Talzec, Skye, and the others gathered close, staring at Raia with interest. Skehl looked on her with both affection and exasperation. She’d thrown her knives with skill, no indecision, only dead-shot accuracy. She’d helped his clan. More, she’d defended her mates…while putting herself in danger to do so. That was unacceptable.
You should not takes risks with your safety,he said as gently as possible.
She squirmed in his arms, but he tightened them, not willing to let her go.
I could kill you with two flicks of my finger, you know.She sighed and relaxed.I have so much training to do with you.
Arghet joined them in time to hear her continue her diatribe.
However, it ismylife, bond-mate. And I’ve lived plenty in the years before I found you. I take responsibility for my own actions. I don’t need a male to save me.She glared at Arghet.And you’re welcome for saving you too.
Arghet sighed. “Talzec, this is Raia. Our mate, apparently.”
Talzec’s brows rose. “Our,hmm? So you’ve bonded both Skehl and Raia?”
Skehl saw Arghet grimace and knew his mate hadn’t gotten the permission males were supposed to get before officially claiming a female. But Talzec didn’t seem upset as much as amused.
“It was a sudden thing.” Arghet scowled at Raia tucked against Skehl’s heart, but Skehl could tell he wasn’t upset. Just baffled at how to deal with such a stubborn creature. “And she still owes me a kill.”
“Ah yes, the woman who took care of Mandy’s stalkers.” Skye beamed. “Hot damn. Another female warrior. Yes.” She pumped her fist in the air. “If we keep this up, we’ll have a whole platoon of women warriors shaking up the clan.”
“What’s a platoon?” Tattan asked. “Is it some kind of harem?” His eyes grew wide. “Or maybe some female pairing? I’ve heard some of the distant tribes have females that only have sex with other females. And they let their males watch.” He looked excited about the prospect.
“I doubt it.” Efhel shrugged. “Some boring Earther custom, probably. Skye knows many strange things we do not.”
“But we might need to know, especially if is has to do with Earther sex.” Tattan said, ignoring Skye fuming next to him.
“Oh my God. It’s not sexual, Tattan.” Skye glared up at the male. “It’s a military term. Women do fight, you know.”
Talzec bit back a grin and focused on Arghet. “Raia seems used to fighting, and she appears native to Ussed.” He studied her facial marker, which shone under the dye she’d used, then looked at Skehl, who could feel the heat building under his marker. “She and Skehl are clearly connected. Skehl has not told us from what tribe he was born before being taken by the Nasuhl. Female, do you know where you’re from?”
She shook her head. “Like Skehl, I too was stolen from my clan. I only know the marker on our faces signifies we are bound. My handlers thought it made me a natural born killer, as barbarians are known to be great in battle, and I’ve always been better than most with my knives. I feel things others do not.”
Skehl nodded. “This seems correct, though I cannot say why I am sure.”
“Killers?” Talzec rubbed his chin. “I don’t thinks so.”
“They’re both better than many in our clan,” Arghet said. “No one can beat Skehl.”
“I haven’t fought him yet, only sparred.” Talzec studied the three of them, and Skehl wondered what the alpha really thought. “But when we do, I look forward to the match. Now, Arghet, I give you leave to celebrate our victory by claiming your mates.”
Before Skehl could stop her, Raia escaped his hold, as slippery as a nalian snake. “Thank you, but I do not need your permission to claimmymates. Skehl, Arghet, come.” She walked away, expecting them to follow her.
“Hot damn. I like her.” Skye laughed. “Now that is how you rule the roost.”
“Roost?” Tattan asked. “More Earther pairing customs?”
Efhel sighed. “You really need a female.”
As do I,Skehl thought. He and Arghet exchanged a glance, then moved as one to follow their stubborn mate. She moved through the crowd, which parted for her as if by magic, as word of her skill had quickly gotten around.
This is going to be an interesting claiming,Arghet sent him.
Yes. I believe our female thinks she’s in charge.
Arghet grinned.That’s a mistake.
Skehl wondered. He didn’t feel the need to command Arghet or Raia, except when it came to their safety. Sexually, he still had much to learn. And he liked everything Arghet had taught him. Raia had shown him a softer side, but one no less intense. He ached thinking about how much pleasure they had to share.
