Falling in Love with the King of Beasts

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RETH

"Behryn said he told you that I want him to resign as Captain so we can move back to the outskirts together and he isn't required in the City," Hollhye said.

Reth nodded once, the simple statement a pang in his belly.

"Well, he also explained to me what's going on with the bears, and what's happened for you an Elia these last few days, and the Elders are having to deal with a lot of people in an uproar about Elia—no pun intended."

Reth's head spun. Perhaps he wasn't quite as close to healed as he'd thought. "I'm sorry, what uproar?"

"The people are… very excited about Elia," Behryn said dryly. "The elders have had to ban them from the royal meadow because they were coming in numbers to see her."

Reth blinked. "When?"

"Over the past few days—every day, since she shifted."

"But… the wolf she killed—"

"His family admitted that he'd hidden from the mind-meld. Or rather, they assumed that you had learned about it and that was why she attacked. They threw themselves at your mercy the moment he was gone. They have been tested. All of them are in the mindmeld. He'd convinced them he was merely ill and missed the mindmeld, but his intentions were good. They were… helping him hide from consequences though."

Reth sighed. "Another weakness of it."

Behryn nodded.

"And all of this while you have a new babe," Hollhye added from the dining area.

Reth turned back to her. "Yes."

"Not a good time for your Captain to resign."

Reth's heart skipped a beat. "No."

"So I came up with a plan," Hollhye said, and Reth caught the fear in her eyes then—she did not like this plan. It was not her first choice. But she looked at Behryn and her eyes warmed, and Reth was reminded of how Elia looked at him.

"I decided…" Hollhye said carefully, "that if we were to have had a family, I would not have wanted Behryn to lose you at that time," she said, then swallowed. "I would have wanted the… the freedom to enjoy my new family… and to heal."

Reth nodded, barely daring to hope.

Hollhye looked at Behryn again, that flicker of fear still in her eyes. "We will stay—for now," she added quickly when Reth's eyebrows popped up. "But I am not saying we stay forever! I… I think we stay until things are sorted out with the bears, and the people are more settled, and Elia's back on her feet, and your daughter is safe and… and then we go. When there's peace. I will… I will await that day eagerly," she said, the muscles of her jaw twitching. "I want you and Elia to have a chance to be with your daughter," she said in a low voice, barely more than a whisper. "It will give Behryn time to train someone to replace him. And I can continue to help the healers and… it will just be time."

Reth's breath rushed out of him and a wave of relief washed over him. "Thank you, Hollhye—" he stepped towards her, but she stepped back, her arms tightening across her chest.

"I am never going to be comfortable in the City, Reth. And I'm never going to feel safe while Behryn is so central to the people. But… but I do believe you've done a good thing here, with the wolves, and honoring the Equines. And… and I think we can all work this out. I just… I just ask you, please, to keep yourself safe, and keep Behryn out of the line of fire. If the bears attack…"

"I believe we might have averted that disaster," Reth said, terrified that it had been at the cost of Gahrye's life. "I guess we'll see in the Spring."

"We have set sentries on the northwestern border," Behryn said, "and the bird patrols will report any anima that might get beyond them. The portal region is closed, entirely. We will not walk the trails, even, until Gawhr gives us permission."

Reth nodded. "Wise choice," he said.

Behryn shrugged. "He came yesterday, asking for you, but when he learned what had happened, he said he would return in a couple of weeks. I told him that no one would step foot in the forest on that side. At all. He was skeptical, but… you were right, Reth. He is more balanced than the other bears have been."

Reth blew out a breath. They were safe until then, at least. Gahwr might be erratic emotionally, but when he gave his word, he stuck to it. "I guess I'll wait to speak with him then. Did he happen to tell you what they did to Gahrye?" he asked tentatively.

"He said he threw him into the portal to "meet his allies" and he didn't return. Gawhr is convinced the voices took him. I'm not so sure."

"Either am I," Reth said, smiling. Gahrye would have gotten through, he was sure of it. The male would have done anything to get back to his mate.

They smiled together for a moment, and Reth's chest loosened. He had not lost his best friend. They had some rocky trails to navigate, but he had not lost him. But it was Hollhye that he turned to and dropped his chin.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "I thank you, and my family thanks you."

Hollhye looked uncomfortable at his display of submission, but she just waved a hand at him. "You're welcome. Just… enjoy them," she said, her eyes suddenly glistening.

Reth understood then, he thought, the pain that Hollhye had experienced at never having offspring. The gift she believed she was giving, not for Reth himself, but for Elreth. And for Elia.

"You're a good female, Hollhye," he rasped, clearing his throat.

She rolled her eyes. "You two are always so fucking emotional. Honestly. Alpha Male bullshit at its best. Why can't you just say thank you and… and get on with it."

Reth caught Behryn's eye and grinned. "Thank you, Hollhye," he said obediently.

She snorted, then started towards the door. "I'm going to go get some more food. I'll see you later."

She left quickly and Reth turned back to Behryn who was staring at the door where she'd disappeared.

He walked closer to his oldest friend who shook his head. "You do not get to see the best of her, Reth. But I do."

"I think I just did, brother," Reth said, offering his arm to clasp. "I'm certain of it. And I'm very, very grateful."

Behryn smiled and took his arm, then pulled him into an embrace that neither of them released for some time.

*****

(Insert crying author here.... because it's almost OVER! *Sob*) DO YOU WANT MORE FROM Anima? Keep reading in December to catch up one last time with Gahrye & Kalle, Lerrin & Suhle, and Reth & Elia. But don't forget: Their stories aren't over! Read "Taming the Queen of Beasts" then watch out in 2022 for your chance to vote on which beloved Anima will be the next to get their own book!