The Lion

by D. Camille

  George looked at his son. “Do you ever stop clowning?”

  Tauri closed her phone and put it back in her bag as everyone took a seat. A few minutes later Chief Green arrived and came over to Rion's parents.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, I am so sorry about tonight's incident. I want you to know we have apprehended the men responsible for the crash.”

  “Good,” Pam sighed. “This is getting out of hand.”

  George placed an arm around his wife. “It's okay Pammie. He's alright.”

  “Any news yet?” Mac asked.

  Pam shook her head. “No, not yet.”

  Mac greeted everyone else before taking a seat next to Brandon. “We should talk tomorrow.”

  Brandon agreed. “I'll come to your office.”

  Lance came and stealthily took the seat next to Mac. “Hey Mac, how you doing?”

  She turned to him. “I'm fine Lance, protecting the citizens of Detroit.”

  Lance looked her over in her uniform filled with voluptuous curves. “Yes, you are fine Mac.”

  “Boy go sit down somewhere.”

  Lance laughed. “Okay, but when I get married one day, your chances will be over.”

  “Okay Lance. Right now though, I've got somebody trying to kill my friend so I'll worry about that later.”

  Before Lance could respond, the doctor came into the room and everyone stood immediately.

  “Good morning everyone. I've checked out Rion and he has suffered a slight concussion,” the doctor announced and Pam gasped.

  The doctor quickly continued. “He's going to be fine, we just need to monitor him for the next couple of days and he should take it easy.”

  “Can we see him?” Pam asked anxiously.

  The doctor paused. “Actually he asked me to bring Tauri in to see him. Who's Tauri?”

  Pam's face fell then she turned to look as Tauri stepped forward. “I am.”

  “Please come with me.” The doctor turned and began to walk away and Tauri took one look at everyone before she followed him.

  George looked at his wife and took her into his arms. “He probably doesn't know we're here honey and he knows that she's worried.”

  As Tauri followed the doctor down the long corridor, her heart began to beat faster. When they reached the room she glanced at the officer posted outside the door then pushed it open and went inside. Rion was sitting on the bed and smiled at her when she entered. She raced over to him throwing her arms around him. Rion welcomed her embrace and held her face while he kissed her.

  “Thank you for being my lioness, so strong and fierce.” He continued touching her face.

  She took in his handsomeness. “The doctor says you have a concussion. How's your head now?”

  “They gave me something and it's starting to feel better.”

  Tauri stepped back. “Your parents are here and I think your mother really wants to see you.”

  Rion pulled her back to him. “I'm being released so I'll see them in a minute. I wanted to see you.”

  She said softly, “I was worried about you.”

  “So much so, that you were about to drag my ass to this hospital by my collar if you had to.”

  Tauri smiled. “Yes, I would have.”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “My head feels better so we can pick up where we left off in bed,” Rion whispered kissing her neck.

  “Orion Shaw, the only thing you're going to do in that bed is rest, even if I have to tie you down.”

  He gave her a wicked grin. “We haven't tried that yet.”

  Tauri gave him a look. “Stop.”

  “What? You might like it,” he suggested.

  Her eyes darkened. “I always like it baby,” she whispered sexily.

  “See, that's why I love you girl!”

  Rion was released from the hospital and walked into the lobby where he was greeted with hugs from his family and friends. His mother questioned him and he assured her he was going to be fine before kissing her cheek. She smiled up at her son and touched his head.

  “I'm glad you've found someone as strong as you.” She glanced at Tauri who was talking with Brandon then back to Rion.

  “I was raised by the strongest goddess in the universe,” he told her.

  His mother looked concerned. “Orion, be careful and take care of yourself.”

  Rion smiled and glanced over at Tauri. “I don't think I'll have a choice in the matter.”

  His father joined them and patted Rion on the back. “You okay son?”

  “Yeah, I'll be fine.”

  George looked at his son. “I don't like this. You might need to change your strategy.”

