All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  “You’ve been wonderful. So kind and gentle. I’ll manage.” I unbuckle my seatbelt and get out. “Here goes nothing.”

  Ted greets us at the front door. “Hi, you two.”

  “Is Mel here?” I ask.

  “She’s in the living room,” Ted says.

  Leaning on the crutches, I follow him and Monroe through the cavernous kitchen into a cozy room.

  Mel sits on their gray sectional dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “I wanted to get all my crying done before you arrived.” She tosses the tissue in the trashcan and jerks me into a fierce embrace. “I can’t believe you’re leaving.”

  I wrap my arms around Mel and the floodgates open. Tears fall unchecked down my cheeks.

  “I hope they treat you well in Houston. And the new school, too. You’re a gem, Sasha, and I love you.”

  It gets harder holding in the truth. Monroe’s words play in my head and I clamp down on my sorrow. “I love you, too, Mel.”

  “Can you stay for dinner at least?”

  “I’m afraid we can’t,” I reply. “We still have things to finalize at the new place.” If I stay any longer, I’ll lose my resolve. Glancing at Monroe, his expression fills with sympathy.

  “Some other time, perhaps,” Monroe says kindly.

  “So soon?” Mel’s voice trembles. “You sure we can’t help?”

  “Thanks,” I say. “I think we have everything under control.”

  “Send us your new address. Please write, call, or visit any chance you have,” she says.

  My heart squeezes. “I’ll try.” Another lie.

  “Don’t you hurt her, got it?” She admonishes Monroe.

  “I wouldn’t dream of harming her in any way.”

  “I blame you for her decision,” Mel growls.

  “Mel, now’s not the time,” Ted cuts in. Despite his efforts at a cheerful expression I sense his sadness. “You two take care of yourselves.”

  “Thanks, Ted. Goodbye, Mel. I can’t have asked for a more wonderful friend.”

  “Nor I. I meant it, Sasha. I love you.”

  “Me, too.”

  We hug once more, then Mel and Ted walk us to the door. Through tears, I wave at Mel for the last time.

  Chapter 37: Monroe

  The afternoon sun casts shadows in the candlelit room. Although the winter chill has all but frozen most places, the weather has been warm on Charming Island. I’m grateful to Cyndra and Terrance for giving me and Sasha this belated honeymoon.

  Two weeks have past. Not having to be on guard has been an adjustment. With Lily gone and Alveron taken care of, my life is surprisingly peaceful.

  My thoughts wander back to my surprise for Sasha. She has no idea I’ve been searching for a way to maintain contact with Melody and Ted. As much as she’s reiterated she understood the circumstances, I catch her staring wistfully at the place in my den where we used to enter and exit between the First and Third Realms. She tries to hide it, yet I can sense she misses them greatly. It makes me sad knowing how much she’s given up.

  I study her sleeping form. Her inner strength is a marvel. Ever since she became a lion, she’s more confident. She’s revealed a passionate side of herself I’ve always knew existed. Letting my gaze trail over her, I note the scars from Lily’s claws. They can’t take away from the wondrous beauty beside me. I lean my face gently against her neck and breathe in her scent. Her skin still radiates the aroma of our lovemaking, a deep enticing scent, which warms me from the inside out. Another deep breath reveals a different fragrance. One I haven’t scented before. In spite of not being able to turn into a lion, I still possess enough magic to distinguish the new aroma. Hitting my head against the headboard, I abruptly sit up.

  She rolls onto her back and regards me sleepily. “You okay?”

  “Is it possible?”

  She stretches and runs her hands over her stomach. “Is what possible?”

  “You didn’t tell me.” The growl escapes before I can stop it.

  Her eyes widen in confusion. “Monroe, you’ve lost me.”

  Reverently, I lower my voice. “Are you carrying our child?”

  She tosses a pillow at my wounded head. “And here I planned a big reveal.”

  I catch the pillow and set it aside. “It’s true?”

  She touches my cheek. “Yes. I went to see Brinda while you were napping yesterday and she directed me to Dr. Barnes. He’s the same doctor Alexia used.” She trails her fingers over my cheek, her features bright. “He confirmed my suspicions.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I was going to today, except you ruined my fun. How did you find out?”

  “You smell different.”

  She giggles. “I forgot my scent could change. Also, I’m impressed you can sense it. I guess with or without the lion, Thirdlings are extra intuitive. Are you pleased?”

