Page 4 of Wishing Upon a Monster
Olan’s mouth twitched. “Ignorance of the conditions does not make the bargain null. She asked for help, and what’s more, her spirit accepted it.”
The shadows retreated, losing their sinister quality as his words echoed through my mind. I accepted his help spiritually? It’s true that I wanted it, but I did not know the consequences. Still, that doesn’t make what he said less true. In that instance, we were outnumbered. I was severely weakened by red cap poisoning. It’s possible they could have won the battle without me, okay, very possible, but would they have found me in time? Without Olan, would I have drowned?
There are too many variables to consider––
“Forgive us, Olan, we are just concerned,” Palmer sighed, leaning back in her chair. “If you can, please consider that all these questions are coming from a place of worry for Aurora’s overall well-being. We don’t know much about your kind, or you. If you were signed under the treaty, Aurora’s being human would mean she would be protected by the articles we put in place within. However, you did not sign the treaty, and even if you did so now, we cannot retroactively place any conditions on you. Thus, we are apprehensive about her safety.”
Olan tilted his head to the side, bringing his fist to his cheek as if deep in thought. The thumb of his other hand gently stroked my hip, the action soothing, despite being a little foreign.
He keeps referring to me as his wife, so I don’t think he plans to hurt me. Why save my life to cause me harm?I find myself less worried the more I think about it, andthatconcerns me more than anything.
His massive hand gives my hip a squeeze, then he straightens up, his other hand lowering to the armrest, hisposture very reminiscent of a king of old. “As I said, I am not a man, yet I am aware of how men treated their women the last time I was fully awake. I will make a vow,” he said, looking down into my eyes, “I will never intentionally harm you; I will never threaten your life. I will never force any carnal acts upon your person, nor mentally subjugate you or anyone you care about, as long as your safety is not being threatened by those same beings. I will be a partner to you, in any way you wish, for as long as we live.”
The air around us shimmered, as if waiting for my response, and maybe it was. I wanted to look around the room and assess everyone’s opinions, maybe draw this out for a few more hours, but I had a feeling I had to either accept this now or not at all. It was plain to me, since no one had blasted him into next week or offered me an alternative, that this was it. I could say no, but there was safety only in saying yes.
“I accept your vow,” I nodded, watching a brilliant, jagged smile stretch across his face. The glimmer surrounding us rushed into his obsidian skin, points of light shimmering like consolations before fading.
“Well,” Palmer said, breaking the silence, “I don’t think I could have asked for a better vow than that. I admit, I am surprised.”
“Oh?” Olan released my hip, giving me the space to turn towards her and Gatlin once more.
“That was extremely one-sided. You’ve not asked her for a similar vow,” Palmer raised a brow.
It’s not like I could do anything to him. I am powerless against––
“Min lille skat,”he said, tilting down to whisper in my ear, the smell of petrichor filling my nose, “I will forgive that thought because you do not yet understand. You have more power in this situation than you think.” He leaned back beforeaddressing the room, “Considering I am trying to convince all in attendance that I mean no harm, I would think that would be a comfort. Aurora isworthy,and I will not harm her, nor does it harm me to make such a vow. Partners make such promises when they marry, do they not?”
“Er, yes,” Cece agreed, stroking one of her snakes thoughtfully, “though generally the groom and bride have agreed to wed beforehand.”
Palmer coughed, shooting Cece a look, “We could continue in circles all afternoon. We accept, for now, that this is binding, but understand that we will be looking into this wish and you, for Aurora’s sake.”
Olan made a gravely sound deep in his throat, a smirk pulling at his lips. “I would expect nothing less, given who my wife is. You should not allow just anyone to run off with your warriors. I wish for her to continue her life as she has, just with me involved. Ishallbe involved. I also expect, once you discover that she is mine, you will respect my claim.”
Varying looks of resignation, distrust, and, from the shifters especially, acceptance mar the faces of my teammates. The acceptance shakes me the most.
I look down at the little black and gold bracelet wrapped around my wrist, thoughts tumbling around in my mind faster than a horde of goblins after a rabbit. I never thought I would get married; there was a stigma in our culture around marrying the Talentless.
I guess well-dwelling genies aren’t picky about their–– mates?
“If we are done?” Olan placed his hands around my waist.
The hope that I would be able to not only leave the room but also my monster groom’s lap surged to the forefront.
“Yes, I believe so. If we could have a private word with yourbride before you go?” Gatlin rose, signaling the others around the table that they could leave, too.
I wiggled in Olan’s lap.
A rusty chuckle was the only warning I had before I was lifted in the air and placed on my own two feet for the first time in hours.
“I will go and wait... outdoors for you. I am sure that you need to speak more than a word without me?” Olan’s shark-like grin scrunched his cheeks in an appealing way. I kept my eyes locked on his as he rose, still very much aware that he was naked.
Considering how long the rest of him was, well, I was afraid to look down.
One more––big surprise, and I’m done. I don't have the mental bandwidth to deal with anything more.
“Thank you, Olan, I will be out once we are done.”
“A word, sir?” Rocio had an easier time making eye contact with the god of wishes, being almost a foot and a half taller than I was. “One ancient being to another?”
