Page 38 of The Monster's Mate

I hold on to my mate for dear life. Siphoning throws my system out of whack, and I stumble around like I’ve had too much fae wine.

“I didn’t know if you’d like to go to the nest at Bane’s or if you’d prefer to rest in your bed?” Athos places a hand on my lower back and simultaneously moves to cradle Charity’sshoulder. “You are an enigma. I’ve never seen a human or a fae handle siphoning even half as well as you do.”

“Thanks,” Charity says around a yawn. “It feels weird to invade Bane’s house when he isn’t home.”

“I assure you, he wouldn’t mind,” Athos says. “But I am more familiar with your kitchen. The two of you can settle in while I make us something to eat.”

“Okay,” our mate agrees.

I give the djinn a nod of thanks. He may have the strong urge to cook for her as a way to provide for her, but I also believe he’s giving me some one-on-one time to clear the air.

And fuck, do I ever need it.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to run you a bath?” I ask, trailing my hand over the back of Charity’s head as we lie, facing one another.

“No.” Her cheeks pinken as her eyes fall shut. “This is so strange, but my system wants to keep his scent all over me. I also kinda think his cum might be helping with the cramps and overall crappy feeling that I’ve been battling all day.”

“It isn’t weird. During the quickening, pheromones and semen from your partners can ease the discomfort of your symptoms.”

Her eyes pop open, crinkling at the edges, as she places a hand over my heart. “Do you know how happy I am to have you here?” Her sincerity filters through the bond, taking my breath away.

I bring my free hand up to cup hers. The resonating connection of the matebond makes everything more intense.

“I have to tell you something,” I admit.

The hollow ache in my chest is proof I should have told her before permanently tying her life to mine.

“It doesn’t matter,” she whispers.

“I’m afraid it does.” My eyes fall shut, and I breathe through the pain. “I was sent here to find the heir to the dragon throne. Ordered by my father to watch over my brother’s…” I search for an appropriate word to use in the human realm. “Offspring.” A heavy sigh escapes my lips. “Only, the warlock captured me before I could follow through with my directive.”

“I know,” Charity says, brushing her fingers over my heart.

My eyes pop open, searching for the vitriol and anger that I’m certain is coming.

“Listen,” she says softly. “I know how poorly your family treated you and all about how you were commanded here for a purpose. I just don’t know the specifics. I’d like to believe that, once you knew I was your mate, you wouldn’t have followed through, so please don’t tell me otherwise, even if it’s the truth.”

“Never.” My teeth grind together as my head shakes. “I would never put another child through what I experienced growing up. Before I found Veryn, I had already made up my mind. I intended to stay close by to watch over my nephew and to protect you…”

Violent images of the time I spent with the warlock spill through my mind.

The wyvern becomes agitated, and the yellowy-green glow of his eyes fills the room.

“Shh,” Charity coos, bringing both her hands to cradle my cheeks. “He’s gone, and you’re here with me.”

Clenching my eyes closed, I breathe through the anger. The wyvern tries to fight for control, but I don’t need him to protect me anymore.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper as my eyes open. The room is no longer illuminated by the wyvern’s reptilian eyes.

“I have a child with your brother,” Charity says, her face contorting. “I’m the one who’s sorry. If I had?—”

“Don’t apologize for Veryn.” My fingers dig into her hair as I cradle her skull. “He’s perfect, and unlike Cyril, he’ll grow into an honorable alpha one day.”

“I really have tried to be a good mom.” Her head shakes. “And I appreciate you saying all of that. It’s just tough. Even thinking about it makes my stomach ache. It feels like I should have known he was lying when he said he was my mate.”

Lying about something as sacred as being fated?

All while having Norah waiting in Faere?

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