Skin Walkers: Monroe

by Bliler, Susan

  Jenny was one of the last one’s to reach King’s side. She knelt and was reaching for him when King shoved her hand away. “I’m alright, Jen.”

  Jenny spun on Monroe with accusing eyes, intent on giving him a firm lecture when she gasped instead and took a step back, tripping over King’s large feet. She’d have hit the ground hard if King hadn’t caught her and gently lowered her to the ground.

  Seeing Jenny’s shocked expression, King followed her eyes down the hall to look at Monroe.

  The typically refined and impeccably tailored CEO had shredded his tie and ripped open his button-up shirt. Beneath his business suit, a heavily muscled chest heaved as the CEO stood sneering at King, hands still fisted as if prepared to battle.

  “Jesus!” Jenny whispered. “Get…get back girls.” She spoke to her nurses without taking her eyes from Monroe. “What did you do to him King?”

  At her side King slowly rose to his feet. Careful to keep his opened hands extended out in front of him. “Easy, Crow.” When the CEO didn’t move, King reached down and pulled Jenny to her feet. He spoke to her but kept his gaze on Monroe. “It’s the affliction, Jenny. It’s bad. He needs…something.”

  Jenny blinked hard and her mouth fell open. “This is the affliction? It can’t be! I’ve never…” She was about to say that she’d never seen it so bad so soon, but from her own study she had already expected Monroe’s affliction to be worse than any other Walker’s. He did, after-all, hold the Dominant position over the Walkers in his domain. He was the apex Skin Walker, the Alpha, which meant he’d be more demanding. She lowered her voice to a whisper even knowing that Monroe would still hear her. “Does he want to fight?”

  “I don’t think so. I was merely suggesting that Eden and her children should be given the option of leaving.”

  Jenny turned her head to gape at King. “And that drew this reaction?” Her eyes darted back to a still snarling Monroe. “God, I knew it’d be bad but I never thought…”

  “Any idea on how we get him calmed down,” King cut in.

  As if on cue, the door at the end of the hall opened and both Jenny and King turned when Eden’s soft voice asked, “Everything alright out here? I thought I heard something.”

  Jenny opened her mouth to speak but didn’t get the chance. Monroe strode past so quickly that the wisps of hair that hung around her face actually blew forward in the breeze he created in his rush to get to Eden.

  “MONROE!” King barked, unsure whether the CEO had regained his composure enough to remember that Eden was injured.

  Monroe didn’t stop. He did slow however when he got close to Eden.

  King could tell from her expression as she took in Monroe’s state that Eden was shocked by Monroe’s appearance.

  “A-are you okay? What happened to you?”

  Jenny and King could only watch as Eden lifted a small hand and placed it on Monroe’s cheek. Wordlessly the CEO bent and lifted her gently into the cradle of his arms as he spoke softly. “You shouldn’t be out of bed, angel.”

  He disappeared with Eden into her room.

  Both Jenny and King stared slack jawed at the closing door with dazed expressions.

  “Holy shit!

  “You can say that again,” King muttered.

  “Did that beauty just soothe the savage beast?”

  King nodded, “I believe she just did.”

  Jenny looked up at a towering King. “We are in serious trouble.”

  “We are,” were the only two words King supplied.

  ***

  Back in his office Monroe tried to concentrate on the pages of intel Tyce Steele had sent over from Apex. King lounged in a chair in front of the CEO’s desk. He was using the hem of his shirt to shine his pistol.

  “About earlier,” Monroe began.

  “Don’t worry about it.” King kept shining his pistol.

  “I’m having…”

  King looked up to watch as Monroe struggled to formulate the appropriate word.

  “…difficulty controlling my temper where Ms. StCloud is concerned.”

  King smiled. “I’ve been afflicted, Crow. No need to explain yourself to me.”

  Both men turned to the door. Leto hailed them through the mist to notify the CEO and the Chief of Security of he and his angel’s imminent arrival.

  The door clicked open and Leto Reigns stalked through and scanned the room before reaching behind him and pulling Shy forward. “King,” he nodded once as King stood then smiled at Monroe. “We hear congratulations are in order.”

