Page 125 of Monster

“Have you ever thought about going straight?” she asked, her voice soft.

“I don’t know how,” I admitted. And that was the truth. This was who I was. I couldn’t change, even if I wanted to. But that didn’t mean I wouldn’t do whatever it took to ensure the safety of those under my protection.

Before she could say anything else, I kissed her softly.

I kissed her sweetly.

I kissed her, showing her everything I couldn’t with words alone.

18

DOMINIC

It was late,probably past midnight.

Emmy was asleep, naked, beside me, and the streetlight that shined through the window outside my bedroom cast a soft glow around her in the bed.

I hadn’t fallen asleep, unable to look away from my little obsession. My phone vibrated on the nightstand. I quickly grabbed it, donned a pair of sweatpants, and walked out of the room to avoid disturbing her sleep.

I’d missed the call by the time I reached the small balcony in the backyard.

I called Micah back. He picked up on the first ring.

“They have properties set up near the border of California and Nevada,” he said without a greeting.

“Well, hello to you, too.”

Micah didn’t say anything for a beat. Then, “Hello.”

His voice was dry, and I laughed.

“Did you find out if any of those ugly fuckers have a sixth toe?”

“Not yet, but would you like me to send it to you when I do?”

“That won’t be necessary,” I said with a smile, before my face turned serious. “Why do you think they have those properties?”

I could already guess.

“They’re trying to infiltrate California.”

I grunted in agreement. Those sneaky little bastards. And I had no doubt they’d turned one of my men against me. The question was, which man?

Ormen?

“What do you want me to do?” Micah asked.

“Nothing, for now. Just make a note of all their properties. That will be useful to us later. And when we attack, I’ll send men your way.”

“Got it.”

“Wait,” I said before he could hang up. “You okay?”

“You know, you’re worse than Roman.”

“How?”

He let out a sigh. “I’m fine. Still my chippy self, don’t worry about it.”

---