Conri (8 page)

Sarai sat on the edge of Stella’s bed. She had come
here to help her friend prepare for the Rite but apparently her services
weren’t needed. Delilah, Darma and two Omega females were flitting around the
room as if Stella was getting married.
 
A
bath had been drawn with the richest smelling salts. As Stella soaked an Omega
female, who was not permitted to speak unless spoken to, scrubbed her hair with
shampoo that smelled like the Salts. The other female Omega was tending to
Stella’s feet, they were being scrubbed and scraped and Stella was nearly
purring.

“Sarai you have to take the Rite, if for nothing else-
this kind of papering; my God this is fantastic.”

“Don’t take the Lords name in vein
Stel
,”
Sarai called from the bedroom. Sarai sighed and crossed her arms.

“It would be times ten for you dear.” Darma whispered
as she laid red cloth on the bed next to her. She winked at her and flitted
away.

“Mother, do not meddle.”

“I was not meddling. I was simply stating a fact.”

Sarai decided not to interfere. She had a mission at
hand. And she was trying to figure out what she could bargain to Lilly. Surely
a female with her standing and abilities would want something in return for
Sarai’s request to train Morgan.

A moment later Stella stood before
her, stark naked and raving mad.
Well the latter was really just Sarai’s
interpretation of the ear to ear smile. “Darma and Delilah say that I will have
to get used to being naked. As I learn to control my shifting there will be
times I will spontaneously shift and be left with or without clothes.” Stella
laughed nervously.

“I hope I don’t hurt anyone.”

“You wont dear.” Darma reassured. “But you will also
not have to be ashamed of nakedness. We are conditioned here that nakedness is
just a facet of our heritage. I won’t say that a male won’t look upon you with
desire, but he will not act on it nor will he dare ‘show’ his desire.” Darma
giggled and opened a massive chest that had been brought in by two guard’s
hours ago. “Where are those blasted shoes?”

“Ignore my mother. It has been over a century since we
had a Rite and she wants to make sure it’s a splendid, flawless, event.” Delilah
gave Sarai a knowing look and despite her apprehension Sarai laughed. “And
about the naked thing
,
 
for
the first month or so your mate of choice will be given leave
from duties to ensure your safety. If you shift and another male shows undue
interest- by law that is a direct challenge and your mate is well within his
rights
to ..
well
, protect
your honor.”

Stella paled, “What does that mean?”

“Don’t worry about it dear,” Darma said as she held up
the red material. “Omega, take Stella into the bathroom and help her into
this.” The female that Darma had been addressing bowed her head and
delicatly
removed the material from
Darma’s
hands. She motioned for Stella to go before, making sure not to touch her. When
Stella was safely tucked behind closed doors Sarai looked at Delilah.

“You mean he can fight them.” Sarai said and Delilah
flinched but nodded. “To the death I assume.” This time Delilah glanced at
Darma.

“It’s law dear.” Darma responded quietly. “I can’t
explain our rules in such a way that would make sense to you. But once Stella
takes the Rite… she will…“ Darma waved a hand in the air as if she was painting
a picture, “She will just understand.”

“I understand.” Sarai said, meeting the older woman’s
eyes. “It’s territory. When she becomes a snow leopard her scent will be more
appealing. And since Stella is already a beautiful woman, males may not be able
to resist her allure.
Which is why Conri wants to have her
mating ritual tomorrow.
Flynn will have less time of worry and more time
of having the law on his side to protect her.”

Darma stood a fraction taller, “I stand corrected, you
do understand... some.”

Stella stepped out of the bedroom and Sarai gasped,
“You look exquisite!” The red dress was wrapped around Stella’s curvy frame
with precision. Every part of her was covered from her left shoulder to her
toes. But her right arm and neck area where exposed, giving a small peak-a-book
to her cleavage. The blood red in comparison to her natural warm skin was a
stunning contradiction.

“Put these on dear.”
 
Stella slipped her feet in- what the hell- Cinderella shoes?

