Page 11 of The Monster's Wife

I lean over, kissing Ali’s forehead once more, then make a quick exit.

* * *

The word immortal is a bit of a misnomer in some instances. There are types of beings, like demons, whose souls are truly immortal. Kill them on one of the other planes, like the earthly realm, and they’re simply resurrected in Hell. Although there is some controversy about how quickly that process takes.

The same is true for sentinels. Their bodies on earth might be damaged beyond repair, but they resurrect in Heaven.

The only saving grace I’ve found is that the paranormal council loves to send easily dispatched creatures to do their bidding.

Baby vamps, shifters who age extremely slowly but can be killed if you remove their head or their heart, and many of the other species, like trolls, siren, the occasional ogre, or orc—all of us can die under the proper circumstances.

Saber catches my eye as I step into the room. He nods to two men standing at the bar talking to Charity. I’m surprised to see her working so early in the day, but I suppose she could be covering for someone.

The guy on the right wears a duster jacket like this is the Wild West. I imagine it’s hiding an entire arsenal of weapons. The one on the left is dressed normally, but his focus is solely on Charity’s tits.

She bounces on her toes as she gives them a grin. All the employees know exactly how to play the game to maximize their tips.

I roll my shoulders back and paste on a friendly smile. Considering I’m half orc, I’m not sureanysmile looks particularly chummy on me, but I give it my best go.

I make my way to the bar and stand next to the one on the right. Just by sight, it’s clear he’s the one who takes his job seriously.

“Atlas, what can I get you?” Charity asks, giving me a tight smile.

“Something strong.” I chuckle, glancing at the newcomers. “She knows just how to mix them.” I wink at Charity. “Make it three specials.”

Charity is on the newer side for bar staff. She goes stiff for a fraction of a second before she staggers back, giving me a nod of understanding.

Her eyes get comically wide. “Yes, sir.” She’s not very covert, but she’ll learn, or she’ll be moved to one of the other bars. She spins around, preparing the concoction that will knock these two assholes on their dicks.

Saber comes over and joins us on the left side.

Poor Ali.

She really does think she’s managed to stay completely anonymous.

The darling Princess of Faere didn’t even think to change her name.

It’s okay. One day, she’ll realize that we’ve got her back.

Haven protects its own.

ChapterFour

Aline

Nadia sits on the coffee table with her hands over my lower stomach. It’s difficult to go through these sessions every week.

The sizzle of her magic hits me.

I try to steel myself, but I can’t fight the excitement that comes every single time. Hope is a silly emotion. It always manages to convince me that this could be the time it finally works.

We’ve been doing this for years, and the treatments haven’t been successful yet.

It feels like a waste of her talents and my time.

“You and Atlas seem cozier than ever,” Nadia says conversationally. Her eyes sparkle as she grins mischievously. “I’m just saying...He’s one smoking-hot specimen of manly perfection. Definitely at the top of the list of candidates to be impregnated by. I mean, if I was looking to be knocked up, and he wasn’t yours.”

My magic bristles in response, but Nadia only smiles wider.

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