Claimed by the Cthulhu (Monstrous Meet Cutes #2)

by Wendi Guff

“Marea did…did someone take your baby?”

“Yes, many years ago. When I was a young girl, I got pregnant. I thought the father loved me, but he was just a child himself, both of us still controlled by our parents. They decided that I would have the baby and would then give him away.”

“Did you sign any adoption papers?” This startles me. “Um, no.” “How old were you when you gave birth?” “I was eighteen.”

“Then you were an adult. Anyone who took the baby away without your permission had no authority.”

You're still the child's rightful guardian—his mother.” Shock ripples through me. “I…don’t know why I never thought of this.”

“Whatever you need, I'm here for you—just like you're here for us.”

“I'm so sorry. I didn't know you had it. Did it hurt you? Are you all right?” Marea's brow furrows, and Tula moves to sit on the bed, coming into my peripheral vision. “Chaos, what are you talking about? Why would Marea be hurt?” Now I'm the

“I promised myself this year would be different. I worked tirelessly to find the cure, and I'm close—so close—I know it, but then you tumbled into my life, and you're all I've been able to think about.

“I'm ready. Chaos, I…I have a son.”

“The terrible thing was she got pregnant,” she tells me.

“Where I come from, pregnancy before marriage is the worst sin possible. In my parents’ faith, they don't believe in abortion.

After I gave birth…they took my son away.”

“But Marea was not. She became pregnant before she was eighteen, but gave birth while she was of legal age for humans. Therefore, her parents had no right to take her child away from her!”

“It's not about the spawning. It's about your gift.” She pulls back, and I know her face is bright pink. “M-my gift? What about my gift?” “The snow globe was your gift.”

“Marea, the box had my kotilo.” Tula gasps, but Marea still hasn't figured it out. “Chaos, I don't understand…” “It's detachable. I wasn’t joking when I told you this.”

“You took off your er, kotilo just the same way that you did for them? So that…was your real cock?!” “Yes, but Marea, I have an even more important question. Where are you in your cycle?”

“Chaos, what are you saying?” “There’s a chance you might be pregnant.”

My intended mate wiggles until I set her down on her feet, and then she runs into Tula’s and Meni’s master bath, shutting the door and locking herself inside.

I crash to the floor, my hearts beating erratically. Tula reaches over to help me, but I flinch from her touch. The grief I feel at the th...

“I'm barely hanging on, tethered by the ghost of the memory of my mate.” My chest heaves at her words.

If Marea leaves me, not even the memory of her sweetness will be enough to keep me on this Earth.

My ears ring, and I can barely squeeze air into my lungs because my chest is so tight. Trembling, I run to the bathroom, recognizing all the signs of my impending panic attack. Pregnant—I could be pregnant.

Juan Carlos staring in horror when I told him I was embarazada. Him denying everything between us and leaving with his family, never to be seen again. The disappointment on my parents’ faces. My mother demanding I have the baby. Them hiding me away until I gave birth. Pain and more pain, left alone during labor with no help. A doctor I never met taking my baby away. My heart breaking.

Numbly, I unlock the door and step aside. Before the Cthulhu shuts it again, I see Chaos on his knees, his head slightly bent, agony contorting his features.

“He’s ok,” Tula reassures. “There’s a lot of information and emotions to sort through. Right now, he thinks he’s lost you.” I startle. “What? No! I should go—” “In a moment. First, are you ok, Marea?” “No, but Chaos shouldn’t suffer.”

“When you suffer, he does, and vice versa. That’s how love works, and make no mistake, that man is head over heels in...

“Not for Chaos. He’s been waiting for you for a long time, his mate. Even before he started looking, I sensed his loneliness. His dedication to finding a cure for our kind didn’t negate his need to be loved and cared for by someone. And you’...

That’s why Chaos has given you his heart, even though you might reject him. The risk is great, but the reward? Even greater.”

“What if I am pregnant?” Tula enfolds me in a hug. “You’re not the girl you were all those years ago. Your parents can’t tell you what to do now, or shame you for it. You’re an adult, and your body is yours. Whatever decision you make, I know Chaos will support it.”

Perhaps your body and heart already know this, but your brain needs time to catch up. Your past trauma makes you wary, shielding the truth you already know and feel inside.”

Walking over to Chaos, I crouch down, my fingers tangling in his barbels. They instantly spring to life, coiling around me like snakes. “Mikrasa,” he rasps, and my chest aches from the pain lacing his voice. “I’m so sorry, Chaos.”

“Maybe neither of us should be sorry? I won’t lie, the situation is a total clusterfuck, but…instead of being the worst thing, maybe this is the best thing?” Hope shines in his bright yellow gaze. “The very best.”

“Wait! That was his real meat hammer that rocked your world? Oh, shit. Marea, you didn’t use protection—” “I know. That’s why I’m here and called you.”

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. Marea hasn’t left me yet, but I’m concerned her friend might convince her to.

“Why don't you really want to know?” “I really like you, Chaos, but everything is new and happening so fast that I'm afraid it's going to crumble away before I blink. I guess I’m just trying to cling onto what we already have.”

“Mikrasa, I won't lie. A baby will change everything, but it doesn't have to change us. A child would only strengthen the bond we have.”

I laugh down into Marea’s beautiful face. “This isn't how I planned on telling you, but your friend's right. I do love you—with all my hearts.”

“It’s whatever you want, mikrasa. I respect your body and the choices you make.” Marea doesn’t answer, but pulls me back down for another kiss.

My bedroom is trashed, thanks to a certain dick. “Fuck, I’m so sorry, Marea,” Chaos apologizes, but I can only laugh.

Instead of doing as he requests, I drop to my knees in front of him, licking my lips. “How about I put you out of your misery a different way?”

Before Chaos can say anything, I suck the yellow tip of his kotilo into my mouth. He moans, and I explore further, my tongue shaping over the suckers that line the lower half of his cock.

The large suction cups at the base pulse as Chaos places a hand at the back of my head, fucking my mouth a little harder.

Deciding to test it out, I bump the yellow tip of his cock into his aydeo. A shudder wracks his tall, muscled frame, and I grin. “I take it that does feel good.”

For this, I bump him again, and he snarls under his breath. His arms shoot out to bind around mine, but I wiggle free, dancing behind him.

In a graceful move, he drops to his knees, presenting his ass. I stare, suddenly unsure. The idea sounded so hot when he offered, but now I’m...

Exhaling, I line the yellow tip between Chaos’ cheeks, marveling at the smooth, teal skin that parts when he places a hand on either side to spread them. His kotilo wiggles in the air between us, and then, like a heat seeking missile, lunges forward.