Page 9 of Monsterland Mayhem

“I—”

He growls, cutting off my protest before I can even utter it. Then he tilts his head once more with an irritated little huff.

I blink at him.

Where else am I going to go?I wonder.

“Fi—”

Another growl silences my acceptance.

Narrowing my gaze, I push up off the ground and wave toward the path, saying,Go on, then,without speaking.

His eyes hold mine for a beat, almost like he’s challenging me. Then he slowly turns in the direction he kept gesturing and leads me deeper into the woods.

Every so often, he checks over his shoulder to make sure I’m following. And each time he sees me, he seems to pick up speed.

I have no idea where we’re going, but the blaring horn behind us grows quieter with every step, suggesting this is the right way. At least for now.

Minutes pass, maybe even close to an hour, before Beast finally slows near a cave deep in the forest. He glances back at me, that purring rumble coming from his chest.

“Is this your den?” I ask him.

He shakes out his fur coat, leaving me uncertain if that’s ayesor ano. Then he trots inside.

My lips twist, uncertain if I should follow.

His big head pops out a moment later, and I swear I see exasperation in his light green eyes. When I don’t immediatelymove, he comes all the way out and takes my dress between his teeth to give it a tug.

I yelp as it rips, the too-tight fabric barely holding on after my sprint to the forest edge. I didn’t realize before, but the dress had torn all the way up from my thighs to my hips.

No wonder it felt looser, I think, glancing down at the tatters of blue and white. My white underwear and matching bra are completely exposed. Not that Beast seems to care. He’s too busy trying to drag me into the cave.

“Okay, okay!” I say. “I’ll follow you.”

He doesn’t let go, just yanks backward, causing me to stumble forward after him.

“Stop that,” I hiss at him.

He grumbles in response, still pulling.

“You’re going to tear my dress off, Beast!”

I swear he grunts.

Then he goes absolutely still, his pointy ears twitching. His green eyes find mine, and he releases a low warning growl.

“What is it?” I ask, instinctively whispering.

He does that strange head tilt thing again, and when I don’t immediately move, he walks around me to nudge my ass with his nose, shoving me toward the cave.

“Impatient much?” I mutter at him.

The wolf snorts in response.

Sometimes I swear he understands me.

Perhaps he does.