Stella burst into a fit of laughter. “Glass slippers,
really?”

“They aren’t the most comfortable, but they are
customary. These shoes are yours, they were fashioned for you by our
blacksmiths and they are your talisman.” Stella looked at Sarai. She was a
smart woman, but some things were lost to her.

“It marks the end of one journey and the beginning of
another.” Sarai explained.

“I knew I was going to like you!” Delilah boasted.
“What mother? She is smarter than any of us have given her credit for. And I do
not mean just book smarts.”

There was a small nock on the door and Stella
squealed. She ran for the door but stopped, “Is this Rite like getting married?
I mean, do I not get to see Flynn before the ceremony?”

Darma and Delilah exchanged another look. I was
getting tired of their looks. “No dear, Flynn will be the one to escort you.
How did you know it was he at the door?”

Stella thought on it and when the nock came again she
gently smiled. “I just knew.” She whispered and yanked open the door. She threw
herself into his arms and Flynn gave an oath.

“You look stunning,” he growled and kissed her exposed
neck.

“Don’t bite me Flynn…” Stella swatted at him and
teased. As he set her down on her feet she looked up at him, “yet.”

Flynn growled and held out his arm.
“Omega?”
He called as he and Stella squared off to walk down the hall. How one knew they
were being addressed was lost on Sarai. But one of the females hurried forward
and grabbed on the train, that dragged by five feet, and hefted it so just a
peak of Stella’s glass slippers showed.

Sarai cocked her head, how had she not noticed the
train before? Everyone started out the door behind Stella except the other Omega.
She must have to stay behind and clean up the mess. As much as Sarai hated the
idea of Omega’s being servants she understood it. All societies had to have
many types to make them work. And it wasn’t like Omega’s were wholly
mistreated, they were just ignored. The only thing that kept Sarai from raging
against the system
was knowing
they had a chance to
work their way out of servitude; and promotion was given- most of the time-
without qualms.

She knew the Omega had a roll and she knew there was
only one way to address her. She didn’t like it but there was hierarchy and
human or not Conri had made it clear that Sarai ranked high in their group. She
approached the Omega and the female, outranking her by strength alone, still
cowered at her approach.

“Keep your eyes down Omega.” Sarai commanded gently.
The Omega obeyed. Sarai studied the female’s features, she was pretty but she
would never grow into beauty. Her blonde hair was tied back in a severe bun and
her yellow eyes were without a spark. Sarai stepped close, “What is your given
name?”

“Cai.”
She whispered. Her
voice was deep for a female, husky.

“Thank you Cai, for everything you have done for my
friend today,” Sarai said quietly. The only reaction Sarai received was the female’s
shoulders relaxing. “Continue with your commission and then be dismissed.”

“Thank you
Mi
’
Lady.”

With that Sarai left and hurried to make it to the
ceremony.

*

According to law a Rite was given as a huge ceremony.
That way if
theperson
turning did not have a mate
already, one could be chosen. But Conri, knowing Flynn was staking claim,
wanted the Rite to be private. Only a few people were in attendance of the
ceremony. Sarai was given a white cape. She donned and stepped toward the edge
of the stage, closer to the few people who were standing as witnesses.

“No dear, Stella has requested you be with her. Do you
object?”

Sarai took a breath, “No, that’s fine.” Sarai climbed
the steps to the demi-stage and sat in a chair next to Conri. “What can I
expect?” She whispered. He glanced at her.
His expression
severe, before casting his eyes forward.

“A blood letting first.”
Sarai jumped at Lilly’s voice. She was seated in a seat off to her right, a
little set back, and mostly in shadow.

“And then what?”

“Then Delilah will give Stella her blood.”

“Then what?”
Sarai was
feeling the sting of apprehension.

“Then…”

“Quiet!” Conri barked and the room fell silent. He
stood.

“Stella Marie Anderson- you have come here willingly
and without reservation in accordance to the Rite terms?”

“I have.”

