Monster's Payment

Monsters in the Mountains #4

by Leann Ryans

I'm taking his daughter as payment, but he's the one I'm going to kill.

***

I knew monsters were real, but the ones I'd met didn't have horns and claws.

When my father trades me to have his competition slain, I can't say it surprises me, but the creature I've been given to is a monster in the literal sense.

I never would have thought fur and fangs were my thing, but when the monster promises to fill me with his seed, I find myself craving just that.



He killed to have me, so who am I to deny him what he wants?



***This is the fourth book in the Monsters in the Mountains series but it can be read as a standalone.***

Genres: Omegaverse, Monsters, Paranormal, Monster Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Spicy

78 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2023

About the author

Wife and mother of four, my days have been reduced to begging for the littlest to sleep so I can have time to write my books. I'm blaming my reduced schedule on Cupcake.
Facebook is the best place to find me, or you can sign up for my newsletter here (https://leannryans.com) to keep up with current and upcoming projects as well as special promotions and such, or find me on Ream!

I grew up on Sci-fi and Fantasy books with some of my favorite authors being Anne McCaffery and Mercedes Lackey. In 2013 I discovered paranormal romance and delved into a whole new world. After reading Omegaverse stories from Addison Cain and Nora Ash, I had the idea for The Omega Prize and decided to take a shot at writing a book of my own. The beginning was rough, it took two months to write the first five chapters, but as my 2019 New Year’s resolution I said I was going to finish the story and committed to writing every day. It didn't take long for the book to begin telling itself, and from there I just kept going.

All of my books are Omegaverse, but they span settings from Sci-Fi, dystopian, and historical barbarians. There is even a small-town Enemies to Lovers Romance story in there. They main contain dark elements but I wouldn't call them dark romance since my alphas tend to be a little mushy in the center. I promise there's always a HEA.

Reviews

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy page turner with erotic content well written and thought provoking
I love how descriptive she is but I don’t recall there being a monster breed mentioned I get the feeling this might be a series but this is my first book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick novella of Mylah who was an Omega and Ka'dir an Alpha. In Ka'dir's clan the other Alphas have found mates among human Omegas and he longed for the day he met his.

His life was forever changed with a chance meeting with a trader who wanted to use his Omega daughter's heat as payment for merchandise procured by Ka'dir.

This was a short and sweet read with dual POV. Ka'dir found his mate and proved to her that she was more to him than a payment for a debt owed.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

From terror to surrender, she learns what it means to be claimed completely.

Omega Mylah lives under her father’s control, shaped by fear and secrecy, until the night he tries to trade her to another alpha. The forest hides danger and Ka’dir, a monstrous alpha, intervenes, removing her from the threat and sparking a terrifying, irresistible connection.

Ka’dir is dominant, protective, and primal, balancing instinct with careful attention to claiming and guarding her. As he brings her to safety, their bond grows, charged with tension, desire, and possession.

Their bond is forged in survival and instinct, blending fear, surrender, trust and passion, creating a connection that is consuming, erotic, and dependent. Each encounter tests limits, transforms instinct into intimacy, shaping a bond of protection, possession, and desire.

Mylah grows from a fearful, controlled girl into a self-aware omega who learns to trust her instincts and desires. Ka’dir evolves from a solitary, instinct-driven alpha into a more emotionally attuned protector. Their relationship develops through intense physical and psychological connection, moving from fear to mutual trust, consent, and a consuming bond.

A dark, ultra-steamy monster romance follows a captive omega drawn to a protective alpha, exploring desire, trust, and survival as their bond forms through instinct, danger, and mutual claiming. It’s about reclaiming agency after trauma, navigating power and control, and discovering intimacy and belonging through desire.

The Elevator Pitch: A young omega is thrust into a world where danger and desire collide, and survival depends on navigating a monstrous alpha that claims her. Amid shadows and instinct, she encounters a force that is both terrifying and compelling, challenging her to confront fear and curiosity. As their connection deepens, trust, surrender, and unspoken craving push the boundaries of control and intimacy.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

Audio: Narrator Ryan McConnell's dark, steamy performance captures Ka’dir’s commanding presence and Mylah’s evolving vulnerability. His pacing keeps the tension taut, and he navigates intense, intimate moments with confidence. voices are distinct and fully realized, enhancing the high-heat romance and deepening the listening experience.

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ka'dir wants a mate. He's seen others in his clan take human omegas, and decides he will search for one himself.
Then he encounters Mylah, daughter of the evil man who is trading with him, and her father says he can rut her if he kills a rival trader.
As usual, Leann Ryans spins a tight, taut tale, gaining the reader's attention and sympathy from the start. Great.