  Monroe scowled. “Congratulations?”

  “Yes,” Shy practically squealed. “You’ve found your angel. It’s Eden isn’t it?”

  If possible, Monroe’s expression darkened as he dropped his head to sign some paperwork that rested under his hands.

  “He’s still afflicted,” King supplied. “There has been no binding or claiming.” He glanced at Monroe’s still bent head when he heard the undeniable snap of a pen.

  “Does Eden know?”

  “No.” King shook his head sadly. “She knows some of our mating ritual, but not all. She doesn’t know about the affliction”

  “She doesn’t know she’s his?” Leto countered. “What happens when she leaves?”

  King winced and turned his head in time to see Monroe’s hands grip the sides of his chair so tightly that the piece of furniture actually creaked under the pressure. “Leto, get Shy out of here.”

  Leto was already moving. Shy was flung over his shoulder and carried out of the office before her shriek had a chance to die.

  “Easy, Crow,” King soothed calmly as he backed toward the door. “Eden’s here. She’s fine. She’s staying. No one is going to take her. She won’t leave.”

  Monroe slowly lifted his head to pin King with a viscous sneer. His canines had elongated and his fellow Walker knew from experience that he was having difficulty controlling the territorial beasts within.

  Reaching the door, King felt behind him until his hands clamped on the doorknob. He opened the door slowly with the intention of giving Monroe the time he needed to cool down. “I’ll be outside. Calm down.” He toed the door open and had one leg out when the door was thrust open.

  “Hi King, we came to see Monroe.” Cole’s red head bobbed by and King lunged for him, grabbing the boy just in time to haul him up by an arm.

  “Yeah,” Ransum chimed in. He raced between King’s spread legs to dash into the room. “Mama’s still sick an' we was bored. Micah said we shouldn’t bug anyone so we came to see if Monroe would take us to see mama.”

  King reached for the second boy when something clamped onto his leg. He bent and was about to forcibly remove the object when Peyton smiled up at him from between his legs, her too small arms not even reaching to wind around his leg. She squealed in delight at the look on his face, having no idea that sheer terror was racing through his heart.

  “Ransum!” King’s head snapped up and he reached for Ransum but the child was already mere steps from Monroe. King’s eyes shot to Monroe’s bowed head and he quickly set Cole on the ground and peeled a still laughing Peyton off his leg before he raced for the third child.

  “Boys,” Monroe sobered, looking up as if he hadn’t been violently afflicted seconds before. “Isn’t someone supposed to keep an eye on you?”

  Ransum climbed into Monroe’s lap without waiting for an invitation. “Our mama watches us but she’s sick. Lilly said we could only go see her if you said it’s okay.”

  Dumbfounded, King could only gape as Cole raced to climb up on Monroe’s desk, knocking over a cup of coffee and drenching paperwork as he began to swing his legs wildly. The boy planted both hands on the edge of the desk and leaned forward to beam at Monroe. “If you take us to see mama you can have my red car.”

  Peyton wrapped herself around King’s leg as his eyes stayed fixed on the pool of black coffee that was soaking into the invoices Monroe had to sign and mail out by day’s end.

  Oblivio
us, the CEO smiled at Ransum and rumpled Cole’s hair. “Tell you what. We’ll all go see mommy together and,” he reached up to chuck Cole under the chin, “you can keep your red car.” Smiling eyes searched the room and landed on Peyton, “Hey pretty girl? Do you wanna go see mama?”

  Peyton shrieked and wiped a slobbery mouth on King’s pant leg before unwinding her limbs and teetering toward Monroe’s desk.

  King couldn’t believe his eyes. The coldest, most merciless Walker he knew was smiling and carrying on with three small children like he was Santa Claus.

  “Crow,” King began, “I can get Lilly to take the kids to Eden.”

  “NO!” A quick flash of sharp teeth and a fierce growl had the children gasping and recoiling before Monroe composed himself and smiled. “I’ll take the children to see their mother.”

