In The Roar(36)

Keliana sat on the couch and smiled up at Bella. “No need to worry about me. You have cubs and a mate to worry about now.”

Bella smiled and embraced Liv. “It’s wonderful to see you again. I can’t wait to catch up and hear how my growly security head is taking care of you,” she said with a wink. All three women laughed when they heard Karel growl and storm out of the room.

They spent the next half hour talking and laughing. It wasn’t long before Keliana was done in and needed to rest again. Liv walked her back to her room and helped her get situated back in bed. When she was leaving, Keliana’s soft voice stopped her. “I love you, child.”

Her throat closed and her heart filled with joy. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “I love you too, Aayi.”

Liv finally had a mother she could love, and one that loved her for who she was. Liv never expected to find that, let alone have to travel light years away for it.

“Are you okay?” Bella questioned as Liv reentered the living room.

“Oh, yes. Sorry. Just lost in thought for a moment. Would you care to take a walk with me. We can talk and you can tell me everything you know about Karel that I can use to torment him later.”

The two women strolled outside and basked in the rays of the two suns. “It turned out to be a wonderful day. I thought for sure with the storm being so bad we would be stuck inside until tomorrow.”

“We got lucky, this was a short one. They aren’t always like that. To be honest though, there are more days like this, with the suns shining, and the soft breeze blowing that even a rainy day can’t discourage you. If that makes sense.” Bella laughed ruefully.

“I know what you mean.” Liv sighed and looked around at the beautiful trees. She didn’t think she would ever get tired of looking at the different shades of purple.

Bella squirmed. “I don’t mean to pry, but I am dying to know. You and Karel? How are things? Is it official, are you mated?”

Liv laughed at the barrage of questions from Bella.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind at all. Something tells me we are going to be great friends. Yes, we are mated. He is unlike anyone I have ever met before. I think I was in love the moment I saw him. It took my head a little bit longer to catch up. It’s not often you meet a man you can laugh with, be stupid and have fun with, and that body. Whoo baby, smoking. And after he shifted, I was sure there was a puddle of drool on the ground.” Liv blushed when she realized what she had said. “Sorry, I tend to get a little carried away when I think of ….. um…. certain things.”

“I have to admit, I know what you mean. These shifter men look better than any movie star I’ve ever seen. Don’t let them know, but damn they could give the gods a run for their money in the looks department.” Bella smiled and rubbed her protruding belly. “They are a fertile lot, too. It won’t be long before you are in the same boat as me. Our cubs can grow up together.”

Liv smiled and nodded. The thought of having cubs scared her a bit, if she was honest. Karel would make a fantastic father, she knew it deep down. He was too loving not to be amazing. Now if they could figure out the threat, they could get started on those babies.

“What has you frowning? I know we just met, but I hope you know you can talk to me.” Bella worried her bottom lip while she waited for Liv’s response.

“Now who is worried?” Both women laughed and looped their arms together like old friends. “After we spoke to you this morning, I went into the garden and a woman showed up and threatened me.” Liv explained the details, what little she had, and then they walked in silence, both lost in their thoughts, trying to make sense of things.

“I haven’t been here long, so I don’t know what I could have done to mess up this woman's plan. I don’t even know who she was.” Bella grabbed her arm and squeezed gently. Liv cocked her head and listened closer.

“Do you hear that?” Liv asked in alarm.

“I think we better go back. Those don’t sound like friendly growls to me,” Bella said as she grabbed Liv’s arm and headed toward the cabin.

They managed to get a few feet when two women ran out of the forest.

“Nadeeya!” Bella gasped. She curled a hand protectively over her belly. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m finally getting rid of you,” Nadeeya, the blonde who threatened Liv earlier, spat. Her problem was obviously with Bella.

Liv stood in front of Bella, placing herself between her new friend and the woman threatening her. “I don’t think so.”

Nadeeya snarled, “You think you can stop me? You weak, little, human.”