Page 116 of Their Pretty Little Monster

“I guess we’re doing this, then?” she asks, her voice steady despite the dread rippling over her face.

“I’m ready,” I state, Killian and Nyko mimicking me at once. We’ve been waiting for this moment for years—to have a reason to approach the King without being killed on sight on his island.

“I mean, I’m scared out of my mind, but the fear of doing nothing is so much worse,” she says, offering us a lopsided grin. Fuck, she’s adorable.

Nyko pulls her into a fierce embrace. “That’s my girl,” he murmurs proudly.

I’d give my left arm to be him right now, taking her into my embrace.

“All right.” I nod. “We need to prepare for departure. Sage, you’ll be staying with one of us three at all times from now on, just in case. Nyko and Killian,” I continue. “Get the warriors ready. I’ll speak with Clay about the course for the vessel, and I’ll send a message to King Bren of our arrival to avoid them attacking us for arriving unannounced. Our plan is to be there in just over forty-eight hours.” I swing my attention to Sage, my hand reaching up to cup the side of her face. She leans into my touch, the admiration in her gaze for me unmissable. It softens my heart.

“I hate that you’re going to be in the firing line, but we’ll risk everything to protect you,” I explain.

“I never expected anyone to risk themselves for me.”

Killian leans in and kisses her on the lips. Nyko closes in behind her and takes her mouth the moment they finish. A growl rumbles in my chest at the sight, the jealousy that I’m across the table from them.

Then everyone rises. As we head out, I grab Sage’s hand, feeling the warmth of her skin. “Have you got a moment?” I ask softly.

She gives me that small smile that had me falling for her back in Nightingale Village. Killian and Nyko glance our way, then leave us alone in the room, shutting the door behind them.

“Are you sure about this? It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenaline. I can’t bear it if anything happens to you.”

“I’m ready. If this is my fault, I should fix it, right?”

“It’s not your fault.” I grip her hand tighter, my eyes searching hers. “If we’re going to play the blame game, it’s us three for seeking you out and bringing you here.”

She sighs heavily.

“You know, you’re a very different girl from the one who arrived in Blight,” I explain, trying to steady the storm inside me, my fierce attraction to her.

Reaching over, she curls her hand through my dark hair, draping it over my shoulder. The touch sends a delicious shiver down my spine, and I lean into it, my hunger for her intensifying.

“Maybe I just didn’t realize I was this person all along,” she says softly. “I was never given the chance in the village.”

“I fucking love this strong side of you,” I confess. “But it scares me, too. The thought of you getting hurt…”

“I know the risks, Wolfe.” Her fingers continue to play with my hair. “But I want to stop thinking about them for a moment as I’m going to be a mess leading up to seeing my father. I’d rather focus on your monster form because it does something wonderful for me.” She bites her lower lip as her breaths quicken.

My gaze dips to her mouth, then lower to where the buttons strain against her heaving chest.

In a heartbeat, my human form sheds, and I grow and expand, standing in front of her in my Shadowfen form. My pants and shirt, feeling too tight, will be coming off soon.

“My monster form doesn’t scare you?” A growl rumbles in my chest, the hardness in my pants growing. I trace my fingertips over her collarbone, enjoying the heat of her skin.

“It did when I first saw you that way.” Her hand falls from my hair to the hard planes of my chest. Her touch, even through the fabric, is a fire, and I’ll willingly burn in her flames.

“You have no idea what I’d do for you.” I thread my hand through her hair to the back of her head, pulling her even closer. “Right now, it feels like an eternity since you’ve been in my arms.”

She purrs softly, the sound vibrating through me. I adore that sound she makes. My lips brush hers, inhaling her sweet berries and sex scent.

“Good, you should never be frightened of me.”

Her hands clutch at me, her body pressed tightly against mine.

Her scent fogs my mind, drowning out every thought.

Irresistible.

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