Page 27 of Ogre on Patrol (Monsters, PI #5)

Chapter 27

Thain

T he next morning, I woke with my precious Ellie snuggled in my arms.

She murmured something and kissed my chest, before looking up at me with a smile. “Morning, love.”

“Morning love.”

“Teeth,” she said with a grimace. “And…”

We slipped from the bed, and I stroked her ass as we made our way to the bathroom where we took care of our needs.

“Breakfast?” she asked with a much-too innocent look in her eyes. “Or do you want to go back to bed? Maybe sleep some more.”

I growled and lifted her, tossing her over my shoulder like ogres used to do with their mates long ago.

I tumbled her down onto the bed, and I followed her, caging her in place with my palms on either side of her shoulders. When I kissed her, she moaned and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, nudging the juncture between her thighs against my leg. That was all it took for my half-erect cock to fly full mast. It throbbed, pressing against my abs, aching to be buried inside her once more.

I pulled back from the kiss, my breath ragged as I stared down at her. Her eyes were pools of desire, reflecting the morning light filtering through the curtains. I traced the line of her jaw with my fingertips, my touch featherlight, and she leaned into it, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

“You're so beautiful,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. I let my hand wander down her neck, her collarbone, until it rested on the swell of her breast.

Ellie brushed her fingers against my cheek, her eyes never leaving mine. “I love you, Thain,” she said, her voice barely a whisper, yet echoing loudly in my heart.

“I love you, Ellie.” I lowered my head to kiss her again. This time it was slow, deep, a dance of tongues and lips that spoke of our love and desire.

I moved my hand lower, tracing the curve of her waist, her hip, until I reached the juncture of her thighs. She shivered at my touch, her legs parting to invite me in.

I took my time, trailing my fingers up her inner thigh, feeling her heat even before I touched her core. She was already wet, ready for me. I glanced up at her, a smirk on my lips. “Eager, my love?”

She bit her lip, a small smile playing on her face. “Always, for you.”

I slid a finger inside her, her warmth enveloping me. She gasped, her hands clutching my shoulders. I started to move, my thumb finding her clit, circling it gently while sliding one finger in and out of her. Her hips moved in sync with my hand, her breath coming in short gasps.

I kissed her again, swallowing her moans as I brought her closer to the edge. But I didn't want her to fall yet. I wanted to be inside her when she did.

I withdrew my hand, and she whimpered in protest. I chuckled, scooping her up and bringing her over to the side of the bed.

“Patience, love,” I said.

I grasped her hips and pulled her to the edge, rolling her over since that position let me go deeper. She was a demanding little thing, and I would do all I could to please her. Her back arched, and she presented herself to me, submission and anticipation rolled into one erotic gesture. My heart pounded in my chest, my blood running hot. I loved when she gave herself to me completely.

I ran my hands over her smooth, creamy skin, savoring the curves of her spine. Leaning down, I kissed the nape of her neck, trailing my lips down her back, tasting her. She shivered, goosebumps rising on her skin.

Looking down, I realized how far I'd have to splay my legs out to reach her from this position and grunted. “We're putting in an ogre-sized bed as soon as possible. They’re higher.”

She glanced back at me, a playful smirk on her lips. “Higher? My feet will dangle. ”

“And I'll be able to do this without contorting myself.”

“What are you going to do now, huh?”

That sparkle in her eyes.

“Fuck you hard, love. Very hard. I'm going to make you scream again, because that's become my favorite sound.”

“Get to it, love. I'm patiently waiting to scream.”

A growl rumbled in my chest. “Challenge accepted.”

I squatted down, positioning myself behind her. She spread her legs wider, opening herself up to me. So wet. She practically dripped. But was she wet enough?

I slid a finger inside, pumping it. Adding another. A third.

She moaned and thrust her hips back to meet me.

Finding her clit with my other hand, I pinched it, rolled it, stroked it, driving her to the point where she was moaning and bucking back against my hand and squirting.

“Such a good girl,” I said, tugging my fingers out.