  “I'm going to try to see it through their system. After that all bets are off,” Rion explained grimly.

  George nodded as Mac came to join them.

  “Excuse me for interrupting, I need to get back to the station.” She turned to Rion. “I'm on top of this Rion. Give me a little time before you guys take over.”

  “I'm not going to let them kill me Mac,” Rion told her.

  “I'm not either Rion. We can't control everything but my officers were on the job tonight and we caught the perpetrators.”

  “I know Mac and I appreciate all that you're doing,” Rion said placing a hand on her shoulder. “I'm not going to do anything that puts you or the city in a bad light, you know that.”

  He looked over at Tauri again. “But now I have more at stake.”

  Mac followed his gaze. “Just give me a heads up before anything goes down.”

  “You have my word,” Rion promised.

  Mac nodded then excused herself as Tauri approached the group.

  Tauri placed a hand on Rion's back. “I'll see you later.”

  He frowned and turned to look down at her. “What?”

  “Corvus is going to take me home...”

  “Why is Corvus taking you home?” he questioned cutting her off.

  Tauri took a breath. “If you'd let me finish Orion, I was going to say that your brother is taking me home to change clothes and get my car.”

  Rion's hand went to hold her waist. “You're coming back?” he asked watching her.

  She touched his face. “Of course.”

  “Okay, be careful.”

  Tauri smiled. “You too.”

  Rion kissed her gently before releasing her. He watched as she walked over to Corvus and his brother gave him a nod before he and Lance escorted Tauri to the doors as Brandon appeared at Rion's side.

  “Do you need a ride home?” he asked.

  Rion turned to him. “Nah, my parents are dropping me off and thanks for coming in the middle of the night.”

  Brandon smiled. “You know I'm always there for my brother. Besides, Tauri would have been ready to put a cap in both of us. You know she stays strapped and she is not afraid to use it.”

  “She is dangerous,” Rion agreed. “Even her grandparents told me that.”

  Brandon rolled his eyes. “Mr. and Mrs. Henry Patterson are no joke.”

  Rion laughed. “Tell me about it.”

  “Well I'll take off. I've got to get ready for the office,” Brandon said before he turned to walk away. He took a few steps then turned back to Rion. “Tauri has asked for a few days off so I'll assume she's safe with you and the Negus can relax.”

  “Yeah, I'll take care of her,” Rion agreed with a wicked smile.

  Brandon nodded. “I thought so.” He turned and walked out the door.

  Rion's parents drove him home and his mother came inside to fuss over him. He took a seat on the sofa next to his father.

  “Momma, please sit down. I don't need anything,” Rion told his mother.

  “Pam, he's a grown man. He'll be fine,” her husband added.

  “I'll always fuss over my sons. They are our future,” Pam explained to them.

  George slid Rion a look. “Well the young god has someone else to fuss over him.”

  Pam looked at her husband and frowned.
/>   Rion smiled. “Tauri is a lot like you Momma. That's why I fell for her.”

  “I can see that,” his mother said. “She's beautiful, brilliant, talented and strong.”

  “I hope she's humble,” George inserted. “Because you are certainly not showing any humility right now,” he teased her.

  Pam looked at her husband. “It's not true?”

  He smiled at her. “Yes my incredible goddess, it's true.”

  Rion looked at his parents and smiled. George Shaw never hesitated to show his love for Pam Shaw and vice versa. This is what he wanted for himself, what he'd always wanted his entire life. Rion had not indulged in serious relationships while playing baseball because when he got married and had children he wanted to be an at home husband and father. He didn't want to be on the road nine months of the year leaving his family behind.

  His alarm buzzed and he smiled before he got up to answer. Rion pushed the button and waited for the doors to open. His smile returned when he saw Tauri in jeans and a sweater carrying a large bag on her back. She smiled as she approached him and he pulled her into his arms kissing her passionately.

  “I guess you were waiting for me,” she whispered after she regained her breath.

