Ch. 161..170

Chapter 161

Zev stared Xar down, knowing he had to win this.

Where Chimera's animal ancestors roamed the mountains in the wild, Siberian tigers and alpine wolves shared territory—and food sources. The two predators often crossed paths and gave each other a wide berth when there was plenty of food.

But when resources were short…

It was a known fact that a pack of wolves would, almost always defeat a single tiger. And that a tiger fighting a single wolf, would almost always walk away victorious.

But Zev also knew there were two elements in his favor.

Zev had long known that any creature's level of desperation could go a long way to defeating an enemy. But on top of that, a Chimera's Alpha authority was bolstered by their support from within the society—and if he didn't miss his guess, more than two thirds of the males at the gathering were now positioned behind him. It helped that the wolves were the most numerous Chimera.

Of course, he'd beaten a tiger before—and Xar had witnessed his triumph.

Before he shifted, Zev smiled. But then, so did Xar.

The old tiger was tired. He was grieving. And he was under the thumb of the humans. But he had become Alpha of All, and held the position for a reason. He was a cunning opponent, an intelligent strategist, and a fucking tough male.

When Zev shifted and crossed the space between them, Xar took his Tiger form, baring his fangs and hissing as they began to circle each other.

Zev raised his hackles to make himself as big—and as difficult to grip—as possible. His blood pumped with adrenalin so he felt no pain and indeed, the power pulsing in his veins, the sheer desire to take his mate and make her safe, claim her as his own—and keep her from any other male… it drove the snarl from his lips.

He would take this motherfucker down, once and for all.

With no warning or sound, Zev leaped towards Xar's hind legs—if he could hamstring the big cat, this would be easy.

But the Tiger immediately sank back on his haunches, opening his front paws and unsheathing his claws. His strike was powerful and whip-quick. Dodging, Zev felt the air from it flutter against his fur.

He tried one more time, staying low, to reach Xar's leg, but the cat was too quick, liquid lightening, turning to face and swipe with a snake-strike paw that Zev just barely evaded.

They both backed off and danced around each other, Xar hissing, his massive fangs bared. Zev growling, his own canines open, teeth open and bared to the gums.

Let the Tiger come at him. Xar's advantage was in his sheer weight and strength. But Zev was far faster. As long as he could avoid being pinned by the cat, he wasn't too proud to dance and dart, wearing the old King out before taking his throat.

And he would take his throat.

Xar had clearly lost his mind—not only in submitting to the humans as he had, but now coming for Sasha when he was already mated?

Thought he wouldn't have chosen this moment to fight this fight, the Tiger had, in fact, done him a favor, forcing this confrontation in that way. There were several Chimera he knew had been on the fence about his bid for Alpha, who now stood behind Zev, adding their confidence and assurance of his skill to his authority.

The Tiger needed to be removed. Zev would grieve for the twins in losing both their parents, but he would deal with that later.

All of Thana was at risk as long as a madman held the Alpha authority.

So he darted and danced, landing one good bite on the tiger's haunch, but getting cuffed on his sore side for the trouble.

He yelped as he was flipped and landed on the hard dirt on his side, but immediately found his feet, turning to meet the rush of big cat coming for him. But then he was running, dodging again, too quick for the heavy tiger to follow without risking baring his back.

Feinting and growling, dodging and dancing, Zev led him in the circle again and again, until the heavier, older Alpha was beginning to conserve movement, turning on the spot rather than circling for the attack, aware of his failing energy.

Zev dropped his chin and snarled. Had he been fighting another wolf, this was the moment to engage, to rush and take their neck high and bear down, flip the dog on his back and close on his throat if he didn't submit.

But a tiger… A tiger's claws could lay open his side before he could turn it—and his longer body and heavier weight made him much harder to dominate in a typical attack. Not to mention that tigers regularly allowed an opponent to roll them, then used back claws the open the enemy's guts.

Zev couldn't risk going to the ground with Xar, it wouldn't end well for him.

So Zev feinted, first to one side, then the other. Made sure the Tiger was twitching to meet his attack and watching his body to anticipate which way he would approach next.

Obviously anticipating his assault, the wolves barked and called behind him, encouraging him. The cacophony of their support covering everything to Zev but the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears.

Then, without a sound, he flowed forward, directly for the tiger, anticipating correctly that Xar would sink back and upright, using his tail for balance and opening his front legs and splaying his claws. The claws that normally, Zev would do everything to avoid.

But he had an idea and if it worked…

Just feet from Xar, Zev leaped, straight at the tiger, using his weight to take the bigger animal off balance, but instead of focusing his attack on bearing Xar to the ground, Zev opened his jaws over the Tiger's throat and let his momentum carry his body past—into the embrace of one of those wicked paws, but at an awkward angle.

And as he flew, his body twisting to the side in the air, he closed his teeth on Xar's windpipe, locked his jaw, and shook.

 

Chapter 162

Time moved very slowly.

A tiger's skin around their neck is loose, but their fur thin. Zev had no trouble gripping the cat even as he flew through the air, while his own thick fur made him a bigger—but less effective target.

Five, razor-sharp claws raked down his ribs in what felt like lava inching down his side. Zev had to consciously force his jaw to remain locked on the tiger's throat and leave his tender side exposed.

They turned a slow somersault in the air, Zev twisting, whining at the pain. But while Xar instinctively rolled onto his back, readying to engage his back paws, Zev kept the pressure on his throat so that the tiger couldn't breathe, and twisted his body, landing to the side of Xar's shoulder, and turned more than halfway around—and immediately twisting again, leaping so most of his boday was behind the tiger's head.

Unable to get air, Xar couldn't make a soun, but his mouth opened, his fangs long and glistening as he attempted to grab Zev's neck and force him to release. But Zev had gotten hold of him high enough that Xar's mouth simply brushed his thick ruff, on tooth catching on his skin, but doing no real damage. He reached with a thick paw, up and back, trying to catch Zev's leg and pull him forward, but Zev twisted, again and again, those claws cross-hatching his side in bleeding gashes, but unable to get a grip.

Xar's lower body curled up. If he couldn't use his back legs to disembowel the enemy, he would take advantage of that liquid, feline spine to twist and flip back onto his feet. But the split second Xar was forced to rethink his attack gave Zev the time to brace his weight on all four feet, his jaw still locked on Xar's windpipe, and pull.

The tiger's head was stretched back, and now the lack of air began to hurt him.

Xar had already been panting before they engaged. Now he'd gone seconds without any air at all, and with Zev keeping the pressure to extend his neck, Xar was having trouble heaving his great weight over to get his feet under him.

