All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  Just when I’m sure the Council will erupt into chaos, Loralyn raps on the table. “Order! Order, please!” The room goes dead silent. “It would seem by your actions you do have a particular problem with Sasha Brighton for the very reasons Minuet put forth. Have you an answer, Lily?”

  Lily stands. Her whole body trembles. “You all will regret allowing this.” Her eyes blaze red as her gaze falls on me. “Especially you, Monroe.”

  I’m nearly out of my chair. Delton grabs hold of me. “Don’t do it. Let the Council take action.”

  I glare at him, but settle back into my seat. Lily’s expression challenges me. My fingers curl into fists.

  “Lily Tygress,” Loralyn says as Lily sits, “the Council has heard your plea. We will now proceed with the verdict. You will remain in the foyer with a guard.”

  “I think,” I say, rising, “I’ll wait outside. I believe it would be best if I didn’t present any influence on this Council by remaining here.”

  “Very well, Lord Dubay, you are excused,” Loralyn says.

  Guards escort Lily from the chambers. I pass her quickly, pushing through the huge front doors and out into the open air.

  A light drizzle sprinkles on me as I lean against the side of the building hoping the decision is a quick one. If there are any arguments for Lily to stay, I don’t want to hear them.

  Again I wonder what Sasha will say when I explain about the ultimatum. I’m willing to be fully human and give up my place in the Third Realm if she requests it. I’m also more than happy to have her become a lioness. Knowing Lily, her words are more than a show of temper; they’re a promise. If the Council doesn’t do something, Sasha will bear the worst of it. I pace uneasily along the side of the building. Damn tigress, how I hate her!

  Time crawls by. My fury rises. When Bast appears, I’m ready for a fight.

  “Well?” I snap.

  He holds up a hand. “First, calm down. Second, I think we finally got her. I did my best to seem disinterested so Lily’s argument about our friendship wouldn’t be a factor. Loralyn said for you to come in and you’ll hear the outcome.”

  I follow Bast in and resume my place at the table. Lily stands between two guards of Hawk descent. They have large brown and white wings folded back behind them. Each of them holds a staff sparkling with magic and electricity. Lily is a mask of rage. My fist twitches. My barely controlled temper boils while I contemplate all her thinly veiled insults to Sasha. From childhood onward she’s been a thorn in my side.

  Delton shakes his head. “Smack me later if you need to whack someone,” he whispers, “but man, if you hit Lily, then you’ll be in trouble.”

  I swallow. In spite of my dislike for him, he’s right. I can’t strike Lily without repercussion.

  “Now that we are all reconvened,” Loralyn says. “Let us announce the fate of Lily Tygress.” Silence falls over the room. “This Council has contemplated how best to handle the impropriety Lily has introduced into the assembly. First of all, there was a lack of respect for a particular decision made by this Council. Followed by disrespect of a Council member’s choice of mate. Third, inappropriate behavior at a Council meeting, and fourth, a grudge against a Council member’s intended, which this Council has deemed as potentially dangerous.”

  Loralyn purses her lips before continuing. “Your own words and actions indict you. We Council members have made a decision based on this evidence.” Loralyn rises to her full height, her gaze piercing. “Therefore, Lily Tygress, it is determined that you are to be stripped of your title, lands, and esteem. You must also forfeit your position on the Council. You are henceforth sentenced to Mount Iron Prison for a yet undetermined amount of time. The Vulture brothers will be your guards.”

  Lily blinks in disbelief. “All this because of a human?” She breaks from the Hawks and lunges at me transforming into a tiger. Snarling, she says, “You’re blinded to the implications of your choice, Monroe.”

  I sidestep her. A prickling sensation begins in my feet and floods my body. In a surge of power, I change into my lion form. “Back off, Lily. You wouldn’t survive a fight with me.”

  “Restrain her!” Loralyn orders as the Hawks take action, pointing their staffs. “Lily, like everyone else, you know how serious the charges against you are. Hopefully, Mount Iron will give you a chance to reform. Monroe, resume human form at once!” She nods at the Hawks.

