Assigned a Mate(20)

I dressed quickly, then walked to the tent for the general council meeting. I pushed away my anger and frustration at all the possible political implications of my new mate and savored the lingering feelings of satisfaction I’d found in her body. Many on the council made no secret of the fact that they wanted to assume my role and take the mantle of power from my shoulders. The idea that one of them might attempt to use Evelyn Day as a pawn in a coup made me clench my hands into tight fists.

Perhaps my mood—angry and surly—was better than that of a satisfied lover for this meeting of the general council. For now, I knew that my mate was in the harem, that she, along with the other women, were safe. Only when we returned to the palace and she was protected, by not only the thick walls but the full contingency of my loyal guards, would I breathe easily. I could not even allow her to sleep with me, as I desired, for fear of being attacked in the night by those who wished to take my place.

“She is safe,” Goran said as he approached, his footsteps muffled in the sand. I turned to my second-in-command and nodded. With the knowledge that Evelyn Day was under the eyes of the well-trained guards, I could focus on the business at hand. I opened the tent flap, ducked and entered. The general council stood in deference to my rank as high councilor among them.

“Be seated,” I said, moving to the raised dais and lowering to a pillow, as did the others before me.

“We have heard your mate has arrived.” Councilor Roark grinned at me and I nodded my head. He was young and not yet mated. As councilor of the southern continent, he was my closest ally among this group, but also the most virile of the men. Evelyn Day would tempt him greatly.

“Yes, and she has been claimed.” I lifted my chin at Goran, who stepped forward from his place, standing along the perimeter of the meeting circle.

“High Councilor Tark’s mate has arrived. She passed her medical examinations and has been claimed per our protocols. All data have already been sent to the Interstellar Bride Program for processing.” He stated the facts in a voice that invited no argument or dissent and I was grateful. Goran was loyal. A good man, and one waiting for his own mate to arrive. He would fight beside me, even die with me to keep Evelyn Day safe.

“Very well. Thank you, General Goran.” Councilor Roark nodded gravely and I realized that he had acted in my best interests, ensuring that my mate’s status was clear to all present. I tipped my head to him in acknowledgement and thanks.

“A criminal. A killer? And this is the type of female you expect us to obey? To respect above all others?” Councilor Bertok was a bitter old man who had lost two mates already. He was ninety years old if a day, and his pale blue gaze never failed to be cold and unfeeling. “We could all be killed in our sleep. A rugged woman from the wildlands would be a better match than a convict from another planet.”

“I have accepted my mate. Claimed her. There will be no more discussion.” I wanted to pummel the old man into a pile of mush with my bare fists, wanted to feel the hot splash of his blood on my skin. “No one threatens my mate and lives.” I glared at each man around the circle to make sure they understood the sincerity of my words.

“Understandable, high councilor. Perhaps a public beating. You must show your strength and let your mate know who is in control.” I ignored the councilor to my left and his eager suggestion. No one would see Evelyn’s pain but me, and even then it would be tied to her pleasure.

I eyed the man carefully. He meant no disrespect and was not threatening Evelyn Day directly; on some parts of the planet, a public beating was a way for a man to show his domination over his woman. The idea was barbaric and something I was trying to have outlawed.

“When will the public claiming occur?” Another voice, this time from the opposite side of the circle.

The comments and opinions continued… and escalated. It reached a volume and intensity where I’d had enough. I raised my hand and silence fell. As ruler, I found it important to hear the opinions and thoughts of the councilors. I never wanted those I ruled to feel that they had no say. Before today, their voices had been used for planetary business. Even though I was the high councilor, my personal life and my mate were not up for discussion.

“As is custom, and as my second-in-command has said, she has had her first fucking.” I tilted my head to Goran who sat off to the side and nodded his confirmation once again. “The act has been witnessed, recorded, and reported.” My hand fisted at my side and I wished for a blade to twist my fingers around. None of these men would see my mate’s personal pleasure. I would not share. Ever.