Mated to the Gargoyle (Mated to the Monster)

by Lisa Carlisle

“You need to get some rest, Little One. It’s been a long day for you.” She gaped at me, appearing as dazed by the kiss as I’d been. Then she nodded. “Right.”

“The sweetest of dreams.” She heaved out a low breath. “Goodnight, Hugo.”

But it wasn’t out of fear. I’d found my mate and kissed her sweet lips. They’d forever be imprinted to memory.

There’s something more. The demon said he knows the librarian hid the book—and he’ll make her give it to him. Oh hell. I tensed in my stone. She’s in danger, I said flatly. She could be. You need to watch over her, Hugo. I will, I promised. Not there, he added. Not until we get more information from this demon. Take her to the Vault.

There’s something I should tell you. What’s that? Anya and I—I’d never said this aloud to anyone before and the words took a strange route to my lips. She is… Go on, Hugo. I swallowed the lump churning in my throat. Anya is my mate. Dumont didn’t reply for several seconds. When he did, he floored me. I’ve suspected that for some time.

That’s why you need to be the one to get her safely to the Vault, Hugo. And stay with her there until you hear further instructions from me.

Once we retrieved the book from special collections, Hugo extended his large, gray hand. I stared at his hand for a couple of seconds before I took it. Something about this gesture seemed intimate. His hand engulfed mine in a warm and protective hold. He stared at me for a second with a look somewhere between gratitude and surprise.

His silvery-gray eyes were gentle. “He said he knows you know where the book is and he’ll make you get it for him.” Hugo’s jaw twitched. “Don’t worry, Little One. I’d never let that happen. My commander thinks you’d be safer at our living quarters for the time being, to assure that you’re safe.” My heart pounded faster as I chewed my lower lip. “A demon is after me?” Hugo replied by curling up his lips.

“Wait, how do you see them?” Hugo asked me as he motioned to the other two gargoyles. “What do you mean?” “Do they look human to you?” I snorted. “You’re joking, right?” He turned to the gargoyles. “Are you shielded?” “Yes,” both acknowledged. “Hmm.” Hugo rubbed his jawline. “Interesting.”

When I turned back toward the rooftop door, he stopped me. “Not that way.” I faced him. “Why not?” “It’s safer to fly.” My pulse jolted. “You don’t mean—? Are you saying—?” I blew out a breath and tried again. “Do you mean you’re going to fly in the air—with me?” “Yes,” he replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

“I can’t fly.” That was simply stating the obvious, but the idea of even considering what he proposed flabbergasted me. “I know you can’t, Little One,” he replied slowly, as if trying to calm an upset child. “But I can and I’ll be holding you. You have nothing to fear.” A skeptical sound escaped me. That was easy for him to say. “Are you afraid?” he asked in a gentle tone. “Of course I’m afraid,” I replied quickly. “I’ve never even been on a plane. But at least there would be something solid, something scientifically sound, surrounding me.”

“All I’m saying is that you’re safer flying with me than in a metal machine.” I stared into his eyes, searching for answers. He took a step closer. “I will keep you safe.” He extended his hand. “Trust me, Anya. Come with me.”

She swallowed and then stepped forward, taking my hand. “Don’t drop me.” “Never.” The feel of her tiny hand in mine shot tingles up my arm. A warm fuzzy feeling spread inside, and with it grew my drive to protect her.

After ensuring my shield to camouflage me from humans was in place, I wrapped my arms around her waist as I held her from behind. “Ready?” “No,” she cried and turned instead to face me, the top of her head barely reaching my chest. “But just do it before I change my mind.”

As I flapped my wings to ascend, a sob escaped her. “It’s all right. I have you.” “Don’t let me go.” Her voice trembled in fear. “Never.”

Beyond that aroma was her natural one, one that was uniquely hers. It invigorated me with an urge to care for and protect this human for all my days.

And although she felt so tiny and so fragile in my arms, I’d never felt more vulnerable.

“Little One, look around us,” I encouraged her. “The city is beautiful at night.”

She wasn’t just a human I’d been tasked to protect. She was my mate.

“You have nothing to fear when you’re with me,” I assured her in a gentle tone. “I’ll make sure you’re safe.” She didn’t say anything but adjusted slightly, pressing herself even tighter against my torso. “Yes, but we’re in the air.” “And I’m holding you. I won’t let you go.” Ever.

She turned her head, brushing her cheek against my chest, and then sighed. “What is it?” I asked with concern.

“Yes, it is,” Hugo agreed. “Flying over the city at night is one of my favorite things.”

“When I’m up here, all my troubles don’t seem as important.”

“Not so scary?” he asked. “Oh, it’s terrifying.” I chuckled. “As long as you don’t let me go.” “Never,” he promised. “I’m turning to fly over the city now so we can head to the Plateau.” “Okay.” I gripped him more tightly.

Once his feet touched the ground, I followed, but stumbled. Hugo held my upper arms to keep me steady.

“Wow, that was—incredible.” Hugo beamed at me. “You were so brave.” This entire experience was surreal. I chewed my bottom lip, remembering the reason I was here. “Do you think he’ll be able to get to me, Hugo?” Hugo’s expression hardened. “He’s locked up far from here, under guard by many Sentries.” Then he fixed a determined gaze on me. “But I promise, I’ll never let him touch you.”

