Page 43 of Monstrous Lies


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“That’s right, little human,” I purr, wishing I could throw her down right here and show her how proud I am that she is my mate.

Samael growls before I step in front of Aria.

“Fine, she is your prisoner, but you will ask her, and you will not hurt or touch her in any way. If I found out you did, the tribes will come together and we will destroy you.”

It’s a threat, and he knows it, his people bristling behind him.

Cato steps between us. “Enough. We cannot afford infighting if the humans are coming for us. We have to work together. While we are waiting to find out what the human knows, we must come up with a plan to deter and watch the humans at our borders.”

“What do you suggest?” I ask, still carefully watching Samael in case he decides to make a move towards my mate. That would sign his death warrant, and I would happily kill all of his men for looking at her.

“Like I said, we work together. They haven’t attacked yet, which means they are either watching us or waiting for something. We must do the same—watch them and be prepared in case they attack again,” Cato replies, seeming unsure. Despite the fact that he can fight, he’s not very good at battle strategy.

“Cato is right. I say we work in teams to patrol our borders and post sentries on the wall to observe them. That way, we can be prepared if they attack. We should also set traps at every entry point, as an early warning system,” I respond, thinking through our options.

“Logically, they would attack during the day,” Aria murmurs. “It’s when they would feel safest, in the brightness of daylight. You can’t watch them during the day, but I can.” She looks at me. “Put me in the rotation.”

“Aria, are you sure? These are your people,” I question.

“My people who are threatening to attack and kill innocents, monster or not, and threatening to start another war over their own secrets. They sent us in here knowing that. You are my people. Your people are the only ones who care about me and whom I care about. So yes, I might be human and they might be human, but don’t lump us together. I want to avoid a war as much as you, Akuji. Beyond that wall is the slums, where innocent, starving people are just trying to survive. They would be the first casualties, and I won’t let that happen.”

Samael’s eyebrow rises before he shutters his expression. Tilting up Aria’s chin, I force her eyes to meet mine. “You have a warrior’s heart, my little human, and I am honoured you chose me as your mate.”

She blushes, then grins. “So you’ll let me do it?”

“I do not control you.” I frown, hating that she thinks that. “I know you are capable, and I will watch from the darkness of the shelters nearby in case you need help.”

“Of course you will.” She laughs.

Cato clears his throat, breaking our moment. “Samael, do you agree to these terms? Are you willing to post sentries on your wall and report if any attacks are imminent?”

“And if the humans breach our lands, am I allowed to kill them then?” he mocks.

“Of course. They know the rules,” I reply. “They cross our lands, and they die.”

“Yet you have two humans with you,” he points out.

“Two innocent humans who came here for sanctuary,” I lie, my eyes narrowed. “If you want to get to them, you will have to go through me.” I push Aria to one of my warriors and spread my arms, tilting my chin back. “Come on, Samael, I’m right here. Take me if you can.”

His lips purse before he looks down, submitting. He realises it’s not worth the fight.

“Just what I thought,” I sneer. “Stop fighting with us and focus on our enemies. They want something from our land, maybe to start another war. We need to be united as one—one people, one fighting unit. It’s the only way we will survive. We will not be the bloodthirsty monsters they created and unleashed. We will be warriors protecting our city, our people, and our home. We will not start this, but if they come for us, they will find a fight they cannot win.”

“That’s hot,” Aria remarks. We all look at her, and she grins. “Oops, forgot about your amazing hearing.”

“Fine,” Samael concedes.

“We lie low and play the long game. Keep communications open between our people.” I look at Cato.

“We will continue trying to understand the research they wanted to see what it means. We don’t have nearly enough answers yet.”

I nod. “Good, keep me updated. Samael, let us know when the female talks, and if you cannot handle her, send her to my tribe. Aria will get the truth from her.”

“Girls club.” She holds up her hand and looks around as we frown at her. “Monsters don’t high five? Okay then.” She drops it.

There’s a giggle from behind Cato and his men—Talia.

“Then we all know what must be done. We had better get back to our people and spread the word. I will send weapons to you both.”

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