AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I take it you've also come to ask if you can go home," he says, his voice a little sharper than moments ago. "You have to understand that there's no easy answer to your question."
I hesitate, my head spinning. That wasn’t on my mind before, but it definitely is now.
Is he actually considering letting me go?
The thought of finally earning his trust is exciting, but I’ve already made my decision in that regard.
"Actually, sir. I'd like to stay," I correct as I stare up into his intimidating eyes, searching for any hint of the softness from before. I come up short.
He cocks his head to the side and his eyes narrow. “Stay?”
“If you’ll allow it.”
A tense moment passes, and Rafe takes a half-step back. His eyes tear away from mine and slide across the room to the crackling fireplace. I can see the flames reflected in his pupils when he speaks.
"Why would you possibly want to stay here?" He shakes his head slowly. "Monsters and Malevolents alike are out for your blood, and our realm is on the brink of war. You're weak, and you can't survive alone here. Like the day of the attack, you'll only endanger those around you."
My conviction wanes as his words dig into me like claws.
Of course, he's right.
I have no real place in this monster world, and I would be nothing but a burden to those around me. Can I knowingly put Azarius and Elio in harm's way solely for the sake of my happiness?
No, I can't.
But I also know I can't return home and pretend like none of this happened either. I'm torn, my heart and logic fighting once again, but I know this is where I want to be.
"I can't leave my mates.” I take a step to the right to get Rafe’s attention, and I’m relieved when he meets my gaze again. “I've chosen them just as they chose me, and I belong wherever they are. It's true, I can't protect myself the way monsters do, but I'm not incompetent. Give me a weapon, and I'll fight.”
The corner of his mouth lifts into a cocky smile. “And if you die anyway?”
“Then at least I’ll die fighting for what—who—I love."
As we stare one another down, I’m struck by just how drastically my life has changed in a few short weeks. From doing whatever I could to find a way home, to doing whatever it takes to stay in the monster realm. From being opposed to dating, to having two incredible monster mates. From having no idea where my life was headed, to knowing exactly where I belong.
And my entire fate is in Rafe’s hands, yet again.
Damn it.
After what feels like an eternity, he slowly nods his head. “Very well. You may stay.”
An invisible weight drops off my shoulders. Despite my urge to jump for joy or punch the air, I keep my composure. There will be plenty of time to celebrate with my mates when I get back downstairs.
“Thank you so much, sir.” I press my hands flat together in front of my face like a prayer. “I’ll leave you alone now.”
I turn to leave, but Rafe snatches my wrist in a flash, rooting me to the spot. My eyes fall to his hand, tracing his fingers against my skin, before climbing back up his form and landing on his eyes. They’re gleaming with a hint of mischief.
“You’re forgetting something.”
I blanch, unsure of what he’s referring to, but I don’t have time to rack my brain. He steps closer, eliminating all the distance between us, and leans down so that our faces are only an inch apart. The musky smell of his skin hits me in an intoxicating wave, and I’m mildly disoriented.
What the hell is he doing?
“I warned you,” he says, his voice a sensual growl that plays against my eardrums. He grabs my other wrist and pins them both to my sides as I stand rigidly before him, trying to process what’s happening.
And then it hits me.
The warning he’s referring to.
