Taming The Queen Of Beasts

<strong>RIKA</strong>

Reth looked suddenly nervous, and Rika was surprised. What would make this massive man so fragile? He took a deep breath, then looked up from the paper in his hands and looked first at Gar, then at Rika as he began to speak.

"I wish I'd had more time to think about this," he said quietly, his voice low and deep, smooth and filled with gravity. "Forgive me if my words stumble or seem ill-thought. I haven't prepared. But I'm grateful to the Creator for this opportunity before all of us walk into whatever He has planned for us in the coming weeks."

He blew out a breath and muttered something to himself about keeping it together. Rika found herself wanting to smile.

"First, Rika, I want to tell you welcome. Welcome to our Pride. Our family. Since Elreth and Gar were cubs, Elia and I have prayed for the arrival of their mates. We prayed that our children would have the chance to experience what we have—the truth of unconditional love. The undeniable bond of a True Mate. The soaring thrill of your True Heart's Call. It is…" he cleared his throat, blinking, "It is truly a joy to see you come to complete our family. We are so glad that you're here. Though, none of us as much as Gar, I'm sure."

A small ripple of laughter rose from the three behind them. Rika blushed, but Gar just nodded and held her arm more tightly against him. He and his father held eyes for a moment, and Reth gave him a slow smile that made Rika's chest catch.

Then Reth's eyes dropped to the paper in front of him. "We're going to take vows tonight in recognition of what already exists: A True Mate bond. Across worlds, across divides, across cultures, and even species, the Creator denied any resistance and placed you together so you could discover what He already knew: That you are made for each other. Literally. Designed and grown to love and to balance each other.

"If you give yourself to each other fully—in trust, in truth, in faithfulness, and without withholding your hearts—you will discover that you are stronger together than you are apart. Each of your strengths filling the gap for the other's weakness. Each of your joys lifting the other's heart in sadness. Each of your victories shared so your excitement is magnified. Each of your pains and burdens shared so they are more easily borne. The True Mate is a… a gift from the Creator Himself. Do not deny that gift. And do not betray it."

Reth raised his gaze to slide over Rika's shoulder and she knew he was looking at Elia. Her chest fluttered seeing the heat and love that blazed in this man's eyes when they fell on his mate.

Then she felt Gar turn to her and she looked at him, biting her lip when their eyes met, because he stared down at her with a near-identical passion and joy. She was locked in that gaze, couldn't look away. Prayed that her own communicated to Gar even half of the hope and yearning she felt him offering. She squeezed his arm and sucked in a breath as Reth continued.

"It has been my prayer since I learned that Gar was going to enter this world that he find his True Heart's Call, and it is now an… unfathomable joy to see you, Rika. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for not giving up—on any of us. You take these vows tonight and step into our family. You are welcome, so welcome, sweetheart, you have no idea."

Rika's breath rushed out of her. He was incredibly genuine, this mountain of a man. As Reth took a moment to gather himself, she recognized in him the weathered, mature version of Gar. Reth was quieter than Gar, less brash. But she was suddenly certain he hadn't always been that way. He was a man who didn't fear much, but who had learned his limits and was confident enough to acknowledge them. She had a vision, just for a moment, of Gar in thirty years—carrying that rugged authority with the casual grace of time and strength that had be honed by life. It stole her breath away and she blinked, overcome for a moment with the need to kiss him. She swayed towards him, and Gar's eyes flared with heat. But Reth's voice broke the spell and Rika forced herself to focus.

"And to all of you now… my precious family…" Reth said, his voice hoarse. "Thank you. Thank you for loving me despite my flaws. Thank you for your strength and love for each other. Thank you for your love for our people, and your willingness to keep fighting for right. I am humbled when I see the strength of every person in this room. Our family is a jewel in the Creator's crown, and it is by His work, not mine, that we stand here today." He hesitated then, his Adam's apple jumping. "No matter what we might face in the coming weeks, I want each of you to know that you make me proud. If I were to die in my sleep tonight, I would die with a smile on my face because of you."

A tiny sob broke from Elia. Rika wanted to turn, but she was watching Gar, whose eyes had strayed back to his father, his forehead lined and face haggard. And in that moment, she prayed that Reth's words were true for him, and that he could see it.

She wished her dad would say something like that and mean it. She had a feeling Reth did.

Sniffs and audible swallows filled the room for a moment. Then Elia, half-laughing, half-crying, whispered, "Reth… the kids."

Reth—whose eyes had been latched on his mate—blinked and dropped his gaze back down to the papers in his hand. "Oh, right, right. This is about you two," he chuckled, clearing his throat again.

Everyone laughed, including Rika, grateful that the tension in the room dropped a notch. Then Reth sighed and looked at Gar.

"Son, I'm going to read these vows and ask you to repeat them after me. Are you ready?"

Gar nodded quickly.

"And Rika… I'm sure this seems overwhelming for you. But we are here tonight to acknowledge you and what you're bringing to Gar. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be!" she responded honestly.

Reth laughed, his eyes twinkling even through the threatening tears. "Well then, let's get this done."