Upon the Threshold by April Zyon

just some items of clothing. That’s it.”
    Nodding, he slid his hand over her back and rubbed slowly. “Then, let’s go and collect what we can. We will get you a new wardrobe as soon as possible. For the ritual tonight, you’ll need to be in the traditional robes, so you won’t need to worry about any clothing.”
    “As long as no one will see me naked,” she added as a stipulation.
    “You are already nervous, Elisabeth,” he said, looking down at her. Moving his hand to her hip, he pressed her in closer to his side. “There is no need to be though. The robes cover us from neck to ankle. Nothing is worn underneath, but at no time will you be in a position that anyone could see underneath. The robe is quite heavy and all one piece. It slides over your head to cover you. There are slits on the side for ease of walking, but they stop just below the knee. No one, your people included, will know that you wear nothing under it.”
    “Thank you. I appreciate that.” Looking up at him with her arm around his waist, she smiled just for him. “And after the public ritual?” she wanted to know. “The one that will be just for the three of us. What happens then?” She was nothing if not curious.
    “That is when we make you ours, body and soul, and we mark you. We need to get moving, Elisabeth. The females will need time to prepare you for the ritual and for what comes afterward. We don’t have a lot of time to waste, and they will be able to answer all your other questions. Some who are there will have been through this already.”
    “That sounds ideal. It will be nice to have someone who will be able to answer my questions,” she said as they entered her rooms. She grabbed a bag and began to put her clothing in it, looking over her shoulder and saying, “You can look around, you know.”
    “They will be glad to do so,” Lukkis said softly. He was peering around in interest. Kraven was just watching her intently. “We are not as prudish as some cultures when the talk turns to matters of a sexual nature. They will likely have a lot of advice for you.”
    “That’s good. I have to admit I’m very hard to embarrass— Well, sometimes.” After her pack was filled, she winked at Kraven. “I am finished packing. Are you ready to take me home with you?” She couldn’t wait for it, truth to be told.
    Nodding, he reached out and took her bag from her. “Is there anyone else you want to see before we leave? Perhaps deliver a personal invitation to join us at the ceremony at darkening?” he asked as she walked toward the door.
    “No. Dad will deliver the invitations to the people who mean anything to me. I know that seems very odd to you, but it’s how it’s done with my people. The parents deliver the news of the joining of lives.” She did, however, sigh and whispered, “I truly hope that Parker doesn’t come. If so, I might have to shoot him myself.” Lying and saying that they were betrothed. She was still furious over that lie.
    “If he comes, then he will have to face Lukkis and myself,” Kraven said in a tone that sent a very quick and vicious chill down her spine. “He was the one who entered without your permission, was he not?” he asked. His expression said he suspected he was right. At her nod, his face went still in a hard way, and he let out a low growl, his eyes flashing ever so slightly from their normal color to that of the Beast, brighter and deadlier.
    Eli slipped her hand into Kraven’s and gave it a squeeze. “He won’t be there. Dad now knows just how I feel about the man, and he’s too big a coward to show his face. He tries to pull strings behind the scenes, and now that he’s been cut off and shown for the ass that he is…” She paused for several minutes while she thought about what to say. Finally, she continued. “He won’t come anywhere near your encampment, at least not openly. He might try something in the cover of darkness.” Sad but true.
    The smile Kraven gave