Page 52 of Guarded By a Monster

Nanna stopped us just inside the door. “Oh my god, baby, what happened?”

“I’m okay Nanna. I was attacked in the bathroom at the police station, but I’m okay now.”

She smoothed Jade’s hair from her face. “Was it Silver Fang?”

“We don’t know yet. Luna and Detective Chambers are looking into it.”

“Do you want me to go to Roul’s?”

It took a minute before I understood she was asking me. “Only if you wish.”

“I’ll go then. Let me know if you need me, honey.” She patted me and Jade at the same time.

“Thanks, Nanna.”

I sat on the edge of the bed with Jade still wrapped in my arms.

“What can I do to help?”

I snorted. “Never leave my sight again.”

She sighed and pulled away from me but stayed on my lap. “That’s no life for either of us.”

My heart clenched, and I resisted the need to pull her back against me. She slid from my lap, standing between my legs when my hands compulsively gripped her thighs.

“I’m not leaving you.”

“I know, but—.”

“No buts, Thurl. I’m not leaving you.”

“You already chafe against my hold. I am a monster, and you will grow tired of me, of my need to protect you.” I looked into her eyes. “My need for you.”

She cupped my face in her hands. “I chose you, Thurl. I choose you.”

I looked away. “You say that now, when you are frightened. What happens when the threat is gone? What happens when all that’s left is a monster who can’t live by your side in daylight?”

“I will still choose you.”

“You can’t know that.”

She grunted in frustration. “How can such a powerful creature be so dense?”

I felt like I’d been slapped.

“Oh, don’t look at me like that. Close your mouth before you catch flies. You are amazing, Thurl. You are a beast, that’s true, but you’re also kind and gentle. You’re considerate and passionate. Generous and loyal.”

“I was bred to kill.”

She nodded. “And I’m sure you’re good at it. That doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of love, or worthy of it.”

I swallowed. “What I feel for you…” my heart squeezed. I felt like I stood at the edge of a cliff. Her reaction to what I said next meant everything. Our bond lights flared around us. “I love you, Jade.”

“I love you, too, Thurl. And love means it will all work out. Our love—our bond—will make it work.”

Her words sank beneath my skin, burrowed into my heart, and took up residence in my soul. Not that I wanted to believe her, or needed to, but that I had to. She forced them on me with certainty enough for both of us. The lingering doubts about not being good enough for her, not being what she needed, dissolved in the face of her love.

“You are truly okay? Your neck isn’t sore? You don’t need to be seen by a doctor?”

---