Page 8 of Land of Monsters

“That kind of violence,” Iacob finally spoke. “Doesn’t it go against a tree fairy’s constitution?”

“I’m not the conventional tree fairy,” Ash said matter-of-factly. “I tried for a bit. Didn’t really stick.” Ash clasped his hands, taking a breath. “I am here to kill the queen and her son, so I understand if you do not want us here. We bring a lot of danger to you. But if you would be so kind to let us have a night to regroup and heal.” He gestured to me. I could see Iacob really noting the blood covering us, the ripped clothing and healing wounds. “We’d be so grateful. We will leave early tomorrow.”

Iacob leaned back, folding his arms over his chest, watching us for a moment. “You do bring a lot of trouble to our door. I’m convinced it’s why my brother dropped you here.” He huffed. “But I keep to my word. Helping people shouldn’t be conditional.”

Vlad and Dubthach whipped to him, “Iacob…”

He held up his hand again. “We are a democracy here. So we will vote on it.” He stood up. “Nays?”

Twenty or more hands went up, including the Druid and Vlad.

“Yeas?”

Only half went up right away, but slowly, a few more hesitantly put their hand up.

I counted. It was an exact tie.

Celeste sat up, her hungry eyes on Ash, a salacious grin turning up her mouth as she lifted her hand, like her vote came with obligations. Ones he’d owe her later.

Deep within, my dark dweller crawled up to the surface. I didn’t even know a low growl came from me until Ash’s head jerked over, an eyebrow curving up.

Embarrassment flooded my face. I hated the feeling of being out of control. I wanted the bracelet back.

“You can stay.” Iacob turned to us. “The beds in the healing room are still open for you.”

“Sir.” Dubthach stood, his expression pinched, his head shaking. “You don’t understand what she is.”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Iacob shook his head. “We voted. It’s done.” He padded away, rubbing at his messy hair. “Now I’m gonna go back to bed. Don’t wake me unless it’s an emergency.”

Some people followed him out, heading for their own bedrooms or to the food tent, while others stayed, lounging by the fire.

Ash rose, giving me a signal with his chin to follow. We made it five steps before Celeste put herself right in front of Ash, her shirt so thin it didn’t cover the fact she wasn’t wearing anything under it.

“I’m happy you came back.” She reached out and rubbed his arm, her teeth nipping at her bottom lip.

“Didn’t have a lot of options.” No emotion came from him, making me curious if he really felt nothing about this stunning, practically naked woman or if he was pretending he didn’t. I mean, how could he not be into her? She was a nature fairy like him. Gorgeous, sensual, and offering him uncomplicated sex.

Unlike you.A voice said in my brain, and I shook it out instantly.

“You know the best way to heal?” She nodded to the dried bullet wound in his stomach, brushing her nipples into him as she rose to his ear. “Sex.” She didn’t bother whispering. “You can just lay back and take all my energy. Heal while I ride you back to health.”

Fury climbed up the back of my neck, another low growl humming up my throat. I was seized by the need to kill. To taste blood. Watch her brain melt from her ears.

Ash’s head jerked to me, his eyes widening.

“Maybe another time.” He grabbed my hand, pulling me with him toward the healing tent, looking back at a stunned Celeste. “Fuck, Raven,” he hissed, dragging me through the door. The dome was exactly the way we left it, even the messed-up sheets from when we slept on the floor together the night before last. “I’m trying to keep what you are hidden while you’re about to tear out her throat, exposing yourself. For what? Jealousy?”

“Jealousy!?” My tone pitched in response, the allegation hitting dead center. “Over you? Are you kidding me?”

“Then why do you care if she hits on me?”

“I don’t!” I sputtered, my arms going out.

“Right.” He huffed, neither one of us believing me. “We aren’t doing this again.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “You need to be careful. Your eyes turned red.”

“I can’t control it!” Shame bubbled up inside me, along with more anger and defensiveness. I never really could. My brother was a master, while I was a broken mess. “It’s why I wore the bracelet.”

His attention went to my empty wrist, the absence of it screaming through the room. It highlighted all the things we had yet to discuss. No moment to understand what happened last night.

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