Page 101 of My Monster’s Keeper

For hours, the Healer works on Becky, and then, abruptly, she sighs and stands up.

“It took a while to fix, but she should be in good health from this moment.”

She lifts a hand to her veil and touches it before spinning away and turning her face up to the sky. Night has fallen, the stars are scarce, but it’s so alien compared to our world. I’m not surprised she’s feeling a need to look around.

“I shall go now.” She dances her way to the edge of the yard and pauses. “It took me a moment to take the block off, but give it a couple of days and she’ll be back to normal.”

My head whips around, and I launch after her, but it’s too late. Like a gust of wind, the Healer vanishes into the air and is gone.

“What block?” I snarl.

Stix shakes his head absently. “I know not.”

Frost carefully gathers Becky in his arms and walks into the house. “Someone needs to let Diablos know you unleashed the Healer on the world.”

I bare my teeth.

“You did what?” Diablos thunders. “Why? Why would you do that?” His roar disintegrates into a pitiful whine. What happened to this demon? He’s clearly gone soft like a rotting corpse. Blergh, he probably wouldn’t even taste good.

“Becky was hurt,” Wilder snaps. He flexes his fingers, and I wonder if he’s imagining charging the demon. Get him, Wilder, get him.

“So, you brought the Healer? Here?” He almost shrieks.

“What’s the problem?” Stix snaps.

“The Sirens are here.”

I blink, trying to figure out why I should care. If they become an issue, I will eat them.

“The brothers? The legendary Sirens of-”

“Of the Black Death Oceans. Yes, those brothers. You know they’ve had issues with her since she set the sky above their waters on fire.” Diablos starts to pace, really putting some leg into it. “She made it so they spent a hundred years beneath the surface, stopping them from retrieving their consort. It was a disaster. They swore to kill her. She promised if they came near her, she would get herself a penis necklace.”

I cock my head to the side, imagining the Healer wearing a necklace of cocks. Interesting.

Wilder raises a brow, not at all merciful. “Sounds like a you problem.”

Diablos hisses. “You are supposed to be helping.”

“We did help. Puppy ate the big octopus. It’s gone. Yay for the win.”

“I need a massage and a manicure,” Diablos moans. “There are two more. Go and kill them.”

“Um, not until Becky is feeling better,” Wilder says seriously.

“This isn’t optional.” Diablos stomps his foot, causing an earthquake.

I snort a laugh that makes the hair on Diablos’ neck lift.

“When Becky arises from her sickbed, I will go down there myself and take care of it,” Wilder assures him.

“In full armour?”

“Yes.”

Diablos stabs the air with a long finger. “Don’t get caught.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket, juggling it frantically, and answers it. “Hey, pookie. No, I’m on my way.” He glares at Wilder. “Take care of it!”

I’m already on the way to the house. Once inside, I follow the strong scent of our mate until I find her lying in bed. She’s pale still, but her colour is better, and she doesn’t stink of pain anymore.