Page 9 of Terrible Desires (Loving Monsters #8)
Sodor carries me through the forest, cradling my spent, buxom form to his chest, and shielding me from the damp and cold.
“Where are we going?” I ask, eyes closed as I nuzzle into his heat. I can’t believe how safe I feel with my troll chieftain, but I do unequivocally. Why did I ever think to resist this?
“It is the early hours before the dawn, mate, and soon the sun will rise. We must be through the Veil and in Faery before it does, or I will turn to stone and you will be trapped here among the humans, possibly pregnant with a monstrous child. I do not wish that fate on either of us.”
“Our child will be monstrously beautiful,” I say with a smile and a sigh. “I can only hope his being part mortal is not a disadvantage to him as he grows.”
“You may be mortal at this moment, little one, but during your pregnancy you will be in Faery and nourishing your body and our baby with its fruits. Our child will inherit only your strengths and mine. The troll race is one of dominant genes. A sickly or weak troll is almost unheard of—even amongst half-breeds”
My heart flutters at his words. “If we’re running out of darkness, why are we leaving the forest?” I press once more. “Shouldn’t we be going straight to Faery? Why are we taking such a risk?”
“We will make it, mate, I promise. I’m taking you back to your cabin so you can fetch your belongings. There may be some things you desire to take, because once we pass through the Veil they will be lost to you.”
I lick my lips and reach up a hand to stroke tenderly along his strong jawline as he continues to lumber along at pace. “You are far sweeter than I imagined you could be,” I admit. “This is very thoughtful of you. Thank you.”
The troll rumbles in his chest. “It is nothing,” he says. “It’s the least I can do. It will take time for you to adjust to your new life, and it will be an easier transition if you have some small, familiar items of comfort to cleave to.”
Sooner than I expected, we’re crossing the stone bridge and Sodor carries me up to the red-painted door of Cabin Thirteen. “Can you stand, mate?” he asks, lowering me carefully.
I purse my lips and nod. “I think so.” Once I’m on my own two feet, I feel a hot rush of thick fluid spilling from between my legs. With horror I look down to find my inner thighs coated in a bright, glowing green slick. “Oh, no!” I panic.
“Be at peace, little one,” Sodor soothes, resting an enormous hand on my small shoulder. “We trolls come in copious amounts. I’m sure my most prized seed has found its mark by now. Fear not. The rest is excess. Do what you must.”
I take a deep breath and push open the cabin door. There’s no way Sodor is getting inside. “I’m sorry—” I begin to say.
“Fetch your things, little one. I will wait here.”
With a final glance at the sky, I rush into the cabin and start repacking my things, shoving all the little luxuries I possess and what clothes I brought with me back into my overnight duffle bag. In under five minutes I’ve packed everything. With a desperate look backward at the bathroom, I make a last-minute decision.
Running into the shower, I tear off the last vestiges of my previous outfit and turn on the hot water full blast. Using my hands roughly to slough away all the dirt and cum that covers my skin, I don’t allow myself more than a minute. There’s no time to luxuriate! Scrubbing my body roughly dry with a complimentary towel, I throw on my boots, a knitted dress that hugs my curves, and snatch my coat from by the door when a final thought occurs to me.
Ripping a page from my notebook, I scrawl a letter to my family, telling them I’m okay, that I love them, and that I’ll see them again someday, and leave it on the bed. We’ve never been too close, but a final goodbye seems the least I can do. It also means there won’t be the fear or uncertainty of foul play at my disappearance. Certain I have my affairs in order, I step outside with my bag. I leave the keys by the door and smile at my mate. My mate. I can hardly believe it.
Sodor smiles, his jaw slack with a hint of desire. “You look delicious, Brianna,” he says. He takes my bag from me and slings it over his shoulder, before scooping me up into his arms once more. “We must go, now.”
I nod against his chest. “Run like the wind, Sodor!” I say, unable to hide the excitement bubbling within me. I’m still exhausted, but the thought of Faery, coupled with the quick shower has given me a second wind. “Let’s go home.”
