All's Fair in Love and Lion (15 page)

“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. “Either 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 controller 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

“Keep your eyes on your own papers. No talking. When you’re finished, bring the test to me.” I glance at the clock. Forty-five minutes should be enough time.

When I’m satisfied the room is quiet, I sit at my desk and begin grading a previous class period’s work.

The answers on one of the papers blurs as my mind wanders. Can I honestly ask Monroe to give up the Third Realm?
I frown. Joining the Third Realm means more secrets from Mel, and everyone else I know. All I’ve ever wanted was a simple life. I shake my head. Simplicity went out the window the moment Monroe entered my life, which begs the question . . . do I even want simplicity anymore?

The bell peels. Jolted out of my reverie, I bolt from my chair. Raising my voice over the sudden chaos I call, “Anyone who hasn’t given me their test, please do so before you go.”

After all the students turn in their tests and leave, I pack up my things.

“You think you’ve won.”

I check around the room. No one. “Who’s there?”

“I’ll give you three guesses, human.”

“Monroe told me you’re in Mount Iron Prison.”

“Doesn’t matter where I am. I can find you. The rift you and Monroe rely on provides a perfect gateway for me to you. Speaking of which, you do realize my Uncle Alveron could close it at anytime.”

My heart pounds. “With you in jail, what reason does he have to do anything about the rift?”

Laughter fills my head.
“How stupid of you. You believe I’ll be in here for long? Watch yourself, little Firstling. When you least expect me, I’ll return.”

Was it my imagination or did a breeze kick up in the room? The temperature seems colder, but I’m not certain if it’s Lily or all in my head.
Did the lights blink, or was that me?

Trembling all over, I make a dash for the parking lot and race home.

Inside my apartment, I lean against the door, my heart racing. She can’t do anything from Mount Iron . . . can she?

“Ahem.”

I nearly jump out of my skin. Whirling around, I spot Monroe in the kitchen doorway.

With a sense of relief, I throw myself into his arms.

He rubs my back. “I could get used to this.” Then he stops. “Wait a minute.” He lets go and holds me at arms’ length. “You’re shaking all over. What’s the matter?” Anxiously he searches my face. “What happened?”

“It’s been a bad day.”

He holds me tight against him. “You can tell me.”

I won’t let Lily ruin Monroe’s visit. Besides, I’m tired of him fighting all my battles. “Like I said, rough day, and I’ve got a headache. I’ll get some rest.”

“What’s got you all upset?”

Wearily, I shake my head. I wander over to the refrigerator and set out some chicken breasts. “How was your day?”

He watches me unconvinced. “Not much to report. Quin called a meeting of the Council to talk about who should replace Lily. We chose Brinda.”

I turn on the oven. “Do you think she’ll accept?”

“You truly won’t tell me why you’re so distressed?”

“I don’t want to go into it. Will Brinda agree to the position?”

“She might. Most fairies are too proud to serve on the Council, but some have resented not having any representation.”

“Interesting choice.”

“Despite her aloof manner, Brinda is very wise and would make a nice addition to the Council.”

“In that case, I hope she accepts.” I rub the back of my neck. “I’m so frustrated. I wish I could talk to Melody about everything. I hate lying.”

“I think you’re not giving Melody enough credit.”

“Remember how I was? I didn’t believe at first. How can I expect she will?”

“It puts such a strain on you. Especially with the wedding plans.”

“I’ll handle it.”

The phone rings cutting off any further conversation. “Excuse me.” I pick up the receiver. “Yes?”

“Were you going to call me, or did you forget?” Mel’s voice greets me.

“Hi, Mel. I’m sorry, I did forget.” Monroe comes up behind me, and wraps his arms around my waist. “Also, Monroe came over.”

She giggles. “That’s okay. You’re engaged. It’s not like I didn’t forget things when I was planning my wedding.”

Monroe nuzzles my shoulder as I struggle to focus on the conversation. “Speaking of which,” I say, moving away from him. “Would you like to be my matron of honor?”

Mel’s squeal of delight reverberates through the line. “Are you serious?”

