Unsevered Ties

45. Fight Me

Chapter 45: Fight Me

All eyes snapped to Naki like flies stuck in a glue trap. Different shades of orbs all gleamed in astonishment at a single source, their depths all flashing with different emotions.

Naki stared into the two pairs of eyes that gawked at him most intently. He didn't waver in his gaze, though his mind rippled. Why had he said that without thinking? It was not as if he had just mentioned such a casual thing. He had just given his mates a life-changing choice.

He was so embarrassed; he didn't mean it the way it came out, but now that it was out, what was he to say? Oops, my bad for giving you all a heart attack just now. He felt like a dumbass, but he couldn't lose face right now. It'd be too embarrassing.

He cleared his throat, correcting himself meekly. "Erm... Sorry, I said that with miscommunication. I meant to say only if the Field and Mountain pack began joint endeavors."

Aiden let out a breath he was holding like a deflated balloon. By the Gods, if this mate of his didn't try to kill him at least once a week. He clutched at the front of his shirt, physically releasing the weight that slammed into him. What Naki said would have caused a chaotic mess.

The Field and Mountain join together? The power shift alone would alarm the Meadow and Forest. Furthermore, the Field and Forest were already pretty much aligned with each other. The Field would have to break ties with the Forest to form one with the Mountain. The Meadow, too, would have to rearrange their entire pack dynamics with the Mountain.

Joining would also mean giving Sega reign in the Mountain and giving Aiden reign in the Field. The mayhem that would ensue from one brief sentence was unending. There was a collection of tension being released, and many other members shook their heads in exasperation.

"Ugh, do you know the fucking heart attack I just had?" Valas narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "If you two don't teach him how to talk properly, I'm going to take him to the Forest and make him learn how to speak like a Royal."

Vyjas grumbled, "I almost lost my lunch just now. The way you just soured my stomach is unforgivable, child." He grasped at his mate's hand like a dramatic southern gentleman who just couldn't fathom the lack of poise Naki had.

"My dear let's come away, we have already given our blessing to this blessed ascension of Sega if that is what Leiodus desires." Vyjas knew damn well that it was not what Leiodus desired, but if the Forest went against their ally's "public" wishes, there would be suspicion. Celise had played her paltry hand well.

Corana smiled sweetly at her mate as she looked at him. "My precious King, come let's get you away from unsavory things." She looked back with a quick look of apology to the other women. She had at this point perfected her double face. She had to keep her appearance as the doting Queen of her fierce King. Perhaps with the reappearance of Celise, she might not have to spend another decade keeping her pack in order because her mate was a fucking old battle ox.

Emery looked to Tahalla, "I'm really very terrified for all of this next generation. This is why even the boys need to spend far more time in our presence. Since Naki has nearly aged me an entire year with his miscommunication, would you care to go find Vahala and go to the mud and hot springs? We will shrivel if we are around any more male heat for any longer."

Tahalla eyed Naki. She really couldn't help him out much right now. She only had a vague idea of the relationship dynamics he and his mates shared. She sighed. Kiala would have whipped him upside the head for that folly. It was amusing, though, that one sentence could make so many powerful people tremble in their boots. She wouldn't put it past Naki to get on his elder's nerves on purpose. He was truly something else. She nodded to Emery. It seemed Celise lingered so she would not extend the invitation. Plus, there was the whole naked Vahala thing calling her name.