Moth (Monstrous, #5)

by Lily Mayne

I couldn’t imagine what it was like, straddling both worlds. He didn’t seem to have been fully accepted by either.

Seriously, why was the sword so freaking hot?

Yeah, I was attracted to Moth, even though he was an asshole most of the time and in love with a raider. And I was pretty sure that he was attracted to me too, even just a little. I was also pretty sure that he hated it.

I looked back down at the scarf in my hands. It was a grey version of his, and I grinned wide as I wrapped it around my neck and did as he had, covering my nose and mouth to keep them warm. “You got me a scarf?” I let out a blissful sigh, my warm breath heating my cold chin and nose under the fabric. “Thanks, Moth.” He grunted, pale eyes flashing to me before he started walking again. “So you stop bitching about being cold.”

“Him and Edin.” I chuckled. “Yeah, they’re both pretty overbearing. Together they’re like… one big ball of arrogant, overwhelming energy.”

But when I looked at Moth, I could never decide if I wanted to strangle him or start tearing off his clothes. He was infuriatingly attractive. His face was like a work of art—almost too perfect to be real. Definitely too perfect to be human. Didn’t stop me wanting to punch it, though.

He’d finally let himself be vulnerable with someone for the first time in his life. He’d forced himself to push aside all his fears and insecurities about his body and let someone touch him. See him.

I still wanted Moth fiercely, but it was more than just sexual gratification. I wanted him to see how desirable he was. How there was someone who wanted him just as he was, even if he didn’t want anything more with me.

“I just hate everyone.” He was silent for a moment, before he croaked, “I don’t hate you.”

If you ask me to stay with you, I will.

It wasn’t just the desire to have someone. It was him. I wanted him.

“See? Moth, when I look at you, I don’t sit there picking out things that could be perceived as flaws. Because they’re not flaws. They’re just a part of you. And I love every part of you. You’re beautiful.”

“Don’t worry about Moth’s lack of horns, Charlie,” he told me earnestly. “I’m sure he is still very virile. Well, you’d know, anyway. Is he? Virile?”