaging." Her eyes went misty then and her smile grew. "We continued to discuss and debate for hours. Until the market was closing and the others had all left to go to their families or their jobs. Eventually we found ourselves sitting alone at the table, veryte at night. He was quite angry by that time, and I was quite defensive. But¡­ something happened.

    "Whoever was working that evening walked the market, blowing out thenterns. When we both stopped talking, they apologized and we were snapped out of our little bubble. We realized we''d been alone for hours and¡­"

    She cleared her throat. "He was watching the servant walk around thenterns, and his eyes had gone wide. I stared at him and all of this¡­ pure feeling rushed up within me. It was a strange moment because I was so certain, then, that I loved him. I loved his passion and his strength. I loved his humor and even the arrogance he carried. I wished¡­ I wished to know him more. To see the other sides of him that perhaps, others did not get to see.

    "He said something in my scent changed. I wasn''t aware of it. I had harbored feelings for him for months, perhaps years, by then. All is know is that when he turned to me then¡­ something happened. He stared at me with a strange expression on his face, as if he were trying to measure me with his eyes.

    "I was ufortable. And because we had been arguing, my tone was still sharp. I demanded that he tell me what he was thinking, why he looked at me that way. And he said¡­ he said that he looked at me as any male would whose heart was won.

    "I misunderstood him at first, thinking he referred to the argument. I made some stupid, juvenilement about being d to see at least one male in this city was able to see sense, and then he smiled and shook his head.

    "When I asked, he got up from his seat on the other side of the table and came to my side, offering his hand. I asked him what he wished for me to do, and he said he wished to take hold of me, and never let me go. I was stunned."

    *****

    SOME READER FAQ ANSWERS BELOW (This note was added after the chapter was published so you aren''t charged for it.) I''ve been getting a lot ofments with the same questions or issuestely, so I''ve written this note because I want to help you enjoy your experience in Webnovel. Look for the ALL CAPS headings below to see if they answer any questions or frustrations you''re experiencing. Thank you for being here! I appreciate you!

    WHY DO YOU ONLY PUBLISH ONE/TWO CHAPTERS A DAY?

    The short answer is, because I haven''t finished writing it. This is a different model of publishing called "Serialization." (It''s like a long-running soap-opera, in book form, so I''m currently writing the material you''re going to read next month.) On top of that, this book is under contract with WebNovel (just like it would be with a publisher that might release a book you can buy in a bookstore). Only they have the rights to publish it in any form. They pay me royalties when you read, but they are the ones who maintain the tform, advertise my stories so they will find readers, etc, etc, etc. We are in a business rtionship, but the decisions about what forms to publish the story, what tforms, and about adaptations to paperback, movie, etc, are 100% their choices, not mine. My advice, if you want to see this in paperback, or as a movie/TV show (which is possible because WebNovel is owned by Tencent which are a production studio), is to email [emailprotected]</a> and tell them that, as a reader, you wish this particr book was avable in whatever format you''re hoping for. The more readers they hear from, the more likely they are to do it!

    WHY CAN''T I JUST BUY THE WHOLE BOOK?

    Two reasons: The first is that I haven''t finished writing it. But also, Webnovel isn''t Amazon. This is a different form of storytelling that many readers aren''t yet used to. Let me exin:

    This book isn''t just one book. So far, KING OF BEASTS is over 650,000 words long, and it''s not finished. (For perspective, a normal novel is usually 80-90,000 words, and a thick fantasy novel is usually less than 150,000 words) This "book" is the equivalent (so far) of about 4-5 thick fantasy stories. So consider that if you were buying it in paperback, those would cost probably $15+ each. The feeling many readers have that they would buy the whole story for $15-20 just isn''t urate. You wouldn''t buy one book, you would buy a lengthy series of 6-7 books by the time this is all done. But, as I mentioned, it isn''t yet "done."

    Also for perspective: I wrote for several years in traditional publishing and only a very small audience ever bought my books, LOL. It''s easy, when you''re enjoying a story, to assume that it should have been avable already. But the truth is, no one (not Webnovel, not me) know ahead of time if a story is going to seed. There''s no physical way I could have afforded the months it''s taken to write this many words without the ie along the way, so writing in this tform gives me a freedom I wouldn''t have to pursue this story on a tform like Amazon.

    It''s very, very hard to be "discovered" by readers. The reason I epted the invite to write for Webnovel is because they have offered me far more opportunities to find readers and to earn than any publisher I''ve ever worked with. (And a VERY enjoyable way to make friends with readers and hear their thoughts while they''re reading--which I''ve never experienced anywhere else. I love it!) While I know the tform has issues, I also know that they have many, many good things that I haven''t found in other forms of publishing (I''ve been traditionally published twice, and self-published twice prior to this.) So I really do feel for your frustration about having to wait, but at the same time just know: Without Webnovel, I never would have been able to write this story. It literally would not have existed. You can listen to my interview with Destiny Aitsuji on YouTube to hear the creative reasons why that is true...

    WHY CAN''T I READ NEW CHAPTERS? "MY CHAPTERS AREN''T UPDATING":

    This book updates 2x per day, EVERY day. The very first day you do not receive 2 chapters, you should either delete the book from your library, then reload it (so it will bring up all new chapters) or if that doesn''t work, go into your profile (bottom right menu of the app) scroll down to "help Center", then down to "Online Support Center." Let them know the trouble you''re experiencing. They can help. If they don''t solve the issue for you, thenment to me and I will see if I can help you. But those two things have to be done before I can go to the staff that I have ess to.

    If you got this far, thank you for reading all of this! I hope it at least helps you understand why you''re experiencing some of these frustrations. And please be certain: I am so grateful for you! I know I would really struggle to only read a couple chapters a day of a book I love. So I am blown away by your willingness to be here with me. Thank you!

 Chapter 534: Aymoras Story - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 534: Aymora''s Story - Part 2</h4>

    LET''S CELEBRATE! IT''S MY BIG DAY: A WHOLE NEW BOOK, A WHOLE NEW WORLD, A WHOLE NEW HERO! Check out the excerpt at the end of this chapter (added after the chapter was published so you aren''t charged for the words). I hope you love Zev as much as I do!

    *****

    ELIA

    To Elia''s delight, Aymora''s cheeks pulled wide in a smile and she flushed with the memory.

    "I only stared at him for a long moment, then he leaned down, still holding his hand out to me.

    "He said, "I''m sorry I''ve been blind. How long have you felt the bond?"" Eliaughed as Aymora dropped her voice to a low, deep growl, to mimic the male that she clearly still loved. "I waspletely flustered! I''d always dreamed¡­ but I never thought he''d actually see me. And though my feelings were real, I''d never dared hope it was a True Mate bond. I thought¡­ I thought I just pined for him."

    Aymora went quiet then, her eyes darting left and right as if she watched herself in her memories. Elia barely breathed, not wanting to snap her back into the present.

    "We walked the mes and Smoke a few weekster," she said quietly. "And the months after that were the happiest of my life. We had almost two years before the war began in truth, though there were murmurings of it for some time and towards the end his time was taken more and more by the efforts they made to avoid it. Even with that, even seeing the danger on the horizon, I never imagined¡­"

    Aymora swallowed audibly and her smile faded. Her grip on Elia''s hand tightened.

    "We were never blessed with offspring. Not forck of trying," she huffed, that smile flickering on her face again. "It pained us both. But I remember, as the war became inevitable, thinking that it was a blessing. That¡­ that I didn''t want to be facing those days, that work, heavy with babe, or caring for a little one. As things became busier and more dangerous, I felt freed by it."

    She turned then to meet Elia''s eyes, her own welling with unshed tears. "I was wrong, Elia. I am¡­ I am so d for you and Reth. So happy. I know the timing has been terrible, and the danger isn''t past. But love this little one. Enjoy them. Take whatever the Creator offers with joy and see the blessing in it. Do not try to¡­ downy the beauty of this. Be grateful for what you''ve been given."

    Elia nodded, her own tears threatening. "I am. Thank you. I am."

    Aymora nodded, then turned her head to stare at the ceiling of the cave again and let herself remember.

    "We were so cocky," she said a momentter, her voice cracked with grief. "So convinced that nothing we did could go wrong. So certain of ourselves and each other¡­ I was twenty-five and the wise women had formally invited me to step into their circle. I was young and wouldn''t be acknowledged for a few more years. But I had been epted.

    "I was a healer, and skilled at it. Even the wise ones came to me for help. I became¡­ overconfident.

    "Drhake was the King''s Captain and¡­ so dashing," she said, her voice singing with her admiration and love for her mate in a way that resonated in Elia''s heart. "Other females envied me for having him and I was petty enough to enjoy that. He was young to hold the King''s Guard, especially as a member of the Pride. But he''d proven to be a master strategist¡ªto rival even the wolves. Reth''s father was right to appoint him. That was never a mistake. The mistake was ours."

    Elia frowned as Aymora began to tense, her grip tightening until her knuckles turned white.

    "Even though¡­ even though I was gaining sess and rising in the hierarchy," Aymora whispered, "he was my whole life. None of the rest seemed important without him.

    "When the war began, of course we were nervous, but cocky, too. I believed in him. I knew he could win any battle. And I believed the King would never allow the bears to ovee us. They were of two minds, Dhrake and Reth''s father. They both sought diplomacy, yearned for it. And I was so certain they were right. That those advising a full assault¡ªto set the bears down¡ªwere simply bloodthirsty. I was¡­ idealistic," she said sadly.

    "Then they began to fight and it was a shitshow from the beginning." Her voice was hushed, pained. "The bears¡­ they do not fight like others. They are beyond ruthless. Brutal. They will choose death if they believe they can remove more from their enemy than they give up. They lose their tempers and fly into rage¡ªas a group. They are chaos in battle."

    Aymora''s cheeks dragged down. "You cannot strategize against chaos," she said. "And yet, somehow, Drhake continued to bring them through. Our numbers were lessened with every conflict. But so were theirs. Yet, we could not seem to ever truly gain the upper hand. Three months in, the wounded continued to trickle into the Tree City every day. The fighting would ur in small groups and patrols. But there was a front building where the river divides the northwest region. We could see what wasing¡ªand how the bears might have the advantage.

    "Drhake began to talk with me during the stolen hours we were able to find together. He painted a picture of how they might win the bears back, and I saw it in my mind and in my heart. I encouraged him¡­" she trailed off, swallowing again. "I truly believed that he had the right of it. That the King''s unwillingness to listen was a mark of his arrogance, rather than a failing of Drhake''s ideas."

    Her free hand sank to her belly, ttening there as if she felt unwell.

    "I was so certain," she whispered. "His role kept him at the center¡ªhere in the City, or behind the lines of warriors. Because it was necessary that he lead, that he think, that he point where they go. So even¡­ even when we could see that battle, a real battle, wasing, my concern was that he might take an arrow or¡­ or something along those lines. And if his n, if his thoughts could open the lines ofmunication¡ªif he could bring the bears to the negotiation table¡­"

    A tiny sob broke in her throat and she let go of Elia''s hand to cover her face. When she spoke, her voice was high and frail, choked with tears. "I thought he would be a hero. I thought he would win the war for us and then everyone would see what I saw¡ªhis heart, his strength, his courage. I thought¡­ I thought he was the best male the Creator had ever ced in Anima, and I was just arrogant enough that I wanted everyone else to see it."

    *****

    NEW BOOK OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! It''s still in the process of being vetted by Webnovel, but you can find it if you search "Rise of the Dark Alpha":

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 535: Aymoras Story - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 535: Aymora''s Story - Part 3</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia covered her own mouth and swallowed her own tears. Aymora''s thought resonated within her so purely¡ªlike a chord struck on just the right tone¡ªthat it stole her breath. She knew those feelings. She understood thempletely. "That''s love," she whispered, stroking Aymora''s arm as her adoptive mother fought tears. "It''s good to admire your mate."

    Aymora nodded. "It is true. Too many females focus on their mate''s ws, and forget his strengths," she said carefully, clearing her throat. "Just as a female cannot thrive when she is not loved, a male cannot thrive when he is not respected. I¡­ I did respect him," she said quickly. "He knew¡­ he knew I admired him. Spoke highly of him even in his absence. I was¡­ If I erred at all it was that I was blind to some of his faults."

    She turned her head then and her beautiful, tear-lined eyes locked on Elia''s. In a different kind of moment, Elia knew, they would have joked together about how widely Elia''s eyes were open to Reth''s faults¡ªand to his strengths. But it wasn''t the moment. Elia gave her a watery smile and Aymora reached a hand over to rub her arm.

    "Tell me what happened," Elia whispered a momentter.

    Aymora sighed.

    "The battle wasing and it would have been devastating, we knew. The King refused to listen to Drhake''s ideas on reaching across the front. On how tomunicate with the bears in a way that would bank their anger and bring them to the negotiation table. I was¡­ angry with the King. Convinced that my mate had the right of it.

    "He''d grown up in a friendship with some of the bears. Reth can tell you, the peace with the bears is always¡­ shaky. But different family groups respond differently to the tensions. There were always some that were willing to speak. Drhake was convinced that those central to the conflict would listen to those that were open with the Pride. If he could only get someone over to speak with them directly, to exin¡­ they could negotiate a middle ground. A way for both groups to exist in peace¡­ and I encouraged him."

    She blew out a heavy breath. "I was so in love with him. So idealistic. When he proposed to me that he could cross the enemy line and approach the Bear King directly, I was certain he would save everyone. I was certain he would thwart war. I was¡­ I was so certain.

    "I was working full time as a healer. The injured were consistent and, even with our faster healing powers, often needed a great deal of help. Especially the first few days. It seemed like all we were doing was cycling males in and out¡ªhealing them, and sending them back to get harmed again. It made me sick and¡­ I can see now, the fear I had that something would happen to him. That the longer the war went on, the more inevitable it would be¡­ that drove me, though I never gave it room in my head. My heart feared it.

    "I wanted him to save us from theing battle because I was afraid of losing him to it. But I couldn''t see that in myself at the time¡ªthat I was allowing fear to twist what I knew. The wise women saw it. More than once I was counselled during those months. I was warned. War is ugly. It is brutal. And the need for our strength of purpose¡ªto stand for what is right, not for what serves our purposes¡­ they tried to make me see. I know that now. But at the time I was full of my youthful ignorance and adoration for my mate. I was stupid and na?ve, and convinced my mate would save all of WildWood, and then those females would see that I had been right. I began¡­ hiding things from them. Things that Drhake told me. ns he was making. I thought he was right to do it. I was wrong, Elia. So was he. So wrong.

    "Autumn wasing. The bears wanted to hibernate. The King was pushing to avoid conflict, to allow them to rest. To give ourselves the months to refresh and renew¡ªand to attempt diplomacy in the wake of their sleep. But they were threatening not to hibernate at all. And they were pushing for assault. They wanted to win ahead of their sleep and so rest for the winter as victors.

    "Tensions were¡­ thick. All of WildWood could see the battleing. Including me. There was a night¡­ a night Dhrake came to find me among the healers early. Before the dinner bell had even rung. He stole me away, lying about an official request for his fist. Instead he took me home and he made love to me¡­ Creator''s mane, Elia¡­ he worshipped me that night. And I worshipped him in return. It was¡­ it was breathtaking. And I knew what it meant. We never spoke of it. He did not tell me¡ªhe didn''t have to. What he was doing¡­ it was treachery. If he was taken into enemy hands, if he released our secrets¡­ but he wouldn''t. I was so certain.

    "And so we loved each other for hours that night and he left before dawn. And I went back to work, smiling."

    Aymora''s breath caught and she swallowed convulsively. Elia bit her own lip, knowing where this story had to end, but wishing, willing it to be something else. Begging the Creator to remove this pain from this woman who had been such an important love in her life. Who was so strong and sure for so many others.

    But as she watched, Aymora seemed to shrink. Tears collected at the corners of her eyes and fell, trailing down her temples to the furs, but she didn''t wipe them. Her eyes darted, following things in the images of her memories, and Elia stifled her own sobs to see Aymora''s grief. The fire that had refined her all these years.

    "It was the worst day of my life," she croaked finally. "And in a way, I brought it on myself."

    ***** PRIVILEGE WARNING *****

    Don''t forget: Don''t buy any expensive privilege tiers now, because the whole system resets on 1 November (31 October if you''re in the USA) and then will require you to re-purchase! So save your money until Halloween to buy privilege ONCE and enjoy your advance reading all month!

 Chapter 536: Aymoras Story - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 536: Aymora''s Story - Part 4</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia was about to protest, to tell Aymora that it wasn''t her fault, but Aymora plowed on, and Elia didn''t want to break her stride now that she''d begun.

    "I told you that the wounded were a trickle, a line of men, almost as if they rotated. But always the battles hade in groups and fists¡ªten males here, twenty there. We did lose some, but only a few¡ªthe bears as well. It was as if we spent months learning each other''s strengths and approaches.

    "For the three months prior to that day, we had kept wise women and healers in a building in shifts to tend to those who came in, and to help those who needed days to heal before they could fight again.

    "That morning when I attended, it was at first like every other day. There had been skirmishes during the night. We had some show up early in the morning, and more still before lunch. But then¡­ nothing. For several hours. And with every passing moment that there were no new wounded, no news of those returning for help¡­ nothing¡­ I became more and more convinced that Drhake had reached them and was doing the work he''d set out to do.

    "I worked with a smile on my face that day. I was ecstatic. Then¡­ then the King himself came to the building and asked for me. And I knew. I knew he wasing to congratte me, to share his amazement at what Drhake had achieved. I cleaned my hands before going to him, I was so certain I wouldn''t be working further that day.

    "I walked to the door with a smile on my face, but when I saw the King''s faceyers of fear, and sickness, and deep rage¡­ I wavered.

    "He took me aside, away from the building so none of the wise women would hear. He asked me where Dhrake was and why he hadn''t attended the council that morning. They were walking to battle. The bears had taken a prisoner. Dhrake was needed. Where was he?

    "Inside I rallied. He was doing his work, but he must not have achieved it fully yet. That was all." She gave a bitterugh. "I was convinced that he was negotiating for the release of the prisoner. So I was proud to tell the King¡ªwith respectful acknowledgement that Dhrake had gone against orders. I told him Dhrake''s n and belief and¡­ and I watched the horror dawn on his face. I kept rushing in to tell him more, to convince him, to reassure him.

    "But his eyes turned from wrath to grief. "Oh, Aymora," he said to me. "Please tell me he didn''t." I was offended and began to fight for Drhake, for his good heart. But the King roared, calling the warriors. He shifted and ran without speaking another word to me.

    "I didn''t even think, just shifted and ran after him. Abandoned my post to follow him all the way to the river, to the front line, to the gathered troops.

    "It was¡­ mayhem," she rasped. "The bears were demonstrating, while our males roared and called and¡­ the warriors were beginning to wade the waters. Arrows flew. There was¡­ it was the beginning of a battle.

    "When I shifted back to myself, we were circled by the Security Council and many of the guards. No one made me leave because I''d arrived with the King. They assumed he''d called me in to the front lines to help. But I stayed behind him. He didn''t know I was there. He didn''t know I was watching when¡­when the bears¡­. The bears¡­" She broke off with and covered her face. Elia clung to her as sobs wracked her body and she cried her mate''s name, huffed the mating call between her tears, and begged the Creator to do the impossible and return him to her.

    Elia cried with her, horrified and heartbroken, chastising herself for letting Aymora fall into this story that obviously still broke her, even all these yearster.

    But as Aymora cried, in broken and tortured sentences, she finished the story.

    "They''d taken him," she croaked through her tears. "They''d clearly convinced him they would deal with him honorably¡­ but once they had him, they''d taken him. They were ruthless and empowered, they¡­ they disyed him.

    "I stood there, frozen, and watched as they called to our warriors, to our King, and from behind their line, they raised a frame. They''d¡­ disyed him on it. Tied him by¡­ by his ankles and his¡­ his testicles." Her voice cracked on the word. "He''d been beaten almost unrecognizable and he was moaning. I couldn''t hear him over all the calls and shouts, but I could see his mouth moving.

    "I screamed his name and tried to go to him, but the Warriors held me back. The King demanded that I be returned to the City, but I wouldn''t leave him. He was still alive! I wanted to fight for him, to cross the line myself and tear him off that torture rack.

    "But everything was going to hell. The warriors held me while the bears taunted the King and when he roared his rage at them someone¡­ someone¡­ someone eviscerated my mate. They tumbled his guts like children''s toys. And when he screamed¡­"

    Aymora covered her face again and her entire body shuddered. "I have never heard a sound like it before," she sobbed, her breath tearing in and out of her throat. "I have dreams of that to this day and wake screaming for him."

    "Oh, Aymora," Elia sobbed. "I''m so sorry."

    Aymora turned into her, and they clung to each other, both crying for the loss of love, for the loss of innocence, and for the pain of her mate. Elia was overwhelmed, how had Aymora carried this for so many years? How had she given Elia her scarf for the offering?

    Then Aymora pulled her head out of Elia''s neck and met her eyes, both of them red and teary.

    "Reth is right to be ruthless," Aymora hissed through her teeth. "He cannot let the enemy take ground. He cannot let anyone believe he will take mercy. You cannot encourage him to do anything that would put him in further danger, Elia, you have to listen to me!"

    *****

    NEW BOOK, NEW WORLD, NEW HERO! And it''s OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! Add "Rise of the Dark Alpha" to your library today!

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled.

    "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 537: Aymoras Story - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 537: Aymora''s Story - Part 5</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia blinked and shushed Aymora, confused. What had happened? What was Aymora talking about?

    "I¡­ I thought there was peace now?" she said nervously. Was Reth still fighting this war?

    But Aymora growled in her throat, her tears seeming to dry in the face of her rage. "As long as that wolf lives, this war simmers beneath the surface," she said, her voice low and dark, rough with tears. "From the beginning we have learned that some from the tribes left believing that, if they found they were wrong to go with the wolves, they would be received back by their merciful King. Reth has¡­ he has had to harden himself, Elia. And he is right to do it. You have to see it. You have to encourage him to be strong!"

    Elia stroked her hair and shushed her again, still confused and uncertain. But seeing that Aymora was genuinely frightened¡­ of Reth''s mercy?

    "Reth is good and strong and wise," she whispered. "I''m sure he wouldn''t¡ª"

    "He already has! He already does! He didn''t kill Lerrin, Elia. Do you know that? The wolf lives because Reth took pity on him. Because¡­ because he showed remorse! Even if he is right and Lerrin doesn''t desire the Alpha anymore, Reth has to see that he is equipping his enemies again. His soft heart, his willingness to see the broken redeemed¡­ it will only hurt Reth¡ªand you! Elia, you have a daughtering into this world. You have to be strong, and you have to tell Reth to be strong. Don''t let him¡­ Don''t let him be defeated by his own, pure heart!"

    Elia gaped and her own fear ratcheted higher. Reth was being too softhearted on the wolves?

    Lerrin was still alive?

    "Y-you said there was peace. Reth said there was peace," Elia stammered.

    Aymora sucked in a deep breath and rubbed her eyes, clearing them. "I''m sorry, daughter. I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to frighten you. There is peace. You''re safe. I''m sorry. You''re right. There is peace. Right now the tribes are reunited. The wolves that survived returned to the Tree City yesterday. There is an uncertain peace here. The people want it, but¡­ but we can''t know what forces are at work among the wolves.

    "Reth must be ruthless. He must give them no room to believe anything butplete obedience will be tolerated. He cannot let the wolf live! I don''t trust him¡ªor his people. Even with this¡­ this mind meld they im. How can we know? The only Anima who know it urred are also wolves. I for one will not trust a wolf until I have watched them¡ªand their children¡ªremain in peace. How can we know if this isn''t a trick? Their reunion was too quick, too easy to me. They must prove they are allies, and their children as well."

    Elia stroked her hair nervously. "That''s¡­ that''s a long time away, Aymora," she said carefully.

    "Yes, it is." Aymora was unapologetic. "But I have learned through the hottest of trials, that trust must be earned. It cannot be assumed. No matter who you believe yourself, or your opponent to be." Then her face hardened. "You will not lose your mate to this, Elia. You will not make the mistake that I made. Your mate will remove his enemies and stay safe. All of you will. All of us. It''s the only way."

    Elia gaped. Aymora had always been harder than Reth, always a little faster to dismiss people, or to mistrust. But she''d never seen this¡­ fierce aggression in her before.

    She stroked her adoptive mother''s hair and stared at her, both their eyes still bright with tears.

    "I don''t like seeing you like this," she said honestly. "You seem¡­ hurt."

    Aymora snorted. "I am beyond hurt, girl. I am traumatized. This war has¡­ it has dredged up ghosts I believed were long buried. But do not let yourself believe the same isn''t true for your mate, for Behryn, for all of us who were presentst time. And now? Now the enemy is our friend, our tribesman. This is¡­ this is horrific."

    Elia had to agree, but perhaps not for the same reasons. She adored Reth''s mercy, his gentleness, his willingness to see the good in others¡ªor believe it could be drawn out. Was she wrong? Was he wrong?

    She looked at Aymora again, whose mouth was set in a frown, her jaw jutting out. She was utterly certain that Reth was being too soft letting Lerrin live.

    Was she right?

    "Tell me, Elia."

    Elia blinked. "Tell you what?"

    "Tell me that you won''t let Reth make the same mistake my Dhrake did. He cannot walk into danger believing himself immune to it. He can''t embrace his enemies and not expect a knife in his ribs."

    "I don''t think Reth¡ª"

    "Don''t believe it, my love," Aymora said firmly. "He has be harder when it was needed, it''s true. And I grieve for him where that has required¡­ ugliness of him. But he is strong and has walked into it as he should. But now, with you here, with your cub on the way¡­ I fear he will lose his focus, that his love for you will soften his resolve. You cannot let it happen, Elia. Tell me!"

    Elia stared at her, opened her mouth, but didn''t know what to say. She''d never seen Aymora like this before¡ªbut no wonder.

    They''d just walked through something that brought her worst nightmare back to life.

    "Tell me, Elia! Please! I cannot see you go the same way as my mate!"

    Oh. Oh, Elia thought she understood then. "I never will, Aymora. I promise. I will never leave you to¡­ to try to fix this, or to invite our enemies close."

    "Good. Now promise me you won''t allow your mate¡ª"

    The door swung open and they both turned to find Reth standing in the doorway, one hand on the handle, his eyes scanning Elia from crown to toe. His breath made his chest rise and fall visibly.

    "Love," he rasped, "You''re awake. Are you okay? What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing, Reth," Elia said, her heart singing and her body rxing for the first time since she''d woken up. "Now that you''re here¡­ nothing."

    ***** PRIVILEGE WARNING *****

    Don''t forget: Don''t buy any expensive privilege tiers now, because the whole system resets on 1 November (31 October if you''re in the USA) and then will require you to re-purchase! So save your money until Halloween to buy privilege ONCE and enjoy your advance reading all month!

 Chapter 538: Youre Really Here

    <h4>Chapter 538: You''re Really Here</h4>

    WINNERS! WINNERS! CHICKEN DINNERS! The winners of the Top Tier Privilege Paperback Draw for September are.... *Drum roll please...*

    KING OF BEASTS: Lisa_Demko

    QUEEN OF BEASTS: Alyssah_Maree

    Congrattions!! If you can both contact me on email ([emailprotected]</a>) and let me know the address you''d like me to send the book to, and what name I should sign it to, that would be great!

    And don''t forget, I''m doing another Paperback draw for Top Tier readers of both books in October. All you have to do is buy the top tier of privilege, thenment on the most recently published chapter, "I want a paperback" and you will be entered!

    *****

    ELIA

    Aymora wiped her face quickly, squeezed Elia, and hopped off the sleeping tform. "I''ll leave you two alone," she said, not meeting Elia''s eyes, or Reth''s.

    Elia wanted tofort her, to reach out. But she couldn''t take her eyes off Reth. And he stared at her like she was water in the desert.

    He was wearing the vest he''d worn the first night she saw him¡ªshirtless again, though unaware of it. He stood in the doorway, on hand on the handle, his chest bare under the vest, his muscles casting shadows down his torso in thentern light. His hair was tied back, though some pieces had fallen forward from his temples to frame his eyes, that were a touch too wide. Reth was drinking her in, scanning her from head to toe again and again, as if reassuring himself that she was still there.

    She felt his gaze like a touch. Everything within her yearned for him. It was an effort not to raise her arms like a child and beg him toe hold her. But they weren''t alone yet, and she was desperately aware of not increasing Aymora''s pain by clinging to her own mate, when Aymora would never again have thatfort and strength to draw on.

    Even the thought made Elia''s tears swell again. Reth looked rmed, but she shook her head and nced at Aymora.

    Aymora stalked across the room, but paused in the doorway, murmured something to Reth about making sure Elia stayed in bed, then hurried out of the room and down the tunnel towards the rest of the cave.

    As soon as she was gone, he closed and locked the door, turning back to Elia, a careful smile on his face. "I missed you, wife," he said, his voice a low, gruff rumble that warmed Elia from her center, out.

    "Oh, Reth, I panicked when I woke up and you weren''t here."

    He frowned hard and rushed over to the sleeping tform. She did reach for him then as he crawled up andid his massive body down next to her, sliding one arm under her head, and wrapping her in the other, pulling her and her belly into his chest.

    They both sighed with relief.

    Elia''s body shivered with the sheer relief and joy of being close to him, bathed in his scent. Her tears wanted to fall again, but she blinked them back and just held on.

    "Elia? What''s wrong? Are you in pain?"

    She shook her head. "Aymora told me about Dhrake."

    "Oh."

    Elia thanked the Creator when he tightened his hold on her.

    *****

    RETH

    Reth stroked her hair and let his hand trail down her spine, then returned it to cup the back of her head and hold her close.

    She was curled around her belly, and he curled around her.

    He knew there were things he was supposed to be doing, things he was supposed to say just then, but for a moment he indulged in a simple time of being close to his mate and soothing his heart that she was there in the flesh, and still his.

    But after a long minute of inhaling her scent and reassuring himself, he knew he had to talk to her. "You are missed, Elia," he said quietly, kissing her temple.

    "I''ve missed you too, Reth. You have no idea."

    "I think I have some," he said gruffly, pushing away the darkness he''d felt for these months. "But what I meant was, Brant and Behryn are here and they want to see you. Reassure themselves that you''re still alive and I''m not lying to them."

    Elia sucked in a breath and pulled her head out of his chest to meet his eyes, hers still red and bloodshot from her time with Aymora. "Aw! That''s so sweet! I want to see them too!"

    Neither of them moved. Reth stroked the hair from her temple, over her shoulder. "I''m so d you''re back and safe, Elia," he murmured. "I''m¡­ it was a struggle to leave you today, even when you were sleeping. I don''t want to bring them in here right now, I don''t want to talk to them. I just want to be with you."

    She nodded, smiling. "I know the feeling."

    They stared again and Reth felt his chest swell with pure love. "Creator''s Light I''ve missed you," he breathed, pulling her close again, tucking her under his chin. "I will never send you away again, Elia. Ever. No matter what."

    "Thank you," she whispered, her arms tightening around his neck. "I think¡­ I think it''s going to take me some time to feel sure of that."

    He nodded. "I know. I was meeting with the security council and I got distracted for a minute, and when I saw Aymorae out to get a drink, there was this moment of panic. For a moment, you weren''t here, I was still waiting to get you and¡­ Elia, it physically hurt."

    "I know!" she wailed. "When I woke up and I could smell you, I was so happy. Then I reached for you and you weren''t here and I thought it had all been a dream. And¡­ I panicked, Reth. I was about to run into the cave naked when Aymora caught me and forced me back into the furs!"

    "Naked, you say?" Reth quipped. "I would have enjoyed that. I imagine you might have been less pleased when you ran into the council. Though they probably¡­" he trailed off into a growl.

    Elia giggled. "Could you imagine."

    "I''d rather not, honestly."

    She tipped her head up and kissed his neck and Reth''s body leapt to find her. He had to force himself to think of things other than her warm softness, and those lips, before he lost the self control to abide by Aymora''s rules.

    How was he supposed to hold his beautiful mate and not love her¡ªnot bring her pleasure? It was unnatural!

    But then he remembered those hours watching her writhe on the bed, her body trying to deliver, the helplessness and fear he''d felt¡­

    He sighed and pushed her back so he could meet her eyes. "Aymora says you aren''t to walk around. Should I have theme in here to say hello? I don''t think they''ll leave until they''ve seen you for themselves."

    Elia smiled. "No. Grab me one of your shirts. I''ll wear it like a dress and I''ll go out there."

    "Are you certain?"

    "Of having to share you with them? No," she said with a smile. "But I''m certain that I''m home and¡­ I just want to feel alive again, Reth. Let me see home and our friends. It''s time."

 Chapter 539: Old Friends

    <h4>Chapter 539: Old Friends</h4>

    RETH

    He took his time finding the longest of his shirts, then helped her sit up and put it on. The buttons were taxed to their limits over the swell of her belly, and the sleeves hung so far past her hands that sheughed.

    Reth helped her roll them up, then tried to get the open cor to set closer. There was an inch of shadow between her breasts where the shirt came to a V over them. But Eliaughed and pped his hands away. "You think Brant has any interest in my cleavage?" she said lightly.

    Reth muttered something about there being no need to tempt the male, but Elia just giggled and started to scoot herself off the furs.

    "Whoa! No! You stop right there," Reth ordered.

    Elia froze, then frowned. "Reth, I can walk into the Great Room. I''ll sit down as soon as I get in there. It''s not much further than walking to the water closet."

    He shook his head. "No. I promised Aymora. If she finds out I let you go anywhere she''ll never leave us alone again. No, I''ll carry you out and put you on the lounge with a nket over your legs."

    "But¡ª"

    He stared down at her sternly until she rolled her eyes and sighed. "Okay, fine." But there were little spots of color in her cheeks, and her scent was threaded through with pleasure. She loved it when he touched her, especially when he carried her.

    Not as much as he loved carrying her, though. Better than any male had ever carried her before, he would wager.

    "What was that? What were you thinking?" Elia asked quickly, her face curious.

    Reth blinked. "What?"

    "Your scent, you smelled¡­ smug. What were you thinking? About me giving in to you carrying me? Are you thatpetitive and I just never realized it before?"

    He was going to have to remember her new senses. They could prove very inconvenient.

    With a heavy sigh, he slid his arms under her knees and behind her shoulders and lifted her, carrying her towards the door. "No, my love, I wasn''tpeting with you. I was¡­ hoping that there were no other males who you''d smell so pleased about carrying you, that''s all."

    "So you were beingpetitive?" She shook her head. But then she threw her arms around his neck and leaned into his ear. "I''ve never wanted anyone the way I want you, Reth. And never enjoyed another male the way I enjoy you. Ever. You''re my heart." Her words started yful, but ended in a hushed whisper as he made it to the door.

    He stopped before it, looking at her, loving that his arms were full of her, but hating that he couldn''t touch other parts of her.

    "And I have never loved another the way I love you, Elia," he said, his voice hoarse. "You are safe in my hands. Always."

    "I know," she said, sliding her fingers into his hair. "And I''m so grateful. Aymora''s story¡­ that was so heartbreaking, Reth. Please¡­ please don''t ever take any risk like that? Even for me."

    He nuzzled her and took her lips in a soft kiss, just for a moment. It was hard the way his body reacted. He didn''t want to fuel the fire for his friends who would enjoy teasing him for lighting up like a teenager for her. Of course, it was also the truth that he did¡­

    When they pulled apart, her eyes were sparkling and his heart was on fire. "I love you, Elia," he whispered.

    "I love you, Reth."

    Then he leaned down and opened the door, regretting that he had to share her, but so, so grateful she was back so that he could.

    *****

    ELIA

    Sitting on the lounge receiving hugs and exmations from Behryn and Brant was both a joy, and a frustration. She wanted to be on her feet, holding both of them, making them tea, able to move around and¡­ she just wanted to feel normal. But the truth was, she hadn''t felt normal since the moment she walked through that portal, and sitting here in her own cave was the best she''d felt since.

    She wouldn''tin.

    There were sore spots on either side of her belly, like tiny muscle cramps, low, near the join of where her thigh met her stomach. But other than that and being extremely tired, she was the happiest she''d been in months.

    She was in Anima. She was safe. Reth was safe. And¡­ even if Aymora was struggling, and Behryn had shadows under his eyes, at least they were all still here and together.

    Whatever they needed to face she was certain that they would.

    Once they''d both hugged her, Brant had taken the space at her feet on the lounge, rubbing her ankles with a gentle smile, while Behryn pulled up a chair in front of her, his eyes less pinched than they''d been when Reth carried her in.

    Reth stood at the arm of the lounge, behind her, his hand possessively on her shoulder. She held it with one hand while she spoke to the other two,forted by his presence so close.

    "How are you feeling? It sounds like you made quite a dramatic entrance back into Anima," Brant said. "What''s this I hear about you being able to shift now?"

    Eliaughed nervously and looked up at Reth.

    "It''s okay," he said. "I told them after you told me in the dream. They didn''t believe me. So I win again."

    She snorted, thankful for the release of tension, then turned back to Brant. "It was¡­ a shock," she said. "But we think it''s from the blood exchange. All of them."

    "Is it permanent?" Behryn asked, his eyes wide in shock.

    "Aymora doesn''t know. But¡­ I kind of hope not. I don''t know how you all do this shifting thing. I found it terrifying."

    "You just need some training," Behryn said with a soft smile. "Once you''ve had the baby and you''re stronger, we''ll work on it. You''ll enjoy it once you feel like you''re more in control."

    She went a little cold for a moment at a sh of herself, trapped within the beast and pounding, pleading, doing everything possible to try to get it submit so she coulde forward.

    She closed her eyes for a second and the males all murmured, but then she took a deep breath and forced herself to smile.

    It didn''t matter about the darkness she''d been in the past few weeks. She was here now, surrounded by strong, loving people who would help her. She would focus on that.

    Reth''s hand tightened on her shoulder, and she reached up again to squeeze him back.

    *****

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 Chapter 540: Daddy - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 540: Daddy - Part 1</h4>

    RETH

    A short timeter he could see that Elia was beginning to lose her spark, taking longer to answer questions and rubbing her eyes. He didn''t care if it made him look weak, he fussed like a mother hen, tucking the nket tighter around her and motioning to their friends that it was time to leave.

    Behryn took the cue first, standing from his chair and leaning in to hug her before telling her he was excited to introduce her to Hollhye.

    "Hollhye''s here?!" Elia asked quickly, looking around.

    Behryn chuckled. "She will be. I''ll bring her tomorrow. She''s wanted to meet you for some time."

    "Where''s she been all this time?"

    Behryn''s face went tight again, though he tried to force a smile. "Our home was always on the outskirts. My beautiful mate is naturally far less¡­ social than I. She had been taking care of our home and others outside the City. But since the war, we''ve remained here. She''s eager to meet you," he repeated.

    "Tell her I''m excited to meet her too. Bring her whenever you want, Behryn. I can''t wait!" Elia said, then yawned so wide her jaw cracked.

    All three males looked at each other. Behryn said his goodbyes, then as he left, Brant pushed himself out of the lounge and, after a quick hug for his adoptive daughter, stood over her, stroking her hair. "I am so relieved you''re back," he said quietly.

    Reth''s chest pinched with the emotion in the old lion''s face. "Aymora as well. I know she is¡­ struggling. But part of her bristling has been worry for you."

    Elia nodded. "We talked today," she said quietly. "I hope¡­ I hope she''s going to be okay."

    "She will. She''s been through worse, and it has only strengthened her," Brant said with another smile. "A lot like someone else I know." He raised an eyebrow and Elia smiled.

    "Thank you. But I don''t feel stronger right now," she admitted.

    "The Creator often puts us through the fire to burn away¡­ unhealthy things," Brant said carefully. Reth grunted. "When the mes pass, there''s a time of new growth¡ªand then you flourish."

    Elia sighed. "I hope so."

    "I know so," the older male said, then gave Reth a speaking nce as well. "Rest now, my girl. Rest for your little one. You''ll see."

    Elia nodded and they hugged again, then Brant left.

    Reth was tempted to bar the door behind him, but he knew Aymora or Jayah would be back before it was time to sleep. If he locked them out, Aymora would probably shift and tear out his throat.

    He moved to the side of the lounge and leaned down to pick Elia up and return her to the bedroom, but she put a hand to his chest. "Can we sit here for a little while?" she asked wearily.

    Reth frowned. "We can but¡­ you seem so tired, Elia. Shouldn''t you sleep? I can bring you back out hereter."

    "Not if something happens and you get called away.

    He tensed and Elia closed her eyes, clearing her face of the disapproval that had shed alongside the words. "You need to do what is needed for the people, Reth. I know that. Aymora and I talked about it. I know that''s real. I know you have to. And when you''re gone, I''m going to be okay. I was okay today and that was probably the worst it''s going to be, right?" she said, but her voice was shaky.

    Fuck, he hated seeing her afraid.

    He was still leaned over her, bracing himself on the back of the lounge. But at the pleading look on her face, he gave in to his own weakness and nodded, taking the seat Brant had left, pulling her feet into hisp.

    Then, unable to resist, he lifted her legs and scooted closer,ying her knees over hisp so his hip was against her bottom. Heid his arm over the back of the lounge and yed with her hair, stroking her neck with that hand, while the other stroked her legs.

    Touching her, having her there, inhaling her scent¡­ it was all such a joy. Such a blessed relief.

    And he was terrified to lose it.

    She didn''t know he had guards posted in the meadow, on the mountainside, and over the bathing pools entrance. He didn''t want her to remember her anger at being over-protected. But he couldn''t live with himself. If there was another uprising, or even just a handful of wolves that attempted to make trouble¡­ he couldn''t leave her and their cub at any kind of risk.

    Their cub¡­

    Reth sighed and leaned closer, letting the hand that was on her leg trail up to that round belly behind her knees.

    Elia''s cheeks pinked as he leaned down to put his ear to her stomach. "I''m so d you made it home, Elreth," he rumbled. "I have missed your mother terribly. And you¡­"

    Elia covered her mouth with one hand and put the other on his head. He couldn''t straighten to look at her because he guessed they would both cry. And he wanted to stay in joy. "I have a great deal to tell you. Your introduction to life has been quite dramatic so far."

    Elia snorted and he rubbed her stomach and began to tell her. To his delight, the longer he spoke, the more Elreth moved, nudging at his cheek, and giving her mother a jab when she aimed a swift kick at his neck.

    "So strong," he growled in approval. "You will be a fighter like your daddy."

    The little noise that broke in Elia''s throat brought tears to Reth''s eyes, but he didn''t straighten. Just kept stroking her belly, and wallowing in the feeling of her fingers on his scalp and running through his hair. He kept talking, not even paying attention to what he said, his whole attention on his daughter and how she responded to his voice.

    At one point, a small lump rose just in front of his nose and he used two fingers to press it back down gently.

    She didn''t like that, and kicked twice, firmly.

    Rethughed with such joy, he left tears on his shirt.

    He didn''t even care. His Love was back. His heart. And his child.

    That was all that mattered.

 Chapter 541: Daddy - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 541: Daddy - Part 2</h4>

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Your Golden Tickets have earned a total of FOUR chapters for mass release this week, so strap in for FOUR chapters, one every half hour, beginning NOW! To earn more chapters at the end of the month, keep blessing Reth & Elia with those Golden Tickets!

    *****

    ELIA

    When Brant and Behryn left she was exhausted¡ªand frustrated with herself. She couldn''t even talk to people for a couple of hours without needing to sleep?

    When Reth had leaned down to pick her up, she''d wanted to sink into his arms, then into the furs¡ªstill in his arms. But she knew¡­ she knew if they did she would only fall asleep. And she was desperate for some time with Reth that wasn''t full of fear or tension.

    It was a relief when he agreed to stay in the Great Room for a while.

    Then he sat with her, and she almost cried from the sheer joy of just being close to him¡ªhis fingers in her hair, his hand sliding up and down her calf.

    But then he curled his head onto her belly, holding her hip with one hand, and the t of her pregnant stomach with the other, and he began to talk to Elreth, and Elia wept.

    Silently. Without hups, tears streamed down her face at the sight of her huge, strong mate, tucking himself around her belly and murmuring to their daughter. All thought of sleep left her. She wouldn''t miss this moment for anything.

    As he rumbled and murmured, made jokes, and told stories to her stomach, Elia rested one arm on his massive shoulders, and dragged the fingers of her other hand through his hair just to be touching him.

    There was a ce, just below the hair at the nape of his neck where his skin was lighter, not as burnished by the sun, and she touched it, traced it with a fingertip. It seemed an oddly vulnerable spot on her hulking, alpha male. A visible match to the tenderness he was disying that squeezed her heart in a whole new way. And she knew she''d never recover.

    Reth has a friend was protective and fearless, open and authentic.

    Reth as a lover was generous and selfless, passionate and¡­ he lit fires in her that she''d never known existed.

    Reth as a King was admirable and so strong, he made her feel like there was nothing to fear.

    But Reth as a father¡­

    She loved Reth with every fiber of her being. She had since the first day they''d been reunited. But this? Reth as a father was devastating. All that power and strength held in check to touch with such gentleness, his voice an intoxicating mix of delight and love, protectiveness, and curiosity. And his smile¡­

    When he''d look at her stomach, right before he''d leaned down to put his cheek against it, she''d felt a sh of jealousy¡ªjust for a moment. She didn''t want him to look at anyone else with the same delight he felt for her. But then she remembered who that smile was for, and her heart broke wide open.

    She leaned forward, putting her arms as far around him and her stomach as she could. Weepy, she tried to kiss his head and between the bulk of her stomach and her swollen breasts, she could barely reach her lips to him. But she pushed, then rested her forehead on him.

    Reth sighed happily and moved his hand from her belly, to cup her arm.

    For a moment they just held each other, and Elreth, without speaking.

    Then, clearing his throat to cover for his emotion, Reth began to talk again. And Elia''s heart broke all over again.

    "You''ll be like your mother, I think," he said, his voice low, vibrating against the side of her belly. "Strong, even if others can''t see it. They might underestimate you because you are female, Elreth. Don''t let them. You are every bit as fierce and as powerful as me. You are my daughter. Anima will tremble when you walk.

    "But don''t ever let your power be a weapon, little one. Watch your mother. Listen to her. Hold onto her heart of love for people. Use thepassion she shows to bring your people close. Earn their loyalty with your love and honor. Do not frighten them into it. If you can do that¡ªtake the best of both of us¡ªyou will be the best ruler Anima has ever seen.

    "I know you can do it, Elreth," he whispered, then kissed her belly. "And I cannot wait for the day I can see it."

    A sob broke in Elia''s chest. "Oh, Reth!"

    She shook with her tears, overflowing out of love and relief and pure joy. He shushed her and pushed up to sit, pulling her into hisp and holding her close, stroking her hair as she clung to his neck.

    Her tears dripped from her cheeks to his corbone. But neither of them let go.

    "I love you so much," she whispered against his chest. "I was so scared without you, Reth."

    "Shhhhh, Love. It was terrible, I know. But you''re here now. Don''t focus on that. Focus on what we have, not what we lost."

    "I''m still scared, Reth. I wake up scared. I want to smile and something will startle me and¡­ I''m just scared all the time."

    His arms around her tightened. "Tell me," he murmured. "Tell me what scares you."

    She shivered. "I''m afraid of the shift¡ªafraid that I''ll get lost and not be able toe back to you. I''m afraid of not being to deliver Elreth safely. I''m afraid of losing you¡­ even more than the others, Reth, I''m so scared of losing you. Aymora''s story¡ª"

    "Her story is tragic and I wouldn''t wish it on anyone," he said firmly, but quietly. "But it is not our story, Elia. Don''t let yourself go there."

    "But it could be. When she described how she felt about her mate¡­ about his goodness and his strength. How she didn''t question him because she was certain he would be the hero¡­ those are all the things I feel about you, Reth. That''s the things that you are."

    He grunted and his fingers fisted in her hair. "Thank you, Love." They breathed together, then he sighed. "Thank you," he repeated. "But can we agree that you have never hesitated to question me?"

    He chuckled and it broke the tension. Elia found herself in that strange ce¡ªcrying andughing at the same time. She pushed back far enough to meet his eyes and linked her fingers behind his neck.

    He stared at her with such love, his dark eyes glowing for her. One of his huge hands ttened against her back, the other lifted to use a single finger to push strands of hair back from sticking to her tears.

    They stared at each other then, and Elia''s heart, overwhelmed with too many different emotions, just stilled.

    As her mate stared love and adoration, promises of protection, and certainty of his own ability to keep her safe, Elia could finally, for the first time in months, breathe easily.

    She wasn''t sure how long they sat like that, just drinking each other in and wallowing in their love. But it was a moment she''d never forget. It touched her soul. And when Reth tipped his forehead against hers and whispered her name, she closed her eyes and kissed him¡ªtenderly, softly, and with every ounce of the love she felt.

    *****

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 Chapter 542: Quiet Time

    <h4>Chapter 542: Quiet Time</h4>

    RETH

    Elia was exhausted. He could see it¡ªbut only after they finally broke out of their little bubble of love and became aware of the world again. It was then that he really saw her. The dullness of her hair. The shadows under her eyes. Her sunken cheeks¡ªit all rmed him.

    "You need to rest," he growled, angry with himself for keeping her up.

    "I don''t want to," she sighed. "I want to just be with you."

    "I''m not going anywhere," he said, gathering her up and standing. He wanted to growl again. She was far too light¡ªeven carrying the babe, somehow, impossibly, she was lighter than she''d been before she left. Reth wanted to scratch himself for ignoring it. "You need to eat, and then sleep," he said firmly.

    She rolled her eyes, but didn''t argue, he noticed. So, because he didn''t want to do anything but be with her, either, he carried her into the kitchen and together, awkwardly, they collected fruit and a thick, fluffy scone that someone had brought for the meeting. Then, while she held the food, he held her, carrying her into the bedchamber andying her gently down on the furs.

    She didn''t get underneath them, but rolled onto her side with the food next to her. Reth walked around the sleeping tform to join her on the other side. For a moment he watched her pick at the scone and pop berries into her mouth.

    Her arms were far too thin. She needed more fat, reserves for her body to draw on in growing this cub. She made a mental note to speak to Aymora about what foods would be best. Resources were strained because of the war. But he was King. If he couldn''t get his mate nutritious sulent food, they all had bigger problems.

    She looked at him then, her eyes seeming evenrger in her gaunt face, and with those smudges underneath. But she grinned wickedly and held out the berry in her fingers for him. He wasn''t hungry, but he opened his mouth just for the joy of seeing her eyes spark as she ced the little fruit on his tongue. He let his teeth drag on her finger when she pulled back, and her scent spiked. He was going to have to be careful. She was as ready for him as he was for her. But he would not risk Elreth. Not even for that.

    He cleared his throat, chewed and swallowed the berry, then searched his mind for something to talk about to get his mind off of the way her breasts pressed against his shirt¡ªthe neck of which was now gaping because shey on her side.

    But he couldn''t think of anything to ask her that didn''t potentially touch on painful or frightening events. He was dying to know how she felt in the beast. Her lioness was huge, a match for her huge heart. But she''d already said she was terrified of the beast. Something he prayed would pass if the shift was permanent.

    He couldn''t think of anything more fun than an afternoon spent running into the mountains with her, then loving each other in the heights of the mountains.

    He was about to paint the picture, hoping he could convince her not to be afraid of the beast¡ªto see the benefits of learning to work with it¡ªwhen she froze and her eyes went wide.

    His heart immediately thumped and adrenalin coursed through him. "What? Are you in pain? Should I¡ª" he was already beginning to roll off the bed to go get Aymora when she caught his elbow.

    "No, Reth, sorry. I didn''t mean to frighten you. I just¡­ I just remembered¡ªwhere''s Gahrye?"

    Reth went still, half turned away from her.

    His own beast snarled that his mate whom he had missed, and who consumed his world, was asking after another male. But he had to remind himself that to her, Gahrye was akin to Behryn.

    Something just wasn''t right when the person you trusted the most aside from your mate was absent¡­ or angry.

    He took a deep breath and rolled back to face her. "He slept herest night, but he was gone early this morning when I got up. I figured he would be reconnecting with his family and friends. I can have someone find him and bring him here. I need to speak with him, too," he said, trying not to let her see the way his teeth wanted to clench.

    "You smell¡­ jealous?" she said, blinking in surprise, then smiling a little. "Reth! Don''t be ridiculous!"

    "I''m not," he grumbled, and picked up another berry, just for something to do.

    "Reth, I have no feelings for Gahrye, and trust me, he doesn''t have any for me, either."

    "I know. I said I''m not¡ª"

    "I really had no idea howpetitive you are! What else have you been hiding from me?" sheughed quietly, though he could hear the tension underlying her lighthearted words. She leaned in, close to his neck and inhaled deeply. "Mmmmm," she said, tracing his corbone with a finger, which made his skin prickle and his hand fist as he fought to keep his hands off of her. "Jealousy¡­ and¡­ you want me!" she said, pulling back to meet his eyes, smiling widely.

    "Nothing new there," he mumbled, taking another berry. "And I''m not the only one," he pointed out, one eyebrow up as she grinned at him.

    Her cheeks flushed. "It does feel like a long time, doesn''t it?" she groaned. "Three weeks. And then after that, if Elreth is here¡­" she groaned and rolled onto her back.

    Reth tore his eyes off her breasts, pushing against his shirt buttons and making them gape. On a normal day he would have reached for them, popping the buttons slowly, then letting his fingers slide under the soft cotton to take the weight of her breast. Peeling the shirt back only when he leaned in to take that peak in his mouth¡ª

    "Reth, stop!"

    *****

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 Chapter 543: Bad News

    <h4>Chapter 543: Bad News</h4>

    RETH

    Reth snapped back from his mental undressing of his mate to find her eyes, wide and pleading. And her chest rising and falling rather faster than usual. "Stop!" she said breathlessly. "I can¡­ I can feel what you''re thinking about¡­ I can smell¡­" she groaned again and put her hands over her face. "How do you all do this, walking around all day smelling people, hearing them. Knowing that they''re thinking about this¡ªdoing it? I had to listen to Gahrye and Kalle when we were back in the human world¡­ ugh. It almost broke me."

    Reth grunted. "It''s not fun when you are burning for your mate and someone else has theirs, that''s true," he said, his voice deep and rippling with desire for her. "But usually¡­ usually it is just life. Something that keeps us all connected. I know when Behryn and Hollhye have¡­ when they''re loving, and when they''re fighting. I know when they wish for each other, and when she is pinning her ears back."

    Elia''s cheeks flushed red and she gaped at him. "You''re telling me every time we¡­"

    He smirked. "Yes."

    "Reth!" she pped his chest. "Why didn''t you tell me?! That''s so embarrassing. I mean, I knew when we first¡­ but I thought it was a mating bond thing. You''re telling me¡­ every time!?"

    "No one is embarrassed by this except you, Elia," he said simply. "They''re either jealous, or, if their own lives are fulfilling, they areforted to know their King and his mate are so¡­ unified," he chuckled.

    Elia groaned. "How am I even going to look people in the eye? Maybe I won''t evere out of the cave again. This is my home now. For the rest of my life. Elreth doesn''t need to see the sun, right?"

    Rethughed and pushed what was left of the food aside to pull her into his chest and stroke her back as he spoke. "Don''t think about that now," he whispered, kissing her hair. "Let''s just¡­ enjoy each other as we can. And when those days are returned to us¡­ well, you''ll see. No one else will care. I promise you."

    She squeezed him close, but he could scent her dread.

    He was just d that it was over something so small. He tried to move the conversation on, to distract her. "Kalle¡­ that''s Gahrye''s mate?"

    "He told you about her?" Elia said, her voice strangely guarded.

    "Barely," he replied, watching her carefully. "I could tell from his scent that he''d found his True Mate. He said that she''s unable toe here? My heart goes out to him."

    Elia gave him a t look. "You need to do more than feel bad for him, Reth. We need to send him back. He needs to be with her."

    "That''s impossible," he said, grimacing. "I feel for Gahrye, but¡­ we just can''t."

    "What do you mean? Of course we can! I can choose another Adviser¡ªor he can travel back and forth."

    "No, Elia, you don''t understand, I agreed with the Bears to close the portal permanently. Except for retrieving you¡ªwhich I was on my way to do¡ªI told them that I would not send anyone else through. Gawhr will take the region and we''ll be at war again if I do."

    "What?!" Elia pushed up on an elbow and Reth pulled back from the panic on her face. "Reth, you can''t do that! He has to go back!"

    "I''m sorry, Elia," he said gently, not wanting to upset her when she was already so tired. "but I didn''t know that when I made the agreement. The wolves held the region, though loosely, and I doubt that many beyond Lerrin knew what they held. But I couldn''t split my numbers. The Bears came to our rescue. But they have serious misgivings about the Portal. Had you not been my True Mate, and had I not already passed safely through¡­ had Gawhr not understood the impact of losing a true mate¡­ look, it doesn''t matter. The fact is, I made an agreement. I told him we would cross only to get you, and once you were here, that we wouldn''t allow any others to use it."

    "You can''t do that!"

    "Actually, I can¡­" he said firmly. He did not wish to fight with her. At all. "Elia, what''s wrong. I know this is hard on Gahrye, and I appreciate that he gave up time with his mate to bring you back¡­ but¡­ you seem agitated. Please calm down."

    "Gahrye gave up so much more than you realize, Reth. How can you be so calm at the idea of True Mates being separated like that? How can you just¡ª"

    "Because you are here and my prayers are answered, and no matter what else happens, I am grateful. I will not doubt that the decisions I made to get us here, to return you, were wrong when they have ended so rightly. Elia¡ª"

    "Reth! Think! Imagine if you were here and I was there and someone was telling you that you could never cross again!"

    His mind filled with the images then, of his time there alone in the cave. When he''d found her letter. Those cold nights without her. The night before he fought Lerrin and didn''t know if he would survive¡­

    Imagine walking through that to be told he couldn''t go back to get her?

    His stomach felt sick. "I am¡­ not unsympathetic," he said a momentter, his voice low. "But I''m also stuck. At least until Spring. I can¡­ I could speak with Gawhr again then. If the Bears decide to move, we''ll be fine. If they don''t, I''ll present the case to him."

    "So, wait, the Bears own the portalnds now?" she asked, shocked.

    "No. But I gave them rights to inhabit it. I had to, Elia. We were already stretched so thin. I couldn''t afford to give the wolves space toe at us from multiple sides at once. Not to mention that you were there and I didn''t know¡ª"

    "That''s my point! We can''t use it for our own gain, then stop others from doing the same!"

    "We can, and I will," Reth said, his voice getting sharper.

 Chapter 544: Terms & Conditions

    <h4>Chapter 544: Terms & Conditions</h4>

    RETH

    He''d shocked her.

    He and Elia stared at each other, both of them tense and poised, like prey hidden in the grass, aware of a predator nearby and waiting to see if it would pounce.

    Elia was clearly ovee with the idea of sentencing Gahrye to time apart from his mate. And he loved her for herpassion. But Reth was far more concerned about how her lip kept pulling back from her teeth, than the fact that they were arguing.

    She needed to calm down.

    "Elia," he said, as reasonably as he could, "I''m not without feeling. But you weren''t here. You don''t understand. I do not wish grief on Gahrye¡ªespecially not since he''s done such a good work in keeping you safe and getting you back here. But I wasn''t aware of his situation, and I made a vow to Gawhr. He leads the bears and he can be erratic even at the best of times. I can''t just break my word because it''s now inconvenient."

    The look on her face gave him pause¡ªhorror, shock, betrayal¡­ She felt that he was betraying her?

    "Elia, please¡ª"

    "I have to talk to Gahrye," she said. "Right now."

    "You need to rest. We don''t even know where he is."

    "I need to talk to him!" she growled.

    She really growled.

    Reth''s instincts kicked in and he paused, his beastshing its tail in warning, but he shook it off.

    His heart was beating to quickly, and she was breathing too fast. They both needed to calm down. And she needed to rest. But clearly, there was also an issue to be addressed with Gahrye.

    "I will make a deal with you," he said quietly. "You go to sleep and I will ask the Sentries to send a messenger out to find Gahrye. When he gets here, if you''re awake, I''ll bring him to you. If not, I''ll ask him to stay until you are able to speak with him."

    "I''m not going to be able to sleep knowing that we''re banishing Gahrye to a life without his mate!" Her eyes shed her beast''s and ice slid down Reth''s spine.

    "Elia, you need to calm down," he breathed, no longer angry, now afraid. For her.

    "I can''t calm down! You''re separating my best friend from his True Mate¡ªand you aren''t even sorry about it!"

    "Of course I''m sorry about it! I already said¡ª"

    "You said you can and you will! There''s no¡­ there''s¡­" Her fingers wed into the furs and her eyes remained golden.

    The hair on the back of Reth''s neck stood up. Her body was trying to shift, despite the tonic.

    Was it already time for more? What time had they given it that morning? He needed to get Aymora here, now.

    "Elia¡ª" he said quietly.

    "Don''t talk to me like I''m a child!" she snarled.

    "I''m not! I''m talking to you like someone who has more than just herself to think of. Think of Elreth, and think of me: You are at risk of shifting, Elia, do you realize that?!"

    She blinked and her lip curled again, but then her face fell and the golden glow left her eyes. "I¡­ what?"

    "It''s okay, you''re safe. You''re here. You''re with me, Elia. And we''re going to get help. It must be time for more of the tonic. But until we can get it, you need to stay calm okay?"

    "I don''t want to shift again, Reth," she said, her voice too high, but still tense. It broke his heart.

    "You won''t," he reassured her. "Just keep breathing and rx. Keep your mind on something good. Something that calms you."

    "You calm me¡­ usually," she added darkly.

    "Elia, good thoughts. Calming thoughts. Breathe."

    She nodded and closed her eyes, letting herselfy back down. She took deep breaths and didn''t open her eyes. "Get Aymora, please."

    Reth didn''t need to be asked twice. He whipped himself off the sleeping tform and darted through the cave to the sentries outside¡ªthe two closest, right at the opening of the cave mouth, both watching the meadow, but smiles fading from their faces as if they''d just shared a joke and now were returning to their work.

    "Get Aymora, now!" he snarled from behind them.

    They both leapt to face him, took one look at his thunderous face, then one of them sprinted into the meadow, while the other stepped into the center of the cave mouth.

    "We have a¡­ a system. They''ll get word to her right away."

    Reth nodded once, his jaw hard as rock, he clenched his teeth so hard he thought he might crack one. "Have them locate her Advisor, also, Gahrye. Tell him to attend the Queen immediately."

    The Sentry saluted, then darted off, calling for his brothers to watch the cave mouth. Reth waited only long enough to make sure new guards were moving into position before he ran back into the cave and to the bedroom, sighing with relief when he saw Elia on the furs, still in human form.

    "They''ll find Aymora¡ªand Gahrye¡ªand bring them as soon as they can," he said grimly, crawling up onto the furs with her to take her hand. Her hand was trembling, and her jaw kept twitching. "Hold on, Elia," he pleaded. "Just hold on. Breathe."

    "Don''t leave me, please, Reth," she said in a shaky voice.

    "I never will, Love, you know that."

    "But you did once, sending me through. And I''m still afraid," she said, her voice getting tighter and more breathless.

    "I''m so sorry, Elia. So sorry. It will never happen again. I vow it to you. I''ll never push you away again. Now¡­ breathe and remember¡­ remember Elreth. Remember our lives together and how we will live happily now. We''re together now. That''s what matters."

    She nodded and kept breathing deeply, holding his hand so tightly it hurt.

    She didn''t speak again and Reth didn''t either, afraid he might say the wrong thing and set her off. So instead, he leaned his forehead on their sped hands and prayed.

 Chapter 545: Omen

    <h4>Chapter 545: Omen</h4>

    WINNERS! Thank you to EVERYONE who purchased top tier privilegest month. You are incredible supporters of my work and I wish I could give everyone a paperback.? Don''t forget, the draw is happening again here in November. So if you have purchased the top tier of privilege already (Ruler tier, 1200 coins),ment "I want a paperback" in the most recently published chapter of each book you hold that tier for!

    CONGRATULATIONS to the winners for October:

    QUEEN OF BEASTS: T_Ray6

    KING OF BEASTS: DespinaNY

    If you can both email me on [emailprotected]</a> and send me the address you''d be happy for me to send the paperback to, I will get those in the mail to you! THANK YOU

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye was trudging back down the trail, less than a mile from the disformed cave under the light of the moon when the guard found him.

    It had been a strange day, full of reunions and joy with friends, difficult conversations, secrecy and¡­ hope. Also pain. The constant, nagging pain of not knowing if Kalle was safe. If she was well. If she was¡­ pregnant.

    Gahrye swallowed and followed the guard straight through the trees, who muttered about having to stay in human form so he could keep up.

    His stomach clenched. "You can leave me. I''ll go straight there, as fast as I can. I have no desire to leave the Queen waiting¡ª"

    "No," the guard replied sharply. "It''s my duty to make sure you''re there as quickly as possible. We''ve already been looking for you for an hour. Why did you leave her so long?"

    Gahrye frowned at the male''s back. "That would be none of your business," he snapped.

    "I was sent by the King¡ª"

    "And I answer directly to the Queen, so you will shut your mouth and lead if you must, but do not speak down to me as if you outrank me. I am a Cohort, and my honor stands with her, not with you."

    The male hunched¡ªcorrected, and he knew it. But he didn''t apologize.

    Gahrye decided his silence was sufficient, especially if it gave him pause for how he spoke in future. But damn¡­ he was looking forward to the day he could return to Kalle, not just because he needed her, needed to know she was safe. But also because he would enjoy returning to a ce where he wasn''t easily outpaced, or disadvantaged.

    The truth was, whether he outranked the guard or not, likely all the male would have had to do was shift and he could have run rings around Gahrye. As an equine he certainly could have outrun him.

    Gahrye sighed and pressed on.

    When they made it to the cave the guard stepped aside and saluted, which wasn''t necessary, but made Gahrye feel a little better.

    He didn''t stop though, because if Elia was calling for his immediate attendance, something important had to be happening. So he ran through the great room and back towards the bedchamber where voices rose quietly, but tense.

    He turned the corner to find the door open and Eliaying on her back on the furs in one of Reth''s shirts. It was twisted around her like she''d been moving a lot. Her chest heaved and she had her eyes closed and her hands fisted into the furs.

    "Give her the tonic!" Reth snarled. He was on all fours, alongside Elia on the sleeping tform, every muscle in his back and arms bulging and rigid with tension as he watched his mate struggle against the shift.

    "It''s too soon, Reth!" Aymora stood at the foot of the tform, her hands clenched to fists, but she didn''t back away from her King. "She''s pregnant! We can''t risk overdosing her the way we did with you. She''s far smaller and¡­ we don''t know what effect it will have on the babe!"

    "I can tell you what effect it''s going to have on my mate if she shifts, give her the fucking tonic, Aymora!"

    "No!"

    "What''s going on?" Gahrye said quietly from the door and they both snapped their heads around to look at him.

    "Not now, Gahrye. She wants to talk to you, but first¡ª"

    "Gahrye?!" Elia sat bolt upright, almost taking Reth''s head off with her shoulder. Her chest rose and fell, too deep, too fast.

    And her eyes were the gold of her lion. Shit.

    "It''s okay, Elia. I''m here. You don''t need to¡ª"

    "You can''t freak out, okay?! We''ll figure it out. So just stay calm and don''t worry. We will figure it out!"

    Gahrye blinked. What was she talking about?

    "Elia,y down," Reth said, one of his hands on her shoulder, urging her down.

    "What''s she talking about?" he asked Aymora. But Aymora just shrugged, she was clueless too.

    Elia fought against Reth''s pressure for her toy down. "He made a vow to the bears that we wouldn''t use the Portal anymore, but we''ll figure it out, okay? Don''t freak out. I''m not keeping you away from Kalle, I promise!"

    "Elia, you can''t make those promises, we don''t know¡ª"

    "What?!" Gahrye breathed. "What are you talking about? What vow? There''s no bears here¡ª"

    "I had to bring the bears into the Portal region to clear out the wolves. But to get their help I had to agree that, other than bringing Elia home, we wouldn''t use the Portal anymore."

    "WHAT?!"

    "Don''t freak out, Gahrye!" Elia pleaded through her teeth, her eyes beginning to glow. "We will figure it out!"

    "But¡ª"

    "I''ll speak with Gahwr after their sleep," Reth said patiently, still trying to pull Elia toy down. "He understands the difficulty of being apart from your True Mate, he''ll release you, I''m almost certain."

    "But¡­ but you''re King, Reth¡ª"

    "And I made a vow!" he growled. "I cannot break it while they sleep. We will just have another war on our hands."

    Gahrye gaped at Reth, and at Elia, who was still breathlessly trying to reassure him.

    After their sleep? That would be Spring. That was four months away¡ªat least! He''d known there was a risk when he came back that he''d be apart from Kalle for a while, but he''d hoped¡­ he''d prayed.

    "I came through once before and they didn''t know. Couldn''t I just sneak¡ª"

    "No. Wait¡ªyou went through more than once? You were here?" Reth red at him. "Why didn''t you tell me?"

    "I was only testing the portal to make sure it was safe for Elia toe," he said. "We didn''t know if the wolves had it, or¡­"

    "You left her there, unattended and you didn''t know if you would be taken when you came through?!"

    "Reth, he had to," Elia''s voice was rough, little more than a growl. "Don''t you dare get angry with him¡ª"

    "You might have been left there, with no one!"

    "Everyone needs to just calm down," Aymora said, her voice steely calm. "We need to help Elia be calm."

    "I was very careful," Gahrye said, cursing that he couldn''t tell Reth about being a Protector. "I wouldn''t even have stepped out of the Portal if the wolves had been there."

    "You can''t cross twice, you idiot! How could you take such a risk!?"

    "Reth, he didn''t! He saved me! I was almost gone and he got me here!"

    "Only by the Creator''s grace!"

    "Reth, calm down," Aymora snapped. "Both of you calm down. For her sake, please!"

    Gahrye caught the words that were about to trip off his tongue¡ªabout how Reth had left them there with no word and no other way of knowing. That he''d been doing the very best he could to get Reth''s mate back safely. This wasn''t the time. But he shook with anger and the injustice of it.

    While Reth shook, apparently with rage.

    Then Reth swore, "Shit! Elia! No!" as Elia growled and disappeared behind the body of a massive, pregnant lioness.

    *****

    IT''S A NEW PRIVILEGE MONTH!

    Don''t forget, if you purchase the highest tier of privilege in this book, or QUEEN OF BEASTS you go into the draw for a paperback at the end of the month! If you haven''t purchased privilege before, or this is your first month buying privilege for the second time, please read my author note that begins "Understanding Privilege" so you know what you are, and aren''t, buying! And don''t be scared to ask me questions in thements BEFORE you purchase, because privilege cannot be refunded, because it gives ess to chapters that have not been published.

 Chapter 546: Lioness

    <h4>Chapter 546: Lioness</h4>

    GUESS WHAT? This book will be COMPLETING in early December! *ils* I can''t believe it''s finally happening. I''m already grieving losing my time with Reth. But, I''m also SO excited to share the whole picture with you! Keep an eye on my announcements over the next week or two because I''m nning a BIG giveaway and Christmas event for early/mid December for all of us to celebrate and say goodbye to Reth & Elia together! Gaaaaaaahhhhh!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Elia''s beastnded, still on the furs, all four legs syed, her hackles standing tall, hissing, her mouth open to show her fangs, and her tailshing.

    "Shit, Reth!" Aymora growled. "You couldn''t stop pushing!"

    "I wasn''t pushing her."

    "Clearly you were!"

    Gahrye stared at Elia''s beast and shook his head, praying she''d be able toe back, that she wouldn''t be stuck again. But at least there were others here to help her now. At least¡­ at least he wouldn''t fail again.

    He slumped and Elia''s beast hissed again, leaping over Aymora tond between Gahrye and the others. He startled, but as soon as shended, she whirled, backing up until hershing tail was pping his shins, and growling at Reth and Aymora.

    Reth stared, wide eyed, then his brows pinched over his nose. "Is she¡­ protecting you?" he asked, his voice gruff, but going high at the end.

    Gahrye shook his head. "I don''t know. I just know she doesn''t attack me anymore when she''s in her beast."

    Reth took a step towards them and her growl became a snarl. Gahrye''s heart sank as the King''s face turned to stone and he pulled his head back in surprise.

    "Elia," he said quietly, "I would never hurt him."

    Aymora shook her head. "She clearly didn''t even think that in human form, Reth. Get your shit together. I''m going to get Jayah and that tonic, just in case. But for the Creator''s sake, both of you stop provoking her. Be calm, and ask her toe back. We''ll see if we can get her to shift naturally first. I don''t know enough about the wolves'' tonic to know if it''s safe in her pregnancy."

    Then she stormed past Elia''s beast with barely a nce at her, and out the door.

    Gahrye found himself standing behind the wide behind of a lioness hissing at her mate.

    If it wasn''t all so sad, it would have been funny.

    Then he saw Reth''s face¡ªsomewhere between hot rage, and brokenhearted, and he remembered that he wasn''t the only one who''d struggled through the past few months.

    He sighed. "I''m sorry, Reth, I''ll try to get her to¡­ ease off."

    Reth shook his head. "It''s not your fault, Gahrye. I''m¡­ I''m afraid I''m just not thinking clearly yet. I''ve been so focused on getting her back here, I haven''t really thought through what she''ll need¡­ what we''ll all need."

    Reth tore his eyes off Elia to hold Gahrye''s gaze. "I cannot promise anything for the short term. But you deserve honor, Gahrye. You watched over her for me. I will speak to Gawhr the day the bears begin to wake. I will plead your case. Negotiate for it. If it is in my control, I will get you back to your mate somehow."

    Gahrye swallowed. He knew he should be grateful. But all he wanted to do was spit at Reth that, if as King he didn''t have the control to free Gahrye to go back, who did? But he knew¡­ he''d given his word too. He knew that Reth''s integrity was a good thing. That he should respect it. He just needed some time toe to terms with what this meant¡ªand how his mate would feel not hearing from him for so long.

    Especially if she was pregnant.

    That thought hit him like a fist to the gut and he grimaced.

    "It''s the best I can do, Gahrye. I''m sorry. But I will not offer you something I have vowed never to do."

    Gahrye nodded. "I know, and you''re right. I''ll¡­" he looked down at the tawny, golden back stretched out between them and sighed. "When the timees, I''ll tell Elia that," he said through his teeth.

    Reth looked relieved. "Thank you. You''re a good male, Gahrye."

    Gahrye tried to stifle the huff that rolled of his throat at that. Reth''s lips thinned, but before the King could chastise him, Gahrye spoke. "Yes, Reth. I am. I try to be, anyway. And Elia knows it. She cares for me as a friend. And that''s all. She protects me like a sister would. And I''m very, very grateful for it. Stop seeing something ugly in her care for me. You have no need of it. Her heart is yours, wholly."

    Reth stared at him, surprised and¡ªif Gahrye didn''t miss his guess¡ªa little peeved. But Gahrye was too tired and too disappointed, and in too much pain to try to save the King''s bruised ego.

    "I don''t know how to help her back," he said before Reth could respond. "You''ll have to try to get through to her."

    Reth stared a moment longer, then let his gaze drop back to Elia. "I''ll shift too, see if I can get through to her that way first. Calm her down. You wait in the Great Room and tell Aymora when she returns that she''ll have two beasts in here. I shouldn''t have trouble getting back, but my beast will be stressed with her pregnant and unhappy. So¡­ just give her the warning." He hesitated, then looked up at Gharye again. "Please."

    Gahrye nodded. "I''ll tell her."

    "Thank you."

    It took everything within Gahrye not to make a juvenile, petty face as he turned away from the King. But deep down¡­ deep down he knew, if it was Kalle in Elia''s position¡­ if he was in Reth''s¡­ he would have done the same thing.

    It was just so unfair. Every time he made strides forward, every time he seeded, or achieved, it felt like all the Creator wanted was to put more barriers in his way.

    He shook his head as he strode out into the cave and paced the floor in front of the firece until Aymora would return. He didn''t mind having some minutes to himself to think things through. Because nothing was turning out as he''d expected.

    He could go, he knew. He could just leave and go to Kalle and make sure she was okay. Make sure the voices had been lying. That the asswipe wasn''t getting her back¡ªand wouldn''t hurt her.

    The sick thing was, he wanted them to be right about her being pregnant. He wanted to hold that babe. He wanted to share that with his mate. He wanted to be a father. A mate and a family was all he''d ever wanted.

    The urge to tell the Creator to go fuck himself, to leave Gahrye alone and stop forcing him into these impossible positions was strong. But something held him back.

    Because he was disform¡ªa Protector. He was a Protector. And the others¡­ the others had stayed here. They''d struggled through without support and without knowing where he went. None of them had a mate waiting for them. They didn''t have a prophecy telling them what to do and what their purpose was. They only had him, and if he left¡­

    He couldn''t just leave them. He couldn''t abandon this task, this purpose. Was that why the Creator was allowing him to meet this obstacle? Was the dy because otherwise he would give up and leave?

    Or was it all just one big lie? Was Gahrye being yed?

    Gahrye paced on.

 Chapter 547: Come Back to Me

    <h4>Chapter 547: Come Back to Me</h4>

    WINNERS! Thank you to EVERYONE who purchased top tier privilegest month. You are incredible supporters of my work and I wish I could give everyone a paperback.? Don''t forget, the draw is happening again here in November. So if you have purchased the top tier of privilege already (Ruler tier, 1200 coins),ment "I want a paperback" in the most recently published chapter of each book you hold that tier for!

    CONGRATULATIONS to the winners for October:

    QUEEN OF BEASTS: T_Ray6

    KING OF BEASTS: DespinaNY

    If you can both email me on [emailprotected]</a> and send me the address you''d be happy for me to send the paperback to, I will get those in the mail to you! THANK YOU

    *****

    RETH

    Gahrye had closed the door when he left, for which Reth was grateful. The conversation left him sick¡ªand the way Elia''s beast reacted to Gahrye as opposed to how she''s responded to him left him uneasy. But there was nothing he could do until his mate came back to him.

    Elia''s beast was clearly angry¡ªand probably ufortable. Pregnant, tired and scared.

    Reth could rte.

    He couldn''t risk doing anything that would take her back intobor. He had to try to keep her calm and bring her back. He stepped forward, intending to take her face in his hands and ask her to return, but Elia''s beast took a lightning swipe at him, ws unsheathed and her fangs open wide with a low, but menacing roar. Reth jumped back only just in time, his heart pounding.

    She''d almost caught him. Elia had almost taken his arm off.

    Elia. What the hell was happening?

    For a moment he wanted to rage. Did she think he took pleasure in saying no?! Did she think he was careless of the consequences of his decisions? His decisions led to nothing but consequences!

    Did she think he''d been flippant in making that agreement with the bears, that it was convenient for him? No! He''d wanted to cross himself and had held back. And now he wished he could allow Gahrye to go. But he couldn''t bring the entire Anima back to war for the sake of one Cohort! Gawhr would have ways to discover if he was betrayed, Reth had no doubt. The male was cunning and strong.

    If he allowed Gahrye to cross, he would have broken the vow and that would give the Bears the portal territory forever, unless they fought a war over it.

    Did she really think he wanted to say no?!

    His scent must have betrayed his anger, because her ears went t back against her skull and she lowered her chest to her forepaws, as if she would pounce.

    Oh him? She''d stand to protect the disformed equine, but w him?

    What was happening to them? Reth raked both hands through his hair and dropped his chin, shaking his head. He couldn''t be angry with her. She''d been through so much and she was so scared¡­

    "Please, Elia," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I never meant to hurt you or Gahrye. I will help him. With everything avable to me, I will help him. Just¡­ just give me time, please."

    The lioness growled and when he took a step toward her, she hissed again, but at least she didn''t try to harm him this time.

    It was strange, the grief that broke open within him, then. She''d been back what, a day? And he couldn''t keep her calm and happy for that long?

    With a heavy sigh, he held her gaze until she stopped hissing. But she didn''t raise out of her half-crouch, and her tail continued to flip back and forth.

    "I''m sorry, Love," he breathed. "I''m going to shift to be close to you¡ªbut I won''t press. I just¡­ I just need to be near you. Feel me, Elia. Come back. Please. Come back to me. We will work this out. We will. The Creator has a way, I know it."

    She blinked at him, but she''d stopped growling. So he gave over to the shift¡­

    *****

    ELIA

    She was home. The air was fresh and the smells entirely natural. None of those harsh lines, no prison. The cave smelled of her and him and their love.

    Him.

    The Mate was here! But angry. It wafted off him like dust in the air. He was hard. He had hurt the prey that was kin.

    Nothing was as it should be. But the mate was here in the strange body with the added scent¡­ but then he appeared as himself, and everything within her rxed. He was fully here. His calming, scent, his strength, his power. He was finally here. And no longer angry. He gave her his eyes and his scent and she could breathe again.

    He would protect her. Protect the cub.

    She began to pant, her body reminding her of the tension within. The ache. And the ticking clock. There wasn''t much time. The cub woulde soon. But until then¡­ she was so tired. Her body yearning for sleep and food. The gnawing within her would be over soon, once the cub was born.

    But she needed to be protected. It would not be easy. Something within her was not as it should be.

    Her mate prowled before her, disying himself, to remind her of his presence. When she didn''t hiss, he rubbed himself against her chest, his dark mane thick and deliciously wrapped in his scent. His tail ran under her chin and she breathed him in.

    Then he gave the call that reached her heart. He gave the call that spoke of their bond and she huffed, then called him back.

    He called again, a question, and she responded,ing out of the crouch to meet him when he turned. They met noses first, smelling each other, taking each other in, then she rubbed on his face, owning him, asking for his cover, his protection for her and the cub. Giving herself, if he would have her.

    And he called again, walking alongside her, rubbing on her fur to leave his scent, licking behind her ears and on her face.

    Soon she took the low jump up to the soft space and settled. Her body ached. The cub woulde soon, and she was tired. She needed rest.

    Too much rest.

    She groaned andid t.

    He groaned too, and shook his head, pacing back and forth over her for a moment, huffing. He nudged her head, but she didn''t move. She was tired. So tired.

    Then he circled her toy at her back. Not t, as she had, but to stay upright, to watch. He would watch over her while she rested. Protect her and the cub.

    She groaned her thanks.

    Her mate was needed.

    Her mate was here.

    Now she could sleep. Now she could rest.

    *****

    (POSTED 16/17 October) LIVE Monthly Voicechat and HUGE announcement tomorrow, starting at 1pm Pacific (that''s Sunday in the US/Monday in Southeast Asia)! If you can''t be there, ask me your questions in thements and I''ll answer them live, then you can watch the reyter on my Youtube channel (Author AimeeLynn). Or make sure you''ve "liked" my author profile on WN to receive the announcementter in the day.

    If want to be there live, join my discord TODAY by downloading the discord app on your phone and clicking the + sign, then entering these characters: 92g42X4nRv

    SEE YOU THERE!

 Chapter 548: Careful, Careful

    <h4>Chapter 548: Careful, Careful</h4>

    GUESS WHAT? This book will be COMPLETING in early December! *ils* I can''t believe it''s finally happening. I''m already grieving losing my time with Reth. But, I''m also SO excited to share the whole picture with you! Keep an eye on my announcements over the next week or two because I''m nning a BIG giveaway and Christmas event for early/mid December for all of us to celebrate and say goodbye to Reth & Elia together! Gaaaaaaahhhhh!

    *****

    RETH

    When Aymora crept in a few minutester, he was himself again, but stilly along Elia''s back. To his fierce relief she''d returned to her human form almost as soon as she fell asleep.

    He curled an arm over her head, wrapped his body around her, spooning her from behind, and he cupped her belly in his free hand.

    Aymora remained quiet when she saw them together¡ªher forehead stopped pinching. Behind her Jayah entered and also looked like she was sighing with relief. Jayah tapped Aymora on the shoulder and indicated she would wait outside. Aymora nodded, then turned back to face them.

    She stood for a long moment at the end of the sleeping tform, then moved her lips, barely letting air pass them, so even Reth had to listen closely to catch the words.

    "She''s exhausted. We have to keep her calm."

    He nodded. "She''s still struggling with fear. I don''t know all that happened while she was gone, but whatever it was¡­ she''s traumatized."

    Aymora nodded, her eyes sad. "That will not pass quickly, Reth."

    He nodded sadly and stroked her belly.

    "And you are too," Aymora breathed.

    He frowned. He wasn''t traumatized. He was stressed. Tired. He wished the whole world would go away so he could just be with his mate. But he wasn''t traumatized. They had avoided outright war¡ªthough that battle¡­

    Reth sucked in a deep breath. "Not traumatized. But I am reaching my limits. All I need is time with her. But I fear my duties will get in the way of even that."

    "Reth. Reth, look at me."

    He braced himself for a fight before he dragged his eyes up from Elia to meet Aymora''s gaze¡ªthat was far softer than he''d expected. It put him off bnce.

    "You were almost marked a traitor to your own people. Your mate was kidnapped and nearly killed. You sent her away, and almost lost her while she was gone. At the same time a former ally became your enemy, and your best friend was almost killed trying to keep you alive. You''ve met battle and plots for your death¡ªand now you are facing potentially losing your cub if things don''t go well. Don''t tell me you aren''t traumatized. You are still Anima. You are not God Himself." She smiled to soften the words, but he heard the conviction in her tone.

    "Well¡­ when you put it like that¡­" he grumbled.

    Aymora snorted softly.

    Elia stirred and they both froze. But she only snuggled deeper into Reth''s chest and went still again, her breathing slow and deep.

    "She needs help, Aymora, and I don''t know how to give it."

    "None of us, not really," Aymora said sadly. "But we do what we can, and we trust the Creator and love to get us through the rest."

    "Except the cub¡­ the delivery¡­"

    "We have not lost a mother to childbirth in several years, Reth. And a cub for even more years. But¡­ hers is unique. What will be, will be, Reth. You know that," she said, holding his gaze as he let that truth sink into his bones.

    To the Anima, offspring were precious. But the getting of them¡­ it was often a journey of failure and pain. Even those that grew in the womb might not make it through the pregnancy. And though recent developments had allowed them to keep all the recent mothers and young alive, it was the way throughout history.

    Childbirth, the delivery of offspring¡ªespecially cross-species offspring¡ªwas rich with opportunity for failure. The Anima epted this as part of life. The young would live or die. The mother would live or die, as the Creator chose.

    Reth had always grieved with the families who lost. But this was the first time it was his mate, his offspring.

    Suddenly his former detachment, his air of faith¡ªthat the Creator chose for a reason¡ªdidn''t seem so much of a balm, as a crutch.

    He would give anything to keep Elia safe, to bring Elreth into this world without danger. He would give himself it if meant they would both survive.

    But this was one thing he could not do. He''d caught a glimpse of that day the night before when Aymora and Jayah fought to keep Elia''s body from evicting the cub before her time. He had no false beliefs that he would, in any way, choose the oue of this.

    That was what made it so terrifying.

    In all other areas of his life, what he chose, what he worked for, what he brought his own strength and power to bear against¡­ it moved. Usually in the direction he chose. But this?

    Here had no control. None.

    He almost wet on himself.

    Aymora shook her head. "Alpha-Male Bullshit."

    Reth frowned. "Fearing for my mate is alpha male bullshit?"

    "No, Reth, holding any belief that you have power in this world on any day, let alone the day of your offspring''s birth is alpha male bullshit. Even this war, even the Rite of Survival¡­ you had no control in any of it. Oh, you fought," she said, waving a hand at him when he was about to protest. "I? do not say the Creator doesn''t use your power and strength. He does. I see it every day. But stop telling yourself that you are, in any way, capable of controlling the world around you. You are not. And you are old enough to have realized that by now."

    She looked at him sternly.

    Reth raised an eyebrow in challenge. "And this is just alpha male bullshit, is it?" he said tightly.

    Aymora frowned. "What do you mean?"

    "You telling my mate your story¡­ interesting timing, Aymora. No attempts there to control me, or put pressure where you believe it should go?"

    His dear friend frowned and looked down at the furs, as if she truly considered what he said. "I suppose you''re right," she said. "But that wasn''t how it started. I meant¡­ I meant to let her know she wasn''t alone in her fear. That I understood it. Had lived it¡ªand lived through it. Because if that story taught me anything, Reth, it taught me that love is precious, and never to take it for granted. One thing I will say for you, and my daughter, is that you both know what you have, and value it. That is¡­ that is a balm to my old heart."

    Reth snorted. "You aren''t that old."

    She raised an eyebrow at him. "Old enough to remember wiping your ass," she said with a twisted grin.

    Rethughed, then swallowed it when Elia stirred again. He and Aymora both looked down at her, then at each other.

    "Never leave her alone again," Aymora warned him.

    "I won''t. I vowed it," he said seriously.

    "Then the rest we leave in the Creator''s hands," Aymora said and sighed.

 Chapter 549: Vengeance

    <h4>Chapter 549: Vengeance</h4>

    LET''S CELEBRATE! IT''S MY BIG DAY: A WHOLE NEW BOOK, A WHOLE NEW WORLD, A WHOLE NEW HERO! Check out the excerpt at the end of this chapter (added after the chapter was published so you aren''t charged for the words). I hope you love Zev as much as I do!

    *****

    LERRIN

    The scent of tension, along with the sound of hearts beating too quickly, reached him before the door opened. It was the only warning he received.

    When the door opened and the guard¡ªone he hadn''t seen before¡ªchecked around the door, he was already watching and braced. What was going on?

    Then there was movement and he caught sight of a female form and a white hood. For a moment he thought Suhle had returned and his heart lifted before he squashed it. But then the female stepped inside and, despite bringing the scents of several males, the door closed behind her.

    Lerrin braced, keeping one wary eye on the door as she approached.

    She walked with her head down, not meeting his eyes, in submission. He tensed when stopped, then dropped to her knees, hands sped at her waist¡ªan offering of devotion.

    What the hell was happening?

    "Master," she said, her voice silky with promise. "I am here to serve."

    "Get on your feet," he growled. "I do not require worship."

    She obeyed quickly and gracefully. She still hadn''t met his eyes. Her scent was tense, but also¡­ filled with desire. Lerrin''s eyes narrowed.

    She thought what? That he took females in devotion? That this was the way to reach him? His bed?

    "Why are you here?" he asked gruffly, keeping several feet between them.

    "Ie to serve," she murmured. "I was told¡­ I understood that you prefer a submissive female." Then she lifted her head enough to meet his gaze from under the hood. "Submission is my favorite, also," she said slyly, her eyes shing as her scent became drenched in desire.

    Lerrin almost coughed with it, shaking his head and his upper lip instinctively pulling back to bare his teeth. "What is your name?" he snapped through his teeth.

    She smiled wider. "I am Kaiko, Sire."

    "Kaiko, I don''t know who you''ve been speaking to, but you have been sadly misinformed¡ªon several levels it would seem. I am no longer Sire," he spat. "But perhaps more importantly, I do not have a preference for¡­ for any female, let alone a submissive one," he growled. "If you choose devotion, I apud you, but do not¡­ do not think to sway me with it. Be the strength of who you are. If you wish to attract a male, show your strength. The male that is able to meet you is the male that will be your best partner."

    She was quiet for a moment, then she nodded. "I understand," she said breathily.

    He took a breath, still frowning. Certain that she didn''t understand at all.

    Sure enough, a momentter she stepped forward and flipped the hood back, reaching for his shirt, her heart pounding.

    Blocking her hands, he slipped out of her reach and backed away. "I do not want to fight you, but I will if you do not listen!"

    She pulled up for a moment, confusion shing across her features. "But¡­ you said to show my strength?"

    "To OTHERS, Kaiko. Show your strength to others. I am not¡­ I am not seeking a mate." He continued to back away as she began to pursue him across the floor again.

    "I am not asking to be your mate," she chuckled, her voice husky. "I only wish to offer myself for your pleasure. The game you y, it is¡­ enjoyable. Please be sure I will continue to be strong and¡ª"

    "No, Kaiko, you misunderstand. This is not a game. I am trying to entice you. I do not wish to hurt you, but I will if that is what it will take to convince you¡ª"

    "I am not adverse to pain¡ªso long as we have a safe word¡ª"

    "Do not push me," he snarled and stopped backing away.

    Her eyes lit up and he shook his head, epting that words were not enough. He would need to show her. "I tried to warn you," he growled.

    She smiled and reached for his buttons and he unleashed, blocking her hand before she could touch him, grasping her wrist and turning her to lock her arms as he held her against his chest, her hands crossed and extended before her.

    "If you do not wish me to touch you, I would be happy for you to tie me¡ª"

    "Do you have no shame?! Hear my words, Kaiko, I do not desire you!" He spun her and, in one motion, hooked her ankle so she lost her feet.

    Keeping her wrist sped in his much bigger hand, he caught her weight, but bore her to the ground and put a knee to her sternum to pin her, both wrists sped in his hand.

    She''d lost the smile and stared up at him, her mouth slightly open.

    "I do not want you," he snarled. "And I have no desire for you to touch me. I do not y a game. This is not double-speak. Leave me. Now. I don''t know who sent you, but clearly they do not know me as a male, or as a ruler."

    She blinked and swallowed. "O-okay. I''m sorry."

    "I do not want to hurt you, but if you attempt to touch me again, I will."

    She nodded. "I understand."

    Pushing her away as he shifted his weight and danced to his feet, he remained in the defensive stance.

    As she slowly got to her feet, her cheeks reddening, it urred to him how easily he had overpowered her. He was reminded of Suhle, of her shaking hands and dark eyes when she spoke of the day the males had overpowered her. She had not been equipped as he was, or as strong. He did not have reason to fear this female, yet he still felt¡­ grubby because she''d touched him.

    He shook his head. How he wished he could have been there the day those males took Suhle. He would have rained hell on them.

    If he were free and found them, he still would.

    "Leave me," he snarled at her. She snapped a quick bow of her head, then trotted towards the door, her jaw tight and hands clenched to fists. She was not without strength, he could feel it in her, see it in her form and the way she moved. So why had she chosen this route? Why offer herself for him to simply take her like that?

    She opened the door and his chest loosened a hair. But she didn''t step out. Instead, she leaned out of the door and beckoned at someone else.

    A momentter, five males, strong and clearly warrior trained, all wolves, stepped in behind her and the door closed again. Lerrin''s stomach dropped to his toes as all six of them turned to face him.

    Then Kaiko smiled again. "Lerrin, meet my strength." She raised a hand to indicate the males that stood behind her.

    Lerrin shook his head and flexed his hands. Understanding dawned.

    *****

    NEW BOOK OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! It''s still in the process of being vetted by Webnovel, but you can find it if you search "Rise of the Dark Alpha":

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 550: No White Hoods Here

    <h4>Chapter 550: No White Hoods Here</h4>

    WINNERS! Thank you to EVERYONE who purchased top tier privilegest month. You are incredible supporters of my work and I wish I could give everyone a paperback.? Don''t forget, the draw is happening again here in November. So if you have purchased the top tier of privilege already (Ruler tier, 1200 coins),ment "I want a paperback" in the most recently published chapter of each book you hold that tier for!

    CONGRATULATIONS to the winners for October:

    QUEEN OF BEASTS: T_Ray6

    KING OF BEASTS: DespinaNY

    If you can both email me on [emailprotected]</a> and send me the address you''d be happy for me to send the paperback to, I will get those in the mail to you! THANK YOU

    *****

    LERRIN

    "You weren''t at the encampment," he said. "Not a part of the rebellion. Yet you called me Sire?"

    "You are of the royal line¡ªwhether I despise you or not," she said simply, shrugging. "I respect the hierarchy."

    He snorted and looked pointedly at the males spread out behind her. "Interesting definition of respect." Then he met her gaze. "If you n to kill me, do not expect me to go quietly," he growled.

    Her smile got sharp. "Death? Perhaps. We will see what the Creator has nned. I know only that we are for vengeance. We will see what form it takes."

    "Vengeance for the rebellion?" he asked carefully, loosening his muscles and breathing deeply to prepare his body for the battle.

    "Vengeance for your betrayal of the wolves," she spat. "Generations on generations have held the secret of the mind link and protected our tribe from interference. Your arrogance in revealing is¡­ unprecedented."

    Lerrin felt sick, but he forced himself to scoff. "You might find our secrets have not been held as tightly as you would believe. However, yes, you are right. I did reveal something of our link to the people. For the good of all. If you remained behind the Lion King, surely that is your goal? Peace? Harmony? Yet, you find the melding¡­ restrictive?"

    "I find the arrogance you disyed in revealing it to the tribes, disgusting," she snarled. "We will take vengeance on your hide. It is up to the Creator if you will die from it. I will not grieve you, if so," she said.

    He was about to respond, to keep her talking so he had longer to measure everyone, but his only warning was a small twitch of her hand, and suddenly all six of them descended on him at once.

    He tried to back away, cursing himself foring so far forward into the space as the males flowed to the sides, to head? him off and he wasn''t able to get his back to a wall before they surrounded him.

    He snarled. As one, they all shifted¡ªwolves with honor would only do battle in animal form¡ªbut even his beast knew the dread of foreseeable defeat. His blood rushing with oxygen and adrenaline, he moved like lightning to meet the first attacks, the first open jaws. But he hadn''t eaten yet that day, and hadn''t eaten well for weeks now. His strength had limits now that he hadn''t experienced before.

    He fended off the first two attacks, but it was only moments before there were simply too many bodies, too many teeth, too many ws, from too many angles.

    He was born to the floor within a minute, snapping and snarling, rending flesh and opening the shoulder of one of the males who yelped and flipped himself away from Lerrin''s reach. But before he could even turn to protect his back, anothertched on.

    He curled to defend his tender belly and throat.

    And even within the beast, he prayed.

    Perhaps his time had finallye. It would be a relief if it had. He couldn''t see his way forward anymore, couldn''t see a hope for the future. After what he''d done and the ways he''d failed, perhaps it was only right that he die at the jaws of his own tribe. Perhaps that was justice. Whether they understood the truth of his betrayal, or not.

    They were misguided about his sins, but not about the appropriate punishment for them. So, he fought, and he defended, but he did not grieve his own approaching death.

    Until the image of Suhle shed in his head right before he was knocked out.

    *****

    At some point,ying in a spreading pool of his own blood¡ªand some of his enemies¡ªhis body stopped responding to his calls for defense. His teeth no longer snapped, his feet paddled uselessly, without strength.

    Then, without intention, his beast began to fade and he shifted back to human form.

    That''s when he knew he was dying.

    He''d seen it when his father fought Reth and lost his lifeblood.

    He''d seen it in the crumpled form of his sister, her neck snapped by Reth''s knife.

    Before an Anima met their maker, they returned to their true form.

    A foot connected with his ribs at the back and he felt them give, grunting at the ssh of pain that overwhelmed the rest for a sh, spreading lights behind his eyes and making his body shake.

    Curling his head inside the cage of his own arms, he tried to pull his legs up to protect his stomach and genitals, but the pain made him slow.

    Someone connected with his gut before he got them there and he groaned, his body shuddering.

    He heard a voice, but couldn''t make sense of the words. Thenughter and words spoken with the edge of bloodlust.

    Images of Suhle mmed into his head then¡ªher smile, her eyes staring up at him, her chin when she was certain of her path and standing in strength. Her shoulders, rounded in fear, but turned towards him, seekingfort.

    Her soft skin. The pillow of her lip.

    The shine of her tears in eyes filled with emotion. With love.

    He groaned again, knowing his time was short, and sent for her, praying she hadn''t closed her mind off.

    But he didn''t even have to scratched at her¡ªfound her waiting and felt her light up when she heard him.

    Watch your back, he sent, his voice heavy with warning. Even in his head, he strained against the pain. The wolves are taking revenge for my betrayal. They believe you are¡­ are my preferred bedmate. They maye for you. Be safe, Suhle. Do not travel alone in the City. These are not rebel wolves.

    Lerrin?! Lerrin, what''s wrong?

    Be safe, my heart. Don''t let them take you. They don''t understand.

    Lerrin? I''ming!

    It''s okay, Suhle. Just¡­ be safe. Get out of the City. Don''t let them take you.

    Lerrin! Don''t¡ªplease! I''m¡ª

    A noise outside of himself registered. But before he could open his eyes, something connected with the back of his skull and his entire existence red in light and sound, like an inted dder, bounced against a wall.

    Then everything went dark.

    **** WANT A WHOLE DIFFERENT WORLD AND HERO? ****

    Try my new werewolf book--it''s not set in Anima, but you''ll still have a lot of hot shape-shifters, and an entirely new, unique world!

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males roared withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    Add "Rise of the Dark Alpha" to your library TODAY--when we reach 500 collections I''ll mass release 10 chapters! (See the author note below for a full summary)

 Chapter 551: No Matter What

    <h4>Chapter 551: No Matter What</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin woke without waking. Aware first that he was, then that he remained. That he was not dead¡­ yet.

    But as he swam back to consciousness he knew something was wrong. Very, very wrong.

    As he came back to his body he could not move. Could barely breath, he was so consumed by pain. Everything hurt. Then, before he''d even opened his eyes, he tried to curl himself around the center of the pain¡ªhis middle¡ªbut even tensing his muscles to move caused a cascade of agony. He groaned.

    "Lerrin? Lerrin? Open your eyes. Please!"

    He tried. That voice called him and he tried. But he was so tired, and there was so much pain. Then soft, warm fingers appeared on his, squeezing his palm.

    "I''m here, Lerrin. I''m so sorry it took me so long to¡­ I''m here."

    He breathed as deeply as he dared through his nose and drank in her scent. And as it hit the back of his throat he was washed in memories of her¡­ her eyes, her smile, the careful way she carried herself. Her kiss¡­

    "Lerrin, please," she whispered desperately. "Don''t leave me. Please!"

    He tried to open his eyes, but they only fluttered¡ªand even that small movement hurt. Then a tiny, cool, drop of waternded on his cheek and rolled down into his mouth.

    Her tears. He drank Suhle''s tears and his chest wanted to cave in. He could hear her breath catching, her whispered words, the way she called for him to stay, to live.

    He couldn''t open his eyes, so he opened his mind and she was there. Loving him in a way that would have made him weep if he hadn''t been in so much pain.

    The rush of her emotion, of her pleading, the sheer wave of emotion she swam in was overwhelming. He was forced to narrow the connection so he wasn''t washed away by it.

    Suhle, he breathed in her mind.

    "Lerrin! Please! Don''t leave! I can help you. I can heal you. Please. Don''t give up. Stay here with me!"

    I am not dead, he sent. But I might¡­ I can''t shift.

    He knew it was true, because he couldn''t feel his beast. Was that simply because he walked the line between life and death? Or had they injured him in some way that separated him from his beast?

    "What hurts the most?" she whispered through her tears.

    His head pounded in a way that made him spin and feel sick. But his stomach and back¡­

    They''ve broken my insides, he sent carefully. Something in my stomach, my back. Something there won''t allow me to move.

    "Can you feel your hands, your feet?"

    He tried to flex his fingers and toes, and the pain was so intense, he groaned¡ªwhich hurt so much he was reduced to panting for several breaths before he could send to her again.

    I can feel them. I think I can move them. But the pain¡­

    She gave a sob, but her hands were quick and sure on his skin, and oh, so gentle.

    "I''m sorry, Lerrin, this is going to hurt, but I need to¡­ it will help you."

    What? he asked in her head, then heard himself groan as she rolled him onto his back. His entire body protested, shivering¡ªwhich only made the pain worse.

    But before he could beg to be moved back, she''d pried his jaw open and dropped something bitter on his tongue.

    He swallowed convulsively, his head aching worse even from that small movement. Then she rolled him back to his side and, though his body lit up with pain until it seemed there was no part of him that didn''t scream, he could feel thatying that way was¡­ better.

    Something painted him, something wet and cool. His brow first, then various parts of his body. He heard the ripple of water or some other liquid in a bowl, then the tinkle of it wrung from a cloth, more than once.

    Slowly, slowly, the pain eased. So slowly. Whatever she had given him, it was helping. And whatever she painted on his skin seemed to be helping as well. He could feel his skin tighten under her cloth, as if it knit together even faster than his usual healing.

    What was she doing to him?

    Soon, despite his silence, she began to speak to him. And he fixed on every word, yearning for the next, just to hear her speak.

    "You warned me. I can''t believe you thought to warn me¡­ thank you, Lerrin. I am so grateful. Know that, please. So grateful."

