Monte
Monte’s heart raced as Kiri held out the silver bracelet, its intricate design shimmering in the soft young sunset. His heart seized as he recognized Lyra’s handiwork. His emotions swirled as a mix of embarrassment and concern flooded through him.
The gift Lyra had chosen and given to her on his behalf.
“Where did you get that?” he rumbled, even though he already knew the answer.
“Lyra just gave it to me. She said it would protect me.” Her brow furrowed slightly, her hazel eyes searching his face for answers. “Protect me from what, Monte?”
He reached out, gently encircling her wrist. The bracelet looked so fragile against his touch. Monte took a deep breath, composing himself, but her sweet scent filled his nostrils, making his pulse race.
“It’s meant to protect you from me,” he said quietly, unable to meet her gaze. Shame weighed heavy in his chest.
Kiri tilted her head, regarding him thoughtfully. Her blonde hair, softly curled around her shoulders, highlighted the warmthin her eyes as her hand came up to cup his cheek, guiding his face back to hers. Her touch was soft, tender as he leaned toward her. “Monte, look at me. I’m not afraid of you.”
“You should be,” he ground out. “I’m a monster, Kiri. I could hurt you without meaning to.”
She shook her head, her voice steady and sure. “You’ve never hurt me. Not once, in all the time we’ve been together.” Her thumb stroked his cheekbone. “I know you would never hurt me on purpose.”
His chest tightened at her words, gratitude flooding through him. Monte leaned farther into her touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment.
How could this intelligent, beautiful human female trust him so completely, despite his monstrous appearance?
And yet here she was, standing before him, her faith in him unwavering. It was both humbling and terrifying. He wanted so badly to be worthy of it.
“Thank you, Kiri,” he breathed, bringing his large hand up to cover hers. “I promise you, I will never hurt you willingly. You don’t understand what I’m capable of.”
“Then help me understand,” she implored, hazel eyes searching his. “Don’t push me away out of fear.”
He swallowed hard past the lump in his throat. Her nearness was intoxicating, clouding his judgment. The beast within him stirred, drawn to her scent, her touch, her warmth.
Monte knew he should pull away, put distance between them. But he was weak, so weak, when it came to her. Instead, he drew her closer, folding her into his embrace.
“I will never willingly bring you harm,” he vowed fiercely, his voice muffled against her hair. “I swear it, Kiri. No matter what happens, know that.”
She relaxed into him, wrapping her slender arms around his waist. “I do know that. I trust you with all my heart.”
Monte held her tighter, savoring her softness, her acceptance. For this moment, at least, he let himself believe that everything would be all right. That their love could overcome tonight—the monster was unleashed every full moon, demanding to mate.
Monte inhaled deeply, drinking in Kiri’s intoxicating scent that seemed to call to him on a primal level. Her blonde hair tickled his chin as she pressed closer, fitting so perfectly into his embrace despite their difference in size.
He knew he should step back—but right now, lost in her, that was the last thing he wanted to do.
“The bracelet,” he rumbled, voice strained. “It’s not just a trinket or a token. Lyra crafted it with powerful enchantments.” He hesitated, warring with himself over how much to reveal. “A precaution for monsters with mates in need, but I want you to know that you can trust me.”
“I do trust you, Monte. With my life.” Kiri tilted her head back to meet his gaze, hazel eyes alight with curiosity and a stunning lack of fear. “But what are the enchantments for? Why would I need protection from you?”
The lump returned to his throat. He cupped her face with a large, callused hand, careful to avoid snagging her delicate skin on his claws.
“Because as much as I care for you, there are parts of myself I can’t fully control. Urges and desires… changes I undergo.”
She absorbed his warning, brow furrowing slightly. But she didn’t recoil from his touch. “What kind of changes?”
“Every full moon, my more animalistic nature takes over. I become feral, more beast than man, searching to breed.” The words burned like acid on his tongue. “The bracelet ensures I can’t hurt you.”
Color bloomed on Kiri’s cheeks, but her gaze never wavered. “You think you’d force yourself on me?”
“No!” The denial came out harsher than he’d intended, and he softened his tone. “I’d never knowingly do that. But I’m afraid that I won’t be able to control myself around you.” He brushed a thumb over her full bottom lip. “That I may be too… enthusiastic with you.”
