Arghet knew Talzec was right. The Cloud Games proved status, and the tougher the Vyctore were here, the less likely others would attempt clan wars at home. Keeping the peace and making new friendships and alliances helped everyone. Tracking down one wily female would only help him.
He relaxed until Skehl lifted Talzec’s hand from his shoulder.Shit.Arghet had done this, stirred Skehl’s mating instinct because he’d been too undisciplined to stop himself from fucking the innocent male.
“Skehl, it’s okay. Our alpha is just talking to me.”
Skehl crossed his arms over his broad chest and stared at Talzec, straight in the eye.
Talzec stared back, and his eyes began to glow. Not a good thing. “Do you challenge me, Skehl?”
Skehl didn’t look away. “He’s mine.”
Talzec nodded. “Yes. I know.”
“I am his.”
“Yes, but you are both mine. Andmy willtakes precedence.”
Skehl studied him for a moment. He glanced back at Skye, who’d also joined them. She raised a brow but said nothing. The others around them drew closer, watching with interest. Then Skehl looked to Arghet for answers.
Arghet sighed. “We obey, Skehl. He’s our alpha. He looks after us.”As I’ll look after you.
Oh. I understand now. He acknowledges our bond. This belonging to Talzec is good.
Arghet stared at Skehl.Did you just talk to me? In my head?
No answer. He tried again, but Skehl didn’t respond, so he assumed he’d imagined it.
Skehl nodded and bowed to Talzec, leaving himself vulnerable to attack and showing his submission.
Talzec grasped the back of his neck, then let him go. “Now if you two lovers are done posturing, let’s talk about tomorrow.”
The others gave Arghet knowing looks and sly grins. But Skehl seemed immune to the teasing. Instead he stayed close to either Arghet or Skye, protecting her. And putting a visible claim on Arghet.
Arghet wanted to smack himself for his stupidity. In a weak moment of compassion and lust, he’d made a big mistake with the male. One he’d need to rectify after the games.
And after he’d tracked down that blasted female.
***
Raia watched from the sidelines the next day, having fended off several admiring warriors wanting a tussle or two during their downtime. She couldn’t believe how often the barbarians had sex on their minds. Though to be fair, after watching her future mates last night, she’d thought of little else but how well they’d please her in bed.
In the center of the commons, the tribe had established an arena of sorts, where the first of the strength tests would be held. Other portions of the commons had been set up to accommodate other matches, which would be ongoing all day long. But to get everyone’s blood pumping, the beginning contest was a much anticipated one, the betting intense.
The strength competition pitted warrior against warrior, without weapons, in a fight to defeat the other. The first match to take place was between the Vyctore clan, the Cloud’s current champion, and the Kwatahk clan, who were known for having immensely powerful contenders.
Skehl was up against the Kwatahk alpha, she noted with pride.
She’d waited for him for so long, and he didn’t disappoint. Huge, muscular, and riddled with scars, he was a mate to make any female proud. He was also a popular topic of conversation, since several of those present had fought with him while he’d been a member of the Nasuhl. Many disliked him because of his past ties to that treacherous clan, but no one could argue his war skills and ability to win in battle.
They admired his power, and everyone had been waiting to see him battle hand-to-hand.
Pleased to know she had a mate who commanded respect, she eagerly anticipated the match. The men near her shifted, so she had to move to keep Skehl in her sights. She didn’t mean to but found her gaze straying to Arghet. Across the arena from her with his clan, he stood straight and tall, his mien serious and a bit arrogant.
“Do not maim or kill your opponent, Skehl,” he said, loudly enough to be heard by the Kwatahk. “A simple victory will do.”
They didn’t seem to like that, or the laughter from the surrounding clans. The Kwatahk responded by insulting Arghet, Skehl, and the Vyctore, who traded back barbs. Arghet ignored them, his posture that of a man unwilling to speak to those his inferior. She grinned at his conceit; he wore it well.
Boasting, insolence, and bragging were all expected at the games. So long as the warriors contained their fighting to the arenas, the tribal rulers encouraged the competitive spirit.