  “All my life goddess.”

  Rion relieved her of her bag and placed it aside before taking her hand and leading her into the living room where his parents were seated. They both greeted her as Rion took a seat next to her placing his arm around shoulders. Tauri looked over at him and smiled.

  Pam watched her son with Tauri Patterson. His dark eyes sparkled with the love he had for this woman. How she had managed to take his heart so quickly was no longer a question, because it was evident she clearly held it in her hands.

  Pam stood to her feet. “Well it's been a long night so we'll be going.” She glanced at Tauri. “I can see that Orion will be taken care of.”

  Rion and Tauri walked his parents to the door and said their goodbyes. When the doors closed, Tauri turned to Rion.

  “You need to rest.”

  He pulled her into his arms kissing her neck. “I can't rest unless you're next to me snoring.”

  “I will lie down with you but we're sleeping,” she told him gently rubbing his back.

  He kissed her again. “We'll sleep first.”

  Tauri looked at him. “We'll see.”

  Rion smiled and took her hand leading her into the bedroom. He slowly undressed her and when he was done stood staring down at her sexy body.

  “I don't know why you're looking at me like that Orion,” she told him while helping to remove his shirt.

  Rion removed his jeans. “I'm just admiring your many assets.”

  Tauri walked over to the bed and climbed underneath the sheets. “Admire them in your sleep.”

  He laughed as he climbed in beside her and laid his head on the pillow turning to facing her. “I do.”

  “Rest Orion,” she rubbed his head gently. “I'm not going anywhere.”

  Rion closed his eyes as Tauri continued to stroke his head. “When I wake up...it's on.”

  “Boy, go to sleep.”

  Rion finally fell into slumber where he dreamed deeply and vividly. He stood alone in an empty field where danger seemed to surround him. He searched for an escape and began to run in one direction. As he ran, he came face to face with the source of the threat. Light eyes, white sheets, and burning torches hindered his sight. He turned to retreat and saw hanging bodies of men who looked like him. He saw dark skin marred with bloody stripes and women weeping holding young babies also with crying eyes.

  Filled with fury he turned back to the source of this anguish. This time John Beckham stood before him with hatred in his eyes. To Rion he represented all the misery and persecution inflicted upon his people. The crowd gathered behind John to support him in his yearning to destroy Rion.

  The mob came closer and Rion stood tall. As they neared, a pride of lions both male and female, appeared out of nowhere and began attacking the clan. Rion stood immobilized as the cats went about their vicious strike. When all was done and quiet, the alpha lion stalked silently over to Rion and lifted his head. Rion lifted his hand and touched the beautiful creature on its head.

  Rion came awake with a jolt and opened his eyes. He looked out at the sunlight streaming across the water before glancing at the empty bed beside him. He dropped his face into his hands and let out a long breath. When he looked up Tauri was standing in the doorway. She was dressed in another pair of jeans with a blouse and she was wearing her glasses, which made him assume she had been working.

  “Are you okay?” she asked coming to sit on the edge of the bed touching his head.

  Rion nodded without speaking.

  “Did you get some rest? You seemed to be sleeping soundly when I woke up.”

  “I had a strange dream,” he told her. “But I did rest.”

  Tauri looked concerned. “Does your head hurt?”

  Rion glanced at her. “No, it actually feels a lot better.”

  She smiled at him. “I made you some lunch.”

  “Lunch?” he asked confused.

  “It's lunchtime baby. You've been asleep for awhile. I didn't wake you because you need your rest.”

  “Thank you,” he said rubbing her arm.

  She kissed him gently before getting up and heading back out of the room.

  Rion climbed from the bed and headed to the bathroom. After using the facilities, he moved to the sink and brushed his teeth before washing his face. After he rinsed his face, he looked into the mirror. Instead of his own face, he saw the face of the alpha lion from his dream. It was about to go down.

  Chapter 15

  Rion sat across the table from Tauri enjoying the meal she'd prepared for him. He studied her beautiful face and fell even more in love.