“You have no idea how many centuries I have waited to hear those words, little one.” Lumbering into action, he surges forward, taking giant strides. He plunges us back into the shadows of the forest, leaving the worn trail to take great leaps through the lush and uneven terrain. “We are not far,” he promises. “We’re going to make it, fear not.”
My heart races in my chest and my mind chases after it. It seems impossible that this is really happening. I’m being cradled to the chest of a massive green troll as he sprints through the Red Pine Forest toward a tear in the Veil to Faery. I’m leaving behind everything I’ve ever known—my family, friends, my studies, the simple everyday things you take for granted in a modern, civilized world. And I’m taking my chances in another realm, a realm of magic, fae, monsters, as well as dangers and wonders unknown!
This might be the best or worst decision of my life. Only time will tell.
“Hold tight, little one. We’re going through.”
The air shimmers for a scant breath before we’re no longer in the forest, at least not the same one. The forest Sodor steps out into is truly humbling. The trees are big as American Redwoods, thick and tall, with dark foliage, but horrifically gnarled and twisted. Their beauty is haunting.
“Wow,” I gasp, trying to drink in the world around me.
“Welcome home, mate. Welcome to Faery. We are in the Lands of Shadow, the region of our world presided over by the Shadow Court. My clan’s base camp is not far from here. It would be my privilege to host a grand celebration in your honor. The clan will be dying to meet you, I have no doubt. It’s not every All Hallows’ Eve the clan finally attains Great Wife.”
“Great Wife?” I query, dragging my teeth over my lower lip in curiosity.
“It is your title,” explains Sodor. “It is how the clan will address you.”
My head swims and I feel giddy. “I’m scared, Sodor. I’m afraid I’ll let you down. What if they don’t like me? What if I’m not brave enough to be the Great Wife?”
Sodor chuckles. “You took a War Chieftain, little one, while entirely mortal. You are more than brave and strong enough. You needn’t fear. The clan will respect and protect you—always—just as I will. Even until my last breath.”
“Don’t say that,” I rebuke. “Aren’t you immortal?”
“Not immortal, sweet girl, just very long-lived. I can be killed, but I haven’t lost a battle yet and I don’t intend to start anytime soon.”
Nodding my head, I banish any trace of darkness from my mind. Now is not the time for sadness or for thinking of what may or may not come to pass. Tonight is the start of my new life, and I will embrace it with all my heart.
“Come, Brianna. It’s time to meet the clan.” Sodor carries me through the dark forest until we come to a large encampment full of blazing campfires. Around them trolls of all shapes and sizes drink, eat, and dance beneath the star-spangled sky of Faery.
My mouth falls open in wonder and my soul fills with unbridled glee. I can’t believe it. This is real. I’m in fucking Faery!
Sodor roars as he enters the camp, shifting me to sit on one of his broad shoulders, his arms protectively secured over my lap as he pumps his free fist into the air. “I bring the clan a Great Wife!” he bellows at the top of his lungs, his voice silencing the sprawling camp. “Brothers, Sisters, let us feast in honor of my mate, Brianna!”
The night is completely silent, save for the pop and crackle of the numerous campfires, before an ungodly roar, like that of a mountain collapsing upon itself, raises the night sky. The clan cheers—males, females, and children alike surging to their feet in celebration of their good fortune.
“Long live the War Chief!” they chant as one. “Long live the Great Wife!” And just like that the night fills with music and good cheer.
“Enjoy this, mate,” warns Sodor with a smirk and a gleam in his eyes that makes my pussy ache. “Because when the night is done, I’m going to throw you over my shoulder, take you back to our tent, and fuck you until you’re swimming in a sea of my cum. I’ll fulfill your most terrible desires, mark my words, little one.”
Laughter bursts from my lips. “I can’t wait,” I answer with a smile, leaning down to speak into his ear, before someone grabs me from his arms. A heartbeat later and I’m lifted high above the clan, transported over a sea of enormous green hands—swept away like a reveler at a concert—as my new family welcomes me with open arms.
The End