“Played? Why would you deliberately agree to involve yourself in something that hurt our people? Hurt me? Lyssa is like my sister—and you—you’re as close to a father I’ve had since mine died.” She took a step closer to the man, but Jay held her arm.

Kyle looked at the two men accused beside him. “We didn’t sign up for that. None of us knew that was Alastair’s plan. He promised if we helped him, he would help our Leap regain its pride, its strength. We had no idea we were dealing with a delusional nutcase.”

Disbelief flooded Becca’s chest and her throat tightened. “How could you not know? Or at least suspect? Alastair led the raid on us that killed Charlie and so many others.”

Kyle raised one shackled hand. “He told us he was wrong, that he wished you well, wanted to make amends for what he did.”

Becca was almost speechless. “And you believed him? Without checking with Jasper or me or anyone?” She shook her head. “Alastair sold you a pack of lies. He didn’t want the leopards to rise again. He wanted to strip us of everything we had with me as his prize.”

Kyle’s voice broke. “We know that now. I thank God you weren’t hurt.”

Jaylon stood, his chair clattering to the floor. “Not hurt? Your selfish appetite to get what you think was owed you nearly cost Becca her life.”

Tears stained Kyle’s dirty cheeks and Becca’s heart broke for the man she knew and loved.

“There are traditional measures for this kind of betrayal, foolishly brought or not, and I know you are fully aware of the consequences.”

She watched three heads fall to their chests in dejection. “However, my new sister-in-law has provided us with an alternative solution. I put it to the council, though it is my decision that you be exiled for two years. One for each bullet I suffered because of your actions.”

Kyle flinched at her words, but Becca continued. “You will have no place in our Leap or anywhere in our territory during that time. You will take a place of service in the Wind River Pride and work off your time there. Think of it as an indentured sentence. At the end of those two years, we will reevaluate the situation and see. My sister-in-law Eleanor will be your arbiter.”

Kyle’s eyes met hers. “What about Lyssa?”

Becca’s heart squeezed knowing how hard this would be on her friend, but she shook her head. “You should have thought of that before you allied yourself with our enemy, regardless of what bullshit he sold you.”

She exhaled hard and threw a hand in the air, pacing toward the window. Frustrated, she turned, her eyes seeking Eleanor.

“I don’t know, Eleanor. How can I send these three with you to Wind River knowing they followed Alastair’s lead with nothing hanging over their heads to make them do his bidding? To make them turn against their own? How can I trust they won’t turn again and put you and little Charlie in danger?”

Eleanor gave her a soft smile. “Look at them, Becca. Use your senses. Can’t you smell their regret, their sorrow? It holds no trace of disloyalty or lies. Their remorse is genuine. They love you and they love this Leap. Let them come with their families to help heal our pride. In doing so, they’ll help heal themselves. They can teach my son about his father and the leopards of North America. Charlie will be our Prime one day, but he will also be one of you. A cousin to your child.”

“My child?”

She grinned, nodding. “You leopards have been away from the mountains far too long. Can’t you tell? Your scent is saturated.”

Becca spared a glance for Jaylon who shook his head. “Don’t look at me. I’m a city wolf.”

“Wait. You can tell if I’m pregnant?”

Eleanor chuckled. “There’s no if about it. That boy is potent!” She gestured to Jaylon.

Becca’s mouth fell open, speechless. “I would know if I were pregnant, wouldn’t I?”

Eleanor shook her head. “Not always. Sometimes, little ones change their scent enough so it’s not easily distinguishable from their mother’s. I can tell because I’ve had years of practice.”

“Okay, then.” Lucilla banged her gavel on the council table. “The elders agree with the ruling of our Prowl Leader. Those here will be sent to live with the Wind River cougar pride for a term of two years. Their families are allowed to go as well. After such time as Eleanor Duran, mate to our former Prowl Leader, Charles Duran, advises, you will be assessed and reinstated into the Pineland Leap.” She banged the gavel again.

Lucilla shooed everyone from the room, with Eleanor suggesting they talk more a little later, but Becca barely heard a word. Her eyes stayed on Jaylon until they were the only ones left in the cabin.

“Do you think she’s right?” Her question was barely a whisper.

He pulled her into a loose hug. “I don’t know. It’s a two-hour ride to the nearest drug store. We can hit the local CVS and have you pee on a stick before we head to the airport.”

“Don’t be so jokey. This is important.” She gave him a playful shove, but he didn’t let go.

“It is and it isn’t. We’re mated Becca, and we’re older. This is what I’ve wanted. You, me, and a family of my own. Our own.”

She eyed him with a disbelieving smirk. “You’re only saying that because it’s the safest thing to say to your wife who’s about the freak.”

He kissed her. “True, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t genuinely what I think and feel.”

“But so soon? Jeez, Jaylon. We’ve been together less than a month and yet here we are mated, married, and now expecting? Aren’t you scared?”

He shook his head. “After almost losing you to a bullet, a baby will be a walk in the park. Literally.”

A slow smile spread across her lips. “I can just picture you pushing a carriage in the park.”

He laughed. “And how do I look?”

Slipping her arms around his neck, she kissed him softly. “Gorgeous.”

“What’s that rhyme? Becca and Jaylon sitting in a tree...first comes love…then comes marriage…”

She smirked again. “Fast tracked. That rhyme was definitely fast tracked.”

He pulled her in closer. “That’s the way I do most things.”

“Oh really? I know one thing you like to do slow. Hard, yes. Rough, sometimes…but you definitely take your time.”

“Oh, and what’s that?” He leaned in, taking her mouth.

“Making babies.”

He grinned against her lips. “What do you suggest, then?” His hands slid to cup her full ass.

Becca’s breath hitched.

“Practice…lots and lots of practice.”