All's Fair in Love and Lion (29 page)

I hold the glass without tasting the wine. “I want Lily to suffer as I have. This is my wife . . . my mate . . .”

“I think you should talk to Neru.”

“Whatever for?”

“He’s a widower. He understands loss. He could help you deal with what you’re going through.”

“His wife wasn’t murdered.”

“He watched his mate die. He watched her suffer. He could support you.”

I slam my glass down. It splinters apart, spilling wine onto the floor. “I don’t want support, I want my wife alive.”

“Do you believe I don’t want Sasha to live?” Bast grips my shoulders. His dark eyes are fathomless. “Sasha is the best thing that’s ever happened to you. I can’t stand what this has done to you.”

“No.” My voice comes out thin. I hardly recognize it. “You’re right. I should talk to Neru.” He releases me and I fall into a chair, burying my face in my hands. “I just can’t, yet.”

“Whenever you can, I believe it’ll help.”

I let out a shuddering sigh. “I hope you never have to see Alexia’s death. It’s the most gut-wrenching thing.” I stare at my empty hands. “If Sasha dies, what kind of an existence will I have?” I’ll have nothing. Not my lion, not her.
What purpose would I serve then?
I don’t want to divulge what I’ve given up to Bast. I don’t want his pity. I only want Sasha. All I’ve endured will be worthwhile if she recovers.

Bast lowers himself into a chair beside mine. “Neru has managed. You would, too.”

“Such simple words.” I rub my temples. “I appreciate your concern. However, you needn’t waste your time on me. Go back to your family.”

“Monroe, you’re my best friend.” He leans forward. “Don’t shut me out.”

“Bast, please. Go back to Alexia and the twins.”

“Let us know if you need anything.” Bast slowly leaves the room.

Christmas comes. No one feels merry. With Sasha still under the fairies’ care, the castle feels too empty. I find it impossible to stay at home. Racing through the Magic Region, I search for Lily. One way or another, she will pay.

In lion form, I storm through the underbrush of the Adon Forest. Lily’s sickening scent floats faintly in the air. I burst through the trees on the south edge of the forest, and skid to a stop near the cliffs marking the boundary between the forest and the Elysium River. The River runs along the edge of the Magic Region and another region. I sniff the sand and gravel. With any luck she hasn’t gone into one of the other eight regions. It’ll be easier to find her if she’s stayed in the Magic Region. A thick layer of her aroma coats the ground. Did she drag herself or fall?

I sit on my haunches and scratch my ear with my back paw. Somewhere between the fight and now, Lily made her way this far on her own.

Reaching out mentally, I feel a spark, sharp as a pinprick, poke at my mind.

“Come to finish the job?” To my left, Lily limps into view.

She’s in tiger form. Blood and dirt mat her fur. Her eyes regard me dully.

I recoil in horror. “What about Alveron?”

“Why do you care?” Her voice comes out in tired, beaten tones.

I drop into a defensive stance. “I don’t.”

She collapses onto the ground a few feet from me. “You can relax. I haven’t the strength to fight.”

This is a trick. It has to be. Since when does a Tygress give up?
“I’m not amused.”

“You and your precious human have won. Why don’t you seize your moment of triumph and end me?”

“You’ve been trouble as far back as I can remember.”

She sits up. “What can I say? I always want what I can’t have.” Her bitter laugh turns into a cough. “You were wise to reject me.”

“What’s with the change of heart? What game are you playing now?”

She flops back onto the ground. “No more games. I just want death.” Her eyes meet mine, pleading. “Do it, Monroe. I’ve lost everything. Even my uncle is disappointed in me.”

“Get up and defend yourself, Lily.”

“Weren’t you listening? I can’t. Don’t you see? If you kill me, even if your wife dies, you still win. I’ll be out of your way.”

“If Sasha dies, your demise will have no meaning.”

She coughs again. “Aw, you do care.”

“Not about you.”

“Then do it.” She rises onto her feet and approaches me. “If I strike you first, will it make the choice easier?” She slaps me with her paw.

A snarl rumbles in my throat. “What are you doing?”

She ignores my question. “Come on, Monroe. I’m giving you the opportunity you’ve wanted.”

I can finally avenge Sasha.
My claws spring out. My heart beats erratically. Every attack on Sasha, every spell Lily put on me, all swarm around me. My teeth clench. My body tenses.

