Falling in Love with the King of Beasts

RETH

A short time later he could see that Elia was beginning to lose her spark, taking longer to answer questions and rubbing her eyes. He didn't care if it made him look weak, he fussed like a mother hen, tucking the blanket tighter around her and motioning to their friends that it was time to leave.

Behryn took the cue first, standing from his chair and leaning in to hug her before telling her he was excited to introduce her to Hollhye.

"Hollhye's here?!" Elia asked quickly, looking around.

Behryn chuckled. "She will be. I'll bring her tomorrow. She's wanted to meet you for some time."

"Where's she been all this time?"

Behryn's face went tight again, though he tried to force a smile.. "Our home was always on the outskirts. My beautiful mate is naturally far less… social than I. She had been taking care of our home and others outside the City. But since the war, we've remained here. She's eager to meet you," he repeated.

"Tell her I'm excited to meet her too. Bring her whenever you want, Behryn. I can't wait!" Elia said, then yawned so wide her jaw cracked.

All three males looked at each other. Behryn said his goodbyes, then as he left, Brant pushed himself out of the lounge and, after a quick hug for his adoptive daughter, stood over her, stroking her hair. "I am so relieved you're back," he said quietly.

Reth's chest pinched with the emotion in the old lion's face. "Aymora as well. I know she is… struggling. But part of her bristling has been worry for you."

Elia nodded. "We talked today," she said quietly. "I hope… I hope she's going to be okay."

"She will. She's been through worse, and it has only strengthened her," Brant said with another smile. "A lot like someone else I know." He raised an eyebrow and Elia smiled.

"Thank you. But I don't feel stronger right now," she admitted.

"The Creator often puts us through the fire to burn away… unhealthy things," Brant said carefully. Reth grunted. "When the flames pass, there's a time of new growth—and then you flourish."

Elia sighed. "I hope so."

"I know so," the older male said, then gave Reth a speaking glance as well. "Rest now, my girl. Rest for your little one. You'll see."

Elia nodded and they hugged again, then Brant left.

Reth was tempted to bar the door behind him, but he knew Aymora or Jayah would be back before it was time to sleep. If he locked them out, Aymora would probably shift and tear out his throat.

He moved to the side of the lounge and leaned down to pick Elia up and return her to the bedroom, but she put a hand to his chest. "Can we sit here for a little while?" she asked wearily.

Reth frowned. "We can but… you seem so tired, Elia. Shouldn't you sleep? I can bring you back out here later."

"Not if something happens and you get called away.

He tensed and Elia closed her eyes, clearing her face of the disapproval that had flashed alongside the words. "You need to do what is needed for the people, Reth. I know that. Aymora and I talked about it. I know that's real. I know you have to. And when you're gone, I'm going to be okay. I was okay today and that was probably the worst it's going to be, right?" she said, but her voice was shaky.

Fuck, he hated seeing her afraid.

He was still leaned over her, bracing himself on the back of the lounge. But at the pleading look on her face, he gave in to his own weakness and nodded, taking the seat Brant had left, pulling her feet into his lap.

Then, unable to resist, he lifted her legs and scooted closer, laying her knees over his lap so his hip was against her bottom. He laid his arm over the back of the lounge and played with her hair, stroking her neck with that hand, while the other stroked her legs.

Touching her, having her there, inhaling her scent… it was all such a joy. Such a blessed relief.

And he was terrified to lose it.

She didn't know he had guards posted in the meadow, on the mountainside, and over the bathing pools entrance. He didn't want her to remember her anger at being over-protected. But he couldn't live with himself. If there was another uprising, or even just a handful of wolves that attempted to make trouble… he couldn't leave her and their cub at any kind of risk.

Their cub…

Reth sighed and leaned closer, letting the hand that was on her leg trail up to that round belly behind her knees.

Elia's cheeks pinked as he leaned down to put his ear to her stomach. "I'm so glad you made it home, Elreth," he rumbled. "I have missed your mother terribly. And you…"

Elia covered her mouth with one hand and put the other on his head. He couldn't straighten to look at her because he guessed they would both cry. And he wanted to stay in joy. "I have a great deal to tell you. Your introduction to life has been quite dramatic so far."

Elia snorted and he rubbed her stomach and began to tell her. To his delight, the longer he spoke, the more Elreth moved, nudging at his cheek, and giving her mother a jab when she aimed a swift kick at his neck.

"So strong," he growled in approval. "You will be a fighter like your daddy."

The little noise that broke in Elia's throat brought tears to Reth's eyes, but he didn't straighten. Just kept stroking her belly, and wallowing in the feeling of her fingers on his scalp and running through his hair. He kept talking, not even paying attention to what he said, his whole attention on his daughter and how she responded to his voice.

At one point, a small lump rose just in front of his nose and he used two fingers to press it back down gently.

She didn't like that, and kicked twice, firmly.

Reth laughed with such joy, he left tears on his shirt.

He didn't even care. His Love was back. His heart. And his child.

That was all that mattered.