    They may yete for you, he warned. Be on watch.

    There was a minute where she continued to bathe him in whatever she was using for his wounds, but then she went still. When she spoke, she must have leaned over him. Her breath fluttered on his face.

    "Lerrin, please¡­ open your eyes."

    The effort to do as she asked was huge, but he blinked and blinked against the bright lighting from the window high in the wall behind her. Then finally was able to focus on her beautiful face.

    Her hood was thrown back behind her shoulders, her hair falling forward¡ªnot in a braid today¡ªand her eyes¡­ her beautiful, bright eyes, like a cloudless sky on a day after rain, were fixed on his below a brow crinkled with worry.

    But when he finally focused and their gazes locked, she smiled through her threatening tears.

    She put one palm to his face, so gently he barely felt it, then she spoke the words that lit his soul like mes to dry grass.

    "You are mine," she whispered fiercely. "No matter what happens, no matter what, Lerrin! You are my mate. My true mate. Chosen for me. I will not leave you¡ªdo you hear me? There is no one else for me. No one else I would even¡­ would even consider. If you deny me¡­ I will never deny you. I need you to know that. No matter what, Lerrin. No matter what."

    *****

    DON''T FORGET: HUUUUUUUGE announcementing this weekend! To make sure you''re the FIRST to receive the news, click into my author profile (go into thements and click on my little round pic next to my name where I havemented) and make sure that heart is filled in red! Then Webnovel will share my news with you BEFORE the rest of Webnovel/the world sees it!

 Chapter 552: Not Dead Yet

    <h4>Chapter 552: Not Dead Yet</h4>

    LERRIN

    A low groan rolled in his chest, even that small vibration causing pain. But he couldn''t reach for Suhle, couldn''t touch her as he yearned to do. So he stroked her mind with his own.

    No matter what. You are the only one for me as well, he admitted. I never said the bond doesn''t exist, Suhle. I only¡­ I cannot receive it.

    Her face crumpled and he wished he couldb her hair back with his hand, to have a clearer view of her. He ached for her, but resisted, too.

    Find someone who will protect you, he sent. There is too much here to ovee alone. When I am dead¡­ do not waste your life loving a corpse, Suhle. You have love to give. Give it.

    "Stop talking like that!" she hissed. "You are not a waste! You are proud and upright and strong and¡­ and you have a keen mind. You are beautiful heart, Lerrin. Let yourself see the truth of this!"

    He closed his eyes and sighed as deeply as he could without coughing.

    I unleashed evil in my own people, he sent sadly. I couldn''t see their lies¡­ or yours. I am blind. Too blind.

    "And you had all the humility and strength to admit it! To do what was possible to heal the wounds of your people!" she countered. "Your character, Lerrin¡ªwho you are¡ªI see you. I see all of you, my mate. Why can''t you see yourself?

    "It is so much harder to turn from wrong and make it right. So much more difficult than to have started on a path and held it. You saw the deception and owned your wrong. You are redeemed, Lerrin. Do you hear me? You are redeemed!"

    He opened his eyes again and they stared at each other in silence, her face pleading, his resigned.

    "Please," she begged, her voice broken and hushed. "Please¡­ redeem me. I hid my truth from you not to harm you, Lerrin, I promise it. I vow it to my death. I never intended to hurt you, or others through you. I never lied to you¡ªeverything I told you was true, and my truest hope. But I¡­ I omitted my safety with Reth because I knew I could be trusted to hold your secrets. I would not betray you, I would never betray you!" She stroked his cheek so softly with her thumb, tears welling in her eyes. "I knew I would never betray you, and so I told myself¡­ I told myself you didn''t need to know. That you had enough to worry about. That your focus should be yourself. I was¡­ I was a coward. I''m sorry, Lerrin. I''m so sorry. I know I should have told you from the first, but I was so scared¡­ so scared first that you would not cover me, and then that I would lose you. I wanted your trust so badly¡­ because you had mine."

    Suhle¡ª

    "Do not deny me!" she whisper-screamed. "You can trust me, Lerrin. You know you can! You have always been able to trust me! I have never betrayed your heart. Never! I never betrayed your love. I worked for your good, always. Never for your harm, or the harm of your people. Always¡­ always for what was best. Please¡­ Trust¡­ it is so hard for me, you know that. But that''s why I''m so certain you are such a prize. Your heart is so good! I feel safe with you, Lerrin. I never feel safe. Not truly. Do you understand? But with you¡­ even when you are angry I long to be in the circle of your arms."

    Lerrin closed his eyes at the image that rocked him then¡ªSuhle, the first night they had finally acknowledged what they were to each other. The way she''d curled into him, tense and nervous, but¡­ yearning.

    He''d done nothing but hold her that night, woken up with her in his arms. But the joy of that¡­ the knowledge that she had slept when she often struggled even when she was alone. That she had never entrusted herself to another that way, even in that small way, yet she did for him¡­ It lit his heart from within.

    She had always lit him up from within.

    No one else had ever done that.

    He groaned and opened his eyes again.

    She was all he could see. Knelt on the bloodied floor, heedless of her leathers, her eyes wet and shining with tears of worry and grief. For him. Her hand to his face, so softly because she knew how he hurt.

    He was so tired, but he ached to hold her. To be held.

    He didn''t know what to do.

    And he must have sent that thought without realizing it, because a small smile stretched her trembling lips. "You don''t have do anything. Just¡­ let yourself love me, Lerrin. Please."

    I have never stopped loving you, Suhle. That is not what I suffer.

    The words were resigned. Afraid. And honest.

    She shook them off with another smile. "I can help you," she whispered. "I can help heal you, and I can¡­ I can make sure Reth protects you better."

    The words, what they meant, the picture of her embracing Reth, of herfort with the male. Her assumption she had only to ask him and he would assist her. It made Lerrin want to snap his teeth.

    Everything always came back to fucking Reth!

    But, either his mind was open without his permission, or she knew him too well, because her expression hardened then. With anger. At him.

    "Stop seeing bonds where they do not exist," she whispered, hushed, but angry. "I know Reth will help because he will help any of his people. You could ask it of him and he would do it. Because he is a good male. Just like you, Lerrin."

    Lerrin begged to differ, but she wasn''t stopping. Gentle as her hand was on his face, her words snapped in the air between them.

    "I came to you as a nobody, Lerrin. When you were King. I came as a servant, unknown and untested. I asked for your help, and you gave it. because you measured me true. Do you remember, Lerrin?"

    He sighed softly. Because he did.

    **** WANT A WHOLE DIFFERENT WORLD AND HERO? ****

    Try my new werewolf book--it''s not set in Anima, but you''ll still have a lot of hot shape-shifters, and an entirely new, unique world!

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males roared withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    Add "Rise of the Dark Alpha" to your library TODAY--when we reach 500 collections I''ll mass release 10 chapters! (See the author note below for a full summary)

 Chapter 553: Remember

    <h4>Chapter 553: Remember</h4>

    LERRIN

    It had been months earlier. He was saturated in grief over his sister, but determined to do his duty both as Alpha, and as brother. So he''d gone to Lucine''s tent, intending to remove her personal things to make room for Asta, his second.

    Before he learned that she, too, was a betrayer.

    Lerrin blinked that part of the memory away and turned his mind back to that moment when he''d walked in and found Suhle under the eyes and hands of another male. Her hood high to hide her face, her posture submissive.

    He hadn''t known her strength, then. And he hadn''t known the evil present in his own males.

    He''d seen only a devoted servant, and a male with eyes for her¡­

    "I¡­ I am a trained servant," she had said, her head tipped down and eyes averted, her shoulders rounded in submission.

    "Yes, and you clearly served my sister well. I''m grateful¡ª"

    "You carry a great load now, Sire, and I have¡­ no responsibilities. Perhaps¡­ perhaps I could serve you instead?"

    Lerrin frowned. "That''s very kind of you, but I have no need of a servant. I am very self-sufficient." He turned away again, but she didn''t stop.

    "I am certain that you are, Sire. Your sister spoke of your¡­ck of arrogance. Itmended me to you when you became Alpha. But, while you may not have need of a servant, perhaps¡­ have you considered that, as one of your people, I have need of a master?"

    Her scent was untangled. There was no guile. Yet, he''d never heard such a ridiculous thing before. "No wolf has need of a master¡­" He turned back to face her, frowning. "What is your name?"

    "Suhle,"

    "Suu-lee?"

    "Yes, Suhle," she said, then spelled it out, pulling her hood back and raising her eyes as it fell. Lerrin''s eyebrows climbing as she did so.

    She was, perhaps, the most beautiful wolf he had ever seen¡ªeven more so than his sister. Though he shuddered to think of his own flesh and blood that way, he was not blind. His sister had been desired since her first breeding season for a reason.

    Lucine had been the golden light, to his midnight dark. But this wolf¡­ he had heard of her. Whispers among the males¡ªeven those of his father''s generation. Even without a powerful birth, she would have rivalled Lucine for desirability as a mate, except for one thing.

    "You are disformed?" he said thoughtlessly, then wanted to bite his own tongue. Grief had shattered his filters.

    But she faced him, unwavering. "Yes."

    He swallowed. "Well, Suhle, fear not. I do not hold the old ideas about the disformed. Under my rule, you will not be limited by anything beyond your own ambition. So, you do not need a master, you simply need a purpose."

    "I have found my purpose, Sire. I am¡­ suited to service," she said firmly. They had argued about the need for servitude, his belief that she should not debase herself in such a way. But she stood firm.

    "I do not wish to¡­ raise criticism, Sire. I only wish to ask for your patronage. I have need of a master. A strong master. Your sister saw my need and offered her cover¡ªfor which I was truly grateful. But now, with her gone¡­"

    "Cover? What cover? Why do you need a strong master?"

    Her lips pressed thin. "I have taken the old covenant," she said tightly.

    "The old cov¡ª?" Finally, the pieces clicked into ce.

    She''d chosen not to mate at all until she had found her true mate. A choice that wasmendable, but notmon among the wolves. And with her beauty¡­

    Suddenly, the scene he had interrupted when he stepped into the tent took on an entirely new meaning. "Hold¡­ when I entered here¡ª"

    "I was avoiding the attentions of that male," she said inly.

    He''d been half-turned towards the door, but now he came back, stepping right up to her, watching her shoulders roll and her chin drop, but her hands at her sides were clenched to fists.

    He opened his nose and scented her. Sure enough, spikes of anger and fear rose, twisted into her scent that reminded him of the sweet, juicy, darkberries that only fruited in the fall.

    "You have no need to fear me," he said, frustrated, standing over her.

    "Yes, Sire¡­" She hesitated. "I hope you are true," she said quietly.

    At first, offense rose in him. But as she held herself so still, and he loomed over her¡­was it any wonder she stood there, defensive?

    He stepped back to give her more space and noted when she rxed a hair. "You have no need to fear me," he said, more softly this time. "I would have hoped you had no need to fear any male under my watch¡­"

    She remained silent.

    Lerrin snorted air through his nose. He looked longingly at the tent-p, then back to her. "You truly have chosen servitude?"

    "Truly," she said firmly.

    They''d argued again about goals versus purpose. And she, as he would learn she always did, saw right to the heart of him.

    Her lips pulled up in a smile. "Your purpose is to bring your people to the best of themselves.? A noble purpose indeed, and one that mine can support wholeheartedly. So, I ask you again, Sire. Will you let me serve you? Will you offer the protection of your cover?"

    He''d eyed her warily. "I do not warm my bed with those who work for me. If you would seek power through that, it will not work."

    She had shivered. "I assure you that is not how I seek power. It relieves me greatly to hear that you do not expect those¡­ attentions, Sire. They are not part of the service I offer. I find no joy in those activities."

    He''d frowned, recognizing that she had not answered when he asked after the conduct of his men.

    A growl rose in his throat. "Have you been mistreated, Suhle?"

    But she once again dodged the question. "All of us have experiences we would rather forget, have we not? Will you allow me to serve, Sire? I can make your life easier, and you can make mine more peaceful. A¡­ joint endeavor, if you will ept me and im my service as your own."

    Lerrin had rubbed his eyes and sighed. "I may say yes," he said, eyes closed. "But under one condition: Stay out of my head. I will not desire to join minds, except in dire circumstances. When I am alone, I wish to stay alone."

    She nodded, and her smile broadened. "I am happy to respect that wish."

    "Then, very well," he said. "Move your things from this tent because it will be taken by Asta. Find a ce near mine. I will put it about that you''ll be serving me. And only me."

    Her eyes, the blue of the sky on a clear spring day, locked on his and sparkled. "Thank you."

    He''d found it strange, that day the way that lifted his heart in his chest.

    Lerrin blinked and returned to here, to now, to the pain in his body¡­. And the pain in his soul.

    He had not seen her clearly then.

    But now¡­ now even with his pain, even with all that had passed between them¡­ now he saw her.

    *****

    DON''T FORGET: HUUUUUUUGE announcementing this weekend! To make sure you''re the FIRST to receive the news, click into my author profile (go into thements and click on my little round pic next to my name where I havemented) and make sure that heart is filled in red! Then Webnovel will share my news with you BEFORE the rest of Webnovel/the world sees it!

 Chapter 554: No Condemnation

    <h4>Chapter 554: No Condemnation</h4>

    LERRIN

    He''d been careful to keep his mind guarded. He hadn''t sent her the memory. But something must have passed over his face, because her brows pinched together. "Don''t condemn Reth for being the same kind of male that you are, Lerrin. He helps me when I ask because he cares¡­ he isn''t¡­ there''s no¡­ motive."

    He grimaced and she misread his intention.

    "Do not condemn me either, Lerrin," she whispered, an edge in her tone. "Not when I ask less of him than I asked of you¡­ and you gave it to me, despite not knowing me at all."

    His head spun. She always did this¡ªalways turned him around, made him see a piece of thendscape that he hadn''t noticed before. He swallowed, tried to figure out how to tell her this, but she obviously thought he would argue with her.

    "Lerrin, please! You must see¡ª"

    Suhle, he sent. But she wouldn''t stop.

    "¡ªyou are all strong, you all have honor."

    Suhle.

    "You all do things that honor others. It is your way! He is not wrong to do this¡ªyou do it also!"

    "Suhle," he croaked and she gasped. They eyes locked and he sent to her. You always show me things.. differently. A new way to see the world. A new way to understand my life. Myself.

    Her forehead crumpled and she stroked his cheek again. "No, Lerrin," she whispered. "I show you your own heart. The rest is¡­ is what you do with it."

    Fuck, those words. Her faith in him. Her utter belief in his goodness.

    He groaned again, this time in horror at himself, at the way he''d refused her, held her apart. At his own stupid, stubborn pride.

    I love you, Suhle, he sent and if his voice sounded shaky and a little emotional, well¡­ so was he.

    "Oh, Lerrin, I love you. So much. So much¡­" She lowered herself to the floor next to him, holding his face, whispering her love and smiling brilliantly. It was as if the sun had risen in the room, that smile. It made him want to breathe deeply and smile.

    If only his cursed, broken body would let him do more than flutter his eyelids.

    But as usual, Suhle did the loving for both of them.

    While hey there, healing¡ªor trying to¡ªshe put her hand to the one spot¡ªwhere his neck met his shoulder¡ªthat wasn''t bruised or bleeding so they were skin to skin. Then she opened her mind and flooded him with everything he''d ever been to her. All the ways her heart sang for touching him. All the parts of her that came alive when he told her he loved her.

    It was¡­ overwhelming. Lerrin swallowed the pinch in his throat over and over again as she drowned him in love and adoration, in the certainty of her heart for him¡­ and in the bond, sparkling and new, living again, that connected them at the soul.

    "You will heal," she murmured. "I will see to you. I will help you. And we''ll make sure you''re safe." He noticed she didn''t raise Reth''s name again. "Then¡­ then we''ll figure it out. Somehow. Somehow, Lerrin. You are mine. I will not leave you. Even if I have to move into this stinking tree with you."

    She sent him an image then, the two of them tangled on the floor, under the thin nket he''d been given, and even in his pain, his body throbbed with that picture,ing as it did with the sensation of the warmth they created for each other, her soft skin, the scent of her desire for him, and the flush of sleep and love-warmed cheeks.

    There were so many things Lerrin wished he could give her just then. So many ways he wished he could show her who she was to him. And so many new things to fear. But there was only one that he knew was important. That she needed to hear in exactly that moment.

    He swallowed and held her tear-shining eyes.

    I do not deny you, Suhle. I''m sorry that I ever said I would. I have never denied you in my heart. Only¡­ only in my pride. Thank you for remaining faithful when I was not. Thank you for loving me when I did not. I''m sorry. I wish I could show you how deeply sorry I am.

    She sobbed with relief and leaned closer, pressing her forehead against his, her hand still on his neck.

    "I love you, Lerrin," she whispered. "So much."

    I love you too, Suhle. With everything I am.

    "I will get you out of here, Lerrin. I vow it."

    Even if we can''t¡­ I will never deny you again, you beautiful creature, he said, and the words opened something in his heart that had been knotted and dark since the moment he''d found out that she knew Reth. Loved him, in her way.

    As if she felt him break loose, her tears surged again, but she was being so careful not to hurt him, that she could only shift closer until their legs almost touched, and their bodies warmed each other.

    "I will help you, Lerrin. You are not alone. You will never be alone again."

    He had to close his eyes then, because, as she always did, she had once again cut right to the core of who he was, and what he feared. And, as she always had, she ced her own, healing heart over his to make him stronger.

    If he could have shaken his head, he would have, to let her see his disbelief about her goodness.

    I don''t deserve you, he sent.

    That isn''t¡ª

    No, Suhle, listen, he sent with what Alpha power he could muster when he felt so broken and weak. I am¡­ not as good as you. I am so grateful you see good in me, that you don''t give up. But be certain of it, I do not have your heart. I admire your heart, and if I am ever free enough to do so, I will protect it. But I have not earned it. You are a gift from the Creator to my soul.

    I will never deny you again. I vow it. Do you hear me? I give you my word, Suhle. I will never deny you again.

    He wished he could hold her while she cried.

 Chapter 555: Cant Sleep

    <h4>Chapter 555: Can''t Sleep</h4>

    IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PRIVILEGE BUYERS: (This was added to the chapter after publication so you aren''t charged for these words) I am getting so manyments from readers who feel like they''re being charged to "upgrade" for "nothing." I am so sorry that this system isplicated and you aren''t receiving what it feels like you should be receiving. I know how frustrating that is. Please, PLEASE read the author note at the bottom of this chapter. The SECOND HALF of that note exins what you receive in your second/ongoing resubscription months.

    GOOD NEWS: Even without buying privilege, you can still essst months'' chapters that you unlocked! Swipe right in the book to pull up the chapter list, and look for a tiny, downward pointing arrow BELOW the orange upgrade button, on the right. That will give you ess to any chapters you have already purchased WITHOUT buying more privilege. But note that anytime you click "Upgrade" in a new month, you have to buy the SAME amount or MORE than the previous month before you start seeing new chapters. So if you upgraded 3xst month (i.e. 600 coins), you will need to upgrade 3x again this month before you''ll receive new content. You can, however, wait for the material you''ve already read to be published. Once that urs, you''ll begin receiving 2 new chapters every day without buying privilege at all!

    I hope this helps!

    *****

    RETH

    They woke slowly the next morning. As had happened the day before, the scent of his mate woke Reth with a smile. But this time it was difficult to get his eyes to stay open.

    He had struggled for hours to get to sleep, jolting awake every time he started to nod off, his mind and body determined to remind him that she might shift again, or that the baby woulde. Thenter, alight with some nameless, vague fear that something bad was happening whenever her breathing got quiet, because Elia slept so deeply she barely moved.

    After the days they''d had, there was no rest for any part of him while his beautiful mate and child were still at risk. And much as he knew he needed the sleep, allowing it toe when his subconscious was terrified proved challenging.

    He had finally fallen asleep deeply in the early hours of the morning, but it wasn''t for long enough. When thenterns flickered on and Elia began to stir and sigh, he was wrenched awake again, bleary eyed, and with a throat rough from weariness.

    "Good morning," he rasped when Elia rolled over¡ªslowly, and growling about a sore back¡ªand opened her eyes.

    "Oh, thank the Creator," she breathed, putting a hand to his face.

    "Are you well, love?"

    She took a moment to consider herself, then looked down at her own belly. "Yes¡­ I think so. But¡­ it''s morning? How long have I been asleep? What happened?"

    "You shifted. Then you slept like the dead," he said dryly, trying to downy the chittering fear he''d felt for thest twelve hours or more.

    "Shifted? Why?"

    He waited a moment as she scanned her memories¡ªwas she having trouble holding onto her thoughts when the beast was threatening?

    But then Elia''s face fell, taking his heart to his toes with it.

    "Oh," she said quietly.

    He saw the moment she remembered everything. Her entire body deted and her forehead pinched into lines. Then she looked up at him.

    He put a hand over her hand on his face before she took it away. "Please, Love. Trust me. I would never say no if I thought there was any way¡ª"

    "But it''s his mate, Reth," she breathed. "His True Mate." Thankfully, she didn''t speak with anger this time, but with sadness. He would take her sad over angry any moment when her beast was so close to the surface, even as it cut him to the bone to hear her sound like she might weep.

    The night before as she''d slept and Aymora had determined that she was well enough to be left to rest, they had briefly discussed dosing Elia with the tonic while she slept. Reth was concerned she might shift in her sleep and he wouldn''t know. But he knew also knew his mate wouldn''t be happyter if she learned they had done that without her consent.

    Aymora had pointed out that she didn''t seem to be struggling against the shift while she was sleeping. And she was always reluctant to give Elia any of the tonics when she was sote in the pregnancy.

    He''d allowed himself to be convinced¡ªknowing that if they made it through the night, Elia would be grateful. So he''d taken the risk. But then been unable to sleep well. And now, as he faced her possible emotional upheaval again, he wondered if that had been a stupid decision.

    She stared at him like she might cry, though, and that made panic start in his gut. He needed her happy. Rested. Peaceful. He needed her¡­ okay.

    "I hear you. I do," he said roughly. "And I will¡­ I will discuss with those who were around for the agreement. I will ask them if they see any space for us to advantage of. But if not¡­ Elia, I need time. Time to negotiate with Gawhr. You haven''t met the bears. They aren''t like the rest of us. Their beasts are¡­ far closer to the surface."

    She sighed heavily, but nodded. "Okay. You talk to the council first. I''ll talk to Gahrye."

    "Gahrye knows, Elia. He was here yesterday. He heard all of it."

    "I know. But I need him to know that I''m not the one holding him back."

    She must have sensed the bristling in him at that because she gave him an apologetic look. "No, Reth," she said, "I mean¡­ I promised him. When we were there, I was certain¡ªI didn''t know about the bears¡ªI was certain I could convince you to free him from the blood vow, and let him return. I promised him. I¡­ I didn''t anticipate anything like this."

    Reth sighed and pulled her close. He could understand that. HE would have felt the same if he was in her shoes.

    He pushed away the resentful feelings¡ªalways around Gahrye¡ªand cuddled his mate. She sighed happily for the first time, and burrowed into the gap under his chin. He stroked her back while she yed her fingers on his shoulder, and neither of them spoke. Theyy that way long enough that he was beginning to doze off again when she suddenly rolled over and he smelled the tension in her.

    "What, what is it?!" He came awake with a jolt, pushing up on one elbow.

    "No, no, Reth, there''s nothing. I mean, nothing new," she said quietly, one hand on his arm.

    He looked around, then inhaled. "Then why do you smell afraid?" he asked gruffly. His hair had fallen out of its bond overnight and fell across his face as he stared down at her. It was natural to throw an arm across her waist and pull her closer, to lean over her and trail his lips over hers. To try to kiss away her fear.

    And she responded, stretching her head up to meet him, her fingers sying in his hair, her kiss deepening quickly. But even as his body began to tighten with need, she rxed and held his face away so she could meet his eyes.

    "I love you, Reth. So much."

    "I love you, too."

    "Good, because I need you to train me."

    *****

    IT''S A NEW PRIVILEGE MONTH!

    Don''t forget, if you purchase the highest tier of privilege in this book, or QUEEN OF BEASTS you go into the draw for a paperback at the end of the month! If you haven''t purchased privilege before, or this is your first month buying privilege for the second time, please read my author note that begins "Understanding Privilege" so you know what you are, and aren''t, buying! And don''t be scared to ask me questions in thements BEFORE you purchase, because privilege cannot be refunded, because it gives ess to chapters that have not been published.

 Chapter 556: Training... Again

    <h4>Chapter 556: Training... Again</h4>

    GUESS WHAT? This book will be COMPLETING in early December! *ils* I can''t believe it''s finally happening. I''m already grieving losing my time with Reth. But, I''m also SO excited to share the whole picture with you! Keep an eye on my announcements over the next week or two because I''m nning a BIG giveaway and Christmas event for early/mid December for all of us to celebrate and say goodbye to Reth & Elia together! Gaaaaaaahhhhh!

    *****

    RETH

    For a moment he thought he couldn''t have heard his mate correctly. His mind immediately filled with the images of the training they''d done before¡ªteaching her to be a warrior, to fight for her life. The idea was so frightening to him, so far from what she needed, that he was aghast.

    "Elia," he spluttered. "You''re not even supposed to be on your feet. You can''t leave the bed, how can you possibly think you should be running and kicking and¡ª"

    "Not that kind of training, Reth," she sighed, rolling her eyes in a gesture that would have made him grin to see her old self peeking through. But he was terrified of what was going on in her head, so he just stared. "I need you to teach me how to keep my beast away. Or how to get back from it if ites."

    He rxed a little then. Oh. Of course. Of course that would be on her mind today after what had happened the night before.

    With a heavy sigh he stroked a strand of hair off her cheek that had stuck to her lip.

    "Love, I want to help you. But you''re so tired and Aymora thinks the pregnancy is already draining you. Dominating the beast takes a good deal of mental energy and focus. I''m not sure it''s a good idea while you''re still pregnant."

    And that was the understatement of the century.

    Her brow furrowed. "But can''t you see, Reth?" she said, "That''s exactly why I need it.? I don''t know how I got backst night¡ªor the night you brought me home. I have no idea. When I''m in the beast, I''m trapped. I fight and I scream and I push and¡­ and she never lets me go. I''m stuck there. While I was in the human world it was like she didn''t even hear me. Even keeping her away became impossible in the end. It wore me out to fight so in the end, I gave up. I can''t give up again, Reth! I''m terrified¡ªabsolutely terrified¡ªthat one of these days she''lle up and just won''t let go. And then¡­ what if I shift while I''m delivering and I need to be human? Or the other way? I¡­ I''m too scared to let the beaste because I''m so scared I won''t get back. But then sometimes, likest night she justes and I don''t know what to do, and¡ª"

    "Shhhh, shhhh, I''m sorry, Love. I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to upset you. I¡ª"

    She shook off the embrace he tried to give her. "No, Reth, don''t apologize. I just need to feel like I at least know what I should try. So if shees back like that again I can at least try toe back. Please¡­ teach me? Gahrye said that you all teach the little ones. Surely I have as much strength as a toddler?"

    Reth stared at her, and fear trickled down his spine like cold water. She didn''t understand. An Anima''s beast grew with the Anima. A toddler that was being trained by its parents was only dealing with a cub. If they shifted, their beast could be easily controlled. And the will of the cub was, often, not nearly as strong as the will of the child. But as they grew¡­ the reason Anima trained their children so young was because when a beast hit sexual maturity, its will could bee iron-strong. The more dominant the Anima, the more dominant their beast. It took more than a strong will to wrestle a male lion into submission.

    Elia wasn''t wrong to be afraid. Every year they lost one or two of their number to Anima who hadn''t trained enough, or who became so enraged that their beasts took over and they were¡­ lost. It was called going silent, and it was only spoken in whispers. Some Anima even chose it¡­ a form of suicide without actively ending one''s own life. It was frowned upon by most. Seen as weakness, or selfish. But Reth had never been so sure. He knew desperation could make a male do strange things.

    And now he faced his mate looking desperate and pleading with him.

    He sighed. "I''ll talk to Aymora," he said quietly. "See what she thinks."

    "If you''re going to ask me to let you mate, the answer is¡­ how should I put this? No. No. Absolutely not. No fucking way," Aymora said, striding into the room without warning and immediately going to the dresser where she began to pull bottles and herbs out of the bag slung across her chest. "Next question?"

    Elia dropped a hand to cover her face in embarrassment.

    "Aymora, always a pleasure," Reth said through his teeth. "Perhaps if you could knock next time?"

    "Shouldn''t have left the door open then," the lioness said with a grin.

    "We weren''t going to ask about mating," Elia said into her hands.

    Aymora sniffed the air pointedly, then eyed Reth. "I think your mate was."

    "Actually," Reth ground out, "Elia is asking about being trained with her beast. She wants me to teach her how to shift back now. Before the delivery."

    "Well, that''s good," Aymora surprised them both by saying. "Afterst night, I had the same idea. We''ll have to be careful and do it when you''re feeling your strongest," she warned Elia with a sideways nce. "But yes, I think you should at least start. Who knows what you''ll need to do during the delivery."

    "Thank you," Elia sighed.

    Aymora continued setting up her things and Reth held Elia''s gaze before rolling out of the furs and going to dress. "Let me know when you think we should start," he said gruffly. "I need to talk to? Behryn, but I coulde back before lunch."

    "Oh, you won''t be training her," Aymora said simply.

    Reth froze with one leg in his leathers. "What do you mean?"

    Aymora turned him with a look on her face like he was stupid. "You are an Alpha Male, and I don''t need to remind you the bullshit that brings with it. She needs training from a Lioness. I will do it. And maybe Huncer, if she advances quickly."

    Reth frowned. "What difference would that make?"

    Aymora gave him a t look. "Would you train a woman for childbirth?"

    "Of course not, I''ve never been through it! I cannot!"

    "Precisely."

    "You''re telling me shifting is different for females than males?"

    "I''m telling you our beasts are different and motivated differently."

    Reth frowned. How had he never heard of this?

    Then his beautiful mate struggled to a sitting position, holding the furs to her now-ample chest and staring at Aymora. "I don''t really care who does it, but if you will¡­ I do have one question."

    "What''s that, daughter?" Aymora asked, frowning at a bottle.

    "Will I have to call you, Sir, as well?"

    *****

    NEW BOOK, NEW WORLD, NEW HERO! And it''s OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! Add "Rise of the Dark Alpha" to your library today!

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled.

    "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 557: Rebel

    <h4>Chapter 557: Rebel</h4>

    IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PRIVILEGE BUYERS: (This was added to the chapter after publication so you aren''t charged for these words) I am getting so manyments from readers who feel like they''re being charged to "upgrade" for "nothing." I am so sorry that this system isplicated and you aren''t receiving what it feels like you should be receiving. I know how frustrating that is. Please, PLEASE read the author note at the bottom of chapter 555. The SECOND HALF of that note exins what you receive in your second/ongoing resubscription months.

    GOOD NEWS: Even without buying privilege, you can still essst months'' chapters that you unlocked! Swipe right in the book to pull up the chapter list, and look for a tiny, downward pointing arrow BELOW the orange upgrade button, on the right. That will give you ess to any chapters you have already purchased WITHOUT buying more privilege. But note that anytime you click "Upgrade" in a new month, you have to buy the SAME amount or MORE than the previous month before you start seeing new chapters. So if you upgraded 3xst month (i.e. 600 coins), you will need to upgrade 3x again this month before you''ll receive new content. You can, however, wait for the material you''ve already read to be published. Once that urs, you''ll begin receiving 2 new chapters every day without buying privilege at all!

    I hope this helps!

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia was sitting up in the bed, ring at Aymora and growling in frustration when Gahrye approached the open door, his expression rxing when he saw her in human form.

    Reth had been standing in the middle of the floor, frowning, while Aymora tried to give her some tips for managing her beast and wrestling back control. But Elia would have sworn that she''d already been doing all the things Aymora had suggested so far. And there was no way to test it unless she was in the beast. But she had no desire to take the risk.

    They were all tense and needed a break, so Elia was pleased to see Gahrye. Pleased, and apologetic.

    "I''m sorry things got dramatic yesterday, " she said when he walked in to stand near Reth, a little away from the sleeping tform.

    He shrugged. "Seems like everything is dramatic these days. Don''t worry about it." But she could see the dark circles under his eyes¡ªand he didn''t meet her gaze when he said it.

    Her best friend was hurting. She wanted to growl again.

    "Reth, don''t have you have a meeting to get to?" she said, her voice casual, though the thought sent a little chill down her spine.

    Reth grunted, still eyeing Gahrye, who wasn''t meeting his sideways nces, but had his chin jutting out like he was being stubborn.

    What had passed between them when she was in the beast?

    Aymora looked at both of them, her expression faintly amused.

    "Well, I need to talk with Gahrye. So why don''t you go have your meeting. And Aymora, we can try this againter. I''m just¡­ I don''t feel like I''m getting it."

    Aymora pped hand. "Time and practice is all it will take."

    Elia red again. "The two things I don''t have¡ªor don''t want to. But anyway, that''s forter. Thank you for your help this morning. I''d like to take the tonic, please, since you''re both leaving."

    "I don''t need to leave," Aymora said. "I can watch over¡ª"

    "I need to speak with Gahrye privately, and besides, if you don''t go now you''ll end up getting called awayter. I''m always more tiredter in the day. And I think that''s when I''m the most vulnerable. So Gahrye can watch over me now while you two do the things you need to do. Then we can all be back together this afternoon, right?"

    Reth raised an eyebrow at her¡ªwas she giving him orders? But he looked more amused than anything else.

    "Very well," he said quietly, finally unfolding his arms and approaching the side of the sleeping tform to kiss her goodbye. "Are you certain you''ll be okay?"

    "Gahrye will stay with me, and I''ll sleep. I''ll be fine." But her voice was a little too high and they both knew it.

    Reth squeezed her hand, then turned to leave, pausing by Gahrye. "If she has any issues, any at all, send someone to get me from the security council building."

    Gahrye nodded to him and they sped hands, though neither of them looked happy about it. Elia made a mental note to ask Gahrye what had happened.

    Other than Reth telling him he couldn''t return to his mate, of course.

    Elia sighed.

    Aymora looked a little concerned, but she didn''t argue. She gathered the things on the dresser and told them both to call for her if Elia began to feel unwell, then she followed Reth out of the cave, shutting the door behind her.

    She and Gahrye both waited until they couldn''t hear the footsteps anymore, then as Elia thanked the Creator for the thick walls of the cave that would keep their conversation private, Gahrye finally turned to face her and they stared at each other for a long, quiet moment.

    "Gahrye, I''m so sorry," she said quietly. "I never imagined¡ª"

    "It''s not your fault. To be honest, I had a feeling Reth was going to be resistant. At least he has a real reason this time."

    "But he doesn''t! He''s King! If circumstances change, he has the power to simply decide to make them different!"

    Gahrye shook his head and came to sit on the edge of the tform, at her feet. "That''s not true, Elia. You know that. He''s negotiated something with the bears¡ªand he''s right, the bears are the kind of Anima to kill first and ask questionster. Things must have gotten bad for Reth to give them the entire region around the portal. He had no reason to think either of us would want to go back after we returned."

    He sat side-on to her, the closest of his legs bent and pulled up on top of the furs. He picked at the seam of his leathers as he spoke, only ncing at her, not holding her eyes. His shoulders were slumped and his face lined with worry.

    He looked exhausted.

    Elia opened her mouth to try to offer some kind offort, but he spoke first. "If it was Kalle in your shoes, and I was in Reths¡­ I''d do the same thing, Elia," he said, the words slow and quiet, as if he forced himself to say them.

    She nodded. "I know."

    He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "So, I can''t really fault him for it. I just¡­ I wish it was different. But the truth is, I have a purpose. We both do." He turned to look at her for real then and they were both quiet.

    Elia could feel the weight of it all settle between them on the furs. A secret. A huge, life-threatening secret. A purpose, yes, as Gahrye had said. A n. But¡­ still a secret.

    "Have you told Reth?" Gahrye asked her quietly.

    "No!" she hissed. "We can''t, right? No one. Except Kalle. It has to all¡­ it has to be in secret."

    Gahrye nodded. "Even those we train. I still haven''t figured out how to do that."

    Elia snorted. There was so much that they needed to figure out. But one thing was clear to her. "I''ve been thinking all morning," she said finally, quietly, her heart shying back from what she knew she had to say.

    Gahrye watched her. "And?"

    "And I''m going to make sure Reth releases you from the blood vow so there''s nothing holding you here. I? mean, nothing else."

    "Okay," he said,? his eyes narrowing. "So, why do you have that look on your face that you used to get when we were organizing training and dodging your guards?"

    Elia took a deep breath. "Because I think you should cross as soon as Reth isn''t paying attention."

    *****

    Need something else while you wait for more chapters? Go to the book page and click my author name. On my profile there''s my book list with my other sessful Webnovels. You''ll always find strong heroines, along with shape-shifters, CEO''s, and dashing princes. Something for everyone!

    Or look up "My Lycan Mate of the Suicide Forest" by Emme_Z. I''m a fan!

 Chapter 558: Defying the King - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 558: Defying the King - Part 1</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye''s heart almost stopped. Then stuttered back to life and raced away. He shook his head. "No, Elia. Absolutely not."

    "Gahrye¡ª"

    "Do you remember how angry he was when he learned I''d helped you train in secret? And that was with people around you and¡­ no."

    "Gahrye, I''m not going to cross. I''m saying you should."

    "No! If he found out he would drag me through the city by my testicles."

    "He won''t find out. You''re so good at this, Gahrye. No one will know."

    "You''ll know! I''ll know! That means eventually Reth will know."

    "No, he won''t. I won''t tell him."

    Gahrye gave her a look.

    Elia''s mouth dropped open. "What? I never told him about the training! He caught us!"

    "Yeah, and almost killed me for helping you. Can you imagine what he''d do now? Right after war? Elia, you''re not thinking this through!"

    "No, Gahrye, you aren''t!" she said, fiercely enough that he started to watch for signs she was fighting the shift.

    "Elia, stay calm."

    "I am calm, I''m just¡­ pissed off. Listen, we both know this has to happen. The people can''t know that the disformed are Protectors, but you have to train them to be Protectors. That means they need to use the Portal. It''s unavoidable.

    "Until we can figure out exactly who, you need to get over there and see your mate, and find out anything new she''s found. She has the hidden histories, Gahrye. Who knows what a gold mine she has? She might have more of the prophecy!

    "Clearly the Anima knew about this a few hundred years ago. They didn''t hide this from themselves for no reason. We need to understand how to do this. I can''t help you if we don''t know exactly what we''re aiming for. And we can''t know that without more information¡ªand your mate has that information."

    "But¡­" He asked himself why he was arguing. He wanted nothing more than to go to Kalle, to see her and touch her, make love to her, make sure she hadn''t been hurt or¡­. Or worse. And to find out if she was pregnant.

    But he hadn''t forgotten the rage Reth had about Gahrye working behind his back before. Or the warning he''d given him when he was going with Elia.

    If he did this and Reth found out, it wasn''t Elia that Reth would punish.

    How could he protect his mate and train the Protectors if he was dead?

    Then he shed again on Reth''s face when he''d been angry¡­. Gahrye shook his head. "I can''t do it, Elia. He''ll kill me. Literally."

    "No, he won''t. Because he won''t find out," Elia said firmly. "First of all, I want you to know, there''s no other circumstances where I would encourage you to do this without his knowledge. None. But we know this has to be done, Gahrye. The Creator Himself told you that. If anyone outranks Reth, it''s him.

    "But even more than that¡­ I know if the roles were reversed, if Reth was on this side and he knew what I know¡­ I know he''d do the same thing. If he had this choice, he would tell you to go. Because he''d know¡ªlike I do¡ªthat what you''re doing is more important than his feelings. Even more important than the risk with the bears."

    Garhye shook his head. "If the bears find out¡ª"

    "They won''t. You will go alone. You won''t stop anywhere. You won''t mess with anything. You''ll walk to the Portal and you''ll go through. And when youe back, you''ll make sure the coast is clear before youe back."

    "But," he frowned. "There''s no coast near the Portal, only a riverbank¡ª"

    Elia growled and dropped her face in her hands. "It''s a saying in my world," she groaned. "It just means that you''ll be careful and you''ll make sure you don''t risk anyone or anything else when you return. That there aren''t others watching you or anything."

    Gahrye considered it. He wanted so badly to see his mate. Elia was right¡­ he could be very careful, and go alone. And Kalle might have exactly what they needed to get to the next stage¡ªfinding who was supposed to be a Protector in the first ce. And even if she didn''t, he could make sure she was safe and¡­"

    He dropped his head in his hands too. "I want to go," he said a momentter, quietly.

    "Of course you do. And I mean it, Gahrye. I think you have to. I think¡­ I think you need to spend a week disappearing for a day or two at a time. I''ll tell people I''ve got you working with the disformed and doing stuff for me¡­ As my Advisor. Get them used to not seeing you, then you''re back. But instead of going to the Portal, you go to the Outsiders, or leave the City¡­ I don''t know. Whatever. The point is, if everyone is used to you being gone, then being back, then being gone¡­ They won''t even think about it."

    "And the Bears? All of Anima, if the bears find out and attack?"

    "They won''t find out. They''re sleeping!" she hissed. "You''ll do what you need to do, ande back. Tell Kalle to expect you again in a week or so. And once we''re getting close to Spring, you''ll have to stop for a while. But then maybe Reth can negotiate something with the bears."

    He stared at her, wanting her to convince him, but simultaneously worried that she was utterly wrong.

    She sat forward, reaching for his hand. "I wouldn''t tell you to go if it was just about you and Kalle," she said softly. "I''d want you to go, but that''s not reason enough to hide this from Reth. But I know if Reth knew what we know, that ALL of us are at risk without the disformed¡ªI mean Protectors¡ªand the Portal, he would tell you to go. He''d find a way. Right now¡­ right now he''s just blinded by fear and¡­ and I am to. Something needs to go right, Gahrye. And I think this is it. I think you need to go¡ªnot today. Not tomorrow. But¡­? maybe next week?"

    Next week? He might see Kalle next week? Gahrye''s heart beat faster.

 Chapter 559: Defying the King - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 559: Defying the King - Part 2</h4>

    ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK? I''ve just returned because I want to be friends with you! Find me as Aimee Lynn (search "Aimee Lynn Webnovel" and find the profile that has the same image as my profile here on WN) and introduce yourself! Let''s be friends!

    *****

    ELIA

    Gahrye pursed his lips. "I will think about it," he said carefully. "But if I decide to go¡­ I''m not going to tell you when. So that if I am caught, you can honestly say you didn''t know."

    Elia''s lips twisted. "Thank you for trying to protect me, but¡ª"

    "No, Elia, listen¡­ this is real. What we''re doing isn''t for fun. It has to be done. And that means that we have to protect each other. If something happens to one of us it can''t happen to both of us. If I go, I only go on the agreement that you will not try to save me if he finds out. That you''ll let him punish me, or¡­ or whatever. Because someone has to be here to help the Protectors if I''m gone. Even only for a time."

    She shook her head. "You''re right, no, I hear you," she said when his face got firm. "You''re right. Okay. You go when you think it''s the right time to go. And you don''t tell me ahead of time. But in the meantime, you spend as much time with the disformed¡ªI mean, Protectors¡ªas you can. And you pass on to me anything that you learn. Because if you do go away for a time, I will need to carry on whatever is needed."

    They stared at each other and Elia could hear his heart pounding as loudly as hers was.

    Was she really here, nning to hide something from her mate? For¡­ who knew how long?

    But she was being honest with Gahrye. She really did believe that if Reth knew what she k new¡ªhad seen what she saw in the Portal, had heard what Garhye read in the winds¡ªthat he would make the same n.

    Including not telling him about it. She was confident if he understood the stakes, he would take the action she was taking.

    She hated hiding it from him, hated the idea of ever having to lie to him. But she had no choice.

    This wasn''t just for her, or even Gahrye and Kalle. This was for all of them. And the safety of all of Anima was far, far more important than whether or not she had a secret from her mate.

    So she stared at her best friend and let him see her conviction. Because they were in this together¡ªand Reth would have been too. She was sure of it.

    "Okay," Gahrye said quietly a momentter. "Okay."

    "You''ll go?"

    He gave her a disapproving look. "I don''t know, and I certainly won''t tell you if I decide to," he said tly. "But you''re right, I need to¡­ equip you, too. Just in case."

    She smiled at him for the first time since they''d started this conversation. "You know, didn''t you say the voices called you a hero?"

    Gahrye rolled his eyes. But she didn''t let it go.

    "Seems like they do tell the truth sometimes."

    He went very pale then. "Don''t say that," he said quickly.

    Elia''s smile dropped off her face immediately. "Why? What happened? What did they say to you? I thought they couldn''t torment you when you were a Protector?"

    His shoulders rose and fell slowly. "I was¡­ weaking back. And the blood began to dry. I just¡­ they made it very clear that they could see Kalle now and would target her. And they suggested¡­ they said that she would get back together with that stupid male at the library once I was gone¡ªthat he would find her and either win her back, or kill her."

    He shuddered and Elia squeezed his hand again. "They aren''t telling the truth about that," she said quietly. "Kalle''s way too fierce to fall for that. And if he was trying to hurt her¡­ I''d put my money on Eve any day of the week. Did you see how she reacted when Kalle told her Shaw was dead? I was in the beast and even I caught that. That woman has balls of steel."

    Gahrye huffed augh. "Yes, she does."

    Elia rubbed his hand and tried to smile. "Don''t worry, Gahrye. She''s fine. I''m certain of it. She''s safe and missing you and she''s going to be overjoyed when you show up."

    "I hope so," he murmured. "I pray so."

    *****

    KALLE

    Still standing in the entryway of the Big House, Kalle had folded her arms across her chest. The Detective stared at her pointedly, knowing he''d surprised her and waiting, giving her no distraction or way to avoid answering. But she couldn''t respond. Her head was buzzing.

    He knew about Gahrye? How?

    Dillon.

    Fucking asswipe!

    "Detective," her grandmother started.

    "Kalle?" the Detective said stubbornly. "A new man in your life? A failed marriage? I''ve been around a long time. I get it. That''s tough. But if this guy had something to do with your uncle''s death¡ª"

    "No!" Kalle protested immediately. "Gary had nothing to do with it! I didn''t tell you about him because he left before Uncle Shaw got hurt."

    "Oh?" The Detective asked, skeptical.

    Kalle nodded, blinking back tears. "He¡­ he''d been making noises for weeks and I thought he was just¡­ I thought he was just being romantic about us needing to make the most of our time. But he left. He actually left me!" she said, fighting real tears, praying the Detective thought she was angry with it. "He never loved me. He was just¡­ just trying to get to my money."

    "Oh? What makes you say that?"

    "Because the day he heard that I wasn''t inheriting any of this, that I just got to live here, he left." She put her face in her hands and swallowed hard before looking up at the Detective again. "I mean, you aren''t wrong about me avoiding it, but it wasn''t because of Shaw. It''s because¡­ because it was embarrassing. I don''t even think I know his real name. I think¡­"

    "What my granddaughter is trying to say, Officer, is that her husband was a con. It''s an episode we''d all rather forget, frankly. Overshadowed by the attack on my brother."

    "Is that so? Where can I find him? I''d like to ask him some questions."

    Kalle''s face fell. "Gary Hieren," she said without thinking. She''d never heard the Anima name used here. It seemed unlikely they''d find anyone nearby with that name."

    "Do you have a picture of him?"

    Kalle''s mouth dropped open. "No," she breathed¡­ shocked. "I don''t."

    The Detective looked very skeptical at that, but made a note in his notebook. "Well, thank you for your time today,dies. I''ll let you rest now. But I will be back as soon as I find anything," he said, the words more threat than promise.

    When he walked out, Kalle shoved out a breath. Her grandmother didn''t make a sound, but her face was tight with tension and disapproval.

    "Maybe it''s good that Gahrye''s gone," she said eventually, when Kalle just stood there, staring at the door. "I hadn''t thought about them trying to pin it on him."

    "Me either," Kalle breathed. And for the first time since he''d left, she was grateful he was gone. "It has to have been Dillon that told them. No one else knew."

    "That''s my guess, too."

    "Come on," Kalle said, turning on her heel. "Sounds like I need to have a word with the asswipe."

    Her grandmother rolled her eyes. Kalle couldn''t have agreed more.

    ******

    DON''T FORGET: My BIG announcement and monthly LIVE voice chat are this weekend! Find me on Facebook or Discord (aimeelynn#7799) to receive the announcement FIRST,? or go to my author profile here on Webnovel and click that little heart so the circle fills in red, then WebNovel will share it with you before everyone else on WN!

 Chapter 560: The World as it Should Be

    <h4>Chapter 560: The World as it Should Be</h4>

    LERRIN

    He woke to the morning light peeking in through the high window andid very still. His body hummed with pain that he knew would be worse the moment he moved. But he could smell Suhle. Was she still here?

    Bracing himself, he pushed with his arm to roll over and groaned from the jagged pain that cut across his stomach and shoulder.

    His head spun and he swallowed back nausea when he''d rolled over.

    No Suhle. But the nket behind him still smelled like her. She must have left recently.

    The guards let her stay?

    His heart dropped. Would she return? Why had she left? Was she okay?

    Focusing on what he could control, he closed his eyes and took several deep, slow breaths, wincing when his ribs screamed as the breaths expanded his chest.

    The day before had been¡­ unexpected. There was a part of him that had wallowed in her touch and rxed for the first time atying in her arms. But another piece of him remained tense and uneasy.

    Lerrin didn''t trust easily. He loved her, and he knew that she meant well. But what would happen the day she believed she needed to lie again for his own good?

    As his tension increased, her face swam before his eyes¡ªher tears, her fear, her desperation. And her quiet love when he''d given in. When he''d finally admitted his heart.

    If he hadn''t been in so much pain, he would have shaken his head.

    There was no point fighting. He''d been clinging to his fear with white knuckles, determined not to let her in, but he''d been deceived. She was already within him. Deeply embedded.

    Necessary.

    With a small smile for the irony of it all, Lerrin let go of his fear of her.

    She likely would deceive him again. She clearly had the self-restraint to do so. But she also had a heart that wanted his best. So perhaps¡­ perhaps it was worth it.

    That is, of course, assuming that he lived long enough to give her the chance.

    Slowly, carefully, he assessed his body.

    He was healing, of that there was no doubt. When she first came to him he hadn''t even been able to move. And he was a warrior. He''d been beaten before, even grievously injured. He knew how his body worked, and how quickly it would heal.

    He also knew something was very wrong within him.

    The bruises, the split skin, the swelling, all of those would pain him, but pass quickly. Within days.

    But his stomach and lower back¡­ Something deep within him had been injured and he could feel his body fighting to heal it.

    Whatever it was, that would not pass quickly. Even in the best circumstances. But here, with minimal food, no soft bed, and no excess warmth?

    His life was at risk. If the wolves returned to harm him again before he had healed from this, they would kill him. He was certain of it.

    A day ago, that might have seemed like a release. Something to wee. Fall into the embrace of the Creator and let go of the pain and fear of this life. But now?

    Suhle''s precious face appeared in his mind''s eye again, the tears she''d shed for him, her fear at his injuries¡ªher fear of his rejection.

    She had lived a life of quiet fear, of dignity and strength in the face of horrendous pain. He''d known how bad it wasst night in part because of how shaky she had been. His rejection had truly hurt her, made her deeply afraid¡ªand seeing him so injured had only increased her panic.

    His heart was in turmoil¡­ joy over her love warring with his fear, peace that she was his Mate at odds with the anger he felt that she hadn''t trusted him with the truth. Had deceived him. All of it rolling around, shifting him in its waves.

    Most of the evening before, after the attack from the wolves, was a blur. But pieces¡­ pieces of her and what she''d done were crystal clear in his mind. Her tears, her insistence that she could make him well. Her healing hands. And¡­ and her words. That pained and haunted looked in her eyes when she''d told him the truth and feared his response.

    "Trust¡­" she''d said, "it is so hard for me, you know that. But that''s why I''m so certain you are such a prize. Your heart is so good! I feel safe with you, Lerrin. I never feel safe. Not truly. Do you understand? But with you¡­ even when you are angry I long to be in the circle of your arms."

    He groaned and slowly brought his hands up to his face, carefully holding himself.

    He loved her. There was no way around it. He loved her and he feared her. He wouldn''t abandon her, but what would be left to him, here and under guard? What kind of life would that be for her?

    Or if he was killed? A consequence that seemed suddenly far more present than it had the day before. He should free her. Not require her to attend him, allow her to build her new life as the rest of the Tree City did¡­

    But her face when she''d told him¡­ she wouldn''t leave him, he knew. Whatever ws she might have, she was loyal to her core¡ªunable to criticize Reth to him despite their conflict. Unable to leave him even when he denied her.

    She would be the best mate a male could have. He was beyond blessed to have her. And tormented by the idea of what would happen to her if he was taken from this world. If she was no longer his because he was no longer here, what would happen to her?

    He could rely on Reth to protect her, he thought, but the images that skittered through his mind then didn''t bringfort, but a fierce jealousy.

    Another male with his arm around her shoulders. Another male watching for her safety. Another male receiving her smiles¡­

    He wanted to growl, but his stomach hurt so badly he stifled it.

    He needed her. And he needed to stay alive for her.

    He cursed the life that had brought them to this ce¡ªwhen, if they''d just had a few more days, they might already havepleted the bond. Already have¡­ but there was no point torturing himself with that. His dream of a cave in the mountains, of pups and¡­

    His mate. Suhle was his True Mate.

    His eyes flew open.

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    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males roared withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    Add "Rise of the Dark Alpha" to your library TODAY--when we reach 500 collections I''ll mass release 10 chapters!

 Chapter 561: That Smile

    <h4>Chapter 561: That Smile</h4>

    LERRIN

    A new kind of ache¡ªor rather, a different one¡ªhit him then. He needed her. Needed to be close to her, to hold her, to be certain she was safe and well. Despite his own pain, he yearned for her, and as he opened his mind to find her, he was immediately embraced with her yearning for him.

    You''re awake! she sent before he''d even found his words. How bad is it? I''m getting you some food. Do you think you can eat? I think you need to.

    The idea of anything solid made him sick, but he agreed with her that his body? needed it.

    I''ll try, he sent.

    There was a hesitation in her then, a waiting. To see his heart.

    He closed his eyes. Are you well my love?

    He felt her¡ªshe was sharing everything with him¡ªthe cascade of joy that showered her when he gave her those words. He cursed himself for hurting her as he had in these past days.

    I am better than well, Lerrin. I have your heart. That''s all I yearn for.

    I yearn too, he sent back. For you.

    She sent so much then¡ªimages of himself the evening before and he could feel her fear. A scattered, dark picture of himself asleep in the dead of night, shivering, and the way she''did her body behind him, her forehead between his shoulder des, afraid to wrap him in her arms because of his injuries.

    And through it all he could feel her¡­ her overwhelming love, her relief at being close to him¡­ and her fear.

    I am not going to leave you again, Suhle, he sent carefully. I am¡­ uneasy about how things started between us. But you are mine. You will always be mine. We will find our way. If we can. I am a prisoner, and likely to remain so.

    He felt her sigh in pleasure, and a bittersweet ache¡ªand his mind flickered suddenly, with her fleeting thought¡­ the two of them together in his bed at the encampment, him curled over her, tasting her neck, his shoulders arched out the furs, and the tent silent except for their twin breaths.

    And they were both naked.

    Lerrin blinked in shock as the image passed as quickly as it hade.

    I wish we had had that moment, she said in his head, her voice breathy and hesitant.

    Still in shock, Lerrin tried to curb the response of his body to what she''d shown him. But even under his injuries¡­ he wanted her.

    Suhle¡­ he sent, uncertain how to approach this.

    Don''t worry, Lerrin, she murmured in his head. What the Creator intends will be. Somehow. Some way. You are mine. The bond¡­ our day wille.

    He didn''t have the right words, but he sent his heart back to her, the overwhelming sense of rightness and joy the thought of her brought him.

    I pray so, Suhle, he sent gently. I pray so.

    *****

    An hourter, alone in his head, Lerrin was still thinking about her. Still wrestling with his fear, but willing to be given to it. She would be there soon, and he knew they needed to speak. Not only about themselves, and the bond, and how they could continue while he was imprisoned, but¡­

    When she''d been distracted to help in the kitchens and they broke the connection, he''d known he needed to rest his body and try to heal. But something was niggling at him. A problem.

    He''d spent thest hour applying himself to determining how he might reunite with his mate outside of this hollow tree, and out from under the eyes, ears, and noses of guards. And, thought it was a risk, if he could heal, he had an idea.

    But he would need Suhle''s help.

    He shivered¡ªwhich lit his body up in pain. He wanted to trust. Wanted to rest her in. He would¡ªhe would not give up. But there was an undeniable fear within him. He''d been betrayed by the things hidden from him by his sister, his father, his second¡­ and then his mate.

    Trusting her, asking for her help seemed natural, and yet his gut twisted every time he thought on it.

    But he had no choice. He was a pragmatic male and he knew¡­ he knew there was no way to bond with her fully without giving himself into her hands.

    And he knew her heart was good.

    So, as hey on the floor of his prison and waited for her to arrive, he prayed. Prayed for the strength to do what he must without fear. And for her safety. And¡­ and that this didn''t have to be the end for them. That somehow¡­ somehow his dream of that cave, of her alongside him, didn''t have to be over. That it was still possible.

    Then the door opened and a guard¡ªthe usual guard, his Lieutenant that had heard his protest about the way the Guards spoke to Suhle, and who had kept the others in line since¡­ untilst night¡ªthat guard peered around to make certain he hadn''t moved. He frowned when he saw Lerrin''s bruised and broken face, but he ushered Suhle in and closed the door behind her.

    So much for an ally there, Lerrin thought to himself.

    She hurried towards him with wide basket over her arm, her eyes pinched and lined with worry.

    "Can you move?" she asked breathlessly, dropping to the floor next to him, heedless of the dried blood that now stained the wooden ts.

    "I can," he croaked, then cursed himself for it. It hurt to talk.

    "Shhhh¡­ that''s good, that''s good. Now you''re going to have to be a good male and eat your breakfast without whining, okay?"

    He looked at her, unimpressed and she gave a half smile, then a tinkling giggle broke from her. Lerrin was stunned. He''d never seen her so¡­ girlish. But she shushed herself, and settled the basket on the floor next to her knee and started to pull things from it.

    I''m not supposed to bring you these, but I wanted to soothe you, she sent with a nce over her shoulder towards the door. Chew these herbs and drink the water, then we''ll wait a few minutes. I''m hoping you''ll soon befortable enough to sit up to eat.

    Lerrin opened his mouth obediently and took the herbs, chewing them slowly because his jaw had been almost unhinged the night before.

    Then they stared at each other as they waited for them to take effect and Lerrin wasn''t sure if the warming in his chest came from the herbs he''d just swallowed, or the small smile that hadn''t left her beautiful face.

 Chapter 562: Making a Plan

    <h4>Chapter 562: Making a n</h4>

    LERRIN

    In twenty minutes he could eat. Within an hour he was able to take Suhle''s hand and let her pull him up to sit with his back to the tree wall. He needed a moment after that to breathe, but when he opened his eyes, she was still kneeling in front of him, watching him carefully.

    "I''m okay," he rasped.

    She nodded. "I brought more of the linament. We''ll keep bathing your bruises and cuts. But¡­ but this worries me." She pointed to the spot on his stomach where a deep purple, almost ck bruise spread a few inches below his ribs. She said he had another, smaller, on the other side as well.

    He breathed carefully, his neck and head aching when he looked down. "I just need time to heal."

    She nodded, but bit her lip. When their eyes met, he knew she was thinking the same thing as him.

    Time would only be enough if the wolves didn''te back.

    "I''m going to talk to Rethter this morning," she said quietly, nervous, watching him for his reaction.

    "There''s nothing to do about it now," he growled, pushing away the stab of jealousy and anger that came with the easy way she said Reth''s name.

    "The guards allowed those wolves toe to you, Lerrin. It isn''t¡­ it isn''t right."

    He raised an eyebrow in an attempt to be dry. "It wasn''t right that I led a rebellion either, yet here we are."

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Suhle, I''m not telling you not to tell him. I''m just saying, I think there''s little he can do. Those that were involved will protect each other. I''d actually like you to speak with him and pass on a message for me."

    Her brows popped up. "Oh?"

    This was what he''d been thinking through in the hour while he waited for her. He sent to her, rather than giving any guard an opportunity to hear.

    I want to speak with him. About my future.

    Suhle nodded. I''ve been thinking about that, also. I know he admires your willingness to help, and the solutions you brought. He was¡­ pleased by the way the wolves have returned to the Tree City.

    Lerrin''s gaze sharpened. "How are things in the City? Have the wolves remained? Or is everyone¡­ segregating?"

    Suhle shrugged. "It''s an uneasy peace," she whispered. "The people are pleased to be reunited with family and friends. And there are some groups, some tribes¡ªlike the Birds¡ªthat seem more relieved than anything else. But many, especially the Equines, are very wary. Walking carefully. Not speaking openly in front of the wolves or serpents. I heard a herd of goats were rejected by some of the other merchants, though the elders came down on them pretty hard. Everyone is just¡­ tense."

    Lerrin nodded carefully, his neck aching. "That''s good though, that at least people are returning their former lives."

    "Yes. And it''s only early days. I think with time¡­ with time we may find things have improved."

    Time, always time. Time was what he needed¡ªand what he had on the one hand, too much of. And on another, not nearly enough.

    "Has¡­ has Reth spoken to you about what he will do with you?" Suhle whispered.

    Lerrin shook his head. "I heard Elia''s returned. I suspect he''s been¡­consumed."

    "Not just returned, she''s heavily pregnant and¡­ someone said she can shift now, which seems impossible to me." Suhle frowned.

    "She can shift? How?"

    Suhle shook her head. "I don''t know. Perhaps it is a consequence of the pregnancy?"

    He frowned. "But isn''t she only what, three or four months? She shouldn''t be heavy yet¡ªso she must have been pregnant earlier than it was announced? No wonder he was so protective of her."

    For a moment Lerrin''s mind tripped down that path¡­ Suhle flushed and heavy with pregnancy, her skin glowing and eyes sparkling.

    Suhle''s stomach heavy and round. Himself holding her close, both of them curled over the pup¡­

    The pictures gave him such a shot of joy¡ªand in the same moment, the bitter ache of a dream unattainable. How was he going toplete with the bond with her, let alone love her often enough to bring a pup? He could hardly have her here, in this prison, with a dozen males within scenting range. He would not do that to her.

    He frowned as Suhle took his hand and carefully extended his arm, now that his pain was lower, she wanted to check his joints and make sure nothing was broken or needed to be set.

    You look very upset, she sent hesitantly. Reth has always been the protective sort. If he hid the pregnancy, I''m guessing it was for her peace of mind. Many lose the first¡ª

    "No," he murmured. "That''s not it. I was¡­" he swallowed and switched to sending to her, her cool fingers on his arm making his skin prickle.

    I was trying to imagine how it would be¡­ to have a pup, he admitted sheepishly.

    And that made you frown? she asked, her brow furrowing.

    Because I could not imagine how to¡­ toplete the bond, to do anything, to hve you, to give to you¡­ Suhle, you are my True Mate and I yearn for you. But I will not allow you to be¡­ on disy for other males. I am¡­ grieved that we did notplete the bond when we had the chance, but also¡­ it was the right decision at the time. But I grieve it.

    She nodded. As do I.

    Lerrin swallowed hard and inhaled her scent, measuring her as he sent, That''s one reason I want you to approach Reth.

    He took her hand and stopped her in her examination. I want to ask him to banish me. To put me out of the WildWood¡ªI would go willingly.

    She froze, her eyes wide, staring. There was a moment between them, her scent flooded with fear, and hope, and too many other things for him to discern. He squeezed her small fingers and shook his head.

    I would go willingly, he continued, watching her closely, if you woulde with me?

 Chapter 563: Choices - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 563: Choices - Part 1</h4>

    RETH

    He had just left the Security Council¡ªhours of examining the tensions and potential damages of the conflicts between the people, measuring them for rebellion, assessing the guards and who was caught up in the politics of the return of the rebels, and who was cool headed enough to be trusted to manage the others without prejudice.

    His head spun with worry and joy, with the yearning for his mate, and an aching stomach that needed food. He''d skipped lunch to get the meeting done so he could return to Elia and his body wasn''t appreciating theck.

    As he and Behryn walked out of the building together, he knew he should go to the market, get a meal to sustain him until dinner. But he didn''t want any further dy on returning to Elia.

    Except¡­ his friend, though no longer angry as he had been, still looked tense and haunted.

    "Are you well, Behr?" Reth asked quietly as they stepped onto the trail together.

    "No, but you knew that."

    "What''s going on?"

    Behryn turned to look at him, slowly. "You''re asking me¡­ what might be going on¡­ to create tension? Reth¡­ were you at that meeting?"

    Reth frowned. "We''re all on edge, waiting to see what will happen among the people, Behr. But you seem¡­ especially tense."

    Behryn gaped at him. Then turned quickly to make sure they hadn''t been followed, scanning the forest around them for others, and finding none, rounded on Reth.

    "I almost died, Reth, and my mate remains very frightened. While I would like to have the time to spend with her to reassure her and¡­ reconnect¡­ my King has also been separated from his Mate and needs to give her as much time as he can. And possibly more than he should."

    Reth frowned harder, but Behryn was looking at the forest ahead of them, his hands flying in gestures to punctuate his upset.

    "I am to watch over every guard and warrior and ensure they don''t use their power and strength to intimidate or harm the rebels¡ªbut they must also keep them in line and watch closely to ensure that they aren''t going to betray us all¡ªor try to kill you again.

    "We have people moving homes and tribes reuniting, returning to the Tree City, so we can''t even be certain who is where on any given day. And alongside all of this, the male that almost tore the Anima to their roots, sits in a tree on this side of the forest, healthy and alive, and cared for day and night. Yet, you wonder why I am tense? The tightrope we walk Reth¡­ it has a knife-edge. I feel as if only one of these teetering burdens could tip at any moment, and the resulting sway will bring the others down with it!"

    Reth stopped walking and faced his oldest and dearest friend, his mouth open. Behryn stopped too, ring back at him.

    Reth searched his angry gaze, the question still in his mind.

    Behryn was right that these circumstances were difficult, and trying. But Behryn had always thrived on problem solving¡ªthe point of pushing himself between Reth and potential obstacles. His fear and anger right now weren''t usual for the strong equine.

    What was different this time? What had unsettled him so? It had to be Reth''s distant attendance. His pressing to be with Elia for as many hours as were possible. It had to be grating on Behryn, whose mate also yearned to be with him. Right?

    Then Aymora''s words echoed back at him, from that day before Elia returned, when Reth had insisted he was going to retrieve her.

    Behryn had argued¡ªjust one more pressure when there were still so many. The people needed him. But Aymora had agreed andmended Reth''s decision to go¡­

    "Are you serious?" Behryn had asked her, gaping.

    Her smile fell from her face as she turned to Behryn. "I would give anything¡ªanything!¡ªto be close to my mate one more time. I will not begrudge my dearest loved ones the chance to take advantage of something I would kill for!" she''d snapped.

    Behryn''s face fell. "I''m sorry, Aymora," he said quietly.

    But then his lovely old friend shook her head and said the thing that had baffled them both at the time.

    "Don''t apologize to me. Apologize to your mate who yearns for you and fights others rather than risking greater distance from you, Behryn."

    Behryn frowned deeply and Reth spluttered. "What? Hollhye is here with¡ª"

    "Fucking males and their fucking blindness to anything that doesn''t make their cocks stand up," Aymora muttered and turned away from both of them. "Fucking Alpha male bullshit¡­"

    When she''d stormed off into the crowd, Reth had stared at Behryn. Neither of them had known what she was talking about¡ªand Reth, for one, had ben relieved it was only him who seemed confused.

    But since then¡­ since that time¡­ that was when the tension started with Behryn. And the night beforest was when Behryn had outright challenged him.

    Reth stared at his friend, his hardened jaw and tense shoulders.

    "What''s going on, Behr?"

    "I just told you¡ª"

    "No¡­ with Hollhye. What''s happened?"

    Behryn blinked, then looked away, a shadow in his eyes. "She has asked me to choose."

    At first, Reth had no idea what he meant. "Asked you to choose¡­ what?"

    Behryn folded his arms, the most defensive Reth had ever seen him and spoke through his teeth.

    "She is terrified, Reth. Me taking that arrow¡­ it shook her to her foundations. She knows Aymora''s story. I hadn''t thought about it¡ªDrhake was very different to me. But she has been waking with nightmares. She''s not sleeping. She''s getting angrier and more terrified every day."

    "Why?! The biggest risk has passed!"

    Behyrn sighed. "She feels that my loyalty to you outweighs my loyalty to her."

    Reth''s mouth dropped open. "How could she¡ª"

    "Don''t, Reth. Don''t let yourself overlook this. We both know what she''s seeing .What she means."

    A cold knot of fear suddenly tightened in Reth''s gut at the expression on his best friend''s face. "I¡­ I would never ask you to¡ª"

    "You wouldn''t ask it because you don''t have to. I''ve always stood between you and the world as much as I can, Reth. We both know that."

    "And I have always been grateful for your wisdom and courage, you know that."

    Behryn nodded. "That''s the only reason I''m still arguing with her."

    "Arguing with her about what?"

    "She wants me to choose between being your Captain and being her mate."

    *****

    LIVE Monthly Voicechat and HUGE announcement tomorrow, starting at 1pm Pacific (that''s Sunday in the US/Monday in Southeast Asia)! If you can''t be there, ask me your questions in thements and I''ll answer them live, then you can watch the reyter on my Youtube channel (Author AimeeLynn). Or make sure you''ve "liked" my author profile on WN to receive the announcementter in the day.

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 Chapter 564: Choices - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 564: Choices - Part 2</h4>

    LET''S CELEBRATE! IT''S MY BIG DAY: A WHOLE NEW BOOK, A WHOLE NEW WORLD, A WHOLE NEW HERO! Check out the excerpt at the end of this chapter (added after the chapter was published so you aren''t charged for the words). I hope you love Zev as much as I do!

    *****

    RETH

    He was stunned speechless. He and Behryn stared at each other¡ªBehryn suddenly no longer angry, but now wary, watching for Reth''s reaction.

    Reth didn''t know what to say. His head spun with the ridiculousness of it¡ªand a certain conviction that to say that word would lose him his best friend forever.

    "But¡­" he started, then trailed off.

    Behryn nodded. "I know."

    "But there is no choice!" he said, his voice strangely high and strangled.

    Behryn''s face fell. "Reth, she''s my mate. She''s a part of me. I don''t agree with what she''s seeing, or how she''s handling it, but¡­ she''s my True Mate."

    "I know, that''s my point! There''s no choice. You can''t¡­ but I don''t want¡­ except¡­"

    "Precisely," Behryn muttered dryly. "You see my predicament."

    Anger roared within Reth¡ªreally? Now? This was what Hollhye had brought upon him? Upon them all? Losing Behryn as Captain wouldn''t only harm Reth, it could throw the peace of the entire City into ruin.

    Behryn''s eyes got a warning sh. "Don''t you even think about it, Reth."

    "What?"

    "She is my mate, and I will be the one to speak with her and attempt to¡­ smooth this out. That is not your role."

    "She''s one of my people¡ªand an old friend. At least, I would have described her that way. Clearly she doesn''t feel the same."

    "Reth," Behryn sighed, raking his hand through his hair. "This isn''t about you personally. This is about her fear and¡­ and the fact that she has always yed second to my job. I never¡­ I never meant for her to feel that way. My role in the people holds no joy if I lose her. But I have to ept that my choices and the pressures I have put us under¡­ they are on me. And she''s asking me not only to acknowledge them now, but to fix them."

    "So fix them!" Reth scrambled. "Make her feel better. Take fewer hours. Whatever it takes. Behryn, if we lose you, it isn''t only me that will be at risk!"

    "I''m aware," Behryn growled, for all the world like a predator. "But I am also aware that my job is not without risk¡ªespecially in the current tension. If we do have rebels among us, if there are plots afoot, they maye after you¡ªor they might figure out that removing me would, at least for a time, create as much havoc within the City. Possibly more.

    "When Hollhye threw that at me, I couldn''t answer it. She was right. If there are still rebels among us¡ªand we both feel certain there must be¡ªI am a target for them. Especially since I personally thwarted their assassination earlier."

    Reth wed a hand into his hair. "Maybe she just needs some time. Perhaps¡­ perhaps you could spend a few days with her and¡ª"

    "No, Reth. Honestly¡­ she''s been working towards this for years. I thought¡­ I never thought she''d actually draw the line. But she has. We''re still talking but, she''s not wavering."

    Reth began to pace up and down the trail. The truth was, he''d been relying on Behryn to keep things working in his increasing absence with Elia returned. He didn''t just want to avoid the lengthy meetings whenever he could, but as she drew close to her delivery, Reth had nned to hand the reins to his second for a few days, to give his full time and attention to Elia.

    There was no one else in the City that he trusted like Behryn. Except perhaps Brant, but Brant, while wise and strategic didn''t have Behryn''s rtionships with the young guards. He didn''t know the workings of the warriors, and was often slow to action. Brant had always been a thinker. He had been strong and a skilled fighter in his youth. But he had left those days behind him decades earlier.

    He was a male to have on your side, to corral the elders, and keep peace among the councils. He was the male Reth would rely on to keep others in line so that Behryn could stand in his stead. Brant was not the male to lead the city in Reth''s absence.

    He couldn''t believe it. He couldn''t believe Hollhye would be so selfish!

    He turned on his heel to face Behryn again¡ªwho was staring at him with that warning again. "I know it''s going to create difficulties, Reth. But please¡­ I ask you as your best and oldest friend, not as your Captain: Do not burn bridges with my mate. Please."

    "I don''t want to burn bridges, I want to shake some sense into her! Does she have any clue what she''s asking of you? What the consequences could be?"

    Behryn shook his head sadly. "She is living in fear and blind to anything else. I am trying to talk her around. But every day that passes she''s getting more frightened because I haven''t agreed. Not less. Soon¡­ soon I fear she will draw the line and I will have to step to her side of it, or lose her." Behryn swallowed and his voice became a croak. "I can''t lose her, Reth."

    "No, no¡­ of course not," Reth said by rote. He knew the words were true. He knew if he was in Behryn''s shoes there would be no choice.

    And he knew for once, his heart did not lie firmly in the camp of what was right, or true. But he saw his own , selfishness needs.

    And that he couldn''t put those on his friend who was already humming under the tension of this choice.

    Reth stopped pacing and stared at Behryn, who watched him with wary eyes. "I don''t¡­ I don''t know what to say," he said with a baffled shrug. "I will be entirely honest: I pray the Creator tosses us a miracle and she changes her mind, or softens it somehow. I cannot¡­ I cannot imagine leading without you at my back," he said honestly. "But I will admit, if it were my mate¡­ there would be no choice. So¡­ so I ask you only to give me as much warning as you can, please. Please, Behryn. The tensions¡ª"

    "I''m aware, I assure you," Behryn snapped.

    Reth raised his hands. "I wasn''tying me, brother. I am¡­ I am blindsided and seeing these risks and questions for the first time. But¡­ but I love you. You know that. And I love Hollhye too, though I would wring her neck for this if I could, and if she wouldn''t abandon you for it. I just¡­" Reth threw up his hands, then let them fall to swing against his thighs.

    "I know¡­" Behryn said sadly, raking his hand through his hair. "I know. Me too."

    *****

    NEW BOOK OUT NOW! My entirely new character and world is now live! It''s still in the process of being vetted by Webnovel, but you can find it if you search "Rise of the Dark Alpha":

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 565: Choices - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 565: Choices - Part 3</h4>

    IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PRIVILEGE BUYERS: (This was added to the chapter after publication so you aren''t charged for these words) I am getting so manyments from readers who feel like they''re being charged to "upgrade" for "nothing." I am so sorry that this system isplicated and you aren''t receiving what it feels like you should be receiving. I know how frustrating that is. Please, PLEASE read the author note at the bottom of chapter 560. The SECOND HALF of that note exins what you receive in your second/ongoing resubscription months.

    GOOD NEWS: Even without buying privilege, you can still essst months'' chapters that you unlocked! Swipe right in the book to pull up the chapter list, and look for a tiny, downward pointing arrow BELOW the orange upgrade button, on the right. That will give you ess to any chapters you have already purchased WITHOUT buying more privilege. But note that anytime you click "Upgrade" in a new month, you have to buy the SAME amount or MORE than the previous month before you start seeing new chapters. So if you upgraded 3xst month (i.e. 600 coins), you will need to upgrade 3x again this month before you''ll receive new content. You can, however, wait for the material you''ve already read to be published. Once that urs, you''ll begin receiving 2 new chapters every day without buying privilege at all!

    I hope this helps!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth and Behryn parted at the intersection of trails where it broke to return to the center of the Tree City, or continued towards the Royal meadow. Reth should have gone into the City and let himself be seen, but he felt¡­ off bnce.

    Behryn leaving his service? It seemed like a bad dream. He shook his head.

    There was an awkward moment before they parted when they stared at each other, then Reth pulled his own friend into an embrace, sping his forearm, and pping him on the back. "You just tell me when you need to," he said gruffly.

    "Thank you, Reth. And I hope you know¡ª"

    "Don''t even say it, Behryn. I know. This isn''t¡­ I know you wouldn''t choose it."

    "It''s more than that, Reth. I have fought it because I do love you. I just¡­"

    "She''s your mate," Reth said quietly.

    Behryn nodded.

    Reth sighed. "As I said, I''ll be praying the Creator has some kind of miracle in store. But if not¡­ Behryn you are always wee in my cave. You are my brother. Whatever elsees, that will never change.

    They parted then. Reth didn''t turn to look, he didn''t trust himself not to show his brother some of the anger and fear he felt.

    Losing Behryn as Captain¡ªas his most confident advisor? As second? Reth''s heart pounded faster just at the thought.

    He picked up his pace, though, as he walked, because he was going back to Elia and he had already been dyed.

    What if she was having contractions again? What if Gahrye had left her, or Aymora hadn''t returned and she was alone? His breath caught and he tensed, about to leap into beast form and run the rest of the way, when his name rose in the air behind him, echoing between the trees.

    He almost ignored it, almost became his beast and ran¡ªbecause he recognized Suhle''s voice immediately and she wouldn''t be able to keep up since she didn''t shift.

    But there was a high, urgent tone to her voice. And if she was seeking him out personally¡­ Suhle didn''t get urgent when the danger wasn''t real.

    With a prayer for patience, and a heart that beat a jagged rhythm in his chest, Reth turned to face her, and was immediately d that he hadn''t ignored her.

    Suhle raced towards him, her hood bouncing on her shoulders, her face somehow bright with joy, and pale with fear at the same time.

    "What is it?" he asked her quickly, taking her by the upper arms when she got within reach.

    As she slumped to a halt in front of him, panting because she''d run so hard, she shook her head.

    "Don''t panic," she said through her heaving breaths. "There''s not need to fear. Not yet, anyway."

    Reth swallowed the tingle of fear in his chest and ignored the stab in his heart. "Well, I''ll believe you that perhaps danger isn''t immediately imminent, but you don''t run up on me in the forest for a whim, Suhle. What''s going on?"

    She took a deep breath and pushed her shoulders back. Reth was struck for a moment how¡­ open she seemed.

    She''d always been wise, thoughtful, and subversively funny. But she also lived in an attitude of¡­ quiet. She wished to ignored. She desired to be outside of notice.

    But here she was, racing through the forest, calling his name, and her eyes¡­ her eyes sparkled despite the lines of worry on her face.

    Reth would have bet his left testicle that she''d seen Lerrin.

    "We need your help," she said simply, still breathing heavily.

    "We?" he asked, one brow high.

    Her cheeks reddened. "Yesterday the wolves got to Lerrin. They attacked him. Six of them. They almost killed him Reth."

    Reth blinked. "How did they reach him inside the prison tree?"

    "The normal guards weren''t assigned and whoever was there let them in. Lerrin said they sent in a female to try to seduce him first," Suhle''s eyes glittered at that, "but when he turned her down, she opened the door and five males joined her. All of them were fighters. And¡­ they were from the Tree City, Reth. They weren''t rebels."

    Reth''s lower jaw sagged. "From here?"

    "They said they were there to make him pay for revealing their secrets. The mind meld¡­"

    Reth wed a hand through his hair. But Suhle went on.

    "He¡­ he called to me and I went. They were leaving as I arrived. I don''t know if the guards scented me approaching, or if it was coincidence. He was¡­ he was near death. He has been injured. Inside."

    Reth swallowed. For a split second he calcted the number of problems it would solve if Lerrin had been killed. Then he shook the evil thoughts away. The Creator kept saving Lerrin''s hide. That wasn''t a coincidence.

    "I am helping him," she said quietly, without meeting Reth''s eyes. "He is¡­ letting me help him now."

    Reth smiled. "I''m d to hear it."

    Suhle looked up at him, to measure his honesty, and when she saw his smile was real, she beamed back at him. It was almost worth his dy just to have seen that smile.

    But it fell away quickly. "You have to protect him, Reth. Until¡­ until you decide¡­ if theye to him again in the next few days he won''t be healed. They really will kill him."

    Reth growled. Citizens attacking without their King''s approval, and outside a rite¡­ there was no honor in it. Bloody wolves!

    "I''ll talk to Behryn," he said, an image of his friend''s grief and anger shing through his head. "We''ll figure out what happened and we''ll make sure it doesn''t happen again."

    Suhle sighed. "Thank you," she said, putting a hand to Reth''s arm. "But¡­ there is one more thing."

    Reth nodded, trying not to show his impatience. "What is it?"

    "He¡­ he wants to know if you would consider¡­ banishing him from the Tree city. From WildWood. He would go willingly. Alone¡­ mostly alone. He has no heart to raise power, Reth. Truly. He wishes only to be free and alone and¡­"

    "Alone?" Reth asked, unsurprised by the request, but curious about Suhle''s role in it.

    She sped her hands at her waist and looked down again. "I would¡­ also go¡­ if you were to approve this."

    "Does Lerrin know this?" he asked carefully.

    Suhle snorted. "He has asked me to go with him. And I wish to, Reth. If you could¡­ If you would¡­ I would go." She looked up then, from under hershes, her eyes wide and afraid. Reth''s heart went out to her. Every step of her life had been difficult and her victories hard-won.

    He hoped he could make this happen for her without any further obstacles.

    Reth sighed and put a hand to her shoulder. "I am happy for you, Suhle. Truly."

    "Thank you." She was still waiting for his answer.

    "We''re in discussions about what to do with Lerrin, and this is one option," he said. "I cannot tell you where this will end. My first priority has to be to keep him safe until we have decided. But¡­ I''m not saying no, Suhle."

    She sighed heavily, nodding to ept his decision, but disappointed.

    "I will say this," he whispered, looking around to make sure no one else was close, "There''s a very clear prophecy in the old writings¡­ "Let no Anima pull asunder those the Creator brings together,"" he said.

    When she looked up at him, he winked.

    "Now," he went on. "Since you''re here, I want you toe to the cave with me. There''s someone I want you to meet."

    *****

    NEW BOOK OUT NOW! (NOT an Anima book, this is a werewolf romance) Search for "Rise of the Dark Alpha" and add it to your library NOW:

    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males hooted withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

    (SEE THE FULL SUMMARY IN THE AUTHOR NOTE BELOW)

 Chapter 566: Choices - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 566: Choices - Part 4</h4>

    GUESS WHAT? This book will be COMPLETING in early December! *ils* I can''t believe it''s finally happening. I''m already grieving losing my time with Reth. But, I''m also SO excited to share the whole picture with you! Keep an eye on my announcements over the next week or two because I''m nning a BIG giveaway and Christmas event for early/mid December for all of us to celebrate and say goodbye to Reth & Elia together! Gaaaaaaahhhhh!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He was creeping out of the Cave bedroom when he heard Reth''s heavy footsteps echoing through the cave. He hurried forward to intercept the King, to let him know that Elia was asleep. Silently, he thanked the Creator that Reth hadn''t arrived twenty minutes earlier when he and Elia had been discussing the disformed and the prophecy.

    He rounded the corner into the dining room area to find Reth striding through, a young female at his right.

    Reth''s eyes sparked when he saw Gahrye, but he stifled the Alpha instinct to dominate and his face got serious. "Is she okay?"

    "She''s fine, she''s just tired. She fell asleep a few minutes ago. I was just going to go get Aymora to watch her. I need to¡­ figure out a house."

    Reth''s eyes widened. "You''re still not in your home?"

    The female to his right looked back and forth between them, but kept her chin down. Her scent was odd in a familiar way. She was disformed. He recognized her, though she''d never spent time with the Outsiders. What was she doing with Reth?

    Then he remembered the King had asked him a question and he startled, his eyes still dragging away from Suhle. "I, uh, there was a family in my former tree and they had young. I didn''t think it was important. I wasn''t attached to it. Brant said I could have another. I just haven''t gotten over there to talk to him yet."

    "Wait until after dinner," Reth said. "He''s been at a council meeting and I think he''s going to take his own nap now. I''m sorry, Gahrye. I know I owe you so much and I''ve just been¡ª"

    "It''s fine," he said pping a hand to brush it off. "I''ve been busy too."

    Reth''s brows pinched at that, but Gahrye turned towards the female. "I''m Gahrye, the Queen''s Cohort," he said, surprised by how easily it rolled off of his tongue now. "I don''t mean to be rude, but you''re disformed, as I am. I have many friends¡­ you are wee toe with me to meet them if you wish?"

    "Thank you," she said quickly, bobbing her head. "But I am very busy with my duties. I do not wish to¡­ I am fine. But I thank you for thinking of me," she said softly.

    She had the white hood of a servant hanging from her shoulders. That was likely why he hadn''t seen her around. If she was devoted, she''d kept to her masters homes, most likely. He wanted to press¡ªif she was at Reth''s side, she was likely of good character.

    "Suhle has been training with Behryn and I since she was young," Reth said, tipping his head towards her. "She''s been very busy helping me keep an eye on the wolves. But¡­ Suhle, I think it would be good for you to make connections with the other disformed. Don''t you?"''

    She looked up at him, clearly confused and uncertain how to contradict him without being rude. She nced at Gahrye and licked her lips. "But¡­ you know¡­ my duties keep me very busy¡ª"

    "That trip we discussed," Reth said pointedly, "It might be a service to some of the others¡­ they may wish to take it with you?"

    She frowned, then her mouth dropped open and she blinked, licking her lips quickly as if she''d been surprised. But before Gahrye could try to reassure both of them that the disformed often went camping or on other trips together¡ªmainly to get out from under disapproving parents, or difficult Tribal tensions¡ªher eyes widened and she turned back to Gahrye.

    "I would¡­ I think I would like to speak with you or your friends further. Maybe," she said, uncertainly. "Perhaps we have more inmon than I thought?" Then she looked at Reth and the hint of a smile shed across her pretty face.

    Gahrye was confused. Something unspoken was definitely passing between these two. But he was smart enough to understand that if they wanted him to know, they would have spoken in front of him.

    "That''s good," he said carefully, wondering why Reth suddenly looked pleased with himself. "Are you busy now, or¡ª"

    "I was going to introduce her to Elia," Reth said quietly. "Suhle is a trusted friend. But if Elia''s resting, I''m sorry, Suhle, but we''ll need to do this another time."

    Suhle nodded and looked a little relieved, which made Gahrye grin. He remembered that feeling. When Reth told you he was doing something with you, you didn''t really get a chance to say no. And Suhle didn''t strike him as someone who would push for her own agenda.

    The two farewelled each other affectionately and Gahrye''s interest was peaked. If this was a disformed that Reth trusted, had known for so long¡­ why hadn''t they crossed paths before?

    But then as Gahrye was about to go, beckoning Suhle toe with him, Reth caught her arm.

    "I will look into the issue with the guards," he said quietly. "I will not allow the wolves¡ªany tribe or group¡ªto act in rebellion, no matter their motives," he added. "Don''t worry. I will make sure it doesn''t happen again."

    She nodded, then he let her go and she followed after Gahrye.

    "Take care of her, Gahrye," Reth called after him. "She''s one of the good ones."

    Gahrye waved to him and started for the door, his mind ticking over. When they got out of the cave and into the meadow, he turned to look down at Suhle, who was keeping her head low, though she didn''t seem unconfident. Only¡­ wishing not to be noticed.

    He certainly understood that.

    As they walked, Gahrye''s mind began to bring together all the details around this female, and his conversation with Elia.

    As long as he remained in Anima his first purpose had to be looking for disformed whose character and conduct made them candidates as Protectors.

    If this female had been struggling, training with Reth and Behryn, and was now looking for an escape¡­ perhaps he had something else to offer her.

    But first he had to see if she was the right kind of Anima. And she was disformed, so¡­ she was one of them anyway.

    "So, tell me a little bit about yourself, Suhle." he asked carefully. "The King obviously thinks highly of you."

    "As the Queen thinks highly of you," she said quietly.

    They looked at each other then, and Gahrye inhaled her scent to test her for guile. But instead, his entire being lit up.

 Chapter 567: Choices - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 567: Choices - Part 5</h4>

    LERRIN

    Two dayster, Lerrin woke early in the morning, blinking into the pink light casting beams of warn sunlight across the floor of the tree, and glittering on dust motes in the air. For a? moment, before he moved, he found himself at peace, and he had to examine his surroundings to understand why. There was no sound, and no intrusion from outside the tree. But there was a very, very beautiful smell.

    Bracing, he rolled over¡ªslowly. Very slowly. Wincing against pain¡ªto find Suhle still curled on the nket behind him.

    He blinked, then smiled.

    The Guards hadn''t made her leave in the night.

    With the exception of the afternoon she''d gone to speak with Reth, Suhle had spent almost every hour of the day with him since the night of his attack. But before, the guards had always insisted that she leavete in the evening, when their shift was changing.

    Notst night, though. Last night, they''d remained quiet, speaking only in their minds. And the guard shift change hade and gone without interruption.

    And now, here she was, sleep flushed and rxed,ying next to him¡­ on a hardwood floor with only a thin nket as a mattress.

    He growled in his throat. She needed better!

    But she had been woken, either by his movement or his growl, and she stretched, her arms pressed high over her head. "Good morning," she whispered.

    Unable to resist, Lerrin leaned in, cupping her chin and pulling her mouth to his.

    It was a simple kiss, a chaste meeting. But her eyes flew open and her hands jumped to his face. She touched him, so gently, so carefully, so afraid of hurting his injuries. But her cool fingers on his skin were a balm.

    He wished he had the strength to roll her onto her back and rest between her thighs, to hold her properly and bring them together¡ª

    He needed to stop. The one part of his anatomy that he''d instinctively protected during the attack was almost fully healed, and definitely awake this morning. He didn''t want to scare her.

    Pulling reluctantly out of the kiss, he used one long finger to push a strand of hair off her face. Extending his arm hurt, so he kept his elbow close to his side.

    "Good morning," he rasped his voice rough with sleep.

    Suhle smiled and touched his face again. "I love you, Lerrin."

    He didn''t deserve her, with her open derations and willingness to fight to have him. He didn''t deserve her making herself sleep so poorly and ufortably, just to be close to him. But fuck, he was thankful for it.

    "How are you feeling?" she asked, her forehead pulling into worry lines as she scanned his body.

    "Better. I''m healing," he said. "You''re helping more than you know."

    She tsked. "I wish I could do more. They insist on keeping you weak and do not understand that you will not use your strength against them, but to heal!"

    He kissed her again for her fierce defense of him, then rested his forehead against hers. "You should go home and bathe, maybe sleep some more. Aren''t you aching from the hard floor?"

    "Aren''t you?" she said pointedly.

    He grunted. "The difference is that I have to be here, Suhle. You don''t."

    She gave him a dark look¡ªthey''d discussed this already. Lerrin believed she should spend less time with him, and more connecting with others.

    She''d met the Queen''s Advisor, Gharye, another disformed, and found him intriguing. He had asked to speak with her again, to introduce him to some of the others. She believed Reth was pointing her towards the possibility that Lerrin would be banished, but also allowed to take others with him who might also be disenfranchised, or perhaps, at risk. Vulnerable in themunity.

    It wasn''t what he''d envisioned when he asked Suhle to propose a banishment to Reth, but he also couldn''t deny the appeal of having travellingpanions, and others to walk alongside as they made a new life.

    Perhaps¡­ perhaps there was something to it all. But Reth hadn''t actually articted this idea, and Lerrin was reluctant to get too attached to it until he did.

    He did, however, think that Suhle should be building rtionships with others, whether they were likely toe with them, or not. She needed to rest at times. But when she was with him, she continued to serve.

    He was about to begin the conversation again, to urge her to go out today and rx, that he would be fine. But the door opened and a massive shadow appeared in it. Lerrin moved too quickly¡ªhis ribs and stomach screamed¡ªpushing himself up and over Suhle to put himself between her and the threat.

    His body still ached and jolted every time he moved. Though he could sit up now, and roll over, it wasn''t without pain. If the wolves wereing for him again, he was in no state to fight. But Suhle¡­ he didn''t want to see her traumatized again, either. She could fight, he knew, but she didn''t like to. If he could negotiate for them to put her outside before¡­

    But then it was the Lieutenant that came through the door,? his lips pressed then, but fighting a smile.

    Lerrin eyed him warily, but he was looking for Suhle.

    "The King ising for a visit after lunch," the male said gruffly, his eyes lined and tired. He had obviously taken the night shift. And been the one to allow them to stay together. "Your Mate will need to go and prepare a bath for you and some clean clothes."

    Suhle put a hand to her chest. It was the first time someone else had referred to her that way, and Lerrin wanted to cheer at the blush that rose in her cheeks. But he swallowed the urge back. "What''s Rething here for?" he asked.

    The male raised an eyebrow. "The Security Council are deciding your fate today," he said. "And you''re invited."

    *** THE END IS NEAR - Got Questions? ***

    I''m putting together a reader Q & A for the end of BEAST. If you have any burning questions about the characters, my writing, the process of telling the story, or me as an author, please ask them in thements and I will add them to my list!

 Chapter 568: Dont Speak

    <h4>Chapter 568: Don''t Speak</h4>

    ELIA

    Reth was slow to get out of bed¡ªtoo many kisses that left them both breathless and groaning in frustration. Then slow to dress, changing his mind about his vest three times.

    Finally, Elia just asked. "What''s going on?"

    "Nothing."

    "Liar."

    He snorted. "Well, we''re making the decision about Lerrin today. And we''ll make it with him there for the discussion. He was attacked this week. By Tree City wolves."

    Elia gasped. Reth nodded.

    "How?" she asked.

    "The guards let half a dozen wolves in who beat him, almost to death. He''s healing, but¡­ it''s the kick in the ass I needed to figure out what we''re doing with him. It shouldn''t have taken this long, of course, but I''m still¡­ that whole thing with Behryn¡­"

    She''d woken from a nap the day before to find Reth sitting at the end of the sleeping tform, his head in his hands. When he''d described what was happening with his best friend, Elia had been so enraged, she''d almost shifted. They hadn''t talked about it much since, but she was d that he didn''t avoid it now. She was calmer now¡ªthough still wanted to challenge Hollhye. How could the female do this to her mate and to Reth? The two men were so close, and always had been. Elia couldn''t imagine any situation where she''d ask Reth to abandon Behryn. She shook her head. At least Behryn hadn''t actually resignedmand yet. But Reth had been walking on eggshells ever since. Elia wanted to reach out for him, but Reth was still focused on the situation with Lerrin.

    "The guards imed their shifts were changed, but no one seems to know who gave the order," he growled as he pulled on his leathers. "I don''t know if that means we have a rebel among our people who has been there all along, or if these are some of our people taking revenge. Except, they''re wolves. They have to be part of the mind meld. So what does that mean? They must believe that killing Lerrin¡ªor almost killing him¡ªis for the best for everyone?"

    Elia sighed. "Aymora would agree with that."

    Reth''s eyebrows popped up. "She talked to you about that?"

    "She did more than talk about it. She got more emotional than I''ve ever seen her and I think she was about to ask me to promise her that I''d encourage you to kill him. It was¡­ unsettling."

    "That''s what she was saying to you the other day?!"

    "She hasn''t said anything since, Reth, don''t worry. I think¡­ I think she was just overwhelmed. Afraid for you and for all of us. And reminded of her loss. She got off bnce."

    "She''s been off bnce for a while," Reth muttered. "I didn''t realize she was pushing that on you, though."

    "She hasn''t. That''s the only time. And like I said, she hasn''t mentioned it since." But Reth growled and shook his head, tugging the vest back over his shoulders for the fourth time. His anger surprised her. He was usually sopassionate when anyone¡ªbut especially his close loved ones¡ªwere struggling. "Reth,e here," she said, beckoning him back to the bed.

    He came willingly, standing to her side and leaning over, embracing her in his big arms when she pulled him closer. She kissed the side of his neck and stroked his hair. "Whatever you decide today will the right thing, I''m sure," she whispered, kissing his neck again between thoughts. "And even if some of the Anima believe that he should die, and you don''t¡­ follow your heart. Not your fear. Promise me that, Reth. Promise me that you''ll follow your heart. Your instincts. You have the best instincts of any man I''ve known. It''s why I love you so much. Don''t let other people''s fear make you doubt yourself."

    He pulled far enough back to meet her eyes and stared. "You are too good to me, Love."

    "No, I''m not," she insisted. "The reason your people love you and fight to defend you is because they know you''re usually right, too. And yourpassion¡­ don''t lose that, Reth. It''s the thing that makes you different. Even though Lerrin makes me uneasy¡­ I love that you see the good in him. I trust that what you''re seeing is right¡ªyou were right early on when you offered him peace. Look what came of that! If you hadn''t done that, who knows where we''d be right now?"

    He nodded and stroked her face with his thumb. "Thank you," he said, sighing and leaning in to kiss her, then straightened to leave. But his shoulders seemed to sag with the load he was carrying. It broke Elia''s heart. "You''re right that I have been letting fear get in the way. That is wise advice you''ve given me, Love. Thank you."

    She hadn''t let go of his arm, and she patted it, marveling again at the steel strength under his skin. "You''re an example to me, Reth. One I struggle to follow, if I''m honest. But I? know¡­ I know you''re listening to your conscience. And when you do, it always leads you right, even if others don''t agree. I know that. If you be unsure¡­e talk to me."

    Reth smiled and stroked her face again. "Thank you."

    "I love you, Reth."

    "I love you, too."

    He leaned down to kiss her quickly, then strode for the door. "Are you sure you''ll be okay until Aymora arrives?" He was leaving earlier than usual that morning because he had many meetings and wanted to be done as early as he could to be back to her.

    Elia nodded. "Gahrye''sing, so even if Aymora''s busy, I won''t be alone."

    Reth''s shoulders tensed, but he nodded, his hand on the handle of the door. "I''ll be back as soon as I can," he said wearily. "But it will likely be this afternoon. We''re meeting without Lerrin first, then they''ll bring him after the meal. I don''t know how long that will take."

    "It''s fine," Elia lied, fluttering a hand to reassure him. "Go do what you need to do. I''ll be here when you get back."

    Then he was gone and Elia let herself slump back onto the pillows, holding her stomach and grimacing.

    Her stomach and lower back were aching. There were no more contractions, thank the Creator. But she''d had a difficult night''s sleep, woken several times because she was in pain and needed to change positions.

    Perhaps it was good that Reth was gone for several hours. If it didn''t turn her into a shivering mess of anxiety, she''d probably encourage it. Maybe she would get some more sleep until Gahrye or Aymora arrived. She sighed as she pulled the furs up over her shoulders and rubbed her belly underneath them.

 Chapter 569: Not All Wolves

    <h4>Chapter 569: Not All Wolves</h4>

    ELIA

    Later, Elia was dragged out of sleep, out of a dream that didn''t want to lose its grip. For a short time her world was half-dream, half reality, and terror in both.

    She''d been dreaming that the wolves had sent a team into the Royal Cave to kidnap her again. That Lerrin had somehow run in behind them, screaming at them to stop, that this wasn''t the way to handle their problems. But they just kepting, their eyes alight with that murderous light she''d seen in Lucine. Then, as her eyes fluttered and she became aware of the bedchamber, it seemed like Reth was there, fighting for her, and she was screaming. The wolves were fighting, but she couldn''t move out of the furs because her belly hurt and the baby wasing and¡­

    And¡­

    And she woke with a start, sucking in a terrified breath¡ªthat only filled her nose with the scent of wolf. That made her open her mouth to scream¡ª

    But the bedchamber was dim. Most of thenterns had been blown out. And as her eyes roved, searching¡­ there was no Reth. There was no Lerrin. And there was only one wolf.

    Jayah.

    Elia''s heart pounded as she pushed up onto an elbow and scanned the room looking for intruders.

    Jayah turned from the dresser where she''d been measuring something out of a bottle, and she smiled¡ªthen her smile faded.

    "Are you well?" she asked carefully. "I''m sorry if I startled you. Aymora was called to the elder''s meeting about Lerrin. I told her I woulde. I do not mean to intrude. But we need to check¡­ are you well, Elia?" she asked softly.

    Elia blinked several times and swallowed, pushing up to sit, grimacing at the way the sides of her stomach grabbed when she moved her hips.

    "I''m sorry, I had a bad dream," she murmured because Jayah was looking more and more worried.

    "Are you hurting?"

    "No, no. Just the¡­ the normal aches and pains. I didn''t sleep well."

    Jayah nodded and turned back to her bottles. "It is a difficult time. The body loosens to allow things to move to make way for the pup, but it means that everything is more easily hurt or strained." Then she picked up that long, thin, cone and turned back to Elia. "May I listen to her heart?"

    Elia wanted nothing less than to be touched by a wolf just then, but she knew Jayah wanted to help. And she wanted to make sure Elreth was okay, too. So she nodded and pushed herself further up the bed.

    "No, no, go ahead andy down. It''s actually easier," Jayah said. "You cany on your side if that''s morefortable."

    Elia thanked her andid down slowly. She felt bigger this morning, which seemed impossible. Her stomach already stood far higher than her much-bigger-than-usual breasts when sheid on her back. Reth had teased her about stealing the furs to cover it.

    He''d also talked to her at length about how much he was thoroughly enjoying her new,rger chest.

    Elia felt her cheeks heat at the memory and swallowed back the embarrassment.

    Jayah pretended not to notice and waited for her to find afortable position, then ced the wide end of the cone low on her belly, the pointed end in her ear, then shifted it here and there until she found what she was looking for.

    "Ah, she is strong," Jayah said soon, pleased. "She is not in distress. But if you begin to feel pain, or as if something is wrong¡ªeven if you can''t tell what it is¡ªyou call for Aymora or for me."

    Elia nodded. "I will."

    Then Jayah began to press at different points all over her belly. With a smile, she took Elia''s hand to show her where she had found a tiny fist under the skin.

    Elia could only feel a smaller lump among other lumps, but she enjoyed thinking that that lump was a hand.

    "It will be only a week, or ten days at the most, I think," Jayah said quietly. "Aymora disagrees, but I think she has not ounted for your humanity. Your body is smaller. It is likely your offspring, even if it is a cub, will also be smaller. I think she is almost ready."

    Elia shook her head. "It seems impossible to have grown a whole human in such a short time," she said, and to her own horror, almost began to cry.

    Jayah patted her shoulder, but didn''t meet her eyes, giving her a moment to pull herself together. Then, when Elia had taken a few deep breaths, she spoke softly.

    "The Creator can do¡­ whatever he pleases," she said gently. "But it is my observation that He often brings the most difficult tasks to¡­ strengthen us before great joy. This offspring has been a great trial for you," she stated without question. "But it will also be a great blessing, I think."

    "Thank you," Elia said, tears threatening again. "I just hope¡­ can you please tell me what the risks are? What is going to happen? Am I going to shift? Is she? It seems like everyone wants me to just ept that we can''t know. But you''ve seen these deliveries before, right? Can''t you give me any idea?"

    Jayah''s forehead pressed into lines. "Every delivery is different. Every baby is different. Every mother is different."

    "Yes, but you could tell me different things that have happened so I at least know what''s possible, right?"

    Jayah picked up her cone and walked it back to the dresser. She busied herself there for a moment, then returned to the bed and took a seat on the edge of it near Elia'' feet, settling herself slowly, her eyes never quiet meeting Elia''s.

