~ ZEV ~

Zev's entire body went cold. Colder than Xar's smile as the old tiger's eyes slid away to focus on something behind Zev. As if Zev wasn't even there.

No.

NO.

"You can't—" he snarled. But Xar's eyes were sharp and his smile smug as he turned away, turned that smile from Zev to address the crowd that was barking, roaring, calling—some in protest, others in excitement.

Clearly Lhars had made some friends since Zev had been gone. Even the wolves seemed to be split in their responses to this news. Despite Zev's previous power and respect.

Shit.

"The hierarchy remains!" Xar roared over the boiling of the crowd, completely ignoring Zev—as every Chimera now would, thanks to the Tiger's declaration. "Our ranks are unchanged. We are at peace, brothers. Tonight we feast! Prepare the fires! Prepare yourselves! There is a female to entice."

A cheer went up and all the Chimera began to move, eddying around Zev like he was a rock in the flow of the river.

The wolves were in disarray, some of them—those who must still support Zev—growled and surged forward towards him. But they were held back by the others. Arguments began between good Chimera, so Zev shook his head for anyone watching. He couldn't allow himself to be the cause for dissension between the people.

It was strange to feel grateful for the males that were likely his brother's supporters. He needed his people to stay in their clans, to not put themselves in danger. And if that meant listening to Lhars and his manipulators, well… so be it.

Zev glared at Xar's back and tried to wrap his mind around what had just happened. He had to cobble together a plan.

He'd expected discipline. He'd expected humiliation. He'd been prepared to humble himself and accept whatever was needed to retain his position within the clans.

Making him outcast when their numbers were so few, and he was so strong, made no sense at all. Not even for a Tiger. And the response of the males around them said he wasn't the only one who thought so.

And yet… and yet… even those protesting the declaration didn't let their eyes settle on Zev. Even those he knew would grieve this decision, didn't let themselves see him.

They couldn't.

Among Chimera, to be cast out was the ultimate shame. You became unseen. While your family group might take pity and leave out resources for you to find, none would address you directly. They would refuse to see you, stepping past you as if you were not even there, and if you attempted to speak, they would turn away, ignoring you completely.

Casting out was punishment for the worst of betrayers. For those who took a female against her will. Or who killed an offspring.

Casting out was for those who had revealed themselves to be the worst of the made beings. Those who could not be trusted, and should not survive.

Casting out was not a way to remove a challenger before you had to fight them.

A snarl ripped out of Zev's throat and those near him flinched, but averted their eyes, stepping away as if they had simply chosen that moment to move.

Then he heard his name, called across the clearing in that strong, pure voice that made his heart sing, but broken off quickly by a deep, rumbling whisper, urgent and insistent. His hands clenched to fists.

Fuck.

Sasha.

They wouldn't protect her if she acknowledged him.

He whipped around to face her. Taller than most of the dispersing crowd anyway, as the males moved on, avoiding his gaze, it left a clear space between him and the woman he loved. But it wasn't her that he turned to. It was Yhet, pleading with his eyes even as he sent words to Sasha so she would listen to him.

You have to listen to Yhet. You can't look at me, or touch me. If you do, they will turn on you. Please, Sasha. Don't worry. I'll work this out. I promise. I'll work this out and we'll be back together. Just… just pretend you don't see me. I have to hide for a while. Don't worry about me, some of the others will help me. Just ignore me if you see me. I'll fight my way back to you.

Her face crumpled and he inhaled, drawing her scent from across the clearing. It broke his heart—the fear and anger in her. The confusion.

She was afraid he would disappear again. It was the last thing she needed to fear, but they hadn't had time yet.

Fuck!

Yhet met his eyes in passing as he turned to put his body between Zev and Sasha, speaking to her quietly, explaining what was happening and how Zev would fix it.

Good. Good. Yhet would explain.

I'm not leaving you, Sasha, he murmured into her head. Just be patient. I'm still here. I will work this out. Just be patient.

But he couldn't say too much, he needed her to listen to Yhet.

Then when she tried to push Yhet aside, to find him, he snarled again and turned on his heel, leaping into his wolf and sprinting for the trees.

And not a single Chimera watched him pass.

But behind him, laughter bounced in the cold air and Zev snarled again.

He was going to kill Xar when this was done. The coward. The fucking pussy. He had set him up. Zev should have known.

Never trust a smiling cat.

*****

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