She growled and fisted the bed. “If I'm so good, then give me my reward.”

“Coming right up.” I grasped my cock, running the tip through her wetness, sliding down to stroke her clit before pushing it inside only a fraction of my length. She pushed back against me, grunting into the blankets.

With one smooth thrust, I seated myself inside her. We both groaned, the sensation overwhelming. She was tight, hot, and perfectly mine. Her body clenched around me, drawing me deeper. I gripped her hips, my fingers digging into her soft flesh as I began to move.

Each thrust drove us both closer to the edge. She trembled, her moans growing louder, more urgent. I leaned over her, one hand snaking below her waist to find her clit. I moved my fingers in tight circles, matching the rhythm of my thrusts.

“Thain,” she gasped, her voice breathy and raw. “I'm close…”

“I know, love. I can feel you. Come around my cock.”

Her body tensed, her inner muscles clamping down on me as her climax hit. She cried out, her back arching, her hips pushing against mine. The sensation was too much, sending me tumbling over the edge with her, pumping all I had inside her.

I slowed my thrusts, letting her ride out her orgasm until she collapsed on the bed and peered back at me over her shoulder. “You're addicting. You know that, right?”

All I could do was grin.

I gathered her into my arms and laid on the bed, holding her a bit, stroking my fingers up and down her spine.

Finally, I slid from the bed and lifted her, carrying her into the bathroom. While holding her, I turned on the shower full blast. “You want me to shower with you? I could wash my cum off the insides of your legs.” To say I was proud of seeing it there was an understatement. I was male. An ogre. Of course I was proud of my cum .

“You.” She grinned and smacked my arm, sliding to place her feet on the floor. “I've got it covered today.”

To say I was now a disappointed ogre was also an understatement. “You're sure?”

Still, I made my feet take me to the door.

Her words caught me as I was stepping out into the hall.

“Maybe tomorrow morning,” she said. “We'll start out here instead.”

After breakfast, I drove to Reginald Barron’s business, where I was directed by the receptionist to his office.

He sat at his desk, studying a sheath of papers on the surface, looking up at me when I entered with a frown. “Can I help you?”

“Thain Develon, Monsters, PI.”

“You’re an ogre,” he drawled.

“Savvy of you.” I pivoted the simple chair on the opposite side of his desk and straddled it, facing him. “I’m investigating a string of events at Ellie Landish’s business, and I think you’re involved.”

His eyebrows rose. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re a wizard.” I’d discovered that online recently. “A rune wizard to be exact.”

“I don’t see how that has anything to do with the… Ellie Landish matter.” He stared down his nose at me before dipping his head toward his papers. “Leave. I’m mu ch too busy to deal with this sort of inconvenience today.”

“Where were you on the evening of…” I named the date.

“That’s none of your business either,” he said dryly.

He was good. Very good.

“If you’ve come to make an arrest, assuming your… detective license, I assume, allows such behavior, then do so.” He huffed. “Otherwise, leave. Do not come back here again.”

This was getting me nowhere but angry. “I’ll prove it,” I assured him, rising and leaving the chair in the position I’d turned it. I strode to the door but turned back. “You won’t like how I handle anyone who harms those under my protection.”

He lifted one eyebrow but said nothing. He knew I was bluffing, hoping for a confession, but he was too smart for that.

With a snarl working its way up my throat, I left, striding across the parking lot and climbing into my truck. I sat there a bit, wanting to slam my palms against the steering wheel but resisting.

If I’d left, I would’ve missed Reginald coming out and hurrying over to a vehicle parked at the curb. I slunk from my truck, darting between cars, remaining as hidden as an ogre could be.

Misty waited in the car.

They spoke together feverishly, both waving their hands around in the air, but I couldn’t get close enough to hear what they said. Finally, Reginald backed away. He pivoted and strode back into the building.

Misty drove away from the curb. I darted to my truck, climbing in and starting it quickly. I reeled it out onto the road, but Misty was already gone.