“Is everything okay, Little Sparrow?” Little. Even he was aware of the size difference, which could make things—complicated. In my nervousness, I joked, “Have you given me a promotion?” When he furrowed his heavy brows, I added, “You called me Little One before. And now Little Sparrow.”

“Just a little nervous, I guess.” “About?” His brows furrowed. Spell books, hybrid-demon robbers, gigantic gargoyle statues that come to life, whether it was possible to be intimate with one. Right, I would not be revealing what exactly was on my mind. “Just coming to terms with everything.” “What are you thinking?” His voice lowered with concern. I stared into his eyes before I confessed my inner doubt. “Why me?” “Why you?” he echoed with a confused gleam in his eyes. “Yes.” I wasn’t special. I didn’t want to share all that and spoil the mood, but admitted what I felt deep inside. “Nobody notices me. I’ve always felt like I’m invisible.” He stared at me with affection. “Not to me.”

“I know to you we’ve just met, but—my feelings for you—” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “They’ve grown with time. I know.” He placed his hand on his heart. “In here.” He cocked his head and suddenly appeared so vulnerable for someone so massive. “Does that make sense?” My pulse raced. After two heartbeats, I admitted, “Yes.” I exhaled with a breathy sigh. “Despite all the differences, I feel something between us.” I took a shaky inhale. “More than just desire.” “Something deeper,” he agreed with a grateful smile.

“I want you, Little Sparrow. I’ve dreamed about being with you.” “Show me,” I urged him.

I moaned in pleasure, and as I reached out to touch him, accidentally brushed his horns. He froze. “Sorry, is that off-limits?” I asked in a sheepish tone. He didn’t answer for a few heart-pounding seconds. “No. It was just unexpected.” I grimaced. “I won’t do it again.” “It felt good. Really good.” He tipped his head, nudging his horns toward my hand. “Touch them again,” he urged.

With each hand, I ran my fingertips down along his horns, gently at first. A low vibrating sound emerged from deep in his chest. When I wrapped my hands around them and stroked downward, a deeper, feral growl followed. “Sooo good,” he crooned.

“Don’t hide from me, Little Sparrow.” His voice remained low and husky, so damn sexy. “But—” “You’re beautiful.” With his heated gaze fixed on me, I almost believed it. “Let me see you,” he insisted, his tone pleading.

I arched my body up, desperate to get closer to him. “Don’t tease me,” I begged. He let out a sound of satisfaction and then swirled a tongue over my nipple. His tongue was large and warm and stoked a thousand fires beneath my skin.

A low, feral growl twisted out of him. “Let me taste you, Little Sparrow.” My breath came in hard, rapid pants. Somehow I managed to hiss out the word, “Yes.”

“You want me?” he said with a low moan, then kissed my thighs. I squirmed, desperate for what he was withholding. “You’re teasing me, Hugo,” I said between rasping breaths. “Yes,” he agreed in a rich, low croon and swirled his tongue up my inner thighs. “I want you nice and wet when I fuck you.” Oh god. That dark promise sent another wave of desire coursing through me. “If I touch you, will you be dripping for me? Showing me how much you want me?”

“So wet for me,” he said, pausing to nibble at the sensitive upper thigh. “Good girl.” Another low moan followed. “So ready for my cock.”

He positioned himself between my legs and teased me with the head of his cock. “Hugo.” My voice came out breathy. “I’m right here.”

“Relax, Little Sparrow,” he said in a gentle tone. “I won’t hurt you.” “I know. I’m nervous,” I blabbered. “I’m not that experienced—and you’re so big.” “It will feel good,” he assured me. “Just let me take care of you.” “Okay.” I rested back on the bed.

“Be a good girl and take it just like that.” He rocked in another inch, letting me adjust to his massive size.

“You like my cock, don’t you?” he asked. “Just as you liked my tongue.” “Yes,” I cried out and then gasped at the epic invasion. “I love it.”

“Yes, just like that,” he praised me. “Come all over my cock.”

“You’re mine,” he growled. I could barely hold on as he rocked into me with his massive cock. He plunged into me with an urgent thrust. “Tell me you’re mine.”

“I’m yours, Hugo!” Anya cried out. “That’s right,” I rumbled as satisfaction rolled through my body. “Mine.”

All I wanted to do was drive into her again and again, mark her with my scent, fill her with my seed. Make her mine.

“Oh fuck, Anya,” I growled as I rocked into her, pushing ever closer to the frantic edge. “You feel incredible.”

As I slammed into her, I growled. “You’re the one.” Harder, faster, I thrust. “My mate.”

Then a wave of concern rushed through me. I touched her shoulder. “Are you okay?” “No.” She chuckled. “I’ll never be the same.” I pressed myself up on my forearm. “Oh no, I hurt you, didn’t I?” “No.” She beamed as she flashed me a brilliant smile. “I mean, a little, but in a good way.” When I furrowed my brows, she added, “I just mean I might be a little sore, but I’ll recover.” She trailed her fingers over my temple and down along my jawline. “It was wonderful.” “Incredible,” I murmured and relaxed beside her once more. For a minute or two, we lay entwined as our heart rates slowed. “Hugo?” Her voice was low and breathy. “Yes?” “Did you mean what you just said?”

“Said what?” My heart rate wasn’t going to slow down after all. “When you called me your mate.”

“We can talk tomorrow,” Hugo said to me in a gentle tone, edged with something. Was it fear? “Go to sleep, Little Sparrow,” he urged. “You need your rest.”