Friends With The Monsters

by Albany Walker

  Aeson sighs as a little weariness comes over her features. “I knew you guys couldn’t stay away forever. Some of you never did.” She cocks up one eyebrow at Grim.

  “Mind your own business, Brownie,” Grim mumbles, sulking.

  “You sound like a two-year-old,” Aeson points out.

  Calix snorts but covers it with a cough. “Why don’t we get out of here?” he suggests instead.

  “I’m not up for a quick transport.” Aeson lifts her hands.

  “I have Betty. You can ride with me.”

  “I’ll catch a ride with you, too.” Calix tips his chin up. “I’m sure these two can manage to get home on their own,” he adds.

  “Is teleportation envy a real thing like dick envy is? I’m really feeling a bit left out at the moment.” I pose my question to Aeson as we start walking back toward the entrance.

  “No need to envy a dick, I have one ready to use,” Grim pipes up, completely serious.

  Aeson and I both stop and look at each other before I start cracking up. “He’s a horny motherfucker.” I giggle.

  “Him?” Aeson looks back at Grim and starts shaking her head in disbelief. “He’s like asexual or something, everyone knows that.” Her eyes travel over Grim. “Such a damn waste too. Why do you think I’ve been trying to get you to fuck so many people? I knew he would show up soon enough, and your pussy would shrivel up and die.”

  I erupt in laughter again. “Maybe he was, but not anymore. I gave him a little of the good stuff.” I scrunch up my nose and point down, not that anyone would be confused about what I’m talking about.

  “Well, hot damn! That’s a story I need to hear.” Aeson resumes walking a little slower than her usual pace. I keep my strides unhurried as well. “What about the others?” She peers over her shoulder, assessing the guys. Calix and Gunnar each wear a sour expression.

  “I’ll tell you later; I haven’t gotten to sample them yet.” I snicker and push the heavy door open. Betty is parked right where I left her, under the single light angled down from one of the surrounding warehouses.

  “What the hell are you waiting for?” Aeson moves around me and climbs into my car. I know better than to offer my help because she would see it as a sign of weakness, so I pretend to think about my answer, looking up at the sky.

  “They wanted commitment-type shit. You know that gives me hives.” I shudder. I don’t even care that the guys are listening to every word I’m saying.

  “Dami…” Aeson smiles over at me after climbing on the center consul. “That shit is happening whether you accept it or not. I say fuck them and enjoy every second.” Her eyes close slowly as she lets out a heavy sigh.

  “Yeah, I think I’ll have a hard time ditching them at this point. I mean, they know where I live.” I’m only joking and, as fucked up as it is, I actually like having them around.

  Calix slides into the passenger seat and Grim steps into the space between my open door and leans down. “Head straight home,” he commands, to which I raise an eyebrow.

  “We’ll be waiting, unless you want me to follow you the entire way.” Grim raises his brow, challenging me right back.

  “I will, but only because I was anyway,” I scoff.

  “Good, see you soon.” He stands and adjusts his dick in his pants and, because the car is so low, it’s right in my face. Aeson lets out a tinkling laugh, and it brightens my soul.

  I slam the door when he steps out of the way, shaking my head at him while rolling my eyes. “He needs to get that dick of his under control.”

  “Or you do,” Aeson quips, chuckling.

  “That works for me too.” I snicker with her. “Let’s head home.”

  “You have no idea.” Aeson leans her head back and shuts her eyes as we pull away from the warehouses. Her head lands on my shoulder within the first five minutes of the drive. She lets out a soft snore, telling me how deeply she’s sleeping. A sense of pride comes over me. To fall asleep like this, she must trust Calix and me to take care of her and not hurt her. Otherwise, she’s been awake the entire time she’s been missing and she’s just too exhausted to fight it anymore.

  On the drive back home, I don’t speed as I usually would. I want her to have a little time to rest before I have to wake her up. But I also need to get word to her people that she’s safe; they deserve to know. And no matter what she said, I don’t think anyone will abandon her for another band of assassins.

