Page 29 of Charming Her Monsters

“Why?” he asks firmly, with more than a hint of disbelief. “He’s just some cosmic parasite now, if it’s really even him at all.”

“I’ve seen a bit of what he’s been through—what all of you have been through. Believe it or not, I’ve grown to care about him. It doesn’t matter what you think about me, because I hope he’s okay.” I offer an olive branch. “If he returns, I’ll make sure you get to talk to him.”

Calder grunts and focuses back on his plate. I’ll take it as a win.

9

ANOTHER ROUND

JADE

The guys encouraged me to eat way more than I had planned. I’m stuffed, and they probably could roll me away from the table.

Fortunately, they don’t erase the small amount of dignity I have left by going for that option.

Flint gathers up our empty plates and cleans up with Calder’s help.

Maxum takes my hand and walks me back to his bedroom with Arran in tow.

“I know you suggested a night of sexy times, but I’m too full and exhausted for that,” I inform him as we step into the beautiful bedroom. “I’m frustrated now.”

“I know, little witch,” Maxum purrs. “I thought we’d give you a bath and then let you sleep. The sex will have to wait until you can handle what I plan to do to you.”

My clit tingles with his sexy threat.

Down, girl.

“Arran, get these pesky clothes off her, and I’ll get the bath going,” Maxum says and darts into the ensuite bathroom.

My wolf shifter shrugs innocently as he steps closer. “Boss’s orders. Nothing I can do, miss.”

“Well, if Mr. McBossy said so…” I help Arran along and lift my arms so he can pull my top over my head.

Instead of helping me all the way, he leaves the shirt stuck over my face and arms trapped, and he sucks my exposed nipple into his mouth.

“Arran!” I laugh, hurrying to pull the shirt all the way off. I run toward the bathroom and crash into Maxum’s arms.

Arran collides with my backside and presses me between them.

“Mr. Maxum McBossy needs his witch naked by the count of three.” Maxum stares at me sternly. “One… Two…”

Behind me, Arran drops to his knees and pants me as he goes. His sharper than normal teeth bite into my ass, and I shout my surprise.

Maxum lifts me, and Arran removes my pants from around my ankles.

The water spout is rapidly filling a gigantic tub that could hold all three of us comfortably.

Maxum’s hands stroke up and down my sides, from hips to breasts. “Beautiful.”

My eyes drift to the hot water blasting out of the faucet. Wow, he has amazing water pressure here. That’s going to feel amazing in the shower.

Focus. I don’t want to be sidetracked by future pleasures when I have a current experience happening now.

Fragrant steam wafts off the hot bath water and fills my nose. The floral smell is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I suspect he added other worldly oils to my bath.

Otherrealmly?

Realmly isn’t a word, is it? I’ll have to look that up. Probably not. It’s likely another one of my new words. But I’m exactly like Shakespeare, making up words to fit my wild stories.

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