All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  “What about Lily?”

  “Hopefully she’s won’t be a problem until you’re trained for defense.”

  I notice he doesn’t say ‘battle’. He still believes he can take my place against her. Deep in my heart, I know it’ll come down to me versus Lily. Monroe won’t be able to prevent it. Now’s not the time to inform him. He won’t listen.

  I lean against his chest as we transport back to his castle.

  Over a Thanksgiving feast of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and cornbread, Mel’s muddy green eyes zero in on me. “There’s something different about you, Sasha.”

  I feel Monroe stiffen. “What do you mean?” I ask.

  Mel lays her fork down. “I can’t quite pinpoint it. Something in your aura.”

  I push my food around my plate. I thought I had hid the change so well. Fighting the effects of the potion hasn’t been easy. I don’t feel reserved anymore, but I have to act shy.

  “Since when are you concerned with auras?” I finally say.

  “Even Ted said something about it.”

  Ted cocks his eyebrow up in confusion. “No, I didn’t.”

  “Yes, you did,” she counters. “When they first arrived.”

  Ted picks up his wine glass, swirling the champagne. “There was a slight difference. Why does it matter?”

  Apparently I hadn’t hid the changes very well. I kick Monroe under the table. He promised the effects would only last a few days. Then again, Mel was always more observant than she let on. My stomach knots under her scrutiny.

  “Come to think of it, she’s got the same sort of mannerism you do, Monroe.”

  Monroe chokes. I slap his back until he stops coughing. “You’re seeing things, Melody. Sasha hasn’t changed.” He gulps down some water.

  “Ted noticed, too,” she protests.

  “I was probably wrong, Mel,” Ted says. “Anyway, great job on the turkey.”

  “Yeah, great job,” I echo. Under the table, I nudge Monroe again with my foot. He gives me a quick nod.

  Ted tries switching subjects. He asks me about work and the wedding plans. Even while answering him, I sense Mel’s steady gaze on me. The room closes around me. Should I tell her? If I do, will she believe me? What’s going on in her mind? Does she resent I’m not being completely honest with her?

  Soon after dinner, Monroe tugs gently on my hand. I understand. We can’t stay any longer and I’ll have to keep my distance from Mel and Ted. An ache fills my heart. I can sense the chasm between me and my best friend grow. I can’t reveal everything to them. Not now and maybe not ever. I’m certain they wouldn’t accept the tale.

  Mel doesn’t say much as we exchange goodbyes. Perhaps she doesn’t want another argument. Is she still disappointed in me for keeping secrets from her?

  Out on the front lawn, a breeze ripples through my hair. The smell of autumn tickles my nose, and I can hear the leaves flutter to the ground.

  I wrap my sweater around my shoulders. “How could she see any of the changes?”

  “I don’t know.” He opens the car door. “Maybe she’s in tune with your feelings.”

  “What are we going to do?”

  His jaw tightens. “We have bigger problems.”

  “Lily?”

  “Alveron contacted the Council. He wants her position restored.”

  “No, you all wouldn’t do that! Not after everything.” I grind my teeth. She left another taunting note in my bedroom. I haven’t told Monroe.

  His knuckles turn white as he grips the steering wheel. “Alveron has no say in who is or isn’t on the Council. He will, however, attempt to force our hand.”

  I wince, hoping Monroe doesn’t break the steering wheel.

  “Alveron claims we can’t prove Lily sent the notes to you.”

  My fingernails dig into the armrest. “Nobody else would have and the Council knows it.”

  “I said the same thing.” Monroe maneuvers my car into the apartment’s garage. “Unfortunately, he’s got a point. We have no physical evidence the note came from Lily.”

  I slam my fist against the dashboard. The lioness within me flares to life. “He’s insane. No one else has ever wanted you.”

  Monroe parks the car and sighs. “I had hoped never to tell you about this. I didn’t want to think about it again.” My heart skips several beats. He swallows a few times before speaking in a low voice. “Years ago, someone else did want me. She’s a cousin of Lily’s named Cara. They fought over me when we were teenagers. Eventually Cara moved away. I haven’t heard from her since. Alveron thinks it’s possible she had something to do with the note.”

