Chapter 12

Kiri's eyes fluttered open as she stretched languidly on the plush rug in front of the crackling fireplace. The cozy warmth enveloped her like a loving embrace, drawing a contented sigh from her lips. She nestled deeper into the soft fabric, relishing the comforting sensations against her bare skin.

Strange noises drifted in from outside, piquing her curiosity. Metal clanged rhythmically accompanied by deep, rumbling voices. What could be going on out there at this early hour?

Kiri pushed herself up, casting her gaze around the rustic cabin. Spotting a flannel blanket draped over a chair, she reached for it and wrapped the soft material around her lithe frame. The masculine scent of Monte still clung to the fibers, stirring a flutter of desire low in her belly.

Scanning the living room—and the rest of the open first floor plan—in the dark, with only the silver moonlight beaming through the windows as her guide, she couldn't spot Monte or her clothing anywhere. Frowning, she picked up her walking stick, which was leaned up against the couch beside her, and scanned her nude body.

Why am I clean? I should be sticky all over from being bathed in his cum…

More loud noises echoed out, drawing Kiri's attention once more.

Intrigued by the mysterious sounds and who in their right mind would be up at this hour, Kiri rose from her cozy nest. She padded softly across the hardwood floor as she gingerly walked toward the front door.

Goosebumps prickled her bare feet as she approached, her heart racing—every step sent a shiver down her spine. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob, eager to discover the source of the mysterious sounds that had woken her.

Taking a steadying breath, Kiri turned the knob and eased the door open a crack. Crisp morning air caressed her face as she peeked outside...

The moment Kiri opened the door, her eyes locked onto the unexpected sight of a large gargoyle perched on the porch, his stony gray-green skin and amber eyes giving him an otherworldly appearance. Startled, Kiri let out a surprised scream, her heart leaping into her throat.

"Kiri!" Monte's deep voice sounded from around the corner, and then he was thundering toward her, wrapping strong arms around her to envelop her protectively.

"Monte! What's happening?" Kiri gasped, clutching at his chest as she tried to catch her breath.

"Sorry, miss." The gargoyle chuckled, unfazed by her reaction. "Didn't mean to startle you. Just dropping off Monte's special delivery."

"In the middle of the night?!"

"Jasper is my local mail delivery man and a trusted friend, Kiri," Monte explained, his soothing voice calming her racing heart. "He delivers our mail at night, which is why you haven't seen him before." He pressed a reassuring kiss to her temple, his fur tickling her skin.

Kiri relaxed into his embrace, tension draining from her body. Of course Monte wouldn't let anyone dangerous near his home. She felt foolish for overreacting.

"Ah, I see," Kiri murmured, her embarrassment growing along with the warmth in her cheeks. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Jasper."

"Likewise." Jasper grinned, his gaze flicking between Kiri and Monte with a hint of amusement. "You two seem to be... enjoying each other's company."

"I'll say," Kiri mumbled under her breath, fighting the urge to hide herself behind Monte's massive frame. Instead, she focused on the feeling of safety that his presence provided, allowing it to chase away her lingering awkwardness. "But why do you make deliveries at night?"

"My clan and I are mountain gargoyles," Jasper explained, jerking his thumb in the direction of the noise beside the cabin. "We're a nocturnal species, and tend to avoid the day."

"Because of the sun?"

"The sun, the heat… the brightness." Jasper flapped his wings. "The daytime is feral, compared to the night life. While we are able to get around during the day, it's very painful, which is why we make our deliveries at night."

"All of that makes sense." Kiri leaned into Monte. "But how do you know someone has a package for pickup?"

"Instead of a small flag beside a mailbox, monsters on the island send a flare that lasts until I turn it off," Jasper explained, pointing to the switch next to the storage chest sitting beside the front door. "Each house has a flare, a red flickering light blinking from a tall lightning pole, to let us know that the home has something to send out."

"That sounds pretty cool," Kiri muttered. "Saves time for you too."

"Anyway, my team and I just dropped by to deliver your package," Jasper said, holding up a large, unmarked box. "I'll leave your chemicals with you."

"Thanks, Jasper," Monte replied, his hand resting gently on Kiri's lower back as he took the box from him and placed it on the chest beside them.

"So, what brings you here tonight?" Kiri asked, scanning the area around them. "Do you often work this late?"

"Ah, well," Jasper began, scratching his wings lazily. "I was actually here with my crew, setting up the Jacuzzi that Monte ordered."

"Really?" Kiri asked, her curiosity piqued. She imagined the warm, bubbling water enveloping her body, and the thought sent a shiver down her spine.

"Yep," Jasper confirmed, nodding his head. "Monte mentioned something about wanting to surprise you with it. I gotta say, it's quite a romantic gesture."

"Is it?" Kiri mused, feeling her cheeks flush with warmth. Her mind raced with images of her and Monte entwined in the steaming waters, their bodies pressed against each other as they exchanged heated kisses and tender touches.

"Indeed," Jasper agreed, his smile growing more mischievous by the second. "And if I may be so bold, I think it's about time you two had a little fun together. You know, something to celebrate your... connection."

"Connection?" Kiri's heart skipped a beat at the implication. "What do you mean?"

"How would you define yourselves?" Jasper snapped his wings back, folding them tightly against his back. "Curious minds would love to know."

Kiri felt Monte's chest rise and fall behind her, his breath warm against her neck. She melted into him, the blanket slipping off one shoulder, her pale skin glowing under the moonlight.

"You can call us mates," Kiri replied with a giggle, her cheeks flushed. "Why does it matter?"

