Page 134 of Ravenous

To thunderous applause, Yrsa called, “Enjoy the feast and the bounties of mighty Ravinelun!” Then she sat and turned her attention to the Fey.

“What did we miss?” came a cheerful female voice. Torben and Dagny approached, the latter radiant and very pregnant. “Sorry we’re late.” Dagny laughed. “I couldn’t get my dress over this bump!” She sank into the chair beside Lia, then promptly pulled her into a hug.

Lia froze, startled.My first hug?Of course it would involve surprise and witnesses. She awkwardly returned it—only to find her mouth inches from the woman’s clean-scented neck, her thudding pulse.

Oh no.

But the ache never came. No tingling. No urge to pierce flesh.

When Dagny drew back, both Arctos and Torben glanced sharply at Lia’s mouth. She smiled reassuringly, and the tension eased from their faces.I passed the test. I’m done with that part of me.

The males both relaxed by degrees. Torben especially had been tensed to intervene.

“I’ve wanted to meet you for so long,” Dagny said. “They insisted I stay away until we were sure you wouldn’t drain me. As if you could.” With a wink, she raised one lithe arm and made a muscle. “Although from what I’ve seen of late, you might give me a run for my money.” She grabbed Lia’s own arm.“Impressive.”

Torben wryly said, “Can you release her, love, and allow her to adjust to your frosty indifference?”

Speaking of which…Torben and Arctos exchanged only a stiff nod.

Dagny stuck her tongue out at her mate. “I already like her, which means everyone’s lucky I’m not grinding my knuckles into her hair.”

Lia laughed, easing instantly into the female’s unfiltered nature. “When are you due, Dagny?”

“Any minute now, and not a moment too soon. This cub practices battle stances on my bladder all night.”

Lia tried to imagine what that felt like. Once, she’d feared pregnancy—feared Co?tin’s body resurrecting to claim hers. And then had come her father’s shuddersome decree.

Yet here, watching Dagny glow and tease, Lia felt an ache of longing.

Dagny nudged her. “I’ll have plenty of advice when it’s your turn.”

Lia’s eyes flicked to Arctos, whose expression remained carved from stone.

Dagny didn’t notice. “I’m glad you’re here. We’ll be fast friends, you and I. Immune to the petty spats that plague our men.”

The two warriors exchanged another glower.

Dagny only smirked. “I say what I think,” she added. “It keeps life interesting. And I’ve got my sword to back it up.”

Lia chuckled. This bold, straightforward woman was so unlike the scheming vampires she’d escaped.

As mead flowed, the crowd’s tenuous restraint dissolved. Musicians struck up a boisterous tune. Berserkers danced on tables; others hurled axes toward a target in the back. Shadows writhed with stolen kisses.

A server with a leg of game in one hand and a pitcher in the other sloshed amber liquid into Lia’s mug, though she had decided never to drink again. Dagny covered her mug, and Torben did as well.

“Aww,” she said to her mate. “Your solidarity warms me.”

Torben leaned in. “How warm?”

“Sultry.” She pulled him in for a passionate kiss.

Lia blushed, averting her gaze, and found Arctos watching her with faint amusement.

“They’re often like this,” he said with a helpless shrug.

“It’s…educational,” Lia murmured.

When the couple finally parted, Dagny fanned herself. “He can’t even help it. I’m irresistible. All bulbous.”