“Instead of a small flag beside a mailbox, monsters on the island send a flare that lasts until I turn it off,” Jasper explained, pointing to the switch next to the storage chest sitting beside the front door. “Each house has a flare, a red flickering light blinking from a tall lightning pole, to let us know that the home has something to send out.”
“That sounds pretty cool,” Kiri muttered. “Saves time for you too.”
“Anyway, my team and I just dropped by to deliver your package,” Jasper said, holding up a large, unmarked box. “I’ll leave your chemicals with you.”
“Thanks, Jasper,” Monte replied, his hand resting gently on Kiri’s lower back as he took the box from him and placed it on the chest beside them.
“So, what brings you here tonight?” Kiri asked, scanning the area around them. “Do you often work this late?”
“Ah, well,” Jasper began, scratching his wings lazily. “I was actually here with my crew, setting up the Jacuzzi that Monte ordered.”
“Really?” Kiri asked, her curiosity piqued. She imagined the warm, bubbling water enveloping her body, and the thought sent a shiver down her spine.
“Yep,” Jasper confirmed, nodding his head. “Monte mentioned something about wanting to surprise you with it. I gotta say, it’s quite a romantic gesture.”
“Is it?” Kiri mused, feeling her cheeks flush with warmth. Her mind raced with images of her and Monte entwined in the steaming waters, their bodies pressed against each other as they exchanged heated kisses and tender touches.
“Indeed,” Jasper agreed, his smile growing more mischievous by the second. “And if I may be so bold, I think it’s about time you two had a little fun together. You know, something to celebrate your... connection.”
“Connection?” Kiri’s heart skipped a beat at the implication. “What do you mean?”
“How would you define yourselves?” Jasper snapped his wings back, folding them tightly against his back. “Curious minds would love to know.”
Kiri felt Monte’s chest rise and fall behind her, his breath warm against her neck. She melted into him, the blanket slipping off one shoulder, her pale skin glowing under the moonlight.
“You can call us mates,” Kiri replied with a giggle, her cheeks flushed. “Why does it matter?”
“Congratulations!” Jasper exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “It’s a good thing my crew is almost done setting up that jacuzzi you special ordered. We’ll have it up and running in a couple hours, filled and ready to go. Perfect for a romantic night under the stars, eh?” He winked suggestively at Kiri.
Kiri felt her heartbeat quicken at another thought of slipping into the steaming water with Monte, their naked bodies pressed close. Tingles raced across her skin in anticipation.
Monte must have sensed the direction of her thoughts because his fingers flexed against her hips and a low, approving rumble sounded in his chest. “That sounds perfect, Jasper. We’ll leave you to it then.”
He guided Kiri back inside, one large hand splayed possessively across her lower back. As soon as the door shut behind them, he pulled her flush against him, nuzzling into her hair and inhaling deeply.
“Alone again at last,” he murmured, his voice a deep, sensual rasp that made liquid heat pool low in Kiri’s belly. “Whatever shall we do to pass the time until your hot tub is ready?”
Kiri boldly let the blanket slip off her shoulders to puddle at their feet. “Oh, I’m sure we can think of a few ways to entertain ourselves...” She walked her fingers up his muscular chest, reveling in his sharp intake of breath.
The flickering firelight cast dancing shadows on the walls as Kiri leaned against Monte, his powerful arms encircling her. The warmth of his body—of his care—seeped into her very bones,and she marveled at how such a formidable monster could be so tender.
“Kiri,” Monte murmured, his voice rumbling in her ear, “I wanted to surprise you with the Jacuzzi. It will help your body heal after everything you’ve been through.”
She blinked, surprise flaring through her as she turned to gaze up at him. “Why? Why would you do that for me?”
“Because I care about you,” he replied sincerely, his eyes softening. “I want you to be comfortable while you’re here with me. I ordered as soon as I was able in hope to help you.”
Her heart swelled with affection, and she realized just how much he had come to mean to her in such a short time—and how she was lucky to have come across him. She reached up, gently brushing her fingertips along the curve of his strong jaw. “Monte, your kindness and hospitality… I can’t thank you enough. I don’t know I deserve to have someone like you as not only a friend… but a mate, too.”
He smiled, the warmth in his eyes radiating pure love. “You don’t need to thank me, Kiri. Just having you here with me is more than enough.”
In one swift motion, he scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder, squeezing her butt teasingly. “Bed. Now.”
Kiri’s delighted laughter echoed through the cabin as he carried her down the hallway to his bedroom.
He paused in front of his bedroom’s large bay window, and tilted Kiri in a way to allow her to see outside.
The soft glow of the moon bathed Monte’s backyard in a silver light, casting long shadows against the lush foliage. A luxurious hot tub was nestled in the midst of the natural beauty of the surroundings, steam rising invitingly from its bubbling water as it sat beside his large gazebo, overlooking the lake.
