AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So, brother, when is your mating?” Akuji grins at me.
I chuckle. “Tally and I are private people, so we might do a little ceremony, nothing…”
“Over the top.” Akuji grins. “The bane of being leader—your people won’t allow anything small.”
I groan, knowing he’s right, and he laughs again. “It’s worth it, brother, because at the end, she’s yours.” The love shining in his eyes makes me smile.
“You love her a lot,” I remark as we wander with his general at his side, listening happily.
“More than I knew possible, but you understand that.” I nod, and he stops, watching me wistfully. “Who would have guessed this is where I would be?”
“Not me.” I grin. “But I have no regrets, do you?”
“Only waiting this long to claim her,” he jokes. “I cannot wait to see how this changes our people and lands. We have been stagnant for far too long, brother.”
“True.” I nod. “And Samael?” I hate bringing him up on such an occasion, but it’s a worry I have.
“I have a feeling he’s got his hands full right now.” He smirks mysteriously. “Now, let’s go get me ready to claim my female, and then we will plan yours. Fuck the humans, fuck their experiments. Let’s focus on nothing but the future, brother, because it’s so bright.”
“That it is.” I turn and walk with him, thinking of Talia. “That it is.”
* * *
Akuji and Aria’s mating ceremony is perfect, and the tribes rejoice at their union, accepting their human queen. It gives me hope for our future, our healing, and for my own mating, which I have been thinking about non-stop since Akuji mentioned it.
I know they will want a big ceremony since I’m a tribe leader, but all I really need is my mate. As I watch her dance with my people, an idea comes to mind, and without waiting around, I grab my brother and my mate and yank them from the celebrations.
“Where are we going?” my brother grouses. “There was a busty woman—”
“You can romance after.” I grin, holding onto my mate until we reach the museum. I head to my favourite place and turn to her. “This is the place where I first felt you, where I first knew my life would change. It’s also the place where you chose me. I can’t think of a better place to cement our bonding.”
“Cato?” she asks with confusion.
“They will want a big ceremony, but I don’t want that. All I need are you and my brother. Just us, my family. They don’t get another piece of you. You are all mine, and I have been waiting for this moment my whole life. So, Tally, my love, will you agree to be mine forever?”
Her eyes fill with tears as she wraps her arms around me. “I will.”
I swing her around as I kiss her. It’s not tradition, but it’s us, and that’s all that matters.
Putting her down, I look at my brother. “Will you do us the honour?”
“I couldn’t think of anything that would make me happier.” He claps us both on the shoulder. “They got a big ceremony, plus you’ve always been weird, so they’ll accept it.”
That only makes me laugh.
“Hold on, let me get the supplies.” He hurries away as I look at Tally.
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
“I’m yours, and you’re mine, I want that forever. I don’t want to be eyed by a million monsters or perform in front of them and vow our love. I only need this to know how much you mean to me…as long as you are okay with that?” she asks worriedly.
“More than okay,” I whisper as I cup her face.
“Your people will be mad,” she whispers as I lower my head.
“Let them,” I murmur before I kiss her. I don’t care, so long as she agrees to be mine forever.
“Kissing later,” my brother scolds as he skids to a stop before me with a knife in his hand and paste in the other. “Let’s get this done, lovers.”