    Fear shot through Elia at the look on Jayah''s face. As if she had terrible news and didn''t want to share it, but felt like she had to.

    "What is it? What''s wrong?" she asked, her voice high and quavering.

    *** THE END IS NEAR - Got Questions? ***

    I''m putting together a reader Q & A for the end of BEAST. If you have any burning questions about the characters, my writing, the process of telling the story, or me as an author, please ask them in thements and I will add them to my list!

 Chapter 570: The Unknown

    <h4>Chapter 570: The Unknown</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia''s heart was pounding and she grabbed for Jayah''s hand. "You know something''s wrong?"

    Jayah shook her head, taking Elia''s hand in both of hers. "No, no. See, this is why I struggle to know what to say. It is understandable that you would be concerned for your little one, for yourself. And some of the things I''ve seen¡­ they are very difficult. But others¡­ and it''s impossible to know which your journey will be."

    Elia took a deep breath. "I want to know, though. I want to know what is possible, and what to look for, and what to pray against."

    Jayah nodded. "If you wish to know, I will tell you. Aymora wishes to protect you, but I think¡­ I think it is better for a mother to know. Though you must remember that not everything will happen in every birth. Yours may be easy. We can''t know until we''re there."

    Elia snorted. "I have never done things the easy way," she said dryly. "But I know what you mean. I will¡­ I will try to keep it all in perspective."

    "And my advice¡­ don''t tell your mate. He will want to control this, and it is something he cannot control. He will only add to your pressure, attempting to control you, because he needs something to manage to make himself feel better." Jayah''s eyes shed with a knowing look. "Be honest with him and let him help you. But¡­ choose wisely which risks you bring him before the journey has begun. He will not see it as clearly as you do."

    Elia''s eyes widened. "I don''t feel like I see this clearly at all!"

    Jayah chuckled. "Then imagine the fog that he walks in."

    They bothughed softly. Then Jayah sighed. "Okay, I will tell you what I have seen, and what I know. But do not live in fear, Elia. We will do everything we can to ensure you remain safe, and your little one as well."

    Elia nodded, thenid back to listen.

    Jayah''s eyes got a little distant as she spoke. It was clear she was remembering different females, different births¡ªand not all of them good.

    "The thing that is true for everyone, though it happens differently, is that the day wille when you be first ufortable¡ªyour back aching, your body tight and sore. For some, that will be contractions very quickly. You will move from one stage to the next very quickly, and the babe will be delivered within hours. For others, that can be the beginning of days."

    Jayah pulled the furs back to bare Elia''s belly. "You see this, how the rounding has dropped? That is because your pup''s head is down and your body preparing to push it out. When that goes lower¡ªwhich I think will happen within the week¡ªyou will be only days from delivering. Perhaps hours."

    "I understand about thebor¡ªI heard my mother''s story enough times. But¡­ it''s the delivery. With a baby that can shift? How does that even work?"

    "Sometimes it is nothing," Jayah said with a shrug. "Sometimes it is what would be a normalbor to you and the babe doesn''t shift, or doesn''t shift until they are out of the womb. That might be your journey."

    "If it''s not? What happens?"

    "It is not unusual for the babe to shift in the womb, even several times. The beast is often stronger physically, than the human. If the baby bes distressed, or there is a great deal of pressure, they will often instinctively shift."

    Elia couldn''t even imagine what that would feel like. She swallowed hard. "Does it¡­ hurt?"

    "Have you hurt so far?"

    "I¡­ what?"

    "Your baby has shifted many times already, Elia. Within you."

    "She has?!"

    Jayah nodded. "When I first examined you as a beast, your babe had also shifted. And when you were having contractions, when it took us time to stop them¡­ the babe shifted at least twice during that time."

    "Why didn''t you tell me?"

    "It didn''t seem to add to your difort. And I am so ustomed to it, it did not rm me."

    "Aymora didn''t mention it."

    "I think she tries to save you from fear. Perhaps I should have, also."

    "No, no. It''s good to know. The fact that it''s happened without me even being aware means it doesn''t cause a lot of pain, so¡­ that''s a good thing to know," she said. "Thank you."

    Elia got lost for a few minutes in a strange tangle of emotions. Her baby was definitely Anima. A lion. Like Reth. The thought made her feel warm¡ªand more confident of her offspring''s strength.

    But then¡­ how would that even work? She was going to give birth to a cub?!

    Jayah nodded again. "When yourbor has continued¡ªthe contractions will get more and more intense, and closer and closer together¡ªto the point of delivery, we will see how strong you are. If you''re strong enough, we''ll bring you to the floor and have you squat."

    "I¡­ WHAT? Why?"

    "Because gravity will assist the birth. And the position will help you with pushing. Our concern at that point will be to ensure once the baby is in your birth canal that, if they shift, they are in a position to continue moving through. That is the riskiest part of an Anima delivery. And it depends on the species¡ªof both the mother, and the babe."

    "How¡­" Elia swallowed. "How bad is it that I''m human and she''s a lion?"

    "It is only bad if she shifts and you do not," Jayah said carefully. "When the timees, we will meet what we must meet. If I believe that you absolutely must shift, I will give you the tonic, Elia. Aymora has delivered more babes than I, but she has not delivered inter-species. She has already agreed to allow me to make that decision. If the babe shifts, and you do not, and there is a struggle¡­ I will force you to shift."

    "But¡­ but then I''m stuck in the lion, right? For a while? Because of the tonic?"

    Jayah nodded. "Yes. And I know this has fear for you. This is what you must think and pray about, Elia: You may need to shift to deliver safely. And if you do¡­ you muste back to us."

    Elia''s stomach plummeted to her toes.

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    Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

    His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper ying on her skin.

    "You. Are. Mine."

    His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his im.

    Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

    The other males roared withughter.

    Ignoring their taunts, Zev''s eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name."

    She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

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 Chapter 571: Eyes & Ears

    <h4>Chapter 571: Eyes & Ears</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye walked through the forest on the southern end, towards the Royal Meadow, his heart lighter than it had been in days.

    He''d decided to fill Elia in about Suhle and what he''d discovered there, two days earlier.

    He knew now that meeting her with Reth had been an appointment of the Creator. He''d thought so at the time, as soon as he''d scented her truly. But he hadn''t wanted to jump to conclusions. But now he was certain.

    When he''d walked out of the cave with her, he''d really just been curious and a little wary. But then he''d read the winds around her and his heart leapt. The Creator''s voice¡ªor whatever He allowed Gahrye to hear when he was reading the winds had been very clear.

    She is One.

    Suhle was a Protector. He would have sworn to it.

    He''d been wondering how he would find them, how difficult it would be to gather the right information without actually telling them why he wanted to know about them. But he hadn''t thought about being able to scent them¡ªand perhaps the quality he found in her had nothing of a physical scent in it. But as they''d walked and he scented her, all the parts of his heart, his soul, that listened to the Creator, heard her name with conviction.

    She was a female of good character. A servant. Loyal to the Creator. Loyal to the Crown. Trusted by Reth. Known to him since she was young. She wasn''t allied with the disformed, but she was clearly ustomed to keeping attention off of herself, and working without apuse.

    That afternoon, despite their newness to each other, she''d walked confidently next to him, but with¡­ humility? Something kept her eyes on the ground in front of her. Yet there was a quiet strength to her. Not that shy, timid air so many of the disformed adopted over time. Especially the females.

    They walked and talked for half an hour. She had been eager to get away to her duties¡ªa hard worker, something else Gahrye knew a Protector would need.

    By the time they parted¡ªhe asking her to meet with him again soon, and her agreeing, though clearly hesitant tomit to anything to do with the disformed, which was the only thing that gave him pause.

    He''d spent thest two days testing his idea,paring what little he knew of the Protectors of old, his own experience, and what he knew they would need. And as ofst night¡­ he was certain.

    He could find no reason not to invite her to train. Whether she would or not, he would find out that day. But he wanted to tell Elia about her first, and celebrate that he felt like he knew what he was looking for, now.

    He needed the strong, the solid, the humble. He needed those that aimed for something bigger than themselves. And those that weren''t too proud. That didn''t need to fight everything.

    A Protector''s role, first and foremost, was to watch over others. To provide a path of safety. They couldn''t be aiming for their own ambition¡ªthe voices would quickly turn the head of any Anima that thought to use the Traverse for their own ends. He could see that now. He would warn them about his own experiences with the voices¡ªsomething he would know more about soon, he hoped. When he crossed again.

    But the most exciting part of all of this had been when he saw clearly how to approach the problem of training disformed without telling them what they were.

    He''d almost torn out his hair trying to think of a way to couch the truth¡ªso that they weren''t lying, but so that the disformed didn''t know about the ultimate purpose.

    It hadn''t been until he''d thought specifically about trying to convince Suhle to train that it hade to him. And now he needed to talk to Elia and make sure she was on board.

    When he entered the Royal Cave he could smell Jayah. Reth had been there, but his freshest scent was beginning to fade, so he must have left early that morning.

    Elia wouldn''t be happy. She was still pale and drawn whenever he was gone.

    He hurried through the cave to the side-tunnel that led to the bedchamber. The door was closed and he thought Elia might be sleeping. Should he go in? She''d told him to alwayse, and they''d arranged to see each other this morning. But then he heard a quiet, high voice say, "Your Advisor is here."

    Jayah.

    As he slowly opened the door, remembering to knock, he found Eliaying on her side under the furs, while Jayah sat near her feet. Their hands were sped on the side of Elia''s belly. Elia looked like she had cried, but was feeling better now¡ªher eyes were just a little red.

    He hesitated just inside the door. "Should Ie backter?"

    "No!" Elia said and gave him a watery smile. "I''m just pregnant and hormonal. Ignore me."

    Jayah squeezed her hand and stood up from the bed, turning to usher Gahrye closer. "She will need to rest soon. Will you stay with her, or should I remain in the cave?"

    Gahrye looked at Elia, who shrugged. She didn''t have ns.

    "I think¡­ I think I''ll be here an hour or so. If there''s anything you want to do¡­?"

    Jayah smiled. "I will go deliver one message, then I will return to the Great Room. Just call for me when you''re ready to leave so I can attend her."

    Gahrye nodded, and the wolf female strode from the room, closing the door behind her. Then he turned to Elia, smiling.

    She automatically smiled back. "What''s made you so happy?"

    "I think I know how to do this!" he said, hurrying to her side and taking a seat on the bed, like Jayah had.

    "Oh? Tell me!"

    "Well, the thing is¡­ I kind of need your help to make this work."

    "Okay," she said, searching his eyes. "What can I do?"

    "How do you feel about having a dedicatedwork of eyes and ears¡­ just for you, as Queen?"

    *****

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 Chapter 572: All the Queens Men

    <h4>Chapter 572: All the Queen''s Men</h4>

    ELIA

    An hourter, she wasn''t sure whether to be ecstatic, or terrified. What Gahrye described¡­ it was perfect.

    To give the Outsiders a task. A purpose. A job to do, together. To create awork of skilled Anima, fighters, secret keepers, who could hide themselves and watch out. Disciplined adults that would gather information for her, or watch over her, and each other¡ªeven secretly.

    Everything had to be secret. And the Anima who joined them would be both acknowledged for their work by the Queen, but have a legitimate reason to keep it all quiet.

    They would serve her without knowledge of the hierarchy.

    Which was the part that terrified her.

    The whole idea ran so close to treason, she wasn''t sure it wasn''t. But it also feltpletely necessary.

    "They have to be under Reth''s rule, though, Gahrye. They have to. We can''t have people trained to do this stuff who will rebel again. We just can''t risk it."

    He shook his head, smiling. "That''s the whole point: they serve YOU. And you are always loyal to Reth. Their secrets are kept to ensure that Reth''s people won''t discover them, not because he isn''t trusted!"

    She had to admit, it was brilliant. Simultaneously motivating people to stay loyal, but not share their secrets, even with allies.

    "I say we do it," she said finally, though her uneasiness over hiding this from Reth hadn''t left her. "But now you need to be very, very picky about who you bring in. There''s no rush. We have to select people who are ready, and skilled and¡­ well, you know better than me. What does the Creator say about how to find them?"

    "I''m getting some clues," Gahrye said, smiling genuinely for the first time that she remembered since they''d returned to Anima. "I''ve already found one, I''m pretty sure. But I don''t know if she''ll do it."

    "She?" Elia asked, then wanted to p herself. Why did it surprise her that he would have found a female?

    Gahrye nodded. "Since you''re on board with this, I''m going to talk to her a little more today. Not to tell her the full story. Just¡­ just to feel her out a little bit. If she''s interested, then I''ll tell you."

    "Okay," Elia said, then yawned. "That sounds like a n. I''m¡­ I''m notfortable with doing this without Reth, but I know we have to. I just have to pray he doesn''t kill me if he finds out."

    "That''s the beauty, though, right?" Gahrye whispered. "Even if he does find out, all he''s found is that you have some people you''ve been keeping close, to help you find out information¡ªmaybe even information that he doesn''t know. And that''s the other side of this. You should probably have this kind ofwork anyway, what with the tension between the tribes and¡­ well, everything that''s happened. It will be good for you to build a people behind you that are independent of anything else."

    She nodded. "You''re right."

    "This is going to be good, Elia. I can see it. It just feels right. I know we''re onto something here."

    "I believe you," she said with a smile. "Now¡­ go get to it!"

    Gahrye, still brimming with excitement, trotted out, reassuring her that he''d be back that evening with an update.

    Elia sank into the pillow and stared at the wall. The thick cave walls hid the quiet words between Gahrye and Jayah enough that without paying attention, she couldn''t make them out. And that was good. She needed to sleep. Her body was tired and aching and¡­ and it felt like everything was just heavy that day.

    She thought of Reth, in the security building with the Elders and Lerrin, and wondered how that was going.

    She prayed that whoever Gahrye was going to approach would be an asset, and not discourage him from his new enthusiasm.

    And she wondered when Gahrye would leave to go see Kalle and gather more information from the histories.

    It seemed everyone was in a ce of strength, of moving out and stepping forward, except her. She had to¡­ wait.

    And wait for a possible tragedy.

    She''d tried to be brave with Jayah, but the truth was, all she could see in her mind was visions of herself being forced to shift. Forced to make the decision to shift¡ªor her body taking that decision from her when she was at her most vulnerable.

    Whether she shifted without choosing it, or Jayah gave her the tonic, it didn''t matter. Either way, she ended up back her beast. At a time she wanted to be present. She wanted to remember the birth of her baby! But if she couldn''t give birth without shifting¡­.

    She knew it needed to happen. That she would be d for it if her baby had shifted. But she was terrified.

    What if she got stuck?

    What if her baby arrived and she went Silent?

    Everything Aymora had told her for training about the shift had said it was so crucial for her to keep control. To dominate. To be the decision maker when it came to her beast.

    Yet¡­ she''d tried to be that and it hadn''t worked.

    And thest time¡­ thosest weeks in the human world she''d felt herself begin to fade. As if the beast''s will was so much stronger than her own, she was giving up herself.

    Elia shook her head and buried her face in the pillow. It didn''t matter. It didn''t matter how frightened she was, or even if did go silent. She had to deliver her baby safely. And if that was the only way to do it¡­

    The irony that she''d finally be Anima¡ªtruly Anima. Finally had the beast and the strength that her people had. They would finally ept her as one of her own¡­ and yet, she felt weaker and more frightened than she ever had as a human¡­

    She tried to breathe, to calm her racing heart, but it didn''t really work. So she sped her hands under the furs and started to pray. To plead. For her baby''s life, and for her own.

    And when she finally drifted off into sleep, it was with a heart that was a little calmer. A little more sure. But still¡­

    Still terrified.

 Chapter 573: Let Me Help

    <h4>Chapter 573: Let Me Help</h4>

    LERRIN

    Suhle had somehow found a new set of clothing that fit him almost as well as those that were made for him. When she''d bustled in with a big basket on her arm and a frown on her face, he''d been concerned, but she was muttering about not being able to arrange a true bath for him.

    "They will not allow it," she said through her teeth.

    Lerrin had cupped her face and made her stop to look at him. "I am so thankful that you care," he said softly.

    She''d smiled then and it lit his heart up from the inside.

    He''d hated not being able to bathe. It was, for him, the worst part of imprisonment. But she''d been so diligent about bringing cloths and wash water. It was no worse than when he''d been travelling in winter and unable to use the streams or rivers. So he hadn''t sighed when she''d produced yet anotherrge jar of water and small pile of soft cloths for him to use. At least he wouldn''t stink.

    But then she turned and began on the buttons of his shirt.

    He was still in a great deal of pain, but he''d tried to struggle to his feet.

    "Don''t move," she said firmly. "I''m going to give you herbs before you go so that they are at their most effective and you are strongest with you are with the elders. But that means you need toy still now and let me bathe you. Do not tax yourself."

    His body tightened at the suggestion. "You think undoing my own buttons will tax me?"

    She looked up at him through hershes and her lips slid up on one side. "No, that will tax me," she said quietly. Her cheeks pinking. "You are far too slow."

    He''s mouth had dropped open¡ªwas she flirting with him?¡ªbut she put her head back down and focused on his buttons. Really hard. Then tugged his shirt out of the waistband of his leathers.

    Then set to the buttons on his leathers.

    Lerrin swallowed hard and prayed that he wouldn''t frighten her.

    But though he''d been bathed by her countless times before, it hadn''t happened recently. And not since he had surrendered to his feelings for her.

    She made a small noise when she got thest of his buttons undone, and her cheeks got hotter, but she didn''t say anything, just tugged his leathers off and instructed him not to move from where he sat. Then she began to bathe him, and Lerrin thought his heart might explode.

    She took his had gently, extending his arm slowly, Then pulled the cloth out of therge jar at her side, squeezing it with one, strong hand.

    When she yed the cloth on his skin, to his surprise, it was still hot. She must have taken the time to heat the water, then run it here.

    His skin prickled from the delicious feeling of the wet softness,bined with her tender touch. Prickled, and saluted.

    Suhle, ever the faithful servant, avoided his groin with her eyes, and focused on his arms, then his back, and torso.

    But the closer she got to cleaning his lower half, the stronger his body''s reaction¡ªand the more he struggled not to take her in his arms, despite the pain.

    The warmth of the water was strangelyforting. But the feel of her hands on him, even in such an efficient way, was lighting him up from the inside.

    When the moment came, she didn''t meet his eyes, but washed him as quickly and efficiently as she could. Then she wrung the cloth out in the water and turned to him.

    He''d kept his eyes closed because the sight of her bent over him might have sent him over the edge. But when she sighed, he opened his eyes to find her staring at him.

    Not at his eyes.

    "I told you, you''re beautiful," he said, his voice a guttural rasp.

    She did meet his eyes then, but she wasn''t smiling. "I could¡­" she started, ncing down at him, then back to his eyes. "I could bring you relief¡­ if you wish?"

    Oh, Creator''s fang, he wanted to tear at his own throat after seeing that look on her face. Because she was curious, but she was also afraid¡ªand willing to walk into her fear for him.

    "Suhle," he croaked, then took her hands in his. "Never, ever touch me¡ªor any male¡ªat any time that it doesn''t feel natural, or¡­ or good. Do you understand. Never! I will never ask you to. And if you think that I am, ask me. Because I never want to see that look on your face ever again," he rasped, then pulled her into a kiss.

    She was surprised by the kiss, and it took her a moment. But then her mouth opened and she melted into him, wing her fingers into his hair.

    He broke it off before it made his predicament worse. But by that time, she had rxed and her smile had returned.

    She helped him dress, which was no easy feat with him sitting down. Then she sat next to him against the wall of the tree and prepared some herbs.

    Lerrin closed his eyes and let his head sink back. He was already exhausted, and he hadn''t even moved yet. How was he going to get through the walk to the meeting, and then the hour or more that they might keep him there?

    "I am making a¡­ a paste," Suhle said quietly, grinding something in a small mortar and pestle she''d brought with her. "It will taste terrible. But it will work quickly and longer than the leaves alone. But I don''t know how long you will be meeting with the elders, so I''m not sure when¡ª"

    She broke off as the door opened and a guard peered around. "Oh, good. You''re dressed. You''re to be ready in twenty minutes. I hope you can walk."

    Suhle sighed with relief, then pushed to her feet as the guard disappeared and the door locked again.

    "Then it''s time," she said, offering him the mortar. "I know it tastes terrible. But you''ll thank me soon."

    "I''ll thank you now," he said, taking it from her with a heavy, shaking arm. Praying that whatever she''de up with it, it would give him the strength to get to his feet¡ªand to walk.

    Their fingers brushed as she passed it to him and their eyes met and electricity crackled between them.

    "Thank you," Lerrin said, his voice little more than a low growl.

    Suhle smiled.

 Chapter 574: Coming Judgment

    <h4>Chapter 574: Coming Judgment</h4>

    LERRIN

    Twenty minuteter Lerrin was beginning to breathe more easily. His body was still weak, but the pain was beginning to ebb.

    "You''re amazing," he said softly. Suhle had sat right next to him. He felt good enough to lift an arm¡ªwincing¡ªto put over her shoulders. She tried to scold him, but he wanted to be closer to her.

    Neither of them had spoken much after he''d forced down the paste she gave him, then drank a good deal of water, trying to rid himself of the vor.

    But now the time was passing and the guard would be there soon. He could feel Suhle tensing under his arm.

    "Don''t worry," he instructed. "This is a time for making decisions. I doubt¡­ I doubt whatever action they decide to take will happen right away. I''m guessing they''ll want to announce it to the people first. So¡­ we''ll have time. No matter what."

    "You can''t know that," Suhle said. "And if they don''t banish you¡­."

    Her hand tightened on his thigh, and if it hadn''t hurt, he knew his cock would have sprung up again. Instead, he reached for her hand with his other hand, and held it there, resting on his thigh.

    "Are you nervous?" she asked him quietly.

    "Not really. It''s strange. I get frightened when I think about you. But the rest? Not really."

    "I think Reth might think¡­ might suggest that if you go, there are others that could go with you."

    He turned his head to meet her eyes then. "You mean us, right?"

    She nodded. "I cannot be here without you, Lerrin," she murmured. He would have kissed her again, but her eyes were shining with unshed tears.

    "Shhhhhh, don''t fear. There''s every chance¡ª"

    The door swung open again and one of thergest guards Lerrin had ever seen¡ªalmost as big as Reth¡ªstrode in looking serious.

    "Get to your feet," he said sharply.

    Suhle scrambled up, then helped him to his. He groaned with the effort, his back and right leg, screaming the hardest. But his entire body urged him just toy down and not move anymore. But he kept his feet, and Suhle straightened his clothing.

    The guard watched, his face an unreadable mask. Then he opened the door wider, and two more guards stepped inside.

    One of them bore an uncanny resemnce to one of the wolves that had attacked him.

    A growl rolled in Lerrin''s throat¡ªinstinct because he was vulnerable, and there was a very present threat.

    But the bigger guard started towards him. "Shut your mouth and keep your teeth closed, or we''ll string you up and carry you there."

    They surrounded him quickly, one of the guards pushing Suhle out of the way with a lot more force than was strictly necessary.

    His growl became a snarl and all three turned on him. "You don''t have to threaten me, I will go willingly!" he snapped. "But do not touch her again!"

    "You should be grateful that she''s even allowed to visit you," the big guard sighed.

    "I am," Lerrin said, holding the male''s gaze. "But that doesn''t mean she should be treated like furniture. She is a female. My female. And she has done nothing wrong."

    "That''s arguable," the familiar guard muttered, but the bigger one pped him on the chest. Then they positioned themselves behind and beside Lerrin, one on each arm, the biggest behind him.

    Goodbye my love, he sent to Suhle without looking at her, not wanting to drawn the attention of the guards to her again.

    Go in peace, Lerrin. I''m praying Reth will have mercy.

    Lerrin didn''t think it was Reth he had to worry about, but with his heart skipping in his chest, he sent her an image of himself kissing her gently, then followed the guards out.

    His legs trembled and on the first step he wondered if his knees would give way. But the strength seemed to return to his limbs the longer he moved.

    It was a good thing the guards had hold of his arms when he stepped down from the door to the ground outside, though. He almost pitched forward and ate the dirt. But they caught up and swung him back upright.

    The motion made his stomach scream, but at least they hadn''t let him fall.

    It was odd to be outside, especially in the bright, afternoon sun. The trees left dappled shadows on the ground that climbed his skin when they walked into them. But Lerrin found himself simply enjoying the air on his face and the dirt under his feet.

    As they reached the trail and headed for the security building, he saw the tall, equine disformed¡ªGahrye¡ªwalking towards them.

    The male''s eyes widened, but the guards all dipped their heads towards him, and he received their casual salute as if he didn''t think about it.

    "Has Suhle already left?" he asked. "I understand she was helping prepare the prisoner for the meeting?"

    The tallest guard, behind him, answered. "We left her back at the tree. I don''t know. But you should be able to follow her scent."

    "Thank you!" he said, nodding to Lerrin, then disappearing down the trail behind them.

    Despite the pain, Lerrin turned his head to follow the male''s progress.

    Why was he searching for Lerrin''s mate?

    Then the Guard shoved his shoulder and pain exploded, radiating out from the point of impact to the rest of his body. Lerrin groaned, and thanked the Creator for Suhle''s pain paste. Without it he doubted whether he would still be on his feet.

    But the uneasiness in his gut that had started with this meeting, now extended to his mate and what she might be facing.

    Gahrye, the Queen''s Advisor, was trusted by Reth¡ªmostly¡ªand certainly by Elia. But did that mean he was a good male?

    Not necessarily.

    Lerrin didn''t look back again, there was no point. Gahrye would have disappeared down the curve in the trail by now. But he took a deep breath and sent to his mate.

    The Queen''s Advisor ising to find you.

    Oh? She sent back, but he detected no fear in her tone.

    You know him?

    We met the other day when I went to talk to Reth about you. He''s disformed as well.

    Lerrin nodded and ground his teeth. That didn''t mean the male wasn''t a threat!

    Don''t worry, Lerrin, Suhle said in his head, her voice a calm, soothing balm to his tension. He''s a good male.

    Lerrin prayed so.

 Chapter 575: Measured

    <h4>Chapter 575: Measured</h4>

    IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PRIVILEGE BUYERS: (This was added to the chapter after publication so you aren''t charged for these words) I am getting so manyments from readers who feel like they''re being charged to "upgrade" for "nothing." I am so sorry that this system isplicated and you aren''t receiving what it feels like you should be receiving. I know how frustrating that is. Please, PLEASE read the author note at the bottom of this chapter. The SECOND HALF of that note exins what you receive in your second/ongoing resubscription months.

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    *****

    LERRIN

    Lerrin''s legs were still shaky as the guards ushered him along the trail, but his pain eased during the walk. He was grateful that the guards kept the pace slow, and no one pushed on him again. By the time they entered the council building, he was exhausted, but feeling more confident that he could get through this, as long as the herbs kept the pain at bay.

    One of the guards stepped forward to open the door and all four of them walked through together, and Lerrin was struck, suddenly, with the memory of the night his father was killed.

    Reth sat in the circle this time, rather than as a petitioner. This time it was Lerrin who was walked to stand under their eyes and be measured.

    No one spoke initially, until the Reth sighed. "You can leave, but stay at the door," he said to the guards.

    Thergest, behind Lerrin, made a little noise. "Sire, I don''t think it''s safe¡ª"

    "I assure you that it is," Reth growled. Lerrin was grateful that he wouldn''t have to be attached to these males for the entire meeting. But he wondered if Reth had noticed how his Captain, and best friend, was ring at him.

    The guards looked at their Captain, who tipped his head towards the door to send them on their way, but he got up from his chair to follow them and there was a low, muttered conference at the door before the donk¡ªBehryn returned to his seat.

    With the guards gone, and only Councilors and Elders¡ªincluding those that had been appointed for the purpose of reuniting the people¡ªremained, the attention shifted.

    Lerrin could feel their eyes like fangs at the back of his neck, waiting to close.

    Reth nudged the chair next to him forward, into the center of the circle. "Sit," he said gruffly. "You can''t do us any good if you pass out before we get through this.

    Lerrin didn''t like the implication, but couldn''t deny that he was weak. So he took the chair and slid it behind him slowly, then eased himself into it with a sigh of relief.

    Then he looked up and met the eyes of Reth, then each of the Elders. "Thank you for bringing me here personally. I¡­ wasn''t expecting that."

    "What happened to you?" Behryn snapped, though Lerrin knew he had to know the answer. Reth did.

    "A handful of wolves paid me a visit two days ago," he said, his voice deeper than usual.

    "Those injuries are two days old?" One of the elders gasped.

    Lerrin nodded. "I am¡­ not at my usual strength. And the beating was¡­ significant."

    "They almost killed him. The servant who attended him said he''d lost the ability to shift. Without the healing herbs and tonic she gave him, he likely wouldn''t be here."

    Several of the Councilors shifted in their seats. Lerrin gave them a t-eyed smile. Yes, he understood that that might have solved a problem for them. Yes, he was thankful that they hadn''t allowed it to happen.

    "You''re still weak?" Behryn asked.

    Lerrin nodded. "But healing. This morning I couldn''t walk when I woke." No need to tell them he likely still couldn''t without the pain-soothing herbs Suhle had given him. "But I gather the attack isn''t the reason I''m here?"

    He looked at Reth then, who grunted. "You gather correctly. Today we meet to decide what the hell we''re going to do with you, Lerrin. And because you have helped us bring the wolves back into the Tree City without further bloodshed, I wished to have you make your proposal to the Elders directly."

    Lerrin''s eyebrows rose. He hadn''t know Reth was going to ask him to speak to this! "I¡­ that''s unexpected."

    "Seems like we''re all getting surprises this week," Behryn said dryly, giving Reth a sideways nce.

    Reth ignored it. "Lerrin, you are brought here as supplicant. You raised a rebellion against the crown and divided the Anima. We have lost dozens of good male and females to the conflict. However, you also made efforts to correct the problem you created. You were instrumental in avoiding more battle and bloodshed on the Hallowed Grounds. And have since inspired the solution to a peace, if not harmonious, return of the rebels to the Anima as a whole."

    Lerrin nodded his eptance of the description of his actions, though it grated. He hadn''t intended to raise a rebellion¡ªit had been raised by his father, they knew that. But he supposed in the end, the words didn''t really matter. He had led the rebellion. "How has the return of the wolves gone? I''ve heard no news beyond the fact that they remain in the City."

    "Ultimately, the tensions remain, but the people are¡­ civil. And peaceful. The few skirmishes that have urred have been primarily over housing, not the divide of the tribes."

    Lerrin sighed. Suhle had told him things were peaceful, but she was spending so much time with him, or in service, he was concerned she might not know if there were serious conflicts. "That''s good," he said, relieved. "I''m d to hear that."

    "As are we," Reth said briskly. "But I find myself simultaneously disgusted, and grateful. And so, we need to decide what to do with you. We find your presence a¡­ risk. But we also acknowledge your efforts to make up for your crimes. You asked your Mate to bring me a proposal. I believe you should present that to the Elders here. I would hear their thoughts on it."

    Lerrin blinked. "I¡­ okay." He shifted in his seat, then leaned forward, elbows on his knees. His lower back hurt terribly and pressing it into the back of the chair wasn''t helping. "My proposal, as you called it, was that¡­ that I would willingly leave. Not just the Tree City, but the WildWoodpletely. I would not remove resources or people with me¡ªwith the exception of my mate. And I would adhere to¡­ whatever restrictions you might decide are appropriate under the circumstances. If you agree to free me in that manner, I will not return. At all. At pain of death."

    *****

    IT''S A NEW PRIVILEGE MONTH!

    Don''t forget, if you purchase the highest tier of privilege in this book, or QUEEN OF BEASTS you go into the draw for a paperback at the end of the month! If you haven''t purchased privilege before, or this is your first month buying privilege for the second time, please read my author note that begins "Understanding Privilege" so you know what you are, and aren''t, buying! And don''t be scared to ask me questions in thements BEFORE you purchase, because privilege cannot be refunded, because it gives ess to chapters that have not been published.

 Chapter 576: Found Wanting

    <h4>Chapter 576: Found Wanting</h4>

    RETH

    Reth raised an eyebrow. He hadn''t heard the "at pain of death" part. Of course, it''s the line he would have drawn. But hearing it from Lerrin''s tongue¡­.

    Clearly the male was trulymitted to this idea. Desperate to get away with Suhle.

    Reth wasn''t sure whether to celebrate that, or use it against the wolf.

    "Wait, Lerrin has a mate?" One of the younger elders asked.

    "The bond hasn''t beenpleted, but yes," Reth growled without taking his eyes off of Lerrin. "I''ll admit, Lerrin, that I had thought of this option, and even raised it here with this council. But there are concerns. And I thought it was important for everyone to hear you speak to it with your own words, and scent you true. Because we will test you. What you describe, after what you''ve done, is an immense mercy."

    "Far too merciful," someone muttered, but they both ignored the male.

    Lerrin nodded in agreement with both. "I fully understand¡ª"

    "No, Lerrin, I don''t think you do," Brant said, his voice clipped and angry. "You were here only to see the resolution of the pain you wrought on this people. You did not live the agony before it."

    "You think I lived no agony?" Lerrin said quietly, too quietly. He cleared his throat and rubbed his chin to give himself a moment to stem his anger. "My people lost everything. No matter how you might view the reasons, the truth is, as a Tribe we lost far more¡ªin loved ones, time, resources, and status¡ªthan any other group in the WildWood. I returned them to you knowing what I was bringing them to. That they will be disadvantaged for generations. I can tell you that was not an easy conclusion to draw¡ªthat they would be better under you, Reth, and marginalized, than not."

    "Why would you make that choice?" Behryn asked suspiciously.

    "Because the wolves are¡ªwere¡ªinfected," he replied immediately. "The depth of the darkness within my tribe had been hidden from me. But once I became aware of it¡­ bringing them back was the only way to save those who hadn''t fallen to it yet, and to ensure that the darkness would be rooted out of them. I couldn''t do it alone, it was already too entrenched with my hierarchy."

    "So you brought them here, so they might infect others?" Huncer raised from the back.

    Lerrin shook his head. "I spoke with Reth during our battle to ensure he would eradicate the darkness from among us, and protect those that weren''t infected. As it happens, most of the problem was burnt on the pyre at the Hallowed Grounds. But I do not doubt the most cunning among them still remains within the people. Reth gave me his word he would deal with them."

    He looked at Reth then, who didn''t turn away from his gaze.

    "There are dangers hidden among your people, as well as mine, and if you don''t do something about it, they will kill your people from within. I do not tell you that as a threat. That is to equip you. Do not make the mistake I made and dismiss the danger signs."

    A moment of understanding passed between them¡ªand something of respect. Reth was stronger, Lerrin was submitted. But Reth recognized a formidable male in Lerrin¡ªand appreciated what he''d done. The leadership he''d shown.

    Lerrin could see that he didn''t appreciate Lerrin raising this here to make him ountable¡­ as if he wouldn''t fulfill his word without that. Lerrin clenched his teeth. It was necessary.

    "So, what we are left with," Reth continued for him, "is a former Alpha and rebel King who no longer leads towards rebellion¡ªwhich has thrown his people into confusion. Uncertain who they follow or why. And that has led to some among them¡ªin good conscience, believing themselves right¡ªtaking vengeance on their former leader."

    "They''re upset that I broke tradition and revealed the mind-meld. It''s a secret that has been kept for thousands of years."

    "Mostly," Reth countered. "But whether we agree with their stance or not, the truth is, you are danger not only from the Tree City Anima, but also from your own."

    "No, the wolves that came for me weren''t a part of the rebellion. There are still dissidents among your people, Reth. I wish it weren''t so. But this has revealed that you cannot trust even your own wolves. The mindmeld will stop them from active treachery of your guidance orws. But it will not stop them where they believe their actions are for good."

    There was a lot of muttering and shifting in seats following that.

    "I think we''re in agreement," Reth said, "that there''s no need to highlight this¡­ opening to the people. It is only because they believe the wolves are restricted by the mindmeld that peace is even possible."

    "They are restricted by it," Lerrin was quick to jump in. "Especially where it applies to you and the WildWood. They cannot defy the Kingdom. But if they believe you would support an action, or if they deeply believe that their actions would be good and right for the whole of the Anima¡­ well, you see." He indicated his own body and swollen face. "This wasn''t done by wolves that are infected. This was done by wolves who believed their actions were righteous. Their motives seemed¡­ right to them."

    "Then what is the point?" one of the elders hissed. "If they can stillmit violence simply by convincing themselves that it''s the right thing to do¡ª"

    "The point," Reth jumped in with a re at the male, "is that the wolves have demonstrated their willingness to be allied, to be a part of our society, by taking the mind meld. While it is not a perfect solution, it is still the best possible oue for us, I believe. So unless you have another that can be applied in its wake, our focus today is not on whether or not the wolves are leashed. Our focus has to be on how we move forward in the best possible way to maintain the peace and strength we have found so far. Not erode it."

    "That''s all well and good," Behryn said darkly, "Until we learn that, perhaps, there''s another hole in this mindmeld. That our people are not as safe as we think. First the leader of the rebellion, but then what? What if theye to believe killing you¡ªor me¡ªis good for everyone? What then, Reth?"

    ***** WANT RETH MERCH FOR CHRISTMAS? *****

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 Chapter 577: Rooting Out Evil - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 577: Rooting Out Evil - Part 1</h4>

    RETH

    Throughout his life¡ªand especially his rule¡ªhaving Behryn challenge him had been a wee honing of his skills and ideas. An agreement between them that they would always speak the truth to each other, keep each other ountable, and in that way, ensure that they were leading rightly.

    It was one of the things he''d always loved most about his brother-of-the-heart. Behryn had never been intimidated by his strength, or enamored by his power. Behryn challenged him when he needed challenging, and had his back in the aftermath, regardless of what Reth chose to do.

    But this¡­ this was a p in the face.

    His brother didn''t challenge him to sharpen the iron of his sword. His brother didn''t challenge him to bring him down a peg because he''d be arrogant.

    His brother was questioning him. Considering leaving him. And doing so in front of others.

    Reth had to swallow a growl, then wanted to p himself. This was Behryn!

    But something had changed. The light in his brother''s eyes wasn''t amused, or cautioning. The light in his brother''s eyes was anger.

    What wasing of them?

    Reth measured his words very carefully.

    "That anyone, wolves or not, might determine the Anima are better off without their ruler, or those at the top of the hierarchy, is not a new risk¡ª"

    "But surely one that you see is more present than it has ever been before¡ªat least, during your rule!" Behryn snapped.

    Reth''s jaw went hard and he leaned closer to his friend, the warning in his eyes as well as his tone.

    "Let. Me. Finish."

    Behryn''s jaw rolled, but he gave a tight nod.

    Reth stared at him a moment longer, his heart breaking, before he turned his head to address the rest of them. "The risk of anarchy, of rebellion, of assassination is with every leader, and every ruler, throughout time, and our measures to defend against these threats should not change. And yes, should be even more diligent during this time of such upheaval.

    "But my question is specific to our situation. We have a Tribe among us whose culture and priorities lean heavily into their family groups. This darkness within them¡­ this evil infecting them¡­ how did it start? And how can some members of family receive it while others do not? How do we identify those who are dark, and those who are merely misguided?"

    When no one else answered, Lerrin cleared his throat and give Reth a questioning look. Reth nodded for him to speak.

    "Infection or not, darkness or not, all of us are dangerous under the circumstances. The right pressures. A gentle mother will be a snapping beast when her child is under threat. The wolves that stepped around the mindmeld this time weren''t infected, they were convinced that what they were doing was right. In many ways, those are the more dangerous of the people.

    "When an Anima believes their cause is right, their heart is true. They scent true. They act with valor. Until they take these steps that are violent, there is no warning, because what they hide, they hide for reasons that allow their conscience to be clear."

    Reth rubbed his chin, scratching at the growth that he needed to trim but had been distracted from by Elia''s return.

    Then he sighed. "You''re right, of course. Any of us can do wrong when we are deceived, or misguided in our understanding. Believing we''re right can make us blind." Then he caught Behryn''s eyes. "Or even when those we love believe it. It can¡­ sway our hearts so that we don''t see the damage we''re doing."

    Behryn blinked, then his jaw hardened.

    "I am the perfect example of this," Lerrin said quietly. The room went very still as every member present stared at the former Wolf Alpha. "I regret it now, but it is important for this council to understand that when we, the wolves, embarked on this journey, there was no talk of mutiny or power for the sake of it. The wolves were hurting, and as Alpha, my father worked to strengthen them.

    "That took him down a path that, sadly, corrupted his heart. But I didn''t know that when it was urring. I''d been shown the vision of the future¡ªwolves with pride and strength, not hamstrung by tribal lines, or contending powers. I believed in that vision. And when my family died in the pursuit of it, my grief¡­ it was impossible in those early days to see anything but that they were martyrs to a valuable cause. That I would lead the wolves to victory, to strength.

    "I regret it now, of course. When I see where it took us. But that is the danger of walking into conflict with ideals¡­ When you face an enemy, or when the circumstances bear down, fighting those you have identified as the problem seem like the solution. If you cannot see the darkness that drives your mind, or the minds of those around you¡­ it blinds you.

    "Now¡­ monthster, with calm and humility, I can see where I turned wrongly. Where I was blind. Where I was arrogant¡ªor choosing victory over truth. But in the moment? I could not see that. Had you spoken with me in those days¡­ I believed myself working with honor and justice, to rectify wrongs. This is the true danger.

    "The wolves that are dark and infected, they are insidious. They will pursue their ends¡ªbut their means will reveal them. And they are weakened by the loss of their brothers and sisters. However, the wolves that see themselves as being right and true¡­ those are the ones who might erupt¡ªdere a vision for others and bring them along. That is where the truest danger lies. And I say that because, knowing how I thought and what I believed at the time, I cannot see how I would have made a different decision. Even now, wishing I had. Even as I see the deceit, I know what I believed and what was in my head. My motives were not bad, only my conclusions. How do you fight a war with an Anima''s mind? That''s what you have to ask yourselves. That''s where the true battlefield nowys."

    *** THE END IS NEAR - Got Questions? ***

    I''m putting together a reader Q & A for the end of BEAST. If you have any burning questions about the characters, my writing, the process of telling the story, or me as an author, please ask them in thements and I will add them to my list!

 Chapter 578: Rooting Out Evil - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 578: Rooting Out Evil - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    Not for the first time, Reth grieved the loss of this male as a leader for his people. If only he had taken more time for the wolves. What Lerrin spoke now was true¡ªthe deceit that drew the wolves into conflict with the crown began in their resentment and pain. Had he taken more time to understand them, to ally with them, instead of seeing them as irritants, and eventually enemies¡­

    They were all learning from this.

    Then his eyes snagged on Behryn''s face. His brother, pale and drawn, jaw tight and eyes tighter... his own thoughts echoed a second time.

    If only he''d taken more time to understand, to ally¡­

    He took a deep breath and let his pain and regret show on his face.

    Behryn looked startled. Both of them looked away as Huncer spoke up, but Reth resolved to pull Behryn aside at the end of this and be a brother to him, rather than a ruler.

    "The picture you paint is both wise, and hopeless," she said quietly. Many of the elders nodded. "You identify what the danger is, but not how to bring it into the light. You learn the lessons of the past, but cannot apply them to the present.

    "We are all here for the same reason: to keep the people safe, and in peace. There must be a way to begin working within them, the people, to draw the truth to light. To open the floor and allow them to speak freely, or¡­ something. What about a petition held to the people? Reveal our concerns¡ªask for their help?"

    "The risk," Reth replied, "is that many of the people only want to be with their loved ones and live in peace now. They are weary and frightened of further conflict. And a demoralized people are a weak people. Forcing all of them to confront this¡­ it could backfire."

    Huncer frowned. "Wake up, Reth. You speak doom for your people. Be certain you are not coloring the people with your own brush," she snapped.

    Reth blinked and almost snapped back, but he forced himself to consider her words. Was he only discouraged because of his own weariness? Was he underestimating his people?

    "I do not believe Reth puts his heart on the people," Aymora said. Reth turned. He''d almost forgotten she was here. It was unlike her to stay so quiet. "He is right to be cautious about bringing them any more reason for fear or bloodshed. What they need¡ªall of them, but especially those who are taking it into their own hands to deliver what they see as justice¡ªis a vision.

    "Reth, you gave them a vision of the future¡ªthe ways we can and will lead our young. The ways the tribes can step forward in new ways to support each other. But all of those things will take time. What vision can we set for them now? What reason can we find to celebrate and bolster their hearts for stepping into the future together, rather than protecting themselves, or their tribes? How can we inspire them?"

    There were murmurs, whispered discussions, shaking heads, nodding heads all over the room. Reth considered the question.

    What would bring the people to a ce of excitement for their future?

    "Elia," he breathed.

    Several of those close to him turned from their conversations, some of them frowning, including Lerrin.

    Reth blinked and realized he hadn''t told them. He straightened in his chair and scanned them all. "You know that my mate has returned and is heavily pregnant. The Creator has seen fit to bless us with an offspring who is, miraculously, almost grown already."

    There were several shocked looks, and one or two of the female wise-women nodding, including Huncer. They''d suspected this already? Or had Aymora told them?

    Reth rubbed his chin again. "What you likely do not know is that your Queen is no longer purely human. She is now Anima. She shifts. Her lioness is powerful and beautiful and¡­ she has been made new."

    More than one mouth dropped open around the room. Under different circumstances, Reth would have grinned. "I do not know a better symbol to give the people, to show them, than their Queen, so devoted and¡­ andmitted, that she has be them. To see the changes wrought in her¡ªthe strength she now possesses. She is impossible, and perfect," he said, pride creeping into his tone. "However, she is also very, very weak right now. The babe''s rapid growth has eaten away at her body. It''s why she hasn''t been among the people. She must rest and remain off her feet to give our daughter the best chance of entering this world safely."

    "She has be Anima, and yet she is¡­ weaker?"

    Reth sighed. "Only for a time. Her strength in her lioness is¡­ staggering, frankly. She''s almost as big as me. But the beastes forward to often¡ªand she hasn''t yet learned to control it¡ªbecause her human form is frail and at risk. Their wills are at war, I believe.

    "But the point is, she is a symbol for them. Her transformation. Hermitment. She will lead them into this new age that we envision. Elia and our cub¡­"

    "Is it definitely a cub?" one of the males asked.

    "Yes," Aymora interjected. "And fully so¡ªshe has shifted in the womb already."

    The murmurs that rose at that were gratifying to Reth for a moment. Just for a breath, the shing of admiration in the males for an offspring so strong, fed his pride and his lips twitched toward a smile.

    But then it all came crashing down.

    "Bring her out!"

    "Let her show the people who she''s be¡ªshow them her lioness."

    "Inspire them with her journey, let them see anything is possible!"

    And it hit him then, what he''d done. What pressure he''d suddenly passed to Elia. They were all going to want to see her now. See her shift, see her rule. The people had always taken great pride in their Queens. Elia''s reception from the people had been out of character for the Anima. They''d forced Reth to do the Rite just so they could have a Queen again!

    And he was with them. He wanted Elia, strong and proud, showing her people who she was now, and what she could do.

    But the Elia in that bed? The one with the shadowed eyes and gaunt cheeks? Whose arms were thin, her joints seeming too thick for the rest of her?

    That Queen was not ready to lead. That Queen had a much bigger job ahead of her first.

    "Not yet," he said, shaking his head. "Her health, and the health of our offspring is still at risk," he said quietly.

    But the room erupted in arguments, demands for their Queen.

    What had he done?

 Chapter 579: Rooting Out Evil - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 579: Rooting Out Evil - Part 3</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye heaved a sigh of relief when he caught Suhle just leaving the prison tree. The guards were gone, taking a rare afternoon off because Lerrin was gone. She must have taken time to clean things inside before leaving, because she slipped through the door with a huge basket over one arm, overflowing with clothing, cloths, and what appeared to be nkets.

    When she saw him her brows rose, but she smiled. "Hello," she said softly, a gentle question in her tone. "Are you looking for me?"

    Gahrye nodded. "I know you''ve had a busy morning already, but I was hoping I might steal you away for some time. There is a¡­ proposition. A matter of work that I would like you to consider. For the crown," he said.

    She sighed. "Did Reth send you?"

    "Actually, no. Elia."

    Suhle blinked, then gave a new, tight smile. "I''m afraid I have to clean all of these things and get them hung to dry."

    "Are you going to the river?"

    She nodded.

    Gahrye shrugged. "If you don''t mind, I coulde with you and talk with you while you work."

    She looked like she was uncertain about that, but couldn''t think of a polite denial, so she started to walk and let Gahrye fall in beside her.

    He took the basket from her arm, and she thanked him.

    They were mostly quiet during the walk to the river, but when they reached the spot she''d chosen and she knelt next to the water and brought out the clothing and soap she''d brought, Gahrye offered to help.

    "I''m fine, I enjoy these tasks, especially when I can do them outside," she said quietly and began dunking the shirt and nket to saturate them and soap them up. "So¡­ what was it you wished to speak to me about? I have to tell you, I don''t know that I''ll be able to take on any further responsibilities."

    "This wouldn''t be a daily responsibility¡ªat least, not unless you chose it. I have¡­ something unique. But first, I have to tell you, Suhle, that Reth speaks very highly of you and your character. That''s important because I''ve been given a purpose by the Creator¡ªI know that sounds grand, but it is the pure truth¡ªand I''ve been looking for Anima that have the¡­ strength of character to join me in it. That''s why I''m approaching you."

    She''d paused in her work when he stated that he had a purpose, turning her very bright blue eyes on him and staring, nk-faced. "A purpose?"

    "Yes."

    "Can I ask what it is?"

    Gahrye took a breath. "In general terms¡­ I have learned that I am here to¡­ to watch over others. To protect those who are vulnerable from harm. That I have been uniquely equipped to do so. And I think that, perhaps, you have, too, Suhle."

    She nodded, epting this as fact, which surprised him. He had expected her to push aside anypliments, since she seemed very humble. Yet, she didn''t unt her strength either. She was a strange female.

    "I am d to hear you understand that our purpose lies in the Creator''s n," she said softly. "Many do not."

    Gahrye shrugged. "I always knew it as a truth, but recently¡­ recently he has been very clear with me. It''s challenging."

    "Walking into purpose always is," she said simply. "Helping others find their purpose and pursue it¡­ that is what I am gifted for," she said hesitantly. "So what is yours, Gahrye? Even if I am not to be a tool in your hands, perhaps I can encourage you."

    "Do you mind if I ask you a few questions, just to make sure you are one of those the Creator has called me to¡­ discuss this with?"

    She nodded again, looking thoughtful.

    Gahrye was standing over her at the edge of the water, so he lowered himself to sit on a stone just a couple feet away, leaning his elbows on his knees and sping his hands. "Can you tell me what you observed with the wolves? Why they left the Tree City and rebelled in the first ce, and then why Lerrin returned them?"

    Suhle turned away from him, and for a moment he though she might deny him the story, but instead she was wringing out the nket and clothing and hanging them over a tree branch, though she''d barely touched them with the soap. When she turned back to him, she settled herself on a nearby rock and folded her hands in herp.

    "Do you want the story as it happened, or what I believe I saw?" she said carefully.

    Gahrye fought a smile. "I read the winds, Suhle. If you do also, or if you have a simr gift, please¡­ tell me what you saw."

    She nodded. "I do not read the winds, but I am¡­ perceptive," she said, choosing her words carefully. "And what I observed before the wolves left was a growing feeling of anger and istion. It worried me. I know Reth is a good ruler, and their heads were being turned. At first, I was too far away from the source to identify it. But once we went to the encampment¡­" she trailed off, biting her lip, as if making a decision. Gahrye waited.

    "I¡­" she said quietly, "I did not go to the encampment because I agreed with the conclusions they''d drawn. I went because I felt there was a need for¡­ wisdom. And for someone to be able to bring information back if things got bad." She met his eyes then, a challenging spark in hers. "I am not a liar, though," she added, oddly.

    Gahrye shook his head. "You do not strike me as one, and I do read the winds. There''s no shift of deceit around you."

    She smiled prettily then. "Thank you."

    He shrugged. "So, what did you see while you were there?"

    Suhle sighed and rolled her shoulders like she was ufortable. "I saw the enemy at work within," she said quietly. "I saw evil creeping through the people¡ªbut most of them blind to it, despite the clinging scent of it on them." She shivered and Gahrye''s stomach bloomed with tamped-down excitement. She could smell evil?

    "And I saw a leader who¡­ who had been misled." She met his eyes again. "Lerrin returned them all¡ªwithout their knowledge¡ªbecause once he learned about the darkness in his people he knew that he needed help to eradicate it. That there were too many leaders among them already infected to be able to make the change effective¡­ he couldn''t do it alone. He recognized the light in Reth, and humbled himself to ask for his assistance. I admire the decision greatly."

    Gahrye nodded, "As do I, when you put it that way. Can you tell me: You mentioned the stink on them. You have a gift for smelling evil?"

    "No, it wasn''t that. There was just something¡­ odd in their scent. They smelled wrong, but I couldn''t have told you why. But now that I know the scent of it¡­ now I would know it. So perhaps in that way yes, I can smell it?"

    Gahrye''s mind shed back to when he''d met Shaw and that smell he hadn''t been able to identify, but that made him so uneasy. He went very still.

    "Suhle¡­ If I¡­ If I were take you to something that might smell the same as what you''re describing¡­ do you think you could recognize it?"

    "Absolutely," she said.

    Gahrye''s heart raced.

 Chapter 580: Rooting Out Evil - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 580: Rooting Out Evil - Part 4</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Two hourster, as they crept into the portal cave clearing, Gahrye kept his eyes and ears alert for any sign of the bears. But prayed since they weren''t breaching the terms of the agreement¡ªthey wouldn''t actually go into the Portal¡ªthat even if they were found, it wouldn''t cause problems.

    It had taken a little while to convince Suhle to take the trek with him, out to the Portal. Since neither of them could shift, they were forced to take the full journey, which was nearly two hours. Suhle was reluctant to be gone so long. But Gahrye had been desperate to figure out if his suspicions were true¡­.

    "The thing is, Suhle," he''d pleaded back at the river, "this darkness, this infection you describe¡­ I believe I know the source of it. But I can''t be sure unless someone else confirms it. I met a man who was¡­ off, like you describe. When I met him I smelled something on him that I didn''t recognize, but it left me uneasy. I never trusted him. Over time I spent some time in hispany and observed that his motives were often inconsistent. That he was, at times, brutal, while at others seemingly harmless. And when I learned his story¡­ I just wonder if the source of the evil you describe in the wolf tribe is the same. And if it is, if we can both identify the scent¡ªand perhaps teach others to do the same¡ªwe can remove this threat from our people.

    "The problem is, while the Queen wants to see this happen, we can''t afford to let anyone know what we''re doing. If I''m right about the source of this, those that are infected could¡­ receive information, or be warned if Anima know we are investigating. That is why I didn''t immediately tell you. But I''m almost certain¡­ if you would juste with me, we will be able to return immediately, whether the scent is the same or not. Please?"

    Suhle looked at the things she''d spread out on the tree. "Very well," she said. "Your purpose, it is a good one. And good purposes do not always arise at convenient times," she said, with a dry twist to her lips. "I wille with you, Gahrye. But can we please hurry? Try to return here before dark?"

    "Yes, yes of course," he''d said excitedly.

    Now they were there, and Gahrye''s heart pounded with fear and thrill. If he was right about the voices, if they were the source of the wolves rebellion¡ªand if they could be scented on an Anima!¡ªit wouldn''t just exin the war and offer ways to identify further problems. But to Gahrye''s mind it would also confirm that Suhle was, indeed, a Protector.

    As they approached the cave, Gahrye tried to keep his mind on the task, and not on the terrible and frightening things that had happened in this clearing. The burble of the creek off to his right was a soothing music as he approached the darkness of the cave mouth.

    They both hesitated, Gahrye reading the winds, and ring his nostrils to scent for any bears or other intruders. But all he smelled was himself and Elia, and several creatures that had obviously used the cave for shelter recently.

    "The Queen was here?" Suhle asked quietly.

    Gahrye nodded, then stepped into the cave. "We must be quiet. There are many bears hibernating in the area and we don''t want to disturb their sleep. The source is inside here, in a tunnel. It will only take a moment."

    He walked in, Suhle on his heels, blinking to adjust his eyes to the darkness as they walked deeper.

    Then suddenly she caught his elbow. "Wait."

    "What is it?" he turned, whispering, looking for someone entering behind them, or some other danger.

    "That smell," she said and lifted her head, her nostrils ring.

    "You can smell it?" Gahrye asked, trying to hold his excitement in check. "Apparently not everyone can. At least, not¡ª"

    "What is it?"

    "I''ll show you," he said, then hurried forward, leading her to the side tunnel and turning down until they were at the Portal itself.

    He stopped in the middle of the cave. "Can you see it? Locate it?"

    She looked around. His heart sank a little when her eyes didn''t seem totch on the space as his had the first time he came in here. But then she turned back to face it, her nostrils ring again and again. She took first one step, then another.

    "Oh, Gahrye," she said sadly, "What is that?"

    "It''s the Portal to the human world," he said.

    "Why does it smell like¡­ like.."

    "Death?"

    "Yes!"

    "Because it opens to a traverse. A¡­ a space between the worlds. And it''s inhabited by voices¡ªbeings¡ªthat are pure evil. They will dangle your greatest ambitions in front of you, tempt with you with deepest desires, or threaten you with your greatest fears." He bit his lip, uncertain how much to reveal. "I''m sorry, there''s so much I could tell you and I don''t mean to rush you, but I have to know¡­ is that the scent you caught on the wolves?"

    She turned back to the Portal and sniffed again. "It is much, much stronger than I what I smelled on them. This is¡­ this is consuming. But with them¡­ it was as if¡­ as if¡­"

    "A part of them had died? A small, faint part?"

    She turned back to him, watching him oddly. "Yes," she breathed. "Or as if I was smelling something within them. Not something on their skin."

    Gahrye nodded. "You''re much sharper than me. When I smelled it I couldn''t identify it at all¡ªeven though I''d been through here already. It wasn''t until he''d told me he''d been here that I made the connection."

    "He was¡­ tainted by this ce?"

    "Yes! Exactly. Only those who are strong enough can cross without giving in to the maniptions of the voices. And the Anima that are strong enough to do that¡­ Suhle, I believe you are one of us."

    She turned to stare at him, her brows pinched together over her nose. "One of what?"

    "I think you''re a Protector. Like me. And if that''s so, you have a job to do. A purpose that is so¡­ so important, Suhle. More important than anything else you might do in your life."

    *****

    IT''S A NEW PRIVILEGE MONTH!

    Don''t forget, if you purchase the highest tier of privilege in this book, or QUEEN OF BEASTS you go into the draw for a paperback at the end of the month! If you haven''t purchased privilege before, or this is your first month buying privilege for the second time, please read my author note that begins "Understanding Privilege" so you know what you are, and aren''t, buying! And don''t be scared to ask me questions in thements BEFORE you purchase, because privilege cannot be refunded, because it gives ess to chapters that have not been published.

 Chapter 581: Rooting Out Evil - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 581: Rooting Out Evil - Part 5</h4>

    GUESS WHAT? This book will be COMPLETING in early December! *ils* I can''t believe it''s finally happening. I''m already grieving losing my time with Reth. But, I''m also SO excited to share the whole picture with you! Keep an eye on my announcements over the next week or two because I''m nning a BIG giveaway and Christmas event for early/mid December for all of us to celebrate and say goodbye to Reth & Elia together! Gaaaaaaahhhhh!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye prayed she wouldn''t flee as Suhle''s eyes went wide and her brows flew up. "I am not¡­ I do not think¡ª"

    "You definitely are, of that I have no doubt at all," Gahrye rushed in to reassure her. "But not everyone who can do this work should." When she looked confused, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "If it were up to me I would reveal everything, exin the whole picture, but the Creator has given me great caution. For now¡­ for now I say¡­ will you help us identify those among the Anima who carry this scent?"

    "It was so faint," she said hurriedly. "I only identified it because I was so close and I had contact with so many¡­ I started to find the simrity between them."

    "Exactly what we need, Suhle! I''ve only ever smelled it one person that I''m aware of. You could likely teach me¡ª"

    "No, Gahrye, I can''t¡ª"

    "Please, Suhle, you have to understand, I wouldn''t ask, except¡ª"

    "I am alreadymitted. So many things I must do. I cannot give significant time to anything new!" Suhle''s eyes were wide, her face rmed.

    Gahrye raised his hands as if in surrender because she looked like she was about to bolt, and they were talking too loudly. He took a breath and dropped his voice to a whisper.

    "I''m sorry, I got excited. I haven''t exined this well. Just hear me out, please, Suhle." She no longer looked like she would run, but she eyed him warily.

    "Very well," she said quietly.

    Gahrye licked his lips and prayed for wisdom with his words. "I''m not asking you to do work, exactly. Though I will ask for just an hour or two of your time to help me with the scenting, but¡­ but what we are doing. Our purpose¡­ it is to build strength in those among us who have the ability to do this. Those who can scent evil and who have been equipped to fight it."

    "I am not a fighter," Suhle said quickly.

    "Not that kind of fighting," Gahrye said with a smile. "Trust me. This kind of fighting¡­ it is for truth. For¡­ for the Creator. It is¡­ being in the right ce at the right time and giving what you have to protect others."

    "That is a very big purpose, Gahrye. And I will support you in it. I will do what I can to support any Anima in it that have this¡­ this scent ability," she said, confused. "But I cannot¡­ there are things in my life that you do not know. I cannot give myself to another task. Not now."

    "You won''t have to," he said happily. "Most of the time you''ll just go about your life. But if you smell a wolf, or any Anima, with this scent on them, please, tell me? Bring me to them so I can scent them as well? This is the calling of your Queen. She is determined to help her Mate eradicate this evil from the people. But in order to do so, we have to move in secret. We cannot give them any warning. Please, Suhle, that''s all I ask for now. Just keep your nose attuned to this and look for it among the people. Please?"

    She hesitated, but then nodded. "I will tell you if I scent others," she said.

    "Thank you. Now, I have to ask you to tell no one that we came out here. Or what I''ve told you about the Queen''s purpose. The Creator has been very specific that we must hide it from others to keep ourselves and those who are vulnerable protected. The Queen will carry this burden for everyone. Even the King, do you understand?"

    She nodded slowly. "You tell no one what you''re doing. How many others have you identified so far?"

    "You''re the first one," Gahrye said, scratching the back of his neck when her eyes widened. "But we have only just started. I have been¡­ trying to find the key to all this. I''m very grateful, Suhle, because you''ve just given it to me."

    She took a deep breath. "I am d to have helped you, of course."

    "Can I¡­ Will you consider returning here with meter, another time? There is much that I want to show you, but I will need time and right now¡­ right now we have to find those among the people that we can. We need to remove them."

    "I will¡­ I will think on it," she said, then looked down. "There is some chance I will not be here much longer¡ªbecause of my own purposes. But if I am here¡­ I will think on it, Gahrye. I want to help you if I can. I am just not as certain of my calling in this as you are, that''s all."

    He nodded, his gut twisting with desperation at the idea that she might be perfectly suited to this, but still say no.

    That was one option he hadn''t really considered. But then, she''d never joined the Outsiders. Never aligned herself with the disformed.

    Perhaps she was one of those who tried to avoid the others, so as not to be identified with them? Gahrye hoped not. She didn''t strike him as that self-serving.

    "Thank you for thinking about it," he said quietly. "Whatever you decide¡­ we will respect you, Suhle. This isn''t a purpose for the faint-hearted. It isn''t something you can do if you are pressured or not trulymitted. So I will not push you. But please¡­ please consider it deeply and as quickly as you can. I believe you could be very skilled and you could definitely assist me¡­ Nevermind. I will wait. Just know that I am certain¡ªcertain¡ªthat the Creator has equipped you in ways that he has not equipped other Anima."

    "How could that be" she asked quietly. "In what ways?"

    Gahrye stared at her, everything within him yearning to tell her, to make her understand.

 Chapter 582: Inspire - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 582: Inspire - Part 1</h4>

    RETH

    Reth raised his hands for quiet, but the elders continued to call for Elia''s appearance, one by one, arguing with him.

    "Please, please, listen," he begged them, shooting Aymora? look pleading for her help. "Elia is too weak to step up for the people right now. In a few weeks the baby will be born and I''m sure¡ª"

    "A few weeks? We are facing insubordination among the people now. We can''t wait a few weeks, Reth!"

    He growled. "I will not put her life at risk for this, or the life of our cub!"

    "Surely she can stand to make a speech, to shift once? The beast is stronger physically¡ª"

    "She hasn''t yet learned control. It is too much of a risk¡ªespecially since we believe the cub wille soon. We''ve already had to stop contractions twice. It''s too early."

    "You said the babe was miraculously developed?"

    "Yes," Aymora piped up, "but we believe she still needs at least another two weeks. And the delivery will likely be difficult. I would be surprised if she''s walking around and able to help anyone within a month, perhaps two."

    "Two months?"

    "She will have a cub at breast!" Aymora growled at the male who''d sneered the words. "Her body is already weak. And we don''t know if she''ll keep the ability to shift after the pregnancy. But even if she does, even if her blood is Anima now, we have to give her time to heal¡ªfrom both this difficult pregnancy, and the delivery itself."

    "If she might stop shifting it''s even more important for the people to see her now!"

    "We aren''t asking you to make her attend council, Reth. This is only an appearance, to bolster the hearts of the people."

    "I will not drag her out to be trotted in front of the people¡ªshe can barely walk!"

    "It was you who suggested that she is a symbol for inspiration."

    "I meant with time!" Reth snarled. "This is something to n for, to set as a goal¡ª"

    "Our goal is to keep the people at peace and certain of your rule, despite all the challenges, Reth," Huncer said. "Surely if an appearance from her could achieve that¡­ she is Queen. It is her duty!"

    "She is already near exhaustion. I refuse to harm her for the sake of a single appearance."

    "You refuse? You are the King! Without your rule, everyone is harmed, Reth. Would you put her individual wellbeing above that of the people?"

    The echoes of the past then, that long-ago petition, brought by the wolves¡­ Most of he people in this room, with the except of the new, young elders that had been appointed to help council had been there that night, and every one of them¡ªwith the exception of Behryn and Aymora¡ªstared at him with recognition and usation in their eyes.

    Reth was rocked to his core. "I am not¡­ you wouldn''t¡­"

    Even Lerrin stared at him,passion warring with shes of anger.

    Reth cleared his throat and met eyes with every single one of them as he spoke, but inside he shook. Outside too, he could feel his hands trembling and gripped the arms of his chair to keep it from the others.

    "I am your King," he growled. "Not only is it my right to choose our path, but it is my responsibility. I would not require this of any of you, or your mates in these circumstances. I will not require it of mine!"

    No one shouted at him, but there was a murmur of discussion, and a clear line of tension humming in the room. Brant caught his eyes, and a cold finger of fear traced down Reth''s spine at the look of unease and conviction in his mentor''s eyes.

    Reth shook his head. "I cannot believe we return to this," he spat. "Did we not already see these petitions answered? Did we not already see whates of these kinds of usations? Have we not had enough of conflict?!"

    That gave them all pause. All of the elders sat here because they were concerned about the future of the people in the wake of this war. None wanted to return to it. Least of all Reth. But he also knew, unless he put this to bed once and for all, the fact that it had been raised again meant that he had to answer it, finally.

    He shook his head, a sick sense of dread settling in his stomach. "I cannot believe this rises again, but so be it. The Creator lets all ur, ill or good, to bring us to the ce that we should be, so¡­" he closed his eyes for a moment and prayed for Elia''s forgiveness, "If you truly believe I am unwise¡­ if you truly think I am selfish¡­ I will ce this decision in your hands. I would ask only that you listen to Aymora and consider her thoughts on my mate''s health¡ªand the impact it could have on the people if she were to die, or be harmed as a result of what we ask of her. I ask you to consider if it was your mate and your babe whose lives hung in the bnce. And then I tell you¡­ I will submit. Whatever you decide. I will submit. But make no mistake," he said, his voice dark and quiet, "If she or my cub are lost as a result of your decision, that responsibility will be on you. That blood on your hands. I have given you my best decision. Now I leave it in your hands."

    Then he sat back as the Elders leaned in to discuss the future of his mate and his family without him, fear burning in his chest.

    He wasn''t sure how long he sat there, rubbing one finger on his lips and praying, when he heard the low clear of a throat and turned to find Lerrin watching him.

    The elders were distracted, murmuring and hissing at each other, most of them leaned around Aymora, but small clusters here and there around the room.

    Reth held Lerrin''s gaze, terrified of the verdict that mighte, but also curious how this male would think of it all, given that his father had brought the original petition on behalf of his sister.

    Then Lerrin leaned over, his eyes shadowed with pain and his breath catching as he waited for Reth to lean closer.

    "I would have made the same decision," he said gruffly.

    Reth wasn''t sure why, but he found that immenselyforting.

 Chapter 583: Inspire - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 583: Inspire - Part 2</h4>

    LERRIN

    He''d been to countless security council and elder meetings in his life¡ªfirst as his father''s apprentice, then as his Second. But he''d never seen one dissolve into chaos.

    This looked like it might be the first.

    Stunned, Lerrin watched as the elders clustered around Aymora, or in small fists, discussing, arguing, using their hands as they spoke with passion about their position on the decision to be made.

    He had been forgotten, he realized. It was a relief on one hand. His pain was increasing again, and he was bing worried he might not be able to make it back to the tree before his body gave out. But on the other¡­ he had truly hoped for a decision on his future. To know which way the wind blew so he could turn his nose to it. Instead¡­

    He watched Reth carefully. The male was unreadable, his shoulders rigid and face a mask of tension. But of all of them in the room, he was the only one who seemed to have a handle on himself. Yet, he also likely had the most to lose.

    Lerrin found himself filled with reluctant admiration.

    He leaned over, his ribs creaking painfully as he waited for Reth to lean closer to hear him. "I would have made the same decision," he said quietly.

    Reth nodded once and his eyes shed with gratitude. Then Lerrin slumped back into his seat, breathing through the waves of pain that were increasing, especially when he moved.

    The statement was true. If it was Suhle, and Reth''s description of Elia''s state¡ªthe risk to the cub¡ªwas true, he would have resisted bringing her out as well. But he also understood the elders upset that he balked.

    In the wolf tribe, the group was all. But then, they had the ability to speak and show each other memories and minds. If Elia had been a wolf, all could have experienced the shift with her¡ªcould have felt her weakness, but also her hope.

    For the first time it came home to him that the other tribes were functioning without this insight into each other''s minds and hearts¡ªand how that might affect their decisions.

    He couldn''t believe it hadn''t urred to him before.

    He wondered if Suhle had thought of it, and made a mental note to ask her that evening.

    He groaned as the pain began to throb in his skin in the same rhythm as his heartbeat. He prayed she would make it to the tree this evening, and bring some of those herbs. He imagined he wouldn''t be able to eat without assistance when this was done.

    He wasn''t sure how long he sat there, staring at the floor and breathing, waiting for the elders to make a decision, but he became aware that he''d almost fallen asleep despite the pain, when Reth grunted and it startled him and he jerked his head up¡ªto a bolt of pain down his spine.

    Damn. This was bad.

    "Elders, this decision is clearly going to take some time. But we have a prisoner here, and our meeting purpose was to determine his fate¡ªperhaps we can reconvene this tomorrow?"

    Lerrin swallowed a smile. Though he appreciated Reth''s willingness to get him out of here, he suspected it was primarily motivated by Reth''s desire to be elsewhere.

    "Our decision about the Queen will directly impact our decision on the wolf," Brant said as the elders quieted. "He will have to wait until we''re certain. And I do not believe postponing this decision would be wise. We should continue to discuss and determine our n tonight."

    Reth muttered something about stubborn males that almost made Lerrin''s jaw drop with the irony. But he swallowed it back and pushed his hair back off of his face.

    "Then I will order the guards to take Lerrin back to his Tree. And if you have not determined your course by dinner, I will leave to attend the meal. There are other inspirations already nned that need to be announced there. I do not ask you to stop feeding hope to the people, only that you relieve my mate from responsibility before our cub''s birth."

    There was a low murmur, but then everyone turned back to their conversation. Reth shook his head, but got up and ced himself before Lerrin''s chair, putting himself between the wolf and the elders.

    "Can you stand?" he asked carefully. "Or do I need to help you?"

    "I think¡­ I think I''ll be able to," Lerrin said, both touched by Reth''s concern, and prickled in his pride.

    It was a struggle, and he trembled by the time he was on his feet, but he made it. Reth apanied him across the room and pushed the door open to find the guards waiting outside.

    "Make it a slow trip back," he said. "he''s been punished enough for now. If any further injury urs to him, I will hold all of his guards personally responsible. Make sure every shift is aware."

    The guards had barely saluted, when Reth stepped back and gave Lerrin room to move out of the building.

    Lerrin caught Reth''s forearm and when the King turned, Lerrin forced himself to keep his eyes down. "Thank you for offering mercy," he said, thinking of Suhle and what it would do to her if he were killed.

    "I wish it had ended another way, Lerrin," Reth said, his voice quietly regretful. "You could have been an asset to this council, and to the Anima as a whole." He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "What the fuck were you thinking?"

    Lerrin looked up, about to answer, but the male had already stalked off, back to his seat, to impatiently await the elder''s decision, the door swinging back between them.

    Lerrin snorted. He would have shaken his head, but he was worried he might actually lose his feet. Instead he turned to the guards and allowed one of them to take his arm as he took the small steps down to the trail outside, holding his breath against the pain.

    Now, if he could just make it back to the Prison Tree, he could rest. He wanted nothing more than to be sunk into the oblivion of sleep¡­ unless it was to curl up with Suhle.

    He sighed as the guards started along the trail, their steps small and slow to keep pace with him.

    The mercy almost brought tears to his eyes.

 Chapter 584: Inspire - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 584: Inspire - Part 3</h4>

    GAHRYE

    He got Suhle back just in time for dinner. He almost skipped the meal himself, considering running straight to Elia with what he''d learned. But he knew she was always tired thiste and likely sleeping. Plus, Reth would be home by now. He hadn''t stayed away from her for more than a handful of hours since she''d returned. Perhaps he would try to see her after the meal, or get a message to her to call for him when she was awake and alone.

    Then he ran into Robbe as he entered the Tree City.

    "Hey, are youing to dinner?"

    It was a good time to be seen. He hoped to try the traverse soon, so he''d need to disappear the following day, then reappear before he left again. Gahrye sped forearms with Robbe as he reached his side and nodded.

    "Sure."

    They chatted casually as they walked to the market together and were greeted by several of the other disformed.

    Gahrye wanted to correct himself in his head when he thought of them that way, but he was starting to see the risk in doing so. If he kept thinking the word "Protectors," one day he would slip.

    It was bing clear to him why their ancestors had hidden this secret, even from the Anima themselves. It was far, far too easy to reveal something unintentionally. So with a reluctant sigh he gave himself permission to keep referring to the disformed as disformed.

    He prayed he would see the day when everyone would know exactly what, and how valuable, they truly were.

    The meal was well underway when they arrived, but their friends remained in their seats even when they''d finished eating. Everyone was abuzz with Gahrye''s return, and the unification of the wolves and their allies with the rest of the Tree City. The top table where Elia and Reth would usually sit, along with himself, he supposed, and the other Cohorts, was empty. They were all at the meeting¡­ or in bed.

    Gahrye frowned. He had been so consumed with his own purpose, Elia, and his yearning to get back to Kalle, he hadn''t taken the time to gather with the people. He looked around. Seeing the royal table empty was odd, yet no one wasmenting on it¡­ perhaps things had changed while he was gone? Or perhaps they just understood that this was a tense time and the leaders would be called away a great deal.

    Or did they?

    While his friendsughed and joked, teasing each other about their unlikelihood of finding True Mates, Gahrye turned to face the market and inhaled, praying for the Creator''s insight. What he found was encouraging, as well as frightening.

    The people were a tangle. Underlying the chaos within them was something he could only describe as relief. The people had been in fear and now felt that the danger was less. They rested in that. To some degree. He sniffed again. Yes, the heart was there to find peace, to unify, and to move into a new age.

    But suspicions¡ªanxiety about their fellow Anima¡ªran high and tensions with it.

    He could feel the lines between tribes trembling, pulled close by some, and thrown wide by others.

    Everyone wished for peace. Only some believed it was possible. And that made everyone nervous.

    Gahrye considered walking through the market, reading different groups in greater detail, but he didn''t want to create suspicion if people noticed him. So he didn''t move, but scanned the tables nearby until he found a family of wolves who had been part of the rebellion. At first he scented them to read them, to find where their heartsy. But the tiniest edge of another scent nearby tickled at the back of his neck and settled uneasily in his gut.

    Those wolves at that table were self-protective, worried about attacks or retaliation from others. But they desired to be there in peace¡­

    No, the scent that made him uneasy came from somewhere else.

    Gahrye kept turning his head until it became clear it was from behind him. He even got to his feet and started around the table. The scent was so fine, so¡­ vague, it was hard to follow.

    He''d just stepped into the aisle and was headed towards the next line of tables when a deep voice said, "I''m d you''re here,e with me." And a massive hand closed on his shoulder.

    To his surprise, Gahrye turned to find Reth, his formal vest on, and his eyes dark with purpose and¡­ something that made Gahrye want to submit.

    "Reth¡­ good to see you. How is Elia?" Gahrye asked as he turned.

    Reth frowned. "You haven''t been with her this afternoon?"

    "No. I thought you would have¡ª"

    "Shit. No. The meeting went on and on. I know Aymora sent Jayah to be with her this morning. I hope Jayah stayed. Shit," Reth muttered, his hands fisting at his sides as he tipped his head for Gahrye to follow and started down the aisle, towards the front stage.

    Garhye sighed. He really, really didn''t want to go to the front table. But when he looked back over his shoulder his friends were apuding and smiling, excited that he''d been singled out by the King. He nodded at them once, then turned back to follow Reth to the stairs at the side of the stage.

    "Are you able to go to her as soon as the meal''s done?" Reth asked him in a bare whisper, under the noise of the market.

    "Of course. I could go now if¡ª"

    "No, I need you here right now," Reth said. "But I have to leave as soon as we''re done because the joint council is still meeting and they''re¡­ they''re deciding something. I need to be there to let them remember me and why I have advised them as I have," he said cryptically, staring out at the people from under his heavy brows as they reached the table. Reth didn''t sit, so Gahrye stood alongside him, waiting.

    "When we''re done¡­ can you head over there? If she''s resting, leave her. But if she''s not, send me a messenger if she needs me. I will leave the meeting if I have to."

    "Yes. Of course."

    "Thank you." Then Reth finally turned to meet his eyes and stared as if he''d only just noticed him there.

    Gahrye waited, his stomach trilling as Reth cleared his throat and licked his lips like he was trying to choose his words very carefully.

 Chapter 585: Inspire - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 585: Inspire - Part 4</h4>

    RETH

    He had let this male down. He knew it. Elia was right about Gahrye¡ªhe was a good male and Reth had a hunch that without him, his mate wouldn''t have made it back to Anima safely¡ªif at all. But he''d been so overwhelmed by everything else that was happening, that had happened, that he''d ignored the poor equine, leaving him to find his own way back to his people and¡­

    "I know I haven''t been¡­ attentive," he said gruffly. "I know it''s been a tough time for you as well. I wish¡­ there''s a lot of things I wish I could have done already, to show you my gratitude, and just to have made this transition easier for you. I''m sorry. I have failed you as a King, and as a friend."

    Gahrye''s brows rose high. "I¡­ thank you. That isn''t necessary, I am happy to serve the Queen¡ª"

    Reth waved him off. "I want you to know, even when I''m distracted¡­ I''m truly grateful to you for keeping her safe, and bringing her back. I¡­ I know I didn''t see all that you had to deal with, or what you gave up to be here. Just know that, whether I say it or not, I appreciate your sacrifice. And the way you''ve protected my most precious things."

    Gahrye nodded, looking shocked, and as if he wanted to submit. Reth almost growled. He didn''t want the male rolling on his back. He wanted him strong, to continue to help Elia. But he shook his head. He was a twist of emotions himself, terrified that the elders would require things of Elia that would harm her or Elreth, aware that it was his fault they''d even had the idea¡ªand conflicted, because they were right. It would help the people to feel stronger, as if they walked a more solid foundation, to know that Elia could shift now. But¡­

    He couldn''t shake the feeling that pushing her to do anything right now was pure danger.

    He had to get back to that meeting. But he had a job to do first.

    Putting a hand to Gahrye''s shoulder, he held the male''s gaze. "Your life is going to change, so before it does, I want to be the first to say that, no matter what happens, I am in your debt. I vow to you that I will support you and your people. I will provide for you as you support Elia. And I will meet with the bears at the soonest opportunity and ask them to soften on the agreement we made over the Portal. Gawhr understood that I needed to get my mate back, so I am almost certain he will understand about yours as well."

    "Thank you," Gahrye said quietly¡ªand not without a little sullen darkness.

    Reth could hardly me him. He''d felt the same way about not seeing Elia. He had to remember that if the male started to chafe on the restriction.

    If they''d been at peace and he hadn''t needed Gawhr''s permission, Gahrye likely wouldn''t have stayed a day, let along the months he was asking the male to wait.

    "You''re a better male than me," Reth said in a low growl. "Elia was right to appoint you." Gahrye''s eyes went wide. Reth forced himself to smile. "Now brace yourself."

    "For what?"

    "For the tornado of female attention you''re about to receive," Reth said with a wink. "You might want to tell them you have a mate now if they don''t scent you for it. Although, with some that will only make you more tempting," he mused.

    "What are you talking about?" Gahrye asked, obviously confused.

    Reth grinned for real then. "I''m going to honor you, Gahrye. You have served your King and your Kingdom well. I''m going to make sure everyone knows it."

    "Wait¡­ what?"

    Reth winked again as he turned from Gahrye to face the people and roared for their attention. It was a little distasteful that he''d been spurred to do this now, tonight, by his need to bring the people together, to inspire them. But it was the right thing to do¡ªin fact, should have been done already. So he wouldn''t tell Gahrye that that was why this was happening now.

    As the people answered his call, then quieted, the male stayed turned towards him, gaping.

    Reth found he was pleased to change this male''s life.

    "My people, tonight you are blessed to be here. Thank you for continuing to gather. Thank you for sustaining the peace. Please, keep opening your arms and your homes to each other as we walk through this¡­ time of transition. I am eager and hopeful to see how we will emerge better and stronger than before!"

    A cacophony of calls, chirps, and howls rose in response, and for a moment Reth''s heart was lifted. These were his people, and their hearts were good. They had faced a terrible age, and now they were walking out of it.

    He just prayed they could all do so in step with one another.

    "While we have weathered the storm here, most of you are aware that I sent my mate away for her safety, and the safety of our cub."

    There was a smattering of apuse, though he knew this point chafed for some whose families had remained at risk.

    "When my mate returned to her homnd, Imended two of her Cohorts to join her." Reth''s throat pinched. "Candace of the Wing lost her life in service to her Queen and¡­ and I honor her memory. She will not be forgotten. She will be written into the histories as a true friend of the crown, and a female of honor!"

    All of the people called their approval and remembrance of Candace, and Reth wished Elia was there to hear it, especially when the birds got to their feet, scattered across the Market, and raised their song¡ªa high, mournful wavering in countless harmony that filled the market to its ceiling and erupted from its open walls. Reth stood, tears in his eyes, as all the tiny hairs on his neck and arms rose to hear it. He was reminded both of the morning call of the birds greeting the sun every day, and the horns of mourning for the dead.

    Despite the numbers there that night, there was a moment of near silence when the birds hummed their way to a close.

    He nodded and blinked back the tears that wanted toe, praying that Candace had found her way to the Creator safely and rested in His arms, watching the love poured out for her. Then he cleared his throat and turned their attention to Gahrye.

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 Chapter 586: Inspire - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 586: Inspire - Part 5</h4>

    RETH

    "Because of the danger to her and her cub, and her weakened state, Elia needed a great deal of support for her travels. Thankfully, the Creator spurred me to also assign her Advisor, Gahrye of the Thunder Tribe to apany her. Because of hispanion''s death, the full responsibility for the wellbeing of the Queen wasnded on his shoulders. He endured injury, danger, and trial, and still found a way to return her to us safely.

    "Anima, Gharye has sacrificed both his own safety, and his own needs to return your Queen to you, along with our cub, still safe in her belly. As your King, and as a male¡­ I acknowledge my debt to him. Please join me in honoring Gahrye of the Thunder Tribe."

    The tables on the right side of the market, full of disformed, exploded with cheers, apuse, and calls¡ªhowls and coughs, roars, and shrill keens.

    Gahrye''s eyes went wide and he turned to see all of the people, the entire market, on their feet.

    Reth''s heart expanded as the people truly celebrated¡ªnot only Gahrye, a disformed, but his own mate. A human, as far as they knew.

    For the first time in months he had true hope, true excitement about where the Anima could go, what kind of society they could be.

    He joined the people in raising apuse, and added his roar to those already echoing out of the market and into the WildWood.

    The expression on Gahrye''s face was almostical, but Reth appreciated when he saw Gahrye find his people¡ªthe disformed who were without doubt the most enthusiastic in their celebrations¡ªand acknowledged them.

    Interestingly, Reth observed as he scanned the people, searching for those who might dissent or showed their dissatisfaction with celebrating these¡­ instead he found the wolves celebrating with more enthusiasm than most¡ªeven embracing some of the other disformed.

    That gave him pause. Was it possible the wolves had evolved further in this than other tribes in their prejudices? He resolved to ask Suhle about her experience.

    He raised his hands then to bring the market back to calm, though there was a low murmur of voices as everyone discussed Gahrye and Elia.

    "There are two things I wish for the people of Anima to witness this evening," Reth said, his voice deep and somber. "Gahrye gave me, as Elia''s mate and your King, a blood vow. I wish to acknowledge his fulfillment of that vow, and release him from its bounds. His life is no longer forfeit to my whim¡ªand Imend his conduct in it. Please, Anima, bear witness."

    Reth drew the knife out of his belt and sliced it across his palm, then offered it to Gahrye who, with trembling fingers, took it and did the same.

    The Market thundered their approval.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    It was surreal watching so many people stare at him and cheer. Calling in their tribes, apuding. He was so ustomed to suspicion, or dismissal. It was suddenly extremely ufortable to be under so many eyes at the same time.

    But as he scanned the market and nodded to the Outsiders, who looked like they were about to wet themselves with joy, Kalle''s gentle face shed across his mind.

    "My favorite," she''d whispered to him one night between the sheets, her hands exploring his chest and abdomen, and more. "You are such a good man, Gahrye. I don''t know what I did to deserve you, but I''m so d you''re mine."

    He''d been so humbled, so afraid she would see deeper in him and then realize how wrong she was. But she never had.

    And now¡­ now imagining her pride¡ªthe way she would have sat at that table with the Outsiders and cheered, waved her fists in the air and made as much noise as her small frame could produce¡­ his throat pinched. He swallowed.

    Then Reth announced that he was releasing him from the blood vow and Garhye almost lost his feet.

    To his shocked amazement, Reth cut his own hand, then handed him that de and as Gahrye took his¡ªhis fingers shaking¡ªsomething within him unraveled. A tension he hadn''t realized he''d carried. Because while that vow was in ce, Reth had rights to destroy him, utterly, for any perceived failing.

    And Gahrye was about to betray his trust entirely.

    A thought which sucked all the wind out of his proverbial sails.

    He didn''t deserve all of this that Reth was giving him. He was about to begin lying and¡­

    He sliced his palm, then took Reth''s offered hand and they sped, squeezing, allowing their blood to mingle in apletion of the vow when it was given.

    The market erupted so loudly, Gahrye wanted to wince.

    "Well done, son," Reth said quietly. "You''re a good male."

    Gahrye swallowed his guilt. "Thank you."

    "I know you aren''t ustomed to this kind of recognition," he said below the level of the cheers that buffeted them, "but trust me, while a few will be jealous and attempt to bring you down, ignore them. Enjoy the admiration of your peers, and your people. Let them see what you''ve done, and that they should follow your example."

    Gahrye almost corrected him, but Reth had let go of his hand and turned to address the people again.

    "Hear your King, Anima. We walk into a new age. An age of understanding and peace. An age of unity and humility. Citizens like Gahrye are an example to all of us, and so I honor this male tonight and before you I vow that the craftsmen will bemissioned to open a Great Tree for the pleasure of Gahrye of the Thunder Tribe so that it might be enjoyed by him and his offspring and ancestors for generations toe."

    The disformed lost their minds, while the rest of the market apuded and called their approval.

    Gahrye gaped.

    Reth was going to build him his own Tree House?

    "From this day forward, the Thunder Tribe walks with pride for their brother, Gahrye!"

    Gahrye almost fell over as the Equines leapt to their feet, celebrating their brother¡­ who had just raised their tribe to the most powerful among the Anima, with the exception of the Pride itself.

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 Chapter 587: Inspire - Part 6

    <h4>Chapter 587: Inspire - Part 6</h4>

    RETH

    Gahrye looked like he''d been smacked over the head with one of the great trees and stunned. Reth smiled a genuine smile, pleased to have rocked the male¡ªand to have raised his tribe.

    Now that the wolves had lowered themselves among the tribes, part of establishing the new hierarchy was knowing which tribes carried the most power. Even without Gahrye, the Equines were the natural choice for their fighting spirit and contribution to the safety of the rest of the Anima during the war.

    But Behryn would despise the attention¡ªand might be leaving his post, Reth remembered sadly. cing that honor on Gahrye yed the dual role of legitimately raising the Equines among the people, but also the disformed.

    Reth wondered in passing whether Gahrye felt himself more as an Equine, or as a disformed? It was an interesting question he would ask the male when things had calmed down.

    He offered the floor to Gahrye who gave a very brief, very surprised speech of thanks. Then, when the people cheered, raising his name to all of WildWood, Reth pped him on the back and leaned into his ear. "Take the time to receive them¡ªthey''ll want to acknowledge you. But please don''t forget Elia. I can''t return to the cave yet. I trust that you''ll let me know if she is in need."

    Gahrye nodded, then Reth gave him a little nudge towards the stairs, and the male stumbled away looking dazed, straight into the arms of several of the disformed who had rushed forward towards the stage now that the formal announcements were over.

    He waited for the crowd to pass away from the stairs, and the people''s attention to be drawn back into the market proper, before he slipped down the stairs at the back and outside, breathing deeply of the forest as he hurried towards the Security Council building, praying that Aymora had made his case for him and they weren''t going to push Elia.

    Thoughts of his mate pushed his feet faster and faster, until he was sprinting through the forest. He had to get the elders on board and save her and Elreth from this danger, then he needed to hold her. To be close, and reassure himself of her safety.

    Being away from her was so¡­ unnatural.

    Then it struck him¡­ that was how Gahrye felt for this Kalle, this human.

    He slowed his pace, his face thoughtful.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    It took him forty minutes to get through the market and out to the trails, and even then, a huddle of disformed surrounded him, talking excitedly and still asking questions about what danger he''d been through to protect the Queen¡ªand how had he done it if he couldn''t shift.

    "I will¡­ I will tell you all the stories at some point, I''m sure," he said finally, looking at all of them, staring at him, wide-eyed. He shook his head. "But, please¡­ I''m still the same male I was two hours ago. Andst week. Andst year. I''m just¡­ I''m grateful that Reth''s given me such an honor. That was unexpected."

    "The equines just rose in power because of you!" someone piped up from the back.

    Gahrye frowned. "I''m sure it wasn''t just me."

    They all exploded with arguments again, and he was grateful. But overwhelmed. And he still had to get to Elia.

    "I have to go," he said to them. They groaned and argued, but he was adamant. "My duties to the Queen haven''t ended and I have¡­ I have to check on her for Re¡ªthe King. But I''ll be at the cave tomorrow. Let''s talk then, okay?"

    They reluctantly bid him goodbye, more than one set of hands reaching for him to pat his shoulder or squeeze his arm.

    And one set of eyes, slightly nted and female, stared at him through it all.

    Elyn leaned into his ear and whispered, "I''m so proud of you," as she rubbed his arm.

    There was a time when the familiar way she touched him would have been a wee distraction and he likely would have pursued something deeper, at least for the night.

    But now his skin crawled.

    Slipping his arm out from under her hand, he nodded his thanks and turned to one of the others, walking the young male away, deeper into the forest until all the others peeled away.

    "We''ll talk tomorrow, okay?" he said carefully. "But thank you for celebrating with me. I hope we''ll have a lot more to celebrate soon," he said.

    The male smiled and sped his arm, then turned to run back down the path, likely to tell the others he''d had a chance to speak with Gahrye alone. But Gahrye was already turning away to push himself, sprinting, down the trail, south, towards the royal meadow, trying desperately to rid his skin of the creeping dread of Elyn''s touch.

    She knew he had a mate. So, why had she made the signals? Did she really think he would simply abandon his mate for her? Why would she want to mate with a male that would do that?

    He shuddered remembering the smile she gave, heated and promising. It only made him yearn harder for his mate and search his memories for a moment with Kalle when her eyes had been hooded like that, and her smile so promising.

    But then that only made his body want her. He pushed himself harder in the run, fleeing Elyn or his own desire, he wasn''t sure.

    He was only certain that he had been honored indeed that evening, and that Reth had dropped his jaw with his generosity.

    His own Great Tree? It was an incredible gift¡ªnot nearly as valuable as Elia''s life, of course, but as high an honor as Reth could bestow without appointing Gahrye to some kind of position in the hierarchy that he didn''t already hold.

    As he broke out of the trees and into the meadow, Gahrye sighed and slowed to a walk, disappointed in himself, and in his life.

    This should have been a moment of tion. Of victory. A moment he marked in his mind to remember every day. Yet¡­ all he could think was that Kalle would never see it. That without her there to celebrate, everything else seemed hollow.

    Please, he prayed to the Creator. Please let me hold her again soon. Please.

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 Chapter 588: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 588: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia had woken in the room alone and her chest went tight.

    She''did in the furs, staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out how much time had passed. Why no one was there. Jayah had stayed with her in Reth and Aymora''s absence, but the wolf was gone now.

    Had it been a trick? Had she left Elia to shift, or be forced to walk around, to harm Elreth?

    Where was Gahrye? Had he left already? Taken his opportunity with Reth consumed by the elders and Lerrin, and gone to Kalle? She half-hoped he had, but she was frightened of that, too. It was too soon. Reth would notice if he was gone¡­

    Her heart pounded so hard she felt it in her skin. Her head buzzed, anxious thoughts looping¡ªbut that only made her beast push and snarl within her, wanting toe out, to protect her from the danger.

    Elia closed her eyes and gripped the furs and prayed. Prayed, and prayed.

    She needed to keep herself there. She needed to stayying down for Elreth''s sake. She needed Reth!

    She didn''t know how long she''din there, only that the pillow underneath her head was damp with tears, when the door slowly opened and Jayah peered around it.

    "Elia! You''re awake! Why didn''t you call for me?"

    Adrenalin shot through Elia and she sobbed in relief. She wasn''t alone. She hadn''t been abandoned.

    What was wrong with her? Why was she consumed with these terrible thoughts and fears? "I¡­ I thought you''d left," she said in a small voice, feeling suddenly very off-bnce and embarrassed. "I didn''t realize¡­"

    "Do not worry about it, Elia. It''s very normal in pregnancy to feel all kinds of emotions and fears. I''m only sorry that I waited to check you. I was afraid I would wake you. If ever I am with you again and you wake alone, please just call my name. I''ll hear you and I''lle. I will only be in the kitchen mixing, or in the Great Room."

    "I¡­ okay," Elia said. A new rush of tears slid down her temples.

    "Elia?"

    "I''ll be fine. I''m just¡­" She was just what? she didn''t know. Except that whatever it was, it was miserable and terrified and she needed Reth. "When will Reth be back?" she asked quietly.

    "Aymora sent a note asking me to stay for the day. The elders have continued to meet. There is some big decision that is being argued. They have not been able to find unity yet. But I know the King requests to know everything that is happening for you. I can send a messenger for him. He wille. Your mate loves you," Jayah said, a touch wistfully.

    Elia coughed augh. "Yes, he does."

    "This is¡­ funny?" Jayah asked,ing ot the side of the bed.

    Elia shook her head. "No, I just¡­ It''s an understatement, that''s all. He loves me to¡­ to measures I couldn''t even have hoped before we were brought together. I am¡­ so grateful."

    Jayah leaned her hip on the sleeping tform and stroked Elia''s hair back from her face. "If you need to cry, you should not swallow it back," she said quietly.

    Elia sobbed again¡ªand swallowed it. "I''m already crying!"

    "Not freely. Your soul isn''t crying yet."

    Elia blinked. "My¡­ soul?"

    Jayah nodded. "When we feel things deeply¡ªand in my observation, females never feel things more deeply than when they carry a babe¡ªour soul needs to¡­ unburden sometimes. You have carried a great deal, Elia. Pain. Fear. Attack. Uncertainty¡ªfor yourself and for others. You face an unknown danger, which is hard on anyone. And all of this while you have been separated from your true mate."

    Elia''s tears surged again and she rolled onto her side. "This is embarrassing. I''m not a child."

    Jayah sighed and stroked her hair. "I wish we had not determined that to weep was weak," she said quietly. "If it is true, then weakness drives us all, for all the things we fear to weep about, are the most important things in our lives. Your mate is honored by your tears, Elia. Your strength wille from unburdening your heart¡ªyour soul¡ªand finding the rest thates with that."

    "That seems like it would be such a relief," Elia said through her tears, sniffing. "But even when my tears are gone, the fear is still there. And that is weak. Reth is so brave. He walks into everything that he has to do and just¡­ does it. I''mying here like a fat sack, and I''m still terrified!"

    Jayah''s lips twisted. "Your mate is not without fear," she said after a moment.

    "I know, but¡­ he doesn''t feel weakened by it like I do."

    "I would not argue with my Queen, but¡­ frankly, that is a load of bullshit, Elia."

    Elia blinked in shock, startled so that her tears stopped. "What did you just say?"

    Jayah grinned. "I said, the idea that your mate does not fear as you do is bullshit. He has prowled this cave and this city in bone-chilling terror since the moment you returned and almost had the babe."

    Elia considered that. "But he just keeps going. Even when he''s tired. Even when he''s afraid. He doesn''t stop."

    "Because he has learned the secret to oveing fear," the woman replied. "And he has learned what the wise learn in their lives: Fear is the only gateway to strength. Without it you will not grow, and you cannot be strong."

    Elia blinked up at her. "Wait, what? You''re crazy. The stronger people are, the less they fear!"

    "Ah, but I would say, the more people fear, the stronger they can be," Jayah said gently,bing Elia''s hair back with her fingers. "Those who truly feel no fear are not brave¡ªit takes no courage to face something you do not fear. No, those ones are not brave, they are generally stupid. Wisdom looks ahead and sees what mighte, and guards against danger or injury. Stupidity believes the world will bow to your needs, or can be forced into submission." She shook her head sadly. "That is what led my people into danger that they almost did not return from. And the opposite of that is why I am relieved to have returned to Reth''s rule."

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 Chapter 589: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 589: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 2</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia''s heart was still pounding, but her tears were waning. "Tell me," she said, taking Jayah''s free hand in hers. "Please tell me. I want to be strong."

    Jayah twined their fingers, then sighed. "True weakness does note from the circumstances you are in, or your ability to meet them."

    "I assure you that it does," Elia said dryly. "When you''re weak and someone else is strong, they can hurt you and you can''t stop them." Her mind flickered back on the moments when she''d been in the hands of Lucan and Lucine. When the wolves had tried to attack her in the forest.

    "That is true, of course. But that is not the weakness I mean," Jayah said patiently. "I''m talking about the weakness of the mind¡ªwhich leads to weakness everywhere else. When we meet things we don''t understand, or are unknown. Or when we simply fear what we know might ur¡­ there are only two options for response.

    "The fear you feel is a response to what you believe¡ªnot what has actually urred. When you retreat, run, or hide, your heart is¡­ wounded. Because you walked away from the thing you feared, avoided it. It is as if you were already beaten," she said carefully. "To your body, your mind, your soul, you were defeated by the thing that worried you, and so now you see yourself in failure. It bes a patter, I have noticed, in many. And their souls believe they cannot. So they act as if they cannot. And therefore¡­ they cannot," she said, shrugging.

    "But those like the King¡­ they see the danger. They see the possible harm. But it moves them to action. They do what they can, control what they can to make the possibility of failure less. And what they cannot change¡­ they face. And so they discover where their true limitsy. And they discover that they can meet and seed far more than they expected."

    Elia turned that idea over in her mind. Jayah was right. That was exactly how Reth acted. He didn''t usually run recklessly into anything, but put whatever guards or measures he could in ce to make sure the worst didn''t happen. Then he stood in front of the threat and dared it beat him.

    And he usually won.

    "But¡­ fighting is easy when you''re so strong," Elia said. "It''s a lot harder when your opponents are bigger than you."

    Jayah nodded. "That is why wisdom looks ahead and equips where it can, and prays where it cannot. But I will tell you the secret that I learned after following the wolves into rebellion," she said, eyeing Elia carefully. "I learned that it is impossible to predict all oues. That victory cane in ways you would never expect. When your heart is good and you work for good¡­ victory can find you. But if all you do is run¡­ retreat is almost always failure. And it trains your mind¡ªyour soul¡ªto believe you will always fail.

    "You cannot learn what the Creator will bring to help you unless you walk willingly into the fire," she said firmly.

    Elia''s breath almost stopped. "You see returning to the Tree City as walking into the fire?"

    "No!" Jayah eximed. "No¡ªwhen we went to the encampment it was, at first, I believe, with good intention. The wolves wished to be seen for their strengths and to demonstrate them. I followed because I wanted good for my people. But very quickly it became clear to me the darkness that had followed us¡ªor perhaps led us there in the first ce. I do not know. All I know is, I regretted the leaving of the Tree City¡ªof Reth''s rule. I wished and prayed to return. But there was no way for me to bring that about. It was not something I could control. So when the time came and the call was for warriors to fight¡­ I came to help those that I could, to save lives if I could. But I grieved that they would be harmed or lost at the hands of people I did not believe to be our enemies. But then look where the Creator led us."

    She smiled and Elia couldn''t help but smile back, her face was so alight with joy.

    "When the Alphas fought and the wolves did not ept Lerrin''s submission, when they attacked, I did not fight. I did not wish to draw the line between our peoples. And so many others did as I did, and waited. Listened. And watched.

    "We risked our brothers turning on us. We risked taking a leader that might lead us to death. But instead, we have returned.

    "None of these things could have happened under my efforts," Jayah said. "But had I run from them¡ªat any point, as many did¡ªI would not have had the opportunity to return. But even more so, had I run from the chance to be a councilor... Had I run from the chance to help Aymora¡­ Had I run from Reth when he challenged me when I arrived¡­ Had I run from you as Queen¡­ I could not know the oue of any of these moments, and I would not be here with you right now.

    "Things will not always work out as we fear, Elia," she said softly. "But they also will not always work out as we hope. But meeting them¡ªnot running, facing them, allowing others and the Creator to show us how they will actually act¡ªlearning how we will actually cope, what we are actually capable of¡­ in that there is strength to be found. Strength with others. Strength in yourself. Strength in the Creator.

    "You cannot learn what will happen unless you do not run from it. And you cannot learn who you are, and where you are strong, if you never give yourself reason to flex your muscles¡ªbe they physical or otherwise," she chuckled when Elia looked at her own arm extended towards the woman.

    Elia took a deep breath. "I can''t be certain what will happen until I face it."

    "Yes."

    "So I have to face the fact that I might lose Reth. Or Elreth."

    "Sadly, yes."

    "That is¡­"

    "Soul-shattering when it happens. I have nursed females with that loss. But they will all tell you that had you warned them it wasing, they thought it would have killed them. And it did not. They could not know that without facing it."

    Elia frowned. "I don''t want to face it."

    "None of us do. But our lives are so full of suffering. None of us seem to escape it¡ªeven you and Reth, who are King and Queen! Knowing that¡­ I would rather face the smaller fears and tests and learn where I am strong for when the true mese, than never be tested,? but dropped into the fire."

    Elia was quiet for a while, and Jayah didn''t break into her thoughts.

