Page 13 of Guarded By a Monster

Jade is asking for me. Zeus told me to go, but revealing myself concerns you, too.

Drym: She’s your mate, Thurl. It had to happen at some point. Better sooner than later.

Quin: Wait, what? Cat lady is your mate? How the fuck did that happen?

Kragen: Not something we need to focus on right now, Quin. What else did Zeus say?

Reinar Hilbertson, or Zeus as everyone called him, was also this region’s Society representative. He was responsible for making sure the supernaturals of Damruck and surrounding areas followed the rules—and kept out of human sight.

He said to call him if things go sideways.

Kragen: I say go. Give her a chance. We can trust that Zeus has our back.

I watched as one by one, all five of my brothers told me to go to her. I sent a text to Kendal, letting her know I was on my way.

I walked with my heart full of wasps and my head repeated inane words as I thought through what to say.Hi, I killed the guy who dared to touch you? No one will ever hurt you again? Oh, and by the way, I’m a Wyrfang. A socially and emotionally stunted lab experiment who is touch-starved and possibly crazy.

And I’m near blind in one eye.

How in the hell could this ever go right?

Full dark settled over the forest as I stared at the back of her house. The enormous orange cat from before jumped into the window and I swore I could hear it call me a coward. I took a deep breath, shook my entire body, and checked that my new set of claw caps were secure for the fifth time.

I made it all the way to the door before freezing again. I stood there and talked myself into leaving. Before I could turn, the door opened and revealed Kendal’s smiling face.

“Thought you might need some help getting through the door.”

I tilted my head as I searched the frame for hazards.

She laughed. “It’s a figure of speech.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me inside the warm kitchen that smelled of sugar and sunshine.

I shook my head and pulled back, surprised she kept her grip. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

Kendal’s grin was impossibly wide. “It’s the best idea.”

From deep in the house, I heard her voice.

“Kendal? Is that your friend?”

Before I could slap my palm over her mouth Kendal answered.

“Yes.”

“Do I need to stay in my room? I promise I won’t peek. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

I gave Kendal a head tilt.

She answered me in a whisper. “I told her you were scary looking and nervous about how she’d react. She offered to let you stay hidden.”

My ears pricked at the idea, but before I could nod Kendal called out, “Nope. You can come out!”

“Oh, good.”

Did I hear relief in her voice, or was that wishful thinking? I sank onto my haunches, tucking my arms against my belly and tucking my head to my chest. Even as small as I could be, I would be taller than her.

Kendal gave me a soft smile of encouragement.

Jade came around the corner into the kitchen, her face obscured by a towel as she rubbed it in her hair. “Hi. Sorry, I just got out of the—”

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