Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,11

all right.

And I need that affirmation more than sleep.

Chapter 5

As I step back outside and into the night air, I can’t help but blame the pregnancy hormones for my overly emotional state. And as annoying as it is, I’m in no hurry to give birth. Even the thought of it threatens to bring about tears. I’m pretty sure I’ve cried more while being pregnant than I have in my entire life.

You’d think all this weeping would help with some of the swelling I’m experiencing, but nope. I can retain fluids anywhere except my eyes apparently.

Since it’s not too late, I head to Yania’s tent, eager to confirm that my daughter is safe. The closer I get, the more my arms ache to hold her, and I have to disregard the guilt that threatens to rise within me for leaving her.

“Yania?” I call softly. “It’s Makayla.”

“Come in, Massela.”

The Boraq female smiles at me from her seat on the floor and then adds a log to the firepit. “The youngling is asleep. Do you wish for me to carry her for you?”

I glance over at the bed and can barely make out a tiny form beneath the furs, but just knowing Tika is okay eases some of the tension inside me. After shaking my head, I lower myself to the fur rug with Yania’s assistance.

And I’ll probably need it to get up again too.

“Thank you for watching over Tika,” I say, returning my friend’s smile.

“I am happy to. How is Vivian?”

I lean back on my hands in an attempt to get comfortable. Love this baby but hate this belly. “She seems okay for now. Anwa thinks she will be fine as long as no complications develop.”

“That is good news,” Yania says, her golden gaze studying me. “And yet you look upset.”

I stare at the flames in front of me to avoid looking at her. “Do you know where the Masse is?”

“I do not, but his second-in-command would. Is something amiss?”

“No,” I say, not wanting to seek out Draal. “I’m sure the Masse will be waiting for me by the time I get back to my tent.”

In my peripheral vision, I’m able to see Yania’s lips purse, but she doesn’t push for more information.

“How are things with Iraxion?” I ask, giving her a cheeky grin.

Yania growls softly, her gaze narrowing at me. “He is as persistent a male as there ever was and ever will be.”

“It’s going that good, huh?”

“Your human sarcasm is not lost on me, Massela.” Yania sighs and grabs an unburnt piece of wood to poke the embers, causing tiny sparks. Her movements are small but a little on the savage side; it’s almost like she’s stabbing a voodoo doll or something.

“So what atrocity has he committed today?” I ask, trying not to laugh.

She scoffs. “He brought me flowers.”

I scrunch my face and squint my eyes, barely keeping it together. “That guy is such an asshole.”

Yania’s lips twitch, but she schools her features, putting her frown back in place. “We don’t have time for such frivolities.”

I give an exaggerated nod. “I hear you. And before that he gathered some wild berries that are a delicacy and very rare. What an idiot, right?” This time, my grin spreads, giving me away.

“You needn’t defend him,” she says. “Neither you nor that male see reason.”

“Which is?” I prompt with a raised brow.

“Now is not the time for mating and breeding. No offense intended, Massela,” she says with a small bow of her head. “We do not know how long this war with the western tribe will last, and I believe it would be foolish to develop feelings for someone before it’s over.”

As much as I think Yania is missing out on an opportunity to find love, I can’t fault her logic. It’s not like I wanted to have a child during such a tumultuous time, but it’s too late for that. However, it seems to me that she’s scared at the possibility that he could die. And that has always been a worry with me concerning Jaxar.

The idea of losing him is just unfathomable.

“Well, hopefully this will all be over soon and you two can become mated,” I say. Yania slides her gaze to mine but doesn’t say anything, so I continue. “Until then, try to be a little nicer to him. He seems like a good guy.”

“He’s not of this tribe.”

I shrug. “That shouldn’t matter anymore. We are all fighting for the same cause. Besides, there have been other relationships that have