The second time the tiger twisted to position himself, Zev hopped back, keeping the cat's spine extended and allowing him no room to move. But then Xar was onto him and curled, rolling his entire body backwards, towards Zev.

Zev was forced to either let go, or risk being borne to the dirt by the tiger's superior weight.

With a snarl that would have been a curse in the human tongue, Zev didn't let go, but tore his teeth out of Xar's throat as he darted back and out of reach as the Tiger flipped back onto his feet.

Spitting out the chunk of flesh in his teeth, Zev scuttled back, dancing on his paws, ready to evade the next attack… but he blinked as he realized the old King wasn't really moving.

He'd rolled and gotten his feet under him, twisted to face Zev, but he was wavering, swaying, and shaking his head, blood pattering to the dirt and flowing down his neck and chest.

Zev was wary. It was a grievous wound to be sure, but not deadly.

Was Xar in worse condition than he'd realized?

The tiger crouched, all four paws flat on the ground, but didn't raise his hind end in preparation to rush.

Zev, two wolf-lengths away now so that he could see the cat coming if he jumped, growled.

Xar's eyes locked on his, and he coughed. Then shifted back to his human form.

Stunned, Zev watched as the old tiger—now a naked man—crouched in the frozen dirt, one hand to the grass, the other out as if to balance, despite being so low to the ground.

Blood ran down his chest and stomach.

In a blink, Zev shifted back as well—was Xar submitting already? It couldn't be that easy, surely?

They stared at each other, the crowds behind them silent, everyone confused. It was rare for any fight to return to human form after their animals had been taken. But a fight for dominance over all? Zev wasn't aware of it happening ever.

"You betrayed your people, and now you would return to bury an old man who kept your people safe in your absence?" Xar rasped, his voice damaged by the wound, but not stolen.

Zev narrowed his eyes. "An old man? If you are too old to rule, you should be beaten, Xar," he growled. "Why do you return to human form? Do you submit?"

Xar blinked and his eyes clouded for a moment.

Be careful, he's crafty, Lhars' voice rang in his head. He will try to distract you.

Zev nodded so his brother would know he had heard and was listening, but he kept his full attention on his enemy, poised for action, braced for attack.

"Speak, Xar," he snarled when the tiger didn't respond. "If you do not submit, take your cat, or prepare to die. We fight to the death unless you concede."

"I… I cannot…" Xar rasped, coughing again and stumbling slight to the side. "I can't breathe…"

His breath bubbled, but whether that was because there was simply blood in his throat, or because Zev had been more successful than he'd thought in biting something crucial, Zev didn't know.

Another caution came from Lhars, and Zev nodded again.

Was it a ruse? Buying time, just to get his breath back? Zev suspected so. And so he was resolved.

"Your time is up, Xar," he growled. "Take your cat, or prepare to die."

Zev shifted back to his wolf and snarled, stalking forward slowly as the man cowered—but never dropped his eyes. It wasn't submission then.

Zev shook his head until his ears flapped. It was distasteful to kill a Chimera in their human form when you were an Animal, but they'd all heard him warn the male, twice.

So he took a deep breath, sank onto his haunches, then leaped forward, prepared for the male to shift back into his Tiger, or to run.

What he wasn't prepared for was for Xar to roll suddenly sideways, up against his own pile of clothing he'd remove before the fight, so Zev's momentum carried him several feet past where the tiger now hunched.

Zev landed with a snarl, twisting his body around, his paw scrabbling on the dirt and sparse grass as he fought for traction to get turned so the tiger wasn't in his blind spot.

As he turned, and launched himself again, Xar shoved something between his teeth, shifted into his tiger and leaped across the space.

Not towards Zev.

But directly at Sasha.

 

Chapter 163

Sasha's heart had jumped into her throat when Xar shifted back to his human form. That meant he was losing, right? Zev said when they fought to the death they did it in their animals. So if he was human again.

She'd looked at Kyelle, hope in her eyes. But the woman was frowning and quiet. As was the entire crowd, Sasha realized.

Taking her eyes off of Zev just for a second, Sasha glanced around to see that, on both sides of this conflict, Chimera appeared to be confused or uncertain.

"What's going on?" she breathed.

"Who knows," Yhet rumbled behind her. "This is… unprecedented."

Sasha turned back to watch Zev—bleeding, and obviously sore, but so strong. He stood with his feet planted and hands open at his sides, so obviously ready to end this. His shoulders rose and fell with his breath, but his eyes were sharp and intense. But he, too, seemed confused by Xar's shift back to humanity.

Then Zev warned Xar. Twice. The second time, she could see he was determined.

"Your time is up, Xar," he growled. "Take your cat, or prepare to die."

Sasha clasped her hands at her chest and prayed. Zev was hurt, but he seemed to still be strong. If he could finish Xar now… that was the end, right? No more fighting? No more having to worry about someone trying to come between them?

When Xar didn't answer, Zev's eyes narrowed, and he shifted into his wolf again, then jumped, a long, arching leap where he seemed to hang in the air as time slowed and the whole world went crazy.

The moment Zev was in the air, Xar dropped and rolled. To Sasha's time-slowed eyes, the dust puffed around him and he left a trail of blood, but he rolled tightly up against the pile of clothing he'd left.

The older man was crouched, hunching, looking like a hunted animal, his movements quick and precise as he grabbed something from within the folds of his cloak and shoved it into his mouth, then without a pause, twisted towards her.

Sasha's mouth fell open as Xar shifted into his tiger, it's golden eyes fixed right on her and he launched that massive, cat body directly at her.

She froze in the eyes of death descending. Everything went silent, even her mind as the huge cat flew through the air towards her.

A roar of fury erupted behind her, and a desperate snarl behind the tiger as Zev slid in the dirt where Xar had been a moment before, and scrabbled to launch towards her, too.

SASHA! GET DOWN! Zev screamed in her head, and instinctively she did, dropping to the dirt, smacking her elbow on rock, and another digging into her side as she hit the dirt.

She was too slow, still bringing her smarting arm up to cover her head when feet landed on the dirt in front of her.

Human feet.

Sasha froze again, then snapped her head up to find Xar, eyes wide and face beaming as he took a knife from between his teeth and clasped it in his fist, raising it high over his own head, as if to drive it into her skull.

A massive shadow passed over them, along with the whir of something heavy whipping through the air, and a roar unlike any Sasha had ever heard.

But the tiger man was dropping, that knife gleaming in the dim afternoon light, and the shadows approach from behind him and over Sasha, weren't going to reach him in time.

