Page 46 of Monsters in Love

I had walked into this maze a single college student, and I was leaving mated to two Cyclopes. My entire world had changed.

The sound of claws scraping echoed around us, sending a shiver up my spine. Adam held me tighter for a moment and then held his finger to his lips, reminding me to stay silent.

I gave him a nod. He slowly set me down, careful to make sure our movements were barely audible. He gripped my hand for a moment, and I knew that he was nervous.

Andrew was ahead of us, standing in the shadows as he peered out into the open.

I knew the dragon was there.

The maze, I realized, had led us back to the entrance of the library. I could see the desk if I squinted hard enough.

“The three of you might as well come out,”the dragon’s voice floated around us. “I know you are here.”

Andrew straightened, and I fought a gasp as he stepped out of the maze. Adam gave my hand one more squeeze and then left, following him out.

“We need to talk,” I heard Andrew say.

My heart began to pound in my chest. The dragon wanted them to stay, to guard his knowledge. The books in this library were a vast treasure, but…

“We can’t stay here forever,” Adam said.

I crept a little closer, trying to see them. I could see all three now, the dragon, Adam, and Andrew.

“Bring your human.”

“No,” Andrew growled. “She is our mate, and we will not put her in danger.”

“Keeping her from me will put her in more danger. You’ve left her unprotected in the mouth of the maze. One flame from me would destroy her.”

Fuck. He had a point.

You know that I speak the truth, human,the dragon’s dark voice curled through my mind like wisps of smoke.Come out.

You’ll hurt us,I responded back, my heart pounding.

I promise I won’t kill you.

I heard Andrew and Adam continuing to argue, and I felt the seconds counting down.

The dragon was…was what? Giving us a chance? After trying to kill us a couple times.

A shuffle behind me had me spinning around, and I gasped, seeing the harpy bastard that had tried to snatch me up earlier.

Fuck, now I had no choice.

He started to move towards me, but I was already running, popping straight out of the mouth of the maze and back to where everything began.

Where I’d first met my Cyclopes mates.

Except for this time, the picture in the book I’d seen on the desk was…more real?

A magnificent crimson dragon hulked in front of Adam and Andrew, his massive wings stretching around him. He had a long neck and a long tail, scales that glistened in the soft lighting, and eyes that burned like massive gold coins.

His tongue flicked out, his teeth baring.

Adam and Andrew immediately jumped in front of me.

“God damn it,” Andrew cursed.

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