Page 38 of The Monsters We Are

Wynter relented at times, even if only in the spirit of compromise so they could find a good balance in their relationship. But not when it came to something important to her. He respected that even though it drove him crazy on occasion.

Turning away from her, he stared unseeing at the wall tapestry. A ruthless voice floated to the forefront of his mind, whispering that he could force her hand. Well, yes, he could. He owned her soul, after all. But he’d never abuse that advantage he held. And there were times he genuinely lamented that there were moral lines he’d agreed—both with himself and with her—never to cross when it came to his consort.

“So you’re gonna sulk, huh?”

Affronted, he faced her once more. “I’m not sulking. I’m pissed. You had to know I wouldn’t want you to lay siege to Aeon alongside me.”

“Considering you asked me to sit out the other two battles, it seemed inevitable that you’d do the same this time. But it isn’t going to happen. And before you think about confining me somewhere, remember that Kali wouldn’t stand for you holding me anywhere against my will.”

“Perhaps She’d side with me on this.” Cain narrowed his eyes as an otherworldly breeze fluttered over him, practically purring with an amused condescension. “Or not.” He hadn’t sensed the deity’s presence until right then—She was very good at concealing Herself.

Wynter gave him a wan smile. “You could try convincing Her, but it’s super doubtful that She’ll go for it.”

“You don’t have to sound so smug about that.”

“Come on, Cain, I’m not some terrified maiden who’s inexperienced at battle. Be overprotective, be pissed, be sulky—”

“I’m not sulking.”

“—but accept that it won’t change anything. Admit, even if only to yourself, that I’d be an asset during the battle rather than a hindrance.”

“I don’t wish to be rational right now.”

Her lips twitched. “All right. We can put logic aside for the moment if you’d like. The situation will remain the same, though.” She bit her lip and tilted her head. “Would it make you feel better about everything if I sucked you off?”

His dick reflexively jerked. “No.”

“You sure? You don’t want a blowjob?”

“No.”

A slow, confident smile curved her mouth. “Liar.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He slowly advanced on her, drilling his gaze into hers. “I don’t want to fuck your mouth. I want to fuck your throat. I want to feel the muscles there contract around my cock. Want to see and hear you choke. Want to watch tears fill your eyes and trickle down your face. And then? Then I’d shove my dick somewhere it’s only been a few times before now, because if you’re going to be a pain in my ass, it’s only fair if I’m a pain in yours.”

Her pupils dilating, she licked her lips. “Bring it, old man.”

He pounced.

Chapter Nine

Standing in the foyer of his Keep a few days later, Cain sighed at Azazel. “I won’t get her to change her mind, no matter what I say or do. She’s ten times more tenacious than I could ever be.”

Azazel chuckled. “I doubt that. From what I’ve seen, you’re both as stubborn as each other.”

Cain grunted. He hadn’t intended to complain to others about Wynter’s insistence on being part of the upcoming battle. But the other Ancient had sensed that something was bugging him, and Cain had found himself spilling out his concerns.

Azazel slapped his arm in commiseration. “I understand why you’d rather she wasn’t there, but she’ll be an asset.”

“That’s what she said,” Cain grumbled. His creature still agreed with her on that and fully supported her decision.

“And she’s right. There are more Aeons than there are Ancients. It won’t be easy for us to overpower them. Your consort will give us an edge. We need that.”

“We’llhavean edge.” Cain gave him a meaningful look, not wanting to say Abaddon’s name aloud. They hadn’t yet revealed to the residents as a whole that another Ancient lived here. There weren’t many people currently nearby and it didn’t seem as if any were attempting to eavesdrop on the conversation, but some creatures had more sensitive hearing than others.

“Only if we manage to do what we’ve so far successfully failed to do,” Azazel pointed out.

“If we don’t succeed, we’ll need to make some changes to our game plan.” In other words, they likely wouldn’t damage their prison without Abaddon’s aid and so they wouldn’t be able to storm Aeon. “Wynter doesn’t believe it will come to that.”

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