“Now take your mate and see to her. I wish you a fruitful mating, with many joys and calves to brighten your lives, if you so desire them.”
Faltz nodded and ushered his mate out, his heart full of unfamiliar feelings and his mind reeling. The blessing was not a permanent thing. He should not feel guilty that he had every intention of breaking whatever fragile bonds grew between them. Distaste rose within him at the thought, but he shook it off. Things would return to normal once she was gone.
He was just confused now. Nothing had changed.
Ederk would be disappointed when she left, but Faltz would attempt to cajole one of the youths to help him in her place.
Chapter 15
Miram’s warning was hard to dismiss. It had repeated in Beni’s mind while they visited with the priest, constantly plucking at her and drawing her attention away from the fascinating discussions she had enjoyed with Ederk. She tried to ignore it.
She had never been truly attached to any man in her life. Pleasant exchanges were common, but her interest had always fizzled out… How was this situation going to be any different? They were just confined together a little longer. That didn’t change anything. So why did a trickle of unease fill her when the priest bestowed his blessing, as if there was something more going on?
Was this part of the consequences Miram had spoken of?
A sensation that Tabby would describe as “a presentiment of something looming on the horizon” descended over her. Something distinctly beyond her control.
Beni shook away the dread as she smiled at the beautiful sky-blue Mintar who Miram introduced her to. When they arrived, she was surprised to find that a small gathering awaited them. Miram hadn’t hesitated to begin introducing her. Most were friendly, but others were less than enthusiastic to meet her. The female in question, Visha, belonged squarely in the latter category. She didn’t return Beni’s greeting. Instead, Visha eyed her critically before inclining her head briefly and turning away.
“Don’t take it personally,” Miram whispered as they walked away. “Not everyone in the clan is thrilled with having humans among them, despite knowing the necessity. Even mating between clans doesn’t provide enough females for all males. They know this and accept it—as they will eventually accept your presence—but they feel obliged to make all newcomers know exactly how they feel. Funny enough, the worst of them are actually among the males, but I won’t be introducing you to any of them,” she said with a laugh.
“Lovely,” Beni muttered, as she smiled in the direction of another who turned a curious look toward her.
“It is a minority,” Miram assured her. “It can be uncomfortable, but most of the clan are accepting of our presence and are pragmatic about it. New mates mean less fighting among the males, and the chance for more calves to be born.”
“Speaking of… how exactly does a human woman birth a quadruped?” Beni asked in a hushed tone. She didn’t want to accidentally offend any of the women in her company. “I’ve been trying to imagine it and I just…. can’t.”
Her companion chuckled. “As it happens, you’re speaking to the right woman. I was a midwife before the Mintars stole me, and have served as such for the women here, and for Mintar females when extreme situations call for it. The Mintar females tend to have an easier time than human women when it comes to birthing in general, so it is rare. It turns out that, like human infants, Mintar calves are extremely flexible. The Mintar spine is flexible anyway, given the way it joins at the forepelvis. It allows them to stoop and pick things up off the ground, even if they have to bend their forelegs to do it. Mintar young are born with short legs and lateral torsos. They don’t start getting much length or longer legs until their spines strengthen, much like human babies, though they grow far more rapidly. That’s why you see females wearing slings.”
“They are still little beasts to carry around,” another woman retorted with a giggle.
Beni jumped at the sight of long blonde tresses hanging free when most women of that coloring kept it cropped short and covered with wigs to prevent being targeted. She supposed that the Mintars were safe from the Ragoru. Her eyes dropped to a small blue face peeking over the woman’s shoulder, bringing her attention to the sling she wore. The calf’s hand was tangled in her hair as she watched Beni with large violet eyes. From beneath the woman’s arm, a tiny blue-taloned paw clung with delicate claws to her clothing.
Miram broke into a wide smile. “Jill, so glad to see you. I would like you to meet Beni.”
Jill nodded a greeting with a friendly—though obviously exhausted—smile. “Not sure how long I can stay, but I had to stop by.”
