Page 11 of The Monster’s Obsession (A Monstrous World #5)

Chapter Eleven

Laz

T hings move quickly over the next several weeks. Vivie and I return to our apartments to pack while Saber hires movers for the big items. The landlord keeps things, like the dressers, couches, and tables that Saber’s house would have no need for.

Our newfound throuple is able to stay relatively under the radar once we all return to The Den. Mostly because everyone is so focused on the fact Vivie now carries my eggs, which also gives the perfect excuse for why we’ve transitioned to only doing shows together.

Saber still monitors our performances, and he doesn’t struggle, since it’s only the two of us. Although, I do believe he occasionally makes a point of trying to outdo me once we get home.

I don’t mind.

It’s all in good fun.

Mostly I’m waiting for them to finally bond.

It’s coming…

They’re both just stubborn as shit.

Another entire week passes, and while Aline begins to show obvious signs of her pregnancy with Hex’s eggs, Vivie does not.

It’s been over three weeks since they were implanted, and the only thing that keeps me from panicking is that my kraken can sense the eggs.

He’s confident they’re healthy. Her body just hasn’t signaled to them that it’s time for the shell of the egg to fully dissolve, which would allow them to begin to grow.

Some things in life require patience, and that is normally one of my strong suits, but I find I’m struggling not to rush this one particular thing.

Saber comes in regularly on his nights off to monitor mine and Vivie’s shows. He tends to stick close to her, so I’m not sure why he’s hovering around watching me check the padding on the barrier of the aquatic tank.

Jumping down off the railing, I land in a crouch. “What’s up?”

He scratches his jaw and frowns. “The eggs still aren’t progressing.”

I shrug, standing. “We can’t force her to be emotionally ready. It’s something that has to click within her.”

He nods, and his long, dark hair falls around his face. “I get that, but I think there’s more to it.”

I quirk an eyebrow, waiting for him to go on.

“It all leads back to why she freaked out on you the night you planted the eggs,” he says slowly. His eyes get a faraway look, and I continue to wait. I’m about to step over and shake his ass when he finally goes on. “And I think it all goes back to him .”

“ Him who, exactly?”

“Whoever took her sense of smell. My sentinel side can sense her pain, but I’m not an angel. I don’t have the ability to heal those memories. Maybe Malice could take them from her?”

My head shakes. “That would be up to her. We just have to wait for the point in time when she’s ready to fully share whatever happened to her in Faere.”

“Yeah, see, we took that route for almost a month. I’ve been gently soothing her with my sentinel gifts, but whatever ugliness she has in her past is buried deep.

” He glances around at the stage. “That doesn’t even account for the guilt she’s still experiencing over freaking out on you.

” He rubs his hands together. “I think I have an idea.”

“Okay. Care to let me in on it?”

Not that the audience is very full, but they’re getting quite the show. I’ve never seen Saber perform, and I’ve been here a long time.

Vivie leans against my chest as I lower on my tentacles to offer her more support without her needing to extend on her tiptoes.

Saber is fully in control of this scene, but it has nothing to do with the audience and everything to do with helping Vivienne heal.

“See, here’s the thing. Submissives sometimes internalize things that aren’t their fault,” Saber says, keeping his voice low enough that the audience shouldn’t be able to hear.

“They think they deserve pain and suffering, even though they’re the victim.

” His massive hand smooths down her spine and caresses her ass.

“I owe Laz an apology,” she says, meeting my eyes. “I’m so sorry I freaked out on you that night.”

“Oh, precious.” I caress her cheek, giving her a soft smile. “I know. You don’t need to apologize any more.”

“You can’t control trauma responses,” Saber says. “They just are. You’re not to blame. Whoever caused that reaction is the one who deserves to be served a little justice.” His hand lands loudly on her ass.

Well, that was at odds with his words.

I frown, opening my mouth, but he goes on.

“However, if you need a little pain to help your conscience feel like the slate has been wiped clean, I’m more than happy to provide whatever you need.

” He peppers her ass but never stays in the same place for two spanks.

“Because this isn’t about what he did to you.

This is about what you need to heal from it.

” He slides his free hand up her spine and fists her hair while the other claps loudly against her ass.

