Page 15 of The Monster's Desire

“I’m sorry,” I assure her. “I wouldn’t go if I had any other choice. It’s a favor for Octavia.”

Aline’s light gray eyes narrow as she studies me. I have to force myself not to squirm in my chair. I know she’s hiding from her own baggage.

Kash has always been our paranormal council liaison, but the fact he’s hanging around town more often and popping into The Den more regularly is clearly making her uncomfortable.

I’d never rat her out, but she’s lived in fear for as long as I’ve known her.

Even if he hadn’t gotten alllet’s talk about creepy illegal magic, I was still planning to phase him out of my schedule.

It’s not worth making Aline uncomfortable. Although I did briefly worry that he would make a scene about it. At this point, I just don’t care.

“I’ll finish up as soon as I can and get back ASAP.” It’s not like I really want to leave Haven, but luckily, my assignment is close by.

Shit, I have to check on Kash’s pet before I leave. I’m not convinced that cruel asshole has enough compassion to care for a pet. That entire conversation still has me baffled. It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to risk leaving some poor animal stranded, despite my feelings on its owner.

Kash freaking knows that too.

“What do I tell your regulars?” Aline asks, pulling up something on her computer.

“That I’ll be back to work as soon as I’m done in North Falls,” I say with a grimace. I’ve got a handful of regulars who will be disappointed, since my schedule books up so quickly. My regular clients fill my available nights weeks in advance.

Not to mention, Sam. I wish I had some way to contact him. A weird feeling bubbles in my gut when I think of him showing up, only to be turned away because I’m not here.

What happens if he never comes back? My body goes rigid at the thought, but ultimately, I have no choice.

I consider leaving him a note, but honestly, that seems a little too pathetic for my liking. He’s the one who pops in once a week, and I’m always the one waiting for him. He could have given me his number or some way to contact him if he wanted me to have it.

“Tell them I’ll make it up to them when I get back.” I shrug. “I’ll work an extra night or two for a few weeks to accommodate anyone who lost out on a night.”

“You know I’m just giving you a hard time because it’s short notice.” Aline continues studying her computer. “You can quit or take a break at any time. Your clients can pick someone else, wait until you’re back, or they can fuck off.”

I chuckle. She’s come a long way in the time I’ve known her. She’s stronger. It’s good to see her finally growing into her own.

“All right,” she grumbles. “Get out of here, so you can get back.”

“Thank you,” I singsong, pushing myself out of the chair and heading for the door.

I’m not sure why I can’t shake this anxious feeling. I’m usually pretty chill, but driving four hours to an unknown town with unknown monsters is putting me on edge,andI still need to stop by Kash’s house.

ChapterSix

Nadia

Kash has kept a place in town for as long as I’ve known him. I’ve always assumed the council pays its minions well, because I know he has more than one house in more than one sanctuary city.

The paranormal council rules over the supernatural, keeping our existence from the humans. There is a code of conduct, and it is enforced, but places like Haven have their own sets of rules and expectations.

I really wish I had it in writing that Kash instructed me to do this.

I look shady as hell standing outside the two-bedroom house. It makes me feel slimy that I used to find him attractive. Sure, he’s not the best sex I’ve ever had, but it wasn’t the worst, and he’shot. Unfortunately, I’ll never be able to see him that way again. I’m a firm believer that an ugly inside makes the outside unattractive.

My hands glow with white light that quickly changes to smoky gray shadows. The less energy or magic I use, the lighter the color my shadows appear. The lower lock quickly disengages, but when I try the handle, it’s clear the deadbolt is flipped. There’s no keyhole, which is weird.

My stomach churns as I consider that Kash might be home. This might be a setup of some kind or...

God, I actually don’t even know the possibilities.

The lock quickly responds to the call of my magic. This time, when I try the handle, it opens with no resistance.

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