Ch. 141..150

Chapter 141

Kyelle didn't make a sound as she turned away to gather up her clothes and dress, but he could smell the tears on her cheeks and his heart stabbed over and over again.

He'd never led her on. He'd never given her any reason to believe he returned her regard! And he couldn't, now of all times, entertain this. She had to know that! Growling in frustration that nothing in this damned world was turning out the way he wanted, he waited until she'd dressed, then turned to face her.

"I never want to hurt you, Kyelle. You are dear to me. Just… not in that way."

She nodded. "I knew," she said, wiping her eyes. "But I had to… you have to understand, Zev, if there was any chance, I had to know. I couldn't… I couldn't move on until I was certain."

Zev steeled himself. He couldn't let this happen again. If Sasha had seen that… he shuddered to think. "Are you certain, now?" he asked quietly, mercilessly. "Do you need any other signals from me, Kyelle? Because I will give them."

She shook her head and didn't meet his eye. "I'm sorry."

Zev sighed. "You don't have to apologize for—"

"I'm sorry that things could not have been different for us, Zev. I do not apologize for caring about you. There is no shame in finding regard for someone."

Zev blinked. Well, that was certainly true. But he was wary. How to move forward with her without reopening the conversation?

But Kyelle, in the wisdom she usually showed, seemed to brush off the weight that had pressed her shoulders down. She flicked her hair back over her shoulder and walked briskly across the floor to the kitchen. "Do you need a drink? Or some breakfast?"

"If you have time," he said carefully. "I doubt I'll have time to go to the trough today."

She nodded. As she talked, she brought out plates and selected fruit and nuts to offer him. Keeping the kitchen island between them, she pushed a plate to the edge closest to him and nodded at him to take it while she poured milk for them both.

"Have you heard from Gheet?" she said, as if nothing had happened. Zev struggled to switch gears so quickly, but knew it was likely the best thing for both of them.

"Not yet. I'm going to see Dunken when I leave here."

Kyelle nodded. "If he's on the fence, emphasize our planning for the ritual tomorrow. He will be forced decide quickly—which he doesn't like to do. He'll be more likely to leave it if he feels pressed. But then… it could also force his hand. There are risks on both sides, I suppose."

"I'm hopeful Dunken will convince him that Sasha is my heart's song."

Kyelle's hand slipped as she poured the milk and she placed it back on the counter a little more forcefully than necessary.

"You…" she swallowed, looking at the glass she'd just poured. "You called for her?"

"Yes." Fuck he hated this. Zev folded his arms and watched her. "She's my mate, Kyelle. No doubt of it in my mind, or hers. And my… my body responds."

Kyelle's throat bobbed. "I thought you said you couldn't—"

"I didn't think I could. But the feelings I had the longer I was away from her… I started asking questions when I went back to the human world. And I think… I don't know for certain, but I think they knew I could. That I can. That I am. I think they were trying to avoid me taking her for that reason. They didn't tell me. They've changed how the bond works for me, I think," he said darkly. "But there's certainty in my gut. My instincts know. It's her."

Kyelle took a deep breath, gripped the jug of milk and continued pouring the rest of the glass. "Then it's good that we get all barriers out of the way as soon as possible. I will… She's a good female, Zev. You don't have to worry. You were right to ask me to do it, I'll help her prepare."

Zev's jaw rolled. Under normal circumstances Kyelle would have been his first choice—a stronger, more trustworthy female he had never met. But now…

"I can't divide my attentions, Kyelle. I can't risk it. If you can't do this without… without trying to… trip her up—"

Kyelle hissed and her head snapped up, her eyes flashing. "You think I would discard my integrity because I do not like what's happening? You offend me, Zev. You know me better than that."

He raised his hands, palms towards her. "Sorry. I'm sorry. But I have to ask. This isn't a normal situation. None of us are walking through it predictably."

Kyelle snorted. "I'd say you're being very predictable," she muttered, but before Zev could ask her what she meant, she moved on. She placed the glass of milk in front of him, then began picking at her fruit.

"Is she aware of what's involved, or do I need to start from the beginning with her?" she asked a moment later.

"I've described the basic structure," Zev said carefully. "But we haven't had time to get into the details. Preparing her for call and response and… the correct way to behave. She knows once we're joined we can't let go of each other. And I doubt she'd slip on that. But it's worth a reminder."

"I've seen her with the males—I know she did not wish to, but she invited Lhars more than once. She seems a little… dense about—"

"Our customs are completely different to hers!" Zev snapped. "She was horrified when she made mistakes, but they were mistakes. She doesn't play games."

Kyelle nodded again. "Okay, then. Tell her to come to me after the midday meal. I'll have her fitted for a dress and we'll cover the traditions. She comes with nothing to offer which isn't going to work in your favor. But your strength is enough for both of you, I think. The Clans are desperate for a new Alpha. If you've convinced the alphas that you weren't taking the mates of other males, and didn't ruin all their females… I believe they will follow you."

Zev sighed. He'd convinced the pack leaders… would they be able to convince everyone else? There was only one way to find out.

"I'm going to attend the trough tonight and answer any more questions the pack leaders haven't cleared up for them. But regardless, we're walking the ritual tomorrow, Kyelle. I'm not waiting. This is happening."

She nodded, but didn't meet his eyes.

 

 

Chapter 142

The day passed almost in a blur—sometimes time passing so slowly, Sasha wanted to growl like she'd heard Zev do it. Other times events seemed to whip past her before she could absorb them and understand.

Yhet had taken her back to her house and waited patiently while she cleaned and washed her hair, then dressed in fresh clothing. She was going to have to do some laundry pretty soon, and she made a mental note to ask Zev about where and how they did that. He would need it too, she was sure.

She got distracted by lunch at the trough, though most of the males ignored her, or kept their eyes down near her, which was a relief. She still wasn't sure about how to act around them, and her cheeks kept heating anytime she saw one that had displayed for her.

But Zev found them after lunch, and after a quick embrace, and some breathless concern for her, he instructed Yhet to take her to Kyelle for a dress fitting.

A dress? Sasha's ears had perked.

"I wear a dress?"

"For the ritual, yes. It's supposed to… I mean, it's tradition." Then Zev snapped his mouth shut like he'd been about to say something wrong.

Sasha frowned, but Yhet came through for her. "The ritual is all about building a pack, a family, Sasha. The female wears a dress to allow for easy breeding afterwards."

