Page 195 of Their Lethal Pet

They’re the kind of “monsters” a girl wants to dream about. The ones that are actually heroes in disguise. Angels when one needs them. And feral…in bed.

My heart skips a beat at the prospect provoked by that last bit.

“Okay,” I say, standing and clearing my throat. “We’ll talk more tomorrow,” I promise my sister.

She nods and reaches for my hand to give it a squeeze. “Thank you for finding me, Lina.”

“I’m just sorry it took me so long,” I admit.

“I’m not,” she replies. “Youfound me. That’s what counts.” She releases my hand and closes her eyes. “See you tomorrow, sis.”

“Tomorrow,” I agree.

Reaper leads me into the hallway without a word, his tattoos writhing up and down his arms along the way. Once we’ve moved about ten paces away, I ask, “Does she seem okay to you?”

He snorts. “No. She seems irritated that you keep repeating that question.”

I glare at him. “She’s my little sister. I’m allowed to worry.”

“She’s twenty years old, Alina. All she wants is some space to heal.” He cups my cheek, pulling me closer to him. “And strawberry cupcakes areourthing, pet. Pick another dessert to give her in the future.”

“Just how long were you watching us?” I ask him, more amused than annoyed.

He shrugs. “A while.” He looks a little sheepish now. “I… I feel better when I’m around you. Like I can actually focus and hear myself.” He tilts his head a bit, almost as though he’s trying to find the right words. “Your presence quiets the dark souls inside me.”

“Oh.” That… that seems rather sweet. Especially coming from Reaper.

I can feel his vulnerability via our bond, his admitting the words out loud the equivalent of him expressing deep emotions.

He isn’t the type for fluffy comments or romantic devotions.

But he is sensitive in his own way.

Just like Flame and Orcus—they all have their own varying degrees of emotional displays.

Flame shows his affection through grooming.

Orcus proves his devotion through protection.

And Reaper demonstrates his admiration through gifts, while also expressing gratitude through truth.

I press my lips to his, suddenly feeling the need to show him my own version of loyalty by initiating contact with my tongue.

It’s always him seducing me.

Now it’s my turn to seduce him.

He growls in approval, his arms encircling my waist as the world melts away around us.Literally. I can feel his smoky tendrils pulling me into the shadows as he takes us somewhere new. I’m still kissing him when my feet touch the floor, my heart hammering in my rib cage because I want more.

But I’m suddenly distracted by a familiar scent.

My perfect day,I think, surprised to find it here in this new room.

My eyes open and my attention shifts to a massive bed, one that’s exceedingly familiar to me.

Because it’s the bed from the cabin.

The bed holding my nest.