The Monster's Caress - S.E. Smith Page 0,94

at him with a wary expression.

Asahi thought about the question for a second before he dipped his head in response. “I’m more than alright,” he asserted, wrapping his arm around Nali and pulling her close.

“Thanks to me,” Mr. Gryphon interjected. “Don’t forget that part.”

Relieved laughter burst from everyone there. “Yes. Thanks to you, Mr. Gryphon,” Asahi acknowledged.

The gryphon sniffed. “That’s ‘Golden Dagger’. I definitely need a new title after all of this,” the lion proclaimed, with a wave of his paw. “Maybe I should call myself the Magnificent Golden Dagger. That has an impressive sound to it, don’t you think?” Mr. Gryphon asked.

Nali chuckled and leaned against Asahi. “I think you’ve created a monster,” she murmured near his ear.

“The first of many, I hope,” he pledged.

Nali’s eyes flashed with desire. She reached up and tangled her fingers in the hair at his nape. He captured her upturned lips in a kiss that left no doubt he meant what he said.

He ignored the chorus of laughter and the sound of Ashure’s aggravated curses still carrying from farther back in the trees. The only thing he focused on was the beautiful, passionate woman in his arms. If he remembered correctly, she had mentioned something about an amazing little cottage nearby.

Chapter 30

Nali sighed and leaned back against Asahi as they stood on the cliff above the lake and watched the last of her gargoyle soldiers return home. She vaguely wondered if maybe she had been a little too blunt about insisting that everyone leave. Her guilt melted away when Asahi kissed her neck.

“I’m impressed,” he murmured.

She turned in his arms and slid her hands up his chest. “You don’t think I was a little too…,” she paused, trying to find the right word.

“Bossy?” he teased.

She leaned her head back and laughed. “I am the boss of them—but I was rude, wasn’t I?” she asked with a wince.

“Not rude. Impatient, but I suspect they were just as impatient to leave, spread the good news, and hold their loved ones close. I know that’s how I’m feeling at the moment,” he responded as he leaned forward and kissed her.

She slid her arms around his neck, pressed herself against his hard body, and returned his kiss. She groaned with exasperation when a dozen shadows passed overhead. Reluctantly ending the kiss, she looked up and laughed when she realized flying horses had cast the shadows. They had returned.

“It was nice of Ariness and Isha to open portals for everyone,” she commented.

Asahi chuckled. “I think everyone was grateful because it shut Ashure up,” he agreed.

“I must see if I can find his missing magic mirror. Now that he knows it can act as a portal, I’m sure the only reason he wants it back is so he can torment Koorgan,” she replied.

“Koorgan mentioned something along those lines. Apparently, Ashure has a long list of retaliations planned against Koorgan for placing him in that tree.” He laughed, then sighed and looked thoughtfully out over the Isle of the Monsters.

He looked down when she caressed his cheek. “What is it?” she asked.

He captured her hand and pressed his lips against the back of her fingers. “There was always a note of reverence in my grandfather’s voice when he spoke of your world. I heard it, but I never really understood it until now,” he said.

She tightened her grip on his hand. “Our world. You belong here, with me.”

He trailed his fingers down her cheek. “Aishiteru. I love you, Nali,” he murmured.

She leaned forward and kissed him. “What do you say we go find that cottage I was telling you about?” she suggested.

“Walk or fly?” he asked.

“Fly… definitely fly. It’s faster,” she laughed.

Less than ten minutes later, Asahi’s feet sank into the soft soil as Nali released her grip on him in front of a beautiful hut that looked like it was from a fairy tale. Smoke rose from the stone chimney. Nali touched down beside him. He was struck once again by her beauty. Her long, black curls fell around her shoulders. She briefly shimmered as she transformed. Her wings folded and disappeared from sight.

“I come here sometimes, when I want to be alone,” she explained.

“It is beautiful—and peaceful,” he said.

“Yes,” she quietly agreed, stepping around him and opening the door.

He followed her, pausing at the threshold. He allowed his gaze to linger over the room, noting each detail. Near the door, was a square table with two chairs. It was set for two diners to share an intimate meal.