If it was up to Jahff alone, Zark would most likely have not lived to see another day. As much as Jahff wanted to be dominant over other males, the thought of breeding them seemed repugnant to him. But Jeff was still sharing his brain with Jahff and could think of a more productive solution. Sure, he could turn Zark into another female and breed her to make more eggs like Irae. But there may be a better alternative.
In a savage world like this, Jeff needed allies. Being the strongest and smartest was definitely a good start, but numbers can overcome. Better to have others who will fight by Jeff's side. Zark may be inexperienced and rash, but there was little arguing the younger T-Rex was very strong and may yet have more to grow. Such strength would best be put to use fighting alongside Jahff.
Jeff considered his words carefully. This saurian language may not be able to fully convey complex words and meanings, so he needed to make them simple. Well, there was one simple way of making sure his point got across. Jeff planted one foot on Zark's chest, right on top of the gashes his claws had made. The whelp winced as the pain, Jeff putting just enough pressure on him. "I could kill you right now," said Jeff, "I could leave your body here for the scavengers to feed on. I could even keep your skull for a trophy."
Zark was actually starting to tremble with fear. Good, he definitely had the upstart's full attention. "However, I have an offer to make you," said Jeff. Zark gave Jeff a confused look. "If you swear your loyalty to me, vow to fight with me against my enemies and defend my territory and mate, then I will make you my beta." The term 'beta' didn't quite have a direct translation in the saurian language. But Jeff knew what he said basically meant 'one who is second to the leader'.
Zark gave a low growl and asked, "Why would I want beta?"
Jeff ground his foot just a little, enough to make Zark wince and remember his place. "Because I will be building a powerful clan. And there is much to gain by being my right hand. You will have honor and glory. You will be feared and respected. And in time, you will have your choice of mate." Jeff could potentially pair up Zark with one of his future daughters, though Jeff doubted Zark would wait that long. It would make more sense to find another female for Zark so that their children would be able to breed with Jeff's own and make a stronger clan.
But first, he needed to ensure Zark would be loyal. "But you will not have my mate," growled Jeff, indicating Irae, "She is mine. Mine alone. I have great power, the power to change your body. I could take away your strength and leave you defenseless. I could turn you into a lesser lizard and make you easy prey. I could even take your manhood and make you only good for breeding and laying eggs. If you ever try to take my mate, my leadership, or my power, I will make you wish that I killed you right now."
Jeff didn't have particular proof he had the power to change Zark right then. Irae might not be definitive proof as he wasn't sure if she remembered being feral. And yet, Zark didn't doubt Jeff. Deception was a relatively new thing for sapients, but the carnivores were sometimes able to pick up when someone is lying. Zark had a strong conviction that Jeff was telling the truth. Even if he couldn't change him, the threat of death was convincing enough. "I will be beta," said Zark.
"Swear it," growled Jeff.
"Swear by mother's egg and father's bone," groaned Zark. Jaffh's knowledge told Jeff that this was as serious an oath as a sapient knew how to make. Unless Jeff released him, Zark would be bound to that oath for life.
With that, Jeff lifted his foot off Zark's chest before holding out a hand. Zark looked at the hand with confusion before Jeff grabbed his arm and pulled. Zark was at least quick enough on the uptake to pull himself up. Jeff held Zark's arm after he helped the former upstart up. "You are my clan now, Zark," said Jeff, "Remain loyal to me and we will prosper."
Zark nodded in understanding. Jeff turned to see Irae's response. She gave him an approving look. Well, now that they've accepted a new member into their growing clan, it was time to start moving on.