All's Fair in Love and Lion (9 page)

Chapter 15: Monroe

The Hall of Council doors loom before me. Trepidation washes over me. I hate Council meetings. However, it’s my duty to carry on the Dubay legacy, and maintain our position on the Council.

Resigned, I enter the cavernous foyer and push through the second set of doors into an enormous room. High, vaulted ceilings and thick, stone walls house a gigantic smooth granite table. I stifle a shiver. No matter the weather, the room is always cold. Even a suit jacket doesn’t keep out the chill and I wonder why we disbanded the use of ceremonial robes. At least we’d be warmer.

Despite the wretched location, everyone here has an equal vote. Every time we meet, a General is assigned for that session. This time the dubious honor falls upon Neru Vytale, the eldest member.

I find my seat and wait for the others to arrive.

The doors swing open, and Minuet Benay Randolph comes in. At eight months pregnant, she struggles to maneuver about the room. I pull out a chair for her. Even with the awkwardness, she maintains the trademark beauty of a siren, with long, shimmering platinum-blond hair, silvery eyes that change from blue to purple, and radiant pale skin.

“Thank you,” she says.

“Think nothing of it. You all right?”

“Except for the discomfort, yes.”

As General, Neru sits at the front of the room. Wrapped in thick robes of an elder Thirdling, he hunches over in his seat. I’m not deceived by his appearance. We’ve been acquainted for many years. He’s energetic and active. Also a flirt. Although he’s harmless for the most part, I’ll watch him carefully if he’s ever around Sasha.

My teeth grind when Lily enters. With catlike grace, she settles into her place at the table.
By the Third Realm, she best keep her distance.

Curiosity replaces annoyance when Loralyn Xavier glides through the door and finds her seat next to me. She brushes back her white hair from her face and lifts her eyebrow regally in greeting. Again, I wonder if there is any credence to the rumors. Is she truly a sun-nymph?

There’s a
whoosh
as the doors burst open and Bast strolls in. He tosses me a grin and takes his seat.

The rest of the members file in and Neru calls the meeting to order. “Anyone have a matter of personal business for the Council?” His stare falls on me.

“Members of the esteemed Council of the Third Realm,” I begin. “I’ve a particular matter to present. In the First Realm, I met a woman named Sasha Brighton. I’ve asked her to marry me and she accepted.” Carefully I assess each member’s expression. “I ask the Council’s approval for me to join the Firstlings or for Sasha to become one of us.”

Murmurs fill the room and Bast’s grin widens. I shoot him a warning look.

Lily raises her hand.

“The General recognizes Lily Tygress.”

“I urge the Council to deny Monroe’s request. He shouldn’t marry outside our kind.”

“Interesting point,” Neru says. He turns to me. “Your answer, Lord Dubay?”

“The Council should remember the other instances of Firstling and Thirdling marriages.”

Minuet shifts nervously.

“Minuet Randolph is one such case. The other is the General’s grandson, Zeke Vytale.” I sit back down and throw Minuet an apologetic look. She’s been one of the few people in the Third Realm I respect. Plus, for a human male, John isn’t so bad.

“This is true,” Neru answers. “My grandson did marry a Firstling. Let’s hear Madame Randolph’s story. You may remain seated, my dear.”

Minuet looks down at the table and says softly, “Eight years ago John Randolph followed me here through a rift in the Third and First Realm boundaries. I requested the Council’s permission to wed him and make him one of us. It was granted.”

“You see?” I interject, feeling triumphant. “Minuet’s situation rendered a satisfactory end. We all know Neru’s grandson happily wed a Firstling and they live in her world with a child. Minuet bore a son seven years ago. She will have their second before long. If all these people can marry a Firstling and adjust with satisfactory results, why can’t I?”

Lily raises her hand again.

Neru nods and she stands.

“You forget,” she says, “you and I were meant to be each other’s mate.”

“That was always your desire, Lily. Not mine.”

More murmurs from the other members of the council. Lily’s jaw tightens. Warning bells go off in my head.
She’s got something up her sleeve. The Creator help me prevent her from getting in the way of me and Sasha’s marriage.