Sasha's mouth fell open with a splutter of laughter as Zev slapped Yhet's arm, but he wasn't laughing.

Not like Sasha was. "You're… you're joking right?"

"It's just a tradition," Zev growled, not quite meeting her eyes. "You don't have to think of it like that."

Then he'd hugged Sasha, given Yhet instructions to make sure she was at her home anytime she wasn't eating or meeting with Kyelle, then promised to find them before dinner, before leaping into his beast and running off into the forest.

Sasha was still gaping when he disappeared, his dark coat blending into the forest impossibly quickly. She turned to Yhet who stood over her, waiting patiently.

When he caught her stunned gaze, his eyes widened. "What?"

"Nothing," she grumbled, clearing her throat and turning on her heel towards Kyelle's place. "Just… you people are weird."

Yhet shrugged. "It takes one to know one. I have been to your world, Sasha. Humans are very strange and excitable."

She couldn't argue with that, so she just shrugged in return as they walked.

She was nervous about going to Kyelle, knowing the woman's feelings for Zev. But she was excited, too, because this was all going to change everything. She could feel it in Zev's anticipation, and in the slight nostalgia that Yhet got on his face whenever he spoke about the ritual.

It was clear that whatever they were going to do, it was meaningful for Chimera, and if it ended her being close to Zev, and no more of this ridiculous fighting, she was all for it.

As they walked towards the owl Alpha's treehouse, Sasha told herself that it was the day before her wedding, and her stomach trilled, flipping over when she thought about the dress, and why the Chimera thought she should wear it, and what that meant for her and Zev and—

"Uh, Sasha, perhaps we should go for a short walk before we meet Kyelle," Yhet said uncertainly, rubbing his nose.

"Why?" she asked distractedly, her mind still half-on pictures of Zev the night before, the firelight flicking and warming his skin.

"Because, you smell like the mating and Kyelle—"

Oh dear Lord, she'd forgotten they could smell—

"No worries!" she said, her voice high and thin. "I'll stop thinking about, I mean… don't worry about it. I'm… tell me about the challenge of the alphas or whatever. Distract me. It won't be a problem in a minute," she said, clearing her throat.

Yhet looked at her kindly. "It's good that you desire your mate," he said quietly, a soft smile as he turned to look ahead, towards Kyelle's house. "There is not greater blessing between mates than the love bond. Whether offspring come of it or not."

His voice was so sure, and so sad at the same time, Sasha reached a hand up to grip his arm.

"I'm sorry you've lost your mate, Yhet," she said quietly. "I only lost mine for a few years and it was horrible. I can't imagine knowing there's no more… that' they're gone."

Yhet nodded, the smile gone from his face and his jaw tightening. "It remains the greatest wound of my heart," he said quietly, rolling his great head on his shoulders. "But I am glad to be a part of bringing you and Zev back together. He has ached for you without the comfort of the bond. It was hard to watch, the uncertainty of it. I am very glad that you're here, Sasha," Yhet said, reaching for her shoulder.

He meant to pat her, she was sure. To pat her shoulder, then grip it in solidarity or friendship. But when his great palm slapped the back of her shoulder, the sheer force of it almost took her off her feet and she stumbled forward, almost losing her feet.

"Oh dear, I am sorry, Sasha!" Yhet said, horrified.

But Sasha was laughing. She almost fell on her face in the dirt, almost lost her feet entirely, but she caught herself and straightened, giggling like a school girl. "It's fine, Yhet. Really."

"I have always been too affectionate," Yhet grumbled, running a thick hand through his erratic hair and pushing it back. "Zev used to say I reminded him of a Labrador that didn't know it's own strength. I have seen one of those in the human world, but they never liked me. I hope I do not appear as aggressive or… or angry as those dogs."

"You don't," Sasha said, linking her arm in Yhet's elbow on a whim. He tightened his elbow against her side to keep her close and smiled. "I'm really glad that you're here, Yhet. I think I would have quite literally lost my mind by now if you weren't."

Yhet nodded, but rubbed his stubbled cheeks with his free hand. "That's curious," he said, his brow pinched into lines.

"Why?"

"Because, most people say I'm the one that drives them crazy to begin with," Yhet said, then boomed a laugh that echoed off the trees.

Sasha joined him.

 

Chapter 143

-Kyelle had heard Yhet laughing and met them at the door, her own smile wide. But Sasha didn't miss the pinch around her eyes and tightness to her smile. It made her chest ache a little, but what could she do? Kyelle was the picture of a kind hostess—much warmer than she'd been in their previous interactions. But sadder, too, Sasha thought.

She had obviously understood what this meant for her and Zev. Sasha tried to be kind and friendly, without patronizing the woman. She tried to imagine how it would feel to know Zev was going to marry someone else—and to be asked to help them get ready.

She was pretty sure she would have been clawing the woman's eyes out.

"I really appreciate all your help," she said half an hour later after Yhet had left with promises to return in a couple hours, and they both turned back into Kyelle's home.

Kyelle's eyes dropped to the floor, but she smiled. "You're welcome, Sasha. Now, I have two choices for you, either will work for the ritual. Both will give you enough freedom of movement, while still being suitably formal. With Zev as an Alpha, the Clans will expect a show."

Sasha didn't know what to expect as Kyelle led her to the area at the side of the front door where no windows looked out on the forest. Then she opened a tall cupboard to pull out a long, white dress on a hanger.

Sasha's stomach sank a little. The dress was beautiful, loose and flowing with some kind of embroidery in green and gold around the wide neckline that reminded her of leaves. But the empire waistline, cut just under the bust, was one she knew made her look the size of a heifer and had never seemed flattering to her shoulders.

As Kyelle stroked the fabric and displayed it for her, Sasha tried to smile. "It's beautiful," she said carefully.

Kyelle's eyes sharpened. "But not for you?"

Sasha grimaced. "I don't want to sound ungrateful. It's just—"

"Let's see the other one," Kyelle said, with a small smile. "Just in case. I'm afraid with all the females gone, there's not a lot of dresses for the taking and we don't have time to make a new one—but we can make adjustments."

She turned back to the closet against the wall, and Sasha swallowed hard. Did the dress really matter? But if this was really her wedding day—their mating ritual—she wanted to look her best! She wanted Zev to take one look at her and want to take her in his arms and never let her go!

"I'm sorry, Kyelle," she said as the woman put the other dress aside and reached into the closet. "I don't want to be difficult. I can—"

She cut off with a gasp as the woman turned, one hand under the skirt of the most beautiful dress Sasha had ever seen.

