Savage King: New Worlds - Milly Taiden Page 0,51

were out training to be the next alpha.”

He couldn’t argue with that. Along with Haml, his to-be-beta, he was busy learning all he could about everything during the day. At night, his father would sit with him to tell the young Xenos of decisions he’d made and why he figured what he did. His father was amazing in his logic and reasoning. His rule was always in the right.

“What did I not see?”

“How he made decisions for the tribe.”

“I know why he made every call he did.”

“No,” she replied, “not ‘why’ but ‘how.’”

“How what?” He didn’t understand what she was trying to say.

“Xenos, Dad seldom made a decree without discussing it with Mother and several of the elders.”

He jerked to the side from shock so much that he nearly fell off the seat. Sure, he’d seen his father talking to many of the elders during the day, but he thought they were visiting like the alpha tried to do with everyone. His father grew up with the elders. He knew them well.

But during all those times, he was asking for advice? And Mom knew enough about village dealings that he spoke with her?

He got to his feet and paced. “I don’t believe I didn’t figure that out.”

“Xenos, you idolized Dad. As did every young boy. In your eyes, he was a god that did no wrong. How could you have seen any flaws?”

“Is that why the elders sit by the fire? To discuss issues with you.”

“Yes,” she replied, “I got tired of having to track them down every time I wanted to talk with them.”

Goddess, how could he have been so blinded? The solution to his problem was obvious. Another thought hit him.

“Iri, if Mom and Dad could make it as the alpha couple, there is no reason you and your mate can’t. Especially if you have others to consult with. With Haml as your beta, he can do anything you don’t have time for. He doesn’t have a mate, I don’t think.” He thought about the time he’d been spying and didn’t remember any females around the beta.

He continued. “I’ve always wanted the best for you, Iri. Wanted you to be happy with your mate. And I still want that.” He returned to his seat. As his mate said a short time ago, time to man up. He wrapped an arm around his sister’s shoulders and pulled her against his side. Kissing the top of her head, he said, “I will release you from your duty to continue guiding the tribe. I will be the alpha I was supposed to be, if the tribe wants that. I’m not sure they do.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Iridia,” he said with a sigh. “The battle—”

“You don’t know your own people, brother. Let them show you how they feel.”

The call for the meal went out. “Let us eat and be joyful at your return.” She stood with a smile and took his hand.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Wren watched with her cousins, as Zee and Iridia walked away from the elders.

“What did we miss?” Lilah asked. “I thought he liked you.”

Wren rolled her eyes. “He does like me. Iridia is his sister.”

“No shit,” Lilah said, “Hadn’t seen that coming.”

“So why is he a tiger roaming the jungles?” Daphne asked. “So, is he like the ruler now or is Iridia still in charge?”

That was a great question. Wren wasn’t sure of the answer. He was so afraid of facing everyone that she couldn’t imagine him readily saying yes to taking charge. She kept her eye on him and his sister as they made their way through the village.

“What’s the plan for the day?” Daphne asked. “I’m starving.”

“Yeah,” Lilah said, “eating would be good. But then what?”

Wren chewed on her lip. “Well, I think it’s rather obvious that we need to get to the island of the standing stones. With our rocks, a portal should open. Hopefully to the Crystal Kingdom if not Grandmom’s.”

“You think they are looking for us?” Daphne whispered.

“Of course, they are,” Lilah replied. “There’s got to be a million planets and shit in the universe, not to mention other dimensions, if those aren’t in the same universe. I really have no idea how all that shit works.”

Wren knew it was probably mind boggling when it came down to the truth of it all. Just accepting magic was hard enough.

“We need to talk with Iridia to see what she thinks. Maybe the storytelling lady will know more too. It would be great if this island was