Page 96 of The Monster's Desire

I’m lying on Ridge’s couch, watching the crackling fire, when there’s a knock at the door. Wraith runs his fingers through my hair, tenderly calming my racing mind. It still very much feels like the other shoe could drop at any time.

If Shelby and Carina don’t keep their word, or God forbid, one of the former council has an ally who notices they’re missing, it could be a complete disaster.

Echo shoves himself off the couch, aiming for the door. I sit up, and my jaw falls when Milania, River, and Brant make their way into Ridge’s living room.

“Thank you.” Milania rushes me before I’m even fully upright. Her long, thin arms clutch at my back as she rocks from side to side. “I cannot thank you enough.”

“No, I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner.” I study her slender face. She looks the same, but her features are more pronounced. “I’m so glad you’re here. I really wanted to see you before we leave town. Please, have a seat.”

Brant comes over, cradling a tiny baby to his chest. “Would you like to hold her?”

My silly heart races. “Yes.”

River takes a seat on the opposite couch while Milania grabs the baby, handing her off to me. Wraith wraps his arm under mine as Milania places her in the crook of my arm. My whole damn heart melts as I stare down at her. Her tiny nose scrunches, like maybe she doesn’t like being handed off to a stranger.

My eyes fly up to see Echo holding his phone. “Wait, what are you doing?”

“Documenting the moment. The next time you claim you don’t want offspring, I’m going to show you the look on your face.” He laughs. “If that doesn’t work, I’ll zoom in on Wraith’s face. I’m physically incapable of carrying a child, but that look nearly has me wishing I could.”

I roll my eyes, laughing at his ridiculous antics.

“Thank you.” Wraith gently rocks his arm that’s still under mine. “What’s her name?”

“We were hoping you’d bless them, Nadia.” Brant clears his throat, shoving his glasses up. “We’ve got Miriah and Malcolm.”

“Oh, that is an old tradition.” Knight swaggers into the room. He’s shirtless, like always, and my hormones are all out of whack because all I want to do is climb on his impressive cock. I’m beginning to think they’re tormenting me on purpose.

“Would you bless them?” Milania repeats Brant’s question.

I nod. It feels like forming words would take a lot of effort.

“You’re aware that her magic could interact with their DNA,” Wraith says slowly, like he’s carefully choosing his words.

“We are.” River nods. “I’ve been appointed to Constantine’s position as town council leader. I can assure you, our entire goal is making North Falls safe for every monster in their truest form.”

“I’d be honored.” I finally manage to choke out the words.

Miriah grunts and I lift her, nuzzling my cheek to hers. Okay, maybe I wouldn’t mind a sweet little baby or two. Definitely not four. I’m not freaking Emerson, with infinite patience, but I could probably handle one at a time. Holy shit, I think my ovaries are weeping at the sight of the adorable bundle of baby in my arms.

* * *

The blessing of a newborn is an old custom that fell out of practice when blood witches went into hiding. I prefer to think of it as us flying under the radar rather than the truth that we were hunted and often indoctrinated into the paranormal council in order to survive.

The ritual is super simple. It involves a drop of blood on the baby’s forehead and a simple prayer or blessing. I’m just finishing up with Malcolm when the front door slams open. The baby frowns, like he might fuss for the first time in our presence.

Ridge stomps inside shirtless, but it’s the extreme pain filtering through the bond that has me gasping.

“What happened?” I step back from Milania and aim for my alpha wolf.

“Nothing,” he grunts, wrapping his hand around my ass as he pulls me to his chest.

“Bullshit! You smell like blood,” I frown, “and sweat.”

“I needed to handle paying our debt to the pack before we leave.” Ridge nuzzles his cheek to mine.

“For Drake?” I grind out. My shadows swirl around my arms as I link my hands behind Ridge’s back. I immediately recoil. His back is sticky with what I think is blood.

“We’re heading out.” River holds Miriah, but he bends low in thanks. Brant and Milania quickly follow his lead, leaving with a few final words of gratitude.

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