It was reflex to throw her hand up, to block the downward blow of the knife. But he was so strong, he bore her to the ground with a cry, a burning pain flaring in her arm.

She hit the dirt with a thud and screamed—not even words, just the sound of fear and fury.

No matter what she did. No matter how hard they worked, the universe was determined to take her from Zev, and Zev from her.

In the split second Xar snarled in her face and lifted the knife again, she saw it all: The way Zev had tried to save her from this—only to ruin his own life, and hers, and still they ended up here. It wasn't fair! It wasn't fair that she was going to die at the hands of this madman, just when they were to have finally been able to be together without any more threats.

The sound that broke in her throat was primal—a voice to her pain, her rage, at the injustice of it all.

She braced against the dirt, scrabbling to push up and away from the death descending on her, and her hand landed on that rock. She didn't even think.

As Xar roared and brought down the knife again, she swung the rock straight at his temple with a thud that cracked.

Xar's eyes flashed with surprise, then went dim even as he fell, twitching, the knife clattering to the dirt and his body slumping over hers.

Sasha screamed again and shoved him off, kicking at his heavy body, even as a massive hand landed on her arm and yanked her out from under him with such strength it almost tore her shoulder from the socket.

And another body thumped to the dirt—Zev in his wolf for barely a second before he returned to himself, screaming her name, and yanking Xar back and away from her by both hands on the old tiger's neck, flipping his entire body to the side and taking Xar's head in his hands the way he'd done with that… that Avatar in the parking lot of her other life. Then Zev froze.

Sasha blinked, panting. Her stomach churning.

The clearing was silent, everyone standing, staring—gaping in disbelief.

She stood with her back to Yhet's belly. He held her pinned to his body by one hand, the other extended to stop anyone approaching.

Sasha blinked again and Zev shook his head and dropped Xar, the old man's body slumping to the dirt.

Then he turned to Sasha, his eyes wide and pained, desperate.

"You did it, Sasha. You killed him."

There was a silent moment where the drums beat—but distantly—and she could hear the birds, high in the sky above, calling to each other because there was no other sound in the clearing except the crackle and pop of the bonfire.

Then suddenly, she was surrounded by the thud and rustle of hundreds of male bodies dropping to one knee in unison.

"The Alpha! Acknowledge the Alpha!"

Zev turned to look at them all, confused and shocked, then looked back as Sasha, who was so happy. He'd done it! He'd done it!

But then… then Zev, his jaw slack, dropped to one knee too and thumped his chest with his fist.

And he bowed with the others, towards Sasha.

"The Alpha! Acknowledge the Alpha!" they chanted and Sasha looked around.

Why was Zev submitting? Why were none of the males staring at him? Why did Yhet suddenly let her go and step back to kneel as well?

Sasha turned to hiss at him to help her, but he'd mirrored Zev, taking one knee and clasping one fist to his chest.

It was his voice, finally that broke through the haze of confusion for her.

"The Alpha!" he rumbled, his voice awed.. "Acknowledge the Alpha: Sasha of no clan."

 

Chapter 164

After chanting several times, the males all raised their heads and applauded, raising their cries and barks, howls and hoots.

Sasha stared dumbly. They couldn't possibly… this couldn't be… they couldn't mean…

As everyone finally went silent and looked at her, her eyes locked with Zev. His face was somehow pale and flushed at the same time, his eyes bright and locked on hers, his expression an impossible combination of pride and fear.

My strong, beautiful mate, he murmured in her head. I knew you would prove it to them.

"Prove what? What are you—?"

Kyelle tugged at her elbow and Sasha jerked to look at her as the female, eyes wide, whispered, "You have to choose a clan. Choose a mate. You have to belong."

"What do you mean? I'm mating Zev!"

The wolves raised their howls, faces beaming, pumping their fists and slapping each other on the back.

Sasha stared around the clearing, dumbfounded.

What the hell was going on? They couldn't possibly be saying that she… she was the one… in charge?

Zev got to his feet and the others all followed his example. His gaze had sharpened, his mouth turning up on the sides.

It's even more important now that you make me work for it, he said in her mind, his voice a strange mix of anticipation and awe. Do you get it, Sash? You're Alpha now. I have to deserve you in their eyes.

"But—"

Kyelle's hand tightened on her arm in the same moment Zev's voice got louder in her head.

You cannot deny it. You'll send the packs into chaos again. I can help you, Sash. This is… this is amazing. Just go with it. Lead. We'll figure the rest out later.

Her jaw dropped, but she snapped it closed and shook her head, taking a deep breath. She lifted her hands to her hips and the arm she'd used to defend herself screamed at her suddenly. She winced, and Kyelle gasped.

"Bring a healer for the Alpha! Now!" she snapped.

Two of the males darted away from the crowd.

"Bring them to Zev first!" she called after them. "He's hurt worse!"

A rumble passed through the crowd and Sasha looked around. What had she done? Why were they all looking at her like she was confusing them.

"When things aren't life threatening, the Alpha should always be attended first," Kyelle murmured to her. "In case there's a need for their leadership."

But Sasha turned to her and blurted, "That's stupid. His wounds are far worse than mine. He needs attention first." When the men around them went quiet she turned and looked at them. "Hierarchy doesn't do you any good if people are unhealthy or overlooked. If I was dying, sure, but I'm not. It's called triage—you find out who has the greatest need and you fill that first, that's all."

Why was she explaining triage to Chimera? She shook her head, but the men seemed more comfortable now, murmuring amongst themselves, some of them nodding.

She looked at Zev and found him smiling, shaking his head.

You're amazing, Sash. His voice was a low, approving growl in her head. You are my mate and I am so damned happy I could howl.

Sasha spluttered with laughter, trying to hold herself together. The whole world seemed to be crumbling. But Zev was still in love with her.

She could hold onto that and hopefully stave off the crazy long enough to get her bearings. She just needed to give Alpha to him, that was all. This was ridiculous. A technicality because she'd hit Xar—who was already half-dead from Zev's attack.

Once they realized that… they would sort it out.

Sasha sucked in a breath and turned to Kyelle. "We have to finish the ritual. I'm not leaving here without—"

"The Alpha calls for her mate!" Kyelle pealed. "Stand, Thana! Stand and acknowledge your Alpha as she selects her mate!"

"As… what?" Sasha looked back and forth between Kyelle and Zev and Yhet. "I thought we did the vows or—"

"Her mate is selected," Zev snarled. "Let anyone come who would challenge him!"