    "Thank you," she said finally. "I don''t feel less afraid, but I do feel¡­ I feel like maybe there''s value in trying to face it."

    Jayah nodded. "And that will let your soul release the burden," she said softly.

    Elia frowned. "But I''m not crying."

    "That is not the only way to freedom, Elia. Sometimes what we need is permission to try and fail. And through that, to find our strength."

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 Chapter 590: Pain

    <h4>Chapter 590: Pain</h4>

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    *****

    LERRIN

    He''d copsed on the nket when they took him back to the prison tree, the pain descending in waves that made him breathe too quickly, then not want to breathe at all.

    Many of his cuts and bruises were healing, fading, but the joints that had been strained, the injuries to his stomach and back, and one spot on his head¡­ as his heart pushed the blood through his veins, those ce lit up as if they were being injured again.

    When the door opened, his heart raced¡ªwhich made him groan. Had the wolves returned? But instead the gust of wind from the door brought the sweet, sweet smell of his mate¡ªlike darkberries and wet grass¡ªand he groaned again, this time in relief.

    He was able to roll to his back, though his body protested every hard-won inch. Suhle raced across the floor towards him, sliding to her knees at his side.

    "Lerrin! I''m so sorry! I never thought I would be so long¡ª"

    "Shhhhhhh, it''s okay." His jaw clenched against the pain so he could barely get the words out. "Do you have any more herbs?"

    "Yes, yes, just a moment." She''d brought thatrge basket again, and pulled a pile of nkets and clothing from it, the smell of soap and freshwater wafting of it as she threw them aside to dig beneath them for the herbs.

    She scrambled to sprinkle leaves and small grains into the mortar and pestle again. "I''m sorry. I was asked to¡ª"

    "Suhle, you can''t be with me every moment," he croaked. "I''m just d you''re here."

    "How long have you been like this?"

    "Only an hour. It¡­ hit suddenly." The moving had made it worse. He''d been sore that morning when he woke, but obviously better. Yet, having been on his feet for hours he felt like he''d gone backwards.

    He''d barely made it back to the tree because of the pain, hisst steps shaky and leaning on the guards far more than he wished to. But, mindful of Reth''s warning, they''d lowered him gently to the nket on the floor and one of them even tossed it over his shoulders.

    He''d already been hurting, but as he''din there the herbs had lost their potency and he''d been gripped with pain.

    Suhle muttered at herself and Lerrin sighed. Then suddenly she was at his head and spooning the paste into his mouth. It tasted horrid, but Lerrin swallowed it back, then the water she gave him to wash it down.

    "No, don''t move," she said. Lerrin would haveughed but it would hurt too much¡ªhe couldn''t have moved if he''d wanted to.

    While they waited for the herbs to take effect, Suhle picked up the pile of clothing and nkets she''d brought in the basket and began to arrange them, then pulled several more jars and a smaller basket with a lid from within the depths of her basket as well.

    "I brought dinner," she said, tsking at herself. "I thought it was better to take the time to get you food rather than leave in case they didn''t let me back inter.

    "Thank you," he rasped.

    Then her bright blue eyes snapped to his and her brow furrowed. "Do not thank me for leaving you in pain."

    "I''m not. I''m thanking you for thinking of how best you might get to stay the night again. I am¡­ I find I am eager to hold you," he said softly.

    Her brows pinched over her nose and she leaned forward toy a cool palm on his forehead. "There''s no fever at least," she said. "That''s good."

    Lerrin began to shrug, then swore, catching the movement.

    "You shouldn''t be in this much pain two dayster," Suhle said, shaking her head in worry. "The internal injuries must be worse than we thought."

    "I think it''s because I moved around today," he said. "I will rest tomorrow and see."

    "No, I''m bringing a wise-woman," she said, "After I give you herbs and you can move, I''ll bring someone in."

    "The guards might not let you¡ª"

    "The guards can go to hell. If Reth isn''t killing you himself, they don''t get to. I''ll just tell them Reth sent her."

    Lerrin raised an eyebrow. "You''d lie for me?"

    Suhle''s cheeks colored and Lerrin was touched. "I hope I won''t have to," she mumbled.

    Then Lerrin took a deeper breath. "They''re beginning to work," he said on a sigh of relief.

    "Well, praise the Creator for that," Suhle said, one hand to her chest.

    She waited until his pain was improved enough to sit up, then she spooned him a thick stew and pieces of fruit.

    The food helped as well, though his stomach hurt from it. By the time they had both eaten and were seated against the wall of the tree, Lerrin could take a deep breath with only a little pain. He felt incredibly drowsy, but didn''t want to say goodnight to Suhle.

    "What did you do while I was gone?" he asked.

    "I met with the Queen''s Advisor," she said, her voice slightly awed.

    Lerrin blinked and turned his head slowly so it wouldn''t spin. "Gahrye?"

    She nodded. "He''s exploring reading the winds and some other things. Things to try to identify any of the Anima that are still¡­ dark. So they can be removed and not cause greater issues."

    "He can identify them that way?"

    "Perhaps," she said. "When I told him that I''d caught a scent of them¡ªjust faintly¡ªin the encampment, it matched something he''d experienced elsewhere. We were trying to¡­ identify the scent. It took much longer than I expected and¡­ and I wasn''t sure how long you would be. So as I said, I made the decision to get dinner and theundry before I came back. I am sorry."

    "Stop apologizing," he said, opening his palm on his thigh so she''d twine her fingers in his, which she did. "I''m just so grateful you''re here."

    They were quiet for a moment. "So?" she asked hesitantly. "Did they decide what¡­ what they will do to you?"

    He could have bitten himself. Of course she''d be worried about that, and he''dpletely forgotten she didn''t know. He was a terrible mate.

    "No," he said. "I waste back also, because they struggled to decide. They have many things they''re still discussing. It will be interesting to see whates of it."

    He expected her to express dissatisfaction or frustration, but instead she simply sat there, staring at their hands.

    Lerrin waited, but she didn''t speak, but he could feel her tensing.

    "Suhle?" he asked finally, "Is something wrong?"

    *****

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 Chapter 591: Show Your Light

    <h4>Chapter 591: Show Your Light</h4>

    LERRIN

    She turned her head and her eyes shone with unshed tears. Immediately Lerrin''s heart began to pound. What had happened? Why was she sad? Was she changing her mind about going with him if he was banished?

    He started to turn, but the pain caught in his shoulder and he stopped.

    "Don''t move," she whispered, then pushed to her feet and trotted over to the door to make sure it was closed properly, before returning to the pile of nkets she''d made andying the new ones out. "I think you shouldy down," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Lerrin frowned. "I want to keep talking to you. I''m worried if Iy down I''ll fall asleep."

    "That might be for the best for you," she said with a firm nce at him. "But no, I think you shouldy down because I want toy with you and if you do fall asleep I won''t have to move you and possibly hurt you further."

    He supposed that was true¡ªand the idea of holding her,ying side by side, definitely appealed. So he slowly scooted himself over to the nket andy on his side. A momentter, Suhley down in front of him, her back to his chest. She''d produced a small cushion from the basket and they used it as a pillow. With her warmth under the thin nket, the pillow, and his arm thrown over her waist, it was the mostfortable Lerrin had felt in weeks.

    "This is¡­ perfect," he whispered into her hair.

    Suhle slid her fingers between his at her waist, careful not to squeeze his arm, or bump him. "Sleep if you can."

    "Suhle?"

    "Yes?"

    "Why did you go quiet when I said the elders were still discussing what to do with me? Have you¡­ decided against joining me if they banish me?"

    "What?! No! No, I just¡­ today I saw¡­ it was obvious today that I could be of help to the people and I was considering whether to give more to that while we are still here."

    "You''re confident that we''ll get to leave," he said, smiling in relief.

    Suhle shrugged. "I believe if Reth has control of the decision, you will be released, yes. And I look forward to that day, though I pray that you are healed enough. I need to get a truly trained person in to see you, Lerrin. I am worried about your pain."

    "I am touched that you worry for me," he said softly, slowly. His eyes were already beginning to drag down. But it was so delicious to have his arm over her¡ªeven with their clothes on¡ªand be enveloped in her smell, he didn''t want to sleep and miss a moment of it.

    He rested his forehead on the back of her head and let the smell of her hair soothe him.

    "Tell me what it''s like the Tree City now," he said softly. "Do you think the peace will sustain? The elders seem very concerned about it."

    Suhle began to talk, telling him of what happened among the people, how the wolves were free and integrated, but that there were still many sideways looks, and tribal tensions. She spoke of servants who had changed service when their families left to go with the wolves, and who now had to decide who they would serve.

    And she very carefully spoke of Rethmending Gahrye at the dinner, and what a shock that had been.

    Lerrin tensed, imagining the scene.

    Then she got to the part in the story that had obviously made her speak so carefully to begin with.

    "And then he¡­ he honored the Equine," she said slowly, her fingers tightening slightly on his. "He¡­ they''ve been lifted, Lerrin. The wolves are no longer the second in power."

    The growl began in Lerrin''s chest, but she didn''t let go of his hand.

    "Please don''t be angry," she whispered. "The wolves are not being harmed. They are being given a chance to return. I¡­ I never would have thought it was possible. But¡­ you must see why we cannot hold the position of power we did before."

    "Just because I see it does not mean I am happy to see it," Lerrin said through his teeth.

    They bothy quietly again. Suhle spoke first. "It was touching¡­ many of the wolves celebrated Gahrye, even though he''s disformed."

    "We''ve never had as much of a problem with that as the other tribes," Lerrin reminded her. "Especially the younger wolves."

    "Yes, but¡­ it was a moment of true unity. I appreciated it. I was d I was there."

    Lerrin turned that over in his mind. Would he have wanted to be there, to see the final nail in the coffin of his people''s power¡ªknowing that he and his family had been the ones to begin their final slide? He wasn''t sure. But he did know one thing, he wished he could have shared that with Suhle. Sat with her, watched with her, discussed it with her, not simply been informed.

    He buried his nose in her neck and pulled her closer to his chest, despite the way his ribs protested.

    "Lerrin?" she asked a momentter.

    "I just want to be close to you, Suhle," he said. "The rest¡­ I have to let it go. I can''t do anything about it. I can''t change the past. I can only walk into the future. Please tell me you''lle with me if they release me."

    "I will, Lerrin, you have my vow. I will always be at your side until the Creator tears me from it," she said simply.

    He shook his head and kissed her neck.

    "I do not deserve you," he breathed, "but I am so damn happy to have you. Our future is going to be different, Suhle. That is my vow to you. With you at my side I will never be blind again. You must promise me you''ll tell me if you see me turning away from the truth again."

    She sighed. "I will. But¡­ but I also can be blind, Lerrin. Please¡­ do not believe me infallible."

    "I don''t," he sighed, closing his eyes and leaning into her. "I just know you carry more light than I do, so I trust you to see more, that''s all."

    **** WIN BIG PRIZES AT THE END OF THIS BOOK! ****

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 Chapter 592: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 592: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 3</h4>

    RETH

    As soon as Reth stepped into the Security Council building he could feel it. He pulled up short as Aymora caught his eye, while the elders continued to mill around her. Behryn sat alone, off to the side, frowning at the floor.

    His stomach twisted into a knot, but he made himself walk forward and take his seat. As the elders and councilors became aware of him, they all quieted and returned to their seats as well.

    He waited a moment, but they all stared at him expectantly.

    "You''ve made a decision?" he asked gruffly.

    They nodded. Brant shifted in his seat and Reth stared at him.

    "We believe the need for the people to see their Queen shift, to know she has be truly one of them, and the unity this will foster, is of greater need than to protect the Queen from this process which is, as we all know, entirely natural. Even for those carrying young."

    Reth''s eyes snapped to Aymora, whose face was tight. "We do not know if this is natural for her. We don''t know if the change within her is permanent, or a consequence of the pregnancy."

    "Yet, if she can do it¡ªand has done it throughout her pregnancy¡ªthen the likelihood is that it does not damage her, or the babe," Aymora said, though without her usual edge.

    Reth rubbed his jaw. "The risk to her may not be physical, but mental. Emotional. Spiritual. She has not spent her life shifting. She struggles to return from the beast¡ªespecially when she''s in pain or fear. I believe the beast bes protective of her. She fears shifting, afraid she might not be able to return from it."

    "And yet, so far, she always has."

    Fury bloomed in his chest and he breathed carefully. He had to step carefully. So carefully. It was his fault for drawing their attention to his mate in this way. His stupid, thoughtless fault.

    "And if I say no?"

    A ripple ran through the members. "You would break your word?"

    "You ced the decision in our hands!"

    Reth growled. "I never imagined you would treat Elia''s life with such¡­ disdain."

    "We do not disdain my daughter''s life," Aymora snapped with her usual spirit. Reth couldn''t decide if that wasforting or not. "Or her offspring. We weighed the risks to her and the babe as well if the people rise up again, or a rebellion is fomenting under the surface. While she might be frightened, she will be surrounded by experienced shifters, and those who love her. We will help her return. And in the meantime, the people will be drawn together. She is the vision they need, Reth. Even you acknowledged that."

    "I acknowledged that she is a symbol for the Creator''s n¡ªfor the ways that we can grow and change. And her heart will be inspiring to them. Her death, however, would not. You ce her at risk to make your own lives easier!"

    "Careful, Reth," Brant growled. "Be very careful with your words right now."

    Reth shot the older lion a re, hoped that Brant saw the usation of betrayal in his eyes. But Brant met his gaze evenly.

    "No one here¡ªno one¡ªwants to see Elia or your offspring harmed. But the risk, it appears, is to her peace of mind, not to her body. The gain, however, is immense. This is a moment for Elia to step to the fore as Queen and ruler, not as your mate, or a mother. She will be free to do that in the wake of reassuring the people."

    Reth snorted without humor. "Not if she has lost her mind, or gone silent!"

    "She will not go silent, Reth, she loves you too much. Those that give over have¡­ they''ve released their hearts¡ªor want to," Aymora said quietly.

    Reth shook his head, his jaw clenched so hard it ached. He couldn''t believe he''d brought this to them! He''d never imagined¡ª

    "We will not force this on Elia this moment, Reth," Brant said, trying to soothe him. "We will wait until Aymora measures that Elia is in the best possible ce, the strongest she can be. It will not require every Anima to witness it, only enough to bolster the people''s spirit."

    Reth turned his using eyes on Aymora. "And when do you measure this could happen?" he asked sarcastically. "Since we have not even spoken to my mate yet?"

    Aymora tsked. "We will wait until a morning when she''s feeling stronger. We won''t just drag her out of the bed, Reth. A few days¡ªwhen she''s rested and well fed."

    He shook his head in disgust. "You were the one who got angry about us upsetting her so she shifted!"

    "Because it was unnecessarily disruptive to her. I do not deny the risk that she gets caught in the beast for a while, Reth. I will do more training with her in the intervening time."

    "How can you train her if she won''t shift by choice? For that matter, how would we do this if she can''t shift by choice?"

    His voice was rising and he caught himself, grinding his teeth, clenching his hands on his thighs. He couldn''t believe it. He couldn''t believe it!

    "I will not put her life at risk, Reth. Believe me. We will do this safely."

    "It cannot be done safely¡ªnot safely to her heart and mind. You are¡­ you are choosing the people''s attitudes over her heart and life!

    Brant gave him a look then. "She is a ruler. She should be choosing them over her own wellbeing without our decision, as should you!"

    "The people will not benefit by losing her, or our cub, for this disy!"

    "You''re being very dramatic, Reth."

    Reth gaped. "Who among you has a true mate and wouldn''t be dramatic if you believed your hearts call was being harmed by a decision of this council? And that is not even taking into ount our daughter who, once again, we do not know how she will be affected by this!"

    "Pregnant mothers shift all the time, Reth," Aymora tried to soothe him.

    "Pregnant mothers who are Anima and carrying Anima young. We don''t yet know if that is the case for Elia!" His voice rose almost to a shout at the end, and the elders stiffened.

    Which was when he realized the moment hade. The moment where he had to choose, at least on this issue, between his mate and his people.

    *****

    IT''S A NEW PRIVILEGE MONTH!

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 Chapter 593: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 593: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 4</h4>

    RETH

    Something cold and dead settled in the pit of his stomach, then a twitch in his peripheral vision turned his head. He found Behryn staring at him, eyes haunted.

    It mmed home to him, then, that this was where his best friend had been living for who knew how long? How long had his mate been asking him to choose?

    Then he looked at Aymora, who he thought would have defended Elia, but whose jaw was set in the way that meant she wouldn''t be moved.

    Aymora believed Elia should do this?

    Reth leaned forward in his chair, wed both hands into his hair and tried desperately to think past the buzzing in his head.

    Was he letting his fear control him? Aymora, who knew Elia''s care and her body¡ªand who did not like to take risks¡ªwas telling him to do this. Brant, who called Elia his daughter, was telling him to do this. To ask it of Elia.

    "Have you considered asking her?" the elder lion said quietly. "She is a Queen, Reth. She is your mate, but she is, at her heart, a Queen. She knows the people need her¡ªperhaps better than they do."

    Reth rolled his head on his shoulders, still looking up from the floor. His heart pattered rapidly against his ribs and his skin felt hot.

    He couldn''t think clearly. Everything within him fought this¡ªbut was that because it was truly a risk to her, or because he simply feared ever letting her step into anything without him? Was it only his own fear of losing her?

    "Reth?"

    He sighed. "I do not disagree that the people need this," Reth muttered. "I am¡­ unhappy about the timing."

    "You said yourself we don''t know if it''s permanent. We can''t risk that once she delivers she can no longer shift. Plus, it could be weeks until she delivers, ording to Aymora. We do not believe we should wait so long," Brant continued. "The people are on edge now. The need for a unifying symbol is now."

    "Yet you put off the decision about the wolf?" Reth asked dryly, still not looking at him.

    "Actually, with Elia disying for the people, we are agreed that it would be better for the wolf to be gone, and his presence no longer a reminder or fuel to the rebel fire. And we are agreed that banishment is the best way¡ªit will avoid painting him as a martyr to any that still hold faith in a rebellion. What we have not yet decided is whether to make his banishment public, or inform the people after the fact."

    Reth chewed that over. His heart rose that Lerrin would not be killed¡ªat least, not by the crown. He did not doubt the wolf''s life was in grave danger if it was discovered when and how he would leave the WildWood. There were those that wanted revenge.

    But by the same token, he was sick at the idea of putting Elia through this¡ªnot only exhausting her with a public address, but to force her to give in to the shift¡­ He wanted to snarl just thinking about it.

    "Think of it, Reth," Aymora piped up. "Elia standing as a symbol for hope, for the future, and Lerrin gone as an image of the past. It is¡­ it will be beneficial for the people. For all of us. You can see that, I know you can."

    He nodded reluctantly. And that was what decided him. She was right. They were right. This picture taken together, was a provision of the Creator. A way to show the Anima that they were walking forward into a life world, a new life.

    It was Elia that his heart broke for. The irony¡ªsuch a little thing to most Anima, the shifting. Yet to her¡­

    "How long?" he asked in a guttural growl.

    "Until what?"

    "How long will you give Elia, how much time can we use to prepare her or¡­ or let her rest?"

    Everyone looked at Aymora then. "I will make the call, Reth. But I would say we need to make this happen in the next few days to ensure the tensions among the people haven''t climbed too high. I have ideas about the best way¡ªto travel her, to prepare her, to rest her before and after¡­"

    Reth gave a little shake of his head in disbelief. "So we have to handle the wolf sooner than that, correct?"

    "We are still discussing that. It might be that we bring both Elia and Lerrin to a public address and disy to the people at the same event. Or, we might be best to simply take Lerrin out and inform themter. That we are still measuring."

    Reth nodded, though he wanted to roll to his eyes.

    "They will kill the wolf if they have advance notice," Reth said, low and hard. "If you evict him publicly it''s a death sentence."

    "I''m not as certain of that, but it is a risk, definitely."

    "They already took a shot at him in the Prison. You think they won''t send warriors after him when they know he''s loose in the forest?"

    The elders began to murmur between themselves again, and Reth almost shouted at them to stop pecking! To stand up and lead!

    But he knew that wasn''t really their job, not in council like this. Their job here was to bring him their best advice, to determine what that advice was, and why, and then to point to the road they believed he should travel as Ruler.

    Normally he was very grateful for their advice, and their help in identifying what was needed. But in this, the image grated on him.

    He was King. He could, he knew, simply say no. They would not turn on him and force Elia to it. But it would create a rift among them. And now, at this time, he could not afford that. They had to lead into unity, not division.

    He looked at Behryn again, whose eyes were shadowed, and who had barely spoken today, despite his usual investment in these issues of security and protection.

    For a moment Reth imagined being here without him at all, and the bottom dropped out of his stomach. But then he gritted his teeth and shook his head.

    Fuck.

    This was a shitty situation, and a dangerous one. But it was also necessary if they were going to lead the people forward together.

    "Fine," he said reluctantly. "Fine. But you let me tell her when the time is right. And I''m making the call: Lerrin goes without the knowledge of the people. He needs at least 2 days head start, especially if he''s moving soon, because that wolf can barely walk right now. We''ll tell the people after he''s gone¡ªafter they''ve seen Elia. And no one speaks of this n to anyone outside of this room, at all. I will handle the wolf."

    Brant looked around at the others, then back at Reth. "As you say, so it shall be," he intoned.

 Chapter 594: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 594: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 5</h4>

    RETH

    It was gettingte. And he had left Elia alone all day. He yearned to get back to her, but even more so, feared what state she might be in by now. At least he could be certain Gahrye would have joined her for the hours after dinner.

    The elders all prayed and agreed they would reconvene after Reth and the Security Council had determined the best way to handle Lerrin. Which would have led naturally into discussion of the gathering to show the people Elia''s shift, but no one spoke of it directly.

    Reth wanted to bite something. The decision had been made, no matter how much he wanted to fight it. And he couldn''t fault the logic. It was time to ept that this would happen, and try to mitigate as many of the dangers and stresses for Elia as he could.

    As most of the younger elders began to file out, and the security council as well, Reth tipped his head at Aymora who crossed the floor to join him. Behryn, Brant, and a couple of the others remained, talking in low voices that he chose not to listen to, knowing they would be discussing his mate as if she were a pawn in a game, rather than a precious person.

    He stood as Aymora came to a halt in front of him, her arms crossed defensively. They stared at each other a moment before he started.

    "I can''t believe you didn''t tell them this was too much for her!" he growled.

    "I tried, initially," she said firmly. "But Reth, they''re right. She is Queen. And no one knows better than you: Sometimes a Ruler has to put themselves on the line for the people. That is your job."

    "But our cub as well?"

    "The cub is unharmed by her shifting."

    "Unless she can''te back and our daughter loses her mother!" Reth growled.

    Aymora gave him a warning look. "You really think I would do this, believing that would be the oue? Her fear is what holds her back, Reth. Not her weakness."

    "She would not be the first Anima in history to be ovee by fear, Aymora."

    "She is better than that. She has been hurt and endangered. She is traumatized. Until she sees that she can walk forward without harm, she will not be free of it."

    "Her trauma is a result of these people!" Reth hissed. "You think demanding that she do this for them¡ªthe thing that frightens her most¡ªwill somehow remove her fear?!"

    "No, but I know she is strong enough toe through it!" Aymora snapped back.

    Reth was about to roll his eyes when Brant''s voice sounded right next to him. He startled. He''d been so focused on Aymora he hadn''t even heard Brant approach.

    Brant put a hand to his shoulder and leaned in close. "Your regard for your mate is a good thing, Reth, and speaks well of both of you. But you know if it was you in that bed, if you were the one at risk, and you could see how this would help the people, you would do it in a heartbeat."

    "I have a lifetime of learning to dominate my beast," he countered. "She has had weeks¡ªand none of them sessful. She is dealing with a fully grown, dominant beast and she is ill-equipped."

    "The only way for her to be equipped is to shift," Brant said, unmoved. "Only in learning the fight can she find victory."

    "And I would have worked with her¡ªafter the babe was born. But now?"

    "Do you believe we should allow the tensions in the people to bloom and grow?"

    "Of course not!"

    "Do you agree that this vision of Elia, of her newfound strength and unity with them, that it will inspire them to peace?"

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    "Then stop fighting the decision, Reth, and instead look at how it can be made with the least negative impact."

    Reth blinked at Brant, angry at the male''s seeming dismissal of Elia''s difort and pain¡­ but also aware that it was advice he would have given if the roles were reversed.

    "I will not push her too far, Reth," Aymora said a momentter. "I will choose a day when she is as rested as she can be, when she is in the best frame of mind."

    Reth shook off his fury and turned to her. "You''ll do better than that," he growled. "You won''t even mention this to her. The fear of iting will only make her stress worse¡ªand make her weaker. When the dayes that you believe she''s best prepared, you''ll tell me and I will talk her through it. And in the meantime, you''ll keep working with her about how to take her power back after the shift."

    Aymora didn''t look pleased, but she nodded tightly. "By the same token, though, Reth, if you are serious about helping her remain calm and rest, you have to keep her calm. No more aggressive or emotional discussions. When you''re together, keep her resting."

    He nodded. "Of course."

    "No, not of course, Reth. If she raises the bears and the portal and that entire mess, you tell her you''re working on it. You don''t try to convince her to your way. You''ll only anger her."

    "Fine," he said, but his mind was already turning back to that moment on the trail when he''d been yearning for her¡ªand remembering that sh of empathy for Gahrye.

    The germ of an idea came to him then. But he was distracted as Brant pped him on the back. "You are doing the right thing, Reth."

    He knew that from the outside looking in that appeared true. So why did he feel like he was betraying his mate? Stupid¡­ stupid, stupid, stupid to not have seen this when he raised her story to them. And now he was paying the price.

    He just prayed his mate would forgive him when she heard the whole story. That she wouldn''t reject him, or me him for this position they found themselves in.

    Please, Creator, he prayed. Let her forgive me.

 Chapter 595: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 6

    <h4>Chapter 595: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 6</h4>

    DO NOT BUY EXPENSIVE PRIVILEGE TIERS THIS LATE IN THE MONTH! WAIT JUST A FEW MORE DAYS! Privilege resets on the 1st of the calendar month regardless of when you purchased it. So make sure and unlock all chapters avable to you on thest day f of the month (which is the 29th in the USA and the 30th elsewhere) so that you can continue to read the advance chapters even after privilege resets! (Or wait for the 30th/1st to purchase privilege so that you get all the extra content as soon as it''s published in December, rather than having to wait for January when it will be released for standard unlock chapters)

    *****

    RETH

    Reth told the members of the Security Council that were still present that the council would convene at his cave the following morning.

    Under the circumstances, he''d decided he would not leave Elia alone unless the need was dire. The temptation, when he left the Security Building, was to simply run home to Elia, there and then. But he knew Lerrin needed to be prepared, and his injuries tended. If it became obviously Elia would be able to shift soon, he had to get Lerrin out of the City.

    He needed to find Suhle and warn her.

    The skin of the back of his neck tightened as he turned away from the trail home, and towards the Prison trees instead, but he had to find Suhle and get the information to her without anyone overhearing. And he would not leave the cave tomorrow if it could be helped.

    So, with his jaw aching from clenching his teeth so tightly, he forced himself to run to the Prison Tree and, waving the guards aside, walked into Lerrin''s tree to find the pair wrapped up under thin nkets on the floor.

    They''d obviously heard himing. Lerrin sat up, leaning on one hand, his other hand on Suhle''s hip, as if to pull her back and away from danger. Though she was clearly the stronger of the two of them in that moment. Even in the moonlight Lerrin looked pale and shaky. They hadn''t done him any favors taking him to the meeting that day.

    "Suhle," Reth said quietly. There was no need to instruct her. She woulde to him, he knew.

    He was surprised, though, how slowly she got to her feet, urging Lerrin to rest without her.

    The male eyed Reth, but didn''t protest, though Reth could feel the frustration and tension in him at being left behind while she apanied another male.

    Reth was sympathetic to the feeling, but it was of no consequence. Suhle had been his eyes and ears for years. Lerrin was just going to have to get used to that.

    After cing a waterskin within reach for Lerrin, Suhle trotted across the floor¡ªshe''d been fully dressed in their embrace¡ªand he ushered her back out of the tree. The guards looked at them curiously, but Reth only red to turn them away.

    Neither of them spoke as he walked her deep into the forest, then stopped in a small clearing, listening and scenting, until he was certain they hadn''t been followed.

    "You need to prepare," he muttered finally, without preamble. Suhle''s eyes went wide. "The decision was made tonight that we will release Lerrin¡ªbanish him¡ªbut he will have to leave the WildWoodpletely. I have ensured that no one outside of that room will know this decision ahead of time. His injuries¡­ we won''t risk the wolves, or anyone else learning that he''s leaving and deciding to take retribution. But I also do not know exactly when this will happen. He needs a healer, and to rest. You need to help him, Suhle. Once he is released, he will not receive protection."

    She nodded, her lower jaw sagging open. "Thank you," she breathed.

    Reth shrugged. "It''s the right decision. But don''t expect any assistance, Suhle. Whatever you need, whatever is necessary, you will have to carry it with you. Including whatever he might need to help with healing. Get a wise woman to him tomorrow. I don''t like how much pain he has remained in after two days."

    "I will, I agree. I already insisted," she said faintly.

    Reth nodded. "There are other issues that will affect when we release him and we can''t know those in advance. You must make yourselves ready, and remain ready."

    Suhle sucked in a breath, but nodded quickly. "I will organize everything," she said.

    "Quietly," he warned, thought he knew it wasn''t necessary with her. "We can''t let anyone get wind of his movement."

    "I understand, Reth. No one wants his safety more than I do, I assure you."

    Reth let himself smile a small smile then. "I am happy for you, Suhle. And happy he has obviously pulled his head out of his ass and epted the bond. I will be praying for a long and peaceful life for the two of you."

    "Thank you, Reth," she beamed. "And I''m sorry I won''t be here to continue helping you."

    "Well, about that," Reth said quietly. "I do have an idea¡­"

    *****

    They talked for half an hour, at the end of which, Suhle looked shaky, but also resolved. Reth was relieved. He hadn''t wanted to tell even the elders about what he''d thought¡ªanother way to smooth lines between the tribes and potentially aid peace. But he also knew he couldn''t force the wolves to ept his proposal.

    "Talk to Lerrin," he said quietly. "He will have to want this. It does no good if he would reject it."

    She nodded. "I will find a way. But¡­ just know, Reth. Even though he leads reluctantly, he is Created for it. It is in every thought and every decision to step forward in rightness. He was blinded for a time about the direction of the path. But now¡­ he is the best male you could expect for this."

    Reth shrugged, though he suspected she was right. "Just¡­ make sure he knows he gets to leave regardless. I am not forcing him to this."

    "I know. I''ll make sure."

    They stared at each other then. Reth assumed she was remembering, as he was, all that had passed between them over the years. He saw her like a daughter¡ªor perhaps a younger sister was more urate. The sister he''d never had. He cherished her goodness and wanted to protect her. He also wanted her to be happy.

    "You are not banished, Suhle. Remember that. No matter what, there will always be a ce for you in my Kingdom."

    "Thank you, Reth," she said, tears springing into her eyes. "Thank you."

    They hugged, then turned away from each other. Suhle dashed the tears from her eyes as she darted back the way they''de.

    Then Reth, with a sigh of relief, shifted into his beast and ran back home to Elia.

 Chapter 596: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 7

    <h4>Chapter 596: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 7</h4>

    RETH

    When he reached the cave Gahrye was just leaving. At the look on Reth''s face, he raised his hands. "She''s fine. She''s just sleeping. And Jayah''s watching her while I go get some food ande back¡ªI never got dinner."

    "It''s fine," Reth growled. "I''m here now." And realizing he hadn''t eaten either. He was about to continue into the cave, then forced himself to pause. "Thank you foring when I couldn''t," he said gruffly. "It''s been a long day. I didn''t like leaving her alone."

    Gahrye nodded. "I know the feeling," he said starkly. Then turned on his heel and started for the forest.

    Reth almost called him back, but he wasn''t yet sure and he didn''t want to get the male''s hopes up again, then have to dash them. So instead he called after him, "I''ll be at the cave all day tomorrow. You can take the day off if you want to."

    Gahrye hesitated, then turned. "That would be good. I have some things I need to do with the disformed."

    Reth nodded. "Thank you again for helping. Enjoy your day."

    Gahrye didn''t smile, but he nodded before turning away and picking up his pace again.

    Reth rushed into the cave, barely greeting Jayah who had stepped into the kitchen to make tea, before hurrying through to the bedchamber and closing the door behind him.

    The only light came from the tiniest gap around the door, but his eyes adjusted quickly and he found his mate curled up under the furs, her hand under her pillow, legs pulled up to support her belly that seemed like it had grown even since that morning.

    Stripping off quickly, but letting his clothes drop and kicking them to the wall so he wouldn''t wake her with the closet doors, Reth slowly climbed into the furs behind her.

    His skin was cold from the chill night air outside and he forced himself not to touch her right away, toy under the furs and warm before he slid across to spoon her, one hand finding her waist¡ªand that hard stomach¡ªand cupping it protectively.

    "Reth?" she sighed and started to turn, but he shushed her and curled himself around her.

    "I''m here. I''m sorry I was gone so long. I won''t leave again like that, Elia."

    She sighed heavily. "I''m so d you''re here." Her voice was thick, heavy with sleep, but she twined her fingers through his and pinned his arm under her elbow, as if she was afraid he would let go.

    She didn''t need to worry, he wasn''t going anywhere.

    "I''m so d you''re safe and I''m back here too," he murmured, nuzzling the back of her neck. "Just rest now, Elia. I''ll still be here when you wake."

    She started to murmur something about wanting to hear what the elders had decided, but trailed off in the middle of the sentence.

    Reth kissed her shoulder and left his lips on her skin, holding her without moving until her breathing settled and slowed again.

    Then, ignoring his growling stomach, he breathed and prayed and ckened his muscles until he followed her into sleep.

    *****

    The next morning, when hunger pushed him to wake, thenterns were already on. He''d slept in.

    He sucked in a breath and began to stretch, but realized he was still holding Elia.

    "Good morning," she said softly, her voice rough with sleep.

    "Did I wake you, Love?"

    "No, I''ve been trying not to wake you," she said, then awkwardly turned in his arms, rolling over with a groan about her back until she faced him.

    Some of her hair fell over her eyes, and some of his hade loose from its tie after all the wing and raking he''d done the night before. So they stared at each other through the tines of blond and near-ck hair.

    "Hi," he said.

    "Hi," she whispered, and she smiled. And Reth would have sworn her smile was the sun rising in his heart. "Do you have to go to meetings again today?"

    Reth grunted and stroked her hair back from her face. "I told them they have toe here to me. And today''s discussions will be more¡­ logistical. I''ll be able to take breaks ande see you," he said.

    Her forehead lined when he said he had meetings, but she swallowed and only said, "That''s good. I''m d you''ll be close."

    "Me too. I missed you so badly yesterday, Elia. I''m so sorry. It was necessary, but I ached every moment of it. I just wanted to hold you."

    She nodded and her eyes began to shine as if she fought tears. "I just wanted to be held."

    They stared at each other another minute.

    "Reth, what''s wrong with us?" she asked quietly.

    Reth sighed. "We almost lost each other, Love. It''s¡­ it''s a wound that''s still healing."

    She nodded. "I thought when I was back here I wouldn''t feel afraid anymore," she said. "But¡­ it''s like the closer I am to you, the more afraid I feel¡ªnot of you," she rushed on when his eye widened. "But¡­ it''s like because you''re close, being apart is even harder. I didn''t expect that."

    "Me either," he said, gathering her into his chest. Both of them curled around herrge belly.

    Reth had a sh of memory¡ªa vision, or a dream. He''d seen them, just like this, together and curled around her stomach. Months earlier. But it was foggy. All he knew was that this was what he''d been waiting for. And it was so utterly frustrating that they couldn''t simply rest together and prepare for this baby.

    He stroked her back and hair and kissed her softly and wished that they could spend the day just like this. But he knew it wouldn''tst long. Jayah would be in here soon to check Elia, and his security council would arrive after breakfast.

    He prayed one of them thought to bring him food. Because no matter how hungry he was, he wasn''t leaving Elia a second sooner than he needed to.

    **** WIN BIG PRIZES AT THE END OF THIS BOOK! ****

    I''m running 12 Days of Giveaways to celebrate Christmas and the end of King of Beast. For the first 12 days of December there will be big giveaways including paperbacks, t-shirts, mugs, webnovel coins, and MORE!

    To make sure you can ess ALL the giveaways, friend me on Facebook! (to find me quickly use:? bit.ly/aimeelynnfb ) There will be easy ways to enter from there each day (because I can include links) AND EXTRA GIVEAWAYS ONLY FOR FACEBOOK FRIENDS! See you there!

 Chapter 597: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 8

    <h4>Chapter 597: In the Shadow of Fear - Part 8</h4>

    DO NOT BUY EXPENSIVE PRIVILEGE TIERS THIS LATE IN THE MONTH! WAIT JUST A FEW MORE DAYS! Privilege resets on the 1st of the calendar month regardless of when you purchased it. So make sure and unlock all chapters avable to you on thest day f of the month (which is the 29th in the USA and the 30th elsewhere) so that you can continue to read the advance chapters even after privilege resets! (Or wait for the 30th/1st to purchase privilege so that you get all the extra content as soon as it''s published in December, rather than having to wait for January when it will be released for standard unlock chapters)

    *****

    RETH

    Eliay in his arms, deeply and soundly asleep, her hair fluttering in the breeze of her breath, washing the room in her scent. And he was grateful. But over an hourter, Reth found himself still wide awake and staring at the ceiling of the cave, his trembling arms still curved around her.

    He was beginning to sweat. His heart skipped beats and throbbed in his ears.

    He forced himself to breathe deeply and quietly because he didn''t want to wake her¡ªshe needed her rest. But his own body refused to rest¡ªand in fact, seemed determined to drag him into fear.

    He couldn''t get close enough. Trying not to jostle her, he dropped his nose against her hair and inhaled her scent, reminding all of his senses that she was there. Right there. She would not be taken from him again, he wouldn''t allow it!

    But visions of her shifting, of the unpredictability of her beast¡ªof the elders'' insistence that she be forced to take that step that so terrified her¡­

    Stretching his arms further, to gather as much of her to his chest as he could, curling his knees behind hers so they touched from nose to feet¡­ it still wasn''t enough. He couldn''t get her close enough to feel safe that they would never be apart.

    Her words echoed in his head and he understood them more than he''d been letting on.

    "¡­I thought when I was back here I wouldn''t feel afraid anymore," she''d said. "But¡­ it''s like the closer I am to you, the more afraid I feel¡­"

    A shudder rocked through him, shaking Elia as well and her breathing caught.

    Cursing himself silently, Reth kissed her hair and her neck and didn''t speak, until a minuteter her breathing slowed and eased.

    He wished he could breathe.

    His hand cradled herrge, hard stomach and he was reminded that it wasn''t just his mate that he feared to lose. That precious little life¡ªgrowingrger every day¡ªthe life that was slowly sucking the life out of her mother. His heart was torn towards two gorgeous females, each so prized in their way, each teetering on the edge of life and their oue dependent on the other. And both dependent on him and the choices he made, what they caused in the people andnd around them¡­ Each life a candle me, so easily snuffed out by one wrong move.

    A groaning huff broke in his throat and he gritted his teeth.

    He would hide in the cave with Elia the next day, he had given himself that reprieve¡ªstanding sentry, whether the others knew it or not. But he knew there was a limit to how long he could position himself that way. He couldn''t keep hiding from the people. Couldn''t keep the cord between himself and Elia so short indefinitely.

    She was right¡ªbeing close only made the fear more present. He''d struggled when she was gone, yearned and resisted the distance. But he''d known his purpose and fought for it¡ªfor her. For them. But now?

    Now Reth felt like they were his purpose, and everything else tore him from them.

    But he was King. And his people needed him.

    His heart stuttered in his chest again, mming against his ribs one second, then stopping, seeming to drop to his toes the next, before pounding again.

    He was not a male who could ignore his responsibilities. To do so would damage the wellbeing¡ªand possibly even steal the lives¡ªof many, many others. He could not choose his own family over countless others.

    But he wanted to. He wanted to close the door of the cave and roar at anyone who approached to leave them, to deal with their problems by their own wits and strength. To stop relying on his!

    But he couldn''t. He knew he couldn''t. And so he was torn, from gut to throat, torn in two because the one thing he''d been put on thisnd to do was protect people¡ªhis people, his family, his mate. His offspring.

    But protecting them now put others in a position of danger¡ªand protecting his people would separate him from those he loved most. Every choice led to another, and not enough of him to go around.

    The irony was, he knew exactly what was needed. But finding the time and energy to do it¡­ that was the problem.

    His heart rang like a bell as he saw it in his mind¡­

    He should be walking among the people morning and evening, every day. He should be showing them the way, inspiring them to hope, and reassuring their fears.

    He should be leading the councils to return life to normal, to gather the resources that had been neglected during the war. Autumn crops needed to be harvested before they began to rot. What harvest there was since they''d been untended for months. He could kill more of the herd beasts to tide them over, but even that meat had to be managed¡ªdried, or hung and used? He needed to speak to the farmers and identify whether the greater risky in having fewer grains, or less protein for the winter months.

    He needed to talk to the wolves and soothe their concerns, encourage them to build bridges. He needed to remove Lerrin¡ªget the male healed and out of the Tree City¡ªout of Wildwood!¡ªbefore another ''well meaning'' wolf took his life.

    He should be supporting his best friend¡ªwho had almost died in defense of his own life! And he should be soothing the fears of those around him.

    There were so many things that could go wrong. So many decisions he had to make. Winter wasing. Elreth wasing. And so much sooner than they''d thought.

    That vision shed in his head again¡ªElia, heavy with cub, and pulling another, a small toddler, by the hand.

    It had to be Elreth. She had to be safe. She had to be!

    Sweat made his hair cling to his temples. He kicked the furs from his legs, but didn''t let go of Elia.

    Except, he must have clung too tightly, because she stirred, nudging at his arm to loosen his grip.

    He knew exactly what she''d meant. He''d thought when she came back he would feel better, too. And he did. It was so much better being close to her. Scenting her. Seeing her.

    But the fear¡­ the jagged, screaming fear that they were on the cusp of disaster¡­ that she would be torn from him. And not to an unseen world, but to the next. To eternity. That fear burned under him like a fire. And slowly, slowly that fire was being fed fuel.

    It was only getting worse.

    Reth shuddered again, a bead of sweat running from his temple, down his face, to dampen the pillow he shared with Elia.

    There was one fear he could keep at bay in that moment. He could watch over her. Listen to her breathing, feeling her heartbeat, and know she was there, and alive, and okay.

    That fear he could soothe. And so he continued to stare at the ceiling, and breathe, and watch. That much he could do. It was only the work of one moment.

    And the next.

 Chapter 598: Asswipe for the Win

    <h4>Chapter 598: Asswipe for the Win</h4>

    KALLE

    It had been days since the Police Officer showed up at their door. There''d been no calls, no issues, no questions¡­ but instead of that leaving Kalle a chance to breathe, she found herself growing more and more tense with every passing hour.

    She''d tried to pin Dillon down three times¡ªall times he was scheduled to work. But he''d called in sick and wasn''t answering his phone. She hadn''t been able to bring herself to go to his apartment, but she was getting desperate.

    What was he telling the Police? What damage had he already done?

    He was the only person other than her family and their staff that new about the "marriage." It had to havee from him. The staff would have called him a boyfriend.

    When she got up that morning and walked down to the dining room, it struck her how quiet the house seemed now that Shaw and Gahrye and Elia were all gone.

    She stood in the massive entry, at the bottom of the stairs for a long moment, looking around.

    Was this her life now? Would she spend the rest of her days walking through this cavern of a house alone?

    What was Gahrye facing in Anima? Had they even made it safely? What if Elia had run and been lost to the voices? Would Reth kill Gahrye for losing her?

    As she had every other time her mind turned to these questions, Kalle pushed them away and forced herself to keep moving, keep reading, keep investigating. She had a notebook of notes to share with Gahrye when he came back¡ªand he woulde back, she reminded herself. Until he did, there was nothing to be gained by dwelling on her fear.

    She and her grandmother had both moved permanently back to the Big House. With Shaw gone and the investigation in ce, there seemed no reason not to. They didn''t want to look suspicious¡ªand frankly, it made it easier for Kalle to give her time to what was really important. She''d given notice on her apartment, moved her important things back home, and sold or discarded the rest.

    She''d even kept the room she''d shared with Gahrye. Grandma didn''t care and Kalle needed to stay close to the memories. To remind herself that they were real.

    When she reached the dining room, Grandma Eve was already there at the table, reading a newspaper and frowning.

    Kalle had tried to tell her that she could read the paper online every day, probably for cheaper. Certainly easier. Those old papers left ink on her hands and the tablecloth¡­ but Grandma just rolled her eyes and said she was too stuck in her ways. She liked to have something in her hands¡ªand she loved the smell of the paper and ink.

    She didn''t look up with Kalle walked in and walked to the sideboard where the staff had left the food over warmers.

    With only Kalle and Eve there now, the pickings were thin. They''d told them to stop cooking to feed five.

    Then Kalle sucked in a breath. "I knew it!" she muttered.

    "What is it?" her grandmother asked from behind her.

    Kalle turned. "I mean, I already knew Dillon had to be the one to have said something to the Police. But now I''m certain."

    Eve turned in her chair, her silver hair swept beautiful back for her face and a soft scarf under her chin giving her the air of wealth and prestige that Kalle had always taken for granted, but after the stories that had been written about Shaw''s death, she? now realized how her grandmother must look to other people.

    "Certain, how?" Grandma asked quietly.

    "I was just thinking about the staff. They knew about Elia. They didn''t know her well, but they knew she was here. Yet the Police haven''t ever asked about her. That would have been suspicious, right? I mean, she left the same time Gahrye did. So that means that whoever the Police spoke to about Gahrye didn''t know about Elia. It had to be Dillon. He''s the only one."

    Eve nodded calmly. "You''re right."

    Kalle stared at her a moment, but she didn''t go on. Uh oh. "What''s wrong?"

    Eve turned back to the table and looked at the newspaper. "I just made my own little discovery," she said quietly.

    Shit. There had to be another story about Shaw''s "tragic" death. "What is it?" she asked.

    She pulled out the chair next to her grandmothers and Eve ced the newspaper in front of her, tapping a spot on the page. "Read that paragraph."

    Kalle scanned it quickly. But it just seemed like every other story she''d read recently¡ªthe Police had done a search¡­ lots of blood but no other evidence¡­ strange markings on the body, probably an exotic animal¡­.

    "What? I mean, we''ve seen all this before?" she said, re-reading the section in case she''d missed something.

    Eve nodded. "I missed it before, too. Remember when that Detective talked about how they''d already searched and found their evidence?"

    "Yes," Kalle said, frowning at the story. What had her grandmother seen?

    "They''re talking about blood evidence."

    "Yes? So? Shaw''s blood was everywhere. We never hid that from them."

    Eve nodded. "But he stabbed Gahrye first, remember?"

    Kalle felt like she''d taken a step and the ground had crumbled beneath her feet, spilling her into freefall.

    Shit.

    SHIT.

    "Gahrye''s blood¡­" she trailed off. Kalle stared at her grandmother, horror and dread making her skin crawl.

    Grandma nodded again, affirming everything Kalle didn''t want to see or hear. "They were taking sample evidence of all the different blood patches, Kalle. Even where Shaw got dragged by Elia. Gahrye was stabbed on the trail. There''s no chance they missed that. And if they got a sample of Gahrye''s blood, not only will they know that Gahrye was here when Shaw was killed, they''ll also see that his DNA is different."

    Ice slid the length of Kalle''s spine, prickling her skin and raising the hair on the back of her neck.

 Chapter 599: Dreams Come True - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 599: Dreams Come True - Part 1</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia came awake at some point, just for a moment, because Reth pulled her closer. And even as adrenalin shot through her body, when she felt his warmth, his solid bulk behind her, her breath came easier and she sank back into the dream, taking him with her¡­

    In the dream she was still sitting in bed, her stomach a wide, hard ball in front of her. But she didn''t feel weak. She didn''t feel afraid. She was certain.

    She sat in the furs, waiting for Reth to give her his attention. He stood next to the closet, putting on his clothes for the day and distracted.

    "Reth?"

    "Hmmmm?" he was choosing whether to wear his vest to the elder''s meeting or not.

    "Reth, I need to tell you something important."

    He dropped the vest then and turned to look at her, his brows high and gaze questioning.

    "What it is?"

    "Gahrye read the winds. There''s a great catastropheing. We aren''t sure what, exactly, only that it has to do with the humans and their weapons. And¡­ I wasn''t supposed to tell you, but you''ll keep this to yourself, right?"

    "Of course, but¡­ what are you talking about, Elia?" he asked breathlessly,ing to sit on the side of the bed and take her hand in his, his bronze skin glowing under the light of thenterns.

    She was so d she could tell him. That she didn''t have to carry this away from him.

    She pulled his hand into herp and held it in both of her own andid out the entire story.

    Gahrye, the disformed, weren''t disformed at all¡ªthey were tools of the Creator. Protectors. They had a skill and a purpose that wasn''t shared by any other tribe in the Anima. They were the key to avoiding theing sh with the humans. He couldn''t tell anyone because the Creator had made it clear: If anyone knew, anyone at all, it would end in disaster.

    He didn''t even question her. Elia almost cried with relief.

    "What do we do?" he asked, his face pale and drawn.

    "We have to strengthen them," she whispered. "We have to train them and test them and help theme into their own. They have to see what they have and learn to value themselves. But we can''t tell them why. They have to just¡­ grow. And then, when the timees, we''ll be prepared. They''re all we need, Reth. You believe me, right?"

    "Of course," he said quickly, reaching up to stroke the hair back from her face. "Of course."

    She sank back into the furs with a sigh of relief, resting as she was supposed to, knowing that her gorgeous, strong, powerful mate would take care of it. And so, she slept.

    But while she slept, he left the cave on the hunt for Behryn. Behryn knew how to train Anima, and wasn''t biased against the disformed. So Reth swore him to secrecy, but told him just enough of what was toe so that he could begin to identify strong disformed and bring them into the guard for training. Mentor them, and build them up.

    Behryn agreed. Reth was right. And he would keep the secret because the Creator had made it clear.

    But some of the strongest disformed were female, and he had to bring Aymora along to train them in skills the guard didn''t use.

    She wouldn''t tell anyone, because she understood and she was trustworthy. She didn''t even tell Reth that she''d been informed, it was that important that the secret stay secret.

    The only person she told was Jayah, who would be called in to help heal some of the disformed who were injured in training¡ªthey had to be kept strong! They had to be protected, even more than the others!

    And so, over weeks, and months, and years, many Anima came to know the prophecy. And they valued it. Valued the disformed, and sought the Creator''s way. Because it was clear, He had a n.

    But Elia stirred in her sleep, because this was not the way it was supposed to go. Locked in unconsciousness, she couldn''t warn them to stop talking. Couldn''t warn them that even in their good intentions, they breached the Creator''s will.

    And she could see the storm of humans¡ªtheir selfish intent, their technology, their weapons¡ªgathering on the other side of the portal like storm clouds pressing against the peak of the mountain.

    And then, just when Elia turned to Gahrye, to warn him of what she feared, the world exploded. And as she watched, every person she loved was consumed by the fire.

    Every. Single. One.

    Elia woke with a start, her heart pounding. Reth behind her, grunted and tightened his grip on her.

    "It''s okay, Love, It was just a dream. Don''t worry. I''m here."

    Elia''s breath rasped in and out of her throat. She was sticky with sweat, yet chilled to the bone. "Reth, I¡ª" she snapped her mouth shut. She''d almost told him! Almost exined why she was afraid!

    She''d almost breached the secret!

    Her breath shuddered out of her and he tightened his arms again, nuzzling her shoulder. "Shhhhh, Love, don''t be afraid. It''s okay. I''m here."

    "Oh, Reth," she sobbed and turned in his arms, lumbering, until she was curled into his chest, and he''d pulled her head under his chin, one hand stroking slowly up and down her back.

    "I''m here, Elia," he whispered. "I''m watching over you. Don''t be afraid. I will never let them hurt you."

    She''d thrown her arms around him and at those words, she sobbed again, pulling him in, tighter, always tighter. She could barely breathe, but she needed to be closer.

    But even as heforted her, soothed her with soft touches and an even softer voice, the conviction settled on her shoulders.

    She couldn''t tell him. Not a word. He would try to fix it. He would try to solve the problems for them. It was in him always to share her burdens. He would not let this rest. And he would bring others alongside to help as well, because that was what a good leader did.

    So as she clung, and cried, and he soothed her, believing she was afraid of being harmed by the wolves, she didn''t correct him.

    She didn''t say anything. She swallowed her secret down, and held to him.

    And resolved that Gahrye had to get over to the human world to find out more. He had to get to Kalle. And they couldn''t ask for help. They had to handle this themselves.

    There was such limited time.

    Then she slept again.

    **** WIN BIG PRIZES AT THE END OF THIS BOOK! ****

    I''m running 12 Days of Giveaways to celebrate Christmas and the end of King of Beast. For the first 12 days of December there will be big giveaways including paperbacks, t-shirts, mugs, webnovel coins, and MORE!

    To make sure you can ess ALL the giveaways, friend me on Facebook! (to find me quickly use:? bit.ly/aimeelynnfb ) There will be easy ways to enter from there each day (because I can include links) AND EXTRA GIVEAWAYS ONLY FOR FACEBOOK FRIENDS! See you there!

 Chapter 600: Dreams Come True - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 600: Dreams Come True - Part 2</h4>

    NOTE: Because BEAST will be ending during the month of December, it won''t be considered pleted" until the end of December. If you can''t afford the privilege in December, that''s totally fine! It''s an expensive month for everyone. Look forward to January when the book will bepleted and thest chapters will be released over the first 10-12 days for non-privilege readers!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye had been given a small butfortable tree to use as his own until his new home was built within one of the Great Trees. It was strange¡­ it was a perfectlyfortable house, and newer than his former home. But something felt wrong. It had taken him a couple of days to realize he kept looking for Kalle.

    He could not call a ce home until she was in it.

    His stomach ached when he figured it out. And his enthusiasm for the new, Great Tree house suddenly waned. Was there any point if she would never be here to do it? He''d told the craftsmen that he would choose a tree soon, that they could wait to hear from him. They''d been confused, but shrugged and gone back to their business.

    Now Gahrye slept¡ªor tried to¡ªin the narrow bed in one of the two bedrooms of the small home he''d been assigned. But his sleep was often fitful, and sometimes broken by dreams.

    Nightmares.

    That night he''d slumped into the furs after spending ate evening with the Outsiders, adding new furnishings to the cave and discussing how they could make their training more formal. More organized. Because he could see that it was needed, and he wasn''t sure how long he was going to continue in Anima to be able to fulfill the goal. So he needed to bring people on board with him.

    It was easy to get enthusiasm for training to be the Queen''s eyes and ears. Easy to gain agreement from disformed who wanted to share in the honor he''d received. But that didn''t mean they were the right ones.

    They needed to be tested. Their character molded.

    He wished Kalle was there with him to figure it all out.

    A thought which always led to concerns for his mate¡ªwas she safe? Was she happy? Was she staying out of the hands of that asswipe Dillon?

    Was she pregnant?

    His body shivered at the mix of joy and abject terror that apanied that thought.

    He had to get back to her. To find out what was true, and what wasn''t. Find out what the voices had twisted this time in an effort to derail him.

    If he was sure of one thing it was that he would not be tempted to listen to them again. The next time he crossed he would hear nothing that they said. He would walk quickly, single-mindedly. He would make the traverse and fall into her arms and whatever they had to face, they would face it. As long as they were together.

    He''d gone to sleep worrying about her, and so, inevitably, she invaded his dreams.

    First he dreamed that he crossed, only to find her in their bed, in the arms of the asswipe.

    Gahrye had torn him from the bed and beat him senseless, but Kalle had screamed the whole time that he had to stop. That he was her husband¡­

    When Gahrye stopped punching the now-unconscious Dillon, Kalle stood in front of him, naked, her belly swelling, but her face twisted in anger.

    "You left and you didn''te back. You are not my mate! Leave him alone!"

    He''d tried to exin, tried to plead with her to understand, but she''d pushed him away and reached for Dillon instead.

    He''d woken up in a cold sweat from that one.

    It was still early, the walls of the tree shifting from deepest ck, to darkest gray with the low light that seeped from behind the curtains from a sun that was barely beginning to rise. He''d only been asleep a handful of hours, but he was so wide awake, he knew he wouldn''t sleep again that day.

    Images of Kalle¡ªnaked and angry¡ªhaunted him when he tried to close his eyes, so he opened them and epted that it was time for his day to begin. But even as he dressed and made some breakfast, he couldn''t shake the weight in his stomach.

    The fear that the dream might have some truth to it.

    He had to get over there to find out.

    He was fed and out into the Tree City before the light even turned pink in the sky. He''d arranged to meet Suhle again that day, and he''d been arguing with himself about whether it was too soon to show her how to cross the traverse safely. But the dream only made him more resolved. He would attempt the crossing himself within a day or two. If anything happened to him, someone else needed to know the secret. To carry on the training.

    Suhle was perfect. Obviously the right kind of disformed.

    He would tell Elia that she knew how to cross¡ªthough not why he''d been charged with this knowledge. Just in case.

    Just in case.

    *****

    ELIA

    The second dream was even worse.

    She woke in the furs and Reth was gone. And she waited, but even Aymora didn''te. She wasn''t supposed to get up, but eventually she didn''t have a choice. Hunger and thirst forced her out into the cave. But even as she sucked down a mug of water and some dried meat, she could see that the cave was empty, and undisturbed. There was dust on every surface and no sound, anywhere.

    Chilled by fear, Elia put a hand to her belly and prayed for the safety of Elreth before she bundled herself in furs and started out of the cave, calling for Reth, for Aymora, for Gahrye¡­ for anyone?

    She got all the way to the market and, before she''d even broken through the trees, she could see shadows moving within it and hurried forward.

    But when she met the trail that led to the entrance, there was an army there.

    A human army.

    Men in green fatigues, with guns and helmets.

    When themander positioned at the back of them saw her emerge from the trees, he shushed her, gesturing for her to stop running, to crouch, to hide behind the army.

    "You can''t get through. They''re killing the Anima and I don''t want them to mistake you for one of them!" he whispered.

    As her rage erupted and she was about to leap into her beast to eat this infuriating man who could not be right, in the way of dreams, she was suddenly on the other side of the army, their guns trained on her.

    And one male at the front, his free eye squeezed shut, the other looking through the scope on his gun, muttered, "Get out of the way, we have to see if any of them are still alive."

    And she turned to look into the market. Which is when she realized that the shadows she''d seen weren''t Anima moving to find a meal¡­ they were bodies, strung from the beams that held the roof up.

    One by one she recognized Brant, Behryn, Aymora¡­ and then, with a hushed, NO, her eyes found Reth, his thick body slumped, hanging from the rope like a rag, his body slowly, slowly, turning until he faced her and she could see his face¡­ ck and swollen.

    The scream that tore out of her raised the roof as all the guns went off at once and her body clenched into nothing but pain.

 Chapter 601: Shared Purpose

    <h4>Chapter 601: Shared Purpose</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye sat on a rock alongside the river as Suhle crouched on the bank scrubbing what appeared to be most of her wardrobe and some items for arge male as well. Most likely Lerrin''s.

    When Gahrye finally found her there, he''d wanted to ask what had happened that she needed to clean everything¡ªand on a gray day like today. But she already seemed tense before he arrived, so he''d decided not to pry.

    They spoke of the things they''d scented the day before and how they might discern it more easily, and she seemed to rx until, as she spread another shirt over the nearby bushes, he decided to broach the real reason he''de looking for her.

    "I have a question to ask you, Suhle."

    She paused in stretching the fabric out over the leaves of the bush to nce at him. "I cannot take further responsibility now," she said quietly.

    Gahrye shook his head. "It isn''t a task that I want to ask you to do. Not exactly. I think¡­ I think I should tell you more of what I know about what''s happening among those Anima who carry that scent, Suhle. I have some responsibilities of my own to fulfill soon and¡­ should something happen to me, I think it''s important for others to know. You''re the only other one I''ve found yet. So, can I please tell you?"

    Her face went tight and shuttered. "I am not¡ª"

    "It is information only, Suhle. Please. In the event that something happens to me, you would only need to pass it on to anyone else that might have a simr purpose."

    She took a deep breath. "Very well, you may share it with me. But please¡­ find others as well, Gahrye."

    "I n to," he said simply. "That is my purpose. Okay, so, I told you that I had caught that scent on one other person before?"

    "Yes."

    "Well, yesterday when we spoke I was being cautious. I exined to you the evil that inhabits the traverse."

    "Yes." She turned back to the basket of dirty clothing and began to sort through, deciding what should be the next item to wash.

    "The thing I need you to understand is that those voices¡­ the evil within that ce¡­ it is not only an affect. An Anima who listens to them doesn''t merely step out of the traverse with their mind twisted. They are¡­ apanied."

    She had just crouched next to the water and plunged another shirt into it, but she froze, listening.

    Gahrye swallowed, praying she had both the courage to hear this, and the strength to keep it to herself. "The Anima that listen to the voices and give in to their temptations¡ªor their threats¡ªthey leave the traverse with something else within them. Infected by it¡ªnot just as if they are sick, though they are. But¡­ the man I spoke to described it as hearing them and, at times, being controlled by them. They had be a part of him, or at least they had ess to whatever it is that makes us human. His behavior changed when he was under the influence of these things¡ªand yet, they could also speak with him, give him information. And at times¡­ at times it seemed they did not affect him at all. Whether they were merely quiet, or not within him at those times, I do not know."

    She turned to meet his eyes, herundry forgotten. "You speak of a¡­ a supernatural connection, between us and these things?"

    Gahrye nodded. "I thought, because they are so deceitful, and so merciless, there was no way to identify those who were under their influence until they were caught in the act of evil. But yesterday has shown me¡ªwe do have ways to find them. But we also have to have caution. If they learn that we''vee to know of their presence¡ª"

    "Wait, please. You said they¡­ infect the person that gives in to them?"

    "Yes."

    "Does that mean they can then infect others through that person?"

    "I¡­ I believe so. But I can''t be certain."

    "It must be so," she said, her eyes dropping as she looked within. "It has to be."

    "How are you so certain?"

    Suhle straightened, the wet shirt in her hand, and turned to stare at him. "The wolves that I saw acting in those ways¡­ that scent upon them¡­ they had not all bee into this traverse. I''m almost certain of it. I''m sure most weren''t even aware of its existence."

    Gahrye swallowed. Even though he''d suspected that the reason the voices fought so hard to be attached to someone was because they could then be free to hurt others, to have confirmation would be¡­ unsettling. "Is there a way to be certain? Can you discreetly ask anyone who might know?"

    She turned, instinctively looking back towards Lerrin, he was sure.

    "Would he know?" Gahrye asked.

    "I can''t be sure¡­ but I can ask."

    She turned back and they stared at each other for a long breath. Then Gahrye sighed. "If you could, I would appreciate it. But I suspect we already know the answer."

    Suhle nodded, her face tight and concerned. "This is the darkness that infected the wolves," she murmured.

    "I don''t know¡­ I just know that the person I met who had been attached was frightening and ugly, and I wouldn''t want anyone I loved close to him."

    "How do we guard against them?" she asked faintly.

    Gahrye took a deep breath. "Your blood is a weapon."

    Her eyes snapped back to his face. "My¡­ blood?"

    Gahrye looked around, scenting the wind to ensure there was no one who hade close enough to overhear them, then he held her gaze again. "If you ever have need to cross the traverse, or know another disformed who does, know this: Wash yourself clean of any fresh blood. Then, as you prepare to enter, cut your skin. Your blood will not only open the portal, but close it to anyone who might try to follow you. And it will keep the voices at bay. You will still need to be resolved in yourself¡ªcertain of your path, and unwilling to turn from it. But as long as you are, they cannot touch you, or anyone you touch. If you take another through, keep contact with them at all times. You are a Protector, Suhle. And no one else can know of this unless you are certain they also have the gift."

 Chapter 602: Sisters at Arms

    <h4>Chapter 602: Sisters at Arms</h4>

    To attend my LIVE Q & A for the end of this book, or to more easily ess links and enter the daily giveaway draws, add me as a friend on Facebook ( go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb ) I will be going LIVE on Facebook on December 12th to celebrate (and grieve) the end of KoB!!!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Suhle stared at him, her eyes wide. Her throat bobbed with nerves, but when she answered it was only one word. "Okay."

    "Will you hold this secret for me until I return?" he asked her quickly. "I need to know that this knowledge isn''t lost if something happens to me."

    She nodded slowly. "But what if something happens to me, also?"

    Gahrye raked a hand through his hair. "I just pray that one of us survives until I can find more to join us," he murmured.

    "I will pray that for you also." They were both for another moment, lost in their own thoughts. Gahrye wondered if she really believed him, or if she was just humoring him. But she didn''t seem the type. Despite her kindness, there was a spine of strength within her. He could smell it.

    But then he learned her thoughts had taken a turn he didn''t anticipate.

    "If I were to¡­ to leave the Tree City¡­ this would allow me to take another with me?" she asked carefully.

    Gahrye looked a warning at her. "Don''t take this lightly, Suhle. Don''t believe that this gift gives you an easy passing through the traverse. It is currently closed because of Reth''s agreement with the Bears. But¡­ but if it should ever open, you cannot cross with any kind of selfish goal, or malice in your heart. If you lose to the voices, you lose everything¡ªand anyone with you."

    She paled and her face dropped like she was disappointed. Gahrye was d he''d warned her. He hadn''t thought about her deciding to try to use it!

    "I know it''s scary," he said quietly, "but we were made for this, Suhle, I''m certain of it."

    She nodded. "Us, I agree. But who else?"

    "I don''t know yet. But I''m certain there are more. If you meet any you believe have the purity of heart and the strength, bring them to me."

    She nodded, but she looked sad again. "Thank you for trusting me with this," she said quietly.

    "Thank you for listening."

    They were both quiet, then Gahrye pushed to his feet. "We''ll speak again I''m sure. In a couple of days, perhaps."

    "Perhaps," she said, then she blinked and looked up at him. "Are you well, Gahrye? This is a big purpose to carry, especially alone. I''m sorry I can''t be of greater support to you just now. Are you okay? Is anyone watching over you?"

    Gahrye snorted. "You know how it is."

    Her face fell. "Yes, I do," she said quietly. Then she stepped forward and took his hand. "I will watch for you," she said. "Whenever I am in a ce to do so. And I will lift you to the Creator¡ªyou and your purpose¡ªwhen I am not. If you need anything¡­ always speak with me if I am there. I can either help you, or assist in finding someone who can."

    "Thank you," he said, oddly touched. "And you can call on me, as well."

    She took a deep breath, then caught it and her eyes widened. "You are mated?" she asked quietly.

    Gahrye nodded, pride swelling his chest.

    "But she''s not here with you? You smell¡­ lonely."

    Gahrye''s pride deted like a popped dder. He huffed. "She''s human."

    Suhle''s brows rose. "Why not bring her here? In this way? Reth would understand¡ªis this not what he has done also?"

    "He is bound by the agreement with the bears," Gahrye said, trying not to let his resentment bleed through. "And she has other responsibilities that would keep her from taking the traverse, with or without me," he said sadly.

    "That is deeply painful. I understand the bond that cannot be fulfilled, Gahrye. My heart goes to you."

    Gahrye tested her scent, then blinked, surprised. "Your scent¡ª"

    "The bond was neverpleted."

    "Is that even possible?"

    "I pray it cannot be denied for much longer. I pray it is only a matter of time."

    "Me too, Suhle. Me too."

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia woke from her dream of everyone dead, sucking at the air and sitting almost upright before Reth caught her up in his arms.

    "Shhhhhh, shhhhhh, Love, it''s okay. It was a dream. It''s okay. Don''t be scared."

    It took a moment to be sure what was real. The images of those hanging bodies, that ckened face, shimmered over her sight of the furs, the bed, Reth''s legs extended next to her own.

    There were tears in her eyes, but she blinked them back. She needed to see clearly, to think clearly, to know what was real.

    Her hands had automatically gone to her stomach and she gripped it now, testing it. The pain that hit her in the dream when those bullets were fired had seemed real. But now, with her eyes open and blinking, it was as if her body only echoed a pain she''d once felt.

    Was it a dream? Had it all been a dream? Just a dream?

    She sat there for a long moment, her chest rising and falling too quickly, Reth''s arms around her. She blinked and blinked, felt all over her own stomach, checking and checking and checking. But there was no pain beyond the dull ache in her back, and none of the clenched muscles she''d had after thest contractions.

    "Oh, Reth," she breathed, her heart pounding so that she was sweating again.

    "What was it? Tell me. Get it out. It helps."

    She shook her head. "No. I will not speak that into the world. It was a lie. I will not let that be real," she said through her teeth, then she turned her head to meet his eyes. He''d sat up as well, looming over her even when they sat. His hair, falling from its tie, brushed around his face and shoulders.

    He was so precious.

    Elia swallowed more tears and lifted a hand to push his hair back off his face, then cupped his stubbled cheek. "I''m so, so grateful you''re here," she whispered.

    "Me too, Love," he croaked, pulling her into his chest and resting his temple on the crown of her head. "Me too."

    *** THE END IS NEAR - Got Questions? ***

    I''m putting together a reader Q & A for the end of BEAST. If you have any burning questions about the characters, my writing, the process of telling the story, or me as an author, please ask them in thements and I will add them to my list!

 Chapter 603: Anima Like You

    <h4>Chapter 603: Anima Like You</h4>

    IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PRIVILEGE BUYERS: I am getting so manyments from readers who feel like they''re being charged to "upgrade" for "nothing." I am so sorry that this system isplicated and you aren''t receiving what it feels like you should be receiving. I know how frustrating that is. Please, PLEASE read the author note at the bottom of my chapters that end in 5 or 0 (i.e. 520, 525) The SECOND HALF of that note exins what you receive in your second/ongoing resubscription months.

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    I hope this helps! (PS This was added to the chapter after publication so that you aren''t charged for these words.)

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He fareweled Suhle and started back towards the Tree City. There was a bubbling tension in him¡ªan awareness that every second took him closer to the moment when he would finally take the plunge and cross back to Kalle. Everything within him yearned to wait no longer, to simply go pack and bag and leave. But he knew he had to be wise about it. Not only for the sake of not angering the bears, but so that no one would notice his absence.

    This was a day he was to stay out of the way and not be seen by Reth or the other leaders or Cohorts. They had to get used to not seeing him for a day or two here or there, so that when he finally crossed, they wouldn''t think twice about it.

    So he took the trail through the City that led north. The only things back there were the sentries, some storage trees, and if he took the right branch he''d end up on a trail that would head Northwest and take him to the disformed cave.

    He''d spent some time with Suhle and the Tree City hade alive already. He could scent the cooking smells from the market, and at first even hear the hubbub of voices. But the deeper he walked into the forest the more the sounds and smells of his people were hidden from him, until he was walking, deep in thought and not really paying attention to his surroundings, his mind consumed with the questions about what Kalle was going through and what it would be like to hold her again.

    He''d just broken into a smile imagining her joy when he walked into the house again when the snap of a twig underfoot cracked through the forest ahead and his head snapped up. But it was just a merchant, a Goat, an older male that he knew from his days selling wares.

    Their eyes met and Gahrye gave him a half-smile. The male had always been standoffish, but their businesses had been somewhat inpetition¡ªthough the other male always sold far more than Gahrye ever did.

    He didn''t return Gahrye''s attempt at a smile, and Gahrye was going to walk on and ignore it, but as they brushed arms on the narrow path, the male muttered, something about him being back to take up space again.

    Gahrye''s stomach clenched, but he forced himself to keep his voice calm as he stopped and turned to face the male who''d kept walking.

    "You don''t need to worry, I''m the Queen''s Advisor now and that takes all of my time, so I won''t be selling on the mall anymore."

    The male stopped dead and turned to face him, his face twisted into a dark sneer. "I am not worried about you¡ªthough given what we''ve been through, you have no business being in that kind of position. Our people need strength now, not Anima like you."

    Rage fizzed in Gahrye''s chest. "Anima like me?"

    The males nostrils red. "You stink. You are a liar and a maniptor. The Queen may have fallen to your deceit, but I do not. You and your people are nothing but a drain on our already taxed people. I don''t know why the Creator even made the disformed anyway¡ªI pray he doesn''t make more." Then he turned on his heel and started down the trail again.

    Gahrye knew he should leave it. Let the man carry his poisonous hate with him and ignore the ignorance and hate he brought. But then he remembered Kalle, staring at him like he was amazing, and her words for him to understand his own value. To value what he brought to the world.

    And he thought of the Creator''s purpose for him. Would He give Gahrye such a task if Gahrye was worthless?

    Was Gahrye worthless if he left his heart in the human world and came here to protect the Queen and fulfill his duty even at cost of his own mate?

    This male knew NOTHING.

    He wasn''t even aware of crossing the widening gap between them, until he had a hand on the male''s shoulder and whipped him around.

    The male bleated a protest, but Gahrye plowed a forearm into his face, and the male''s head snapped back with a cry of pain. But Gahrye didn''t stop.

    As he tripped the male and took him to the ground, this male¡­ this male became the face of every male who had ever sneered, jeered, or harmed Gahrye or any other disformed.

    As he cried out and threw his arms over his head in an attempt to ward himself from the blows that Gahrye rained on him, it was useless. He had never been a fighter. Had only ever used his words as weapons.

    Gahrye wondered if he would do it again after this?

    "You see nothing. You know NOTHING," he snarled through his teeth as the male curled up on the ground. "Your hate blinds you to everything of value!"

    Gahrye lifted a foot to kick the male in his stomach, and froze.

    The male had one hand up t, a protest and a plea. The other arm was curled over his head, and his body curled on itself in an attempt to protect his vulnerable stomach and organs from Gahrye''s onught.

    The urge was there to simply kill the goat. To show him what happened to anyone who underestimated Gahrye. But something in his stomach twisted at the idea.

    Would he really be the aggressor? The wrongdoer? Because of his own pain?

    Gahrye straightened and the male twitched, but continued to cower. Gahrye''s lip curled up.

    "You speak to the Queen''s Cohort. You speak to the Queen''s Advisor. Honored by the King," he snarled. "If you cannot see my value, that is your loss. But if I ever find out that you have spoken this way to another disformed¡ªespecially the young¡­ if I find out that you demean your own people simply because of their difference to you, I will hunt you down, and you will not survive the encounter, do you hear me?"

    "Yes! Yes!"

    "I will not hesitate to let you meet the Creator you are so certain thinks as you do," he growled. "Is that what you want?"

    "No! No, I¡­ I''m sorry. I won''t¡­ I shouldn''t have¡­"

    "Go," Gahrye spat. "Get out of my sight."

    The male scrambled to his feet, one arm held to his stomach, and without hesitation, began to sprint towards the Tree City. Gahrye watched him go¡ªthe fear in his eyes when he looked over his shoulder, and for a moment there was a gleam of pleasure in his chest.

    But it didn''tst.

    As he started back up the trail in the opposite direction, something ugly twisted within him. He''d just¡­ attacked that man. Hadn''t even thought about it. Just¡­ unleashed. A man he knew to be weaker than himself, and not trained.

    Not only was it in poor taste, but it would do nothing to improve that male''s perspective on the disformed.

    He could not be what he hated in others.

    And he could not afford to defend his position, his purpose. He couldn''t speak of it, or in defense of it. He had to let people keep thinking these things. That was the whole point.

    Humility.

    Gahrye shook his head. It always came back to swallowing it down. The Creator always put him in a position that he had to just¡­ suck it up.

    His entire body began to shake in anger and fear, and without though, Gahrye began to run.

    But he couldn''t escape the scent of the male now on his skin, or the memories of the look on the male''s face.

    All Gahrye knew in that moment was that if he did have offspring waiting for him with Kalle, they were better off in the human world so they never have to face that kind of hate.

 Chapter 604: Just Say No

    <h4>Chapter 604: Just Say No</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia woke to the cave bright with the lights of thenterns, but no noise. No Aymora bringing medicine, and no Reth having whispered meetings with anyone. Everything was¡­ quiet. Peaceful. Lovely. She sighed happily.

    Though Elia''s first few days back in Anima were a blur now, thest few had been¡­ almost peaceful. She still found herself hunted by fear, but all the rest was doing her good. She had gained a little bit of weight and was sleeping better. And as she assessed herself she was certain¡­ she felt better today than she''d felt in weeks¡ªand stronger, too. It helped that she hadn''t had any contractions, or had to take any tonics for several days. She didn''t even get the cramps on the side of her huge belly when she breathed deeply. Elia felt almost normal¡ªand definitely rested, a sensation she hadn''t enjoyed since before she left Anima to begin with.

    The same couldn''t be said for Reth. She was worried about him. He''d been running from one end of the City to the other every day to be with her as much as possible, never leaving her for more than two or three hours. But it meant he crossed the City several times a day, and often met with councils at night there in the Cave. It seemed like every time she woke in the night he was already awake¡ªand usually before she woke in the morning as well. She''d caught him taking deep, slow, intentional breaths more than once, and he''d admitted he was feeling the stress of everything that was happening. But he assured her it was just an exercise to calm his body and allow him to rest.

    But the night before he''d finally slept. And this morning when she woke she was careful? not to move. Not that it mattered in the end. Reth was still deeply asleep. She thanked the Creator. This was the first morning since she''d returned that he didn''t have any meetings and they''d both been eager to spend it together. But she was determined to make sure he slept as long as he could. The shadows under his eyes and lines in his face had been frightening the night before.

    So shey as still and quiet as she could, but watched him, his massive chest rising and falling slowly. His handsome fast half-hidden by a curtain of his hair that had pulled out of its tie in the night. His great shoulders, rippled even when they were rxed, curled forward.

    Staring at him like this, she ached. Her eyes followed the deep lines down his neck to that divot between his corbones, then traced the muscles in his broad arm thaty on the bed between them, fully rxed. His thick, but so talented fingers, half-curled into the furs.

    The furs had slipped down almost to his waist, baring his bronze chest and that bare spattering of hair across his pecs that was so soft and always seemed vulnerable to her. A strand of his hair fluttered in front of his mouth and she wanted to push it back off his face, but was afraid she''d wake him if she did.

    So instead, she justy there and took him in, shaking her head in disbelief that this adonis loved her.

    The tingling began between her legs and she wanted to curse. The better she''d felt, the more rested she''d be, the more her body began to ache. She knew they weren''t supposed to in case they started the contractions again. But the night before when she''din there, awake as Reth slept, her breath hade faster, imaging his hands stroking her sides, her breasts, sliding up the inside of her thigh¡­

    She almost groaned as desire for him red in her belly and her whole body came alight. She was torturing herself with no way to¡ª

    "Well, good morning." Reth''s voice was rough and husky and only made her heart leap higher¡ªwhich in turn just lit the fire insider her hotter.

    "Did I wake you?" she whispered. "You can go back to sleep¡ª"

    But Reth growled and reached out, cupping his hand at her lower back and sliding her right up against his belly¡ªwhere his own body made it very clear what had woken him. With a low growl, he nuzzled at her neck, holding her against him.

    "I can smell you," he rasped in her ear, then teased the lobe with his teeth.

    Elia''s breath caught and she smiled. "I''m feeling good this morning," she whispered, then caught his neck when he started to pull away and took his mouth.

    For a long moment they kissed, their tongues dancingzily. Elia sighed into his mouth and arched¡ªstill no pain¡ªpulling him closer, her breathing faster.

    She could feel his arousal pressing against her belly, and it made her ache. She wanted him, so badly. She needed him.

    It was, she realized, part of why she was still afraid. Although having sex with Reth wasn''t going to magically remove her trauma of the past few months, there was no doubt that having him inside her, connecting with him that way was crucial. She needed to be close to her mate¡ªneeded to know he was close to her. And there was no closer they could get than to join.

    But as she slid her hand down his belly to take him in hand, Reth hissed and pulled away. "Elia, stop," he croaked. "We can''t. Aymora said I can''t even pleasure you in case it brings the baby early."

    Elia groaned¡ªand tears pinched her eyes. "Reth, I miss you so much," she breathed. "It''s been almost ten days¡ªand she said two weeks was safe. I haven''t had a cramp or a contraction in days, and I my beast hasn''t been a problem either. I''ve beenying on my ass all this time and¡­ I need you. I love you and I need you," she whispered.

    She pushed herself up on one elbow, letting the furs slide down to her waist so she was bare to his eyes¡ªthat immediately dropped to her breasts¡ªand she took his face in her hands. "Please, Reth." Then she kissed him.

 Chapter 605: Solid

    <h4>Chapter 605: Solid</h4>

    RETH

    Reth groaned when her lipsnded on his and she tasted him with her tongue. For a moment he lost himself in her warm softness, letting his hand drift up to cup her full breast, thumbing her nipple until it rose under his touch and stood so hard and proud it made his body scream for release.

    Elia was already panting, her kisses bing desperate and the instinct was there to simply take her¡ªto give in to the ache and the drive he''d been fighting all these days. But then he remembered Aymora''s rage about his selfishness, the risk to the baby.

    "No, Elia. Stop!" He pulled away, panting, but she followed him, leaning over him, his face in her hand and her breasts pressed against his arm and chest. He tried to fight her, but didn''t want to hurt her either and she had him pinned against the furs. Short of tossing her aside and sliding out of the bedpletely, he needed to talk some sense into her.

    "Elia," he said against her mouth, then sucking on her tongue when she licked his lip.

    Down boy.

    "Elia," he tried again, turning his head away so she could tempt him that way, but that just bared his neck to her, and the vixen opened her mouth over the tendon there, licking and sucking her way up in a way that made his skin prickle and his hands itch to pull her closer. "Elia, we have to stop. We can''t risk Elreth."

    "We won''t, I''m certain of it," she whispered, then kissed her way along his jaw. "I don''t know how to exin it, Reth, but I feel¡­ solid inside. It''s like¡­ it''s like everything is as it should be. I haven''t felt that way in months. It''s going to be fine. We need to be together¡ª"

    "But Aymora said¡ª"

    "Aymora has been amazing and I''m so grateful for her, but she''s living in her own pain and fear right now. And I have been. I don''t want to do that anymore, Reth. I want to live in love. Your love."

    "You have my love already," he gasped as she scooted until her belly rested on his, and slid her hand down his belly again until she found him there, full and ready, hard as a rock and aching for her. "You''ll always¡ªoh, shit," he hissed when she palmed him, stroking and rubbing her breasts on him at the same time. "Elia¡ª"

    His voice was strangled even to his own ears. When had he put his hand in her hair and pulled her closer? When had she shifted so he could get that palm to her breast and thumb the peak again. Yet there she was, full and ready in his hands, her breath panting and heavy, her body trembling. And¡­ he could smell her desire, pure and pungent. She ached for him as badly as he ached for her.

    The mating call rolled out of his throat and she responded, though it was muffled because she''d just opened her mouth on his neck again.

    "Elia," he whispered. She hummed into his mouth, sucking on his tongue, and he forgot what he''d been about to say as her grip on him slickened and became more determined. His body shook with desire, his breathing in short gasps because she was pumping him slowly, exactly the way he liked. In fact, if she didn''t stop he was going to¡ª

    With a growl, he rolled her onto her back, pushing onto his elbow so he could lean over her without leaning on her stomach, but he caught her hand and drew it up his stomach, to his chest. "Stop, or it won''t even be an option anymore," he whispered, then nipped that little triangle of skin under her ear.

    Goosebumps bloomed on her skin all the way down her side. With a hum of approval he drew his hand down her arm, down her side, to cup her ass and stroke her thigh, smiling smugly at her gooseflesh even there.

    She lifted her knee andid her leg over him, then arched so he found that crease between her stomach and thigh. His entire body shuddered as she writhed gently against him.

    "Stop," he gasped. "You have to stop."

    "Not unless you''re going to love me, Reth," she said, nudging against him again. Her breast bobbed against her arm and he almost came when she smiled.

    "Fuck, I love you, Elia," he rasped, then put his hand to her waist and held her there as firmly as he dared. "Which is exactly why I can''t do this. I can''t risk you, or Elreth or¡­ or anything. Not for a few minutes of pleasure."

    She tried to nudge against him again, but he held her down and raised an eyebrow in disapproval until she slumped back, her forehead crinkling into lines.

    Then his heart sank, because silver lines appeared on hershes. "Reth¡­ please."

    "Elia, this isn''t no because I don''t want you¡ª"

    "I know, that''s not what I meant. Don''t you see? We don''t know what''s going to happen. We don''t know how hard the delivery is going to be, or what might happen¡­" She didn''t want to say that she might die, and he didn''t want her to say it either, didn''t want her to even think it. But their eyes locked and it passed between them¡ªthe fear, the yearning, the sheer demand that they resist it.

    Then she put both hands to his face, her eyes still shining and her lip trembling. "If something happens to me, Reth, if I''m injured or¡­ or worse¡­ I don''t want to go without having you close. I don''t want to walk into whatever ising without being close to you again. Please. Please?"

    He stared at her, blinking in shock. He''d never thought about¡­ it had never urred to him¡­

    Thest time? It couldn''t be thest time. It couldn''t be thest opportunity. That was¡­ uneptable.

    He almost said as much, but he saw the shadows of fear and anger in her eyes¡ªnot at him, but at the position they found themselves in. He saw how she ached, and what she wanted¡­

    "Please, Reth," she said, pulling him down slowly. And he went. Creator forsake him, he let her pull him closer and closer until their lips met.

    Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and took his mouth, and Reth was lost.

 Chapter 606: The Other Part of Me

    <h4>Chapter 606: The Other Part of Me</h4>

    ELIA

    The threat that Reth might say no had kept Elia on the edge of tears. She felt vulnerable and frightened in an entirely new way¡­ as if being apart from him meant something was broken. She''d always wanted him, always had passion for him¡ªand missed him, ached for him when they weren''t close. But this was something different. A need for him born not of the heat of desire, or even love, but of connection.

    He was the other piece of her and without him she had been iplete.

    Knowing what she faced and how easily it could all go wrong¡ªacknowledging that they might have only days left together, that she might die having never been with him again¡ªpanicked her. It wasn''t her body that needed him, as much as her soul.

    "¡­I don''t want to go without having you close. I don''t want to walk into whatever ising without being close to you again. Please. Please?" She held his face in her hands and he searched her eyes, fear warring with desire and yearning in his gaze.

    ment

    She was begging, and the only thing she cared about was if he said no.

    "Please, Reth." She tugged him closer, heard his breath give in a sigh as he inched closer.

    Then suddenly, he stopped resisting. Still on one elbow and leaned over her, he groaned and took her mouth, his handing around to hold her at her lower back and pull her into his chest.

    The kiss was deep and desperate and her heart sang a hallelujah that almost brought her to tears again. But she knew¡­ she knew this was thest time. That whatever they faced wasing and that she would be strong enough to meet it if she only had him this once, if she could take this memory with her.

    With a whimper of joy, she sank into his kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck, gripping his back, pulling him tight.

    "Oh, Elia," he breathed, but didn''t wait for her to answer, just took her lips again, the groan of the mating call vibrating in his chest.

    The hand at her back slid down, first to cup her ass and squeeze, still holding her as close as her huge belly would allow, then down the back of her thigh, his fingertip dancing along the seam of her, making her shiver even as he stroked further down her leg, cupping her thigh and lifting her leg to pull it over his own.

    They were stered together under the furs, their twin breaths already panting, Elia literally shaking with need for him. But Reth wasn''t to be denied.

    When she tried to arch, seeking him, he dropped his kiss to her neck, slowly, slowly, with soft lips and a t tongue, tasting his way from her ear to her shoulder.

    "Patience, beautiful," he chuckled when she tried to arch into him, but her belly, already pressed hard against his stomach, wouldn''t let her.

    "Reth, I''m not ying. I want you so badly."

    "I know, Love. I know. Me too. But let me take my time," he whispered, leaning up again to meet her eyes. "Let me savor you."

    Elia''s breath rushed out. She wanted to be savored. She wanted to feel every inch of him. To wallow in him. She wanted to build memories that wouldn''t leave her even in the next life.

    "Reth, I love you so much."

    His brows pinched together over his nose as he traced her face with a gentle finger. "I love you too, Elia. You are the most precious thing in the world to me."

    Neither of them spoke of the precious bundle growing inside her, because this was a moment for them. But she knew his thoughts turned to Elreth, just as hers had.

    But then there was no more talking. With a tormented groan, Reth kissed her, desperately, his breathing ragged. His hands yed over all of her skin¡ªher thighs, her belly, her back, her breasts. He had her pulled so close and her belly was so big, she could barely move. It was wonderful to be in his arms and pinned by his strength¡ªthough hey alongside her, unwilling to put any pressure on her stomach. So she curled as close to him as she could, tracing the lines of his back, those thick, rippled muscles, and that long dip that followed his spine.

    And when he found her warmest, most sensitive skin with his talented fingers, she gasped and turned to liquid in his hands.

    Her body was a marvel, as if all the pain and destruction this pregnancy has wrought on it had also, impossibly, opened her further to him. When he touched her she felt it to the soles of her feet. And within seconds, as he yed and pressed, stroked and stimted, she found herself shuddering, gasping, crying his name.

    "Oh, fuck, Elia," he rasped when she came apart in his arms. His arousal pressed against her side and he rocked against her, just once, then groaned.

    Elia, still gasping, pulled him closer. "Please¡ª"

    "Perhaps that''s enough," he gasped, though his voice sounded tortured. "It''s safer¡ª"

    "No!" she cried and, with hands that still trembled, gripped his face again and forced him to see her. "Reth, I need you. I need to be with you. Please!"

    He groaned and his kiss became erratic as he pushed a knee between her thighs and, already so sensitive, she gasped again at the pressure.

    But her belly¡­ her huge stomach was in the way and for a moment he was at a loss. His breath tore in and out of his throat, and his kiss didn''t stop, but she felt him shift once, then again, aborting any attempt to mount her because he was afraid that his weight might hurt her or Elreth.

    Then suddenly, he rolled away and Elia grabbed for him. "Reth! No! Please!"

    "Shhhhhh, it''s okay. I''m not leaving you. I have an idea," he whispered, sitting up and straightening his long legs in front of him.

    Then he turned his head and grinned down at her wickedly. "Come up here." He patted his thighs, and his eyes twinkled.

    Elia blinked, but smiled and pushed herself to all fours. Her back ached, but she pushed the pain away. She didn''t care. She just needed her mate. Her husband. Her Pair.

    But as she leaned on his shoulders and began to lift a leg, he shook his head.

    "No, not that way," he said, his voice so deep it seemed to vibrate from the stones below. "Turn around, Elia. Trust me."

    It was awkward for a moment. She was heavy and unused to her unwieldy body. But Reth''s hands were gentle, guiding her to turn and face his feet, then he helped her lift a leg over his thighs.

    "Kneel for a second, Love. Grip my legs, use them to hold onto," he whispered, stroking her back and buttocks, his voice hoarse.

    She did as he''d said, a little uncertain, and felt him moving behind her. "You''re too far away," she said in a pathetic voice.

    "Not for long," he rasped. Then, leaning over her back, he took himself in hand and found the center of her, where she ached. He stroked with his fingers once, twice, and she shivered as her skin tingled all over.. Then, with a gentle hand between her breasts, he pulled her slowly, slowly back onto him, entering her in one, long, slow slide that widened Elia''s eyes and dropped her jaw.

 Chapter 607: Safe Within

    <h4>Chapter 607: Safe Within</h4>

    RETH

    Reth groaned with the sheer ecstasy of being inside her again. It was not only his favorite ce to be, but it fed something deep at his core, something entirely un-physical.

    Lord, he''d missed her.

    When he was seated all the way, his breath puffing in her hair, he pulled her back, pressing her up and against him, both hands sliding to find her breasts and hold the weight of them in his palms once her back rested against his chest.

    Her skin pebbled and her nipples, already hard, pressed like rivets into his palms. She''d warned him she was tender there so he was careful. But from the way she pressed into his hands and sighed, he gathered she enjoyed the touch.

    Then she let her head drop back onto his shoulder and she rocked her hips, and he almost came on the spot.

    They both groaned. Elia''s hands slid up, up over his own hands cupping her, then up her shoulders, and back, up, to find his neck, his hair, her elbows high as she sped her hands behind his neck to keep him close¡ªthe position only raising her full, heavy breasts higher.

    The feeling of her fingers sliding through his hair, along his scalp, sent goosebumps chasing each other in waves down his back and he groaned again.

    Elia whispered his name and began to rock and even though he wanted to be so careful, he was at the mercy of her, his body ame and driven to reach for her, to press into her, to meet her need.

    The position left her entire body open to his hands and, with his chin on her shoulder so he could watch her breasts bob, watch her body writhe, he began to stroke and slide, letting his fingers dance along her sides, then down her thighs almost to her knees, then dragging them back up the insides of her legs where she straddled him.

    The tiny hairs on her legs stood tall under his touch, and if he''d had any room to think, he would have been smug about the whimper that broke in her throat. But he was as desperate for her as she was for him, and this all felt too right, to perfect, to be broken by anything other than sheer love.

    They rocked together, finding the rhythm that made her breathe faster, that made her fingers grip and her eyes flutter closed.

    Reth needed to grit his teeth against the pleasure of it all. He didn''t want toe too quickly. But it had been so long and she was so lovely.

    "Creator''s Light, Elia," he croaked, nipping at her neck and rolling this thumbs gently over her nipples that had darkened and thickened in pregnancy. "You''re so beautiful."

    ''I need you, Reth!" she panted, rocking faster, gripping his neck harder. "Please!"

    He had to take his eyes off the way her breasts jiggled or he wasn''t going tost, so he turned his face into her neck, dropped his lips to the scars from the iming,ving the spot where her shoulder met her neck with his tongue.

    "I love you, Elia," he rasped, his hands at her hips, pulling her into him, praying he did her no harm as his need increased. "I love you."

    "I love you, Reth!" she cried, her voice high and frail. Still arched backwards, she was riding him? now, and her voice began to break at the peak of each roll, crying his name in a gasp. He yearned to have her closer, always closer, their bodies stered together, and his arms around her, pulling her in tight.

    He curled himself around her, putting their bodies in contact at every point avable, yearning for her. He wished he could take her within himself, hold her away from the world, do whatever needed to be done for her, certain he was strong enough to meet what he had to face. He only wanted her safe!

    Her warm softness called to him and he groaned the mating call. Her head tipped back again when she replied and their voices echoed in the cave together, rhythm and counterpoint to their bodies.

    Then Reth let his hand slide down, following the line of her swollen belly, to that space between her thighs above where they were joined.

    Still sensitive, she jolted when he found her, clenching around him tighter and he bellowed with his need for her.

    "Don''t let go! Don''t let go!" she cried, her arms still high as she clutched at his shoulders.

    "Never," he rasped, sliding his fingers against her and feeling her shiver. "Never. You''re mine, Elia. Only mine!"

    Sliding his finger from where they were joined, up to that bundle of nerves that set her alight, he felt her crest the wave again, screaming his name, her body tight and tense, her breath catching, body arching, on and on until she shuddered and her body jolted again.

    Grasping her hips, Reth pulled her against him two more times before he gave in, roaring his im to her and defying any one, anything to try and take her from him.

    Then his body shoulders finally slumped. Wrapping his arms around her, dropping his chin to her shoulder, he held her to him, both of them trembling.

    They sat that way for a full minute, both of them blinking, breathing, trying to find themselves again in the wake of that wave.

    Elia''s breath heaved, her shoulders rising and falling with it, and for a moment Reth was concerned.

    "Elia," he croaked, his voice deep and jagged. "Are you¡ª"

    "I''m fine," she panted. "I''m really fine, Reth. Oh, thank the Creator. I needed you so badly."

    He sighed with relief and kissed her hair. She turned her head, leaning slightly to reach his mouth with her own and he held her face as he kissed her, letting his lips tell her how he still needed her. How he loved her.

    When their breathing was beginning to return to normal, he whispered to her to hold his arms. Then he gripped her close and shifted,ying them on their sides on the furs so she used his arm as a pillow and he spooned her, but she could rx.

    Still within her, he kissed her neck again, let his hands roam all over her body, his knees fitting behind hers.

    "Never, ever stop loving me, Reth," she whispered, tracing the lines in the palm of his hand that was extended in front of her.

    He curled his fingers over hers, catching her hand and kissed her neck again.

    "Never, Elia," he whispered. "Never."

    **** ARE YOU A FAN OF XINCERELY? ****

    If so, make sure and visit one of her books this week and tell her HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It''s her birthday week and she''s a wonderful woman. Show her some love!

 Chapter 608: Worth It

    <h4>Chapter 608: Worth It</h4>

    READER? SHOUT OUT: Thank you Janell_Apple for suggesting the song "All for You" by The Light the Heat for one of my ylists. It''s SO PERFECT for this scene. If you have a chance, listen to it while you''re reading!

    *****

    ELIA

    She felt his grip on her hand slowly rx as he drifted into a doze, and she smiled,ying a gentle kiss on his bicep under her cheek.

    She didn''t want to sleep. She''d already slept¡ªbetter than him¡ªand now her entire body hummed with pleasure and with an odd kind of peace.

    Her fear of the future had not left her. But having Reth that way, then curling up like this with him¡­ everything felt right.

    A niggle of fear poked at the back of her mind¡ªher body was not supposed to be doing this right now. But with careful thought and gentle probing, tensing and releasing muscles, and breathing deeply, she examined her own body for any pain or warning. And there was none.

    Praise the Creator. There was none.

    She huffed happily and let her fingers curl into his palm. His grip on her had released entirely, but even that small touch of his hand resting on hers felt precious.

    She let her eyes follow the long length of his forearm, the lines in it, the veins that popped and showed such strength. The broad back of his wrist, those little bones pushing against the skin¡­ the tendons on the back of his hand standing proud even though his fingers were rxed.

    He was simply and purely beautiful. Her big, strong male, her mate. The weight of him over and around her felt like safety. The soft rush of his breath in her hair felt like love.

    He was, all at once, so vulnerable and so strong. So capable.

    She was the most blessed woman in the world¡ªin any world¡ªand she knew it. Despite her fear, despite the unknowns toe, she was grateful for this moment. So grateful. Because, at least for now, they were all together. They were in love. And they were safe. Even Elreth.

    They were all safe.

    Thank you, she prayed, a tear sliding down her cheek to plop onto Reth''s arm.

    "What''s wrong?!" he came awake with a startle, beginning to roll up, to look at her, but she shushed him, and held his arm down.

    "Nothing''s wrong, Reth. I''m wonderful," she whispered. "Go back to sleep if you can."

    "Are you certain? Are you hurting? Is there¡ª"

    "I''m fine, Reth. Please. Rx. I''m fine. Elreth is fine. We''re all just fine."

    He heaved a sigh and slumped back down onto the pillow. She waited in case he would sleep again, but soon he''d pulled his hand back up tob through her hair, pulling it back from her face.

    "I think your hair is my favorite smell," he said a momentter, his voice rumbling in his chest, vibrating against her back. "I mean, other than your desire."

    Elia groaned and put a hand over her face. "That is something I doubt I''ll ever get used to in this world," she said.

    "Please don''t," he said simply. At first she thought he was teasing, but he sighed. "Elia, it is the greatest privilege of my life to be the male that ignites desire in you. The greatest privilege of my life to be the male who is given your body. Please, don''t ever be tired of it. I never will."

    She was so touched, her eyes swam with tears again. Stupid pregnancy hormones.

    "Wait until I''m wrinkled and shriveled like a prune," she said, trying to ward off the emotion. She wanted to be happy! "Then you might be d if I''m not so free with all of this," she quipped.

    Reth growled and put his teeth to her neck, clutching her to his chest. He nipped her there and she shivered, goosebumps rising on her arm.

    *****

    RETH

    He was awash with emotion¡ªsated desire, unsatisfied need, love that seemed too big to be contained by his skin. Love too big for a lifetime. He wanted all of it at once, and none of it, so it wouldn''t pass. But he knew her words had been a niggle of her fears, and so he told her the pure truth.

    "No matter what happens, no matter how long we live, no matter how old we might be¡ªor how wrinkled¡ªI will never stop wanting you, Elia."

    She sighed happily, nestling back into his chest. "What about when there''s a baby, though?" she said hesitantly. "When we aren''t getting any sleep and I have bags under my eyes, and saggy boobs, and¡ª"

    "You''ve already got the bags," he said, then giggled like a child when she made an indignant noise. They finally slipped apart as she rolled in his arms, awkwardly with the weight of her stomach. But he helped her turn and let her rest her belly on his thigh so it wouldn''t pull down on her back so much.

    When they were finallyfortable and facing each other, he stroked her hair back from her temples and held her beautiful blue eyes with his own so she''d know he was serious.

    "I cannot wait for Elreth to arrive, to have both of you in my arms," he said, clearing his throat of the sudden clench of emotion. "I know it will be hard, and different, and¡­ it will challenge us, Elia. But I think we''ve already proven our love can withstand anything. Don''t you?"

    She nodded, but her smile was watery. "I think I''m being selfish," she admitted finally. "You already have so little time. I''m afraid of losing more of that with you. Of having to share you¡­ or that I''ll be so tired and consumed with this little life that I won''t be able to love you like I should. I''ve seen women who have babies, Reth. Even when they''re happy, they''re exhausted."

    He nodded. "As have I," he said somberly. "I''m not saying we won''t meet challenges, Elia. I''m saying the challenges will be worth it."

    She stroked his chest with her little fingers, but she was nodding.

    "Tell me what is going to make it worth it," she whispered, and he heard the ring of fear underlying the question.

    He pulled her in tight, tucking her head under his chin and stroking her back. "Well, I imagine it will be different for you, but for me¡­ seeing her smile at me for the first time," he said, his voice hoarse. "Hearing herugh. Seeing you hold her with that soft look you get on your face when you love someone¡­ you''re never more beautiful, Elia.

    "And in those moments when she''s asleep and we''re alone¡­ those will be precious too," he rumbled. "Even more precious, I think."

    "You won''t be able to roar," Elia said slyly. "You''ll wake her up."

    "My daughter will never be afraid of roaring," he said primly. "And with as much as I love you, she better get used to it¡ª"

    "Reth! Gross!"

    He chuckled and squeezed Elia tighter.

    She sighed happily.

    "I can''t wait to see you hold her," she said after a breath. "That tiny little baby in your great big arms. You said I''m beautiful when I love something, but you''re sexy when you''re tender. I''ve seen you with the little ones before and it always makes me want you¡­ oh dear, we are going to have a problem," she said nervously.

    "What''s that?" he tensed. What had she thought of?

    But Elia pulled her head out from under his chin to look up and meet his eyes. "Watching you love our daughter is going to make me want you even more!" she whispered urgently. "She really is going to have to get used to the roaring."

    And she looked so disturbed by the idea, Reth''sughter boomed about the cave.

 Chapter 609: Plans for Peace

    <h4>Chapter 609: ns for Peace</h4>

    RETH

    Theyid in bed for another hour, dozing and talking. At one point Elia frowned.

    "What about when she isn''t a baby anymore?" she asked. "Where will she sleep?"

    "Well¡­ here," Reth said, blinking. "Why?"

    "Here? In our bed?"

    He''d huffed. "Where else? Where do you think I slept?"

    "You slept in your parents room? When you were a¡­ a child? A teenager?"

    "Well, I''ll admit there were times I found my own space when I was older, but as a child, yes. Do humans not sleep that way?"

    "NO!" Elia recoiled, pushing away from him. "Reth, I''m not having sex with you in a room where our child is sleeping!"

    He pulled his head back, his initial reaction was to fight her, after all, Anima had slept in family groups for millennia. But she looked so horrified¡­ and as he thought about it, when they were children she''d had her own room. All of the human''s he''d met had.

    "Well, okay," he said rubbing his chin. "I hope you won''t put her out too early. She''ll need to be close to us while you''re nursing. But I can speak to the masters about making another bedroom¡­ or two."

    Her eyes widened. "Two?"

    Reth cleared his throat. "Just in case."

