Chapter 34
MALIK
I shake out my hands as I approach the arched opening in the shrubs leading to our spot in the gardens.
It’s absurd that I, an alpha, would feel this nervous, but here I am.
A butterfly flits past my face, and logically, I know nothing has changed—yet, but knowing Leonora isn’t here and that Askari is now our deity …
the air feels crisper and smells sweeter, and the greenery seems lusher.
As I enter the little alcove, Askari’s smile warms me more than the sun ever could.
No words pass between us as we both fall to the ground, shifting into our beast forms, and in the next heartbeat, we’re together, touching, rubbing our sides together, butting our heads against soft fur, purring and flicking our tails.
All our relief comes pouring out through our physical contact.
My chest aches with the myriad of emotions inside me, and I’m sure if I were in my human form, I’d be crying.
Askari flops to the ground, his tail swishing happily through the grass. I sit, lifting my snout, scenting the air and enjoying the warm breeze as it ruffles my fur. Askari’s ears twitch as he says, “We did it, Alpha. ”
I dip my head in a nod, a smile in my voice as I say, “I don’t think it has sunk in yet, but yeah, we did.” I bat his tail with my giant paw. “And it feels weird for you to call me ‘Alpha’, now that you’re ? —”
“None of that.” He stretches, his long spine arching before he stands and butts the top of his head against my chest. “A lot is going to change for me, and I can admit this to you … I’m slightly terrified. The only thing that’s keeping the panic at bay is the hope that we can still be us.”
I lower my head to rub my chin between his ears. “You’re going to do great, Kar. You were the only nominee. Our clan loves you.”
He chuffs a laugh but doesn’t pull away. “Not the only one. I voted for you, remember?”
“And I appreciate your confidence in me, but you are much more suited for the job. Your name came to mind immediately, and there was no doubt in my heart.”
We fall into silence, the swish of his tail becoming sharper as his earlier happiness gives way to nerves. Quietly, he says, “I just don’t want to disappoint them. What if I can’t live up to their expectations? What if I can’t live up to your ex ? —”
I growl, nipping his ear. He yanks back, eyes finding mine, and I hold his gaze as I say, “Don’t even think it. While I do have high expectations for you, you are not alone in this. I am with you, Askari. Always.”
As he stares at me, his whiskers twitch, and his breathing speeds up until finally he asks, “Have things changed too much?”
It takes my brain a moment to process what he’s asking, then it hits me and my chest puffs out, my panther spots faintly glowing with my magic. “Not for me.”
“Truly?”
I stand, slowly stalking a tight circle around him, brushing my body against his every so often. “Yes, but I don’t know the rules here. Can a god be … bonded to one of his clan?”
His breath huffs from his throat as I continue to circle him. “I don’t know, but honestly, fuck the rules. We’ve fought too hard, and if you still want me ? —”
“Yes. Yes, Askari.” I push off my front paws as I shift back to human. “Same place we talked about?”
He shifts as well, running his fingers through his hair, and I can’t help but notice the slight tremble of his hand. He’s nervous. So am I. Askari nods in answer to my question, holding out his right arm.
Reverently, I take his forearm in one hand and lightly grip his triceps with the other. As I lower my mouth to his bicep, I whisper, “You honor me, Beta.”
My magic leaps forward when I reach for it, as if it is as eager as I am to bring Askari into my family.
With a quick strike, I sink my fangs into his muscle, pouring intention and power into the bite.
His gasp sounds awed, and it nearly breaks me, but in the best way.
When I release him, I stare transfixed as the wound closes and scars over.
A soft tug settles somewhere deep in my chest, and I know it’s him.
Askari is part of me now. My beta. And the fact that he is also my god only makes my protective loyalty to him that much stronger.
Even back when I was blindly devout to Leonora, it never felt like this.
I hold up my left arm, palm up. “Your turn.”
When I meet his gaze, tears shimmer in his gold eyes.
He swallows, nods, and just as reverently as I did, takes me by the hand and elbow.
He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to.
His head lowers to my inner forearm and he bites.
The rush of magic overwhelms me. I’m filled with power, but also with love and loyalty, relief and joy, steadfastness and brotherhood.
That tug in my chest pulls a little tighter, the roots of our bond sinking deeper, spreading.
I place my free hand on the back of his head. “I feel you, Kar.”
He lifts his head, and his bite mark quickly scars over. I run my fingers over the raised flesh, noticing my hand is trembling too. Askari’s grip tightens, bringing my gaze to him as he says, “Thank you, Malik.”
It’s like the stars sing as he says my name for the first time.
We stand like that for a few moments until my beta places his hand over my scar and says, “Now do you understand the difference?” My brows furrow, not understanding, but Askari goes on.
“Some bonds are harmful, draining, dangerous even.” Realization creeps in.
“But some bonds are worth the risk. They strengthen, they support, they cherish.”
With an easy yank of my arm, I pull my beta into a hug, holding him tightly. “Thank you, Askari. For everything. I don’t think I’d be alive right now if not for you. You are a gift, and I can’t wait to see our clan flourish under your rule.”
His fingers flex against my back at my words, but he huffs a laugh. “Rule. It’s going to take a while for me to get used to this.” He sags into our hug. “Please just promise that you and I will never change.”
I rub my palm over the top of his head. “I can’t promise that, Askari, because we are only going to get better from here.”
He chuckles, smacking my back before pulling out of our embrace. He grins at me, brow raised. “I find those terms acceptable.”
I laugh with him, and the sound of our combined joy floats through the air like a herald of good things to come. Then, with a few flicks of my fingers, I conjure my loose dance skirt, the deep purple hem brushing my toes. I ask, “Do you need me for anything right now?”
Askari smiles as if knowing my intentions, and maybe he does, since he gave me that speech about bonds.
He shakes his head, waving his hand at the archway.
“No. I’m going to spend the next few hours walking around to check in on everyone.
But after, would you meet me at the barracks?
I could use your presence when I speak with the hunters. ”
I clap my hand to his shoulder. “Of course. You call, and I’ll be there,”—My grin pulls wide as I tease—“my god.”
He rolls his eyes, but there’s humor in his expression as he says, “None of that, please. Just Beta or Askari is fine, Malik.”
My grin slides into a warm smile. He places his hand over his heart, returning my smile. With a nod, I turn to leave but say over my shoulder, “Remember, call me. Anytime for anything. I’ll be there, Beta.”
He nods, and his smile follows me as I wind my way out of the gardens.
The palace shines white and happy in the sunlight as I climb the wide steps to the large glass double-doors.
As soon as I send out a tendril of searching magic, I find her immediately.
My body pulls tighter in anticipation as I whisper in her mind with a deep tone that holds seduction and promise. “Meet me in the banquet hall?”
I pick up my pace as she answers with a breathy, “I’m on my way.”