“So revel in the pain. Let it sizzle as your guilt washes away. Once we step off this stage, it’s a fresh slate. Do you understand?”

She tries to nod, struggling against his hold in her hair.

“Verbal answers only.”

“Yes,” she moans.

I soothe my hands over her cheeks and pour all my love and devotion into the touch.

“Perfect,” he growls, leaning over her back. “Gonna bite you now, sweetheart.” His face transforms, and he strikes her shoulder on the opposite side from my bite.

Vivie thrashes, but her contentment fills the bond.

Huh.

Maybe Saber was on to something.

It’s a rough night for the three of us. We’re barely off stage and into one of the recovery rooms before Vivie breaks down, crying as she tells us all about how her mother sold her to someone named Rowan.

I shed a few tears, because my mother taught me that real men aren’t afraid to show emotion or empathy.

And fuck does my heart ache for her.

We make it home in the wee hours of the morning, getting her settled in the bed in the primary suite.

I fall asleep wrapped around her soft body, but Saber wakes me only a few hours later. Although he doesn’t tell me exactly what’s happening, I follow him downstairs.

Someone knocks on the front door, and I pop off the couch, heading over as Saber opens it.

My eyes bug when I see Bane on the other side of the open door.

“Why the fuck am I here at eight in the morning?” he growls.

We don’t know each other well, but I do know he’s a dragon shifter. He’s also in love with Charity, but with everything going on with the wyvern… I’m not sure how all of that will play out.

“Would you like to come in?” Saber asks, stepping back.

“Not in the least,” Bane deadpans, shoving his hands into his front pockets.

Saber nods. “We need a favor. I’ve heard from very reliable sources that you have a network of spies and assassins that’s active in Faere to this day.”

“Unfortunately, you got bad information.” Bane rocks back on his heels. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“There’s a fae in Autumn Court named Rowan Van Amari,” Saber says. “He kept Vivie as his prisoner for decades. Took her sight temporarily. Her scent permanently. He left lasting emotional and physical damage. I want his head.”

Well, that’s something we can agree on.

Bane’s jaw clenches, and he finally nods. “I won’t charge you a broker fee, but you’ll have to pay the team that apprehends him. You’ll also have to pay for the portal to get the proof here.”

“Gladly.” Saber holds out a hand. “So you’ll help us?”

Bane pulls his hand from his pocket. “I’ll make it happen. If I have any questions, you’ll need to meet me in person. I don’t conduct actual business over the phone.”

Saber nods as they shake. “Understood.”

Another two weeks pass, but we don’t share any of the progress reports with Vivie. It’s taxing enough on me to know what’s happening. We made the choice to tell her only once we had the proof in hand.

Bane shows up on our doorstep late Sunday evening and shoves a box at my chest. “I paid extra for them to magically preserve it. It’s easier to identify someone before decomposition kicks in.”

I take the box, blinking profusely.

Bane spins around, heading off. He waves over his shoulder. “You’re welcome.”

I finally get my shit together, clearing my throat. “Thank you.”

I make it down the hallway still in a daze. I’m not really a hold a head in a box kinda guy.

Saber takes the container—thank the Gods—and we get Vivie settled on the couch in the family room.

She looks between us, trying to feel us out in the bond. “Okay, someone… Out with whatever it is that you’ve been hiding.”

I take a seat at her side and wrap her hand in mine. “We have something for you, but I’m afraid it might be traumatic to see what it is?—”

“You suck at this,” Saber says, shaking the box and dropping it onto the coffee table. “Rowan is dead. That box holds his preserved head. Will it make you feel safer to see it for yourself?”

Vivie’s mouth falls open. “You brought me Rowan’s head?”

“We told you not to waste another second worrying about that bastard.” Saber gestures to the box. “Now, do you want to visually see the evidence to set your mind at ease?”

Vivie nods. “Yes, then I want to have a bonfire in the firepit. Once that’s done, we can take a dip in the pool.”

Saber chuckles. “I love the hell out of you.”

Vivie twists to face him, and he’s already in the process of pulling her mouth to his.

They share a tantalizing kiss before she pulls back and whispers, “I love you too.”

Saber claps. “I’ll go build a fire. We can open the box outside to avoid any odors in the house.”

I snort, but I really hope this is what will finally set Vivie at ease.