Liberty shifted back to her human form, wrapping her hands around her pregnant belly. She froze for a moment, unsure if she had seen a flash of light off in the woods or not. During her shift, she could’ve sworn there’d been a bright light several yards away, but now, it was just…gone.
She raised her nose to the sky, inhaling deep. The only scents she could detect were of the two Guardians who’d followed her from a distance. Maybe she was losing her mind? She had a bad case of pregnancy brain, and her thoughts had been scattered over the past few weeks. Her panther was quiet and had recessed into the back of her mind, leaving her human side in control. If there had been anyone out there who hadn’t belonged, she was sure her beast would’ve known regardless.
Talon had told her that very soon, her panther would stop pushing for release and allow her to stay human for the last few weeks of her pregnancy. She could already feel her panther receding in her mind, and the shift had been harder to accomplish over the past few weeks. Could she have missed an intruder on their land? Was she worrying too much?
The worry stemmed from the way things had changed since they’d been found out by the humans. Of course, that was before Liberty had been changed into one of them. The pride was a close-knit community, always lending a hand to each other when needed. There was no money system between them. Some of the pride worked for Talon’s companies, others held jobs out in the human world to pay their bills for things such as cell phones and car notes.
Liberty felt the love of her pride, not as strongly as Talon felt them himself, but she sensed their pain, their love, their happiness, and even their sadness. It was strange at first, but the mystical mojo was there. She understood it now.
The Summer Solstice was only a week away, and the young men of the pride would be fighting for a spot with the Guardians. She’d voiced her concern over the well-being of the men who were finally of age to fight. Talon assured her they were only fighting for dominance and not to hurt each other. He laughed and reminded her that they were panthers and would heal by the following morning. Even though she didn’t like the idea of them fighting, she understood how they would want to prove their worth to the alpha.
“Where have you been?” Talon bellowed. The arrival of her mate didn’t startle her because she’d already sensed him approaching. The weird light was forgotten as soon as she caught his scent.
“I went out for a run,” she replied, pulling her ankle length dress over her head. She held her hand to the back of her mouth as she tried to stifle a yawn.
“You’re tired,” he said as he frowned at her.
“I am,” she agreed, walking to his side. Her mate had been more observant lately. He’d also been very grumpy when she was out of his sight.
“I don’t like you going out on your own,” he said, pulling her into the comforting embrace of his arms.
“Ranger and Savage were out in the woods,” she replied, rolling her eyes against his chest where he couldn’t see.
“That’s how I found out you were out there alone,” he grumbled, tightening his hold around her shoulders. They couldn’t quite mold their bodies the way they’d done months ago. Her rounded stomach was taking up too much room.
“They are little snitches,” she chuckled, knowing the Guardians were just as protective of her as her mate was.
“They’re doing their job,” he huffed, glancing up at the sky. “Come, let’s get you inside. Looks like it’s going to rain soon.” Could that flash have been from an approaching storm? She was really losing her mind. Maybe I do need a nap.
Talon wrapped an arm around her waist, his body bending slightly so he could keep his hold on her even if it caused him discomfort. That was Liberty’s mate; always putting her happiness and comfort above his own.
“Harold wants us to come by for a final sonogram in the morning,” Liberty announced as they walked into the living room. Some of the pride milled about, the males stopping to watch Liberty as she moved toward the large mound of pillows on the floor. She’d become accustomed to the way they gravitated toward her ever since she’d found out she was pregnant.
For the past few weeks, she’d also had this overwhelming urge to be around her new family, and being in the center of the pride’s home was where she was most comfortable. There were pillows which made a huge bed in the corner between the fireplace and the couch. She didn’t have to be told that it was her cub that was in charge of those feelings, either. Liberty knew she was getting closer to her delivery in just over a month’s time. Even with her panther relaxing in her mind, she still felt that animal part of her controlling her new life.