Lily’s eyes glint in anticipation. I want to wipe the smirk off her face. She wants to be dead? Fine. I’ll happily grant her wish. I prepare to strike.

“The repercussions of such an action are too much of a risk.”
Bast’s words and the fairies warnings echo in my head. My whole body freezes.

If I end Lily’s life, I’d lose everything I love. Then what point would there be in releasing my lion? Perhaps I’d end up like Lily, weak and anxious for my own death.
Am I willing to risk everything for revenge?
Is it worth it?

“Well? What are you waiting for?” Lily’s voice snaps me out of my reverie.

I slam my paw down and the ground shakes. “No.”

“What?”

“Leaving you to live with the results of your actions seems punishment enough. Also, you didn’t do me or Sasha any favors. Why should I do one for you?”

She rolls to her feet. Dust flies everywhere. “You wanted me to pay. I sensed it.”

“I won’t sacrifice what little hope I have in Sasha’s recovery by killing you.” I turn and start to close my eyes.

“Damn it, I
want
to die!”

I whip around in time to see Lily leap at me. “By the Third Realm! Are you crazy?” She lands on my back.

“Kill me, Monroe!” She yanks on my mane with her teeth. “End my miserable existence.”

“Get off me!” I shake my back and she lets go.

Landing with a thump, she looks me in the eye. “Don’t make me suffer anymore.”

I move further away. “Don’t you deserve it?”

“I’ve had enough.”

“I won’t oblige you.”

“Very well, I’ll do it myself.”

In horror, I watch her claws flash in the sunlight as she rips them across her throat.

“Goodbye, Monroe,” she gurgles. Her eyes roll back in her head and she drops to the ground.

Her body changes back into human. Cuts, bruises, and dirt cover her body. Blood gushes from the open wound at her throat.

A sound like a firecracker breaks the silence. Smoke billows into the air and Alveron appears.

Gathering his black robes around him, he glances from Lily’s lifeless form to me. “Did you kill her?”

“All I did was get her off my back. I didn’t even use my claws.”

“Pity.” He pokes her body with his boot. “She had potential.”

“What are you up to, Alveron?”

“Absolutely nothing. I have the High Magicians’ Conclave I’m late for, so you’ll have to excuse me. I merely wondered if you finished off my niece as you intended. I suppose revenge isn’t your forte.”

“You won’t answer for your crimes?”

He sneers at me. “Don’t look at me with such disgust, Monroe Dubay. We magicians operate differently from you man-beasts.” He gestures toward Lily and her body disappears. “Now, I’m extremely late—”

I crouch low and leap on him.

His cold eyes bore into mine. “You have a death wish, too?”

I dig my claws into his arms. “You should face the Council for your part in Lily’s actions.”

“You think you can arrest me?”

“It’s worth a try.” I press my claws further into his skin. A thin trickle of blood seeps out through his robe.

He starts murmuring in an ancient language, and I slam my paw over his mouth. “Enough!”

We fall onto the ground, a tangle of legs and paws. Rolling over and over in the dirt, we both attempt to get the better of the other. A part of me marvels at how, without his magic, he’s weaker than me. The knowledge makes me redouble my efforts. I can finally put an end to this nonsense.

I drag my claws down the side of his face as he starts whispering again. He yowls in pain. His hands go around my throat. I close my eyes and turn back into human form. He loses his grip on me as my neck shrinks to human size.

With one hand over his mouth, I use my free hand to yank off his robes. Flipping him onto his stomach, I use my foot to hold him down and the sleeves of his robe to bind his hands behind his back. “Under Council regulations, I arrest you, Alveron Hyfield, for aiding a criminal in a plot to kill my wife. I call on the Creator as my witness!”

Thunder rolls. My mouth goes dry. I had heard invoking the Creator’s name is more powerful than any magic in the Third Realm, but I’ve never tested the theory. Awestruck, I watch a light more brilliant than the sun blaze through the forest. Thunder blasts vibrate the ground under us. Seconds tick by and I find myself gripping Alveron tighter in an effort to brace myself against the chaos.

When everything subsides, Alveron spits out dirt. I still have him pressed against the ground, my foot in his back.

“Since when does a man-beast have the power to subdue a Fifth Level Magician?” he asks.