  The house is lit up as we pull up the drive. I see several small shapes darting from the eaves when I cut Betty’s engine off. Aeson sucks in a deep breath and her eyes bolt open. It takes her several seconds of looking around before her little body relaxes.

  “There are people here for you. Do you want me to send them away?” I question, my voice soft. Aeson smooths her dark hair back, looks down at her mangled shirt, and curses. It’s the first time she’s even acknowledged that it’s ripped.

  “Want me to get you something else?” I offer, knowing I don’t have anything that will fit her, but hell, I’ll rip my shirt off and tie it around her if she wants me to.

  “No, I’m good.” Aeson’s eyes harden a bit, and the line of her mouth thins to a slash. She rises up and brushes her hands down her curvy hips, straightening her back. “Out, Nemean, and stay out of my way,” she orders briskly.

  Calix, who’s been quiet for most of the ride—I’m sure to let Aeson sleep—opens the door and slides out. He holds it open for her as she hops down into the seat then onto the ground. Her eyes scan the area as if she’s expecting someone to jump out and attack.

  I’m instantly on guard. I slam my door and look for whatever has her on edge. A few shadows slowly dislodge from the shelter of the house. They’re small, so I know they’re Brownies, but Aeson is acting like she thinks they might try something, like make a move against her.

  I will kill them all where they stand, Charmed or not.

  “Boss?” I hear a masculine voice call out, but it’s tinged with worry.

  “I’m here,” Aeson answers. I don’t know how, but those two words convey so much. Her little shoulders round down, and she’s not worried anymore. I don’t know if she expected someone else, or if she didn’t know how they would respond to her, but a lump forms in my throat.

  I look away so as not to encroach on the moment. Calix rounds my side of the car after shutting his door.

  “Aeson?” the same man asks, but this time his voice is rough with emotion.

  “I’m okay, Enzi.” Numerous shadows shift until I can see several Brownies darting over from the house.

  “We searched for you,” another voice chimes in.

  “I know. It was the witches—they had the building spelled,” Aeson tells them. More rushed questions are asked, along with several ‘are-you-sure-you’re-okays,’ before Aeson shuts them down a little harshly. “I said I’m fine.”

  “Got it, Boss.” The men all fall silent.

  I step around the car and see six Brownie males watching her. The one closest has a scowl on his face as he assesses every inch of Aeson.

  “Did you want to come in?” I offer.

  Aeson takes a deep breath and focuses on me. “I need to get back to the den, make sure I don’t need to kill anyone who tried to take my place in my absence. I’ll come back tomorrow at nightfall, and we can discuss the next move.” I don’t her doubt words, and I know she needs time to show her people she’s okay, too.

  “We’ll be here, Aeson.” I want to tell her if she needs anything to ask, but I don’t. She would probably see it as a sign of weakness, especially now. “Come on, Calix, I can see Gunnar’s big head peeking out the window. Hope he’s not trying to be stealthy.”

  “Good thing he has brute force on his side, huh?” Calix adds, hopping up the stairs until he’s at the door and holding the screen open for me.

  Grim unlatches the door and steps to the side. It’s a little unnerving having them here before me. The lights are all on, illuminating the large lion head stan
d at the entrance.

  “Want me to park Betty?” Calix hooks his thumb over his shoulder. I peer out into the darkness. Aeson and her men are long gone.

  I contemplate doing it myself, but the house is warm, and I’ve already started to kick my shoes off. Should I just leave her in the drive? “I guess,” I mumble. I’m too lazy to do it myself, and she doesn’t deserve to be left out.

  Gunnar closes the door with Calix still standing on the porch. I blink over at him. “What?” He looks around. “It was letting the heat out.”

  I snort and shake my head. “You just closed the door right in his face.” Gunnar just looks at me. “How did the Brownies know Aeson was here? I thought I would have to find a way to contact them.” I change the subject. Clearly, I’m the only one that thinks it was rude.

  “I sent word to Samson to let them know.” Grim stays close on my heels as I head farther into the house. I hear Betty’s motor purr to life and the garage door open seconds later.

  I curl up in the corner of my sofa. Grim takes the seat next to me, grabbing my feet and placing them in his lap. Gunnar sits across from us.

