The Minotaur's Prey: Dirty Monster Mates Book 1

Chapter 12: Xorn

I was draining her more and more every day. She tired quickly and I did not know what to do about it. Maggie did not complain, though I am sure she knew I had something to do with her diminishing energy. I understood then why I was so drawn to her. She had amazing spirit, was very courageous and tough, facing the darkness alone for so long. I knew now that I could not live without her, well as much as I could call my existence living anyway. My number one concern was her, even though I had never cared for another in such a way before. I needed her with me, but I still did not know how to accomplish this without changing the very essence that attracted to me to the human female.

After she drifted to sleep in my arms once more, I quietly moved her from the bathroom to the bedroom the other humans had given her for the night. I had to be extremely careful. I did not want the humans to see me with the female. We did not need any more enemies. I would kill anyone who dared bring harm to my female, but I knew she would not like it if I harmed this family for whatever reason, and I would do anything for her, only her. Softly, I dropped onto the bed, laying my female down on top of me. Pulling the covers over both of us, I fell into my own sleep.

I dreamed of having a normal life with Maggie. I had never existed normally. Would I know how to do it. "Maybe she is better off without me.", I thought to myself, as a soft knock on the door woke me from my slumber. As quick as I could, I changed back into my shadow form, becoming irritated at the disturbance. Maggie stirred as the young female knocked once more. I knew she could feel my presence. The connection was growing stronger by the day. "Come in.", said Maggie. "Hey. Sorry to wake you. I just wanted to check on you again before I go to bed." The female walked to the bed, nearly sitting on my feet. "No. Its no trouble at all, Alice. I assure you I am fine." My female was good at fooling others, but she could not fool me. "Good. I am sorry your friend did not make it. I hope you find each other again. I know I would give anything to have my husband and father back."

My Maggie twitched with guilt. I read it all over her face. We could not stay here for more than the night. I could trick and deceive people with ease, but I would not force Maggie to do the same. Her soul was not made for it. It made me wonder how I had attracted such a gentle, bright soul, one who did not lie, cheat, or steal, but cared for others deeply, even though she enjoyed her solitude. "I wish there was a way for you to get them back. I wish the monsters would leave us in peace, or at least learn to coexist. I am truly sorry for your loss." As she said this, I remembered what Brothan had told me. There was a way for us to coexist, we were the problem. Us monsters would not stop our reign of devastation and murder.

I might not know how to make the others listen or find another way, but I knew exactly what I had to do to keep Maggie safe. We had to make it to Brothan's. There he could tell us what to do to make Maggie an immortal. That was the only way I could keep my prey and keep her safe from all others. I just hoped she would agree to it. I gently caressed her cheek as I prayed, for the first time in my evil existence, that Maggie would approve, and become my prey, not just for her lifetime, but for forever.

After saying good night to each other, the other female left, leaving Maggie and I alone once more. I swapped back into my solid form, wrapping Maggie in my arms, holding her tight. She leaned into me, comfortable as if she had been there forever. It felt like she had. "What are we going to do, Xorn? We can't put anyone else in danger. I feel terrible doing this to Alice. If she or her family are hurt because of me, I would never forgive myself."

I knew this was coming. Maggie would not see someone hurt. "My prey, I have a plan. You must trust me. Can you do that?" She turned to me; a faith I have never known before shown in her eyes. "I don't know why, but I do. I have very little trust in others, much less a monster, but I trust you, Xorn." Smiling at me, Maggie made me feel truly alive for the first time in my whole five hundred years, something that could not be real at all, but felt truer than any factual part of my past.

With her, I believed that monsters and humans could see past their differences and work together. For her, I wanted it too. Even the darkest beasts could be brought to their knees with her light. I just hoped that I could keep my promises to her. She deserved at least that, and I would burn everything to the ground to give it to her. "Good night, sweet morsel. Sleep tight. We have a busy day tomorrow.", I said as I grazed my lips across her forehead. Stroking her golden hair, I worked out the tangled curls putting her to sleep swiftly. I sighed as I heard her soft snores when she fell asleep once more. "Brohan, I hope you know what you are talking about, old demon." I was worried for the first time in my immortal life, but this just had to work.