Page 25 of A Monstrous World: The Complete Series

“You're seeking asylum for yourself and your daughter,” Mother says, reading off the petition I had prepared.

Everything is legal, well, except Emerson's signature, but Aline conveniently grabbed that off her application.

Fae magic comes in handy sometimes. “You'd like for Ember to fall under Dread's protection?”

Emerson looks at me. I nod. The hound and I are in firm agreement. We like that she trusts us.

“Yes, ma'am,” Emerson says.

“She's of alpha blood. Unknown?” Mother looks at me.

“The child's father gave Emerson a false name.” I grimace. I likely should have imparted that news privately.

“You looked into Alix?” Emerson asks. “And that asshole lied to me?” Her hand points to her chest, like I need clarification on who was lied to.

If the bastard still lives, the hound intends to rip him apart limb from limb for dishonoring our mate with his lies. Emerson did nothing wrong, but that fucking bastard will pay for the way he treated her.

“He did,” I acknowledge, running my hand over her shoulder and offering her the little comfort I can. The information Arsyn won from the envy demon led us nowhere, because Alix does not, in fact, exist.

“It's a bit untraditional for a human to petition, but that's no matter. We offer sanctuary for all.” Mother closes the file in her hand. “You'll be under Dread's protection, effective immediately.”

“Thank you?” Emerson says, but it comes out a question.

“Make it very clear who she belongs to,” Mother says. “Leave not a doubt in their minds.”

Emerson bristles, but my hand lands on her hip, giving her a gentle squeeze. I'd never do anything to hurt her or the pup. She doesn't realize that I extended her the ultimate protection just now.

I probably should inform her at some point that we're going to be mated. I dislike the wobbly feeling that comes when I think of her being angry with me.

Mother stands, indicating our meeting is adjourned. She comes around the table and pulls Emerson in for a hug. “I can't wait to meet the little one. I've been waiting for ages for grandchildren.”

“What?” Emerson squeaks.

At the same time, I snort. “You've got seven grandkids from two of your offspring.”

“I mean, thank you?” Emerson gives me a look that spells pure confusion.

“Yes, but they're all adults now. We all know how much I love the little ones. You smell strongly of Arsyn. Bold choice for a human, but I love it.” Mom pats Emerson's cheek. “This is so exciting! You'll come for dinner soon?”

Emerson's eyes are wide as she looks to me for guidance. It makes my dick hard, which is extremely uncalled for in front of my fucking mother.

I blame the hound for this; he craves her submission with a yearning we’ve never experienced.

Fine, I won’t lie. I do as well.

“We will,” I agree, finally answering my mother.

“Of course, you will,” Mother says, patting me on the cheek. “Make sure the claiming is clear and let the word spread. I'd like to see someone try to come into the community I've built and challenge the very foundation of everything we guarantee our citizens.”

I shoot my mother a look that screams tone it down.

Humans are squeamish about murder. Emerson was hesitant even to correct her daughter's poor behavior. I can't imagine her reaction to me removing a few heads.

“I'm off,” Mother says. “Have fun.”

She saunters out while Emerson stands with her mouth hanging open. “That's your mother?” she hisses. “She looks barely older than you.”

I chuckle. My paws have a mind of their own as they land on Emerson's thick hips. “My kind are essentially immortal. She only chose to age up her appearance because my brother bonded and had children. She wanted to look the part of our family matriarch.”

“You can choose your age or, I mean, how old you appear?” Emerson whispers. “Wait, how old are you?”

“Barely shy of four hundred,” I reply, pulling her flush with my front. “Still very much in the prime of my life.”

Emerson sputters. “That's unreal.”

“If you think I'm old.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Absolutely do not ask Laithe or Arsyn how old they are.”

“Ohmigod, I've been banging the elderly.” Emerson snorts.

The hound chuffs a laugh.

Emerson tilts her head, grinning up at me. My teeth ache with the need to claim her.

“Don't worry. I'll show you all the benefits that come with age and a little patience,” I murmur, gripping her ass and pulling her closer. Although, I might end up embarrassing myself. I've got many years' worth of practice imagining the act, but no real-life experience.

My lips brush over hers and my pulse races. The hound is insistent we bite her now, so she can't get away. I shut out those impulses and give her the softest kiss I can manage in my desperate state.

Emerson whimpers.

It's a struggle not to toss her down and claim her on the council conference table.

She doesn't look away as my eyes turn fiery red. I've seen her glance away from the dominance in her daughter's gaze, but Emerson stares straight into my eyes as the hound makes himself known. It pleases us greatly. It's a perfect example proving that she is abso-fucking-lutely my mate .

Venom is technically part of The Monster's Den, but it's a separate part of the business. It has its own entrance for customers only looking to experience the club. Monsters in Haven come to find their next hookup or even to blow off steam and socialize.

The line isn't wrapped around the building yet, but it's still relatively early. Emerson struggles to keep up in her sky-high heels, so I slow my pace considerably.

Atlas mans the door tonight. The orc does a double take when he spots me stomping toward the entrance with Emerson on my arm. Ryktus lets out a low whistle from his perch to ensure I know he's got eyes on us. He'll meet us inside shortly.

“We aren't headed to The Den?” Emerson asks, holding onto my arm for dear life. The rocky cobblestone path makes it difficult for her to move.

I should have this area paved, I decide. Sure, the bricks are as old as the town, but it seems like a risk not worth taking. My human could trip and break her neck if she's not careful.

The thought sends a violent wave of panic through my system. I should've had Laithe accompany us tonight. The more I think on it, it becomes clear he should be at her side at all times.

Vampire blood can heal almost any human wound.

“We are not,” I finally reply.

I'm pretty sure I'm having indigestion again.

Why the hell are humans so breakable?

Whoever created them did a terrible job designing their defenses. They have almost no methods of attack and even less protections.

It's lucky she has us. The hound and I are in agreement on that.

We finally make it into the club. The music is so loud, it rattles the walls. The flooring in this area is black marble with gray swirls and patterns that glow faintly in the lights. The effect is incredible; we receive compliments on it regularly.

I'm currently considering having it ripped out too.

Everything seems too hard and dangerous in comparison to my human's delicate skin. She could fall and crack her skull.

Not to mention, the room is filled with unknown monsters, all considerably larger and more formidable than Emerson.

We just went over this. She has us , the hound is quick to remind me. And that's why we have to put on this show.

The logic is sound.

I know Ryk will be shadowing us at any moment. He's powerful enough to tear apart anything that attempts to touch my mate and, of course, she's got me. I wouldn’t hesitate a bit to rip this entire club full of patrons limb from limb if necessary to protect her.

“What exactly are we here for?” Emerson asks, leaning up to speak close to my ear.

“I need to make a point,” I tell her.

“Right.” She blinks up at me in confusion. “And what's the endgame?”

“Ensuring every monster in the room knows you're mine,” I growl.