“Do not worry about it, dear,” Miram assured her as she reached forward to play with the little blue hand. “How is Arah?”
“Teething, but we are working through it,” Jill replied with a grimace. “Sleeping is off the table for a bit for my mate and I, but it’s nothing new. Rand was a difficult teether too. He was my first born,” she clarified for Beni. Cocking her head, Jill gave her a once-over and smiled a bit wider. “I heard we had a new human brought in, and I decided that I had to drop by. So, you’re the one who took on Faltz. Tell me, does he ever crack a smile, or does he scowl the whole time? I can’t imagine trying to be intimate with someone who glares the entire time you’re going at it.”
“Jill!” Miram hissed, her mouth gaping a little.
“Come on, Miram. It’s not like I’m the first person to make that observation. In fact, my mate was laughing about it just yesterday when word got around that Faltz had returned from the hunt mated. He wondered if Faltz had to snare you with his voice and then tie you to him to keep you from going anywhere.”
Beni frowned, indignant on his behalf. “That’s a bit unfair. Faltz tends to be pretty controlled, and may be stern at times, but he is also protective and passionate. Not to mention that he is very honorable. He might smile more if people weren’t making such speculations within his hearing.” She nodded to where Faltz stood with Praxlor a short distance away. He was studiously not looking their way as he spoke to the other male.
“Oh,” Jill said, her face flushing. “I am sorry. That was terribly rude of me. Sometimes I forget that Mintars have such good hearing. My mate is always minding me to watch what I say. I meant no offense, and I believe the males have said as much in his company before…”
“Of course they would,” Beni snorted. “However, in the interest of setting the record straight, let me just correct a few things: he does smile. Faltz has a warm smile, if somewhat reluctant. If he scowls at times when we fuck, it’s because he is focusing his entire being into giving me the most mind-blowing orgasm I’ve ever experienced.”
Several women and Mintar females nearby stopped and stared, and Beni swore she saw a reluctant smile from one of the females who had refused to be introduced to her. Meeting her eyes, Beni lifted her chin in defiance, and the female inclined her head before turning her attention back to the female at her side. Jill, however, was beet red and flustered.
“Oh… I… That’s great,” Jill finally said. “I do like Faltz, really.” A genuine smile suddenly stretched over her face. “It is good to see that he has a mate who cares for him like that. Quite often new women are resistant to the idea of falling in love with their mates, even after they accept them—just looking for the protection and comfort that they get from their males. Glad to see that’s not the case.”
Beni felt a surge of guilt at the woman’s observation. Her every action so far with Faltz had been largely self-serving, though she couldn’t deny that there was a new complexity to their relationship. She couldn’t be in love with him. She’d only known him for a few days!
Miram patted the woman’s arm. “So true,” she murmured. “At least most of them come around by the time their calves are born.”
Right on cue, the little one strapped to Jill screwed up her face and let out so loud a howl that it shocked Beni. She stepped back a pace, panicked eyes fixed on t
he angry baby.
Jill laughed, one arm going to pat her calf gently. “Sounds like it’s time for us to go home. It was so wonderful to meet you, Beni.”
Beni watched the woman approach a cherry male red, her lips pursed thoughtfully.
“Our life may look dull, and it’s a lot of work living among the clan, but the rewards are very much worth it,” Miram said at her side. “In the end, our species aren’t too different, nor are the things we value and want.”
Beni thought of the time she had spent with Faltz and meeting with the priest, and she couldn’t find any point on which she could disagree. That was alarming, because in the face of acknowledging it, she noticed that the urgency of returning home was lessening.
No. She had to get home, and that was that.
“I hope Jill did not offend you too much.”
Beni glanced over at Miram and laughed. “She surprised me, and I admit to feeling a little irritated at first. She did offer a genuine apology though, so I won’t hold it against her. Meeting her, however, was delightfully instructional. You know, I really think that there are many women in Dunvar Citadel who would want to hear about this.”
