Chapter 15
{Von's POV}
-We cannot raise another’s cub; I won’t stand for it as King-
I growled the response back in my mind, the pain was still there, but it was being lightly masked by growing anger.
That was it. I needed answers now, and I was damn sure going to get them. I was seething with anger. I couldn’t believe everything I was finding out, not only what happened to Megan but this information about my supposed mate; what the hell. This was too much. It was overwhelming. How could she do that? I knew in many communities, it wasn’t illegal and looked down on; in my pride, however, this was looked down on to the point you could be shamed by everyone. Many people won’t speak to you anymore or even want to be around you. Unlike most communities, this was how both females and males were treated. I knew this only applied to females in most places, and males could do as they pleased.
I never cared for that double standard. My pride didn’t look down on relationships, some people dated before finding a mate, who kissed and touched each other. Still, sex was ultimately out of the question. However, being raised with these standards regarding your mate, most of his people didn’t even try to do more; my pride held the mate bond in high regard, possibly higher than any other community. So then, why were the gods cursing me with this, mate? I didn’t understand. That my mate didn’t have those standards made my blood boil.
-of course, she doesn’t care. Those damn leopards don’t’ care about anyone; I hope she doesn’t think I’m going to take care of her situation-
I growled internally as I made my way to the dungeons; I was shocked by how calm Aztec was in this situation. He should be just as angry; what was going on? I couldn’t bring myself to believe his Panther would accept this.
-Von, what if it wasn’t her choice-
Aztec’s voice rang in my ears, causing me to stop in my tracks. I hadn’t even thought about that; I wasn’t sure. I didn’t know what to do if it wasn’t her choice. There were still so many factors making this whole thing a cruel trick by the gods. However, even if I didn’t know what I would do, I knew the thought of her being forced made my heart ache. I felt his hands ball into fists before I knew it. My nails dug into my palms as the realization that this was a possibility arose.
-I hadn’t thought of that Aztec- I responded.
Aztec growled; now he was angry; sure, the thought of her willing to do so did make him mad, but not every community was like his own. If it was a choice, he could have tried to at least convince Von not to kill her, maybe just give the child to another to raise and have their own. He understood fully that this situation what hard on everyone involved. However, the thought of someone holding her down and making her do things against her made the vicious Panther want to kill everyone, her whole pride, and anyone involved.
That makes me angrier than thinking she did it by choice, but if she helped Megan, then she isn’t like the rest of them, and since that other one was held captive with Megan, then they’re not above hurting their own, that’s probably why their pride shrunk so much in size-
I took in what his Panther was saying; all of this could be true. I was still furious; however, I wasn’t sure what I was mad about now. Was I still mad at her, at them, at fucking everyone? I reached for the door leading down to the dungeons. I said one word, “answers,” as I descended the steps.
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{Ari’s POV}
I had to admit it wasn’t as hard as I thought to be here; I spent most of my life locked away. At least this dungeon had a small window and some actual sunlight. I sat happily in the little sun that came through the window bars. Even though it wasn’t hard to be here, it wasn’t fun.
-All that work to be stuck again-
I rolled my eyes. At least the irony of the situation wasn’t lost on me. I heard the door open, and my head snapped around quickly. From my time at home, I must be able to see who was coming toward me; it was like it was a way of protecting myself. Just like at home, there were steps, and the moments before you could see a face spiked my anxiety.
-Lavender and rain-
As soon as the thought crossed my mind, Gemma and I relaxed; it was him. I watched him move closer. As soon as he was in view, I moved my body around. God, he was perfect. He was a god walking on earth. I knew I could stare at him all day but I needed to speak. “Where is my friend? I’ve called her, but she won’t answer me; please, is she okay” I said. I felt my earlier desperation fill my body and voice again. My eyes were full of worry and fear; they brimmed with tears threatening to fall down my face. It wasn’t for me or my own sake. It was for Ember, Ember had been through so much, and now she was somewhere, certainly feeling unsafe again. Hell, without this bond, I would feel unsafe too.
I watched as the man I still had no name for, stopped short of the door. He looked confused that I spoke to him the way I did.
-oh yeah, he’s a fucking king-
I shook my head, hell I probably was rude or disrespectful; I didn’t mean to be; I was just worried and freaking out. Honestly, at this point, I didn’t care if I was rude, disgraceful, or anything of the sort; I just wanted an answer. The man looked over me before he spoke; watching his eyes rack over my body made my face flush red and a wave of heat wash over my body. “she’s fine. I’m moving both of you. I sent a guard for her; you may see her shortly,” he said.
I gulped when he spoke. His voice was so powerful, smooth, and dominant; just hearing him speak sent tingles all over my body. I couldn’t find words; I only nodded when I was told to stand and did so. “Can you tell me your umm your, umm….” I paused suddenly. I felt shy and small looking at the man before me. I was tripping over my words like a flustered schoolgirl with a crush, and it wasn't charming.
Was it really going to matter, if I ask.-
However, before I could finish my question, he looked at me, and as if he could read my mind, “Von” was all he said. He unlocked the cage doors and let me walk out. In front of him, I felt strong hands wrap around my tiny wrist, holding them behind me.
With that simple touch, the situation seemed to not matter. Tingles and sparks shot through my entire body. Like a shot of pure excasty entering my body, I bit down on my lip as I fought back the small sigh of contentment; I couldn’t help it; his touch set my skin on fire. My stomach filled with nerves and butterflies; I felt like it was in knots.
-Dammit, he just strengthens the fucking bond, but my god, I want his hands everywhere; I want this forever-
I spoke to Gemma internally and sighed. I couldn’t help it. My head fell back, and it rested against his chest before I knew it. My eyes fluttered closed. I couldn’t tell if he was looking at me; not all I knew was I no longer felt like I had the strength to stand on my own two feet. My head was swirling, and I felt a growing warmth in my lower belly and I couldn’t help the small moan that escaped my lips; I felt his grip tighten on my wrist my body yanked closer towards him. There was no space between us anymore, and the tightening grip sent my body into overdrive.
-Fuck all of this from a touch-