Sasha sucked in a breath to scream NO! as Zev turned, once again in a fighting stance, beckoning to the males around him, his eyes sparking a challenge.

No, this was done! There wasn't supposed to be any more fighting!

She opened her mouth to say as much when Kyelle pulled her close and hissed in her ear, "He has to earn you. Let him earn you. You are Alpha now. Everything changes."

"But—"

"Just watch! And don't give in too easily. Make him earn you."

Zev must have heard the words because even as he turned, waiting for a challenger to come at him, he nodded and whispered in her head, She's right. I told you. Make me work for it.

"How?" Sasha groaned.

Kyelle's smile was sad. It was Zev who answered her in her head.

Play hard to get.

Sasha rolled her eyes. He had to be fucking kidding! This was a joke, right? This whole situation was completely fucked!

But before she could decide which protest to voice first, Sasha noticed the crowd moving. The men on both sides of where they were gathered at the center began to back away, their heads down and eyes on the ground. And Zev stood, chin low, but the rest of his body—sheened in sweat, oiled, and most of the body paint now smeared or scraped—taut and poised.

He scanned the crowds, his eyes daring any of them to step closer.

And none of them did.

Kyelle ushered Sasha back, Yhet coming to stand to her other side, both of them watching Zev through narrowed eyes.

He began to prowl the edge of the circle, forcing the males to back away further or step into his path, his eyes almost fevered as he locked on each one of them as he passed.

"Do any challenge me? Any believe themselves the match for the Alpha?" he called. His chest still moved quickly, as if his breathing was rapid. But he looked incredible and Sasha's mouth went dry when he'd made the full circuit of the crowd—then she gasped when he turned to face her again, and his wounded side was revealed—purple with spreading bruises, and gashed, sliced in multiple directions, seeping blood that ran down his side.

But he moved as if he didn't even feel it, coming back to the middle of the circle to face her and standing, feet shoulder width apart, and his hands clasped to fists, but held in front of him.

Then he finally met her eyes again and he smiled.

"Only I stand for you, Sasha-don. Only I stand. I choose you, Sasha-don. Will you have me?"

Make. Me. Work for it.

Against her better judgment, Sasha folded her arms and forced herself to frown.

 

Chapter 165

When she didn't deny him, Zev prowled towards her, all shining, brutal beauty, his chin low and those incredible, piercing eyes fixed on her. He stalked her, as if he was, indeed, the wolf and she were prey—his eyes glowing with intensity.

Had it been anyone else, Sasha would have backed away. But she raised her chin so she was staring at him down her nose and he didn't stop until they were toe-to-toe and he blocked her view of every other male in the circle.

His eyes dipped to her mouth as he leaned in, his whisper playing on her skin.

"You. Are. Mine."

His deep voice twanged in her belly as the howls of the wolf pack rose from behind him to echo across the mountains of Thana, while the other Chimera protested his claim—but none of them moved. There would be no more fighting today.

"Speak your choice," he growled. "I declare for you, do you declare for me?"

She raised one eyebrow, pursing her lips. "Should I?" she asked far more calmly than she felt.

Zev's lips twisted up on one side in a that lopsided grin that sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach.

Ask me who I am, he said in his head. Ask me why you should accept me.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice loud enough to carry, though all the Chimera would hear it anyway, she realized. "Why should I accept you?"

"I am Alpha of the Wolf Clan," he growled. "I carry the pride of the pack, and the strength of our people. And I bring them to you. Willingly. Because you are mine. My mate. My pair."

Fighting the urge to stroke his broad, bare chest with her shaking hands, Sasha forced herself to tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. "So bold for a pup who just found his fangs."

The other males roared with laughter.

Ignoring their taunts, Zev's eyes sparked and he leaned even closer, the scruff on his jaw tickling her cheek as he smiled. "So bold for a human who already knows the pleasure of gasping my name." She shivered when his teeth grazed her ear.

Howls of approval echoed around the clearing.

So… she had to flirt? They had to play that kind of game? In front of this whole crowd?

Sasha was so unsettled, so unable to absorb all that was happening, for a moment she almost pulled him in, almost buried her head in his chest and just pleaded with him to carry her out of there.

Sasha, its okay. It's going to be more than okay. Just keep going.

She took another deep breath and met his eyes again, then lifted a hand to his jaw, took his chin in her hand and forced him to turn his head, first in one direction, then the other.

"I suppose you're pretty enough," she said casually.

Zev huffed as the males behind him howled with laughter, calling out insults and urging him to show her just how pretty he was.

But even though his smile grew, Zev's eyes never left hers, and the promise in them never died.

Sasha's stomach trilled at the flame that had lit in his eyes the moment she touched him.

He put one hand up to take hers, then much to her consternation, he took one knee again, bowing over her hand.

"I submit myself to the Alpha," he said, his voice warm and full. "I submit myself to your rule, to your Kingdom. And to your strength. I am a tool in your hands—"

"I bet you are!" someone crowed and the crowd laughed. But Zev hadn't stopped talking.

"—an asset at your disposal. Whatever you wish, I will do. Whatever battles you might fight, I am your sword. Whatever you need, I will provide. My time before yours, my sweat before yours, my blood before yours… my life before yours."

Sasha's heart squeezed. Zev wasn't flirting anymore. His eyes didn't flash, they pleaded. He'd stopped playing.

He was baring himself.

She wanted nothing more than to just throw herself into his arms and say yes, but she could see the warning in his gaze.

"I accept your, um, loyalty," she said, still staring at him. "What else do you have?"

His smile did take on that glint of heat then and Sasha's stomach fluttered.

Zev got back to his feet and stared down at her, her chest just a breath from brushing on his as he leaned in. He slid one palm to her neck, his fingers tickling at her nape, his thumb stroking the line of her jaw, and the world suddenly got very small.

To Sasha, they were alone—no more Kyelle, no more Yhet, no audience. She stood with Zev and he was touching her and all she wanted was more.

"I give you my body," he whispered. "I give you my soul. I am ardent, Sasha. I am yours. Keep me, or use me, but do not deny my claim."

He must have seen the question in her eye, sensed her urge to draw closer, because he chuckled in her head.

Just make it clear that you're the one in charge, he said, his voice warm and amused. Make sure they know that I serve you.

She almost blurted, "But you don't!" but when she opened her mouth, he must have guessed she was going to protest, because he shook his head.

"Will you take me, Sasha-don? Declare yourself for me? Your mate?" he called, loud enough to echo across the clearing.