“Of course, I’m serious.” I bat Monroe’s hand away as he runs a finger over my shoulder and he winks.
Stop it,
I mouth.

“I’d love to be your matron of honor,” Mel says. “Wow, Sasha, thanks. Do you want me to come help you choose a wedding dress?”

I glare at Monroe as he tickles me. “Sure, let’s go on Saturday.”

“Fantastic! I’m totally excited,” Mel gushes. “Tell Monroe I can’t wait to meet him.”

The oven starts beeping. “Will do. I better go. I have to finish making dinner.” I hang up. Monroe stands near the kitchen counter as I place the chicken in a baking dish and season it. “Why can’t you ever let me talk on the phone?”

“You know I can’t resist you.” His eyes trail over me as I put the chicken in the oven.

I ignore his comment as he follows me into living room and sits with me on the couch. “I gather Melody said ‘yes’?”

“She almost caused me to go deaf in one ear.”

“That reminds me, I should ask Bast to be my best man.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to finish the wedding planning. There are a bunch of details left.”

“Leave the reception to me.”

“But, Monroe . . .”

“I’ll find a suitable place for the occasion. Perhaps a hotel where our guests can stay.”

I tap my index finger against my lips while I think out loud. “I’ll invite some people from work, and my aunt and her family in South Carolina.”

He leans forward. “You haven’t said much about your relatives. Tell me about your aunt.”

“Danielle Brighton Lockham is my dad’s younger sister.” I shrug. “We don’t talk much. She, my uncle, and their son, and his kids are the only living relations I have. Her husband’s name is Tyler Lockham. Aunt Danielle and Uncle Tyler’s son, Victor married someone named Ivy. Victor and Ivy have two boys. Jordan and Kyle are eight and four.”

He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “How come you don’t talk about them?”

“There’s not much to tell. After my parents’ accident, Aunt Danielle and Uncle Tyler took over raising me. We’ve never been close. Aunt Danielle made no secret of how she didn’t like my mom. At fifteen, it was hard to hear her say what a terrible person my mom was. I loved Mom and relied on her. So, my aunt’s family and I don’t communicate very often. Only a Christmas card or infrequent letter.”

“Perhaps our wedding will bring you all closer?”

“I doubt it. Especially with everything I’ve had to keep from people here and all, I can’t imagine my aunt would think very highly of me.” The oven timer beeps and I struggle against the feelings of rejection I get every time Aunt Danielle comes to mind. “Do you want some chicken?”

He follows me into the kitchen. “Thank you, I already ate.”

I pull out the chicken and fix a plate. “Do you ever eat at home when I’m not there?”

He takes the plate from me and walks me to the table. “Not often. You know, my cooks love you because you keep them busy.”

“Easter break is coming up soon.”

“Would you like to spend it in the Third Realm?” His eyes dance. “Usually for big holidays like Christmas and Easter the Third Realm has all kinds of decorations. During Easter, white flowers suddenly blossom. Sometimes the smaller fairies decorate the forests and woods and they light up on Easter night.”

My mind fills with images. “Sounds beautiful, I’d love to come.” And maybe while I’m there I could figure out how to get Lily out of my head.

When I finish dinner, he brings my palms up to his lips and kisses my wrist. Electric shocks go up my arm. I freeze, while he kisses my forearm. “Are you aware how much I love you?”

“You might’ve mentioned it once or twice.”

He gazes at my lips. “May I?”

“Go ahead.

He lowers his head as my eyes close and his mouth settles on mine. More shockwaves spread through me. He groans deeply, causing a shiver to go down my spine.

“You fit so well with me,” he says, his voice gruff. He leaves light kisses over my face. “I thank the Creator I found you.”

Too caught up in the moment, I don’t say a word. Inside, I’m a jumble of nerves.
Why can’t I say I’m falling in love with him? After all, I agreed to marry him. What’s the matter with me? Is it my shyness? Am I still not sure he’s real? Come on, Sasha! He’s proven he’s real. What’s holding you back? Is it Lily?

