A Tale Between Two Species

Complications

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Rhiannon had been hiding out in her bedroom for most of the day trying to figure things out. It was impossible for her to leave the flight as she was the only heir. It would be easier if anyone could just snatch up the position, but life was never easy, and the seat of power could only be passed on to her child, if she had any. Given the hopeless situation, she was doubtful.

The other reason why Rhiannon was reluctant to let Liam go was because a true mate bond was rare these days, especially for their kind. Not to mention, she wouldn't be the only one feeling the after effects of the rejection. Liam would be taking it hard too, and if the stories she heard was true, werewolves are only able to love their one soulmate. She would be condemning him to misery for the rest of his life.

The arguments she debated in her head proved pointless and she snuggled into her bed further. If only Liam was here, her mind selfishly hoped.

She had called a meeting with the flights's elders. The elders were like a council for the Irra. They mainly consisted of the previous Irra, Ero, Aro and Onis. Of course, since her father had passed, there are only three of them.

The elders are Sether, Paulie and Ireen. They know their job well but can be a little commandeering at times, and that annoyed Rhiannon. Nevertheless, her father had trusted them so she would do the same.

"--and I know I can't back out from my responsibilities, but I don't think I can reject my only mate. My true mate," She ended her explanation with a dejected tone.

The silence that ensued was an uncomfortable one, and Rhiannon hoped one of the elders would say something. It was Paulie, who had once held the position of Onis, who broke the silence.

"True mates are uncommon for leions, but the flight's well being is of the utmost importance," he said in a decisive voice.

Her heart sank.

"Yes, Paul, but this is a matter of the heart. Rhiannon won't be able to lead with a broken heart," Ireen countered on my behalf, rising her hopes.

Rhiannon knew that the ultimate decision would be up to her, but as an Irra, she had to take her flight's thoughts into consideration too. It didn't help that the elders were highly influential in her flight. Leions looked up to them especially since Rhiannon was still new to the whole Irra business.

"I think that we should not concentrate on whether Rhiannon should reject her mate or not. What we should do is look for solutions. There may be a way they could be together without hurting the flight or in his case, pack," Sether said wisely.

Out of the three, Rhiannon had always favorited Sether the most. It was mostly because Sether was her father's best friend and later, his Ero. He had always been like an uncle to her.

"I say end the bond now before it gets out of hand. You know how young people are nowadays, Seth. Their hormones get the best of them. We wouldn't want her coming to us a few weeks later with a baby in her," Paulie said grouchily, his words making the other elders' eyes widen and me to flinch.

Sure, Paulie could be menacing, but he had reasons that made him the way he was. His wife and only son died a few years back from a car accident and he was never the same after that.

"Paulie, we all know how mates react to one another, but Rhiannon is still your Irra. You should know better than to mock her with such harsh words. She is a responsible young woman whose decisions I am certain we can trust," Sether scolded Paulie win a stern glare to which he avoided uncomfortably.

"Apologies, Irra," he said unemotionally.

Rhiannon would always envy Sether for the way he could make people listen. Her father used to have it too, back when he was still alive. As far as she knows, Sether is the only person Paulie actually listens to. The reason is unclear, but it didn't make her dislike Paulie any less.