Around him, sounds of battle raged. He wondered why the other men weren’t attacking him as well. A quick glance answered his question as Kasval struck down the last man standing. Where was Cassie? Her blood soaked the air. Too much blood.
“Well, Talen, my brother, it seems we finally get to have that talk you’ve been wanting for so long. I’m glad you can spare a moment of your time for me.”
Guilt slammed into Talen. “You know my responsibilities as the leader, Paxten. I had hopes that you would assist me with them.”
Nerve-grating laughter escaped Paxten. “Assist you, brother? And actually do work while so many would do it for me, some if forced. Then throw away all the willing, and not so willing, women flashing their pussies, wanting the honor of a piece of this.” He grabbed himself. “You are truly delusional.”
Talen shook his head. “I’m sorry I failed you, little brother. You are my responsibility since our parents are gone—”
Paxten jumped to his feet. “Don’t give me your haughty speech on how you care for your people. I got so tired of hearing Dad say that.” His brother tore handfuls of hair from his head, releasing blood into the air, exciting his animal. “That’s the main reason I got rid of him and Mom. All the lies, all the deceit.”
Shock hit him square in the chest. He took a step back. “What do you mean, got rid of him, Paxten? What did you do?”
Giggles came from his brother’s mouth. “I didn’t do anything, big brother. Those boulders were totally accidental.” His hand covered his laughter.
Kasval came up behind Paxten and held him. “What do you wish to do with this murderer, Leader of the Arctos? It would be my honor to rid the planet of such filth.”
Talen walked up to his restrained sibling. “Paxten, I’m truly sorry for failing you.” He let out a deep sigh. “Thank you, Vander, for your offering. You are probably correct in suggesting we do that. But I love my brother, despite everything. I don’t believe he really understands what he’s done.
“He will stay in a holding room until the council and I decide what must be done according to our laws and traditions. That is the right thing to do.” He signaled to several men standing back along the path.
“Dylan, you and some men take Paxten to the cells. Then get the rest of the bodies taken care of.”
The king tipped his head toward Talen. “I will see myself to the portal. You have further business to take care of.” He glanced into the woods closer to the path entrance.
Talen didn’t understand what he meant. Then a cool wind swept away the stink of hate and stench of death leaving a fresh trail of blood. Cassie’s blood. His mind twirled into panic. Where was Cassie? He smelled her but didn’t see her. He believed she wasn’t here, not seeing her when he arrived at the scene.
Movement among the trees caught his eye. He raced head long through the forest, barely watching where he was going, his eyes fixed on a prone, bloody body.
He fell to his knees by her side, lifting her limp hand to his lips. “Don’t leave me, Cassie. I will follow you and my child wherever you go this day.” The doctor leaning over her looked up at him.
“She will be fine, Talen. She has lost much blood, but the child within is very strong, as is his bear. They will heal their mother and protect her from infection.”
A tear escaped Talen’s eye. “Thank you. Are you all right? I saw my brother knock you into the woods.”
“Yes, he tried to keep me from getting to your mate, keep her from healing. But everything seems fine with the young one. Size and weight are in the large normal range. Looks to be another big boy like his father.”
He grinned a huge smile. “A boy. My son.”
The doctor frowned. “Talen, it seems your mate is under the impression I am your mate, if I understood her actions correctly. Granted, I was making food for her in your kitchen, but that is normal for single males. Have you discussed our ways and ways of the bears with her?”
With a sigh, he laid Cassie’s hand on her stomach and lifted her into his arms. “There is a long story attached to our mating, but when she is safely in my den again, we will have a long talk.”
TWENTY- NINE
Cassie woke to a light pain shooting across her stomach, nothing serious. Felt like a strain or pulled muscle. Talen’s smell instantly filled her senses. Her heart tripped with happiness, then crashed with the onslaught of recent memories.
“I smell your distress, love, and it hurts me. What do you fear?”
She opened her eyes to the most handsome man she had ever seen. “Talen, what’s happened? Where am I?” She began to sit up.