All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  “Let me guess. Ayres hasn’t learned of your presence here. You’re fortunate he didn’t. He’d escort you out.”

  Lily gazes at the back of her hand admiring her long fingernails. “Your mindless valet is no match for my powers.”

  “That doesn’t change the fact you’re in my private rooms, uninvited.” I fold my arms.

  Her eyes glint in the dim lamplight. “I told you I was waiting for you.”

  I clench my jaw. “Why?”

  She runs a finger down my chest. “How can you prefer a Firstling over one of your own kind?”

  I bat her hand away. “A tigress is my own kind?”

  “You know what I mean.” She taps her foot. “We’re both man-beasts, we’re both Thirdlings, and we’re both predators. She’s nothing more than a mere human.”

  I step backward. Where’s Ayres? How does she keep getting past him? “Nothing wrong with humans.”

  “Oh?” Lily moves closer. “You plan on joining those weaklings?”

  “I might. Regardless, why are you wasting your time trying to change my mind? I’ve chosen Sasha Brighton for my mate.”

  Lily’s roar fills the air as she launches herself at me. I sidestep her, but she changes direction. With a wild leap, she wraps her legs around my waist and tears at my shirt.

  I grab her wrists and yank her off me. “Are you out of your mind?”

  She attacks again, and I step out of the way. She leaps off the wall. A mixture of frustration and lust ripple from her. “It should’ve been me you chose,” she shrieks, lowering into a crouch. “Your parents would have wanted us united.”

  “My parents are dead. Besides, when was I the obedient son? Even Rowin disappointed them.”

  “Why did you fall for a Firstling?” Lily’s face crumbles, her voice trembling.

  Disgust drips through my veins. “None of your business.”

  She straightens to her full height. “You can’t blame me for trying.” Desire emanates from her.

  I clench my jaw. “You’re testing my patience.”

  “Keep your precious human out of my way.”

  “Are you threatening me?” I crouch into an attack position.

  “No. I’m threatening her.”

  “You’ll not touch her,” I snarl.

  Lily flicks an invisible speck off her sleeve. “We’ll see.”

  “Get out of my room,” I growl through clenched teeth.

  “Temper, temper.” She reaches for me. I flinch away. “I do admire your arms. So muscular. You sure you don’t want someone more in tune with your lion form?”

  I straighten to my full six-foot-six height, my balled fists at my sides. “I’m not in the habit of hitting a woman, Lily.” I glare down at her. “But if you don’t leave, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

  “You won’t hit me. You know how good it would be with me.” She stops centimeters from me. “You’re in denial.”

  “Get out of my house!”

  She pulls her shoulders back. “I’m warning you, Monroe. You keep your precious human away from me.”

  Before I can make another move, she’s gone.

  With a yank, I rip off my tattered shirt and jerk on a clean one. I’ll decide how to handle her later. Heading to my den, I call to Ayres.

  He appears. “Yes, sir?”

  “How is Lily Tygress able to escape your notice?”

  Ayres’ eyes widen in alarm. “Sir, I honestly don’t know. I haven’t been able to figure it out. The only thing I can figure is her uncle, the magician, assists her.”

  “I thought he was in the Black Hills.”

  “He is.”

  “Get to the bottom of this, Ayres. She’s threatened Miss Brighton and I’ll not have Lily getting anywhere near her.”

  Ayres bows. “Of course, sir. It shall be done.”

  “I’ll be out this evening. If anyone comes, have them leave a note.”

  “As you say, sir. May I inquire as to where you’re going?”

  “To see Miss Brighton.”

  A second later, I enter the First Realm.

  Chapter 16: Sasha

  Monroe’s set jaw and thundercloud expression make me suck in a breath. A dull thud fills the silence, but I barely notice my book fall as I make room on the couch for him.

  He joins me and leans his head against the cushions. He tugs his fingers through his disheveled hair.

  “What happened?” I ask.

  “Long day.”

  I brush his hair back from his forehead. “Want to tell me about it?”

