Page 83 of Monster's Melody

“But they hardly ever leave the Fae realm and never for a non-Fae.”

He shrugged.“I guess she wanted an adventure.But that also means you probably shouldn’t count on her sticking around.The Fae are notoriously unreliable.”

“Even if she’s only here for a day, she’s the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me.”I cuddled the kitten close and played with her for a while until she decided she was done playing and sauntered out the door.

“I wonder if she’ll be back.”I grinned up at Vorzak.“You know what?I’m okay either way.Cat or no cat, my life is pretty damn perfect with you and The Hissies in it.”

In one synchronized movement, The Hissies all reached down for me and yanked me up off the floor into Vorzak’s arms.

Before he could kiss me, though, I leaned back and said, “Hold on.I have a question.”

Vorzak and his snakes froze, The Hissies in the middle of wrapping themselves around us, and looked at me, impatience stamped all over their faces.

I snickered and hurriedly asked, “So, why weren’t The Hissies mad when I was playing with Rainbow?They’ve been very adamantly opposed to me getting a familiar and especially a feline one.”

“Well, like I said, she’s not exactly a cat.They may be a little intimidated by her.”

All five snakes reared back and hissed at Vorzak, who just grinned.

“Plus, I bribed them.”

I snickered.“With what?”

“Well, since they had to walk the Path of Souls with me, I figured they could maybe ask for something too.”

“Aw, that’s adorable.What did they ask for?”

Hissies.

Talk.

Zak.

Kiko.

Jazzy.

“Wait.What?”

“Apparently when we mated and you gained the ability to hear The Hissies, Yukiko lost hers.”

I gasped.“She never said anything.No wonder she seemed so sad when The Hissies were waving at her sometimes.”

“I know.I had no idea either.Anyway, I guess they missed her.So, now we’re just one big happy family.”

“Wait.Does that mean you can hear them now, too?”

“Unfortunately, yes.I had to listen to them all the way back down the Path of Souls.Do you know how irritating it is to listen to a bunch of snakes lecture you for hours on end for abandoning your mate?”

I burst into laughter.“They can’t have been that bad.They’re so sweet.And they’re not exactly verbose.”

“Oh, they can be.Trust me.”

I rolled my eyes.“Whatever.”

“I’m serious.They’ve clearly mastered their communication skills.Talking my ears off when all I want is the bliss of silence.Next thing you know, when I actuallywantthem to talk to me, they’ll be giving me the silent treatment.”

I snorted with laughter.“You are so ridiculous.”