Page 27 of Fated to Monsters

“That’s the truth.”

“You have enough going on, don’t let him ruin your day. You should get to enjoy your time in this new place, too.”

“And how are you liking it here? Well, with the limited exposure to this realm.”

Dash leans against the bedpost. "I love it. It's nice not to be constantly running for your life. And the food, well, that speaks for itself."

“It really does, doesn’t it?” I imagine that warm, cheesy bread melting in my mouth.

“The bed.” Dash pushes his hand down onto the mattress. “I don’t think I’ve ever rested that soundly in my life.”

It sure beats the measly thing they had shoved in a corner of their tiny house.

I thought things were bad for me in Prania, but everyone I came here with was struggling in ways I’ll never imagine. It’s no wonder they’re settling in with ease.

Still, I can’t ignore the itch in my core telling me not to get too comfortable.

“Can I ask you a question?” I chew the inside of my lip.

“You just did.” Dash chuckles. “Sorry.” He brushes my shoulder playfully. “What’s up?”

“Does it bother you, you know, that I’mwithother people?”

“Honestly…” He pauses for what feels like an eternity. “Not at all. Maybe if it was anyone else than who it is, but I’m still not sure I would bebothered.I trust your judgment. My only concern is that you’re happy and cared for. Other than that, I’m thrilled to be involved.”

How did I get lucky enough to find someone so kind and understanding?

“I don’t plan on adding anyone else,” I tell him, just to make sure he knows.

“And that’s a bridge we can cross if it comes up. I would never hold you back from living the life you desired.” He stands from his post. “But, for the record, you’re the only woman for me.”

Dash holds out his hand toward me. “Now come on, let’s see what this Netflix thing is all about.”

* * *

Apparently, this giant home has more than one living room. The one we talked to Sydney in is technically considered asittingroom, while this one has atelevisionand is somehow different than the other. Elaborate furniture fills both, along with dark paint and large windows, covered by decadent drapery. Someone took great concern while decorating this house, and it shows in the finest of details.

What a different world to find myself in after having spent my life ignoring and being completely oblivious to those types of things. It’s not that I didn’t appreciate it, it just wasn’t on my radar in any capacity.

With Dash and Wes at my sides, Dash leans his head on my shoulder while Wes drapes his arm around me, resting his hand on Dash. The comfort of their presence almost drowns out the magnetic and negative energy Bo radiates.

“So, you’re telling me,” Bo says loudly. “This guy can stalk and murder people and it’s considered romance, but when I do it, it’s bad?”

Jade presses a button on the remote, pausing the show. “Bo. I love you like a brother, you know this, but if you don’t keep it down, I’m going to be the one murdering you. I want to know if he’s going to kill her boyfriend or not and I can’t hear over your outbursts.”

Sydney comes in from behind us. “Ah, you’re watchingYou, that’s a good one. But hey, let me see that.” He points toward the button clicker thing in Jade’s hand. “If you push this.” He does as he says and pokes the thing a few more times. “You can get subtitles on the screen, so you can read what’s being said, too.” He hesitates before handing it back to Jade. “That is, if you can read English. I only assumed since you speak it.”

“We don’t call it that back home, but yes, it’s the same.” Jade takes it from him and turns the show back on.

“Wren,” Sydney says. “Can I have a word with you? Privately.”

I nod and scoot myself up from the depths of the comfortable couch and the warm bodies I’m pressed between. “Of course, yeah.”

He tips his head, a signal for me to follow him.

“I’ll be back, guys.” I glance over at Jade. “And gal.”

Bo does a poor job hiding his stare when I get up and leave the room, but I don’t bother giving him a blip of satisfaction by acknowledging him.

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