Page 50 of The Monster's Desire

“Omegas always gave birth to one of each of their mate’s species. Well, as long as that partner contributed DNA at the time of conception,” Echo says.

I don’t have the first clue what that means. Maybe Iama barbarian. I scratch my jaw. I guess they mean one of those babies belongs to Brant and one to River. That’s kind of cool. I bet they’ll be pleased.

My wolf perks up in my mind. He’s not opposed to the idea of pups. He’s less convinced he’d be okay with our offspring sharing a womb with a couple of demons. I snort. It sucks to be Echo in this situation. He won’t ever be able to reproduce.

“We’re fading.” Wraith waves a hand at me from where it rests on Nadia’s hip. “You’ll need to take her.”

“Make it clear to everyone here today that, if they value what she did, they should keep their fucking mouths shut. The new fae should stay home and heal andnotexpose her new transition to anyone who doesn’t already know about it.” Knight moves over to Wraith’s side. He brushes his lips over Nadia’s cheek in a move that signals tender familiarity. “We’ll see you soon, doll. Don’t wait so long to call for us the next time you need us.” He runs his hand over her hair.

“How exactly do you know Nadia?” Echo asks at the same time as the reaper speaks.

“I already reminded her of that,” Wraith says. He steps around Knight, offering me the slumbering witch. He pats my shoulder. “Only she can summon us across the veil. Unless we’re reaping, the only way we can reach her is when she calls for us.”

“But how do you know her?” I growl, rocking her against my chest. It’s totally a bizarre thing to do, but now that she’s in my arms, a warmth I’m not expecting fills my entire being.

“She won’t remember that part until we’re together permanently. It’s a protection for her when we aren’t around to keep her safe,” Knight says cryptically.

“But you know each other well?” Echo grinds out, obviously frustrated with all the secrecy.

“Well enough to kill anyone who hurts her,” Knight says.

“I refused to reap her soul the first time we met.” Wraith bends close to kiss her forehead. “Make sure they understand what’s at stake.” His eyes fly to the frozen occupants of the room. “I’ll slaughter every single inhabitant of this town if they do anything to endanger my mate.”

“Fuck,” Echo mutters. “Do you think I need to compel them? It might be ineffective, especially on Brant and River.”

I scoff. “Try putting a little faith in monster kind. Manipulation will gain you no loyalty.”

“I like the wolf.” Wraith seems to blink out of existence right before my eyes. Sound returns a second later, and it’s jarring, now that I can recognize how completely silent it was.

“Okay, that’s weird as fuck,” Echo says, shaking his head.

My eyes fly to River. He’s technically their pack leader. “I need to speak to you.”

“Of course.” He kisses Milania and nods to one of the rooms off the living room.

“Sure, head off naked for an important conversation.” Echo snorts. “Shifters are so bizarre.”

“Would you hold her? I don’t want to wake her while we speak.” I move closer, and Echo takes her out of my arms. It’s difficult to convince myself to let her out of my sight.

“You better pray he has no spies from the council,” Echo mutters, nuzzling his cheek to the top of Nadia’s head. I’m unsure if he’s speaking to her or us, but the look on his face makes it clear he’s fond of her.

“My people are loyal to no one above me.” River’s chin tilts in the air, looking and sounding like every bit the king he is.

Echo sighs, but he doesn’t follow us out. I hear him place himself down on the couch as I formulate the best way to convince the elven king it’s in their best interest to keep all of this between us.

* * *

Many people in North Falls know where Echo lives. The same cannot be said for myself. He puts up a minimal fight, enough that he can assure the council he tried to bring her back to somewhere they regularly monitor, but he doesn’t physically fight me for her.

My house isn’t huge, but the view definitely makes it worth it. It’s on the edge of pack lands, right on the lake. I get to watch incredible sunsets every night.

I’m far enough away from the pack house that no one visits without a purpose. I might beanalpha, but I’m notthealpha. Fuck all that noise. I’ve never had any interest in leading a pack. I leave that to my little brother and have for too many years to count.

Echo stands, leaning against the wall as I place Nadia in the middle of my bed.

“I need to shower off the dirt and blood,” I inform him. “Don’t leave her until I get back.”

He sighs, but nods.

---