  “I’m guessing you didn’t get much out of Vanessa before she did whatever she did that made her insides liquify?”

  “Regretfully, I did not,” Gunnar grates out.

  “And I let Aeson kill the witch at the warehouse,” I murmur, sighing and letting my head fall back.

  “I still have a few men who were stationed with her who didn’t get caught up in the skirmish at her house. Hopefully, one of them will have more answers, or at least be able to lead us to more witches who do have the answers.” Gunnar squeezes the armrests.

  “So that wasn’t her entire coven?” I prop my head on my arm as Grim uses his thumbs to make tiny circles over the soles of my feet. My eyes want to fall closed, but I force them to stay open.

  “No, thankfully. I’ll have to go through the house, see who’s left and find the next in command.”

  “When?” I ask, as Calix leans his frame against the doorway, having returned from parking Betty.

  “Now. I just wanted to make sure you got here safe.” Gunnar rises.

  “I’ll come with you.” Grim pats my feet and I want to pout because my little massage is already over.

  “That’s not necessary.” Gunnar crosses his arms over his chest.

  “It’s not, but that’s what’s going to happen. You need someone who can sense magic, and that’s me. Damiana needs to rest.” Grim stands, facing off with Gunnar.

  Gunnar’s scarred lips tighten as he glares at Grim. “Fine, but stay out of my way.”

  Grim dons his heavy black cloak, concealing that made-for-sin body beneath it, the edges lifting as if compelled by some unseen breeze. “I will ensure Damiana’s safety,” Grim responds briskly.

  “And that is the only reason you’re coming.” Gunnar’s chest heaves after he’s finished speaking. It must be killing him to accept help. I have no doubt that he could handle the situation on his own, but Grim’s right. Having someone with him who can sense the magic and the taint it leaves behind is smart.

  “The testosterone is getting a little thick in here,” I mutter.

  “You stay here.” Gunnar points his finger at Calix, who raises his hands in surrender. Gunnar’s shoulders ease after he delivers the order and Calix agrees. I don’t think he comes up against people that don’t follow his directions very often, and having Grim around, who seems to make up the rules as he goes, isn’t helping.

  “Aeson will be here at nightfall.” I yawn, it must be close to dawn.

  “We’ll be back by then.” Gunnar moves to stand in front of me.

  “Okay.” I furrow my brow, wondering what he needs. His hands ball up at his sides. “What’s up?” I peer up at him.

  “Make them leave,” he tells me, while tilting his head in Grim and Calix’s direction.

  “What, why?” I purse my lips. “I thought you were leaving with Grim.”

  “I would like a moment alone with you,” Gunnar growls out through his teeth.

  “Ah, okay, I guess.” I shift to the side, and give Grim and Calix a questioning look. “Can you two give us a second?”

  Grim reaches for my chin and plants his lips on mine. He slides his tongue across my bottom lip and lets out an appreciative hum, before pulling back just enough so his lips ghost over mine as he says, “I don’t need to be alone with you to claim you.” He releases my chin and steps away from me, not even bothering to look back, but my eyes trail after him the entire way.

  Gunnar lets out an aggravated huff and looks over his shoulder to confirm both men have left. “He really likes pissing me off.”

  I think about Gunnar’s words, but I don’t find any truth to them. Grim seems closed off, but I don’t think he’s ever allowed himself to feel real emotions. “I don’t think he does it on purpose, Kitten. I think he likes you and Calix.” I reach for Gunnar’s arm and pull until he’s sitting next to me on the couch. “Just like I don’t think you hate him as badly as you want to.” I glance at him from under my lashes, watching him for a reaction.

  His face sours, but then he looks away. “He’s a useful ally,” Gunnar admits. I want to smile, but I hold it in.

  “What did you need?” I pat his thick-as-a-tree-trunk thigh—it’s as hard as one, too.

  Gunnar licks his lips and looks down at mine quickly. His hands ball up again. “Well…” He looks out at the empty room.

  Oh goodness, he’s acting as nervous as a whore in church. “Gunnar?” I prompt again.

