My Warrior (Bewitched and Bewildered #12) - Alanea Alder Page 0,53

on fifteen years, but some days, I pick up my phone excited to tell her something only to realize all over again that she's gone." Brie stared into her lap.

"You said she got sick," Ari said, reaching over to take one of her hands.

She nodded. "Yup. Cancer. It spread like a forest fire in high winds. It seemed like one day she was fine and the next she wasn't."

"I'm sure she's looking out for you even now. I mean, what are the odds that both you and your father found happiness here in Éire Danu?" his mother pointed out.

Brie seemed to brighten at his mother's words. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely. Those that move on ahead of us are never truly gone. Just a bit out of touch for a while," his father said gently.

"Think of all the things you'll get to tell her the next time you see her," Leo added, bringing out their main course.

"It would take years to go over everything," Brie said smiling.

"At that point, darling, you'll have all the time in the world," his mother said.

Leo placed a plate of perfectly grilled fish down in front of them. By this time, his lion wanted a bit more than soup. He cut the filet in half and shoved the other half in his mouth. He sighed happily at the flavor.

"Ari! That was half a damn fish!" Brie exclaimed.

"Hmm umm," he agreed.

Leo placed a hand on her shoulder. "I always cook at least triple the amount for Ari."

"He's a growing boy," his mother added.

Brie looked his way, and her eyes raked him up and down. "Yum."

Ari winked at her and continued to eat his fish.

"Mayhap we should expect another grandchild sooner rather than later," his mother said, sounding excited.

Brie shook her head. "Not anytime soon."

Ari couldn't help but agree. "As much as I love kids, I want to enjoy getting to know my mate more. Maybe after the initial mating heat dies down in a century or two, we can try for one."

Catherine arched a brow. "What makes you think it dies down?" She looked at Jedrek, who winked back at her.

Ari stared. "I knew that there would always be a pull, but you're telling me that this clawing need never goes away? That it's not some 'honeymoon' period?"

Rex, Jedrek, Leo, and Catherine shook their heads.

Brie turned to him. "We need some sort of birth control. If this heat or whatever doesn't die down, I'll be pregnant for the next century." She looked up and down his body. "Because I'll probably be jumping you every chance I get," she admitted.

Rex and Jedrek dropped their forks, and Catherine raised her napkin to hide her smile.

Ari simply stared into her chocolate-brown eyes. She wanted him that badly? "I'm yours Brie, mind, body, and soul. Just let me know when and where, and I'm there," he promised.

Leo came up behind them and ladled extra-large portions of pasta on to both of their plates. "For energy," he said, winking.

She pointed her fork at him. "See what I mean! We need some sort of contraceptive; I only have so many eggs."

Catherine smiled openly. "I'll arrange for an amulet to be delivered tomorrow. It will halt your ovulation so that you will be able to have children centuries from now."

Brie exhaled. "Good." She perked up. "Does that mean no cycles while I'm wearing it?"

His mother nodded. Brie smiled wide. "That's amazing." She wiggled happily in her chair.

"You have to keep it on for it to work," he reminded her.

She gave him a flat expression. "If that amulet keeps cramps away, I'll have it welded to my arm."

Ari stared. "Are human female cycles that bad?"

She nodded emphatically. "Medical science has yet to accurately gauge how painful women's cramps can be. Some women say that their monthly cramps were worse than childbirth."

His mother shuddered. "I cannot imagine."

Jedrek rubbed his chin. "No wonder little Meryn is able to keep up with her mate. She must be extraordinarily strong."

"She is half-fae," Rex reminded him.

Jedrek nodded at him. "Yes, but I think that the reproductive side of things must be human, since she became pregnant out of season."

Catherine turned to her mate. "She's not some sort of robot made of specific parts, Jedrek, honestly."

His father had the grace to blush. "We had three sons, my dear. I'm lucky I know the very little I do regarding cycles."

Catherine sipped her wine. "You might want to pick up a book or two. We have daughters now and a possible grand-daughter on