  He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I attended today’s Council meeting. They approved our marriage. I’d marry you anyway.” He smiles wearily. “Although, if you ever want to live in the Third Realm, their approval is essential. However, one member, Lily Tygress, has had her eye on me for some time.”

  “Wouldn’t you be happier with someone of the Third Realm?”

  He sits up. “You can’t be serious.”

  The couch’s upholstery suddenly requires all my attention. I run my fingers over the suede fabric. “So, the meeting wore you out?”

  “That’s part of it.” He rubs his jaw. “The meeting lasted far longer than I supposed. And, something worse happened.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t ask.” He shudders. “I wish I could strike the memory from my mind.”

  “Please tell me.”

  “It’s nothing.” He takes my hand. “An unwanted visitor. In any case, she won’t get close enough to do any more harm.”

  “She?”

  Monroe groans. “Her name is Lily. She’s not important to me.”

  “For all I know, this Lily is perfect for you.” I bite my lower lip.

  “Sasha, didn’t you hear me?” He raises his voice to a roar. “I don’t want her!” He lowers his voice. “It’s you I’ve fallen in love with.”

  “Anything else happen?”

  “I made her leave. I’ll protect you from her.”

  “Protect me? Why?”

  He swears under his breath. “I should keep my mouth shut.” He swears again. “She’s jealous of you.”

  A Thirdling being jealous of me? Why? She knows things about Monroe I have yet to find out. “How come?”

  “Because I don’t want her. She’s a harpy.”

  “That’s not very nice.”

  “You haven’t met Lily.” He frowns. “It’s best you never do.”

  He holds me close and I snuggle against his chest. “Perhaps I won’t.” Despite his words, a part of me still wonders if a Thirdling of his kind would make a better match for him. After all, they’re used to magic. I still feel like pinching myself to check and see if it’s all really happening. In all my daydreams, it didn’t occur to I could ever have like Monroe. Under his impatience, I sense a man who is kind and generous.

  He leans down and picks my book from the floor. “What were you reading before I arrived?”

  “The English translation of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of The Opera.”

  He chuckles. “You like dark characters, my dear?”

  In an attempt to hide my shyness, I shrug. “It’s my third time reading that book.”

  An amused smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth. “I know the muse who inspired Leroux.” He places the book on the couch. “She’s centuries old.”

  “How old are you?”

  His eyes twinkle roguishly. “How old do you think I am?”

  I look him over. “Thirty or so?”

  “Thirty-five. Very young for a Thirdling. We tend to live long lives.” He cocks his head to one side. “We haven’t talked about age, have we?”

  I shake my head.

  “All right, then. How old are you?”

  “I turned thirty on January twentieth.”

  “I’m right after you. February seventh.”

  “Happy belated birthday, Monroe.”

  “And you, Sasha.”

  He kisses me, and his outdoorsy scent int
oxicates my senses. As he deepens the kiss, a sexy groan emits from him.

  “You’re my undoing. My one weakness,” he murmurs against my lips.

  “I thought it was the other way around. After all, I could’ve said no.”

  He kisses my jaw line. “Indeed. Perhaps, then, it’s both ways.”

  I place my hand on his chest. “We need to stop. This doesn’t help me get to know you as a person.”

  He gives me a playful pout. “Surely more interesting than my personality, don’t you think?”

  I giggle. “Monroe, be serious.”

  “If I must,” he says. “Do you have vacation time coming up?”

  “Yes,” I say. “Spring Break starts after school on Friday. I get a week off. Then later I have a few days for the Easter holidays.”

  “Would you mind spending your Spring Break with me?”

  My heart pounds. It makes sense. I want time and a chance to find out more about him, and to understand what’s happening. Yet, I can’t help wondering if it’s a good idea or a bad one. “What did you have in mind?”

  His fingers rhythmically tap my back. “I was thinking, perhaps you’d like to see my world.”

