All's Fair in Love and Lion (18 page)

All right, no lion cubs at first.
A little of my edginess dissipates. “The fact remains you’d still be giving up more than I would.”

“What do you want most?”

Everything, I want everything.
Instead, I say, “I’m still deciding.”

“I thought you should know the facts.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about the children part before?”

He stops rubbing my leg. “I should’ve. I didn’t realize I hadn’t.” He covers my hand with his. “Whatever you choose is acceptable. I only desire your happiness.”

“Okay.”

“Now, earlier I wasn’t any use to you in helping you relax. Perhaps I can change that.”

“How?”

He tightens his arms around me. “I have a few ideas.”

Before I can answer, his mouth covers mine and envelopes me in a searing kiss. I let out a moan. From somewhere I hear his groan as he deepens the kiss, crushing me against him. My emotions get jumbled up inside of me. Everything from the past few days tumbles out and an urgency overtakes me. His embrace melts away my fears, his mouth excites all my passions. I feel my control slipping. Right when I’m ready to throw away the rest of my restraint, we break apart. Breathing heavily, I try to refocus.
Are there two Monroes?
I blink.
Three?

“Well, that was different,” he gasps.

“Monroe,” I say, panting. “For once, you can have your big ego. You are, as they say, ‘the man’.”

“You’re the reason for it.”

“Are you trying to make me as conceited as yourself?”

“You’ve earned it.”

“Thanks, I think.”

He laughs then gives me a pained look. “I fear, as hard as it is for me, I must leave you. Ayres will read me a lecture if I stay longer. He’s sure I’ll do something dishonorable to you.”

“Must you go?”

He turns away. “Remaining here would be a test of my control and yours. I can’t do that to you.” We get up and he squeezes my hand before disappearing through the rift.

Once in bed, my mind replays the evening.
What did I do? Why did I kiss him like that? How could I have let myself get so carried away? Especially after I was so relieved he wants to wait until marriage to have sex.
I curl up with a pillow and search through the events. Was it Lily? Did I feel her passion for Monroe? No . . . not her. It was all me.

I roll over with a groan. I thought I was too shy and in control. Lily was right. Monroe doesn’t realize how much I desire him, and apparently I didn’t, either. My heart races. He didn’t seem upset. He was as eager as I was.

Okay, calm down. Think about something else. What are you going to do about your impending decision?
Should I become a lioness? Could I ask Monroe to give up his life and be human? Could we balance both Realms? I scream into my pillow. I can’t figure it out. Not with the whole Lily problem. Monroe might forgive me for the secret, but what does she have in store for us? How can I counteract her?

Lily, if you’re listening, you watch yourself. You’ve messed with the wrong woman. One day you’ll have to deal with me and when the time comes I won’t hold back.

Somewhere in a far corner of my mind, I hear a laugh.

Chapter 25: Monroe

“The herd has returned?” I ask, coming back to the present. It’s time I set aside Sasha’s indecision and concentrate on the upcoming hunt.

Bast’s eyes glint in anticipation. “One of my neighbors told me the gazelles arrived back in the Adon Forest two days ago.”

“Why didn’t you say something before?” I rub my hands together.

“You were in the First Realm with Sasha the day I found out.” He stretches his arms above his head. “I sent a messenger and Ayres responded that you haven’t been at home much.”

I check the time on my pocket watch. “I don’t have to meet Sasha until this evening. If you’re free, we could go now.”

“I was hoping you’d suggest that. Alexia all but demanded I go. She wants me to bring her back a big one.”

“Her appetite hasn’t subsided?”

“No, and regular human food seems to not appease her, either. I’m hunting daily.”

“Am I supposed to pity you, Bast?”

“I’d accept it.”

“I’ve been far too busy lately to hunt often.” I smile. “Although, I can’t complain. Sasha is lovely company.”

“I don’t doubt it.” He claps me on the shoulder. “All right, lover-boy. If you’re ready, we can catch up with the herd.”

I shoot him a disgusted look. “Let’s go.”

Leaving the castle, we transport ourselves in the Adon Forest. Tingles spread through me. I transform and Bast does the same.

I shake out my mane. “Put your tongue back in your mouth, you damn jackal,” I growl. “You’re drooling everywhere.” I gaze up at the cloudless sky. Perfect.

“What about you?” he barks. “You’re foaming at the mouth.”

I lick my chops. “Never mind. Where’s the herd?” I lengthen my stride, working out the kinks in my muscles. “By the Third Realm, I’m famished!”

I sniff the air, catching the tangy scent. Ducking under the deep foliage, we keep off the path. The trees grow thickest in this part of the forest, masking our descent. The herd grazes in a clearing, a delectable sight. My mouth waters and my tail drags to and fro across the forest floor. A male raises his head and breaks into a gallop.