  “I’m nervous for you.”

  “Why? Dr. Barnes said I was doing well.” She props herself up on her elbows. “I’m two weeks along. Both the baby and I are healthy. He or she is growing nicely. Thirdling doctors can figure these things out much earlier than Firstling ones can.” Her hand caresses her stomach. “He said the baby would be strong.”

  Sudden fear grips me. “Did our activity . . . I mean, have we . . .?”

  Lowering herself back onto the bed, she pulls me down on top of her. “No, we won’t hurt the baby. Dr. Barnes assured me we’re okay.” Her feathery lips press against my chest.

  “A baby.” The realization seeps into me and I roll back on my side to keep my weight off her.

  “You’re not upset, are you?”

  My hand rests on her bare breast. “No, not upset. Just caught off guard.” Happiness fills me. I draw her closer. “By the Third Realm, Sasha, we’re going to have a baby!”

  She laughs.

  I kiss her lips. “I’m humbled and couldn’t be more thrilled.” I gather her against me. “It makes the news I want to share even more special.”

  “What?”

  I prop myself up on my elbow. Meeting her gaze, I say, “Brinda informed me there was some of my lion essence left. She said the power in it could create a way to allow you a little more freedom to visit the First Realm. You could see Melody again.”

  Sasha swallows. “Don’t joke about something like that, Monroe.”

  “I’m not.”

  She sighs. “I chose the Third Realm. I chose you, and this life. I’m happy. If I returned, I’d have to explain everything to Mel. I’m not sure I’m up to it.” She licks her lips. “Is that the only use for it? Will it go to waste if I don’t visit Mel?”

  I shake my head, and wordlessly turn away. “Brinda said there was another option.”

  The bed trembles slightly as Sasha leans over me. “What else did Brinda say, Monroe?”

  “It’s not important.”

  She tugs on my arm, and I lay on my back. “Monroe Dubay, that’s a lie and you know it. Try again. What was the other option?”

  I let out a breath. “She said there was just enough where I could regain my lion form.”

  Sasha stares down at me in shock. “Seriously?”

  I shrug. “It doesn’t matter. I gave it up for your life. It was a more than a fair trade.” I trace my finger over her features. “My wife is alive. I don’t need anything else.”

  “What’s the point of me being a lion without you? It’s one of the things I’ve loved about you.”

  “Let it go, Sasha. If we don’t use it, someone else might.” I sit up and let my gaze feast upon her gorgeous body. “Besides, I do believe you being pregnant is something to celebrate.” I cover her mouth with mine. “I intend to show exactly how pleased I am you’re carrying my child.”

  “This isn’t the last you’ve heard on the subject. I intend to convince you to regain your lion,” she murmurs against my lips.

  “Give it your best shot, my love. Whatever you throw at me won’t matter. Nothing but having you my life means anything
to me.” I trail kisses down her neck, enjoying the sweet, feminine sounds she makes.

  “Are you certain you want to celebrate the pregnancy? I won’t be so petite anymore.” She returns my kisses.

  The honey taste of her lips intoxicates me. “I don’t care. Whether big or small, you’re entrancing.”

  She shivers, scooting closer. “I might throw up. Morning sickness and everything.”

  Gently I lay her flat on the bed. “Doesn’t matter, either.” Her skin feels like silk under my roaming hands.

  She holds my face between her hands, her expression serious. “Giving birth, I might despise you.”

  Gazing into those blue depths, warmth fills me. “You can make me deaf and squeeze my hands numb.”

  A small smile creeps across her face. “You won’t have me all to yourself anymore.”

  “I’ll share.” I drag my tongue across her chest. Her trembles increase my arousal.

  “Oh, Monroe, I love you. When I got the news, I wanted to dance.” Her finger tickles my chest. “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to conceive after what Lily did.”

  “Thank the Creator the fight didn’t render you sterile. Perhaps we’ll even have more children after this one.” The way I feel we could end up with a dozen children.

  She pulls me down on top of her. “Only if you help.”

  “My pleasure,” I say in between kisses. She moans and I thrust my tongue deeper into her mouth. Urgently we merge our bodies together.

  When we’re sated, I rest her head on my shoulder. Whatever happens, no one can take this joy away. No more loneliness or pain. Whatever we decide to do with the leftover essence, it doesn’t matter. I don’t necessarily need my lion form anymore. With Sasha and our new family in my life, I’m complete.