Page 7 of The Monster's Mate

My heart pounds.

Veryn’s father wasn’t my mate. Although, for a time, he had me convinced he was. He made it seem like my watered-down blood tempered the connection, and that’s why I couldn’t feel it.

I was so gullible, it’s hard to fathom.

“And what if a child was born outside of a matebond but seemed to be of full dragon lineage?” Malice asks.

Dammit.

I always forget he can read thoughts. Maybe it’s just fears that he can register, but either way, it’s intrusive.

Malice turns, giving me a chagrined smile and a shrug before focusing back on Eldritch.

“Not possible.” Eldritch shakes his head dramatically enough that his shaggy blond waves bounce.

“And if it was?” Malice probes.

“Perhaps if the dragon bred with a dragon’s heart that wasn’t their own mate.” Eldritch scratches his stubble. “But that would be something of an even worse transgression, making it well within the rightful mate’s purview to dispatch any abominationsthat may have sprung from such a union. I can’t imagine the true mate’s beast would be accepting of any children not bred from their loins.”

My chest rises and falls in rapid pants.

I’m pretty sure he just insinuated that, in order for Veryn to be a dragonling and not a wyvern, I have an actual dragon mate somewhere.

Bane.

He’s been ranting for months that I’m his mate.

But Eldritch also just said that my mate could kill my child. I can’t think of another explanation for him using the word “dispatch.”

“And that mate couldn’t be a wyvern?” Malice asks.

“No, we’re infertile. The universe does not see fit to offer us mates the same way it does our dragon ancestors.” Eldritch’s gaze moves from Malice to me. “All of this is well-known within dragon culture. Have you summoned me for a history lesson?”

Malice chuckles. “I haven’t summoned you at all, but I thank you for the invaluable information. Might I introduce you to my dear friend Charity?”

Eldritch’s bright gray eyes come to rest on me, and he licks his thick lips.

“Eldritch.” He bends low, and my entire body aches to rush him. “The pleasure is all mine.”

I can’t count the number of nights that I’ve sat by his side, talking and trying to coax the man free of the beast. Ever since the first night in this very cave, there’s been a yearning inside me to be close to him. I can’t think of any explanation, other than a matebond.

“Why don’t you scent her?” Malice suggests. “I’ll be…” He frowns at the cave entrance. “Somewhere down there, taking a walk.” He grins mischievously and snaps. “Accept the couch asmy gift. Remember, leave the box in the back alone.” And with that, he turns to smoke and disappears.

Chapter Four

Eldritch

The smell isn’t right for this to be Faere. I’m not even sure it’s the human realm. The beastly part of my consciousness seems to be resting, and without his enhanced eyesight and sense of smell, everything is muted.

I briefly contemplate why I’m not more alarmed, but the beauty of the woman stops all thoughts. She’s slender, with delicate curves, long golden-brown hair, and striking blue eyes.

She is lovely.

She stares at the spot where the nightmare disappeared before sliding her gaze to me.

“I feel like this has to be so weird for you,” she says, shoving her thick hair behind her ear.

I stride forward as my body urges me to erase the distance between us. “I must admit, I have no idea where we are or how I came to be here.”

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