Neru rises. “Monroe Dubay has made a reasonable request and we must vote. Lord Dubay will abstain. Those who approve his request, please indicate by a show of hands.”

Acting nonchalant, I watch the procedure. Inside, my heart rams in my chest.

Neru, Bast, Minuet, Quin Erone, and Loralyn raise their hands.

A small, trembling hand pokes up.

“The General recognizes Samson Wyki,” Neru promptly says.

“I’ve a question,” Samson begins, his beady, rodent-like eyes flit around the room. “What will be done about the thin line between the First and Third Realms? Obviously Firstlings and Thirdlings mating has become more common.”

Bast snaps to his feet. “For goodness’ sakes, Samson, this is only the third time! What’s your real problem, man? You afraid us predators will outnumber you further?”

Bravo, Bast.
He hit the nail on the head. Samson’s species aren’t exactly comfortable around us hunters. Of course, his fears aren’t unfounded. He’s aware the regulations protect him and his family. Otherwise, he’d run from the room.

“N-no,” Samson stammers.

Bast’s teeth glitter in the light. Samson cringes. “Interesting.” Bast resumes his chair.

Samson cowers in his seat.

Neru raps on the table again. “No matter the motivation,” he says, “Samson presents a logical concern.”

“We’re not done voting,” Lily roars.

Neru shoots her a scathing look. “Very well. All those against Lord Dubay’s request?”

Lily, Samson, and Delton raise their hands. I glare at Delton. He ignores me.

Neru raps the table. “The majority has won the vote. Monroe Dubay, your request has been approved.” He gives me a probing look. “I expect the rest of the Council would like to know where you two intend to live.”

“We haven’t decided. I’m leaving it up to Miss Brighton.”

Neru nods. “All right. Now, for Samson Wyki’s question.”

Relief and elation washes over me. In spite of Lily’s protests, and Samson’s worries, the Council won’t stop me from marrying Sasha. As the realization sinks in, the rest of the members argue over whether to strengthen our borders or not. I vote against the strengthening of the borders, and the results end in a tie. I remind people if it hadn’t been for the thin boundary lines Minuet, Neru’s grandson, and myself wouldn’t have found our mates. Lily shouts over me and Neru almost breaks the gavel restoring order.

The meeting continues for another hour until Neru breaks in. “It seems,” he says once the room quiets, “we cannot make a decision at this time. We’ll reconvene at a later date. I appoint Loralyn Xavier as next meeting’s General.”

Loralyn stands. “I accept. The date of the next meeting will be announced soon.”

“Is that all?” Neru glances about the room. “I declare this meeting adjourned.” He raps one last time on the table.

I get up and stretch. Bast comes over and claps me on the back. “You don’t have the Council to worry about anymore.”

“Except perhaps Lily.”

Lily catches Bast’s expression and bares her teeth at him. He salutes her.

“She’s rather volatile, isn’t she?” he says.

“Unfortunately.”

“You never thought of marrying her, did you?”

“Bast, do you think I’ve lost my senses? The Creator forbid I marry the harpy!”

“She’s not a harpy, she’s a tigress,” he reminds me. “Although, I agree. I pity the poor clod she ropes into being her mate.”

“I pray he tames her.”

“Amen,” he answers. “What are you plans, now?”

“Can’t you guess?” I give him a nudge. “I’ll visit Sasha.”

Bast chuckles. “Tell her the good news, if it means anything to her. Perhaps she knows Neru’s grandson.”

“I doubt that. Texas is over a thousand miles from Massachusetts.”

“Yes, a significant distance.” He checks his watch. “I best return to Alexia. This meeting lasted longer than I thought it would.”

“I should punish you,” Minuet says as I approach her chair, “for calling me out. You know I quit seeking attention when I gave up being a siren.”

“My humblest apologies, madam.”

Her laugh echoes off the walls. “Oh, Monroe, it’s impossible to be truly angry with you. I understand why you did it. When I asked to marry John, you encouraged me.” She squeezes my hand. “You’re a good man, Monroe. I’ve always thought so.”

My lips quirk. “I’m a foul-tempered beast.”

