Edin (Monstrous, #2)

by Lily Mayne

Instead, I closed the small gap between us and kissed him hard, curling my fingers in his hair. When we finally broke apart, I rested my forehead against his. “I want you to keep telling me, Edin. I want to know you. Everything about you, before we… before I have to go.” I swallowed. “Okay?” Edin was silent for a long moment, but eventually he nodded. “I want to know you too,” he said, deep voice quiet. So I nodded back and closed my eyes, refusing to let go of him until I fell asleep.

Normally the sex I had—which was very infrequent—was meaningless. Nothing more than scratching an itch. But with Edin, it was… It definitely wasn’t meaningless.

“You can’t help everyone, scratch.” Even though I knew he probably would if he could.

I hated it. I hated the thought of it. Did he get lonely? I imagined he surely would. He was a sociable creature. He liked company—even mine, and I was a surly asshole. My heart ached at the thought. I didn’t want him to be on his own anymore. I could barely stand the thought of it, my chest going tight, my throat closing up, making me swallow convulsively.

My throat tightened, words crowding it, threatening to burst free. Dumb, reckless, impulsive words that I didn’t know if I’d regret later. Like I’ll come with you. I’ll help you free those monsters. I’ll stay with you.

“Please be careful, Hunter,” he said. “I’ll be worrying for you.”

And if I did have to fight, I would. I’d fight well for Edin, just like he asked.

“I want to kiss you badly, my Hunter.”

“I chose to help you. I knew there would be risks. But I wanted to help you.” His big thumb stroked behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “I am glad I decided to help you that day.” His voice got lower. “I am glad I know you, Hunter. So glad.” Fuck. My throat closed up, almost choking me. “I’m glad I know you too, scratch,” I got out, clutching his sides tight.

“You soothe me too. The restless part of me that has been there since my family was… Since I’ve been alone. You make me feel like I can settle again.”