Ren was just about to shoot a glare at Cilian when the older women in the group exchanged delighted glances, nodding at each other silently as their eyes sparkled.
"This one truly loves his wife," one stout woman said, her eyes brimming with gossip.
"Of course," another stout woman added, nudging the first one as she whispered loudly, "The protector was very busy last night. He is clearly eager to start his lineage."
Ren's ears immediately turned red. He felt like a specimen under a microscope. Before he could grab Cilian and blame him for all of it, his stomach betrayed him with a loud, hollow growl.
The women laughed, a warm, maternal sound that filled the air.
"Come, little bride," the first stout woman said, reaching out to take Ren's hand. "The protector has tasks with the men and the Alphas. We must take you to the shaded spring to eat and prepare you for the ritual."
