Page 48 of Monsterland Mayhem

Plus, I would’ve been naked.

And that probably would have intimidated her.

“Bath is ready,” Catum tells me several minutes later.

I nod and lift Ailsa into the air to carry her into the bedroom. “Can you grab the tea tray when it arrives?” I ask Catum, aware that it should be here any second now.

“Yes,” he confirms.

Ailsa lays her head on my shoulder, her eyes closed. “You need to be awake for your bath.”

She hums noncommittally.

“If you can’t stay awake, then I’ll be taking one with you.”

Another hum.

“Hmm, I see.” I enter the bathroom, familiar with the magically enhanced amenities. We’re frequent Tavern guests.

Or we were until I found Ailsa.

It’s been a bit since I last stayed here. But nothing has changed.

The shower is fully stocked with necessary items, as are the sink drawers. Catum already filled the tub with salts, the scent of smoky embers definitely his aroma of choice. I would have chosen something a little more woodsy. Alas…

I set Ailsa on the marble counter, then catch her chin to draw her gaze up to mine. “I’m going to get in that tub with you.” It’s not a threat or a question, just a statement of fact.

She doesn’t say anything, just stares sleepily at me.

At least until I take a step back and remove my shirt.

Then her gaze widens, her eyes instantly taking a tour of my exposed physique.

When I unbutton my jeans, she licks her lips.

I’m not even sure she’s aware of how she’s reacting, her exhausted state likely altering her perception of reality and fantasy.

I unzip my pants and push them down, then kick the fabric off with my shoes and bend to remove my socks.

Wearing just black boxer shorts, I step forward to gently peel off the remainders of her ripped bra and underwear.

She swallows. “I’ve never done this before.”

“Done what, little one?”

“This.” She gestures between us. “You… you and Master Pillar were my first kisses. Craze, too.”

I smile. “First and last,” I tell her. “Or that’s the hope, anyway.” I brush her hair back behind her ears. “And we’re not going to do more of it tonight. I’m just going to bathe you.”

Her hands land on my shoulders as I lift her again, then she shivers as I take her to the bath.

Distrust shines in her gaze, the sight of it hurting my heart. It’s deserved, but I hate that it exists. I’m going to do everything in my power to remove that look.

I walk up the steps to the tub platform, then down a similar set of stairs into the massive bath. It could easily fit all four of us, the benches around it providing seats for five or six Alphas.

I choose one near the controls and sit with Ailsa in my lap.

The water is warm with magic, the oversized tub having been filled by one of the Tavern’s many enchantments. All Catum did to fill it was flip a few switches and set the temperature before adding the salts.