No reason I couldn’t go to her place. I followed the directions, planning to speak with her, maybe wheedle out what she’d been talking to Reginald about, before returning to Ellie’s place. She planned to handle customers today but in her free time, work on cleaning up. I already had plans for the new structures I’d build her—complete with shiny glass and top-notch security.

Misty was not at her house—again. Grumbling, I drove back to Ellie’s, parking in the drive.

She came out of one of the greenhouses and strode over to stand beside my truck as I unbuckled.

A cherry-red car swerved into the driveway and came to a stop in a cloud of dust behind my vehicle as I got out.

“Misty,” Ellie muttered, staring that way. “Wonder what she wants.”

I had a feeling we were about to find out.

The driver’s side door of the red car opened, and Misty got out, slamming her door closed behind her. She stormed toward us, each step of her heels like gunshots on the gravel.

“Well, here we go again,” I said softly. “Want me to handle this?”

Ellie sighed. “She's a good customer. Or she used to be. Maybe she's come to apologize for the other day.”

From the way Misty's face flamed, I doubted it.

Misty was soon on us, glaring.

“You just don’t quit, do you?” she spat at Ellie, her voice shaking with anger. “Wasn’t it enough for Bea to drag my name through the dirt in front of everyone? But now you’re implying that I’m involved in whatever mess is happening at your greenhouse?”

I stepped between them, growling. “Back off. Stay out of Ellie's space.”

“You!” She snarled up at me. “I can talk to Ellie. It's a free country.”

“Lower your voice or I'll personally escort you off this private property.”

She huffed and stepped to my side. If she hadn't spoken softer, I'd be dragging her across the driveway already.

“I wasn't involved in whatever’s going on here, so leave me alone,” she hissed.

“Interesting that you know about it,” I said.

“Everyone in town's talking about it. It's not exactly hidden.” She flicked her arm toward the row of greenhouses. “You can see the damage from the road. But here she is, trying to pin it all on me.”

“Why would you think that?” I asked.

“I’ve seen you snooping around my house. Twice.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “Why did you go to Reginald Barron’s place?”

“Are you and Reginald working together?” Ellie asked.

“You don’t get to ask any questions.” Misty gouged her finger at Ellie. “You’re determined to ruin me. Don’t even try denying it.” Her fists clenched at her sides, and her red face blended in with her lipstick. Anger rolled off her in harsh waves.

Ellie held up both hands, palms out, her tone calm but firm. “Misty, no one is trying to ruin you. We’re looking for answers, that’s all.” Her words came out like she was trying to calm a spooked animal.

Inside the house, Crouton barked shrilly, as eager to come to Ellie's defense as me.

“I don’t have to say a thing to you,” Misty barked. “But why would you believe me even if I did? You’ve already decided I’m guilty of something. Look at you, asking questions about me around town, going to my house.”

“You didn't answer the door,” I said.

“I was driving down my road when I saw you there snooping.”

“Yesterday, we got out of the truck and went up to the front door,” Ellie said. “Nothing else.”

“You looked in my garage. I saw it. And today,” she poked her finger my way, “this male stopped by again. I parked a few doors down and watched. Don't deny it. You're both spying on me, and I won't allow this to happen any longer.” She was heating up, but one look at my face must've convinced her to shut it down fast, because she took a step back, and her voice came out more like a whine. “I’ve lost clients, Ellie. Loyal ones. I can’t even go out without hearing whispers behind my back. If this keeps up, I’ll have to leave town.” She burst into tears, and her voice cracked. “Don’t you even care? ”

Ellie took a small step forward. “I’m sorry you feel that way, truly, but no one is trying to ruin you. We’re doing what anyone would do after being targeted—looking for answers. If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about.”

Misty’s tear-streaked face twisted into something sharp, like she was torn between anger and despair. “Don’t lie. Don't stand there and pretend this isn’t personal. You’ve always hated me.”

“What?” Ellie sputtered. “This isn’t personal.”

“We’ve been asking around town about a lot of people,” I said. “You’re not special, no matter how much you think you are. You’re one name on a list. Stop making this bigger than it is.”