I yank him to his feet. “You did help break laws. You were within your rights to free Lily from Mount Iron, however, you know the Creator doesn’t tolerate murder.”

“Is your mate dead, then?”

“Not yet. Regardless, it appears neither the Council nor the Creator are impressed with you. I’m turning you over to the Hawk guards. The rest of the Council members can decide your fate.”

I transport both myself and Alveron to the Hawks’ abode. “Get him to Neru’s. Make sure Neru understands the Creator condones the arrest.”

“Of course, my lord.” One of the Hawks bows. He grabs Alveron who yelps. “Not such a tough guy after all?” the Hawk taunts. “Come on.”

At home, Ayres meets me in the den. “Well?” he asks.

“Lily is dead.”

“May the Creator preserve us!”

I enter my bedchambers. “I didn’t kill her.”

“Who did?”

“Suicide. Oh, and I arrested Alveron.”

“You found them both?” Ayres’ white eyebrows rise to his hairline.

I sit on the edge of the bed. “I guess the Creator was on my side.”

“Merciful heavens!”

“Calm down. I said the Creator approved.”

He regains his composure. “Yes, sir.”

“Any word from the fairies?”

“I’m sorry, no.”

I get up and pull back the curtains and stare into the back garden. “If I lose her now, Lily’s death and Alveron’s arrest will mean nothing.” I drop the curtain and turn from the window. “I’m even giving up the last of my lion essence to save her. If it fails, what will I do then?”

For once, my valet has no comment.

Chapter 36: Sasha

“She seems to be coming around.”

“Shall we notify Monroe?”

“He must be warned she’s still fragile.”

“Of course. It’s too bad we can’t hurry her along.”

“Rushing would only set her back.”

“I’ll summon Tanya. She can alert Monroe.”

“I will stay with Sasha.”

Footsteps fade, and then a pair of hands adjust the covers over me, and gently push my hair back.
What’s going on? Why can’t I open my eyes?

“Rest,” a soothing voice says. “Monroe will be here shortly. You wait and open your eyes for him. He’s longed for your recovery.”

Recovery?
Then I remember. The fight. The scene comes back to me in a rush. I shiver slightly. Someone spreads a blanket over me.
Much better. But, where’s Monroe? Where am I?

Soon I hear another set of footsteps fast approaches the room. I strain to find out who enters.
A stranger? A friend?

“Careful, Monroe,” the same gentle voice cautions.

A breeze floats over my face and I smell his woodsy, masculine scent. My heart quickens and I try moving my hand.

“Did you see that?” Monroe’s voice exclaims. “She’s alive!”

“Of course. We told you,” a dry voice answers.

There’s a sound of shuffling and I feel Monroe near my ear. “I’m here, my love. Come back to me.” He picks up my hand and massages the back of it with his fingers. Rough calluses rub against my knuckles. His lips brush my fingers.

My heart thumps wildly.
I must wake up.

With all my strength, I force my eyelids open. In the sudden brightness, I blink for a moment before my sight clears. Monroe’s hazel eyes meet mine. The golden flecks sparkle with concern. He brings his face closer.

“Hello,” he murmurs.

“Mon-roe,” I whisper. “I-I’m so-glad . . .”

“Me, too, my love.” Relief floods his voice. “You’ve no idea.”

“Don’t talk too much.”

I turn my head at the new sound and see Brinda regarding me carefully. “Reserve your strength. You were quite torn up.”

“The-f-fight,” I stammer.

“Yes, because of the fight,” Clarine agrees.

“Shhh,” Monroe murmurs and I turn my attention back on him. “We’ll talk about that later. You rest. I want you with me for the rest of our lives.”

“O-kay.” I struggle to smile. “I want . . . it . . .” I close my eyes.

“You better leave for now.” Brinda’s voice hovers over me. “You can come back tomorrow.”

Monroe’s lips brush my cheek. “I’ll return tomorrow, my love.”

“Mmm-hmm,” I respond sleepily, letting myself go back to unconsciousness. I’ll be sure to be awake when he comes back.

The next day my eyes open more easily, although I’m exhausted.

When Monroe arrives, I’m propped up against four goose-down pillows.

“By the Third Realm!” Monroe runs over to Brinda and kisses her hand, then does the same to Clarine. “Thank you.”

I laugh, then cough. “A little overboard, Monroe.”

