Page 70 of Monster's Delight

I laughed. “No, you couldn’t. And this discussion is closed. I don’t want to be harassed by you any longer.”

“I don’t harass you, my little fawn,” Chuck said, changing tactics with an obvious cool down.

“Enough with the nicknames!” I said. “Just... Leave me alone!”

I stomped past him, bumping against his shoulder, leaving Aiden behind.

But Chuck didn’t want to leave well enough alone. He grabbed me at the last minute.

The next thing I knew, heat was surrounding me, flames crackling in the air. Chuck was on the ground, a red burn mark on his cheek. “Leave her alone or you will have to deal with me!” Aiden thundered from above my head.

It’s so sexy when he gets possessive.

I absentmindedly healed the burn on Chuck’s face, not wanting Aiden to get in trouble for fighting. I put my hand on his chest. “It’s okay, Aiden,” I said softly. “I can take care of this myself.”

The fiery monster stepped back, letting me out of the circle of his arms.

I checked to make sure I was still wearing clothes—I was, thankfully—and stood over Chuck, arms crossed. “Do you get my point now? Aiden is mine, I am his, and you are never to touch me again. Is that clear?”

Chuck ground his teeth, clenching his jaw. “Crystal,” he spat venomously. “You’re obviously worthless, just like a used piece of chewing gum. Tainted by thiscur.”

Aiden moved so fast he was almost a blur, grabbing Chuck by the neck and holding him against the wall by his throat. “Apologize to her!” he growled.

“Put him down!” I shouted.

In his surprise, Aiden dropped Chuck, who I healed again.

Turning my back on the witch, I faced Aiden. “Shift back. Control yourself,” I hissed. “You almost got yourself expelled over a little name calling.” When he returned to his human form, a trifle shame-faced, I softened. “I understand that you can be a little protective of your mate. But what does it matter what he calls me? There’s no reason to overreact.”

My stomach grumbled loudly, interrupting me and I chuckled.

“Come on, let’s go find dinner in the kitchen. I think you’re hangry.” I took Aiden’s arm and we walked away without looking back.

“If I’m gum, what flavor would I be?” I said thoughtfully, startling a laugh out of Aiden.

“Peppermint?” he suggested.

I wrinkled my nose. “That’s pretty tame. Am I tame? Practically all gum is peppermint.” I shook my head. “Not bubblegum. That gets too sickly sweet too fast. I hope I’m not bubblegum.”

“Doubtful,” Aiden agreed, amused. “What about cinnamon?”

“Hits with a bang and then, depending on the quality of the gum, either continues endlessly or peters out after two chews? No, too spicy. Una might be cinnamon, but not me.” I laced our fingers together, swinging our hands a little. “What about wintergreen?”

“I like wintergreen. That’s my toothpaste flavor.” Aiden smiled at me.

“Mine too. A match made in toothpaste heaven,” I said impishly.

Aiden chuckled. “This is a ridiculous conversation to be having.”

“Are you still angry?”

He opened and closed his mouth a couple times. “No.”

“Excellent.” I beamed. “That was my plan. My evil little plan. Mwahaha!”

“You’re ridiculous. But you’remyridiculous mate,” Aiden said fondly.

“Can we study while we eat? I’m feeling anxious about potions. We have a practical next week, and while I can’t practice that, I can at least memorize lists of herbs.” I bit my lip anxiously.

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