Page 29 of The Monster's Mate

It’s probably the universe ensuring I don’t overpower someone who would be too meek to stick up for themselves.

“Um, did I short-circuit your brain or something?” Charity asks as her nose wrinkles.

My head shakes, and a low laugh slips from my lips. “Do you realize how much of a pain in the ass you are, woman?”

“Hey,” she grunts, slapping my chest.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m thankful you finally caught on, but you’re so fucking stubborn.” My eyebrows rise. “I spend two hours every morning keeping Veryn busy outside in the courtyard.”

Her face contorts in confusion.

That’s probably because I sneak him back inside most days before she wakes up, so she won’t experience any guilt about catching up on her rest.

“Not just since we started practicing his shifting, either,” I clarify. “Ever since Aline found her pack, he’s been coming over to wake me up. And guess what? I don’t mind. You know why? Because the two of you are mine.”

Chapter Twelve

Charity

It feels like there’s a big chance I’ve treated Bane unfairly. I wasn’t ready to fully let anyone in after Cyril royally destroyed my trust.

My eyes clench closed as I blurt all of that out as quickly as possible, because if I don’t, I’m afraid I never will.

“I get it.” Bane nuzzles his cheek to mine, and his stubble scratches against my skin. “I let you show your ass for a while, so you could get it out of your system, but I wasn’t going to let you push me away completely.”

I snort.

He’s such a cocky jerk. At least, to the rest of the world. He’s actually a really great man under all that bullshit swagger. He takes care of Veryn, checks in on us, and always makes sure I know I can call him if I need him.

“I didn’t mean to be unfair to you,” I whisper, staring up into his dark eyes. “I’m sorry for that.”

“Nah, don’t apologize for having trauma. I can handle it.” His thick lips brush over mine, and my fingers dig into the back of his neck, pulling him closer.

My entire body shivers under him as his tongue teases mine.

There’s something wildly animalistic about Bane. Not only now—all the time. It has to be his alpha shifter energy, but it does crazy stuff to my insides.

Pulling my legs from under him, I circle his ass until my toes dig into his jeans. Unlike Athos or Eldritch, who both have slender builds, Bane is covered in thick muscles.

He’s strikingly handsome, in that half-feral kind of way that screams he could be dangerous under the right circumstances. Somehow, I have no fear when it comes to him.

His teeth scrape over my lower lip, tugging it down.

I gasp, and he uses the opportunity to devour me whole. His forearm wraps around the top of my head, caging me in as his other hand cups my cheek. Dammit, he’s really good at this. His weight pushes me deliciously into the mattress as he growls against my lips.

The kiss goes on for so long, my nipples pulse with the same ache that hits my clit.

Okay, maybe I’ve fantasized about Bane a time or two, but it’s been a long time since I was this close to anyone.

At least, outside of my dreams.

Bane growls, rolling his hips against mine. The front of his jeans drag against my core, and it makes me wonder what it would feel like to be stretched around him while he teased my clit.

“You have no idea how much I want to shove every inch of my cock inside you,” he says with a growl, running his hand over the top of my head. His eyes clench closed as I study his handsome face, trying to catch my breath. “I don’t think I can until I tell you some shit.”

He rolls off of me and onto the bed at my side as my heart seems to stall.

That doesn’t sound good.

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