She wasn't sure what it was made out of, but it hung from a halter-neck that would sharpen her shoulders, but keep her collarbones bare and it clung through the bust, then flared out… and the entire thing was covered in…

"Are those… feathers?" Sasha breathed, stepping forward to run her hand through the downy-soft fabric that, at first glance, almost looked like fur.

"Yes, The soft, down feathers of the undercoat," Kyelle said with a pleased smile. "This is a specialty of the owls. When we groom, we keep the feathers and… well, you can see."

Sasha' mouth wouldn't close. The dress somehow managed to look tailored and soft at the same time and it felt heavenly against her hands, thick with the plush of the feathers, but no weight to it at all.

"That is so beautiful," she said, hushed.

Kyelle smiled, and though the sadness stayed in her eyes she nodded. "They were very popular a few years ago," she said, her eyes flicking away from Sasha, then back. "There haven't been any mating rituals in quite a while, so I don't know what would be considered the fashion now. But I think… I think since it's Zev… I think whatever you wear will be considered exactly the right thing." She cleared her throat and looked down at the dress, but Sasha could feel the waves of grief wafting off of the woman.

She considered finding a reason to turn away, to give Kyelle a moment. But the woman had been so kind to her, so helpful, despite her own struggles… Sasha didn't want to leave her to deal with her grief alone. That was the whole point of girlfriends. If they couldn't be sad with you, who could?

"Kyelle, I'm…. I'm sorry for the way this hurts you."

Kyelle shook her head and turned to hang the dress off the door of the closet. "You are kind to worry, but I'm—"

"No, seriously. It's really big of you to… to be nice to me and to do all this when… when I know if our roles were reversed, I wouldn't be able to do it. I'd be jealous and angry and hoping you spilled something down the front of that beautiful dress.

Kyelle gave a little snort, her eyes tripping back to the dress, as if she were envisioning it with a stain.

She took a deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling visibly. Then she turned back to Sasha. "I do want to help you," she said. "There aren't enough females here, and even fewer who will speak with an Alpha as a… a friend," she said, stumbling over the word. "But you are right to think that… that this isn't easy. I think… I think if we were to have met without Zev between us it might have been different. I like you, Sasha. I can see why Zev loves you. And I care enough about him that I truly want him to be happy."

Sasha shook her head in disbelief. "You're amazing," she said.

But Kyelle's face went serious. "No. No, I'm not. Because I have to tell you… I was with Zev this morning. And I… I knew time was short, so…" she trailed off, and every one of Sasha's feminine instincts kicked into high gear.

"So… what?" she asked through her teeth.

 

Chapter 144 -

Sasha glared at Kyelle as the woman stared at her, her eyes wide pools, but she showed none of the quiet dignity or care she'd been demonstrating since Sasha arrived. They faced each other, Kyelle watching her as if poised for a fight.

"I think if we are ever to be friends in truth," Kyelle said quietly, "I need to be honest with you."

"About what?"

"You understand our traditions of displaying? That the males attempt to entice females, draw their attention, and list their… attributes?"

In another circumstance, Sasha would have laughed. "Yes, I'm familiar," she said, her mind tripping back to the guy who'd stripped off and danced for her under the moonlight in that crowd of wolves.

Kyelle nodded. "Well, this morning when Zev visited, I knew I had to… I had to find out for certain that you two were intended. The Creator's match. I know Zev used to say he couldn't form the bond, but his reaction to you—"

"We are bonded," Sasha snapped.

Kyelle nodded again, keeping her chin low. "I'm aware of that now. You should know that Zev honored you. But… but I cannot let you regard me too highly. Because you should also know that had he… had he accepted my attentions this morning, I would have fought you for him. I would have… I would have taken him from you if I could."

Sasha blinked, her hands clenching to fists at her sides. "You tried to… entice him?"

"Yes," Kyelle said frankly. "And he denied me. Three times. Even turning his back when I didn't at first accept his answer. It is a… set down in our people. He is utterly certain of you, Sasha. He has no desire for any other female beyond you. You should know that."

"I do," Sasha said, though she wouldn't deny that hearing those words from a woman who'd apparently tried to steal him was… satisfying. "Why?" she asked brittley. "Why would you do that when he'd already told you?"

"Because I can tell you as a female Alpha over males, males often don't know their feet from their tailfeathers when it comes to their own emotions," Kyelle said dryly. "Honestly, I knew my chances were slim. But I had to know. I couldn't leave any questions. I couldn't risk… I couldn't bear to have him take you and then learn later that it wasn't a true match."

"It is," Sasha said again.

"I know. You are his heart's song. That is… that is significant, Sasha. I don't think you understand."

Sasha blinked, trying to remember. "You mean that… that call he did yesterday?"

Kyelle nodded, and grief painted her face. She looked down, clasping her hands at her waist, swallowing hard. "That is the highest connection within our people. A Pair chosen by… by the Creator. Or Fate. Or… perhaps the humans, who knows? All I know is that the mate pairs who have a heart song… they are inevitably happy when they are together."

Sasha sighed and nodded. "He makes my heart sing, too," she said, awkwardly. Why was she having this conversation with a woman she barely knew?

But she knew Zev, very closely, if Sasha had understood correctly. "Did you two ever… mate?"

Kyelle shook her head. "I haven't deceived you, Sasha. We have never been more than friends, though I know he was aware of my feelings. I just… I believe there is no shame in loving another Chimera. That we give honor when we love. So if I loved, and he didn't… I had to know. It was better to be turned away, than to not take the risk and later find out things could have been different."

Wow, Sasha thought.

She'd often thought herself, when a guy showed her attention when she wasn't interested, that she appreciated that they liked her. She appreciated the value they offered by pursuing her. But she'd felt badly for them, because her heart was so firmly in Zev's hands, though he was nowhere to be seen…

"You're very wise," she said to Kyelle a moment later. "And also very… strategic, aren't you?"

Kyelle gave a small smile and shrugged one shoulder. "You can't nest safely in the barn if you haven't learned how to avoid the cat."

Sasha stared at her and Kyelle stared back. "Do I need to worry about you, Kyelle? Do I need to watch you around my mate?"

