The Monster's Darling

You pinned me against a wall... to give me a flower? Namping whispered,

trying desperately to sound unimpressed,

though his heart was hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird.

A faint, breathtaking smile appeared on the Alpha's face.

No, Keng murmured,

holding the white rose between them,

the petals lightly brushing against the silk of Namping's shirt.

I stopped you because you keep running away before I can tell you something

Namping swallowed hard,

his throat dry, his sharp insults completely evaporating under Keng's devoted gaze.

"And what is that?"

The Alpha's eyes softened,

though his voice remained calm, steady, and utterly possessive.

"Everyone thinks white roses mean peace."

He gently lifted Namping's hand and placed the stem softly into his fingers,

his warm thumb lightly brushing over Namping's sore knuckles.

"But to me, this one means a promise."

Namping stared down at the white flower resting in his palm,

then back up at the Prince.

"A promise of what?" Namping asked,