This finally won me a smile. The corner of Fatima’s mouth turned up ever so slightly before she schooled her features into another frown.
“Bossy male,” she pouted.
“Stubborn female,” I replied.
True to her word, Fatima did get Orsu, but as I predicted, dinner was ready by the time they returned.
“I’m glad you came,” I smiled up at my friend. “I could use some help getting into bed, and I do not wish to trouble my mate any further.”
“I’m glad to see you’re doing better,” Orsu grinned back at me.
“Did Fatima ask you to bring some pancake mix?” I asked the bear shifter as he helped me up.
“No, I didn’t,” Fatima cut in before Orsu could answer.
“It’s getting late, and I can get some pancake mix myself in the morning.”
“I’ll bring some by tomorrow,” Orsu whispered as he lowered me onto my bed.
“Thanks friend. Bring me a cane too,” I requested. I would need it to get around the house while I cooked and cleaned for my pregnant mate.
Orsu gave me a small nod of acknowledgment. “Goodnight to you both.”
“Good night Orsu, and thank you.” Fatima replied and shut the door behind our friend.
“Don’t do that again,” she warned.
“I will obey your every command, now eat and join me in bed.” I replied in a teasing tone.
“Fine,” she smiled and brought her bowl of food to bed where we sat side by side while she ate.
“I thought you were going to die,” Fatima confessed in between bites. The sadness in her tone made my heart ache.
“Never,” I vowed. “As long as you live, I will be around the take care of you.”
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
Chapter 18
Fatima
CW: childbirth
The next two weeks passed by quickly. Zander continued to heal, and my belly continued to grow. Unfortunately, there was still no sign of Gil, Anusha, or Sozu. Talia grew more restless by the day, and Zander looked at Favalor with disdain. He didn’t believe his story that Gil kidnapped our healer. It didn’t help that Favalor didn’t have any proof to back up his claim.
“Ow,” I winced as I sat by the fire trying to knit a tiny sweater.
“What is it?” Zander was immediately by my side. The sirret people healed much faster than humans did. He had a bit of a limp, but Zander could walk without much pain just two weeks after the solete attack.
“It’s nothing,” I assured him. “My side had been hurting off and on all afternoon. It’ll go away.”
“That doesn’t sound right,” he replied with a frown. “I’m going to get Neelu.”
Zander had been quick to grab the elder woman for any pain or ache I had. She always checked on me with a smile, but her patience would run out eventually.
“Really, I’m okay.” But he was already out the door.