"No," the woman said simply. "I hope… I hope the day will come that you and I will… trust each other as Zev and I have in the past. As friends. I hope you will see that though I am vulnerable in this, I offer myself to you. I hope we can be allies, Sasha. It's why I tell you this. You should know the truth and walk forward from that. You should not be placed in a position to learn that information from someone else. I'm certain Zev will tell you. I wanted to be the one to do it. So you would know that I'm also being honest when I say, I like you.

"There are so few females left, Sasha. And as a female Alpha, most of the other either see me as an authority figure, or think they cannot relax with me, because I might turn into one at any moment. They treat me as someone in charge, not as a friend. It can be expedient when there are things to get done. But sometimes… sometimes I want someone who will look me in the eye and speak to me as an equal."

Sasha swallowed. She hadn't thought about that. If she was going to be an alpha too…

Kyelle nodded. "I can see your thoughts and you're correct. You will be in the same position soon, as soon as you've proven your power to the clans. So, while I have taken a blow today and had to accept that I have lost Zev, that he will never be mine… I hope I have also proven that I can be trusted. And that as a friend I will always be honest with you."

"A friend?"

"Yes, Sasha. Because it is not your fault that Zev prefers you to me. So, while I may need to take space for myself to become accustomed after you have mated, I still believe the day will come that you and I can be here and speak as friends. And thoroughly enjoy turning Zev on his head," she said, then flashed a grin that faded quickly.

But Sasha smiled back.. "I hope you're right," she said.

 

Chapter 145

Sasha was standing in front of a tall, if slightly warped mirror that Kyelle had dragged out from behind the closet, staring at herself, with her mouth open in the feather-dress.

It flowed like water down her sides, hugging every curve, but with a softness to it that made her want to hug herself. The downy feathers drifted in the lightest airflow, making her feel like she floated, while softening every line and curve and hiding the seams, so the dress seemed like a second, very soft, very inviting skin.

Zev was going to freak.

"Kyelle," Sasha said, her mouth slightly dry. "This dress is incredible."

Kyelle smiled sadly. "Thank you. I designed it."

Sasha turned, snapping her head to look at the woman. "Seriously? You're so talented!"

But Kyelle shook her head. "No, it's very simple. It's just a fabric that is hard to achieve. It took me some time…"

Sasha shook her head, turning back to the mirror. "Why would you let me wear this?" she asked softly, stroking her hands down the sides.

Kyelle looked at her hands. "Because I don't believe I ever will, and I want to see it live. It should be… seen…" she said quietly.

There was a strange, tense moment between them, where Sasha finally understood what this was.

Kyelle had made this dress for herself, imagined herself wearing it to do this same ritual with Zev—wanted him to see it. She wanted to see him enjoy it.

But when she met the woman's eyes, they lit with alarm, and Kyelle raised a hand as if she would ask her not to speak.

Sasha almost choked swallowing the words back, but before she had to find an awkward bridge through the situation, the door swung open and a male voice on its other side said, "Kyelle, I'm sorry, I meant to drop by sooner but—"

Sasha tensed as Lhars appeared around the thick door, his face and posture relaxed until his eyes landed on her and he stopped, blinking, like he'd been smacked with a club and was still trying to figure out what had happened.

"I—Oh. Sasha. I…" Then he turned to find Kyelle standing next to her, who was reaching for a pin cushion she'd left on a small table beside them. He frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Sasha and Kyelle both said at the same time, them looked at each other. Kyelle even smiled slightly.

Lhars snorted. "Right."

"What did you need, Lhars?" Kyelle said, circling Sasha and pinching at the dress, testing where she might adjust it.

"I wanted to see if you were… I knew you were arranging the ritual and I wasn't sure if you needed… help," he ended lamely.

Sasha watched him warily, still uncertain of Zev's brother, especially given how he'd left the meeting the night before. But Lhars almost ignored her. If his eyes hadn't drifted back to her form in the dress a couple of times, she would have thought she wasn't even there.

"Thank you," Kyelle said, kneeling in front of Sasha to crouch and play with the hem of the dress. "Can you check with the Fire Master that he will set the bonfire?"

"Of course."

Sasha had the impression Lhars almost bowed. But his brow was lined—with frustration or worry.

"Are you…" he started, then swallowed with a glance at Sasha. "Is there anything I can get for you or to help?"

Kyelle shook her head without turning looking at him. "No, thank you. It's just going to be filling Sasha in and making sure she understands how it all works. Then getting the bonfire and feast organized." She continued fiddling with the hem, frowning at is, as if her mind wasn't really on what she was saying.

But Lhars watched Kyelle for a beat too long. And his expression was strange. It took her a moment, but then inspiration struck Sasha. Lhars looked like…

Lhars looked like Kyelle looked when she looked at Zev.

Oh.

OH.

Sasha stared at Lhars and, as if she'd spoken his name, his eyes snapped to hers, widening when he saw her expression.

His face went brittle, a warning flashing in his eyes.

Sasha blinked. Oh, right. Stupid chimera scents and things.

But how could he smell her thinking it was sweet that he cared about Kyelle? And being sad that Kyelle hadn't noticed?

Maybe she was just giving off vibes.

Kyelle straightened from where she'd crouched to block Sasha's view of Lhars and her eyes caught on Sasha's.

"What?"

Sasha blinked. "What?"

"You look as if you're startled. And you smell… pleased?"

"Do I?"

"Yes," Kyelle said, raising one eyebrow. "You should also know, when any of us are scheming, we all smell… sharper. Is there something you'd like to share, Sasha?"

"There's no secrets with you people," Sasha grumbled.

Lhars snorted and muttered something about humans being more perceptive than he gave them credit for, but flapped his hand when Kyelle turned to give him a questioning look.

"You're thoughtful to stop by, Lhars," Kyelle said, turning back to play with the neckline on the dress. "But it is likely Zev who needs more support today. My tasks are purely practical. His need… better judgment."

She shot him a look over her shoulder and Lhars' face lost all sense of the ache, and instead went hard. "He does not like to take advice on judgment from me."

"Then explain to him—calmly—how he's wrong," Kyelle said simply. "He will need you in the coming weeks. He knows that. He already said you remain in Second."

Lhars rolled his eyes and Sasha caught it. They stared at each other for a moment and she wondered… wondered how much he really was like Zev down deep. And whether standing in Zev's shadow was part of the cause for his darkness.

Sasha knew how that felt. She'd just always benefited from standing in Zev's shadow. To her, it was a safe place to be. She imagined that likely wasn't the feeling another man—especially his brother—would have, though.

