Page 19 of In the Monster’s Wake (Monsters Amongst Us #1)

Archibald led Braith into the living room.

Cullen and Jasper were softly talking, but Cullen’s attention went to Braith as soon as he walked in.

He pressed his body harder against the back of the couch, and Archibald’s heart hurt a little for him.

He was clearly terrified, and it was all because of his father.

“I’m Braith,” Braith introduced himself. “I work with Archibald and Jasper.”

“He’s going to kill you if he finds me with you,” Cullen answered instead of introducing himself.

Braith blinked, then shrugged. “I won’t be going down without a fight.”

“How much you fight isn’t going to matter.”

“Maybe, maybe not. We’re working on stopping him, though. Besides, would you prefer to go back to the streets? I can offer you a comfortable couch and as much food as you can eat.”

Cullen stared at him for a moment before nodding. “I guess I’d rather spend the last few days of my life comfortable than sleeping outside.”

He had no faith that he’d make it out alive. Archibald wasn’t surprised, but he didn’t like it. Cullen needed to hope and to fight.

“Now, what do you say if we leave these two lovebirds alone?” Braith offered, gesturing at Archibald and Jasper. “I’m sure they want to reconnect or something.”

Cullen looked vaguely disgusted, which was offensive. “They’re together?”

“They are, and they’re right here listening to what you’re saying,” Jasper grumbled. “You should go with Braith, though. That way, even if your father finds me, he won’t find you.”

“He’ll find both of us eventually.”

“Maybe, maybe not. We’re not going to make things easy on him, though. Go with Braith and let him take care of you. He’ll protect you enough that you can run again.”

Cullen didn’t argue. It was like all the fight had leaked from him, leaving only a husk without any hope behind. He got up and moved closer to Braith, who gave him a smile. Cullen didn’t smile back.

Braith turned his attention to Archibald. “I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

“Same here. Keep an eye on him, please.”

“I kind of wish we’d never taken this job,” Braith complained.

“Me too, but something tells me that Kester would’ve found us even if we hadn’t.” He was too dangerous to be allowed to live. Archibald wasn’t usually one to play vigilante—he liked being paid for the work he did—but he might have done it this time.

“Yeah, well. You had to go and fall for Jasper, so I suspect you’re right.” Braith clasped Archibald’s shoulder. “Have fun.”

Archibald wasn’t planning on having fun, but he did want to reconnect with Jasper.

He wanted to check in on him and make sure he was all right.

He was also intrigued by the fact that Kester had licked Jasper’s blood and apparently found it weird.

He wasn’t about to ask Jasper if he could taste his blood, but part of him was tempted.

Jasper had been a mystery since they’d met. Archibald had thought that he would eventually unravel that mystery, but instead, Jasper got more mysterious with time. It made Archibald wonder if he’d ever uncover all of Jasper’s secrets.

Part of him hoped he wouldn’t.

* * * *

J ASPER WINCED AS HE shifted on the couch, his back still tender from the altercation earlier.

The dim glow of the overhead lamp cast long shadows across Archie’s living room, and the scent of garlic from their dinner lingered in the air.

It was cozy and made Jasper feel at home, even though he wasn’t.

Braith and Cullen had left. Jasper should go to bed, but he found that he was unwilling to end the day just yet. He wanted to spend more time with Archie, even though they both needed to rest and be ready for whatever would happen tomorrow.

Archie had gotten up to get Jasper water from the kitchen, and Jasper had taken advantage of his short time alone to try to wiggle into a more comfortable position.

He’d failed, and he was in pain now, which was how Archie caught him.

He rushed to Jasper and put down his glass of water on the coffee table.

The concern in his expression softened his imposing frame. His eyes glowed faintly as they studied Jasper with an intensity that made Jasper’s stomach flip. He wasn’t sure what his body would be up to tonight, but he was willing to try.

“You’re in pain,” Archie murmured. He crouched in front of the couch, gently resting his hands on Jasper’s knees. “I can see it in the way you’re sitting. Don’t lie to me.”

Jasper sighed, leaning back against the cushions. “I’m fine, Archie. Really. I’m just a little sore.” Which was better than most people who’d fought with Kester could say.

“A little sore,” Archie repeated. He tilted his head. “You’re terrible at hiding pain, you know that? I can hear it in your voice and smell it on you.”

Jasper’s cheeks flushed. “Smell it on me?”

Archie’s lips curled into a slight smile, revealing the faintest hint of fangs. “Monster senses, remember? You’re practically broadcasting it.” He leaned in closer, his breath warm against Jasper’s skin. “Let me help you.”

Jasper hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. He was pretty sure that pain wasn’t the only thing he broadcasted when he was in Archie’s presence. There was something about the way Archie looked at him—like he was something precious, something to be protected—that left him breathless.

“What did you have in mind?” Jasper asked in a whisper.

Archie’s smile widened, and he stood, extending a hand toward Jasper. “Trust me.”

Jasper did. He wasn’t sure why, but he did.

He took Archie’s hand, his fingers dwarfed by Archie’s larger ones.

Archie guided him to his feet with gentleness, his touch steadying as Jasper swayed slightly.

Maybe Jasper shouldn’t be surprised by how gentle Archie was, but he couldn’t help it.

After being told most of his life that monsters were dangerous, it still felt odd to trust one so completely.

“Easy,” Archie murmured, his other hand coming to rest on Jasper’s waist. “I’ve got you.”

