Page 14 of Monster Daddies

"She's not ready." He shakes his head in denial. "She's going to wake up, see us and run for the hills, and it will be all on you."

This time I shake my head at him. He's so worried about losing her, which is ironic as he still refuses to admit he wants her to stay, wants her as a mate.

Even though he's been helping me collect gifts.

"Not to mention," his rant carries on, "she could have hit her head!"

"She's fine." My tone is hard now. I don't want to fight, but I will. "She got a fright, that is all."

Viraat steps forward then, a warning gleam in his eye. "Well now that you've had your fill and groped at her, take her back downstairs before she wakes up."

I laugh. The sound comes out harsh, hard and bitter. "Go fuck yourself, Viraat."

His nostrils flare and the sound of stone hitting stone fills the air. We stare each other down, tension crackling between us. He's breathing heavier and I know I've pushed too far, but I'm beyond caring.

"She'sours," I say softly, with a conviction that roots into the ancient stone beneath our feet. "She's made for us. And I'm not hiding from her anymore."

Then, just as Viraat's mouth opens to respond, the smallest sound breaks between us.

A sleepy hum.

A breath catching in a throat.

I look down.

Dammit.

Am I really ready for this?

What if she does run from us?

Her lashes flutter, and her lips part as her eyes slowly blink open—dazed and impossibly beautiful.

She stares up at me for a long moment.

"Hi," she whispers.

And I swear my ancient heart skips a beat.

Her voice is slightly raspy, but there's no fear in her tone. Not even a flicker of it.

That hits me harder than anything else.

I blink down at her, unsure ifI'mthe one dreaming.

She's awake.Awake. And not looking at me like I'm some kind of monster or creature from her nightmare.

"Hello, little human," I murmur, brushing a curl away from her forehead. I try my best to keep my voice gentle and soft. "You fainted."

Her brow scrunches a little. "I did? Well that's embarrassing."

"You did." I glance toward Viraat, who's standing off to the side, arms crossed, silent. I don't care if he disapproves. "And there's nothing to be embarrassed about. I gave you quite the fright. But as I heard your plea, I carried you up here so you could come sit with the stone guardians."

She shifts slightly in my arms, and I almost pull her closer on instinct. But then she sits up a little, her hand resting lightly on my chest, just over where my heart beats when I'm not in my stone form.

She studies me. Slowly. Reverently.

"You're the gargoyles that sit atop the manor?" she asks softly, like it's something sacred.