  “You can burn girl,” Rion commented her on her cooking.

  “I am the granddaughter of Mrs. Henry Patterson. I've been cooking next to her since I was knee high,” Tauri explained smiling.

  Rion smiled. “Your Granny is the truth.”

  Tauri looked sheepish. “I'm glad you think so because I called my grandparents and they want to see you.”

  Rion lifted a brow. “They're coming here?”

  Tauri nodded slowly. “I told them you need your rest so they won't stay long,” she added quickly.

  He reached across the table and took her hand. “It's fine Tauri. Our grandparents are welcome anytime.”

  She smiled at him. “You always do that.”

  “What?” he asked.

  “Talk like we're already a family,” she explained.

  He brought her hand to her lips. “We are a family. We don't need society's legal paperwork to certify our bond.”

  Tauri lifted her brow. “So we're already married in your mind?”

  “You are mine Tauri. I don't need government papers to take care of you,” Rion told her. “I'll freely provide for you, love you and give my life for you.”

  She closed her eyes. “I can't help but love you Orion.”

  Rion stood and walked around the table before lifting her face to his. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. “I love you Tauri Patterson and I want to raise beautiful babies with you for the rest of my life.”

  She stood slowly and wrapped her arms around his neck. Tauri pulled his head down to hers and their mouths met. Rion pulled her closer in his arms savoring her flavor. He picked her up in his arms and headed towards the bedroom where they laid on the bed facing one another.

  “My head feels better...” he said smiling.

  She touched his brow. “Really?”

  “Uh...huh, a whole lot better.” He began to kiss her neck.

  “Mmmmm...the doctor said that you need to rest,” she reminded him arching closer.

  Rion slid his hand underneath her shirt and cupped her breast. “You can do all the work. I'll just lie back and enjoy it.”

  She smiled. “I bet you will.”

>   “You can do whatever you want to me.” Rion kissed her softly. “For as long as you want.”

  “I don't want to hurt you,” Tauri whispered.

  “Hurt me baby...it's okay” he told her.

  She arched into his hand as he continued to fondle her breasts. “You take my breath away,” she said feeling herself becoming warmer. “Sometimes I can't breathe with you.”

  “Mmmmm....” Rion murmured as he lifted her shirt and replaced his hand with his mouth.

  Tauri caressed his head running her hands over the soft waves. “You know what I want,” she breathed.

  “Ummm...hmmmm,” he didn't break his attention to her bosom.

  “Tell me,” she demanded softly.

  Rion met her gaze as he ran a hand down her abdomen. “You want to be worshipped. You want me to start here.” He touched her lips as he held her eyes. “Then you want me to move down to these.” He gently squeezed her golden breasts peeking out of black cups. “You want me to pay special attention to this sacred spot.” Rion cupped her hot spot in his hand through her jeans. “You want me to love it, to taste it and to put my name all over it.”

  Tauri continued to watch his dark eyes. “Yes, do that.”

  He pulled her shirt over her head and proceeded to do just as he'd spoken when this alarm alerted him of a visitor. Rion didn't pause in his worshipping of her body and the alarm sounded again a minute later.

  “Orion, someone's at the door.”

  “Don't care right now.”

  Tauri managed to push away slightly. “Answer the door.”

  He looked down at her shirtless frame. “Huh?”

  Tauri reached for her shirt. “You are such a mess.” She laughed softly as she replaced her top.

  Rion rubbed his chin while watching her. “Later...”

  Tauri jumped from the bed and headed toward the door. She turned back to see Rion still lying on the bed looking like a sexy chocolate model in jeans and a T-Shirt that stretched across his strong chest.

  “I have no objections.” She turned and walked out of sight.

  Rion shook his head. “I'm going to kidnap that girl and marry her very soon.”

  He joined Tauri at the doors as they opened to her grandparents. Henry and Millie entered then hugged their granddaughter before turning to Rion.