  My temper boils over. “How many more, Monroe?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “How many more women want you?”

  He removes the key from the ignition. His shoulders sag. “No others, Sasha.”

  “Yeah right.” I unbuckle my seatbelt and shove the door open. “I’m sure this has been a great ego trip for you. Glad I could be of service.” I get out, slam the door, and run for the elevator. Must I fight every single female in the Third Realm to prove I’m the one to marry Monroe? Are there any other jealous would-be mates hiding in the background?

  He jumps out of the car and dashes after me. “Sasha, I told Cara I wanted nothing to do with her. You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted.”

  I whirl around. “I guess I should be flattered. The great and marvelous Monroe deemed me worthy.”

  He grabs my arm. “I’m the unworthy one, Sasha.”

  “Let go of me!” I yank my arm away. “When we get upstairs you can leave.” I turn on my heel and march into the elevator. He slips his hand between the doors and enters the elevator a mere second before the doors clang shut behind him.

  “Sasha, I don’t think Cara had anything to do with the threats. I’m sure it’s all Lily.” He sucks in a breath. “You never asked me what the Council decided.”

  I fold my arms. “Enlighten me.”

  “The Council told Alveron it didn’t matter. Lily had proven unstable and insubordinate despite my past experience with Cara. They won’t let Lily return.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me about Cara?”

  “She doesn’t matter. Nothing happened. I never had anything to do with her.”

  “You said she and Lily fought over you.”

  “They had a big fight over me. Afterwards, Cara left.”

  “I want this nightmare over. You’re marrying me. Lily, Cara, whomever else, need to back off!”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  I meet his gaze. I want him to belong to me and nobody else. He’s my mate. Our hearts are joined. No one must come between us. The realization everything Monroe told me is true washes over me. Yet, we can’t with Lily on the sidelines messing up our plans. “Maybe we should postpone the wedding until Lily is taken care of.”

  His lips come together in a thin line. “No, I won’t let her ruin our wedding.”

  The elevator opens and we exit. “How can we even go through with it with everything that’s happening? While we’re making confessions, I’ve one of my own.” We enter my apartment and I turn on the lights.

  “What is it?” he says, locking the door.

  “I received another note yesterday.”

  I don’t bother telling him of the attack. If Monroe knew Lily had tried to choke me in my sleep, he’d go crazy. I tried to stop her, but she vanished before I could do anything. The memory of her expression both frightened me and made my blood boil. What I would give to face her for real.

  Monroe also doesn’t need to know Lily shredded the beautiful prom gown he had made for me. Remembering the tattered remains in the trash makes my eyes sting. It’s like she’s trying to destroy each thing that holds any meaning to me one by one. And the Council doesn’t believe it’s her? But again, if I tell Monroe, he won’t let handle the situation myself. The note will prove it’s her without him needing to know about the rest.

/>   His whole body grows rigid. “You didn’t say a word.”

  “I didn’t want to ruin Thanksgiving.”

  “Do you have it?”

  “It’s in my bedroom.” He follows me down the hall and I point to my nightstand.

  He picks up the paper and reads it. “Damn her,” he says. “Damn them all!”

  “Did you see she signed it? Now we have proof.”

  He shakes his head. “It’s not enough. All she says is ‘Congratulations, perhaps it’ll last.’ Even with the ‘perhaps’ underlined, Alveron will make up some excuse.” He paces my bedroom. “We’ll just have to be ready.” I jump when he slams his fist against the wall. “She plays games, tiptoes around, and laughs while you get more and more worked up.” He flexes his hand. “She did the same when we were teenagers. I didn’t think she’d use the old tricks. I suppose they work best for her.”

  “How can we be ready?” Perhaps, if I know how to deal with her, I can end this whole mess.

  He crumples the paper. “I don’t want you facing Lily. I’ll find her and challenge her. Then it’ll be over.”

  I grab his shoulders. “That’s not fair!” My heart races. “I’ve worked so hard. You can’t do everything for me.”

