Unlikely Bonds

Chapter 4: Preparing

That's how I came to be kneeling in front of Anak in the throne room the next day. My sort of grandfather. "Speak, Rosalene, daughter of Xai'an, son of mine."

Keeping my eyes lowered, I stood up, bowing my head, fist over my breast as taught to me by my female clan sisters. "I would be so bold as to inquire if you know my father's whereabouts as he is to take me hunting before The Courtship Tournament."

I knew I phrased it a bit too casually, but I wanted to test just how far my grandfather could be pushed. I had never actually met him before today, so I had no idea what to expect. He was silent for a few moments. "I was not aware he was going to Blood you...as it stands unfortunately, I have had no communication with him for a few months."

My heart dropped to my feet and I had to fight with myself to keep my composure. A few months?! Why the HELL hadn't he said anything to his family by now then? Or sent someone after him?! If he knew something was wrong...WHY? I struggled to keep my emotions off my face as I opened my mouth to speak. "If it is acceptable, please allow me to follow him to his last coordinates. I would be more than willing to go look for him and possibly gain the title on my own."

Again he was quiet for a while. Finally he answered, "Very well. On two conditions."

"Name it and it's yours." I said it immediately because I couldn't believe my luck. Anak did not allow UnBlooded males to venture off alone, much less a female.

"Firstly, you will not go alone. You shall take Baaul with you. He has worked with your father numerous times and will be able to help you as an Elite." I nodded. Easy to accept. I liked Baaul because he always helped my mother train me while my father wasn't around. He had always said that I was wasting my potential by being a meek female. I whole heartedly agreed which is why I actively trained when my father wasn't around. "If you can not find your father, Blooded or UnBlooded, upon your return you will mate Uathan if he wins The Courtship Tournament for you. Not just to breed, but become a mated couple."

The air left me in a whoosh. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Had that bastard told Anak that he wanted to mate me and I had been resisting him? It was unheard of for a clan leader to pressure any female to mate someone specifically. Was it because I was half fucking human? It took everything I had not to snarl out of anger, "I do not want to mate Uathan. It's precisely why I want to be Blooded to begin with."

"Our females are declining, Rosalene. You are the first female born in over 100 years and it's very likely with your heavy ooman genes that you'll be a prime breeder. If you can produce more females, then it should be with the next in line as clan leader. He is prime mating age and easily the best fighter of our clan minus your father and a few others. You can not ask for a better mate." Anak leaned forward in his throne and I glanced up at him. The look on his face dared me to challenge him. I wouldn't dare, though I hated him at that moment. Absolutely loathed him.

"Fine. But my father is not dead and I will find him." I said it firmly, but with as much respect that I could muster. I refused to be trapped as Uathan's mate for the rest of my life. He would never allow me the honor of a life as a true huntress and I would rather die than life that life.

"Very well. I shall notify Baaul to collect you. Return to your mother and prepare." He thumped his foot down, dismissing me. That was fine because I couldn't wait to get out of there. 

As soon as I pushed open the massive double doors to leave the hall, I saw Uathan leaning against the wall across the hall with his massive arms crossing his impressive chest. I scowled and walked past him even though I knew he was waiting for me. "What did you talk to my father about?"

"None of your fucking business!" I hissed and picked up my pace. He reached for me and I jerked away from him. "Do not touch me! You do not own me yet!"