Page 108 of The Monster's Desire

I frown when I realize all three of them are in different clothes than what they started the night in.

“I’m more than happy to walk you home if the dragon has become unreliable in his duties.” Athos floats along at Charity’s side. They approach the back door from the long hallway where the offices are.

Both Charity and Nadia have been chipping in to handle some of the administrative tasks while Aline takes time off. I have noticed Bane, the cranky dragon shifter, often walks Charity home following her shift.

“I’m good, thanks.” Charity gives a tight smile. “Contrary to popular belief, Haven is really safe, and I’m completely capable of walking three blocks on my own.”

“The last time you walked home alone, the wyvern kidnapped you,” Nadia mumbles sleepily. She cuddles closer to my chest. My heart pounds rapidly, like it does every time I realize how lucky I got when she claimed me.

“Oh, you hush.” Charity smiles at Nadia. “That wyvern is my mate. It was quite the romantic introduction.”

“Being kidnapped?” Echo snorts derisively. “Hey, darling, why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because I definitely would have kicked you in the balls?” Nadia mutters.

“I fear you may be mistaken,” Athos says sincerely. “I’m nearly positive you’re my—”

Charity spins around, shoving a finger at the djinn. “Don’t even say it.”

“My mate.” Athos smirks.

“I’m moving.” Charity’s head shakes. “I’m taking my kid and my wyvern and leaving town. This is insane.”

“He wasn’t lying,” Knight adds helpfully. Charity glares so intently that Knight shrugs, shoving his hands into his back pockets. “My bad. I’m just saying he believes that you’re his mate.”

“The fuck he is,” Bane growls, stomping inside the back door.

Nadia snorts. “Okay, so I’m beat. Someone will get Charity home safely?”

“I’ve got it.” Bane steps forward, extending an arm to the half-fae female. She sighs but lets him pull her into his side.

“That was hurtful,” Athos mutters. “I was going to discuss romantic ways of asking if you’d accept my jar.”

“What?” Charity gasps, spinning to face him. “You’re serious?”

“Of course.” Athos crosses his arms. “It’s the greatest affection my kind can offer.”

“We’ll talk about this more soon,” Charity says, smiling over her shoulder as Bane drags her out the door.

“She’s so damn pretty,” Athos says dreamily.

“Take me to bed.” Nadia pats my chest. “I’m freaking beat.”

I don’t hesitate to siphon us away from the craziness and straight home.

* * *

“Wilma and Norma?” Knight suggests a few weeks later.

“You’ve lost your vote in naming rights,” Nadia scoffs, grabbing an apple slice off the tray of snacks she’s currently devouring. She’s got the small rounding on her lower stomach that signals she’s taken.

Fine, whatever.

Maybe it’s slightly barbaric to be fascinated with her ever-growing shape, but I couldn’t give a fuck less. Every male who looks in her direction can clearly tell she’s claimed. We didn’t just bond her—we bred her—and my God, I’m elated by that fact.

Honestly, I can’t wait for her belly to grow even larger. Demons only gestate three months, but shifters usually last around five. We have no definitive answers, but we’ll manage.

“Winifred and Magda?” Knight tries again, wiggling his eyebrows at our mate.

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