Freedom (Delroi Prophecy) (19 page)

“
Where do you think you are going,
der’lan
?” he asked between clenched teeth.

Oh, the man could be infuriating. Also sexy as hell. She grinned.

“I thought I’d move. I don’t want to sleep alone. I don’t to
be
alone anymore, Roarr. But before you go getting all alpha and domineering, I want to get a few things clear,” she cautioned, when she felt his relief and triumph.

“
What things?” he asked warily. Good. He ought to realize by now she wasn’t a soft, simpering push over.

“
I’m going to talk to Rona about training at the temple. I don’t want my skills to slip and there are lots of people to spar with there.”

“
People will make assumptions. About you and the prophecy. It could create some security issues.”

She smiled.
“Are there ever not going to be security issues?”

“
Unlikely,” he conceded.

“
And you would agree that my happiness is important?”

“
Of course.”

“
Fine. These are my demands.”

“
Demands?” he asked, arching his eyebrows. “You seem to have forgotten where you are, baby.”

“
And you’ve forgotten who you’re dealing with. You are not going to change me into a perfect submissive Delroi female. If you’re honest, you’ll admit that would drive you crazy anyway. Plus I might be forced to kill you in your sleep one night,” she said sweetly.

He rocked back on his heels. If she didn’t know better she would think he was having fun.
“Perhaps. So what are these demands?”

“
Well, I already mentioned the first. Joining the temple.”

“
Fine. Next.”

“
I want freedom to move around. I want to be able to go out into the city without it turning into a state event.”

He shook his head.
“No. That is not negotiable. And you know it, so you’re hoping to soften me up for something else.”

“
I’m pregnant.”

He stood, stunned and silent, and she thought maybe she’d misjudged him. She’d actually thought he’d be happy about it.

“You’re sure?”

“
A blood test will verify it, but yeah, I’m sure.”

“
What could you possibly have to demand as far as our child goes?” he thundered. Looked liked he could live up to his name after all. “There is no way I will let either of you go.”

“
Warrior training.” She’d heard all about warrior training from Rona and one part in particular left her in a cold panic. She ground her teeth before forcing herself to relax.

“
Baby, some things are tradition that can’t be broken even here. If we have a son, warrior training is not negotiable. He will be clan chief.”

“
I understand that and I accept it. As long as it’s here. You did half of yours in Saber City. You can’t give me a family and then turn around and take it away, Roarr,” she said, hoping her voice didn’t tremble. Hoping she sounded calm and reasonable.

“
I do own a house in Saber City. There is no reason we can’t be in the city at the same time.”

She scoffed.
“It’ll take years to update, hell, to clean that house, Roarr.” And that wasn’t the point. She didn’t want to be forced to send her child away because of some old stupid tradition.

“
Is that what you’re really after? All you had to do was ask, baby.”

“
I won’t let you take my child from me.”

He shook his head.
“I would never try.”

He put his palm on her belly and opened his mind to hers. She felt everything he did as he caught his breath. He felt life there and shared the wonder of it with her. She wrapped her arm around his waist when he swayed. Her big strong warrior was truly stunned.

“Our child,” he whispered. The smile he bestowed on her was better than heaven. Brilliant and promising. More than she’d ever dreamed of.

“
You’re staying.”

“
Yes.”

“
I already called the tattooist.”

She’d really thrown him for a loop if he was rambling. She hid her amusement.

“Okay,” she said, stepping close, wrapping her arms around his neck. “We didn’t talk about the rest of my terms.”

“
There are more?”

“
Of course. You’re mine. And no matter what happens in the clan, I expect our family to come first.”

He cupped her face in his palms and leaned close.
“Always. You will always come first. I love you.”

She nipped his bottom lip and let the emotion swell and stretch along their mental connection.

“Say it,” he whispered. “You aren’t afraid anymore, baby. Tell me you love me.”

“
I do,” she said. “I love you.”

His lips crushed hers in a kiss so hot, so full of promise, she knew it would never fade and she’d never stand alone again.

Loribelle is a former Army MP who traded in her combat boots for motherhood, flip flops, and all the Diet Coke she can drink. (She almost misses the combat boots.) She’s the author of more than 20 books, herder of three energetic children, and occasional sun worshipper.

Loribelle can be found on the web at www.loribellehunt.com

Other Books by Loribelle Hunt

Dark Bonds

Kiss of Darkness

Kiss of Twilight

Delroi Connection

Invasion Earth

Leaving Earth

Stolen Earth

Claiming Earth

The Elect

Protector

Guardian

Warrior

Spellbound Moon

Once Bitten

Twice Shy

Third Time Lucky

Forbidden Passions

Passions Recalled

Renegade Passions

Forbidden Passions

Lunar Mates

Under Cover of the Moon

Bad Moon Rising

Chasing the Moon

Call of the Moon

Christmas Moon

Captured Moon

Claiming the Moon

Hunter’s Moon

Dark Redemption

Defending Serenity

Saving Grace

Banks Crossing

Fireworks

Damaged

Special Branch

Kane

Military Shorts

Bound By Love

Rules of Engagement

Damaged