    Her face softened and she threw herself back into his chest. "Wouldn''t that be wonderful, Reth? If we could have a baby in a normal way? I mean, just¡­ you know, be living our lives and¡­"

    "Yes, Love. I''d like that." He felt the wetness of her tears on his corbones again and held her close knowing her mind had tripped back to the dangers, just as his had. "Please don''t cry, Elia," he murmured, holding her.

    "It''s just stupid pregnancy hormones," she sniffed, though they both knew it was more than that. "I''m excited to hold her, Reth. And so excited to see you with her. I mean¡­ there''d be nothing better in this world. In any world. I just want to be with you and her and safe, that''s all. Nothing else is important."

    "I know, Love." He wanted to talk to her about everything, but like her, he didn''t want to poke the bubble they had made that morning. The simple easiness of it. "How are you feeling?" he asked gently. "Any pain or¡­ anything?"

    She shook her head. "No, I really am fine. I''m feeling better today than I''ve felt in weeks¡ªeven before I came back."

    Reth took a deep breath with relief¡ªand his heart constricted at the same time. Aymora was due to check her in an hour. If Elia was feeling so well and had no pain¡­ he imagined this would be the day she''d decide that Elia needed to shift for the people. They''d had a couple of whispered conversations about it in thest couple of days, but Elia hadn''t been strong enough, even Aymora saw that.

    But the elders were impatient. And that meant he didn''t have any time to waste with Lerrin, either. He prayed the male was healing quickly with the help Suhle called for him.

    "Elia," he started hesitantly. "Today might¡ª"

    They both heard the cave door open. It had been left unlocked for Aymora and Jayah toe and go. Elia looked up at him and sighed, rolling over and reaching for the nightdress that she''d been leaving on the side of the sleeping tform for whenever she had visitors.

    Reth assumed it would be Aymora, but as the footsteps continued through the Cave, they were too heavy, then he caught the scent of Gahrye when he turned into the tunnel.

    Reth''s jaw tightened, but he knew the male had been giving Elia space. If he was here now, there was likely a reason.

    "Gahrye?" Elia said as she obviously caught his scent too.

    "I''m sorry to interrupt," he said, his voice pinched and hesitant. He didn''t open the door when he reached the other side of it. "Are you dressed, Elia? Can we speak? It''s¡­ it''s important."

    "Just a minute!" she sang nervously, sitting up and throwing the nightdress over her head. She pulled it down to find Reth watching her, regretful that the day and their responsibilities were finally invading. But so d that she seemed so much stronger to meet it.

    He took her hand and kissed the back of it, then twined their fingers. "I''ll go get some food and check in with Aymora," he said quietly.

    She nodded, then leaned forward to kiss him before he rolled out of the furs and crossed to the closet to get dressed.

    A minuteter he opened the door to find Gahrye looking tense and uncertain, on the other side.

    "I''m going to get some food for us and to speak with the elders," he said solemnly. "Can you stay with her for an hour or two?"

    "Of course," Gahrye said, nodding quickly. But he kept peering past Reth to where Elia sat in the bed.

    "You don''t put pressure on her for any reason, do you hear me?" he growled.

    "Reth!" Elia snapped. "He''s fine. Stop being overprotective."

    But Reth held Gahrye''s eyes until the male nodded.

    "I want to watch for her, to help her, not push her," Gahrye said tightly.

    "If she has any cramps, or any pain, you send a messenger for Aymora and Jayah immediately, and then for me, do you understand?"

    "Sure."

    "And if she gets frightened or tired, you send them for me. The things I do are not important enough to stay away when she''s unwell."

    "I hear you," Gahrye said, patting his arm like he thought Reth was the one who neededforting. "I''ll make sure she doesn''t do anything but sit there."

    Reth huffed, but looked at Elia over his shoulder and winked, then slipped out of the room as Gahrye walked in.

    As he hurried down the tunnel and into the main cave, he shook his head. He knew his feelings of jealousy towards the male were unreasonable. Gahrye was happily mated apparently, and Elia certainly denied any idea that she had any eyes for anyone but Reth. He knew it for truth. But something within him never stopped feeling uneasy about a male who was so close to her at all times¡ªand knowing they shared experiences Reth had missed. It¡­ chafed.

    But he couldn''t deny that he felt better knowing she was in thepany of the male if she did begin to tire or feel pain. Reth would get the few things he needed to do this day while she was watched over by Gahrye, then hopefully they could enjoy more time aler, after lunch.

    Reth nodded. Yes. This was good. He would hurry to Aymora and tell her to watch for messengers, but not hurry her here so she wouldn''t call for Elia to shift. And he''d check in on Lerrin and Suhle. Because it looked like it needed to be their time.

    He threw a hurried prayer skyward that Lerrin was healed enough to travel, and then, as he broke out of the darkness of the cave and into the bright sunlight of the meadow, he shifted to his beast and began to run.

    He wouldn''t spend a second longer away from Elia than was necessary. Not a single second.

 Chapter 610 - Quiet Love

    <h4>Chapter 610 - Quiet Love</h4>

    LERRIN

    The was the first time since the attack that Lerrin had woken naturally, rather than because pain stabbed him back to consciousness. He opened his eyes to the early morning light and let go of a breath.

    His body still hurt, but something had finally healed overnight. That feeling he''d been nervous about¡ªas if something within him, something that tethered him to his life, was frayed and ready to snap¡ªwas gone. He rolled, wincing at the remaining pain, but thanking the Creator that for the first time he felt as if he would find his way back to his normal self. The herbs and massage Suhle had been doing was finally working. Then as he rolled onto his side, he found Suhle, curled into herself, her hair falling over her face, still deeply asleep and everything else went out of his mind.

    She was so beautiful, her light hair falling over her cheek like spun starlight. Her slightly darkershes long and brushing her cheeks that were pressed forward because she had her hands curled together under it.

    He yearned to touch her, but he didn''t want to wake her.

    She''d spent almost every moment with him since that awful day of the meeting and the terrible pain he''d felt afterwards.

    She''d bullied one of the wise-women into seeing and treating him the following morning, then the only time she''d left was to get meals, or doundry or gather resources they might need. Because they had to be ready. Reth had warned them. And Lerrin could hardly wait. Now that his body felt like it was healing properly.

    He took a deep breath and his ribs only ached instead of stabbing. But when he breathed out, his breath fluttered the hair on Suhle''s face and she blinked awake.

    "Sorry," he whispered,bing her hair back off her face as her eyes found his.

    "Don''t be," she whispered back. "If you''re awake, I want to be."

    He shook his head. He truly did not deserve her. Her devotion, her selflessness, or her attention. But he would not deny the gift of it by pushing her away anymore.

    She was his mate.

    They had not cemented the bond¡ªhe refused to take her here where males stood right outside the door and they could be interrupted at any time. But it was bing harder and harder to keep his hands from her.

    Her lips pulled up into a small smile and she leaned forward, taking his mouth gently, a soft, almost chaste kiss. But then they both sucked in, and he pulled her close, and she arched into him and¡­ and they were once again fighting the battle.

    Even in his pain he''d struggled not to paw at her when she was so close and so warm. But then one of the guards had made ament to the other when she''d been walking out and Lerrin had very nearly gone for the male''s throat when she blushed.

    He refused to put her in this position where she had to battle her fears in order to be close to him. So he''d been doing his best to keep his distance. But when she grabbed his hips like that and pressed against him¡ª

    They sprang apart when the guards outside stomped to attention. Someone wasing.

    Suhle rolled out of the nket and to her feet, fully dressed,bing her hair back from her face and working to braid it. She hadn''t worn the hood in days¡ªor had it been weeks?¡ªand he didn''t miss it. He enjoyed seeing her face. But he did wonder what it meant for how she saw her position now, with him. Whether she felt shame because of his conviction, or¡­ or whether she was merely changing in preparation for their new life.

    She turned to say something and caught him watching her, and she smiled.

    Her smile opened his heart the way the sun opened a flower.

    Lerrin blinked. She was reducing him to a poetry spouting beta. The urge was there to growl something, to make himself appear stronger than he was, but instead he returned her smile. "Good morning," he whispered.

    "Good morning," she returned as behind her the door opened and arge shadow stepped into the stretched rectangle of light left by the doorway. The Lieutenant of the guards.

    "Get up," he said gruffly. "You''re being called to the Security Council."

    Suhle sighed, but she didn''t say anything, only rushed over to the side of the tree where she''d left herrge basket, scrambling to get it over her arm. "I''ll wait for you to return," she said quietly as Lerrin got out of the furs, "and in the meantime¡ª"

    "No, you''re toe as well," the Lieutenant growled. "The King''s orders."

    Suhle looked at Lerrin, her eyes widening.

    It must be time, he sent to her.

    She nodded, but turned it into looking down at her basket, then shrugging. "Very well, lead the way," she said to the Lieutenant.

    He looked at Lerrin, one eyebrow up, but Lerrin only reached for the herbs he''d been told to chew every morning, then turned back to the guard. "I''m ready," he said.

    "If you say so," the lieutenant replied.

    They made a strange procession. Lerrin still sore, but walking more freely, bracketed by two thick guards with the lieutenant at his back. Suhle bringing up the rear.

    Lerrin tipped his face to the sun as the trail passed through a gap in the trees and he took a deep breath of the cool morning air.

    He wished he could hold Suhle''s hand, instead of being ushered by these guards. But his heart thumped with anticipation because he was almost certain. If Reth was calling them to the council, it must have been determined that the time hade for them to leave. And that meant¡­ that meant no more nights on a cold floor. No more males watching over his mate.

    No morepany at all. He would be free. And Suhle with him. And¡­ and they would have all the time the Creator gave them¡­

    He swallowed hard and pushed away the thoughts. He should not get his hopes up. He should only pray and watch and hope.

    Oh, how he hoped.

 Chapter 611 - Clever King

    <h4>Chapter 611 - Clever King</h4>

    LERRIN

    They were just reaching the security building when the door flew open and Reth rushed out, barking orders and grabbing Lerrin by the elbow in a jolt that made Lerrin''s teeth clench against the pain.

    "We''ve got him, you are all called to Behryn immediately!" Reth snapped shoving Lerrin towards the council building.

    "But¡ª" the lieutenant began, but Reth snarled.

    "I don''t know what''s been happening with this prisoner, but you are to report to Behryn NOW. And my advice is to take your humility with you if you don''t want to be stripped of your positions!"

    The Lieutenant''s face opened in surprise, the two guards looking at him nervously.

    "Yes, sire," he said after a moment. "Of course."

    "Good. Get moving." Then Reth turned his back on the men and pushed Lerring in the door of the building, checking behind him only to be certain that Suhle followed, before they walked through into the darkened building.

    The darkened, empty building.

    Lerrin frowned, but didn''t speak as Reth released him as soon as they were behind the door, then rushed over to make sure Suhle was inside and peer out of the crack. Suhle put her basket to the ground and looked up at him, hooking her arm in his with her eyes bright but uncertain. He put a hand over her hand and thanked the Creator that he''d started healing finally. He suspected this was going to be a big day.

    A momentter Reth turned from the door with a muttered, "Good," and then faced them. He wasn''t smiling.

    "What is it?" Lerrin asked quietly, his hand tightening on Suhle.

    But Reth addressed Suhle first. "Have you got everything?" he asked quickly, efficiently.

    She nodded, her lips tipping towards a smile. "It''s all hidden out past thest Sentry points. We''d only need to get beyond their eyes."

    Reth nodded once, then turned to Lerrin, and his face was expressionless. "We can''t let anyone know that you''re being released. No one. Though the elders know that I n to do this, they don''t know I''m doing it now. I couldn''t risk anyone getting wind of it. There are still factions within the people¡­"

    Lerrin nodded. "I understand. Thank you."

    "Don''t thank me yet. You''re not only going to have to get out of the City, you''re going to have to push hard. I''ll only be able to hide your departure for a matter of hours at best. The guards will be aware of it first, and since we clearly have a leak among them, I imagine your friends will hear not muchter. Hide your trail. Move as quickly as you can. And don''t stop until you''re forced to. Get her out of here and safe. If anything happens to her, I hold you responsible."

    Lerrin swallowed back a growl. The King though he needed a warning to keep his mate safe? But he only said, "She is my first priority," through his teeth. He let the rage in his eyes say the rest.

    Reth smirked and Lerrin almost growled again. But the King had turned to Suhle.

    "Are you certain?"

    She nodded without hesitation. "He is my mate," she said simply. "I yearn for the day we can be at rest together."

    Reth finally smiled. "I am happy for you," he said. "And don''t forget, you are always wee here, Suhle. No matter what. If you two need any help or there''s any problem, youe back and we''ll give you whatever you need. But you," he turned back to Lerrin, "you do not set foot anywhere near the WildWood again. You will be killed on sight. And I will not stop it," he growled.

    Lerrin submitted. "I''m grateful that you''re willing to release me."

    "Banish you," Reth corrected. "With the strictest of censure. If you are seen by any of our people again, Lerrin, you will pay for it."

    "I still thank you," he said, fighting the urge to challenge Reth. He kept his eyes low and swallowed hard. This was mercy. He knew it. He would not dishonor it.

    "Very good," Reth said, his voice softer than it had been. "And have you considered my proposal?"

    Lerrin looked at Suhle. She smiled gently.

    "Yes, I have," he replied. "I am still not certain anyone will wish to take you up on it. But if it will serve you¡­ serve the people¡­ send them after us. They''ll have to hunt us down, I can''t be sure where we''ll end up."

    Reth nodded and pped a hand. "Anyone who wishes to leave is going to be motivated to go whether they find you or not. But if you are willing to continue to lead, I see a way that we can, perhaps, not lose our peoplepletely. And who knows, maybe our grandchildren will unite in peace? Only the Creator knows."

    "Only the Creator knows," Lerrin nodded. "But I am willing. Send them whenever you wish. Once we have passed the desert I''ll leave a trail for the sharp eyed."

    Reth grinned. "Good idea."

    There was a moment then, awkward, and heavy with anticipation. Then Reth sighed. "The sooner you begin to move the better. Those guards will take some time to find Behryn this morning. He''s spending time with his mate, and he won''t appreciate being interrupted. But he''ll know and I hope he''ll take the cue and keep them upied for some time before sending them back.

    "Regardless, you have to escape notice. As soon as it''s known that you''re gone, they''ll send trackers."

    Lerrin looked at Suhle¡ªshe was his greatest concern in this, yet when he thought about it, with her skills, she was likely less vulnerable.

    "I will show him how we can evade notice," she said to Reth. "We will not lead them back to you."

    "Oh, I have no problem letting them know I banished you. I just want you to have a head start before the bacsh begins. Angry Anima are vengeful, and they''ll mark you as his ally now, Suhle. Even without my deration against you, they''ll seek you to hurt you, not to save you."

    "I''m aware. I am not concerned," she said quietly, swaying closer to Lerrin. "Thank you, Reth. I''m sorry it ends like this, but¡­ thank you."

    "I''m not," Reth said gruffly, but with a smile. "I''m so, so d that you have found your male, Suhle." Then he turned to Lerrin. "And I regret, brother, that we did not learn each other''s hearts earlier. That I did not seek you. I sensed the goodness in you. I should have reached out so that we never reached this point. I¡­ I''m sorry I didn''t. Please forgive me."

    Lerrin''s brows shot up. "There is nothing to forgive!"

    Reth snorted. "There is a shitload to forgive¡ªon both sides. The Tree City loses a valuable Alpha today. But I am only grateful that the Anima do not lose you as a whole. Watch for new friends and subjects. I don''t believe it will be long. The uneasiness in the Tree City can''tst forever."

    They sped forearms, and Lerrin submitted again. "Thank you, Reth. For everything." He put his arm around Suhle, who rested her head against his ribs and squeezed his waist.

    "Thank me by staying safe. I don''t want to hear that you''ve been lynched. Then all this effort I went to would be for nothing." He winked at Suhle, who smiled. "Goodbye friends. May the Creator bless you and your children, and your children''s children."

    Lerrin felt the benediction like a knife in his chest. But before he knew it, Reth was ushering them out of a window on the other side of the building.

    As soon as his feet hit the dirt outside, he turned to Suhle and offered his hand. She took it with a grin.

    "Here we go," he whispered.

    She nodded.. Then they turned together, and ran.

 Chapter 612 - Go Time

    <h4>Chapter 612 - Go Time</h4>

    ELIA

    Gahrye walked into the bedroom with a hesitant smile as Reth walked out. Elia watched her mate''s back and listened carefully to make sure he was actually leaving.

    "How are you doing?" Gahrye asked carefully.

    "Fine, fine," she said distractedly, listening for Reth''s footsteps in the cave, to make sure they didn''t turn or stop.

    "So there''s something I wanted to¡ª"

    "Shhhhh!" she shushed him.

    Gahrye''s eyes went wide. "What''s wrong?"

    "I need to make sure he''s gone," she said, still listening. "Are your ears better than mine? Can you tell?"

    Gahrye listened for a moment, but shook his head. "I think he''s gone, Elia. I can''t smell him either. Wait¡­ You want to be away from Reth right now?" he asked, surprised.

    "No!" she said, looking at him like he was crazy. "But you do."

    "I do?"

    "Yes! Gahrye I had this terrible dream the other day. You have to go. You have to get over there and talk to Kalle and find out what she knows and¡ª"

    "Oh, thank the Creator," he said, his shoulders slumping as he put his hands to his face.

    "Why? What''s going on?"

    "I wasing to tell you the same thing," he said into his hands. "I was going to wait another week, but I have to go, Elia. I have to go soon."

    "Better than soon, you have to go now," she said firmly.

    Gahrye blinked and she watched the mes of hope re in his eyes. "Why?"

    "Because everyone''s distracted here. I''m feeling good today, which means I can do more and I need less help. Reth''s not busy, he''ll be with me, so you don''t have to. And he hasn''t even noticed when you didn''te for a day. This is it, Gahrye. We need to know more about the histories, we need to understand how to frame this to the disformed. And with everything that''s going on with Lerrin and me¡­ it''s just a good time because Reth''s busy. If we wait I''m worried he''ll have more time and be paying better attention. Plus¡­ plus I kind of want you back here before I have the baby. I''m sorry, Gahrye. You can''t stay. You need to get over there and make sure Kalle''s okay, thene back. If we can get Reth used to you being gone, I think you can disappear for a day every week or so. Then when the Bears wake up we''ll get permission and¡­ and it''ll all be easier."

    Gahrye''s jaw dropped. "Every week or two?"

    She nodded, fighting a smile because she didn''t want him to get too excited. She didn''t think any of this was going to be easy on him. "We need to be able to get information from Kalle, and you can''t tell anyone¡ªnot even Reth. Even if something happens to me, Gahrye, I''m serious. I dreamed about it. You can''t say a word to anyone. Everyone tells someone and it''s just¡­ It''ll be a disaster."

    He nodded carefully. "Okay. Then¡­ okay."

    "Good. I''ll miss you, but I''m so happy for you," she grinned. "Can you do me a favor while you''re there?"

    "Name it."

    "See if you can figure out some kind of old tradition we could reawaken¡ªsomething that gives me a reason to meet with a group of people alone, without the King."

    "I thought we were building you a privatework?"

    "We are, but I''m realizing once I have a baby and things are back to normal¡­ it would just be useful to have some kind of old traditional to fall back on if there''s ever questions, or something happens and someone gets discovered.

    "Oh, and see if there''s anything about the bears and the traverse, or the Protectors, too. From what Reth''s told me it sounds like the Bears think they know more about the voices than we do. The reason he had to agree no one would use it is because the Bears think no one can cross safely at all, ever. Gawhr thinks the voices are the true enemy of the Anima. And that makes me wonder if we''re going to find out they have something to do with the prophecy. Like, maybe we''ve been assuming it''s the humans, but what if it''s not? What if this is something else? Anyway, I don''t know what we''re looking for. But keep an eye out. Anything to do with the bears and the traverse¡ªor the Protectors."

    "Okay, Gahrye said, bobbing a little on his feet. "I can do that, okay."

    They looked at each other then and Elia smiled. "I''m so d you''re going to see her. Please give her a big hug from me."

    "I will, of course." But he didn''t expand on it and Elia could scent his tension.

    "What is it?"

    "It''s nothing you need to worry about." Gahrye pped a hand at her and turned away, but she didn''t let him put her off.

    "Gahrye, please. Surely we''re well past hiding things from each other at this point?"

    "No, it''s not that, I''m just¡­ the voices, you know¡­ they had a lot to say about Kalle and me and¡­ the whole situation. I''m just¡­ I really want to get over there, but I''m really nervous too. I need to make sure everything is¡­ okay."

    Elia nodded and took a deep breath. "Then you should just leave right now. Go get your things and leave."

    Gahrye frowned. "I can''t leave you here alone."

    Elia rolled her eyes. "I''m better than I''ve been in weeks¡ªeven better than I was when we were over there, Gahrye, seriously. I''m healing. And this is the perfect time because Reth''s in the City. And when hees back I''ll distract him. He''s seen you, so he''s not going to register that you aren''t around today. If you can get back tomorrow night, or the next morning, it will be fine."

    "Wow, okay. Are you sure?"

    "I''m certain," she said, beaming a smile at him. "Go get her, Gahrye. Just don''t forget to look for that stuff!"

    "Of course not."

    He hurried over to her side and hugged her quickly. "Thank you," he said into her hair. "Seriously, Elia, thank you. I know it''s not easy to hide things from your mate."

    They pulled apart and she looked at him. "Don''t do it at all," she said seriously. "Don''t hide things from her. There''s no point, Gahrye. Especially when you two have so little time together."

    He nodded, then squeezed her hand and turned away.

    "Creator bless you," Elia said, teary and trying to hide it. "Have fun. Be careful. And be safe!"

    Gahrye darted out of the room and around the corner of the tunnel. She listened hard again until she was sure his footsteps were out of the cave, too, then she slumped back onto her pillows.

    He was right, she wasn''t supposed to be alone. But she really did feel better. Except for that creeping dread about Reth not being close. But she would take a nap and hopefully not wake up until Reth came back.

    She nodded to herself and snuggled down into the nkets, praying for Gahrye''s safety, and Reth toe back soon.

 Chapter 613 - Freedom

    <h4>Chapter 613 - Freedom</h4>

    LERRIN

    Lerrin and Suhle had spent an hour silently navigating out of the Tree City, mostly via creeks and streams to minimize their scent. The adrenalin pumped in Lerrin''s veins and he felt less pain than he had ever since the attack. He knew he was healing. By the same token, he knew whenever they stopped tonight he would likely end up struggling to move once he stopped. But for the moment his heart raced and he watched Suhle admiringly. Her ability to nearly disappear into the branches of a tree, or to slip through the forest without disturbing anything or making a noise¡­ he had thought he was skilled, but she left him for dead.

    When they''d reached the spot beyond the sentries now posted around the Tree City where she had stashed the bags she''d visibly rxed, but they remained silent, just in case and crept on, Lerrin taking the heavier of the bags, despite her disapproving face.

    But he was so happy to be out. It was such a joy to fill his lungs with the fresh air of the forest, to listen to the WildWood rustle and chirp around him. To know that he never had to go back to that fucking prison tree again. And he had Suhle with him.

    Holy shit, they were really doing this.

    They''d walked over two hours by the time they both feltfortable enough to speak quietly. Suhle had led him northeast for a time, but they were curving to head due north now. He knew it would be hours before they hit the edge of the WildWood¡ªdepending on how his body held up, they may not make it out of the forest that night. They may be forced to bed down somewhere.

    As they sshed through yet another stream, following it for a time before stepping out onto rocks where they would leave the least scent trail, Lerrin just prayed Suhle remained safe. He prayed they had enough of a head start that when Anima finally began to learn that he was free, they wouldn''t be able to follow.

    He prayed they could stay under enough cover to be hidden from any birds that might be sent to patrol.

    And he prayed that Suhle would never regreting with him.

    He held out a hand for her as they stepped up onto arger rock to look around for the best path through the remaining forest. She took his hand to step up beside him, but didn''t let it go once she was at his side.

    The water was cold, and his legs colder now that his leathers were soaked. But he found he couldn''t feel negative about any of it. He was free. Free of everything. Except Suhle¡ªthe one thing he didn''t want to be free of anymore.

    He stared down at her and smiled and her face lit up. "You aren''t worried?" she whispered.

    Lerrin shook his head and cupped her face with his hand. "No," he said, his voice rough. "I''m just so damn d you''re here with me. If I was doing this on my own¡­ I don''t think I could, Suhle."

    "You are stronger than you think. And your body is healing."

    "That''s not what I meant, Suhle. I was¡­ I was so blind and stupid-prideful. I''m so sorry I denied you. When I think about having to walk this out alone¡­ I''m so grateful you didn''t give up."

    Her forehead crinkled. "I would never give up on you, Lerrin. You''re mine," she whispered, her cheeks pinking like she was embarrassed, but she held his gaze and didn''t turn away.

    Watching her for any wariness, he leaned down slowly to kiss her. But far from pulling away, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in, pressing herself against him until her soft warmth started to have an affect on his body.

    After a minute he straightened. They still weren''t out of danger. They needed to focus, but then he leaned down for one more quick kiss, whispering against her lips, "There is no rush, Suhle. We willplete the bond when the time is right. I''ve waited this long, I''ll wait as long as you need. As long as you''re with me¡­ the rest I can wait for."

    She made a little noise in her throat, then kissed him again. "Thank you," she whispered. He stroked her hair back off her face, d again that she''d gotten rid of the hood, then sighed and took her hand. "Let''s get moving. Every step away from the Tree City is another step closer to safety," he growled.

    They walked on for another twenty minutes before she spoke. "Will you miss leading?"

    Lerrin snorted. "No."

    "But you are so good at it."

    He cut her nce from the side. "I''m sorry, but did you see the war we just fought?"

    She gave him a dry look. "Lerrin, had you been anyone else, the wolves would now be dead, and the tribe virtually wiped out. Those that survived would not have been returned to the Tree City. Reth would not have a united Anima."

    "If I''d been someone else," he retorted, "the wolves would never have left the Tree City in the first ce¡ªat least, not in the numbers that they did."

    They argued it back and forth a few times, but then Suhle shrugged. "Everything that was meant to be has been," she said simply. "And now we''re here and¡­ I find myself¡­ free," she said, breaking into a wide smile.

    "Free?" he asked carefully as he leaned down to pass under a low branch of a tree. Suhle followed, nodding.

    "I didn''t expect it, but I find¡­ knowing that I don''t have to go back, I am realizing how much it affected me being in that ce where I grew up¡­ where bad things happened. It had never urred to me to leave. Not permanently," she said. "Where would I have gone? But now, walking away? I feel as if so much of my life is falling away from me. As if I have carried a great burden, and now I cany some of it down." Then she squeezed his hand and smiled again, her eyes welling.. "And it''s because of you, Lerrin."

 Chapter 614 - The Happy Cave

    <h4>Chapter 614 - The Happy Cave</h4>

    LERRIN

    As the morning turned to afternoon and the sun warmed the forest, they walked and spoke more freely. Lerrin led the way, but Suhle helped him choose the path at each point to ensure that they left the least trail possible.

    They stopped to eat alongside a river, sitting on a t rock in the sun that might get warm enough to bleach their scent from the surface before anyone else found it.

    Suhle unpacked rations she''d ced near the top of the smaller bag, and they sat facing in opposite directions to watch for pursuers, but thigh-against-thigh so that they could see each other''s faces too.

    "If you don''t regret losing leadership, what do you hope for, Lerrin?" Suhle asked, returning to their earlier conversation. "Even if we are alone, we must have a purpose. Our lives will not be wasted."

    "Of course not," he said, "But until we know where we''ll settle, I won''t make any ns or decisions. Until I know what resources we have and¡­ I just look forward to building a life," he said simply, chewing on a piece of dried meat.

    "What does life look like¡ªthe right life?" she asked, watching his face, her eyes bright.

    Lerrin smiled sheepishly. "I''ve honestly only ever had one dream," he said quietly. "But I fear it will not hold the purpose you would want. We will have to discover that part together," he said, scanning the forest because he found himself suddenly vulnerable, afraid he might let her down.

    She put her hand on his thigh. "No, Lerrin, tell me. I would hear it, exactly as you envision it. As you have always seen it in your mind. What does your life look like?"

    He looked down for a moment, then forced himself to meet her gaze. "My happy cave," he said, then felt his cheeks heat.

    But Suhle only tipped her head. "Tell me about it."

    He''d never spoken about it, he realized. It had always been assumed that he would follow his father''s footsteps and step into the Alpha role when Lucan was gone. There''d never been room in the life he was first groomed for, then leading, for this kind of quiet picture. It was something he''d always kept to himself.

    But Suhle wouldn''t judge, he knew. She might want to add to his picture, and that was okay. It was going to be her life as well. He didn''t doubt that they would have need topromise and find their way together. But she wouldn''t judge, he knew that. So heunched in, clearing his throat because he felt oddly nervous.

    "I''ve always imagined the side of a mountain," he said quietly, sliding his palm t against Suhle''s, then his fingers between hers, and watching her entwine her fingers with his. "I imagine that I would have to climb a path quite high¡ªhigh enough to make it work so that no one woulde unless they truly intended to," he said with a smile, imagining the solitude.

    "And high on the mountainside is a cave mouth. One that is perhaps obscured by trees, or simply high enough that it can''t be seen easily from the ground. However it is, I imagine myself standing in the opening of the cave and looking down on the trees andndscape below.

    "That high up it''s very quiet, except for birds, and the wind blowing through leaves. When I sleep at night, the cave is near silent. And when I wake in the morning, the sun creeps up to wash over the forest below from behind me, so I stay in shadow as long as I can.

    "But if I stand in the same spot in the evening, I''m washed in sunlight and warmth," he said breathlessly. "The heat of it warms the cave before night, so it''s always warm, even in the winter."

    Suhle watched him, her mouth slightly open. He swallowed.

    "For the longest time, Suhle, I only ever saw myself and my cubs¡ªthat they followed me, wanted to be near me, would mimic me. And when I stepped out of the cave, they''d y around my feet, calling out for me to see what they could see¡­" he trailed off, clearing his throat again. "But then I met you, and suddenly the picture wasplete."

    Her throat bobbed as he pulled her hand down and leaned in until they were almost nose to nose. "Now when I imagine standing in that evening sun with my cubs at my feet, I see my mate step out of the cave behind me ande to stand next to me."

    She blinked. "Does she speak?" she whispered.

    He shook his head. "She doesn''t have to. She puts her hand at my back and smiles at our cubs and just scents the wind with me. And then when I turn back to the cave because night is falling, she''s there too."

    Her throat bobbed again, but her scent was rising with warmth from her skin, desire.

    "I can see the fire that cooks and warms," he whispered using his free hand to trace the line down her jaw. "I can see the sleeping tform at the back of the cave, covered in furs. I can see myself curled up with her¡ªno matter the weather outside. I can feel her soft skin and her gentleugh, and I can hear the sighs she makes when she''s pleased¡­"

    "Pleased?"

    "Pleasured," he said, his voice deep and rough. Suhle bit her lower lip and his eyes dropped to that spot, wishing he could use his tongue to tease it back out. "She isn''t scared¡ªshe never has to be scared. Because she knows I would put myself between her and any danger that might appear. I would give my life to save hers, without hesitation."

    "And she would give hers for you," she whispered.

    He nodded then brought his eyes up to lock with hers. "And for the rest of our lives, that is all we need¡ªthat warmth, that closeness, our babies¡­" he dropped his gaze away, suddenly feeling that the entire picture was inadequate. "I know there is no purpose in that, Suhle, but truly, it''s the dream that feeds my soul."

    "You''re so wrong, Lerrin," she whispered, pulling his chin up so he would look at her. "Love is the best purpose of all¡­ can''t you see that?"

    And then she kissed him.

 Chapter 615 - In The Blood

    <h4>Chapter 615 - In The Blood</h4>

    GAHRYE

    As Gahrye exited the temporary home he''d been given, he had to force himself to walk casually. His blood hummed. Everything within him wanted to run, to sprint, to scream andugh and pour out this nervous energy that kept bubbling to the surface as his heart leaped because he was going to his mate.

    He was really going back. No more waiting.

    Gripping the strap that crossed his chest, he reminded himself to look casual. He couldn''t take arge bag because it would be noticed. But if he was to be gone for only a day or two anyway, there was little he needed. He had grabbed a few of the wares he''d made before his first trip to the human world, the ones he''d kept for something special¡ªthen wished he had them there to give them to Kalle. They were small things, he knew, but he prayed she''d see the love in them.

    He made himself walk through the City slowly, as if he had no true purpose, to greet those who greeted him, and to stop and speak with anyone who wished.

    Reth had been right that his honor had brought with it greater interest from all the Anima, but especially the females. After the third female that stopped him to chat and smile, he found himself praying he didn''t run into Elyn. The other females were happy to simply be close to him, wanted to talk only to be seen with him. But Elyn¡­ he sensed that if he were to find himself truly alone with her he may have to have a difficult conversation¡ªor flee.

    But it was of no matter. He reached the edge of the Tree City and there was no one else in sight as he took the trail that would lead to the west, to the traverse, and to his mate.

    It was finally happening. He was finally going. And wasn''ting a moment too soon. He was desperate to make sure the voices had been lying, that Kalle was safe. And to ask¡­ to find out¡­ was she pregnant?

    Would she even know? Elia had said human women often had to wait weeks to be sure. She''d been surprised how quickly Reth and some of the others knew. Gahrye wasn''t sure he had the nose for it, but he was determined to find out. After he was in the arms of his mate¡­

    Once he was out of sight of the Tree City, and where he was under the cover of the trees, he pushed into a run. Every moment he spent on this side of the portal was one less moment he''d have with Kalle. And apart from not drawing attention to himself, there was no reason not to make haste.

    So it was only a little over an hourter that he reached the point where the trail widened and ttened out, the dirt and dead leaves giving way to scraggly grass and weeds.

    The scent of this ce, this specific clearing, had never left him. It wasn''t just the Portal. This ce with its water, its stone, and its memories¡­ it smelled of everything. Of death. Of life. Of love. Of hate.

    Everything that could happen had happened here and, as a consequence of being able to read the winds, Gahrye couldn''t shake it. His bones knew that this ce was significant¡ªand would be more so.

    Then he caught a scent he hadn''t smelled before and stopped dead, ring his nostrils to draw the air in, turning to face the wind and closing his eyes.

    What were the winds bringing him?

    But he couldn''t catch it. Except for the strangebination of dread and hope that twisted in his stomach, the winds were hidden from him. As if even they weren''t sure what they brought. As if it was not yet determined.

    Gahrye opened his eyes and scanned the clearing, but there was nothing else there. No clues. No trails. No scents.

    He nced at the sky. "Let things go smoothly please, just this once. Let me get to my mate."

    There was no answering thunder crash¡ªalso no answering finger of God.

    Shaking off his own nerves, Gahrye turned back to the cave and hurried towards it, careful not too touch anything or leave any more scent than he could avoid.

    His eyes caught on the mountain to the north, the direction Elia had led him when they''d returned, and he shivered. That had been a frightening time. He was grateful it was over.

    As he slipped into the cave and the leaves and vines fluttered in the breeze of his passing, he kept his steps silent and scented all the way in. But there was nothing in here. No new scents. No trace of warm bodies or visitors since thest time he''d walked through with Suhle. And even their scents were fading quickly, until soon it wouldn''t be clear how long it had been since they visited.

    Then he reached the cross tunnel, where little light breached the cave''s dark, and stepped inside. It was seconds until he stood before the Portal, his heart pounding both with fear and relief. It was still here. It was still shimmering, as if greeting him. And there was no one, and nothing else in here.

    He reached for the knife on his belt, then cursed. Of course. He''d changed for travel and his belt knife was still in his bag. Rolling his eyes at his own stupidity, he ced the small bag on the floor of the cave and knelt to dig inside it until he found the de, still sheathed.

    He held it in his right hand as he used the other to roll up his sleeve in short, sharp tugs. He didn''t believe it was necessary for the blood toe from his arm, but it was easy to ess¡ªand easy to hide the woundter.

    As he took the de point and pressed it into the skin of his inside forearm, he thought of Kalle, of his need to cross the traverse, and of his desire to do so safely, and without ambition. He asked the Creator to keep his heart clean, and his mind clear, and when blood began to well under the de, he wiped it on a rag he''d brought, then resheathed it and stood, reaching for the portal, which shimmered and began to swirl as he approached.

    Sliding the bag over his shoulder, he had just put his hand through and felt the sickening cold on the other side when a deep, rasping voice snarled from behind him.

    "Intruder."

    The word echoed through the cave and Gahrye braced tounch himself into the traverse, but a thick hand closed on the cor of his shirt and yanked him back.

 Chapter 616 - Donâ€™t Retreat

    <h4>Chapter 616 - Don¡¯t Retreat</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia woke from her nap and stretched¡ªbut a muscle at the side of her stomach grabbed and she winced, rubbing it as she rolled over.

    "Reth, maybe we didn''t¡ª" Elia broke off as she found the furs next to her empty. Her heart began to pound, throbbing in her ears and that wave of fear crashed over her. For a moment all she could do was pant and grab at the furs¡ªbut then she blinked and made herself think.

    Reth had been here when she woke up. They had made love, and it was wonderful. Reth was gone because Gahrye hade to visit. Reth had only gone to get some food for them to share for lunch. He wouldn''t be away for long.

    But how long had she been asleep? How long had he been gone already?

    She realized her breathing was shallow and made herself take a slow, deep breath¡­ but that only made her stomach hurt more. The muscles in a band around her lower back and low on her stomach were slowly pulling tighter in a warning she recognized but didn''t want to acknowledge.

    Shit. Shit shit shit.

    She had known they shouldn''t have had sex that morning, but she found she couldn''t regret it. For a moment as the cramp intensified, she just held her stomach and breathed, but when it began to ease, she sighed and whispered.

    "Stay in there, my baby girl. Please. Mommy made a bad decision, but it was a good decision, I promise. Please¡­ just¡­ just stay in there."

    She was going to be good now. She wouldn''t do anything else to jeopardize her little girl. She just needed some help, that was all. Aymora would being, or Jayah.

    Then she swore under her breath.

    Aymora and Jayah had been there the night before. She''d told them not toe this morning, to take the morning off. They thought Reth was going to be with her all morning. She and Reth had been so excited by the idea of hours alone, they''d insisted no one elsee to the cave. Aymora hadn''t been happy, but she''d left the tonicsst night and told Reth to send a messenger if they were needed. She wasn''ting until after lunch, when Reth thought he would have to get some things done.

    Elia peered at thenterns and the cave wall, cursing that there was no way to tell from in here howte it was. Maybe Aymora was already on her way?

    But no, Reth had been going to get some food for them to share for lunch. If it was thatte, he''d already be back.

    Where was he? Why wasn''t he impatiently nudging Gahrye out of the room and insisting on being here with her?

    Had something happened?

    Images shed through her mind then of assassins hiding in the forest. Of rebellious wolves setting an ambush,ughing as they dropped their King just when everyone thought they were at peace.

    Of Reth, standing in defense of Lerrin and being killed by his own people¡­

    Her heart raced faster and for a moment all she could see was herself there, alone, in bed and unable to move, waiting for the whole day, going intobor¡ªor shifting into her beast¡ªand having no one there to help. Images of herself and Elreth dead¡­

    The fear was overwhelming. Subconsciously, she pulled the furs up to her chin and pushed her face into them. But then she sucked in a breath and shook her head.

    No. No, she couldn''t think that way. She couldn''t let this ovee her again. She had to be strong. She had to find peace. She couldn''t live this way for the rest of her life!

    What was it Jayah had said? Retreat only made her fear worse. She had to face it. She had to give the Creator a chance to see what He would do to help her¡ªonly then could she start to get past it.

    She didn''t want to be weak anymore. She wanted to live in strength and peace.

    But before she could start to seek it, in the next breath her entire world turned into a burning, glittering pain as her entire lower body spasmed in a contraction intense enough to steal her breath. And in the next breath, when she could take it, her beast began to w at her from the inside, pushing for release.

    Elia spent endless seconds holding onto herself, trying to breathe through the pain until everything eased.

    It was happening. Shit, it was happening. She pounded a fist on the furs and blinked back tears.

    Damn. DAMN!

    But as her body eased and she knew that she would have some minutes before the next wave of a contraction, she forced herself to think.

    She needed to stop the contractions, which meant she needed Aymora. But unless Reth showed up in the next five minutes, that meant she was going to have to get out of this bed.

    Reth¡­ Reth was going to be so angry that Gahrye had left her. He would be furious¡ªso furious he would hunt the male down. Except, he wouldn''t find him.

    Or would he? Would he go so far as to have trackers follow Gahrye''s trail? Had Gahrye gone straight to the Portal from here? Would Reth find out she''d sent him across, defying Reth''s orders?

    An image of Reth, wild-eyed and red faced with rage at Gahrye terrified her¡ªwhich made the beast snarl within her again and she was once again locked in battle to keep herself here, and solid, and in control.

    But tears of frustration and pain streamed down her cheeks.

    She couldn''t give in¡ªnot to the beast, and not to her fear of Reth''s rage. She needed to take the tonic, and she needed to get a message out of the cave.

    Praying silently for the safety of her baby, Elia forced herself to throw the covers back and get to her feet, her nightdress twisted around her. She walked very slowly to the dresser at the side of the room where Aymora had left the tonics, and took a full dose.

    Then she shuffled back to the sleeping tform, easing herself back onto it, but notying down.

    How long did it take to work? She knew that when Reth had been struggling he''d still been able to shift for a time after he took it.

    Elia blinked down at her belly, holding it in her arms and pleading with Elreth to forgive her.

    "Momma needs some help," she whispered, stroking her wide, hard stomach. "I have to get up, Elreth. But that doesn''t mean you move, okay? You stay right where you are."

    She was hit with another contraction then and didn''t say anything for a while, trying to breathe through the pain, hissing through gritted teeth. Her beast roared and she had to fight, holding on by her fingernails to this world¡ªto herself¡ªas the pain ricocheted through her. As soon as it edged off even a little, Elia was resolved.

    She had to get Aymora.

    She had to get Reth.

    And that meant that she had to get moving before she couldn''t move anymore.

    Tears streaming down her face, Elia waited until the pain had eased enough that she could breath again, then pushed off of the sleeping tform, groaning when the weight of her stomach pulled down on the pain. But she kept her teeth gritted and started for the door, slowly, cradling her belly in her arms.

    There were sentries in the meadow, she was sure of it. Even if they were in the forest, they''d hear her if she went to the cave mouth. That''s all she had to do. Get to the cave mouth and call for help.

    Creator bless Anima senses.

    As she shuffled down the tunnel, the contraction eased awaypletely, and she could breathe more easily.

    "It''s going to be fine, Elreth. You and me, we''re both going to be fine," she whispered to her baby. "I''ll call daddy and he''ll call Aymora, and between them we''ll make everything better. You just hold on."

    She got as far as the Great Room when her stomach began to tighten again. Too soon. Far too soon. She shouldn''t be having another contraction already. She would have to sit down and wait it out until she could get to the front door.

    One hand on the back of one of the couches, she took one step, then another, creeping around to the arm. Three more steps, then she would be in front of it and she could sit. But just as her foot took her weight, the contraction hit, tearing across her stomach and lower back in blinding pain. Her leg never braced, but gavepletely as she cried out and tumbled to the floor.

    Her head bounced against the coffee table. Along with a sh of light behind her eyelids, she heard a sound like a basketball on cement.

    Then everything went ck.

 Chapter 617: Donâ€™t Wait

    <h4>Chapter 617: Don''t Wait</h4>

    APOLOGIES to those I confused in thements earlier today: There was only 1, longer chapter posted yesterday. I did make a note of it at the end of thest chapter the day before, but forgot to make sure that note continued through the various privilege tiers. I apologize! I will try to do better if another day like that urs!

    *****

    RETH

    Reth strode out of the market bncing a tter with everything from muffins, to meat, to Elia''s favorite fruit. In a pinch they could probably use this for dinner as well. He was likely going to get called out to answer for Lerrin''s disappearance at some point, but he hoped that would only be a short hup. After all, the elders had agreed the male would be banished.

    They just wouldn''t be happy to know Reth had taken care of it without warning them. And Behryn was going to be pissed. Reth just prayed his brother would forgive him fornding those guards on him. He hadn''t been able to think of any other order that would make them leave.

    He wished he could shift to his beast and run back to Elia, but he couldn''t carry the tter as his beast and didn''t want to waste the food. It had only been an hour. Gahrye would still be there. His lips twisted when he thought about having to wait to hold Elia again. She hadn''t liked unting their love in front of Gahrye even before he was mated. He knew she''d be even more protective of his heart now. He loved that about her¡ªthat she loved with her whole heart, and wanted to soothe the feelings of others.

    But the petnt twelve-year-old within him didn''t want to wait to hold his mate and his baby. And definitely didn''t like being made to wait for the sake of another male. But he shook the ill feelings off. His being there would move Gahrye along quickly, he was sure. And he was grateful to the male for watching over her while he''d dealt with Lerrin. The rest of the day was going to be easier knowing that was done.

    Smiling with the hope that, just maybe, he and Elia could risk another lovemaking before the shit hit the fan, he swung the door of the cave open and stepped inside¡ªand his nose was immediately assaulted with the scent of blood.

    "Elia?!"

    There was no answer¡ªfrom her, or from Gahrye. The tter ttered to the cave floor, shattering intorge pieces and spilling food everywhere, but Reth just leaped over the mess towards the bedchamber.

    It was only two steps¡ªtwo steps so that he reached the gap in the furniture and his nose twitched, turning his head. Reth staggered to a halt with a roar.

    Eliay on the floor, pale and unmoving, a small pool of blood under her head.

    "ELIA!"

    Sliding to his knees at her side, he reached for her gently, hands shaking, to feel his way down her spine. "Elia? Elia, love, can you open your eyes? Please, baby¡­ please."

    He couldn''t find any broken bones, no stiffened muscles, or ces that wanted to bend where they shouldn''t. But he was terrified to move her just in case.

    Leaping to his feet and racing out into the meadow, he roared the royal rm that would bring guards, and likely Aymora and Jayah as well, but certainly Behryn and any elders who heard it, along with anyone they thought could help. He prayed they''d think to bring messengers in case Aymora was too far away to have heard him.

    Then he was back in the cave and at her side, praying, pleading with the Creator.

    She was in the nightdress she''d put on for Gahrye and he checked her quickly, knowing she wouldn''t want her nakedness bared to the other males when they arrived. She wasn''t bleeding from anywhere else except her head that he could find.

    Then as he wed his hands into his hair and prayed for wisdom, for insight, for anything that would tell him what to do to help her, her eyelids fluttered.

    "R-Rethhh?" The word was thick on her tongue and he almost sobbed in relief.

    "Don''t move, Elia, I don''t know if you''ve broken anything."

    "I¡­ I haven''t¡ªargh!"

    Her entire body squeezed tight¡ªeyes closed, head and arms rolled forward to her stomach, knees pulling up under it.

    "Elia! Elia is it the baby?!" His voice was high and urgent.

    She couldn''t speak, her mouth open and breath stopped in the wake of the pain, but a few secondster she sucked in and her head tipped back.

    "Yeeeeeeesss¡­" she groaned. "Tried¡­ to get¡­ Aymora. She''sing¡­ Reth¡­ she''sing."

    She? Aymora? Or Elreth?

    Then Elia made the most horrific groan and Reth almost wept, his head spinning. To move her andfort her? But what if she''d cracked something in her spine, falling?

    Sick to his stomach and terrified, Reth tore a fur off the back of the couch and threw it over her as Elia began to shake. Then prayed for her safety as he swept her up into his arms and started carrying her into the bedroom.

    She was still so light, so tiny, except for that massive stomach. She froze in his arms and he prayed he hadn''t caused her greater pain, but he knew she needed toy in a softer spot and¡­ and¡­ he didn''t know what else to do.

    Footsteps rang on the stone behind him before he''d even gotten her to the bedchamber, and one corner of the knots in his chest loosened as a Sentry appeared, face pale and eyes wide. "Sire?!"

    "Get Aymora! Now! The Queen''s having contractions and she''s fallen and hurt herself. Tell her to bring Jayah, and any other healers who are good with head or spinal injuries."

    "Yes sir!"

    The footsteps immediately turned and raced back through the cave. Reth didn''t even look up. Didn''t even know which guard had reached him first. He would have to ask Behryn to find out so they couldmend the fellow.

    But then he was at the side of the sleeping tform, and easing Elia down onto it as gentle as he was capable of.

    Her breath caught again when he pulled his arms out from under her and let her settle into the furs, but at least she was breathing.

    He''d left her curled on her side, facing him, and he knelt on the lower tform so they were face to face. Her eyes were hooded, almost closed, squinting despite the low light. Squinting against the pain.

    "Reth," she puffed.

    "I''m here." He put a hand to face, but she grabbed it with one hand and clung, her nails digging into his palm.

    "I don''t regret it," she rasped. "I needed you. Don''t regret it."

    He wasn''t sure this was the time, but she was obviously worried about it, so he stroked her hair back from her face with his other hand and murmured, "I don''t either, Love. Just¡­ just breathe. Please. Don''t stop breathing."

    It was such a stark reminder of the danger she was in¡ªall the unknowns about this baby, about her own body, and what would happen if it really was time, that Reth had to swallow several times or he might have thrown up.

    "Reth?" her voice was tiny and high, barely more than a whisper.

    "I''m here, Elia," he whispered, still stroking her hair.

    "I love you, Reth. You''re¡­ I''m¡­ scared¡­"

    "I know, Love. I know. Me too. But I''m here. I''m not going anywhere. You can do this. If you need to shift, then shift."

    "I can''t!" she wailed, her breath sucking in and eyes squeezed tightly shut. "I t-took the tonic because I was fighting¡­ I can''t shift, Reth."

    Reth blinked and stared, horrified as she was hit with another contraction and she cried out, then went silent, her entire body braced against the pain of a contraction."

    "It''s okay, Love," he rasped, curling himself over her. "It''s okay. We''ll figure it out. Just¡­ just keep breathing. Please."

 Chapter 618 - Donâ€™t Let Go

    <h4>Chapter 618 - Don¡¯t Let Go</h4>

    RETH

    An hourter Reth was starting to be able to breathe himself, though only just.

    Aymora had arrived within minutes bringing the herbs she hoped would stop the contractions, and another healer who examined his mate and was confident she hadn''t broken anything, though she worried about concussion. Something the humans were more prone to, she told him.

    As soon as she heard that Elia hadn''t hurt her spine, Aymora immediately positioned Elia on her back with pillows under her knees, "to make it as hard as possible for her body to bear down."

    She was still examining Elia and the position of the baby when Jayah ran in, stopping cold at the sight of several Anima in the bedchamber, and Elia, her breath still huffing, though at least she was breathing.

    Reth blinked himself to awareness then¡ªthere were too many people here. A messenger waiting at the wall. Two guards that hade with Aymora. The healer¡­ Elia was already under stress. This was only going to make it worse.

    But where was Behryn? Why hadn''t he arrived yet? Had he and Hollhye gone to their old home in the outskirts? The horns should have been blown within minutes, reaching even out there, but¡­ but Reth hadn''t been paying attention. He didn''t know¡­

    Reth growled. "Everyone but Aymora and Jayah get out of here and go into the main room. Wait for instructions there."

    The guards and messenger filed out immediately. The healer sent a nce at Aymora first, which made Reth growl again. But then she packed up her things and trotted out with a hurried word to Jayah to call her back if they discovered anything.

    When the door closed behind her, Reth settled back down, sitting on the side of the bed and holding Elia''s hand. She was breathing mostly normally, still wincing when pain waves hit. But whatever Aymora had given her had eased the contractions. She hadn''t had one that stopped her breathing for several minutes now.

    Please¡­ he prayed. Please keep her safe. Keep Elreth safe. Just¡­. Not yet.

    "Somebody tell me what the hell happened this morning?" Aymora growled, wringing out a small rag from a bowl of cool water, then cing it on Elia''s forehead.

    "I¡­ I don''t know¡­" Reth said, swallowing hard. "Gahrye came to visit her. I left to get food and¡­ I came back and she was on the floor in the cave, bleeding."

    Aymora went very still. "The Advisor harmed her?" she asked, shocked.

    "No!" Elia croaked. "He left when I went to sleep."

    "He did what?" Reth snarled, rage shuddering through him.

    "Don''t, Reth," Elia breathed. "I told him to go. I thought¡­ I wanted to sleep and I thought you''d be back. I hadn''t had any pain. It was all¡­ it was my mistake."

    Reth knew that wasn''t true¡ªhe''d told the male to stay until he returned!¡ªbut he also knew arguing with Elia wasn''t going to help. So he caught Aymora''s eye, but said nothing.

    "What hurt you? Did someone else enter the cave?" Aymora asked carefully.

    "No. I started having contractions. I was fighting the beast and¡­ and I knew I needed you. I was going to go call a Sentry. But a contraction hit and my legs gave out. I fell. That''s all."

    That was all? That was all?! Reth wanted to bite something, but Elia''s eyes swam with tears.

    "Is¡­ is Elreth okay?" she whispered to Aymora.

    "Elreth''s heart is strong," Aymora said, though her face was grim. "I''m more concerned with whether or not we can stop thisbor."

    "I''m feeling much better now," Elia said quickly. "I haven''t had a contraction for a few minutes. The herbs helped."

    Aymora''s lips pressed to thin lines. "We will see. You are still in pain¡ªdon''t try to pretend that you aren''t, Elia. So just¡­ don''t move. Let us get anything you need. And we''ll see."

    But Reth could see the tight anger pinching her eyes. His own was the same, he was sure.

    He dropped his head in his hands for a moment. Everything had been so beautiful that morning. She''d been so strong.

    "Don''t give up hope, Reth," Aymora said tightly. "We have stopped it before, we may be able to do so again. But once we have, we will have a discussion about what I smell on both of you."

    Reth dropped his hands to look at Elia, whose eyes were wide. She looked at him and her pale cheeks colored. But neither of them said anything¡ªwas there any point now?

    Reth didn''t regret it¡­ except if it brought Elreth into danger¡­ what had he been thinking?

    Aymora growled. "Oh, for fuck''s sake. Stop looking like I just kicked you in the balls. Honestly, I didn''t think you''dst as long as you did. But still¡­ no more!"

    "Yes, Aymora," they both said, like chastened children. And Reth''s heart lightened, because although Elia was still pale, and her face still tight with pain, she wasfortable enough to reach for his hand and meet his eyes slyly, sharing the joy of that morning with him for a breath.

    His mate. His beautiful, strong, terrifying mate. He squeezed her hand, and pulled it into hisp, unwilling to lose any contact with her.

    For the next few minutes he could breathe. Elia was brightening, Aymora''s anger seemed to wane, and Jayah had stopped frowning. He knew when the healer''s rxed it was a good sign. He didn''t like the bruise spreading on Elia''s forehead, but she said her head wasn''t hurting, so he prayed they had escaped this disaster.

    If they had, he would wrap Elia in furs and sit with her in hisp for the next week until it was definitely safe for Elreth toe. And then he would pray. And pray. And pray.

    But as they sat there and hebed through Elia''s hair with his free hand, footsteps¡ªrunning footsteps¡ªsounded in the cave and he tensed. It was Behryn, probably panicked because he''d been sote to answer the rm.

    At least Reth couldfort him.

    The door swung wide so fast it cracked against the wall of the cave and they all startled.

    "What the hell are you¡ª" Aymora hissed.

    But Behryn ignored her, rushing towards Reth. "The bears, Reth. The bears are awake and something''s¡­ A bird patrol caught sight of Gahwr dragging someone out of the portal cave."

    Reth''s stomach dropped and a curse rose to his lips at the same time he felt Elia go tense and heard her breath stop.

 Chapter 619 - Donâ€™t Look Back

    <h4>Chapter 619 - Don¡¯t Look Back</h4>

    ELIA

    Reth growled low in his chest and his fingers tightened on hers.

    "What the fuck?"

    Behryn gave him a warning look. "Listen, Reth, the birds saw it¡ªGawhr was awake and roaring at someone, dragging them out of the portal cave. That was almost an hour ago."

    Reth cursed again. "Why am I only hearing about this now?"

    "Because I was busy with fucking guards and only heard about it after the rm was raised¡ªwhen I was already running from my home!"

    Elia wasn''t sure what had happened between the two of them, but Reth and Behryn were both ring at each other. Her heart raced. She didn''t want to let go of Reth, didn''t want to be apart from him. But she was feeling better and¡­ and if Gawhr had caught Gahrye, she needed him to go soothe the bear, exin to him¡­ "Reth," she said uncertainly.

    "Don''t worry, Elia, I''m not going anywhere."

    "No, Reth, you have to."

    He finally looked away from Behryn to stare at her worriedly. "I''m not leaving you right now."

    "You have to," she said, sighing and trying to look stronger than she felt. "I''m doing better now¡ª" she saw Aymora''s lips go tight and prayed her adoptive mother wouldn''t say anything, "¡ªand I think¡­ I think Gawhr must have caught Gahrye."

    Reth''s eyes widened. "What?" The word was low and t, brimming with shock and stifled rage."

    "Please, Reth¡­" she whispered. "I''m sorry. He was so miserable, and I know how that feels. I couldn''t¡­ I couldn''t keep him here. I told him to be careful. But he must have¡­ he must have gotten too close or something."

    "You told him to go?! After everything I told you! The war, Elia!"

    "I know, I know, I''m sorry¡ª"

    "This is not the time, Reth," Aymora said sharply, and they both cut off.

    Reth was staring at her, horror, anger, and grief painted on every line of his gorgeous face. She wished she could push herself up to sit, to take his face in her hands, to pull him close and beg for his forgiveness. But she was scared to move in case her contractions started again.

    Behryn watched the two of them, obviously measuring whether or not Reth would do as Behryn thought he should.

    Then Reth shivered, his entire body vibrating for a single second, and he closed his eyes, bringing his free hand up to rub his eyes. Elia squeezed his other hand again, pleading with him silently to forgive her¡ªand to forgive Gahrye.

    "Gahrye," he said quietly. "And Gawhr found him."

    She swallowed hard, but her mouth was still dry. "You can tell him, Reth. Exin about the mates¡ªthat he brought me back so you didn''t have to cross, and¡­ and that he needed to get back to his¡ª"

    "Get a fist prepared," Reth said to Behryn, his voice dark and sharp. "Hell, get an entire battalion. All equine and pride¡ªwe need to get out there as quickly as possible. But warn them they aren''t to touch anyone unless I give the word. The bears make a lot of noise and threats. That''s not when you need to worry about them. Tell them to watch me and follow my cues, and they do NOT fight unless I give the order."

    Behryn nodded tightly, then looked down at Elia, put one hand to her leg under the furs and said, "We''re both praying for your safe delivery." Then he was gone.

    Reth didn''t look at her for a moment and her stomach went cold. Was he so angry that he wouldn''t¡ªbut then he finally looked down at her, and his eyes were sad. So sad. "Aymora, can you and Jayah give us a minute please?"

    Both women immediately left the room, Aymora turning only to close the door behind her, their footsteps fading down the tunnel outside.

    Elia took a deep breath. "Reth, I''m so sorry¡ª"

    "I''m going to do my best to be back here in a couple of hours," he said quietly, pushing himself down toy next to her, cupping her face, his eyes bright and tired and so, so sad. "And I''m going to do everything in my power to save Gahrye. But¡­ you have to understand, Elia¡­ the entire WildWood is at risk now."

    She nodded. "I''m sorry. I thought he could get out without them knowing he''d been there."

    Reth closed his eyes and sighed. "Are you certain your contractions have stopped?"

    "Yes," she said firmly, telling herself it was true. "I want you to go help Gahrye and calm Gawhr down. I mean it, Reth. You have to."

    He grunted, then opened his eyes again and stared at her. When he spoke, he whispered.

    "Please be safe, Elia. Please. It will be a couple of hours. Three at the most. Please¡­ be safe. Don''t move. Don''t do anything. Just wait for me."

    "I will," she said, her eyes swimming with tears again. She put a hand to his face. "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me. Worry about the bears. Go¡­ do what you do, Reth. Make him see. Calm the storm. I''ll still be here when youe back."

    The words rung in the room like a struck bell and they stared at each other.

    Reth opened his mouth, and she was so afraid that he would put voice to her fears, that she pulled his face in and kissed him, deeply, whimpering.

    When she pulled back, she whispered, "I don''t regret it, Reth. I can never regret a second with you."

    He held her tightly, his breath heaving in his great chest, then he kissed her hair and murmured his love, before rolling off the sleeping tform and starting for the door.

    As he opened it he turned and smiled at her. "You''re still beautiful, Love. Just¡­ keep breathing, okay?"

    "I will," she said, forcing herself to smile back, and only allowing the tears toe when the door closed behind him and she could hear him whispering with Aymora further down the tunnel.

 Chapter 620 - Donâ€™t Hold Your Breath

    <h4>Chapter 620 - Don¡¯t Hold Your Breath</h4>

    ELIA

    It was a full minute before the door opened again and Aymora walked in, her long hair streaked with gray, still shining and rippling down her back. She didn''t meet Elia''s eyes as she entered, but walked to the dresser at the side of the room and picked up herrge cone, and a few other things, bringing them to the side of the bed.

    Elia hadn''t moved, just stayed where she was, still and careful, because she knew she had to be.

    "Feeling better, huh?" Aymora said quietly, measuring out some herbs into a small mortar.

    Elia grimaced. "I mean, I am. The contractions have stopped."

    "But not the pain, correct?" Aymora said tightly.

    Elia sighed, but shook her head. "I feel like if I move a muscle, everything will clench up again."

    Aymora nodded slowly, using the stone pestle in the mortar to begin crushing the herbs she hadid out on the side tform.

    "Please don''t be angry, Aymora. He had to go. If he knew I was still hurting, he wouldn''t have gone and Gahrye would die and the bears¡­"

    "I know," she said softly, and her eyes caught on Elia''s for a moment before she turned back to the herbs. "In a few minutes when I have this ready, I''m going to examine you. It might hurt. So I''m going to give you these to help. They won''tst long¡ªmaybe an hour. But they will help you rest while you can."

    Elia nodded, her stomach fluttering with nerves. "So¡­ this is it?"

    "I don''t know," Aymora said. "I''ll know more in a little while. Here." She tipped the herbs into a little bottle full of a light, yellow fluid¡ªorange juice by the smell.

    Elia tipped her head back against the pillow and swallowed the two or three mouthfuls. It was bitter with the powdered herbs, but she swallowed, sticking out her tongue for a moment. Then handed the bottle back to Aymora.

    "What do we do now?" she asked carefully.

    "Now we wait," Aymora said. "Jayah and I will examine you when those herbs have had time to take effect. I''ll be able to tell you more after that. But I will say this, Elia¡­ if the urge to shift is there at any point today, you will have to put your fear aside. If you are going to deliver, it is far safer to do so as your beast than in your human form. The beast can deliver a human child easily. But you cannot deliver a cub. Not safely."

    Elia''s face crumpled and Aymora froze. "What is it?"

    Elia swallowed hard. "I took the tonic this morning," she said, her voice pinched with tears. "I got scared when I was alone and I didn''t want to shift and¡­ and I took it."

    Aymora''s eyes closed and she muttered something under her breath, but then she shook her head. "It doesn''t matter. We don''t even know whether you''ll deliver today. Just¡­ just rest, Elia. We''ll face whatever we have to face when it happens."

    Then she took Elia''s hand and sat with her while they waited.

    *****

    Elia must have dozed off, because she woke from a dream that she was being stabbed.

    A tiny cry broke from her throat and she reached out for Reth, opening her eyes to find Aymora next to her instead, giving quiet instructions to Jayah, who stood down by Elia''s legs.

    "I''m sorry, Elia, but we need to see how dted you are," Aymora said, stroking her hair back from her face.

    "Dted? But I''m not¡ª" she groaned as a contraction hit her at the base of her spine and she felt her entire lower body suck in and down without hermand.

    Aymora coached her quietly through it, whispering reminders to breath and brushing the hair back off her face, holding her hand and hip so she wouldn''t move,forting her and reassuring her until Elia could breath easily again and speak.

    "That was¡­"

    "That was yourbor beginning," Aymora said quietly. "Now, we need to examine you quickly before the next onees."

    She helped Elia roll onto her back and pull her heels up as high towards her buttocks as she could. It was an undignified pose, and it hurt. Elia''s tears began again, and she cursed herself for her weakness. But Aymora told her not to be silly, then talked her through where and why they needed to touch her¡ªletting Jayah double-check for herself.

    Their hands were invasive, but gentle and Eliaid back, staring at the ceiling, praying Reth was safe and would make it back to her quickly.

    Within minutes her body was clenching again, and they allowed her to roll to her side, rubbing her back and stroking her hair until she was through it.

    When the pain finally eased, Elia blinked and slowly blew out the breath she''d been holding. Her stomach fizzed with fear, but her body was working on its own. She could feel it, like a boulder rolling down a hill¡ªfighting it would only hurt more.

    She burst into tears for real, then, because she realized it was happening. She was going to have a baby. And Reth wasn''t there. And it was her fault. And Gahrye was in danger.

    "Shhhhhh, shhhhhh, Elia. Sweetheart, please. We aren''t going to leave you alone. You don''t have to do this alone, okay?"

    "I know¡­ I know¡­" she wept, clinging to Aymora''s hand. "It''s just all so¡­" she shook her head and sucked in a breath. No. She wasn''t going to give in. There was no point now. She had an important job to do today, and she would do it. And she would pray that Reth got back safely and quickly, and with Gahrye.

    Aymora looked at Jayah, then back down at Elia. "You''re already half-dted, Elia. Your body is moving quickly to do this. But we likely still have hours yet. So just rx and rest when you can. Tell us if anything changes. And remember that we''re here for you. Okay? You don''t have to do this alone, Elia. No Anima will ever bear any offspring alone. We are here. And we aren''t leaving until you''re both safe."

    *****

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 Chapter 621: Donâ€™t Poke the Bear

    <h4>Chapter 621: Don''t Poke the Bear</h4>

    RETH

    Reth raced to the Portal clearing in his beast, making it there in a little over half an hour. But he stopped just shy of the end of the trail. Gawhr would have heard himing¡ªespecially with the horses pounding behind him. But he couldn''t afford to antagonize the Bear Alpha. The male was erratic at the best of times. He would be in a rage now¡ªand given the scent of blood in the air, Reth just prayed that Gahrye was still alive.

    The guards¡ªten already there, and another twenty on their way, just in case many of the bears were awake¡ªall slid to a halt, returning to their human forms to gather around him among the trees. He waited until the two fist leaders had gathered their ranks and turned to him, then issues quick, efficient instructions.

    "You stay here among the trees unless you hear me growl, then you approach slowly unless I call for battle. We are here to make peace, not antagonize war, do you understand?"

    The fist leaders both nodded.

    "The bears always work to intimidate. As long as he''s raging, we have nothing to worry about. It''s when he goes silent that you are on guard. Do not let yourselves break. He will smell your fear. You wait until you have an instruction from me, and do not fight unless I give the call to battle, or you see him attack me."

    "But, Sire, if he''s already attacked¡ª"

    "He is an old friend. I''m praying to the Creator that our rtionship can withstand the tension. But regardless, you do not intrude unless I call for it, or am already bleeding."

    The males both balled their hands to fists, but nodded, epting the instruction.

    "Good males. Now, position yourselves, and pass on the instructions to others when they arrive."

    Then he turned and jogged into the clearing.

    As the trees parted and thest curve of the trail ttened out into the sparse grass and weeds of the portal clearing, the sight that met Reth''s eyes made his heart sink.

    Gawhr stood over a crumpled body on the ground, his voice low and gnarled. Two other bears stood behind him, both their faces twisted in rage¡ªand all of their knuckles bloodied.

    "Stand down, Gawhr," he growled as he strode into the clearing.

    The big bear''s head swung and his single eye locked on Reth. "The liar has arrived," he spat, then kicked Gahrye in the side.

    The equine groaned and curled in on himself, but he didn''t move or try to fight. Reth''s heart raced, fluttering and jumping as if it would explode.

    He couldn''t go back to the cave and tell Elia her best friend had been killed.

    He held Gawhr''s gaze and shook his head. "Please don''t kill my mate''s Cohort, Gawhr," he said dryly, feigning indifference. "The male is only lovesick and¡ª"

    "LIAR!" Gawhr roared. "I put my hands on this male as he was about to walk into the Portal. You told me your people would not cross! You told me there was no further risk¡ªonly you going for your mate! That was the agreement!"

    Reth put his hands up, palms forward, praying Gawhr was too tense to notice he was sweating. "This male is a good male with a good heart, Gawhr. He has already crossed twice¡ªjust as I had. He brought my mate back to me when her life was at risk, now he seeks to return to his own. You understand that, Gawhr¡ªyou understood my need to be close to Elia¡ª"

    "He seeks to cross not even for the good of the people, but for his own gain?!"

    "Just as I would have. The call of the mate¡ª"

    "Those who cross for selfish gain will be consumed by the enemy!" Gawhr roared. "His heart is not good, he would be corrupted, and then you would return him here to corrupt the rest of us!"

    "No, no, that''s not what I said," Reth said, trying to sound reasonable and calm, even as his chest began to stab with every beat of his heart, such was his fear that the bear would snap. "My order was for none to cross until I had spoken with you to gain permission. But this male¡­ he entered Anima unaware of the agreement and wished to return to his mate. His true mate, Gawhr."

    "I wouldn''t¡­let them have me. I had to get to¡­ her¡­ she''s having a baby," Gahrye whispered from the ground. "At least¡­ I think she is."

    Reth''s brows rose and he looked at Gawhr, who had gone still.

    Hope red in Reth''s chest. Gahrye was beaten and bruised and clearly in pain. But he was also speaking clearly. It looked like the bears had only intended to punish him, not kill him.

    "You have offspring on the way?" Gahwr snarled.

    "I¡­ can''t be sure until I get there," Gahrye replied, rolling slightly so he could meet Gawhr''s gaze through swollen eyes. "But¡­ I would not¡­ I hate the voices¡­ I wouldn''t¡­ give in."

    "Gawhr," Reth said softly, "he''s a good male."

    Gawhr stared down at Gahrye, then his eye snapped up to meet Reth''s and his upper lip curled. "You think to manipte me as you have your people all these years? I know you, Reth, and I know you and your people, Reth. And I know you only keep your word as far as it benefits you! I should never have agreed to your crossing, but I attempted mercy. But this? This is betrayal of our agreement."

    "No, Gawhr, please¡ª"

    "You and your people cannot be trusted. This is the Queen''s Advisor? And she sent him to cross? All of you are dark! All of you! I should have listened to my father!"

    "No!"

    "You all stink of deception and selfish ambition¡ªwhiches from the voices."

    "No! He sought his mate! That''s all¡ªyou understand a true mate, Gawhr. How hard it is to be apart!"

    Gawhr''s eye widened. "Only his mate? That is all he seeks? And no risk to your people, or ours who sleep here, unprotected, when hees back with the evil ones clinging to him like a bad stench?"

    "They do stink, the ones who give over," Gahrye murmured. "You can tell¡ª"

    "SILENCE!" Gawhr roared, and the two bears behind him took defensive stances as the bear Alpha leaned down to spit at Gahrye. "You are so eager to meet them, and your King is so eager to see you bring them back to his people, then very well. You will meet them."

    "No, Gawhr!" Reth snarled.

    But the huge bear just picked Gahrye up¡ªwho iled, but was too weak to fight, and outnumbered anyway¡ªand started back into the cave, Reth on his heels.

    **** WIN BIG PRIZES AT THE END OF THIS BOOK! ****

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    To make sure you can ess ALL the giveaways, friend me on Facebook! (to find me quickly use:? bit.ly/aimeelynnfb ) There will be easy ways to enter from there each day (because I can include links) AND EXTRA GIVEAWAYS ONLY FOR FACEBOOK FRIENDS! See you there!

 Chapter 622 - Donâ€™t Count Me Out

    <h4>Chapter 622 - Don¡¯t Count Me Out</h4>

    RETH

    "Gawhr, what are you doing?"

    "I am freeing your Queen''s Advisor so he may join hisrades in evil," Gawhr growled.

    Reth''s heart pounded, then stopped, then pounded again and he gasped, reaching for the huge man¡ªbut unwilling toy hands on him because the bears would see that as a deration of war. "Please, Gawhr, let him go. He''s been beaten. He''s weak."

    "And he will pay the price for his stupidity¡ªas will you, and your Queen. Perhaps in this you will understand, finally, the heat of the fire that you y with!"

    They passed into the cave, their voices echoing in the stone chamber, but Gawhr was single minded, dragging Gahrye as if he were little more than a child.

    "Gawhr, please. Let''s talk this through. It doesn''t have to mean war for us¡ª"

    "The bears own the Portal, Reth, or do you attempt to go back on your word in that agreement as well?

    Reth groaned. "No, but¡ª"

    "Thend is forfeit until such time as we determine we are not needed here. If any of your people try to enter, the bears will take them. Do not push us to war, Reth, you will lose!"

    "No, Gawhr, PLEASE!"

    But they''d reached the side tunnel and Gawhr, with a low snarl, took a running start towards the portal, throwing Gahrye into it¡ªonly to have him m into its shimmering surface with a cry, then slide to the floor of the cave.

    Gawhr gaped at him.

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia shoved her breath through her teeth, her lips pursed, tears drying on her cheeks.

    "You''re doing well, Elia," Aymora said, her voice more gentle and calm than Elia had heard her in months. "Keep going. It will be over soon."

    It had been two hours since Reth left and she was bing increasingly shaky, terrified that war was beginning again on the horizon, her mind spinning¡ªwhen she wasn''t consumed with pain.

    She sobbed then as the contraction eased. Aymora began to mop her brow with a cool, damp cloth, while Jayah bustled around her middle, listening to Elreth''s heart and making notes on a small parchment she''d produced from her bag.

    "The contractions areing every four minutes," Jayah said quietly. "And the baby''s head is engaged."

    "Human or cub?"

    "Human right now," Jayah said, pressing on Elia''s stomach gently.

    Aymora took a deep breath and smiled at Elia. "That''s good, Elia. That''s very good news."

    Elia nodded, still panting from the contraction. "How much time do we have?" she asked, swallowed hard.

    Aymora frowned. "I''m not certain. I would guess a few hours yet. But it can be tricky. Things can speed up quickly, or even slow as we get towards the end. All we can do is wait and see what the Creator has in store."

    Elia''s face crumpled. She wished she felt stronger, more ready for this. But she was already exhausted. "Where''s Reth? He needs to be here," she wailed.

    Aymora shushed her and wiped her brow again, a gentle hand rubbing her arm. "He will be here. Another hour. You can do this, Elia. And he will return and you will wee your babe together. Don''t worry. Keep your energy for the fight ahead. Don''t worry."

    But Elia couldn''t stop worrying¡ªabout Reth, about Gahrye, about her own choices. And about this baby.

    Please, she prayed. I can''t control this. Please¡­ keep them all safe.

    *****

    RETH

    Reth stared at Gahrye, then Gawhr, whose one eye was wide and his brows as high as Reth had ever seen them. Gahryey on the ground, groaning, but able to curl himself into a ball.

    "Please," the equine gasped. "I don''t have selfish ambition. I swear it. The voices are my enemy."

    Gawhr continued to stare at the male and Reth was at a loss, praying that the Creator had some other kind of miracle up his sleeve to save Gahrye and avert the war.

    "Please, Gawhr," he murmured, "Clearly the Creator stood in the way and he isn''t supposed to go through. At least, not like this. Please, let us stay in peace."

    Gawhr turned to look at him, his eyes clouded with confusion and he opened his mouth. But in that moment, a strange call sounded from the cave entrance.

    "Gawhr! A messenger for the King!"

    Reth turned at the sound of the bear guards who hadn''t followed them in. "What¡ª?"

    "Let him in!" Gawhr called, though his eyes remained on Reth.

    They waited as light footsteps sprinted up the cave and into the tunnel. "Sire! Sire! Your mate is having her cub. Aymora said you muste. Now!"

    Reth''s heart dropped and stopped, painfully. He turned on Gawhr, fierce and pleading. "Please, Gawhr," he breathed to his old friend. "Please see that my heart has no anger for you. No desire to breach our agreement. Please¡­"

    Gawhr''s face went t. He looked down at Gahrye and his forehead pressed into lines. "Go, Reth. We will not attack you. But there is need for us to discuss this. Soon. I wille to you. Go. Be with your mate. But leave this male for me."

    Reth, about to run, froze again, then looked at Gahrye, whose face twisted up in pain. Their eyes met, and Reth let the male see the apology on his face.

    "Go, Reth," Gahrye wheezed. "Don''t tell her about this. Tell her¡­ tell her I got through."

    Reth frowned, but Gawhr growled, and he put up his hands and backed away. "Please, Gawhr. Have mercy. I beg you."

    Then he reached the end of the tunnel and swallowed. "My prayers carry you, Gahrye," he muttered, then turned and ran.

    *****

    GAHRYE

    He listened to Reth''s footsteps sprint up the cave, turning to four-footed paws before he''d left the stony ground. He was gone in seconds, and Gahrye, his breathing short and fast because it hurt too much to breathe deeply, turned back to the huge, one-eyed bear.

    He swallowed as Gawhr leaned down until they were almost nose to nose.

    "You didn''t tell me you were disformed," he growled.

 Chapter 623 - Donâ€™t Give Up

    <h4>Chapter 623 - Don¡¯t Give Up</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye swallowed again and his breath caught. "What¡­ did you say?"

    "You didn''t tell me you were a disformed," the Bear n leader snarled.

    "I¡­ I didn''t think it was relevant."

    Gawhr snorted the air from his nostrils. "Only the disformed are ever rejected by the portal."

    Gahrye blinked. Did the bears know about the Protectors? Trying to shift his weight so that the rock wasn''t digging into his back, he kept his eyes on Gawhr''s as the bear straightened, his one eye narrowed as if he were measuring him.

    "I can make you full Anima again, if you would choose it. I know how."

    Gahrye''s jaw dropped open. "I¡­ how?"

    "I know the way. The bears do. This is why we have no disformed. We can¡­ alter you."

    His head spun with tion, with fear, with suspicion¡ªevery feeling, every emotion. How could he possibly¡ª?

    "Why would you even offer me that?"

    "Because life for the disformed is¡­ difficult. And you drag down the tribe. It is better for all if you be one of us."

    Gahrye was stunned. "But¡­ the disformed¡­ we''re here for a reason."

    "Oh? And what reason is that? As evidence of the evil ones? To betray the rest of us to them? Reth''s Anima may have forgotten the legends, but we have not. The picture is clouded, but at least we seek it. Two things are known: The voices are the enemy of the Anima¡ªthey would kill every one of us if they could. But so few Anima use the Portal, they seek to free themselves from its prison through us. By crossing, we offer them that opportunity¡ªwhich we should not do! But you¡­ the disformed, you are the ones who seek the humans, to mate, to befriend. Always. You are the weakest of our links. You bring the rest of us to our knees before the enemy¡ªbecause you are driven to the traverse."

    "Not all of us¡ª"

    Gawhr growled. "Those who don''t know of it remain a drain on resources, and hearts. Yet you breed like rabbits. What good purpose do you see in that?"

    "I¡­" Gahrye''s heart sank. The bear Alpha didn''t know about the Protectors. He knew some twisted version of the new histories that had been created by their ancestors.

    Gahrye slumped back onto the stone floor.

    Gawhr grunted and his face softened¡ªif rock could be said to soften. "It isn''t your fault. You were, indeed, made this way. Not because of the Creator''s great n, but because you are here to test the rest of us." The bear''s eyes sparked. "The bears have learned the answers, we have determined the best course. We are not without mercy. If you wish to be true Anima, to give up your attachment to this ce, to these evil things, I will help you."

    His eyes were bright, fevered, and Gahrye''s stomach sank to his toes. He recognized the light of a zealot¡ªthe bigots had always had them. The Anima who believed they were uniquely informed, uniquely enlightened. Who believed themselves to have answers everyone else needed.

    They were as dangerous as the evil ones, because it is always harder to sway someone who has surrendered to something they believe is right, than someone who seeks their own interests. At least a selfish person could be bought.

    Gahrye closed his eyes and prayed. "I¡­ I choose to be who the Creator made me," he said through his teeth. "Whether you can see the purpose in that or not."

    Gawhr sighed as if Gahrye saddened him. "Of course you do."

    "Please, Gawhr, I have no desire to begin a war between the bears and the other Anima. Reth doesn''t want conflict with you. I truly came against his orders. He has sought to sustain your agreement. I came because¡­ because I needed my mate."

    Gawhr''s lip curled up and back, to reveal his teeth. "I give you onest chance. If I was unclear, hear me: The draw of the portal is mystical. The beings that inhabit the traverse are evil. And the disformed are uniquely vulnerable to their call. You are unwise to seek it. If you have already crossed safely, it is the mercy of the Creator¡ªperhaps to bring you here, so I can heal you. I will give you this choice only one more time: Would you choose to be a shifter? If so, I can provide the means to you. If not, I will release you to your desires which you cannot control, and abandon you to the evil ones. But it means you must never return to Anima while the bears walk the WildWood. If you do, we will hunt you down so you cannot bring the voices to our people."

    "I¡­ I appreciate your offer, Gawhr. Truly. Had you made it a year ago¡­ but I cannot. The Creator has given me a purpose, and I must see it through."

    Gawhr snorted the air from his nose. "Stupid, stupid male," he ground out. Before Gahrye could respond, he continued. "You are rejected by the Portal because you are dirtied. I will wash you clean and return you to your roots. May the Creator have mercy on your soul."

    He picked Gahrye up by his shirt and the back of his leathers. Gahrye groaned, but couldn''t fight the bear''s strength. He was fairly certain his ribs were broken, and his knee had been wrenched so that it felt too loose.

    He scrabbled with his hands, desperate to get to the portal, to get back to Kalle, but instead the huge male dragged him outside and threw him in the creek.

    Gahrye couldn''t breathe when he pressed up, out of the water, his ribs screaming, and his body shocked with the cold.

    But Gawhr hadn''t been lying when he said he would wash him clean. He stripped Gahrye down and scrubbed his wounds until they were clean, then lifted him bodily again.

    Gahrye shuddered against the pain and tried to reach for his bag as they passed it in the tunnel, but the bear kept him too high, out of reach.

    "Wait! Wait! I need my knife!" he screamed as Gawhr approached the portal again.

    But the bear only cursed and threw him through the shimmering surface without another word.

 Chapter 624: Donâ€™t Give In

    <h4>Chapter 624: Don''t Give In</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahryended in the dusty dirt inside the portal with a moan of pain. It took a second to assess himself, his body and to realize exactly how deeply in the shit he was.

    He wasn''t bleeding. He didn''t have a knife. There was a bear on the other side of the portal in a fever dream, who believed if he came out of here, he came with the voices. Gahrye had no doubt Gawhr would tear out his throat if he attempted to go back¡ªand he wasn''t even sure the Portal would let him.

    As soon as he moved from this spot the voices would descend, and he was unprotected¡ªhis wounds all clean and dry. And even if he could find a way¡­ he wasn''t sure his leg would work. He was going to have to drag himself through the traverse naked.

    His heart raced. Could he do it again? Cross the traverse without the protection of the blood?

    He had to. He had to get through here. He had to get to Kalle.

    He began to shake.

    There was only one answer.

    He lifted his arm? and opened his mouth, tearing into the skin inside his forearm with his teeth, groaning and spitting, until it bled, praying that it was enough.

    Then he looked into the darkness of the traverse and saw the light at its end, so far away. His mind echoed with all the things they''d done and said to him in this ce. All the hate, all the fear, all the temptation¡­ And then he thought of his mate¡ªher beautiful eyes, her shining hair, the tinkle of herugh, and that light in her eyes when her scent threaded through with desire¡­

    He set his jaw and shook his head slowly. There was no choice. "Come on then, you fuckers," he muttered. "Do your worst." And he reached out a hand to drag himself forward as the voices swept in.

    *****

    KALLE

    She''d been restless all night, unable to sleep despite bone-aching tiredness, and uncertain why. It was as if her body wanted to move, but she had nowhere to go.

    By midnight she''d been tossing and turning for almost two hours. By one am shey in the bed she''d shared with Gahrye, staring at the ceiling, her leg jiggling just to ease the push within her to move.

    She yearned for her mate.

    She''d yearned for him every day since he''d left. But this razor-edge of need was new. As if he was just out of reach. As if she could hear his voice, but couldn''t find him.

    Adrenalin mmed through her as the old house made a tiny noise, and for a moment she was convinced it was Gahrye, calling for her.

    "This is stupid," she whispered. She threw the covers back and found the clothes she''d thrown over the chair before she got in bed, put them on, along with pair of gloves and a scarf because it was almost freezing outside.

    She would go for a walk. She''d take herself out to all the spaces they''d been and she''d remember him, and probably cry, and maybe talk to him like he was there and no one would know that she was nuts, because the staff never left the house after dark since Shaw died, and her grandmother slept like the dead.

    Her eyes pinched with the unfairness of it all¡ªthe way she''d only found him for a few months before he''d been taken from him. And yet, she admired him so much. He was right to have taken Elia back to Anima, she knew that. And the fact that he hadn''t returned right away¡­ there has to be a reason. A good one. She knew that too.

    She also knew that, whatever was happening on the other side of the traverse, it was good that Gahrye hadn''t been here for these weeks. The Police were suspicious, and looking for him. They''d questioned her twice more, though she could bepletely honest with them about not knowing where he was, and she''d even offered to do a polygraph. They''d arranged it, and seemed very frustrated when she passed.

    So, it was all good and right. She was sure of it. She just hated it. She hated not knowing if he was okay. She hated being apart from him.

    She hated that his pillow didn''t smell like him anymore.

    Dashing away the tears that wanted to drag her down into grief, Kalle trotted down the huge staircase and through the wide, yawning entry and corridor to the back door. Thest time she''d walked this route, she and Gahrye had been leading Elia in her beast form.

    Kalle blew out a breath remembering the fear and grief of that night. All the ways she''d almost lost him.

    When she pushed through the door it whined and closed loudly behind her, and she winced, hoping she hadn''t woken anyone up.

    Without thought, her feet followed the route they''d taken that night, through the garden, past the turn in the trail, beyond the thickets of trees and lines of manicured bushes, towards that pile of rocks at the bottom of the massive garden.

    And when she took the final turn and it came into view, at first she thought the Police must have been digging when they''dst searched out here, and her heart raced. What if they found a way into the Portal by ident?

    Worse¡­ what if this was all a ruse. What if someone knew about the Portal and was using the Police to try to get close to it?

    There was a thick pile of dirt or something at the base of the boulders that she thought the Police must have dug up, but as she got closer and her eyes adjusted to the dark, the pile moved.

    Kalle stopped dead and almost screamed.

    She was still fifty feet away, the shape on the ground little more than a smudge of lighter color than the rocks behind it.

    Then she heard a groan.

    "Kaaaalleee?"

    Without another thought, Kalle raced forward, crying tears of joy.

    Her mate was back.

    Her mate was here.

    He was back.

 Chapter 625: Donâ€™t Stop Breathing

    <h4>Chapter 625 - Don¡¯t Stop Breathing</h4>

    ELIA

    An hourter, Elia was in pieces. Her body shuddering into increasing pain and at ever-narrowing intervals. And with every breath, every drop of sweat, and every moment that passed, she felt weaker, not stronger.

    Something was wrong. She could feel it. Something was wrong.

    As yet another contraction passed and she could finally breathe again, Elia slumped back onto the pillow, already damp with her sweat, and drips from the cool clothes Aymora kept cing on her forehead during contractions.

    She wanted to do nothing but pull a nket over her head and weep.

    She was a woman¡ªa lioness! This was what she was made for! She should have been meeting this with her teeth gritted and fists clenched, fighting through it. She should have been a warrior to match her mate.

    Instead, she felt like the rag Aymora was wringing out in the water¡ªlimp and dripping.

    She''d cried, and screamed. She''d endured quietly, and almost fainted. She''d gotten angry, and shrunk in terror¡­ and nothing had changed. Her body was grinding towards the end¡ªthe delivery of her baby¡ªand there was nothing she, or the healers, could do to stop it.

    "Why¡­ am I¡­ so weak¡­ already?" she panted while Aymora rubbed a hand up and down her arm.

    Her mother gave a soft smile. "Mothers are all weak, every one," she said. "Producing a life is the most painful and terrifying thing most of them will ever do. But that is where you find your strength, Elia. This day will pass¡ªit will. And in return for your weakness and pain, you will receive a new life. A new love. A new purpose. It is a beautiful thing. The most valuable thing any Anima can do. So if you feel weak, feel weak. But know that you will not be viewed that way when this is over."

    Elia closed her eyes for a moment, knowing the words were touching and beautiful, wishing she could feel them. Wishing she could feel anything beyond pain or fear.

    "But the Anima¡­" she murmured a momentter, "they aren''t¡­ this weak."

    Aymora frowned, watching Jayah who was listening to Elreth''s heartbeat again now that the contraction had finished.

    "Elia, your body has been taxed far beyond what any Anima has been asked," she said quietly. "Not only to carry therger, stronger cub of the Pride, but to grow her so quickly¡­ frankly I am stunned that you are still alive."

    Elia blinked. "You thought¡­ this might kill me?"

    "When I realized how quickly your body was developing the baby and¡­ yes, Elia, I feared that you wouldn''t strengthen in this past week. But you have. So I thank the Creator. And I''m certain that you will strengthen again to meet this as well. And then you will heal."

    Elia licked her lips, about to ask another question when her body spasmed and she couldn''t breathe, couldn''t speak, could do nothing buty there in the grip of pain¡ªa pain even more intense than the contractions before it. Elia felt as if her lower body was being crushed in a vice. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

    She wanted to scream. She wanted to cut her belly out, remove it from her body. But she could do nothing but il, her handing down on Aymora''s arm and gripping until her nails cut her mother''s skin.

    "Shhhhh, it''s okay, Elia, just breathe. Keep breathing. You have to breathe."

    "The cub has shifted," Jayah said quietly, urgently, her hands on Elia''s stomach. "The pain is worse because she''s so big and she''s engaged in the pelvis."

    Elia gasped in fear, but couldn''t do more because her entire body screamed.

    Aymora made a noise that Elia knew couldn''t be good, but she couldn''t think just then. Couldn''t ask questions. Couldn''t even speak.

    "Don''t worry, Elia," Aymora said, motioning for Elia to breathe. "Shifting in the womb is a good sign. Your daughter is strong¡ªand fully Anima. Now¡­ try to breathe, and rx. Don''t let her feel your fear. Let her shift back to herself and find safety with you there. Come one. Breathe, Elia. Breathe¡­"

    But Elia was falling apart. Something within her giving way. And Reth wasn''t here.

    Where was her strength?

    Where was her resolves?

    Where was her mate?

    *****

    Five contractionster¡ªonly two minutes apart now¡ªElia sobbed and sucked at the air as thetest contraction faded, but already she could feel her body gathering for the next.

    "I can''t¡­" she cried. "I can''t¡­"

    "You can, and you will," Aymora said firmly but quietly. "Our concern is not your ability to give birth, Elia. Every female reaches her limit when the time is near¡ªthat''s good. It means we probably have an hour or less until you meet your daughter. Fix your thoughts on that, Elia. That is the joy that awaits you. Fix your mind on that."

    Elia sobbed, gripping the furs, soaked with her sweat. "Where''s Reth?!" she sobbed.

    Aymora looked to Jayah, her face clear and calm, but Elia could tell that she, too, was worried that Reth hadn''t returned. She''d sent the messenger after him to tell him Elia was inbor two hours ago. In beast form, it was more than enough time to get back.

    "Jayah," Aymora said, "Can you go speak with the guards and find out if the messenger has returned yet? If there''s any news?"

    "Of course." As the wolf slipped out of the room, Aymora turned back to Elia, who was beginning to tremble.

    "You have to help me, Aymora," Elia hissed, the words falling over each other as she rushed to get them out before the next contraction.

    "I will do everything I¡ª"

    "No, listen¡­ please¡­ you have to listen to me, Aymora."

    Her mother took her hand, her brows pinched hard over her nose. "I''m listening."

    Elia took a deep breath. "You have to make me a promise," she said.

 Chapter 626: Donâ€™t Stop Praying

    <h4>Chapter 626: Don¡¯t Stop Praying</h4>

    RETH

    Reth raced back to the cave, leaving the messenger in his dirt, his heart mming against his ribs even in his beast as he ran home, terrified and raging. He shifted back into human form as he raced past the guards in the meadow and entered the cave, almost running smack into Jayah rushing out.

    She caught him as he apologized and stepped to go around her, but she called him back, "No! Reth! Stop! Listen! I have to warn you."

    He stopped dead, the urgency in the wolf''s voice making his heart stutter again.

    He turned, panting. "What? What is it?"

    Jayah swallowed, but met his gaze evenly. "She can''t shift."

    He blinked. "But¡ªis she¡ª"

    "No, no, She isn''t dying, no, I meant because she took the tonic this morning. She hasn''t been able to shift since thebor started. For a while the baby was human, but it has shifted recently and it''s causing her a lot of pain."

    "So, what can we do?!"

    Jayah looked at him, her eyes full and round with sympathy.

    Reth reared back. "No."

    "Reth, we can''t force the shift with another tonic¡ªthe two will act against each other and it could cause danger for both of them. We have to pray that the cub shifts back in time and can... can stay human long enough for delivery. "

    Reth stood there, stunned. She wasn''t saying... she couldn''t be saying... "What happens if... if she doesn''t?"

    Jayah''s grip on his arm tightened. "The cub won''t fit," she said. She smiled, but she had tears in her eyes. "Your daughter is strong, Reth. Very strong. You should be proud. She has grown so quickly, and her mother has carried her so well. All that is left for us to do now is pray¡ªpray for the baby to shift, and for the mother to not lose heart. But they are both strong. I just¡­ you needed to know."

    Reth gaped at her and couldn''t speak. His mind was stuck, the images she''d put there ying, and reying. He kept denying them, refusing them, because they could not be right.

    He knew¡­ he had seen¡­ he knew what happened to a mother who couldn''t deliver. And what happened to their child.

    Both were lost.

    No.

    FUCKING NO.

    Reth shoved away from the wolf, growling. "No. You can''t¡­ You don''t¡­ that''s not right. That isn''t¡ª"

    "Reth, I''m not saying we''re there. I''m saying it''s something we need to be praying about because there''s nothing more Aymora or I can do."

    "No. Shut up. Stop saying that. Elia is going to be fine. Elreth will be fine! They just¡­ I have to go to them!" His heart pounded in his ears as he turned, sucking at the air. There wasn''t enough air¡ª

    "Reth, please!" The wolf''s voice rang with rm and yanked him to a stop after he''d turned to run from her. "You cannot cause Elia stress, Reth. You have to see her and love her and be calm. Do you understand? She needs to be as calm as she can be, so Elreth will be calm, and will shift back into her human form. That''s¡­ that''s the best chance we have."

    "Okay," he croaked. "Okay. I''ll¡­ okay."

    But as he turned to walk shakily into the cave, to find his mate and take her hand and do anything he could to help her through this, something inside him broke open and Reth almost fell into the cave wall as his heart shuddered with fear¡­ and grief.

    *****

    ELIA

    "Elia, no," Aymora said, her chin trembling, shaking her head. "You cannot ask that of me. You''re my daughter!"

    "You know I can''t live through this if she doesn''t shift back. I can''t."

    "We aren''t there yet, Elia. I refuse to¡ª"

    "Listen to me!" she hissed through her teeth. "Reth will never forgive himself if something happens to me. And he''ll never make the call. You have to do this, Aymora. You have to promise me. We do this in my world every day¡ªit ismonce! Have you ever cut a baby out before? Do you know how to reach them safely?"

    "Only when the mother has died and¡­ and only¡­ Elia¡ª"

    "Good, good, then you know. You know where to cut and how¡­ Aymora, if there''s a choice to be made, you will make it for her. Do you hear me? You will not let her die because I am still living. We both know how this ends if we don''t get her out."

    "The choice of who lives and who dies is not mine to make!" Aymora gasped.

    Elia gripped her hands. She could feel another contractioning. She needed to get her mother''s promise before she was unable to speak again.

    "The choice is mine. And I choose her!"

    "But this is not your world! We cannot heal you quickly enough, you will die before¡ªand the pain, Elia!"

    "I don''t care. If Elreth is at risk and can''t fit through, even if I''m still alive, you get her out, Aymora. You don''t let him lose both of us, do you hear me?! If he loses both of us it will kill him and then we''re all gone!"

    "But¡ª"

    "AYMORA, PLEASE!" Elia shrieked. Then the muscles in her stomach caught and she was struggling again. Another contractioning. "Please," she gasped. "He''ll never make the decision. I am making it. You have to promise me, please."

    Aymora''s face crumpled and she dropped her head back. But as Elia continued to beg, she nodded and leaned forward, resting her temple on the crown of Elia''s head, holding her hands.

    "You are a strong, beautiful lioness, my daughter," she whispered. "If the day hase for you to meet your Creator, He will look on you with delight for the love you give." Her breath caught and she hugged Elia to her chest.

    "Promise me," Elia hissed, through clenched teeth.

    "I promise," Aymora said. "I promise you, Elia. I will save Elreth."

    Elia sighed with relief as Aymora curled her arms around her and they held each other for a moment, both of them in tears.

    Then Aymora leaned down, wiping Elia''s tears from her cheeks. "Ready yourself," she whispered, her eyes shining with pride and fear. "One way or another, you''re about to have a daughter. And I can tell you, beyond the love of your mate there is nothing better in the world."

    Elia''s joysted only a second before she screamed as another contraction hit and she was buried in pain.

 Chapter 627: Helpless

    <h4>Chapter 627 - Helpless</h4>

    RETH

    Reth was only halfway through the cave when Elia''s scream pierced the air and he almost shifted, his heart thundering, thudding in his chest, sputtering as if it would give out with the fear that shot through his entire body.

    He flew through the rest of the cave and into the bedchamber to be met with a scene of horror.

    Eliay on the bed, her legs propped high on pillows under the furs. Her body writhed and her mouth was open as if she screamed, but she made no sound. Aymora was at her head, murmuringfort and instruction, holding her hand and using the other to stroke her sweaty hair back off her face.

    Jayah pushed past Reth who had frozen in the doorway, taking her position at Elia''s side, throwing the furs back so she could peer at and touch Elia''s belly.

    Reth, speechless, helpless, his entire body shaking, blurted, "What can I do?"

    Elia''s eyes flew open and her head lifted for a moment. She mouthed his name, but her eyes squeezed shut again and she let her head drop back as Aymora coached her to breathe¡­ just breathe¡­

    Shaky on his feet, Reth circled to the other side of the sleeping tform and crawled up next to her, taking Elia''s other hand¡ªwhich she squeezed in a vicelike grip until the bones in his hand creaked.

    "I''m here, Love," he murmured over the sound of the sucking, heaving breaths she was forcing through gritted teeth. "I''m here."

    The pain seemed to go on forever as Rethy there, next to her, helpless as a babe and overwhelmed with fear.

    He''d heard males speak of this before¡ªthe frustration and fear they''d experienced while their mate delivered, the need to fight, to bite, to do something¡ªand the utter helplessness that overwhelmed them when there was no enemy to tear away from their precious one.

    He''d heard them speak of it¡­ but he''d never imagined¡­

    Then suddenly, Elia slumped back against the pillows, her damp hair stringy and dull, her eyes circled in shadows, her entire body shaking.

    Reth pushed up on one elbow to stroke her hair back and kiss her cheek. "You are magnificent," he breathed in her ear.

    Elia sobbed and curled towards him, taking his face in her hands. "You''re safe¡­ you''re safe¡­" she whispered over and over.

    "Don''t worry about me," he rumbled, trying to smile. "You have bigger fish to fry."

    "Oh¡­ Reth¡­" Elia dissolved into tears and he held her, shushing her, murmuring his love as Aymora and Jayah held a whispered conference next to the sleeping tform that he prayed Elia couldn''t hear, or didn''t listen to.

    "The contractions wille back in a minute," Elia said, her voice quavering. "I''m so d you''re here, Reth. I was so afraid."

    "I wouldn''t miss this for the entire Kingdom, Elia," he said, and he could smile with that, though the sick dread in the pit of his stomach wanted to steal it away. He stroked her face again, wiping away her tears with his thumbs.

    Then she shuddered and her eyes screwed tightly shut again. She groaned and writhed, her teeth chattering.

    Reth was horrified. "What¡­ what''s happening to her?"

    "Her body yearns to shift, but it can''t," Aymora muttered.

    Reth frowned. "But¡­ is the tonic that strong? I shifted when I''d taken it."

    Aymora gave him a worried look. "You shifted early on, before it had taken full hold. She took it hours ago, and she has built up great strength in resisting the beast¡ªout of her fear, which drives the beast forward. She is being torn in half by the conflicting powers. I do not like it." She didn''t speak for a moment, then she added quietly, "Reth, you know what this means if¡ª?"

    "Yes!" he growled, refusing to meet her eyes, stroking Elia''s hair.

    Aymora didn''t say anything else and Reth didn''t take his eyes off Elia''s tormented face, the warning from Jayah echoing over and over in his head.

    The baby needed to shift. His daughter needed to enter this world in her human form.

    Elia groaned. "It''sing again," she breathed.

    Reth''s heart mmed against his ribs again as he braced to watch her in pain.

    Elia breathed quickly, sucking in air in increasingly fast breaths, then, as the contraction hit, she cried out¡ªthen made no noise, her mouth open in a silent scream.

    Reth wanted to tear down the walls of the cave, but he could do nothing buty next to her, hold her hand, and watch.

    Elia waspletely naked now, and bare, as the two females took their positions, Jayah with the long cone in her hand that she used to listen to Elreth''s heartbeat.

    Aymora had turned her full attention back to Elia and adopted the motherly tone she used whenever a patient was panicking. "Keep breathing, Elia. I know it hurts. But you need the air. We are here. We won''t let you go."

    Elia forced her breath out, then sucked back in, but still didn''t speak, didn''t meet their eyes, her entire existence consumed with pain.

    Reth wanted to reach out, to soothe her, tofort her, but he was afraid he would only hurt her further. So he let her crush his hand in her remarkable grip and whispered all the wonderful things¡ªthe ways that he loved and admired her, the ways that their daughter would be like her, all the ways she made him smile. He wasn''t sure she heard a word of it, but he couldn''t just sit there.

    Again and again and again¡­ this relentless process repeated¡ªElia slumping, breathing, crying, even falling asleep for a few seconds here and there, until her body went rigid with pain. Reth standing by, helpless, his beast roaring within, desperate to fight something, to protect, to y this enemy that threatened his precious mate.

    But the enemy was within her. He could not kill it without killing her.

    He had never felt so useless in his life.

    Then Elia sagged back into the pillows again, sobbing, pleading with Aymora to do something before the next contraction, and Reth''s heart began to tear in two, and his beast snarled for release¡ªto bite, to fight, to devour¡­

    So it was pure instinct driving Reth, when the door swung open and Behryn stepped in, asking if anything was needed, and his eyes widened as Elia cried out and tried to cover herself.

    Nothing registered, except that his mate was there, bare and vulnerable, unable to protect herself or her babe¡­ and everything within Reth exploded in white-hot fury.

 Chapter 628: Banished

    <h4>Chapter 628 - Banished</h4>

    RETH

    With a guttural snarl, Reth was off the sleeping tform andnding on the stone floor of the cave in front of Behryn in a single leap.

    "Reth!" Aymora growled, exasperated.

    Behryn immediately submitted, dropping his chin and taking a knee as Reth stood over him, chest and shoulders heaving, his roar of dominance echoing through the bedchamber.

    "Get. OUT!"

    "Yes," Behryn breathed, then turned, his eyes still down and darted out of the room.

    "You too, Reth!"

    "I¡ªwhat?!" he snarled, whirling¡ªto find Aymora storming the few steps towards him, her eyes shing and hair flying, like some avenging angel.

    "Out! Out!"

    "I will not leave my mate!" he growled.

    "You will, and you must. Get out there, burn off some steam and don''te back here until you can be a calm and soothing influence."

    "But¡ª"

    "Now, Reth!" Aymora barked, shoving at his chest so he stumbled back in shock. His rage surged again then, and he braced so she couldn''t push him off his step again. But she only stopped, with her fists on her hips and hissed at him. "We need to examine her anyway, so it''s better if you leave for a short time. This whole day is going to be long and frightening. For both of you. Get out there and get rid of your desperation. Then return to her when you can be a servant."

