Page 13 of The Monster's Mate

Cyril made me believe that I wouldn’t be able to experience a matebond as a result of my half-human heritage.

He was very wrong or purposely deceitful.

The grass is cool and wet with dew as I hit my knees next to Eldritch in wyvern form. His beast stretches out a wing and wraps it around my back as I nuzzle my face to his side.

My chest literally aches.

I want him back in humanoid form. There’s so much we didn’t get to do or say.

“I’m so sorry.” I shake my head, trying to stop the tears. It doesn’t work, and they flow down my cheeks as I sniffle.

My face rolls around his scaly skin, and I mentally will him to feel the connection.

The wyvern pats my back with his wing, but it’s not the same as being held in actual arms. His head lifts and he huffs.

Bringing an arm up, I wipe at my eyes as Athos silently greets Eldritch’s wyvern.

Bane groans, bending over and dry heaving. “Siphoning and portals, I fucking hate both.”

I scoff and bury my face back in Eldritch’s shoulder. His scales are rough and scratchy, but I just need to touch him.

“I hate this so much,” I whisper.

If I could take all his pain away, I would.

If I did, maybe the wyvern would release him. It’s nearly impossible to hold my tongue, but I still think it.

I wish I could save him.

“You can think it, love,” Athos says softly. “Just don’t say it. Please, trust me when I tell you the outcome is always very different from what you intend it to be.”

“Come on, let’s get you back inside.” Bane ducks under the wyvern’s wing and scoops me up.

I don’t even fight his hold.

I’m tired.

My heart hurts.

And my kid will be up in less than three hours.

Sometimes, I really think the universe hates me.

Morning doesn’t come nearly as early as I’m expecting. It makes me highly suspicious. Jogging down the stairs in my house slippers, I tighten the tie on my robe.

I come to a dead stop, turning to see what the commotion is in my kitchen.

Athos stands at my stove, cooking…something.

It’s so bizarre to see him with legs that I stare dumbfounded for several long seconds. He’s wearing dark gray sweats, with no shirt. His silvery-blue back is lined with strong muscles and a tribal pattern. To be fair, nearly all of his skin, from his fingers tohis arms to his neck, has runes, sigils, and tribal patterns that I don’t understand the meanings for.

“Where’s my kid?” I ask, getting myself together.

Athos drops the spatula and siphons through the air, appearing directly in front of me. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

I nod, swiping my hair behind my ear. “I did, but I need to know where my child is.”

“You’ll find him in the courtyard with Bane and Eldritch. They’re practicing his shifting.” Athos smiles. “I’m cooking breakfast like quite the domesticated mate.” His hands land on my hips, pulling me to his chest. “I was trying to help, and I’ve spent most of the night terrified I made things worse?—”

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