Page 30 of Monster Daddies

She paces as she speaks, arms moving animatedly, words flowing like a current.

She laughs at the man's jokes, corrects a misconception gently. She even clarifies her vision for the manor without sounding rude or condescending.

By the time the call ends, she's radiant. Glowing.

"They want to set up a meeting!" she gasps, spinning around to face me with wide eyes and a squeal that would send birds scattering if there were any left in the trees this time of night. "They love the concept! And the themed rooms? The workshops? Daddy, they think I'm brilliant and would love to work with me."

I can't speak. If I do, I might admit something I'm not ready to say out loud.

So I grunt. Nod. And allow myself the smallest of smiles. Okay, it's more of a grimace, but I'm a work in progress.

But that's all she needs.

With a joyful hop, she throws her arms around me, hugging me tight. I freeze, then wrap one arm around her back and awkwardly pat it. We stand there just long enough for her warmth to start seeping into me.

Then she's off.

"I have to tell Daddy Jodrick!" she calls over her shoulder, skipping toward the rooftop stairs. "He's going to freak out!"

Unable to stop myself, I shout. "No fucking running!"

She giggles and slows down immediately before disappearing down the steps.

And just like that... the silence I always craved returns.

I stare at the empty space where she stood only moments ago, and the unease creeping through my veins turns into something colder.

If she does this—and there is no doubt in my mind that she can do it—the house will be opened up for real. To strangers.

Strangers who won't know the secrets of Stonebound Manor. Who won't know how to respect its moods. Who won't deserve to breathe the same air as her.

They'll come with curiosity and boundary-pushing tendencies as humans always do. Some of them may even harbor bad intentions.

She, Avalon, will be with them. Alone. Unprotected.

During theday.

When we can't shift. Move. Protect her.

My claws flex involuntarily.

What if someone hurts our Avalon?

What if... what if this beautiful dream of hers becomes our worst nightmare?

I growl low, a sound only the wind hears, and sink back onto the stone ledge. My chest tightens with the weight of the truth I didn't want to face.

I don't know if I can handle it.

I'm not sure I can risk letting her follow her dream only to lose her completely.

Not when I'm only now realizing how much I bloody love her.

Shit. Blast.

Chapter Thirteen

Avalon