Page 56 of The Monster's Mate

Eldritch follows.

Athos is directly in front of me, so I can’t see much, no matter how I try to peek around him.

“Let’s save that wish for sometime very soon,” my djinn says, brushing the hair back from my face. “My magic seems to view it as safe. Now, let me grab our son. I have a feeling it’s about to get dangerous in here.” He siphons over, grabbing Veryn and reappearing in front of me.

“Athos, you came too,” Veryn says, smiling over his shoulder. His head whips to face me, and his lower lip wobbles. “Mom!” He chucks himself at me as I bend down just a little.

Athos tosses an arm behind me, planting his hand on my lower back to keep me upright as Veryn climbs up my front.

Eldritch says, “It’s been many years,brother.”

“What the fuck is going on?” Cyril hisses. “You think you can pop back up after disappearing without a word?”

“You misunderstand which side of this fight I’m standing on,” Eldritch replies.

“Take this.” Bane shoves the falsified paper at Norah. At least Cyril released her at some point. “Read it.”

“What is it?” my ex growls as I cuddle my face against Veryn’s.

“It’s a decree from the human realm paranormal council,” Norah says. “It demands the boy’s return to his mother.”

“I’m willing to make a deal with you,” Bane says, rolling his shoulders back. “Waive your protection from being challenged in the pits. We head there now and fight it out in the old ways. You win, you can keep the kid. I win, well, you’ll be dead, so I’ll be taking him back to Haven with me.”

Cyril scowls at Bane.

“That was a nod,” Malice says, siphoning over. “I saw it.”

I didn’t, but Malice’s shadows wrap around Bane, Eldritch, and Veryn’s father.

They disappear in a blink.

Athos hugs Veryn from behind, running his fingers over the back of my head. “Do you feel better having your son in your arms?”

“I do.” Glancing down at Veryn, I ask, “Did they hurt you?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Norah helped make sure I wasn’t alone. Are Meena and Ember okay?”

“They are. You’ll be able to see them soon.” I place him back on his feet. “Stay with Athos.”

“I claimed your mom,” Athos says as I slide past them to aim for Norah.

My jaw falls, and I stumble forward, shooting Athos awhat the heck?look.

“That’s so cool! You’re my dad now too.” Veryn jumps on Athos, who manifested his legs at some point.

“I am.” Athos smiles fondly. “So is Eldritch. You’ll have to get the full introduction now that he’s no longer stuck in wyvern form.”

“That was the blond guy?” Veryn asks as I focus on Norah.

“Thank you for treating my son with kindness.” I shove my hair behind my ear. “I feel like I owe you an apology. I truly am sorry for the pain?—”

“You weren’t the first and, unless Banyan puts an end to Cyril, you won’t be the last.” Norah shrugs, bringing a hand up to rub at her temple.

My stomach bubbles uncomfortably.

It would absolutely destroy me to lose Bane; I need a whole lot of years spoiling him rotten and showing him exactly how much he means to me.

If nothing else, I’m confident in Bane’s ability to protect himself.

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