Page 15 of The Monster's Mate

“Tell me more about your home,” she says.

“Let’s see. Bronan and I have our father still living, while Tiran’s has passed. Maman was a breeder, you know. Anyway,when Tiran’sfather died, many suspected it was our father who did it. It was rumored that Tiran’s father was going to challenge him for leadership. Sadly, the truth can probably never be proven. But Bronan has banished him from the main caves where we live. He lives in the outer dwellings, small cabins set up on the outskirts on the perimeter of our land to protect against intruders. The other hunters who live there are tasked with bringing in food. Our planet is mostly water, which is why we’ve evolved as having tentacles. We swim a lot, but once came from the sea.”

“But you don’t live in the water? Like mermen?”

I am not sure what these mermen are. “No, we don’t live in the water. I’m sure we used to; we have gills in addition to lungs, after all.”

“People adapt,” she says easily. “It’s rumored that my people used to live in caves. Over time we built houses to live in.”

“We have houses too. Castles, even. But it suits my clan to live in the majestic caves where we’ve lived for centuries. River calls them plush apartments made of stone.”

“Stone apartments,” she murmurs. “Imagine that. Like a fairytale.”

I tug a strand of her silky hair, winding it around my finger. “If you like.”

She seems to notice the pillows have gone askew and kicks a couple to the floor. “Seems kind of silly to have a barrier, doesn’t it?”

“It does,” I agree huskily. “Especially since we’ve already kissed.”

We both reach for the last of the barrier between us and fling them to the floor. Then I hold out my arms toward her.

She sinks right in.

It’s been so long since I’ve been held, and I didn’t realize how much I craved it. His arms feel like a steel wall around me, keeping me safe from the rest of the world.

“Thank you for trusting me not to hurt you,” he whispers.

I’m not sure why I trust him… maybe it’s because his mother and two sisters-in-law are right in the house. Maybe it’s because he’s funny and teasing while he looks dangerous and badass, but I snuggle in and for once in my life, make a rash decision.

“Skiden?”

“Mmm?” I can feel his chest where it rumbles.

“Would you like to kiss me again?” I hate the vulnerability in my voice. It’s almost like I’m afraid he’ll say no, or that he’s already kissed someone of another species and doesn’t need to do it again. I know that’s silly considering he’s in my bed and holding me but there’s still that niggling doubt that no one wants me.

He tilts my head up with a clawed finger under my chin, and I hope those claws are retractable. I hope maybe it’s just emotion that’s extending the sharp tips.

“Never doubt it, Lucy. You are the most beautiful female I’ve ever met. Right now, I’m regretting that promise to remain a gentleman.”

“Would a gentleman turn down a lady if she requests it?” I’m not flirting, I’m asking honestly.

His pupils constrict, leaving his eyes more glossy-purple than black. “I would give you anything you want. Do you want this?”

His hand moves from my chin to cup my jaw, running his thumb along my jawline, tilting my head up to receive him. His gaze searches mine all the time he lowers his head, taking his time, and I’m aware of his breathing, the way my heartbeat pounds through my veins, his warmth, his scent. The firm touch of his lips, the tenderness of his hands. I shove my hands onto his thick shoulders and open my mouth to his.

His tongue hungrily sweeps past my lips, devouring my mouth like a starved man. With every stroke, my heart pounds and pleasure zings through my veins. The kiss is just as magical as it was out on the back porch.

A desperate moan rolls up my throat and I try to press closer, except there’s no room, not with the clothing between us. Somehow my arms are wrapped around his thick neck, and his hand is skimming the line of my hip.

Boldly, he cups my pussy and the heat from his palm is like an inferno on my sensitive flesh. Heady lust flares through me, zinging through every pleasure spot in my body.

“Is this okay?” he whispers.

“God, yes.” My voice is husky, unrecognizable in the hedonistic moment and suddenly I realize that this is going to happen. This is my only chance to seek pleasure; it’s my version of a one-night stand, forbidden love that can never happen. “I need more.”

“You’re sure? I don’t want you to regret this in the bright light of day.”

“I won’t,” I assure him. Hell, it won’t be long in that bright light before he’s gone anyway. This is my lifetime chance.

---