54 The Need of a Mate - Part 1

RETH

When he woke from his beast, he was naked on a stone floor. His side ached terribly, but when he tried to push himself up, his body shook and he almost lost himself to the shift again.

For the first time, fear crept into his heart. What had happened? How had he come to this place, and why wasn't it being appeased by his beast form?

He groaned as he rolled over, towards the light, and found himself in Aymora's den. In a cage.

She and the other Pride leaders turned when he groaned, and rushed over to the bars. "Don't open them yet," he croaked, raising one palm towards them. "I'm not sure yet. Just… give me a minute."