Savage King: New Worlds - Milly Taiden Page 0,62

changes were upon them.

As the shadows on the ground grew longer, the flora began to change from tropical leafy, to grassy open fields, then forest. Zee called out to set up camp, and the villagers scattered to do their duties.

With Zee’s help, Wren once again worked her magic. This time, everyone including her cousins were present and witnessed her abilities.

When the meal came to an end, the storyteller elder stood from her place at the tables, gaining the attention of the crowd.

“On behalf of the alpha and elders, I will create the story of our great exodus that will become part of our history to pass down through our children. We will remember the destruction of the land and the rise of the dark magic. We will remember the return of our alpha who went away in order to discover our new home. And himself.

“The story of the arrival of the three from our goddess’s land to remind us that when in a strange world, it is important to accept what we cannot control and to not lose ourselves among fear of change.”

Wren startled on her seat of dirt. She realized that in all that had happened in the last few days, nothing had sent her spiraling into an attack. Just about everything that had happened to her had been out of her control. All except how she handled the evacuation efforts with calm completion of individual tasks.

She turned to her mate sitting beside her and smiled at him. He’d been the reason she was able to overcome and accept what she could and couldn’t control. With him by her side, she would grow into the strong woman she’d always wanted to be.

That thought reminded her of the biggest issue still lingering between her and Zee. Who would say goodbye to their home and family?

Her heart said there was no problem here. As did her brain—they had to return home, and Zee was not a part of her world no matter how much she wanted him to be. The elders had been right to make Zee’s mate someone from the tribe, someone from his own world.

The female elder called her name, snapping her from her thoughts. She watched as Iridia’s council gathered at the head of the table. What was happening? What had she missed? Zee squeezed her hand and smiled at her. His eyes twinkled. Oh, that worried her. The last time she saw that look, a shirt-pouch full of berries were crushed between them.

When the elders had formed a half circle, Zee pulled her from the table to stand before the older group.

“Wren of planet Earth,” one of the men said, “we apologize for our attempt to keep you from joining with our alpha. We did not know you carried the magic of the female alpha mate. You were wise to keep it secret from strangers who would use that power to allow the dark magic to rise.”

She raised a brow to Zee. What the hell were they talking about? She didn’t intentionally hide anything. He just winked. Oh god, no telling what he told the elders about her. But he knew long before she did what was inside her.

The elder man took her hand and Zee’s and placed them on top of each other. Another of the older ones wrapped a leather cord around their wrists binding them together. She swallowed hard. Was this what she thought?

The man raised his arms. “Our alpha has chosen his mate wisely, and their mating has already begun.”

A gush of horror raced through her. Did the man just tell the whole village that she and Zee were having sex? Oh god! She could never look at them all again.

“All that remains to make Wren of Earth the alpha female is acknowledgement from the tribe.” Zee turned her to face them. Well, shit. So much for never looking at them again. He lifted their tied hands overhead.

Then those at the tables did the same. Couples held up clasped hands and singles lifted one arm.

“It is unanimous,” the elder called out, “Wren, alpha female, your people welcome you.”

“Oh my god, Wren,” Lilah yelled-whispered, “I think you just got married.”

Wren gasped, agreeing with her cousin. Joy filled her, tears forming. The man of her dreams, and stories, was hers. She’d always dreamed of getting married as the sun set fire to the sky with all colors of the rainbow lighting the earth. She hadn’t planned on wearing an old T-shirt and shorts, though. Eh,