Page 19 of Their Shared Mate
“Well, you didn’t answer either one, so I’d rather you answer this. I only saw a few glimpses of what went on that night. How bad did it get? I don’t want details, but we need to know if anyone was taken by force. There are strict laws against that sort of abuse.”
“Are you asking for yourself or Zion?” Claire wanted to know.
“Both. I’m worried about my friends, and Zion will not allow those under his protection to be harmed.”
Claire was thrilled to hear it, but it brought up an interesting question. “Why would the Rydarian code of ethics contain laws about rape?”
The question clearly surprised Tara. “Females aren’t the only ones who are abused in that way.”
Another shudder passed through Claire as she admitted, “I hadn’t really thought about it, but I’m sure you’re right. I’m glad it’s not allowed regardless of the victim.”
“You still didn’t answer my question,” Tara pointed out.
“To my knowledge, no one was raped during our captivity. In the cave, it would have been obvious. In the stronghold, I heard people having sex, but the woman or women were into it. Alex and his pack mates were protective of us even before the big fight. They wouldn’t let any of the other packs near us, and I’m pretty sure it was Alex giving the orders at that point, not Elias.”
“And yet you said Alex fought more savagely than the rest,” Tara reminded. “Which is the real Alex?”
“I have no idea.” Claire raised both hands in a helpless gesture. “I’m honestly not sure what to make of him.”
“That’s the general consensus,” Tara sighed and pressed back into her chair. “No one knows if this change is an improvement or if we’re in more trouble than we were before.”
Claire shook her head as their conversation echoed through her mind. Wolf shifters and pack wars, lion coalitions and psychic links. If this conversation took place on Earth, they would both be assessed for mental instability. “All of this is surreal. Four years ago, I didn’t believe in shapeshifters. Now we’re talking about human wolf packs, you’re married to three lions, and one of my potential mates is healing one of yours.”
“One of your potential mates? Raphael is courting you?” The only obvious emotion in Tara’s expression was shock.
“It’s a long story.” Tara’s reaction confused Claire. She had hoped Tara would be happy for her. “I thought you knew Raphael. Is there something wrong with him?”
“I know of him. My mates like and trust him. The real question is how do you feel about him? And you said potentialmates. Who is the other male, or is it males?” As the surprise wore off, Tara’s reaction warmed. She was starting to sound excited.
“His name is Victor, and thankfully there are only two of them. I have no idea how you manage three.”
“Neither do I most days,” Tara laughed. “I know the basics about Raphael. Tell me about Victor.”
“Victor seemed interested in me first. I’m still not sure I like Raphael. He was kind of a jerk to me during the rescue.”
“Were you mouthing off to him?”
Claire produced a melodramatic gasp. “Why is that your immediate conclusion?”
“Because I know you,” Tara defended without pause. “You’re a lot like me.”
“I wasn’t mouthing off, exactly. I was simply asking questions, but it was obvious he didn’t appreciate it.”
Tara studied her for a long moment before she admitted, “I’m surprised you agreed to be courted. Several coalitions indicated an interest, and you turned them all down.”
She started to say that she hadn’t agreed to anything, but that wasn’t true. She agreed to being spanked knowing full well that it would likely turn sexual. “It wasn’t something I planned, but I’m intrigued by what happened.”
Tara laughed good-naturedly. “I can just imagine.” The sparkle in Tara’s eyes dimmed and her mouth formed a pout. “If you bond with two eagles, we’ll hardly see each other.”
“If, and I do mean if, they’ll just get lots of practice flying me back and forth to the feline village so I can visit my friends.”
They chatted happily after that, catching each other up on what had transpired since they were last together.
About an hour later Heather approached, a hesitant smile on her face. “Is it all right if I join you?”
“Of course,” Tara said warmly, motioning toward the empty chair on her right. “I’ve had her to myself long enough.”
Claire just stared at Heather. They hadn’t spoken since Heather’s comments sent Claire running from the bunkhouse.Sharing a bedroom made the silent treatment challenging, but Claire still felt betrayed.
