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"They were staying with Joll's family. His mother was chastising the three of them the entire time." Beren tilts his head to the side, his brows pulling together. "What did you think we did?"

Marron steps in front of me, and this time, I let him because I don't want to explain to Beren that I thought the three of them managed to abduct and murder three males during the night and dispose of the bodies without alerting anyone.

"Before you get upset at me, know that I think you would do anything to protect those you care for," Marron starts.

"Of course I would," Beren snarls, his lips pulling back to reveal his teeth. Then the expression falls, and his eyes widen like he's realizing the unspoken words that Marron is about to say. "You thought I killed them?"

"I told you about Joll grabbing Tori, and you were very upset," Marron says. "We did not know where the three of you were during the night, and when Erkoz and Xoth asked us—"

"Erkoz and Xoth?" Beren asks, his brows pulling together. "I spoke with Ralleth and his mate this morning with Joll's mother to let them know why they were all leaving. Erkoz and Xoth were nearby but seemed more interested in their mate than getting up to mischief."

"Wait, so they knew that they all left?" I ask. "So we lied to them for nothing?"

"You lied to them?" Beren asks. "Why? You did not know if anything even happened."

"You are not the only male who protects those he cares about. We told them you three were celebrating our mating for most of the night."

Beren's face screws up at the thought of spending the whole night of my mating with Marron and me.

He's not the only one. It's not like we want it to be a reality.

After the disgust settles, a look of admiration seems to cross his features before he settles back into his happy face, which is his neutral face with slightly crinkled eye corners.

"You lied for us, to protect us," Beren succinctly wraps up this morning's events.

"For no reason, it seems." Marron shrugs. "I imagine Erkoz and Xoth now think we are very much liars, but I suppose that is better than being creatures who would not protect their blood. Not to mention, they are liars themselves."

"They cannot hate you," Thro calls out from the dining table. "You are brother to the most favorite male. Not to mention, you are blood to the only farmers in the tribe. I am almost certain you could do much before they think less of you."

"We are not the only farmers anymore," Beren says. I assume you showed your mate your new home."

"I did. We are very excited to have it. Thank you."

"Do not thank him," Thro calls out again. "He does not deserve it today. You can thank him tomorrow."

Beren's lips press together, but he gives us both a short nod of understanding. "I think I am meant to go to work today. It shall be your reprieve from me."

"Yes, go be busy so I may be mad at you in peace."

Thro waves Beren through the door with his fork. Beren shakes his head as he leaves, but doesn't counter anything Thro says. As soon as the door is closed, Thro turns his eyes to Nia with a sheepish look.

"I have forgiven your mate, but I will be making this worth it."

"He deserves it. Are you two staying, or are you heading back home?"

"We should probably go tell Erkoz and Xoth that we lied," Marron says with a tight pull of his lips.

"Uh, fuck no," Nia shakes her head. "I'm going to tell their mate that her mates were assholes and let her deal with it."

"I think that means we can go back home." I hit Marron's hip with mine, reminding him of things we promised to one another on our way out here.

Marron shifts his body so he isn't facing Nia anymore, and I bite back my smile when I look down and see his cock straining against his pants. I shoot him a devilish wink that has him hissing at me in displeasure. I wiggle my brows at him and wrap my fingers in his.

"We're leaving," I call over my shoulder.

"Thro, do not visit us until I come to get you.

" Marron pins his brother with a look that tells him he will regret his decision if he even thinks of interrupting us.

Thro opens his mouth to object, probably to say something like, 'The most favorite male should not be told he is not allowed somewhere. '

Nia cuts him off before he can form the first word. "We'll keep him busy on the farm. You two have fun. We'll see you when you're ready to be around others."

"Never," Marron whispers into my ear as he guides me out of the house. "If it is up to me, I will keep you trapped in my bed forever."

"Promises, promises."

I lift his hand to my mouth and wrap my teeth around his wrist. I give it a soft bite that has Marron hissing his pleasure. I'm off the ground and thrown over his shoulder before the squeal has a chance to form in my lungs.

"Tell me what you plan on doing to me today," Marron says as he picks up the pace and runs through the field toward our house. "Use all those human words, Tori. I want to know exactly what I have to look forward to."

" Everything ," I laugh as the wind whips my hair around my face. " I want to do it all with you, Marron ."

He hops the fence that leads to our farmland. "We have a whole life. I think we can make that work."