  I jerk my head up, my heart thumping harder. “Is that possible?” What a thrill it would be to go and see all the wonders I’ve only read about in books! My mind races with the possibilities. Am I still dreaming? Will I really get to see all the things I’ve only imagined?

  “Does this mean you’re interested?”

  “I’d love to see where you live.”

  “I live in a castle. You’ll stay in one of the guestrooms and have your own maid.”

  “You’re joking.”

  He laughs. “For someone who acts so in control, you’ve got a childlike side. I’ll show you real magic. Anything you desire.”

  “You realize every young girl dreams of such an opportunity.”

  He strokes my cheek. “You’re the one woman I wish to live life with me.”

  “How can you want me, an ordinary person, when you have such extraordinary things at your fingertips?”

  “Because, I love you. I love your inner strength, your daydreams, and your generous heart. You make me want to become a better man. A man worthy of you.” He stares earnestly down at me. “No other woman has ever had the effect on me. I’d give you the whole world if you asked. And, someday I hope you’ll return my love.”

  Other than Mel, the only people I’ve ever loved with all my heart were my parents. All my life, before and after my parents’ deaths, I’ve dreamt of someone like Monroe. A man who could be my hero. Help me to have the courage to step out of my shell and do something spectacular. With him, I’ve a chance to have it all. “You’ll be patient with me?”

  “I said I would.” The old clock on the mantel rings out the late hour. “I regret, I must leave. I’ll see you soon. Good night, my love.”

  “Goodnight, Monroe.”

  He steps through the boundaries between my world and his and disappears.

  I wonder what other woman can say she gets to see fantasies up close and personal? What other women can say they’ve met a man who might, in some other place, be the embodiment of every fairy-tale hero. Despite my reservations, anticipation rises in me. Then just as quickly, it fades. A twinge of unhappiness envelopes me. If only I could share all this with Mel.

  Chapter 17: Monroe

  Sipping my coffee, I attempt to calm my jumbled nerves. A glance at my pocket watch makes things worse. Eight hours left for preparation.

  Ayres materializes. “Miss Brighton’s room is ready, sir.”

  My fingers turn white around my coffee mug. Damn, what’s the matter with me? “And the prom gown?”

  “I’ve checked in with the seamstresses. They tell me they will have it for you the morning of April twenty-seventh.”

  “Excellent.” I set the coffee down. “Am I doing the right thing, Ayres?”

  “What do you mean, sir?”

  “Bringing Sasha here.”

  “Do Lady Tygress’ threats worry you?”

  “A bit, but it’s something else. I can’t explain it.”

  Ayres clears his throat. “Could it be, sir, something to do with the fact you might have found your mate? Or, are you concerned Miss Brighton will dislike your home?”

  “Would you think me ridiculous if I said yes to both?”

  “Not at all. In the past you haven’t desired to impress anyone. It is right you have that on your mind. Any man in your position would feel the same.” His mouth twitches with mirth. He’s enjoying my discomfort way too much.

  “You’re tempting a discharge of your services, Ayres.”

  He quickly regains his composure. “Anything else I can do for you, sir?”

  “No, no.” I wave a hand. “I’d rather be alone.”

  He vanishes.

  Opening my armoire, I rifle through shirts, pants, socks, boots, leather shoes, shoes with buckles, cloaks, and other various items. I back away in despair. “This won’t do. I must show her we’re not completely old-fashioned.”

  I storm down the corridors in my dressing gown. “Ayres!”

  “Sir?” Ayres reappears.

  I skid to a stop. “Get me clothing from the First Realm—modern. Not too formal or casual.”

  “Yes, sir.” He disappears again and I stomp back to my bedchambers muttering to myself. Why didn’t I notice my clothing problem before? I pace the length of the room until Ayres reappears.

  “Well?”

  He gazes at me calmly. “Stand still.”

  “Get on with it.”

  “Sir, you need to calm down.”