    His instinct was to fight, to roar, to throw Aymora aside and return to his mate¡ªwhich was exactly why he forced himself to turn and follow Behryn out the door of the bedchamber and into the tunnel.

    He couldn''t do it to her, he realized. He couldn''t make this about himself or his fears. He had to¡­ he had to do something.

    "Reth," Aymora said, her voice tight. He turned to look at her. Her face was serious and worried. "You can''t protect her from this."

    Every fiber within him fought that statement¡ªand wanted to swipe the look of empathy and fear from Aymora''s face.

    "Come back when you''re calm," she said softly, then closed the door.

    Reth wasn''t sure how long he stood there, staring at it, but at some point he blinked, then turned on his heel and stumbled down the tunnel towards the main cave.

    There were quiet, rumbling male voices in the Great Room. He could hear them the moment he paid attention. And sure enough, when he reached the dining area, three of them turned¡ªBehryn, Brant, and one of the young males that had been appointed for training as Elia''s personal guard before he sent her back to the human world. His name was¡­ his name was Tarkyn, Reth thought. What was he doing here?

    "I''m sorry, Reth," Behryn said quietly as he approached. "I''d forgotten about her desire for¡­ modesty."

    Reth held his best friend''s gaze for a long moment, then shook his head. "What''s going on?" he asked, without responding to Behryn''s apology.

    Behryn frowned, but nced at Tarkyn. "Everyone heard your rm, Reth. There''s disruption in the City because people are feeling insecure and wondering what''s happened. I sent word with Huncer and they''ll be informed. But in the meantime, I''m cing guards all the way across the meadow, and sending patrols through the City to make sure we don''t have any dissidents trying to take advantage of your distraction."

    Reth nodded. That was a good idea. He hadn''t thought about it when he''d raised the rm. All he''d been able to think about at all was getting help to Elia.

    His mind shed images of her back there, writhing in pain and unable even to scream¡ªthe pale gauntness of her face, her sweaty, graying skin and protruding stomach.

    Creator''s Light, he couldn''t lose her. He wouldn''t!

    "What''s going on, Reth?" Brant asked, his voice thin and husky.

    "Elia can''t shift," he blurted, without looking up. "The babe is a cub and¡­ it''s causing her great pain."

    "Oh, Reth¡­ I''m so sorry."

    Reth shook his head. Normally, he would have found the older male''s presence afort. But when their eyes met, Reth saw understanding there, the light of empathy, and he remembered Brant''s story, and everything within him recoiled.

    Shuddering with the renewed urge to bite something, he snarled, "Don''t," and started through the cave towards the door.

    "Reth, you need to¡ª"

    "That''s not what is happening, Brant. I''m not listening," he growled back, throwing the cave door open and storming out into the meadow.

    He didn''t miss the thud of the males feet behind him, Behryn and Tarkyn speaking hushed and low, but not pushing into the conversation as they all followed Reth outside into the sunlight where he staggered to a halt.

    The day was beautiful¡ªbright and nearly cloudless, thest of the bright red autumn leaves hanging onto the trees, while the evergreens glittered in the chill, golden sun.

    The world had no business being beautiful today when Elia was in danger. None!

    Reth turned left and started across the meadow, along the mountain''s curve. He needed to run, or fight, or something. But he didn''t want to run into anyone. Couldn''t think about someone else in that moment, or help them.

    Fuck. Elia.

    He shook his head and picked up his pace. But Brant was right on his heels.

    "Reth, let me talk to you."

    "No."

    "I can help you. I''ve been where you are¡ª"

    "No! NO!" He roared and whirled, shoving Brant in the chest. The older man staggered back a step. "You have not been here¡ªI am not there! That is not what''s happening here!"

    Brant''s hands were up, palms facing him. "Reth, I''m not saying Elia will definitely die, but let me¡ª"

    "NO!" Reth shoved him again with a snarl, and a dark, deep growl began in Brant''s chest as the older man, the leader of the Elders and Security council, and the male that Reth admired more than any other, save his own deceased father, stood his ground.

    "Do not push me, Reth. Find your control."

    "No! No, I won''t! You can''t say that, you aren''t right. I am not living your story¡ªthat was your story! This is mine!" Reth bellowed and shoved the male again.

    But Brant didn''t give. Their eyes locked and even though Reth could see the light of love in Brant''s gaze, it was the fire of strength that red as he stood up to his King.

    "This is the story the Creator has chosen for you¡ªno matter where it ends¡ª"

    "SHUT. YOUR. MOUTH."

    "Reth¡ª"

    "I said LEAVE ME!" Reth roared andunched himself at Brant.

 Chapter 629: Lies

    <h4>Chapter 629 - Lies</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia was drowning in a wave of pain. And even when the wave receded, pulling back from her shore, the ripples of its brothers threatened, washing up and over her in surge after surge until it seemed like there was no respite at all. Her head swam, screaming, crying, sweating¡­ then it all faded for a blessed second when her body, still aching and primed for pain, could breathe.

    She opened her eyes, blinking against the salt on her skin, to find Aymora leaning over her, her face worn and haggard.

    "We need to check Elreth''s head," she said quietly, rubbing Elreth''s arm.

    "Where''s¡­where''s Reth?" Elia gasped. She sounded like a child begging for their father, but she didn''t care.

    "He''s just taking the head off some other males, he''ll be back very soon¡ªso we''re going to examine you now, okay?"

    Elia nodded, not quite able to take in what she''d said.

    Hands invaded her body and she winced with a new sh of pain. But it didn''tst long. Then there was a moment of murmured consultation between Jayah and Aymora as Elia braced. The world was beginning to tunnel, to separate from her. Yet she could feel a new contractioning.

    She wanted to weep, but couldn''t find the energy.

    Why did nothing ever change? Why was she stuck in this same ce, this same pain?

    "Elia, can you hear me?" Aymora asked and Elia turned to look at her, focusing, trying to take in the words. "The baby''s head is beginning to swell," she said, her eyes pained and sad. "Do you¡­ does any part of you feel like you can shift? The cub¡­ the cub needs more room."

    It took a moment for the words to sink in, but when they did¡­ Elia felt something inside her snap. Just give way.

    Aymora had asked her a question. She had to answer it. But in that moment, as all her worst fears coalesced into one crystal clear image of sheer terror, it was the worst of her memories that assaulted her.

    ¡­She was in the traverse, the dark, echoing dust of that ce that smelled like dry decay. She could see the light ahead and knew she had to keep walking, had to push forward. But the voices¡­ those eerie, dark, husky voices surrounded her and painted her mind with fear.

    "We will take her from you. We will take him from you. You will leave this world utterly alone."

    "Come to us. Let us show you the way."

    "Join us, let us save you from the pain."

    "You are not strong enough for the n the Creator has for you¡ªwe would never ask that of you."

    "Take us. Follow us. We will save you from it."

    On and on and on. At first she''d tried to ignore them. But as the wind of their passing fluttered her hair and their words were joined by images¡ªpictures of of a baby in her arms, limp and gray. Of a young man¡ªalmost Reth''s twin¡ªsnarling in rage, rejecting her and Reth, both. And then¡­ then her beautiful, vibrant, powerful mate¡­ the image of Reth, his throat cut and eyes rolled back in his skull¡­

    That one had tipped her over the edge and she''d screamed, stumbled, found herself scrambling along the ground as the voicesughed, promising death, destruction, pain¡­ everything but peace. Everything but a whole family.

    They would take her mate.

    And through that, take her children.

    They would shove her into her beast and take her soul. She would never emerge.

    And she''d fought. She''d fought so hard, crawling thest feet to the portal where the light shone bright white-blue, where she knew she could escape them.

    And that''s when they''d told her how it would happen.

    They''d told her that she lied, if she hid secrets, that the beast would be her¡ªshe''d be sucked deep into it and nevere out. She would not fulfill her purpose.

    They''d told her she would fail.

    And everyone would die.

    She would fail because no human could be expected to carry what the Creator asked. Especially the Creator who asked her to carry the secrets alone.

    So she would lose everything, everyone she cared about¡ªand the voices wouldugh as they took them.

    "No!" Elia roared, her entire body shaking. Aymora leaped to hold her down, but Elia wasn''t fighting, wasn''t trying to leave. She writhed against the truth of what had happened already¡ªand what was toe. "I need Reth! I need him!" she wailed. "H-he has to ce back."

    "He''ll be back very soon, Elia. I promise. And when he does, you''re going to show him¡ª"

    "No, Aymora," she snarled through her teeth. "I need him here now. NOW."

    "Elia¡ª"

    "NOW!"

    As Elia grunted with the impact of another contraction beginning, Aymora nodded to Jayah, who quickly dropped her tools and darted for the door.

    "She''ll get him," Aymora said, turning back to Elia. "Now tell me, what''s happening, Elia. How can we help you? What can we do to reassure you that you are safe to shift? Because unless you do, Elia, you will die. Please, my daughter. What is so frightening that the beast terrifies you so?"

    "I¡­ I don''t¡­ it''s the tonic¡ª"

    "No, Elia, it''s not. The tonic assists you. It helps you. It doesn''t trap you in this body. The strongest urge can ovee it. For you to not be shifting when your daughter''s life depends on it¡­ what is holding you back? Please¡­ let me help you, daughter. Please!"

    Elia shook her head, breathing deeply as her body began to tighten again. "I can''t. I can''t."

    "You can, Elia. Please, tell me¡ªwhat makes you believe you can''t?"

    "Because they told me!" she snarled as her body began to squeeze her in its vice. "If I give over to the beast, I''ll be lost forever and they''ll all die!"

    Aymora''s eyes went wide as the contraction hit her like a truck, bowling her over and over, pummeling her into the furs and Elia was lost to it¡ªher fear, her pain, her knowledge that no matter what, she could not give in. She could not lose this battle.

    She could not lose her mate. Because if she did, the world would literally end.

    But even that thought pressed her down further, made it even harder to breathe. She couldn''t¡­ she wasn''t enough for this.

    Creator forsake her¡­ she wasn''t enough.

 Chapter 630: Fight

    <h4>Chapter 630: Fight</h4>

    BEAST IS SAYING GOODBYE (Sob) and because of that, Reth doesn''t need your powerstone or Golden Ticket votes anymore! If you''d like to support me as an author, please consider transferring your votes/GT to my new book "Rise of the Dark Alpha." But if not, then use them on a different author/book because they''re FAR more valuable to a book that is ongoing! Thank you for ALL your support this year. I am humbled and amazed!

    *****

    RETH

    It had been years since he''d sparred with the strong, wiry lion. But Reth didn''t even think about why he''d stopped fighting with Brant. He didn''t consider Brant''s age, or his respect for the male. His head sang with the need to keep the words from tripping out of Brant''s mouth.

    He could not speak it, and make it true.

    So he threw himself at the male¡ªslightly taller, but not nearly as broad as Reth himself. Brant had always looked more like an Equine with his long body and limbs. And he''d always been underestimated by those who sought to fight him. Because he''d never wanted to take true dominance, never desired the responsibility of King, Alpha of All, Brant had always sought to keep peace. Always preferred to fight with his mind, rather than his fists¡ªchoosing wisdom over force, and words before fists.

    But Reth would not let him this time. He would force the male to submit. He would not hear the words the older lion wanted to say.

    They both growled as Rethnded on him, but while Reth stretched, trying to take a grip on Brant''s neck, to lock him in and force him to submit, Brant twisted, side-stepping the body-blow and turning too quickly for Reth to see, toe up behind him again as Reth stumbled forward¡ªthen immediately turned, finding his bnce, andunching again.

    "I won''t let you do this, Reth," Brant said quietly, arms hanging just out from his sides, weight on the balls of his feet. He''d seemed to be more frail in the past year, but Reth saw none of that¡ªno hesitation, no wavering. Brant stood ahead of him, rock solid and prepared for his attack. And as soon as Reth leaped for him, Brant was suddenly at his side and pping his arms away so Reth stumbled past again. "I won''t let you ignore the truth. It has never been your way."

    Reth snarled and twisted around, not even finding his bnce before throwing himself at the male again¡ªand he was quicker than Brant had anticipated. He almost caught him¡ªhooked a hand on his shoulder, forcing Brant to break his grip instead of setting himself up for another defense.

    But still, with the slippery ease of a snake, no matter what Reth tried, he couldn''t get a grip on Brant¡ªand, even more frustratingly, Brant wouldn''t engage. Reth swipes met sleeves, or empty air. His thrusts ended impotently in the space where Brant had once been. And his kicks were smacked away as the older male kept himself free again and again.

    Reth was panting, his breath heaving and he roared with frustration. He needed to fight! He needed to win! He needed to keep this male''s mouth SHUT!

    But Brant, almost effortless, evaded him. And then he began to speak.

    "I know the fear Reth. That gut-wrenching fear that makes you want to squeeze the life out of something just to prove to yourself that you can."

    Reth growled and tried to catch Brant''s ankle, but the male danced away again.

    "I know you believe if you lost her, you would never recover, and it''s true a part of you wouldn''t. But you would be surprised what the Creator can do with you, with your life, if you let him."

    "SILENCE!"

    "No, Reth," Brant said calmly. "I will not let you deny the truth. I will not let you ignore the questions. And I will not fight you. If you want to fight, wrestle with this: Sometimes the Creator ushers the greatest pain imaginable into your life. And if He chooses it, you cannot avoid it no matter how hard you try. If you do not face that truth, if you do not ask Him why¡ªwhat good could possiblye from it¡ªyou will spend every day of your life in bitterness and rage¡ªor abject terror. This is not a moment for denial, Reth. He made you a fighter¡­ fight for the truth. Do not turn from it."

    "Stop!" Reth bellowed,unching himself, but he was too wild, too loose, Brant side-stepped, hooking his ankle and twisting him around, so theynded together on the dirt with a grunt, Brant''s arm braced over his throat.

    The older man, his eyes red and shining, leaned into Reth''s face and forced him to hold his eyes.

    "Either His ns are the best that can be for you¡ªeither they ultimately walk you to victory, Reth, or they don''t." His voice was hushed and urgent. "Do not step into the mire of halfway faith. If He would choose it for you, does He choose for your good, or not? And if He does, submit! Surrender yourself to His mercy instead of forcing the world to your own. If you lose those you love most, you must never turn your back, you must keep asking why every day until you understand the answer."

    "There can be no good thates of losing my mate and our child! None!" Reth spat in his face.

    Brant didn''t flinch. "Do you see no good hase from my life, Reth?" he asked quietly.

    Reth froze. Then his entire body shuddered. "Of course not, but¡­ I can''t¡­ Brant, I can''t," he rasped. "Don''t ask me to¡­ I can''t surrender to that."

    "You must, Reth. Surrendering to the Creator''s chosen path does not mean inviting ruin. It means finding peace in the storm. His n for you will not change. What will change is your heart in it. That is where you findfort. That is where you find strength. Do not be swayed from that path, Reth. Throw yourself at His mercy, ept what He brings, and rest in His arms¡ªwhether you lose your family or not."

    Reth roared his pain and anger and fear. He roared for the injustice of this life that had forced him to face the mortality of his mate every day since she became his. He roared for the sheer rage that he felt for death, for its finality. And he roared for his daughter who might never see him smile simply because she existed.

    The roar reached to the very edges of the WildWood, raising the eyes and perking the ears of every Anima who stilled in their work, their conversation, or their rest, their hearts swelling withpassion for their King, for his pain, for his fear, and for the strength he had but could not use.

    And as one, the Anima raised their voices in response, calling to their King¡­ the roars, groans, howls, and songs reminding him in the tongue of every people, that he was not alone. That he would never be alone.

    **** WIN BIG PRIZES AT THE END OF THIS BOOK! ****

    I''m running 12 Days of Giveaways to celebrate Christmas and the end of King of Beast. For the first 12 days of December there will be big giveaways including paperbacks, t-shirts, mugs, webnovel coins, and MORE!

    To make sure you can ess ALL the giveaways, friend me on Facebook! (to find me quickly use:? bit.ly/aimeelynnfb ) There will be easy ways to enter from there each day (because I can include links) AND EXTRA GIVEAWAYS ONLY FOR FACEBOOK FRIENDS! See you there!

 Chapter 631: Fear

    <h4>Chapter 631: Fear</h4>

    ELIA

    The roar shook the cave, echoing through it, vibrating the floor, the walls, bouncing from the ceiling. Even Elia heard it, still gripped in a contraction. She couldn''t respond, but her heart rose with Aymora when she paused in her work, her hand tight on Elia''s shoulder, to turn her face to the ceiling and roar her response.

    A minuteter, when she could breathe and Aymora mopped her brow again, Elia gasped, "What¡­ was that?"

    Aymora shook her head but gave a watery smile. "You focus on your job today, daughter," she said quietly, her lip trembling. "Let the Alpha males sort out their bullshit on their own."

    Elia wanted tough, but her body was already tightening for another contraction and she was beginning to fade deeper into that pool of pain. "Tell Reth¡­ I need him¡­"

    "He will return soon. Jayah will find him¡ªbut by the sound of that roar, he''s not far away," Aymora said gently. "Rest while you can. He''ll be back."

    Elia wanted to argue, but she couldn''t find the energy. With a sob, she let her head sink back into the pillow, but instead of rest, her mind only echoed with the fears her body harbored. As her body weathered contraction after contraction, the pain wanted to separate her from sanity. She lost her grip, sinking further and further from reality, further from Aymora, further from her mate.

    Vaguely, she registered that Jayah returned and Aymora''s voice became more hushed, more rmed.

    Vaguely she registered that Reth was not at her side.

    Vaguely she understood that something within her was changing, that she had to stretch to find anything tangible, that her mind wanted to drift.

    She didn''t have much time.

    And in that ce, as she began to understand her life, and the life of her child hung in the bnce, Elia learned that everything had be either incredibly important¡ªor not important at all.

    She had to fight this, she knew. She couldn''t give up. She couldn''t let them both die. She had to tell Aymora to take Elreth, now, while Elia''s heart was still beating, so there was no chance her daughter would be harmed. She tried to move her lips, but they were thick and unwieldy and didn''t want to shape the words.

    Fear trilling in her sputtering heart, Elia tried to open her eyes. When she heard Aymora''s voice get sharp, she tried harder. But beyond the flutter of hershes and the blurred impressions of her adoptive mother leaning over her, she couldn''t do it.

    The only relief was that her pain had eased somewhat¡ªor she became less aware of it. As her body writhed and pulsed, it seemed to happen to someone else, as if it didn''t touch her.

    It couldn''t. She couldn''t let it. Because deep within her, as she drifted away from the world, she felt two presences draw closer. One was her beast.

    No.

    She tried to shake her head and pushed the weight of it away. She couldn''t let that happen. Couldn''t give in.

    But it called to her, growling its anger and fear, purring itsfort.

    It needed to find the mate. It was strong¡ªstronger than her. It could face this for her.

    No.

    Elia tried to turn her mind to something else¡ªbut all she saw was more death. More pain. More destruction. The images of her feare to life.

    Reth returning to the cave only to fall, alone in the meadow, to a rain of arrows from the rebellious wolves.

    No.

    Rething for her, trying to turn to face her, toe to her side, but thrown aside, his head snapping back every time he came for her as he was struck, kicked, and eventually stabbed by Lerrin who kept shouting that his attention must stay on the people. Always the people.

    No!

    Jerking her thoughts away from these images¡ªthese lies! Reth was out there! He was safe! She needed him¡ªshe turned to the second presence and found her heart throbbing¡­ not with pain, but with¡­ light.

    A light that drew her like a moth to a me. A light that seemed to lift the burdens from her shoulders and warm the coldest parts of her heart. A light that sank into her skin, into her heart, to fill the holes left by every pain and fear she''d ever had.

    Elia, you are safe.

    She almost asked if it was Reth¡ªthe presence reminded her of him. But the soft chuckle was all wrong, and there was something in this light that even her mate did not possess.

    As Elia''s heart eased and her breathing slowed from tortured tobored, she tried to stretch her arms towards that warmth, towards the person she could sense beyond it.

    Her body grew light and she was shocked to find herself rising from the bed, watching as below her, her bodyy, pale and quiet.

    Aymora shook her, pleading with her, Jayah pounded on her chest as she floated above them, but she knew it was not their efforts that would keep her tethered here.

    Finally, she felt no pain¡­ finally she felt no fear.

    She sighed and let herself drift up, then out of the cave to find Reth¡ªonly to find him not far away from the cave mouth, sprawled in the meadow, Behryn and Brant kneeling over him as his body vibrated with grief, ever tendon and muscle rigid as he roared, calling to her¡ªdemanding her. But she couldn''t respond. And as she watched, hovering over him, reaching for him, she started to beg.

    "I can''t leave him. It''s too much. I can''t leave him yet."

    "Elia, you aren''t leaving him today."

    She blinked and smiled at first. "Then¡­ what is this?"

    "You were listening to lies. I only wanted to break through, to let you know¡­ I would never give you a purpose you cannot fulfill. And I would never expect you to carry it alone."

    "But¡­ but you said I couldn''t tell anyone! You said it would lead to disaster!"

    "I said you couldn''t tell your loved ones¡ªor any Anima."

    She gave the Creator a look. "Then, who is left for me to talk to?!"

    He smiled and reached for her face. "Me."

    **** THE END IS NEAR - Make sure you''re in ce to WIN with KING OF BEASTS! ****

    For the first 12 days of December I will be giving away a TON of Reth gear, paperbacks, and other prizes. Make sure you''re following me on these ounts because they will receive giveaways ONLY for followers/friends on that tform:

    FACEBOOK: Find me as Aimee Lynn - Webnovel (read a post and friend my personal ount.)

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    JOIN MY DISCORD: Download the app, then hit the + sign and enter 92g42X4nRv

    Then read the book every day and visit my social media to enter to win! There''s a different giveaway EVERY DAY, so don''t miss out!

 Chapter 632: Trust

    <h4>Chapter 632: Trust</h4>

    ADDED AFTER PUBLICATION SO YOU AREN''T CHARGED FOR THE WORDS: Christmas is my favorite time of year, and to me, it''s all about giving to others. So your tasks for the next 12 days will all be focused on giving, encouraging, or helping someone else (NOT ME!) If you do the daily task I assign at the end of each of the chapters, every day you''ll get the chance to win Webnovel Coins, mugs, t-shirts, cards, letters, paperbacks, and MORE! So enjoy today''s chapter, then read your giving mission at the bottom ande back here or go to my Facebook page (which also has links to the books I''m suggesting) to let me know you did it!

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia''s mouth dropped open.

    The Creator stared back at her, smiling, waiting for her to speak. When she didn''t, He stroked her hair.

    "Who better to talk to about this than the one who gave you the purpose. I can share the burden, Elia. I can ease your heart¡ªand especially your fear. You do not walk out of my hand, even when evil is near. You are never out of my hand. I see the evil near you far clearer than you."

    She gaped at Him, but there was nothing within her to argue. As He opened his arms and she fell into his chest¡ªevenrger, warmer, and broader than Reth''s¡ªHe stroked her hair and whispered, "This is a rest, just for a moment. Soon I will send you back and you''ll have to face this. But I''m here to tell you, you can do this. I''ve given you everything you need to do this¡ªand I will not leave you."

    "But," she pulled back to meet his beautiful eyes, "the beast¡­ the voices said¡ª"

    "The voices lied," He said, his voice deeper and brimming with such conviction, Elia felt the words as if they were carved in stone. "They tried to steal the very strength I gave you to face this. Don''t let them."

    "I¡­ but¡­"

    "Elia, no matter what happens in your life, no matter what circumstances you face, two things remain true: You have an enemy at work who will try to steal every good thing from you. And you have me on your side. I said no weapon formed against me will stand¡ªI never said those weapons would not be made."

    "That''s what Reth said," she said faintly.

    He nodded. "Your mate is a good male. One of the best."

    "Thank you," she said quickly, "For him."

    The Creator smiled and cupped her face gently. "You''re wee. Take good care of him. This isn''t thest hurdle you''ll face together. But it is, perhaps, the worst."

    They both turned then, to look down at Reth whoy in the grass, no longer seeing his friends who murmured in his ear and held his arms, trying to get him to listen.

    Elia watched Reth''s eyes open¡­ and whatever Behryn and Brant said to him, she saw his heart break. Watched his great, strong chest sag under the weight of grief.

    "Please, I need to help him," she whispered, tears in her eyes.

    "You have to take the beast, Elia. She has what you need to face this and live."

    She nodded. "I''m just¡­ I''m scared. Can you¡­ help me?"

    "I''m always here to help," He said, putting one hand to her shoulder and watching Reth with her. "When you find yourself afraid, talk to me. Tell me about it. Let mefort you and give you my strength to face it."

    "I''m terrified of the Beast," she said quickly. "Terrified I won''t get back. Terrified of what the voices said."

    "The voices lied because they knew the truth and didn''t want you to see it."

    "What truth was that?" she asked, turning to look at him.

    He smiled softly. "That your greatest fear is the very gateway I made for your victory. Your beast is not your enemy, Elia. She is your strength. Use her. They told you she would destroy you because if they could keep you afraid you would never learn the strength I had given you."

    "But¡­ what if I lose myself?"

    He shook his head. "I won''t let you."

    "But sometimes it feels like¡ª"

    "I said, I won''t let you. Have I let it happen yet?"

    "How do I know you won''t change your mind?"

    His smile turned a little sad. "Because I told you so. But the truth is, this is a step you can only take and trust. Trust isn''t the certainty of the oue, Elia. It''s the willingness to take the risk."

    Elia blinked and mouthed the words to herself. Trust isn''t certainty of the oue¡­ it''s the willingness to take the risk.

    But before she could wrap her head around that, the Creator nodded towards Reth again. "Are you ready? He''s about to let his anger rule because it makes him feel strong. You need to be there, to distract him and give him a focus again."

    Elia nodded. "I want to help him."

    "You already have, Elia. This is a moment for him to help you."

    "But¡ª"

    "Just remember, no weapon will stand¡­ and trust¡­ trust me, Elia. Trust."

    Then she was tumbling, the ground rushing up to meet her. "Noooooooooooo!" she screamed, and from deep within, her beast roared.

    She was yanked back, sucked back to herself, to the beast, tumbling, iling, scrabbling at the air, trying to return to Reth, to tell him she wasn''t gone. She wasn''t dead. She was there, but she needed help!

    But as she fell back into her own body and the pain came alive, she screamed again¡ªfor every blow, every cut, every moment of pain and loss that had marked her life.

    And she called, pleading for mercy, pleading for strength, pleading for peace.

    And the Creator answered. The strength was there. The needed peace. She need only let go of the fear to see the answers He had already provided.

    Elia sobbed and gave herself up, opening her mouth to roar¡ªtwin voices rising through her pain as she called her beast and demanded protection. She called her beast and demanded peace.

    And her beast leaped forward to answer the call.

    *****

    The Beast raised to her haunches, shaking her head against the pain as she scanned her surroundings.

    She was in the den again¡ªbut this time it stank. She wrinkled her nose, growling against the scents¡ªsharp herbs, eye-stinging scents that were designed to ease the pain. But the pain did not need easing. The pain was necessary to bring the little one. But the mate was gone. The mate was needed, his bulk, his strength. He would watch over them when the babe came. He would protect when they were vulnerable.

    She needed to find him.

    Groaning as her body protested, she pushed fully to her feet, the kin and fang-sister freezing in her gaze, their lips making the calls of the other inside. But she shook her head. She was weakened, but not broken.

    She would find the mate. She would find safety. Only in safety could she bear the little one. But soon¡­ it must be soon.

    With a hiss for the ws that sliced in her gut with every move, she leaped off the bed and raced from the cave, sliding around the corner to find her way to the outside, to the sunlight beyond, where the wind blew into her face. She could not scent the mate on it, but she could sense him nearby. She would find him, and together they would meet this. She would bring the young, he would protect.

    With a roar to call him, she galloped for the forest that called her, its deep shadows and dirt providing the cover she needed to reach the gathering and find the mate. She groaned as she ran, her body screaming for relief. But she could not allow it.

    Not without the mate.

    The mate was safety.

    She needed him.

    *****

    DAY 1 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (remember, ALL my giveaways can be essed and include links to the mission books on Facebook. Go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb and add me as a friend!) You have 24 hours. Winner''s will be announced tomorrow night!

    For a chance to win 300 Webnovel Coins,ment on this chapter with the title of a book here on Webnovel that IS NOT MINE that you think doesn''t get enough love! (Example: I love "My Lycan Mate of Suicide Forest by Emme_Z because I think Graham''s hot") That''s it! Good luck!

 Chapter 633: No Greater Love Than This

    <h4>Chapter 633: No Greater Love Than This</h4>

    To attend my LIVE Q & A for the end of this book, or to more easily ess links and enter the daily giveaway draws, add me as a friend on Facebook ( go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb ) I will be going LIVE on Facebook on December 12th to celebrate (and grieve) the end of KoB!!!

    *****

    RETH (A few minutes earlier)

    Rethy on his back in the grass of the meadow, hands in his hair, his breath tearing in his throat as every fiber of him fought not to hear Brant''s words¡ªnot to see the path he painted. But Jayah had warned him¡­ he''d seen Elia''s face¡­ heard her screams¡­ and watched Aymora pale.

    His mate was dying. Unless something changed, his mate was dying. And their daughter with her.

    "Please¡­" he groaned to the Creator. "Please¡­"

    "Don''t give up hope, Reth," Brant said gently, one hand on Reth''s arm that was bent up from where he gripped his own hair. "But be ready to face whatever the Creator would bring. Sometimes we can''t see the good He''s working until it happens."

    Behryn sighed and squeezed Reth''s other arm. "Reth, I know this is horrible, but don''t¡ª"

    "You have never had an offspring, or lost your mate, Behryn, do not seek to advise me now," Reth snapped. "Leave me, both of you. You have been heard. Your care is appreciated. But I need a moment before I return to my mate. I need to¡­ I need to be alone."

    They both made further, muttered reassurances, but with a pointed look at? Behryn, Brant was the first to push to his feet and walk away to give Reth space.

    Reth stared into the sky, his eyes clear, but his heart pounding in his ears. Behryn''s hand was still on his arm, and for the first time that he could remember, Reth wanted to recoil from his brother''s touch.

    "I am still here, Reth," he said quietly, eyeing Brant who walked away. "I have not left you. I am still here if you¡­ if you need anything."

    "But for how long?" Reth said, finally meeting his best friend''s eyes. "For how long, Behryn?"

    Behryn''s throat bobbed and he broke the eye-contact, submitting. Then he patted Reth''s arm. "I''ll leave you your space," he said quietly. "Just know that I remain here with you in heart, no matter where I might be. If you have need of me, just ask."

    Reth didn''t answer him as Behryn pushed to his feet as well.

    And then he was alone.

    There were guards nearby, he knew. But they were being discreet. He prayed none of them were close enough to hear the whimper that broke in his throat as another of Elia''s screams, muffled by the cave, still managed to shrill through out into the meadow.

    He shook his head. It couldn''t be happening. He had to get in there, to see her. But¡­ but he couldn''t do anything to save her. He had to do something!

    Pushing up to sit, then stand, Reth stood there a moment, gaping back towards the cave mouth.

    "Help her, please," he rasped, his voice hoarse and ragged after all the shouting. "Please. I cannot¡­ I cannot save her. But you can."

    He took a step, then dropped to his knees, debasing himself before the Creator, everything with him trembling for this to change, for there to be another answer, another way through! But he couldn''t see it. No matter which way he looked¡­ he couldn''t see it.

    He had heard those screams before. He had seen that mmy gray flesh on others.

    Elia was dying. And she couldn''t shift.

    Reth coughed, almost vomiting, but he swallowed it back as his body tried to repel every feeling that thought brought with it. He shook from head to foot, his entire body quivering with the fear and sick dread that thoughts of his mate, of what was happening to her, brought.

    Another scream pierced the meadow, then another¡ªon and on, as if she were being torn from the inside out, and Reth groaned praying and praying as the sound of his mate''s pain eviscerated him as surely as any wolf''s fang or w.

    And when, impossibly, her cries shrilled higher, he begged.

    "If it''s death you need, take me," he croaked. "Take me, instead. Leave her here¡ªlet her raise Elreth. A daughter needs her mother¡­ please¡­ don''t take them from me, please!"

    Elia''s screams broke off and the meadow was quiet again.

    Reth''s breath came faster and he blinked.

    Was that¡­ was she¡­?

    Battered by images of his mate quiet and lifeless, Reth roared again, shoving to his feet to run back to the cave. "No! ELIA!"

    But as he turned towards the cave mouth, as his heart stuttered and screamed, there was a golden sh in the sun, a tawny hide, rippled and strong¡ªrunning, but her steps rigid, obviously broken by pain¡ªtearing across the meadow from the cave mouth towards the forest.

    Reth''s mouth dropped open as the wind hit him full in the face and her scent was blown towards him.

    Elia. It was Elia. She had shifted!

    His heart soared for a second, before plummeting back to his toes as her beast snarled and tore into the forest at a full sprint, despite her obvious difort. She''d kept herself low to the ground, moving her body as little as possible, and she still ran with remarkable speed.

    Then she disappeared into the trees and Reth shook himself out of his shock.

    Elia was here, and she had shifted. He had to bring her back. Her beast was probably looking for him! He had to bring her back to the cave, to safety!

    "It''s Elia!" he screamed to the sentries in the trees.

    "What, Sire?" a call came back from a confused and rattled guard.

    "IT''S YOUR QUEEN! It''s ELIA! DO NOT SHOOT!"

    He knew most of them were armed and would be greatly rmed by an unrecognized lioness. They might assume she was a Silent One headed for the Tree City.

    "Elia! ELIA!" he called, but the wind whipped his voice away. She''d lifted her head to scent it--looking for him, he was sure. Yet she wouldn''t scent him behind her.

    "Come back, Love. Come back to me," he rasped, sprinting after her--but unable, in his human form to move even as quickly as a lioness in pain. He had to pray she didn''t run into anyone with a weapon before he could reach her.

    Continuing to call to any unseen guards that might be patrolling, warned by Aymora that their Queen was in Labor, telling them over and over not to call the rm, he sprinted after her, staying in his human form to make sure he could instruct anyone along the path until he could get her attention and turn her back to the cave.

    But as he ran, his heart skipped and he considered what must have happened. She''d been so frightened to shift, so resistant, Aymora said, that she was holding back even at pain of death. What could possibly have pushed her into this ce that she was convinced was so dark? His heart fluttered. He shook his head.

    She would be safe. Elia would be safe. He''d brought her back from the beast safely twice before, he could do it again. He was certain of it. But he couldn''t let her shift back too soon--they needed to get Elreth delivered safely, then¡­ then he would have his mate back.

    He groaned with relief at the thought and pushed even harder into the run. As his heart mmed in his ribs, jabbing him with pain on every beat, he ignored it and ran on.

    A niggling voice, reminding him of the offer he''d made to the Creator, rose in the back of his head, but he shook it off. It didn''t matter.

    Elia was back. She was here. She was in her beast. Elreth was safe. They were both safe! That was all he cared about.

    *****

    DAY 1 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (remember, ALL my giveaways can be essed and include links to the mission books on Facebook. Go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb and add me as a friend!) You have 24 hours. Winner''s will be announced tomorrow night!

    For a chance to win 300 Webnovel Coins,ment on this chapter with the title of a book here on Webnovel that IS NOT MINE that you think doesn''t get enough love! (Example: I love "My Lycan Mate of Suicide Forest by Emme_Z because I think Graham''s hot") That''s it! Good luck!

 Chapter 634: Panic

    <h4>Chapter 634: Panic</h4>

    ELIA

    Pain pushed her forward, ears back and tailshing, nose to the wind.

    The mate was near, she could sense him, but instinct raised every hair on her body. The little one was in danger¡ªbears, voices, death¡ªtoo many dangers, and pain to stop her feet. She had to find the mate.

    But howls and calls rose through the WildWood¡ªpredators in rm. She ducked her head and ran, sprinting between trees, following the wind to all the scents¡ªthe kin that was prey, the pride, they were all there¡ªeven the mate, though the trail was not fresh. The mate would be there also. He must.

    The other within was weak, but insistent, her voice raising with the others. She shook her head until her ears snapped and ran on, grunting against the pain. But she could not allow others to sense it, could not show her weakness.

    She took a turn around a great tree, following the scents and her body stabbed at her, the little one was almost here. She stumbled, but ran on.

    She needed to find the mate. She must! He would protect. He would stand guard. He would ease the screams within.

    Scents of the others became stronger and she opened her mouth to taste them, searching for him. She could hear feet in pursuit and pushed on, the trees thinning, then opening at a space that stank of trails crossed, both predators and prey, a track used by all that she could follow to the gathering, all the scents the wind was pushing to her¡ªbut then a call rose from behind her.

    The mate. The mating call.

    His voice, deep and resonant, rolling into a growl, but calling again¡ªurgent and heavy, desire for her, desire to help, desire to protect.

    She slid to a halt on the open space, overwhelmed with scents, so many scents, but none of them his.

    She called, groaning, her guts twisting in pain and she crouched, ears ttened, turning her head to find his fresh scent. Why couldn''t she find his scent?

    He called again and her heart sang and she lifted her voice to twine with his, relief loosening her tension, though her hackles remained up. There were too many scents here, too many¡­

    She snapped her head to the wind, nostrils ring.

    The mate called again¡ªgrowing closer¡ªand she responded, but fear prickled, raising every hair, ttening her ears and she hissed.

    The enemy. The worst of the enemy from the dark ce. It was here. The same scent that had been on the fat man, the one who sought death. And again, it was close to her. Close to the offspring. Close to the kin.

    Her mate broke through the trees and called again, and she yearned to go to him. But the one inside screamed¡ªhe did not know the scent of the enemy. He would not hold them off. He would trust when he should not.

    She could not let the enemy near the little one.

    With a roar of warning that trailed into a whine for the mate, a plea for help, she turned and sprinted for the gathering, to find the carrier of that scent.

    He roared his rm, an instruction to stop¡ªfear for her, for the babe. But he did not understand. He didn''t know the scent of the enemy.

    She would find it, and she would kill it, and the babe would be safe.

    *****

    RETH

    Elia''s beast had found the Tree City. She''d heard his call and stopped, turning to find him and he''d been washed in relief. He stopped just out of the trees when he caught up to her and called and she opened her mouth like she would call back, like she recognized him. But then he stared in horror as she turned her head away and roared, tearing towards the market where he could hear the hum of voices and the tter of a meal.

    "No! Elia!"

    The people didn''t know, they wouldn''t recognize her. If she appeared among them they''d think she was a Silent One!

    "Come back!"

    Her roar trailed off into a whine¡ªfor him, a call for help and protection and he snarled, leaping after her, keeping his human form so he could warn anyone they found that it was her.

    He called her back again and again, pleading with her to stop, to let him be the one to protect¡ªfor there was no doubt she had scented something that she identified as an enemy and she was hunting to save her cub.

    Aymora appeared beside him in her lioness, but shifted mid-step to sprint alongside him on the trail. "What''s going on?"

    "She''s scented something, I don''t know what. But she''d headed to the market!"

    "Her beast''s panic will only keep her on her feet for a time. We have to get her back to the cave before she delivers!"

    "I know! She stopped when she heard me, but then she took of again¡ªfuck!" The trail took a turn and met with a cross-trail that led straight to the market. "Elia, NO!"

    Reth screamed a warning and everything slowed to his eyes as Elia''s beast¡ªmassive and beautiful, leaped between the open sides of the covered market and into the crowd at the tables.

    Screams from the prey Anima and calls of rm from the predators rose in wave.

    "IT''S ELIA! DO NOT¡ª"

    But Elia didn''t slow, shoving down the aisle, between the tables to leap silently, paws wide and ws unsheathed, her mouth wide to bare her fangs, on a male at one of the tables.

    He turned just as she leaped and his eyes went wide¡ªhe shifted in a heartbeat, but he was still too slow, his wolf snapped off his feet, and her mouth on his neck as she tumbled into him, carrying him off the bench to the dirt floor, where they slid together, a tangle of limbs and yelps.

    And around them, as Elia snarled and closed her massive jaws on his neck, shock gave way to instinct, Anima shifted, their beasts appearing one after the other as the wolf-pack rose with howls and snarls of rage in defense of their brother.

 Chapter 635: Alpha of All

    <h4>Chapter 635: Alpha of All</h4>

    BEAST IS SAYING GOODBYE (Sob) and because of that, Reth doesn''t need your powerstone or Golden Ticket votes anymore! If you''d like to support me as an author, please consider transferring your votes/GT to my new book "Rise of the Dark Alpha." But if not, then use them on a different author/book because they''re FAR more valuable to a book that is ongoing! Thank you for ALL your support this year. I am humbled and amazed!

    *****

    RETH

    The world went utterly silent to Reth''s ears. He heard nothing but his own breath, his heart mming, throbbing in his head as his mate, his beautiful, magnificent mate, snapped the neck of the wolf and did not let go, closing its windpipe with her jaws, bearing him to the ground then crouching over him, growling as he wriggled and whined but couldn''t get free.

    Around her a wave of wolves appeared, howling and vering, the bloodlust upon them as they leaped towards her in defense of their brother¡ªand Reth couldn''t reach her in time. He was too far behind, and there were too many. Everything within him screamed against the death descending on her and their cub, lights sparked behind his eyes as terror lit his veins.

    He threw himself forward, despairing, knowing he would never reach her before they did.

    Her jaws still on the wolf¡ªand the light in his eyes dying as he shifted back to human form¡ªElia''s beast crouched over him, snarling, her ears t back against her skull, belly to the dirt and tailshing. She flinched instinctively as the wolves leaped for her¡ªbut didn''t move. She would not release her kill to meet their attacks¡­ and there were too many of them for her take victory, anyway.

    A cry of sheer pain tore from Reth''s throat as his entire world looked set to crash into darkness.

    In a split-second he saw her blood, her death, in a million ways and everything within him resisted¡ªdemanded¡ªthat she not be taken.

    He heard nothing, though he knew he shouted for her, knew the wolves howled, knew the prey Anima fled screaming¡­ he saw nothing but the wolves shing teeth and great leaps through the air towards her.

    And he knew nothing but fear that incinerated in an instant, shing to white-hot fury and the certainty that his mate and cub would not die this day. He would not allow it.

    The roar that bellowed from his throat shook the market as he shoved forward.

    "NOT HER!"

    His alpha power exploded from him in a rippling wave that hit every Anima present and sent them to their knees.

    The market echoed with thuds and thumps as Anima knelt in submission in the same moment the wave of wolves yelped and dropped to the floor of the market¡ªon her, around her, near her¡ªbut to a man they flinched, snarling, licking their lips and hunching, eyes squeezed shut and head down.

    Not one broke her skin with teeth or ws.

    Shuddering with the force of the alpha strength vibrating in his bones, Reth did nothing for a moment, standing there in the silence of his own heartbeat, defying any of them to resist him.

    None did.

    Heart still pounding¡ªstuttering with fury and fear¡ªhe walked forward, eyeing the wolves that circled her. They all leaned away from him as he passed, still licking their lips, or returning to human form, bowed and panting, their bodies shaking with the force of his strength.

    "Your Queen shows herself," he said, his voice low and thick with the force required to keep his own beast in check. "Stand, Anima, and see her! See the truth of her and her newfound strength¡ªElia is Anima! And you will not defy her. You will not touch her, or our cub. She is your Queen in heart, and in body. Bow to her!"

    Everyone in the market who did not already have their face to the floor, obeyed.

    Relief threatened to make Reth''s knees give.

    *****

    ELIA

    Deep within her beast, aware and not aware, feeling and not, hearing and in silence, Elia saw her mate, strong and proud. Felt the strength of him¡ªhis presence, his sheer will¡ªtten the people to the floor, and her heart sang.

    This was true strength. She yearned for him, weeping with gratitude for his power, his willingness to give himself to danger on her behalf¡ªand his ability to call the people to heel with him.

    Within the beast she wanted to speak, to tell him how she admired him¡­ how she wished to be like him. But she couldn''t make the words. Instead, through the beast''s eyes, she watched him scan his people, stand over her to share his power with her¡­ and then she finally understood.

    This was his greatest power. Not the strength of his body, though it was formidable. Not the charisma he carried, though it drew his people closer.

    He was not King because of his beauty. He was King, because of his heart. They submitted, all of them, even those in rage, even those in grief.

    They knew¡­ they knew that he was true. And that whatever he might believe, he would not sway from it. And he would take down any that sought to defy him.

    This was dominance. It was his conviction. His willingness to step always into what was right, and to stand in it alone, in the face of any attack, any enemy.

    And she finally understood. This was her freedom. This was her release from fear. She did not need to batter at her beast. She did not need to plead. She didn''t need to scream, or fly into a rage.

    She understood, and let herself settle into what she knew.

    She knew that her mate was true. That her body was hers. And that no matter what was toe, she wanted to meet it at Reth''s side. That she could allow the beast to carry her through this, but that the truth, the life, would always be hers.

    She was Queen. She was Anima. And she was the proud and willing mate of this incredible male.

    Heart singing with love for her mate, her husband, her Pair, Elia made the beast drop the infected wolf''s body. Like all the Anima, she would follow her husband.

    Aching and groaning, she forced the beast to submit¡ªto bow head and shoulders to Reth. Her heart swelled when his eyes widened when he caught sight of her.

    But as she pushed the beast back to her feet, intending to follow him back to the cave, something within the beast''s body just¡­ gave.

    In a blinding sh, Elia came back to herself¡ªand her body exploded in pain that tore a shriek from her throat.

    Everything went ck.

    *****

    TO ENTER TODAY''S GIVEAWAY FOR 400 WEBNOVEL COINS go to linktr.ee/aimeelynn to get a link, or here on Webnovel add "My Lycan Mate of Suicide Forest" to your library, thene back here andment "Done!"

 Chapter 636: Hurry, Hurry

    <h4>Chapter 636: Hurry, Hurry</h4>

    RETH

    It was a jolt when Elia reappeared, sitting on the ground. Their eyes met¡ªhers full of love and adoration that mirrored his own for her. For a split-second his heart celebrated¡ªshe''d ovee the beast! But he remembered her need to be in beast form at the same moment she rolled back and clutched her body, screaming a blood-chilling cry of pain that had the people in a flurry¡ªsome fleeing the market, others rushing forward to help.

    "STOP!" Reth roared, and everyone froze again, except Aymora who had run in behind him, and now dropped to Elia''s side, her hands quickly and efficiently prodding Elia''s stomach, as his mate screamed in pain. Reth fell to his knees beside her, but Aymora was already shaking her head.

    "The babe is a cub and toorge for her pelvis. We have to get her back to the cave, Reth. I''ll have to help her with pain relief. Elia, Elia!" Aymora took Elia''s face in her hands. "You must try to keep breathing and shift back. Shift back if you can, sweet girl. The beast''s body can take this!"

    Elia''s scream ground out into a whimper and she sucked in, her voice trembling and hoarse. "I can''t¡­ I can''t feel it¡­ I didn''t mean¡­ toe back," she sobbed. "It¡­ it left me."

    Aymora sat back on her heels and Reth stared.

    She couldn''t be right. That couldn''t be¡­ it couldn''t mean¡­

    Then Aymora''s head snapped to face him. "Get her to the cave. Now," she barked.

    Reth didn''t wait. He scooped Elia into his arms, grimacing at the cry she made when he moved her. For a moment he was frozen¡ªto rush her back to the cave, which would jostle her more? Or to go more slowly so it was less painful?

    "Now, Reth!" Aymora snapped. "Even if it hurts, get her there now¡ªall my herbs are there. I can''t help her with this here!"

    "I''m so sorry, Love," Reth breathed, his lips against her hair as he whirled with her in his arms and sprinted out of the market, ignoring the hum and babble of the people, shocked and angry at the loss of one of the wolves, andpletely confused by the sudden ability in their Queen to shift.

    He prayed that Brant or some of the other elders were there and could inform the people. Though they''d have no clue why Elia had attacked that wolf.

    Even Reth was utterly confused by that. But he knew his mate¡ªif she''d done it, there was a reason. If it had been merely theck of discipline of the beast, she would have attacked the first person she saw¡ªnot dashed through the crowd to pick out that male.

    Elia''s cries at the jolting were arrows to his heart, but he only pushed faster, doing his best to take the turns smoothly, but unable to stop her from feeling the brace of each step. She did, however, seem to know that he was helping. She''d curled in on herself, holding her stomach and weeping, her face turned to his chest, her tears wetting the front of his shirt.

    "Hold on, Elia," he pleaded. "Hold on. Aymora can help."

    A growl puttered in his throat¡ªhis beast instincts roaring that his mate was vulnerable and yet they ran unguarded, that he was not at his best, that danger could approach and he might not hear or see¡­ but Reth fought it back and ran on.

    At first he barely registered the vibrations of other footsteps¡ªother running steps¡ªalong the trail with him. But then two forms appeared in his peripheral vision and their scents along with them¡ªBehryn on one side, Brant on the other. Neither said a word, only ran alongside him, each scanning the forest and behind them, eyes of protection and solidarity.

    Reth almost wept. He''d been so hard on his dear friends¡­ he still felt the re of anger, but he couldn''t¡­ he couldn''t deny¡­

    "Thank you," he croaked. Both the men nodded.

    Reth didn''t take his eyes off Elia, whose face was ghostly white. But his heart reached out to his brothers and he prayed the Creator would bless them for not leaving his side in this.

    They bracketed him all the way through the forest, watching¡ªBehryn with his spear free and ready in his hand¡ªand Reth was so grateful.

    The two didn''t peel off until they reached the meadow, then Behryn slowed to circle back to the sentries, and Brant followed, but eased back to allow Reth into the cave first.

    When he reached the cave mouth, Reth didn''t slow until he was inside the Great Room and had to take the turn into the tunnel for the bedchamber.

    He had pushed himself as fast as he was capable, and he was breathing heavily by the time they reached it. With a broken sob, Reth eased Elia onto the furs as gently as he was capable, then pulled one of them over her because her skin felt so cold.

    "Shhhhhh, Love. We''re home. You can rest."

    Elia''s entire body shook, her fingers and feet rigid as she held herself against the pain and tried not to sob. Reth kept himself low, leaning down against the sleeping tform so they were eye to eye. He stroked her hair back from her face and whisperedfort, heaving with relief as Aymora rushed in behind them and straight to the dresser where she''d set up her tools and herbs.

    "I''m going to help her with the pain, Reth, but this¡­ this isn''t ideal. Anything we can do to help her shift back¡­ that''s our best way forward."

    "She can barely breathe, Aymora¡ªI don''t care what you have to do, you help her."

    Aymora shot him a look that he ignored, but she hurriedly sprinkled some powders together into her palm, then spat into them, mixing them with a finger.

    She rushed to Elia''s other side, leaning over the tform. "Elia, open your mouth. I''m going to put some herbs on your gums. They will be bitter, but they''ll help with the pain."

    Elia groaned, but opened her mouth and turned her head towards Aymora, who hurriedly fingered the paste up under Elia''s lip and along her cheeks.

    Then, with a heavy sigh, Aymora straightened and walked calmly back to the dresser to use water and a rag to clean her hand.

    Reth watched her, but Aymora didn''t turn and his impatience broke through.

    "What now?" he growled, still stroking Elia''s hair as she panted heavily, wheezing against the pain.

    But Aymora didn''t answer.

    *****

    DAY 3 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (For links to the mission books, go to linktr.ee/AimeeLynn and add me as Facebook friend!)

    To win 500 Coins, search the book "Walker of Worlds" by GrandVoidDaoist (Grand is a huge help to me, so let''s say thank you!) Add it to your library ORment "Aimee says thanks!" thenment "Done" here (or on the Facebook

 Chapter 637: Need for the Beast

    <h4>Chapter 637: Need for the Beast</h4>

    RETH

    "Aymora!" Reth snapped.

    Aymora went still, but she still didn''t face him. "Now, we wait," she said quietly, mixing something else and not turning to meet his eyes.

    "Wait?! For what? She''s falling apart!"

    Then Aymora whirled. "You think I do not see her pain? You think I do not feel it?! You are not the only one who cares for her, Reth!"

    Reth blinked. "Then tell me what we can do!"

    Aymora''s jaw went tight. "Unless she can shift¡­ there is nothing. Short of killing her, there is nothing left, Reth. Your daughter''s head is engaged in her pelvis, and there isn''t enough room. She needs to be in the beast. I have given her something to help with the pain so she can think more clearly and perhaps we can help her find it again. But¡­ but this is not good, Reth. And I don''t need you barking at me to add to it!"

    Chastened, Reth dropped his forehead to Elia''s shoulder and made himself breathe, to rest and wait for the drugs to take effect, praying the Creator would help her, that Elia would find her beast again once she was more clear headed. But something about this didn''t feel right.

    Disorientation and stress usually pushed an Anima''s beast forward.

    He didn''t allow himself to follow the questions that rose in his head at that thought, but lifted his face to watch Elia, breathing easier when, a few minutester, she seemed less rigid.

    Her breathing was stillbored, and she still stiffened against moving whenever Reth moved on the furs, but she''d stopped groaning and crying out when Aymora finally approached again and took her hand.

    "Daughter¡­ you need to find your beast," Aymora said quietly. "You need to shift. For your own safety, and for Elreth''s. Are you¡­ were you frightened? How did youe back?"

    Elia''s face crumpled. "No," she said. "I felt like I finally understood how to control it, but I knew I needed to stay. I didn''t try toe back. Something happened in her body. Something gave way and she just¡­ she disappeared. And now I can''t feel her at all," Elia said, her lips twisting towards tears again. "What''s happening? Why did she leave?"

    Aymora''s eyes snapped to Reth''s. A chunk of ice appeared in his chest and he pleaded with the Creator that his first thought¡ªand clearly Aymoras¡ªwasn''t true.

    Because if Elia was that close to death¡­ the link with the beast wouldn''t return to her.

    Reth shook his head and swallowed hard. "Keep trying, Elia," he said softly. "Keep searching for her. Perhaps when the pain is easier¡­"

    Elia''s face crumpled with concentration, but Reth''s vision was beginning to blur.

    Then Jayah appeared, hurrying into the room and straight for Elia. Aymora huffed out a breath.

    "Jayah! Thank the Creator¡ªthat tonic that forces the shift¡ªElia didn''t dominate her beast to return. She felt the beast¡­ give way." Jayah''s eyes went wide. "Now she''s having trouble finding her beast at all. Can we use it to¡ª"

    "No," Jayah said, drawing up suddenly, her voice little more than a whisper. "That would be¡­ beyond dangerous."

    "Why?" Aymora snapped.

    "Thiste in thebor it would never be wise because we can''t know how it would affect the babe. I would use it in this circumstance, but¡­ if she can''t find her beast, it won''t work. And the risk is that it affects only the babe who shifts, or cannot stop shifting. If her beast link is lost, if she''s dy¡ª"

    "Do. Not. Say that." Reth snarled.

    Jayah went very still, staring at Aymora, then she turned to look at Reth. "I am sorry, Sire. I am truly¡­ my heart¡­ Elia is special to me. I cannot imagine¡­ but you must hear this: If she is dying and has lost her link to the beast, the tonic could kill her. She could lose herself. Her true self. I cannot¡­ you cannot risk it."

    "It''s okay," Elia breathed and squeezed Reth''s hand. He turned back to her, his vision blurring as she tried to smile. "I''ll keep trying, Reth. I just¡­ I''m just so tired¡­"

    Reth blinked away the tears that wanted to fall, then frowned. "Aymora¡­ Aymora her skin is changing."

    Aymora rushed back to Elia''s side to push her hair back and look at her face, then picked up her free hand and looked at her fingernails. She cursed and flipped back the fur Reth had pulled over her. Elia whimpered against the cold, but didn''tin as Aymora gently, gently rolled Elia over onto her other side¡­ to reveal a spreading darkness on the skin of her side¡ªnot a bruise, but as if something under the skin was pushing towards the surface.

    Reth''s mouth dropped open and nausea pushed at the back of his throat. "What¡­ what is that?"

    Aymora''s eyes closed and her face crumpled. "She''s bleeding internally," she rasped, dropping her face into her hands. "Badly."

    Jayah gasped. "The shift¡­ something must have ruptured, or¡­ or perhaps even the beast had a problem and that was why she disappeared?"

    "I do not know," Aymora said, her voice heavy and dead. "I know only that¡­ that we are rapidly running out of options. Elia¡­ Elia you must attempt to find your beast. There is no other choice," she said, leaning onto the bed, taking Elia''s hand in both of hers and pleading with her, as if Elia had to be convinced. "Please, my daughter, you must keep trying. You must find her and give over the moment you do. Your body cannot do this."

    Elia''s chin trembled. "I''ll keep trying," she whimpered.

    "Aymora, stop putting pressure on her," Reth snarled.

    Aymora stroked the hair back from Elia''s forehead and shook her head, refusing to look at Reth. "You are stronger than you think, Elia. Don''t give up my daughter. Stay here with us. Find your beast and bring her forward. We will be here. We will help." She nodded at Jayah to close the door. "You close your eyes and rest everything else. But you search with your heart, Elia. I will never ask another thing of you, but that you do this. Please."

    Jayah caught a sob in her hand, but got the door closed, and the three of them watched Elia sigh and close her eyes.

    "I''ll try," she whispered.

    *****

    DAY 3 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (For links to the mission books, go to linktr.ee/AimeeLynn and add me as Facebook friend!)

    To win 500 Coins, search the book "Walker of Worlds" by GrandVoidDaoist (Grand is a huge help to me, so let''s say thank you!) Add it to your library ORment "Aimee says thanks!" thenment "Done" here (or on the Facebook

 Chapter 638: World of Pain

    <h4>Chapter 638: World of Pain</h4>

    ELIA

    Elia had never hurt more¡ªin her body¡ªthan she had that day. After being in the beast and Reth running her through the forest, she''d thought she would faint from it. But once Aymora put the herbs on her gums, something changed.

    It was as if the pain receded. Stepped away, but watched over her. Stood with sharp eyes and talons clenched, waiting for her. She could breathe, and she could speak. But every second her body screamed that it would not endure much longer.

    Then Aymora pleaded with her to shift, and Elia tried. She really did. Searching within her for that wing, snarling beast that had so frightened her¡ªgued her¡ªfor so many months. But it was as if she''d never been¡­ No matter how Elia searched, she couldn''t find her. And she kept drifting¡­

    She thought she heard a door open and hushed voices, but it wasn''t until Reth squeezed her hand that she jolted awake again to find him staring at her, his forehead lined and eyes pained. "Elia, I¡­"

    But Aymora stepped forward and put a hand to his shoulder. "Reth, I need you out of the way for a moment so that I can reposition Elia to make sure the bleeding isn''t pressing on Elreth. Just a minute or two. Look, Behryn and Brant are here¡­ please, step away, just for a minute."

    Elia blinked. She hadn''t thought about the bleeding harming Elreth. She took a breath to demand that Aymora get her out¡ªright now!¡ªbut Aymora caught her eye and shook her head. A moment passed between them, and Elia realized¡­ Reth¡­

    He stood over her, his face stunned and vacant. He hadn''t let got of her hand¡ªAymora was prying his fingers free and nudging him back, away from the sleeping tform, into the waiting arms of Brant and Behryn, who took him by the shoulders and turned him, with gentle questions and soft chuckles, to keep his attention.

    Then, as soon as they''d gotten Reth a few feet away, Aymora circled to the position he had closer to her, and took Elia''s face in her hand. "This is going to hurt," she said, her eyes full of grief and apology. "But if you can, stay silent. He''s¡­ he''s at his limit. I don''t want him to hurt anyone in defense of you."

    Elia nodded, her own grief carving a yawning pit in her stomach¡ªand yet, something about the herbs kept her slightly at a distance. As if her grief stood alongside her pain, both of them waiting to greet her.

    Then, Aymora took hold of Elia''s leg and rolled her onto her back, her hands quick and probing to check Elreth again, then palpate Elia''s stomach. Elia tried to stifle the groan, biting her lip and sobbing silently as she breathed quickly, making space for the new pain, but soon Aymora had her legs propped high. Then she listened to Elia''s stomach with the cone and her eyes closed again.

    "Elia," she whispered, "we don''t have much time. Elreth is¡­ distressed." Aymora nced at Jayah and motioned for another pot from the dresser. Jayah brought it to her, but wouldn''t meet Elia''s eyes. Aymora pinched something between her fingers then held her hand out. "Open your mouth, Elia, and raise your tongue."

    Elia did as she was told, then Aymora gently massaged something into the skin under her tongue. When she was done, she handed the pot back to Jayah.

    "That will help your pain for only a few minutes, then it will make you sleep. You won''t¡­ you won''t need to worry about waking up. But once you are asleep, we will have to move quickly."

    Elia''s heart raced even harder if it was possible. "Elreth¡­ you''re going to save her?"

    "Yes," Aymora said, and her voice cracked. She swallowed once, then cleared her throat. When she met Elia''s eyes again, hers were clear. "But that means there are only minutes left. You understand?"

    Elia knew she should panic. She was going to die. Very soon. She should have been howling in terror. But instead she only felt grief. Soul-deep grief.

    "Thank you," she said, her own tears welling so her vision blurred. "Thank you."

    "I love you, Elia. I wish we had had more time for me to show you¡ª"

    "You''ve shown it every day, mother," Elia said. Aymora sobbed. "Thank you."

    Aymora leaned over her, carefully circling Elia''s head in her arms and kissing her temple. "You are the best kind of female," Aymora whispered into her ear. "And I am proud to have had you for my daughter."

    Elia sobbed, but it made her stomach hurt, so she blew out a breath and squeezed Aymora as best as she could. Then turned her head.

    Aymora straightened, then, with a watery smile, turned to find Reth at the side of the room, still being distracted by Behryn and Brant.

    His eyes were wide and haunted. He''d just said something to Brant, but the two males turned when Aymora approached behind them and urged them to let Reth through.

    *****

    RETH

    In the back of his mind he knew that Brant and Behryn were keeping him away, that Aymora was doing something to help Elia and that his brothers were trying to save him from facing the pain. But he couldn''t think clearly to know how to dodge it¡­ to know what¡­

    When Aymora appeared behind his brothers, her face was lined and pale. Behryn turned first and Aymora indicated he should move aside for Reth toe through.

    But before Reth could push past her to Elia, she took his arm in her hand and met his eyes.

    "I''ve given her something that''s going to make her sleep soon so that we can manipte her and try to bring Elreth out. The pain will be¡­ too much. So, she is clear headed now and her pain is easing. But you have only a few minutes before she begins to sleep. You understand?"

    Reth nodded, unable to make any words.

    "No, Reth¡­ I need to make sure you understand¡­ She will fall asleep, and she likely will not wake."

    His mind screamed, battering like his beast, demanding release, demanding relief. But he shoved it aside, pushed beyond the thought.

    His mate was awake and her pain was easing. He needed to speak with her. The rest¡­ the rest he could faceter. Right now he needed to show his love and trust that the Creator kenw something he didn''t.

    "I understand," he muttered, then pushed past Aymora, to the sleeping tform, crawling onto it toy with his Love as Aymora ushered the others out of the room and shut the door.

    *****

    DAY 3 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (For links to the mission books, go to linktr.ee/AimeeLynn and add me as Facebook friend!)

    To win 500 Coins, search the book "Walker of Worlds" by GrandVoidDaoist (Grand is a huge help to me, so let''s say thank you!) Add it to your library ORment "Aimee says thanks!" thenment "Done" here (or on the Facebook

 Chapter 639: Love Bleeds

    <h4>Chapter 639: Love Bleeds</h4>

    RETH

    For a moment he only stroked her hair and stared into her eyes. She''d turned her head to face him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. But they cleared as she reached for him, her hand, weak and trembling, curled into his chest.

    "Always so strong," she whispered, because in the end she was the braver of the two of them.

    Reth put his hand to her face and tried to memorize the softness of her skin, the particr way her jaw fit into the heel of his palm. "I was about to say the same thing," he murmured back.

    Elia rolled her eyes, and it was such a normal thing to do, something he''d seen from her countless times¡­ for a moment his mind screamed at him that this was all a joke. That nothing was wrong. That she couldn''t possibly be dying. But then she locked eyes with him, and all pretense fell away. He could see everything, because she bared herself to him, as she always had¡ªallowing him, and only him, to see the truest pieces of her heart: Her fears. And her love.

    "Reth¡­ I''m scared," she said with a trembling smile.

    "Don''t be. I will be right here. I will not leave you."

    "I know. But I don''t want you to go through this either. I want you smiling, andughing, and strong. It''s my favorite sound in the world¡ªin any world¡ªReth. The sound of yourugh."

    "Mine is your sigh, right when I enter you," he said, his voice gravel. "There is¡­ nothing better."

    They stared into each other''s eyes and her tears tumbled over hershes to wet her cheek, then the fur beneath it.

    "I didn''t know it was possible to love someone like this," she whispered. "I never even hoped for it."

    He shook his head. "Me either. I¡­ you are¡­ Elia, I would give anything¡ª"

    "I know, I know. Me too," she said, her voice higher. "But I think¡­ I think this is a time to just be grateful. To know what we have, not to fight for what we''ve lost."

    Pain hit him like a spear in the chest and for a moment he couldn''t breathe. But he didn''t want to frighten her, so he put his forehead to hers and whispered against her lips. "My favorite of everything is you, Elia. Absolutely everything."

    "Me too," she whimpered. "Everything, Reth. I would always choose you."

    They both breathed for a moment, making room for their love, and their pain.

    Reth swallowed. "Tell me the best moment for you. Tell me so I can remember it and¡­ and think about it tomorrow."

    Elia tried tough, but it came out half-sob, half-wince against the pain. But when his fingers tightened on her face, she only put her hand up to thread her fingers into his and hold him there.

    "There are so many," she whispered. "I can''t pick one. But¡­ but I can tell you that whenever I ache for you I remember the night¡­ the night I offered myself and you took me and¡­ and the pride adopted me. It was the best night of my life. Dancing with you, Reth. Being in your arms, making loveter, it was all amazing. But the best part¡­" she blew out a breath. "The best part was the look in your eyes when you realized what was happening. The way you stood over me and stared at me like¡­ like I was a prize. Like you couldn''t believe it was happening. Like¡­ like I''d made your dreamse true. I''ve never felt more loved in my life, Reth."

    He leaned in and kissed her softly, their lips lingering. He thumbed the tears from her cheeks even as his own began to flow. "Elia, you cannot be more loved, except by the Creator himself," he said hoarsely.

    She nodded. "I know. Now¡­ tell me yours. I want to remember it and¡­ and dream about it," she said, her voice hitching.

    Reth''s stomach flipped over and for a moment he had to grit his teeth against a wave of grief so intense he feared he might lose his grip.

    But Elia''s fingers tightened on his, and despite the sick pit of dread in his stomach, he wanted to give her this gift. To let her dream of him, even if only¡­ only for a short time.

    Swallowing the lump in his throat he shifted so she curled against him. Their fingers were stillced where he cupped her face, but he could feel the chill in her skin, so he curled around her as best he could to share his warmth.

    "My favorite memory," he rasped, his thumb drifting across her cheek, "is the day you made it to the top of thedder." Her brows pinched in as if she was going to argue with him, but he hurried on. "It was the day I knew you were a lion. You were so strong and proud that day, Elia. And I was so terrified. I thought¡­ I thought I was losing you.

    "When we made love up there after that, you were¡­ so open to me. You didn''t hide yourself, or your desire for me. You surrendered and I was¡­ so humbled. Your love that day made me feel like I could conquer mountains¡ªand it made me feel small, so small, in the mirror of you. I would relive that day for as many days as I draw breath," he said honestly. "Because¡­ because you always give me the best of you. I wish I had the words to tell you what that does to my heart, Love."

    "But that''s exactly how I feel about you," she cried.

    "Then my heart can rest tonight," Reth said, swallowing more tears. "Because I''ve only ever wanted you to be certain of my love, Elia. Not questioning. Never doubting. You are mine. Forever. My heart is yours. Forever. Be certain of that¡ªutterly certain."

    "Mine too!" Her lip trembled, then crumpled and she pulled him closer to bury her face in his neck. "Reth!"

    "Shhhhhh, Love. Please. Don''t cry."

    "Reth, I can''t¡­ I can''t leave you¡­ I can''t!"

    "You won''t, Elia," he whispered into her hair as she sobbed against his chest. "Don''t you see? Mated, imed, and offered. You are my Pair. I carry you with me¡­" And then he recited the first of the vows he''d given her¡ªthe night he imed her. "Wherever you are, no matter what you face, I go with you. My body for yours, my blood for yours, my life for yours. You''re mine, and I''ll die to protect you." The words rang so hollow as hey there, waiting for her to die, unable to do anything to stop this disaster hurtling down upon them, he wanted to spit and snarl and scream.

    But Elia sobbed and pulled him closer, and he refused to let anger steal this moment. So he curled his arms around her and held her, kissing her hair and shushing her tears. Because he loved her. And in that moment, it was the only thing he could do to show it.

    But as she began to cry in earnest, Reth made it clear to the Creator that there would be words to speak when this was done.

    Many, many words.

    *****

    DAY 5 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (remember, ALL my giveaways can be essed and include links to the mission books on Facebook. Go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb and add me as a friend!)

    For a chance to win a fan-designed Aimeelynn shirt AND a postcard from Reth, go to the book "ss Viiness" by EvilPupa andment on chapter 1 "Aimee sends hugs!" thene back here, or to the post on my Facebook page andment "Done!"

 Chapter 640: Even Unto Death

    <h4>Chapter 640: Even Unto Death</h4>

    READER SHOUT OUT: Anna Chomer (and all the lovely readers whomented yesterday) thank you for loving these characters so much you would cry. Now, Anna, don''t do your make up before reading this chapter. Or read at the end of the day. Don''t say I didn''t warn you...

    *****

    ELIA

    She gave over to the tears, but only for a moment. For one long embrace, to soak up his warmth and his strength. But then her head spun suddenly and her eyes wanted to close, and fear shot through her like a lightning bolt.

    She pulled her head back from under his neck, swallowing back the tears, unwilling to waste a moment without having her eyes on him.

    "I need you to promise me something," she croaked.

    "Anything," he said simply, his own eyes red and shining as he stroked her hair. "Name it."

    "No matter what, Reth¡­ no matter how this ends¡­ Love Elreth."

    He blinked, shocked and a little confused. "Elia¡­ of course. She''s my daughter¡ª"

    "No, listen to me," she hurried on, afraid as her head began to spin in earnest. "Whateveres today, whatever Aymora has to do, or how soon I''m¡­ I''m gone¡­ it''s not her fault, Reth. She will need you from the moment she leaves my body. She loves you already¡ªI feel her dance when youe back into the room when you''ve been gone. You speak and she¡­ she knows you, Reth. And if you''re grieving it will be easy to¡­ to focus on me. And you can''t do it. You have to focus on her."

    Reth''s lip twisted like he wanted to snarl, but he didn''t look away, only nodded. "I will," he whispered. "I vow it."

    "Raise her, Reth. Raise her to be the Queen I never got the chance to be. She''s your daughter as well as mine. She''s strong and beautiful, and she''ll need you, so much. I''ve been telling her about you ever since we got to the human world¡ªabout how incredibly strong you are, and so trustworthy. Reth, I''ve never met a man I could rely on like you. Not just because you''re strong physically, but because you do what you say you''ll do. Always. Trust¡­ you make me safe¡­ and you make her safe, too, Reth. You have to. You have to give her every ounce of that strength and integrity that you give me."

    "Love, I will. Please. I would never¡ª"

    "You can''t me her for me being¡­ gone," she sobbed, feeling her eyes beginning to close and fighting it, fighting it tooth and nail. But her grip on his hand shoulder was weakening, and she could see rm creeping into his face.

    "I told her that you have mercy, Reth. That you can be trusted to see the good in others. That you are so wise¡ªand so willing to walk in the face of anyone else that would defy you when you know what''s right. I told her how I admire you, respect you, and that she has to, too."

    His eyes spilled over then. "Elia¡ª"

    "Please, Reth¡­ you can''t let this change you. You have to be all of these things for her so she can feel safe in this world without me."

    "Oh god, Elia¡ª"

    "Promise me, Reth."

    "I promise," he croaked, his fingers fisted in her hair. "I promise."

    Her eyes dragged closed and for a moment, in the sheer relief, she gave in. But then she forced them open again and saw the rm in Reth''s. So she cupped his face and forced herself to smile through her tears.

    "I never stopped learning from you, do you know that?" she whispered. "Even today, just an hour ago¡­ you taught me something. Do you want to know what it was?"

    He nodded, his hand curling to cup her face again. "Tell me."

    "When you stood up in the market, when the wolves wereing for my beast¡­ the sheer power of you, Reth. I''ve never seen anything like it. And I saw it, then. That quality you have¡­ what makes you so strong¡ªhow you dominate, and why your beast listens. It''s because you are so sure of what''s right, you don''t let anything sway you. Ever. Reth¡­ you''re so good. I wish I had been more like you."

    A strangled sob broke in his throat and he pulled her close, their lips touching, brushing as they spoke.

    "You can''t give up when I''m gone," she whispered against his mouth. "You have to fight and not despair."

    He sobbed, but swallowed it back, nodding. "I will¡­ Don''t worry, Love. I will."

    "Watch over her, Reth. Just like you have with me. Let her grow. Let her get stronger. But never stop watching over her."

    "I won''t," he rasped. Then, as he eyes began to drag down again, he shifted onto one elbow so she couldy on her back again.

    He kissed her neck so softly the skin tingled. Then kissed down to the V between her breasts. Then, pushing himself down the bed, he so, so gently kissed his way down her massive stomach and rested his cheek next to it, his eyes on Elia, but his words for their daughter.

    "I vowed to you before, and I will do it again. Because there is nothing more precious in this world to me than you," he rasped. Elia didn''t know if he was speaking to her, or to Elreth, but as her vision blurred, the words sang in her head, in his deep rumble, vibrating against her. The most beautiful sound in any world.

    *****

    RETH

    He could barely speak through the tears closing his throat, but hoarse though he might be, he locked eyes with his mate and spoke the same words he''d given Elia before he sent her to the human world. Now he gave them to his daughter.

    "No matter where you are," he croaked, "no matter what lies before you, I will stand for you. My Kingdom, my body, my life¡­ Myst breath for yours."

    "Oh, Reth¡ª" Elia broke off, her eyelids fluttering as if she were trying to stop them closing, and Reth''s tears spilled over to wet her stomach.

    "The veryst drop of my blood, so that yours might not be spilled."

    A sob caught in her throat and she clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

    Heid the softest kiss at her stomach and inhaled. "And if ever I should¡­ should leave you, if ever you should lose me¡­ I will call down the Creator Himself to protect you and watch over you."

 Chapter 641: Blade of My Heart

    <h4>Chapter 641: de of My Heart</h4>

    WINNER WINNER!

    The winner of Day 3 of #12DaysofGiveaways and 500 Webnovel coins, is ra J Bong (Webnovel)!

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    Congrattions, both of you! Contact me in private on Facebook or Discord to collect your prize!

    *****

    ELIA

    They clung to each other, hands on chests, in hair, lips-on-lips, whispered words and hearts pounding. But Elia could feel her grip weakening and every time her eyes closed they took longer to open. She fought the creeping sleep. Hard. But she couldn''t bear the idea of drifting away. She had to find a way to prepare him.

    "Rethh," she whispered, pulling his face up so she could meet his eyes, her own half-hooded. "It''ss happening."

    His face spasmed and his huge hand cupped the back of her head, kneading her neck, his fingers buried in her hair. "It''s okay, Elia. Just rest. I¡­ I love you. I love you. Do you hear me? I love you."

    "I love you, too. Oh, Rethh, I jusst¡­ I don''t want to go!"

    "You won''t go," he said, the words thick on his tongue. "imed and offered, remember? You''re my forever, Love. In every sense of the word."

    Her eyes closed with her tears, but then she couldn''t open them again, and her heart began to pound¡­ then it slowed as well.

    "Rethh," she murmured, burying her face in his neck, inhaling his scent. "My Rethh. F''rever¡­"

    "I love you, Elia."

    "Love you morre." She sighed. So tired. So fucking tired. And so angry¡ªif she''d only had energy for it. "Ssso much wast''d time," she breathed. "Shhhould''ve¡­ should''ve stayed in my world¡­ had the c-sssection¡­ shocked the doct''rs. They could''ve ssaved uss¡­"

    She smiled then, imagining a doctor''s face in the operating theater, yanking a lion cub out of her stomach.

    The social media frenzy alone¡­

    Can you see it, Reth?

    She thought she said it. Thought she smiled at him, tried to share a morbid joke with him, ast piece of joy. But she wasn''t sure, because the ck was closing over her head, and her heart was settling into an easier pattern.

    She could feel his fingers tighten in her hair. His lips on hers. Something wet on her forehead. He held her tightly. So tightly. It should have hurt, but it only felt like love.

    I love you, Reth.

    I love you.

    Love you¡­

    Love.

    *****

    RETH

    For a moment he was convinced she was already gone. A tortured groan shuddered out of his throat. His heart began to thud¡ªwhich was when he realized that hers still was.

    Thrub, thrub, thrub.

    Usually when there was more than one Anima in a room, he''d learned to tune out the symphony of heartbeats. But this one was precious¡­ so precious.

    "Oh, Elia." He felt as if his chest was being torn in two. He had to go get Aymora, he knew. But he needed one more moment alone with his Love, in case she could still hear him. In case¡­ in case she was listening.

    But as he clung to her, whispering his love, pleading with her to remember, he finally absorbed what she''d said.

    ...Should''ve stayed in my world. Had the c-section. Shocked the doctors.

    ...They could have saved us.

    He blinked into her hair, inhaling her scent, as something sharp and tingling threaded into his bloodstream.

    He opened his eyes and stared down at her sleeping face, finally rxed instead of tight with pain and¡­ and hope red to life in his chest. Little more than a candle me¡­ but it was hope as he thought it all through.

    Then, all at once, shoved himself off the furs, roaring "AYMORA!"

    *****

    Aymora hurried around the sleeping tform, back and forth between the dresser and where Eliay, pulling things from bags and unwrapping tools and bottles. But Reth couldn''t take any of it in. He followed her step by step, his words tight and quick, trying to get her to see.

    "They cut the baby out, but they don''t kill the mother¡ªthey stitch her back up and she heals!"

    "I know, Reth. I know."

    "We can do that here!"

    "No, we can''t. At least, not the second part," Aymora said tly, frowning at the white linen she was unwrapping to reveal a line of des and strange mps that Reth didn''t understand.

    Reth stood at the side of the sleeping tform, his mouth open, gaping at her. "What do you mean, you just can''t. You''ve cut babies out before, you told me that!"

    "From a dead mother, Reth," Aymora said, turning on him her eyes shing. "What is it you think we''re preparing to do?"

    Reth froze. "She''s still alive!"

    "But not for long!"

    "But if we get Elreth out and stitch her back up¡ªI know you can do it, Aymora. I''ve seen you stitch limbs¡ª"

    "It isn''t the same at all, Reth. Listen." She turned and took his arms, met his eyes and spoke quickly, firmly. "She''s bleeding inside. That swelling on her side it''s a wound¡­ a wound within her. Bleeding into her stomach cavity. She''s already lost so much blood. The moment I open her, that blood will pour out and what little she has been holding onto will follow."

    "So stitch her back up!"

    "There will be no time! She will bleed out before I can close her wounds!"

    "But we can try!"

    "Reth! I know this is terrible¡ªI have been in your shoes! You have to ept this. I''m going to try and save your daughter. Focus on that!"

    She tried to pull away from him, but he held her in front of him.

    "No, Aymora, listen¡ª"

    "I can''t!" Aymora shrieked. "I can''t hold your hope for you, Reth, because I have already lost my own and it¡­ I can''t!"

    "But, Aymora¡ª"

    "Please, Reth!"

    "AYMORA, MY BLOOD HEALS HER!"

    Aymora froze in his grip, her eyes so wide, bloodshot as if she''d already been crying, but also shining. Reth silently pleaded with her to hear him. To see!

    "It did, Reth," she said quietly, then shook her head. "But it also remade her. She''s no longer purely human. We can''t know how she''ll react now."

    "Well it''s better than just sitting here letting her die!" Reth whined like a child, dropping her arms so that he wouldn''t hurt her, his hands wed at his sides with impotent rage.

    The room was silent¡ªAymora had left everyone else in the cave until she called them. Reth could hear Elia''s heart, still steady, but was it quieter than it had been a minute ago?

    "Reth¡­ I¡­"

    "Aymora, please¡­" he rasped. "I am begging you: Please¡­ Try."

 Chapter 642: Vows & Promises

    <h4>Chapter 642: Vows & Promises</h4>

    To attend my LIVE Q & A for the end of this book, or to more easily ess links and enter the daily giveaway draws, add me as a friend on Facebook ( go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb ) I will be going LIVE on Facebook on December 12th to celebrate (and grieve) the end of KoB!!!

    *****

    RETH

    Aymora looked at Elia on the furs and her face dragged for the floor. "If we try to save her, it will take longer to get the cub out. I''m not even sure I have the skill-"

    "Aymora, why would you fight me on this? Why won''t you TRY?!"

    Aymora''s face went hard. "Reth, I promised her I would save Elreth. That if it came to this, I wouldn''t risk the cub trying to save her. You ask me to risk breaking my vow to my dying daughter!"

    "No, I''m asking you to help me save Elia. If we save her, we save Elreth! She was cut before, and we saved her. She healed¡ª"

    "That was different! She wasn''t so weak¡ªand she wasn''t already bleeding. And we didn''t have a cub to save as well!" Aymora''s face was grim, but she dropped her voice, softening. "Reth, if this goes wrong it could kill you too. We need you¡ªespecially if we lose Elia¡­ She knew this moment woulde, Reth. She chose Elreth''s life over her own. She made me promise¡ª"

    "And I made a vow to both of them!" Reth roared. "We''re wasting precious seconds arguing about this. Do it, Aymora. Just do it! Do it because your pride leader¡ªyour King¡ªtells you to! Let me share my blood with her while you save Elreth!"

    Aymora stared at him one moment longer, then flew into action, leaping for the door and calling for Jayah toe help her."

    Breathing heavily, Reth watched as Aymora rushed to tell Jayah what was needed, and sent her to the City to gather the equipment.

    Jayah''s eyes lit on Reth for a moment and she gave him a beaming smile before she sprinted out of the room.

    "You need to strip down and get on the bed, Reth," Aymora said through a tense jaw as she returned to Elia''s side and began unwinding a long, white sheet alongside her. "Jayah will return and we will have to begin immediately."

    She raced around the room, gathering bottles, cloths, and tools Reth didn''t recognize, as Reth took off his clothes and crawled up onto the furs. Hey himself down next to Elia and took her hand. Her eyes were closed, her eyelids blue. Her breath was even, but faster than it should have been for her resting.

    "Don''t give up, Love," he whispered, brushing her hair off her face. "I''ming to help. Stay here with me. Don''t give up."

    Did he imagine that her eyelids fluttered?

    He continued to whisper, reminding her of his love, of the beautiful moments they''d shared, and reassuring her that he would keep both her and Elreth safe. But she didn''t respond, and he feared her breathing was bing more shallow.

    "Lay on your back," Aymora snapped. "I need to prepare you both. We will have to do this quickly. Too quickly," she growled. But she didn''t say another word when Rethid down as he''d been told. She only reached across Elia to wind a band around his upper arm, pulling it tight, so that his hand immediately began to tingle, then doing the same on Elia''s arm that was next to his.

    "Creator help us," Aymora whispered as she fiddled with the ties, and checked Elia''s twice. "Help us save your daughters."

    Reth added his plea to the Creator, theny his head back. But Aymora hadid Elia''s arm t, her palm up. Heart stuttering again, Reth slid his fingers between Elia''s and left them there.

    Aymora flew around the room, sighing with relief when Jayah returned, a bag slung around the neck of her beast that she''d taken to move more quickly.

    "I sent a messenger for Huncer, as you asked. But they have to find her. And none of the healers there had done a blood sharing before. They''ll send her as soon as they find her." Aymora shook her head. They both spoke in quick, quiet words as Aymora checked through the things Jayah had brought, but then they both moved to opposite sides of the sleeping tform.

    Jayah brought a small, pointed contraption and a double-coil of something soft to Reth''s side and reaching across him to the arm Aymora had tied that was now going numb.

    "I honor my King," she said without meeting his eyes. "I honor the mate of my Queen, my sister, Elia."

    Reth swallowed. "Thank you."

    "The Creator will bless your sacrifice¡­ there is no greater love than the man who would give up his life for his friends."

    Reth spluttered augh. "She takes my life with her if she goes. There is no sacrifice, I assure you," he muttered.

    Jayah''s lips turned up on one side. "This will hurt because we cannot prepare you slowly. Bite down on this." She handed him a leather strap that Reth ced between his teeth with his free hand, then bellowed as it seemed his arm was cut in half with white-hot fire, then ground into dust.

    He was sweaty and panting by the time Jayah straightened and looked at Aymora. "He''s ready."

    Aymora nodded, her face pale, but she was still strapping Elia''s arm. Then, finally, she took the end of the double-coil that Jayah had brought and attached it the same small, strange thing they''d inserted in Elia''s arm.

    "When I release the ties, the blood-sharing will begin," Aymora said to Reth, her eyes sharp and shing. "I will not be able to monitor it because I will need to begin cutting immediately. Jayah will not be able to monitor it once I have Elreth out. Pray that Huncer arrives. But regardless¡­ this will strain your heart, Reth." She gave him a significant look, and he swallowed, almost broke eye contact. "You will be beating for both of you¡ªespecially if Elia begins to bleed out. If at any time your chest hurts or your heart skips, you mp the pipe. You do not continue to give her your blood¡ªwe cannot lose both of you."

    Reth nodded, knowing he would do no such thing. But Aymora had already released the ties on his arm and turned back to do the same for Elia.

    "Are you ready, Jayah?" she asked a momentter, lifting up a long, razor sharp de that shed in thentern light. It was trembling.

    "Yes."

    Yes, Reth thought. We are ready. As ready as we can be.

    Then, with a muttered prayer, Aymora began to cut.

 Chapter 643: Mean What You Say

    <h4>Chapter 643: Mean What You Say</h4>

    RETH

    Reth couldn''t watch them cut his beautiful mate, couldn''t stand to see her blood spilled, to imagine the pain, or the possible consequence of his demands.

    So instead, he closed his eyes and focused on Elia''s hand¡ªthe skin on her palm, which was harder now than it had been when she''d first arrived in Anima. And he tuned his ears to her heartbeat. Did he imagine that it was stronger than it had been a moment ago?

    There was little sound in the room for several seconds, until Aymora hissed a curse. Reth closed his fingers tighter on Elia''s and prayed. Prayed as he had never prayed before.

    Soon, he could feel warmth creeping into Elia''s palm and his heart beat faster¡ªbringing Elia''s with it, that delicate thrub, thrub, thrubing quicker.

    Reth''s head spun and his heart clenched, but it was little more than a flutter. As Aymora hissed instructions to Jayah, Reth didn''t allow himself to think of all that could go wrong, or of how perilously close to death his mate was, his daughter. Instead he turned his mind back to the moments he loved¡ªall the moments he hadn''t had time to talk to Elia about. Something he would rectify when she was well.

    He let those memories feed his heart and nourish his blood, willing it to strengthen and nourish her in turn.

    He wasn''t sure if he spoke, but though he couldn''t see her, he could feel Elia there with him, listening, as she had been in the dream when they were torn apart.

    Words were unnecessary, he realized. And so he simply showed her the precious moments he''d treasured in his heart.

    His mind tripped back to those days in the forest when they were children¡­ the way his heart would trip when he knew she would return from school and he could find her, take her hand and lead her into the trees behind their houses.

    Their y had been childlike and innocent, but looking back as a man¡ªas a mate¡ªhe saw the draw she''d held for him even then. The fascination with her smile. The fierce desire to protect.

    Those months of his childhood were golden memories, the moments they had together in the never-silence of the forest¡­ The log he''d dragged to their "fort" as she called it, for her to sit on. The way she smiled when he showed her the delicate skeleton of a leaf he''d found. The way her hair, golden and longer then that it was now, fell forward when she leaned down to peer at it.

    The warmth of her hand on his shoulder¡ªthe thoughtless, unselfconscious touching of children. And the way he''d leaned into it, even then.

    He remembered the night of the Rite, when¡ªdespite her confusion and terror¡ªshe''d fought for him. Staring down Aymora and Huncer and the other females of the pride to im him. The pride he''d felt in her, knowing her weakness of body, but strength of heart.

    And then the night she''d be his in truth.

    A tiny whine seeped from his throat as his mind took him back, to this very room¡­ the sh of her, in her innocence, clinging to his arm, and his neck, cries she couldn''t stop breaking in her throat at the peak of each thrust.

    "Mine," he''d whispered savagely against her neck as she threw her head back, her breath tearing out of her throat. "My mate. My wife. Only mine."

    He''d never been the same since that moment. And never desired anything, or anyone more.

    He opened his eyes then, turning his head to find Elia facing him, her chin down and hair falling across her cheek. He yearned to reach for those feathers of hair, to push them back, to take her face in his hand, to see her eyes open and find his, her smile lighting within them before it reached her lips¡ª

    "Shit. SHIT." Aymora cursed. "She''s bleeding so badly. Jayah, mp the pipes, we can''t¡ª"

    Jayah sighed and reached for the connection between him and Elia. But Reth caught her hand and their eyes locked. He shook his head. Jayah was still for a moment, but then eased back, eyeing Aymora, who was so focused on Elia''s stomach, she hadn''t noticed that Jayah had disobeyed her.

    Aymora lifted the de for a moment, its edge glinting silver and glistening red and Reth was thrown back into his memories again, but this time to the day he''d watched the enemy try to gut his mate and almost seed in taking her from him.

    To those endless, terrifying hours of carrying her through the forest, away from the wolf-encampment, certain he was about to lose her¡ªand almost had.

    She''d been almost as pale, and just as lifeless that day.

    Reth''s heart surged, stuttering and throbbing in his chest and he closed his eyes against tears. He couldn''t give in, couldn''t let himself lose hope. He had to bleed his hope into Elia, his certainty. He had to bring her with him when she was here, so vulnerable, and unable to bring herself.

    She''d almost been lost to him that day, but he had vowed. Here in this room, with her body pressed against the wall she had sighed and buried her fingers in his hair, then clutched at his shoulders when he dropped, kneeling before her.

    Hands on her hips, heid his forehead on her stomach and just¡­ rested.

    Her chest rose and fell quickly, but she swallowed, bringing her arms around to hold his head. "Reth?"

    "I vow to you," he whispered,ying a kiss on her belly, "No matter where you are, no matter what lies before you, I will stand for you."

    "Reth, I¡ª"

    "My Kingdom, my body, my life¡­ Myst breath for yours."

    "Reth, stop, you don''t need to¡ª"

    "The veryst drop of my blood, so that yours might not be spilled."

    A tiny sob caught in her throat and she clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

    Heid another kiss at her stomach and inhaled. "And if ever I should¡­ should leave you, if ever you should lose me¡­ I will call down the Creator Himself to protect you and watch over our child."

    She shook once.

    He took his head from her stomach and looked up then into her shining eyes. "Mine," he whispered. Then he kissed her stomach again. "You too, little one."

    And he had meant it.

    *****

    DAY 6 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (remember, ALL my giveaways can be essed and include links to the mission books on Facebook. Go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb and add me as a friend!)

    For a chance to win a fan designed Aimeelynn shirt and a mug handmade and signed by the author, go to the first chapter of the book "Dear Immortal Tyrant" by Xincerely andment "Aimee says Merry Christmas" (or "Happy Holidays" if you prefer) thene back here andment, "Done!"

 Chapter 644: Meeting His Heart

    <h4>Chapter 644: Meeting His Heart</h4>

    RETH

    Aymora''s voice cracked with fear and frustration. The smell of blood filled the room. Reth swallowed nausea.

    Please¡­ please¡­ please¡­

    It was all he could think anymore, clinging to Elia''s hand, listening to her heart, that fluttering beat in the precious body next to him.

    My life for hers, he reminded the Creator. I told you to take me instead. You said you would. She''s here. She''s still here. It''s not toote. Don''t make a liar out of me.

    But he could hear the throb of her heart slowing, growing weaker.

    With a sob of fear and frustration, he willed himself, his body¡ªhis muchrger, much stronger body¡ªto carry hers as well. But his head was beginning to spin. And his heart skipped a beat, before rushing forward again, flooding his system with a jolt of adrenalin that made him tremble.

    Please¡­

    A tiny cry, a croaking mewl, broke in the room and Jayah left his side instantly.

    Heart pounding, Reth opened his eyes and raised his head to see Aymora holding arge cub, wet and bloody, high in the air, snapping instructions to Jayah to bring the towels.

    His daughter¡­ his daughter was here. She was here! And she was alive!

    He watched as the cub, ears ttened and twisted with the muck of birth, opened her mouth, her entire body trembling as she tried to cry her anger, but managed only a tiny, hoarse squawk of rage.

    "Elreth," he breathed, his vision blurring. "She''s here, Elia. She''s here. She''s safe!"

    Jayah wrapped the cub in the thick towel as Aymora worked quickly to disconnect Elreth from her mother, then they both flew in opposite directions¡ªAymora cursing and leaning over Elia''s stomach, her face twisted with anger.

    But Reth followed Jayah as she hurried around the sleeping tform, cooing at the precious face peering out of the thick folds. Reth''s heart sang when shey the bundle at his side and began rubbing Elreth, scrubbing her fur hard to stimte her heart and blood flow.

    "She''s strong," Jayah said with a smile. "And very angry," she chuckled.

    Reth wanted to weep with joy. He wanted to roar his victory and tell the world about his daughter! His beautiful, strong, incredible daughter!

    But then the towel slid to the fur and her face was revealed, eyes seamed shut, her tiny, toothless mouth wide, tongue seeking. She was still trying to scream, but managing only coarse mewls, to his delight.

    "Elreth," he murmured. "My girl, look at you."

    The tiny cub froze, turning her head, wavering, towards his voice.

    Reth''s breath stopped and he reached for her head, so much smaller than his hand, cupping her so she could smell him. "I''m here, precious. Daddy''s here."

    And in a moment that would squeeze his heart for as long as he drew breath, his daughter shifted and, her thick little chin and jaw still resting on his finger, opened her eyes to see him for the first time. They were blue like her mother''s.

    Reth felt his heart swell, felt it flutter, felt it pound with love and expand, as if right alongside the love he felt for Elia, he had grown an entirely new heart, another muscle, proud and strong, that would beat only for this little life.

    "Hello, Elreth," he whispered, his voice hoarse and pinched. "I love you. Daddy loves you, beautiful girl."

    She took a deep breath then, her little shoulders lifting under the towel and Reth sobbed with joy as, shaking and jerking, the tiniest fingers on the littlest hand that rested under her chin, opened, then closed to grip his finger. She blinked, then opened her mouth to give a little squawk and Rethughed. He couldn''t help it.

    Jayah continued rubbing her clean and dry, then rolled her over to check her fingers, toes, and heart.

    "She is very strong," she said with a shy smile at Reth. "She will make you proud."

    "She already has," he said genuinely, squeezing Elia''s hand. "Beautiful, just like her mother."

    Elreth began to squawk repeatedly, her arms and legs twitching, so unused to being free. Then Jayah bundled her up again and ced her in Reth''s arm. "Just for a moment," she said with a wink. "We''ll need to get her to the Pride mother quickly, she needs to feed. She''s had a difficult day."

    Reth pulled the little bundle into his side, shifting his head until he could see Elreth''s forehead¡ªstill crusted with blood, but mostly clean¡ªand eyes, screwed tightly shut.

    Curling his arm over her, he traced her head with his fingertips and whispered. "I told you. I told you," he chuckled as her face pinched experimentally. "Nothing will stand between us, Elreth. I am here. If ever you are frightened, or confused,e to me. I will do what I can to protect you from the world. And when you are strong enough to meet it alone, I will do my best to help you understand it, so that you can meet it proudly."

    His daughter took another deep breath and sighed heavily, her eyes closing. Reth frowned and looked at Jayah, but she seemed unworried.

    "She''s breathing well," she said when she caught his concerned gaze. "Her voice is strong and her breaths don''t gurgle more than usual. Her color is good, and she''s responding. She''s safe, Reth. You can rest. She''s safe."

    "Did you hear that, Elia?" he whispered. "Our daughter is safe. She''s safe. She made it. She''s a miracle."

    Pulling his head up awkwardly, he brushed a kiss to the tiny, soft crown of his daughter''s head.

    "A pure miracle," he murmured.

    Elreth squeaked and fanned her little fingers, but didn''t have anything else to say. So Reth just stared and thanked the Creator for her until Jayah apologized.

    "I have to take her to feed," she said. "But don''t worry, the Pride Mother is here at the cave. I''ll bring her back as soon as she''s finished."

    "You''ll take her out, then return immediately to help me, Jayah!" Aymora snapped. "We''re losing my daughter."

    Reth''s heart clenched and went cold as Jayah, her eyes wide, swooped Elreth up and rushed from the room.

    Reth turned back to find his mate, her jaw ck and eyelids purple. And her hand in his chill and cold.

    He''d gotten distracted, stopped listening. Her heart¡­ her heart was growing faint.

    Thrub¡­ thrub¡­ thrub¡­

    "No," he whispered, clinging to Elia''s hand. "No, not now, Love. Don''t give up now."

 Chapter 645: Come Back

    <h4>Chapter 645: Come Back</h4>

    BEAST IS SAYING GOODBYE (Sob) and because of that, Reth doesn''t need your powerstone or Golden Ticket votes anymore! If you''d like to support me as an author, please consider transferring your votes/GT to my new book "Rise of the Dark Alpha." But if not, then use them on a different author/book because they''re FAR more valuable to a book that is ongoing! Thank you for ALL your support this year. I am humbled and amazed!

    *****

    RETH

    "Please, daughter," Aymora whispered through her teeth, "Please. Don''t leave us."

    Thrub¡­ thrub¡­

    Thrub.

    Reth''s entire body went rigid and he rolled onto his side, pushing up onto his elbow, though he wasn''t supposed to move that arm because it was where they connected. He patted Elia''s face gently. "Elia, Love, please¡­ please¡­ don''t give up. Keep fighting. We''re almost there."

    "I can''t¡­ the bleeding is too¡­" A small cry of frustration and fear shoved out of Aymora and she leaned into Elia''s stomach, her head tipping back, eyes screwed tight against tears.

    "Open the pipes again, Reth, just in case¡­ just in case we can¡ª"

    "We never closed them," he croaked, his thumb tracing Elia''s cheek that was growing more pale. Her skin was dry, but she''d taken on an unhealthy cast, as if she were turning blue.

    "Elia, please!" he pleaded. His head spun and he lost his grip on her for a moment, but then he was back, and growling against the injustice of all of this.

    "She''s losing too much blood!" Aymora cried. "I found the tear, but I can''t get theyers closed¡­ she''s¡­ we''re losing her Reth! I can''t see. I have to get more of this blood out of the way."

    Throwing down the pincers she''d be using to try and stitch Elia, Aymora turned away to hurriedly gather up an armful of cloth.

    Everything slowed.

    Reth swayed, but even as his head grew lighter, everything came into much, much sharper focus.

    When Aymora had healed Elia before, the wounds had been held closed and healing. Sharing the blood had merely helped her body strengthen to heal it naturally.

    But when he''d healed Elia. when she would have lost her arm because of that bitch Lucine, it was exactly the same problem as now: She''d been bleeding so quickly, so profusely, that there was no time for the body to heal itself.

    It had taken his blood, directly, and a lot of it, to do the healing for her.

    As Aymora scrambled in slow motion, Reth blinked and looked at the ce where they''d connected him to Elia''s bloodstream, where his body, his own lifeblood, pumped for her. But it wasn''t enough.

    She wasn''t getting enough of his blood. And not to the right ce.

    It must have been a split-second, but it felt like forever.

    Aymora''s back was briefly turned and Reth looked.

    Down between Elia''s thighs was the de Aymora had been using to cut out Elreth.

    As quickly as he was able, Reth reached for it, cing it in the hand that was still connected to Elia, and holding his forearm in front of him, sliding the de along it to open his vein.

    The searing, nerve-rending pain was nothing. It was his heart¡­

    His chest clenched as he dropped the de and extended his arm over the wound on her belly¡ªthe ugly, gaping hole that bled worse than his arm¡ªfitting his own wound carefully over hers and holding it tight, allowing his blood to wash hers.

    "Elia, please," he croaked. "Please. Don''t give up, Love. I''m here. I''m doing everything I can. Stay with me."

    Thrub¡­ thrub¡­ thrub.

    Reth sucked in a breath and blinked, praying as he began to sweat, his hand suddenly cold. Then Aymora turned back, cloths in her arms, and she shrieked.

    "Reth! No!"

    He growled, holding to Elia with the arm that would not let her go until he no longer drew breath. "Don''t fight me, Aymora. I''m healing her."

    "Reth, you can''t. You''ve already given too much¡ªit''s your blood she''s losing, too!"

    "I don''t care!"

    Jayah sprinted back into the room, then slid to a halt, her eyes wide and scanning the scene¡ªReth bleeding and holding himself over Elia¡ªholding her close, his arm cupping her wound. Aymora standing alongside, hands in her hair, her face aghast.

    "Reth you can''t! Elreth can''t lose you too!" Aymora snarled and leaped for his arm, to pull him away.

    But then they all heard it.

    Thrub. Thrub. Thrub.

    Elia''s heartbeat increasing. Still faint, still far too soft, but faster now.

    Jayah closed her mouth and rushed to Elia''s side, thumbing up her eyelids and leaning into her chest as Aymora gaped.

    "Her color is improving," she said quietly, calmly. "What he''s doing is working, Aymora," the wolf said hesitantly.

    Aymora''s hands went to her mouth and she stared at Reth over them. He saw it then, the choice she believed she was making, the argument in her mind¡ªher daughter, or her King?

    He held her gaze and said, with every ounce of his Alpha power, "Her. Always choose her. Every time."

    Both women shuddered with the urge to submit and Aymora''s eyes filled with tears. "But¡­ Reth¡­"

    "Always choose her, Aymora. I always have. And I do not regret it."

    Aymora covered her face, sobbing into her palms. Jayah listened to Elia''s chest with her cone and nodded.

    "She''s still weak. It''s not¡­ I can''t be sure, Reth. But she''s not as far gone as she was minutes ago."

    "Good, good," he said faintly, blinking.

    His eyes stung with the sweat dripping into them, and his head spun. But it was his chest that worried him¡ªhis heart sputtering and pounding, fluttering, clenching with squeezes on the edge of pain.

    He had to stay alive. Had to stay there long enough to give her enough to heal.

    Then her heart picked up again, stronger¡ªthough still not strong¡ªand steadier than it had been all day.

    Thrub, thrub, thrub.

    And Reth sobbed with relief as tiny spots of pink rose in her cheeks.

    "It''s working," Jayah gasped. "Aymora, it''s working."

    Aymora dropped her hands to leap to Elia''s stomach, trying desperately to continue her work under Reth''s arm to stitch Elia and close her wound.

    The pain in his arm had stopped. When Aymora pushed it slightly higher to reach underneath, it didn''t even pinch. He was grateful for that.

    His head spun and his vision was beginning to tunnel¡ªsmall sparks ring at the end of his vision. But he kept listening, hearing her heart grow stronger and steadier, and his heart sang¡ªeven as it stuttered.

    He was beginning to fade, and he did not regret it. He leaned down to drop a kiss on her cheek.

    It took a herculean effort to push himself back and up onto his elbow again, but as his head began to droop, Elia''s eyes fluttered, then opened and after she blinked several times, focused on his.

    "Reth," she breathed.

    His heart leaped in his chest, stabbing him with pain and overwhelming him with joy in the same moment.

    "My life for yours¡­" he whispered. "My blood that yours might not be spilled."

    "Reth¡­ what?"

    Then he dropped to the furs next to her as a wave of darkness washed over him.

    Hisst thought was to inhale as deeply as he could, to take her scent with him.

    *****

    DAY 7 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (remember, ALL my giveaways can be essed and include links to the mission books on Facebook. Go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb and add me as a friend!)

