Page 139 of A Monstrous World: The Complete Series

Chapter Thirty-One

Nadia

R idge’s house is surprisingly homey. It has four bedrooms and plenty of space for all of us without being right on top of each other.

The main problem is that I have to get back to Haven at some point.

I spent several days working on the cornerstones with Shelby and Carina, then another couple of days fortifying the ward on my own.

As bad as it sounds, I don’t plan to make any return trips to North Falls.

I need to be sure everything is good and wrapped up in a tight little bow when I make my exit.

I miss Nan something fierce. Though I’ve spoken to her and Aline, I’m still strategically ducking and weaving to avoid Emerson’s calls. I get updates through Nan, and that’s enough for me. I feel like a giant asshole, but I’m not about to bust out everything I have to tell her over the phone.

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.” Brant clears his throat, looking directly at me. “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 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 him. 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.

I step around Ridge, trying to catch sight of his back, but he continuously turns with me. It makes it impossible to get a look at the damage.

The door closes and Echo appears at my side. “I can heal those for you.”

“Heal what?” I snap. My shadows spill out of my skin, showing my displeasure.

“No.” Ridge shakes his head. “They must mend naturally. Carry her up to bed and get her ready. I’m claiming your slick little cunt after I’m clean.

” He dips his mouth to mine, kissing me with a ferocity that has my knees clenching.

His long hair tickles my cheek as he stares into my eyes and palms the back of my head.

“Fuck me,” Athos grumbles from somewhere. “I need headphones.”

“Go for a walk,” Ridge rumbles. He gives a final peck on my lips and jogs off toward the stairs. My jaw falls when I catch sight of his back. It’s clear by the wounds what happened. His fucking brother whipped him.

My fists clench, but Echo grabs me, tossing me over his shoulder before I can make a break for the door.

“Ridge volunteered. You have to remember that his brother isn’t technically supposed to be alpha of that pack.

With us leaving, it was a minor inconvenience for Ridge, but it could save his little brother’s life from being challenged once we’re gone.

” I bounce around, clutching at Echo’s pockets as he takes the stairs.

Everything he said makes perfect sense, or I’m sure it does in shifter logic.

It doesn’t lessen the pit in my gut, though.

“It was a worthy price to pay, so a daughter no longer has to live in fear. Think of it that way.”

I nod my understanding as my back hits the mattress. Echo yanks his shirt off over his head. He quirks an eyebrow as he slides a tattooed hand down his muscular chest.

Aww, hell. I think I’m about to get fucked by all four of my mates at once. And my birth control spell is likely completely ineffective. A shiver runs through my entire body at the thought. Ridiculous hormones and cuddly babies. Also delusional monsters. They’re all to blame for this debacle.