He lowers his mouth back onto mine. My mind becomes hazy and I’m left with only the spicy, enticing scent of him. His beating heart beneath his cotton shirt comforts me. I whimper as he stops. In an attempt to regain my equilibrium, I grip his shoulders.

“I think,” he rasps, “when we marry we’re in trouble.”

I nod wildly, my brain unable to function clearly.

“Which tells me,” he continues, “I must leave.”

Suddenly, I want to tell him about Lily. I want to pour out all my fears about whether or not everything will work out. Right when I’m about to mention it, I remember how protective he gets. Who knows what he’ll do if I tell him. Instead, I redirect my concentration on finding a way to keep him here. “How come? I mean, I know you were brought up with old-fashioned manners, but do you have another reason?”

“I do.”

“What?”

He meets my gaze. “I wasn’t going to say anything because it’s sometimes hard for those who aren’t Thirdlings to comprehend.”

“Explain it to me. Maybe I will.”

He lets me go and begins to pace. “It’s not that I don’t want to go any further with you. I just can’t. It’s not that I can’t
physically . . .
however, psychologically and emotionally it would cause more harm than good.”

I contemplate his words, then raise my head. “Why?”

“You know how in the animal kingdom some animals are monogamous?”

I nod. “Go on.”

“Well, in the Third Realm,
everyone
is monogamous.” His eyes dart toward mine as he rushes on. “We mate for life. Since the majority of us have a human form, we adopted marriage vows to satisfy the human need for a strong foundation. It’s something ingrained in us. The Thirdling side of us cannot mate with another Thirdling without being faithful for life. It’s instinctual for us to wait until we’re married to fulfill the human side.” He resumes pacing. “Our human side requires the vows and trust, while everything else is satisfied when we consummate the marriage.”

He pauses, checking my reaction. When I don’t say a word, he continues. “Some widowed Thirdlings never marry again because of this bond. Humans have a degree of this, but they’re more able to ignore it.” He shrugs. “We’re incapable of ignoring the attachment. That’s why I must wait until marriage. I can’t subject either of us to that kind of bond without having a verbal and spiritual foundation in place first.”

“If what you say is true, that married couples there are so faithful, then they must get along well.”

“There’s always discord in a marriage for one reason or another. The way we are, though, shapes how we handle whatever happens. I don’t know of any marriage, whether in the First or Third Realms that are perfect.”

“Sounds a bit wishful thinking for my world. Some people have had nasty divorces and painful marriages.”

“Such a thing would devastate a Thirdling. We can’t abide divorce once bonded. Even the widowed ones are more likely to live a single life rather than remarry.”

“So when we have sex, you’d be bonded to me until one of us dies?”

“I’ve no problem having that physical bond with you, since I already love you.” He gives me a sheepish smile. “Let me explain. We’re very physical beings. The physical bond solidifies our love and the marriage vows.” He gazes tenderly at me. “However, not only do my instincts and breeding prevent anything more intimate between us, there’s also the regard and esteem any Thirdling would have for their intended.”

Heat creeps into my cheeks. “I’ll respect it. If you must know, I’m sort of relieved.”

“How so?”

I lower my head. “I haven’t any real experience with men.”

His searches my face. “Truly?”

“I’ve had a few boyfriends, but they weren’t interested in having a shy and quiet girlfriend. I wasn’t adventurous enough for them.”

“I think you’re adventurous in your own way. You believe in me. Think of it this way, most humans don’t believe in the Third Realm. It’s all fairy-tales and imagination. Like how it was for you at first.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“Regardless, I’m grateful you’re inexperienced because then what we have together will be more precious.”

“You say the nicest things.”

“It’s the truth.” He kisses my forehead. “Is there anything else we need to go over tonight?”

Should I tell him about Lily? Brave his anger and explain I’ll handle it myself? No. He wouldn’t let me. No sense in bringing up any of my doubts, either. It would only upset him.
“I’ll make a list. Right now my brain is overloaded.”

“Very well. I’ll leave you for tonight. See you soon, my love.” He gives me a light kiss on the lips.