[Kerri-louise Whitham Your_bookish_fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

good short one 'hit' wonder book, not full of repeated smut, nice build up, lots of coveting and yearning. simple, smooth easy to read and does what it says on the tin. the story had a nice hit of revenge and karma too which I appreciated. im usually a novel reader but I enjoy a novella in between if there's still a plot and this has it.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pay up by MeemsAngel82

Steamy anyone?! I love this story to bits!! The writing is so sexy and I can't wait to devour her books! This was such a good time. The writing is sexy and dangerous and this is a heated story between an Omega and her mate. Her father was terrible and just got worse and this poor girl had more problems with no end in sight.

She and her brother kept poor by their own father, an evil man. Only for himself, he met someone more dangerous than he ever realized. And this monster would see to her needs for life.

I felt for her so much, her dad is the devil. I wished for more-from her brother in this story, for this Monster to have more words with her. Why? Because this is sooo good! The setting, the writing, this world is incredible and totally needs to be expanded. I just love it and did I mention steamy? An excellent story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ka'dir was the liason between his clan and the human village. Trade was how they were able to get their supplies and offer the humans their items. Mylah, an omega going into heat, was an offer by her father for a two fold reason but not willing to give her up completely - the offer, use her to settle heat and you get to rut however I need you to kill my rival. Ka'dir not liking her father did not do as he requested but the father is no more.

This was a story with not a lot a plot but does have a story arc for this is part of a series. It left me with a few questions which Mylah states at the end.

I will continue to read vpcause I lot the underlying story however I hope the author revists this story and answer thos open question.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridgett Goodin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monster's Payment: A Monstrous Baby Romance is book 4 of monsters in the monsters in the mountains. Omega thoughts, “I never would have thought fur and fangs were my thing, but when the monster promises to fill me with his seed, I find myself craving just that”…this statement alone made me hooked. I enjoyed this short and steamy romance between Ka'dir and Mylah. about an Omega and a monster that saved her. The story was suspenseful and a parge turner to be so short of a read. The main characters and side characters were heroic and complex. I totally recommend this read to Omega and monster lovers. This is a sweet series and if you looking for a quick ride in a unique world, highly recommend checking out this nice story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series of short stories where the beast-looking alphas show more affection than their human counterparts. This time we get to know the story of Ka'dir, who decided to look for an omega in a human village on the occasion of barter. Unexpectedly, there is an opportunity to get the desired mate, when a dishonest trader decides to "lend" his daughter as a form of payment.
Super fast read but super exciting and hot. If you're a fan of monsters and omega in heat, this is definitely the story for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's heartbreaking to see the one who's supposed to protect you use you for their own greed. This is the situation Mylah finds herself in. Her father is using her for his own greed and when she realizes that he'll not stop at that first time, she'll need to do whatever she needs to escape his clutches. That's where she meets Ka'dir, a monster in the flesh. However, he shows her more compassion than her own father so she'll pay her dues for her chance to live. A quick, instant fated mates story. If you need a quick read, this is a good one to indulge in as it'll give you all the knottiness you want.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sexy, dark monster novella
MyLah’s dad was a straight-up awful human waste of skin. Like, he already treats his kids like indentured servants, but then he wants to use his daughter in a trade with a monster, too, but not even a legit trade, but a twisted one at that! The monster Kadir was more humane than that dude. The story moves quickly, it’s soon obvious that the monster will be her hero and has to save her from her evil parent, although I do still worry about her brother. I’d love to read more about this new monster village and its inhabitants in future books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2

The 4th book in the series it's a stand alone, so no worries if you haven't read the other stories. This is a short story and is more about those certain types of scenes, so if you're looking for a depth of character development, this isn't it. Nevertheless, this is a satisfying little story and I have hopes the author might one day expand on these characters, because I'd certainly like to see more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whiskeylily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Featuring the same steam and delightfully dirty action of the previous Monsters in the Mountain Series, Monster's Payment is a delicious quick read. The heroine grows into herself and is rewarded with a lover who tends to all of the needs her family neglected. It is good to see the just desserts served, and to see her and her monster have the happy ending they both deserve. I love this series and can't wait for more helpings of monster sweetness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series, though I have read a lot of the author’s other books. It’s a great story, but I just wish it had been longer- I finished it in less than 20 mins. The world building is very good, with the ‘monsters’ developing a community in caves and trading with nearby rural human communities. I want to know more about this world and it’s ‘monster’ characters so now plan to go back and read the earlier books in the series.

