Page 21

"Well, thank you for telling us what happened," Ralleth says, looking to his mate to ensure there is nothing else they need to say. "We will leave you to your food."

Ralleth and Olivia have just left their seats across from us when two others take their spots.

Erkoz and Xoth are two brothers who have no reason to be talking to us, not when they are most likely scheming something.

I have not known Erkoz to do anything that did not involve much scheming.

I should know because Thro wants to be just like him when he is a grown male.

"There is some news that we must tell you." Erkoz's voice is serious for the first time since I've known him.

"No one has seen Joll, Ere, or Nillin since Joll was kicked out of the mating ceremony.

" Xoth picks up where Erkoz stops. "Kal escorted Joll out of the mating ceremony area, and Almaac escorted him back home.

Ere and Nillin were allowed to finish the mating ceremony, but never showed up last night. "

"I know nothing about where they have gone," I say, my brows furrowing as I try to figure out why Xoth and Erkoz are telling me this. "Do you think I have something to do with it? I am not an aggressive male. I swear this, you can ask anyone."

"No, no," Erkoz cuts in. I do not realize I am shaking as hard as I am until Tori is twining her fingers in mine. "We do not think it was you." Erkoz's eyes fall on my little mate, still trying to soothe me with her soft touches.

"Have you seen your wardens recently?" Xoth asks my mate, who goes stiff in my arms.

I have a single moment to figure out what I am to do. It is an easy decision. Beren would do anything for those he claims as his. Now, it is my chance to prove that I would do the same for him.

"I was with Beren and Lyath right before the mating ceremony," I say, sitting up a bit straighter and moving my hand back to Tori's thigh to squeeze it and tell her to let me handle this.

I do not know if she will play along, but I hope she knows I am doing this to keep her blood—our blood—safe.

"I left them in my home right before the mating ceremony.

Tori asked me to take her home soon after the ceremony started.

Almaac's mate can tell you this is true.

When we got to our home, Tori's family was there to celebrate with us. "

Erkoz's brows pull together, and he gives me a disgusted look like he can think of nothing worse than having family in his home when he only wants to be with his mate.

I can think of many things worse, but I understand why he does not appreciate what I am saying.

Xoth is the clever one between the two, so he is the one I am worried about seeing through my lies.

"You took Tori home to claim her as your mate, and instead of doing that, you celebrated with family?" Xoth asks, giving me a look that tells me he does not believe me.

"I claimed him out in the trees," Tori pipes up from my lap, leaning forward in a challenge. "I couldn't wait and wiggled free of his hold so I could suck him off right out in the open."

Xoth and Erkoz look a little ashamed of hearing about my mate doing mate things with me. I would not have been as vulgar as my sweet mate in my lie, but it appeases the males' curiosity and makes them feel too awkward to ask follow-up questions.

"Make sure your blood knows they were with you in case anyone comes asking questions," Erkoz says, giving us both a look that tells us he and Xoth will support us in our lies so long as we do not give them any reason not to.

"We were just about to head back," I say, lifting my mate off my lap.

This time, I do not throw her over my shoulder.

I wrap an arm over her shoulder and pull her to my side.

Her hand fists the back of my tunic, and her other hand grips my abdomen in a way that tells me she is trying her hardest to look calm until we get back home.

I give Erkoz and Xoth one last glance. They are speaking amongst one another, not paying attention to Tori or me.

I hope this is a good sign that nothing bad will come of this. My mate deserves all the creatures who bring her joy to be in her life. I doubt anyone would do anything as drastic as kicking Beren or Lyath out, but I do not want them to be put in that situation.

"Marron," Tori's voice sounds worried as we exit the great hall.

"Shh."

I hush her, not wanting us to say anything until I am sure no one is listening. I walk us quickly through the tribe and do not speak again until we are deep in the trees, off the path, even though we're headed for Beren's farm.

"I will make this okay. I will make it right."

"Did my wardens do something to Joll and his friends?" Tori asks, her voice full of many emotions.

I look down at her, and when I see her eyes are glossy with tears, I kneel in front of her and pull her tight to me so I can comfort her.

"I do not know, but if they did, it was because they were protecting you," I tell her, stroking the back of her hair until her shaking stops.

"Let us go speak to your blood. I am sure they have a reason for their actions—if it was even them.

There is a chance we came up with a lie for no reason, yes? "

Tori nods in the crook of my neck, rubbing against my bandage. My cock does not understand that now is not the time to attempt to impregnate our mate. It is relentless, though, and Tori is so close to me she can feel it as it strains against my pants and begs to rub against her.

My cock seems to lighten Tori's mood. She throws her head back and laughs, and then pulls me close to her before kissing me many times. "We talk to my wardens first, and then I'll care for my mate's needs."

"All of my needs?" I ask, making sure I am not misunderstanding her.

"All of your needs." Her hand runs down my chest, over my abdomen, and then cups my cock. "You can take care of mine, too."

"Always," I hiss before hopping to my feet.

Now, it is most important that we get things cleared up with Beren and Lyath so that I can go and see what needs Tori thinks I have.

I am already planning on not telling her what I wish of her so that I can see what she is willing to do unprompted.

Yes, that will be the most wonderful way to spend the rest of the day once we get this conversation over with.