Page 167 of Monster Daddies

I don’t leave her side. I remain close, watching her as she sleeps. She looks utterly serene, and it warms my heart to see her so peaceful after she just shared the troubles regarding her brother. Knowing she had to finish raising him after her parents’ demise saddens me, but it reaffirms my resolve to always take care of her and see to her happiness.

The wind blows through the windows, and when I notice Kiera shiver, I jump up to close them. Then I tuck an extra blanket over her and kiss the top of her head. She sighs in her sleep and snuggles deeper into the pillow, and my heart contracts at the contented expression she’s wearing.

I pray all goes well tomorrow morning in Zochal. I pray I’m able to easily commune with the spirits and convince them to intervene on Daniel’s behalf. If they don’t listen, I’ll simply barge into the gaol and set the young man free myself, but then I’ll have to relocate him to another village for his safety. It’s a suitable contingency plan, though I hope it doesn’t come to that. In the past, the spirits have always listened to me, and I have no reason to doubt their responsiveness now.

Though the windows are closed, I hear the wind blowing, and it keeps whispering my name and Kiera’s. It would seem the gods are pleased we’ve mated.

I think of the Nameless One, of how the wind never whispers this particular demon’s true name, and I suddenly realize I can’t leave Kiera at the cabin tomorrow morning. For her safety, I’ll have to bring her with me. But it’s just as well. The idea of being parted from her, even for an hour, makes me uneasy. Earlier, the wind also murmured that we should stay together, and though I’m not certain if the wind meant stay together in the literal sense, I don’t want to tempt fate.

I’ll keep Kiera close. I’ll take care of her forever.

My mate. My sweet Little girl.

Chapter Nine

Kiera

It’s strange to view Zochal from the outside. As the morning sunlight dapples the edge of the forest, I stand near Silas as he communes with the spirits, spirits he claims belong to old souls who once called my village home. I don’t have the heart to inquire whether my parents are among them. I don’t want to know. The mere thought is too painful. Wherever they are, I hope they’re at peace, and I hope they don’t blame me for Daniel’s problems.

Admiration for Silas flows through me as I watch him while he works. He’s seated on a large tree stump. His eyes are closed, and his hands are raised to the sky. He appears intensely absorbed in his conversation with the spirits. He speaks in a tone so hushed I can’t make out his words, and the spirits also communicate in faint whispers.

I glance at the village and search for the small building that serves as the gaol. My stomach lurches when I glimpse the guards standing out front. I look at the three barred windows, wondering which cell houses Daniel.

I also wonder if the gallows have been erected in the usual spot on the other side of the village, but from where I’m standing, I can’t quite see.

Is my brother sorry for what he’s done? Does he have any plans to change his ways? I suppose I won’t be around to find out.

I’m mated to a forest guardian, and it’s my understanding that we’re going to live in his cabin high in the mountains.

Zochal is no longer my home.

I expect a wave of sadness when I consider how abruptly my circumstances have changed, but it never comes. I’m still getting to know Silas, but there’s no denying that he’s my mate. There’s no denying that we belong together.

The bond we share only keeps getting stronger. A few times this morning, I was able to detect his emotions. He claims that in time, we might be able to discern one another’s thoughts. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but there’s no going back.

To my shock, an Elder approaches the gaol, speaks with the guards, then walks inside the building. I hold my breath as I stare at the entrance of the gaol, praying Daniel will emerge and walk free.

The conversation between Silas and the spirits grows louder, then there’s a sudden silence. I’m about to look at my mate when I spot a familiar, gangly figure walking out of the gaol. My brother heads down the street and disappears in the crowded marketplace.

I exhale with relief and turn to Silas. Papa. My heart brims with gratitude. I rush to his side and touch his arm. He opens his eyes and gives me a gentle smile.

“It’s done,” he says. He opens his arms, and I sink into his embrace. I breathe deep of his woodsy, masculine scent, a scent that’s already become familiar and comforting to me.

“Thank you, Papa.”

“You’re quite welcome, little girl.” He lifts me in his arms.

“You don’t need to carry me all the way back to the cabin. I’m perfectly capable of walking, you know,” I say. He’d carried me the entire way here, insisting on it since I don’t have shoes. I suppose I could stride into Zochal and collect some of my things from the boarding house, including a pair of shoes, but something about returning to the village feels wrong. Perhaps in time I’ll want to go back for a visit, but not today.

“How about we find those shoes you lost near the altar yesterday?” Papa suggests, and he carries me toward the white stones.

It doesn’t take long to find the white slippers that match the gown I’m wearing. They aren’t the sturdiest shoes, but they’ll do until I’m able to get something more durable. Papa has promised to take me to a mountain town he claims is very welcoming to him in the next few days. He says he wants to buy me a brand-new wardrobe and anything else I might need.

I’m touched by his thoughtfulness, and I’m excited by the prospect of visiting a new village. Until yesterday, I’d never even set foot outside Zochal.

Papa sets me in a thick patch of clover and reaches for my feet. He takes great care in the act of putting my shoes on. His eyes gleam with reverence, and after he finishes placing the slippers on my feet, he plants a quick, playful kiss on my nose. My heart beams with affection for him. He has a stern side, but he can also be rather sweet.

I’m starting to think it won’t take long for me to fall hopelessly in love with the massive, protective forest guardian.