Page 62 of His to Worship

“I see,” he remarks, sharp eyes peering at me, “and why did this change of heart lead you to me?”

“Well, when I told the other women, they were very intrigued as well.” My voice is meek and it’s giving me the ick, but I continue, “They all wish to see tonight’s Rites for themselves.”

This seems to take him by surprise, but I can see him considering it carefully. I scramble, thinking of something to say that would sway him more.

“As you know, we have traveled far and we were first very fearful of your customs.” I swallow thickly and add, “But after last night, we all crave the security that these customs provide. The others wish to see the unmated males for themselves and to present themselves properly so that they may sway the worthiest of males to fight when it is their Rites.”

Junq’s hand rubs at his jaw as every eye in the hut looks at him, waiting for an answer. “Very well, but when the Rites take place, I wish for you to give your apology to our entire clan. You have disregarded all of us, not just your atan.”

I bow my head subserviently, “Of course, my atan. My new clan deserves my utmost penance.”

He nods his head, a slimy smile playing over his lips. “Is there anything else?”

“If I may, would it be alright if I help Elder Tiqii prepare them as you did me?” I smile sheepishly. “The others wish to be as beautifully made as I was to attract more attention.”

He seems very pleased with this, though the thin line of Tiqii’s lips tells me she doesn’t feel the same.

“This will do.” He waves a hand dismissively. “If that is all, you may go to the hut now. Tiqii will be there soon to lead the preparations.”

I bow my head. “Thank you, my atan. You have been very kind.”

Keeping the triumph off my face, I rise to my feet and carefully leave the hut. Kuvier is by my side in a second, but I shake my head at him, indicating to stay silent. We walk towards Tiqii’s hut in silence. When we get there, Enikk is standing several yards away, his eyes trained on the structure as if it will blink out of existence in a minute. I tap Kuvier and gesture to the other man.

“I will go speak with him.” Placing a kiss on the top of my head, he jogs over to Enikk, and I enter the hut.

Everyone is already up, sitting in a circle with their heads pressed together, whispering. They all freeze until they see it’s me, then they relax. It doesn’t take long for their eyes to land on the fresh mark on my neck, and I can see the opinions forming.

“Sedona, is that…?” Sabrina starts, her eyes wide. Their expressions range from disgust to fear to interest. The interest being in one pair of eyes only. Xiomara.

I touch the mark gently, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment. “Yeah, it is,” I admit sheepishly. “Kuvier marked me last night.”

The girls exchange glances, worry crossing their faces. Renata steps forward, her brow furrowed. “Does this mean we’re all expected to get marked now?”

I shake my head firmly. “No, absolutely not. I did this because I wanted to, and all of you will have the same choice if I have anything to say about it.”

There’s a sense of relief that settles over the women. I make my way to the circle and Samra and Amari move apart, making a space for me to sit. Folding my legs underneath me, I launch right into it, knowing Tiqii will be here any minute.

“The plan is a go, you guys,” I tell them with a triumphant smile. “Junq fell for part one of our plan. He says that you can all come out to watch the Rites.”

“I don’t super love the beginning of this plan,” Meghan speaks up honestly. “What if it goes wrong and we end up mated anyway?”

“You won’t, I promise. The way the bond works, according to Kuvier, is that the moment your mate smells you, his whole focus becomes making you happy.”

Amari speaks up, “I hate to admit it, but I agree. We all know Enikk would rather be up my butt all day, but he keeps his distance because it’s what I want.”

“Exactly, they will do anything to make their mate happy,” I confirm with confidence. “We just need to make sure they find you and hear what will make you happy.”

Meghan settles, though there is still some uncertainty in her eyes.

“What if the rest of us don’t have mates?” Xo asks with a hint of reserve in her voice.

“At least some of us have to. There’s no way that two of us do and nobody else.” I look at each of them. “The biggest thing we need to do is make sure they can smell you guys. Kuvier says the stronger your scent is, the easier it’ll be for them to pick it out of the crowd. So, y’all need to get up and start exercising.”

Jaws drop as they stare at me incredulously.

“Um, no offense, but this body is meant to lounge and look sexy, not do jumping jacks,” Sabrina counters, her face skeptical.

I laugh loudly. “First of all, you don’t have to do jumping jacks. Any exercise that will work up a sweat will do.” I look at them deadpan. “Be glad I came up with this. Kuvier said the best scent is arousal, but we were not about to have a masturbation orgy in here.”

---