Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,54

it a little more.”

I shake my head, smiling at the Dravian. “Morgan was right about you.”

“Oh yeah? About which part?” He scratches his chin as though deep in thought. “Is it the part where I’m an amazing lover or where I’m royalty?” He snaps his fingers and points at me. “I know what it is. She likes my ginormous, larger than a sword, wider than a—”

“Stop it,” I hiss, barely able to stifle my giggling. “My husband will murder you.”

As if on cue, Jaxar turns back to look at us once more, his gaze crackling with something way stronger than mere annoyance.

“Husband, huh? Good to know.” Zaden waves at Jaxar, wiggling his fingers in a flirty manner. In return, my husband mutters a string of Boraq curses that have my lips twitching with repressed laughter. “Do you think if I give him a good stroke like I did with Shadow, he’d purr for me?” Zaden asks, his neon gaze twinkling with mischief.

I shake my head, my smile widening. “Jaxar would cut off your hand and shove it up your ass first.”

The Dravian leader barks with laughter, and the sound has several sets of eyes glancing our way. “I can see why Morgan likes you,” he says.

“How is she?”

Zaden rolls his eyes. Out of all the Dravians I’ve met, he is the one who exhibits the most human mannerisms, and it makes him more approachable than the rest even though he is still quite a force to be reckoned with.

“My wife is the same as ever. You know, causing trouble and talking shit.” His love for my friend is easily heard, and there’s a softening in his gaze as he talks about her. “Speaking of difficult females…” He nods toward Shadow. “That little one would not leave us alone until we followed her. It took us a while to comply, but now that we’ve found you, it’s obvious she was leading us to you.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to remark that males never think they need help with directions. They would’ve arrived sooner had they asked, but better late than not. So I nod, choosing to stay silent on the subject.

Varek, Jaxar, and Braxton all stop, and I crane my neck to get an idea of where we are. The tips of the nearby tents are the most I can make out due to the Dravians’ height, but it’s enough to know we are back at the campsite.

“Wait here,” Zaden says.

The leader heads toward the other males, and even though I can’t hear what’s said, I know Jaxar is not happy just from the way his tail swishes back and forth. Shadow wiggles in my arms, and I set her down after placing a kiss to the crown of her head.

“You’re always there for me when I need you, my little friend,” I say. Shadow weaves herself through my legs, rubbing her face against my calves and purring all the while. “I may have saved your life long ago, but you have more than repaid that debt. Thank you.”

Shadow tilts her head, studying me with her amethyst eyes. Then she trills once before trotting away. I wave at her, sad to see her go, but I know she’ll come back. She always does.

The Dravians start forward at Varek’s command with their swords at the ready but not all of them. I know from experience that some will use their gift of telekinesis, which is way cooler anyway. Without my hairpins, I’m defenseless, and I stand there torn, knowing I should stay behind but wanting to proceed.

My husband’s voice carries over to me, and I head in his direction, my gaze perusing his thunderous expression as he speaks to Braxton. The physician appears unruffled by Jaxar’s aggressive behavior and simply folds his arms, nodding on occasion.

“Everything okay?” I ask, looking between the two males.

Jaxar grunts, but Braxton is the one who gives me an answer. Well, one with words.

“The Masse will stay here, where I can tend to his injuries. As you can see, this does not appeal to him, but it must be done.”

I nod in understanding and agreement. “Thank you, Braxton.”

Jaxar gestures to me, his displeasure still evident. “You will tend to my wife first. Once she is cared for, you can treat my wounds.”

I start to protest, but Braxton says, “Consider it done.”

His examination of me is quick and efficient, and after receiving a small dose of pain medication for my bruises, I’m deemed fit. Then he