Thanred turned to look at Bereg again.
Bereg fell to his knees. He shook his head as his eyes finally rose to meet Thanred’s gaze. “I beg you to make it swift,” he said through clenched teeth.
Thanred could feel the others’ eyes on him. The silence became heavy around them. He stepped forward.
Bereg closed his eyes.
Thanred lifted a hand and laid it on Bereg’s shoulder. “Rise, brother,” he said quietly.
Bereg’s eyes opened wide. His mouth fell open. He bit his lip to keep it from trembling.
As he stood up, Thanred wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close.
Sighs and whispers sounded around them.
“I am in your debt,” Bereg whispered. “My life is yours.”
Warmth flooded through Thanred, and relief. “It’s good to be home, brother,” he whispered back. “It’s good to be home.”
Chapter Fourteen
Royla walked down the slope and toward the river where Thanred was waiting. Alaya and another Dranark who she’d befriended in these last few months were on either side of her, holding her hands and steadying her as she descended. A warmth grew inside her at having them there.
The rest of the clan dotted the escarpment, sitting and watching the procession and Thanred waiting on the river’s edge below.
As they walked, Ayala touched Royla’s arm. “Thanred told me what you said, Royla,” she said. “That things need to change. That we can no longer take offerings from your people. That we must make peace with them.”
Royla became a little anxious at hearing Alaya say so. “I didn’t mean for that to be shared,” she said, her cheeks flushing.
“Thanred was right to share it. It is the truth. The tribe has become smaller than ever over the last few summers. Each birth is a blessing, but they have become fewer each season and farther in between.” She looked at Royla’s belly and set a hand on it. “Thisis a blessing,” she whispered, then looked up to smile at Royla.
Though she’d mostly become accustomed to spendingher days unclothed, there were still times when the lack of them sent shame coursing through her, heating her cheeks. This was such a time.
Walking down that hill, all those eyes on her and the two Dranark females, all their soft bits exposed for everyone to see. The feeling passed quickly. A part of her almost enjoyed the rush of lewd excitement that came each time she gave serious thought to the matter.
They were nearly at the river’s edge.
Thanred stood tall and proud, his chest puffed out with pride at what was about to happen.
A soft warmth stirred inside Royla. She stopped, turned to face Alaya, and put her arms around her shoulders, bringing her close. “Thank you. Thank you for the way you’ve welcomed me here,” she said, her voice tight with tears.
Alaya returned the embrace. They stood together for some time, Royla squeezing her eyes shut tight, trying to fight back the tears of joy that threatened to overwhelm her.
“You’re welcome, sister. That is one custom that will never change. You are one of us now. As much Dranark as you are human. Your child will be a blessing to this tribe. I know it. When it comes, we will trek through the forest to see your people and ask for peace.” Alaya released her, tilted her head, and smiled. “For the time being, there are other matters to attend.” She nodded toward Thanred.
He was looking more impatient with each passing moment. His cock stood already fully erect.
Royla could feel the heat of his gaze on her body. “Yes,” she whispered. Taking Alaya’s hand again, she turned and walked the last two dozen paces to the river bank.
“This is all being done in the wrong order,” Alaya said sternly once they’d arrived in front of Thanred. “I hope you know that.”
Thanred opened his mouth to reply, but only managed a shrug.
One side of Alaya’s mouth curled into a half-smile. “We’ll forgive you if your claiming keeps with tradition, Thanred,” she teased, glancing at his rigid member.
“I can assure you it will,” he replied with a growl. His eyes raked over Royla’s body.
Her cheeks flushed, and a hot ache began between her legs.