Sasha hung on that word, swallowing, attempting to dampen her throat that was suddenly so dry.

Then she did take that half step forward to press their bodies together, reached up to fist her hand in his hair, and pull his head back, arching his neck so his Adam's apple protruded sharply.

Up on her tiptoes, she stretched to lay her mouth at the base of his neck, letting her teeth graze down to the hollow between his collarbones.

Zev whined and one, shaking hand shot up to grip her elbow, but he didn't move her.

Then she nuzzled that little hollow and sighed.

"You are my mate," she said, her voice more pleading than command, but she was passed playing this game. She remembered what he'd said the day before and she cleared her throat to make sure they'd all hear it.

"I am ardent, Zev. I'll love you in this world, and in the next. No matter what, you are mine."

The clearing erupted with cheers and applause as Zev took her face in his hands and kissed her soundly.

 

Chapter 166

She and Zev had been ushered to a wide tree trunk laid alongside the bonfire.

It wasn't until they moved that Sasha remembered the dress—the beautiful dress, now dirtied from her roll in the dirt, and bloodied by the wound on her arm. But there was nothing she could do about it. Zev was still looking at her like she was a present to unwrap, and that was all that mattered.

Zev… She was worried about him.

It was half an hour after the fight with Xar, yet his skin was still sheened in sweat, and he was beginning to look at little pale.

But as they sat alongside the fire and were brought platters of food—succulent, barbequed meat, dried fruit, and a strange dry cake that crumbled and dissolved on her tongue—the healers stood behind them. One of them had already cleaned and wrapped Sasha's arm, while the other still worked on Zev's side.

He flinched and grunted, paling further when the male treating his side apparently wasn't gentle enough. But when she looked at him, worried, he only winked.

Don't worry, he said in her head. Nothing's going to keep me from enjoying you tonight.

She hadn't even thought about that—she was still trying to get her head around the fact that everyone was treating her like some kind of Queen—bowing and submitting, offering her help, taking her suggestions as orders and…

The whole thing was just surreal. How could these people possibly take orders from her? A human? And a weak one, at that.

She'd hissed that to Kyelle as they were walking to the bonfire, and Kyelle had smiled the first genuine smile she'd seen all day.

"Female alphas are different. We rule differently, and the males… they will be more peaceful under you, Sasha, if you can keep control."

"How do you figure that?"

"Because, they do not see you as an opponent to be dominated—or dominated by—but as a partner to be followed. You are different enough to be watched and measured, rather than challenged. And as a healthy female, your ability to reproduce is heralded in our people. Trust me, Sasha, I never would have suggested this, but as it's happened… I can see the Creator's plan in it."

Sasha had frowned, uncertain of that—the whole thing seemed like one big clusterfuck of misunderstanding to her—but she could only fight one battle at a time.

"They need to be following Zev, not me," she'd whispered. "I don't know the first thing about how to do this!"

Kyelle had shrugged. "I would say you are about to find out."

Then Kyelle had drifted away, claiming she would make sure their meals were brought quickly, and the best cuts.

So Sasha had clung to Zev's arm until they were both ushered to the log, where the food and the healers had come and now…

Now she just needed to make sure Zev was okay. She didn't like the way he looked.

"Don't worry," he said around a mouthful of food. "They'll give me some powders that will ease the pain. I'm only shaky because of that."

Shaky? He was shaking too?

She looked at his hand, one holding the plate flat, the other reaching for another strip of the meat—and sure enough, it trembled as he folded the meat around one of the strips of dried fruit.

"Zev!" she gasped, alarmed. "We need to get you laying down!"

He grimaced and took another bite, wincing as the healer began wrapping his ribs. "Not yet," he said. "Your strength as Alpha will, at least in part, rely on mine as your mate. We're a unit now, Sash. I can't let them see that I'm weak. We're going to be gone for a few days. They have to be completely certain that we're coming back strong and ready to lead."

"Going away? I mean, I'd love that, Zev, but should you be travelling? Maybe we should just spend a few days at my house and—"

"No!" he said quickly, snapping his head to face her, his eyes firm and flashing.

Sasha jerked her head back. "Okay, okay… I didn't mean… what's wrong, Zev?"

Zev growled and shook his head. "You don't understand, Sash. For wolves… the solitude. It's necessary. It cements the bond and… just, trust me, we aren't skipping it."

"You're right. We won't. We'll just take it slow when we travel, that's all. And they're going to give you some painkillers?"

He nodded. "And they've poulticed the cuts. It will heal quickly—must faster than my bones."

Bones? He'd had broken bones? "You're ribs are broken?" she asked, aghast.

"They are now," he muttered. "I'm just grateful we got through that. It could have been far, far worse, Sash. So don't worry. Things are going well. And pretty soon…" he swallowed his mouthful and turned to meet her eyes, his bright blue eyes, so light and glowing, piercing hers. "Soon we'll be alone. Finally. Fuck, Sash, I've waited for this day since I was nineteen."

That was right. She couldn't believe it. He was right.

Meal forgotten, she put a hand to his thigh and squeezed, still holding his eyes. His twinkled and danced at whatever he saw in hers.

Zev leaned in then, taking her lips softly, so softly. "Just a few hours," he whispered.

She nodded when he pulled back. But the truth was, at that point she could have said to hell with this alpha shit and just… left.

But they sat through speeches, hip to hip, thighs pressing against each other, the nerves in Sasha's stomach fluttering higher and higher as the sun drifted lower behind the trees and the shadows deepened, and suddenly the fire was a necessary warmth.

Then, with only one huffed breath against the pain, as the drums—which, Sasha suddenly realized, had been pounding the air this entire time—began to pick up their pace, and other strange instruments joined them, Zev stood and opened his hand towards her.

"May I have this dance?" he asked quietly.

Sasha's mouth fell open. She looked around. "But… no one else is dancing."

"Does it matter? I want to dance with you, Sash. This is our wedding day."

Impossibly, Sasha's heart soared and dropped at the same time as it all came rushing back.

He'd remembered. Holy shit, he'd remembered.

Fighting tears of joy, Sasha slid her hand into his and he pulled her to her feet to lead her to a clear space on the grass. Her heart drummed against her ribs even as the tears threatened to spill over. He pulled her into his chest, wrapping one of her arms around his waist and holding her other hand at his shoulder.

Then, as they swayed together, he stared down at her and smiled. "You're so beautiful."

He'd remembered. She couldn't believe he'd remembered.

Sasha wanted to weep with joy.. He really was the Zev she'd always known.