  “Yay,” Cole scrambled off Monroe’s lap. “Come on sissy.” He picked up the nearly-identical-in-height Peyton and attempted to carry her a few steps before Monroe stood and raced forward lifting the girl over his head to place her on his shoulders before he bent and gabbed Cole from the floor with one arm and Ransum from the desk with the other.

  “Mind the fort,” he barked at King as he stalked out of the room.

  Alone in the office, King stared numbly at the door before shaking his head clear. “Oh shit!” He raced to the desk and grabbed a handful of invoices, lifting them to let the coffee run off before he shook them and called to Lilly through the mist, “I need you my queen. Get to Monroe’s office quickly.”

  Eden was delighted to see the kids. When Monroe walked into the room carrying all three, her heart gave an involuntary somersault at the sight. He looked like a proud father.

  “Mama,” both boys squirmed in Monroe’s arms wanting to be put down and Peyton kicked her legs excitedly.

  Once on the ground both boys rushed to her bedside but didn’t touch anything or attempt to climb up on the bed as she’d expected.

  “Hi babies! I missed you.”

  “We missed you,” Cole spoke first. “But we have to be careful ‘cause you’re still hurt.”

  “Yeah,” Ransum piped in, “we can’t climb on you or hug you yet but,” his smile broadened as he pointed at Peyton who was now being held in Monroe’s arms.

  The CEO stepped forward and Eden smiled at the large bouquet of red roses that Peyton thrust forward then dropped on Eden’s lap.

  “Oh! How beautiful. Thank you!”

  Cole shrugged, “Monroe said we should get beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady.”

  Eden felt herself blush, her eyes darting up to lock with Monroe’s before she dropped her gaze.

  “No Micah?”

  “He’s still mad,” Cole answered. “But Lilly told us that what happened wasn’t anyone’s fault and that sometimes accidents happen.”

  “You know, just like you always say.” Ransum reached up and linked a pinky with one of Eden’s.

  “It was an accident, and I’m okay. When you see Micah, tell him everything’s okay.” She lifted sad eyes to Monroe and he nodded once.

  Tugging on her small finger, Ransum asked merrily, “Did you know we get to live here?”

  “Uhhhh,” she knew her eyes rounded and heat stole across her cheeks. She hadn’t agreed to anything and for Monroe to have already informed the children without discussing it with her was more than infuriating.

  “Okay,” Monroe spoke briskly as if sensing her anger. “One at a time, let’s kiss mommy and go.”

  “Awww, we just got here,” Ransum pouted as he was lifted until his little lips touched Eden’s.

  “I love you baby,” she whispered trying to tamp down her anger long enough to lavish some affection on her kids.

  “Love you too.” Ransum’s kiss was loud.

  Cole was lifted next.

  “Be a good boy and take care of Ransum and Peyton.”

  “I will, Mama.”

  Finally, Peyton was lifted and Eden was shocked when Monroe used the crisp white sleeve of his business shirt to swipe the drool from her little lips before leaning forward to present Peyton for a kiss.

  The door opened and Aries poked her head in, “Alright boys, you ready to go make some Jell-O?”

  Peyton shrieked and raced as best she could to Aries while Ransum chased her and Cole grumbled, “Oooh, I hate Jell-O.”

  The voices faded as Monroe closed the door.

  “Thank you for bringing them to see me.”

  “Anytime,” his eyes met hers and he braced, scenting her anger.

  “You shouldn’t have told them that we’re staying.”

  He shrugged negligently, “Why? You are.”

  “You don’t get to make that decision.”

  “You’re my angel, Eden. I’ll never let you go.”

  Shock hit hard, “What?”

  “The night we were discussing my halo. You thought I was injured and called out for King. It was the affliction. You are mine, Eden.”

  She shook her head as her mouth opened and closed with a flood of too many questions. “You must be mistaken. It was probably a result of our conversation. It hit too close to home.”

  Monroe smiled and it was his turn to shake his head. “It doesn’t work like that, sweetheart. A Walker is only afflicted by meeting his mate. There are no exceptions.”

  “But we already met. We’d met a dozen times before that night.”

  “I know. The affliction isn’t always instantaneous. Leto was determined to kill Shy before he was ever afflicted by her.”

