Page 106 of Charming Her Monsters

“I know, sweet mate,” he soothes. “You are tired. But just know, I’m going to take you again, and soon. I will claim you completely. I will lay claim to your body, your mind, and your soul.”

“Bloody hell,” Calder whispers from the main room. His cock is out, and he’s stroking himself. As soon as we lock eyes, daring me to call him out, he comes.

Witnessing this break in his armor makes me happy.

Wewillhave a pack with Jade as our nexus. We will all finally be whole.

Jade doesn’t see Calder’s release or when he races out of the cabin to clean himself up in private. But by the knowing look Maxum gives me, I’m sure he sensed our phoenix’s pleasure.

Damn, I can’t wait until Jade experiences Calder in the bedroom… or wherever they decide to fuck. I’m excited to see how it will blow her mind with what he can do. Goddess, I hope for his sake he finally overcomes his intimacy hang-up.

After a quick rinse, Maxum dries off Jade and carries her into the bedroom area to get her ready for our dinner with Amira and her mates.

Flint rinses off, then I do.

With a downward cast of his eyes, Calder returns and also takes a quick shower.

We hear a dinner bell ringing from the main house and head over.

Our entire pack is nervous. Though, I suppose we are also curious to see how a witch gets along with her supernatural mates.

The phoenix, Raithe, is standing outside his front door and gives us a friendly wave as we approach.

“I hope Darius didn’t scare you too much,” he says with a smirk, indicating he knows he did. “I’d say he’s a big softy, but that’d be a lie… Well, to anyone else but Amira and me. So if you need anything, I recommend asking me for it.”

“Thank you.” Jade smiles. “We really appreciate you helping us out. I apologize that we have to impose at all.”

“Don’t worry your pretty little heart over it.” Raithe waves her off, then his eyes settle on Calder. “Hello, brother-cousin.”

“Are you related?” Jade asks with a gasp.

Raithe is the first to correct her. “Not in the way you think, but all phoenixes are related in some way. It’s tradition for us to acknowledge we are family, since there are so few of us in existence.”

“Hello, brother-cousin.” Calder dips his head in respect. “I look forward to getting to know you during our stay.”

“As do I.” Raithe grins welcomingly at Calder and a lot of the tension I had about being here fades. Perhaps between Jade’s compassion and now a connection to his people, Calder might heal.

When we sit down at a large dining table, it’s clear there aren’t usually more than three seats. Someone has brought in huge wood stumps and brought over another table to extend the existing one, making room for us all.

Flint bows as Amira comes in. “Thank you for accommodating us.”

I guide Jade to the seat next to where I intend to sit. I would like for her to use my lap as a chair, but I don’t want to make her uncomfortable in another witch’s home.

We make formal introductions after all the food is put out to share. It isn’t a huge feast, but it will do. We did come by unannounced. None of us would ever think to complain. Besides, if we are still hungry later, we actually brought some of our non-perishable provisions from the lake house.

Maxum and Calder offer to help hunt for wild game in the area. And that perks up my wolf and beast.

“How safe are these woods?” I ask. “And how far does your magical influence extend?”

“We have one hundred acres. The line goes up to the ridge and to the top of it. Then along the creek, to beyond the meadow, the way you entered,” Darius explains. “Why? Do you need to let your wolf free?”

“I do,” I admit as I dish some offerings onto my plate. “And I was concerned for Jade’s safety if she were to wander the property.”

“You both will be safe within our boundaries. If someone were to trespass, I will know immediately,” Amira assures us.

Good. I smile, thinking of what I have planned.

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