 

Chapter 167

Just as he'd hoped, when he led Sasha out to a clear spot on the grass and pulled her into his chest, her eyes were sparkling—tears threatening, but her smile beaming.

They began to sway to beat of the drums, his side aching, but better now that it had been wrapped. The music of the Chimera was very different to the music they'd enjoyed at the school dance they'd attended together. But he'd never forgotten their conversation. He prayed this strange reflection was enough.

He'd been slightly confused by the human traditions in those days, and had had to ask the other males how to prepare. But Sasha had been in her element, skin flushed prettily when he offered her the corsage at her house beforehand and her parents took photos, her heart racing.

Then they'd driven to the school and Zev was surprised to find the entire gymnasium transformed into a winter wonderland of ice blues, glittering garlands, fake, shining snow, and… and a strange sense of home for him.

The decorations made the air stink of that synthetic tang he hated, but the blue and white colors, the massive mural of snow-capped mountains behind the area for photos, and the faux fur wraps some of the girls wore over their otherwise very revealing dresses all brought a strange, hollow sense of home. It had made him both happy and sad at the same time.

And she'd noticed.

She'd been so attentive to him all night, touching his hair, seeking his eyes. Neither of them had spoken much, content to sit on the edge of the circle of their friends, holding hands, or leaning into each other.

While the other girls had cackled and gotten louder as the night went on—aided by the small flasks of alcohol they'd snuck in—Sasha seemed to only turn to him more, her eyes following him whenever they weren't touching, and their bodies swaying together whenever he tugged her away from the crowd and onto the dance floor.

He'd never danced as humans did—a simple sway and turn in time to slow music, or gyrating to the faster songs—but he could see the similarities with Chimeran traditions, an easy way to modify what he already knew so he wouldn't stand out.

But in the end, all she'd wanted to do was dance to the slow songs, holding him close and swaying to the beat of the music.

He would have wondered if she was bored, but she looked so happy.

"What makes you smile like that?" he'd asked later in the night when they were alone on the dance floor again, all of their friends shrieking in a corner on the other side of the gym.

"It doesn't matter, it's silly," she'd said, not meeting his eyes. But her smile grew.

"No, tell me." He'd tipped her chin up and made her meet his eyes. "You're happy. I want to know why so I can make sure it happens again."

She'd rolled her eyes, embarrassed. "You always make me happy, Zev, you don't have to do anything."

His grin widened at that. "Seriously, though, Sash. Tell me."

She sighed. "You have to promise not to laugh. Or… freak out."

"I promise."

She'd chewed her lip which made him want to kiss it, but he held himself in check and waited for her to speak.

"There's two big dances in a girl's life," she said quietly, looking around them. "The first one's prom. And it's just… It's just a romantic thing, you know? Being here with you, getting to see you in a suit, loving you and having this memory…. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

"Me too," he'd said honestly. Sasha was beautiful to him, no matter what she wore. But seeing her like this, in a dress that hugged her curves, her hair swept up and her make up done… she'd stunned him when she came into the room, and he was still trying to believe she was his.

She shook her head. "See. You're not normal, Zev. Normal high school guys don't care about this stuff! They just do it to get a girl in bed. And I mean, I'm so glad you're not like that… but I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Zev frowned. "What shoe?"

She sniggered. "It means, I'm waiting for something to go wrong."

"What does that have to do with shoes?"

"Didn't anyone use that phrase when you were growing up?"

"No," he said honestly.

"Well, nevermind," she said, pulling him in closer and leaning her head on his chest. "What I mean is, I keep waiting for something to go wrong, and nothing is. Thank you."

They'd swayed together for another minute, then he'd pushed. "So, what's the other dance you were talking about?"

Sasha lifted her head off his chest and took a deep breath. "It's not… I don't want you to think I'm thinking this way, I just… When I was growing up, the two dances I dreamed about were this one, and the dance at my wedding. And it just… it's just a dream. It doesn't matter."

Zev had frowned. "People dance at weddings?"

"Yes… how can you not know this?"

"I've never been to a wedding before."

"Well, neither have I, but don't you like see it in movies and stuff?"

"I don't watch a lot of movies."

Sasha grinned. "Well, it's like a… like one of those traditions, you know? After the wedding, at the reception, the bride and groom dance together. And sometimes the bride dances with her dad, or the groom dances with his mom, or whatever, as well."

Zev's stomach had dropped at that. If he was ever able to mate her, she wasn't going to get to meet his parents. Not his real ones.

He hated those reminders, but he pushed the thought away and made himself focus.

"So you want to dance like this at our wedding?"

She'd stopped swaying at all for a moment, staring at him her eyes wide with shock and something else.

Something he didn't like to see.

 

Chapter 168

They were in the half-dark of the dance floor, a soaring love song floating in the air around them, lights dim, but glaring when he turned towards the stage.

She looked beautiful in this light, staring up at him like that. But she wasn't smiling anymore, and that made his stomach clench.

"Zev, stop," she'd said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"What? I'm serious."

"You can't know that now." She looked down and fear entered her scent.

Zev frowned. "What's wrong? Why are you tense?"

"Because you're being silly about this and… and it's not silly for me. I'm not trying to make you talk about getting married. I'm just saying, that's a dream you know? Something I look forward to. Later. Years from now."

"Right. So all I'm saying is, when we get married, we need to make sure and do that."

"Zev, you can't possibly know we're going to get married. We're still in high school! Don't play that game with me."

"I'm not playing games!"

She'd rolled her eyes. "Okay, whatever."

"Sash—"

"No, Zev, it's not a big deal right now. I'm talking about later. When I'm old. Whenever I get married, or whoever I marry, or whatever… Yeah, I hope that we get to dance together afterwards. Touch each other like this and just… be together. I'd find that romantic. Now, let's stop talking about it, okay?"

"Okay," he'd said, uneasy, and a little frustrated. She obviously didn't believe he was serious about marrying her. And sure, there were some obstacles they were going to have to overcome… but shouldn't she know he was that certain of her? Wasn't that what females wanted? A sense of certainty?

He'd never been more certain of anything in his life. He thought he'd communicated that to her. He thought she felt the same way. Did she not?

Zev frowned. "So, when you dance at a wedding—"

"Zev, please!"

"I just want to know!"

She'd sucked in a breath, her body tense, but she didn't let go of his hand or her remove her arm from around his waist. "Look, it's just like this. Slow music, everyone watching… it's just a moment to like, be together. That's all. Okay? No big deal. I don't want to talk about it anymore."

