The Choosing

by Annabelle Jacobs

  “Jerath?”

  He’s been dreading this moment the most. There’s just no easy way to tell his mother he’ll be leaving again soon. For good this time.

  “You’ve already bonded, haven’t you? And you’re going to live in Kalesaan.”

  Jerath’s head snaps up to finally meet his mother’s gaze. He fully expects to see her eyes brimming with hurt and disappointment, but she’s smiling at him. There are tears steadily falling down her cheeks, but she’s still smiling.

  “I’m sorry.” He can’t think of anything else to say.

  “Sorry?” Helan says, and looks a little confused. “Why on earth would you be sorry?”

  “Because you’ve only just got me back, and now I’m going to leave again.”

  She pulls him into a hug and shushes him. “You have nothing to be sorry for, do you hear me?” She nudges him until he nods against her shoulder. “I’m going to miss you so, so much, Jerath. But you’ve found your mate, and Kalesaan is not like here. You can live freely there in a way that you never would’ve been able to here.” She takes a deep breath and holds him even tighter. Her tears wet the front of his shirt, but her voice is full of love when she speaks again. “You’re my son, Jerath, and I love you dearly. All I want for you is to be happy, even if that means you have to leave.”

  Jerath doesn’t try to stop his own tears. He lets them fall and holds onto his mother for just a little while longer. “You’ll come and visit, though. Won’t you?” Jerath finally lets her go and sits back in his chair.

  “Of course!” Helan wipes at her eyes and laughs at the mess they’re in. “I need to meet this man of yours.”

  She gets up to make them both a hot drink, and Jerath takes a moment to get himself together. He feels wrung out and exhausted but so much better now his mother knows everything and she’s happy for him. He should have expected nothing less.

  “Now, Jerath.” She sets the two steaming mugs down on the table and settles back in her seat. “Tell me all about Meren.”

  THEY’VE been back in Eladir for two days now. Preparations are well underway for the upcoming full moon and the two Choosing rituals that will be taking place. Ghaneth and Serim are virtually inseparable, much to the annoyance of the elders. There’s no guarantee Ghaneth’s animal will be a match for Serim’s, but neither of them seem to care. Jerath prays Ghaneth’s tattoo takes the form of a sleek black panther, just like Serim’s. They both deserve this after everything they’ve been through.

  Kyr will also be taking part in the ritual. Jerath finds it amazing that some of the girls in their village aren’t put off by his arrogance and general meanness.

  He watches the people as they go about their daily chores. It’s something he won’t be part of anymore, and the feeling is bittersweet. He needs to get back to Meren. It gets harder each day to be without him, but Eladir has been Jerath’s home for eighteen years. He’s going to miss it.

  “Are you ready, Jerath?” Torek appears silently at his side. “My men are all packed and waiting at the far end of the village.”

  “Yes.” Jerath has one last look around and takes a deep breath. “I just need to say my good-byes.”

  Torek smiles. “Join us when you’re done.” He pats Jerath on the shoulder and leaves.

  They’re all waiting for him outside his home, and he grins as Serim rushes up and jumps into his arms. “I’m going to miss you so much, Jerath!”

  He swings her around and makes her squeal before setting her back down on the ground. “I expect to see you all soon. It’s only four days’ travel, and Serim knows the way now.”

  “We’ll come and see you after the Choosing,” she replies, and steps back to let Mahli come in for a hug.

  “I’m so happy for you, Jerath.” He can hear the waver in her voice and he squeezes her tight. “Meren’s lucky to have you.” She lets him go and studiously stares at the ground while she wipes her eyes. Next it’s Serim’s mother, Kinis, and then finally Helan.

  “I’m so very proud of you, Jerath.” She cups his cheek and catches his tears with her thumb. “I know your father would have been too.”

  Jerath pulls her into his arms and buries his head in her hair. “I love you.” He feels her breath hitch, and she whispers that she loves him too and that he’d better take care of himself or she’ll be having words with the chief.

  Jerath laughs through his tears and steps back enough to lay a soft kiss on her forehead.

