The Jaguar’s Arranged Mate

Chapter 16

Miera was loath to give the baby back to the doctors, but even she could see that the baby was gasping for breath. The last time she had attempted to nurse, the baby’s face had turned blue, and she became so frightened that despite her wanting to stay by his side, she gave him back.

One of nurses mentioned that it was good that she had tried to nurse but for her not to expect much.

“Can I expect him to live through the night?” she asked.

The nurse’s face became a mask. “I can’t say. No one can.”

Miera knew that would be the answer, but she needed some kind of reassurance, even if it was only a lie. Still, she had a job to do. Right now, the doctors were playing the part of mother more than she could. Just because she had a baby didn’t mean that she was no longer heir.

So she left the makeshift hospital, feeling as if she had left a part of herself behind. She loved the baby so much. We really need to come up with a name for him. I want us to come up with it. Beric and I together. If he wants to…

As much as she wanted her family to be whole and happy and, most importantly, healthy, she had to focus on her pack. The worst member of her pack. The traitor.

Was it possible the fiend was a Blood Rose? She could think of no one who hated the Teal Warriors enough to risk endangering the rest of their pack.

Well, she could think of one person and one person only.

Her father.

But that was absurd. He was alpha. He would never do something so callous.

Then again, he hadn’t been acting like himself since he first learned about her being pregnant. And even before then, when the Brutal Claws had first stated to sniff around their lands. He was always on edge, ready to pick a fight with anyone who looked at him the wrong way.

Although she could hardly believe he was capable of such a thing, she needed to talk to him regardless. That he had spoken out against the Teal Warriors in front of that crowd was almost unforgivable in and of itself.

Her father hated being here, so he was staying in a relatively small house that had belonged to Teal Warriors who had died during one of the first few battles. It was the farthest he could be from everyone else.

As she hurried that way, the realization that there had not been a council meeting since before the wedding struck her. They were losing their way. The Blood Roses always drew strength from their unity. Without the council, they would surely lose to their enemies. The thought saddened her, but she would not give into sorrow. Too much was at stake.

She stalked to the house. The door was locked, but a light shone from beneath it. Her fist pounded on the door.

Her father didn’t answer it.

“Open up. It’s Miera. We need to talk.”

No response.

Was he not here after all? Where would he be?

She was contemplating trying a window when the door finally creaked open. Her father stood there. He looked worn and old, as if he had aged a great deal in a short amount of time. She certainly felt that way herself.

His lips were pressed into a straight line, and she instantly recognized that look. He was disappointed in her.

“What did I do now?” she asked, suddenly weary.

“You… You are disappointed in me.”

His sudden reversal left her gaping at him and forced her to be honest before she could think whether that was wise. “Well, yes. I am.”

“And you have every right to be.” He sighed and shook his lowered head. “I must admit I always thought the world of you, and I never thought you would ever do anything other than what was expected of you. And for the most part, you’ve done just that.”

“I’m not perfect.”

“And neither am I. I know I’ve been unduly harsh on you. I apologize for that.”

Impulsively, she threw her arms around him.

After a moment, he returned the hug and patted her shoulders. “I’ve been harsh toward the Teal Warriors, too, but I reserve judgment on whether or not that is unduly as well.”

Heaving a sigh, she stepped back. “Father, be reasonable. Whether or not you like them doesn’t matter. Without them, we will all die. Hell, we might die anyhow. Is it worth the risk of losing us all just to condemn them?”

She watched his face carefully. To her horror, a single tear streaked down his cheek.

“I’ve been a terrible alpha, haven’t I? I… I’ve been so angry all of the time.”

“Why? Because of me?”

“Because I have cancer. It’s terminal.”

“Cancer?” Miera gasped and covered her mouth. “I thought it wasn’t possible for weres to get cancer!”

“Well, I’ve always been one to go against tradition.” His smile was weak. “It’s in my brain, and I… I don’t have much time left either way. Regardless…” He straightened and puffed out his chest. “I will do my part to mend the rift I created. I still think there is a traitor, and we do need to find him or her, but we must come together.”

Relief and horror warred within her. Her father wasn’t the traitor, but to learn he was dying… “How long have you known?”

“I found out just before I learned of your… condition.” He grinned wryly. “The baby…”

“A son.” She beamed with pride. “He’s too small and might not live, but he’s alive for right now.”

“A blessing. I don’t know if you know this or not, but I have gone to visit him. If he takes after his mother, he’ll pull through. He’s got fighter genes in him.”

“From both his mother…” She trailed off. She had been about to say “and his father” meaning Beric, but that wasn’t the truth. With time and Beric as his stepfather, their son would take on some of his traits.

At least, she hoped that would happen.

“First, we should have a council meeting.” Her father rubbed his hands together, looking more and more like his old self. “We can have some of the Teal Warriors on it, like we intended before the Brutal Claws ruined everything. We must figure out who the traitor is and then focus on the Brutal Claws and—”

“You set it up.”

He blinked. “Won’t you be there? You and your husband?”