Page 11 of The Monster's Desire

“Jack said I should have died,” she whispers. Back then, she was just a big-eyed, innocent pre-teen without a serious sin to devour.

Wraith took one look at her and refused to reap her soul. As such, she got to live to see another day, with an extra secret buried away inside her.

Nadia has secrets galore.

I adore it. Really, I adore anything that can surprise or intrigue me after so many years of existing.

“The portal seems to be closing on its own, but I’m a little concerned that you performed the wrong spell,” Malice says.

“We’re slipping,” Wraith announces as his hand becomes see-through.

“Thank fuck we secured the relic,” Malice says helpfully.

Wraith shoots Nadia a hopeful look. “Would you like to command us to stay?”

Nadia glances between the three of us. “Why would I do that?”

“If you don’t, I can assure you I’m going to spank your ass red the next time I see you,” I inform her, raising my eyebrows so that she knows I’m serious.

“I’m not sure that was the best course of action.” Malice snickers, bending down to look at Kash’s grimoire that Nadia dropped at some point.

“You know, I think I’m good. I’m not really a take-charge kind of girl.” Nadia slowly begins to back away. Apparently, the drugs have finally begun to leave her system. “I don’t think I’ll be doing any commanding today.”

Malice chuckles. “After they saved your life? That’s kind of cold.”

“From what I heard, you all set this up,” Nadia says indignantly.

Well, she’s got us there.

“Little witch, before you go, could I inquire as to which page you read?” Malice frowns at the book, nudging it with his heel, since his hands are still on the opposite side of Kash’s body.

“The one on the right page. Left is opening, right is always closing.” Nadia gives him a look like he should know this.

“That does make sense,” Malice says in a strangely melodic tone. “Unfortunately, in this case, the summoning spell was at the top of the left side and the closing at the bottom. It appears congratulations are in order.” The delusional fucker claps, but his head is still facing his ass.

“Why?” She sounds truly perplexed.

“She just tethered the two of you to her. Can I just say thankfuckI was in this vessel!” Malice cackles.

“What?” Nadia chokes out, still backing away. “No way, I don’t do anything dark with my magic.”

“Tethering for a demon and a blood witch isn’t inherently dark,” I tell her truthfully. “It simply means you’ve blood bound us, which is exactly what we were hoping for.”

“I’m honored.” Wraith nods like she meant to do it.

Malice snorts. “You poor, delusional bastard.”

The look of horror on Nadia’s face assures exactly the opposite, but what’s done is done. I personally couldn’t be happier with this turn of events. I’ll be a loving and doting partner to my adorable spitfire witch.

“Today went to shit so fast,” Nadia laments.

At the same time, I say, “Today is my favorite day in all my long existence.”

I frown.

She scoffs.

I’m going to spank her ass for that. She just bound us to her for the rest of her life. Sure, to solidify our claims, we need to seal it with a claiming bite, but that’ll happen soon enough.

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