Page 49 of Their Lethal Pet

“Jaguar?”

“Yes. My inner beast. My other half.” I dip my head down so our faces are close as the elevator doors open on some unnamed floor. “I’m part Shifter Fae.”

“Shifter Fae,” she echoes. “I don’t know what that means.”

“It means I can shift into an animal,” I explain. “Specifically, a black jaguar.”

I give her a moment to digest that information as I step into the hallway.

Orcus gives me a disapproving look, likely because he thinks I’ve ignored his order not toscareher. But Alina needs to know these things about us to understand us. And I don’t see any issue with revealing details about myself. That’s my choice, not his.

“Shifter Fae,” she says again, glancing at Orcus and Reaper.

“No, I’m the only Shifter Fae here,” I tell her, not wanting her to think Orcus and Reaper are the same. “They’re different types of fae.”

“Fae.” She seems to be tasting the word on her tongue.

“Yes. Fae,” Reaper affirms. “Notmonsters.”

Jones glances at him with interest, but Orcus steps into his view. “Which room is ours?”

The Emissary clears his throat, obviously uncomfortable with Orcus’s dominance. “This way, sir.”

I swear the guy skips a little, like he’s forcing himself to walk when all he really wants to do is run. Orcus often has that effect on others.

Alina studies the metallic walls as we wander down the corridor, her gaze occasionally drifting upward. I follow her glance to see what she’s intrigued by and notice the vine-like lights decorating the ceiling. It’s actually rather pretty.

The pattern continues all the way to the end and stops at a double door with a sign hanging above it that reads,Guest Suite 4747.

Jones gives us the code and steps aside for Orcus to key it in.

The Alpha doesn’t hesitate, but I tighten my grip on Alina, ready to sprint away at the first inkling of trouble.

Except all that greets us inside is a stunning view of Monster City through a huge glass wall.

In front of it is a living area with tons of cushions and ornate furniture, the setup seeming to sink into the plush carpeted floor.

“There’s a kitchen and dining area to the left,” Jones says. “The main master suite is to the right. I believe the accommodations will suit your party size.”

“Oh?” Reaper slips inside, his tattoos swirling menacingly along his arms as he disappears from my view.

Jones clears his throat once more. “There’s information inside on how to ring for room service. I’m sure your human is hungry.”

“Alina,” Orcus says. “Our humanis namedAlina.”

“Right. Yes. Of course, sir.” Jones gives an awkward bow. “I’ll just leave you all to be acquainted. Queen Helia will be in touch sometime tomorrow. Oh, and, if you need anything else, dial zero.”

With that, he steps away.

And basically jogs down the hall.

“He started off so confident,” I muse, my attention slowly returning to Orcus. “I wonder what scared him off.” I pair the fake innocence in my tone with a batting of my eyelashes.

Orcus grunts. “Bring Alina inside and set her down. I need you to sniff out any bugs in the room.”

He doesn’t wait for me to agree, just follows Reaper’s path and leaves me in the doorway with Alina.

“I realize this is all probably overwhelming, but you’re safe with us,” I promise her. “And if at any point you needa moment, just say it. We’ll give you whatever you need. Okay?”