CHAPTER 129: MEET THE PARENTS (8)

Unaware to the disagreement between his parents, Yoa strolled hand in hand with Nova under the blanket of stars and the hushing forest. All that could be heard were the constant sounds of the insects chirping and Nova’s footsteps, though she was getting better at that.

Nova’s eyes kept shooting back the path they’d come from.

"Yoa-"

"It is fine. If he cannot accept you or respect you then he has no place in our life."

"He is your father-"

"Just because he is my blood does not mean he can overstep. You are my family now. You are my priority."

Nova’s worry thrummed through the bond. Yoa turned to face her and instantly lifted her up in one swoop, his arm going under her backside so he didn’t have to hunch over. He cupped her cheek with his free hand. "Do not worry so much, lux mea."

"Yohuali is right." A deep voice Nova now recognised, spoke from the side of them. Somehow the giant had snuck up to them.

"And I praise him for standing by his woman."

The pair looked to the side where Raokan emerged from the darkness. He looked away from them, uncertainty dancing in his eyes, and awkwardness crossing his features. Nova hadn’t known this man very long but she sensed this behaviour was very unusual from such a man.

"I meant no disrespect. I am only concerned for you both." He looked back at them, the awkwardness falling away and his commanding presence came back to the surface. "Have you thought about how the cubs will come out? Nova is not like us-"

"Raokan," Yoa snarled, his inner beast starting to surface, his eyes turning feral in warning.

"They will be perfect," Nova asserted, her voice steely, confident. "It does not matter if they are not full shifters. If I can be trained to fight, they can be taught and be strong. They are of your blood after all."

Nova held Raokan’s gaze, her own steady and certain.

"And yours,’ Yoa added, his eyes reflecting pride, and gazing at her with softened expression. "You are my Serakai. Strength runs in your blood too."

Otherwise she would have been defeated at the first problem thrown her way.

Raokan watched the gentleness in his son’s gaze. He’d never looked so at peace before. Since he was a young cub, Raokan had disciplined him, toughened him up, teaching him lessons of the jungle, of the people so he would never fail against nature’s wrath. But by thickening his skin, Yoa had been hard to read and socialise with, even with family.

He understood then, some of his mistakes as a father.

He wanted to make him strong.

Yohuali became impenetrable.

Their bond was only based on that. Yet, this woman, so small and fragile, someone he didn’t picture with his son, had proved herself against Veyra, had brought out a softness in him not even Zanari could do.

Lines of worry etched deeper into his brow. If something happened to Nova, what would it do to his son?

"Please," Raokan said. The term dragged Yoa’s attention back to his father. He never said please. "Come back for dinner. Zanari has missed you..."

Yoa stared at Raokan while sensing Nova’s feelings through the bond. She wanted to go back as well, even after what Raokan has put her through. A small smile curved at his lips. She really was an enduring little warrior. His little warrior.

"I... miss you," Raokan added, surprising Yoa to the point his stoic expression cracked and his eyebrows shot up.

That had only been for a single second before his mark returned. He glanced at Nova for her confirmation then looked back at Raokan. "Alright," he answered.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The night had drawn on and when the moon was at it’s peak Atia and Aiyana arrived, discovering Nova and Zanari chilling on some hides by the fire, fish bones left in bowls to the side, conversing like old friends. Yet, Yoa and Raokan couldn’t be seen.

"Is there room for two more?" Atia knocked on the cave wall by the entryway, his smile bright while Aiyana nodded once, half concealed by the curtain of leaves that provided some shelter from the wind.

She seemed a little tense. Nova observed her more.

"You know you are always welcome here," Zanari answered, gesturing for them to take a seat near them.

"Well, I think your mate might have something to say about that!" Atia lumbered inside, his strides long, hair loose for once, and winked as he sat down across from the women."After all, I am a handsome man."

Aiyana snorted and Zanari’s laughter rang out, rich and fond, as though she’d long grown used to his bold claims. "You better watch your tongue. My mate is only in the tree above. I’d hate to think what he would do to you," Zanari replied, still chuckling to herself like her words which really did ring true wasn’t at all life threatening.

Nova leaned closer to Aiyana while Zanari and Atia were distracted, now discussing one of the many punishments he deserved as a cub, mostly handed out by Raokan.

