Page 49 of The Monster's Wife

She’s leaving at the worst possible time.

I can normally count on her to help me keep the employees in The Den in line as well, since she’s the only person outside of me who has a handle on the schedule. She knows which clients prefer each employee, and now I get the pleasure of rescheduling all her regulars.

Not that I can really blame her.

If I could get out of town right now, I would probably jump at the chance.

Immediately following her departure, Laithe and Dread pop in to corner me about what exactly Emerson has been turned into.

The conversation lasts for so long and circles back so many times that my nerves are one step past frayed.

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” I tell them, trying to calm my shaking hands. I finally give up, pushing my chair back to stand. “If I knew, I would tell you, but I don’t. It’s not like I’m purposely being secretive. I’ve only used that magic a handful of times. I’m not sure I changed her at all. She very well might just be a vampire. Meena kept the bab—” I grimace, because I’m not sure why the old witch made it seem like there is only one baby. There are four, and each is a different species. “The baby alive. My magic replenished Emerson’s life force...” I frown, pacing around the edge of my desk. “I mean, I assume that’s what it did. I can’t answer your questions, because I truly don’t understand how my magic works. Not fully.”

Laithe hums.

Dread surprises the hell out of me by stomping across the room and pulling me in for a hug. He’s never affectionate and, truthfully, I prefer it that way.

“Thank you.” He squeezes a little too strongly, and I grunt in response. “We know how much you put on the line to save our mate. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, you’ll have it.”

I awkwardly pat his back. “I appreciate that.”

Laithe catches my eye, giving me a serious nod before winking.

“What I would really like is some help around here.” I step back from Dread, glancing between them. “My quickening is coming.” I clear my throat. I’ve put this off for too long, but I won’t hide behind fear any longer. “Atlas will need time off too.”

Dread’s face turns to a mask of utter confusion, but Laithe simply nods.

“We’re taking some time off, due to Emerson’s pregnancy,” Dread says, frowning as he scratches his fuzzy jaw.

“But we understand that isn’t your problem,” Laithe adds. “We’ll speak to Raisa and Octavia. Dread’s other siblings can help out too. Take all the time you need. We are forever in your debt.”

“Stop,” I snort, shaking my head. “It’s just weird when you’re civil.”

Before I can blink, Laithe crosses the room, pulling me in for a quick hug. “If you need me to rip out any hearts, just call. Honestly, it wouldn’t take much incentive. I don’t know what we would’ve done without you. Also, stabbing people helps me relax. It’s like extra bloody stress relief.”

“Ahh, there we go. I thought you went soft on me for a minute.” I step back, running my hands down my dress.

I don’t know why it feels so monumental that I admitted Atlas and I are together, but a weight has finally been lifted from my chest.

“You and Atlas?” Dread still scratches at his beard. “I never would have guessed.”

“That’s because you never pay attention to anything or anyone,” Laithe says, heading for the door. “We’ll get you some backup in place. Feel free to promote anyone you feel can handle the responsibilities.”

“Atlas is honorable. I think it’s a good match. He’s always been protective of you.” Dread gives what I think is meant to be a reassuring smile. It’s kind of terrifying, but I appreciate the effort.

“Thank you,” I call out as he also turns to leave.

“Oh, we hired your husbands,” he says over his shoulder. “If they step out of line, they won’t be fired. Their lives will be terminated.”

I blink as he walks out without another word.

* * *

I’m just finishing up contacting Nadia’s regular clients to inform them of her leave of absence when there’s a knock on my door. My eyes fly to it as I push myself out of my seat.

There’s a problem. I don’t know what it is, but my magic buzzes in response to something.

Vivie slides inside the door, resting her back against it. “Kash is here.” Kash is the paranormal council agent that Nadia recently decided she wasn’t going to see as a client anymore. “I tried to head him off, but he’s down the hall. Laz is trying to give us a minute. Is there any way you can escape?” She glances around my small office like a window might magically appear.

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