“You have contracted with Delilah Danvers that you are
shedding your old human ways and are to become one with our pack, our rules and
our life?”

“I have.”

Conri nodded at Delilah. “Begin.”

Delilah guided Stella to a stone slab that was placed
in the middle of the room. Stella laid flat and held her wrist out over the
edge as if she knew that was what she was supposed to do. Delilah caressed the
soft part of Stella’s wrist. “This will hurt my friend.” Delilah whispered.
Then with a spectacle she unsheathed a dagger and slit Stella from wrist to
elbow.

Sarai
eep’d
and tried to
stand. A strong hand forced her back into her seat. She looked up and saw
Flynn, his eyes shining with pride and all for Stella. Sarai wanted to brush
his hand off but figured there was a reason she wasn’t allowed to interfere.

Stella squeaked when the blade drew up her wrist, he
eyes slammed shut and she hissed as the blood flowed. Sarai watched as the
blood flowed like a river into a large basin on the floor. Delilah watched with
mild interest. Stella was growing paler by the moment and Sarai twitched with a
need to protect her friend. If she died she would never forgive herself.

It wasn’t until Stella’s breathing became shallow and
her eyes fluttered shut that Sarai spoke. “She’s dying,” she whispered to no
one and yet everyone.

“That’s what the bloodletting is.” Lilly whispered
behind her.

“You’re going to let her die?” Sarai directed the
question to Flynn.

“It is a risk that I didn’t want to take. But for her
to become like us she has to shed her human life.” Flynn’s response was so
matter-of-fact that Sarai wanted to pummel him. Why were they keeping
information so tight-lipped?

Sarai looked back her friend in just enough time to
see Delilah stand from her wrist. A smear of blood was smudged on her chin. A
quick review of her friend’s injury showed the wound had sealed. Delilah moved
to Stella’s head, it was lulled to the side, her breathing still shallow and
quick. Sarai knew those signs, Stella was slipping away.

Delilah gently gripped Stella’s head and shifted it to
the other side- showing off a perfect line of pale white skin. “Welcome
sister.” She whispered and then bared elongated fangs. She struck and a very
weak spray of blood spurted before Delilah clamped her mouth around her neck.
Sarai wanted to scream but the hand on her shoulder tightened and she was too
busy fighting the urge to not groan in pain.

In an instant Delilah stood and struck her teeth along
her wrist, tearing the flesh savagely. Her own blood began to flow and she held
her wrist over Stella’s mouth. “Come now sister, it is time to drink.” A second
later and Stella’s throat began to work. As close as she was to death Sarai had
no idea how her friend was able to consume.

Sarai watched as Delilah’s color paled. She swayed on
her feet. Stella turned her head and a few splatters landed on her cheek before
Delilah put her wrist in her mouth a sucked. When she took her wrist away the
bite mark had scabbed over.

Delilah turned to Conri and dropped to one knee. “It
is done my king.”

What was done? Stella was still unconscious. Surely
they couldn’t consider this ritual done. Why wasn’t her friend awake? Why
wasn’t her friend sitting up and laughing, teasing Sarai for being worried?
Flynn’s hand left her shoulder and Sarai sprung from her chair and raced to her
friend. She took her friend’s head in her hands and put her ear to Stella’s
nose.

“Come on
Stel
, breathe.
She’s not breathing. Why isn’t she breathing?” Sarai demanded, looking for
anyone to answer. Conri opened his mouth but Stella gave a heaving gasp so
strong her head was ripped from Sarai’s hands. Sarai stepped back, her hands
held aloft. She watched as her friend convulsed on the table, thrashing as if
each junction of her body were placed separately on hydraulics.

“What’s happening?” No one answered. Stella’s body
stilled and Sarai stepped to move forward.

“Sarai, step back.”

She glared at Conri. He was all cloak and dagger
moments ago and now he feigned concern. She didn’t know if it was concern for
her or Stella, but the hot and cold act was making her head spin. Sarai bared
her teeth and Conri glanced away.

