Page 91 of The Monster's Desire

Shelby staggers back, letting out a heavy breath. I smirk, giving her a condescending-as-fuck look in return.

Nadia moans. “Ohmigod, Ridge!”

Shelby huffs, grabbing the door handle and yanking it closed. “I can’t believe she fell for your bullshit and helped you take out Imogen.”

My jaw rolls from side to side as my fury reaches dangerous levels. My monstrous side is officially done with everyone in this godforsaken town.

Wraith manifests in front of me as I hiss at Shelby. “You’ve seen she’s fine, and it’s time for you to go.” He nods toward the stairs. “And, in the future, I would avoid verbally attacking Nadia’s chosen mate.”

Shelby’s mouth falls open, but Wraith puts up an arm, blocking her from me before gently guiding her out.

I stretch back against the wall to wait for Ridge and Nadia to finish.

“I guess there’s probably something I should admit,” Shelby says as they make it to the front door.

My head falls back as it shakes. Of fucking course, there’s more.

ChapterThirty

Ridge

Nadia and I share a shower in which we end up dirtier than either of us started. My wolf is purely fucking content as she snuggles into our chest while we congregate on the couch in Constantine’s living room. It’s an ostentatious space that gives me the creeps now that he’s gone. Fuck, it would have made me equally as uncomfortable when he was alive.

Echo sits at my side. He’s so riled that I toss an arm over the back of the cushion, allowing him to cuddle closer to Nadia. He leans against her chest, running his fingers over her bare ankle.

Shelby stands with Carina at her side. They’ve lived in town for a while. I recognize them by name, but not much else.

Carina sighs, glancing at Nadia. “We’ve got a lot of information, but a few pieces of the puzzle are still missing.”

“This is creeping me out,” Nadia mutters, linking her hand with Echo’s. “I knew them when I was in my teens, but apparently, I don’t know much, because I’ve got no clue what’s happening right now.”

“Carina and I joined the paranormal council in the years we lost contact.” Shelby’s wings flutter behind her. “I would have warned you to stay the hell out of North Falls, but you were already here.”

“What?” Nadia’s entire body jolts. I don’t like it one fucking bit.

Wraith tosses back his hood. He glances our way from where he’s been staring at the unlit fireplace. I’m fairly sure he’s thinking the same thing I am. Maybe it makes me a true monster, but I’m not above taking out a couple of council agents to keep my mate safe. It doesn’t matter if they’re female. If they put Nadia at risk, their chances of survival will plummet.

“I tried to think of any way I could scare you into leaving town, but Echo was always up your ass.” Shelby sighs heavily. “The North Falls ward has been on the edge of collapse for nearly ten years.”

Carina nods. “Way before we were active agents. Blood witches are the ideal candidate for sealing a ward. Though other types of witches can manage in a bind.”

Nadia chokes, coughing and nodding awkwardly. “Clearly, because I’m not a blood witch.”

Carina gives her a dubious look that has Wraith taking a step in her direction. She raises a hand of blood-red magic. I’m not the only one frowning.

“If you’re a blood witch, then why the hell haven’t you repaired the ward?” I growl.

“I’m not shadowborn.” Carina ignores my question, staring at Nadia. “But my magic still recognizes yours.”

Nadia smiles tightly. “I think you’re confused.”

“Stop,” Shelby groans. “We’re obviously not going to rat you out to the council. We all just need to be on the same page.”

“Why allow the ward to continue to fail to the state it is now?” I repeat.

“My assignment wasn’t to touch the ward,” Carina says, like that should be evident.

“Start explaining. We want a clear idea of what you know and what has been happening,” Wraith says in a clipped tone.

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