She didn't think she could ask that though. And even if it was true, if it had darkened Lhars to the point of being toxic… she didn't want him around Zev. So she kept her mouth shut and waited for the two of them to discuss a few details, then Lhars bid them both goodbye.

"I'll see you at dinner," he said, his eyes on the back of Kyelle's neck.

"Probably," she said, sighing. "It'll depend."

Sasha pretended not to see the shadow that passed behind his eyes when she said that, and offered an awkward wave to the dark man as he tipped his head and opened the door again.

"Enjoy your afternoon, Sasha," he said politely.

"You too."

A shot of adrenalin raced through her veins for a split-second. But then she remembered, and relaxed.

At least she could be polite now.

 

Chapter 146

As it was, he didn't see Sasha until well after dinner, though he'd hoped to join her for the meal. Between meeting with Gheet and attempting to prove that he and Sasha were actually bonded, not just choosing each other for mates, and having to answer questions from every other wolf he encountered about his plans for the pack, he was on his feet and moving every minute of the day.

He kept hoping to run into Sasha, but Yhet had done a great job of keeping her out of the crowds while they were still waiting for the ritual. And he imagined that Kyelle wasn't in any mood to put up with the natural ribbing and looks she'd receive from the males.

He winced just thinking about it and made a note to tell the other Alphas to go easy on her.

But as day turned to night and his list of tasks got shorter, his heart began to race. He prayed he'd get to Sasha before she fell asleep. He was desperate to hold her and make certain nothing difficult had happened in her day.

So when he was finally free, he shifted to his wolf to run to her house, shifting back as he reached the base of the tree to find Yhet settled on the ground outside, humming to himself.

"Ah, Zev, I'm glad you're here," the sasquatch rumbled, unfolding himself to his great height. "She's been worried about you."

"I've been worried about her too," he said with a glance towards the bright square of the window above. She was in there, hopefully warm. Hopefully happy to see him. He hadn't intended to leave her alone all day. "Thank you for watching over her, Yhet. I'll take it from here."

Yhet snorted, a great blast of air from his nostrils and Zev grinned. "You're welcome, brother," Yhet said with a chuckle. "I'm sure she'd much rather be watched over by you."

Zev raised an eyebrow, then climbed easily up onto the platform, hand over hand, waving goodbye as Yhet disappeared into the dark.

Heart pounding in anticipation, he opened the door. "Sash?"

"Oh, you're here! Thank goodness," she said. Sasha lay in the bed in the alcove to the right of the door, propped up on pillows and under the thick quilt, reading a book. "I just keep reading the same pages over and over again because I can't concentrate. Where have you been?!" She pushed out of the bed, her legs bare below the long t-shirt he'd given her the night before.

That made him smiled.

Locking the door, he hurried to close the space between them, wrapping her in his arms and burying his nose in her hair.

"You're safe," he breathed, unaware of how afraid he'd been that that might not be the case.

"You're here!" she said, her voice high and little quavering.

"Hey, hey. Yes, of course I'm here. I'm sorry, I know it's been a long day. But I had to meet with Kyelle and Gheet, and there were males to notify—"

"It's okay, Zev. I'm just glad," she said, her head craned back to smile up at him. "I've missed you and it felt… I was worried something might have gone wrong, that's all. So I'm glad."

"No," he said stroking her hair back from her temples, over her shoulders and down her back. "In fact, I'd say it's been a more successful day than I thought. There will be no challenges. Both Kyelle and Gheet have given up their chance to—"

"Kyelle told me," Sasha said quietly. "She admitted that she tried to entice you. And she said you set her down pretty hard."

Zev sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "Was she hard on you?"

"No! No, she was… she was good, actually. Hey, do you know if there's anything going on between her and Lhars?"

"My brother?" Zev chuckled, delighted even at the idea. "I can't see it honestly. He likes his females a lot more… flashy. And Kyelle…" he trailed off, frowning.

Sasha snorted. "Yeah, brothers. It's hot."

Zev's mouth dropped open. "Did you just say—do I need to beat my brother again so you won't be tempted by his bedroom eyes?"

"Zev, stop. The only bedroom eyes I need are yours."

He loved it when she was playing and smiling like that, but he didn't miss the tremor in her cheeks. And once he'd finally kissed her and they'd both sighed, he pulled away to meet her eyes. "Are you okay? For real?"

She nodded. "I just… it's scary when you aren't here. I keep thinking you won't come back again."

"I'm sorry, babe," he murmured, pulling her into his chest, aching because he knew it was his own fault that she lived in that fear. "But I'm here now, okay? What do you want to do? Tomorrow's going to be a busy day. Is it too early to sleep? Would you like to try?"

She levered up an eyebrow, but didn't throw the flirt at him, instead she bit her lip and looked a little bit wicked. "What about… a bath?"

Zev's heart sang. "Your wish is my command," he growled, leaning down to kiss her again. "But for the Creator's sake, this time make sure you bring dry clothes. I'm not walking you back here naked."

Sasha tipped her head. "You know, we could—"

Zev growled and pulled her off her feet, into his chest. "No, Sasha. One more night. Just one. Dear Lord, I can't wait to get you away from everyone tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow night? Like, we won't sleep here?"

He shook his head. "No, the solitude has to be taken out of reach of the people. We'll be travelling tomorrow evening."

Sasha groaned. "Do we have to hike again?"

Zev laughed and lifted her off her feet again. "Maybe a little bit," he said, giving her a smacking kiss. "But if it gets tough, I'll carry you, okay? I promise."

She buried her face in his neck and sighed heavily, letting her lips trail again his skin as she spoke—sending goosebumps all the way down his back.

"I love you, Zev. As long as I'm with you, that's all that matters."

"I'm really glad to hear that," he whispered back, squeezing her.. "Really, really glad."

 

Chapter 147

Zev pushed through the water of the bathing pools towards her, the moonlight shining on his wet skin so he looked like a marble statue—a Greek God, but alive. He grinned wickedly and dove for her when he got close. Giggling, Sasha tried to swim out of his reach, but he caught her ankle in one strong fist and pulled her back through the water effortlessly.

She was still laughing, but it became breathless when he pulled her upright, his hands splayed on her bare stomach and pinning her back to his chest. Her entire skin tingled with the combination of his touch, and the warmth of the water rippling around them.

Zev went still, his chin next to her ear, his breathing heavier than usual. They stood waist deep in the water and Sasha wanted to weep with the incredible feeling of having him over her and around her again, that perfect fit that she'd missed for so many years as he stood at her back.

