Page 8 of Savage Mates
When she nodded, I noticed a nervous tic in the corner of her mouth. “You’re going to present the photo of the Cape lion in hopes of being awarded the grant?”
“Yes. And no, I’m not so certain it’s a good idea after what you told me. However, what if the animals are in danger? What if they’re going through horrific experiments even now? Yousaw the photographs. There are several other lions of different species in those photos.”
“I know what you’re thinking, Lauren. You have such a huge heart and are so talented in your field. What you’ve discovered in your research blows me away. I’m just worried that you’ll lose yourself in a project that has no possibility of a decent conclusion. You won’t forgive yourself if you’re forced to witness animals suffering or dying.”
I thought about what she’d told me and she was right. What was I really trying to prove? Or maybe the better question was more about what I was hoping to find. “I’ll take that to heart.”
“I hope you will. There are many dangerous aspects about their research. People lost their lives.”
“I get it.” The tension remained, a dozen what-if scenarios crowding my scientific mind and I couldn’t lie to myself. My excitement was even more substantial than before. I rubbed the scar on my arm, remembering several things about my childhood that others might believe to be a reason not to trust animals. For me, the healed injury had been the reason I’d fallen in love with them.
“I never asked you about your scar. Where did you get it?”
After glancing at the faded mark, I smiled. “A lion cub. Jonas. He was so sweet, so playful. One day the playing became too rough. Mostly, I was to blame. He grabbed my arm and didn’t want to let go.”
“How horrifying.”
“No. I knew the boundaries and I ignored them. The incident taught me a good lesson.”
“Which was?”
“Treat animals the way you want to be treated.”
“What happened to Jonas?” she asked. “Was he euthanized?”
“Oh, heavens, no. He and I became even better buddies. He spent most of his life on my father’s sanctuary in Africa. Sadly, he died a couple years ago. I miss him dearly. There’s an old lore I learned while living in Africa. If an animal marks you, you’re given his special powers. I choose to believe that to this day.” In truth, my mother had used her keen abilities to ‘talk’ to lions and I believed I’d inherited her gift.
“That’s amazing and given the way you are with the creatures you’ve helped heal, I believe it. Now, I have it under good authority Simba is dying to see you.” She smiled, pushing aside our conversation.
“How is she?”
“She does much better when you’re around. Something else for you to keep in mind.”
Half laughing, I moved toward the door. It would only be a few weeks, not a summer or a lifetime. Then I’d return. If I even dared to go at all.
I headed outside to the beautiful area where Simba was being kept. I was amazed at the forethought that had gone into the natural landscaping and water sources, providing my beautiful lion with the space and security to heal. Yes, I was very possessive with her. I nodded to one of the zoologists before moving inside.
I’d learned a long time ago to remember and respect that they were wild animals, but I’d always had a strong connection tothem. As if lions were a small part of my soul. Almost instantly, Simba lumbered toward me. A Southwest African lion, her golden fur tinged with a hint of orange was stunning.
“Hi, baby. Did you miss me?” As soon as Simba was close, she jumped on her hind legs, placing her massive paws on my shoulders. I’d never forget the first time I’d watched that occur with my father and a lion he’d nurtured back to health. I’d been addicted and in love ever since.
Simba studied me for a few seconds before dragging her huge, wet tongue across my face.
That was her favorite way to greet me.
After she jumped down, I bent over, wrapping my arms around her neck. “Oh, Simba. I have a dilemma and I’m not certain what to do. Do you think if I’m lucky enough to have an opportunity to study some incredible lions who might provide some insight into developing cures for diseases that I should do it? That’s a partial lie, my beautiful girl. I meant to ask, do you think I should find out if shifters do exist? There’s so much that could be learned from them.”
Both good and bad.
I wasn’t expecting Simba to answer. I’d yet to hear her roar.
Her silence almost broke my heart. She deserved a happy life, free to roam the countryside and find a mate. We all deserved to find something to love and who loved us back.
After spending some time with her, I headed to the gate, looking back in hopes she’d give me a little of her lion courage.
My Simba did more than that.
She roared.
