Page 87 of All's Fair in Lion and War
He kissed her temple. “Kann says they seem to be good men and I agree. They have pledged to the Tribe, but they are waiting for the vote. It’s up to you if they stay. I will vote however you wish.”
She breathed deeply. In and out.Up to her.She had been used to that type of pressure as a queen. But here she was part of the Tribe. A teammate. And honestly she didn’t know these men except that they had been part of Rivian’s pride.
“Ryder said Naomi threatened to eat them if they stepped out of line.”
“Would she really?” Lorelei’s heart clamored in her chest. The dragon female hadn’t seemed quite that vicious when she’d met her.
Saul shook his head. “No, but according to Ryder it was quite believable.”
“Ah, well. That’s good. I, um. I don’t understand why it’s up to me, Saul.”
“Because you are part of the Tribe now and you get a say. The vote must be unanimous. They want to live here. They want to be a part of the Tribe.”
“Are you okay with it?”
He moved to the floor and knelt in front of her. Took her hands in his and looked up into her eyes. “I met them yesterday.”
“When you left for a couple hours?”
He nodded.
“I think they are honorable and sincere. I am proud to be a part of a Tribe that allows second chances. That allows those of us that would have no one to call family, to build a family with the people here. Col has become aVrakaI never expected. Col and this town…Mystery is the best thing that ever happened to me. And if I had not stayed with a dragon and a bear and wolves. I would never have found you.”
She swallowed down her anxiety and squeezed his hands. “I’m ready.”
He smiled up at her. A smile that said he was proud, but that he acknowledged her fear. And that it was okay for her to feel the things she was feeling.
After a quick ride on the snow machine, they were in front of Col and Naomi’s house. Lorelei’s hands were trembling again. There wasn’t truly reason for it. She didn’t know the warriors. At least she didn’t think she did.
And what if she did recognize them?
What if she was afraid of them?
She’d never be able to vote that they could stay.
And then what?
Would the whole Tribe hold it against her for not being able to forgive what everyone else was able to forgive.
“Breathe, my love.”
“I don’t think I can do this.”
He lifted her off the snow machine and stood her next to him. “You are a queen. You are stronger than anyone I’ve ever met. Youcando this.”
Lorelei reached up and ran her hand along his scruffy cheek and then through the buzzed off haircut. She missed his long hair and braids. It would take years, but eventually they would be back. “Thank you for always believing in me. No matter what.”
“Always and forever,shuarra.”
“You guys coming inside? Or you just going to stand there and make googly eyes at each other all day?” Naomi was standing in the doorway. A baby in her arms and a big growly mate standing behind her. “We gave you like a week.”
“Four days,Mahadhri.Only four days.” Saul gave Naomi a wide grin and then a respectful bow of his head.
“Close enough.”
He turned back to Lorelei. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