[YB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ka'dir and Mylah - oh my, how I loved their story in this quick fast-paced delightful "light" story with all the elements we love with monster alphas, omegas in distress, oppression, triumph, great intense sexual energy, and a triumphant HEA. No sympathy for Mylah's abusive self-absorbed father (turn-about is fair play!) but would also love to know Mylah's brother's story in the future. Book 4 was a worthy quick read.

[Samina Rajiwate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Mylahs father is a crooked trader and he wants to trade Mylah for a night in exchange of goods. But the person he chose to trade Mylah to recognises she in heat and wants to keep her forever. Ka'dir isa monster and he has been looking for a mate. Mylah s heat makes him think hes found her. Loved reading their story. Thanx.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short, monster Book 4 in the Monsters in the Mountains Book Series has a good story that has interesting characters that are not what they seem to be. The human woman have been told ridiculous stories about "the Monsters", so they will fear them. But they are not who they seem to be, the human men are the monsters and her Dad is one of the worst. Will she find happiness with the monster her Dad tries to sell her to? Or is it off to another prison like her life was with her father?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable short, spicy, OV monster romance. The heroine was sympathetic and the hero was deliciously alpha in the romance novel sense. The spicy scenes were also deeply satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed this short, spicy genre mashup. I highly recommend this read after a tiring day when you just want a little treat to relax with.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced story with a paranormal theme. I liked the story though it was shorter than I thought it would be. I thought the author created an interesting drama with a touch of darkness. I didn’t really connect with the characters because it felt more like a force pairing due to her character’s aspects. I didn’t feel any romance just hormonal urges.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Spender of Money · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so freaking invested in this world. I love the dynamics, how each story is fresh, but builds on this world. I look forward to revising and new releases are definitely snagged quickly. Quick, easy reads that flow wonderfully, with great characters. It takes talent to write compelling short stories and this author definitely delivers. Great read! I received a copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m taking you, and I’m going to claim you because I want you.

OH. MY. WORD.
Ok, Ok, THIS is my favorite monster yet.
I am here for every word out of this monster's mouth. All. Day. Long.
Ka'dir is now my new favorite monster in this series and Mylah may need to step aside on this one. I loved him! I loved this story and these two together. If fur and fangs are your thing, you need to read this. It's short, it's steamy, and it packs a heat punch!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww! He killed for her without even knowing her. It was so sweet in a messed up way! Like always I wish the story was longer but you still get all the feels. The HEA, a peak at how those from other books are doing and a hero. A big thank you to the author and Booksprout for this ARC. I the series and want to give my honest review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mylah (h), an omega, is betrayed when a man she trusts takes her into the woods and casually barters her use during her impending heat to alpha monster, Ka’dir (H). He becomes enraged at Mylah’s treatment and won’t be satisfied until she’s his permanently as his mate. Hot and steamy omegaverse quickie with heat, slick, biting, claiming and knotting.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short story about Ka’dir who is an alpha and a trader for his people with the humans he wants a mate he is offered Mylah an omega for a rut when she goes into heat by her horrible father but Ka’dir wants her as his mate. This is a great story I enjoyed it immensely and I recommend this book.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omegaverse, Monster with a br33ding romance.... what's not to love. This is a quick read following Ka'dir and Mylah. Mylah and her upcoming heat is used as payment by her father but she get more that she bargained for. Her and Ka'dir's romance is sweet, and heated. This is well written with a dual POV and a great addition to the series that focus more on the characters than the plot.

[Whitewolfaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore a well written monster romance book because they are not often done well. This author and this story are phenomenal! There are not enough words for me to explain how great this book is or how well this author wrote this book. You must read it for yourself immediately. This is definitely a must read! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookSLoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know about you, but after reading this I was wanting more. That my friends is the point of these little short stories . . . to set the appetite for more from this world. More of the characters, more of this world, more of these feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Omegaverse romance with all that that entails.

This short has a protective monster alpha, a terrible human one and monster/human smut relating to the titular payment.

There's enough characterization to get a good feel for the characters but it knows what it is and is well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mom2three · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, omegaverse, monster romance that will heat you up. Ka'dir is an alpha who is searching for a mate. Mylah is the daughter of a horrible man who uses his omega daughter as payment. Thus starts the adventure and the heat. As I've said, it's a quick read, but it's very well written, full of steamy scenes, and has a sweet love story that ends with a HEA.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Ka'dir and Mylah.. this is their short story... fast paced... Ka'dir is offered a night with Mylah who is in heat as payment from a merchant... Ka'dir believes he has found his mate... Mylah has no choice but to be payment... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.