“Oh, this is nice,” she sighed, letting Talon help her down onto the makeshift bed. The multicolored pillows made a huge circle, each one a little different in size. Below it was a thick foam pad to keep Liberty comfortable when she napped during the day. The females of the pride would open the blinds during the afternoon to give her some amount of sunlight as she rested. Several soft blankets were folded neatly by her head for when she got cold.
“Are you ready to eat, Liberty?” Mrs. Shaw, Talon’s mother, smiled. In her hand, she held a platter of food. The scent made Liberty’s mouth water.
“Yes,” she hummed. “I’m starving.”
“Us, too,” Nova said as she entered the living room with Mary Grace walking beside her. They were only a few months behind Liberty in their pregnancies.
Nova took to one side of Liberty, sighing as she found a comfortable spot in the mound of pillows. Mary Grace laid down on the other side, closing her eyes as soon as she rested her head on her arm.
“I just want to sleep,” Mary Grace whispered. Within seconds, her breathing had evened out.
“I’ll bring more food,” Mrs. Shaw chuckled.
When she turned to head back to the kitchen, Talon’s mother stumbled slightly, causing her mate to reach out. “Ma?”
“I’m fine, son,” she said, pushing away his hand. Talon watched her as she left the room, frowning at her back.
“She’s been working at the house a lot, Talon,” Liberty informed him. “She needs to stop worrying about everyone and take a break.”
“That’s my mom,” he said proudly, shaking his head. “She likes to keep busy.”
“I know.” Liberty smiled sadly. Ever since Liberty had been mated to Talon, his mother had been a big part of teaching her all of the duties a mate to the alpha was responsible for. Liberty could tell that Mrs. Shaw still suffered from loneliness, because she missed Talon’s father. Liberty wondered if Victoria would ever find another male to fall in love with, even if it wasn’t possible for them to mate another.
“Eat,” he ordered, bringing her thoughts back to her mate. Talon stood at the end of the makeshift bed, his large frame looking menacing from her spot on the floor. But she knew how soft and caring he really was, especially when he was holding her and their unborn cub.
As if the cub knew its father was near, the little bugger gave a roundhouse kick to Liberty’s ribs, causing her to jerk and then suck in a breath through her teeth. “Ow.”
“What?” Talon panicked, dropping to his knees.
“Your cub is going to be strong,” she laughed, rubbing the spot on her side.
“Not if his mother doesn’t eat,” Talon growled, pushing the platter toward her.
“Yes, sir.” Liberty nodded, her eyes taking in the food that had been prepared. There was steak, chicken, mashed potatoes, a small bowl of fresh fruit, and a hearty salad.
“I don’t see how in the hell you are craving salad,” Talon chuckled. It was a strange craving, but Liberty didn’t care. Being a panther, she should be begging for meats and other proteins, but for some reason, she wanted cold, crisp lettuce and tomatoes.
“That’s what I’m craving.” She shrugged, forking a few leaves of lettuce and popping it into her mouth.
“Not me,” Nova mumbled from her side. Her sister was half asleep as she waited for Mrs. Shaw to return with her meal. “I want ribs.”
“We can get that for you,” Talon said with a grin. “I’ll go put in your request with the kitchen, Nova.”
Liberty heard her sister chuckle from her side. Mary Grace was fast asleep and wasn’t moving. Talon returned a little later with two platters in his hands. Nova sat straight up as soon as the scent of her requested meal hit her. Mary Grace struggled to sit up, one eye closing as she waited for Talon to hand over her food.
“Are you still tired?” Talon asked, then frowned. Mary Grace had been sleeping a lot lately and Savage had voiced his concern to the healer, but Harold had assured everyone that it was just part of her pregnancy. All three women were beyond healthy and their cubs were thriving.
“Yes,” she mumbled as she picked at her food. “I think after I eat, I’m just going to stay here. I sleep better here than in our bed at the house.” In fact, all three women usually spent their time curled up together in the sunken living room until their mates came home from their jobs.
