Page 133 of Their Pretty Little Monster

Wolfe doesn’t hesitate, and with a growl, he dives underwater, splashing us all, half the bathroom getting soaked. Sage screams with laughter, wriggling and half dipping under the water. I chuckle, staring over at Killian, who’s shaking his head.

“Fuck him for showing off his two cocks,” he growls, but there’s a smile tugging at his lips.

I can’t help myself, already approaching her, needing one of those nipples that keep popping out of the water in my mouth… Killian has the same idea—we fuck her brains out tonight. And she’ll energize us, ready for tomorrow.

But for now, I’m reminded of what we’re fighting for, and I steel myself for whatever comes.

Chapter

Thirty-Six

KILLIAN

Today we’re going to destroy this goddamn quest. Standing outdoors, the cold clings to me. We were escorted by a dozen guards early this morning and told to wait on the edge of the city where the woodland in front of us stretches toward the immense mountains that cast shadows over everything.

Dawn paints pink hues across the sky while the dual full moons hang low. The city behind us sleeps, though several dozen locals have gathered nearby, huddling at the rear of a stone building. They’re watching us. I’m surprised that word about our quest has been released to the population. I had assumed the false King would have done everything in his power to conceal it.

Speaking of the fucker, he still hasn’t shown up.

My gaze falls on Sage, who’s pressed close to Wolfe. He’s whispering in her ear, bringing a smile to those beautiful lips. Today, she wears tight black pants, boots, and a fitted long-sleeved shirt. Her long violet hair is pulled back into a long plait, and the look is breathtaking. She looks fucking fierce—clothes courtesy of her sister, who had them delivered to our quarters early this morning.

Wolfe, Nyko, and I stand in our monster forms, and I’m ready to start. Fuck! What’s taking so long? Waiting only has doubts creeping in… doubts that we’re being set up.

A rising chatter among the spectators has me glancing over to where Sage’s father finally approaches with more of his guards in tow. His other daughter is nowhere in sight. A gold-and-red mantle flutters from his shoulders behind him, and he’s putting on a show for the people who bow their heads as he passes. Cane in hand, his eyes are dark when he glances our way, his lips twisted in a smirk that makes my blood boil.

“I have kept my word, as I always do,” he begins, pausing several feet in front of us, his voice loud enough to carry over the gathered crowd.

I reach over, taking Sage’s hand, already missing her, wishing I could bundle her up somewhere safe, somewhere other than here.

Wolfe and Nyko stand tall beside us, glaring at the King.

The fast, rhythmic thud of my heart never slows.

“As the King, I would not be doing my job if I didn’t ensure my successor would take care of my Shadowfen. So, are you four deserving of such a position?” He pauses for effect, always the dramatic asshole. “Therefore, you will partake in a quest to prove your worth.” The steel is gone from his gaze as he looks over at the locals from the kingdom.

Partake is a far stretch when he gave us no damn option.

These theatrics irritate me. Nyko’s fidgeting, and Sage just stares at her father, her brow furrowed. Wolfe nods, his arms tense by his sides, barely holding back from lunging at him.

“And the quest?” Nyko asks abruptly.

The King’s grin spreads, almost touching his eyes, the evil behind them infuriating. “Your quest is to kill a Nythrax beast.”

A great collective gasp comes from the gathered audience, and now I’m questioning if they’re staged for effect.

“The animal resides in the woods, far up in the caves, as it has done since we moved onto this land. No one has been successful in slaying the creature, and more recently, it’s started to descend the mountain, picking off my loyal Shadowfen. True heroes would risk anything to protect their Shadowfen. So, I’m certain you four can put an end to it.” His gaze lowers to Sage, tendons flexing in his neck, a dangerous look surging over his face—one of destruction, of cruelty.

My fingers curl into fists. Kill him. That’s all I can think about.

“Is that all?” Nyko barks, more angry than frustrated. He’s shifting on his feet, cracking his knuckles.

A glint of anger burns in the King’s eyes. “I’ll take that as you’re ready, and we’ll cease the formalities, shall I?” He claps his hands twice.

An older man in a white robe and with white hair rushes over, mumbling words as he raises his hands toward the ascending forest.

My skin bites from the magic, and the world before us seems to shimmer when a black circle of flames erupts to life ten feet away. The center is large enough for a person to fit through, and it ripples like the surface of water. In moments, it’s clear, giving us a window into another place.

I lean in, studying the gateway. Are you kidding me?

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