Page 28 of Their Pretty Little Monster

“And how your body reacts.” His gaze intensifies.

I shake my head, fighting the heat between us. “Am I supposed to feel something beyond your hand?” I arch an eyebrow at him.

His brow furrows, and he moves aside, giving me space. Then he’s grinning.

“Clever girl. But tomorrow, you won’t be able to hide the truth from me.”

I blink at him as he pushes me to start climbing the stairs, but I’m still stuck on his words about tomorrow.

What did they mean?

Despite my resistance and fear, I want to respond to his advances, to discover what being with someone as powerful as him would be like. Sometimes, I feel as though I’ve always been the good girl who never broke the rules, who never talked back, and who tried to be invisible.

Now, I blush at my thoughts toward a monster, which is confusing because I have no idea what I’m even doing.

Killian’s presence behind me as we head into the glass elevator and descend in seconds and the way he stares at me hungrily are slightly unnerving.

Once the doors open, we walk into an open dining area that’s spectacular, every surface gleaming like glass. The walls, the ceiling, and even the floor beneath our feet appear to be made of this material, but with lights underfoot that glow with each step we take.

Dark purple vines covered with luminous berries are woven from one floating lantern to another, infusing the room with a faint glow.

The space is deserted except for two men lounging across the room on plush couches. Killian gently nudges me forward, his touch adding to the already burning fire inside me.

Reaching them, I’m instantly taken aback at first by the fact that they’re in their human forms, not monsters, and secondly… I might fall over from how incredibly stunning they are. Are all monsters this attractive? Muscles and brooding looks, yet behind those beautiful faces are deadly creatures.

There’s one who wears his dark hair pushed back, only bringing out the sharpness of his cheekbones more. His eyes are amber, almost burning like fire. Broad shoulders relaxed against the back of his couch, he grins at me, every line of his body strong, powerful, and deadly.

Opposite him is a man who’s reclined, a smile playing on his lips. Long, chestnut-brown hair just grazing his shoulders catches my attention. He runs a hand through it, yet strands tumble over jade-colored eyes. It’s the constant smile I’m drawn to, as if he knows a joke and the punchline no one else will understand. He sits sprawled, legs wide, one arm draped casually over the back of the couch. He’s in all black, a shirt so tight it pulls taut across his broad chest.

As Killian guides me to a plush couch adjacent to theirs, he says, “Sage, this is the Pack. This is Wolfe, the Leader of the Shadowfen,” he says, gesturing toward the man with a glowing amber gaze.

Wolfe gives me a soft nod that somehow manages to look both regal and intimidating.

“Across from him is Nyko, our resident schemer and the one who keeps life interesting around here.”

Nyko bursts out laughing, the sound so deep it could be mistaken for a growl.

“Hello,” I manage, a tight smile on my lips as I settle onto the cushions.

“Welcome, Sage,” Wolfe answers. “We’ve waited a long time to finally meet you.”

He has? I had no idea Killian had been searching for his bride for so long.

Nyko’s grin widens. “Welcome aboard, Sage. Consider this your new home.”

His words sit with me—home is a term that feels too permanent, too settled for this floating glass castle. My home is back in Nightingale Village, the only place where I’ve ever truly felt safe and loved. The thought of my mom alone hurts deep in my chest. The only reassurance is knowing that with the expansive time difference in our worlds, she’s still sleeping on the couch.

Killian shifts beside me, then leans back, stretching out his legs and crossing them at his ankles.

“The Howler is your place to explore,” Wolfe explains. “Everyone is aware of your arrival and has been given strict instructions to be on their best behavior.” He’s wearing a mesmerizing grin, which hardens as his attention swings over to Nyko.

His laughter fills the room, sounding quite wild. “Oh, I’m always on my best behavior,” he replies, winking at me. “It’s just that my best isn’t what most expect.”

“Right,” Killian pipes in, studying him as well.

“So, have you started exploring yet?” Nyko asks, his jade gaze narrowing on me. “I highly recommend the Chamber of Tomes, filled with books and surprises.” He pauses for a moment, the room seeming to freeze in time, and I feel as though I’m missing something. “Also, the fourth floor is perfect for when things become too overwhelming.”

A laugh bursts past my lips a bit too quickly, and I shift in my seat under their watchful stares.

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