Page 27 of All's Fair in Lion and War
“Well fracking hell.” Naomi’s voice had a we-royally-fucked sound she used when she couldn’t see a way out of a problem. “That means there’s potentially twenty jackholes crawling around our mountain. How big was the tribe on Reylea?” She looked directly at Saul, met his gaze, and waited.
“Well over a hundred warriors.”
The room remained silent.
“I suppose we should be grateful they didn’t all make it,” Tara said, her soft voice cut through the uncomfortable silence.
“Or they did and the lion queen here can’t remember.” Ryder rolled his neck nonchalantly, audibly cracking a few vertebrae.
“Ryder.” Ava’s voice was sharp like a steel blade against a throat, warning her mate he was crossing a line.
A growl rumbled in Saul’s chest, pushing to get free. Ryder was tribe. He was a friend. But Saul would not tolerate disrespect of his mate—hisshuarra.
He stood and faced Ryder, his lion pushed forward and his vision changed slightly. Ryder held up his hands and his facial expression morphed instantly to one of remorse.
“I’m sorry I don’t remember more. It’s not for lack of trying.” Lorelei’s voice quivered and Saul knew how uncomfortable this conversation was making her.
“We realize you are injured, little one.” Col’s tone was smooth and reassuring. “Ryder spoke out of turn and rudely. We do not expect you to remember everything, but anything you can share is welcomed. Saul has identified you as hisshuarra, therefore you will be protected as one of our own no matter what.”
“I apologize for bringing this to your doorstep. All of you,” Lorelei said, standing from the chair. She crossed her arms protectively in front of her chest.
Everyone shook their heads and murmured about not needing an apology, but Lorelei still didn’t relax her defensive posture.
It was Penny that spoke next. “A lot of us came to this tribe with a crap ton of baggage. You’re not the only one who’s had crazy people hunting for them. We’re going to get you through this and then it’s going to get better. Maybe not right away, but it will get better. I promise.”
“Saul, if she’s finished eating. Why don’t you take Lorelei back to the spare room to rest. We may not have much quiet time left,” Naomi said, standing from her place on the couch. She handed the infant in her arms to Col and approached. She took Lorelei’s hand into hers. “You are not alone. I know your mind is lost right now. I know you don’t remember everything. But when that fog clears, I need you to remember that you are family now. You are part ofthistribe.” Heat warmed the air around them. Naomi’s brown eyes flickered with gold and flame and promise.
“Thank you.” Lorelei said, her voice steady-ish. “I will fight for this tribe. I will protect your young.”
“Thank you for that. We might very well need your claws.” Naomi smiled and put a hand gently on Lorelei’s shoulder. “Until then, get some rest.”
9
Naomi
She watched Saul and the new female disappear up the stairs and then she made her way back into the living room, sat on the couch, and held out her arms for an infant.
She needed a baby to cuddle, preferably one of her own, but at this point she just needed one in her arms.
Tor obliged, moving quickly from his place in the room and relinquishing Garth to her arms.
Garth smiled at her and her heart relaxed its over-churned rhythm. “Hey, sweet boy.” She gave him kisses all over his face and then snuggled him into her arms. “Will someone tell me what theactualplan is. Right. Now.” Her words came out in a sweet syrupy manner, like she was still talking to Garth. But she wasn’t. And the room knew it.
Col huffed and walked to one of the back windows and stared.
Owen bowed to her gaze, but also didn’t speak.
Ava rolled her eyes and plopped herself onto the couch next to Naomi. “There aren’t enough of us.”
“To fight?” Naomi asked.
“To win,” Ava said, her voice flat. “You’re here. The babies are here. This cabin is the priority. But if a fight were to occur here…” Ava’s voice trailed off, but Naomi heard the words she didn’t say.
“Then the babies need to go into town. Away from anywhere this fucking pride might come. Then we can all fight. All of us. How many men do you think they have? And both of us are dragons, my love.” She stared at the back of her husband’s head.
He turned, fire blazing in his eyes. “I would burn them all for you, but this place…” He gestured around at the others standing quietly. “These aren’t humans coming for us. This is me, again, slaughtering survivors from Reylea because of choices their leader is making.”
He glanced at Ryder and Knox.
