Page 127 of Wanted

The wet thing bumps against my cheek again and the tail begins to tug on me, forcing me down until I’m on my knees.

“What do you want?” I ask, my heart hammering harder against my ribs.

Only a deep, rumbling purr answers me back.

I bite my lip in consideration.

If whatever is holding me wanted to hurt me, it probably wouldn’t purr…

The tail tugs on me again, pushing me until I’m lying on my side. Then I sense either more of the tail or something else coiling around me, like a snake.

Oh god, please don’t let it be a snake!

A puff of hot air hits me in the face then the impenetrable darkness is broken by two large golden orbs.

No, not golden orbs.

Goldeneyes.

Eyes that are staring at me without hunger or malice.

“W-what are you?” I stammer as a huge, monstrous face begins to take shape.

But as soon as I ask the question, I already know the answer.

I’ve seen the look in those eyes before.

It’s the same way Raphael looks at me…

With love and devotion so strong, it takes my breath away.

A wave of warmth washes over me simply thinking Raphael’s name again. And the place between my breast, where the mark stains me, pulses.

The dark monster peering at me purrs in pleasure and nuzzles against my face before laying its head gently in my lap.

I stiffen at first then remember this monster saved me from the Prophet. Why? I have no idea. But I’m sure it doesn’t want to hurt me.

The way it’s curled and coiled around me is protective.

Perhaps even possessive.

“Thank you,” I say quietly and suppress a shudder.

If this creature hadn’t shown up when it did, who knows what would have happened to me? I doubt it would have been pleasant.

The Prophet most likely would have tortured me with more pain or worse.

As if it knows exactly what I’m thinking, the creature nuzzles its face into my stomach and purrs so loud the vibrations travel through its body, surrounding me with a comforting sensation.

Looking down at the top of its head, I have the sudden urge to touch it. To show my gratitude.

Tentatively, I move my arm and place my hand on top of its head.

The creature purrs softly now and moves its head, rubbing it against my palm.

Closing my eyes so I don’t burst into tears, I start to stroke the top of its head. Petting the monster like it’s a pet.

Mypet.

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