"Are you okay?" She whispered.

Aiyana nodded, though surprise flickered momentarily in her amber gaze. "Why wouldn’t I be?"

"You seem tense," Nova whispered back.

Aiyana’s brows rose and she looked at Nova completely now. "You certainly are more observant. I’m proud."

Nova rolled her eyes at the slight teasing in her tone. "We hang out almost every day. I’m bound to notice is something is up."

She continued to stare at Aiyana until she caved and finally told her why she was a little more tense than usual. "I made it known to my father that I am not happy that I will not be the next Chief. We... disagreed for a while."

Disagreed could mean many things when it came to Aiyana, but Nova wasn’t sure if it would be unusual or completely normal if father and daughter were full on fighting, claws and all.

"So I suggested the tournament," A smirk curled at her lips. Atia glanced in her direction mid-sentence with Zanari, a spark in his eyes, eager to spill blood.

"The tournament...?" Nova murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. She didn’t fully understand or know the details, yet the rebellion in Aiyana’s eyes and the mischief in Atia’s were infectious, drawing her right into their thrill and making her heart quicken.

"My partner must be strong. They must show good leadership skills, and... the finalist should at least be able to beat... me

in a one-on-one."

Nova’s grin widened. "So they will fight for your heart... That’s quite romantic of you, Yana."

Aiyana chuckled. "This has nothing to do with feelings. Those men do not care for me. Perhaps my body because who wouldn’t right..." She shrugged casually.

"Being the next Chief is the goal. I just want everyone else to know..." Aiyana’s gaze moved to the fire as the flames cast shadows across her features. "I’m not going down without a fight, and becoming Tamuari’s successor is not going to be easy."

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

While they conversed about the upcoming tournament, Atia left the women to discuss the potential competitors who wanted to become the next Chief. To Atia none of it mattered. Besides Yoa and Aiyana, he was the best warrior in the tribe.

Climbing the spiral staircase inside the tree connected to the cave, Atia exited the trunk onto one of the wide branches in search of Yoa and Raokan. They weren’t there. But he could hear their quiet, deep voices from above.

Atia looked up to discover them talking, their expressions serious. He knew then, not to disturb them. After hearing some of their discussion he now knew why.

"I only tried to do what was best for you," Raokan said quietly.

Yoa rested casually against the tree trunk, one leg hanging loosely off the branch, the other bent and used as an armrest for his right arm as he chewed on acai berries, his eyes trained on his father.

Raokan was across from him, sitting on the branch both legs hanging loose as he watched the quiet forest before them.

"I know I was tough. I had to be. Although I was a little hard on Nova-"

"A little?" Yoa interrupted him, his voice low, guttural, close to a growl but he contained his beast again. "You were interrogating her. You had no right to. She is my Serakai. Chosen—no, made to be mine. You may be curious, but you are not an elder, to pass judgement on her. Even they do not hold such power. If you have questions you may ask them. But watch your tone. Like I said before, I won’t tolerate disrespect of any ill-will towards Nova. She does not deserve that treatment or feel the need to tiptoe around you..."

Atia frowned as he listened in. What happened earlier?! His own chest started to burn with anger for his little snack.

"You are right." Raokan’s words kept surprising Yoa. His breath halted as his eyes remained on Raokan’s expression, taking every little detail in, not even blinking. "I want to make things right between us. And I don’t mean just because of what happened tonight."

This time Yoa did look away, sweeping his gaze towards the treeline where the stars twinkled above the darkened leaves.

"There is nothing wrong between us. I am my own man now."

"You have been for a long time now. I know... I may not say it..." Neither of them were looking at each other as they spoke awkwardly. Though Raokan knew it was important Yoa saw the truth in his eyes. He turned his head and continued, staring at the man his son has become. "I am so proud of you. And like your mother, I am relieved that you have someone to help ease the burden that has fallen upon you."

Warmth flooded Yoa’s chest from the words that never needed voicing. He knew his father well. Actions always spoke louder than words that he struggled to always use to express his true feelings. It was nice to hear him voice it though.

A smirk curled at his lips. "It is no burden to serve Tayun. I fought to become Yiska and now Yiska is me.... Nova is where I can go to for solace. Now I will be eternally grateful to Caelomè for the privilege he has given me."