Clarine leans over and whispers in my ear, “Let him be. The last time we saw him he was in bad shape.”

He races over to my side. “You look amazing.”

“I look a fright. All these scars.”

His hands clutch mine. “I don’t care.” He kisses my lips. “You’re alive.” He kisses my cheeks and forehead. “Thank the Creator.” He tries to hide it, but his eyes shine with unshed tears. “Never do that again.”

“I won’t.”

He rests his head next to mine. “I’m relieved.”

I smooth my hand over his hair, wishing I could tell him everything will be fine. But, I remember the fairy’s warning. It’ll be a long road of recovery. My mouth suddenly goes dry. I could be sterile.

“You don’t know what it was like for me.” He breaks through my thoughts. “I thought you were dead.”

I tangle my fingers in his hair. “I’m sorry.”

After several moments he lifts his head. “At least we don’t have Lily or Alveron to worry about.”

“You mean you killed her?”

“She came to her demise without my help.” His expression clouds. “Alveron has been arrested and the other Council members voted to imprison him. Brinda tested him and he has lost his magic.”

“How?”

“All I can say is, we’re blessed.”

He’s not telling me something.
His expression keeps me from asking.

He changes the subject. “Why didn’t you tell me about Lily visiting you and entering your mind?”

“Because you would’ve stormed to my rescue.”

“And that’s a bad thing?”

I touch his cheek. “You would do everything for me, if I allowed it. I want to be your partner, not your project.”

“Your life has always mattered to me.”

“You still think I’m attractive despite all this?” I gesture at myself.

He kisses me. “You’re my wife, my mate, my lioness. Nothing could change how desirable you are.”

“I can’t stand being incapacitated. I’m useless laying here.” I cough, clearing my throat. “I’ve been thinking about my teaching.”

“You barely cheat death and you’re worried about work?” he asks incredulously.

“Before the potion, it was the most important thing in my life. I don’t want to give it up altogether. I remember something you said at one point. You said there are tutors here. I thought maybe I could resign and tutor young Thirdlings.”

“You don’t have to make a decision right now.”

“But—”

He presses a finger to my lips. “You’re alive and well. Everything else can wait.”

I frown. “What about children?”

He sweeps a strand of hair from my cheek. “What of them?”

“Brinda says the fight might’ve rendered me sterile.”

A flicker of pain enters his eyes then disappears. “We’ll wait and let the magic heal you.” He strokes my hair as I yawn. “You need rest. I’ll go.”

I grab his arm. “Stay with me awhile longer.”

“All right.”

Clarine adjusts the pillows so I can lie down, then quietly leaves the room.

“Leave immediately after she falls asleep,” Brinda says.

“I will,” he promises.

Satisfied, Brinda also leaves.

Drowsiness pulls at me. “I love you, Monroe.”

“I love you, too, my darling.”

“Tomorrow you’ll come?”

“Of course.”

“Tomorrow, then.”

The fairies keep me a few more weeks to help me regain my strength. Finally, on the third week, they let me go home. The following day, Monroe and I enter the First Realm. Despite Lily’s claims, Alveron hadn’t bothered to seal it. However, after we return to the Third Realm, the fairies will seal it. Monroe told me he gave up his lion. When I suggested I give up mine, he refused. He said the procedure couldn’t be done since I wasn’t born a Thirdling. Without the magic of being a native of the Third Realm, the process could kill me.

“Let’s get this over with,” I say, as we arrive at St. James High School. Monroe had told them I was in a car accident while I recovered at the fairies’ palace. He even delivered my letter of resignation.

“I’m here for you every step of the way.”

“At least we’ll get to have a real honeymoon. Did you thank Cyndra and Terrance for the use of their island?”

“She wouldn’t accept any thanks. Somehow, even way off the coast, they heard about our troubles with Lily and Alveron. Cyndra, being a hopeless romantic, wanted to make it up to us and give us the trip we missed.” Monroe holds the door for me. “After you.”

“Sasha, great to see you,” Alice, the receptionist, greets us. “I heard about the car accident. You doing okay?”

I lean on the crutches. I don’t need them, but we had to come up with a story for my coworkers and friends.
More lies.
Impatiently, I shove aside the guilt.

“I’m healing. The doctor said I should be as good as new in a couple of weeks or so.”

