Ruak nodded. “When you did it the last time, he took the power from you. Now that there’s need of the Sehvar once again, the choice is yours to accept the responsibility or deny it.”
“What does that mean?” Skehl asked.
Ruak regarded him with affection. “It means, my friend, that you can protect your clan and tribe by going where you’re needed, or you can choose to live an uncomplicated life. Our people do as their hearts tell them. We have some Sehvar who live in their villages and heal the sick and injured. And we have others who patrol the lands to wipe out threats—warriors defending the land. They go as they are called, or not.” He turned to the elders with a frown. “But that is their choice to make.Theyhave been called.Youhave not.”
Elder Ihlar didn’t like the male’s attitude. She couldn’t blame him, but she liked the guy.
The elders turned to confer, the silence in the crowd heavy.
Talzec waited with them, unafraid. Next to her, Arghet and Skehl stood, tense. She felt Skehl’s nerves but knew Arghet would make sure they were all okay.
I’llmake sure we’re okay,said to taunt him.I’ll protect you, lover.
He scowled.You’re due for a good reaming later.I think you’ve forgotten your place—beneath me, female.The pain from his intrusion into her backside had felt surprisingly good, and he knew it. He winked at Skehl.Or with that smart mouth full of cock.
Skehl blinked, and his eyes crinkled with pleasure. Arghet smirked, then emptied his expression as they waited for word from the elders.
Once they’d finished conferring, Elder Ihlar spoke. “We have been remiss not to better study our history. Our desire was never to part mates, as we do know that’s a blessing from the Maker.” The elders and shamans paused, giving thanks. “But we worry for our tribe. We are thankful to the Vyctore for protecting our lands. And for our Sehvar, who protect so much more.”
The elders, as one, bowed to Raia and her mates. She liked it, but she could tell her mates found it disturbing. Ruak shot her a sly grin before he bowed his head. But when theentire tribedid it, she too found it a little weird.
Then the elders straightened, and the tribe followed.
“We will abide your decision,” Elder Ohgren said.
“We will,” agreed elders Xehlett and Ihlar.
Behind them, each shaman nodded.
A great cheer went up from the crowd.
And around them, flowers bloomed. Overhead, birds flew in patterned formations. The cats decided to join their new barbarian pack and sat at their feet, watching the elders with amusement.
Ruak blinked, and she realized they’d managed to startle the male. “Caerrn cats?”
“Apparently they’re keeping us,” Arghet muttered. The large one who’d claimed him butted him from behind, nearly knocking him over. “Hey, stop that.”
The cat relented when Arghet petted him, scratching behind his ears.
“Blessed in truth.” Ruak bowed to the cat, his respect evident, and puzzling.
Elder Ihlar proclaimed the last day of the games a celebration of barbarian spirit. And no one was surprised when he proclaimed the Vyctore the year’s victors.
Before everyone scattered, Skye, Talzec, and Raia and her mates cornered Ruak.
“What?” he asked, seemingly not in awe of anything that had happened.
Raia chuckled. “I like this one.” At Skehl’s unfriendly look at Ruak, she added, “But not that much.”
Talzec asked what she’d been about to. “What did you mean before about protecting those not of my tribe?”
Ruak pointed to Raia and Skehl. “They are not Cloud.”
“We’re not?” Skehl frowned.
When Ruak said nothing, Arghet growled, “Well? What are they?”
Ruak sighed. “You people know so little about your history.”
