Brave Bear Mated(4)

When her gaze landed on the gemini and her eyes flared in surprise, Theron knew his suspicion was right. She hadn’t expected them to show for the reading. Which meant she already knew they’d fought the guards. Which meant… this was going to become a public punishment.

Shit.

He scanned the perimeters, taking in all the people who’d gathered from their clan. The place was full even if it was crypt-like quiet for the Mother Bear’s entrance.

“Lovely day,” she announced, smiling up at the people. It was a sick thing because it was never authentic. It didn’t reach her eyes as a true smile should, and she was able to do it while meting out the harshest rulings.

Theron tried to control his own expression. He hoped the scowl in his heart didn’t show on his face. Glancing at Thames, he saw his brother was poised and neutral. Hands clasped behind his back no doubt to hide the blood on his sleeve.

Theron straightened and tried harder to imitate him.

“My people,” their leader called loud. Her voice ricocheted around the gathering, a booming authoritative sound. “We have gathered today to hear the readings of these five young, and to officially welcome them into adulthood.”

The crowd around them roared their excitement. And Theron supposed it was a time of celebration for most. One where their families watch on with pride as their young achieve an important milestone and prepare for their future.

For him and Thames, there was no family. No friends. And the entire thing was just another humiliation for them. Always the humiliation. When would it end?

In death. He remembered his brother’s words from last night. It won’t always be bad.

The Mother Bear paced the broad dais in front, her dress swishing with every measured step. Her eyes landed on Theron and narrowed, but he did his best to hold her gaze. Weakness wasn’t the way to approach the Mother Bear. Even if he was forced to fist his hands to keep them from shaking.

“However,” she boomed, and the audience reacted the same way Theron did. He froze, hanging on to her next word to see how this was going to fall. “It has come to my attention that the Ursa Inferior… the cursed of our clan… have ruthlessly beaten two of my beloved guards before the beginning of this ceremony.”

There was a gasp from the audience. Not so much because he and Thames had been involved in a brawl. Brawls were common among bear shifters, and it was practically expected where he and Thames were concerned. But disrespecting the Mother Bear by attacking her guards was not.

“I had long hoped these two would settle as they aged,” she continued. “That by the time they were due for readings, they would have adapted to our society and perhaps even deserve a place among us. Alas, that will not be the case today. Instead, they will once again be punished, leaving a black mark on these events which should be joyous, and now are poisoned.” Mother Bear looked at the other three transitioning bears with a soft expression. Maybe even loving. If she was capable of it. “I’m sorry your Reading Day will be marred by this. But if I don’t do what needs to be done, they will never learn. I hope you understand.”

As if they would dare argue.

The three nodded, and Mother Bear’s gaze lingered on Ava. She must like her very much.

Theron glanced at Thames, who slowly ducked his head. His shoulders drooped, all the optimism from the night before, demolished. Thames was defeated.

Brother bear is hurting. Help brother bear.

Theron’s animal was riled from the fight and the injustice of their existence. He wanted to defend. Argue their plight. It wouldn’t change anything, he knew it, but he had to try.

“It was in self-defense,” he said, his voice ringing loud and drawing more scandalized gasps from the people around him. “The guards attacked us by our—” What could he call it that would draw the least ridicule. “Home,” he said quietly. “And we were forced by our bears to defend ourselves.”

Mother Bear stared at him, stunned, but then burst out in a wicked laugh, throwing her head back on her shoulders to get the most from the cackle.

“Your home?”

The audience snickered. Some of them laughing outright, the same as she had. Rude, derisive chortles that made him grit his teeth as blood rushed to his cheeks. The two males beside him muttered taunting words, but Ava… she only stayed the way she was.

She was good. He could feel it. Ava was good inside like him and Thames. Strong. And her strength gave Theron strength.

“Yes,” he said firmly. “It is the best we have right now and we make it work.”

Mother Bear’s face lost all hint of humor. “It is the best you will have ever. Ursa Inferior has no home. Not here, not anywhere.”