Gypsy Rising (All the Pretty Monsters, #5)

by Kristy Cunning

“Out of seven alpha monsters—vampires, werewolves, deviants, sadistic skin walkers, Van Helsings, soul-eating Portocales, and the gentle, forgiving Simpletons—who do you think has treasured and cherished their piece of hope? Who do you think has sullied theirs to a diminished existence by consistently hoping for a chance to reap more bloodshed?”

“You chopped off your own foot when I tried to teach you to use a sword, Violet. You lost an arm learning to swing an axe, for Pete’s sake. Don’t even get me started on archery; I’ve never seen a person shoot their own kneecap. It’s not something that should be possible,” Marta says as she glares back over at Zuela.

“Hmm. She almost sounds like she cares about the Simpletons who are going to own their very own beds for the first time ever,” Anna states, words dripping with sarcasm. “I wonder if she poops food since she talks shit.”

“Did she just break up with us? Is that what just happened?” I ask, gesturing around absently. “It appears so,” Vance says as he exhales harshly and scrubs a hand over his jaw. “Does she honestly think that’s going to work?” Arion asks incredulously, lips almost twitching like he’s amused.

“Forty-eight Simpletons have endured a hundred times as much as you’re all cringing at today. Which is why I’m here. It’s my turn. Because I’m what stands between her petty, deranged tantrums and all of you,” she goes on, which has Nadine darting a glance at all of us.

“I was born to stand in your way, just because I fucking can. And now everyone’s going to know that you’re not my problem. But I just became the only problem you’re allowed to have, because you, the big, scary, all-powerful alpha can’t even make me scream while I’m still just a pup.”

“You see, you’re the only thing standing between me and the legend she’s attempting to build. I’ve spent too long knowing what comes next to pass up the opportunity to see something real and different.”

“All these centuries of such strong loyalty, and you couldn’t grant me one request. For that, I was punished today. By Violet. The cruel girl made me watch how fucking stupid I truly am.”

That fucking wanker. I’m going to tear off the wanker’s wanker and give it to another wanker who wants a wee wanker.

I glance down, realizing I’m clutching Arion’s hand like we’re two teen girls watching our crush get worked up.

“He’s genuinely going to steal that child and make Violet his bride, isn’t he?” Marta asks on a shaky breath she works hard to steady. “Yes, yes he is,” Damien answers with zero hesitation.

I’m mated. I have a mate. Emit Morrigan is my mate.