Page 25 of Anaki

Bear slapped his hand to his face.

“It’s not just that. I can’t do the dominance stuff like you can. I’m not very in charge like that. And—I just, I can’t tell you.” I pulled at my hair. “If I told you,” I pointed between us. “We’d never be the same. You wouldn’t look at me the same. You might—”

Would he think of me differently if he knew the mate that rejected mewas a male?

The Elysian Realm heavily frowned upon same-sex relationships. People frowned upon it, much like in most areas on Earth; surprisingly, however, it was more accepted here than in Elysian.

With Bear being one of the more stoic males, the manliest of males, I feared I would lose him as a friend. Would he think of me differently?

Bear rubbed his hand down his beard and hummed.

“That right? You think, after all that we have been through, that would change what we have? I’m hurt.”

My mouth dropped. “No, no, that isn’t what I meant!”

Bear sighed, defeatedly. “You think, after the many years we have been together, that I would throw away everything we have because of something in your past? After you have rescued me? Helped my mate?”

I let out a pathetic whimper. “No, I just…”

“Anaki, are you attracted to males?” Bear murmured so no one could hear.

I blinked several times and rubbed my hand up and down my arm. Warmth filled behind my eyes, tears threatening to fall. Was it obvious? Was I that obvious that I would be into males? I appreciated the male body as I do with females. But, I’d only sleep with someone if I was bonded to them.

For obvious reasons.

Nothing worked down there anyway, not without a connection.

My mouth opened and closed several times. I didn’t even hear Bear as he walked towards me in those heavy boots and put both hands on my shoulders. “Anaki, Nadia and I had a feeling. In fact, I think some members think it is a possibility. Some might be in the same boat. Look at Tajah and Beretta? Why in this realm would you think I care? None of us do. If your mate rejected you because of that, that is on them, and I hope he’s dead.”

He knew I might be like this? Yet he still let me stay in their nest and bewith them?

I nodded. “He is very much dead.” I swallowed heavily. “So, movie nights are…?”

“Still on. Elena and Luis can even jump into the cuddle pile if they’re into it. That will be something you need to talk to her about, though.”

I cleared my throat. That was much easier than I expected, but it was still awkward. I didn’t find Bear attractive in that sort of way. Did I need to tell him that? Did he already know?

Bear growled and pushed on my shoulder. “You reek of anxiety. You think too much. How can you stand it?”

I let out a bark of laughter. “Sorry, I wanted nothing to change between us.”

“And it won’t, you skinny fucker. Just don’t think so hard. You’re still my best friend. I’d trust you with my life, and I’d better be one of the first people to see your dragon, or I’m gonna be pissed. Never seen a dragon before.”

I smiled. “Yeah, well. Not gonna get my hopes up yet. Elena has to accept all of me first.”

Bear narrowed his eyes. “She will. Don’t know why you are pessimistic about it. That is not the Anaki I know.”

“Careful, Bear, that’s a big word. Better not choke on it.”

Bear growled and leaned toward me to wrap his arms around me. I darted out of the way, laughing at him.

He huffed in annoyance and pulled down his cut. “You know Locke is coming by. He needs to know their scents. He’ll be in animal form, most likely.” He grabbed my upper arm and pulled me into a hug.

I could see my eyes glow against Bear’s chest. My dragon must have already known Locke, by just skimming briefly through our memories. The president, while a good leader and meant well, was an unhingedpsychopath who had no control over his wolf.

Bear leaned up against the post and crossed his arms. “There are guards around the perimeter, extra prospects, too.”

Locke’s wolf would rip them to pieces to get to humans not meant to be on the club’s land. He’d better be stable.