The Monster's Den (A Monstrous World, #1)

by Jillian West

“A daughter,” I repeat. My mind finally catches up, creating an image of a young girl with curly blonde hair and big eyes like her mother. The two of them alone? No, I don't like it. It doesn't sit well with me at all. “Hire her for The Den.” The words slip out before I can hold them back. Where is her mate? Who would leave a human woman alone with a child in a sanctuary city for supernaturals? What the fuck was he thinking? He obviously wasn't. He must be dead. I convince myself there's no other option. No man would willingly leave his woman and young. He must no longer draw breath. I feel strangely relieved by that fact, since it means I won't have to kill him. Humans can be squeamish about murder. I wouldn't want to upset the tiny woman by slaughtering her pup's father.

Our business is simple. We provide a safe place for monster sex. Our employees have no problem satisfying some of the darker impulses our patrons hope to fulfill. Sex workers deserve as much respect as any other employee. We give them a comfortable atmosphere to do business. They choose what services they provide and which customers they see.

Sex workers deserve as much respect as any other employee. We give them a comfortable atmosphere to do business. They choose what services they provide and which customers they see.

My beast needs to run, to burn off some energy. I absolutely will not be following Emerson's lightly floral scent home. That would be creepy. I've lived nearly four hundred years without being a stalker. I'm not going to start now. Probably. Although, it couldn't hurt to make sure she made it home safely, right? No, of course not. That makes me a good boss, not a creep with boundary issues.

I've lived nearly four hundred years without being a stalker. I'm not going to start now. Probably. Although, it couldn't hurt to make sure she made it home safely, right? No, of course not. That makes me a good boss, not a creep with boundary issues.

Emerson has nothing to fear from me and only pleasure to be gained. And I'm strangely fascinated by the fact she doesn't know to fear me. Most supernatural creatures and humans alike can differentiate a deadly threat from a mundane one. And the one thing they have in common? Their instincts immediately recognize me as a top-tier predator.

“Oh, doll. Don't you know?” I murmur against the shell of her ear. “The slower the buildup, the more cataclysmic the event.”

My maker would have my head if he ever learned I dropped to my knees for a human. Luckily, he's dead. I killed him myself, but the thought succeeds in spiking my desire for Emerson. Em lets out a shaky breath as she stares down at me. “W-what are you doing?” she hisses, suddenly looking a bit concerned. “I'm the one who's supposed to be pleasing you. Not the other way around.” My claws elongate slightly as I tease them over her thick thighs. “No, lovely, you're meant to be my dirty little fuck doll to be used however I see fit.” My eyes flash with a hint of my arousal. The scent of her slick pussy only inches from my face is sending my baser instincts into overdrive.

“You don't have to fuck me,” Laithe says, looking vulnerable. Or maybe he's an excellent actor, because a second later, the cocky smirk is back in full force. “You do want to, though, don't you, sweet human?” His voice is low and enticing, matching what I imagine a vampire trying to tempt a human would sound like.

Emerson is like a kitten among wolves. Quite fucking literally. A tiny slip of a human woman has an issue with an alpha wolf. It's been a long time since I felt the draw to honor my kind. Gargoyles are, first and foremost protectors. We watch and evaluate all threats before acting. However, I'm essentially immortal. The stakes are much less dire for myself. Emerson is exceptionally breakable. The waiting game isn't one I’m comfortable playing with her safety at risk. I circle the house, checking for any possible threats, and once I’m convinced she’s as safe as she can be, I take off toward downtown.

Ember sleeps with her blanket cuddled to her side and her bottom up in the air. One small arm is between the crib tines. Her hand rests on the back of . . . a fucking hellhound. It sleeps curled in a ball near the side of Ember's crib, blue flames dancing along its entire body.

“She'll find no greater safety than under the watchful eye of the hound. If he's offering the two of you protection, then trust me when I say you want to graciously accept it.”

Fury pounds through my system every time I think of the wolf who impregnated Emerson. He dishonored her. They hadn't mated. That much Aline was correct about. Even if the shifter was dead, his scent would still cling to her if they'd bonded. At least, until a stronger alpha made his claim. My mind can't help but remind me of that fact. All of it is irrelevant, because the wolf never claimed Emerson at all.

If he's dead, then so be it, but he never should've left his mate and young unprotected. His blood running through Ember’s veins is enough to ensure that she'll have enemies.

“Dread, why the hell are you in Meena's house?” Emerson’s eyebrows rise as she gives me an expectant look. That's a very good question and one I absolutely do not have an answer for. The hound spent the entire previous day making my life difficult. He wanted to see the pup. It became such a pressing need that I couldn't ignore his demands any longer. Once I knew Emerson was gone, I snuck in to have a peek at the child. Only, the little heathen bit me. So I bit her back. Which made her cry. She won't sink those sharp teeth into anyone else for a while, I'd bet. Although, neither the hound nor I could stomach the crying, so we picked her up, which somehow devolved into piggyback rides around the toddler's bedroom. I frown. The child is quite bossy for such a youngling. Very cute, but exceptionally demanding.