  “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” She should have checked her words. She saw him straighten his shoulders, his lips thinning in indignation. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to offend you. I just think that you’re…wrong.”

  “Oh, I’m many things Ms. StCloud. I’m the CEO of StoneCrow Industries. I’m the Dominant Skin Walker in North America. I’m charged with ensuring the safety and procreation of my people. But one thing I am not, is wrong about an affliction, and certainly not about my very own. Had I told you sooner and explained what I wanted, then you wouldn’t have been injured a second time.”

  “W-what do you want?”

  He stalked closer with a fluid grace that had goose bumps rising on her flesh. “You are mine, and my affliction is somehow enhanced. I am a danger to my own kind until we complete our binding and claiming.”

  “Our what?”

  “I thought I could wait, give you time, but I can’t. I require your sweet submission, angel,” he answered flatly.

  Perfect brows arched as she gave a lady-like snort. “Submit? Now I’m certain you’ve got the wrong lady.” She held out her hand, “Hi, I’m Eden StCloud. Don’t believe we’ve met.” She tried to tamp down the image of her offering herself to him in his quarters. Hadn’t she submitted already?

  As if sensing her uncertainty, he clarified. “You need to accept what we are.” Monroe frowned at her sarcasm but took her small hand into his and held it while he simply stared at her.

  After long moments of simply staring at each other, Eden was embarrassed by the pool of heat that fluttered in her lower abdomen. She tried to pull her hand free as she dropped her eyes but Monroe held firm.

  “Uhhh, you said.” She blinked rapidly trying to remember what she’d been about to say. “Danger.” Her eyes found his, “You said you’re a danger to your own kind?” Worry shot through her as she flicked a glance at the door. “All Walkers?”

  “I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no.” He smiled warmly as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed two of her knuckles. “I am no danger to the children. I couldn’t harm them anymore than I could harm you.” He stopped kissing her hand to pin her with eyes that had suddenly gone cold as steel. “I’d die to protect you and I’d kill to ensure your happiness. The children are a part of you and you are mine; therefore, they are mine as well.”

  “O-okay.” Soft brown eyes rounded in incredulity then Eden swung her legs off the bed and made to get up.r />
  Strong hands gripped her shoulders and kept her on the bed. “What are you doing?”

  “Leaving.” She attempted to brush Monroe’s hands aside.

  “You can’t leave. You’re injured.”

  “It was a scratch Monroe.” She frowned at his hands then up at him, “Move!”

  “A scratch?” A low growl escaped him. “It was not a scratch angel, and you are not leaving.”

  Tilting her head to the side, Eden licked her lips before she spoke. “Look, something is obviously wrong with you. You should…get help.”

  He visibly forced himself to relax and only when he appeared calm and in control did Eden recline back into the bed.

  “Jenny’s letting me out tomorrow,” her voice was soft and she was suddenly tired. “Can we…discuss this then?” She was stalling and asking him to allow her to do so.

  He watched her, his gaze narrowing suspiciously before he shrugged. “There’s nothing to discuss, but yes. I’ll give you that small window of time, angel.” He strode to the door, walking out while tossing over his shoulder, “Not a second longer.”

  Chapter 17

  The following night, Eden was cleared by Jenny and permitted to return to the suite she shared with the children.

  They’d sat around the fireplace and visited until bedtime before Monroe put all the children to bed while Eden readied herself.

  She had checked on the kids and bid Monroe good night before escaping to her own room. She’d just shimmied out of her satin robe and was climbing into her bed when Monroe entered her room without bothering to knock.

  “What are you doing in here?” Her satiny, thigh-length, spaghetti strap, negligee did little to hide the bandages that covered her chest and shoulder.

  Wordlessly, Monroe approached and grabbed her gently before lowering his lips to hers and searing her with a passionate, fiery kiss. Her response was instantaneous.

  Small hands lifted to fist into his hair but couldn’t hold him in place as he pulled back.

  “Just wanted to say goodnight, angel.” His eyes were sultry as he drank her in. “And I wanted you to know that I’m looking forward to us sharing a bed again…very soon.”