  “They’re waiting for me.” He gestures behind him in the general direction of Torek and the others. He gives the girls one last hug, nearly having to peel Serim and Mahli off him, then turns to leave Eladir for good this time.

  He waves until he can’t see them anymore.

  Torek greets him with a small smile but doesn’t speak and Jerath’s grateful for the silence. He doesn’t feel like talking yet.

  They walk out into the surrounding forest, and Jerath falters as he feels a surge of love through the bond. Meren will have sensed his pain and no doubt realizes that Jerath is leaving today. He rubs at his chest as the warmth spreads through him and he can finally breathe more easily. Jerath feels the weight lift from his shoulders. He’s going back to his mate, and despite all the hurt of leaving everyone behind, he knows with all his heart that this is right.

  He looks up to see Torek is waiting for him while the others move on ahead. Jerath walks up beside him and offers a small smile. “Come on,” he says, and gives Torek a gentle nudge with his shoulder. “Let’s go home.”

  Epilogue

  JERATH rolls over in their bed to face a sleeping Meren. It’s been six weeks since he left Eladir and he still finds it hard to believe that this beautiful man is his. His mate. Meren’s warm, lazy contentment flows through the bond between them. It washes over Jerath, and his whole body relaxes in the soft furs. He doesn’t want to move from this spot. He wants to stay here all day and just be with Meren, but they have guests arriving soon and they both need to get ready.

  Meren stirs next to him, and Jerath smiles as thick eyelashes flutter open to reveal striking blue eyes. They focus on Jerath’s face, and Meren’s answering smile is full of love and happiness and Jerath is helpless to do anything but pull him in closer for a soft kiss.

  “Hi.” Jerath runs his hand under the covers and along Meren’s bare hip. His skin is soft and smooth under Jerath’s fingers.

  Meren raises an eyebrow when Jerath gets teasingly close to his morning erection. “We don’t have time for that.”

  “I know.” Jerath just grins and wraps his fingers around the hard length resting along Meren’s belly. He loves the feel of Meren’s cock. It’s hot and heavy in his hand, and he strokes slowly up and down, tightening his grip as it grows that little bit harder.

  “Jerath… oh….” Meren closes his eyes and drops his head back onto the pillow. “We’re… going to be….” He bites his lip when Jerath disappears under the blankets and takes Meren in his mouth to finish him off. “Late… fuck.”

  Jerath sucks hard and uses his tongue until Meren’s cursing above him, with his hands fisted tight in Jerath’s hair. Meren comes with a soft moan and Jerath swallows it all down before wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand.

  He knows they’re going to be late now, so it really makes no difference if he sits up and straddles Meren’s hips. He watches as Meren’s long fingers stroke him to completion, and they collapse together in a tangled, sticky mess.

  By the time they’re washed and dressed, their guests have arrived and everyone is waiting for them. Tonight, the elders of Meren’s village are going to bless their union and Jerath will finally bear Meren’s mark. He can’t wait.

  “LET me see it, then.” Jerath gestures for Ghaneth to lift his shirt and laughs when he makes a face. “You can blame your mate.” Jerath looks over at Serim, who just shrugs. “She’s been going on about it nonstop since you got here.”

  Serim and Ghaneth have made the journey south to Chastil along with Helan,
Kinis, and Mahli. They’re all here to witness Jerath and Meren’s blessing, but Serim and Ghaneth have brought good news of their own, and Jerath is so happy for them he can’t keep the smile off his face.

  Ghaneth slowly peels his shirt off and turns around to show Jerath his back. It takes Jerath a few moments to say anything, because the tattoo is breathtaking.

  “See, I told you.” Serim positively glows with pride and she walks over to Ghaneth and trails her fingers over the sleek, black panther that covers his skin.

  Jerath smiles at the two of them, and his hand automatically goes to rub over his heart through his shirt. He can feel the warmth of the bond humming just underneath his skin and wonders how Meren’s getting on over at Torek’s house.

  Traditionally, a mated pair only live together after the blessing takes place, but Jerath has been staying with Meren from the moment he arrived back. They’ve only separated now because Malek insisted that at least some traditions should be kept. Torek is helping Meren to prepare, while Jerath has Serim and, by default, Ghaneth too.

