Page 76 of Mated to Monsters

I’m instantly filled with remorse for bringing it up. I had gotten too relaxed, too comfortable, and forgot to keep my observations to myself. I need to remember my position here and hold my tongue.

He brought me here for entertainment. Not to remind him of unpleasantness and trouble. I had successfully managed to take his mind off whatever was troubling him, endearing me to him. And then, just as easily, I ruined it.

“I’m sorry,” I tell him. “I didn’t mean to pry…”

His bright eyes glow, lighting up with surprise and humor. My apology has caught him off guard. He relaxes against me once more, tightening his arms around me. “

It’s okay,” he murmurs, but it doesn’t ease the misery that I feel right now.

Why do I always ruin everything? Even in the best moments, I can find a way to wreak havoc.

“I like when you speak your mind,” he admits. “I don’t want you to stop. I may not answer right away, but don’t let that stop you.” He squeezes my arm, then leans over to place a soft kiss on my temple. “You didn’t do anything wrong,” he says firmly.

I can’t help the bitter laugh that seeps out. It’s so harsh that I don’t even recognize it as myself. I didn’t do anything wrong. What would Cora say if she heard that? Or Matt, or Beth?

If he only knew. Maybe I don’t know anything about him, but I guess he knows just as little about me.

And then, I think that maybe he should know. He should know what kind of a person he’s caring for. I shouldn’t mislead him and his kindness, and I still don’t think I really deserve it. In a miserable voice, I can’t help but contradict him.

“I’ve done a great many things wrong.”

48

REJ’THOREK

The way that her emotions change rapidly fascinates me. I’ve found her expressions intriguing from the very beginning, as she’s so different from the matrons. Her face is soft and curved, round and full. It doesn’t have the jagged lines and edges that we demons possess.

It’s probably not that unusual, as far as humans go. But to me, these features seem very exotic, for how unconventional they are.

I find her strangely captivating.

It’s not just her outer appearance, either. Inwardly, too, she seems so innocent and tender. It matches the soft, sloping face. That’s why when she laughs that harsh, bitter laugh, I’m caught by surprise.

“I’ve done a great many things wrong,” she says, and her face darkens. This new emotion, this self-loathing pulls me in the same as every other one she has. But I don’t know where it came from.

She was so soft a moment ago, and now she’s hard. But she’s hard on herself, and I don’t understand what has caused this.

I consider asking her. But then I realize that there’s many other things I need to know first. There’s so much about her I haven’t learned, and I need to start at the beginning.

“What is your name?” I ask.

“Laura,” she says softly.

“Laura,” I repeat, liking the way that it feels in my mouth.

It’s soft and smooth, like her.

But of course, I would like her name. I haven’t found anything that I don’t like yet. I like her face, I like her voice, I like her expressions. She’s a tangled ball of all the most pleasing things, with shiny blonde hair on top.

I like the way that it feels, to lay here with her in my arms. I like talking to her. It makes me feel like I’m being rewarded, just existing in the same space as her.

It’s the opposite of Yedina, whose presence is a punishment. I spend all my time when she is around trying to fling myself out of her orbit. Clawing wildly to get as far away as I can, just to have to do it again a few hours later.

I can’t imagine ever feeling anything but grateful if I managed to ingratiate myself to Laura enough for her to greet me with joy. I’d enjoy every second by her side.

I don’t want to think of Yedina right now. She’s too irritating to me, and I’m not going to waste one second of my time with Laura. Yedina has ruined enough of my days, and I won’t give her this evening, too.

“Tell me about yourself, Laura,” I invite. I want to know more about this mystical woman who has entranced me. I want to understand her and every fleeting expression that crosses her face.