Vikki

I'm practically bursting, both with excitement and with all the food I've just eaten. Max was right about the food—it was delicious.

But it's the main, main course I'm looking forward to, the one John told me about while Max was occupied with Lucretia.

The fact he returned to the table with a strange smile on his face has to be a good thing, I guess?

A human, dressed in a suit and with an earpiece in his ear, approaches Max.

"We're ready for you, Mr. Horenson," he says quietly, and Max leans into me, pressing a kiss to my cheek as he follows the humans to the front of the room, where he is ushered through a set of doors.

The auctioneer takes to the raised and tiered area and taps on a microphone.

"My lords and ladies," he intones. "I'm pleased to announce we will be undertaking a charity auction in order to benefit the Waifs and Strays Benevolent Fund."

"It's a charity which helps anyone, monster or human, get back on their feet after a crisis," John leans into me and murmurs.

A charity I wish I'd known about and one I've already decided I want to support wholeheartedly.

A selection of monsters and one human are ushered onto the stage, blinking in the spotlights. Among them is one large, tuxedoed troll.

"As you can see, we have some prime specimens for you tonight," the auctioneer announces with glee. "So, I hope you have deep pockets. Wait! What am I saying? This is the Monster Mansion House ball. Of course, you have deep pockets!"

I hold my breath as a silky haired yeti is sold, followed by a broadly smiling goblin, and then it's Max's turn.

"A very special treat here, Maxim Horenson, CEO of Quake Enterprises," the compare announces.

Max steps forward, but there's thunder in his expression.

"Once one of the most eligible monster bachelors in the country, sadly recently snapped up, he can still be yours for one full day." The auctioneer cackles. "I have an opening bid of ten thousand."

The bidding is furious, with a number of females of various species outbidding each other. I should be jealous. But I'm not.

"Half a million," I call out before ducking in my seat.

"I have half a million pounds for Mr. Horenson!" the auctioneer screams. "Are there any more bids?" He stares around the room, like anyone is going to bid more. "SOLD!" he yells. "To the vampire in the back."

I look to my left to see John holding up the paddle on the table and smirking at me.

"He's going to be so mad. I really want to see this." He chuckles as Max is led away, still attempting to see who bought him.

"I honestly didn't realize vampires had such a sense of humor," I say as I walk with John through various wide corridors all beautifully decorated with thick plush carpet underfoot.

"I'm an exception. It's the reason Max keeps me around," John says as we reach a set of double doors.

He pushes through, and I hear the growl before I even see Max. Which makes me think this could be far more fun than I first realized. So, I hang back, hiding just behind the door.

"What the fuck are you playing at, John?"

"I'm not playing at anything. I didn't buy you, another female did." John looks across the room at an elderly human dripping in jewelry. "I'm sure she'll have plenty for a big old troll like you to do."

John's voice drips with innuendo, and as far as a granite troll can, Max blanches.

"We're not really expected to"—he lowers his voice—"do whatever is asked of us, are we?" he asks. "I mean, you're a lawyer. You must know what I'm contractually obliged to do."

I cover my mouth with my hand to stifle the laugh.

"And I don't want to leave Vee for any length of time either. I know she can be with Olly, but it's…I can't…" Max spreads out his hands. "I gave up my immortality today, for her, so I want to make the best of every single second. With her."

He gave up his immortality? My laughter turns into a sob, and I'm rushing into the room, flinging my arms around him and ignoring the pain in my ribs.

"It was me, Max. I bought you. And you didn't need to do that for me."

"Sweet Vee." His voice rumbles through me as I'm taken up in strong, warm arms. "I want to be with you until the end of our times, and I want those times to always be together. Immortality is nothing if you are alone."

I blink up at him through tears, this time not caring what they do to my makeup.

"You'd do that?"

"I'd give you the moon if I thought you wanted it, my mate," he rasps. "I want us to be a family, and I always want to be by your side."

"In that case, I'd better pay for you and take you home," I say, with a sideways look at the elderly human woman who is smiling fondly at us both. "Before anyone else gets any ideas."

"I am yours, Vee. And I hope you have plenty of tasks for me," Max says.

"Plenty." I infuse my words with as much heat as I can. "I just hope you can keep up."