Page 56 of Hot Monster Summer

Immortality—or at least an extremely extended lifespan. Powers or abilities I can’t even imagine. A permanent bond to three beings who’ve completely upended my understanding of love, sex, and relationships.

“You don’t need to decide now,” Caspian says, reading my expression. “The option remains open. For when-if-you’re ready.”

“For now,” Oren adds, gentle despite his imposing size, “Just stay. Longer. Human still. Ours still.”

“The job can wait,” Kaelen insists. “The world outside will still be there later.”

They’re right, of course. The world beyond these woods isn’t going anywhere. I don’t have an apartment—my stuff was moved out of my ex’s place, and I drove here shortly afterward. I could potentially line up commissions ahead of time. There’s even a cute art store a few hours away where I could ask if they’d be interested in buying my work.

I’ve been painting non-stop; this new life has definitely rejuvenated my creative juices. And as for my family… well, that bridge was pretty thoroughly burned when I caught my fiancé and sister, and they all defended her.

“I could stay through fall,” I say slowly. “See how this works in a different season. Give us more time to figure out… the rest.”

The joy radiating from them is almost palpable—Oren’s flowers blooming in a riot of color, Caspian’s tentacles squeezing me tight, and Kaelen’s rumbling purr vibrating through the bed.

“Seasons beautiful here,” Oren promises. “Autumn colors. Winter snow. Spring rebirth.”

“Okay, let’s start with fall and take it from there. I need money to survive, remember?”

“Sell one of the necklaces,” Caspian suggests. “Or grab a few rubies. I have a trunk full.”

“I think just one of those necklaces would buy the entire land—including this cabin,” I say jokingly, but they’re all smiling.

“Then it’s settled,” Caspian grins. “You’ll buy the land, no more unwanted visitors, and we’ll live happily ever after.”

“I think you’ve read too many romance novels, Caspian,” I say.

“Well, in any case, we have forever to convince you,” Caspian adds confidently. “There’s no rush.”

Kaelen simply pulls me back against his chest, his message clear: mine, ours, stay.

As I settle back into our tangle of limbs, I can’t help but smile at the absurdity and perfection of where I’ve ended up. I came here to heal from betrayal, lick my wounds in solitude, and rebuild my sense of self after it had been shattered.

Instead, I found three monsters who see me more clearly than any human ever has. Who want me with a passion that should be frightening but somehow isn’t. Who offer me forever when I’d almost given up on making it through the summer.

Maybe I’ll take them up on their offer someday. Perhaps I’ll grow old naturally while they remain timeless.

Those are questions for another day.

For now, I have tentacles and fur and flowers blooming against my skin. I have three distinct heartbeats that are synchronized with my own.

And, as far as rebounding from a broken heart goes, I’d say I’ve absolutely nailed it.

This wasn’t the summer healing I had planned.

It was infinitely, wonderfully better.

One hell of a hot monster summer!

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