The Mate of A Monster

live a modest life. Customers come to me, to this room, to be fitted for their clothing. It must be one of them you smell." A dangerous growl shook the walls. "Your neighbors tell a di

n the square. If she will not answer with honesty, she will be made an example of and left there to rot." "No!" Hand to the latch, Dianne thrust the door inward, desperate to save her mother. "Don't hurt her! I am here." In the cottage's dim light, two huge, unwanted males covered the small chaotic space. Amongst tossed furniture and shattered possessions they stood: pristine armor, weapons hanging at their waists and slung across their backs. Both poured every ounce of their attention over her, each male unnat

haking from terror, she reached for her child. Desperate to cling to her mother, unable to move, Dianne felt warm tears slip from her eyes. She tried, she tried with everything in her being to reach back. Instead, the floor met her knees when a horrofic cramp tore up her calves and left her

Dianne stared at the rushes under her palms, babbling out anything she thought might

y cheeks. "I love my mother." "Hush, girl." The stranger held her eyes, cupped her face in his rough palms, and offered a soft smile. It did not lessen the hardness of him, not in the slightest. On the verge of bawling, Dianne begged, "Please..." At her entreaty, the stranger began to produce the most beautiful music. Never had air rumbled with such perfect warmth. From under the vivid armor across his chest, deep

ound the edges grew remarkably smooth. As did his touch when his thumb wipe