She took a step toward her friend and the shit hit the
fan so fast Sarai was arms length away from Stella one moment and on her ass
the next, Conri standing over her reaching for her before what happened could
process.

Sarai had reach for Stella at the same time her body
gave one violent jerk and she screamed; a human scream that morphed to a cat
screeching back to a human screen. She sat up, her eyes locked on Sarai, her
teeth bared and long canines descended. Her eyes gleaned with blue fire and
white fur prickled her skin like millions of needles. Sarai took a step back
and Stella went from sitting to a crouch in a heartbeat.

Everyone started screaming and barking orders. Flynn
was desperately trying to get Stella’s attention. But Stella’s eyes were all
for Sarai.

“Stella, listen to your sisters voice.” Stella tensed
but the fur started to recede. “There
ya
go sis. You
don’t want to shift right now.”

Sarai took a step back and Stella was all eyes on her
again.
 
Sarai knew Stella was coiling to
spring. Fur was starting to prickle her skin again. Why hadn’t she fully
shifted? There was a collective scream for someone to stop her and then- Conri
was there.
 
He stepped right between
Stella and Sarai as Stella sprung, still in her human form. Conri grabbed
Stella as she tried to reach around Conri for Sarai and tossed her across the
room. She landed awkwardly, rolled and landed crouched on her feet.
 

Sarai saw Stella’s canines elongate and her nails were
past human long. Stella stood and started running. Conri planted one foot,
reached a hand out and growled low; so low Sarai couldn’t tell if she had even
heard it. Stella leaped, Sarai fell- landing hard on a rear- and Conri pulled
at air.

The painful scream was that of a wounded cat. Sarai
watched as Stella went from human-cat to full snow leopard. She landed on her
side right in front of Conri’s feet. She was out cold; the only thing moving on
her was the rise and fall of her chest.

Conri turned and held out his hand for Sarai. She
gently put her hand in his. She stared at him, he stared at her, and then
someone spoke as he pulled Sarai into his arms.

“
Mi’Lord
, you pulled her
beast.”

Conri glanced over Sarai’s shoulder but then sought
her eyes again.

“Why do they sound shocked?” Sarai asked.

“No King has been able to do that since my father’s,
father’s father.”

“It is a sign of a true King.” Lilly said, reverence
in her voice.

“But he hasn’t been able to do this before.” Darma
said. “The Great King of Ages couldn’t do it without the act draining his
energy. It was almost painful for him to pull the beast against our will. Conri
doesn’t even look phased.”

Sarai was watching them talk, but Conri had not let go
of her; was he protecting her still from Stella or was he holding for something
more personal.

“I need to speak with Sarai alone. Take Stella to the
dinning hall so she can eat.”

“Yes
Mi’Lord
.” Flynn said as
he stooped next to Stella. “Come Stella, it is time to eat.”

Stella stirred and a purr resonated when she opened
her eyes.

“Yes my love, it is I.”

Stella shakily got to her feet and then shook her cat
form. She looked around the group and everyone regarded her with caution. When
her blue eyes landed on Sarai she sunk low to the ground and whimpered.

“What is she doing?” Sarai asked, clinging slightly tighter
to Conri.

“She realizes she made a mistake and she is offering
you her apologies.”

Sarai looked at her friend, her body low, but her eyes
on Sarai. “It’s ok Stella you didn’t mean it.”

A moment passed and Stella straightened, with some
effort Stella transitioned into human form with a groan, and then took a knee.
“Thank you Sarai, you are kind and forgiving. I lost my bearings and that is
unforgivable.”

“Sarai gently pulled from Conri’s arms. “I don’t know
much about the Rite but for a moment you were not yourself. Your transgression
is forgivable because I have forgiven you. Go with you mate and eat. We will
talk later.”

“Yes
Mi’Lady
…
er
I mean, Sarai.” Stella chuckled mirthlessly and turned
to Flynn. “Can I get some clothes first?”

Flynn snorted as he wrapped his arms around Stella,
“Of course.”