  The Hawks point their staffs and a flash of blue and white light sizzles. Lily crumples.

  I transform back and move aside so the guards can pick Lily’s limp body off the floor. Her body returns to her human form as they carry her out of the room.

  Loralyn raps on the table, bringing us back to order. “If there are no other items of business, I hereby appoint Quin Erone next meeting’s General. Lord Erone, will you accept?”

  Quin rises. “I do. The next meeting will be announced at a later date.”

  “In that case,” Loralyn responds, “I declare us adjourned.”

  Chairs scrape against the stone floor as the members push back from the table and begin to depart.

  “Well,” Bast says, as we exit together, “it would appear you don’t have to worry about Lily for a while.”

  “One can hope. I don’t believe for a minute we’ve heard the end of her.”

  “Craven and Onyx will keep an eye on her. Not much gets by them,” he says.

  “We shall see. I must go. I promised Sasha I’d see her tonight.”

  “All right, Monroe. Have a good visit.”

  At my castle, I switch from my suit into a pair of jeans and white button-down shirt. Hurrying into my den, I barely give Ayres notice before I’m through the boundaries and in Sasha’s apartment. I find her standing in the kitchen, sorting her mail.

  “Monroe!” she exclaims, setting down an envelope. “You made it.”

  “Did you miss me?” I wrap my arms around her waist and nuzzle her neck.

  “It was rather quiet without you.”

  “I came as soon as I could.”

  “What’s the matter?”

  “The Council is concerned about our current differences in physical form.”

  Her brows knit together. “I’m not following.”

  “You know I not only have a human form, but also a lion.”

  “If I don’t mind, why do they?”

  I lead her into the living room. She sits while I remain standing. “Either I need to join you, fully human, or you become a man-beast lioness. That is, a human with the ability to change into a lioness. Whichever choice we make will be the only way we’ll be married in every sense of the word.” Sheepishly, I slide my hands into my pockets. “I hadn’t thought of my animal side because it hasn’t been a concern in our relationship. However, Bast and the other man-beasts on the Council are right. There will come a time where I desire to mate with you in both forms. However, if you decide you’d rather not be a lioness, then I would have to become fully human.”

  “What happens if I do become a lioness?”

  “The night of the wedding ceremony we would go into the Third Realm and you would drink a potion to transform into a man-beast lioness.”

  “May I continue teaching?”

  “I don’t know. As far as everyone here is concerned, you already exist, so I think you could cross from the Third Realm back here. But, I’m not positive.”

  “What if you became fully human?”

  I pace the room. “I’d give up my place in the Third Realm, unless, of course, there’s a breach in the boundaries.”

  “How could you give up so much?”

  “My brother, Rowin, could take over the lands and title. It’s in the Dubay family line to have a male on the Council in every generation. I didn’t have a choice when my father died.”

  She pushes off the couch and hugs me fiercely. “I didn’t mean your lands and the Council. I meant everything else. You like being a lion. Wouldn’t you miss it?”

  “I might.” I shrug. “Eithe
r way, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is, we’d be together.” On the outside, I let her think I’m unconcerned. Inside, I wonder if I could give up being a lion. The hunting, the feeling of power. The one thing in my family lineage I ever truly appreciated. Am I as certain as I let her believe? How can I not be, when I’m so close to all my fondest wishes coming true? I cast the doubts aside. Whatever Sasha asks of me, I must do it. She is my chosen mate. Her wish is my pleasure.

  “May I have time to think about all this?”

  “Certainly. How about we talk about something else for now?”

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “Since we’re discussing where we’ll live, I’m reminded we haven’t even set a wedding date.”

  “Do we need a date at this point?” She bites her lower lip. “I mean, we haven’t even figured out where we’ll live.”

  “Given how Lily acted at the ball, I’d feel better if we had one.”

  She stares at her hands. “Is she so much a threat?”

