Page 45 of The Monster's Mate

“Lesson tomorrow,” he says, undressing me right there on the floor. “Can’t stand when you’re so needy. I have to take care of that.”

His mouth covers my sex and relieves the problem.

The next night is a repeat of three hours of work, a walk home, and sex, but we do manage to get a self-defense lesson in beforehand. This time, I’m turned on because I accomplished it. I learned how to incapacitate a man entirely just by twisting his arm behind his back and holding his fingers a certain way that keeps the bones on the verge of breaking should he move. I hope never to be close enough to a man to need it, but I do feel a sense of power over knowing how to do it.

The third night, I’m relieved from duty. Apparently, power was cut in the commune somehow and they had to call workers in to repair the lines. It takes two days to fix and as soon as we clean up the mess from the mud dragged in with the digging, another accident happens.

Two weeks later, six black birds were somehow trapped inside, and broke the highest windows trying to get out. It was an odd accident, but it meant Skiden and I had a few more days off.

I’d probably be hurting if the Britonians weren’t leaving us boxes of food. Right now, I could use my grocery budget to cover the bills even with the lack of work.

“What’s this?” Skiden asks, thumbing through a child’s picture book.

The familiar object sends an ache through my heart.

“Isabel’s. She bought it when she was a teen, determined that one day she’d read to her baby about all the good things that happen to princesses. Because that little baby was going to be her princess. She kept the book all these years, even when she never found her.”

“I’d like to take it,” Skiden says softly and my breath catches. He’s been here two months already and we’ve accomplished so much. I knew it wouldn’t last forever but that tone in his voice? I know it’s here.

“It’s time to go?”

He nods. “We have to get our plan in action. Steve and Duke’s fundraiser is coming up. And I have to set things straight at home. But as soon as I can, I’ll be back. Maybe after they get River and Isabel back here to blow-up Steve’s meeting.”

“I’m going to miss you so much.”

“I’ll be back as soon as Mikhail thinks it’s safe. And once this election is over and Lilaina’s in charge? They’ll negotiate to put the Match Program back on. You just hold on, Lucy my love. I’ll be back before you know it.”

I smile. “I like that phrase.”

His smile is soft when he looks down at me. “Do you? I’ll always call you that, then.”

Chapter Thirteen

Skiden:

I see a lone, two-legged figure scurrying down the pathway to our village. Odd that one of my brothers would let their mate out in the dark before a storm hits. The way she walks, nervously, shoulders hunched against the world—reminds me of Lucy.

But, of course, it isn’t. Lucy’s on Earth, not Pimeon. It’s River, and it’s not the first time River reminds me of my own love, but then again, Lucy is always on my mind.

I follow her and call out softly, not wanting to scare her. “Hey, sis. Walk you home?”

River spins around. “Sky!” She flings herself into my arms, forgetting this is the reason why I’ve been gone for so long. That I was too touchy-feely with Isabel and earned myself a black eye.

“I thought I’d sneak away and visit Isabel,” she says. “Since Tiran was off making sure Maman was alright.”

“What’s wrong with Maman?” I growl.

“Oh, she’s just upset over the breakup.”

“What breakup?”

What has happened between her and Tiran?

“Isabel left Bronan.”

“What?”

River’s nodding. “She found out they were mated and it didn’t go well. She insisted he move her into one of the hunter cabins, or she’d go home to Earth. To be fair, she’s really moody. She took a test and is pregnant.” River smacks my chest. “And you! Leaving like that! Tiran and Bronan searched everywhere for you, you know. Good thing Mikhail let us know you went to Earth. But Isabel probably would have calmed if you were here to talk her down. I think she probably felt a little guilty that you’ve been gone for so long and everything just blew out of proportion from there.”

---