Page 19 of My Monster's Keeper
“This human comes with camouflage capabilities.” Puppy walks up to me and around me, giving me an inspection that makes the hair on the back of my neck lift. “What’s wrong with this model? Does it have other hidden protections?”
“Say what now? Is he high?”
I force a laugh. “Worse, they’re method actors studying for their final.”
The driver’s face clears. “Oh. Right. Well, I want to get this stuff off the truck and get out of here. So, uh, back off, Hercules.”
“What is a Hercules?” Wilder snaps in my direction.
“A hero, someone strong and brave. It’s a compliment. Now, ease off so he can open the doors of the truck and deliver the essentials so I don’t kill you four.”
Puppy considers me. “Do you have more poison in a can hidden on your person?”
The delivery man bites his lower lip and snickers. “Pepper or mace?”
“I maced him.”
“Good call, I would have, too.”
The delivery man starts unloading a whole lot of boxes. I have to divide my attention between helping him and stopping them from making off with the boxes.
“You would like these in your chambers?”
I startle at the soft question, finding Frost politely standing beside me. “Please.”
He inclines his head and snaps at Stix and Wilder, who pick up stacks of boxes and carry them to my room. I stay and watch the excitable dragon. He examines the boxes and taps on one with a long claw.
I start to sweat while trying to peek at the driver to see if he’s noticed.
Finally, the delivery driver finishes unloading and puts his hands on his hips. “Well, good luck with your assignment.”
Puppy cocks his head to the side. “Indeed, it shall be most thrilling.” He glances at me. “And tasty.”
I side-eye the dragon, who moves closer to me. He puts an arm around my back and caresses my hip. I shudder, but he’s got this scent that smells like wood burning. I have to fight not to lean into him.
“Get off me,” I growl through my teeth.
He ducks his head down and sniffs at my neck while the truck ambles down the driveway.
“Puppy,” I warn, though the name feels weird.
He growls low in his throat. I tense, fear flashing through me, making my senses sharp and turning the world crystal. He’s switched skins again, and now there’s a larger mouth with dozens of teeth. I can see him out of the corner of my eye, and he’s terrifying and beautiful.
The hand on my hip has claws that dig in, dragging me mercilessly closer to him.
I feel something wrap around my leg and glance down to find his tail coiled around my leg, dangerously close to the junction of my thighs.
I feel a hot flush and then a liquid heat. A low hum of arousal takes me by surprise. Nope. Hell nope.
He inhales sharply, and I sense a whole new tension in his body.
Fuck!
“Do you want to lose your tongue, lizard?” Wilder snarls.
Puppy launches himself away from me, scurries onto the wall of the house, and vanishes. I let out an explosive breath and try to stop my knees from shaking.
I straighten up and avoid looking at Wilder. “Uh, thanks for that.”
