Page 126 of Monster. Me.

"I'm so happy, Fenn… So happy. Dear Fate, I feel like flying," I whisper, grinning silly, clutching the front of his shirt and resting my head on his chest.

"Would it be too much if I added two more incredible pieces of news to today?"

I raise my head again and peek into his eyes.

"Okay! Let’s hear it!"

"I got the job. As a carpenter. I will be building log houses and furniture for the Santoro family!"

I beam at him.

"I could say I’m surprised, but I was sure Renato would give you the job! You’re the perfect candidate, and he’d be an idiot not to hire you!" I plant a loud smooch on his cheek. "Congratulations, baby! I’m really happy, because I know carpentry isn’t just your job, it’s also your passion."

"That’s true, but… there’s something else."

"Yeah?" I perk up, listening closely.

"It’s even better."

"What could be better?"

"I’m a mated monster now, Marlow," he says with seriousness. "My crazy pheromones… that used to make people’s libido go crazy are no longer a thing!"

I’m gaping at him, my mouth hanging open.

"What? How come?"

"In Renato’s mansion there were a few people, and no one picked up my scent, like it usually happens. No one felt the urge to jump on someone else and fuck. It was just… normal."

I have to admit, it doesn’t fully register at first. After all, that was Fenn’s main problem, a powerful trait, drawing people in, spiking their libido, a part of his nature. And now it’s been put to sleep? Transformed? Calmed down?

"My other side… it’s tamed now," he whispers almost shyly.

I simply gape for a moment, then burst into happy laughter. "Really! Damn! That’s great news, dear Fate! I’m so happy, Fenn! It'll make things so much easier for you," I whisper, feeling overwhelmed with joy.

I have to admit that a part of me is also breathing a sigh of relief. That fear I once had that I would be jealous of him, that I wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully, worrying about the effect of his pheromones on nearby omegas, and even alphas, used to wear me down, but it looks like Fate has been merciful once again.

Fenn’s voice changes, becoming slightly more emotional. "And I have you to thank for that. I feel like I… took on your scent, Marlow. My own is gone. You’ve gotten into my system, deep. I can work normally without bothering people. Our Bond made it possible for me."

Wow. An enormous weight has been lifted from our lives, and for Fenn, it means the possibility of living an almost normal life. It truly is another miracle, and not a small one this time!

It also means, in a way, his freedom.

"Come…" I whisper, my voice a little shaky as I take his hand.

We slowly walk to the kitchen and sit down together at the table for brunch. That pleasant, excited energy lingers between us the whole time.

The exchanged smirks, quick looks, and blushes are absolutely wonderful. I can't seem to get enough of the sweet, comforting air surrounding us. I thoroughly savor it, basking in every moment of it.

Then, without even needing to talk about it, we both stand up and head out to the porch, sitting side by side, one of his arms wrapped around my shoulders while his other hand intertwines with mine as we look out over the green hills, the swaying cherry canopies, and the wide flower beds surrounding us.

"You know, maybe I could do some… household chores, or mow the lawn?" Fenn suggests. "I just…" He hesitates, his voice slightly breathless. "I just crave… normalcy, you know? I want to jump right into it, into our everyday life."

I let out a huff of relief and turn my face toward him. Oh, I understand him so well.

"Same. But before we do, we can just sit here and… breathe. And just be. I dreamed about a moment like this, us, on the porch, you know? "

Fenn gives my fingers a gentle squeeze and nods.