“Hi, Ari,” Sheba said with a smile, hoping to try and mend bridges. It didn’t work as her friend stopped, arms crossed.
“Alpha.” Was all Ari said.
“Look, I’m sorry about earlier, but I’ve a lot on my mind right now.” Sheba tried to appease her friend.
“I understand.”
“Obviously you don’t.” Sheba sighed. “Ari, things are dangerous right now, and I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather so I’m sorry if I snapped.”
Ari’s face crumpled, worry filling it as she closed the distance between them. “What? You’re ill? What’s wrong? How’s that even possible? You’re Alpha? I didn’t think you could get sick. Tell me what’s wrong? Right this minute, so I can help.”
Her friend was back! Sheba was smothered as Ari engulfed her, although how that was possible with Ari being smaller than her, she wasn’t sure, but it happened as her friend kept babbling. “Come on! Tell me right now.”
Sheba extricated herself, holding Ari at bay. “I’m fine. I’ve just seen Tilly and she assures me I’ll be okay. I need some rest and some food, that’s all. Why don’t you come home with me and we can grab something together?”
“Are you sure? That you’re all right?” Ari leaned in, peering at her with her dark brown eyes. “You look a bit pale to me.”
“I’m fine. Let’s go eat.” Sheba linked arms and tugged her friend along. “But I’ll be going to bed soon as I’m up early. Ray and I will be heading out on a search before dawn so I’ll need my rest.”
The semi-lie dripped easily from her lips and she was certain that her friend was none the wiser of their mission. Thank goodness. That wasn’t a conversation she was willing to have with her, or anyone else. All she wanted was some food, light hearted conversation, and sleep. The dawning day would bring what it may and she’d deal with it when it came. She had no choice in the matter. Not if what Tilly said was true, and going by her Wolf’s reaction, it was.
Ari was prattling on but Sheba barely heard what she was saying, her mind drifting time and again to visions of a regal Lion. What the freaking hell? A Lion? Really? Where the hell was her Wolf? She wasn’t looking for a damn Lion, she wanted a nice big Wolf by her side. One as large as Ray’s, who had the good sense to not challenge her authority, and who would support her as Alpha. Shoot, the Pack was only just getting used to having a female Alpha. What the hell would happen if she trailed back into camp with a damn Lion in tow instead of a Wolf? Would they even accept her having another shifter as a mate?
Her mind spun around as the images of the dang Lion swam around inside her. Its size was massive, his mane was glorious, his stance was nothing short of royal and . . . damn. Ari prodded her as she almost fell up the stairs to her home. She’d been so engrossed in her daydreaming she hadn’t heard a word, far less noticed where she’d been walking.
“Sheba! What on earth? You definitely don’t look okay. You look as if you’re miles away.”
“Got a lot on my mind. You know, what with these rogues and everything else.” Sheba shrugged. “Plus, I’m running on empty and need food.”
“Then let’s get you fed,” Ari said firmly. Her face serious as she led Sheba inside and straight toward the kitchen where they found her mother who was already laying places for them.
Again, Sheba wondered . . . how the hell does she do that?
“Sit down, girls. I’ve got a nice stew and fresh bread all ready. Hope you’re hungry.”
“Absolutely.” Ari grinned, taking a seat. “And Sheba is starving, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” Sheba agreed. Not wanting to talk so did the next best thing. “So, Ari, want to fill us in on the camp gossip?”
As her mom fed them, she allowed Ari to talk her head off about all the ins and outs of the gossip mill. Boy, the girl had some snippets of information that had Sheba’s head in a spin, and even her mom raising her eyebrow in places. But Sheba’s thoughts were dragged away time and again as her mind lingered on images of the lone Lion and what it would mean if, or when, she found it.
“Sheba, you look bushed, honey.” Her mom patted her shoulder as she took away her empty plate. “Why don’t you get off to bed?”
Ari nodded. “I just got a text from Dion. I’m on guard duty here in the morning and it’s an early start too, so I better get off as well. Please be careful tomorrow and don’t take any risks, Sheba. I know you’re Alpha, but you’re my best friend and I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“I’ll be fine,” Sheba said grinning. “I’m tough as old boots, Ari, and I’ll have Ray with me. There’s nobody fiercer than him. Anyone stupid enough to get in his way will soon find out he shows no mercy, but let’s be honest, when they see him, most just turn tail and run.”
“So freaking true.” Ari giggled. “Heck, I know him and he still scares the heck out of me at times. Anyway, I better get going. But still take care, and I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.”
“Sure,” Sheba replied, although she wasn’t sure of anything at all.
As her friend left, her mother gave her a strange look, one that seemed to delve deep inside her and had Sheba rising quickly before her mom could open her mouth and ask any difficult questions. Ones that she didn’t, couldn’t answer. Rushing from the kitchen she mumbled, “I’m exhausted, Mom. I really have to go to bed.”
Her mother didn’t respond, which in itself spoke volumes. Her plan