I spent a fair amount of time following Emerson and Ember around town this morning. It wasn't because I was intrigued to watch the small human care for the pup. It was because my biological drive demands I keep them safe. Obviously.

I briefly consider murdering everyone in the room so I can shove my dick inside her immediately. The sensual way she glides atop me sends my arousal skyrocketing. The smell of her pussy permeating the entire table isn't helping matters.

I think I'd like to ravish her without an audience, which is in no way my normal style. Normally, I get a nice little boost of energy from the arousal of those watching, but Emerson is nearly giving me enough to make me feel full. That never happens. I mentally weigh exactly how important this job is. It doesn't feel nearly as pressing as the need I have to destroy Emerson's delicious-smelling cunt.

I'm very good at tuning out sexual thoughts. Once you've dealt with it for so long, it all becomes useless chatter. But some of the things the three demons at this table are fantasizing about doing to Emerson? I'll make sure they get a visit from a reaper.

Lust is my go-to emotion. In fact, I'd feel confident saying I've never experienced love, but I think I fall a little bit in love with her at this very moment.

I’m beginning to think it was a bigger deal than I realized when I bit him earlier. I don’t even know why I did it. Okay, maybe that’s a lie. Something inside me screamed mine, and the next thing I knew, I was sinking my teeth into his lower lip. We're also ignoring the fact his blood tasted like a caramel apple . . . because that's just weird.

“She's fine.” Arsyn's voice wakes me out of a deep sleep. “I fucked her into exhaustion. Humans often require rest between rounds.” “You fucking bonded my human!” Dread snarls. Panic rips through my system. I jolt as my eyes pop open. I'm resting against Arsyn's chest as he lounges lazily on the couch. We're in the same room from earlier. I mean, I guess I get why Dread is angry. I'm his employee. I don't know what the hell that's supposed to mean, but holy shit, I think I'm on the verge of freaking out . . . Demons can bond like shifters? I had no clue. “Shh,” Arsyn murmurs, running a hand over the back of my head. “All is good. My knot has yet to deflate. Try not to move much. I don't want it to hurt you.” His eyes are so sincere as he stares down at me with an affectionate look.

“Don't be judgmental,” Arsyn snaps. “I'll be a lovely partner. The bond ensures I can only feed from you or our other mates,” he says to me. “I'll be quite the loyal and doting partner. I have every incentive to keep you well-fucked and completely content, so you don't try to starve me to death.” To Dread, he adds, “You're just moody because I have a fancy cock now, too.”

“I'm going to speak to Aline,” Dread growls. He's still stomping across the floor. “All new hires will now need to complete a class about how every species bonds. I've run this place for almost fifty years and never once . . .” He snarls, shaking his head. “Not just new hires, every damn employee in the building is getting a 'How not to accidentally bond a demon' safety meeting.” He turns around and stomps out. “Aline!” he shouts before the door closes.

“Did she know what she was doing?” I ask, spinning in a circle. Frustration pulses through my system, causing me to fidget. “No,” Arsyn admits. “Dread has implemented a new policy that all employees must understand how each species bonds.” “I'll bet he did,” I say, snorting a derisive laugh. “She's a mess, but quite alluring, despite that fact. Was she upset?” “She allowed me to walk her home and promptly locked me out,” he says, chuckling. “I've devoured souls for less.” I snort. I've also killed for lesser indiscretions. Yet, he looks strangely excited that Emerson had the audacity to lock him out.

“You need to make her care for you quickly. All of you do. Otherwise, she won't survive what's coming,” Meena says, bumping me out of the way. I take a step back with my jaw hanging. It's well-known that Meena is a powerful seer. “You've seen a future where Emerson loves me?” I ask, sputtering out the words. She nods. “I've seen the one where she dies alone at the hands of that mongrel, too. Be sure you don't allow that one to come to fruition.”

“Go woo Emerson,” Meena instructs with a huff. “I'll keep the hellion busy for a bit. Until Nadia decides to grace me with a great-grandchild, this is all I've got.” Ember stands up and yanks down her pajama pants. “Isn't she old enough to use the toilet?” I ask, still baffled by everything that's happened this morning. “Go win over Emerson's affections,” Meena says, steadying the child. “You've got an incubus in the house. Use that to your advantage.” I frown. I don't like the sound of that. I don't need Arsyn ramping up Emerson’s lust for her to want me. I'm an ancient Viking warlord and a motherfucking vampire. Meena grins, and I quickly realize that I walked into that one. I shake my head, wave goodbye to the rug rat, and head to Emerson's room.

I don't need Arsyn ramping up Emerson’s lust for her to want me. I'm an ancient Viking warlord and a motherfucking vampire.

