Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 34185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
“Where I come from, it’s customary to ask anyway.” Dustin glared. “Because regardless of your customs, I have every right to decline.”
“You are right, these are not your ways, and I am being arrogant.” Notalus joined him under the tree, and to his surprise, Dustin wrapped his arms around his waist and tugged him closer. “Forgive my ancient ways.”
“I will consider forgiveness… if you ask me sincerely.” Dustin’s coy grin lit up Notalus’ whole world.
No one spoke to him in this manner or demanded he do anything, and Notalus found it unusual yet rousing. Living as long as he had, life had a tendency to be mundane with a lack of luster. But Dustin wasn’t of his world and his ways, therefore, Notalus was excited for the challenge, for all of the unknown that came with his new life mate. He kept their hands intertwined as Notalus led Dustin to the entrance of the palace, instructing his guards to remain on the grounds. He needed privacy to do what he was just asked.
“Walk with me, Alpha.”
Dustin
The Harvest Moon Tribe
Dustin wasn’t used to people bowing when he walked by. He was more used to being ignored, but he was beginning to think he might could get used to it. People came up to them with sweet treats, warm cider, and fruits that shouldn’t be in season but were just as ripe and juicy as if they were. Dustin had only been there a few hours and had yet to eat a full-course meal, but he’d been gifted so many delicious samples that he wasn’t hungry.
“Everyone here is so kind and thoughtful.” Dustin smiled and nodded to two women who’d stopped walking with baskets full of apples and dates and ducked their heads respectfully. “Where did they come from? Are the people of Fhomhair born here, or does everyone migrate here from elsewhere?”
Notalus squeezed his hand while they walked. “Most are born here. Some are brought here by other gods and deities to be kept safe. Not everyone here is human—some are species that are no longer welcomed in other realms. The Cavalerie lands are sanctuaries for the oppressed and outcasts. A place the unwelcome can call home. The land of seasons is ruled by me and my three brothers. We determine what and who is allowed to enter… or leave.”
Dustin digested that information as they walked and walked until they were past the town of cottages and market stands, where people bartered with goods and services… not money, just like within the pack lands. Notalus pointed out the sanctuaries and hideaways where he used to go to escape his strenuous lordship duties as a young prince. He would be gone for so long that his father would have to send the palace guards to find him. Soon, the paved roads blended into a field of trees planted orderly in rows, its rusted foliage falling to the ground and creating a sound-pleasing blanket that crunched under Dustin’s boots.
“This is beautiful.” Dustin inhaled the damp earth that was void of any fertilizers or pesticides. There was only the fresh scent of rain, herbs, and sweet clovers in the air.
“It’s like this always,” Notalus bragged, his eyes glistening with pride as he strolled beside him, his robe dragging the ground and rustling the leaves behind them.
“A guy like me could get used to this.” Dustin sighed as Notalus led him to a bench that faced a calm stream. “I just feel so… so…”
“At home?” Notalus finished.
Dustin nodded as he turned and gave him his full attention. “Why is that?”
“It’s because you have a connection to this land through your ancestors.”
Dustin sat back and glanced over the serene land. “No one in my family has been here before, Notalus… I’m sure of it.”
“You have not physically been here in your lifetime, but you are a part of a great pack that once dwelled and thrived here. The goddess of grain and fertility called Consus was known for her excursions to the earthly realm. She met and fell in love with a lone shifter who lived off the lands in a remote part of the land humans called Peru, if the histories are correct. He imprinted on her soul during one of her frequent visits, and from that day on, Consus could not bear to leave him, not even for a day. So she brought her lover to Fhomhair during my father’s reign. He gave them land, shelter, and protection as it was frowned upon in many realms for a goddess to betroth a mortal, especially one that is a shifter. But they flourished in Tir an Fhomhair, and Consus gave birth to many offspring that she called her children of the grain, and their offspring gave birth to more alpha-demigods. They were able to produce a great harvest and grow whatever their hearts desired. Consus and her shifter husband lived for thousands of years in harmony before they died together in each other’s arms, their souls released into the very trees they planted.”