Page 79 of The Monster's Desire

“Nah, I’m not afraid of putting on a good show.” I wink. Her nails dig into my flesh and blood pools. She doesn’t realize it, since the fluid immediately transforms into black smoke.

“This miniature version of a battle royale has no rules, except that you may not begin fighting until Garth has the witch fully nude. You can watch until then and allow your misery to percolate.” Constantine gestures to the platform. “Get on with it. I can’t wait to see how this plays out.”

Garth rolls his shoulders, and I genuinely don’t know if he’s the operator or the machine. It’s likely he’s as much at the council’s mercy as the rest of us.

“Let’s do this,” I say seductively. If there’s one thing I’m excellent at, it’s making men feel desired. Also, listening to them complain about their problems, but whatever. I’m busting out a different set of skills tonight. “If you could release me?”

Imogen glares disdainfully, but her nails retract nearly immediately.

Garth swipes a hand over his face and extends an arm for me to go first. My dress puffs out as I spin. I do my best to send calming thoughts through the bond to Ridge. And reassurance to Echo. They’re not allowed to kill each other. My magic hums in agreement, and my knees go a little weak. Fucking finally, we’re on the same page.

Garth’s hands land on my hips once I hit the top step. Music and conversation fills the air, like the party guests decided to get back to their mingling. The incubus lifts me, twisting me in the air and tossing me down on my back. The sparkly dress, that I actually really freaking like, flies up around my thighs.

“I will murder you before that asshole ever gets the chance to stick his dick inside her,” Ridge growls.

“Yes, well, you can try,” Echo replies. “I’ll certainly be doing the same in return.”

Garth rolls his eyes but pounces. It’s a physical struggle not to push him away. He’s hot. All sex demons are, but I’m not interested in expanding my harem. I have four cocks attached to four stubborn dicks that I occasionally like from time to time. More than that would be overkill.

“I sure hope you have a plan,” Garth whispers against the shell of my ear. “Because once one of them successfully kills the other, they’ll be coming for me.”

“How altruistic of you,” I say, wrapping my feet around his legs.

“I’m not stupid. I want in on whatever plan you’ve got brewing. I’ve got no fondness for the council.” He speaks so low, it’s hard to pick up all his words. “I believe you met my mate. Scarlett earned a bullshit debt with them that we’re both working to pay off.”

I gasp, digging my hands into his shoulders. This entire place is corrupt to the point it’s disgusting. What Echo told me about The Mirage sits heavy in my mind.

Okay, so, I think I believe him.

“I’ve changed my mind. This is tedious,” Constantine says. “Release them. Allow the entertainment to begin.” His voice turns our direction, growing louder, but I can’t see him. “Better hurry it up, Garth. You know how little I enjoy being disappointed.”

My magic pulses in response to his implied threat. I’m really over the bullying. Warren never said I couldn’t attack him. My shadows spill out, and I focus on keeping them as clear as possible.

The sounds of fists hitting flesh fill the air. My heart races as I fight the urge to shove Garth off me. I have five targets. The members of the council need to be replaced. I seriously don’t get how a town filled with monsters hasn’t risen up and fought back.

“Do something to help,” I whisper, patting Garth’s arm.

“Like what?”

“Dose them with lust, so they’re all preoccupied.” I can feel my own eyes rolling. Really, evolution should dictate that monsters are smarter than this.

“Oh, fuck yes,” Garth growls, sounding truly satisfied by the idea.

“Come on, that should be common sense,” I whisper as my magic latches on to Constantine and Imogen. Warren, that slimy bastard, isn’t within reach just yet.

“My magic won’t work on Valaine,” Garth says against the shell of my ear. “But Lysander Godfrey has it bad for her. So, I’m going to focus on him.”

I nod as he pulls back. The next thing I know, he’s rolling us until I kneel over him. His hands land on my hips, and I struggle against the urge to slap them off. An ache fills my chest, a crossover from Ridge’s emotions.

I fucking hate it. There’s no way I’m going back to work after this. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize that, but I can’t stand feeling his discomfort. Shit, I’m going to be eternally patching up elderly fae sperm and helping she-wolves conceive. Which is fine. I vaguely remember promising the universe I would be a perfect little fertility witch if I survived Kash. I probably shouldn’t go against my word.

My head swivels, taking in the scene. Ridge and Echo fight back-to-back. Holy shit, they aren’t fighting each other.

Thank God.

Constantine lets out a dangerous sounding growl, and a shiver runs down my spine as my eyes fly to him. My jaw falls. Oh shit, his demon form is extra creepy.

Imogen screams, and my eyes bug when I catch sight of her. Her eyes, mouth, and ears all stream blood.

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