Page 24 of Moth to Her Flame

“I’ll stand guard outside your door all night if you want,” I offer, though the thought of losing the intimacy we’ve been sharing here makes my wings tremble. “You won’t have to see or interact with anyone you don’t want to.”

Her laugh holds an edge of hysteria. “Right. Because that’s totally normal. Just pack up and move into a mountain full of…” She gestures vaguely at us.

“Of monsters?” The word slips out before I can stop it as my heart plummets. All the progress I thought we’ve made, thesecret dream I’ve been nurturing of making her my real mate—it shatters into a million pieces.

“No!” Her vehemence surprises us both. “That’s not… I didn’t mean…”

Another drone passes, closer this time. Dante’s claws click against his tablet. “They’re scanning for heat signatures now. Getting bolder.”

Chelsea’s pulse races where our hands are joined. Taking a risk, I brush my wing against her cheek, gratified when she leans into the touch instead of pulling away.

“You’re scared,” I murmur. “That’s normal. Smart, even. But these Apex people… what they’re planning…”

“I know.” She draws a shaky breath. “Those blueprints—they’re going to hurt people. Hurt you.”

At least she called us people, not cryptids… or monsters. Perhaps she’s warming to the idea of us… to me.

“Not if we stop them.” Dante’s tail lashes. “But we need you safe first.”

“Why me? I’m just… I’m nobody.”

“You’re the voice that makes people question.” My wing curves more tightly around her. “Makes them look closer at theshadows, wonder what’s really out there. The idea that public opinion might shift against what they’re doing must terrify Apex.”

“Also,” Dante adds dryly, “you’re literally bonded to one of us now. That makes you family.”

Shit! I’ve been keeping the words “mate” and “bond” out of my mouth, but the damned Jersey Devil’s not going to let her forget what’s at stake.

Chelsea’s sharp intake of breath makes me pull away, but her grip tightens. “Family?”

“If… if you want to be.” My voice scrapes out, rough. “No pressure, no obligations. Just… protection. Safety.”

“When do we leave?”

The question stuns us both. “You’re sure?” I manage.

“No.” Her laugh sounds steadier now. “I’m terrified. But…” Her fingers trace the edge of my wing, sending sparks through my entire body. “I trust you. Both of you, and Volt. And those blueprints… I can’t just ignore them. I’m tired of hiding from the truth just because it’s uncomfortable.”

Pride bursts in my chest. “Tonight? After your show?”

She nods. “I’ll need to pack, arrange for someone to watch the cabin…”

“Already handled.” Dante grins. “Cliff’s cousin Earl does excellent house-sitting. Looks completely human, makes amazing sourdough.”

“Of course he does.” Her laugh holds genuine amusement now. “Why not?”

Standing, Dante heads for the door. “I’ll let the others know. And Chelsea?” His expression softens. “You trusting us? It’s cool.”

After he leaves, she doesn’t let go of my hand. Doesn’t move from the shelter of my wing. Her fear still scents the air, but there’s something else now—determination, courage, and underneath it all, a hint of excitement.

“I meant it,” I tell her softly. “About standing guard. Whatever you need to feel safe in a hidden cavern full of people you’ve never met.”

“What I need…” She turns to face me fully, and my breath catches at her proximity. “Is to stop being afraid of what’s right in front of me.”

Her free hand rises to trace my antennae, drawing a shuddering gasp from me. The touch is feather-light yet devastating in its intent.

“Chelsea…”

“You won’t let anything happen to me.” It’s not a question.

---