When Liz had come home, I told her most of what happened. I had told her how Jordan, Alex and I were trying again, and we even discussed me moving out. She was happy for me and told me not to worry about the house. We decided to talk more when the guys came home.
As far as their job, I only said they worked for the government and that Bear was helping me while they were gone. She was confused about why he was still around since she was home, but I convinced her that he was a good friend and that Jordan and Alex would want him with me until they got back. She reluctantly let it go.
She now stood with her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed on our guilty faces. I looked to Bear for an answer.
He shrugged. “It’s only the name of the military division they’re in.”
“No, there’s something else going on. Both of you have been whispering and stopping discussions when I walk in a room since I came back from Europe. Furthermore, why exactly do you need to be here anyway? I’m capable of taking care of Sam.”
“I…” Shit, I didn’t know what to say, but I didn’t want to lie to her. She was my very best friend. There was no way I would be able to keep the secret from her for long.
I looked up at Bear, pleading. He shook his head no and stared at me hard in warning.
“Bear, I trust Liz one hundred percent. I have known her for a very long time, and she’s been there for me at my lowest times. I don’t think I can keep this from her.”
“Sam, you can’t.” Bear growled a warning.
“I’m sorry, but I have to tell her.”
“Tell me what?” Liz’s eyes were bouncing back and forth between Bear and I.
Bear sighed and his shoulders slumped. “I can’t stop you, but if this goes badly, I won’t be able to protect you.”
“Goes badly as in, if Liz can’t keep her mouth shut, then I’ll be killed?”
Bear looked me in the eyes and nodded once. I could see the regret in his expression, but it didn’t stop the shudder from moving down my spine at the thought of things going badly.
Liz raised her hands up in alarm. “Wait! What are you talking about? You can’t kill her! I won’t let you!” She ran to her purse and pulled out her cell phone. “I’m calling the cops.”
“No! Liz, put down the phone.”
Liz looked at me, her eyebrows lowered in confusion. “That guy just threatened you.”
I swallowed hard. “Sort of, yes, but I know you won’t tell anyone, so I don’t have anything to worry about, right?”
“What is going on, Sam?”
“Put down the phone, and I will tell you.”
Liz shook her head. “No, tell me first.” She held the phone against her chest protectively.
I sighed. “Just promise me you will keep this to yourself. This can never leave this room, understand? No one, and I mean no one, can know what I’m about to tell you.”
Liz eyed me warily, but nodded, as she moved to the couch and sat down. “Yes, I promise.”
I could see Bear was unhappy, but he sat silently in the armchair and didn’t interrupt. I sat beside Liz and told her what I knew. Jordan and Alex were more than just men. They were shifters that could change into jaguars.
She was as disbelieving as I was at first, but when I told her I watched Alex shift firsthand, she finally accepted what I was telling her as the truth. Liz knew I was honest and that I would never lie to her.
I described what I knew about the Alpha Division, which wasn’t much. She became instantly concerned and hugged me tightly.
“Wow,” Liz whispered.
I chuckled at her dazed expression. I knew exactly how she felt. I wondered what she would do if she ever got to see one of their shifts.
“I have so many questions.”
“I’m sure you do. I still have about a billion. Go ahead and ask, and I’ll answer if I can.”
“Will the baby be one of them?” Liz’s voice was brave, but her gaze was wary.
I shrugged. “They told me it was possible. We have to wait until she goes through puberty before we’ll know.”
Liz’s face crumpled into concern, as she placed her hands gently on my tummy. “Awe, poor Ava.”
Bear huffed, bringing my attention back to him. “There is nothing wrong with being a shifter. She would be lucky to have such a blessing.”
Liz rolled her eyes and looked over at him, annoyance clearly across her face. “I didn’t say there was anything wrong with being a shifter. I just think puberty is a rough time to have to go through a change like that.”
Bear’s cheeks took on a rosy glow, and I smiled before turning back to Liz.
“That’s what I said. However, Jordan and Alex will be here to help her through it. She won’t be alone.”
My smiled dimmed as soon as the words were out of my mouth. What will happen if Jordan and Alex never came home? How would I raise a shifter on my own?
Liz pulled me close and rubbed my back in a soothing motion. “They’ll be alright, Sam.”