"Sash…" he said, but trailed off.

She didn't respond, but looked down, her breath going shallow as one of his hands began sliding up her stomach. She watched her own nipple harden, anticipating his touch.

Her breath whooshed out and Zev groaned when he palmed her breast, dragging his thumb over that rivet-hard peak.

"Zev," she whispered.

He growled and dropped his head to kiss her neck as he slid the other hand up too, taking the weight of her breasts in his palms, squeezing gently, murmuring her name against her wet skin.

Sasha shivered and dropped her head back against his shoulder.

"Fuck, Sash—"

"Are you sure we can't—?"

"—this is killing me—"

"—I mean, are you certain?"

"—but it's just one more day and…"

Zev cursed as she turned in his arms and grabbed his face, pulling him down into a deep kiss, pressing herself into him—against his very obvious arousal.

His fingers clawed, dragging up her back, and he shuddered. Sasha's heart thundered in her ears and desperation spiraled through her stomach, sending fizzing, jagged currents of electricity from between her thighs, out to announce to the rest of her body that Zev was there, finally there, and touching her!

Still nervous that she really didn't know what she was doing, while they kissed, she let one hand slide down his chest, those hard abs, and down, to take him in her hand and stroke once—

With a grunt, Zev threw himself backwards into the water, sinking away from her and sweeping his arms in long strokes to pull him deeper into the bathing pool, shaking his head and grimacing.

"We have to stop," he growled. "No, Sash, I'm serious."

She'd taken a step towards him, but when he warned her, his eyes glinting in the darkness, and his tone so serious, she pulled up short.

She stood in water that wasn't even up to her ribcage, bare as a baby… and she didn't care.

This was Zev. She was safe here. None of the other Chimera would come at this time, apparently, because they'd assume there was no one here to groom them.

Sasha hadn't wanted to know exactly what kind of grooming went on here. All she cared about was that they were here together, alone and she wanted him. Desperately.

"One more day, Sash. I swear on all that's holy, tomorrow… tomorrow is going to be… amazing."

He'd dropped his chin, only his shoulders and arms shining at the top of the water as he gave long strokes through the water to keep himself in place. But his eyes… his eyes glowed in the darkness, fixed on hers and heated with promise. She hadn't seen him look so much like a wolf since he'd fought the others and her nerve jangled with warning—her human instincts warning her that something dangerous was close. But her heart…

Her heart sang.

"Tomorrow," she said, nodding, then folded her arms against the cold air. "Tomorrow."

Zev groaned and laid back in the water, his eyes screwed tightly shut. "Can you please not… do that."

"Do what?" She looked down.

"Push your breasts together like that. It's like… It's like you're offering them." He cursed again, and Sasha laughed, but it was shaky.

"Come on, Zev," she said quietly, turning for the bank. "I think we better get out of here before we give in."

"Because getting in bed together is going to be so much easier," he muttered, but she could hear the water rippling as he followed her.

They dried quickly, not looking at each other, and Sasha put on the warm robe he'd offered her before they left the house.

He took her hand and threw both towels over one of his broad shoulders, before leading her back to the house.

He helped her up the ladder, then they went inside.

Sasha, her skin still hot from the hot water and the arousal, felt deeply relaxed because they were alone, but there was tension at the base of her spine because… because she yearned.

She walked straight to the lantern, but Zev stepped up behind her and grabbed her arm to stop her. "Why don't we just… lay in the dark?" he said gruffly. "I think too many visuals might be counter-productive right now. If you need help seeing, I can lead you to the bathroom or whatever."

Sasha sighed, but agreed, gladly accepting another of his long t-shirts and throwing it over her head, twisting her hair that was still wet into a pile on top of her head.

Then they fell into the bed together.

Laying in the crook of his arm, she thought she wouldn't be able to think of anything except having him.. But as he stroked up and down the forearm she had resting on his chest, she sighed, the last of the day's tension leaching out of her and her eyes fluttered closed and she fell asleep to thoughts of how precious this moment was.

 

Chapter 148

"Are you okay?" Sasha murmured, nuzzling her face into his neck, her words slow and hushed, drowsy.

"Yeah, just excited for tomorrow," he said, his voice extra low and rough.

It was true that he couldn't wait for the following day—wouldn't rest until she was his before all the Clans. But that wasn't what was making his neck tense, and his eyes dart around the room.

"Me too," she breathed and Zev's heart squeezed.

It was almost a relief when she fell asleep so quickly. Listening to her low, slow breathing as he stroked his fingers up and down her arm, surrounded in the warm scent of her, it was a moment he'd dreamed of for years.

But his stupid body wouldn't relax.

He lay in the dark of the little house, staring at the ceiling, just feet above the bed, the straight lines of the walls, and the skin between his shoulder blades itching. Zev gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. Maybe if he couldn't see how close the roof was… maybe if he couldn't see all the flat walls and unnatural planes…

But even with his eyes closed his senses prickled—rebreathing the air, no hint of the breeze that always fluttered through the trees of Thana—screaming at him that he was inside. That this place was a cage, an unnatural space, that the humans had a hand in it and they were going to drag him back!

Zev screwed his eyes tightly closed and pinched his nose, reminding himself that he was in Thana, and free, finally, of the team and Nick and… that the door wasn't locked. There was no guard on it. That the choice was his when and where he moved.

But even when he turned on his side so Sasha's weight didn't press on his constricted chest, as she curled up inside his arms and he finally dozed off, his body was tight, rigid with stress.

In the dream there was a forceful knock on the door and he knew it was Nick. He kept his eyes shut, refusing to see him, to hear him, convinced that if he could just ignore the man he called father, that nothing bad would happen.

But of course, that's not how life works.

Despite his denial, suddenly Nick was in the house, standing in the light of the open door, shaking his head.

"Is she worth it?"

"Yes," Zev snarled at him. "You don't touch her."

"I wouldn't give a shit about her, except for the power she has over you," Nick said with a shrug.

Because it was a dream and Zev wanted to move, suddenly he couldn't. He was frozen in that spot, one arm over Sasha's waist the other under her neck, cradling her.

He sucked in hard, determined to move, to put himself between her and Nick. But he couldn't move. He could barely open his mouth to speak. And his eyes didn't want to open. He needed them open to see the threat and combat it. But instead his lashes barely fluttered.