When they're out of sight, I look at Arsyn. “You're lucky I haven't killed you yet, demon.” The incubus laughs. “I told you. I'm very good at sharing.” The hound growls, but we know it's useless. Nothing can be done to temper their bond now. We best all get on board with each other . . . real fucking quick. A few minutes later, Emerson comes down the hall. The tiny pup is once again dressed, and she chucks herself at my bare chest when she spots me. “Thank you,” she says. Her eyes light with her wolf. I release a low, playful growl that signals my fondness for the child. She buries her small hand in my beard and cuddles her cheek to mine. It's clear—I am so totally fucking fucked. I'd burn down the world to keep the two of them safe.

It's clear—I am so totally fucking fucked. I'd burn down the world to keep the two of them safe.

“You can choose your age or, I mean, how old you appear?” Emerson whispers. “Wait, how old are you?” “Barely shy of four hundred,” I reply, pulling her flush with my front. “Still very much in the prime of my life.” Emerson sputters. “That's unreal.” “If you think I'm old.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Absolutely do not ask Laithe or Arsyn how old they are.” “Ohmigod, I've been banging the elderly.” Emerson snorts.

“If you think I'm old.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Absolutely do not ask Laithe or Arsyn how old they are.” “Ohmigod, I've been banging the elderly.” Emerson snorts.

It's a struggle not to toss her down and claim her on the council conference table. She doesn't look away as my eyes turn fiery red. I've seen her glance away from the dominance in her daughter's gaze, but Emerson stares straight into my eyes as the hound makes himself known. It pleases us greatly. It's a perfect example proving that she is abso-fucking-lutely my mate.

She doesn't look away as my eyes turn fiery red. I've seen her glance away from the dominance in her daughter's gaze, but Emerson stares straight into my eyes as the hound makes himself known. It pleases us greatly. It's a perfect example proving that she is abso-fucking-lutely my mate.

Why the hell are humans so breakable? Whoever created them did a terrible job designing their defenses. They have almost no methods of attack and even less protections. It's lucky she has us. The hound and I are in agreement on that.

I've kind of let my mind gloss over the fact that Dread continually keeps referring to me as his. I've also been doing a pretty stellar job of ignoring when Laithe and Arsyn do the same thing. Okay, so avoidance isn't one of my better personality traits, but I've had bigger fish to fry. Not to mention his protection is something that gives me a weird feeling of comfort. He's an alpha hellhound and a top-tier demon. Not many would mess with him. Which is kind of the opposite of me. I like knowing he's big and scary. It means man and monster alike will think twice before messing with him.

“I'm pretty sure saying 'I licked it, it's mine' only works with the last piece of dessert.” I laugh. “Claiming food and delicious little mates.” Arsyn puckers his lips and dramatically kisses my cheek.

“You are going to give me a yard full of pups,” Dread growls, sucking my lower lip and nipping at it. “Right, love?” My nipples tighten to a painful degree as Arsyn slides his hands down my hips, helping me to stand in front of Dread instead of being cradled in his arms. “Maybe,” I concede. “I don't like the idea of Ember being an only child. I know what that was like for me when my mom and grandma died.” “We should begin immediately,” Dread says, nodding his head and looking at me like he's about to fuck my world up in the best way possible. “I have problems . . .” I shake my head. “I intend to solve them all,” Dread assures me, staring directly into my eyes. His huge hand cups my face. “That's the beauty of having a mate. We're a team, and you'll always have my pack at your back in any situation that might need reinforcements.”

“It's quite the deal, isn't it?” Arsyn muses. His hands fall to my hips, leading me to grind against him with the beat of the music. “Never-ending support and men dead set on giving you as many orgasms as your tender little human body can handle.” “I don't think either of you understand how plentiful my problems are,” I say, still feeling a little dazed. “But I won't turn down unlimited orgasms.”

“I'll die before I let anyone hurt you or Ember. I know you're still adjusting to the bond with Arsyn, but our connection will be different. He could have claimed any human. I've waited hundreds of years for you. I'm not belittling your connection to the incubus.” Dread nuzzles his cheek to mine. “I'm only saying that, for me, you're it, Emerson.”

One human and her fluff-ball of a pup came out of nowhere and changed everything. It's hard to fathom what life would be like without them.

“I don't think you have to be okay right now.” “You don't get to fall apart when you have a kid counting on you to keep it all together,” Emerson says, rolling to face me. Yes, she definitely reminds me of my mother, a female I loved and respected greatly.

Honestly, I was shocked at how quickly Ryktus came. It's all fun and games when a guy can last hours fucking you in every position imaginable. But I don't care who you are; no woman wants to give an hour-long blow job. That's just asking for a TMJ flare-up.

I'm open to either her pussy or her blood. Vampires are very flexible creatures. Actually, I've changed my mind. I'd like both, and I intend to have them within the span of the night.

The four of us frame Emerson two on each side. Ember sleeps in wolf form on her mother's chest. We're going to need to set up a full-size nursery if things go to plan. I fall asleep completely smug. We totally knocked up our human, and now she's a fledgling vampire. It looks like we get to keep her for eternity, after all.