She playfully swats my shoulder. “Not so much anymore. I think this Firstling has improved you. I’ll have to tell John. He’ll be happy to know he might not be the only Firstling here anymore.”

“Tell him he owes me a game of chess.”

“Will do. Take care of yourself, and Miss Brighton. No matter where you end up, it’ll be an adjustment for you both. Have faith. These things can work out.” She pushes through doors.

I follow her out. “Of course.”

She gives me a quick hug before she disappears.

Closing my own eyes, I return to my castle.

Upon entering my home, I enter my bedchambers to change out of my formal attire into something more comfortable.

Closing the door, I freeze. “Lily.” My blood simmers. “What are you doing in my room?”

“Waiting for you.”

“Let me guess. Ayres hasn’t learned of your presence here. You’re fortunate he didn’t. He’d escort you out.”

Lily gazes at the back of her hand admiring her long fingernails. “Your mindless valet is no match for my powers.”

“That doesn’t change the fact you’re in my private rooms, uninvited.” I fold my arms.

Her eyes glint in the dim lamplight. “I told you I was waiting for you.”

I clench my jaw. “Why?”

She runs a finger down my chest. “How can you prefer a Firstling over one of your own kind?”

I bat her hand away. “A tigress is my own kind?”

“You know what I mean.” She taps her foot. “We’re both man-beasts, we’re both Thirdlings, and we’re both predators. She’s nothing more than a mere human.”

I step backward.
Where’s Ayres?
How does she keep getting past him? “Nothing wrong with humans.”

“Oh?” Lily moves closer. “You plan on joining those weaklings?”

“I might. Regardless, why are you wasting your time trying to change my mind? I’ve chosen Sasha Brighton for my mate.”

Lily’s roar fills the air as she launches herself at me. I sidestep her, but she changes direction. With a wild leap, she wraps her legs around my waist and tears at my shirt.

I grab her wrists and yank her off me. “Are you out of your mind?”

She attacks again, and I step out of the way. She leaps off the wall. A mixture of frustration and lust ripple from her. “It should’ve been me you chose,” she shrieks, lowering into a crouch. “Your parents would have wanted us united.”

“My parents are dead. Besides, when was I the obedient son? Even Rowin disappointed them.”

“Why did you fall for a Firstling?” Lily’s face crumbles, her voice trembling.

Disgust drips through my veins. “None of your business.”

She straightens to her full height. “You can’t blame me for trying.” Desire emanates from her.

I clench my jaw. “You’re testing my patience.”

“Keep your precious human out of my way.”

“Are you threatening me?” I crouch into an attack position.

“No. I’m threatening her.”

“You’ll not touch her,” I snarl.

Lily flicks an invisible speck off her sleeve. “We’ll see.”

“Get out of my room,” I growl through clenched teeth.

“Temper, temper.” She reaches for me. I flinch away. “I do admire your arms. So muscular. You sure you don’t want someone more in tune with your lion form?”

I straighten to my full six-foot-six height, my balled fists at my sides. “I’m not in the habit of hitting a woman, Lily.” I glare down at her. “But if you don’t leave, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“You won’t hit me. You know how good it would be with me.” She stops centimeters from me. “You’re in denial.”

“Get out of my house!”

She pulls her shoulders back. “I’m warning you, Monroe. You keep your precious human away from me.”

Before I can make another move, she’s gone.

With a yank, I rip off my tattered shirt and jerk on a clean one. I’ll decide how to handle her later. Heading to my den, I call to Ayres.

He appears. “Yes, sir?”

“How is Lily Tygress able to escape your notice?”

Ayres’ eyes widen in alarm. “Sir, I honestly don’t know. I haven’t been able to figure it out. The only thing I can figure is her uncle, the magician, assists her.”

“I thought he was in the Black Hills.”

“He is.”

“Get to the bottom of this, Ayres. She’s threatened Miss Brighton and I’ll not have Lily getting anywhere near her.”

Ayres bows. “Of course, sir. It shall be done.”

“I’ll be out this evening. If anyone comes, have them leave a note.”

“As you say, sir. May I inquire as to where you’re going?”

“To see Miss Brighton.”

A second later, I enter the First Realm.