Page 48 of The Monster's Mate

“Oh, but it really is,” Bane growls. “You can’t tell me she didn’t see this coming. She planned it every step of the way.”

The old witch passes Ember off to her mother. I don’t have the first clue how Emerson and Dread got here so quickly. It’s a heartbreaking sight to see Ember’s red face and tear-filled eyes.

My senses buzz with an intended wish.

“Cover her mouth,” I hiss, preparing to siphon.

Dread carefully covers her entire face with his huge hand.

Ember got lucky with the wish for Eldritch, but her wolf senses the connection they have to Veryn. Any wish regarding him would not be truly free of personal gain.

I’ve rarely been around children. I’ve always assumed the universe had rules in place that would limit their ability to make a wish.

I’m baffled that her wish for Eldritch was even valid, but I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

It takes me several seconds to realize I’m no longer beholden to any wishes not made by my mate. It’s surreal to be able to breathe without fearing someone will make an offhand comment and end up ruining their life.

“Trust me when I say, I have seen this day play out on hundreds, maybe even thousands, of occasions.” Meena tucks her long hair behind her ear. “We are on the path for a favorable outcome. As long as your stubbornness doesn’t destroy everything.”

Bane blinks, like he doesn’t quite know what to do with what she just said.

Charity sobs and bends in half, despite Eldritch’s attempts to keep her upright. Her hair falls around her face, and the look of agony steals my breath.

“Now, don’tyougo and do something stupid.” Knight appears at my side, squeezing my shoulder.

“I didn’t say a word,” I snap, shoving his hand away.

“You didn’t have to.” He quirks an eyebrow. “I can see it all over your face, but you can’t make rash decisions.”

Meena comes over, gently pulling Charity into her arms. The old witch murmurs something in my mate’s ear, but I can’t make out exactly what she says.

“Where the hell do we find someone to make a portal?” Bane growls, glancing around. “I have contacts, but they would take days to come through.”

Aline steps forward with her eyes and hands glowing a bright pastel pink. “My magic is sure I can form a portal to Faere.”

“I thought you struggled with them?” Charity sniffles.

“Silence will help guide her magic.” Malice gives Charity a soft smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll have the young alpha back to you before you know it.”

Silence, Malice, and Aline step off to the side as Emerson comes over to give Charity a hug.

“Tell him I miss him.” Ember chucks her tiny body at Charity.

My eyes get misty, and I glance away to prevent myself from bursting into tears of my own.

“Here,” Dread says, shoving a folded piece of paper at Bane. “It’s not worth the paper it’s printed on, buttheydon’t know that.”

Bane unfolds it to show the human realm’s paranormal council logo. “How did you get this?”

“My mother stole it from Kash’s belongings when we cleaned out his house.” Dread takes Ember back from Charity. “Meena helped us doctor it while we waited for you to arrive.”

I glance over Bane’s shoulder, reading through the information. It basically demands Veryn’s immediate surrender to Charity. Otherwise, the breach of the treaty between realms will be viewed as an act of war.

“Thank you,” I say, catching Dread’s eyes.

He bows his head. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but you have it if you need it.”

The echoing pop of a portal being opened fills the air behind me.

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