All's Fair in Love and Lion by Bethany Averie Read Free Book Online

convince you otherwise.”
    “Monroe—”
    He cuts off the rest with his mouth and—heaven help me, in spite of everything—I can’t stop from losing myself in his embrace.
    Yet, somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind I can’t shake the feeling the way we met isn’t the only unbelievable thing I’ll experience with Monroe.

Chapter 9: Monroe
    “I prefer being with you in your world. There, I can discover your thoughts from your own lips, rather than sensing them.”
    “Must you go? My dreams won’t be the same without you.”
    My heart clenches at her crestfallen expression. “I’ll be with you when you’re awake.” I let her go and find myself back in the Third Realm.
    Passing the tapestry covered corridors, I throw open the doors of my bedchamber. I frown. “Ayres, I think I can manage to change my clothes for bed without your assistance.”
    He taps his foot, emitting disapproval. “You haven’t slept in two days, sir. I’m not certain you’re capable of much at this point.” His usually neat white hair sticks out around him like a cloud. “You must be exhausted. Let me help you.”
    “Good heavens, man, I’m not incapacitated. Go to bed. I can change my own clothes.”
    Ayres clucks his tongue while I struggle with pulling off my boots.
    “Oh, get out of here, Ayres. You sound like a mother hen.”
    He bows. Backing out of the room, he shuts the door behind him.
    A brief twinge of guilt pricks me. The old man has been with my family long before I was born. The guilt disappears when I remember his bossiness. He doesn’t need my sympathy.
    The next morning Ayres draws back the curtains and sunlight streams into the room.
    “What are you doing?” I shield my eyes.
    “It’s nearly half-past noon, sir. I thought you might want sustenance.” He indicates my nightstand where a tray rests. “I’ll return to help you dress.”
    “I’ll dress myself today. You go on with other duties.”
    He pauses at the door. “If you are certain?”
    “Quite. Now leave.”
    He lifts an eyebrow when I glare at him. He vanishes into vapor, then the vapor disappears.
    I pick at the smoked ham and swallow the coffee in one long, scalding gulp.
    After a quick shower, I yank on pants, shirt, and shoes.
    “Give me the reports for the day in my den,” I call to Ayres as I head down the hallways.
    Ayres’ form comes together and he falls into step beside me. “Lord Bast awaits you there.”
    “When did he arrive?”
    “Five minutes ago. I was on my way to tell you.” Ayres’ calm demeanor betrays no emotion.
    Bast stands as I come in and holds out a hand to me.
    “Well, Monroe,” he says, “you’re finally here.”
    “What’s the trouble?”
    “None. I’ve news.” Bast’s grin is wide enough to split his face. “Alexia is pregnant.”
    I push aside the envy. Bast would make a better father than me anyway. “Excellent. Why didn’t you tell me last time you were here?”
    “It wasn’t confirmed until yesterday. I would’ve told you then, but Ayres informed me you were out.”
    “Yes, I had other business.”
    “Would that other business be of the female variety, specifically a Firstling?” Bast nudges me.
    “As if I’d tell you. I already made that mistake.” A part of me still smarts from it, too.
    “I assume things have progressed?”
    I grunt.
    “Affirmative, then?” He laughs. “Ah, Monroe. It’s about time you settle down.”
    “Indeed.”
    He slaps my back. “It’ll be a nice change to have you in a better mood. My compliments to Sasha, if you please.”
    I shove Bast away. “Enough.”
    Unfazed, he rubs his hands together. “This is perfect. You’ll get out of the testy mood you’ve adopted since we became adults and enjoy life.”
    Ayres’s entrance into the room prevents me from answering. He puts a tray of two glasses and a bottle of port on an end table and leaves the room.
    “I suppose you’ll have a glass of port with me?” I ask.
    “A small one. I must get