Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,16

with him will be later or maybe not even until we go to bed.

He helps me to my feet but doesn’t ask where I’m going or even say goodbye to me. It takes everything within me to squash my irritation and not throw a tiny fit. Okay, it would be a big-ass one, but I take the mature route and bend down to kiss his cheek.

“I’ll see you later?” I ask, making my voice even.

He nods once, not bothering to look in my direction while a warrior prattles on and on about defensive tactics. As I leave, I come to the conclusion that I’m not imagining these changes in Jaxar’s behavior. He is being distant.

But the question is, Why?

Immediately my mind supplies an answer, and it’s not one I want to acknowledge. He can’t be having an affair. As I all but stomp through the village, I tell myself he loves me and that he would never be unfaithful to me. I am his silana, his heartmate, and he is bonded to me. But no matter how much I think these thoughts, I don’t feel any better.

Luckily I find Yania and Tika, who never fail to bring a smile to my face. For the rest of the day, I spend time with my daughter to make up for my absence over the last couple days. Of course, she is quick to forgive, supplying numerous hugs. Tika still does not quite feel comfortable with kissing my cheek, but I guess that’s a Boraq thing.

When the sun starts to set and I tuck her into bed, I find myself staring at the entrance to our tent while I stroke my daughter’s hair. Will Jaxar come home tonight? And if he does, will he be with me or keep to himself like he did the night before?

It’s amazing how you can feel alone even when you’re surrounded by so many people.

Chapter 7

“I think my husband is having an affair,” I say, keeping my voice low so Tika doesn’t hear me. The Boraq have excellent hearing, but my daughter has been oblivious to my conversation with Vivian so far this morning. Hopefully she will continue to stay distracted for a while longer.

“No way,” Vivian says. Her voice sounds stronger than before, and it relieves me greatly. “Why would you think that?”

I shrug. “It’s the little things. He’s distant and comes back to me late at night. Plus, once he’s home, he doesn’t try to spend any time with me.”

“But look at how he protected you from Frixon,” she argues. “Who’s still on my shit list, by the way.”

I wave a hand in dismissal. “I shouldn’t have challenged him. Besides, he’s apologized profusely, and I’ve accepted.” My lips pull into a frown. “Is he avoiding me now?”

“The Masse told him that in order for him to be released from Boraq jail, Frixon had to stay away from you.”

“Makes sense,” I say with a nod. “I thought your husband was acting quite strange.”

“No, the Masse is making sure you’re safe.” Vivian takes my hand in hers and smiles at me. “I think you’re misreading the entire situation. He’s obviously very busy with keeping everyone protected during this tumultuous time, and then you add in the fact that it’s not just his tribe but three in total. He’s got a full plate.”

Tika’s bubbling laughter has me turning to look at her. She’s making silly faces at Vivian’s baby, who doesn’t do much more than stare. It’s endearing, and my chest swells with love and pride at the knowledge that Tika will be a great big sister.

“I hope you’re right,” I say, somewhat preoccupied.

“Scarlett told me that Draal was acting weird too.”

This catches my attention, so I shift my gaze to Vivian. “Yeah?”

She nods. “Yes. But it was short-lived. Seriously, I just think everyone’s loincloths are twisted right now.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

“Of course I am,” she says with a grin.

“How are you feeling?” I shake my head at myself, not believing I was so selfish not to ask prior to this moment. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask sooner. I’ve just been so consumed with the dynamics of my marriage that I haven’t been a good friend.”

Vivian scoffs. “You’re the reason I’m alive, Makayla, and I won’t ever forget it. So that means I’m happy to sit here and listen to whatever you want to talk about. But I really think you should tell your husband how you feel. You know, clear the air between you two.”

“You’re right. I