Page 20 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“So let me get this straight, just so I’m not confusing anything here. I was seen out with a lion shifter and that means I’m prioritizing them above the dazzle and that also means you all have a right to inquire about my private life and question where my loyalties lie? Does that sum it up? Did I miss anything?”
“Apollo, really. You must see it from our point of view—”
“Must I, Martha?” Apollo murmured. “Why must I? Do I pry into your private life? Do I ask about your friends? Hmm. Do I demand to know who you spend your time with and why?”
“It’s not the same and you know it,” Brenner snapped. “You are our leader and, as such, are under greater scrutiny. You must tell us what’s going on.”
“I must tell you?” Apollo straightened in his chair and looked at Arvo, who nodded. “Fine. I was out with a lion shifter called Jost. I know some of you have met him.” He saw several nods and smiles. “He’s a nice young lion shifter, and he is also my mate.”
“Oh congratulations, Apollo,” Savannah Hill said. “Jost is such a lovely shifter.” Her mate, Lenor, nodded. “He always asks how our babies are when we see him.”
“You know this Jost?” Brenner demanded. “Are you friends with the lions?”
“Not everyone has the same prejudices you clearly have, Brenner. Jost is my mate. I only met him recently, and that’s when I found out who he is to me. We went on a date, as mates do.”
“He had a bad time,” Savannah whispered. “Be nice to him, Apollo.”
“Which is why we’re dating.” Apollo smiled at her, touched that she thought of Jost to say that. “I’m aware of what happened and to take my time with him.”
“A mate? You can’t have a lion shifter for a mate? And with that awful ex as well.” Brenner spluttered. “You’re a prey species. I mean, who will be in charge…” Brenner stopped talking and glanced around the room, then slowly sat.
“Are you asking about my potential sex life with my mate, Brenner?” Apollo growled. How dare he ask such personal questions? “When is it any of your business what happens in the privacy of my own home? Do I ask those questions about you and Martha? Do I ask who is in charge when you’re alone together? I would never ask such invasive questions as that? How dare you ask that?”
“I didn’t mean it like that, but he’s a predator shifter! He has that awful ex too. He won’t let you—”
“Get out now while you still can,” Apollo muttered darkly. “You’ve crossed a line here, Brenner, and you need to leave now before I take serious offense.”
Brenner stood abruptly, grabbed Martha’s hand, and almost fled the room. “Anyone else have any pertinent questions, or can we put the issue of who and what my mate is to one side?”
“I’m happy for you,” Charlie Spector told him, a soft smile on her face. “Jost is so nice and kind and always happy to talk. When I was nervous about them moving here, it was meeting him that put my mind at rest. And his sister is nice, too.”
“Thank you, Charlie. That means a lot to me.”
“Ignore them. I think they had hopes you’d mate with their daughter.” Alfie Moon sighed and shook his head. “They’ve always been about position and power. You might have to watch your back.”
“Or ask them to leave the dazzle,” Lenor murmured. “Not an easy decision to make, but it may be one you have to face.”
Apollo exhaled and rubbed a hand over his face. “We’re a small dazzle. We can’t afford to lose members, but I will consider it if the majority wishes me to. Don’t tell me now. Think it over.”
“About the dazzle,” Savannah began. “I have a friend in another dazzle that’s struggling. They went several years with a low number of births, so became more of an older group. Their elderly are dying now and the few younger families left are having a hard time. Their dazzle leader is older and ready to pass the group on to someone younger, but there isn’t anyone ready to step in. She asked if maybe you could speak to their leader. He’s mentioned you in the past. Said you were doing well for a young leader.”
That was interesting. “Where are they based?”
“In the Cornwall area. They’ve been hit by drought for a number of years now.”
Nodding, Apollo said, “I know who you mean. Saxton’s their leader. I’ll call him tomorrow. Thanks Savannah.” Apollo stood and looked at everyone sat at the table. “Is there anything else?”
“Ignore them and enjoy your mate.” Lenor smiled. “As Savannah said, Jost is a nice shifter.”
“Thank you. I have to go and get ready.”
“Another date?” Alfie asked.
“The theme park. It’ll be much better than the ice skating we did.”
Alfie burst out laughing. “He still wants to date you after seeing you on ice skates?” It was well known that Apollo couldn’t skate.
“He does, which I’m grateful for.” Apollo grinned when they all laughed. “If he still wants to be seen with me after that…” Apollo put his jacket on and waited as everyone else got ready to leave. When the last person filed out, Apollo made sure all the lights were switched off, and the alarm was set before locking up the local community hall they’d held their meeting in.
