Friends with the Monsters (Friends with the Monsters, #1)

by Albany Walker

He’s pushed up his sleeves, baring his forearms: the sexy man equivalent of exposed cleavage.

I deflate. I can’t have a ménage à moi with her in here.

Mary says the words slowly, like she needs to taste them to see if they’re true.

I would only need self-preservation if I felt threatened, and I don’t.

I slowly turn to face the man-child who is about as close to a tantrum as an adult could get. “You were the one leaving the rocks?”

“Make her doubt us again, and I will seek her forgiveness after slaying you, rather than ask her permission.”

When I release him, Grim is watching me. “I knew it was your birthday too,” he blurts. A burst of laughter erupts from me. “If you want a kiss, all you have to do is ask.” I set my hands on my hips and wait. “I want a kiss.” Calix raises his hand and responds quickly. Grim pushes his way in front of me before I can step over to Calix. Grim scowls at the other man then turns his attention to me. “May I have a kiss, please?” Grim’s voice is pitched low as he crowds into my space. He licks his bottom lip and waits. He has the patience of a saint.

“I call big spoon.” I take in how serious Grim’s face is, and another surge of laughter escapes me. “Ah, hell. Little spoon,” Calix grumbles. “There’s no calling dibs!” Gunnar hollers.

“What can I say? This place draws me in like flies to a shithole. What the fuck have you been doing to stink this place up, Vanessa,”

we don’t need these humans hearing you threaten to kill her. It’s inconvenient.”

The angel has my allegiance, but you have my friendship.

“If they hurt her, I will hang them with their own entrails after I shred their souls.” “She’s perfect,” Gunnar whispers softly.