Page 47 of Monster

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To live or die…

Drake stood before the cage, both Jaeger and Bull at his side. It had taken hours of coercion and explaining, but he’d finally gotten both the rhino and the ice dragon to accept his plan.

If this goes right, we’ll both come out of this. Hopefully, in one piece.

The creature lay in a heap, looking broken.Its breathing was labored, and Drake sensed there was no time to waste. He took his seat, Jaeger’s hand on his shoulder for added strength. Drake could feel the cold power twist within him… he drew it in and focused on Luca.

Drake felt another hand on his opposite shoulder and felt fire race through him. He broke his gaze and turned to the left—to see Deacon adding his fire. He sighed, the heat of it so much more powerful to him than what Jaeger gave.

He loved Jaeger, but ice could only boost one made of air and fire but so much.

“Thank you,” he whispered to the fire dragon.

Deacon nodded and turned to face the beast.

Drake did, as well. He pushed… until he felt that familiar sinking feeling.

Opening his eyes, he was once again in the clearing. Ignoring the roars and cries from the animals in the wood, he stormed up to the panther.

“I know how to get him out of here.”

He’s not strong enough.

“But you are… you are the strongest part of him. You’ve protected him, but now it’s time to take the next step. Lend him your strength and let me make him whole again.”

The panther purred as he considered Drake’s words. It could make him lose who he is now… forever.

“But he’d be alive. And hopefully… sane. I will be there for him on the other side… as his mate.”

The panther met his stare. I won’t be here to protect him after.

“I will.”

You couldn’t the last time… they’ll devour you both.

“I couldn’t… but my dragon can.” Drake smiled, hoping with all of his heart he was right. He had to be.

Bring him to me.

Drake passed the panther and pushed open the door to the shack. There, on the bed, was Luca.He didn’t move. His skin was gray, like death. Drake rushed closer and knelt. He lifted a hand to the wererhino’s forehead.“I’ve come to take you home.”

Luca’s eyes opened, and he looked up… he appeared too weak to respond.

Drake caressed the man’s face.“First, we need to make you stronger.” He lifted the man into his arms again and headed for the door.

“Noo,” Luca faintly whispered as Drake headed out.

“It’s okay,” Drake said, stopping before the panther. “Your protector is here.”

Drake lowered Luca’s feet to the ground, but continued to hold him aloft. The panther lifted his forepaws and placed them on Luca’s shoulders.

The two slowly began to melt into one another. Luca’s body jerked, his whole form shaking as two slowly became one.

Off in the distance, he saw the other animals begin to race closer. “Hurry!”

The second the panther disappeared within Luca, he sucked in a gasp. He rose to his full height, able to stand on his own steam.

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