Seita knew they were too late as she and Husek walked, hand in hand, into the clan. As the others parted, making a path for them, she saw Uglon, Gitta and Rowk waiting for them at the Great Rock. All matters of importance were decided in front of the Great Rock where it was said the Claw Clan’s greatest leaders had decided the fate of their people.

They came to a halt in front of the somber-faced trio and waited for them to speak. Even though she’d given her word to Husek and she knew a female should never speak first, Seita could not hold her tongue. “Rowk, Husek and I have joined.” When he remained stone-faced, she took the bunch of leaves she held in her hands and spread them out at his feet. Gesturing to the leaves, she added, “This is the blood of my sex.” The quiet hush around them tore apart with shocked mutterings and exclamations of disbelief. Yet the trio in front of her remained silent.

Seita glanced at Husek. Why did he remain silent? Why didn’t he speak of their joining? But Husek’s face was filled with fear and, for the first time, she was disappointed in him as a man.

“Daughter of the Claw Clan, you have disobeyed me.”

Her gaze flew to meet Rowk’s. “I wished to have Husek as my mate and he wanted me. We are joined now.”

The sound of the slap as his hand struck her cheek stunned her almost as much as the sting. Her head whipped to the side and blood dribbled from the corner of her mouth. Yet, instead of cringing as she’d done in the past, she slowly wiped the blood away and straightened to her full height. Meeting his glare with one of her own, she prepared to stand her ground.