  “Quit laughing, Ayres.” A slight breeze wafts by me. Ayres flies around me, a blur of motion. When he finishes, he pushes me toward the full-length mirror. I shuffle over. I hardly recognize myself. Black jeans, a dark blue button-down shirt, and black sports jacket disguise my origins. Wriggling my toes in soft, black loafers, I toss Ayres a nod. “I underestimated you.”

  “You’re satisfied?”

  “Right on the mark.” I brush my sleeves and adjust the collar.

  “Thank you, sir. Feeling better?”

  I square my shoulders. “I can do this.”

  Ayres adjusts the back of the sports jacket. He regards me critically. “Of course you can, sir. You’re a Dubay.”

  “How apt of you, Ayres, appealing to my ego.”

  He bows. “I was out of line, sir. I am sorry.”

  “Never mind. You mentioned her rooms were ready?”

  “Down the hall.” I follow him until he stops before a pair of double doors, not far from my bedroom.

  “Here we are.”

  Throwing open the doors, I’m greeted by the sight of a large bedchamber. To one side, a door leads into a private bathroom. Further into the main area, a sizable four-poster bed swathed in rose satin with a downy comforter rests elegantly against a wall near the balcony door. “Appropriate. Serena is to be her personal maid, correct?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Excellent.” I rub my hands together. “Only lacks Miss Brighton’s presence.” I close my eyes. A half a second later a white rose appears in my hand. “Would this would be suitable for the occasion?”

  “Very good, sir. I’ll go make sure the kitchen staff is prepped.” He vanishes.

  “Going somewhere?”

  “Damn it, Lily. What are you doing here?”

  She admires her painted nails. “I wanted to see you.” Her eyes travel over me. “The Creator did a good job on you, Monroe. You’re every girl’s dream come true.”

  “Get out. I’ve told you not to come here!” I move toward her.

  Gracefully, she sidesteps me. “You forget, darling, I’ve mastered the cat-and-mouse game. Have fun with your little human, gorgeous. I’ll be around.” Suddenly she’s gone.

  I growl at the empty space. “Stupid tigress.” She better not ruin Sasha’s visit. I square my shoulders and slow my thudding heart. A man-
beast tigress doesn’t scare me, but the beautiful woman I’m about to meet sets my nerves scattering.

  “Oh!” Sasha exclaims as I step into her living room.

  I hold the rose out to her. “It’s a little crushed. I can get you another.”

  She caresses the petals. “I’m sure I can perk it up with some water. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  She carries the rose into the kitchen, gets out a crystal vase. “I guess you’re here to pick me up.”

  “You still want to come?” I do my best to appear confident.

  She sets the rose on the counter. “Yes, I do.”

  “Are you nervous?”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Your hands are shaking, love.” Thank the Creator she’s too busy worried about her own nerves she doesn’t notice how tense I am.

  “I’m sorry, Monroe.”

  What? I’m the imbecile, not her. Bad enough I was nervous about bringing her home, Lily had to show up and make things worse. “Quite all right.”

  “Everything is so new.”

  I draw her into my arms. “It’s new for me, too, Sasha.”

  She lays her head against my chest. “I suppose everything will be okay.”

  “Of course.”

  She moves back out of my arms and checks her things. “I believe I’ve packed everything I need.”

  Amusement forces Lily’s visit from my mind. “You think I couldn’t provide anything you’d want?”

  “I’d rather have my own things, if you don’t mind.”

  I pick up her bags. “Whatever makes you most comfortable.”

  “Wow. Is that Armani?”

  My ego inflates and some of the anxiety dissipates. “Actually, some Third Realm tailors made it. Does it look Armani?”

  “I know a little about fashion. Your coat must’ve cost a fortune.”

  Under her admiring gaze, I stand taller. “I asked Ayres to supply me with something you would be more used to seeing men in your world wear.”

  Her brow furrows. “You always wear your own clothing, though.”

  “Considering the circumstances,” I say, a grin tugging at my lips while her eyes trail back over me. “I thought familiarity would be better for you. Do I pass muster?”

  “Very much so.”

  “Thank you.”