Page 46 of Maneater

And now that I’m able to stare while he’s distracted by thunderous lightning dude, I realize his antlers are accented with swirled etched lines that create an intricate pattern. I’m starting to get super bummed about not being able to take pics. I’m barely fifteen minutes into the gathering, and I’ve already seen mind-blowing sights that make the seven wonders seem dull.

Rex points to a large trailer over by the booth area. “I see him over there.”

Bob peers over his shoulder. “Seriously? He’s not supposed to be messing with the lights right now.” He returns his attention to Rex. “Thanks.” Right as Bob is about to leave, he pauses. His gaze lands on me. I realize I’m plastered to Rex’s side, so our status is pretty easy to work out. “Sorry, just spotted you there.”

Considering how tall this guy is, I’m probably easy to miss being so close to the ground.

Rex puts his arm around my shoulders. “Bob, this is Darien. My date.”

His voice isn’t as giddy this time, but I detect a hint of pride in his tone. I can’t deny how special it makes me feel.

Bob smiles down at me. “Great to meet you, kid. I’ll catch up with you both later, though.” He rolls his eyes. “It’s always something around here.”

I smile back at Bob, and just like that, I’m fine. No more fears, no more second-guessing whether I should’ve come. Only excitement for the event I’m so privileged to be attending.

After checking in, unloading everything and dropping it off in our booth space, we head to our accommodations. Or rather, Rex’s premium cave that’s always reserved for his use. He commented that being Secretary of the Monster Network has its perks.

We attend the mixer after that, and I meet several of Rex’s buddies, plus two humans who are there with their partners. I’m not great at remembering names—in particular, when I’m nervous—but I figure after a few days of fun and working at the booth, I’ll be okay.

And I have Rex by my side. One of my concerns has been that he’ll be so caught up in the event that I’ll end up either being forgotten or a nuisance. Nothing could be further from the truth.

There hasn’t been one moment where I’ve been disregarded. Whether it be light touches or making sure I’m okay with my surroundings, Rex has shown me that he doesn’t regret bringing me along.

We’re finally settling in for the evening, and I’m unrolling my sleeping bag. An obnoxious crinkling sound behind me catches my attention. I turn and spot Rex struggling with an enormous brown tarp. He’s holding it up at the cave entrance, but it’s clearly not cooperating.

I rise, abandoning my sleeping bag project. “Hey, let me help.”

Rex peers over his shoulder, his arms way over his head as he holds up the unwieldy vinyl curtain.

“I don’t think I thought this through. I’ve only ever used wood panels as a screen, like I have at home.” He gives me a sheepish grin. “Besides the fact that I’ve never worried about privacy at the solstice before.”

“Oh.”

Now I understand. Witnessing how paired off everyone is—whether with human or fellow cryptid—a twinge of sadness hits me at how lonely he must have felt every year.

He lowers his arms with a sigh. “I should’ve brought bolts or something.”

I amble over and pry the tarp from his fingers. “That’s okay. We can still snuggle.”

It really is okay. I’m not simply placating him. Even though I’m an active guy, I’m physically and emotionally exhausted. The event is massive, and lugging all our stuff plus stressing over attending my first monster fest has me on the verge of passing out.

Rex furrows his brow. “But we’re going to be here a few more days. I don’t want you to worry that I’m losing interest.”

He’s so cute. If he wasn’t so tall and girthy, I’d wrap my arms all the way around his middle and give him a big squishy hug.

We share a slow, lingering kiss, tasting each other’s mouths over and over. I gasp as he lifts me up in his arms. I’m not saying this is the first time he’s carried me, but I’m surprised every time. Talk about something I didn’t know I needed.

The strength of his embrace sends tingles to the ends of my toes, and now I’m rethinking the tarp situation. Surely someone has bolts?

The trip across the cave isn’t far at all, barely a few long strides for Rex. He gently lowers me to the cave floor, and I drag my fingers through his soft fur. I love being with him in both of his forms, but this atmosphere feels charged with ancient energy. I’m finding myself glad we can be together this way.

We stay silent as we arrange our bedding. First the foam pads, then an extra-large blanket filled with thick down to cover them. He doesn’t need a blanket. His temperature is always set at high.

I glance at my sleeping bag. Do I really want to crawl inside that thing with the slippery nylon creating a barrier between us?

Nope.

I catch him watching me from the corner of his eye. I don’t need him to tell me he’s wondering the same thing. I unzip the bag completely, then lay it flat to use as a blanket for myself. Although now I’m thinking I might be fine without it. His body heat might be all I need.