We spring from the bushes after them. It requires all our speed to keep up. When we overtake the herd, they scatter across a plateau just above the craggy Adrian Cliffs. I kick up dust and gravel as I approach a straggler. I pounce upon the gazelle, killing it instantly. Satisfaction flows over me. A swift kill means less potential for injury from their hooves. I glance over my shoulder. Bast drags his prey off to the side and goes after a second for Alexia.

I return my attention to my own meal. I almost groan as the rich, wild flavor touches my tongue. The meat goes down easily and in a matter of minutes I’m sated. Bast finishes his meal, then still in jackal form, drags Alexia’s over to where I’m lying in the grass in lion form.

“Did you get enough?” he asks.

“For now.”

“They’re faster than I remember.”

“Having trouble keeping up?”

“I wasn’t expecting them to be as nimble as they are.”

I sit up. “All the same, it was good sport.”

“I hope they remain for a while. Alexia has been craving them ever since she found out they were back.”

“Poor Bast. The pregnancy has run you ragged trying to keep up with Alexia’s tastes.”

“Ah well,” he says, rolling over in the grass. “It’s worth the trouble. I can hardly wait for the twins to arrive.”

“Fatherhood palatable to you, then?”

“I never thought anything could make me happier than being married to Alexia.” He sits up, his eyes taking on a faraway quality. “Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being married, but having children with her makes it even better.”

“I was thinking the same about Sasha.”

He scratches his ear with his back paw. “Will she become a lioness?”

“I’ve no idea. I told her she didn’t have to tell me anything until the wedding night.”

He sits on his haunches. “What do you want to happen?”

“I’m not sure. I love being a lion, but humanity has its advantages.”

“Except you’d never be here again.” His voice drops. “You wouldn’t hunt anymore.”

I flick my tail. Acting nonchalant, I say, “Either way, one of us will have something to give up. Doesn’t matter as long as she and I are together.” I force back a lump in my throat. Marriage to Sasha is worth whatever sacrifice I might make. Her urgent request haunts me.
Promise me you won’t think the worst of me.
What has her so upset?

“Flowery words for someone who insists he isn’t a mush.” Bast interrupts my thoughts.

With a quick flex, my claws pop out. “You enjoy balancing a thin line between life and death.”

“You’re not the one I’m worried about. You wouldn’t want to face Alexia, especially now.”

I shudder. “True enough. Your wife is a force to be reckoned with. I’m impressed you’ve stayed in one piece.”

He barks a laugh. “She isn’t so bad. Just uncomfortable. Speaking of which, let’s return so she can have her meal.”

We deliver Alexia’s gazelle to the kitchens, and I say my goodbyes, then return home.

Changing my clothes, the nerves in my stomach war with the growing anticipation.
What’s Sasha doing right now?

“Sir, shouldn’t you wear something more appropriate for the marriage course?” Ayres’ voice echoes behind me as I smooth out my blue jeans and button down maroon shirt.

“What would you have me wear, Ayres?”

He materializes beside me. A frown darkens his face. “A proper suit, dress shirt, and dress shoes.”

“I’ve been wearing jeans to the meetings. It’s how I blend in. No one knows what I am there.”

“I had no idea you were dressing so distastefully.”

I pick up my wallet and throw my valet a glare. “I’m fine in this. You can take your disapproval elsewhere. I need to go.”

“As you say, sir.”

He doesn’t follow me down the corridor and I don’t see or hear him anywhere near me.
Good.

“Sasha?” I call, stepping into her living room.

“In the bedroom!”

I stop short. Interesting
.
Desire sears my veins and images play in my head.
Wait a minute. Get a hold of yourself.
Should I go to her room?
For the love of the Third Realm, don’t act like a randy cub!
Throwing my shoulders back, I clear my throat.
Think about the meeting. Pretend it’s a business affair.
I knock briskly on her bedroom door.

“Come in.”

Inside her room, I find her dressed in a pair of jeans, a shiny green button-down blouse, and the locket around her neck.

“I’m just getting my shoes,” she says, slipping on black flats. “You look nice.”

I relax. She seems more herself today. “And you’re lovely. All set?”

She places her hand in mine. “I’m glad it’s the last class.”

“You have to admit it was rather informative.”

“I guess so.”

“Anxious to have the wedding over, my dear?”

“Just the planning part.”

“I hear it’s a lot of work for a bride.”

“You got that right. Come on, I need my purse and keys.”

I follow her to the kitchen table and pick up her keys while she gets her purse. “How about if I drive?” I twirl the key ring on my finger. “I did get myself a driver’s license.”

“Um . . .”

“Sasha, please let me serve you.”

She watches me toss the keys between my hands with uncertainty. “You’re always doing things for me.”

“It’s my honor to perform any duty I can. It’s my way of showing you respect.”

She taps her foot, and I lift my eyebrow. Her lips twitch. “When you put it that way, how can I say no?”

“Indeed.”

We leave her apartment and go into the elevator. Reaching the ground floor, we make our way to Sasha’s car. I open the passenger door for her, then circle around to the driver’s side. Getting in, I fasten the seatbelt and turn the key in the ignition.