“I was horrified when I heard. To think someone had fallen asleep behind the wheel and hit you.” Her attention rests on Monroe. “Thank you for updating us on her recovery.”

“Not a problem.”

She gestures toward a door further down. “Go ahead into the office. Marjorie is expecting you.”

We pass students taking down Christmas decorations. I nod a hello at the ones I had in my class. Making our way into the principal’s office, I glance around the cramped surroundings. The walls are lined with diplomas, letters of recognition, and awards. In a wide tan leather swivel chair, Marjorie sits. She removes her reading glasses and walks out from behind her mahogany desk. “Sasha, how are you?”

“Recovering, thank you.”

“I got your letter. Are you sure you I can’t convince you to return? You’re a great teacher. I don’t want to lose you.”

Surprised by her declaration, I falter. “I appreciate the sentiment, Marjorie, but I’m going to follow another career path.”

Marjorie turns to Monroe. “Take care of her, won’t you?”

“It’ll be my honor.”

“Before you leave,” Marjorie says, “Carl requested he get to say goodbye. I’ll have Alice page him.”

“Of course. We’ll wait at the entrance.”

“I’ll miss you, Sasha. It was a pleasure having you for an employee.”

“I enjoyed my time here.”

“Come back and visit us anytime.”

“I’ll try. Goodbye, Marjorie.”

“Good luck with the future.”

We exit the office and sit near the side door. Students pass us, a few pause to say hello to me, then hurry on to their next class.

“Sasha.” Carl jogs down the stairs and stops in front of us.

“You doing okay, Carl?”

“I should ask you the same question.”

“Recuperating.”

“Marjorie says you gave her your resignation. No two weeks’ notice?”

I tense, remembering how hard it was to write the letter. Giving up a place I know for the unknown took a lot out of me. After I wrote the letter, I sat alone in me and Monroe’s private den, gathering my thoughts. Monroe kindly left me to myself until I found peace. A new life was hard to enter into, but I sense that while one part of my life is ending, a new chapter is beginning. While sadness is there, I’m curious to see what the future holds. “I’ve already missed so many days. Marjorie told me the sub is qualified to replace me.”

“So this is it?”

I glance at Monroe then back at Carl. “We’re moving. Already my apartment has been leased. The landlord told me I could pick up the rest of my things today.”

Carl takes a step back. He clears his throat. “Where are you going?”

“I’ll be moving into a city.”

“To Houston? That’s not real far from here.”

“Probably the suburbs.”

My palms become sweaty. Monroe squeezes my hand. “I have a place that’s been in my family for years,” Monroe says. “Sasha started moving in her things soon after the wedding. We were in the process of finalizing details when the accident happened.”

“The doctor gave you the go ahead?” Carl asks. “Wow. This is sudden.”

Monroe gets to his feet and hands me the crutches. I heft myself up. “I’m sorry. If it hadn’t been for the accident I probably would’ve given more warning. Originally we planned to divide our time between my apartment and Monroe’s house. But I have a new opportunity closer to his home, so we decided I’d get out of my lease and have one place.”

“I wish you the best. I’m sure you’ll do well wherever life leads you. Stay in touch.”

Hobbling over to him, I give him a hug. “I’ll see what I can do. I’m grateful for your friendship over the years.”

He hugs me back, then holds me at arms’ length. “Be happy.”

“You, too.”

He releases me and holds out a hand to Monroe. “You be good to her, you hear?”

“You have my word.”

Carl holds the door for us and waves as we get into the car.

Monroe starts the vehicle and turns to me. “Can you do this?”

I sigh. “Be prepared for waterworks at Mel’s.”

“I think I can handle a soaked shirt.”

In spite of the lump forming in my throat, I laugh.

“Concentrate on Charming Island. Warm sand, clear water, your ever-devoted husband at your beck and call.”

“Oh yeah?”

“I’ll fulfill your every whim.”

“For now, watch the road. Having you for a servant won’t help anything if you drive us into a tree.”

“I’m offended. You have no faith in my ability behind the wheel.”

I study his profile. His eyes sparkle as they focus on the road. “You know how to make things easier.”

“I endeavor to do my utmost for you.”

“I’m glad I don’t really need these crutches. Can you imagine toting them all over the island?”

“I’d carry you if needed.”

“How chivalrous.”

“Anything for my lady.”

We park in Ted and Mel’s driveway. He turns off the car. “Ready?”