  “Okay!” Serim claps, making both Jerath and Ghaneth jump in surprise. “We need to get a move on. You don’t want to keep Meren waiting.” She pinches Jerath’s side and he sticks his tongue out at her, but can’t resist pulling her in for a hug. He’s missed her so much.

  He’s missed the others too, but he and Serim have an even deeper bond after going through his Choosing and he feels her absence the most. “Missed you,” he whispers into her hair.

  “I missed you too, Jerath.” She squeezes him tight, then steps back. “Now get dressed, before we’re late.”

  THE blessing ritual takes place in a large, circular clearing in the center of the village. There’s a huge fire burning brightly over to the right and at least four large roasts being cooked over it for the feast later.

  Serim and Ghaneth left Jerath a little while ago and now Jerath walks into the clearing alone, dressed in the traditional white flowing breeches and with his chest bare. His tattoo is on full display and he hears some of the gasps behind him as he walks past the villagers present for the ritual. He feels the magic pulse through his veins and he knows the jaguar on his back will look vibrant and alive.

  He sees Meren waiting for him, and everything else fades into background noise. Meren stands in front of one of the elder healers and watches Jerath walk toward him. His gaze rakes over Jerath’s body, and Jerath can almost taste the want and hunger coming off him.

  The healer directs them both to kneel and face each other and she comes to stand beside them.

  She makes a small cut on each of their chests, just above their hearts.

  “Let these two be joined in the eyes of the Goddess.” She instructs them to reach out and run a finger through the other’s blood and then taste it. “Let their bloods mix together and form the mark of their union.” She raises her hands to the sky and closes her eyes.

  Jerath and Meren stare at each other. Jerath’s body begins to tingle as the magic curls around them and slides beneath his skin. Meren couldn’t tell him where or what the mark would be, because he said he didn’t know. Meren has yet to discover his animal connection.

  Jerath sucks in a breath as the cut above his heart starts to heal. The skin on either side of it starts to knit back together, and Jerath winces as it pulls slightly. He glances over at Meren and sees his is healing as well. He’s about to ask if that’s supposed to happen, when the area around Meren’s cut begins to shimmer.

  Jerath watches, transfixed, as a tiny, perfect replica of his own jaguar tattoo slowly appears on Meren’s skin. Jerath leans forward to get a closer look. It’s identical, the pattern of the coat, the eyes… everything. Jerath wants to touch it, but he’s not sure if he’s allowed yet. Seeing his own tattoo on Meren, marking him as Jerath’s, makes something raw and primal unfurl deep in his belly.

  Jerath looks up and tries to catch Meren’s eye, but his gaze is focused on Jerath’s chest. When Meren eventually looks up, his eyes are dark, almost black. Jerath knows that look far too well.

  “Jerath… look.” Meren slides his hand down Jerath’s chest until his fingertips trace over where the cut used to be. “We match.” Meren’s voice is full of reverence and wonder as he looks at his own mark, now etched into Jerath’s chest.

  Jerath immediately looks down and gently pushes Meren’s fingers away so he can see for himself. The cut has disappeared completely, and in its place is the sleek, familiar form of a jaguar. It’s not like the tattoo on Jerath’s back, though. This jaguar is crouched down low, its muscles coiled tight and ready to spring into action at any second. As if it’s hunting. The bright-green eyes seem to glow in the candlelight, and Jerath can’t tear his eyes away from it.

  The healer is talking to the rest of the gathered villagers. Jerath vaguely registers that she’s telling them all that the Goddess has blessed the union, and the marks have been made. A huge cheer echoes around the clearing and then their family and friends all come forward to offer their congratulations. But Jerath can’t really focus. He nods and smiles, but his mind is still reeling at the discovery of Meren’s animal connection.

  It’s a jaguar, like Jerath’s. They match.

  Meren is laughing with his father and Torek, and Jerath watches, his fingers still running back and forth over his new tattoo. He doesn’t notice the healer come up to stand beside him until she puts a hand on his shoulder and leans in to whisper in his ear.