He'd pulled her closer with the hand at her lower back—playing his fingers on her skin there and having to fight off the surge of desire. Then he'd dropped his chin to nuzzle at her neck.

"When we get married," he whispered, "I'm going to remind you of this night and say I told you so."

She'd finally smiled—he'd felt her cheek stretch next to his. "Okay," she'd whispered back. "You do that…"

Now he stood on the grass, swaying with her in his arms again, and staring down at her, beaming. He didn't care about his wounds, or how lightheaded he felt. He cared about the pink in her cheeks, and the sparkle in her eyes when she looked up at him through her lashes.

"You know what I'm going to say, right?" he murmured.

Sasha's eyes closed for a second and she sucked in a long breath, pulling him closer. "I don't know. What are you going to say?"

"I'm going to say you weren't confident of me back when we were young. That you thought I was toying with you. But I wasn't."

Sasha bit her lip exactly as she had that night, but in an effort to stifle her own laughter now, rather than hope. "I guess I have to admit you're right," she said, grinning.

"I told you so."

"Yes, you did."

"I love you, Sash," he said quietly. "I did then, and I do now. That's never going to change."

She closed her eyes again, like she was savoring the words. "I love you, too, Zev."

"So, now that you believe me, tell me what I need to do to make this dream of yours come true?" he asked, surprised by the emotion pinching his throat.

She looked up at him then, shaking her head slightly. "You've already done it," she whispered. "I can't… you've already done it, Zev. I can't believe we're here. And…. And that's all that I needed. Being here, with you. Never having to let go again."

"Never again," he growled quietly, but fierce. Then he brought the hand from her back up to trace the line of her hair and trail his fingers down her neck. Her skin washed in goosebumps where he touched, and he smiled. "You're never dancing like this with anyone else. Only me, from now on."

"It's only ever been you anyway, Zev," she said—a little sadly, but then she smiled. "And I'm really, really glad that that's true."

"Me too," he murmured, then dropped his chin to kiss her softly.

Sucking in a breath, Sasha reached up to circle his neck and pull him down into the kiss and for a long moment, both of them forgot they were dancing, or that there was an audience. Zev couldn't think of anything beyond her beautiful scent, the softness of her lips, and the Solitude.

By the time they broke apart, they were both breathing faster and he was a little lightheaded. But Sasha was beaming, and there was nothing in any world that warmed him or made him happier than seeing her joy.

So as they circled the grass, Zev made himself forget about the pain in his side, and the males watching—mostly laughing or confused because this wasn't how the Chimera danced. He made himself forget that their entire world had just been turned upside down, and it was going to be up to him to keep Sasha safe in this new role she'd just been thrown into.

He didn't even let himself think about the anger of the tigers over their dead King, or what this would do the next time the human's visited.

All he thought about was that smile, that warm body in his hands, and that heart, beating against his chest, that he cherished more than any other in any world.

No matter what, they were going to get through this. Starting tonight.

"I love you, Zev," Sasha said suddenly, her eyes beginning to silver again with tears.

"You're a part of my soul, Sash," he whispered. "I choose you today, and I'll choose you every day for the rest of my life—and the next."

She fell into his chest then, clinging, and he held her as they swayed.

 

Chapter 169

She'd forgotten how wonderful Zev was. Or rather, she'd been convinced in the years that they were apart that she'd somehow fooled herself. That he wasn't really as sweet and open as she remembered. That she was putting rosy glasses on whenever she thought back. That he had to have been less… perfect.

But here they were and he didn't even know he was fulfilling every dream she'd had as a little girl.

Oh, not the dirty dress and dancing on cold, frozen ground. Not the audience of strange, male eyes—some uninterested, others confused or angry. And not the bonfire and threatening cold. None of those things fit the picture she'd had of her wedding.

But Zev… Zev looming over her, his eyes soft and twinkling, fixed on hers without shadow or guile. The smile on his handsome face that pressed lines into his cheeks. The gentle vibration of his chest when he spoke. The love in his voice, and in his eyes… that was right out of the fairytale books, and she was stunned.

She wished he wasn't still pale and a little clammy. She wished he wasn't bleeding under the dressing they'd packed on his side. She wished he didn't wince if she squeezed him wrong. But the truth was, none of that really mattered.

This was happening. Somehow, impossibly, they were here, together, and alive. And they were about to go on some kind of strange honeymoon. She was finally going to get him alone and without interruption… That glowing heat began lower in her belly.

Either he smelled how much she wanted him, or she'd given him the eyes, because he kissed her again, suddenly. Sasha's heart began to race and she arched into him. Zev dropped both hands to her lower back and pulled her in tight and she gasped.

"How long until we can leave?" she asked breathlessly.

Zev dropped his chin to kiss under her jaw. "No more than an hour… once the feast is done. And you've given them a speech."

Sasha groaned and tipped her head to give him better access as he played his lips down her neck. Then her eyes caught on the males—most of them no longer eating. "It seems like they're mostly done. Does it really have to be a whole hour?"

"Let's make it half," he rasped, then pulled his head up, his air mussed from her fingers and falling in his eyes.

Desire jangled through her veins at the look in his eyes and she stopped breathing. They stared at each other for a long moment, neither of them smiling.

Then Sasha swallowed. "Are you sure we can't go now?"

Zev grinned. "You need to talk to them first. To lay down some ground rules."

"Me?" she squeaked. "Zev, you can't really think that I'm going to—"

"Sash, listen to me. This isn't a choice. You understand? You took Alpha by killing the former Alpha. It isn't a matter of whether you can. You already have. If you waver. If you show uncertainty… they'll eat each other alive trying to figure out who's taking your place. This isn't just happening, it's necessary."

"But… I'm not even Chimera!"

"You are when you're mated to me," he said, and his voice dropped low, that simmer o promise in them.

Sasha swallowed hard. "What kind of ground rules?" she asked breathlessly.

Zev smiled. "Who's in charge. Things for them to do while their Alpha is gone."

Ugh. How would she know what Chimera should be doing? She didn't even know how to take care of herself in this world! But before she could get buried in the fear of it, Zev shook his head.

"We can do this, Sash," he whispered, touching her face with gentle fingertips. "You will lead, and I'll help you. Together… we're better together. They'll see it. This is going to work. It might not be easy, and I know it's not what you dreamed when you thought about getting married. But we can do this."

"You don't get it," she whispered back. "The dreams were always about you, Zev. The rest… the rest is just gravy."

Zev tilted his head, his smile rising. "Gravy? The food?"

Sasha giggled. "Yes. The thing you pour over, that makes everything else better. But it's not the real meal."

