Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,9
you false hope, Massela, since things could change at any given time. But if she does not decline or catch an infection, I believe she will live.”
“Thank you so much.” My voice is a whisper so that I don’t disturb my friend but also because a ball of emotion has gathered in my throat. “I shouldn’t have gotten upset with you last night, and I’m sorry. I just couldn’t stand back and watch Vivian die.”
Anwa waves a hand in dismissal. “You were right to insist we try something, however risky. She was fading anyway and would’ve taken the youngling with her.”
“How is the baby?”
“Perfectly healthy,” the healer says.
“It’s a miracle.”
I place my hands on my stomach, running my palms across the top. My own miracle doesn’t stir within me, but I love knowing he or she is safe in my womb.
Getting them out is the problem.
“Massela.”
My gaze finds Anwa’s, her golden eyes swirling with concern. I haven’t spent much time with her in the past, but after last night, I feel as if we bonded over our combined efforts to save Vivian.
“What troubles you?” she asks, sitting up a little straighter in her chair. “Are you experiencing pain?”
I shake my head and then look at Vivian. “Will the same thing happen to me when it’s my turn?”
Anwa exhales, bringing my gaze back to her. She sits quietly for so long that my anxiety builds, making my heart pound crazily and my palms sweaty. Finally, the healer reaches out to take my hand, her claws curling around my fingers.
“Massela,” she says, looking me straight in the face, “life is never without danger or challenges, but there is always hope too. The human women may struggle to birth younglings, but Brannick and I are dedicated to protecting their lives and helping them through it. However, I will not lie to you and guarantee that all will be well.”
I squeeze her hand in a show of affection and understanding. “Even though I want you to tell me everything will be fine, there’s also a part of me that needs to hear this. I just wish that you had some way to help us.”
“Your Earthen procedure is a start.”
I sigh long and loud. “That did not go over well with the Masse. And I’m sure he won’t be the only one who is opposed to it,” I say as Draal’s stricken expression flits through my mind. “It wouldn’t surprise me if my husband explicitly orders you not to do the surgery, however necessary.”
Anwa grunts, releasing my hands to cross her arms. “He is not a healer, so I don’t listen to him in such matters. And it is I who was there on the day of his birth, catching him as he left his mother’s body. I remember Jaxar as a youngling, and I used to reprimand him often.” She grins at me, and her fangs appear. “He was such a rascal.”
It’s hard to imagine my husband up to no good because he’s always so serious. There are times when I catch a hint of mischief or hear the teasing lilt of his voice, but they are rare occurrences. I wouldn’t change him for anything, but it’s nice to know it’s buried within him and that he’s not lost his ability to enjoy life.
“He hasn’t changed much,” I say, my lips twitching. “He’s just a bigger rascal.”
“That means he needs a more severe reprimand.”
I smother my laugh with my hand. But I’m unsuccessful when Anwa snorts, her eyes twinkling with merriment.
“Please let me be there the next time you give it to him,” I say between giggles.
She nods. “I shall let you take a turn.”
“Even better.”
“Makayla?”
My laughter is replaced with a gasp at the sound of my friend’s voice. I turn to face Vivian as Anwa rises from the chair, coming closer to the bed. “Hey there,” I say, cupping Vivian’s cheek. “I’m so happy you’re awake.”
Her gaze darts between me and Anwa several times before she closes her eyes as though defeated. “Just tell me.”
“Tell you what?” I ask, my face scrunching in confusion.
“What happened to my baby…”
I choke on a sob, and my eyes well with tears, rendering me unable to speak. Luckily Anwa steps in, since I’m a mess.
“The youngling is alive and well.”
Vivian’s lips tremble, and she blinks rapidly as the information sinks in. Then she’s like me, a blubbering mess. “Oh God! I have a daughter. Where is she? Can I see her?” Vivian attempts to sit up and