    For a chance to win the mug "Member of ABS: Aimeelyn Bookreader Support Group" handmade and signed by the Author, go to the book "My Lycan Mate of Suicide Forest" andment on Chapter 1 "Aimee says you''re a babe!" thene back here, or to the post on my Facebook page andment "Done!"

 Chapter 646: Returned

    <h4>Chapter 646: Returned</h4>

    ELIA

    It was the pain that dragged her back. She fought it for a time, unwilling to face it again.

    Her body was on fire. Her stomach and legs felt as if they rested in the forger''s me. She didn''t want to move, or breathe. But she had no choice.

    She was still here. Still alive. And she could smell Reth.

    She could also smell blood¡ªhis as well as hers.

    She forced her eyes open to find him leaning over her, his eyes red with grief, face pale and gray.

    "Reth?" Her voice was little more than a rough breath, but his eyes widened.

    "My life for yours¡­" he whispered. "My blood that yours might not be spilled."

    He was so beautiful, the best sight she could have asked for. She wanted to smile, to kiss him, to reach for him. If only she didn''t hurt so.

    But then his eyes¡­ rolled in his head.

    "Reth¡­ what?"

    Without a sound, Reth slumped onto her shoulder, his great body hitting the furs next to her and jiggling her body in a way that made her cry out.

    She sucked in a breath, bracing against the pain and turning to tell Reth that she hurt¡­ but Reth hadn''t opened his eyes. Hey next to her, his face inches from hers, his chin levered on her shoulder, jaw ck.

    And his skin was so pale.

    "Reth? RETH?!"

    "Elia, you can''t move! He''s healing you and I have to¡­ I have to help!"

    "Help him! He''s dying!" Elia shrieked, trying and failing to roll to face him¡ªthe weight of his arm on her burning stomach, and her own weakness conspiring to keep her on her back. But she lifted her arm to grab for him¡ªonly to find it tugged back to the bed by some strange thing in her arm, and a pipe that hurt when she moved.

    "Jayah! Get the bloodsharing disconnected, NOW!" Aymora snarled.

    Elia''s heart pounded. What had they done? What had Reth done? Why was he unconscious and so pale, while she was awake?

    Then she grunted as a pain so intense it seared to her bones, came alight in her belly. She gave a guttural scream and tried to curl herself around her stomach, but Jayah had her arm on one side, and Aymora was leaning on her thigh on the other.

    "What¡­ what did he do?" she gasped, groaning against the pain.

    She could feel her flesh knitting back together. Feel everything sucking towards the wound and something¡­ something at work there, as if her flesh crawled with electric pain.

    "He shared his blood with you, then cut himself and bled for your wound, Elia. He¡­ he made me¡­ he saved you. He did it, Elia. He saved you."

    "Then save him!" she cried. She tried to roll again, but her body screamed at her and lights shed behind her eyes. "Aymora! Save him! He''s going!"

    Jayah finally let go of her arm and began working on Reth''s, whipping the coils up and way, disconnecting whatever the sharp thing was in his flesh, and quickly wrapping the wound, cing pressure with one thumb on the bandage as she pulled the contraption away and tossed it to the floor behind her with the other.

    Then Aymora crawled up onto the blood soaked furs, pulling Reth''s arm off of Elia''s belly. "He did it," she whispered, shaking her head even as she turned his arm over and began to work to close it, pressing a thick wad of cloth over the wound he''d made. "I can''t believe he did it." Aymora wrapped his arm tightly so the wad of cloth was held, pressed against the wound. "Now we pray, Elia. He wanted me to choose you over him, but¡­ but I will honor him as he honored you. We will do everything in our power, it is the Creator who chooses life or death. So pray, my daughter. Pray. Your mate stands at the door. And death is knocking."

    A cry broke in Elias throat. She still couldn''t roll properly, but as Jayah and Aymora both began to work on Reth, lifting his legs and repositioning his body on his side so he faced herpletely, his face was still turned towards her¡ªand still terrifyingly pale.

    She reached for him, cupping his beautiful face in her hand and whispering his name, calling to him toe back to her.

    "Don''t leave me, Reth. Please. Please. Don''t do it. Be here with me. Open your eyes my love," she cried. "Please, Reth. Please."

    But the only movement was his body jiggling as Aymora and Jayah worked to make sure he wasn''t losing any more blood.

    Stretching her face forward hurt her stomach as if she was being stabbed, but she did it anyway, pulling his face closer and brushing his lips with hers. "Please, Reth. Feel me, I''m here. I''m awake. You saved my life. Now¡­ please¡­ save your own. Elreth needs us both."

    Elreth.

    Elia blinked and looked down. Her belly was wide and swollen, but no longer protruding. No longer hard.

    A spear of ice ran through her heart. Where was her daughter? What had happened?

    Aymora caught her gaze and shook her head. For a moment, everything in Elia dropped, as if she''d stepped off a cliff, but then Aymora growled, "She''s only deeper in the cave with the Pride mother, Elia. We''ll bring her to you as soon as Reth''s safe."

    And Elia''s heart surged into her throat, tears pinching and choking her.

    Then she grabbed for Reth again.

    "You have toe back to me," she pleaded. "You have to be here to show your daughter how to be strong, as you are. How to rule. I can''t teach her that, Reth. That has to be you. Please¡­"

    But then she heard it¡­ His big, deep chest, resonant and thrumming with his heart, suddenly silent.

    She, Aymora and Jayah all froze.

    "Reth?" Elia whispered.

    "His heart, Jayah! Now!" Aymora cried, heaving Reth onto his back and leaping to straddle him, her hands sped over his sternum as she began to pump his chest.

    Without a word, Jayah tipped his head back and began to breathe for him.

 Chapter 647: Even to Eternity

    <h4>Chapter 647: Even to Eternity</h4>

    AUTHOR NOTE: If you want to share the experience I had writing this scene, try listening to "Ashes of Eden" by Breaking Benjamin while you read it. Oh, and you might want to bring the tissues. #SorryNotSorry

    *****

    ELIA

    Please¡­ Elia prayed. Please! You didn''t say you would save me only to take him!

    The cave seemed to darken as shey there, helpless and sobbing, watching the life seep out of her vibrant, massive mate. Watching him suddenly reduced to a limp, quivering rag, she shook her head, unable to ept it.

    He was too big. Too strong. Too¡­ too Reth. He was still young! He couldn''t die! Not like this!

    It was surreal. Rethy naked on his back, his arms syed out slightly from his sides. His huge feet falling to the sides, jiggling as his body was shaken by Aymora, straddling his waist, and shoving at his chest with her entire strength.

    Reth''s entire body spasmed every time she pumped his chest, but he didn''t p her away. Didn''t make a joke about Aymora not being his type¡ªor Elia''s modesty. He just¡­y there. Unaware.

    Dying.

    The only time she heard his wonderful heart beat, that booming, resonant thrum, soforting under her ear every morning and night¡ªand every hug¡ªwas when Aymora pushed down so hard his bones threatened to crack.

    Elia''s breath wanted to stop, wanted to trap in her chest as she shook her head, denying everything that was happening. It was impossible! Reth couldn''t die! He was far too¡­ alive.

    Reth was not in this limp sack of flesh. Reth was alive. He was alive as he had been every day of her life, even when she hadn''t been able to see him.

    She closed her eyes against the images of horror in that room, and her mind took her back, proving to her that she was right. Reminding her of the ways he''d been so vibrantly alive in her life, even that very first day¡­

    She was only a child when this huge, aggressively gentle boy had moved into the house next door. She''d been watching from early in the morning when the massive truck arrived.

    She''d seen him get out of it and stand in front of the house, examining it as if it was required to please him.

    Dark hair long enough to fall into his eyes, and shoulders almost as broad as her father''s even though he was only ten, Gareth had been so sure of himself, so full of his own strength, he''d frightened the adults. But she''d never felt afraid. Not from the very first moment when they met in the driveway.

    Later that morning, as the moving men hauled furniture and boxes from the truck into the house, Elia had been riding her bike up and down the sidewalk as an excuse to watch the family move in. The boy stood on the covered porch at the front of the house, also watching the men, as if it were his responsibility to make sure they did their job.

    But when he caught sight of her, he stared.

    Elia was embarrassed and looked away. She would never have approached him¡ªnot that first day. But after a moment, as if she too were something he had to examine, he strode off the porch of his house, crossed his own driveway and hopped the low fence into hers.

    He moved like her father, she''d noticed. As if, though young, he was already in full control of his body.

    She''d stopped her bike, staring at him and frowning. "You''re not supposed to do that."

    "Do what?"

    "Go onto someone else''s property without asking them. It''s trespassing."

    It was a new word she''d learned the week before and she was excited to use it. But Gareth just shrugged. "I don''t care. I won''t hurt anything."

    And she knew it was true. Because even though he was so big, his eyes were gentle.

    "I''m Re-Gareth," he said, his voice catching on his own name, which she''d found strange. "What''s your name?"

    "I''m Elia."

    "Elia," he said, as if he were tasting her name. "Do you want to be my friend?"

    She hadn''t even had to think about it. She''d just nodded and smiled. And from that day forward, whenever he touched her, he proved himself again, and again. Because, as if he knew she was far more breakable than he, he was always, unerringly gentle.

    Her parents had been ufortable with their growing rtionship¡ªhe made them nervous. But while she''d always known his strength was a weapon, she been equally certain it was a weapon that would only ever be deployed in her defense.

    Yearster, when he was gone, she had felt less safe¡ªa niggling sense that the angel sent to watch over her had been ripped away. A fantastical thought she''d tried to deny as she grew older. But she''d never imagined¡­

    That night she was stolen away to an unknown world and he had appeared, so changed, so huge, she hadn''t even recognized him. She''d been so terrified of the women trying to kill her¡ªand the King that watched over it all as if it were only his due.

    But after all the killing was done, he''d stood across the clearing from her, his chest glistening in the moonlight, his dark hair falling over his eyes, and she''d been in shock. Unable to think, let alone speak.

    The memory consumed her¡ªthe image of how she''d seen him that night, an intimidating, but controlled force that she couldn''t predictyered with the solid certainty of the Reth she knew now.

    She''d never been in better hands, she just hadn''t known it.

    In her mind, she watched that first moment he walked towards her, his chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur cor of his vest.

    His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle with the wolves and he peered at her through it, like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn''t make a sound.

    "Wh-who are you?" she''d stammered, backing away. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her¡ªand didn''t stop until they were toe-to-toe and he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

    "I am the King." His voice was a dark and husky gravel. "And you are?"

    "Elia," she breathed.

    "Elia," he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. His eyes dropped to her throat and he leaned in suddenly, and ever-so-lightly dragged his nose along her corbone, inhaling deeply. Her skin prickled where he touched her. It was only reflex to put her hands to his chest, to stop him pressing any closer. When she touched him, he went still as a hunted animal. Then he straightened, meeting her eyes warily. His face remained in that t, expressionless mask. But his eyes glowed with a feral light that delivered a shot of adrenalin to her gut¡ªand a tingling thrill to areas she didn''t usually think about.

    "Elia," he rasped again.

    "Yes?"

    "I am Reth." He said the name with a strange, guttural roll that reminded her of a growl. "I am the King of Beasts. I am n Leader of the Anima. And I am Alpha of all." Several snarls rose behind him at thest statement, but he ignored them. Then he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek and said, "And you will be my mate¡­"

    Yes! her heart sang, her tears spilling again and again. Yes, I am your mate, you bold, beautiful man.

    "Come back, Reth," she sobbed. "Please¡­e back. Don''t leave me here alone."

    Please! She begged the Creator. Don''t take him!

    And that voice¡ªwarmer even than Reth''s but also more certain, echoed in her head.

    Trust isn''t the certainty of the oue, Elia. It''s the willingness to take the risk.

    Even with the life of my mate? she cried.

    Even with him. And your children.

    Elia sobbed and reached for Reth''s hand, ignoring the way it bobbed and jumped because of Aymora''s increasingly frantic chestpressions. She twined their fingers and rested her forehead against his massive shoulder.

    If I trust him to you, she prayed, you might take him.

    One day I will have to. Whether you trust him to me or not.

    Is that day today?

    The day I take him is only the first day of the wait until you are joined in eternity forever. Then you will never wait again.

    Elia''s face crumpled.

    Then Reth''s body stopped bobbing and jiggling, and her stomach went cold as Aymora''s leg brushed hers as she crawled off of Reth and her sobbing, panting breaths were the only sound in the room.

    No. NO.

    Elia squeezed her eyes shut, unwilling to see what was happening in front of her.

    "Creator, I submit!" she sobbed. "He''s yours. He''s yours! But please¡­ please share him with me a-and Elreth. If you don''t¡­ if you don''t¡­ help me. Help me, please help me! I can''t face this life without him!"

    It felt like a thick, warm hand brushed the hair away that had fallen over her face, and Elia sobbed again, praying that the Creator wouldn''t justfort her, but would heal this yawning chasm that was opening in her chest.

    "So quick to give me to eternity? Proof that I love you more, Elia," a deep, resonant rasp whispered, right next to her ear.

 Chapter 648: Soul Mate

    <h4>Chapter 648: Soul Mate</h4>

    RETH

    Hourster, still shaking and sweaty, his body weak as a day-old kitten¡ªweaker, if Elreth was anything to go by¡ªtheyy in clean furs.

    The cave was quiet, though Aymora and Jayah had bedded down in the Great Room, and while Brant had returned to the Tree City, Reth knew Behryn had joined the guards for the evening.

    He felt better watching himself, he''d said.

    Everyone was exhausted, especially Elia. And Reth was definitely disturbed by how weak he felt. It was an effort even to speak. But Aymora had given him herbs and a rich, nutrient drink that he''d had to force down. And even if he still felt like he could be ttened by a gust of wind, at least he felt alive.

    Alive.

    They were all alive.

    Reth shook his head and smiled at Elia.

    It was hard to believe they''d almost lost each other¡ªand Elreth¡ªthat day. He was still struggling to know how to feel about that. But he knew one thing,ying here watching his beautiful mate propped on pillows, feeding their daughter, was the most beautiful picture he''d ever seen. And not just because of how close they''de to losing each other that day.

    Elia, the cold gray of her skin from earlier entirely gone, face warm and pink now, her hair mussed and twisted into a braid, stared at Elreth, eyes wide with awe.

    And Reth stared at Elia in the same way.

    He inched close enough to touch both of them, raising his bandaged arm to let his fingers trail down Elia''s arm, and stroke brush Elreth''s head while she nursed.

    "How does she know to do that?" Elia whispered, watching their daughter suckle.

    "Instinct. The Creator gave them to us for a reason," he whispered back.

    Elia smiled. "Yes, He did."

    Neither of them spoke again for a time. It was as if they were both afraid to break the spell. But eventually Elreth slowed, then fell asleep.

    Elia eased herself down toy on her side, facing him, with Elreth swaddled like a fat caterpir between them. When Aymora taught her how to swaddle their daughter, Elia had called Elreth a "baby burrito." Reth had forgotten about that horrible human food he''d been forced to choke down in a school cafeteria. He had no idea why she''d want topare their beautiful daughter to that muck. But he''d smiled anyway, because every word from Elia''s mouth was a joy to him.

    He reached across Elreth to touch his mate''s face, thumbing her cheek.

    Her eyes lifted from where they''d rested on Elreth and she smiled, then put her own hand up to grip his.

    "You need to rest," he rumbled quietly, his voice still hoarse from all that had happened.

    "I know. So do you. But¡­ I don''t want to miss a moment," she whispered back.

    "Me either," he breathed.

    They stared at each other and Reth sighed heavily, his chest aching where Aymora had probably cracked one or two of his ribs. But he didn''t want to close his eyes. They kept dragging back to Elreth''s hair¡ªit was bright red. He stroked it again, smiling.

    "She''s going to be a¡­ what''s the term in your world? A firecracker?"

    "Yes, though even without the hair I don''t think she had a choice about that," Elia said dryly.

    Reth grunted. Then he looked at his mate again, reaching across Elreth to cradle her precious face. "Thank you, Creator," he breathed. "Both my beautiful girls safe¡­ finally, safe." He shook his head as his throat began to close with emotions he couldn''t describe¡ªglorious gratitude and joy, and dark, dark fear of what might have been. What this hour might have looked like¡­ for either of them.

    "Promise me something, Elia," he said quietly.

    Her eyes were beginning to drag close, but she smiled. "Anything."

    "Promise me that no matter whates¡­ you''ll stay mine. You aren''t just my pair, Love. You''re the other half of my soul."

    Her eyes opened slowly to meet his and she nodded. "I promise. Now you."

    He smiled. "I promise too."

    "No more promises, please!" Aymora said softly, but firmly, from the doorway.

    Reth groaned, his peace disturbed, but Elia giggled a little, then groaned, her stomach still very painful.

    "I just came to see how our patients are holding up," Aymora said as she moved to the dresser to pick up a spoon and two bottles. "You first, Elia?"

    "My pain is less than a couple hours ago," she said. "But it''s still very hard to move."

    Aymora nodded. "You can expect that for a week or more, I think. Some of your healing¡­ I don''t know how it''s going to go. We''ll watch for infection and pray the Creator performed a true miracle. Here, take this. It will help you sleep for a short time, but allow you to wake when the little one gets hungry," she said with a soft wink at Elreth.

    Reth watched Aymora fuss over Elia for a few more minutes, trying not to resent her intrusion on their family time. But he knew Aymora was facing her own fear, her own near-loss. So he vowed not to stifle her need to be close to Elia any more than necessary.

    By the time she circled the sleeping tform to look at him, Elia was already beginning to doze.

    She put a hand out for his arm, and pulled the bandage up to check underneath. "Healing," she said slowly, "But not as quickly as it should. You are greatly blessed, Daddy Reth."

    Reth sighed happily. "Yes, I am. I only hope I can do as well for her as my parents did for me."

    Aymora snorted. "You already have, Reth," she said dryly. "You love. That is what will save your daughter from evil¡ªeven your own. Love is the greatest thing in this life."

    Reth nodded, fighting tears again. For a moment he ached for his own parents, knowing the joy they might have experienced¡ªespecially his mother¡ªat Elreth''s arrival. "I miss them, Aymora."

    She looked down frowning. "As do I," she murmured. Then she nced at Elia before releasing his arm. "You know how close you came to leaving us today. All of us."

    Reth nodded. But he would not apologize for it.

    Aymora put a hand to his chest and he winced, but let her press and explore. Oddly her eyes kept drifting back to Elia. "Have you learned anything from this?" she asked quietly, turning back to him.

    "I''ve learned that I want to live a long life, to see my daughter grow, and watch my mate¡­ blossom," he said. "I pray we can find true peace in the Kingdom to allow that to happen."

    Aymora nodded, then nced at Elia again, tipping her head as if checking that she was asleep. "Reth¡­ your heart¡­" Her eyes came up to meet his and they were full of fear.

    Reth''s breath stopped. "What is it?"

 Chapter 649: My Heart for Yours

    <h4>Chapter 649: My Heart for Yours</h4>

    RETH

    Reth stared at Aymora¡ªred might be a better description. She was eyeing Elia carefully, but when she turned back to him her throat bobbed as if she was nervous.

    "You know of your father''s condition? What killed him in the end?" she asked quietly.

    Reth''s stomach dropped and he shrugged, his skin suddenly feeling too tight. "I knew some. He wasn''t well for months before he died."

    "He wasn''t well for years, Reth," Aymora said tly. "Years."

    Reth blinked. Years? Really? Throughout the war? "But¡ª"

    "I was present for a conversation with your father two years before the war even began," she said. "And it wasn''t the first time the healers approached him about it. He was told exactly what I''m about to tell you. And he refused to listen. Will you listen Reth?"

    He braced. "What do you have to tell me?"

    Aymora held his gaze and did not flinch. "Your heart is weak. It is something you have likely had since birth, but as you age it will worsen. If it is not cared for correctly, it will eventually fail you."

    Reth''s breath stopped. "But¡ª"

    "Your father was told. And he was told that there were ways to help it¡ªherbs, rest, sleep, a variety of exercises that I think you already have covered with your training. But listen, Reth¡­ I watched your father deny it. I watched him refuse to admit that he had a weakness. I watched his mate try to get him to face the problem and help him, and I watched him deny her too. And I watched the stress andck of care eventually kill him."

    The shock was like cold water thrown over him on a hot day. Reth felt like she was cutting out his own heart.

    "Aymora, what are you saying?"

    "I''m saying that I suspect you have already been experiencing symptoms in your heart. That the stunt you pulled today has weakened it further. And that unless you take the herbs I''m about to give you every day of your life without fail, unless you ept that you must¡ªMUST¡ªrest, must take care of yourself and your body, you will not live to see your children mature."

    Fear lit in his belly¡ªfollowed almost immediately by a sh of rage in his chest. Today? Now? This was the moment she thought she should tell him this?

    But Aymora met him re-for-re. "You almost killed yourself today. You will not survive another moment like that. I say this for your own good: Rest, Reth. Rest. If the Kingdom falls, so be it. Let the other Alpha''s handle it. If you truly want to be here for my daughter, and for your daughter¡­ You. Must. Rest."

    When he opened his mouth to protest, she used the opportunity to spoon a bitter liquid into his mouth, fighting a smile when he spluttered.

    He nced at Elia then¡ªsuddenly understanding why Aymora had been so careful to make sure his mate slept. She didn''t want Elia worried about this either.

    "I¡­ tell me, is this a death sentence? How much time do I have?"

    Aymora patted his arm. "If you listen to my advice and do as I tell you, you can live a rtively normal life. But if you refuse to believe it, if you do not listen to your body you will die, Reth. It''s that simple. So, follow my instructions, or¡­"

    He raised an eyebrow, "Or what?"

    "Or I''ll tell your mate."

    Reth growled, Elia shifted in her sleep and he stopped, but he never took his eyes off Aymora. "You do not frighten her with this. She carries enough."

    Aymora nodded. "Promise me that you will take the herbs, measure your rest, and give some of your tasks to others toplete."

    Reth took a deep breath, fighting the wince when his ribsined. "I promise. Now, tell me what I have to do."

    Aymora smiled. "Other than the herbs¡­ be with your family. Don''t work at nights unless it unavoidable¡ªand if it is unavoidable, schedule nothing for the following morning. Sleep in. y with your daughter. Make love to your mate. Be at home. Rest. Find your joy, Reth. Nothing makes a heart healthier."

    He smiled. "You''re telling me that I have to prioritize my family¡­ for my health?"

    "For the health of the Kingdom, yes. That''s exactly what I''m telling you," she said with a smile. "But I am not lying to you about the risks. Your father was warned, Reth, and he didn''t heed the caution. And to my knowledge he never put his body through what you have been through today¡ªandst year. Yet, it still took him."

    Reth thought back¡­ he''d known vaguely that his father was unwell when he was growing into his majority. But even after his parents admitted there was a problem, they''d never really talked about it. He hadn''t known it was his father''s heart.

    He turned to look at Elia and Elreth, and his heart expanded in his chest. He put a hand to it, tears pinching his throat. "I promise I will do as you say, Aymora," he said hoarsely, stroking Elreth''s head again. "And I won''t deny my weakness."

    Aymora blew out a long breath, then took his hand in both of hers. "Thank you," she said, and suddenly he could see her fragility. The toll this day had taken on her as well.

    He pulled her forward into a hug, and they embraced. Reth found his eyelids heavy. "Thank you for loving my family almost as much as I do," he whispered into his old friend''s hair.

    She pulled back to meet his eyes, one eyebrow raised. "Almost?"

    "Definitely almost."

    Aymora smiled and put a hand to his bandaged forearm. "I love you, Reth. And I am so, so grateful that you''re still here. For all of us."

    Reth sighed. "Me too," he said as his eyes dragged closed, and Aymora pushed off the sleeping tform to gather her things.

    He meant to tell her something else, but the thought flittered away as sleep dragged him under. As Aymora crept out of the room to leave them alone again, he sighed with happiness, curling an arm under Elreth''s back and bottom to hold Elia''s hand in her sleep.

    He opened his nose to inhale the warm scent of his mate, his daughter¡­ his family.

    He was a father.

    Creator''s mane¡­ he was a father!

    For a moment, the overwhelming loss of his own father washed over him, tightening his chest and forcing his eyes open¡­. To find his daughter awake and staring at him with her beautiful blue eyes.

    Reth''s breath stopped. She stared at him as if she knew him, then she gave a big sigh for such a little body, and her eyes dragged close as if¡­ as if she knew she was safe to rest because he was there.

    His heart squeezed with joy and snuggling closer to his beautiful girl, he gripped Elia''s hand tighter, fighting a wave of tears¡ªhalf fear, half joy.

    He was a father.

    He was the male they would look to for their safety. He was the male who would lose sleep over their needs.

    He was a father, and a mate¡­ and he had never been happier in his life.

    "Thank you," he whispered to the Creator, then kissed Elreth''s head. "Thank you. I will do my best," he breathed¡­

    ¡­And as sleep took him, something in his chest eased, a tiny knot of pain and tension lifted, blown away by the smiling breath of the Creator watching over them.

    You''re wee, Reth.

    And I know you will.

 Chapter 650: Uncertain Steps

    <h4>Chapter 650: Uncertain Steps</h4>

    BEAST IS SAYING GOODBYE (Sob) and because of that, Reth doesn''t need your powerstone or Golden Ticket votes anymore! If you''d like to support me as an author, please consider transfering your votes/GT to my new book "Rise of the Dark Alpha." But if not, then use them on a different author/book because they''re FAR more valuable to a book that is onging! Thank you for ALL your support this year. I am humbled and amazed!

    *****

    RETH

    A few days after Elreth''s arrival, Rethy in the furs while his family slept, testing his body for pain and weakness, flexing and resisting. The pain was almost gone, though his chest still felt tight at times, but Aymora had said that would likely be true of anyone who''d been resuscitated as he had¡ªa great deal of bruising and two cracked ribs. They were healing quickly, though not as quickly as they would have in the past.

    His blood was thin, Aymora said, and continued to feed him rich meats, fish, and vegetables to replenish it. He''d been tempted to tell her not to fuss, but then remembered her warning and instead submitted, weak and shaky, to the herbs and intentionally eating everything she put in front of him.

    The day before he''d finally felt as if he could walk through the cave without being cautious. No more sparkling lights at the edge of his vision. No more breathlessness if he moved too quickly.

    He was healing. And this morning he felt¡­ good.

    He sat up slowly. Elreth was once again swaddled in a little cocoon between their pillows, Eliaying on her side, one hand cupping her daughter''s bottom, even in sleep.

    His intentions forgotten, Reth watched them both sleep.

    Elia''s eyes were circled in dark smudges, her hair dull, and she was still a little pale. But she was healing even faster than Reth¡ªthe day before she''d even let Reth watch Elreth while she hurried to the bathing pools to wash unaided.

    They were going to be fine.

    Reth smiled and almost reached for Elia, but left her. Elreth had woken up three times during the night, and Elia was exhausted.

    He would deal with his business while they slept, then be with Elia when it was time to feed again.

    He hoped.

    With every ounce of stealth he would have used to sneak on an enemy during war, Reth eased out of the furs and off of the sleeping tform, gathering his clothes, but not putting them on, then creeping out of the room and dressing in the tunnel when he had the door closed.

    He hadn''t told Elia about what had happened with Gahrye and Gawhr. He''d pulled Behryn aside a couple dayster to ask him whether there was any news from the bears, but Behryn had refused to talk to him about it, insisting that everything was fine¡ªso far¡ªand so Reth had to focus on other things. The Behryn woulde to him if anything changed.

    They''d stared at each other then and Reth finally spoke the words he''d been holding back for too long. "Yes, but for how long, Behryn? How long until you are not here for me to rely on?"

    "Only the Creator knows," Behryn said. "But I will not leave without warning you. So go back to bed and we''ll talk about itter when you''re healed."

    Reth had known his brother was right, but it didn''t stop his mind tripping back to the confrontation with Gawhr, and its uneasy ending.

    And to Behryn''s ultimatum from Hollhye.

    So, this morning, while he was strong, and Elia was asleep, he would go to Behryn again, learn what his brother knew about the bears and¡­ and be a King again.

    It was true, the words didn''t fill him with the strength of conviction and eagerness they always had in the past. His heart was back in that room with that tiny bundle on the bed, and the beautiful female that watched over it.

    But he was King and while his loved ones were safe he would not let his people down.

    Except the moment this King strode out of the tunnel and into the Great Room, his Captain, best friend, and brother-by-love stood from a thick chair in front of the fire and turned to face him.

    Reth froze, staring. Behryn''s face was grim and he watched Reth wearily.

    Reth''s heart sank.

    It was happening.

    "Tell me," he growled.

    Behryn''s eyebrows popped up. "Tell you what?"

    "Whatever it is that you''re here to say."

    Behryn''s eyes narrowed. "You think I''m waiting to ambush you with bad news?"

    "Yes."

    Behryn snorted as only an Equine could. "Facing your mortality has made you so negative. I thought those experiences were supposed to make you decide life was beautiful and worth living? Prancing through daisies and all that shit."

    Reth almost smiled. "You want me to prance, Behr?"

    Behryn snorted again, then went quiet. Reth stared, waiting. Braced. This was his best friend since he''d been an adolescent. He was under immense pressure himself, and he loved his mate just as deeply as Reth loved Elia.

    Reth had to remind himself of that. If Behryn left him to soothe Hollhye, it was only what Reth would likely have done as well.

    So why did it feel like his best friend¡ªhis brother¡ªwas rejecting him?

    "I actually came because I have good news¡­ I think," Behryn said, frowning again.

    "Then why do you look like you ate a jabberthorn?"

    Behryn gave him a t look. "It''s been a rough few days, Reth. Forgive me if I''m not prancing myself. I don''t have the benefit of almost dying to put things in perspective." Then Behryn''s face dragged for the floor. "We almost lost you, both of you, Reth. I am¡­ not recovered fully from that yet. I came because I wanted to be close by¡­ just in case."

    "I bet Hollhye loves that."

    "Hollhye is¡­"

    "Hollhye is right here and can speak for herself," a sharp voice said from the doorway. Reth turned to find the female swinging in through the cave door, her arms full of arge tray of food. She kicked it closed behind her and walked through the Great Room towards the dining table toy the tray down. "What did I miss?"

    Behryn cleared his throat. "Nothing. Yet."

    Hollhyeid the tray down carefully, then turned to face them. "You haven''t told him?"

    "Told me what?" Reth said through his teeth.

    Hollhye folded her arms and turned to face Reth, her jaw tight and jutting out in defiance, as if she anticipated a fight.

    *****

    DAY 7 of #12DaysOfGiveaways (remember, ALL my giveaways can be essed and include links to the mission books on Facebook. Go to bit.ly/aimeelynnfb and add me as a friend!)

    For a chance to win the mug "Member of ABS: Aimeelyn Bookreader Support Group" handmade and signed by the Author, go to the book "My Lycan Mate of Suicide Forest" andment on Chapter 1 "Aimee says you''re a babe!" thene back here, or to the post on my Facebook page andment "Done!"

 Chapter 651: Turning Around

    <h4>Chapter 651: Turning Around</h4>

    RETH

    "Behryn said he told you that I want him to resign as Captain so we can move back to the outskirts together and he isn''t required in the City," Hollhye said.

    Reth nodded once, the simple statement a pang in his belly.

    "Well, he also exined to me what''s going on with the bears, and what''s happened for you an Elia thesest few days, and the Elders are having to deal with a lot of people in an uproar about Elia¡ªno pun intended."

    Reth''s head spun. Perhaps he wasn''t quite as close to healed as he''d thought. "I''m sorry, what uproar?"

    "The people are¡­ very excited about Elia," Behryn said dryly. "The elders have had to ban them from the royal meadow because they wereing in numbers to see her."

    Reth blinked. "When?"

    "Over the past few days¡ªevery day, since she shifted."

    "But¡­ the wolf she killed¡ª"

    "His family admitted that he''d hidden from the mind-meld. Or rather, they assumed that you had learned about it and that was why she attacked. They threw themselves at your mercy the moment he was gone. They have been tested. All of them are in the mindmeld. He''d convinced them he was merely ill and missed the mindmeld, but his intentions were good. They were¡­ helping him hide from consequences though."

    Reth sighed. "Another weakness of it."

    Behryn nodded.

    "And all of this while you have a new babe," Hollhye added from the dining area.

    Reth turned back to her. "Yes."

    "Not a good time for your Captain to resign."

    Reth''s heart skipped a beat. "No."

    "So I came up with a n," Hollhye said, and Reth caught the fear in her eyes then¡ªshe did not like this n. It was not her first choice. But she looked at Behryn and her eyes warmed, and Reth was reminded of how Elia looked at him.

    "I decided¡­" Hollhye said carefully, "that if we were to have had a family, I would not have wanted Behryn to lose you at that time," she said, then swallowed. "I would have wanted the¡­ the freedom to enjoy my new family¡­ and to heal."

    Reth nodded, barely daring to hope.

    Hollhye looked at Behryn again, that flicker of fear still in her eyes. "We will stay¡ªfor now," she added quickly when Reth''s eyebrows popped up. "But I am not saying we stay forever! I¡­ I think we stay until things are sorted out with the bears, and the people are more settled, and Elia''s back on her feet, and your daughter is safe and¡­ and then we go. When there''s peace. I will¡­ I will await that day eagerly," she said, the muscles of her jaw twitching. "I want you and Elia to have a chance to be with your daughter," she said in a low voice, barely more than a whisper. "It will give Behryn time to train someone to rece him. And I can continue to help the healers and¡­ it will just be time."

    Reth''s breath rushed out of him and a wave of relief washed over him. "Thank you, Hollhye¡ª" he stepped towards her, but she stepped back, her arms tightening across her chest.

    "I am never going to befortable in the City, Reth. And I''m never going to feel safe while Behryn is so central to the people. But¡­ but I do believe you''ve done a good thing here, with the wolves, and honoring the Equines. And¡­ and I think we can all work this out. I just¡­ I just ask you, please, to keep yourself safe, and keep Behryn out of the line of fire. If the bears attack¡­"

    "I believe we might have averted that disaster," Reth said, terrified that it had been at the cost of Gahrye''s life. "I guess we''ll see in the Spring."

    "We have set sentries on the northwestern border," Behryn said, "and the bird patrols will report any anima that might get beyond them. The portal region is closed, entirely. We will not walk the trails, even, until Gawhr gives us permission."

    Reth nodded. "Wise choice," he said.

    Behryn shrugged. "He came yesterday, asking for you, but when he learned what had happened, he said he would return in a couple of weeks. I told him that no one would step foot in the forest on that side. At all. He was skeptical, but¡­ you were right, Reth. He is more bnced than the other bears have been."

    Reth blew out a breath. They were safe until then, at least. Gahwr might be erratic emotionally, but when he gave his word, he stuck to it. "I guess I''ll wait to speak with him then. Did he happen to tell you what they did to Gahrye?" he asked tentatively.

    "He said he threw him into the portal to "meet his allies" and he didn''t return. Gawhr is convinced the voices took him. I''m not so sure."

    "Either am I," Reth said, smiling. Gahrye would have gotten through, he was sure of it. The male would have done anything to get back to his mate.

    They smiled together for a moment, and Reth''s chest loosened. He had not lost his best friend. They had some rocky trails to navigate, but he had not lost him. But it was Hollhye that he turned to and dropped his chin.

    "Thank you," he said quietly. "I thank you, and my family thanks you."

    Hollhye looked ufortable at his disy of submission, but she just waved a hand at him. "You''re wee. Just¡­ enjoy them," she said, her eyes suddenly glistening.

    Reth understood then, he thought, the pain that Hollhye had experienced at never having offspring. The gift she believed she was giving, not for Reth himself, but for Elreth. And for Elia.

    "You''re a good female, Hollhye," he rasped, clearing his throat.

    She rolled her eyes. "You two are always so fucking emotional. Honestly. Alpha Male bullshit at its best. Why can''t you just say thank you and¡­ and get on with it."

    Reth caught Behryn''s eye and grinned. "Thank you, Hollhye," he said obediently.

    She snorted, then started towards the door. "I''m going to go get some more food. I''ll see youter."

    She left quickly and Reth turned back to Behryn who was staring at the door where she''d disappeared.

    He walked closer to his oldest friend who shook his head. "You do not get to see the best of her, Reth. But I do."

    "I think I just did, brother," Reth said, offering his arm to sp. "I''m certain of it. And I''m very, very grateful."

    Behryn smiled and took his arm, then pulled him into an embrace that neither of them released for some time.

    *****

    (Insert crying author here... because it''s almost OVER! *Sob*) DO YOU WANT MORE FROM Anima? Keep reading in December to catch up onest time with Gahrye & Kalle, Lerrin & Suhle, and Reth & Elia. But don''t forget: Their stories aren''t over! Read "Taming the Queen of Beasts" then watch out in 2022 for your chance to vote on which beloved Anima will be the next to get their own book!

 Chapter 652 - Gahryeâ€™s Epilogue - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 652: Gahrye¡¯s Epilogue - Part 1</h4>

    KALLE

    Even though it was only five o''clock, the winter night had already fallen¡ªalong with at least a foot of snow¡ªwhen Kalle opened the front door to find the same sandy-brown haired detective who had visited them every few days for the past couple months. But something was different tonight. When she opened the door he stood on the stoop without his badge, and his shirt sleeves rolled up to his forearms, despite the chill outside.

    "Kalle," he said quietly. "I''m sorry to bother you sote, but I''m hoping we can speak privately for a few minutes?"

    Normally the moment he showed up he was listing his reason for needing to speak with her or Eve, and his attitude of authority brooked no argument.

    But tonight he seemed¡­ disturbed. And his eyes¡­ he stared at her, almost pleading.

    Kalle was wary. "Of course," she said, though she didn''t mean it. "We always want to help officer." She ushered him inside.

    The dining room was dark when they walked in, so she turned on the chandelier over the table and offered him a seat.

    "Can I get you a coffee?" she asked casually, as if every inch of her skin wasn''t prickling with fear.

    "No, thank you. I won''t keep you, It''ste, and it''s Christmas. A bad time, I know, but I received some test results today and I wanted to discuss them with you." The detective¡ªsandy-brown hair, trim suit, and that air of confidence that men of authority wore like cologne¡ªdidn''t smile.

    Kalle''s heart kept jumping¡ªsuddenly certain the detective would scent Gahrye upstairs, but then she remembered¡­ no, it was the other way around.

    "Oh?" she said, as if she were a little surprised. "What''s going on?"

    "We got the bloodwork and DNA results back from theb. And once I saw them, I knew I couldn''t wait until after the holidays to speak with you."

    Kalle''s heart began to race. She prayed Gahrye¡ªwho paced the room upstairs, furious that he had to leave her face this alone¡ªwouldn''t give in to the urge to run down here and watch over her. She''d exined the risks, and he''d understood. But he was¡­ protective.

    "Do you have a suspect, then?" she asked, as eagerly as she could.

    "Of a sort," the detective said carefully. He''d pulled his little notepad out and put it on the table in front of him. The giveaway for his tension was the way he kept tapping his pen on it.

    Kalle waited.

    The detective looked around. "Are we alone?" he asked quietly.

    "Yes," she said. "The staff are on leave now until the day after Christmas, and my grandmother is out shopping." And her mate was upstairs, but under strict instructions not to move from the suite, so he wouldn''t be heard. When the detective didn''t immediately respond, Kalle let her impatience show. "Is there something you need from me, sir? So that you can share this information with me, I mean?"

    "No, no. I''m just¡­ trying to figure out the best way to say this," he said.

    He''d been visiting for weeks and had warmed to Kalle more since that first encounter soon after Shaw''s death was reported. Kalle had been wary, but willing to endure his professional attention if it meant he would be less likely to pry into her personal life.

    "Officer, I live in a strange house, with a family of wealth and a long history. I can tell you, there''s just about nothing you could say that would shock me. And since I''m sure you want to get home to your family as well, why don''t you just spit it out and we''ll deal with whatever it is so we can both be done?" She smiled to soften the words. But he didn''t.

    "I don''t have a family," he said carefully. His eyes rose to meet hers, but she didn''t let anything show on her face.

    He was self-aware enough to understand that she wasn''t going to take that bait. "Okay," he said on a sigh, sitting back in his chair. "We know who killed your Uncle Shaw¡­ or at least, maybe the better way to say this is that we know what killed him."

    Kalle frowned. "An exotic animal, you said?"

    The detective snorted and ran a hand through his hair. "Kalle, exotic doesn''t cover it."

    "I¡­ what?"

    "We found bloodstains in the garden and made samples. Many, many samples. Most of them belonged to your Uncle, as we''d expect. But one¡­ one pool of blood and a few stters weren''t human."

    Kalle tilted her head as if she was curious, but had to stop herself swallowing in fear. "Oh? So what was it?"

    The detective leaned forward, elbows on the table andced his fingers together. "That''s the thing¡­ I can''t tell you. Not in detail, anyway."

    Kalle blew out a breath and tried to make it sound like exasperation. "Then why are you even here?"

    "Because¡­ because when we received this result, we were baffled. Assumed theb had made a mistake. But they were insistent the sample had been tested several times with the same result. I''ve been looking into this for days and today¡­ today I found out simr samples have been found in the past."

    "Oh?" She had to sound curious, not terrified.

    He nodded, watching her closely. "There have been simrly unique samples discovered on four or five other cases across North America."

    "Simr?"

    "Yes."

    Kalle took a deep breath. "I''m sorry, officer¡­ I can''t help noticing you''re not actually telling me anything, and this is getting a little tired. What can I know about this¡­ this sample? And why are you telling me? If you can''t tell what it is, what is it you think I''ll be able to help you with?"

    The detective stared at her for a long moment, then shook his head and raked a hand through his short-cut hair.

    "The blood we found isn''t human, Kalle. But it also isn''t from an animal¡ªat least, not one that we know of. It''s¡­ different. It''s a thing. And my fear is¡­ my fear is that your uncle may have gotten himself wrapped up in something dangerous."

 Chapter 653 - Gahryeâ€™s Epilogue - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 653: Gahrye¡¯s Epilogue - Part 2</h4>

    KALLE

    Kalle''s eyebrows flew high. "Shaw?" she said, praying her shock and fear that this police officer might have stumbled on the Anima came off as disbelief.

    "You said he was entric."

    "Yes, but¡­ dangerous? Do you mean that he got involved in some kind of crime? Or¡­ what exactly do you mean?"

    "I mean that I did some digging and what I found¡­" He blew out a breath and shook his head. "Look, I don''t go for this conspiracy stuff, right? It''s not the way I think. But every case is a conspiracy of some kind¡ªpeople working to stop me finding information. So I know how to look, and how to read between the lines. So I did that here, too. And¡­ what I found¡­ I wasn''t expecting this to be so¡­ big." He shook his head again as if he couldn''t believe he was about to speak the words. "Kalle, there are people in this country who im there''s a whole other¡­ well, race I suppose. And until I got that blood sample, and contacted another officer in Canada and read his case notes, I would have just assumed theb fucked up. But there''s evidence. Physical, tangible evidence that this monster exists¡ªand not just this one, several of them."

    "M-monster?" Kalle said faintly.

    The detective nodded. "I know how crazy that sounds, believe me. And I''m not encouraging you to use that term to anyone else. But I couldn''t¡­" He sat forward quickly, his eyes intense. "The officer I spoke to lost his job because he continued to pursue this. He warned me to look for anyone around the victim who showed up for a short time before it happened, then disappeared after¡ªand I''m not talking about some homeless guy or whatever. He said they''re always connected. They''re always someone no one knew a lot about. Someone who left a trail, but didn''t¡ªwho no one could identify. Sound familiar?"

    Kalle blinked.

    He didn''t wait for her to answer. "I have to tell you, Kalle, that it''s possible that the man you married wasn''t a man at all¡ªand I know, I know that sounds crazy. But it''s not!" he said frantically, his hand wing through his hair again. "Look, I''m not here on official business, okay? I''m off the clock. Mymanding officer doesn''t even know I''m here because he''s convinced this is just ab screw up and¡­ I mean, that''s definite easier to swallow. What I''m thinking¡­ I can''t believe what I''m thinking! Who knows, maybe I''ll wake up tomorrow and be embarrassed I even told you this but¡­ but every time I dig deeper I find more, not less. And I''m telling you, there''s something going on in this country. Someone is making these¡­ things. And they''re deadly and dangerous and somehow your Uncle is all hooked up in this."

    Kalle gaped at him for a long, breathless moment before she forced her mouth to move. "Canada?" she blurted.

    The detective''s brows pinched over his nose. "That''s the part that seems weird to you?"

    "No! I mean, no. I don''t¡­ I can''t¡­ I''m not even sure what you''re saying. I''m just trying to process all of this."

    He sighed. "So am I. But I''m going to tell you¡ªnot just as a cop, but as a decent human being: For fuck''s sake, Kalle, if you hear from your husband¡­ run. Just¡­ run. Whoever he is, whatever he is, he''s connected with this. And it''s¡­ it''s dangerous and crazy. It''s impossible."

    Kalle nodded. Because no matter what else he had said¡­ impossible was definitely the best word to describe her mate¡ªand all of the Anima.

    Then she blinked. "Wait¡­ officer¡­ did you say someone is MAKING these¡­ these¡­ things?"

    The detective nodded. "It''s Sam, by the way," he said dryly, rubbing his eyes.

    "I''m¡­ what?"

    "My name is Sam. And like I said, I''m off duty. As far as the precinct knows, your Uncle died from an animal attack. And even if it looks suspicious, they''ve got no evidence that will stand up in court to prove otherwise. So¡­ so you might not see me much after this¡­ unless you want to?" He watched her closely, his eyes widening a little. But she couldn''t think. Her head kept screaming, he knows. HE KNOWS.

    "They''re closing the case?" she said, just to say something because he was waiting.

    Sam''s face went nk and she realized he''d put himself out there a little, to test the ground with her. She hadn''t even registered it.

    Oh well, it was probably for the best.

    "I don''t think they''ll close it," he said. "It looks bad to close a case that we''ve marked homicide. It will depend if the Coroner changes their findings. But right now¡­ right now the case goes to the back of the file. And unless something newes up¡­ well, I you''re off the hook, I think. I was the one keeping this alive and now¡­ now I''m not sure I want to."

    Kalle watched him carefully, barely breathing. Was he saying what she thought he was saying? He seemed to be waiting for her to respond.

    "Thank you?" she tried.

    Sam the detective sighed. "Promise me you''ll be careful? You can let me know if this guy shows up. He''s a person of interest in this case and since it won''t be closed, I cane look into it. If he gets in touch with you, find out where he is and send me the details okay?" He pulled a business card from his pocket and pushed it across the table towards her.

    Kalle stretched across the wide table to reach it and pick it up, nodding as if she was reading it. "Okay," she said finally.

    Sam stared at her a minute longer, then the light in his eyes went out. Kalle felt bad for him, but ted as well. If no one else was going to pursue this¡­

    "I guess I can say, Merry Christmas, Kalle. I know it''s not going to be an easy one with Shaw gone. But at least you won''t have me banging down your door every few days anymore, huh?"

    "Sam," she said carefully, but he shook his head.

    "It''s fine. It''s fine. I just don''t want to see you get hurt, Kalle. That''s all. It''s my job, okay? So please¡­ if you see this guy, get rid of him, then call me. Let us take care of him, okay?"

    "Well, of course," she said again, lying through her teeth¡ªand almostughing, because that "monster" was upstairs, tense and angry, because he couldn''t be involved in this conversation. "Thank you for all your help, Sam," she said. "I hope that somehow you have a good Christmas."

 Chapter 654 - Gahryeâ€™s Epilogue Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 654 - Gahrye¡¯s Epilogue Part 3</h4>

    SURPRISE! I wanted to reward all of you who have supported me by buying privilege this month, as well as¡­ well, I just missed Reth. That''s the pure truth. So this story is just a little bit of fun and fluff to give us all a chance to enjoy a little more time with Reth and Elia. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! There will be 10 chapters released today, one every 20 minutes starting NOW! Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your love for these characters.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME AND MY LOVED ONES TO YOU AND YOURS!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye woke early the next morning and had to stop himself reaching for Kalle. She''d been encouraged by the visit from the officer the night before, but Gahrye wasn''t so sure. They agreed that it sounded like he''d found some human who were aware of, or at least suspected, the existence of the Anima. If there were other blood samples¡­

    Gahrye wondered whether they were other disformed, or only anima? Would the human science sorcery tell the difference? Was there a difference?

    They''d talked about itte into the night¡ªsote, they''d fallen asleep still talking. It was rare that they slept without loving each other first and Gahrye ached for her.

    But Kalle was deeply asleep,ying on her side with her back to him, her shoulder peeking out of the covers and her hair syed on the pillow.

    He took a deep breath, inhaling her warm scent and following the lines of her body with his eyes, imaging stroking that soft, pale skin from her neck, across her shoulder, then down her side¡­ further and further, following the gentle curve of her body with his fingers¡ª

    Gahrey blew out a breath and rolled onto his back so he wasn''t looking at her. It was far too early to wake her. Wasn''t it?

    Apparently that day was Christmas. A festival day for humans, but different than the Anima. When Anima feasted, they were all together¡ªthe market busting at the seams with the people, everyone together, all the tribes mingled.

    Kalle had exined that humans, instead, gathered in their family groups, or chosen families, retreating from the rest of the world to eat and give presents. And fight, apparently.

    "Depends on the family, of course," Kalle said with a sad smile. "But just about everyone has a drunk uncle, or an activist sister. The discussions around the table can often get heated."

    "I suppose this means it''s good that I don''t bring family with me?" Gahrye said, his mind tripping back to his parents, wishing they could have met Kalle. Regretting that he''de here in such a rush that he hadn''t even told them he was leaving again since he''d thought he would only be a day or two. Wondering if they would have cared, really¡­?

    That, of course, made him wonder about making a family. He''d asked Kalle almost immediately after he got back, frantic that she was sick or in danger. But she said she''d never been in better health. And she hadn''t seen the asswipe in weeks. Gahrye frowned. The voices had been so clear... But he''d had to put it all aside, because she wasn''t pregnant, and Dillon wasn''t near. Gahrye had simply resolved to watch for those warning signs.

    He must have looked sad in his thoughts, because a momentter Kalle had put her arms around his neck and pulled him down to a kiss. "I''m your family now," she''d whispered in his ear, kissing the corner of his jaw.

    "Best family ever," he''d whispered back, grinning. Kalle hadughed, and it was the best sound in the world, in his opinion.

    He''d healed quickly from his beating by the Bears. That entire encounter had left him wary and thoughtful. He knew he couldn''t return to Anima¡ªnot as long as the bears held the portal region. But he feared what Gawhr might do to Reth, or how it might impact his purpose to identify and train the disformed to be Protectors.

    But there was nothing he could do for now, so he''d thrown himself headlong into the hidden histories¡ªand into his mate.

    She was a joy.

    Seeing her smile in the morning made his blood sing. And hearing her voice behind him when he''d been distracted¡­ it was honey to his soul.

    He turned his head to stare at her again, thoughtlessly lifting a hand to trace the line from the nape of her neck, down her spine.

    She sucked in a breath and rolled over to face him, blinking puffy eyes and smiling when she found him facing her again. "Good morning," she rasped.

    Gahrye kissed her briefly. "Good morning."

    "How long have you been awake?"

    "Not long. A few minutes."

    Then she gave a little gasp, "Oh gosh! It''s Christmas! Merry Christmas, Gahrye!" she said excitedly, pushing up on one elbow. The nkets slid to her waist and he had to drag his eyes back up to her face.

    "Good Christmas feast," he said with a smile.

    She''d been excited like a child the past week until that Police officer showed up, waiting for this day. Now her scent quivered with joy and even as her skin pebbled from the cold, she pped her hands and turned to push the nkets back. "I have something for you!" she said excitedly, leaping out of the bed and hurrying across the room naked to a set of drawers on her side.

    Herck of concern for her nakedness was all the present he needed. He almost told her that, but when she dived back into the bed to offer him a nearly-t square wrapped in dark green paper with a gold ribbon tied into a bow, he found he didn''t want to shift her attention. Her eyes sparkled even more than the ribbon.

    "I hope you like it," she said, suddenly sounding a little embarrassed. "I was excited to show it to you, but now¡­ now I wonder if it''s a little stupid."

    He gave her a look, because he was certain no matter what was behind that paper, it wasn''t stupid. He was d she''d told him about the Christmas gift exchange soon after he returned from Anima. He hadn''t been able to bring his bag, so he''d had to get creative. It had taken some time, and help from Eve. Especially after he discovered his mate was a sneaky little devil who liked to secretly search for her presents ahead of the gifting. Thank the Creator that Eve had warned him. Otherwise he would have just put it in a drawer like Kalle had, and then she''d already know.

    Of course, now that he was finally going to give it to her, he found himself nervous. He prayed she wouldn''t be disappointed.

    But she was holding out the present to him and he took it, discovering that he was deeply touched, not only that she had thought of him, but that she seemed so excited to give it to him.

    "Thank you," he said softly, taking it. It wasn''t terribly heavy, but it was hard and perfectly square. What could it be?

    "Don''t thank me yet," she giggled. "You have to read the little card, then unwrap it first."

    Then her eyes widened, as if she was scared to see him do it.

 Chapter 655 - Gahryeâ€™s Epilogue Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 655 - Gahrye¡¯s Epilogue Part 4</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye swallowed. There were supposed to be cards on the presents? Oh dear. He hadn''t known that. But it was toote now.

    Frowning in frustration that he hadn''t thought to ask, Gahrye thumbed open the small, square card that hung off the ribbon to find Kalle''s handwriting inside.

    "To my Mate,

    Because I want every little girl

    to find her Protector.

    Merry Christmas!

    Kalle."

    Gahrye swallowed a lump in his throat and nced up at her. "Thank you," he said roughly.

    Kalle was biting her lip. "Just open it!" she groaned, her eyes alight and fearful at the same time.

    He snapped the ribbon, then peeled the paper off at the back where it been adhered by some of that awful smelling stic stuff, opening it to find a small, colorful book, with a shiny cover and small type on the back.

    "Turn it over! Turn it over!" Kalle giggled, then pped her hands over her mouth.

    Gahrye stared at her a moment, he''d never seen her so alight. Her eyes sparkling and dancing over her hands. Then, nerves trilling in his stomach, he turned the book over.

    THE HORSE WHO COULD SLAY DRAGONS

    Gahrye frowned. The picture on the front¡ªin sweeping, colorful lines, showed a girl in metal armor, holding a sword, and a horse rearing in front of her, mouth open and hooves pointed towards a massive, evil looking lizard-creature. It''s scaly skin a bright green, eyes a sick yellow, breathing fire from its fanged mouth, with a tail curving high in the air over a pair of massive wings.

    Gahrye gaped. "These creatures exist in your world?" he gasped.

    Kalle giggled. "No! They''re a legend here. But¡­ look, Gahrye, open it up. Look."

    Gahrye opened the cover and it cracked. The title was written on the first page, but then on its reverse, a small, nted print of the same text she''d written in the card.

    To Gahrye

    Because I want every little girl

    to find her Protector.

    "They didn''t like me calling you that because they didn''t want readers to think it meant that the girl was weak and the boy was strong. But they won''t think that once they read it," she said, her voice hushed. Then her eyes met his. "It''s the story of you learning you''re a Protector, Gahrye. I made myself the Knight, because I wanted to. And in the story, when the knight meets the horse, the horse doesn''t believe it''s strong enough to be a warrior. But the Knight does and she¡­ she talks him into trying and then after he believes in himself, they go out and y the dragon together and¡­ and¡­ and I thought you wouldn''t mind and¡­" she trailed off looking scared. "You hate it, don''t you."

    But Gahrye was gaping at her, his jaw ck. "You wrote a story about me?"

    She nodded, still looking uncertain. "Even though people here can''t know about you, I wanted to tell them about you. I wrote it when you were gone and I was afraid¡­ afraid you weren''t going toe back and I couldn''t bear it. So I wrote it and I paid an illustrator to make the pictures. I was just going to put it in our library, but Eve sent it away to some agents and¡­ and they think they can get it published. So maybe more people are going to hear about you than I thought." She stared, searching his eyes. "Do you mind?"

    "Mind?!" he gasped, then pulled her into a deep kiss, shoving away the cascade of emotion that threatened to send him into tears. "Kalle, I''ve never¡­ that''s¡­ I don''t believe it."

    "Neither do I, honestly. But apparently even the humans are into this whole Protector idea," she said, blushing. "I had to fight to call you that because it''s not really fashionable right now. But they got it when they read the story. And since we y the dragon together¡­"

    He held her face in both hands and gazed on her, praying she could feel the love that was making his chest feel tight. "Thank you," he whispered. "That is¡­ thank you, Kalle. Thank you, my mate. You have made me very, very happy."

    He dropped the book and leaned in to kiss her again. She clung to him, sucking in. He rolled her onto her back, one hand stroking down her body, and she arched into his touch. But then he remembered he hadn''t given her his gift, and he pushed back.

    "What¡ª" she said, frowning, her eyes zed.

    "I have a present for you!" he said, reaching one arm down and under the little night stand next to his side.

    Kalle rolled back to her side, peering over to see what he was doing. "That''s where it was!" she cried. "I can''t believe I didn''t think of that."

    Gahrye snorted and made a mental note to thank Eve for the warning, then passed her the little box. It was in, brown paper, but he''d folded both halves into a working box himself, from some card Eve had given him. There was no ribbon, and no card. He prayed that wouldn''t stop her enjoying it.

    "I didn''t know about the cards. But if I''d known, I would have said¡­ For my mate, who makes my heart run away with me¡­ or something like that," he said sheepishly.

    Kalle''s mouth tipped up and she took the box, her eyes even brighter than before. "How did you even get me anything? We''re never apart!"

    "I can''t tell you my secrets. I have to keep them for next Christmas," he grinned. That part had been difficult. It had involved several whispered conversations with Eve at times when Kalle was distracted, and one trip into the city in that Creatorforsaken car that Kalle still thought was him helping Eve move heavy boxes at the library.

    "Can I open it?!"

    "Yes, of course."

    With a giddy grin, Kalle slide the top of the box off to reveal a small, velvet bag inside.. She looked him again before putting it to the mattress, and pulling the little bag out and tugging at the drawstring to open it.

 Chapter 656 - Gahryeâ€™s Epilogue Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 656 - Gahrye''s Epilogue Part 5</h4>

    GAHRYE

    Gahrye actually stopped breathing when she reached inside to pull out the little golden ring.

    Kalle''s eyes widened at what she drew out, then she stared at him.

    "I told you I would get something more¡­ permanent," he said gruffly.

    She stared at the ring again, her mouth open, and Gahrye looked at it for the fiftieth time, trying to see it as she would.

    He''d had a tiny, golden horse, it''s mane and tail flying, it''s legs curled into a gallop, cast by a jeweler. But he''d been afraid it would catch on her clothing, or scratch her skin. So the jeweler had suggested covering it in a round of resin, or crystal¡ªGahrye didn''t know what the material was, exactly, except that he was assured it would keep its rity over the years¡ªand circling it in gold.

    So, when Kalle looked down at the ring, she saw what appeared to be a tiny horse, glowing from the center of a small, oval of amber, and circled in gold.

    "Gahrye, it''s so beautiful!" she whispered. "How did you do this?"

    "Truly, I didn''t do it. I only told the male what I wanted and he made it for me. I wish I could have done this with my own hands, Kalle. But it is me¡­ my heart for you. And I want you to keep it with you always."

    He took it from her fingers and held her hand as he pressed into onto her finger, over the leather ring he''d given her earlier, and they both stared at it.

    Then she looked up to hold his eyes with her own, shining and silvered with tears. "I love you so much, Gahrye."

    "Merry Christmas, Kalle," he said softly, then took her mouth and buried them both in a kiss that he never wished they would never have to leave.

    *****

    After a lunch with Eve that would have been enjoyed even in Anima, he and Kalle had gone for a walk in the gardens in the snow.

    Gahrye still struggled being closed into the square space of the house for too long at a time. It had be their habit to take a walk around the grounds every day, and apart from the hours they spent naked, it was his favorite time of day.

    The numbing cold of this world had been a shock¡ªsnow in Anima was rare. But the air was so much dryer that even when it was that cold it wasn''t difficult to warm the caves and trees. But the humidity of the city of Kalle''s home meant the cold seemed to prate to his bones. Even Gahrye was relieved when they crunched back to the back of the house that afternoon and Kalle suggested he take a shower to warm up.

    When they got back inside Eve had disappeared for a nap. The house was quiet and mostly dark. The downstairs formal sitting room here they had sat together for a time after lunch, glowed with lights and smells¡ªpine, cinnamon, and both decorations and lights glittering on a massive tree in the corner that baffled Gahrye. Why bring a tree inside to die when it was already so beautiful outside? He didn''t deny that the room seemed warmer with the tree in the corner. Only that the tree seemed like it would be wasted. Perhaps they used it for wood, after?

    Gahrye headed straight upstairs, Kalle on his heels.

    "You get in, I''ll find a dry sweater," Kalle said quickly, squeezing his hand as they parted and Gahrye headed to the bathroom.

    He found it difficult not to be touching her when she was within reach¡ªhe still didn''t quite believe that she would always be there to be touched. It was like his body pulled towards her, like a ma. But he forced himself to drop his grip on her and go into the echoing bathroom, turning the water on to warm while he stripped off, then stepped inside.

    Showering was a human tradition that he found he enjoyed, though he wished the water was a natural spring or waterfall, rather than the echoing tile, ss and metal. But he couldn''t deny it was far more convenient than bathing when he was in a hurry. And the rush of the water reminded him of the waterfalls of Anima.

    So, as had be his custom, when he stepped into the spray, he dropped his head back, closed his eyes, and let the water rush around him, ying down his body and imagining that he was home¡ªwith Kalle.

    It was the only way his life could be better, he decided, was if he''d been able to take her there, rather than being here with her.

    But he didn''t regret a thing. He would happily never see Anima again if there was a way for him to stay with Kalle and fulfill his purpose as well. He doubted it would be possible, but he prayed so.

    He was so consumed with a little daydream of walking Kalle into the Tree City and introducing her to Elia and Reth and the other disformed, that he was started when the door of the shower rattled and two ice blocks suddenly appeared on his skin.

    He sucked in and flinched, Kalleughing, as her freezing hands yed across his chest. He grabbed her wrists and twisted, pulling her under the warm spray. It hit her full in the face and she shrieked, Gahryeughing and holding her there, keeping her hands gripped in his and refusing to let her touch him, though she struggled to get them to his skin again.

    But with her elbows pushed together as she wrestled against his grip, it made her breasts push together and jiggle, and it wasn''t long before he was distracted again.

    Taking both of her wrists in one hand, he lifted her hands above her head and walked her backwards into the wall of the shower. She hissed when the cold tile hit her back and he raised his eyebrows. "Serves you right," he grinned, but his voice was low and dark, and he pressed his body against hers to warm her.

    With her hands lifted, her breasts rose too, her nipples peaking against the cold and poking at his chest. Sliding one knee between her thighs and keeping her hands pinned to the wall above her head, he stroked from her thigh, up her stomach, to cup her breast and thumb that little peak, appreciating the dusky rose of it.

    "Kalle," he breathed. "I think I know a nice way to warm up."

    **** "WHY CAN''T I READ THE LAST CHAPTERS RIGHT NOW?" *****

    (Added after publication so you aren''t charged for the words) I have had the question several timestely, "Why aren''t there any new chapters releasing for me on King of Beasts?"

    At the end of November I released 30 chapters out of the privilege system so that all readers, whether they were privilege or not, would see the resolution to the main plotlines in King of Beasts. However, because the book was still updating in December, there is still 20 chapters of fluff/fun content that won''t filter out of privilege until the book is marked "Completed" on 1 January.

    If you are worried about spoilers before moving to Queen of Beasts, you do not need to be. There is nothing new in those 20 chapters that will be spoiled for you in Queen. Those chapters are mostly fun/fluffy resolution for our lovers. If you don''t want to buy privilege with no more chapter updates, you can jump into Queen, then beginning 1 January, the system will release thest 20 chapters, 2 per day, until they are all out of privilege.

    Thank you for your support of this book. I''m sorry I wasn''t able to get all the content out of privilege for December, but if you wait until 1 January, you will read everything those readers read!

 Chapter 657 - Gahryeâ€™s Epilogue Part 6

    <h4>Chapter 657 - Gahrye¡¯s Epilogue Part 6</h4>

    AUTHOR NOTE: (Added after publication so you aren''t charged for these words)

    This is thest scene with Gahrye and Kalle for this book. I want to thank you for your support of Gahrye from day one. Gahrye is the guy I want to see seed, and whose heart I want to protect. The fact that you have loved him and wanted good for him since he first showed up as has been a joy for me. So thank you for sharing that journey! And don''t forget... you''ll get more of his storyter in Taming the Queen of Beasts, so add it to your library today!

    If you enjoy music while you read, try listening to "Always Love You" by SayWeCanFly while you read this. It''s the song I''ve listened to while writing Gahrye and Kalle''s emotional scenes for the past few months. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

    *****

    GAHRYE

    "Yes," Kalle gasped back immediately.

    Her hands had ckened in his grip, but he kept them high over her head as he took her mouth, letting his lips drag against hers and his tongue tease and taste. Then, as the fire rose within him, and the rush of the water faded because all he could see or hear was her, he deepened the kiss. Reaching down cup the back of her thigh and ease her leg up, opening her to him, then resting his forehead against hers and holding her gaze, he slid against her again and again until her breath was hot anding through gritted teeth.

    Seeing her like that¡ªeyes sparking with heat and cheeks pinking¡ªonly fueled the mes rising in him.

    She whimpered and rolled her hips. But she pinned as she was, she couldn''t get any real leverage against him.

    He enjoyed having herid out like that for him, but if he was going to do this he needed both hands, and she needed to be safe from slipping. So, with a whispered smile to be a good girl with those hands, he let her go and began to stroke, exploring every dip and valley of her beautiful body that had thickened slightly as the winter months set in.

    He liked it. She was soft where he was hard, her body warm and weing, always.

    He''d always enjoyed a female that wasn''t all points and joints, but then, he''d enjoyed any female form, really. Until he''d met her¡ªuntil he''d made love to her¡ªhe''d never really cared what a female looked like.

    But now¡­ now when anyone spoke of the ideal female, or the perfect wife¡­ now his mind held a picture of Kalle.

    Her hands were all over him, his shoulders, his chest, his sides¡­ Her head dropped back against the tile as he kissed his way down her neck. He marveled again at how she offered herself to him so freely¡ªnot only that she felt safe to do so, but that she seemed to enjoy it.

    Then he let his fingers y between them, to make sure she was ready, and she whimpered. Gahrye growled like a predator.

    "Hold on," he whispered. She nodded quickly, eyes still closed as she concentrated on where he touched her, her hips bumping and rolling into him, seeking to join. Positioning himself, he found her other thigh and pulled, taking her weight, lifting her against the wall, finding her and entering her, in one smooth stroke.

    Kalle cried out in joy, then her hands cupped the back of his neck and pulled him closer, her tongue taking his mouth in the same way he took her.

    They rolled together, groaning, their bodies in perfect time, and for Gahrye, everything disappeared except his gorgeous, sensual mate, her warm, wet skin, her legs wrapped around his waist and pulling him in, and the beautiful, beautiful taste of her skin.

    He opened his eyes to look on her and his body shuddered at the sight of her open mouth, wet hair slicked against her face and neck, and her breasts, bobbing in time with their joining.

    One hand holding her ass, he cupped her face, then trailed his hand down, watching his darker, bronze skin contrast against hers¡ªnot only paler, but pinker¡ªuntil he reached her breast and palmed it, pressing it higher so he could curl to get his mouth on that peak.

    "Oh! Gahrye! Gahrye!" she cried. Kalle had always been so responsive to his touch, but he''d noticed since his return that she seemed to find climax more easily.

    It was a joy to him, then, watching her eyes ze and her mouth fall open, hearing her cries echo around the room as they rocked together.

    Then she clenched around him and her fingers dug into the muscles of his back. He thrust again, and the tightness of her tipped him over the edge, so that they tumbled together, their voices as mingled as the water trailing from his chest to hers, and back.

    The world around them disappeared¡ªalong with his fears for the future, concerns for Anima, for Reth and the bears¡ªand there was nothing left to his mind, but the beauty of Kalle, the thunder of her breath in his ear, and the soft, strong press of her body.

    The moment seemed tost forever. But when Gahrye finally slumped, one hand under her ass, the other against the wall, and sucked in a breath, Kalle clung to him, panting and blinking against the spray of the shower on his back.

    He cursed, then tasted the skin on her shoulder, shifting her higher, then shaking in the wake of the jolt when sensitive skin moved against sensitive skin.

    "Gahrye¡­ that was¡­" Kalle panted.

    "I know."

    Shebed her fingers into his hair and pulled his head back to force him to meet her eyes. "Never, ever stop doing that to me, please," she whispered.

    "It will break my heart the day you don''t want me," he whispered back.

    Kalle shook her head. "What did we do to deserve this?"

    "I don''t know. But¡­ but I''m so grateful for you, Kalle. Everything else could fall away¡­ I could lose all of it. But as long as you''re here¡ª"

    "I know," she said, her chin trembling. "Me too."

    They stared at each other and Kalle cupped his face. "Merry Christmas, Gahrye."

    "Merry Christmas, Kalle."

    "You''re the best present I''ve ever received."

    "Me too, Kalle."

    Then he kissed her again, and didn''t breathe for a very, very long time.

    *****

    SURPRISE! I wanted to reward all of you who have supported me by buying privilege this month, as well as¡­ well, I just missed Reth. That''s the pure truth. So this story is just a little bit of fun and fluff to give us all a chance to enjoy a little more time with Reth and Elia. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! There will be 10 chapters released today, one every 20 minutes starting NOW! Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your love for these characters.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME AND MY LOVED ONES TO YOU AND YOURS!

 Chapter 658 - Lerrinâ€™s Epilogue Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 658 - Lerrin¡¯s Epilogue Part 1</h4>

    LERRIN

    Evening settled into night more slowly now that they were out from underneath the trees. Lerrin sat beside their fire watching the small mes, his heart beating quickly.

    It had taken two days, in the end, to move beyond the boundaries of the WildWood, and his body had, indeed, almost failed him. Both nights he''d struggled even to eat before sleep overtook him¡ªand his body stiffened so badly, it took him close to an hour to be free enough to carry a bag and begin the hike again the next morning.

    On the second day he''d worried he might actually fail his beautiful mate who was carrying the burden of preparing their meals and covering their camp before they left each morning, because he had struggled even to manage himself.

    Then yesterday, the third day since his release, they had passed out of the WildWoodpletely and into the Great ins. Lerrin had dropped his bag and stood where the forest gave way to grasses that grew waist high in the summer and the mountains beyond the desert could be seen in the haze to the northeast, breathing deeply.

    Something unclenched in his chest. He''d upheld his promise to leave the WildWood and he would not enter it again by choice. Suhle stood next to him, her smile wider than he thought he''d ever seen it.

    "You are free," she breathed.

    Lerrin nodded, washed by conflicting emotions¡ªjoy and peace, primarily, that he was there, he was alive, and he had his mate and a future. But as his pain began to ease, and the constant danger of the prison fell away behind him, he found his mind turning more and more often to his family. To the loss of his father and sister. To the loss of his people. And the evil that had infected them. And he prayed Reth would find a way to root it out.

    He and Suhle had stood there for several minutes, just scanning thend. When he started out again, she''d taken his hand and followed without question.

    His chest tightened at the memory. Her trust in him¡­ it was overwhelming.

    He turned his head and scanned the dark, but with the mes in front of him, his eyes picked up too much light to prate the midnight ck around them. Suhle had gone to the waterhole they could smell close by to collect water. She would be on her way back now. He couldn''t hear her moving, but he knew she was near. He could feel her. They left their minds open to each other at all times now¡ªwhat purpose was there in closing off? He wanted to be avable to her at a blink¡ªespecially since they were alone and if anything were to happen to either of them¡­

    His stomach dipped. It was the only part of this he did not like. The solitude. Not because he wouldn''t choose it, but because if something happened to him, Suhle would be alone and unprotected. And if something happened to her¡­

    Creator''s fang, he couldn''t fathom the thought of it.

    An image shed in his head then, of himself, denying her. Staring her down with a cold sneer and dering he would never take her as his mate, neverpletely the bond.

    His stomach twisted. He couldn''t believe he''d done it¡ªhurt them both out of pride and blindness¡ª

    Why do you think of that now? Suhle''s voice bloomed in his head and he sighed with relief.

    I condemn myself for my stupidity, he sent back dryly. Where are you?

    I have a surprise, she said.

    Lerrin''s eyebrows rose, and his heart pattered faster. He''d been able to scent it on her today, a thread of desire that twisted sometimes with fear. Yet while the fear rolled in and out, the desire never faded. He''d turned at one point to find her eyes on him. Hot in the sun, he''d taken off his shirt and shoved it into his bag and tramped on with nothing above the waist. When he turned, her eyes raked down his chest and thighs and he felt that look as distinctly as if she''d trailed her fingers down his skin.

    His body had tightened in response.

    Without a word, he''d waited for her to realize he was watching her. When her eyes finally dragged up to meet his¡ªuncertain, but unashamed¡ªhe''d held her gaze.

    Neither of them spoke, or sent words. But something passed between them.

    His heart skipped another beat remembering the moment, and his breath came faster.

    She wanted him.

    They''d travelled for the day, speaking less than usual, but the tension between them wasn''t unpleasant. A frisson of anticipation that raised the hairs on his arms and threatened to raise the rest of his body if he focused on it too much.

    And Suhle¡­ Suhle had¡­ something within her had shifted. She''d already spent the previous days with her chin higher and eyes not pinched. She''d already told him she felt free for the first time. But something else had shifted within her that day.

    As if she were suddenly very conscious of being female¡ªand enjoying it.

    She was flirting with him¡ªwith a look, a sway of her hips¡­ if she''d had a beast form she might have presented her bottom and shed her tail, ears low and nose high. To tempt him.

    Lerrin shifted in his seat. His leathers were suddenly very tight.

    But even as he was certain she wanted him, his mind¡ªand heart¡ªurged for caution. Even if she was thinking¡­ even if she nned¡­ she may find it more frightening than she expected. Perhaps¡­ perhaps tonight would be only a first step. He would not push her.

    But, Creator''s Light, he wanted her. And for the first time this evening, his body felt strong enough and mostly pain free. He ached. He was weary. But he was not exhausted.

    And he wanted her.

    He cleared his throat, shifted himself in his leathers and looked around for her.

    Well, if it''s a surprise, he sent, I won''t ask what it is. But will I see my mate soon? I find myself lonely next to the fire. Aren''t you cold out there?

    Not for long, she sent back, and the delicious quiver of anticipation in her sending stole his breath.

 Chapter 659 - Lerrinâ€™s Epilogue Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 659 - Lerrin¡¯s Epilogue Part 2</h4>

    LERRIN

    Breath shallow and mouth dry, Lerrin waited next to the fire like a hunted animal, every hair, every sense, tuned to finding her. When she finally materialized, it was only at the edge of where the fire''s light flickered over the grasses. He caught movement first and snapped his head around when a shadow flickered in his peripheral vision. And she was there, standing in the grasses, staring at him.

    Her eyes reflected the fire''s warm light, giving them a wild edge. But her hair was down and her body¡­ she''d changed clothes. She was in one of the long, thin tunics she had worn to bed when they lived in the tent at the encampment. In the moonlight and the soft breeze, it fluttered around her like the finest silk. But sleeveless and only a singleyer intended forfort, not protection, there could be no real warmth from it, it was far to thin.

    Then thezy winter breeze pressed the cotton against her from knee to chest and his eyes picked out her nipples, peaked and hard beneath the thin fabric. He would have gambled his freedom that her entire skin was pebbled in goosebumps from the cold.

    "Suhle, what¡ª"

    He leaped to his feet, but instead of speaking, she sent to him.

    Bank the fire and follow me.

    He froze. Her eyes were wider than usual, and her posture tense¡ªbut not with fear. At least, not only that.

    Then she licked her lips and Lerrin''s stomach clenched with desire.

    He became a whirlwind, stifling the mes and banking the embers of the fire, clearing any dry grasses around it and ensuring it would be safe untended, then turning to find her again¡­ but she was no longer standing in the spot where she''d been.

    Where are you? he sent, working hard to keep the desperation he felt that he couldn''t see her out of his voice.

    Walk into the dark where I was. Just keep walking.

    He walked. Very quickly. And caught her scent there, in the grass¡ªberries and sunlight¡­ and the tang of desire. Lerrin picked up his pace until he was trotting after her trail, searching the dark.

    He didn''t have to search long before a small thicket of bushes made a dark spiderweb in the night¡ªcapped by a bright whiteness thrown over the tops of them. Had she washed a nket and hung it to dry? He could smell the water here, and sensed the shadowy fingers of a handful of trees deeper into the night¡ªlikely trees that had made their home on the banks of the water.

    "Suhle," he breathed.

    "Over here." Her voice was quiet and firm¡ªyet it trembled.

    His heart clenched as he turned, striding in the direction of her voice until she came into view, standing alongside what was soon revealed to be water as he got close enough to see past the grasses to rippling reflection of the moon on its surface.

    "Suhle," he said, relieved, rushing over to put his arms around her and warm her from the cold. "Aren''t you freezing? Were you be washingundry? I would have helped you¡ª"

    "No," she said with a small smile, stepping out of his arms. "I told you, it''s a surprise. I''m not sure how well it will work, but I tried."

    "Tried what?" he asked.

    "A bath," she said simply.

    Lerrin blinked, then frowned. "A¡­ what?"

    She took his hand and led him around the water''s edge, and as they approached a small group of rocks pressing out of the earth on the banks of the waterhole, two things became visible behind them.

    A small fire, sheltered from that chill breeze by the rocks, with several waterskinsying alongside it. And a natural bowl in the earth at the base of the rocks.

    He frowned, then looked at Suhle.

    "I can''t put you in the water, but if you undress, I''ll bathe you," she said, her voice breathy and quiet. "The waterskins should be warm by now."

    He turned to face her and found he could barely speak. "What are you doing?"

    Suhle stepped up, right up against him and lifted her hands to his buttons. "Come on, Lerrin, I''ve bathed you countless times," she said, barely above a whisper.

    The first of his buttons gave under her fingers¡ªthat were shaking. But when he reached for her arms, she lifted her eyes and¡­ there was sheer joy in them.

    His softened his grip on her arms, sying his fingers that easily circled her wrists and stroking the prickling skin there to warm her, instead of pull her hands away.

    The second button popped, then the third.

    "Suhle¡ª" he started, but she shook her head.

    "You are my mate," she breathed. "You are the only male I have ever desired, Lerrin. And I do desire you," she said, with a pointed look into his eyes. "All I ask is that you be patient with me. I don''t know¡­ I don''t know how I will react. But I want to try."

    Heart aching with tenderness for her, grief for what she''d suffered¡ªand sheer rage for the males who had harmed her¡ªhe trailed his hands up her arms to her shoulders, then her hair, his fingers on her scalp, his thumbs pressing up on her jaw until she looked away from the buttons and turned her chin up.

    He took her mouth as softly as he was capable, a featherlight kiss, tracing her lips softly as a breath, praying she could feel the love that swelled his chest and humbled him.

    As they kissed, as Lerrin''s breath came heavier, her hands never stopped on his buttons, first finishing his shirt and tugging it out of his leathers, then drawing her hands up his stomach to his shoulders and pushing the shirt off, and down his arms.

    He dropped his arms to allow it to flutter to the dirt behind him, then immediately took her face again while she began on the buttons of his leathers.

 Chapter 660 - Lerrinâ€™s Epilogue Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 660 - Lerrin¡¯s Epilogue Part 3</h4>

    LERRIN

    She tasted like honey, and her breath fluttered on his skin like the wings of a summer butterfly.

    Suhle freed him from the leathers and the chill breeze hit his skin, but he barely noticed as her hands drew around his hips, to slide down and cup his ass, pushing the leathers before them until they sagged down his legs and he could step out of them, kicking them away without breaking the kiss.

    Suhle, he sent, cupping her face and pulling her close.

    Step back, she sent back.

    Lerrin released her immediately, his heart thundering. "I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to¡ª"

    "No, Lerrin," she giggled. "I meant, step back into the bowl. So I can bathe you."

    He blinked, then turned his head to find that depression in the earth just a handful of steps away.

    And when he walked to it, noting the shelter the rocks gave from the wind, then turned, Suhle was walking towards him with two of the waterskins in her hand, and a bar of soap.

    She walked to the edge of it and ced the soap and one of the waterskins on one of the rocks, then uncapped the second and, her eyes locked on his, she held it up to begin pouring it slowly down his body.

    Warm water trailed down his back and chest, tickling and rippling, rising goosebumps in its wake at the delicious sensation. He hadn''t bathed properly in weeks and it had been a struggle. The fact that she prioritized this for him¡­ the sheer gratitude in him wanted to close his throat.

    Suhle turned away to pick up the soap, then continued to pour the warm water slowly over him with one hand, rubbing the soap over his chest, stomach, and sides with the other.

    A few drops had already sshed onto the nightdress she wore and it went see through where it was wet, clinging to her stomach, her flesh showing through underneath.

    Lerrin put his hand to the spot, covering it with his palm, warming it.

    "Aren''t you cold?" he whispered as the waterskin emptied and Suhle reached for the second one.

    She shook her head, but didn''t meet his eyes. "I find myself¡­ warmed tonight," she breathed.

    A bolt of desire mmed through Lerrin and his cock twitched. Suhle smiled, but didn''t mention it, stepping to his side as she uncapped the second waterskin and began to slowly circle him, pouring the water and soaping his skin under the stream of it as she moved.

    When she was behind him she hesitated, and Lerrin went tense. Was she changing her mind? But with an audible swallow, Suhle lifted the waterskin higher, over his shoulder and, leaning her forehead on the center of his back, right on his spine, poured the water down his chest again, reaching around with her other hand and washing him.

    All of him.

    His entire body tensed as he watched her slowly grip him, soaping him up and cleaning him¡­ very thoroughly.

    Lerrin groaned her name and she lost her nerve, her handing off of him¡ªshaking, he realized. Before she could draw away, he caught that beautiful, small hand and brought it up to his chest, ttening it against his heart.

    "This is the part of me that needs you, Suhle," he said hoarsely. "Everything else is¡­"

    "Just wait," she whispered, then pulled away from him. He didn''t catch her hand again as she let him go and hurried over to the fire. His heart sank. He had pushed too hard, too fast. He would make it up to her. She needed space, and he would give it. But he prayed¡­ he prayed the day woulde when fear wouldn''t enter this for her. That she would look at him and see only the male who loved her. No danger. None.

    Then she stooped next to the fire and picked up two more waterskins, trotting back to him and his mouth went dry again. Her breasts bounced, the nipples partly visible underneath her nightdress because he''d been wet when she leaned into his back.

    His eyes locked on her nipples, dark and peaked under the thin fabric, and he told himself he had to look away. If she wasing back, if this wasn''t over, she needed space and¡ª

    I love it when you look at me like that, she sent.

    He tore his eyes from her chest to her eyes to measure her for truth.

    "Truly? It doesn''t make you feel afraid or¡­ or anything?"

    She shook her head. "When other males do it, it makes me tense. When you do it, it makes me¡­ want," she said, and even by moonlight he could see the blush rise in her cheeks.

    Then she was at his side in the bowl of the earth again, and uncapping a waterskin. She knelt for a moment, pouring the water down his legs and hurrying to soap him, but she was moving faster, being practical, getting him clean as she would have months ago in the tent. A task to bepleted.

    He stood there, his arousal in for her to see, though she ignored it, and ached for her. Prayed that she wouldn''t be frightened forever.

    When she''d wet and soaped his arms, she turned the waterskin on its head to make sure all of it had wet him, then she turned for thest one, uncapping it and looking up at him.

    "You''re almost clean," she said, pouring a trickled down his arm.

    He nodded.

    "I have a towel. I will dry you," she said, tipping her head at the rocks, where one of their towels was folded neatly on top of a small boulder.

    Lerrin cleared his throat again. "Okay."

    "And then¡­ then I want to show you something."

    The words were so benign, and so heavy with promise, he almost whimpered. "I will follow you anywhere, Suhle," he said honestly.

    She''d turned her head down to pour the water down his stomach and legs, circling him again. But her lips curled up on both sides. "And I''d follow you anywhere, Lerrin. Anywhere."

    When she''d circled himpletely, the waterskin ran dry and she stepped to the side to reach for the towel¡ªbut he caught her elbow and turned her back.

    "You are not my servant," he said firmly and stepped over to get the towel for himself, snapping it to shake it out, then toweling his chest and arms before leaning down to dry his legs.

    But this time she caught him, her hands fisted in the towel. Lerrin froze.

    "Serving you does not make me a servant, Lerrin," she said softly. "It is only a demonstration of love."

    He looked up at her, and she smiled so broadly, he couldn''t do anything but let her take the towel and dry the rest of him very, very thoroughly.

 Chapter 661 - Lerrinâ€™s Epilogue Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 661 - Lerrin¡¯s Epilogue - Part 4</h4>

    LERRIN

    When Suhle led him towards the thicket of bushes with the nket on top, he''d thought they might pull it free and curl up in front of the fire together in the clean nket, but instead of reaching for it, Suhle stooped and pushed between the branches of the bushes, disappearing into them. When he followed he found that inside, she''d found a small, round space, big enough for both of them toy side by side.

    She''did out their furs there¡ªtogether. One, open and t on the ground. The other open and t above it. And she''d rolled the second nket they had into a tube that they could rest their heads on.

    Lerrin crawled in on all fours and stopped, stunned.

    Suhle, clearly cold based on the prickles all over her skin, sat facing him, cross-legged on the furs, looking at him, uncertain. "I thought it would be nice to have some¡­ privacy," she said. But then her smile wobbled and he heard her breath catch.

    It broke his heart all over again.

    "Suhle, we can just sleep. We don''t have to¡ª"

    "I want to, Lerrin. I want you to be mine. All of mine. I want toplete the bond and¡­ I want you," she said simply. "I''m afraid¡­ afraid of pain and fear and¡­ just the unknown I suppose. But I am certain of one thing." She pushed up onto her knees in front of him and took his face in her hands. "I am certain of you. You are my mate and I am yours. And we have waited far too long to possess that in ourselves."

    Then she kissed him. Sheid her mouth on his, strong and sure, seeking him with her tongue. Lerrin sucked in a breath, one handing up to her hair to hold her there as she tasted his tongue, nibbled his lips, and her breathing sped up.

    Lerrin was lost.

    The smell of her¡ªwarm and inviting, even with the nerves dancing on the edge of her scent, there was no hesitation in her any longer. She pulled him towards her and he came, crawling forward, one hand at her back toy her down and cover her with his body, the cold of the wet patch on her nightdress feeling icy on his stomach. But not for long.

    While they kissed, Lerrin reveling in the taste of her, their tongues dancing, she''d pulled the fur over his back so they were cocooned in warmth¡ªtheir bodies quickly making the space between the furs soft and cozy.

    Laying between her thighs, cradled there, was the most arousing sensation he''d ever experienced. His mind bloomed with images of her, head thrown back and mouth open, screaming his name. But he knew¡ªhe was certain¡ªhe had to step slowly with her. Take her nowhere she didn''t absolutely yearn to go. So he growled at himself to take care, and focused on her.

    Starting with her hair, her cupped her head, sying his fingers on her scalp and pulling her hair off her neck. He''d intended to kiss her again, perhaps to nibble at her ear. But when hebed her hair up, she arched and tipped her head back, offering her throat, pulling his head down to kiss her there.

    She gasped and Lerrin growled when his lips found the soft curve of her throat. The goosebumps that had been easing away, peppered her skin again, the short hairs on her arm pressing up under his hand.

    Shuddering with emotion and desire, his fingers curled into her skin and he sucked gently at her neck.

    Suhle made a tiny whimper and Lerrin''s entire body stood to attention.

    Her voice in his head was breathless and amazed. That feels so good!

    Lerrin almostughed.

    Tell me the moment there is anything that doesn''t, he sent back. So good is only baseline. Wait until we get to incredible.

    Suhle giggled, and the sound was simultaneously so out of ce, and so perfect, for a moment Lerrin pushed up to brace on either side of her head, his chest rising and falling quickly, to meet her eyes.

    She stared at him, wide-eyed. But almost all the fear had left her scent. She brimmed with curiosity and warmth now.

    "I love you, Suhle," he whispered. "I just¡­ love you. I never want to hurt you. You have to tell me if I do."

    "I love you, too, Lerrin. And I will."

    Then sheced her fingers behind his neck and pulled herself up to reach his mouth. When she found him, their tongues tangled, and they both groaned.

    The minutes that followed were the most desperate, and the most blissful of Lerrin''s life to that moment. It seemed every inch of his skin had be a radar for her, a receptor¡ªeven the tiny shift of stomach against stomach raised a tingle deep in his belly.

    When he put his weight on his elbow so he could reach to stroke her side, her breast, she turned with him, keeping herself stered to him.

    As he let his palm slide down her side, to her waist, her hip, her thigh, she sighed and her hips rolled once, toward him.

    When he stroked with fingertips from her knee, up to her hip, felt the hairs on her thigh stand up in a line, as if they reached for him, it fed his soul.

    And when he gave in to the urge to rub himself on her, to rock his hips, only once, just to tease, and she gasped and her fingers dug into his back, something inside him broke open.

    A tiny, curling seed of light, deep in his chest snapped and flew wide, the light seeping into his veins and feeding through him.

    Gone were the aches in his bones. Gone was the weariness of his muscles. Gone was the pain that had gued him for days.

    It was all gone, and reced instead by a glowing warmth that sang. And even though he couldn''t follow the tune, with the mindlink open, he heard it in Suhle as well¡ªthe song sung by her heart that called to his soul.. And the song of his¡ªdeeper, slower¡ªthat sang back.

 Chapter 662 - Lerrinâ€™s Epilogue Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 662 - Lerrin¡¯s Epilogue Part 5</h4>

    SURPRISE! I wanted to reward all of you who have supported me by buying privilege this month, as well as¡­ well, I just missed Reth. That''s the pure truth. So this story is just a little bit of fun and fluff to give us all a chance to enjoy a little more time with Reth and Elia. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! There will be 10 chapters released today, one every 20 minutes starting NOW! Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your love for these characters.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME AND MY LOVED ONES TO YOU AND YOURS!

    *****

    LERRIN

    Holding Suhle so close, their bodies singing, built the song in his bones until it felt like he would fly apart with the need to howl it.

    "Creator''s Light," he cursed under his breath when Suhle dropped her chin and began to kiss his chest, her short nibbles and tentative tastes with her tongue, growing in confidence and boldness as his breath whooshed out of him.

    When she pulled his head back down and took his mouth again, Lerrin rocked against her instinctively and they both groaned as he found her, warm and slick, and so, so soft.

    And so ready.

    One elbow braced either side of her head, he cupped his hands over her crown, tilting his head to deepen the kiss, showing her with his tongue what he would do with his body.

    And she writhed beneath him, all hesitancy gone. She''d wrapped her legs around his waist and now she started rubbing herself on him until he feared he would explode before he even took her.

    To break the contact without breaking the mood, he dropped his chin to kiss her jaw, down the length of her neck, scooting back until he could reach her breast, and with a gentle palm on one to tease and rub, he opened his mouth on the other and sucked.

    "Oh, Lerrin!" she gasped.

    Trembling with need for her, he yearned for everything at once¡ªto take his mouth from her and tell her how beautiful she was, to taste her other breast, to enter her and own her. But he forced himself to restraint, sucking first one breast, then the other, letting his hands stroke and slide, rocking against her with a tortured groan whenever they came back together, until Suhle was panting and locking her ankles behind his back, pulling him towards her¡ªand all the while, that golden light in his veins swelled and grew, seeping out through his pores, spinning out from the center of his chest, seeking her.

    Please.

    Please.

    Please.

    Her voice echoed in his head, breathless cries, soft pleas. His echoed in hers, desperate and coarse.

    She yearned, but didn''t know how to bring what she yearned for. He knew, but feared losing himself within her as everything inside him began to shake as if the very ground under his feet was about to be torn free.

    "Suhle! Creator''s Light! Are you ready?" he cried.

    "Yes!" She arched up to meet him, nodding, her fingers grabbing at the muscles of his back.

    He took her mouth, hard and frantic, rubbing against her to find her and she trembled, twitching each time he passed over that bundle of nerves, but tilting her hips to find him, too, seeking the joining.

    They were pressed together from knees to mouths, breath hot and frantic when he found her, sped the back of her neck and pressed his forehead against hers.

    "I love you, Suhle!" he cried as he entered her.

    She cried out, clinging to him and something within Lerrin exploded. For a moment he couldn''t breathe as that golden, glittering light in his veins closed around her and pulled something from her, rolling together and drawing her back to him.

    Lerrin''s entire body shuddered and he groaned the mating call, everything within him lighting with joy when Suhle gasped and answered.

    Then, his lips hovering over hers, their mouths open, their breaths mingling, Lerrin''s whole body tensed, trembling as he felt their souls entwine and impossibly, Suhle came alive in his head even more than she had before.

    He could feel her, sense her, as if his heart¡ªnerves intact¡ªhad suddenly started walking around outside of his body.

    "Suhle! Dear lord!"

    "Lerrin!" she sobbed, rocking into him, her hands frantic and clinging and she pulled him closer, ever closer.

    He thrust into her, forgetting gentleness, forgetting caution. He was lost, surrendered to the pure sensation of being as close to her as he could be to another Anima. Her name broke in his throat over and over, and her scent filled his nostrils. His body shook. He was incapable of holding himself together as the bond cemented, twisting their souls together and heightening every sensation between them.

    Suhle arched to meet him, crying his name, her head thrown back, her skin aglow with heat and desire.

    As she called to him, her neck that gorgeous arch, there was not even a thought, but that he had to taste it. Fisting his hands in her hair, he opened his mouth over the center of her throat, his tongue t to her skin, and his teeth grazing the column of it. And he thrust.

    Suhle clenched around him then jerked, screaming his name, twitching, her body shaking and erratic and Lerrin''s leash snapped. Calling her name over and over, he rode out her climax, then tumbled after her, howling, sparks of light behind his eyelids as the entire world sucked down to only the ces where they touched, only the sounds they made. Only their love.

    And as Lerrin finally slumped over her, covering her with his body, kissing her jaw, her temple, her hair, she clung to him, pulling him tight against her, sobbing.

    "Suhle, Suhle, did I hurt you?" he gasped, breathless, stroking her face and leaning up on an elbow to stare at her in horror.

    "No! No! Lerrin! No!" she cried and pulled him down into a searing kiss that washed him in a wave of relief so strong he almost wept himself.

    "What is it, beautiful?" he whispered then,bing her hair off her face and searching her eyes.

    "I''m just so happy. It didn''t hurt, Lerrin!" she whimpered. "There was no pain. Only love and¡­ and pleasure!"

    He frowned. "You expected pain¡ª?" Then he realized that she had been through this once before, but with no care, no joy, nothing. Of course there had been pain.

    Creator''s fang he was an idiot.

    He groaned and dropped his face to the hollow between her neck and shoulder. "I am so sorry, Suhle, I should have told you¡ª"

    "Stop apologizing!" she blurted. "This was wonderful¡ªthank the Creator, Lerrin! I always feared I could not enjoy you, or¡­ or you would not enjoy me. But this¡­ this is beauty. This is¡­ this is everything!"

    He chuckled and kissed her, blinking back his own tears at her joy. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with abandon.

    And for the rest of the night¡ªindeed, for many months afterwards¡ªLerrin forgot everything but her as they wallowed in the mating bond. As they delighted in each other. And as they walked together to find a new future. A new life. Different than either of them had ever expected.

    But with a purpose that was perfect.. For both of them.

 Chapter 663 - Lerrinâ€™s Epilogue Part 6

    <h4>Chapter 663 - Lerrin¡¯s Epilogue Part 6</h4>

    Several Weeks Later¡­

    LERRIN

    Lerrin rolled over and stretched, but quickly pulled his arms back inside their furs.

    Winter had set in and the air outside the cave was bitingly cold. They had worked for the past two days building a barrier for the cave mouth¡ªone of the tent sheets, branches, dried grasses¡ªto inste the inside against the growing cold. But this high in the cliffs, snow was no longer a rarity. Lerrin had been hunting to make more furs, and Suhle already had two hides from the massive alpine Ibex spread on the rocks outside for the sun, birds and insects to clean.

    They would survive this winter, Lerrin was certain of it. Suhle''s preparations for their flight had been remarkable. If they were careful with their tools, and the Creator blessed him with a few kills before the snow settled, they could freeze the meat to bring them through winter.

    Still bleary-eyed from sleep, it took him a moment to gather his senses. Despite the cold, he could scent the sun on the trees of the canyon below. They had slept in.

    He turned his head to find Suhle. She was curled up, knees almost to her stomach and hands under her pillow.

    She always looked so young when she slept, Lerrin''s chest beat with a fierce protectiveness whenever he looked at her. He had frowned the night before at the dark circles under her eyes. She''d insisted on spending her evenings after dark still working, stitching and mending, ensuring every piece of clothing, nket, and fur was at its best in preparation for the cold. She wasn''t eating enough, too distracted, or too stressed, he wasn''t sure.

    He wanted to reach for her, but she was deeply asleep and she needed the rest, so as slowly and carefully as he was able, he slid out of the furs and got to his feet, dressing quickly, then cing another log on the fire they had banked the night before.

    He squinted at the chimney hole and frowned. It wasn''t quiterge enough and some of the smoke drifted at the top of the cave. But they couldn''t fix everything at once. It was yet another task added to his mental list of needs. Something to be focused on when they were confined to the cave during a storm.

    Lerrin''s heart fluttered at the images his mind conjured about other ways they would spend any days within the cave over winter. But he swallowed and pushed them away. He needed to leave Suhle to sleep. And thoughts of being confined still left him shaky and tense. He wasn''t sure how the winter would go on that score. Suhle had woken him from a nightmare more than once in which he was back in the prison tree, facing enemies, or separated from her, knowing she was there, but unable to see her, touch her¡­

    Faster than was strictly needed, Lerrin walked to the front of the cave and pushed aside the door p they''d made on the side where the branches and grasses didn''t shelter it from the wind.

    His chest eased as soon as he was outside.

    Their cave didn''t face perfectly west, but Lerrin still smiled. They''d found their home not on a mountainside, but on the looming Midnight Cliffs. Lerrin had been told they existed, but no one in living memory had visited them and returned. Lerrin wondered if it was because, like them, the Anima that left WildWood were looking for a new life, not to return to the old one?

    It did not matter. They would not return. But they had left markers here and there along their path after passing the desert, just in case Reth was true to his word and sent others after them.

    Lerrin half-hoped he wouldn''t.

    They''d travelled for days through the desert, perilously close to exhaustion, which would have quickly led to dehydration. The very morning Lerrin had feared might be theirst, a breath of cool air reached them across the sands, and by high sun that day, the canyon had opened to the south¡ªwith a glittering, babbling river meandering at its feet.

    They''d followed that for days, too. But slowly. Looking for the right ce to make their home. And one week in, they''d both known the moment they arrived.

    The foot of the canyon widened here, which meant if the river rose after the winter thaw, the water would flow more slowly. He''d eyed the piles of driftwood and dead trees warily. They would have to watch for sh flooding in the spring.

    But not in their cave.

    Lerrin stood easily a hundred feet up, the canyon wide and yawning below him, its almost-sheer cliffs on the other side facing him less than a mile away. Thend and trees obscured the desert ins behind it. But when the sun was high, far, far in the distance, his eyes could catch the hazy peaks of the purple mountains that watched over the WildWood.

    Below him there was an almost sheer drop to the canyon below, the path to their cave a winding deer trail from the riverbed.

    The Silent Ones here were unustomed to Anima or human and most stared curiously, rather than fleeing. It made them easy to hunt. He smiled. The Creator had made this ce for them, he was certain. It may not be the mountainside he had envisioned, but standing there with the morning breeze in his face and the sun rising to greet him, Lerrin found he was happy.

    Then, as he enjoyed the view and mentally reviewed his to-do list for the day, her scent fluttered towards him.

    He didn''t hear her approach, but before long a warm presence appeared at his back. Small hands slid between his arms and his sides, to tten on his stomach. And a warm head rested between his shoulder-des.

    "Good morning," Suhle said quietly. "You should have woken me when you got up so I coulde with you."

    Sliding his hands along her arms until his fingers found the gaps in hers and twined, Lerrin shook his head. "You need the rest," he said. "Another hour would have been better."

    "I can''t sleep when you aren''t there, you know that."

    That familiar pang slid through his chest as it always did when he was reminded of her past. Rage bubbled. He tried to sigh it away, but it rolled into a growl instead.

    "Lerrin...." Suhle sighed.

 Chapter 664 - Lerrinâ€™s Epilogue Part 7

    <h4>Chapter 664 - Lerrin¡¯s Epilogue Part 7</h4>

    LERRIN

    It was his greatest regret that he had never been able to force her to reveal the names of the wolves that had raped her.

    He would have taken great joy in biting out their guts and leave them eviscerated, bleeding to death and crying for their mothers¡ª

    "Lerrin, stop," Suhle whispered. He''d be so ustomed to leaving his mind open to her at all times, sometimes it became inconvenient when he would like to revel in the bloodthirst for her enemies.

    But then she pulled the rock out from under his feet. "If that hadn''t happened, we might never have met¡ªmight never even have known that we were True Mates. And then¡­ then we might never have had our chance for this. For a family. I do not enjoy my past, Lerrin, but I am grateful for where it has brought me."

    "Which is where?" he said, shamelessly encouraging her to speak her love again.

    "With you," she said without hesitation, hugging him closer. "And¡­ and our pup."

    Lerrin''s breath stopped, but his heart began to hammer. He waited, but she didn''t say more.

    Pulling her hands from his stomach, he turned in the circle of her arms and took her face in his hands, searching her eyes.

    What are you saying? He sent.

    Her smile was bright, but trembling.

    "I''m saying that, if the Creator wills it, you are going to be a father in about nine months," she said breathlessly.

    Lerrin gaped, his mouth open, heart mming against his ribs. "You¡­ you''re sure?"

    She nodded, biting her lip.

    Joy broke in Lerrin''s chest like a wave crashing on the shore. Grabbing her up around the waist, he lifted her off her feet and twirled her around. "Suhle! You magnificent! Gorgeous! Beautiful female!" he crowed.

    Sheughed, but he kissed her, his breath thundering through his nose as he plundered her mouth, speaking against her lips and kissing her again before she had a chance to respond.

    "You have to rest more." Kiss. "And eat more¡ªmore meat, and more fruit. I''ll hunt again, and find the winter berries today¡ª" Kiss. "Are you hurting? Does it hurt? Or¡ª"

    He tried to kiss her again, but she pulled back,ughing and holding his face.

    "I''m fine, just tired and a little sick to my stomach," she said, her eyes sparkling¡ªthough they were still rimmed in dark circles. "And there will be plenty of rest over the winter, so stop worrying."

    Lerrin, still holding her up, gazed at her shaking his head in disbelief. "You are¡­ amazing to me, Suhle," he whispered.

    You steal my breath, Lerrin.

    He did put her down on her feet then, but only so he could take her face in his hands and kiss her properly. And when he was done with that, he threw back his head and howled¡ªhowled his joy, his thrill, and his gratitude to the Creator for this miracle of life. For a life lived that continued to take unexpected turns¡­ but that filled his heart and healed his soul.

    Suhle smiled and raised her howl to meet his, cutting off only when he kissed her again.

    But then both of them froze as, far in the distance, in the direction of the mouth of the canyon, howls rose to share their hearts¡ªcelebrating their joy.

    Lerrin''s eyes went wider and he pulled her closer to his chest as they both turned to look down into the canyon, and north.

    Far in the distance, probably still many hours away if they remained in human form, three or four dark figures, looking the size of ants from here, weaved along the riverbed.

    "Holy shit," Lerrin cursed. "The bastard really did it."

    Suhle pped his chest and gave a growl of disapproval. But Lerrin didn''t release her, his fear suddenly screaming¡ªthey hade to take her. Or to take him. They would kill them. They were¡ª

    "No, Lerrin,'' Suhle whispered, putting a hand to his jaw and pulling him down to meet her eyes. "They are here to follow," she said, her eyes slightly zed with the mindlink.

