n

n

nRETH

nWhen they got out of the city and finally made it to the cave where they had been meeting since they were in their teens, Reth sighed with relief. The taunts from his brothers were merciless, but easier to bear where no one else could hear them.

n

"Only took you a week, brother.

"

n

"She's either the strongest Queen Anima has ever seen, or she'd tied your tail around her—

"

n

"Do not finish that sentence,

" Reth growled at Nhor, one of the other Leonine.

nThe men all laughed and only increased their teasing.

n

"I thought someone showed you how to handle your carrot years ago, Reth. But maybe we need to have a chat? You see, when two Anima love each other very much, they have a special kind of hug…

"

nThe men all laughed and clapped Reth on the back so hard he almost choked. But he kept his chin up. He was the last of the brothers to mate, and unfortunately, he'd made more than his fair share of jokes and jibes when the others had their days.

nHe knew he was going to pay for it now.

nThe teasing continued until they were all seated in the cave. They hadn't met for months, so Reth dusted off his seat before he sat and waited for the others. Within a minute they were all seated in the circle, Behryn to his right, chatting and mocking Reth.

nReth ground his teeth and reminded himself it was all designed to get him off balance. That they didn't really think these things.

nBut finally, Behryn raised his hand and the seven other men quieted.

n

"Reth,

" Behryn said solemnly.

n

"Yes?

"

n

"As King, we have witnessed your service and your selflessness, and we applaud it. We are grateful to have you as our leader.

"

nThere were nods and murmurs of agreement around the room.

nThen Behryn grinned.

"But as a Brother of the Secret Keepers, your hairy ass is ours for the next two hours. It's time to take a taste of your own medicine.

"

nThe room erupted in laughter and jeers. Reth shook his head and ran his hand through his hair.

"I know you all have tasted the pointy end of my stick in the past,

" he started,

"but—

"

n

"Maybe that's what was wrong? Maybe that's why she didn't want to do it?

"

nThe men burst out laughing and Reth nodded grimly.

"Yes, keep them coming.

"

n

"The mating bond feeling a little tight, today?

" Behryn asked.

"Suddenly rethinking the wisdom of all those years of jokes and taunts, My King?

"

n

"Do your worst,

" Reth said, as they mocked.

"As King it's always been necessary to be the strongest in the room. If you can't handle it, well…

" he shrugged. Behryn raised an eyebrow and the others made noises of anticipation.

n

"You heard our fearless leader, men,

" Behryn said, his smile only getting wider.

"It's time for the mating initiation!

"

nThe men leapt to their feet and jostled each other as they descended on Reth, tying him to the chair in the tradition of these meetings—a symbol of a brother's responsibility to stay in the seat, no matter what is thrown at him.

nReth sighed, but knew the only way out of this was to go through it, and it was true he'd taken great delight in pinning down his brothers on their mating days. So it was only fair that he allow them to do the same.

nThere was no fast order in the brotherhood, no certain rules. Once they had him tied, the others began peppering him with questions in no particular order. It wasn't a test, so much as a good-natured way for the others to find where he might be weak, and offer advice.

n

"If you haven't already, you'll have your first fight soon. Tell me, Reth, what is the best way to soothe a female's feelings after you've placed your massive paw, squarely in your mouth?

"

nReth grimaced.

"She mainly needs to hear that I know what I did wrong—that I'll endeavor not to do it again.

"

n

"What do you do if a male is sniffing around your wife, but she hasn't realized it yet?

"

nReth gave them all a pointed look.

"Well… I could have him sent to the camps—unless he's actually touched her, in which case I'd just bite out his throat somewhere she wouldn't see it happen.

" They all laughed, knowing it was very unlikely any male in WildWood would ever make an attempt to steal Reth's mate. Mating changes in the Anima were extremely rare, but they did occur.

nAround and around they went, some of the questions little more than jokes, others quite serious. Since Reth was the last male to mate, they'd all been through this seven times before, and they all knew the answers. Though Reth admitted to himself that the reminders weren't bad—like remembering that females needed time with other females, and to encourage her towards that, rather than becoming jealous of her time.

nThings got a little awkward when one of them brought up the mother-in-law and Reth had to remind them that Elia was an orphan.

n

"Lucky son-of-a-bitch,

" Nohr muttered. The others howled.

nEventually, the question time drew to a close, and Reth sighed. The next part of the ceremony was uncomfortable.

nThe men each went quiet and all teasing stopped as they waited patiently. Behryn was the Secret Keeper for Reth—as Reth was for Behryn—which meant for this part, Behryn asked the questions.

nHe took the seat furthest from Reth and locked eyes with him.

n

"These men stand witness, Reth, of your knowledge, your pledge, and your secrets. The time has come for confession. Absolve your heart, brother. Open to us and leave nothing unturned. What sins do you carry? What regrets? What dreams? Share your burdens and let the brothers carry them with you—and hold you up to your own goals.

"

nReth let a breath pass before he nodded.

"What do you want to know?

"

n

"Name the females you have formerly enjoyed. All of them. And if any feelings remain, confess them.

"

nReth was glad the ties to the chair were more ceremonial than restraint. The passed over his upper arms but left his hands free to rub his face.

nHe started in his teens, naming names and answering any questions about the relationship his brothers raised, winding his way through the twelve years he'd been mating—not like he had now, with Elia. But the act of mating. And what a pale reflection it was, he now knew.

nHe shook his head, and took a very deep breath before locking eyes with Behryn.

"…and the last before Elia was… Lucine.

"

nBehryn's face became thunderous, and the others all sat back in their chairs.

n*****

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