Jasper’s breath hitched at the contact, and he looked up into Archie’s eyes. There was something there—something soft and vulnerable that made Jasper’s chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with his bruises and aches.

Archie led him to the bedroom. The space was somewhat familiar to Jasper, but he didn’t feel like he belonged yet. The bed was made, and the room was neat. Archie gestured for Jasper to sit, and he did, sinking into the plush mattress with a relieved sigh.

“Take off your shirt,” Archie said, his voice gentle but firm.

Jasper hesitated only for a moment. His fingers trembled slightly as he reached for the hem of his t-shirt.

He tugged it over his head, wincing as the movement pulled at the pain in his ribs.

Kester had done a number on him, and he hadn’t even tried very hard.

Hell, Jasper couldn’t even remember when he’d been hit in the ribs.

Maybe when he’d slammed Jasper against the wall?

Archie’s gaze swept over Jasper’s body, his expression unreadable as he stepped closer. His fingers hovered over Jasper’s skin, close but not quite touching him, as if Archie was afraid to hurt him.

“You’re beautiful,” Archie said softly.

Jasper’s breath caught, and he looked up at Archie, his heart pounding. “Archie.” He wasn’t the first person to tell Jasper that he was beautiful, but Jasper liked it.

Archie rested his hands on Jasper’s thighs. “Let me take care of you,” he murmured.

Jasper nodded. What else could he do?

Archie’s hands moved slowly, carefully, tracing the bruises that were blooming on Jasper’s ribs. His touch was feather-light. Jasper sucked in a sharp breath, but it wasn’t from pain.

“Does it hurt?” Archie asked, his eyes flicking up to meet Jasper’s.

Jasper shook his head. “Not exactly.”

Archie’s lips curved into a faint smile, and he leaned in, his breath warm against Jasper’s skin as he pressed a soft kiss to the center of his chest. Jasper gripped the edge of the mattress as Archie’s lips trailed lower, kissing each new bruise slowly.

“Archie,” Jasper whispered, his voice trembling.

“Let me take care of you, Jasper. Let me show you how much you already mean to me.” Archie murmured against Jasper’s skin, his hands sliding up to rest on Jasper’s hips. “I realize it’s a lot, but I care about you, Jasper.”

Jasper’s heart swelled, and he reached out, his fingers tangling in Archie’s silky hair. “I care about you, too,” he breathed out. Who cared if it was too soon? Jasper certainly didn’t.

Archie’s lips moved lower, and Jasper’s breath came faster. Archie’s hands on his hips were firm but gentle, guiding him back against the mattress. Archie never stopped kissing Jasper.

“You’re so strong,” Archie murmured. “So brave, facing Kester on your own twice. You don’t have to be brave with me, though.”

Jasper’s eyes stung, and he blinked back tears as Archie’s words washed over him.

No one had ever spoken to him like that—no one had ever looked at him like Archie did, like he was something worth cherishing.

Jasper wasn’t fragile, but he’d been trained to be strong all his life.

He wasn’t supposed to show feelings. Hunters needed to be emotionless.

Jasper never had been. “Archie,” Jasper whispered. “I—”

Archie looked up, his glowing eyes meeting Jasper’s. “Shh,” he murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Jasper’s lips. “I’ve got you.”

Jasper pushed his fingers into Archie’s hair, pulling him closer. Archie responded by kissing Jasper with a hunger that made Jasper’s head spin. Archie’s tongue slid against Jasper’s, and Jasper moaned softly, his body arching into Archie’s touch. He felt a slight pain, but it was easy to ignore.

Archie’s hands roamed over Jasper’s body, careful but insistent, and Jasper’s mind went hazy with pleasure. Each touch, each kiss, left him breathless and yearning for more.

“Jasper,” Archie breathed against his lips, his voice thick with desire. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

Jasper slid his hands down to grip Archie’s shoulders. “Show me,” he pleaded, his voice barely a whisper.

Archie’s hands were everywhere, and Jasper’s world narrowed to the feel of Archie’s skin against his, the sound of his own ragged breaths, and the overwhelming sense of safety that came from being in Archie’s arms. It shouldn’t feel like this, but it did, and Jasper didn’t care why.

Jasper’s head fell back against the pillows, his body trembling as Archie’s lips found his neck, and he sucked gently at the sensitive skin.

“Archie,” Jasper gasped.

Archie was everywhere, but Jasper still wanted more. The world dissolved into nothing but the two of them, their bodies moving together in a rhythm that was as natural as breathing. Being human or monster didn’t matter.

Jasper felt taken care of through all of it.

He allowed Archie to finish stripping him, glad he’d taken a shower as soon as they’d reached Archie’s apartment.

He felt loose and warm as Archie pressed their naked bodies together.

There was some pain as they moved, but Archie made Jasper forget all about it.

He touched Jasper until Jasper came on a gasp, feeling dizzy as he clung to Archie.

Archie’s hands slid down Jasper’s back, his fingers tracing the lines of his spine as he held him close. “Okay?” he asked.

“Never been better.”

Archie huffed a laugh. “You’re still in pain. I should’ve given you painkillers before doing this.”

“Pleasure is the best painkiller.” Jasper’s voice was slightly slurred, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to stay awake. Everything that had happened tonight was crashing down on him. He’d no doubt freak out tomorrow, but for now, he could forget about Kester.

“I’ll have to make sure we do that a lot, then,” Archie murmured.

Jasper hummed in agreement and nuzzled his nose against Archie’s neck. He wanted to do that a lot, but right now, he wanted to sleep more.

So he did.