“What are you suggesting?”
Excited at the other woman’s interest, Beni turned and grinned. “I have been toying with idea of a booklet to be circulated in secret. But I need more perspectives from the women who come to live with the Mintars.”
Miram’s eyes widened. “Well,” she said, tucking Beni’s hand into her arm, “let’s introduce you to more of the ladies.”
Chapter 16
Watching Beni among the females, Faltz sighed as Praxlor pushed a cup into his hands. When Miram had asked him to bring Beni by, he hadn’t thought that half the clan—largely the female portion and their mates—would be there as well. He was only thankful that there were no unmated males present. He felt an irrational surge of irritation at the thought that went well beyond his sense of duty. Still, the gathering struck him as a strange.
What was Miram up to with this display?
He glared down at the contents of his cup. This was not how he wished things to go. What was Miram thinking? Beni was leaving the clan soon; it was foolish to introduce her to the females. Though he had to admit, aside from the one uncomfortable incident with Jill, she appeared to be having a good time. A slight smile twitched on his lips at the sound of her laughter. Peering through the crowd, he was able to spot the source of her amusement. A pair of third-year calves were chasing each other through the crowd on wobbly legs. The third-year growth made them gangly compared to the compact forms of the younger calves.
“Miram has told me all about this fool idea of yours,” Praxlor muttered, quietly enough that their exchange would not be overheard. “I do not need to remind you of how much our clan needs females and mated pairs.”
“I am aware of your thoughts on the matter,” Faltz said, taking a long drink of the fermented honey that the humans taught their ancestors to brew. Since they kept the casks stored in the canyon, the mead was cool and refreshing.
“Perhaps you need a reminder. We have twice as many males as we have females. Even with an eighth of the females in our clan being human. We cannot lose a single female. Besides, their lives are better here among us. Not to mention that you are throwing away your chance at having a family!” Praxlor hissed.
“I have given my oath.”
“You know I am not one to suggest anyone disregard oaths, but in this instance, damn your oath. Your sire would not have wished to see you return your mate. He would want to see you with fat calves, enjoying the comforts of a family. Not half-exiled as you make yourself.”
Faltz let out a long sigh. “I know you intend the best for me.”
“Your sire was my brother… And you are a good male.”
“Then know that I respect you and appreciate your support when I kindly ask you to rut off.”
Praxlor snorted out a laugh. “Stubborn as your dam, for all that you are the very image of your sire. Very well. I did tell Miram I would not push too hard, but still, I had to try.”
“I respect that,” Faltz replied, and swallowed back more mead.
“She is lovely and strong. She would give you fine calves…” Praxlor grinned at him and chuckled. “Just to point that out before you go along with your plan.”
“I have noticed. Despite my commitment, I am not blind to it.”
“I should hope not, since you are rutting her—did you really suggest rubbing your seed on her?”
Faltz flushed. The more people sounded shocked about it, the more awkward he felt about even suggesting it, though it seemed like a reasonable idea at the time. “It struck me as an efficient way to get things done,” he mumbled.
Praxlor laughed again and shook his head a moment before sobering. “I heard that you have a challenge tomorrow.”
“I do.”
“And that Calth is making a protest on behalf of his son.”
“Yes,” Faltz ground out.
“You realize that if you lose to Eloio, or if the queen agrees with Calth, your plan will fail. You would not be allowed near Beni for an entire moon cycle.”
“It is a good thing I will not lose, then.”
Praxlor sighed. “Very well. I will need two days after the festival to gather supplies. Although seclusion begins right after a male takes a female into his dome, with the fact that you did not get the blessing from the priest right upon arriving, and the festival being tomorrow, no one will think much of the delay. It is why Miram decided to hold this gathering. She wanted to garner public support for your mating with Beni. The queen does take such things into consideration.”
Faltz had not thought of that. He felt a renewed rush of affection for the female. Now the ridiculous gathering made sense, and he regretted the suspicion he had felt toward her motivation. Of course Miram only had the best of intentions in mind. He could have laughed out loud from the relief he felt.