  Agony shines in his eyes. “I don’t want to lose you, Sasha.”

  “You won’t lose me, Monroe. We’ve taken precautions. She won’t win.”

  He cradles my face in his hands. “She could kill you.”

  “It won’t happen.”

  “I’ll stop her. I swear it.”

  “You won’t be able to prevent her. Monroe, don’t try to stop me. You know I can face her.”

  Instead of a response, he leans down and lowers his mouth to mine. An urgency fills me and I yank him closer. His tongue presses my mouth open and I moan. I need him, more than I ever needed anyone. A tantalizing sensation flutters in my stomach.

  “Don’t stop,” I whisper.

  His tongue drags down my neck and he groans. “Oh, Sasha, when we marry . . . and you’re mine . . .” He stops and a shudder goes through him. “Not only has your body changed. Your kisses have, too.”

  “In what way?”

  Passion and hunger burn in his expression. “You’re wilder . . . more seductive. I can’t do a thing about it. The Creator knows I wish I could.”

  “What if I wanted you to?”

  “Don’t tempt me. Perhaps the side effects last longer given the circumstances. Either way, you’re still you. I wouldn’t want you making a choice you’d regret.”

  I shove aside my doubts. “I’m a big girl. I can make my own decisions.”

  “We’ll wait for our wedding night as planned. I promise, it’ll be worth it.”

  I stare at him in disbelief. “You’ve got to be the first man to turn down a night of passion from a woman he wants.” How is it I’ve been so forward? I didn’t stop think about it while I was a lioness. Is it because of the potion?

  “You still have an element of humanity in you. You haven’t grasped the enormity of what you’ve offered. As a Thirdling, I do.”

  Past my desires, I sense a feeling of consolation. Strange I hadn’t noticed it since the transformation. In a way, I’m kind of glad. A part of my old self exists and I’m not someone I don’t recognize. “I guess somewhere inside I’m actually glad you turned me down.”

  He raises an eyebrow.

  I chew my lower lip. “Deep down, I’m relieved. I suppose I truly am more myself than we thought.”

  “I’m grateful. I’m intrigued with the changes, however, I don’t want every aspect of the person I fell in love with to disappear.” He kisses my palm. “Keeping that in mind, even if you feel you can manage on your own, I think I’d feel better if you stayed in the Third Realm.”

  “Would I be safer there?” In spite my previous determination to remain at home and be the strong lioness I’ve become, his offer has a certain appeal.

  “It’ll be harder for us to control ourselves, but she’s proven she can send you messages undetected. But, yes, you’d be safer there.” He holds me tighter and whispers, “Please, Sasha.”

  “I do feel safer with you.”

  “Then, you’ll come?”

  I gaze into his hazel eyes, bright with unshed tears. Behind his tremendous power, I see the fear. “For a few days. When school starts up after Thanksgiving break, I’ll come back here.”

  “Do you need anything?”

  “Let get my stuff, then I’ll meet you in the living room.”

  “Very well,” he says, walking out of the room. “Call if you need me.”

  I shut the door and gather myself together. I’ve wanted him for a while, yet not like I do now. Smiling ruefully, I wonder what they put in those potions.

  Anticipation mounts in me. I haven’t been in my lioness form except for the combat sessions with Monroe and Bast. The impulse to transform pounds inside me. To run freely through the Adon Forest beside Monroe. The chance to savor the difference in his aroma. A more distinct scent than when he’s human. My pulse races. I think about the way his eyes gleam when he watches me. Pausing, I clear my head. Focus and control. I zip up the bag, grab my purse, and head into the other room.

  “All set?” Monroe asks.

  “Let’s get out of here.”

  He reaches for my hand as we enter his den. The feeling of finally being home overwhelms me and I breathe in the scent of the servants, the air, and Ayres’ wispy fragrance.

  “Happy?” Monroe asks.

  My heart lightens. “It’s home.”

  He smiles. “I’m glad.”

  Ayres appears in front of us and bows. “Good evening, Miss Brighton and Lord Monroe.”