  “Perhaps . . . I don’t know.” I release Sasha and move uneasily through the room. “She was arrested today. However, with her family connections, I doubt it’s the last we’ll hear from her.”

  “What difference would our getting married make?”

  “If you choose to stay in the First Realm, I’d be here with you. If you joined the Third Realm, you’d have the protection of my name, and all the powers of a lioness. Plus, I’d have enough magic to defend you, if the need arose.”

  Her expression softens. “You really care about me, don’t you?”

  “Isn’t it obvious?” I draw closer to her and caress her cheek. “I told you I loved you. I asked you to marry me. If I didn’t care, why would I have done those things?”

  “You make feel as if I were a princess in a fairy-tale.”

  “Be my princess, Sasha. Always.”

  She ducks her head. “Could we have the ceremony here, in the First Realm? Would your guests be able to come?”

  “If you wish it. Bast and Alexia’s twins will probably be born in the summertime, so they might be unavailable if you want a summer wedding.”

  “Let me check my calendar.” She turns from me, and wanders into the kitchen. A moment later, she returns with a leather book in her hands. She sits on the couch and flips the book open. “Perhaps in the winter. I’ve always loved the idea of a holiday wedding.” A dreamy glow comes over her. “The evergreen, a bunch of flowers, the smell of incense.” I chuckle and she shakes her head. She stops on a page. “How about December twelfth?”

  I sit beside her. “You want to wait so long? Remember what I said about wanting to protect you.”

  “Please,” she says quietly, “it’s the day my parents were married.”

  “You’re positive you can’t come up with an earlier date?”

  “Their deaths were years ago . . . but I miss them. Sharing the day with them feels like they’d be there, somehow. I know you’re concerned, but Lily was arrested. Maybe she won’t do anything. Besides, you promised we could take our time.”

  My desires battle with each other. On one hand, I want to marry her as soon as possible. Lily might be in Mount Iron, but I don’t dare underestimate her. Not after what she’s done in the past. On the other hand, I yearn to give Sasha everything she could possibly want. In the end, I swallow my fears. “Then December twelfth will be our wedding day.”

  Happiness drives away the cloud of sadness from her face and I can’t help feeling overjoyed my consent meant so much to her. Please, Creator, don’t let Lily ruin this.

  “I would love a church wedding,” Sasha says, breaking into my thoughts.

  “Then, you shall have one.” I can’t help the excitement that rises in my chest. “Spare no expense. I’ll foot the entire bill, if need be.”

  She laughs. “Let me pay for something.”

  “I’ve got plenty, Sasha. It’s not a problem.”

  “Why don’t you pay for anything I can’t? I really want to contribute. It’s my wedding, too.”

  “What’s wrong with me spoiling you?”

  “You already do enough. Give me this much.”

  I glance at her face. She lifts her chin stubbornly. “Oh, very well. I can’t refuse you anything.”

  With a flourish, she writes in the wedding date in her planner. In the margins she makes notes to talk to a pastor of a church and then closes the book.

  Her smile fades. “As to the other, must I decide right now?”

  A part of me wants to press her for an answer. Except, the choice is all hers and I can’t force her in either direction. Keeping my voice level, I answer, “You have until our wedding night.”

  She lets out a breath and says, “Okay.”

  I regain her hand and rub my thumb over her palm. “Do you have any other questions?”

  “Not at the moment.”

  “How was your day?”

  “It went well. We’ll see how much my students got out of the review tomorrow.”

  “Good luck.”

  “Thank you.” She moves closer to me. “You mentioned Lily was arrested. What happened?”

  “I excused myself while the rest of the Council made the decision, so I’m not sure. But, the Council decided. For the moment, she’s out of the way.”

  “You said you still believe she can cause trouble. Something about her family connections?”

  “Unfortunately, I’m not aware of what the Council or anyone else aside from Bast knows about her family ties to high level magicians. I’m not certain they realize how big a threat she is.” I glance at Sasha’s worried face. “Maybe I’m overreacting and she’ll stay in Mount Iron and leave us alone.”

