Page 48 of Maneater

Privacy is overrated.

Chapter Fifteen

Rex

I take another sip of pine nettle tea while pretending I’m not freaking out. I’m fine. Totally fine. My heart is definitely not thundering in my chest like Bob the Thunderbird’s wake-up call at dawn, and I for sure aren’t about to keel over from excitement.

He said yes.

I have a date for the solstice, first time ever. Not only that, but I’m with someone I truly care about, someone who has made my world brighter and every new day one to celebrate. I’ve fallen hardcore for Darien, and I’m certain he feels the same about me. Otherwise, it’ll be freakin’ awkward when I say ‘I love you’.

I should’ve told him last night, as soon as he agreed to move in with me. But I was so caught up in the moment I wasn’t thinking about anything other than having my way with him. Then after an enthusiastic bout of frotting, we both passed out in each other’s arms. Considering how long and exhausting the day had been, it was no wonder.

My gaze lands on Darien speaking animatedly with Elias, Boone’s squeeze. Whereas I’ve been Mr. Judgey Pants about humans before, now I’m grateful that so many of my kind have led by example. And this year, even more of my Monster Network bros have found love with humans.

Calder ambles over to me. “I’m going to assume you’re not up for an introduction to my buddy who’s traveling solo?”

I quirk a smile. “The only person I’m up for is Darien.”

Calder rolls his eyes. “That was terrible.” He pats my shoulder. “But I’m happy for you, dude. We were all taking bets whether you’d only date your right hand for the rest of your life, or whether you’d open your heart to other possibilities.”

“My right hand and I agreed to see other people.”

Calder groans. “Please stop.”

We share an easy laugh, then Calder smiles as his own human approaches. He turns to me. “Catch you later. I’ve got plans of my own.”

I give him a nod and wink, then let out a happy sigh. My phone buzzes, the Network cell tower we use allowing us to receive a signal behind the veil. I note it’s a message on the board from Henley, wondering who’s at the festival. No one else responds, and I don’t want to leave him hanging.

Howl4U: You on your way?

BigTraveler: Can’t. Just trying to get a feel for when we can have a group chat after the solstice.

I frown at the screen. Odd.

Howl4U: Not sure. What’s up?

BigTraveler: Can’t get into it now. But need to talk with you guys when everyone’s free.

Howl4U: We’ll probably be doing the wrap-up in a couple weeks. Can it wait until then? Lots of attendees might still be traveling.

MothAkai: What’s going on?

BigTraveler: Just want to catch up with you guys after the solstice.

MothAkai: Gotcha. Whatever works for everyone is fine.

BigTraveler: OK. I’ll wait for the wrap-up then.

Howl4U: Sounds good. TTYL.

I sign off and glance around the crowd to see if I can spot Akai. I don’t see him anywhere, but he might be resting. I heard someone say his wing had been injured, so I tuck my phone into my vest pocket.

Plenty of the monsters roam around as nature intended, but I carry stuff. One time I had my phone and lip balm in a pouch that hung from my horns, and I still haven’t lived that one down. A fierce, maneating beast such as myself—or so the legends go—doesn’t appreciate being made fun of.

As I return my attention to Darien, my heart skips, the twinge in my chest a comfort.

Tonight is the night. When we get back to the cave, I intend to tell him how much I love him. I realize I’ve been holding back on my feelings, terrified that once he was introduced to the reality of my world, he’d run screaming. Instead, he’s happily embraced it. His response to meeting everyone has been such a wonderful relief.