Page 14 of Monsterland Mayhem

The elixir edict is bullshit. Especially since that elixir causes Omegas to go into a forced heat.

I suppose it’s one way to ensure an Omega is found, but a real king creates a mate-circle andhuntsfor potential mates.

Real kings don’t cheat.

And they don’t take over the palace while the kingdom’s true monarch is out searching for a queen.

Alas, here we are.

If the imposter on my throne catches Ailsa, he’ll forcibly breed her and solidify his rule over Monsterland.

I can’t allow that to happen.Wecan’t allow it to happen.

Which is why I need you to fucking move, Craze,I growl in my mind.

He cants his head. “What’ll it be, princess?” he asks our intended.

He’s gone through about a dozen pet names since meeting her, each one seeming to call to one of his varying personalities.

“Do you?—”

Brandt roars, cutting off whatever Craze was about to say. He glances back just as the fiery bull takes off toward them, his red eyes focused on my best friend.

“Rude,” he drawls. “I was giving the lady a choice, but now you’re forcing me to act.”

He casts a series of his rigged cards through the air, each one perfectly catching on Brandt’s torso, and exploding a second later.

“Such a waste of fire power,” Craze mutters. “I’m going to need another deck.”

He’s talking about his cards, but Ailsa doesn’t appear to be listening. She’s too busy gaping at the bloody beach.

Just pick her up and run,I want to demand.

Alas, we agreed this part would be played by Craze. He’s the only one who hasn’t spent any time with Ailsa yet. Not that Catum has been around her much, but he’s at least been able to observe her from afar.

Meanwhile, Craze stayed here to spy on the Imposter King. He’s a literal jack of all trades. His primary skill set centersaround survival, thus making him the obvious pick to play hide-and-seek with the fake monarchy.

“Ailsa,” he murmurs, his voice softening as one of his rarer, more tender personalities comes out to say hello.

She finally looks at him, her expression wary.

“I realize this is a lot to take in,” he says. “But your scent marks you as bait for a very dangerous game. So we need to run, as I can’t properly protect you here.”

Oh, he can protect her anywhere.

But staying here will require him to reveal one of his more violent sides, something Ailsa isn’t ready to experience.

Those parts of Craze’s nature also weren’t meant for her.

Our diamond needs love and affection. Protection and patience. Pleasure and understanding.

We have a long road ahead, one we need to quickly maneuver down if we have any chance at all of safely reaching the finish line.

Speaking of…I glance at my watch again.We are definitely going to be late. Fuck.

“I don’t even know your name,” Ailsa whispers, blinking those beautiful eyes up at my best friend.

He gives her a playful grin, one that pulls at the white paint around his mouth. “Craze de Hatte, at your service.” He bows and then straightens as the sound of rustling grows in the trees.