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“Fine, I’ll wait on that,” the monster mutters, like he’s arguing with himself. His tentacle pulls me back down. “The others will join us as soon as their work is complete. Will you tell me about the human realm?”
“What do you want to know?”
“What’s your favorite thing about it?”
I shrug. It would probably hurt his feelings if I answered truthfully and said Atlas. “There are no expectations of me here.”
“You never wished to be queen?”
I snort. “No way. That was always going to be Ary’s role.”
“But you’re older, are you not?”
I tense, not being able to stop the reaction. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable ruling over an entire people,” I say to deflect.
“You wish for something simpler?” He runs a sucker-covered tentacle down my back, and it’s strangely relaxing.
“Absolutely,” I agree around a yawn.
“And Haven has been good to you?”
“I got lucky landing where I did,” I admit.
“The hellhound is an honorable alpha,” Hex says.
It’s weird to think this cuddly creature is also the asshole. Technically, they’re one in the same, but there are just enough fundamental differences to trick my brain into believing it’s okay to snuggle up to his side and pray the universe speeds up my healing.
ChapterSixteen
Atlas
The day went to shit sometime after Laz and Vivie’s last show. That fae is dramatic under the best of circumstances and downright infuriating under the worst. Luckily, she’s not my problem, outside of settling down the ruckus she caused.
Poor Laz. He’s a solid guy—as genuine a monster as you’ll find in The Den. I wipe my hands off on my jeans and head for Ali’s office.
This place can officially kiss my ass.
I’m finding my flame, thanking the fucking universe she’s generally pretty levelheaded, and getting the hell out of here before another problem, that’s not my problem, can pop up.
I’m fully expecting to find Ali asleep on the sofa in her office. As I carefully close the door behind me, my head bows low. It’s been so goddamn crazy around here, I hadn’t fully had the chance to think through exactly how difficult the situation might be for her.
In no way, shape, or form do I expect to see Hex stretched out in his full kraken form with Ali lying on his side. She’s tucked between him and the back of the couch. She’s all tangled in his tentacles, but I can’t see the full extent of it, because their lower halves are covered with the blanket that normally rests on the back of the couch.
I squat down at his side. “How’d that happen?” I wait, prepared for him to hiss a warning to back away.
“She needed comfort,” he says in a raspy tone I think is meant to be a whisper.
“And you provided it.”
His facial tentacles move as he nods. “I’ll always offer whatever she needs.”
“You’re looking a little dry. You might want to take a dip in the harbor or, at the very least, one of the aquatic tanks.” I gesture to the dry, irritated skin lining his chest.
“He hasn’t let me out in many years. It’s a wonder I’m not facing more issues.”
I grimace. “I’ll carry her, and we can stop by one of the pools, if you’d like to take a quick dunk before we head out.”
“Where’s Silence?”