  “Evening, Ayres,” I say.

  “Report?” Monroe asks.

  “All quiet, sir. No sign of anything amiss.”

  “Excellent. Please escort Sasha to her room. I must find the Council. She’s received another note.” Tension rolls off him. “As if the Council can do anything.”

  Ayres picks up my bag. “Come, Miss Brighton, I’ll help you with your things.”

  I start following him toward the corridor. In the doorway, I glance back at Monroe. He downs a drink, and ducks out a side door.

  I catch up with Ayres, who enters another hall walled in stone.

  “Here, my lady,” he says, opening the door. “I expect Lord Monroe will be gone awhile.”

  “Thank you, Ayres.”

  He clasps his hands behind him. “Do you need anything or will you be all right?”

  “I think I’ll read.”

  “As you wish, my lady. I won’t be far, if you need me.”

  “Thanks.”

  He bows and leaves the room.

  I wander over to the oak bed swathed in black and green sheets and sheer emerald bed curtains. Reaching inside my overnight bag, I pull out a worn out copy of Georgette Heyer’s These Old Shades.

  Climbing into the bed, I settle against the mound of black pillows. My cares and worries fade away as I dive into the world of Regency England.

  Hours later, my eyes fly open to darkness. Moonlight washes the room in a faint eerie glow. “Who’s there?” I slide out of the bed and drop to a crouch. “Hello?” Something clatters onto the floor. “Show yourself!”

  A lamp flicks on and I shade my eyes. “Monroe?” I crawl across the bed to where he stands.

  He yawns. “I’m sorry to wake you. Ayres said to see you when I returned.”

  I fall back against the pillows in relief. “What time is it?”

  “After midnight.”

  “So late?”

  He sits on the bed. “We met, debated, and came to the same conclusions as before. When did you get the note?”

  I stretch my arms above my head. “Yesterday morning.”

  He plunges his hands through his thick blond hair. “If you didn’t sense anything, then it was probably Alveron’s magic. You would’ve sensed her presence. You have the ability now. My guess is they’re
working together.”

  Instead of telling him how Lily had woken me up, I say, “What’s the plan?”

  “Alveron has cloaked where they are. Even Brinda and Clarine can’t find them. I wish I could do more.”

  I take his hands in mine, stroking his knuckles. “You do plenty. I guess business as usual?”

  “Until further notice.” He leans over and buries his lips against my neck. I wrap my arms around him.

  “Oh, Sasha,” he moans into my hair, “I can’t bear leaving your side.”

  “I’ll be fine.” My voice sounds more confident than I feel. “You need sleep.”

  He lifts his head and kisses my lips. “Sweet dreams, my love. Let me know if anything happens. I have Ayres on high alert and guards available. All you need do is call.”

  I kiss him back. “Goodnight.”

  He gets up and heads for the door, giving me one last look he exits. The door shuts behind him.

  I turn off the lamp and close my eyes. Except sleep won’t come. I flip onto my stomach, then my other side. Propping myself up, I turn the bedside lamp back on. Pale light illuminates the empty room.

  I get up, slip out of my blouse and skirt, and tug on fuchsia cotton pajamas. I slide under the down comforter. Turning the lamp off, I lie on my back and stare at the bed’s canopy. Thoughts swirl around me. If only I was trained more. I’d hunt Lily myself and repay her for everything. I suck in a deep breath. Don’t let the lioness take over. Stay calm. I sit up and once more get out of bed. Yanking on my tennis shoes, I head out the door.

  “Is everything all right, miss?” a man asks.

  “I’m okay. Just can’t sleep.”

  “Perhaps you’d like something to drink? Cook is in the kitchens.”

  “Thank you, I’ll go find him.” I start heading for the kitchen.

  “I’ll go with you.” The man falls into step behind me. “Lord Monroe said you must have a guard at all times.”

  “No, please, stay here. Ayres said he wouldn’t be far, and I’m sure there are guards everywhere.”

  “Lord Monroe will be displeased if you’re unprotected.”

  “I’m not unprotected, see?” I point down the hall. “There’s a guard there.”