  She doesn’t say anything. It’s probably wishful thinking on my part to hope Lily will ever give up. I’ve known her too long and when she decides she wants something, nothing will stop her. Not even prison. But I can’t let Sasha know my fears.

  Forcing myself to relax, I trace my finger over Sasha’s shoulder. “Let’s put aside everything else and concentrate on us.” I kiss her collarbone. “Especially in light of the fact we’ve set a wedding date.”

  She closes her eyes. “Uh-huh.”

  I kiss up her neck. “I can see the whole thing . . . you as my bride . . .” Her floral scent fills my senses. “So lovely.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course. You’ll be beautiful.”

  “I can’t think about anything when you kiss me,” she moans.

  “Then don’t.” I cover her lips with mine and draw her against me. Her mouth opens sweetly, as I deepen the kiss. If her human status is any indication, she’ll be magnificent as a lioness. Then my thoughts empty of everything except the woman in my arms.

  Nothing, except an annoying, relentless ring of the telephone.

  She tenses. “Monroe,” she murmurs.

  I slip my tongue back into her mouth, willing the noise to stop. Instead it persists.

  She pushes out of my arms and picks up the phone.

  “Oh, for the love of the Third Realm,” I roar.

  She gives me a warning look then speaks into the handset. “Hello?”

  I fold my arms. “Tell whomever it is that you are otherwise occupied and to call you back at a more suitable time!”

  “Mel,” Sasha exclaims, and I groan.

  “She chooses now to call?” I cast a glare at the telephone.

  Sasha ignores me. “I’m sorry, too. Normally I don’t keep secrets from you.” There’s a pause and then, “Yes, it’s a bit awkward.” She throws me an apologetic look and continues with her conversation. “How serious?” She shifts from one foot to the other. “Would you believe we’re planning our wedding?” She holds the phone from her ear while Melody’s joyful shouts blast from the other end. When they subside, she presses the phone back to her ear. “I’m not kidding. I haven’t chosen attendants yet.” Another pause. “I definitely want you involved.”

  Resigned, I pick up the television contr
oller and flip through the channels. Damn contraptions with their noise and interruptions. Several minutes pass and I grow restless. Twisting around, I get her attention. “Are you finished, yet?”

  She holds up a finger. “Okay, Mel, no problem.”

  Another ten minutes go by.

  “How about now?” I call.

  “I will, Mel.” She hangs up the receiver. “Impatient, aren’t you?”

  “Can you blame me for the fact I find you irresistible?” I turn off the television and stand. “You see, I’m madly in love with you and I don’t like you being taken away from me right in the middle of a kiss. A particularly exceptional one, too.”

  “Hmmm.”

  I step forward, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Shall we pick up where we left off?”

  “Monroe . . .”

  My mouth on hers cuts off her protest. She tenses for a moment then gives in, lacing her fingers together. A delicious feeling of intoxication runs through me.

  “You see?” I say, my voice husky.

  “You have a point.”

  I delight in noting her voice sounds hoarse. “You understand now?”

  “I guess.”

  I chuckle. “Then it worked.”

  Her lips twitch with humor. “You’re more human than you know, Monroe Dubay.”

  “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

  “A little of both.” Her face grows serious. “We better stop. I have a test to give out tomorrow. Plus, there’s our wedding to plan.”

  “I think this is a fancy way of reminding me it’s late and you need your rest.”

  Humor dances in her eyes. “Nice work, detective.”

  I release her hands. “Adieu, then, my sweet. I love you.”

  She touches my cheek. “Goodnight, Monroe.”

  “Goodnight.” I walk through to the boundary and into my den.

  Over eight months until the wedding. How will I stand the wait?

  One thing’s certain: Lily better stay in prison. If she gets out, or causes any problems at all, she’ll deal with me.

  And I won’t be merciful.

  Chapter 22: Sasha