Page 30 of Truth

“I’m in danger either way.” She argued back.

“Yes, but here we have protective wards. You would be exposed out there.”

“I would.” She confirmed, “But what’s the use of having power and the ability to protect people, if I’m going to cower away in a mansion, getting fed pancakes and served tea?”

“It’s not a bad life.” Michelle said around a mouthful of pancakes. When she swallowed, she added, “I would like to support this idea, the fates know how horrible it is out there. But Libby, that family was a family of the past. You are my now family and I don’t want you harmed.”

“I was hoping you all would just agree to it.”

Liberty crossed her arms in front of her chest and for a moment, my eyes and mind got distracted from the situation. But then I remember what she was proposing, and my heart was not okay with the danger. Hell, every time a single person stepped foot into our wards, I questioned her safety. Did they weaken it? Was it strong enough? Were they strong enough to protect her? She wasn’t weak, but still everything in me despised the fact that she had to use an ounce of her power to protect herself.

“Not a chance.” I cut in. “Look, if the fates’ plans are true, and Lenin pretty much confirmed them, then you shouldn’t be going anywhere anyway.”

“Why? Because I’m going to be an incubator for someone’s offspring? Seems a bit unfair and presumptuous.”

“Mine.” Justice growled, and if I didn’t recognize the tone of a mate’s possessiveness, it would have been sinister.

She turned to him, “Excuse me?”

He stood and everyone in the room tensed, ready to interfere if their interaction went sour. His hands slammed down on the table as he leaned over the length, bringing his face closer to hers, “It’s not just someone’s offspring. It’smyoffspring.”

“Okay.” She shrugged, “Justice’s offspring.”

“Do you know. . .” He growled, “How protective a wolf is of his mate when she carries his pup?”

“I suspect more protective than a mate is now?” She leveled him with a challenging look, and I did not miss the undercurrent. They’ve had some rocky times since he joined us, but whether he wanted to or not, he was coming around, developing feelings for our girl.

Justice growled and instead of being intimidated, Liberty reached up, her fingers wrapping around his jaw before pulling him down and kissing him. His body stiffened before a calm took over and he relaxed into her lips’ assault, nearly melting toward her. She pulled away from him and instead of the normal fight the wolf always seemed to give, a slow grin curled the corner of his lips before he nearly purred like a kitten instead of the big bad wolf, “Mine.”

I wanted to correct him. Wanted to make sure he knew that she was ours. All of ours. But something told me now wasn’t the time to intervene. It was their moment and I suspect that even though they butted heads, that moment was some sort of groundbreaking for them. He fell back in his chair, a starry-eyed look on his face.

“As I was saying, if fate really had plans for me, I doubt they were to sit here and just wait. If I’m part of some prophesy and was meant to live, I’ll live. If that isn’t the case and I die, at least it’s for something I believe to be right.”

“I still think –“ Oak started, but his words were cut short by the clinking of the sound of a metal utensil falling to a porcelain plate.

All attention turned to Lenin as his eyes turned a milky white and his body stiffened. Almost as quick as it happened, he blinked, and his eyes were back to normal. “She will free the camp.”

“What? No-“ Oak tried, but was cut off.

“The fates have spoken.” Lenin said firmly.

“Her protection?” I questioned.

The ogre stood, his face hard as he spoke, his words final. “Her protection is up to the fates. It is not our place to question them, only to follow through with their wishes.”

Chapter 15

LIBERTY

“Can’twe do the spell without her?” I whined and I know I sounded ridiculous, but there was something deeply rooted within me that did not want any female around my males, even if she only meant to help. Michelle excluded, of course.

“Maggie is a friend, not a foe.” Lenin stated.

“But –“

“But you are jealous.” He observed.

Has he seen the hoard of men I’m toting around? I’m living the female dream over here. Seriously, they are like walking wet dreams and I honestly don’t think a single one of them realizes it. “I’m not jealous, I’m protective.” Oak snorted and I glared, “It’s true.”