Raw

Chapter Thirty-One: The Bitter End

The herds beginning their migration again marked the river receding. They moved steadily through the pride land, providing plentiful food for me while I nursed. Naya, being with child, would watch little Kylani while I hunted with my younger sister and the three other females Mhor had claimed. His little pride grew well as he established himself in the land.

I smelled him well before I saw him. Tallem had the audacity to mark his territory on Mhor's land between our encampment and the river. Mhor arrived back from patrolling mere moments before Tallem arrived, flanked by my four brothers.

Mhor wrapped his arm around my waist as I pulled Kylani to my chest. Not only would Tallem kill her if given the chance, but my brothers may as well.

"The time has come," Thelmos said, stepping forward. "Mhor, you must face your challenger."

Tallem licked his lips. "Six strong and beautiful females. I would gladly take them over your still warm corpse." His eyes narrowed on my cub. "And that one I will find great satisfaction in watching the life drain from it."

I turned her away, glaring at him.

Mhor leaned to my ear to whisper. "Take Kylani and Naya to hide, just to be safe."

I met his gaze, my jaw flexing. "You will beat him."

"I intend to." He caressed my cheek. "But I don't want to take any chances. This is a fight to the death."

Dread filled my heart as I gazed into his eyes. He had to win. Looking down at my small cub, a fire ignited in my heart. If Mhor perished, not only would I be devastated for the loss of him, but my cub would be hunted to be killed. I would lose both, leaving my heart utterly decimated.

I motioned my sister over and handed her Kylani. "Take her and Naya and hide," I whispered.

Mhor grasped my elbow. "No, you must leave as well."

I glared into his eyes. "The only reason you would want me to leave is so I won't see you die. But, I refuse to let you die, so I will remain at your side. If you die, I die."

"No, Zora." He nuzzled against my cheek. "I couldn't bear it. Our cub needs you."

"Which is why I will be here to ensure you win." I purred softly as his hands slid around my waist. "If I am present, you will fight with all your strength to protect me, so I won't watch you die."

He gripped at my dress as he nuzzled my neck. "Give me strength, Zora."

"Always." I kissed his cheek as he pulled away.

Turning, he faced my brothers and Tallem, a fierce blaze in his eyes. A blaze unlike anything I had ever seen before. Every muscle in his body flexed as he nudged me back toward the other females.

My brothers removed Tallem's restraints and shoved him forward. Hektos met my gaze with a hint of concern in his eyes. I gave him a nod. Mhor had far too much to fight for to lose, and, if he looked like he may, I would intervene. I would gladly die for Mhor's sake.

Tallem let out a low chuckle as he and Mhor paced, sizing up one another. "I remember how Zora feels and smells..." He inhaled deeply. "Mmm, sweeter than any other."

Mhor let out a low growl but didn't break focus. "Zora was not for your brother to take. Her heat belonged to me, and he stole it. I had every right to kill him."

Tallem let out a hiss. "You stole her from us in the first place! We knew she'd come of age soon enough, and you traveled miles in search of a queen's daughter. You invaded our region to steal what we had waited for."

"Yes, I traveled far and wide in search of a queen's daughter," Mhor said in a low rumble. "But Zora was not the first I found. She was the one who captive me." Mhor stopped his pacing and faced Tallem. "Now, are you a coward or will you face me like a—"