Page 61 of The Monster's Desire

“Did you run to the council and tell them what happened?” Her eyebrows rise as she studies me.

Now thatreallypisses me off. It’s clear that insinuation came from the wolf.

“I did not. I fed, retrieved clothes for you, grabbed my car, and came back to watch the two of you fuck the next several hours away.” I smirk.

She shrugs unapologetically. “We needed some stress relief.”

“Did you warn the wolf what you do for a living?”

“She’s a fertility witch,” Ridge rumbles.

Nadia flinches, her discomfort filling the link between us. I’m unused to feeling remorse, but I do think that’s what I’m currently experiencing. It’s a strange bubbling in my stomach that I’m unfamiliar with.

Her chin tilts up, and she looks at Ridge over her shoulder. “I work at a sex club in Haven called The Monster’s Den.”

Ridge’s face shows a mix of emotions, from confusion to possibly hurt. He hasn’t dated anyone in all the years I’ve known him, but he’ll have to understand witches don’t anticipate mates like shifters do.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t around to look after you. You’ll never have to go back there again.” The clueless bastard actually bends down, nuzzling his cheek to hers.

“It’s not like that.” She spins to face him. “For the most part, I’m happy with my job. Yeah, it involves sex, but it’s also a lot of just companionship for lonely monsters.”

“I forb—” Ridge clears his throat. “I would prefer it if you would consider other options.”

“We fucked, it’s not like—”

Ridge growls, swatting her ass. “Don’t belittle our connection, or I’ll give you a hell of a lot more than a playful slap on your ass.”

Nadia squeaks, smacking his hand away.

Ridge laughs, kissing her.

As Imogen’s progeny, I’ve stood guard on many private moments. Her weakest child to command, always treated the worst. I’ve seen all types of intimate scenes and never felt an ounce of jealousy or discomfort.

Until now.

I shake away those thoughts; they’re useless.

“I took us off topic,” I say, clearing my throat. “We have bigger issues to address.”

“Command him as your vessel,” Ridge directs. “Demand he answer truthfully and ask if he has betrayed you.”

“Fuck you,” I hiss, pushing off the wall.

Nadia spins to face me, but she puts a hand on the wolf’s chest, shoving him back as he tries to advance.

“We don’t trust you. No one fucking trusts you,” Ridge growls.

“Oh, the two of you are a team now, are you?” I taunt.

“He hasn’t done a single thing to hurt me, and I don’t exactly have loads of allies in North Falls,” Nadia says.

“We’re soul bonded,” I say indignantly.

“Don’t forget why I can’t call in reinforcements of my own.” She rolls her lips, giving me a look that says she blames me for Warren’s compulsion.

“I did all that I could. You think you’re the only one he can compel or command? I gave you as much warning as was possible under the circumstances.”

“I understand that. I also get why you’d take any opportunity to be free of your connection to Imogen,” Nadia says, pushing wet brown hair away from her face. “I don’t even blame you for it. But I was ambushed by that situation.”

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