    How she could reach them from this distance he had no idea, but she sent him the images she saw¡ªfrustrated wolves, uncertain about their futures and uneasy in the Tree City.

    But good hearts.

    Not infected.

    Seeking peace.

    Lerrin blew out a breath and pulled her into a tight hug, tucking her head under his chin. "Well¡­" he said. "What a day. And it''s barely past dawn."

    Suhle sighed happily and pulled him tight against her. "Just another turn in the path of life, Lerrin," she said. "As long as we get to walk it together, I saw we wee whatever the Creator brings."

    "Agreed," he breathed, kissing her hair. ''You are the other half of my soul, Suhle. Never doubt it."

    "I never have," she replied quietly, then pulled him down into a long kiss.

    *****

    Okay, deep breaths friends. The next few chapters are thest we get to spend with Reth & Elia and before we start, I want to say thank you:

    Thank you for literally making my dreamse true. To me, writing is all about sharing something true about life through fictional characters. Having readers who love my characters as much as I do has literally been my dream since I was seven years old.

    Thank you for giving Reth & Elia your hearts. Thank you for encouraging me (which has kept me going through one of the hardest years of my middle-aged life.) Thank you for your votes, yourments, your gifts, and for just being here. Thank you forgiving my ws, as well as the ws of my characters. You are a gift from God to me, and for the past month I''ve been grieving the loss not only of these characters, but of you!

    And¡­ now I''m babbling because I don''t want to do this, but it''s time. Take a deep breath, friend, hold my hand, and let''s spend thest hours we''ll have with Reth and Elia. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do....

 Chapter 665 - The Beauty Of You - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 665 - The Beauty Of You - Part 1</h4>

    READER SHOUT OUT: This chapter is dedicated to every first-time mother, ever.

    I see you. I am you. We''ve all been there.

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia swaddled the drowsy Elreth and ced her gently in the basket, praying her strong and yful daughter wouldn''t decide this was the night to refuse sleep, and instead be a lion cub, easily capable of crawling out of baskets, beds, or anything beyond an outright cage.

    "Please, sweetie¡­ Mommy really needs a night off. At least¡­ three or four hours, okay? Agreed?"

    Elreth yawned with her adorable, tiny mouth¡ªthat could be the gateway for an incredibly big noise¡ªbut cooed quietly, her eyes beginning to close.

    Elia prayed it was enough. She''d done everything she could¡ªytime and reading together, a nice big dinner, and keeping Elreth up until her hands started fisting tightly. But even though Reth wasn''t home yet, if she didn''t put their daughter down now, she knew Elreth would be crabby and likely cry herself to sleep¡ªsomething that could take hours on a bad night.

    "Good girl, mommy''s very good girl. What a good, good girl," she sang quietly as she tucked the nkets into the edge of the basket which sat on the dining table. She''d intended to carry therge basket¡ªElreth and all¡ªthrough to the bedchamber where she''d be less likely to hear anything.

    But just as Elreth began to drift and Elia widened her arms to lift the basket, the door to the cave opened and a gust of bone-chilling wind whipped through the cave, bringing with it the heavenly scent of warm Reth, and fresh snow.

    "Don''t put her down yet! I want to see her!" Reth called from the front door. But even as Elia shushed him, Elreth''s eyes flew wide and she squealed¡ªnot a protest against the cold wind, but a cry of joy.

    She''d heard her father and she wanted to see him.

    Turning to him in exasperation, Elia groaned. "Reth! Please, I just want a night¡ª"

    The sound of scrabbling ws, apanied by a squeaking call sank Elia''s stomach. She turned with a gasp just as the basket began to tilt on its side. But before she could catch it, the lion cub¡ªmuchrger than her human counterpart¡ªstumbled out of the basket onto the tabletop and leaned over the edge, swinging her little behind in preparation to make the leap to the floor.

    "Elreth! No!" Elia said firmly.

    "She''s fine," Reth said, beaming and running through the cave to sink to his knees and open his arms a couple feet away from the table edge. Elreth, giving a rasping growl of joy, leaped into his chest as soon as he was in range of her cub haunches, and Elia''s heart leaped into her throat for the sixth time that day alone.

    "Hello, beautiful," Reth chuckled as Elreth clung, pushing up his chest and torso, her little ws piercing shirt and skin alike, though he didn''t seem to care.

    Elia had joked the night before that the other males were going to think Elia was the one leaving scratches all over his chest and back.

    He''d given her a look¡ªone eyebrow raised then, and said in that low purr, "You''re wee to, anytime, Love."

    Her stomach had trilled.

    Then she''d known. She''din sleepless the night before while Reth snored and Elreth snuffled, thinking about it.

    Reth had been so patient. There was no medical reason for them not to be making love again. At first Aymora had given them both a stern talking to about allowing their bodies to heal, but Elia wasn''t even tempted. Between the pain of her body, theck of sleep, and just sheer exhaustion over everything that had happened, sex had been thest thing on her mind.

    But a month after Elreth''s arrival, Elia''s pain had been almost entirely gone, and Aymora had taken her aside.

    "I have this conversation with you, not with your mate," she''d said one morning when Reth was away meeting with the councils.

    "Oh?" Elia asked.

    "I want you to know that¡­ you are safe now¡­ to be free with your body, if you wish. But for every mother the day to return to her mate is different. So, I will leave that you. If you have any questions, I will answer what I have learned from others. But just know that you will not harm yourself. Your body has healed well. So much better than I would ever have expected. You are¡­ you are healed, Elia. And I am so d."

    They''d shared a little cry, then, and Aymora hadn''t said another word on the issue. But Elia had found herself strangely hesitant. For the first time since mating Reth, she felt¡­ uncertain of herself.

    Her body was so different than it had been just weeks earlier¡ªand that body different again from everything she''d had before. He''d been seeing her naked the whole time, of course. And he''d never stopped holding her or¡­ but he was so careful with her now¡ªas if almost losing her had made him afraid he might hurt her. And he hadn''t pushed. At all. Hadn''t even sucked on her neck that morning they''d woken before Elreth.

    And he was so enamored with Elreth, full of so much joy every time he held her, or yed with her¡­ so rxed and certain of her in cub form, where Elia was constantly terrified¡ªespecially when she left the room only for seconds, only to return to find her once-sleeping offspring leaping off the arm of the couch and taking amp down with her when she misjudged the size of the table alongside it.

    No one had warned her how active a lion cub could be. It was a joy¡ªwhen they were outside on t ground and Elia could roll and tumble with her. But in the thick winter cold, there were few opportunities for that.

    Elia had been so consumed with getting to know her daughter, and understanding what she could and couldn''t do safely, that she''d kept putting off approaching Reth, or even speaking to him about getting close again. They slept with Elreth between them at night, which didn''t help.

    But he hadn''t seemed worried about it.

    At first that had been a relief. She wasn''t ready and if he wasn''t pushing, well, then they had time. But now¡­ It had been almost two months since Elreth was born and they hadn''t touched each other.

    Had he lost his desire for her?

    When he''d flirted with her the night before, that heat had sprung to life in her belly and her breath had quickened. She''d thought he might put Elreth in the basket when they slept and, perhaps, reach for her.

    But he hadn''t.

    She hadn''t slept muchst night, staring at the ceiling, remembering all the ways she loved him, all the ways he drew pleasure from her body. But there were also visions in her head of how she her body had changed. How everything about her was softer¡ªnothing as pert or firm as it had once been.

    And of course, there was that horrific nightmare that rang in her memory where Reth entered her, then stared down at her, confused, and had suddenly found a reason to flee the room.

    She''d been so mortified in the dream, she woke up with her cheeks hot and on the verge of tears.

    Thinking about that, she''d almost pushed the whole idea away again. But she knew it was time. And more importantly¡­ she wanted him.

    In the dark of the night before, Elia had promised herself that she wouldn''t chicken out.

    And so, she''d spent this entire day trying to tire Elreth out and keep her happy at the same time, praying that when Reth got back from his meeting with the Security Council, Elreth would be sleeping and she could¡­ make a suggestion to Reth.

    Now she stood in the dining room, tears pinching the backs of her eyes, as her drowsy daughter climbed her husband''s chest, and heughed and encouraged her, telling her how strong she was, and how beautiful.

    Elreth would take forever to get settled again now. And by then Elia would be exhausted and probably sweaty, and she''d washed her hair for the first time in a week, and¡­

    She stared at the two of them, so happy without her, and wanted to weep because she wanted to feel that happy too.

    Reth caught her staring and his smile faded immediately.

    "Love, what it is?" he asked, rmed.

    Elia burst into tears.

 Chapter 666 - The Beauty Of You - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 666 - The Beauty Of You - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    It was hard to be certain through the tears, but Reth gathered that Elia had been trying to get Elreth to sleep, had been looking forward to some time with him alone, and instead he''d burst in like bear, getting Elreth all excited and beingpletely oblivious to his mate''s efforts.

    Reth felt terrible that she was sad. First he stood, Elreth still in his arms and gathered Elia to his chest, holding her and swinging them both, giving Elreth a dominating look when she tried to make him y. She''d sighed and put her little cub chin on his shoulder, but she stopped struggling.

    Stroking Elia''s back and murmuring to her that he was there and he would help, shushing her protests, he swayed with both of them¡ªa movement that he''d noticed often settled Elreth quickly¡ªuntil it was suddenly a tiny human bottom in the palm of his hand, and little fingers wed into his neck.

    Elia''s cries had stopped quickly, but her breath was still jerky, so he enjoyed a moment of just holding them both together, one hand in Elia''s hair, the other holding Elreth to his shoulder.

    When everyone was calm again, he held Elreth to him tightly and tipped up Elia''s chin. "I will put her down," he rumbled quietly. "Why don''t you goy down and rest? We can all have a nap before she gets hungry again."

    Elia''s face fell, but she nodded. "Thank you, Reth," she whispered.

    He leaned down for a brief, chaste kiss¡ªthe brothers had warned him it might be some time before she wanted him again, and not to push¡ªthen stroked her hair. "Go rest. I''lley with you once this little monster is asleep."

    Elia nodded, but her face was sad as she trudged out of the Great Room and down the tunnel towards the bedchamber.

    Reth waited until she''d closed the door, then slid Elreth into the crook of his elbow and stroked her hair. She grinned and reached for his chin with grasping fingers, but he looked at her sternly.

    "Your mother is tired and she needs a rest. And that means you need a rest."

    She squealed, but he shook his head and let himself feel his authority. "No, Elreth. It''s time for rest now. For all of us. No more shifting. No more ying. We''ll y tomorrow. Daddy''s home in the morning. Okay?"

    She let her lips putter, but didn''t squeal again when heid her gently down in the basket, humming a song his mother had hummed for him when he was young and not feeling well, tucking the nkets around her and giving her looks whenever she struggled against them.

    The cave was very quiet by the time Elreth nodded off. He was about to lift it and carry it into the bedchamber, but then he remembered something Aymora had told him weeks earlier.

    "Sometimes your mate will need to just be a female without a cub. And sometimes she will need you as a male, not a father, Reth. Don''t forget her."

    He hadn''t really been sure what Aymora meant¡ªthey''d both been so enamored with Elreth and full of joy to still have each other and her¡­ but now he wondered if he had a clue.

    The question was, was this a moment to leave Elia alone to rest? Or toe alongside her?

    After a moment''s thought, he decided she could have both. He ced Elreth''s basket on the floor since having her on high ces always seemed to make Elia nervous, and started towards the bathing pools. He would bathe and give Elia some time. Then he would leave Elreth to sleep and go join his mate in their bed together. Alone.

    Perhaps then she would tell him what was wrong and he could fix it.

    Nodding, because it was a good n, he strode to the back of the kitchen and into the bathing pools cavern.

    *****

    ELIA

    So frustrated and annoyed with herself for the tears, Elia stormed into the bedchamber and stripped with quick, aggressive tugs, growling when one of her buttons got caught because her breasts were bigger now and there was too much pressure on it.

    Then she found herself standing in the middle of the bedchamber naked and her face in her hands. It had all gone wrong. Instead of this sweet, loving evening with her mate, she''d frightened him and forced him to tend to their daughter when she was entirely capable of it. And now he was going toe in here all worried and wanting to fix everything when really all she wanted was for him to leap on her and make her skin tingle!

    Well¡­ she was going to mop herself up and get in the furs, and when he came in soon, she would tell him there was nothing to worry about, and just pull him down into a kiss and wrap her legs around his waist. If that didn''t get him in the mood, they had bigger problems.

    Twenty minutester¡ªhaving passed the time remembering exactly what it felt like to have her mate between her thighs¡ªshe was restless and a little breathy. But there was no sound in the cave. Hopefully that meant that Elreth was going to sleep and Reth would join her soon.

    But ten minutester he still hadn''t, and Elia started to get nervous.

    And ten minutes after that her tears were threatening again. Didn''t he want to be with her? Tofort her?

    Elia threw back the furs and started across the bedchamber, but then, aware of her nakedness, she changed course to the closet at the side of the room. An image shed in her head then of the very first night she''d been in Anima¡­

    She''d been terrified and confused, trying toe to terms with Reth''s Anima pragmatism when he''d told her, quite simply that her former life was over¡ªsomething she wasn''t ready to hear. But when she''d realized there was no way to fight it, she''d started to change her clothes into the furs he''d gotten out of the closet for her.

    "Very good, Elia," he''d said. While she leaned down to take off her high heels, he turned back to the closet and shrugged off the vest he''d been wearing with its Lion''s mane cor. As he hung it up, his back was revealed in the light of thenterns. Elia''s mouth had gone dry.

    His muscles gleamed, crawling likedders from his trim waist to the wide expanse of his shoulders. The line of his spine made a deep crease down the center of his back. But here and there, all over his body, his smooth, rippled skin was marred by white, puckered scars, some in deep, parallel lines, like ws. Others in half-moon punctures like teeth. And one at his shoulder de that made Elia swallow to think what must have done it.

    Then he unbuckled his belt and shoved his pants down and Elia''s eyebrows shot up and she turned, trying to ignore the clinking and rustling soundsing from where he stood that must mean he was removing all his clothing¡­

    ...Standing in front of that same closet, Elia snorted withughter remembering her own naivete that night. And all the things Reth had done to try to make herfortable and safe, despite the circumstances.

    Her heart throbbed and that image of his back shed again.

    He was so good to her that way. Always trying to make her strong and safe and¡­ happy. Something he''d never stopped, no matter what danger they''d faced.

    She didn''t deserve him.

    And she needed to trust him, she realized. Things would be different now, when they made love. And maybe it would be weird, or take some getting used to. But she never wanted there to be a day that she didn''t desire her mate¡ªor he didn''t desire her.

    Elia took a deep breath and let go of the closet door. She didn''t need clothes. She was in her own home. Alone with her mate and her infant daughter.

    Whether Reth was thinking about her with desire now, or not, the time hade for them to return to each other. He was just going to have to ept that¡­ before she lost her nerve.

    Shaking off the desire to cover herself, she strode for the bedchamber door and yanked it open to go looking for her mate.

 Chapter 667 - The Beauty Of You - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 667 - The Beauty Of You - Part 3</h4>

    SURPRISE! I wanted to reward all of you who have supported me by buying privilege this month, as well as¡­ well, I just missed Reth. That''s the pure truth. So this story is just a little bit of fun and fluff to give us all a chance to enjoy a little more time with Reth and Elia. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! There will be 10 chapters released today, one every 20 minutes starting NOW! Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your love for these characters.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME AND MY LOVED ONES TO YOU AND YOURS!

    AUTHOR NOTE: Listen to "All For You" from The Light the Heat while reading this chapter. It''s the song I wrote this chapter to (thanks Janell_Apple!) Also¡­ to connect with me on Instagram, Discord, or Facebook (where you can see images that inspired these scenes) or to find my other books, go to linktr.ee/aimeelynn .

    *****

    ELIA

    Elia crept into the Great Room only to find Elreth asleep in the basket¡ªon the floor, which made her heart squeeze, because Reth knew how she hated leaving Elreth up high even if she was a lion cub. Her daughter''s cheeks were pink and she had one hand curled up under her chin.

    Elia almost cried at the beauty of her. But she couldn''t let herself get distracted. So she tiptoed out of the Great Room towards the kitchen. Reth must have gone to the bathing pools. And maybe that was good. It certainly couldn''t hurt.

    The door creaked a little, so she was careful opening it, hoping not to wake Elreth as she slipped into the dark cavern.

    Inside she took a deep breath.

    Reth had only lighted one of themps. The air was cold with the winter chill sinking through the hole in the ceiling where the waterfall¡ªnow half-icicles¡ªstill drained into the colder pool that she didn''t use during these months. Only Reth was crazy enough to do that pr plunge nonsense, though he swore by it.

    But Elia was only vaguely aware of the waterfall or the pools or anything, except Reth.

    He''d heard here into the cavern and stood up from his spot in the mineral pool to find her, turning, the water only waist deep for him.

    She froze.

    The golden light of thentern fell on Reth from the side, shining on the water in rippling waves that edged away from his body.

    His body.

    He must have dunked under the water because his hair was a ck slick from his hairline, down the back of his neck and shoulders.

    He''d been startled, so he was tense, his arms held slightly out from his sides in a natural defensive stance¡ªpoised for action. The golden light yed over his bronze skin, making it glow where the light hit it, and casting deep shadows where his muscles, defined and still rock-hard, ridged¡ªall of the shadows and light ying when he moved, taking a step towards her.

    "Elia?" he asked softly. "Are you okay, Love?"

    She nodded, not trusting her voice as she hurried across the dark rock floor towards the pools.

    She wasn''t sure how to start this, and her courage was already failing, so she stopped suddenly when she reached the edge of the pool, her toes curling over its edge, and Reth''s eyes on hers.

    His chest was rising and falling faster than it had been, though.

    "I don''t know how to tell you," she blurted.

    "Tell me what?" he rasped, taking another step towards her. "Are you hurt?"

    "No! No, nothing like that."

    He stopped, confused, but his eyes¡ªso deep and full of love for her, were clear and crinkling on the sides. "Just tell me," he said quietly.

    "I¡­ I want you, Reth. And I''m afraid you don''t want me anymore because¡­ because I look different now."

    His eyes widened and for a moment he just stared at her, his mouth falling open. "Don''t want¡ªElia, what are you¡ª?"

    Her tears were threatening again, but she swallowed them back. "I know you still love me, Reth. I know you do. And I know we''ll get through this. But I''m scared of the first time and¡­ and scared it won''t be as good for you, and then you won''t want me as much and I don''t think I could take that," she ended in an awkward squeak.

    Reth''s Adam''s apple jumped and his brows pinched over his nose. "You think¡­ I won''t want you anymore¡­ after we mate again?"

    She nodded and sucked in a breath. "But we have to try, Reth. I know that. And I want you. I''ve wanted you for weeks, but I''ve been scared and you''ve been so happy with Elreth, and¡ª"

    With a growl he shoved through the water, stepping onto the bench seat that circled the mineral pool and rising out of the water like some kind of god, the water sluicing down his body, shining in thentern light as the drops yed along the muscles of his abdomen to slide down his thick thighs and¡­

    Elia swallowed.

    He stood two feel lower than she was on the edge, so for the first time she could remember, she looked down on him. His eyes were bright and fierce, his shoulders rippling as he reached for her, catching himself before he touched her, so his touch was gentle, his fingers sliding to cup her waist and hold her in front of him.

    "What, exactly, is it that you think I will not want, Elia?"

    She blew out a breath. "My body is different now," she said quietly.

    His brows pinched harder over his nose. "So?"

    "It won''t feel the same."

    He blinked. "So?!" he repeated. "Do you truly believe my only desire for you is based on¡­ on¡­"

    "My stomach sticks out now, and it''s round and soft. My butt is bigger¡­ and who knows what''s going on inside. I shudder to think!"

    "Elia¡ª"

    "Don''t pretend you don''t notice, Reth. I know you do!"

    He eyed her, a strange mix of protectiveness and anger on his face. But when he spoke, his voice was low and soft. "I did not say I didn''t notice, Elia. I asked you what it is you believe I will not like?"

    "I don''t know," she whispered. "That''s the problem."

    "Love, I¡­" he trailed off, then seemed to think twice about talking at all and instead pulled her closer. She was right on the edge of the pool, so when he tugged at her, her knees bent and her hands flew forward to rest on his shoulders and hold herself up.

    "Reth!"

    But he just growled and pulled her to him, sliding one arm under her knees, the other around her back until she was cradled in his arms and he stepped back down into the water, carrying her with him.

    She gasped and threw her arms around his neck as they dropped, but he just held her tighter until he had both feet on the floor of pool, then he turned and sat on the seat, cing her in hisp so that the warm water washed over her, raising prickling goosebumps from her waist to her knees.

    "Now," he growled, using one wet hand to push her hair back off her neck so he could nuzzle her. "Your soft tummy andrger ass¡ªwhich I like, by the way¡ªare under the water, hidden even from the stones. No one can see them to be offended. Correct?"

    "Reth¡ª"

    "No, Elia¡­ please. I have to know. These protests about your body¡­ do you truly think I would dislike you for those? Or is it only that you don''t find yourself wanting me anymore? I was warned by my brothers that for many females after¡­ after a child there can be many changes and perhaps¡­" He swallowed hard and Elia held her breath. "Did you speak the truth¡­ that you still want me?"

    Her mouth dropped open. "Reth, are you crazy? Yes! Of course!"

    A long breath rushed out of him, his chest constricting with the force of it. "Thank the Creator," he growled, his eyes shing with fire. "Because I''m about to show you how much I still desire you, Elia.. Hold on."

 Chapter 668 - [Bonus ] The Beauty Of You - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 668 - [Bonus ] The Beauty Of You - Part 4</h4>

    RETH

    Eliaughed when he buried his face in her neck, but he could feel the tension in her and he cursed himself. He''d thought leaving her alone was the best thing so she wouldn''t feel pressured while she was growing ustomed to being a mother. But apparently he''d made her think he didn''t want her anymore.

    He growled again and let his teeth tease along the column of her neck until she shivered.

    "There is no one in this world¡ªor yours¡ªthat I want other than you," he snarled, his voice dark and rough with desire, taking her mouth again before she could respond.

    Elia whimpered and her hands leaped to his hair, her fingers wing into his scalp in a way that made him shiver.

    His beast roared, and he shoved it back¡ªhe couldn''t afford to be rough with her at all when she was so hesitant. But his blood hummed with desire for her, and his body was already making itself known¡­ all her wriggling with that soft ass wasn''t helping, but he decided not to mention it since she seemed like she might still be close to tears.

    So he kissed her, one hand cupping the back of her knee, the other at the nape of her neck, he took her mouth again and again, groaning his desire and huffing the mating call when she dropped her head back as he kissed his way down her neck.

    She sighed his name, one of her hands trailing down to stroke his chest. He wanted to press into it, toy before her and let her touch every inch of his skin and pick the part she liked the taste of best. But he knew what she needed was for him to give, not take.

    "Rx, Elia," he whispered, then nipped at her ear. "I''m here and there is no rush. Whenever you are ready. And until then, I will¡­ y."

    He pulled back just far enough to catch her eyes¡ªwide and thrilled, which made him grin¡ªthen dove back to her mouth.

    She tilted her head to deepen the kiss and sucked on his tongue which made his body leap. He growled, sliding his hand up the back of her thigh to cup her gorgeous ass and pull her closer. But she turned in his arms, wriggling and lifting her knee to straddle him.

    Then she was in hisp, her knees either side of his thighs on the bench, facing him, her hands on his shoulders, staring at him wide-eyed.

    Her breasts rose and fell quickly with her breath, her nipples¡ªhard from the cold outside the pool, or her arousal, he wasn''t sure¡ªdipping in and out of the water in a way that called to Reth''s eyes. But he forced himself to hold her gaze.

    She put one wet hand into the hair at his temple,bing it back the way he''d done for her so often. His eyes half-closed and he purred, leaning into her hand as she dragged her fingers across his scalp, her eyes following their progress down his neck to his shoulder and chest.

    "You''re so¡­ beautiful," she whispered under the sound of the waterfall rushing behind her. But she looked sad.

    "You stole my line," he murmured, smiling carefully, uncertain of her mood.

    Her lips curled up then, but the nce she gave him didn''t agree. Her chin dipped because she went back to watching herself stroke his chest, but he caught it, pulling it up, forcing her to meet his gaze.

    "Elia, I don''t¡ª"

    "Don''t talk," she said quickly. "I need to get out of my head. I want you, Reth. That''s all that''s important right now, right?"

    "No," he said simply, stroking a hand up and down her back. "It''s not all that''s important at all. But it makes my heart sing."

    He reached up to cup her face in his jaw¡ªher little face that fit so perfectly in his palm, his fingers curling into her hair while his thumb pressed up on her chin to keep it high.

    He let his other hand trail up her thigh to her ass and pull her against his very prominent arousal. "Do you still believe I don''t want you?"

    "I know you want me now, Reth. I''m¡­ I''m less certain about how this will beter. That''s all. But there''s only one way to find out!" She forced a smile, but her eyes were beginning to glisten. But before he could answer, she rocked her hips.

    A tiny, rasping groan rolled in his throat at the delicious slide of her against him. The sparks of desire in her scent became a me.

    He held her face and examined her, arguing the merit of forcing her to talk. But maybe¡­ maybe in this moment it was better to show her.

    "I love you, Elia. You are the other half of my heart. I will never stop wanting you," he whispered, then sat forward,ying his lips on hers as he gripped her neck and kept her close, even as he pulled her hip into him with the other hand.

    Elia''s breath sucked in when he kissed her and she arched her back, opening herself against him.

    "Oh, Reth," she breathed against his lips and that was all it took to loose the tethers on his control.

    He grabbed both her hips and pulled her hard against him, rocking forward in the same movement so her mouth fell open and her head went back.

    Unable to resist the honey of her skin, he licked and sucked his way down her neck, pressing her further and further back until her hair was trailing in the water and her neck was a graceful arch under his eyes.

    Breath thundering, he rocked against her. She gasped, so he did it again.

    Her eyes were closed and her cheeks beginning to pink from the warmth of the water¡ªand the heat between them. When he curled over her to take one of those beautiful nipples in his mouth¡ªgently¡ªshe buried her fingers in his hair and held him there as heved her with the t of his tongue, then let his teeth slide over the peak before giving his attention to the other side.

    Silently, he promised himself he wouldn''t stop tasting her until she had let gopletely.

 Chapter 669 - The Beauty Of You - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 669 - The Beauty Of You - Part 5</h4>

    RETH

    Mouth still devouring her breast, Reth inhaled deeply and decided Elia tasted like honey and love. He was struck dumb, marveling that she was his. And he would show her¡ªdemonstrate to her that she need never fear that he would lose his appetite for her. That she was, to him, the only dish of which he would never tire.

    She must have been holding her breath since that gasp, because it came out in a rush when he reached around to hold her ass and position her with his grip, rocking, sliding, seeking that delicious friction between them that always made her melt, praying she wasn''t still too tense, or afraid.

    He never wanted her to be afraid.

    Then she sucked in again and tilted her hips and he found her, nudging at her core. The temptation to plunge into her was overwhelming. But it was too soon¡ª

    "Please, Reth!" she gasped raising her head to meeting his eyes, her mouth half open and lower lip ck. "Please."

    He measured her gaze for only half a second, before cupping her head in one hand and whispering, "Hold onto me."

    Weaving her fingers behind his neck, she nodded.

    He opened his mouth over hers as he entered her slowly, his whole body shaking with the anticipation of finally having her again. He''d meant to kiss her, to connect thempletely. But the jagged wave of pleasure that rolled over him threatened to steal his controlpletely.

    Groaning her name, his lips barely touching hers, he pressed in slowly, feeling every inch until she''d taken him and gasped his name again. She was a drug in his veins. His entire body shuddering as he drew out, then thrust again, both their voices rising in gasping cries.

    "Creator''s Light!" Reth hissed, his fingers digging into her hips, praying he didn''t hurt her.

    "Oh, Reth," she cried, leaning back so the angle changed and they both groaned again.

    Unable to resist, Reth opened his eyes and sat back slightly to take her in.

    The onentern was behind him, but it reflected off the water, outlining her in sparkling gold as she arched back until her hair syed in the water, tendrils floating and curling as if were alive.

    Mouth open, her breasts were pressed up out of the water because she was still clinging to his neck, hanging from him.

    "Let go, Love," he rasped, bracing one hand at her lower back and using the other to trace the line from her chin all the way down her neck, to the beautiful gap between her breasts. "I''ve got you, let go."

    With a small sigh, she released his neck and eased fully into the water, floating as he held her, thrusting slowly, rolling into her, panting.

    Hershes fluttered on her cheeks, and her mouth eased open and closed in time with their joining. Her breasts were floating, and it was perhaps the most erotic picture he''d ever seen.

    With another groan, he folded forward, his hand ttened at her back, to take one nipple in his mouth, sucking as he plunged into her again.

    One small hand pped at his back and she gripped his shoulder, his neck, pulled him closer as her cries rose, higher and higher, until he had to grit his teeth against his own orgasm.

    Then she was clenching around him and Reth shuddered again, willing his body not to end this yet¡ªhe wasn''t ready! He needed more, more of her, more of them together, more of this time with no one and nothing on his mind except her beauty and her gorgeous desire for him.

    "Reth¡­ RETH!" she cried and came apart in his arms, her body shaking and jerking, fingers digging into the back of his neck, fisting in his hair as her cries rose over the sound of the waterfall and Reth fought not to lose himself.

    *****

    ELIA

    The orgasm rocked her to her toes. She arched harder, her body tensing like she''d been electrified.

    She called Reth''s name as the world tunneled, until nothing existed but his skin, his lips, the smell of him, and the gorgeous sensation of the water rippling against her skin in time with their rolling together.

    Her body twitched, jagged sparks fizzing in her veins as she slid down that wave of pleasure back into his arms, sucking in a deep breath and her eyes flying wide. Grabbing at him, pressing into him, she threw both arms around his neck and clung on, expecting to watch him fall over his own cliff, but, shaking and panting, he opened his mouth on the side of her neck and kept thrusting slowly¡­ slowly.

    "Oh, Reth," she said in a small, shaking voice.

    He didn''t speak, but brought both hands up to take her face and kiss her, groaning into her mouth.

    Her body still fizzed, jerking when he reached her limits and her nerves lit up again. But as she returned to herself, her body loose and skin prickling, it became clear that Reth wasn''t done yet.

    Still rolling together, he pulled back to meet her eyes, his tight, but glowing in the dim light, his eyes searching hers.

    "You are¡­ the most beautiful thing¡­ I''ve ever seen," he gasped.

    Water rippled around them, the tiny waves rolling away from them in concentric circles to break against the sides of the pool. And Elia found something growing with her that she''d never felt before.

    As she caught her breath¡ªand her eyes rested on her mate¡ªsomething powerful surged within her, and her beast roared. She fisted his hair in both hands and pulled him into a kiss, deep and searching, her breath holding, then breaking at the peak of each of his thrusts.

    "I¡­ Reth¡­ I still want you," she growled. "More."

    She felt his smile in the kiss and when she broke it to look at him, he''d levered up one eyebrow, grinning at her with a lopsided smile.

    "If you insist," he said, his voice so deep and gruff she felt it on her skin.

 Chapter 670 - The Beauty Of You - Part 6

    <h4>Chapter 670 - The Beauty Of You - Part 6</h4>

    ELIA

    The wickedness of Reth''s smile, the sheer pleasure in his gaze, and the edge of tension in his voice as he fought not to crest the wave because he wanted more too¡­ it all conspired to cken her jaw and make her whimper as Reth thrust¡ªstill slowly, but his fingers digging into the backs of her hips, pulling her hard against him with each roll.

    And she loved it.

    Her pleasure was building again, banking, making promises. And with it, the coil of something wild¡ªthat prowled forward in the wake of her release of all the fear that had held her back these recent weeks.

    Had she just growled?

    Pulling his head back by his hair, Elia let her teeth scrape along the stubble of his jaw as she ground into him.

    "Move¡­ away¡­ from the wall¡­ just a little," she gasped without letting his head go.

    Reth moaned, but did as she asked, scooting himself out from the wall. With a sigh of pleasure, Elia opened her legs and wrapped them around his waist, pulling him harder against her with her heels, and huffing the mating call so that it echoed off the cavern walls.

    "Oh, fuck, Elia," Reth growled, and picked up the pace so that the water began to ripple around them.

    For some time she got lost in sheer sensation of it all¡ªhis head back and throat bared to her, her hands gripping his hair, her mouth on his neck, and always, always, that delicious rolling between them. But soon, her own pleasure grew again¡ªfrom thenguid, tingling pleasure after her orgasm, to the new, sparkling promise of another.

    She leaned back to watch him and Reth called to her, his mouth open and teeth bared, his fingers clutching at her, digging into her sides as she rode him, the fight for his restraint raising the tendons in his neck, the veins on his shoulders and arms, and the sight of him like that¡ªabandoned and desperate, raising her need.

    The urge was within her to take him¡ªto dominate him. But there was also the yearning heart to submit, to be taken, and her body swung wildly between forcing herself onto him, and yielding to him.

    "Reth¡­ what is¡­ happening to me?"

    "It''s your beast," he growled with a smile. "She wants to y."

    With a tortured moan, Elia let go of his hair and wrapped her arms around his neck again as Reth raised his head, smiling, panting. She was uncertain if the bead of moisture that rolled down from his temple was water or sweat, but it was a joy to watch it slide down his cheek to his jaw, then roll down his neck to disappear into the slices of pooled water that rose and fell in time with their joining, collecting where her chest was ttened against his.

    "I don''t want to be the beast," she said hurriedly, her eyes beginning to close. "I want to be your mate¡­ I want to love you¡­ To show you¡­ how I feel."

    With a hum of approval, Reth brought a hand up to hold her head against, taking her in a soft, but daring kiss, the tip of his tongue dancing under her lip as he pulled away.

    "I want that too," he growled. "Because¡­ shit, Elia¡­ you feel amazing."

    "I love you, Reth. With everything I have."

    "I love you to my soul, Elia. You have no idea."

    But she did¡­ she did. She understood. Because that was the beauty of their love¡ªthey both gave all their hearts. And that, she realized, was neither of them was ever left adrift. Because while her heart cradled his, his cradled hers.

    Neither of them snatched their hearts back. Neither of them built fences around themselves.

    Something in Elia''s heart that had been tense, tired, and afraid for so many months, suddenly sighed and let go. She felt it release, felt her soul sing with it.

    No matter what happened, no matter where they ended up, Reth would always love her.

    Always.

    And she would always love him. Because they both chose to make that true.

    Tears of joy threatening, Elia leaned her forehead on his, kissed his lips, then opened her eyes. "Take me, Reth, please," she whispered. "Take me and hold me and have me. Because I''m never more alive than when I''m with you."

    With a roar of pleasure and heat, he took her mouth, his thick arms wrapping around her and pulling her into him as he thrust again, and again, and again. And as they both lost themselves in the sheer thrill of their bodies, she couldn''t kiss him anymore, needed her mouth open to breathe.

    But instead, his lips hovering over hers, tingling, brushing, his tongue flickering to find hers, to taste her lips, they shared everything.

    Their bodies.

    Their hearts.

    Their breath.

    As when Reth roared his climax and his massive body tensed, Elia pulled him as tightly to her as she was able, leaving no space between their skins, allowing no cold to slide its de between them.

    She clung to him in his moment of utter vulnerability as his body shook and his mind was consumed, and thanked the Creator for making him for her.

    And she prayed that somehow, some impossible way, the Creator would never take him from her. That she would never have to walk a day in a world that didn''t include him.

    And as they both recovered from their release, as Reth''s eyes found hers, and his hands traced her jaw, as they both sank into the perfect moment they had just shared, Elia silently lifted up her daughter too. Praying that, one day, Elreth would find herself in the arms and heart of a man who would love her with simr abandon.

    Elia smiled, and Reth tilted his head.

    "What is it?" he asked, still panting.

    "Nothing," she said quickly. "I just can''t wait to see what the future brings."

    Reth''s eyes narrowed, but he smiled. "As long as it has you in it, neither can I," he said softly.

    Elia sighed happily. "I love you, Reth."

    "I love you too, Elia."

    "Forever."

    Reth smiled as only he could, his eyes crinkling and jaw so strong. Then he stroked her cheek with his thumb and rumbled, "Even in eternity, Love."

    *** THE END (for now) ***

    BUT DON''T SAY GOODBYE YET! This isn''t the only story from Anima! Elreth exists, and there are already hundreds of chapters in her love story avable! (And maybe some rather prominent appearances of her parents...) Come check it out in "Taming the Queen of Beasts" NOW! (Also... keep this book in your library in the event of spontaneous author treatster... just sayin''....)

    To find me on social media, or direct links to my other books, go to linktr.ee/aimeelynn !

 Chapter 671 - The End (and FREE Extra Content!)

    <h4>Chapter 671 - The End (and FREE Extra Content!)</h4>

    Dedicated to my husband. My True Mate.

    *****

    The author stared, herptop screen blurring with tears until she almost couldn''t make out the words.

    THE END.

    "Reth?" she whispered. But there was no answering good-natured grunt, no thud of heavy footsteps in the corridors of her mind¡­

    The tears spilled over and she tried to breathe through them.

    In the next room, her teenage son crowed victory over histest foe, while at her feet, the twelve-pound ball of fur and fangs that had inspired the heart of more than one beloved character, snored softly.

    "Reth?" But, he was gone. He was truly gone.

    An ache began in her chest as her mind scanned back through the most incredible ten months of her career, and everything she and Reth had experienced together. All the hearts and minds he''d touched. All the ways he''d brought her own heart and mind back to life.

    Footsteps¡ªheavy, but not as heavy as Reth''s¡ªsounded behind her and she whirled, one hand to her chest in fright, her office chair creaking.

    "You scared me!" she hurriedly wiped her eyes.

    "Sorry. I just¡­ are you okay?" Her husband stared down at her from a height nothing like Reth''s towering loom. But his eyes were kind and strong¡ªas was his heart. She smiled that watery smile and shrugged. "I just finished Beast."

    Reth was her family''s equivalent of Madonna¡ªthere was only one word needed.

    "Wow."

    "Yeah, I know."

    "Are you okay?"

    "Not really. It''s weird." She tried to force a smile so he wouldn''t worry.

    Then, the love of her life¡ªher true mate. The one the Creator made for her, and she for him, gave a little half-smile. "Did you tell them about the cover?"

    She snorted. It had been a joke between them for months. He''d taken such pride in what she''d built, this story that had tugged at the heartstrings of so many. He''d downloaded the app onto his phone and started showing people.

    Heedless of the strange titles and sometimes-eyebrow-raising images, he would tap his way through to the library, then turn his phone to show others, "See! Look how many views it has! She''s worked so hard. Of course, I have too. I had to get in shape to be the model for the illustrator, ha ha!"

    They both stillughed about it.

    She loved that he thought it was funny. That he wasn''t threatened by the imagery. She loved that he had supported her through the endless hours she''d had to put in that year to bring Reth to life.

    He was her Alpha male, her rock, and her safe ce. And yet, had any of her readers passed him in the halls at work, or the mall, it would never have urred to them to turn, eyes widening, and whisper¡­ "Reth?"

    But they would have been right to do so. Because, though the Reth on the pages (or pixels) might look very different in the flesh to the man that stood in her office, her husband had the heart of a lion, and his shoulders had borne burdens so much heavier than Reth''s ever had¡ªand borne them with strength.

    He was her King. They might not be rulers, they might not have to cross portals, and their wolves might be only symbolic¡ªbut they had stood back-to-back for over two decades and fought for each other.

    When he reached for her hand and drew her to her feet, she shook her head and swallowed back more tears. "I''m fine. It''s just silly. I''ll miss writing them, that''s all."

    And as he gathered her into his chest and pressed their bodies together, letting his lips y on her neck in the way that gave her goosebumps, the grief began to ease.

    Because Reth was still here.

    He was here in the man who loved her, and made her body sparkle with desire¡ªeven now, almost twenty-five years after they''d met, back when she''d still been so young and stupid¡­

    Reth was in this man that, any day of the week might say something sweet, something real, then grin a momentter and add, "Are you going to put that in your book? You can use that if you want. Thedies would like that."

    He was here in the calloused hands that had worked so hard to provide, that had swung modern weapons against any that would hurt her or their child, and even in his anger that bubbled over in defense of the weak.

    He was here in the heart of this man that she loved more than any other human being on earth.

    She''d loved him through a real life. One not haunted by fictional demons, but the real kinds. A life not peppered with so many romantic gestures, as weary sighs. A life of sweet joy and victory¡ªbut also loss, fear, and rage.

    He could be brusque. He could be thoughtless. He could rage. But he loved with his whole heart. He held his strength in check, and gave tenderness. And he trusted her as he''d trusted no other person alive.

    She didn''t care that he didn''t look like Reth. Because his heart¡­ his heart was the heart of a lion. And so, he''d inspired one.

    The author buried her nose in his shoulder and sighed as he rubbed her back, then let his hand trail down to cup her ass. That tingle he always inspired in her stomach bloomed to life and she turned her head to kiss his neck. His grip tightened.

    He pulled back to meet her eyes, that sparkle of heat ying in his. "I have two questions," he said.

    She smiled. "Okay."

    But instead of being provocative as she''d expected, he looked away, his forehead pressing into lines as he searched for the right words, and her stomach tightened¡ªwas there something he did feel threatened by? Did she need to guard him from her grief about losing Reth?

    When he looked back her, his face was thoughtful. "What is it about this guy that they''re all so in love with?" he asked carefully, as if he might not enjoy the answer.

    The image on the cover shed in her mind, but she knew that was only what drew them at the beginning. "That''s easy," she said, pulling him closer. "Reth is all the best parts of you."

    He stared at her, surprised¡ªand perhaps a little emotional. She just smiled because it was true. Then she leaned up and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his solid strength and thanking the Creator for making this man for her.

    He kissed his way along her jaw, then breathed in her ear, "Onest question."

    "Anything," she whispered back, breathless. The only warning she had was the beat he left before answering.

    "I have to go to the store. Do you want me to run you a cold bath before I leave?"

    Groaning, she let him go, rolling her eyes as he chuckled and stepped out of her arms, turning for the door.

    "Well done, babe. That''s gotta feel awesome. Well done."

    "Thanks," she said dryly and slumped back into her chair.

    The back door thudded momentster, and the engine of the car roared to life, and for a moment the truth came home to her, cold, hard, and very, very unromantic: There was no Anima. No shy-shape-shifters. No WildWood. Instead, there were bills to be paid, homes to clean, children to parent¡­

    The grief punched her in the gut again.

    But after a moment to amodate the loss, she smiled. Because the most important part of Reth''s story was even more wonderfully true than she could do justice on any page.

    Love.

    Love was real. Love was light, and heat, and thrill. Love was a shield and strength.

    Her son loved her. Her husband loved her. And her Creator loved her more than both of thembined.

    And because of that, the magic of Anima, of Reth and Elia''s story¡ªthe truth behind it¡ªwould never, ever die.

    No matter how many evil wolves¡ªor voices¡ªtried to defeat it.

    *****

    WE''RE HERE. YOU MADE IT! (*Sobbing intensifies*) I''ve said it before, I''ll say it again: Thank you. Thank you for loving Reth, and for sticking with me despite this crazy, crazy ride.

    FREE: Want to talk to Reth directly? Go to bit.ly/rethfb to say hi to Reth. He''ll even answer your questions! Just be patient. He''s not superfortable with technology, lol.

    Want to talk to me about the book? One hour after this chapter posts I''ll be in the voice chat of my discord for an informal Q & A, and Reth memorabilia giveaway. Download the discord app and enter these letters to join us: 92g42X4nRv

    OR friend me on Facebook ( linktr.ee/aimeelynn ). I''m going live Sunday, at 1pm PST (Los Angeles date/time) to answer questions and probably cry. Come along! I''d love to tell you how much this year has meant to me, and answer any questions you still have.

    Just in case we don''t get the chance to talk personally... if you want more from the Anima world, you''ll get a chance to vote on which character should have the next book in 2022. So read Taming the Queen of Beasts, or watch my Facebook page to vote!

    Otherwise just know: No matter where you are, no matter what you do, there is a Creator who loves you and has a n... and He''ll alwayse through in a pinch. Trust me. You haven''t seen anything yet.

    I love you! Thank you for being here with me this year!

 Chapter 672 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 672 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 1</h4>

    SURPRISE! I wanted to reward all of you who have supported me by buying privilege this month, as well as¡­ well, I just missed Reth. That''s the pure truth. So this story is just a little bit of fun and fluff to give us all a chance to enjoy a little more time with Reth and Elia. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! There will be 10 chapters released today, one every 20 minutes starting NOW! Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your love for these characters.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME AND MY LOVED ONES TO YOU AND YOURS!

    (Oh, and just so you know, this all happens almost a year after thest chapter you read¡­)

    *****

    RETH

    Rethy in the furs, feigning sleep as Elia crept around the bedchamber, dressed quickly, then hurried out to find Elreth. If his hearing didn''t deceive him, their daughter had shifted and jumped out of her bed in the small room they''d had dug for her off the tunnel to their bedchamber. She was currently galloping through the Great room, dragging something behind her. There was a crash as something was turned over and a yelp from Elia. Reth grinned into his pillow. He''d forgotten how active young lions could be. By all ounts his mother had almost lost her mind chasing him around when he was a toddler.

    He sighed as the pattering footsteps stopped¡ªElia had finally caught up with her and Elreth was receiving a whispered lecture about respecting the sleep of adults. Reth grieved that Elreth didn''t share their room as Anima usually would, and he wondered if this was why their daughter often got adventurous very early in the morning. But he couldn''t deny that giving Elreth her own room had given him and Elia more space to be together without her. As adults. Very, very loving adults.

    Reth wouldn''t give up the chance to have his mate''s love for anything. Not even Elreth.

    In the other room, Elia hissed something about Elreth knowing better and needing to stick to her own toys. Uh oh, that meant she''d been dragging something that wasn''t hers. Reth prayed it wasn''t his vest. He couldn''t remember if he''d thrown it over the couch or brought it into the bedroom and hung it up when he''de in sotest night.

    Thoughts of the night before made him smile, too.

    Elia thought he''d been at a meeting of the security council until the small hours of the morning¡ªsomething he did so rarely these days that she was surprised when he''d said he would bete. But in truth, he''d been with Behryn and Aymora, arranging a surprise for his mate. Or trying to, at least. He wasn''t good with crafts. Aymora had spent more time cursing his thick fingers and fixing his handiwork, than anything else. But he was pretty confident they''d done a good job.

    Now he had to keep her out of the market until dinner. He''d told everyone that he wasn''t working at all that day or the next. And after Elia had left dinner the night before to get Elreth to bed, he''d announced a feast¡ªa special winter festival to honor their Queen. A tradition from her homnd. The people were excited. And sworn to secrecy. But he knew¡ªif she saw anyone this day, she''d likely find out. So he had made ns. Now he had to do his best to keep her away from the Tree City for the day.

    He had ns. Big ns. And he prayed no one else would ruin them for him.

    While Elreth received her scolding from her frazzled mother, Reth pushed out of the furs and tiptoed to the closet to make sure the small parcel he''d left there remained hidden. Nodding in satisfaction that Elia hadn''t stumbled on it, he dressed quickly, then hurried out into the Great Room where he could hear Elia trying to impress on their boisterous daughter the importance of quiet in the early morning.

    He''d hoped to sneak up on her, but Elia''s Anima hearing had be even sharper since Elreth was born, and she turned as soon as he stepped out of the tunnel¡ªshe''d known he wasing, despite his care.

    Elreth sat¡ªback in human form¡ªon the floor in front of the couch, her lower lip pushed out and her forehead lined, brows pinched together in frustration.

    She was as stubborn as her mother, and as prone to anger as he himself. A vtilebination that they were already having to coach in her. Elia had been concerned she was too young to be learning self-discipline. But Reth assured her, Anima children developed faster because of the freedom they generally found in their beast forms. If they didn''t teach Elreth self-control quickly, she was likely to hurt someone in a few years when her beast wasrge enough to take a chunk out of someone.

    He tried not to smile with pride when he said it. His daughter was magnificent¡ªstrong, confident, and already showing Alpha power. She would be a force to be reckoned with as she became an adult. He only prayed she could find her match in a mate. He hated to think of her missing out on the joy of a True Heart''s Call.

    Putting away thoughts of the future, Reth focused on what he had to achieve that day.

    "We''ve spoken about this before, Elreth. You are to stay in your bed until one of uses to bring you out. You know better!"

    While Elia stood in front of her daughter, arms folded and no longer whispering now that Reth was up, he sidled up behind her, sliding his hands around her waist and dropping his head to kiss her neck.

    Elia stuttered, mid-lecture. Reth felt the goosebumps rise on her arm and he rubbed them, humming in approval as Elia, exasperated and now distracted, threw up her hands. "I give up. Between the two of you¡­"

    Elreth grinned and pushed to her feet. "Da!" she called, beaming at him with a toothy grin. "Da!" she took two tottering steps, then shifted to race under the coffee table and across the floor to Reth, whoughed and leaned down to catch her when she leaped at his chest, paws syed out and tailshing.

    "Good morning, beautiful girl," he chuckled, snuggling into her fur. He loved the scent of her little body¡ªlike dry dirt that had been warmed by the sun, honey, and something uniquely her. The only better smell in the world was Elia''s, though he''d never tell his daughter that. She''d understand the day she found her true mate.

    So instead, he spent a moment holding her and rubbing faces in the greeting of the pride lions and thanking the Creator for his beautiful daughter and mate.

    He was the most blessed male he knew.

 Chapter 673 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 673 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 2</h4>

    RETH

    Reth was still having a fatherly moment when Elreth shifted in his arms, back to human form. She remained sitting in his arms, but was much smaller as a one year old human than she was as a yearling cub. She put both her pudgy little hands to his face and smiled again. "Da! Morn, Da!"

    "Good morning."

    "Wi oo me de yum w''Da?"

    Reth blinked. He had no idea what she was saying, but Eliaughed.

    "She wants to know if you''ll have breakfast with her."

    Reth''s brows popped up. He had no idea how his clever mate had figured that out, but he was d to hear it. "I will eat with you this morning, Elreth. And after, I have a special treat for you."

    "Oooo, twee? Twee?"

    He nodded. "Mama Aymora ising to take you for a visit today. Would you like that?"

    Elreth''s eyes went wide and her smile broke like a dazzling sunrise. "Mam-mora!" She pped her hands and immediately tried to push out of Reth''s arms. He chuckled, setting her on the floor where she immediately tried to totter towards the door, but gave up on her unstable human legs and shifted to her cub to gallop again.

    "Elreth, no. She''s not here yet. Breakfast first. Come on."

    Elreth''s cub yeowled, but he ignored the protest and started towards the dining room.

    "Good morning," he said, stopping to slide a hand to Elia''s waist and give her a brief kiss.

    She raised her eyebrows. "Aymora''s taking Elreth? Is that a treat for Elreth? Or for me?"

    "Both," he said, winking. His chest warmed when Elia''s eyes sparkled despite the dark circles under them. Between a difficult pregnancy and then the tornado that had entered their lives in the form of Elreth, she hadn''t had a full night''s sleep in well over a year.

    She took a deep breath and leaned into his chest, hugging his waist. "Thank you, Reth."

    "Don''t thank me, thank Aymora," he said, stroking her hair. "She''s giving us the whole day. We''ll meet her and Elreth at the market for dinner."

    Elia pulled back to meet his eyes, her chin turned slightly away as she grinned, her eyes locked on his and measuring him for truth. "The whole day? Does she understand¡­ what she''s getting herself into?"

    Reth chuckled. "Hollhye''s going to help her, I think."

    Elia nodded. "That''s probably wise. Hollhye''s the only one El''s scared of."

    Reth almost added that Elreth wasn''t the only one afraid of Hollhye, but he tied his tongue.

    There were still tensions there since the negotiation with the Bears that had taken months, but had ended in their agreement to vacate the portal region in the summer. Once they left, Hollhye had wanted Behryn to resign immediately. But luckily he''d been able to convince Hollhye that Reth and Elia still needed more help.

    Apparently Hollhye took that literally because she''d been offering to help more and more with Elreth, much to Elreth''s nerves and Elia''s unease. But there was no doubt, no one kept Elreth in line better. Aymora even used Hollhye as a threat when Elreth was being rebellious.

    As he settled himself at the table and pulled the te of fruits and grains towards the chair where Elreth''s cub was climbing up despite being told that her beast form was not appropriate for the dining table, Reth was beginning to think they should do the same thing.

    *****

    An hourter while Elia bathed, he stood in the great room with Aymora, who smiled and leaned down, hands sped to smile at Elreth. "Are you ready for a fun day of making surprises!"

    "Yayah!"

    Reth chuckled and handed Aymora a bag with a few of Elreth''s clothes and favorite snacks.

    "We won''t be here, Aymora. I''m taking herpletely out of the City. She needs a break."

    Aymora lifted Elreth to her hip, and raised an eyebrow at him. "Just make sure her break has some time for rest," she said dryly. "Being a mother and a mate and a Queen¡­ sometimes all she''ll want is time to be nothing at all."

    Reth nodded. "I''m working on it. Thank you for taking Elreth today."

    "It''s my pleasure to serve my King and Queen," she said with a wink, then turned to smile at Elreth, her eyes wide. "Shhhhhh, you can''t tell him about the trouble we make, okay? Daddy is King and he has to be good. So we can only be bad when he''s not around!"

    Elreth nodded seriously and put a finger to her mouth, spitting as she tried to shush.

    Aymoraughed out loud, wiping her face. "Okay, you gorgeous girl, let''s get out of here before the big bad King makes us do push ups!"

    "Bi'' ba'' Da! Bi'' ba'' Da!"

    Reth growled and pretended to chase them out of the house. Elreth shrieked, and Aymora giggled like a little girl, but she was soon racing across the meadow, the grass bare and thin in the winter months, and the sky heavy with the threat of a storm approaching, but not yet there. Reth sniffed the air¡­ they were safe for today at least.

    He waited to make sure they were out of sight and not returning before closing the door to the cave and going in search of his mate.

    He checked the bathing pools first, hoping to, perhaps, catch her still in the warm water. A favorite for both of them. But the cavern was empty when he opened the door. He frowned and turned back. She must have already finished bathing and gone to the bedroom to get dressed.

    He snuck along the tunnel¡ªit was something of a game now to see if he could sneak up her anymore, her hearing was so sharp¡ªgrinning, making a mental list for all the things the nned to do to his mate that day.

    He eased the door open to find the bedchamber dark. Had he not been able to smell her, he might have thought she wasn''t their either. But his eyes adjusted quickly, and his grin shifted to a soft smile.

    Eliay on the furs, her hair half-over her face, her body swathed in¡­ dear Lord, she''d put on the little slip dress thing that Candace made her the night she''d offered herself. Lingerie, she called it. He didn''t care what she called it, she was beautiful in it. He stood there for a moment just to take her in. They had both changed so much since those days, but Elia most of all. And not just in her mind. Her body showed their journey in so many ways¡ªshe had scars. Her breasts were bigger, her waist and thighs a little thicker. Even her scent had changed, first with pregnancy, then nursing, and now again after she''d weaned Elreth¡­ Everything about her was different. But he loved her this way. She was¡­ fuller.

    Eliay on her side, utterly rxed. The hair that had fallen over her face fluttered in her breath, then she sucked in again a long, slow breath. She was so fucking beautifulying there in the half-dark that he almost roared and leaped on her, until he heard a tiny snore and he froze.

    Disappointment was a sharp twang in his belly. But she was so exhausted¡­ she''d obviously intended to be waiting for him, to love him. And yet, she''d fallen asleep.

    With a soft sigh, Reth stripped out of his clothes, then sneaked up to the bed to slide between the furs and spoon her.

    She tensed and came half awake as his knees pressed into the backs of hers and he slid his arm around her waist.

    "Reth?" she said in that half-distracted voice of the still-partly-asleep.

    "Shhhhh, Love, go back to sleep."

    "But¡­ our day¡ª"

    "We''ll start it in an hour or two, don''t worry, Love. I''m here and you''re here. That''s what matters." He slid his hand up to cup her breast over the little dress and leaned in to kiss her neck. "Plenty of time." He murmured.

    "If¡­ you''re sure¡­" she murmured. But she was already falling back asleep. So Reth didn''t answer, buty there, listening to her breathe, and remembering the many times he''d almost lost her, thanking the Creator that she was still whole, and there, and strong.

    He had ns for her, no doubt about it.. But they could wait a couple of hours.

 Chapter 674 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 674 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 3</h4>

    ELIA

    She''d woken to find Reth curled around her, also sleeping, and she hadn''t moved immediately. It was instinct to be quiet and listen to the house, heart thrumming, waiting to see if Elreth was in trouble again, or still asleep.

    Then she remembered and sucked in a breath. "Reth! Wake up! Reth! We''re alone!"

    She rolled over as he groaned and blinked, then smiled when he found her, up on one elbow smiling down at him, her hair¡ªwhich needed a cut¡ªfalling around her shoulders and face.

    "Good morning, beautiful."

    "Yes, yes, we already did that this morning, remember! Now we have to get up and go do¡­ whatever it is you want to do. We''re alone, Reth. We''re ALONE." She shook him and he grunted, then grabbed her around the waist and rolled over onto his back, pulling her up onto his stomach and opening his mouth on her neck.

    She shrieked andughed and was about to push him off, when he began flicking her skin with his tongue and suddenly her heart was pounding for a whole new reason.

    She wrapped her arms around his head and sighed, rxing across his chest and feeling both the strength of him¡ªand the steel of him rising against her side.

    "Well, good morning to you too," she chuckled, sliding her leg over his waist so she straddled him.

    Reth growled approvingly and kept kissing her neck.

    Elia groaned as goosebumps washed down her back. The urge to give in and just stay in bed was there. They could have a lot of fun without ever leaving the cave. But Elia so rarely got to leave the cave alone with Reth anymore¡ªone of them needed to be with Elreth¡ªthat she didn''t want to waste another second of it.

    Being wicked, she slid herself back against him, bumping his arousal so that he gripped her ass and pulled her against him.

    "Hold that thought," she said, then kissed him. "Let''s go somewhere and do this¡­ outside. It''s been forever, Reth!"

    His eyes, hooded and hot,tched on hers and she could see him weighing the decision¡ªto do this here and now and take the edge off, or to wait¡ªa painful wait for him, probably¡ªbut have that thrilling joy of something different.

    "Temptress," he growled.

    "It''s your fault for being so attractive," she whispered, stroking her fingers down his stubbled cheeks. "But seriously, Reth¡­. Can we go outside somewhere? Be alone? There''d be no one out by the Weeping Tree¡­ right?"

    His smile grew and his eyes shed. "I have an even better idea," he said, his voice gruff with sleep. "But you''ll need to dress a lot more warmly. And¡­" he trailed off, his smile fading.

    "What? What is it?"

    He cleared his throat. "Well, how do you feel about travelling as our beasts?"

    She sucked in a deep breath, watching him carefully.

    She''d shifted a few times¡ªonce, most notably, when two young lions were rough in their y with Elreth. She''d shifted right there, in the middle of the City, and roared at them.

    They''d both almost wet their pants.

    But shifting wasn''t something she enjoyed. She still harbored doubts about returning to her natural state, though she''d been able to do it at will so far. She was trying to remember the Creator''s assurance that her beast was a gift, not a curse.

    "Do we need to?" she asked carefully.

    "Well, if we travel as our beasts we''ll be there in about half an hour and we''ll have a lot of time. I suppose you could ride me, but that could get¡­ tempting," he said, pulling her against him again. "But your human legs are way too slow, sorry."

    He watched her,bing his fingers through her hair while she thought about it. He wouldn''t push, she knew. Reth had trained with her, as had Aymora. She was bing a little more confident, but it was still¡­ not a rxing proposal for her.

    But if it meant they''d get where they were going faster and they could spend more time making love¡­

    "Okay," she said and blew out a breath. "Yes. I will."

    Reth smiled and pulled her into a kiss, then sat up.

    She slid down his body and into hisp and both of them groaned as they found each other. It would take only a little shift of weight and position¡ª

    "Get out of myp, you goddess," Reth growled, taking his hands off her ass and raking one of them through his hair. "If we don''t get moving, we never will. And I have a list!"

    "A list?" Elia grinned.

    "Yes, a list," he said, his eyes heating further. "But we won''t even get the first one checked off if we don''t get moving."

    Elia rolled her eyes, but crawled off of him and then across the sleeping tform. When she made it to the floor and stood, she started to untie theces of the little teddy from behind her neck, but Reth growled, "Leave it."

    She turned and smiled at him. "Oh?"

    "Just put your fur on over it so no one else can see. I have ns for you."

    Her smile grew. "Well, okay then."

    *****

    As usual, the anticipation of shifting was always far worse than the actuality. As her lioness followed Reth''s lion through the forest and up the side of the mountain, at first all she could think was how stunning he was in beast form¡ªrippling muscles and thick mane that extended halfway down his back and under his belly. His golden hide shone even in the gray of the overcast skies.

    She was so busy admiring him¡ªher beast''s desire growing for him¡ªthat at first she didn''t even notice where they were going.

    When they broke through the trees and into the clearing she was so startled, she immediately shifted back to make sure she could keep control.

    She staggered on her first step back in her human body, her mouth open and her heart throbbing with the memories.

    It was the clearing where they''d made Elreth, where they''de when they were waiting for the wolves petition to be taken to the people. When they thought Elia might be removed as Queen and her position given to Lucine. That day was a sickening memory to Elia, but this ce... this ce was a mix.

    A wide expanse of grass scattered with small trees and bushes, the size of a football field, but the short end opened out over the cliff-drop down the mountain to look out over WildWood.

    Just like it had the first time, the view stole her breath.

    Reth had run straight to the top of that sickening cliff face, not shifting until he stood at its edge. The winter sun was lower, so despite it still being morning, they were once again in the shade of the trees that climbed the mountain to her right.

    Elia stared down at a carpet of treetops, so far away, they looked like bubbling green clouds. But then she looked up¡ªthe sky thick and heavy, a nket of gray, yet still too bright to stare atfortably.

    For a moment she was back there, in that moment, the first time she''d thought they might be taken from each other. Torn apart. She had to turn and look at Reth, and reassure herself that he was there.

    He stepped up to her then, cupping her face with his hand and looming over her so his shoulders blocked the view.

    "Why¡­ here?" she whispered.

    "Because this is a beautiful ce and I don''t want to be afraid of it anymore," he rumbled back. Then he kissed her, his lips dragging along hers, his tongue dancing. Elia sucked in a breath and clung to his shoulders and her fear skittered away like a cloud on a windy day.

    This wasn''t just the ce where she''d first learned she might lose him.

    This was the ce where they''d made love. This was the ce where they''d made Elreth.

    This ce was as beautiful as her mate.

    She would never regret this ce as long as she lived.

 Chapter 675 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 675 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 4</h4>

    RETH

    Reth had known being in this ce would be a challenge for Elia, and when she first realized where they were and the fear nged into her scent, he wondered if he''d made the wrong choice using this ce today.

    But before that day this had always been one of his favorite spots to be in the quiet and away from others. He wanted to share that experience with her.

    As they held each other and looked out over the view he could feel her beginning to rx. Then he cupped her face, stroking her cheeks with his thumbs and looked deep into her eyes.

    "Elia, Love, I know this is a difficult ce to be. But I wanted toe here and give it a new memory. I feel like we''re finally at peace and¡­ I want us to be able to enjoy¡ª"

    "Reth?" she whispered.

    "Yes?"

    "Shut up and kiss me. Please. I don''t need convincing. I want to take our lives back too."

    He smiled down at her and her beautiful mouth pulled up at the sides. Then her little pink tongue darted out to wet her lips and he growled and took her mouth. He was supposed to be showing her what he''d set up here yesterday, but first he just needed to taste her¡­

    He tried to start slowly, gently, sipping at her lips andbing her hair with his fingers. But Elia grabbed his neck and pulled him down, tilting her head to deepen the kiss immediately, clinging to him, her fingers wed, until he was growling with need and fisting her hair.

    Sucking in a deep breath, he broke the kiss and straightened. "Elia, there''s something I need to show you before¡ª"

    "I said, shut up and kiss me, Reth," she said breathlessly, pressing into his chest.

    He thought she wasing closer to hold him, but suddenly she''d hooked his ankle and used a move he''d shown her in training to drop him on his ass on the cold grass.

    Reth tumbled backwards, hisughter echoing out over the WildWood as she growled and pounced on him. He was sitting, propped up on one hand when shended in hisp.

    "Now, where were we?" she gasped.

    Hisughter faded quickly as she buried her fingers in his hair and kissed him fiercely.

    Heart pounding and breath heavy immediately, he sat up, one hand dragging up to sy at the nape of her neck and hold her there while he plundered her mouth.

    Then, unable to resist, he leaned her back, arching her over his hand at the small of her back and bringing that hand from her hair down her neck to the buttons down the front of her thick furs.

    Whimpering, she arched against his hand and he growled, tasting her jaw, her neck, her throat as his fingers danced down the thick buttons.

    When he felt thest one give, he sat up to look down at her, huffing the mating call as the furs fell open to reveal her breasts and stomach, swathed in that soft, sheer fabric he''d forgotten she was wearing.

    The skin that was revealed immediately prickled in the cold, her nipples standing tall and pressing in peaks against the soft fabric. But she didn''t seem to feel the cold, holding on to his neck and arching, letting her head fall back so far that her hair brushed his thighs and she fully revealed her throat.

    Breath shuddering with desire for her, he took her chin in his fingers. "Creator''s Light, you''re beautiful, Elia," he growled, wing his fingers from the point of her chin, down her throat, to the space between her breasts, then palming them through the soft cotton.

    "I want you, Reth," she gasped. "Please." She pulled herself up so they were cheek to cheek and watched as, with shaking hands, he popped the buttons on her leathers. But then they had a challenge.

    Both of them were panting, their breaths rasping in each others ears.

    Reth lifted his head and looked at her, one eyebrow up. How did she want to do this?

    She smiled and kissed him, biting his lower lip in a move inspired by her beast, he was sure, but it sent a jolt straight to his cock that was already straining painfully against his leathers.

    Grasping his shoulders, she pushed herself up to stand and stepped off of him, thumbs in the waistband of her leathers, about to push them down and off and he knew, he knew if he let her they''d never make it and they needed to, so he leaped up after her, catching her and swinging her around, off her feet, so she shrieked again and clung to him,ughing and flinching when he nipped her neck.

    "Hold that thought," he said cheekily. "I have to show you something, then¡­ then we''ll do this."

    "But Reth!"

    "Just a few seconds, Elia. That''s all I need."

    Leaning down to his get arm behind her knees, he lifted her properly and carried her back, towards the trees across the clearing, to the little, dim hollow made by a tree with heavy branches that sagged over the grass. He''d raced up here the day before and set this up. Now he prayed the wildlife hadn''t stolen anything.

    In the shadows under its boughs he''d spread a thick fur. Folded up next to it were a couple of thick nkets and a small barrel he''d prayed would keep any of the WildWood''s inhabitants out.

    He carried her to the fur, sighing with relief that the barrel had been tipped over, but didn''t appear to have been opened, then set her gently on her feet on the furs and smiled when she looked at him in shock.

    "You already came here?"

    "Yesterday."

    "When?!"

    "When you thought I was meeting with the council," he said, grinning.

    "Reth! That''s so sweet!"

    He waggled his eyebrows. "Well, I did assume I''d get something out of it," he growled.

    She pped his chest, then pulled him into another kiss, her hands dancing all over his chest and in his hair.

    The mating call rolled out of his throat, and she responded, her call higher but just as resonant and suddenly both of them were frantic.

 Chapter 676 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 676 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 5</h4>

    RETH

    He''d intended to give her a speech. To pour her a drink and maybe offer a snack.

    But she''d pulled him in. Her breath thundered against his cheek and her hips were pressing into his thighs. She wed at his shoulders, pulling him down and his need for her crackled through him like electric light.

    "Fuck, Elia¡­"

    "Yes, please."

    He snorted and took her mouth again, but she groaned and pulled away.

    "Seriously, Reth, don''t make me trip you again."

    He shot her a mock-warning look. "I let you trip mest time," he growled.

    She gave him a skeptical look, but shrugged, smiling. "Whatever, just¡­ please¡­ please, Reth." She was breathless and reaching for his buttons.

    With a growl of approval, he slid his hands into the back of her leathers to cup her ass, then dragged them as far down her thighs as he could reach until they sagged, then fell to her ankles.

    She stepped out of them and kicked them aside even as she got his leathers open and he sprang into her hand. They both groaned and spent a long moment, tongues dancing, bodies quivering, stroking each other.

    When she''d pushed his leathers down too and her hips began to flex, seeking him, Reth gave in and, leaning down to yank off his pants, pulled her with him to the fur under their feet.

    Both naked from the waist down, the furs felt amazing, ticklish and soft, deep enough to curl around her shins when she straddled his thighs, thick enough to cushion his ass from the lumpy ground.

    She was still stroking him, but her hips were beginning to roll when he took her hands and whispered to her to stop before this ended too soon. Then he grasped her bottom and pulled her forward against him until he was embraced by her heat and the rolling created friction between them.

    Her head dropped back and she groaned his name as she ground against him, the sound of her voice with that guttural growl raising the hair all over his body like electric current. Her nails dug into his shoulders and her hair swayed, tickling his thighs in a delicious reflection of the furs under him.

    He stared down at her, mouth open, marveling at the sheer beauty of her. He wanted to roar. He wanted to shout her name. He wanted the entire universe to know her¡ªand he wanted to keep her entirely to himself, wrapped in his arms and safe from hurt or harm.

    "Elia¡­ I¡­" He didn''t have words to exin the feelings billowing his in chest.

    But his beautiful mate understood and pulled her head up to meet his eyes¡ªher own sparking with heat and emotion¡ªas she put a hand to his face.

    "I know, Reth. Me too," she sighed, rocking against him again. "Show me. Just show me."

    With a roar of sheer, possessive heat, he bent her back and guided himself into her, both of them crying out when she finally sank onto him.

    For a time, Reth was lost. His entire world became her¡ªthe feeling of her body embracing him, the delicious, tingling sensations of their joining, the warm softness of her breasts contrasting with the peaked rivets of her nipples pressing against the fabric of the little dress. Ducking his head, Reth took one nipple in his mouth, over the fabric and sucked, humming around her, wetting it until it clung to her nipple, moving the fabric against it with his tongue.

    Her body twitched and her fingers tightened on his shoulders. But then, still gasping and desperate, she raised her head and shrugged the fur jacket off her shoulders, revealing her pale skin and the halter neck of the little dress.

    "No, Elia," he rasped. "It''s too cold."

    "I don''t care," she gasped and with the jacket hooked on her upper arms, let him take her weight, still rocking with him as she lifted her hands to the ties at the back of her neck, loosening them until the fabric sagged and she yanked it down, baring her breasts to his eyes and the winter air.

    With a groan of sheer delight, Reth traced the line from her corbone, down to her nipple rolling it between his thumb and forefinger until she gasped and cried out. "Do that again!"

    And so Reth set to his task, his breathing in harsh puffs as they rocked together, and he used one arm to pull her down hard into him, and the other hand to caress and pinch and squeeze until Elia''s breath was breaking in her throat and she gave a small cry with each of his thrusts.

    "Oh¡­ Reth¡­ oh!" She clenched around him and Reth gritted his teeth against his climax as she began to climb the wave towards her own.

    Still stroking, still rocking with her, he dropped his lips to her ear, inhaling her rich, heady scent as he huffed the mating call, then whispered, "Beautiful, so beautiful. You are my Love, Elia. Forever."

    She gave a little whimper and, her hands snaked under his fur jacket to sp and unsp at his waist as she pulled him against her desperately.

    She was close. So close. Reth could feel himself tipping over the edge and he pushed the bliss back, determined to let her find hers first.

    "Oh, Reth! I love you! I love you!"

    With a snarl of pure possession, he nipped the skin of her neck. "Mine," he growled, letting his teeth graze the scars he''d left iming her two years earlier. "Only mine."

    Her words dissolved to cries then as her body stiffened, breath wheezing. Then he pinched her nipple at the same time hetched a kiss to her neck and she screamed his name, her nails digging into his waist.

    His own pleasure crested, breaking over him like a wave, pounding, thundering, washing up the shore in a rush of tingling pleasure that rocked them both from head to toe and seemed to go on and on.

    His existence tunneled to nothing but her warmth, her cries, and the softness of her skin. Nose against her neck and breath hot on her skin, he roared his im to her, his mate, his wife, his most treasured possession.

    And when they finally slumped together, boneless and sweaty, she panted for only seconds before plunging her hands into his hair, fisting it, and pulling his head back so she could meet his eyes with her own shining.

    "You," she gasped breathlessly, "are the most wonderful man the Creator ever made, Reth."

    He smiled, humbled and off-bnce, but their eyes were locked and he couldn''t look away. "Then I guess we''re even," he rasped.

    Tipping their heads to each other''s shoulders, they clung, giving their breathing time to return to normal.

    Reth used the time to inhale her, to fix the feel of her and the emotions she spurred in him in his mind so the memory could be called up at any time.

    She was precious. So precious.

    He only prayed he could keep her safe and happy. Forever.

    An echo of a voice, the Creator''s conviction, reminded him that she was His to choose when forever began¡­ but that she''d been given to Reth for safe keeping. That they had time now, the danger was passed.

    Reth sighed then, letting go of thest of the tension he''d felt since the day she arrived in Anima. Tears pinched at the back of his throat, but he swallowed them back.

    The danger was passed.

    She was his. She was safe. And she was beautiful.

    He was the most blessed male in Creation.

 Chapter 677 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 6

    <h4>Chapter 677 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 6</h4>

    ELIA

    An hourter, sitting curled together on the fur, Elia''s knees over his thighs, both of them covered to the waist in nkets, Reth grinned. He leaned on one hand along her side, using the other to feed her another berry.

    Curled into the hollow between his arm and his side, Elia rolled her eyes. "This is ridiculous. I can feed myself."

    "No, no," he insisted. "This is your time to rest. Let me take care of it."

    She giggled, but opened her mouth obediently when he raised his eyebrows.

    He leaned away for a moment, ying with something else in the little barrel he''d left there the day before. She shook her head, she still couldn''t believe he''d done all this without her knowledge. She was going to have to focus. She''d been so consumed with keeping Elreth safe from her own adventurous nature, she''d stopped paying attention to the little moments with Reth. A pang snapped in her chest, but she pushed it away. This was a day to give him her whole mind and attention, to appreciate what they had, not to grieve what was lost.

    So she took the little cup he handed her and waited until he''d reached back for a second and brought it up to click the sides together.

    "To you, Elia," he said, his voice low and rough. "To my True Heart''s Call, the most beautiful female in all creation, the mother of the second-most-beautiful female in all creation, and to the fact that you haven''t yet regretted the day we met."

    She gave him a t look. "As if," she grumbled. Then she cleared her throat and tipped her cup against his. "To you, Reth¡­ to the strongest, most thoughtful man of integrity I know. To your leadership, your love and¡­ your abs," she grinned wickedly.

    Reth waggled his eyebrows and they both took a sip from the cups. Elia blinking in surprise at the fruity heat sliding down her throat. "What is that?!" she gasped.

    "Berry wine. Do you like it?"

    She did. She loved it. She wished she could throw back the entire cup, but¡­ but she couldn''t and he didn''t know and she hadn''t nned to tell him yet.

    "That''s¡­ that''s great!" She hadn''t had any alcohol since she''d gotten pregnant and then was nursing. But now that Elreth was weaned, of course Reth would think they could celebrate with a drink.

    Her heart pounded. She hadn''t been ready. Hadn''t wanted to potentially mar their time today¡­ but she couldn''t.

    "Elia, what''s wrong?" his voice was deep and his eyes suddenly sharp on her. "You''ve gone pale."

    "I just¡­ it''s been a long time since I had a drink, that''s all," she said hurriedly, but Reth wasn''t buying it. He sat up straight and took the cup from her, cing it on the frozen ground next to the fur, then turning back to lock eyes with her, his brows heavy and gaze serious.

    "Elia¡ª"

    "It''s nothing, Reth. It just surprised me."

    "Your scent is nervous and you''re blushing."

    "It''s probably the alcohol going straight to my cheeks, ha ha ha¡­"

    He tipped his head and his eyes went sad. "I didn''t think there was anything you didn''t trust me with anymore."

    That littlement filled her mind with a torrent of images of Gahrye, and Kalle, and the disformed and¡­

    Elia groaned and put her face in her hands, leaning into his chest as she shook off the things she couldn''t change or control and instead epted that this was the day the Creator had decided that she would tell him.

    "I wasn''t going to tell you yet," she murmured into her own palms. "Just so I could get my head straight about it and¡­ and be excited and happy and¡­ not scared with you."

    "Scared? Scared of what?" his entire body had gone rigid and she immediately stopped feeling sorry for herself. They had both been traumatized by the months of her pregnancy and Elreth''s birth. He carried his well and kept himself in check most of the time. But he could still be startled into terror if he thought she was danger. She could hear his heart pounding and see him paling before her eyes.

    "Shhhhhh, no, Reth, you don''t need to worry. Truly!" she smiled. "It''s good news. I just¡­ I just only found out myself and¡­"

    "Found out what, Elia? What happy news is making you feel afraid?!"

    She took a deep breath and held his eyes, her hands cupping his neck. "Reth¡­ I''m pregnant."

    He blinked. Then blinked again. Then again. His scent didn''t change at all, then suddenly it was a jumble¡ªtion, hope, fear, rage¡­

    Elia waited, knowing she''d had the same response the other day when she''d suddenly realized howte she was, and how her body felt¡­ different.

    His throat bobbed. "You''re¡­ truly, Love?"

    She nodded, pressing her lips together against the threat of tears. "Truly," she whispered.

    His mouth dropped open. "That''s why your scent changed! I can''t believe I didn''t¡ªbut it''s different than with Elreth. Elia, Love, are you serious?!"

    She opened her mouth to say "deadly," their standard, joking response to any time one of them asked if the other was serious. But the word stuttered on her tongue as her mind shed back to those days, those horrific hours before Elreth arrived. How close she''de to dying. How close Reth hade to dying to save her¡ªagain.

    "Not joking," she rasped, shaking her head, her vision beginning to blur as her heart was overwhelmed with too many feelings for one heart to bear. "But I''m going to fine, Reth. I can shift now. And I''ll¡­. I''ll practice. Between now and then. I won''t¡­ there won''t be the same risk as before. Aymora''s certain it will be much safer this time."

    "Aymora knows?"

    "No, no. I asked her after Elreth was born. I wondered if I should¡­ try to stop myself from getting pregnant again. But she talked me through it. We won''t¡­ we shouldn''t have the same issues this time.." She waited, but he didn''t respond, his eyes still locked on hers. "Reth?"

 Chapter 678 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 7

    <h4>Chapter 678 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 7</h4>

    RETH

    He was frozen, jaw ck, staring at her. Her scent was even more jumbled than before, and he knew he needed to pay attention, to try and reassure her. But he just needed a moment. He couldn''t quite¡­

    Elia leaned into him, her hands sliding up to cup his jaw on either side. "Please don''t worry, Reth. Please. I wasn''t going to tell you until I could think about it without being worried, because I really do know it''s safe this time. I''m sure. The Creator has a purpose for us, Reth. He can''t do that if I''m dead. I''m going to be fine. I''m certain of it."

    She was right, of course. He''d seen that himself. And he''d always wanted a Pride¡ªwith as many young as the Creator sought to give. But the moment she''d said pregnant, his mind had filled with images¡­ Elia gaunt and weak¡­ Elia terrified. Elia screaming in pain.

    Blood. Everywhere.

    "Reth, listen to me," she whispered, her nose almost brushing his. "I am much better equipped this time. And my head is¡­ in the right ce. No one''s trying to kill me. And there''s no war. The people are at peace¡ªeven the bears have gone. We are safe, Reth. And I''m sure¡ªI''m certain that I''m going to be just fine. And so is our baby."

    "Love¡­" he breathed, then suddenly it wasn''t enough to be close to her, he needed to shield her, protect her, hold her apart from the world.

    Snaking his arms around her, he rolled her to the furs, covering her with his body, his elbows over her shoulders, his hands curled over her hair. He loomed over her, resting between her thighs, the nkets pooled at his waist and she clung to him, their eyes locked in shock and delight¡ªand yes, some fear. But he had himself between her and the world. There was nowhere she was safer. The tiniest coil of joy began in his stomach.

    "Another cub?" he whispered.

    She nodded, and he could smell the dip of nerves in her¡ªElreth was already a handful. He was certain she was nervous about managing two cubs, both shifting and leaping everywhere. But Reth would help, and he knew the females of the Pride would, also.

    They''d answer to him if they didn''t.

    She was shadowed under him, covered by him, her eyes wide and searching, waiting to see his reaction and he was terrified to show her because the truth was¡­ the truth was¡­ he wanted to roar this news from the mountain. Announce it to all of WildWood. He wanted to run through the Tree City, screaming his joy and disying his mate¡­

    And he wanted to curl up in a corner and hide from everyone and everything at the thought of where this could take them.

    "Are you well, Elia?" he breathed, his fingers ying on her scalp in the way he knew she loved. She nodded, her hands sliding up his sides to cup his biceps.

    "I''m fine," she whispered. "I just¡­ I need to warn you that¡­ that it looks like this pregnancy is going to go really fast too," she said, her eyes searching his. "So it might be a little tiring and¡­ and that''s okay. I''m in much better shape than I was before Elia. And there were a lot more pressures and stresses. I mean, this one will be easy byparison." She tried tough, but it was shaky.

    He dropped his head to rest his forehead on hers, eyes screwed tightly shut, holding her and praying, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Creator, for another cub. A family. Thank you."

    Elia whispered her thanks too and when they both opened their eyes, they were both smiling.

    "Elia, Love¡­"

    "I know." She bit her lip, her eyes sparkling. "It''s insane."

    "You''re amazing," he breathed.

    She shook her head. "I''m just living my life, Reth. We did this together. I mean, the Creator made it happen, but¡­ you know what I mean."

    "You should have told me," he rumbled, fighting a sh of anger that she''d been carrying this alone.

    She shook her head. "I was going to but¡­ but I wanted to be able to smile and be excited. I wanted you to smile. I don''t want to focus on the fear, Reth. I really want this one to be different."

    He dropped his head to his arm, embracing her, pulling her into his chest, curling his arms under her head and wrapping them both together.

    Her hands slid back down his arms, to his sides, to his waist, pulling him close. He could smell her nerves, but she was happy too.

    "Elia¡­ Love¡­" He couldn''t stop saying her name. He was terrified, and ecstatic, and overwhelmed and¡­ and it was all her.

    Stretching up, she kissed his neck, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. "Reth, I can''t do this without you." Her voice was high and thin, but determined, too.

    "You won''t have to, Love," he promised,ying a soft kiss to her neck. "Anything, you need anything, you tell me. We''ll talk to Aymora about taking Elreth more often so you can rest more. And your favorite foods¡ªI''ll talk to the market and make sure they''re serving up the best we have for the winter. Don''t bother with these meals at home anymore. We can take Elreth to the market early and¡ª"

    "Reth."

    "¡ªthere''s no reason why you have to attend every women''s council meeting. Aymora can take them anything that''s important for you to¡ª"

    "Reth, don''t worry. It''s going to be fine."

    "¡ªfor that matter, I can have Brant take some of my load too, so I can spend more time at home."

    "Reth! You already spend plenty of time with me and Elreth. Stop! This is a good thing. We just need to get used to it, and we need to trust. The Creator has a n, remember? We can trust that."

    He nodded, then pushed up on his elbows again to meet her eyes. "Yes, you''re right," he rumbled. "We can. I just¡­ I love you so much, Elia."

    She bit her lip and her eyes began to shine again. "I love you, too, Reth."

    Then he looked at her and let the smile he''d been holding back rise to beam at her. "Well done, Love.. Very, very well done."

 Chapter 679 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 8

    <h4>Chapter 679 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 8</h4>

    ELIA

    That smile he gave her was joy. It was love. It was the first thing she thought of when she thought of how handsome he was. And the one thing in this world that never failed to make her smile herself. Seeing Reth¡ªfrightened, concerned, protective, sure¡­ but excited. Happy. Proud. It made it worth it. It blew away some of her fear, and tempered the rest.

    And it made her never want to leave that moment.

    Theyy wrapped in that nket for hours, while the sky darkened and the smell of the air changed. But they were wrapped in a cocoon of warmth, and Elia found that even though Reth hinted he''d had some other ns for the day, she just couldn''t find it in herself to move from that spot. She felt safe, wrapped in his arms like that. Moving meant facing the world again, and she was so tired. And so, theyy.

    Theyy on their sides, curled up under the nkets, the furs cushioning them from the cold ground. Elia rested her head on her arm, while Reth was propped on one elbow, stroking her hair and leaning over to kiss her whenever he sensed her fear returning.

    They spoke of the future, of what a great big sister Elreth would make¡ªand of the fear Elia had that their daughter would lead her sibling into trouble at every turn.

    Then, suddenly, Reth''s eyes narrowed.

    Elia frowned. "What''s wrong?"

    "Just¡­ give me a second," Reth said, then suddenly burrowed under the nket, bing a massive man-mound under its thick folds and scooting down the length of her body until his bare legs popped out of the end of the nket, bringing with them a gust of icy cold.

    "Reth! What are you doing?!" Elia curled up to protect herher regions from the cold that was invading their little space.

    He didn''t answer, but the mound of Reth under the nket moved over her, his hand sliding up the back of her calf and something cold¡ªhis nose?¡ªrunning along the side of her leg, up her calf, up her thigh, his huge body shifting over her, but not stroking, not kissing or licking as he would if it were a seduction. He was¡­

    "Reth, are you SMELLING ME?"

    "Just for a minute, Love." He buried his face in her stomach and inhaled and she giggled and gasped at the same time. "You''re cold! Stop!"

    She still wore the fur jacket, though it was open at the front since she''d hoped he might want easy ess again after a while. But now, his chilled nose and cheeknded right between her breasts and the size of him fluffed the nkets up to allow the cold air in around her chest and she pped his shoulder. "Reth! You''re freezing! Get off me!"

    "It''s a boy!" he crowed, his head popping out of the nket, hair mussed and pulled all over his face¡ªhis beaming face as he leaned over her, one arm braced behind her.

    "I¡­ what?"

    "It''s a boy! That''s why you smell different!" he beamed. "I was trying to figure out why I didn''t recognize the scent from when you were pregnant before. But it''s different this time. Elia, we''re having a son!"

    She wanted to deny it, to tell him that he couldn''t possibly know that so early. But he''d been right about Elreth from the very first day.

    "We are?" she asked faintly.

    "Yes! Elreth is going to have a brother!"

    They stared at each other for a moment, and he looked so happy, so excited and so¡­ ready¡­

    Elia burst into tears.

    *****

    RETH

    He''d cooed and held her, mopped her up, and held her close until she stopped jerking with the sobs. He was confused. Did she not want a boy? Or was it nothing to do with that? Was it just fear over the pregnancy, or¡ª?

    "Thank you for putting up with me being so moody," she murmured, sliding her fingers between the front of his jacket to touch his chest. "I don''t know if it''s all pregnancy hormones, or because I haven''t slept for so long, or what. But I feel like I''m riding a roller coaster every day right now."

    Reth had to think back to remember what a roller coaster was¡ªa ride, he thought. A train of sorts, on tracks, but with false hills and sometimes even looping like the Avalines did when they flew for fun.

    It was the closest the humans could get to that sensation, he supposed.

    Ah. Up and down. Around and around. That''s what she meant. He pulled her closer, holding her head under his chin and stroking her back. "What brought the tears? Do you not want a boy?"

    "What?! No! Of course not. I just¡­ you looked so happy."

    Reth blinked. "And that¡­ made you sad?"

    "Oh gosh, that is how that sounded, isn''t it," Elia sighed. "No. I was¡­ I feel like you''re so much better than me. Always. I mean, I''ve been trying to get my head around this for three days and I still haven''t got there, do you know what I mean?"

    "I think so?"

    Elia groaned and pushed back away from him to meet his eyes. "You are so good at just¡­ epting what is and moving ahead with it. I want to fight it all the time. Resist it."

    "ept what you cannot change. It is an Anima way of life."

    "I know. I know. I just¡­ I don''t feel that way, you know? I always want to wonder if there''s a way to change it. Or look for a way out of it, or¡­ I don''t know. I just hadn''t got there yet, and you got there so fast. I was a little bit jealous. But it also made me feel like a bad mom."

    "What? How does this have any bearing on your being a mother?"

    "Because I should be so happy that it pushes away the fear," she said, eyes burning again. "Instead I''m crying on your chest instead of celebrating and¡­ this is gift, Reth. I know that. I know we can''t know if we''ll be able to have any other children. To have another so soon¡­ it''s a gift. I just wish I could feel excited about it. Him," she corrected herself. "I wish I could feel excited about him."

    "Give it time, Love. You''ll get there. Elreth''s birth was very frightening. I can''t say that I''mfortable with it either. I just¡­ I can feel the joy even alongside the fear."

    Elia nodded and stroked his chest again, which made his body perk up. Theyy for a long, thoughtful moment, then she sighed again. "I''m sorry," she whispered.

    "For what?"

    "For ruining this day you had nned. I''m sorry it''s been heavy and¡­ and scary instead of just fun."

    Reth shook his head and rolled her onto her back, kissing her softly. "You have done nothing except be you, and tell me exciting news. The rest is what we make it, Elia. Don''t punish yourself for facing life. I won''t."

    She put her hand to his cheek and smiled. "Thank you¡­. it''s gettingte. We should probably get back."

    He groaned and rolled off of her, onto his back. "Yes, probably. I did tell Aymora we''d take Elreth back from dinner at the market."

    "Before we go, can I ask you one thing?"

    "Yes, of course. What is it?"

    Elia pushed up on her elbow to lean over him, grinning wickedly. "Another twenty minutes wouldn''t make that much difference, would it?"

    Reth burst outughing, then growled and pounced, rolling her back and taking a lot more than twenty minutes to show her exactly how little difference it would make.

 Chapter 680 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 9

    <h4>Chapter 680 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 9</h4>

    ELIA

    An hourter they walked through the Tree City holding hands, Reth keeping her close, his eyes watchful of their surroundings. He was always protective, but even dressing back at the clearing, he''d been overly attentive, holding her arm when she had to lean down to put a leg in her leathers, and coaching her about the shift before they left.

    She smiled wearily. He was going to be insufferable for the next three or four months, she knew. But she also knew he needed to be protective, to feel as if he was doing something.

    He literally pushed himself between her and danger¡ªwhether actual danger existed, or not. And she admired him for it. If that meant putting up with an over-protective mate for a few months until this little one arrived, well¡­ she could do that.

    So as they approached the Market she smiled and stroked his arm. "I am madly in love with you, Reth. Exactly as you are."

    "Well, good," he said with a lopsided grin. "Because if you weren''t, my devotion to you could get awkward."

    She giggled and was about to tease him when the strains of music floating through the air registered in her head and she stopped for a moment, turning her ear otwards the market to listen.

    "Music?" she asked hopefully.

    Reth''s grin became another beaming smile. "Music," he confirmed.

    She looked up at him, hardly daring to hope. "Reth¡­ did you¡­"

    "It''s a feast night," he said. "There will be dancing and wine¡ªthat you can''t drink, but we''ll pretend¡ªand then I have a surprise for you at home."

    "Oh, Reth!" she pped her hands and hugged his arm. "What is the feast for?"

    "For you."

    "For me? What? How? Why?"

    Then, as they took the final turn towards the entrance to the market, Reth smiled down on her gently. "Merry Christmas, Elia."

    She very nearly cried again.

    *****

    RETH

    Elreth greeted them with a scream of joy and babbled her story which was tranted by Aymora. A day of sweets, naps, and a trip to the training grounds where Elreth had watched the warriors sparring¡ªsomething she had loved ever since Elia brought her to see Reth training with the guards once.

    She was exhausted and happy and overjoyed to see them. But Reth caught Aymora''s eye when she spoke about Elreth needing to get to bed, and she nodded.

    "We''ve had so much fun," she said as Elia cuddled their daughter, "Why don''t you let me take her back to the cave and settle her down? You two can rx here a while, then I''ll go home when you get back to the cave?"

    Elia frowned. "I can''t ask you to do that after such a long day."

    "Don''t be silly, daughter. It''s been a joy. And you two have barely gotten here. You need a chance to enjoy the feast¡ªand the music."

    Elia looked longingly into the center of the market where the tables had been pushed back and couples were already turning and twisting. Then she looked at Reth and he saw the guilt in her.

    "I insist," he said. "Who knows when we''ll be able to take the time to dance together again?"

    Elia''s frown became a quiet smile, and she looked down at Elreth. "Can you go with Mama Aymora to sleep at home? Mommy will be thereter, when you wake up?"

    Elreth squealed and immediately leaned out of Elia''s arms, her own thick little limbs stretched towards Aymora.

    "I guess that''s a yes," Elia muttered.

    Reth chuckled.

    "She''s only excited because I told her we would have dessert before bed," Aymora said, taking Elreth and nuzzling her chubby cheek. Elreth held Aymora''s face and giggled as her grandmother blew a raspberry on her neck.

    Then Aymora farewelled them both, urged them to take their time and carried Elreth out. She caught Reth''s eye again over her shoulder, winking before she disappeared into the crowds below.

    Elia turned to him then, eyes bright, though pinched with tiredness, and he reminded himself this wouldn''t be the evening of drinking and dancing into the night that he''d envisioned. But maybe that was better. Maybe a few dances, then returning to the cave with Elreth already asleep and spending an hour or two in front of the fire, or in the mineral pool¡­ yes. Reth smiled at the thought.

    Then he turned to his mate and offered his hand. "May I have this dance?"

    She pretended to be coy, but she was bouncing on her feet to follow him to the center of the market where he wrapped her in his arms and began to turn her around the floor.

    *****

    ELIA

    It was a feeling second only to sex, Elia had decided. Being in Reth''s arms, having his eyes on her, his chest brushing hers, their bodies moving in time¡ªbut in the rhythm of the music, instead of their joining. Every time he pressed at the hollow of her back to pull her close, raking a gaze down her face, every powerful turn¡­ it all conspired to make her heart beat faster, to fuel the heat in her belly, and to remind her just how bloody beautiful her mate was with his broad shoulders and massive chest.

    She had no idea how long they danced¡ªit seemed to pass in a blink, but it had to have been at least an hour. But by the end, they swayed, her hand curled in his and held against his chest, his hips pulled tight against her stomach. And their eyes locked.

    He hadn''t tied his hair back and it fell in his eyes as he stared down at her, reminding her of that first night she''d seen him as an adult, how intimidating and powerful he''d seemed¡ªand how true it all was¡­ and yet there was so much more to him.

    "Are you ready to go home?" he asked her quietly, his voice rough.

    She smiled. Home after dancing usually meant only one thing. "I think so," she said coyly. "If you are."

    He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and she giggled like a schoolgirl. Then he danced her off the floor and down the main aisle through the market, both of them greeting others absentmindedly, waving and not slowing their walk as they passed through the crowds.

    Then they stepped out of the market and onto the trails. Reth settled in to walk, but Elia pulled out of his grip and took a few steps away, staring at him, her face serious.

    He looked around. "What is it?" he asked, confused.

    She swallowed, the forced a smile. "Catch me if you can," she whispered, then she shifted and with a sh of her tail, was off down the trail towards the Royal cave.

    With augh, Reth sprinted after her, leaping into his beast and chasing her all the way home. Never quite passing her, because what was the fun in that?

 Chapter 681 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 10

    <h4>Chapter 681 - Christmas Special 2021 - Part 10</h4>

    THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO DESPINANY. Sweetheart, you have been literally my biggest supporter this year. I am humbled by you and your generosity. Thank you for blessing me. I wish I could bring a surprise to your house this year. But know that my heart is with you this Christmas!

    *****

    ELIA

    He stayed right on the tail of her beast until they were almost at the door of the cave, then suddenly he pounced, growling good-naturedly, and rolling,ing up to his feet back in human form, arms outstretched to block her entry into the cave.

    Elia shifted back immediately, wondering what was going on. "What''s¡ª"

    "I have a surprise for you," he said quietly, pulling her into his arms. "I just need a second. Can you stand here just for a minute, while I get rid of Aymora and check something?"

    Elia smiled. "I suppose. You sneaky male you."

    He winked and kissed her quickly, then disappeared into the cave. Elia couldn''t resist listening keenly to see if she could get a hint about his surprise. But all he heard was Reth greeting Aymora and ushering her out.

    Aymora appeared in the doorway, beaming, but barely slowed as she hugged Elia.

    "Thank you, Aymora¡ª"

    "Don''t be silly!" she said, pulling out of Elia''s arms and walking out of the cave, grinning over her shoulder. "Have a wonderful night. Let me know if you need any more help. I''ll take that girl off your hands any time."

    "Thank you! I¡­" But Aymora was already in her beast, running for the trees.

    What was going on? Could she go in now that Aymora had left? She was tempted, but suspected that Reth wanted some time. And she did love surprises¡ªhappy ones¡ªso she decided to be good and wait impatiently for the couple of minutes that it took Reth to open the door into the cave ande to take her hand.

    "Close your eyes," he said, smiling like a boy.

    She did as he asked, promising herself she wouldn''t peek until he told her that she could. He led her in the door¡ªshe noticed he put the bar across before they moved deeper into the Great Room.

    "Don''t open them yet!" Reth warned as he pulled her not, towards the dining room or the tunnel to the bedchambers, but between couches and chairs until they stood somewhere near the firece, she thought.

    The fire must have been lit. She could hear it pop and crackle, and it was very warm in the room, especially with her furs on. But the only thing she had on underneath was the lingerie and she wasn''t sure¡ªuntil Reth took her shoulders, turned her to face the side of the cave, then started on her buttons.

    Elia''s stomach fizzed and she smiled. Keeping her eyes closed, she reached to find his jacket and begin unbuttoning it.

    "Oh?" he said, his voice deep and pleased.

    "You did say you had a surprise," she said.

    "I think at this point, that''s hardly a surprise anymore," he chuckled, pushing her jacket off her shoulders so she was forced to let his go to let it slide off her arms. But she found him again quickly and didn''t miss that his breath wasing faster.

    But he wasn''t finished, unbuttoning her leathers and sliding those off too, making her hold onto his back while he stroked down her legs to get them off her feet.

    She was slightly chilly now with nothing on but the thin cotton. But Reth hummed in his throat and stroked up the back of her thighs as he straightened.

    "Just one more second," he said, his voice husky. She heard the clink of his belt and the knew he was undressing too, which was wonderful. Her stomach bubbled with desire, even as her curiosity was piqued. What had he nned?

    Then the clink and thud of his leathers hitting the nearby couch was immediately followed by warm hands sliding up the sides of her thighs, to her waist, gripping the thin fabric.

    Reaching for him, she found naked skin and shivered as he dropped his chin to her ear.

    "I love you Elia, more every day, I swear. None of this has happened today the way I nned, but I love it anyway. Time with you, time loving you¡­. I just want you to know that I think of you. Even when I''m busy. Even when I''m tired. I think of you. And I hope¡­ I hope this will make you smile."

    Her heart melted. She wanted to open her eyes, to look into his. But then he kissed her neck and she shivered. "I love you too, Reth," she whispered. "Can I look at you now? Please?"

    His lips brushing her neck again, then he straightened. "Yes," he breathed.

    Elia had to blink a couple of times to clear her sight. Her first view was just his naked chest¡ªa lovely view, but hardly a surprise. She smiled up at him and took a moment just to appreciate the sheer beauty of him¡ªthe wide, strong jaw always darkened with stubble, his piercing eyes that never seemed to leave her face for more than a few seconds. His strong nose and high cheekbones¡­ those lines that she followed with her tongue sometimes, from his jaw to the hollow between his corbones that framed the wide, t ins of his chest... He was purely beautiful. Handsome. Stunning, really. She still couldn''t quite believe that he loved her, found her just as fascinating and sexy as she found him.

    But he did. He''d proven it. His love was all the gift she needed, she realized. Because the rest was really just icing on the cake.

    She opened her mouth to tell him that, but just as she did, he whispered, "Merry Christmas, Elia," the stepped back to reveal that the glowing light behind him wasn''t only from the fire.

    Elia''s mouth dropped open as a beautiful Christmas tree was revealed. The deep, silver-green tree was ced in a heavy barrel a few feet to the right of the firece and covered in beautiful, warm glowing lights that twinkled and danced.

    "Reth!" Elia gasped. "How did you know?"

    Christmas was really the only thing she''d missed from her former life. She''d talked to him about perhaps making a small reflection of the holiday for Elreth when she was old enough to understand what was going on. Maybe a family gift exchange. Maybe a tree.

    He''d been so confused by the idea of cutting a tree down to bring inside, only for it to die, she''d given up on the idea. Recognizing that it hardly matched the Anima culture and lifestyle. But he''d done it. Her big, beautiful mate had gone and done it anyway.

    And the lights¡­ She''d described for him how she''d always loved Christmas because everywhere she went there were tiny, twinkling lights and even though she didn''t know why, they always made her feel¡­ joy.

    "Reth! Thank you!" she sobbed, finally tearing her eyes away from the tree and back to him.

    "Wait, you haven''t seen the best part yet," he said, grinning and pulling her forward towards it. "I got help from everyone, and they''ve all left little messages, look."

    He leaned down to a small wooden box that had been tied to the end of one of the branches, pulling it from the twine used to secure it and handing it to her.

    With trembling fingers, Elia opened it to find a piece of paper inside. When she unfolded it a looping hand had written a message.

    "Merry Christmas, Elia.

    I am so d the Creator brought

    us together. I pray theing year

    is fruitful and full of love. ¨C Jayah."

    Elia covered her mouth and swallowed back tears.

    "There''s lots of them. From all of us," Reth said, pointing out the boxes scattered all over the tree. "And several from me," he said, with a smug grin. "So anytime you''re feeling sad or tired or¡­ or anything. You can juste open a box and find out how someone loves you," he finished quietly.

    Elia shook her head, dumfounded. "But¡­ I didn''t get you anything!"

    Reth boomed augh and pulled her into his chest. "Christmas is about giving, right?" he whispered, his eyes twinkling. Elia nodded. "So let me give to you, Love," he said, stroking her chin with his thumb. "Merry Christmas, Elia."

    "Oh, Reth¡­ Merry Christmas. This is going to be the best one yet!"

    They embraced and she sagged into his chest, overwhelmed with happiness and joy and humbled by his love. When he dropped his chin to rest it on her shoulder, she turned her head and took his mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in close.

    "I love you, Reth. I love you. So much. Thank you. Thank you!"

    "Thank you for loving me," he said gruffly, then kissed her again.

    They held each other for a moment and Elia couldn''t stop fighting tears. Stupid pregnancy.

    But eventually they did pull apart and Reth gazed down at her,bing the hair back from her temples.

    "I wish there was something I could give you," she said, her hands on his chest, leaning into him. "I wish there was a way to show you how much this means to me."

    He raised an eyebrow and gave that lopsided smile that she loved. "Well, if it''s gratitude you want to show¡­" he purred, walking right up until they were pressed together.

    Elia smiled. "Yes. Of course."

    He had his hands at her waist and walked her slowly backwards. "There is one thing you could let me give you that''s all for me," he said and waggled his eyebrows again.

    Eliaughed, but then she came up against the wall of the cave with a little gasp.

    Reth kept smiling, kept watching her, waiting for her signal.

    She put her fingers in his hair, then curled a handful it around her wrist and pulled him down. "Yes please," she whispered. "Over and over and over again. Never stop giving yourself to me, Reth. Please. Ever."

    Huffing the mating call, he leaned down, pinning her to the wall, and taking her mouth, stealing her breath with the heat of his kiss.

    Her skin pebbled as he kissed his way down her neck.

    She shivered when he nipped her ear.

    And when, a few minutester, he lifted her so she could wrap her legs around his waist, took her weight in his hands, and pressed into her, Elia cried his name.

    Over, and over, and over again.

    *****

    MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you enjoyed my little surprise. Thank you for being such an important and encouraging part of my life this year.. I pray your week is full of love. God bless you today and every day!

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!