  “Well, he ruined it,” he snaps, and jerks his hand toward the door through which Calix and Grim had gone.

  “Ruined what?”

  “He knew I was going to kiss you, and he did it first.” Gunnar juts out his jaw and crosses his arms.

  “I see, well...” I roll in my lips, thinking this is definitely the wrong time to laugh at him. “You could still kiss me, then you would have the last kiss instead of the first.” I give him a slight shoulder shrug. It’s no hardship for me.

  Gunnar turns his head slowly to look at me, a rare smile blooming on his lips. “You’re right,” he acknowledges, and leans forward to place his lips tenderly against mine. He gives me several open-mouthed pecks, almost nibbling on my lips. It’s the last kind of kiss I would expect from him. I figured he’d be rough and demanding, but he’s the complete opposite. I curl my knee up to get a little closer to him on the couch. I can feel the scar across his lip as he presses his mouth against mine, and a shiver of desire has a shuddering breath leaving my lips.

  This at-home sexy time is awesome. I don’t have to worry about my clothes getting stained from grimy walls and hands. I can actually be comfortable. I lean in a little more and part my lips, inviting him to take the kiss a little deeper, and he obliges.

  A throat clears just as I reach up and feel the stubble on his jaw under my palm. I don’t break the kiss right away. I linger, giving him little pecks. When I do pull back, I stare up at Gunnar. I make a show of licking my lips. “See? Not so bad.”

  Gunnar’s eyes are heavy-lidded as he returns my stare. “Point taken,” he murmurs softly. Swallowing, he adds, “Stay out of trouble until I get back,” in his normal rough, demanding tone.

  I give him a mock salute, but say, “Not my boss, Kitten.” Gunnar growls then stands up. He glances over his shoulder before walking out the door and past Calix—he must have been the throat clearer.

  I wink at Gunnar and give him a goodbye wave.

  “Take your time!” Calix calls down the hall.

  “Shut up!” Gunnar barks. Calix and I both snicker.

  Chapter 27

  The television is on, but I’m not even pretending to watch it. My head has been on Calix’s shoulder for the past five minutes. I’ve fallen asleep and woken up twice already.

  I stretch out my legs and groan. “I’m going to bed.”

  Calix hurries to grab the remote and turn the TV off. “Finally,” he mu
mbles, and pulls me up to stand.

  “Why didn’t you say anything if you wanted to go to sleep?” I question around another yawn.

  “Who said anything about sleep? I was giving you time for a catnap.” He tows me behind him, rushing until he reaches the bottom of the stairs. My steps are a little sluggish; I really am tired.

  “If you’re looking for more than a soft mattress,” I tug my hand back and cross my arms over my chest, “I’m going to need some motivation.” I arch one eyebrow at him.

  Calix wastes no time ripping his shirt off over his head and kicking his shoes off. His hands go right to the button on his jeans, and he pushes them and his underwear down his hips. His dick is already halfway hard, and it jerks up when I look at him, growing even harder as I stare.

  “Impressive. I like your style.” We both knew it wouldn’t take much. “But I’m going to have to give you a low score on creativity.”

  Calix steps over to me after kicking his jeans off his feet—all confidence and warm skin. “Creativity is for guys who don’t know how to use what they have.” He steps up even closer and places his lips near my temple. His skin is hot, burning up. I lean in and I feel his hardness nestled between us.

  “You’ve got a point,” I concede, as I wrap my arms around his neck. In one swift move, Calix has his arms locked under my butt, and he hoists me up. I take advantage of the extra height, leaning down to kiss him roughly.

  Calix makes his way over to the stairs and climbs them without putting me down. Once he steps foot in my room, he lowers me to the floor slowly. His dick ends up trapped between our bodies again. Reaching out, he plants his hand against the wall like he needs it to steady himself.

  I step back as I reach down to take him in my hand. He’s hard and heavy against my palm. I tug a bit and watch Calix’s eyes close.

  “Go over to the window,” Calix orders, slitting his eyes open and watching me. A smile tugs at my lips.

  “You mean this window?” I saunter over to the same window I attached my dildo to.