Page 17 of Monster Daddies

Instead, I stop just in front of him. I tilt my head to one side and say, "Thank you. For watching over me. For the gifts. Even if you're being all grumpy about it."

He opens his mouth—probably to deny it all—but I stand on tiptoe, gently grab one of his massive, clawed hands, and tug him down just enough so I can reach.

And then I kiss him.

Just a soft press of my lips to his.

Chaste and warm, and full of gratitude.

His lips are soft and shocked under mine, and I will pull away before I can overthink it.

He stares at me, utterly stunned, like I've just short-circuited his entire ancient brain.

"Consider that a thank you," I whisper, patting his chest with a wink. "Even if you don't see yourself as my fairy god-daddy."

Behind me, Jodrick barks a laugh, and I turn to him, grinning from ear to ear. I reach out, grab his hand, and lace our fingers together.

"Come on, big guy," I say brightly. "Let's go back inside where it's warmer and you can tell me everything I need to know."

Jodrick squeezes my hand, his smile warm and inviting.

Viraat stays silent behind us, but I feel his gaze on my back as we descend into the manor.

The house is quiet as we walk down the winding stairs, but I canfeelViraat following us.

I squeeze Jodrick's hand, just to remind myself this is real. That they are real.

Mostly to remind myself that I kissed not one, but two living, breathing gargoyles.

When we reach the library, I don't hesitate. I pull Jodrick straight to my big settee and push him down into it with a playful nudge. He goes easily, clearly amused.

"You're awfully bossy for someone who's normally a submissive," he murmurs, telling me just how much they have been watching me.

I know I should be embarrassed or... something, but instead it only makes things easier, knowing I don't need to explain who and what I am.

I climb into his lap without a second thought, curling into him like I've done this a hundred times before. His body is warm, solid, and oddly comforting for something made of stone. I tuck my legs beside me and rest my head against his shoulder with a little contented sigh.

"I can be bossy when I meet real-life gargoyles," I whisper, and his arms tighten around me as he chuckles.

"I guess so," he responds, equally as quiet.

"I like being here, in your arms," I tell Jodrick. "It feels... like coming home. Natural."

"I likeyou," Jodrick responds, his voice so low it vibrates through me. But his sentence feels incomplete somehow, like he's leaving something out.

Before I can ask what, there's a soft scuff near the library door. I don't turn around, but I know it's him.

The other dauntingly dark gargoyle.

I can practically feel him glaring at us, and somehow that only makes me smile bigger. And feel braver.

"Do either of you care to tell mewhyit feels so natural? I mean, I just met creatures from fantasy stories. There's probably a rule somewhere that says I should be freaking out, but the only emotion rolling through me right now is happiness."

Jodrick tenses, but after a beat I feel his hand come up to gently stroke my back.

"You sure you want to hear it all?" he asks.

I nod into his shoulder. "I think I better."