Page 42 of Fated to Monsters

Willow pushes the door open but doesn’t leave just yet.

“Thank you,” I tell her.

“Don’t get your hopes up, it’s a long shot, but back when I was searching for answers, it was something I did that helped me.” She shrugs. “Maybe it will work for you, too.”

And if it doesn’t, at least I’ll get some more time with her—my family.

“I’ll try anything,” I say truthfully. Whatever might help uncover the secrets of Prania and potentially provide a solution to save those that were left behind.

I can’t stay in Arthlia and pretend my entire homeland isn’t falling completely apart.

"Can you find your way back?" She nods in the direction we just came.

“Two lefts, a right, through the kitchen with these.” I hold up what’s left of my muffin.

“A sucker for details.” Willow nudges me. “We’re more alike than you may think.” She smiles softly. “If you ever get lost, here or out there. Just close your eyes, ground yourself to the universe, and ask for the way. You’d be surprised what answers are waiting if you remain patient.”

How can I stay patient when so many are dying back home because Parla still rules over Prania? I must find a way back to avenge those lives I've taken and put a stop to any further damage she may cause.

“I’ll see you this evening.” Willow slips through the door and it latches shut behind her, leaving me here at the end of this corridor with nothing but my thoughts.

Taking a second to let out a breath and relax my tense shoulders, I shove the rest of the muffin in my mouth and quickly savor the taste of such a creation. Bo would lose his mind if he could get his arrogant lips around one of those muffins. Maybe on my way back I could barter with Cameron to bring one back to him.

Perhaps bribing Bo with something edible will convince him to drop his guard and let me in enough to figure out what’s going on in his head. And even if it doesn’t, the look of satisfaction that will no doubt be on his face will be enough of a reward.

Turning toward the open hallway, I’m brought to an abrupt halt. I nearly slam into another body, and my feet instinctually move to take a step from this person suddenly appearing.

“Angels,” I gasp while clutching my chest.

His sort of purple gaze stares down at mine, his jaw clenched and his shoulders broad. A white T-shirt does a half-ass job of covering his tattooed body and ink spills over the exposed parts of his wrists that his black leather jacket doesn’t cover.

He's…beautiful, in an almost too-perfect kind of way.

“Willow?” His lips part only slightly to mutter the one word.

I tilt my head in the direction she went, and when I blink, he disappears from in front of me and darts through that same door.

With an exhale, I shake off the awkward interaction. “I guess that would be herotherhusband,” I whisper to myself. “Either freakishly fast or definitely supernatural.”

12

Wes

Idon’t hate it here.

There’s damn good food. Comfortable lodging. And much less danger than where we came from.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy a battle or two here or there, but the constant fighting for our lives thing was a bit exhausting.

Not to mention, Wren being in a safer place is a huge perk, too.

My hound worries a lot less, and so do I.

She's tough, to say the least, and without enemies looming around every corner, I have fewer doubts that she can and will remain unharmed.

"You're really okay with this?" Bo mouths off from his spot leaning against the counter. He throws his arms toward the door exaggeratedly. "She's Angels knows where and you're fine playing house."

Shut him up,my hound tells me.

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