Wyn (Monstrous, #3.5)

by Lily Mayne

I had imprinted on him without conscious thought in that moment, my blood pounding for him. He was mine. He was always supposed to be mine. I had just needed to wait for a long time to find him. But the wait had been worth it.

A pointless waste of life, but humans had always been strangely cavalier about the lives of others, while remaining terrified of death themselves.

Living in the Wastes had changed him somewhat, making him a little tougher and more world-weary, but he was still sweetly naïve. And unflinchingly loyal to me, trusting me implicitly. It made me forever grateful that he wanted to be with me, because the thought of him falling prey to anyone who would take advantage of his gentle nature made me want to murder things. All the things. I would never betray his trust. My entire being rebelled at the very idea of it.

The realisation that I might get to have this for the rest of my life made my throat ache. I held him closer and pressed my nose and mouth to the top of his head, content to breathe him in for the hours that he slept.

I would never admit it out loud, because he would gloat, but this was more than nice. This was… wonderful. There had never been—and never would be—another being in the universe who I could be this relaxed and content around. Not even Edin, who I trusted with my life. Danny made me feel peaceful.

I felt no different, but at the same time, I did. Perhaps I was just being a sentimental fool, but it suddenly felt like my life, my existence, had more meaning. More purpose. It was for him.

“I love you, too.” I wrapped my arms around his waist, pulling him tighter to me. “You were always meant to meet me. You’re mine.” Danny grinned again and kissed my chin. “I never really believed in fate, or soul mates, but… I think you’re mine.” “I am yours,” I said,

I loved him. In that moment, it hit me that I would have him—I would have this—for the rest of my life. Our lives. My throat closed up with emotion, even as everything within me tightened from the accompanying burst of pleasure at the realisation. I would have him forever.