  “Why do you think the bond took so quickly and is so strong between the two of you, hmm?”

  “Because we’re a match?” Jerath asks as he turns to face her.

  She smiles up at him and rests her hand on his arm. “Yes. A hunter of the old forest and a shifter—a perfect match.” She closes her eyes and smiles. “Yes, the Goddess is very pleased with this union.”

  Jerath has no idea what to say to that, but the healer is gone before he has a chance to even try.

  “Hey.” Meren walks over to stand in front of him and slides a hand over the mark on Jerath’s chest. “You okay?” He rubs his thumb back and forth over the tattoo and smiles. “I love this. I love seeing my mark on you.” Meren steps closer and Jerath feels the warmth radiating off his body. “I love you.” He leans a little closer and catches Jerath’s lips with a fleeting kiss.

  It’s enough to stir the desire in Jerath’s belly, desire he’d just about managed to push down and out of sight. “Meren….” He growls it out in warning, but Meren just laughs and presses even closer. He’s hard and ready and pushing into the curve of Jerath’s hip. “We can’t leave yet,” Jerath says in protest, but his hands are already settled on Meren’s waist to hold him in place.

  “Why not?” Meren nuzzles at Jerath’s neck.

  His hot breath makes Jerath shiver and struggle to remember his train of thought. “Because….” Meren licks up the side of Jerath’s neck and nips at the soft skin behind his ear. “Guests.” It’s not what he meant to say, but Meren’s tongue is far too distracting and he can’t focus on words.

  Meren laughs softly against Jerath’s skin. “They expect us to leave. The magic for the blessing is very potent, Jerath.” Meren pulls back, looking him in the eye, and Jerath swallows thickly. “It means that we need to celebrate our union, just like you do for your Choosing.”

  “So we have to….”

  “Yes.” Meren rolls his hips so Jerath is left in no doubt. “I have to fuck you this time.”

  “Finally.” Jerath drops his head onto Meren’s shoulder and moans. It comes from deep in his chest and sounds more like a rumbling growl, but he doesn’t care who hears him. “Let’s go now.” Jerath has been waiting for this moment. Meren persuaded him that they should hold off until after the ceremony and now he knows why.

  Meren lifts Jerath’s chin and kisses him softly on the lips. He rests his forehead against Jerath’s for a moment or two before stepping away. “Wait here.”

  Jerath watches his every move as he marches over to Torek, leanin
g in and whispering something in his ear. Jerath fights the urge to blush when Torek looks over at him and winks. He claps Meren on the shoulder, and then Meren is hurrying back over to Jerath with a triumphant look on his face.

  “Torek will explain our absence.” He doesn’t stop to say more, just grabs Jerath by the hand and pulls him away from the clearing and in the direction of their home.

  Meren’s walking so quickly Jerath stumbles a little in his efforts to keep up. “Slow down, Meren.” Jerath tugs on his hand.

  Meren turns and pushes Jerath against the side of the nearest building. Nearly everyone is still celebrating at the feast, and this part of the village is deserted. “I need to get you home, Jerath.” He punctuates his words with gentle thrusts of his hips, and Jerath feels all of Meren’s need as he presses against his stomach.

  Jerath smiles and pushes back. He kisses Meren hard and fast before shoving off the wall and taking Meren with him. “Come on, then.”

  They half run, half stumble the rest of the way, stopping every few moments to kiss and rut against each other. Finally they reach their house and they fall through the doors and into the bedroom.

  Jerath stops in the center of the room and slowly pushes his breeches down over his hips. They fall to the floor with a whisper. Meren stares and licks his lips, and Jerath’s cock twitches as Meren’s gaze lingers over him. “Your turn.”

  Meren smirks and obediently shrugs out of his own breeches. He steps out of them as they pool at his feet and leads Jerath over to the bed. Jerath wants this, wants it more than anything, but they haven’t done this before and he feels a touch of nervousness start to creep in.

  Meren turns to face Jerath and takes hold of his hands. “Don’t worry.” He pulls Jerath closer and whispers in his ear. “Trust me to take care of you.”