She opened her mouth to fire back, but the sound of another car pulling into the driveway silenced her. The hum of a well-tuned engine gave way to the crunch of tires as the vehicle came to a stop beside Misty's.

Nana Bea had arrived.

The car door opened, and Ellie's grandmother stepped out, exuding the authority that was her second nature. Even in her casual navy pantsuit, Bea carried herself with the poise of someone who could silence a room without saying a word. Her sharp, dark eyes flicked between me, Ellie, and Misty, whose face tightened.

Misty stumbled back toward her car, muttering something I didn’t understand, looking like a mouse under a hawk's gaze.

“Misty Stanley. So pleasant to see you again,” Bea called out .

Misty’s hands fumbled for her car door handle. “I—I don’t have time for this. I just came to?—”

“To cause drama?” Bea arched one perfectly shaped brow. “Please tell me that's not why you're here.” Ellie’s grandmother had a way of making people squirm that was almost hypnotic. Misty was no match for it. Her face flushed a deep red as she wrenched the car door open.

“I’m leaving,” Misty stammered, practically diving into the driver’s seat. She jammed the keys into the ignition, hands shaking. “Don't say my name in this town ever again!” She wrenched her car door shut. Gravel sprayed as she peeled out of the driveway, leaving behind a sharp tang of gasoline in the air.

“Charming,” Bea muttered under her breath before turning to us. She enveloped Ellie in a hug, kissing her cheek, before stepping back. Her stern gaze swept across me, but she said nothing. “Now, what was that all about?” she asked, motioning toward the cloud of dust Misty had left in her wake.

Ellie rubbed the back of her neck, clearly choosing her words carefully. “You know Misty. She’s dramatic. She thinks we’re targeting her because of everything that’s been happening here.”

Bea studied Ellie with narrowed eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line. “She sounded more than dramatic. You’re certain she’s not involved in all this?”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Ellie said, glancing over at me for backup. “Someone told us she's good with runes. ”

“As am I.” Bea’s attention raked across me. “You're not suspecting me of anything, are you?”

“Of course not,” Ellie said.

I bit back the words that everyone was a suspect until proven otherwise, though I doubted her grandmother was involved. “There’s no solid evidence of Misty’s involvement yet.”

Bea crossed her arms on her chest and let out a quiet huff. “Hmm. Well, she’s not what I'd call decent or honest, but let’s focus on why I’m here. Where is this rune?”

Ellie perked up, relief washing across her face. “This way.” She gestured toward the greenhouse, leading Bea in that direction. I followed close behind, keeping an eye on Bea’s reaction. Her expression didn’t soften, but that wasn’t a surprise. The woman always looked like she was about to sit you down for a very serious talk.

Bea’s sharp gaze flicked around the greenhouse as we entered, her nose wrinkling when she saw the gaping hole in the glass panel and the mess we hadn’t yet been able to fully clean up. The early afternoon light painted angular shadows across ruptured clay pots and spilled soil. Something about the way Bea moved, however, made it clear she understood how important this space was to Ellie.

“I’m terribly sorry,” she said. “Would you like me to send a crew out to help?”

“We’ve got it, but thank you,” Ellie said, stopping at the corner bench. “Here.” She gestured toward the stone with the rune, which she’d placed on a sheet of aluminum foil in case it kept bleeding magic. “It’s been dormant since Thain found it, but we didn’t know if it might act up again.”

Bea crouched down with surprising grace given her age and examined the stone through cat's eye glasses. After a moment, she ran her fingers across the surface of the stone, brushing it with the same care someone might take when touching a venomous snake. The moment her skin made contact, her body stiffened. Her jaw clenched, her breath hitched, and her eyes fluttered shut.

“Nana Bea?” Ellie’s voice trembled with concern.

I stepped closer, ready to intervene if something went wrong. “Are you alright, Bea?”

Her lips moved soundlessly and then a low gasp escaped her. Her hand jerked away from the rune like it had burned her, and her entire body sagged.

She toppled sideways.

I lurched forward and grabbed her as her knees buckled.