“Don’t get into an accident,” she mutters.

“Don’t you trust me?”

She grips the armrest. “I trust you mostly. Driving is another matter.”

“Have a little faith. I’ll get us there in one piece.”

“We’ll see.”

“You wound me.” I turn the corner and follow the road down another street, trees and bushes flashing by as we pass. “Do you think I’d put you in danger on purpose?”

“I’ve never had you drive before.”

“You couldn’t. I didn’t have a license then.”

We stop at a red light. I reach across and squeeze her hand. “I’ll keep you safe.”

“So you say.”

The light changes, and we make a couple more turns before arriving at the church.

“You see?” I say once we park and get out.

“You did okay.”

“Only okay? I thought it was a smooth ride.”

She laughs. “Let’s get to class.”

During the session, I find my mind wandering. Before long Sasha will be my wife.
While the knowledge pleases me, it brings up a sobering thought. If she chooses the First Realm, somehow I’ll have to find more than a change of clothes in order to fit into her world. However, should she pick the Third Realm, she’ll have even more changes than me. I won’t pester her for an answer. Yet, I can’t help feeling anxious. Gripping the edge of the table, I search for a distraction. Then my attention falls on Sasha. Fascinated by her beauty, I sense the tension ease out of me.

“Well, we’re one step closer to the wedding,” I say when the class ends and we get in the car and head back to her place. “You’ll make a gorgeous bride.”

“We’ll see.”

“Don’t you think so?”

“I can’t believe I’m everything you say I am.”

I pull over and slam on the brakes. “Don’t insult yourself or me.”

She goes quiet as I restart the car and head into the parking garage. We get out and ride the elevator up to her apartment.

“I’m sorry,” she finally says as we enter her apartment.

I shut the door, then turn to her. “Why can’t you see what I see in you?”

“You think I’m spectacular. I don’t feel that way. I love teaching, but it’s an ordinary profession. I’m an orphan without any family. Who cares what happens to me?”

A flash of anger blazes through me. “Sasha, helping teenagers learn isn’t ordinary. Furthermore, you’ve faced who knows what obstacles to become the independent, amazing woman you are today.” I take her into my arms. “And I care what happens to you.”

“You don’t know how tough things have been lately or what it’s been like for me in the past.”

“Tell me.” My voice sounds colder than I intend. Swallowing, I try to clamp down on my temper.

She glances around helplessly. “I-I can’t talk about either one. Not now.”

Shakily I exhale. “You won’t confide in me, and I don’t understand why not.”

“Give me a little more time, Monroe.”

She hides her face in my chest and I’m at a loss as to what to do or say. Somewhere, beyond my grasp, the demons of her past lurk and new ones have surfaced. There’s not a damned thing I can do about them.

After a while she looks up. “I’ve been wondering, is my prom dress ready? Do I get to see it?”

Why did she change the subject? How can I ease her suffering if she won’t talk about it? I’m about to say something when I catch the pleading look in her eyes. I force the disappointment aside. “The dress is ready. However, you don’t get to see it until the day of prom.”

“It’s that bad?”

“No, it’s quite beautiful. However, it’s a surprise.”

“I’m worried about that part. You tend to be extravagant.”

“I think it’s quite appropriate.”

She backs up, her hands on her hips. “In what sense?”

I shift uncomfortably. “Appropriate for you.”

Her hand goes to her mouth. “Uh-oh.”

“I want to give you beautiful things.” I clasp both her hands in mine. “Can you blame me if I get a little carried away?”

“Yes, I can.” She lets me go and crosses her arms over her chest. “Monroe, I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”

“You haven’t even seen the dress. How do you know it’s bad?”

“If it wasn’t, you’d say so.”

“Maybe.”

“Don’t lie,” she warns, her face a thundercloud.

I throw my hands up in irritation. “Sasha, you believe everything I do is over-the-top. In your eyes the most insignificant gesture is too much.” My temper rises. No female in the Third Realm would refuse anything her fiancé offered. “I’m not sure what you want me to do.”

“Not be so fancy in what you give me.”

“I like spoiling you. I have all this wealth. Let me spend some on you.”

“Why not give it to the poor or something?”

“I do give to charities,” I shout, then, seeing her flinch, I lower my voice. “Quite a bit in fact. No matter how much I spend, I’ll always have more than I need.”

She growls. “We should all be so cursed!”

I’m surprised. I haven’t heard her growl like that. Before I can let my admiration replace the anger, my temper gets the best of me. “No one should have to worry about food, clothing, shelter, or anything.” My anger overrides every other sense. “You’ll never have money concerns with me. No matter what, I can’t help the money situation. The magic was put in place centuries ago. All the long lineages work the same way.”

Her shoulders sag. “It’s all easier in the Third Realm, isn’t it? Everyone has wealth and power. Anything they want.”