"So… I get to be the meal?" he said, his eyebrows up.

Sasha snorted and was going to give him some kind of smart-ass response when he turned her in their swaying and started dancing her back to the tree they'd been sitting on.

Sasha felt more eyes landing on them as they drew closer to the fire, but Zev acted like they weren't even there.

He leaned into her ear, his lips teasing her earlobe and sending goosebumps down her back.

"First piece of advice," he whispered. "An Alpha never asks permission to go anywhere, or do anything. You take whatever seat you want. Whatever food you like. And you move when you choose to move," he whispered. "You don't do it to be an asshole. You do it because it's what's required of your position. It makes them feel safer to see you do it."

All the warm and fuzzy feelings she'd been wallowing in bled out of her like air from a slow leak in a balloon.

"Zev, I can't be an Alpha!"

"Yes, you can," he said firmly. "And more importantly, you already are. So take what's yours, Sasha. Tell them what you want them to do while we're gone. Don't ask. Don't apologize. Just tell them who will be in charge while we're gone, and who to send if they need to find us."

"But," her heart stuttered in alarm, "I don't know what they need to do!"

They reached the tree trunk, and Zev drew her to a halt, but his hands were still on her arms and he stared down at her with adoring eyes.

"You know what you want," he said. "Just tell them."

Sasha snorted. "Tell them what? Not to fight or tell the humans anything while we're gone?"

"Yes," he said simply. "Tell them how you believe they should conduct themselves. Who you leave in charge. And how you want to find them when you come back."

"But—"

"Sash," he whispered, leaning into her ear, "if you do this, we can leave," he said, his voice simmering with promise.

 

 

Chapter 170.

Sasha sucked in a breath has he leaned closer to her, willing her to understand his meaning—then made it very clear by placing images in her head. Images of the two of them entwined on furs, their skins slick and licked by firelight, Zev's hands on her, following every curve—

Sasha gulped and hissed at him to stop.

Zev grinned.

Sasha took a moment to look away and compose herself, but her cheeks were still flushed when she turned back, a warning in her eyes. "So, I tell them who's in charge, and what I want them to do. What if it doesn't work? What if they all start fighting anyway the second we walk out of the village?"

"Only one way to find out."

Sasha eyed him from under her lashes, but he knew she knew he was right. They had no control over what occurred after their backs were turned. But she didn't understand, that was what the hierarchy was for—to give the Chimera clear direction when they weren't under the eyes of authority.

Sasha's eyes went distant and she chewed her lower lip again. He wanted to put his thumb up and tease that plump pillow out from under her teeth—

"Who should be in charge… Lhars? Or Dunken?"

"You choose," Zev said, shaking his head. "I don't think I can answer that without bias." The truth was, Lhars made the most sense because he'd already been a mouthpiece for Xar. The tigers were far more likely to listen to him than Dunken—who, though strong, was technically still prey. But Zev was struggling to put his brother into perspective.

"Do you trust Lhars? Do the people trust Dunken?"

"Either is capable. But Lhars is better known to them. And… and I think the Tigers would be less likely to challenge him," Zev admitted.

Sasha nodded. "Okay then, how do I start?" she whispered, looking at the bonfire and all the men now gathered closely around it, the orange light of the fire making their faces glow warmly in the half-dark of the falling light.

"Just… tell them," Zev said. "Be who you are, Sash. Lead as you will lead. The rest we'll figure out when it happens."

She looked at him like he was making things too simple, but the only way for her to see was to see. Until she took the steps, there was no way to prove to her that they would listen.

But, his beautiful girl, strong and courageous raised her chin and turned to face the fire, scanning them with her eyes. Zev, his stomach trilling with desire, put a hand to her lower back to demonstrate to any that might be suspicious of her, that he stood with her.

Yhet rose from his crouch to stand behind her, and Kyelle appeared at her left. Sasha turned when the female moved to next to her, and they smiled at each other. But Zev was sure he wasn't the only one who noticed that Kyelle's eyes looked a little bloodshot.

Sasha reached for her hand and squeezed it once before dropping it and turning back to the crowd.

"Thank you for being here today, and for feeding us. It's been a big day, and we still have to travel to our… for our solitude," she said, the strange phrase not quite rolling off her tongue. "While we're gone Lhars will be in charge," she called, looking back and forth across the crowd of men. "And he'll have Kyelle's help if he needs it."

Kyelle's eyes widened, but she didn't say anything. Zev swallowed. It was a strange choice, but appropriate for a female Alpha to name a female second.

"My greatest concern is that you be at peace while we're gone. Use this time to rest and… and feast."

Zev almost spluttered a laugh. He knew to Sasha this seemed like a simple instruction. But the Chimera would hear it differently—and celebrate it. She was genius, and she didn't even know it. "When Zev and I get back, we'll meet with the Alphas and… we'll figure all of this out. But until then I ask only that you keep all information about what happened today to yourselves. Share nothing with the humans if they show up. We'll be back in a few days after we've had our solitude. Until then… just live your lives. Hunt. Eat. Rest."

Sasha's scent—which had become stronger as she'd spoken—was suddenly strangled by insecurity. But, hoping to distract them, Zev lifted his chin and howled. The wolves joined him, and soon the others were cheering as well.

Sasha was looking a question at him when he dropped his chin.

He smiled broad and pulled her into his side, covering a wince when his ribs and back screamed. "You just gave them a vacation," he said with a wink. "Good start."

"I… what?"

"Telling them to feast. That means they have reason to celebrate, and should give their focus to it. And since you've told them to do it while we're gone, they'll spend the days… partying," he chuckled. "You probably just became the most popular Alpha of all time."

"But… will they still do their… whatever it is they need to do?"

"Oh, they will," Kyelle said dryly from her other side. "Half the problem with these males is that they're so focused on their tasks, they forget that they have lives to live."

"But at least you're here to remind them," Zev quipped.

Kyelle gave him a small smile… but then her eyes dropped to Sasha and she looked away quickly.

While he grieved that his friend was being hurt by this, he was so grateful she was accepting of his choice and not punishing Sasha for it.

Sasha was going to need Kyelle's advice in the coming weeks and months.

Dear Lord, his mate was Alpha. How the hell had that happened?!

As the males around the bonfire continued to talk and laugh, teasing each other, in high spirits because she'd called a feast, Sasha turned him and shrugged. "What now?"

Zev's let his smile grow and heat, until Sasha's throat bobbed.

"Now we get our things and take our solitude," he said with a growl of promise. "Now you're mine."