“You stay here with Liberty,” Talon ordered, glancing sideways at Nova. “And the same goes for you.”
“I need to go…” Nova paused when she saw Talon narrowing his eyes. Liberty stifled a laugh at her sister obeying the alpha. Talon and her mate, Winter, were the only two people on the face of the planet that could order Nova Blue around and get away with it.
“Cole is taking care of things at The Deuce,” Talon promised. “Stay here and take the afternoon off.”
All three women nodded and tucked into their plates, finishing just about every drop of food that had been prepared for them. June, the children’s caregiver, came by and took their platters. Talon had moved to the high back chair on the other side of the fireplace to keep an eye on Liberty. He’d been doing that a lot more lately, but she wasn’t going to complain. Having him there was comforting. She smiled as she tucked her arm under a pillow.
The alpha was calming the women with his powers.
Liberty smiled as she fell into a deep sleep.
“Do you want to know what you are having?” Harold smiled as he ran the wand over Liberty’s swollen belly.
“No,” Talon and Liberty answered together. Liberty laughed as Talon rubbed her arm. They’d both made the decision to wait until the cub was born to find out what the sex would be.
“Okay then,” Harold chuckled, turning off the machine. He handed Liberty a towel to wipe the gel from her skin as he made some notes on her chart. “Well, mother and cub are doing just fine. Only a few more weeks and the little bugger will be here.”
“We have so much to do,” Liberty worried.
“You aren’t doing anything,” Talon ordered as he used his alpha powers to caress her as she struggled to sit up. She gave him a sideways glance when she realized he was calming her down. “Marie and Evie are there to help you, and you better let them help.”
“Okay, Talon.” She smiled the smile that told Talon his mate wasn’t going to listen to him. He swore she was immune to his alpha powers. Oh, she would let him think he was giving her orders, but he knew she agreed just to appease him. “I’ll call Evie to come over and help me finish the cub’s nursery.”
“Good,” he said, shaking his head at his mate.
“I have to get out of here,” Harold told them. “I need to check on Mary Grace and your sister. You three will have me running like mad when these cubs are coming within a few months of each other.”
“We will walk back over with you,” Talon offered, helping his mate stand.
They left the healer’s home, which was the first cabin up the gravel road from the alpha’s. Harold had never mated, but he kept a home alongside the others. It was easier for him to be close to the couples since most of his work consisted of delivering cubs or patching up Guardians who had been injured.
The healer and Liberty talked about the birth of the cub. She admitted she was nervous, but Harold had an amazing bedside manner. By the time they reached the back porch of their home, Liberty was smiling and appeared a little more relaxed.
“Come in and let me make you some tea,” Liberty offered, causing Talon to frown. He wanted her to rest, because her body was about to go through so much to bring life to his son or daughter.
“I would love some.” Harold grinned, casting his eyes toward Talon. He gave a little shake of his head, indicating that Liberty was fine and for Talon not to spoil her good mood.
June was in the playroom off the kitchen, getting all of the cubs in her care down for a nap. It was right after lunchtime, and Talon smiled at the woman who’d offered to take the job. They now had six cubs ranging in age from newborn to five years of age. It wouldn’t be long before their own cub would make number seven. Nova and Mary Grace were due on the same date but several months down the road. Harold had mentioned that he was hoping they wouldn’t go into labor simultaneously. Liberty had bet Talon that they would.
“I need to go to my office and do some work,” Talon said after accepting a glass of tea from his mate. “Call for me if you need anything.”
“I’m going to have a salad, then maybe lay down for a little while before Marie and Evie come over to help with the nursery.” Talon chuckled as he walked toward his office. His mate had some weird cravings.
His phone was full of emails and messages from various people. Ranger had called to inform him that some of the teenagers were getting out of hand with the fights for dominance. Four of them had to be detained until they settled down.
