Page 102 of Charming Her Monsters

I let the subject drop.“Why did Maxum phrase it like that—we seek asylum and a witch’s protection?”

“Because it’s an ancient custom, before the witch-supe wars. We used to be able to come to each other and seek refuge.”

“That sucks that we can’t get along anymore.”

“I suspect Amira is getting along quite nicely with her supes.”

I chuckle at that, but I admit I’m curious how the trio are able to overcome their differences.“After we were attacked, I met Raithe, and he seemed nice enough. A bit more amenable than this hellhound,”I say.

“Hellhounds are nothing to be trifled with. You saw the one in hell. This one is much older, and has become more human-like with his sheer will to evolve, probably to be a suitable mate for his witch.”

“Evolve—?”I’m too busy concentrating on my conversation with Osen, and I trip on a root.

Flint catches me so I don’t tumble onto my face.

“Great. She doesn’t even know how to walk,” the hellhound grumbles.

“Leave her be,” Flint growls. “She has a spirit distracting her.”

My gaze swings to take in my gargoyle. I’m shocked that he figured out what was distracting me, because to be honest, it could have easily been Maxum’s tight ass swaying in front of me. “How did you know?”

“I hear your mind, remember?” He blushes. “I wasn’t meaning to eavesdrop.”

“Why don’t I hear you anymore?” I ask, frowning at my inability to use our mate connection.

“Well, my mind isn’t as busy as yours. It’s quieter. And I’ve been shielding, so you wouldn’t be overwhelmed by your magic coming in, as well as Osen’s return.”

My heart melts a bit with his thoughtfulness.

“Thank you, but please don’t hide completely. It felt like something was missing,” I tell him.

He grins shyly. “You missed me?”

The hellhound looks over his shoulder and eyes Flint. “Looks like this witch is collecting herself a coven.”

“I’m Jade, by the way. You don’t have to keep speaking about me as if I’m not here.”

“Until you prove you aren’t an issue, I’ll behave how I see fit, witch.” He stops abruptly at a clearing and glowers at us. “If I discover any of you are a danger to my family, I won’t hesitate to eliminate the threat. Understood?”

We all agree. He isn’t fucking around. But I don’t really blame him. I’d probably say the same thing in his shoes to protect my guys.

“I think they’ve been fairly warned, you can stand down,” Amira says as she steps out from nothing. “So, demon, your witch seeks asylum?”

“I know you usually only protect supernaturals or humans anymore, but we are being attacked by witches and warlocks,” Maxum explains. “And Jade’s power is coming in, and we could use your help to guide her in how to use it.”

Amira looks me up and down. “Her power has come in, but it’s erratic and unusual.” After a thoughtful pause, she sighs. “Fine. You may stay here under my protection while we sort out her magic and figure out a new place for you to go.”

It’s always fun to be talked about like I’m not even a person. But I keep my mouth shut. My instinct says she’s testing me.

Osen chimes in,“Witches and warlocks are known for their quick tempers—especially those with a tendency to turn dark. Amira is trying to push your buttons to see what you’ll do. If you are prone to snapping. If you’ll turn evil.”

“Thank you for taking us in,” I say with as much genuine gratitude as I can squeeze into the sentiment. Because even if they’re attempting to taunt me, they are also doing us a huge favor. They are risking their safe place to take in a known risk.

I can handle some bullying, if I would even call it that. This is nothing compared to what I’ve experienced in my life. I was brutally bullied in school. Even my mother abused me after her mother died. This is barely on my radar. Hell, even Calder was a bigger pain in the ass than they are being, and I’m already over his attitude.

Amira turns and vanishes in front of us. Then the hellhound does too.

Maxum turns and winks at me. “Let’s disappear.” He holds out his hand, and I take it, but keep hold of my gargoyle’s, too.

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