THIRTY-EIGHT

- sedona -

There is absolute mayhem after Junq leaves. Families that are being split apart cry and howl against the change. Mothers sob and babies wail. But no one still in the clan makes a move to join their family with us. Their atan has spoken, and the ones who wish to remain amongst their clan slowly but surely trickle away. When it's only the twenty-seven of us fellow exiles left standing in the circle, Enikk speaks.

"Thank you, clansmen," he says loudly, looking at each person with gratitude, "for standing with your mates in this. The Great Mother has already blessed us with these gifts, and I know that she will see us through the dark season, whether her eyes are open or not."

"What do we do now?" A soft feminine voice calls from the small crowd, breaking the dam on a flood of questions.

"Where will we go?'

"Who will lead us?"

"What of the mate bonds?"

I look at Kuvier pleadingly and he calls over the crowd, garnering silence once more so I can speak. Every eye falls on me.

"I know that this change is daunting and you have a lot of questions, especially the men who can sense their mate bonds," I begin, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "We have all made a big choice, and that decision means that we are now no longer Lieq and human, we are one clan. The human women are my responsibility, and I take their happiness seriously, as should you."

I see understanding and agreement in some eyes, which gives me the confidence to continue. "Junq put all of you unbonded males at a disadvantage by creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. The human women are now worried that our rights and autonomy will not be respected. This is unacceptable and will most certainly lead to you being rejected by your mates."

There is a ruckus at this and Kuvier has to growl loudly to silence everyone again so I can keep speaking. "The way Kuvier won my affections was through his care for me, without any expectation that I needed to reciprocate his feelings. He respected my space and my choices, showing me through his actions and words that he could be the mate I needed. This is why I am the first to complete the mate bond."

I pause, letting my words sink in as some eyes snap to the mark on my neck and back to my eyes. "All of the women here will need their own special care. None of you are guaranteed a right to these women, and you need to remember that we don't feel the bond as you do. But, there is hope where there is mutual respect. We must develop our own customs that blend both Lieq and human traditions, ensuring that everyone's rights and autonomy are respected."

My words hang heavy in the air and I regard every male seriously, pleased to see no visible signs of dissent.

Suddenly, someone from the crowd asks again, "Who will lead us?"

Before I or Kuvier can speak, Enikk steps forward, his voice strong and unwavering. "I swear my loyalty to one atan, Kuvier."

Kuvier looks shocked, but before he can react, Kuvit steps forward as well. "I agree. He has proven himself. I will follow the leadership of Kuvier."

This absolutely astounds Kuvier, especially when there are murmurs of agreement from the whole crowd. My eyes connect with Vierqa and we share a moment of pride. After all the mistreatment, Kuvier is finally being seen for the great man that he is.

The crowd turns to Kuvier, waiting for his response. He looks at me and I give him an encouraging smile. He turns back to the faces of our new clan, and steps forward, his expression resolute.

"I will protect this clan with my entire being," Kuvier declares. "I will lead with humility and never vengeance. None will lack for anything as long as I am breathing. This includes the human females. Junq may not have given them a choice, but as atan of this clan, I will. I will protect these females with my life. If anyone tries to harm them, there will be consequences."

One by one the Lieq men, both the unbonded and their male family members, clasp a fist over their chests. The women's heads turn down and everyone grants him their respect and acceptance.

He turns to the men around us. "The time to leave dwindles. Go clansmen. Pack quickly. We will depart before the second eye starts to fall to ensure there are no problems. When you are packed, meet me at the edge of the village. We will discuss where we will go when we are away from prying ears."

The crowd listens intently, then disperses to carry out his orders. The unbonded males steal lingering glances at their respective women, but everyone does as they are told and that gives me hope that this won't be as hard as I thought.

"I am so proud of you, son," Vierqa tells Kuvier as the numbers in the pit dwindle. She places a hand on his cheek with tears in her eyes. "You are becoming everything I knew you would be."

"Thank you, mother." Kuvier places a hand over hers and she looks at me next.

"And you, my dear, are more than what I ever could have hoped for him." I can't help it and I pull her into a hug. At first, she doesn't move, but then, she enfolds me in a maternal embrace.

"Thank you for standing with him," I whisper sincerely in her ear. She pulls away and flashes a smile.

"I have always wanted a daughter. Soon, we will spend more time together." She squeezes my shoulders and then steps aside. "For now, I will go gather my things from our hut. I will see you both soon."

She walks away and we all watch her for a moment before getting back to business. It's only us humans, Enikk and Kuvier, and Kuvit, whose eyes still haven't left Renata while he stands off to the side respectfully.

Kuvier turns to Kuvit and Enikk. "Kuvit, go with Enikk and the human females to gather their belongings from your mother's hut. I do not trust that there will be no issues if they go alone."

That party heads off and Kuvier and I are left alone.

"Well, my atan," I say, emphasizing his new title with a wide smile, "it worked."

"That it did, atana." I cock my head at this. "Did you think that the mate of the atan had no title?"

Stepping into his arms, I set my chin against his chest with my eyes on his. "I suppose we both got a promotion today."

"I do not know this pro-mo-sun you speak of, but I will say yes so that we may finish conversing and practice kissing."

I throw my head back with a laugh. "We don't need any more practice. You're already great at it."

He grins mischievously, leaning down until his lips are brushing against mine while he says, "I always want to be better for you."