"Congratulations!" Jasper exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "It's a good thing my crew is almost done setting up that jacuzzi you special ordered. We'll have it up and running in a couple hours, filled and ready to go. Perfect for a romantic night under the stars, eh?" He winked suggestively at Kiri.

Kiri felt her heartbeat quicken at another thought of slipping into the steaming water with Monte, their naked bodies pressed close. Tingles raced across her skin in anticipation.

Monte must have sensed the direction of her thoughts because his fingers flexed against her hips and a low, approving rumble sounded in his chest. "That sounds perfect, Jasper. We'll leave you to it then."

He guided Kiri back inside, one large hand splayed possessively across her lower back. As soon as the door shut behind them, he pulled her flush against him, nuzzling into her hair and inhaling deeply.

"Alone again at last," he murmured, his voice a deep, sensual rasp that made liquid heat pool low in Kiri's belly. "Whatever shall we do to pass the time until your hot tub is ready?"

Kiri boldly let the blanket slip off her shoulders to puddle at their feet. "Oh, I'm sure we can think of a few ways to entertain ourselves..." She walked her fingers up his muscular chest, reveling in his sharp intake of breath.

The flickering firelight cast dancing shadows on the walls as Kiri leaned against Monte, his powerful arms encircling her. The warmth of his body—of his care—seeped into her very bones, and she marveled at how such a formidable monster could be so tender.

"Kiri," Monte murmured, his voice rumbling in her ear, "I wanted to surprise you with the Jacuzzi. It will help your body heal after everything you've been through."

She blinked, surprise flaring through her as she turned to gaze up at him. "Why? Why would you do that for me?"

"Because I care about you," he replied sincerely, his eyes softening. "I want you to be comfortable while you're here with me. I ordered as soon as I was able in hope to help you."

Her heart swelled with affection, and she realized just how much he had come to mean to her in such a short time—and how she was lucky to have come across him. She reached up, gently brushing her fingertips along the curve of his strong jaw. "Monte, your kindness and hospitality… I can't thank you enough. I don't know I deserve to have someone like you as not only a friend… but a mate, too."

He smiled, the warmth in his eyes radiating pure love. "You don't need to thank me, Kiri. Just having you here with me is more than enough."

In one swift motion, he scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder, squeezing her butt teasingly. "Bed. Now."

Kiri's delighted laughter echoed through the cabin as he carried her down the hallway to his bedroom.

He paused in front of his bedroom's large bay window, and tilted Kiri in a way to allow her to see outside.

The soft glow of the moon bathed Monte's backyard in a silver light, casting long shadows against the lush foliage. A luxurious hot tub was nestled in the midst of the natural beauty of the surroundings, steam rising invitingly from its bubbling water as it sat beside his large gazebo, overlooking the lake.

A couple gargoyles tended the Jacuzzi, testing the water and adding chemicals as Jasper stood nearby. There were a few large delivery trucks and a couple firetrucks nearby, preparing for the departure.

"Wow."

"Later today, if you want, we can test it out." Monte grunted, shuffling his weight between hooves, his tail wiping wildly. "A dinner and a dip under the stars?"

"Sounds romantic."

"Then it's a date," Monte said as he pulled away from the window. "Now, let's retire. I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted and didn't get much sleep tonight."

"Me neither."

She giggled breathlessly as Monte deposited her on the lush bed, bouncing slightly on the plush mattress. Her heart raced with anticipation as his imposing form loomed over her, his piercing gaze raking over her naked body like a physical caress.

"You are so beautiful," he rumbled, voice rough with desire. One large hand cupped her face tenderly, thumb stroking her cheekbone. "I want to worship every inch of you."

Emboldened, Kiri reached up to trail her fingers along the hard planes of his chest, relishing the warmth of his skin and the way his muscles jumped under her touch. "Then what are you waiting for?" she purred with a coy smile.

Monte's eyes flashed at the challenge. Kneeling on the bed, he began trailing open-mouthed kisses along her neck and collarbone, his fingers brushing teasingly along her sides. Kiri arched into him with a soft moan, tingles of pleasure zipping through her nerves.

His mouth mapped a heated path down her body, pausing to lavish attention on her breasts until she was writhing and panting beneath him. He continued lower, dragging his lips across her belly, dipping his tongue into her navel.

Kiri swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest, trusting him completely.

"Monte," she breathed, her voice barely audible as his hands continued their exquisite exploration of her body. Monte traced gentle fingers in patterns across her skin, leaving trails of goosebumps in their wake.

Kiri threaded her fingers through his hair, tugging impatiently, trying to guide him to her core as it throbbed with need. "Monte, please," she whimpered.

He lifted his head to meet her pleading gaze, eyes molten with lust and adoration. "Patience, my love. I intend to take my time with you," he promised darkly. "By the time I'm done, you'll be screaming my name."

True to his word, Monte proceeded to bring her to the brink again and again with his talented mouth and hands, wringing gasps and moans of ecstasy from her until she was mindless with pleasure.

As the first light of dawn crept across the sky, Kiri felt her eyelids grow heavy, exhaustion finally catching up with her. Monte sensed it too, pulling her close against him, pressing tender kisses to her hair, her temple, her lips. "My little flower… My little bird," he murmured reverently, voice full of wonder, as if he couldn't quite believe she was real. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

"I can say the same thing to you," she whispered back, cupping his face and gazing into his eyes, letting him see the depth of her feelings. "My Mountain."

"Sleep, my love," he murmured softly, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. "I'll be here when you wake."

And as she surrendered herself to the gentle embrace of sleep, Kiri knew—beyond a shadow of a doubt—that she had found her true home in the arms of the Minotaur who had stolen her heart.