"Don't… touch… her," he snarled again through gritted teeth—his jaw wouldn't even move.

"I'll touch whatever I want, whenever I want," Nick said, his voice low and determined. "You think you know it all, Zev, and you don't."

"I don't… care about the program. I don't care… about the people you've…"

"Yes, you do."

"Not more… than I care about her."

Nick let out a long, low whistle. "That's a big call, Son."

Zev's eyes screwed more tightly shut even though he was trying desperately to open them.

"What are you… doing here?" he growled.

"Easy, I came for her. Which is really the same thing as coming for you, right?"

"No."

But instead of responding, Nick began to move, his footsteps clipping on the wooden floor, and tension ratcheted up Zev's spine with every step. He curled his arm around Sasha even tighter, pulling her into his chest and snarling that Nick wouldn't take her.

But he couldn't see, and his hearing was echoing. He couldn't measure the distance from Nick's steps to the bed and he needed to know. He needed to see! He needed to get her out from under Nick's eyes.

"Relax, Zev, I told you: I will never hurt you. You're my prize, Son. The most important thing I've ever done. Stop worrying."

"Leave her alone!"

He couldn't see, but he could feel Sasha sliding from his grip, his grip that he couldn't move and he howled, snarling, fighting desperately, trying to claw at her, to keep her there, but no matter what he did, she kept sliding from his grasp.

"Sasha! Sasha!" he screamed. "Get out! Don't let him touch you! Sasha! Wake up!"

Nick tsked. "I keep telling you, Zev. No matter what, we're always one step ahead of you."

"Sasha! Wake up! Run! Run!"

"Zev?!"

"Get out!"

"Zev, I'm right here, I—"

"Don't let him get you! Don't—"

"Shhhh, it's okay—"

"It's not okay. It's not fucking okay! He'll kill you, Sasha! He'll kill you!"

"Zev—"

"Run! You have to run!"

"Zev, it's a dream."

"No, you don't understand—"

"Zev, WAKE UP!"

A sharp crack woke him with a jolt of adrenalin and his heart pounding so hard he wondered if it would actually crack through his ribs. He blinked and realized he was sitting up, hands gripped on Sasha's arms, his fingers digging into her. He released her immediately with a curse.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, babe. Did I hurt you?"

"No, Zev… are you awake?"

Sasha's eyes were wide pools in the darkness, frantic with worry.

He stared at her, blinking, his eyes darting over her shoulder to where Nick had stood. But the space was empty.

"It was a dream," she whispered, stroking his face. "Zev, are you awake now? Can you see that it was just a dream?"

He nodded, but swallowed hard as she fell into his chest, hugging him. "What did they do to you?" she whispered.

"I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm sorry I scared you," he said, keeping his voice as low and emotionless as he could. "Don't worry, Sash. It was just a dream."

But her eyes said she didn't believe him.

 

Chapter 149

Sasha knelt between his knees, sitting on her heels, staring at him in the dark, her face worried and tight. "Zev?"

"I'm awake. For real. Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"I'm more worried that you're scared yourself."

"It was just a bad dream," he said sheepishly and tried to smile, but she shook her head.

"That was more than a dream, Zev. You were screaming."

"Sorry."

"No," Sasha rolled her eyes. "Don't apologize. Tell me what it was about. Get it off your chest. You said he was going to kill me. Who? Were you talking about those guys we ran from when you found me?"

Zev swallowed and reached to push her hair behind her ear. She put a hand to his arm, gripping him, stroking. She was trying to comfort him, he realized, and hated himself for scaring her.

"Zev?" she asked a moment later when he hadn't responded.

"I just… I dreamed that they were coming for you again and I couldn't stop it," he said, raking a hand through his hair, smiling sheepishly. "Don't worry about me, babe. For real. It's just a dream. I just need to relax."

She protested, but he settled her back down on the bed, wrapped her in his arms, shushing her questions and saying they could talk about it in the morning. She sighed, but he stroked her hair until she started to relax.

"You need to relax too," she murmured as she began to drift off.

"Shhhhhh, I'm fine, just rest, Sash."

But he was trembling and he knew… he knew he wasn't going to sleep again that night.

"Just rest," he murmured to her. "Don't worry. I'm here. Just rest."

It took a long time for her to fall asleep, and even longer for her to stop twitching every time he moved. But finally, an hour later, she was deeply asleep again and Zev was able to slide out of her arms and hurry silently across the floor to open the door.

Standing in the night air, his chest expanded like he'd broken through iron bands. He could breathe again. He dropped his head back and sucked at the cold, winter air.

He didn't want to leave Sasha, but when he turned his head to look over his shoulder back into the house, his heart stuttered.

He just go be outside. Stay around the tree to make sure she was safe, but be out and breathing the Thana air and look at the stars. That was all. He just needed to give his body a break, and then he'd come back up and be there for her when she woke up in the morning.

Good plan. Good, solid plan.

He would settle outside in his wolf for an hour. That was all.

Then he'd be able to sleep.

A flare of anger lit in his chest as he looked back into the house and realized this moment he'd been waiting for was being ruined—once again—by fucking Nick. But he shoved the thought down, and the anger with it.

He just needed to be outside and alone and he would be fine.

Nodding to himself, he shifted and leaped off the platform to the frozen ground below.

*****

~ SASHA ~

Sasha felt him go, but thought maybe he was going to the bathroom. Or maybe he just needed a minute to himself, so she didn't move and tried to keep her breathing even as he crept through the house and out the front door.

Her heart started beating faster. He was leaving? He was leaving her here alone?

She sat up in bed when she heard the soft thud of feet landing on the ground outside. She almost leaped out of the bed and ran to the door to call him back, but then she realized… Zev was never going to leave her in danger. Sure enough, there was a scrabbling sound, and a high, faint whine. And when Sasha inched back the curtains over the window over the bed, she could see a massive, near-black wolf digging a hollow in the ground outside the tree.

As she watched, he finished digging and settled himself inside it, the land now curving up around his sides as he rested that broad, beautiful head on his front paws and curled his tail around his feet.

Sasha hadn't had the chance to watch Zev in his wolf before, and she was fascinated.

He was thick and furry, intimidatingly large. If she'd see a wolf like that in the forest she would have been convinced she was going to die.

But here, curled up like that like the family dog in front of the fire… she wondered whether he went into the wolf because he was scared, or just because the fur would keep him warm?

She almost got up and ran to the door to ask him, but he turned his head suddenly and looked straight at her, peering through the crack in the curtains.