Perhaps Bakin was right all the times he accused him of being too suspicious of everyone.
“Thank your mate for me,” he said, returning to a normal volume. “Beni appears to be having a good time.”
“Miram as well. She enjoys welcoming new females into the clan, and not all of them adapt quite as fast as Beni. Or are so… enthusiastic. This has perhaps been one of the least uncomfortable greetings we have had in a while.”
A reluctant chuckle escaped Faltz. “Enthusiasm is an interesting way to put it, but not incorrect. I too have noticed that she approaches challenges and unexpected changes in a cheerful manner. Would you believe she attempted to follow me to camp when I tried to leave her at the river?” He shook his head.
Praxlor’s brows went up, and he turned a speculative look to the female. “Did she really?” The male’s lips curved, and he nodded to himself. Faltz wanted to inquire as to his thoughts.
“Truthfully, I don’t think you have anything to worry about from Calth,” Praxlor continued, directing the conversation back to the problem at hand. “He will make an argument, but with Eloio challenging, there is no reason for the queen to give Isnah rights to court. Watch out for Eloio, though. In training, he is a fierce fighter. Though I have no doubts you are the stronger male, he is agile and not above using anything at his disposal to win. I do wonder how he put in a challenge so quickly. Usually it takes a few days for word to spread regarding a new female.”
“You can thank Bakin for that,” Faltz said, relieved to see that the gathering was ending as males collected their mates to return to their dwellings. “For a disciplined male and the head of the guard, he likes to talk too much.”
Praxlor gave him an inscrutable look. “I am sure Miram reprimanded him for it. She was talking to him quite intently earlier.”
“You’re sure I reprimanded who for what?” Miram asked sweetly as she drew closer with Beni while the Mintars dispersed.
Faltz relaxed. Now that they were alone, they could speak of events to come without worryi
ng about being overheard. Praxlor bent a fond smile on his mate as he gestured to his dome that they continue the discussion inside.
“We were speaking of the challenge tomorrow, and that you spoke to Bakin just a short time ago,” he informed his mate.
“Oh… yes!” she said brightly. “He told me all about accidentally instigating that challenge, but I’m sure you will be able to handle it just fine. I just reminded him that is important that we move things in the right direction.”
“I do appreciate all of your help,” Faltz replied as he inclined his head. “I am certain your efforts will weigh in our favor.” The more discouragement there was for other males, the happier he was.
Miram cleared her throat and glanced over at her mate before she smiled. “That is what I hope as well.”
Beni grinned at Miram’s side. “She’s been exceedingly helpful. She introduced me to all the ladies. This has provided valuable information that the Citadel council and Order of the Huntsmen would never have allowed the populace to have. I got a little carried away about it when we arrived, if you recall, Faltz. But can you imagine? If we can get information out about Mintars and what life is like for women among your clan, I think we could help both our peoples.”
His brow shot up. Now was not the time to admit he hadn’t been listening to what she said at the time. He admittedly had been more interested in achieving blessed silence. But now that she had his attention, Faltz had to admit that her idea had merit.
“You could do this?” Praxlor asked.
She nodded with excitement. “Absolutely. I am a trained transcriber, fully capable of making a book—or in this case, a booklet. With the right supplies at my disposal, I could write and bind several booklets to circulate. I can distribute them through the secret library.”
“The what?” Miram laughed.
As Beni explained the purpose for the secret library and the reason for its existence, Faltz’s admiration for the female grew. He knew that she possessed an indomitable spirit in her small body—or was fool enough, for the gods seemed to protect fools—but now he had to acknowledge the strength she had to carry out her convictions. Beni was formidable in her own right. He still felt there was something foolhardy in the decision to risk her wellbeing for what amounted to the human version of scrolls, but he suspected the priest would agree with her decision.
Librarian and the Beast: A Mintar Romance Page 10
