Page 93 of Their Pretty Little Monster

Walking down a long corridor, the area looks familiar to me, as though I’m starting to get used to the vessel.

Killian’s laughter rings out again, piercing through the hallway with a devilish charm. Every time he does that, I feel a little weaker around him, as though I don’t stand a chance.

As we round a corner, the crowd thickens in the hallway that spreads out to the main area I’d visited before with Nyko. We pass the rainbow-colored window, though with the storm moving in, not a lot of light is streaming indoors.

I spot a hulking monster with dull orange skin strolling in our direction, edging into my path. He’s covered in scales that shimmer under the overhead lights, eyes a piercing yellow that seem too focused on me. Instinctively, I inch closer to Killian, trying to get out of his way.

Killian’s hand suddenly shoots out, grabbing him by the throat.

I startle, my heart bouncing against my rib cage.

“Are you blind?” Killian snaps in a dangerous growl. “You can’t see her walking here?”

The monster gurgles, clawing at Killian’s grip, his gaze widening in fear. After a tense moment, Killian releases him. The scaly guy rubs his neck, coughing and avoiding my gaze.

Others nearby stare at us, and I feel extremely subconscious about causing a commotion.

“S-sorry, my Lord,” he stammers. “I just didn’t…” He scurries past us and vanishes around the corner.

“What was that about?” I whisper, my pulse racing in my ears from the sudden confrontation.

“Some on board aren’t sure about you yet,” Killian explains.

“No, I mean, you didn’t need to be so rough with him,” I say, but then it hits me. “Wait, some of them don’t like me?”

He sighs, his expression softening as he looks down at me. “You’re new, and with everything that’s been happening…” His words trail off, and he shakes his head. “Let’s just say not everyone is convinced you should be here.”

“That’s hurtful, but I guess I get it. Who would want their enemy’s daughter on board?”

“Not that,” he corrects me, turning to face me and pushing a curl of hair off my face. “Most don’t know exactly who you are. It’s your human side.”

“Oh,” I murmur. “That’s just fucking mean and racist.”

“Many are fearful of change or newcomers, but I’ve heard rumors of some females being jealous of you spending so much time with us.” He raises his eyebrows, seeming proud of that.

My gaze narrows. “Really now?”

“Don’t look surprised. You have no idea how many marriage proposals I’ve received over the years.”

“All right, I didn’t expect you to say that, but they’re going to have to keep their hands off now!”

“Wait, was that a possessive growl in your voice? Are you jealous?”

“As if,” I scoff. I push to keep on walking, having no idea where we’re going, but I need to stop him from seeing that deep inside, I’m burning up with so much jealousy I want to paint the words He’s Taken on his chest. No idea where that came from, but evidently, that’s the new me around these monsters.

He’s at my side, his hand slipping into mine. “We can’t be too cautious until we find out who’s trying to hurt you, so until then, anyone comes next to you, I’ll deal with them.”

I feel the weight of all the stares in my direction now, and thanks, Killian, for making me paranoid, knowing some Shadowfen dislike me.

Reaching the elevator, Killian commands Howler to take us to the third floor, and we’re there in seconds. Stepping out into a less crowded hallway, Killian keeps his hand on my back, guiding me through the sprawling corridors. Arriving at a set of open doors, my anticipation grows.

Stepping through, I’m struck instantly by the breathtaking view. The walls curve into massive glass panels, revealing the dark, turbulent sea. The vessel is submerged beneath the ocean on this floor, and exterior lights pierce the water, illuminating the occasional creature darting past. The upper part of the windows shows the water sloshing against the glass and how rough the sea is.

Circular couches are scattered around the dimly lit room, each centered around a table and filled with monsters.

“This place is amazing.”

“Wait until you taste the food,” he murmurs.

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