The morning after

BORIN

Borin woke up as sunlight began to hit his face through the window. He opened his eyes to see his mate. She was stunning with her skin glowing in the gentle sunlight.Borin never knew that's what mating felt like. So intensely pleasurable and warm. Looking at Amara's shoulder Borin could see the beginning of his mating mark. It was purple, making a alluring contrast against her sultry dark brown skin that made him want to stare forever. Sadly from this angle he couldn't make out any more of it. Even though he couldn't fully see his mark Borin was filled with an indescribable happiness. Many males die never mating but Borin mated and found the best female! He was the luckiest bear alive. Even though they had only met a little bit ago Borin felt a deep connection with Amara and was very excited to get to know her more deeply.

Doing his best to not wake her up Borin put a hand near Amara's face. Her face was grimaced making her look like she might be having a bad dream. Just hovering over her face with his hand Borin's thoughts drifted to how unique his female was. She was unlike anyone he'd ever met with stunning her red hair and sharp red eyes and even though she was female she had a intense battle aura.

"She is amazing" Borin thought, but quickly his thoughts became darker

"However she's to amazing Her whole tribe was wiped out because of that medicine she talked about, she must be in a lot of Danger. Based on the way she described it I know she must still be hiding something about this. Still it doesn't matter. I must resolve myself to be strong to protect her. She looks so unique it makes her a target. " thought Borin mentally preparing himself. Dragging himself out of his worrisome thoughts Borin focused his gaze at Amara who was still sleeping. He couldn't help but smile at how beautiful she was.

Borin had lived his whole life in this village. He has listened to every story from the story tellers. He has become one of the best warriors in the clan and knew the jungle and river like the back of his hand. He loved his clan and his home but he felt like there was no room for him to grow here. He felt like that for so long, then Amara appeared and everything changed.

Borin continued to gaze at the woman in front of him. In his gut he knew being her mate was going to be the adventure he always wanted. No female in his clan interested him, Amara was his first crush and was now his mate.Filled with emotion Borin wanted to sneak a kiss from the beautifully sleeping Amara however once he started to move closer she started to move! He instantly laid down and closed his eyes afraid to get caught and disappoint Her. With his eyes closed he waited and he heard Amara take a deep breath. After a few long moments Borin felt her hand on his cheek. He could feel his cheek getting hot as she continued to caress him.

Borin couldn't take it anymore,he slowly opened his eyes. He was greeted by the tearful face of Amara.

"What's wrong Amara, does your body hurt from last night ?" Borin said quickly reaching to wipe her tears. Amara made eye contact with him however she didn't reply but instead began to cry louder. Borin didn't know what to do. He hurriedly gently gave her a hug and said" it's okay, it's okay Amara. What's wrong ?"

"I miss my family, my clan. They are gone and it's all my fault! I foolishly helped an abandoned male beast ." Said Amara between sobs. Borin looked at Amara her face was covered in tears his heart felt like it was breaking. Although he was full of sympathy Amara's comment about an abandoned male was not something he could ignore any longer.

"I'm sorry Amara I'm so sorry I know this is painful for you. You did mention the eagle you helped was an abandoned beast-man. Why would you help them? "Asked Borin in a serious but compassionate tone. Borin could see Amara trying to calm her breathing to answer him.

"That's what he called himself. I didn't even know what that was and I definitely wouldn't have helped him if I knew he'd be so hostile" Replied Amara weakly

Borin thought for a moment then said

"I remember you saying that you healed this beast-man, did this medicine heal the backlash from the mating contract? "Asked Borin with a dread like feeling settling in his stomach. Borin was hoping this wasn't the case how could there be a medicine that goes against natures way of keeping equality? Borin stared at Amara's face it was dark, stained with tears and her beautiful eyebrows were furrowing.

"I believe so the eagle said something along those lines But Borin I don't understand. How did that eagle become abandoned it has something to do with the mating contract and females right ? Asked Amara uneasily.

Borin was taken aback how could she not know how a male becomes abandoned? All females know that it was their right. It was now Borin truly realized there must be alot of things Amara must not know. Had she lived up that mountain secluded her whole life ? His mind was filled with questions but nevertheless he responded to Amara to explain.

"When a female mates with a male they form a mating contract, as you know however if the female is unhappy she can terminate the coupling by slicing through the mark on her body. Males can only have one mate so when this happens it creates a backlash that is incredibly painful, physically and mentally.Most males do not survive however there are some who do and they are always vicious and cruel."

Amara was quiet for a very long moment her eyes looked so far away. After awhile Amara made sharp eye contact with Borin

" I have to avenge my clan, they can't rest properly if I don't. I owe them this will you help me ? I know this is a selfish request."

Borin could tell she was serious how could he refuse her when she looked like that.

"Of course I will, I promise we will get your vengeance against the eagles and put your clan to rest Amara. I swear on our mating bond that I will not fail you. " said Borin pulling Amara in for a deep hug.

To be continued