Reflexively, she dropped the curtain and sat back with a gasp, frustrated and a little embarrassed to have been caught spying on him.

But then his voice bloomed in her head.

Go to sleep, Sash. I'll keep watch out here. You're safe. Go to sleep.

Her heart thrummed. She wanted to go out there with him, hold him, be in whatever pain he was in with him. But she felt him sigh in her head.

One of us needs to sleep. Don't worry about me. This is normal.

Sasha twitched back the curtain again and peered out at him. He turned his head, his wolf ears perked.

"Can you hear me?" she murmured.

Yes.

"What's wrong?"

He stared at her for a long moment and she thought he might not answer. But then there was a high whine and his nose tipped up, his nostrils flaring.

Sometimes it's really hard to be inside walls, he said in her head, finally.

Sasha's heart broke. "What did they do to you?"

Nothing. That's the thing, Sash. I don't fear what's happened. I fear what could happen in the future.

She was going to ask, but he shook his head until his ears flapped against his skull.

Go to sleep, beautiful. I'm going to be fine.

And the words came with a strange resonance in her head, the compulsion to listen and do as he said. She didn't understand it, but she knew that he needed to be alone in this. So she sighed and let the curtain drop.

"I love you, Zev."

I love you too, Sash.

 

Chapter 150

Zev woke Sasha early, his hands and skin freezing from being outside all night. When he touched her face she'd startled from the shock of the cold.

"Oh gosh," she gasped, grabbing his hand as he leaned over her on the bed. "You're freezing!"

"I'm fine. I don't feel it, honestly," he said, smiling wide. He waited a moment while she sat up and rubbed her eyes, looking around. "Good morning," he said, a moment later, his voice gruff with lack of sleep.

"Good morning."

Zev sat down on the edge of the bed and she put her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder. He chuckled and pulled her closer, stroking her hair down her back. "It's going to be a big day," he said quietly. "Are you ready?"

She pulled back to meet his eyes. "Yes, but, Zev, we need to talk about—"

"Not now," he said, his smile faltering. He looked down, taking her hand between his and playing with her fingers. "I'll talk to you about it, but not today, okay? Today is a celebration. And we have to concentrate. Let's take one thing at a time."

She frowned at him, scared he was deflecting, unwilling to speak and so using the busy day as a reason not to. But he didn't hide his eyes from hers when he locked gazes with her again. "Sash, I've been waiting for this day since I was eighteen. I want to focus on that today, okay? We've got a lifetime to worry about the rest."

Sasha's stomach trilled. A lifetime. He'd said it, and her smile grew. And Zev mirrored her joy, pulling her into a gentle kiss, then groaning when he pulled away.

"Okay, Kyelle's going to be here soon, so you should get cleaned up. Yhet's already outside. He's very eager to play his part."

Sasha shook her head, grinning. Yhet was playing father of the bride—which in Chimera terms was just a male who was chosen to watch over the female until she was united with her mate. Sasha was touched that he'd gotten so excited when she'd asked him.

"He's already here?" she giggled.

Zev nodded. "You have a fan."

"He's such a sweetheart."

"He is," Zev said, eyebrows up, "But for goodness sake, don't ever piss him off. There's a whole side to that monster you never want to see."

She couldn't tell if he was joking, but she didn't have time to think about it, because Zev was tugging her out of the bed.

Kyelle would be there soon with that gorgeous dress that Sasha was still torn between aching to wear, and feeling like it was violation for her to do so. But Kyelle had been insistent the day before, and had even made some minor alterations on it so it fit perfectly.

She ran to the bathroom, but she rushed, because Zev had to leave and she wanted another moment with him alone before things got busy. Once again, Zev was the one who had to be out and doing things, running all over the village and Thana getting them ready, while she sat at home getting pretty and… waiting. But, she supposed, at least after today there would be no more concerns of an unannounced challenge, or her saying or doing the wrong thing and accidentally inticing some male to challenge Zev.

Because after tonight… after tonight when they would finally be together, everyone would know and that would be the end of any questions in any Chimera minds.

"It can't come fast enough," she muttered as she rushed back into the living room, spluttering at her own unintentional double-entendre.

"What's so funny?" Zev said, turning from the window at the front of the house.

"Nothing, I was just looking forward to tonight," she said, skipping up to stand between his feet and hug his middle.

Zev's eyes flared with heat and he cupped her face. "Me either."

"If you can stay awake that long," she said, shaking her head.

"I told you, don't worry about me. We're going to get there, Sash. Be excited with me."

"I am. I just want you to be okay."

"I've never been better," he growled, then tipped her chin up with one hand to kiss her. They were still wrapped together when a knock sounded at the door, and Sasha realized she was still in Zev's t-shirt. She yelped and pulled out of the kiss, but Zev just grinned and walked to the door. "You go get dressed, I'll let her in."

Sasha hurriedly grabbed the robe he'd given her the night before, shaking her head as she threw it on and tied the belt at her waist. "I'm not leaving your side minute earlier than I have to," she said firmly.

Zev smiled and his eyes twinkled. "Damn, I love you, Sash," he murmured.

Sasha sighed and hugged him again.

A moment later, still buried in his lips, the knock sounded again. "You guys know we can hear you, right?" Lhars unimpressed voice rose on the other side of it.

Zev immediately frowned, his head snapping up and towards the door. "What is Lhars—"

"I forgot to tell you!" Sasha gasped. "But… we'll talk about it later. Trust me. It's not what you think."

Zev gave her an uncertain look, but left her to open the door and usher in Lhars and Kyelle, who smiled at him, but quickly dropped her eyes, then walked into the house and hung the dress in the closet of the bedroom area.

"Good morning, Sasha, how are you feeling this morning? Did you sleep okay?"

Sasha glanced at Zev. "I'm great," she said. "I'm… it's all good." But Zev was staring at his brother warily as Lhars walked in with a large basket of what smelled like freshly baked bread, and a bag hooked over his arm that was obviously Kyelle's.

"Go ahead and glare, brother," Lhars said dryly. "I'm only organizing your mating. Definitely something you should over-analyze and become suspicious about."

Zev's lips thinned, but he took the basket from Lhars and walked it to the counter in the kitchen. "Thank you."

"You're so very welcome," Lhars said. "Now, who's ready to become a mate?"

Zev's eyes snapped to Sasha and her belly coiled with desire.

She was ready. She was very, very ready.