Edin (Monstrous, #2)

by Lily Mayne

“I only mean that you look like you can handle yourself out here. Don’t worry, human.” He shot me a wide, fanged grin. “I think you’re pretty.”

When Edin said it, I could believe it.

Edin didn’t hide anything. He was like an open book, but one written in a language I’d only just started to learn.

“You need to get fucked good and hard, human, if you interpreted those sounds as pain.”

“He is mine, human,” Edin snarled, taking a step forward. “I am his, he is mine. Not yours. Yes? Do you understand?”

“If you hurt him—” “I already told you I wasn’t hurting him,” Edin interrupted with a smirk. “Stop goading him, Edin,” I snapped, shoving at his arm. Edin rolled his eyes, but a glimmer of respect passed through them as he nodded at Charlie. “I wouldn’t. Ever. But I am glad he has you to look out for him.”

“It was big,” he agreed in a conversational tone. “I came very hard.” I rolled my eyes, but a smile still pulled up the scarred corner of my mouth. “I’m so glad for you, scratch.” “You did too.” I rolled my eyes again. I swore, one day I was going to strain my freaking eyeballs with this monster. “Yes. I did. Well done.”

“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.

“I still don’t get what you see in me, though.” Edin let out a little huff. “You are fierce. And strong. Proud—maybe too proud, but I am too, so I like it.” He smiled at me and smoothed his thumb gently over my earlobe. “And so very loyal. I have never met someone who would go to such lengths for another person.” “You would,” I countered immediately. “Wyn would, as well. For you or Danny.”

“You’re just… good, Edin. Kind. And generous, and selfless. And you…” I flushed, feeling exposed. “You make me calm. You soothe me.”

“What will make you happy, Hunter?” You. You make me happy. I opened my mouth to say it, but the words got stuck at first, feeling so significant that my heart started racing. I pushed through the lump in my throat that was blocking them. “You do, scratch,” I said, voice raspy with something hot that was filling up my chest.

It was enough. Edin was important enough to make me want to walk away from everything.

I could survive being apart from Charlie, if I knew he was safe and happy. I didn’t know if I could say the same about being apart from Edin, and that thought was as terrifying as it was exhilarating.

“I swear to god, Charlie, I’ll punch you in the fuckin’ mouth if you teach Edin the term ‘size queen’.”

“You’re what I’m not willing to give up.”

“You owe me nothing, my Hunter. We are even. You have given me much in return.”

“I love you,” he said in a rush, the words running together, making me take a second to process them.

“And I love you, my Hunter,”

“But yes. I love you enough to stay out here.” He tightened his arms around my neck. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”