Page 59 of Charming Her Monsters

“Sounds like he’s fine,” I say, then move onto the other news. “What do we do about Floof? Do you think he is still hiding around the house?”

“I didn’t pick up that he has crossed my wards or dismantled them, but if he’s a highly proficient mage or witch, there’s a slim chance that I might not know.” Maxum pauses and then says what was likely on his mind this whole time. “I was thinking I should check in with my various contacts and see what they found out about Rob or his associates since I last asked.”

“You are leaving?” My heart doesn’t like the sound of that.

“Just for the day. I will be back before nightfall.”

I jump up and run to hug him. “Promise?”

“Worried about me?” he says with amusement.

“Uh, yeah, of course. Should you be going alone?” I ask.

“I’m going too.” Arran hugs me from behind, and I hear in my mind what sounds like a whimper.

I’m not worried about being left alone with Flint. It helps that he doesn’t freeze up completely anymore, but I don’t know about the phoenix. “You think Calder won’t just let me be dragged off if it comes down to it?”

“He didn’t last time.” Maxum sighs and brushes the wild silver hair from my face. “He’s promised to protect you, and I think he’s beginning to regret his pissy attitude. Besides, Flint will be here too.”

“Okay.” I go up on my tiptoes and Maxum leans down to give me a kiss. Once satisfied, I turn and tangle tongues with my sweet Arran.

I’m completely worked up by the time we are done with our goodbyes, and regret they will be gone the entire day. Geeze. Can I pick a lane? First, I need my space, and now I’m all needy. A classic case of wanting what I can’t have.

“Calder is also willing to teach you how to shield your mind,” Maxum adds.

“He knows how to do that?” I ask, skeptical since Maxum had made it sound like he was the only one qualified before.

“Yes, he’s capable of teaching you the basics, and I can test you when I get back.”

I harrumph, because I’d rather not play with the grumpy antagonist.

“I’m sure he just needs to get to know you a bit more, and he will melt in your hands, just like Flint is,” Maxum assures me.

“Calder’s so damned stubborn,” Arran huffs.

“But Calder means a lot to you both,” I say. “So he must have some redeeming qualities he has yet to bestow upon me, other than being sexy looking.”

“He has a big heart… when he allows himself to care.” Maxum kisses my forehead. “I dare say he will fall hard for you once he gets out of his own way.”

“Wait, a sec.” I ask in surprise, “Do you want me to hook up with him?”

“Do you want to?” Arran asks.

“So you both are okay if I’m with your whole pack?” I ask.

“Only if you are going to be happy with that arrangement,” Maxum says.

“Exactly,” Arran agrees. “I believe your heart is big enough to love all of us.”

“Okay, well, let’s just see if he can say hello to me without a snarl. We’ll go from there.”

19

BUILDING BRIDGES

JADE

Maxum and Arran leave for their investigations, going the direction we had arrived at the house.

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