It was all Skehl could do to contain a growl.
“I have not seen you in over a year, when we both raided in the shadowed fields. Have you taken a mate yet?” Ackhlen asked.
Me,Skehl wanted to shout.
“That is not your concern.” Arghet didn’t look at Ackhlen as he spoke, giving the male no hint of interest.
Unfortunately, Ackhlen didn’t seem to care. “Why not? Do you still refuse my offer of a pairing? I would be happy to relieve you any time you like.”
Skehl did growl then, but he was ignored by both males as they continued through the festivities toward the Vyctore by the lagoon. All around them, barbarians danced, laughed, and feasted, celebrating the gathering. The noise annoyed Skehl, but the others didn’t seem fazed by it.
When still Arghet said nothing, Skehl answered in a low voice, “He has a mate,” not sure why Arghet didn’t just tell the annoying male he was taken.
Ackhlen glanced at him and didn’t look impressed. “I know he scent-marked you, but it’s obvious he did it to protect you. We all know you came from the Nasuhl, and many here would as much skewer you as look at you.” Clearly Ackhlen was one of those many. “Arghet is a fine warrior. He can do bet—”
“He can do what the five hells he wants to.” Arghet put himself between Skehl and the annoying Chamra warrior. “Skehl has no need to hide from anyone. He’s an honorable warrior.”
Ackhlen leaned closer, sniffing in Skehl’s direction. His scowl darkened. “Arghet, you have bonded? Withthat?” He shot Skehl a contemptuous look. “You, who swore you would never have sex with a male, bonded with one of the Nasuhl?” Ackhlen seemed more than upset. “You have made a grave mistake. I do not offer myself lightly.”
Arghet sighed. “Ackhlen, enough. This discussion is over. I told you once, and I’ll tell you again. I do not want you. Though I’m pleased your alpha has finally lifted the ban on same gender pairings, it makes no difference to me.”
Because you are mine,Skehl sent telepathically, annoyed enough not to care if Arghet didn’t want him in his head.
Arghet flushed and tried to push past Ackhlen, but Ackhlen grabbed him by the arm to stop him, then gave Skehl a subtle side-glance.
Skehl would have ripped the male’s head off had Arghet not pushed him back. “Skehl, please go to our camp. I’ll join you shortly.”
I do not like this.
I know. But he’s baiting you on purpose. Something is wrong here. Let me handle it. You let our clan know to be ready for anything and help protect our most vulnerable—Skye.I fear this is not about me, but about the Vyctore in some way. The Chamra have always been our rivals, but they are more direct about their dislike at these games. Prepare for a real battle.
Pleased his mate thought him a warrior able to protect the clan, Skehl reluctantly left. When he found the others, he relayed the situation to Talzec, who nodded.
“Ackhlen has been fixated on Arghet for years. But Arghet is right. I have felt the rumblings of trouble from the Chamra. Fehlen has been making demands and accusations, according to some.” He gave Skehl a frown. “You stay here, close by.”
Skehl nodded and stepped closer to Skye, who groaned.
“Not to protect me, Skehl. To protect the whole group.”
“Yes, Skye.” Yet he refused to budge.
The others thought it amusing.
But one particular female did not.She is not your mate.Iam.Raia. His heart thundered. Make sure to stand some distance from her, Skehl. You belong to me.
Where are you?He imagined her close by, her golden eyes glowing, a purple sheen behind them. Her facial marker would be lit in irritation, because like Arghet, he did not like to listen to female reason.
Where am I? I’m close enough. I do not like the way the Chamra warrior eyes our mate.
Neither do I.It was nice to have someone on his side.
I will watch out for him. And you. Males.He thought he heard her sigh.
He sighed as well, wanting to talk to her, to watch her laugh, smile, sleep. To know what she liked and didn’t like. How could he provide for his mate if he didn’t know what would please her?
You please me, Skehl.He felt her smile deep within.You will know more of me soon enough. But next time, you will obey.
Next time. He smiled, ignoring the surprised looks from his clanmates.