The Summer Solstice would be upon them on Saturday, and only on that night would he let them fight for a position within the ranks of the Guardians. Four of the six who’d turned twenty since the last Summer Solstice had shown interest and looked promising, but they were also the ones Ranger had named in his voicemail. Those boys needed a firm hand.
The fights on the Solstice were kept neutral. The Guardians were not allowed to train any of the males to fight. Talon wanted raw strength and power from his Guardians. The ones coming upon their full power were to train themselves and work with their opponents until they came to the circle.
He scrolled through the accounts for his construction company and security firm. Both businesses were booming, and even though he didn’t work at either one of them since taking over the pride, Talon liked to keep tabs on the numbers once a week and fill in when needed.
“Talon!” his mate called out.
He was out the door and down the hallway in a flash. His eyes sparked amber at the thought of his mate being hurt, but when he rounded the corner, he realized it wasn’t Liberty who was in distress. Harold was on his hands and knees over his mother. June was there, staying back with her hand over her mouth as a tear leaked from the corner of her eye. Liberty was on the floor, holding his mother’s hand.
“What the hell is going on?” Talon yelled. “Ma?”
“She collapsed,” Liberty whimpered. Talon reached for his mate as she struggled to get off her knees. He carefully moved Liberty into June’s awaiting arms.
“Ma?” he called out, touching the side of her face as soon as he took a knee where Liberty had been kneeling.
“I’m fine, son,” she promised.
“I need to check you over,” Harold said. The healer quickly slipped on some gloves and reached for his mother’s wrist. He closed his eyes as he took her pulse. He frowned and quickly checked her eyes with a pen light he kept in his shirt pocket. When his mother checked out, Harold looked up at her with a frown. “I think we should draw some blood, as well.”
“Can I get up?” she asked, looking around at the people that had gathered. Talon carefully helped his mother sit upright for a moment until she nodded. He waited another few seconds before guiding her over to a seat that Liberty had pulled away from the kitchen table.
“Sit in this chair,” Talon ordered. His mother’s hair was twisted up into a bun at the back of her head, only a few tendrils had escaped to hang loose around her face. Her stunning blue eyes were sparking amber, letting him know that her panther was on edge.
“I’d like to know what the hell is going on,” Talon snapped as he turned toward the healer, his fists clenched at his sides. Liberty stepped up and rested a hand on his forearm. He felt his panther relax at her touch.
“I was coming into the kitchen and I got dizzy,” she began. “I’ve been feeling run down and tired a lot, but I’m sure it’s nothing, Talon.”
“It is something, Ma,” he growled. “Passing out is not good.”
“You have been doing a lot around here, Victoria,” Liberty pointed out. “Maybe you should take a break. I can always have Marie help me out here.”
“No,” his mother answered. “I want to help you, Liberty.”
“Why don’t you spend some time with me and let Marie help out around the pride until the cub is born? That way, we can both rest.” Liberty smiled at Talon’s mother, and he saw his mother’s eyes soften at his mate’s words.
“I’d like that,” Victoria said with a grin. “I’d like that a lot.”
Talon stepped aside as Harold removed his gloves. He glanced over his shoulder and waited until his mother and mate were deep into conversation before he turned to the healer. “What do you think it is?”
Harold wiped his hands on a paper towel after washing them, tossing the waste into the trash bin at the end of the counter. He seemed to weigh his words carefully before he finally looked up into Talon’s eyes. What the alpha saw there was worry and uncertainty.
“I need to run some tests on her before I can be certain,” Harold replied, walking over toward Victoria Shaw. He leaned in and whispered a few words to the matriarch. She nodded and stood slowly from her seat.
“I’ll walk with you over to the healer’s home,” Talon offered, quickly moving to his mother’s side. “Then I’ll come back here.”
His mother wasn’t that old. She was barely into her sixties and should have several years left before her health started failing from age, but looking into his mother’s eyes, he had a feeling that whatever the healer found wasn’t going to be good news.