Page 37 of Hot Monster Summer

It’s not a question, but I answer anyway. “Yes. I promised.”

His growl is soft, but unmistakable. “His touch will not erase mine. You’ll still smell of wolf when you enter his domain.”

“Is that why you…?” I gesture vaguely at my body, which feels thoroughly claimed in every possible way.

His smile is unrepentant. “Mostly because I couldn’t help myself. You’re intoxicating. But I’m not interested in sharing you with anyone, especially not him. You’re mine, and I’m not letting go.” His voice is a low growl, the possessiveness clear. “Not now. Not ever.”

We lie together in comfortable silence for a while, the fire crackling. My body gradually cools despite his furnace-like heat. Eventually, he shifts, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“I should return you to the cabin before dawn,” he says reluctantly. “Humans need sleep.”

“This human definitely does,” I agree, feeling the pleasant muscle ache. “But maybe a little more hot spring time first? I think I need to soak some of these wolf-induced aches.”

Kaelen’s laugh is a warm rumble against my skin as he effortlessly lifts me back to the steaming pool. “As my mate wishes.”

The water welcomes us like lovers, enveloping my tender body in soothing heat. I sink into it gratefully, resting my head againstthe smooth stone edge. Kaelen settles beside me, his powerful arm around my shoulders, drawing me against him.

“This is nice,” I murmur, feeling more relaxed than I have in months. “I could get used to this.”

His chest rumbles with satisfaction beneath my cheek. “That’s the idea.”

We soak in silence, watching the stars wheel overhead through the cave’s natural skylight. His fingers trace idle patterns on my shoulder, occasionally straying to the spot on my neck where his teeth had grazed most insistently.

“I didn’t break skin,” he says suddenly, as if reading my thoughts. “Though I wanted to.”

“Why didn’t you?” I ask, curious.

His expression turns serious. “True marking is permanent. Not something to be done without full consent and understanding.” His fingers brush my neck again. “When—if—I mark you properly, you’ll know exactly what it means.”

Something warm unfurls in my chest at his words. For all his primal aggression, there’s an honor to him.

“Thank you,” I say softly, kissing his jaw. “For giving me time.”

“You’re worth waiting for,” he replies simply.

Later, dressed and somewhat put back together, Kaelen walks me to the edge of the clearing where my cabin sits. The pre-dawn light casts everything in shades of blue and silver, making the world seem dreamlike and unreal.

“Tomorrow night,” he says, his voice a low growl as he pulls me against him one last time. “You’ll smell of water and… him.”

“Jealous?” I tease, tilting my face up to his.

“Yes,” he admits without shame. “But also curious.” His eyes hold mine. “You’re experiencing things no human ever has. Three ancient beings, three different kinds of magic. It makes you even more unique.”

His words give me pause. I hadn’t thought of it that way—each encounter somehow changes me, marking me beyond the physical.

“Rest now,” he says, kissing my forehead gently. “You’ll need your strength for the water-dweller.”

With that cryptic warning, he melts back into the forest, leaving me to stumble to my cabin on wobbly legs. The wolf has thoroughly claimed my body, but my mind is already wondering what the Kraken will show me next.

12

Lily

Late morning light filters through the old cabin windows as I stumble toward the shower, my muscles pleasantly sore in places I didn’t know could get sore. As I soap up, I notice small bruises forming on my hips where Kaelen’s hands had gripped me. Little purple reminders of just how thoroughly I’d been claimed.

“So much for taking time to heal,” I mutter, but there’s regret in my voice.

I should probably be more concerned that my biggest worry has shifted from “will I die alone” to “how do I explain clawmarks to a gynecologist,” but who am I kidding? I’m loving every minute of it.

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