Chapter 12
Avandair
The party is turning out to be grander than I expected. Due to Winona’s connections in the village, she was able to procure huge profusions of flowers, vases, and even maids to serve food to other gargoyles in attendance.
The kitchen is buzzing with activity the way it did when my father used to be the lord of his manor and townsfolk were so scared of gargoyles, that they sent their children as sacrifices to serve him.
The aroma of roasted turkey, cranberry, and savory sauces wafts out, interlaced with the sweetness of caramelized sugar.
“I hope they will like the menu.” Winona, still dressed in a plain gown that she wears when she works around the home, is biting her nails while supervising the help that she has gathered.
Glowing with pregnancy, her little bump is barely visible under the massive layers of skirts.
But I know it’s there, the proof of our passion.
I stroke it every night as I enter her, marveling at our connection.
I creep up behind her, startling her and the others present in the kitchen. The work immediately grinds to a halt, all eyes fixated on me. They’re judging me, scared I’ll show my true monstrous nature and do something to Winona.
I straighten myself. Squaring my shoulders, I fortify my lungs with breath. “Thank you,” comes out as a bellow. “I’m pleased you all decided to come here and help me on this important day. Slate Manor is a safe and welcoming place for all, as you will witness today.”
Winona’s eyes are glittering with moisture. She slips her hand in mine, squeezing mine to let me know I’m on the right track.
“If any of you decide to stay and work beyond tonight, I promise that I will pay you two kroars a month. Your wages will always be paid on time and you’ll be provided board and food if you choose to live in the manor. I hope it is a fair deal that will encourage you to stay and work for me.”
In the aftermath of my speech, there’s only stunned silence. One of the cooks drops the ladle and it clanks to the floor, snapping everyone out of the quiet spell.
“Two kroars!” she shrieks. “That’s too much, my lord.”
“Servants are highly valued at Slate Manor. I will expect you to serve me and my family with utmost loyalty and dedication.”
“For that much money, I’ll even if you tell me to,” she jokes, causing the entire group of humans to laugh in unison.
Emotions trickle into my stone heart for the first time in years. It has been forever since the sound of laughter permeated these walls.
I beam a Winona, who made all of this possible. My mate, my wife, the mother of my children.
The urgency to marry her and declare our relationship to the world as soon as possible itches under my skin like an insect. I want to kiss her in front of all these people to prove my point, and show that a human and a monster can be soulmates, too.
But I’ve only just started to gain their trust. The moment I show sexual desire toward a human, they’ll go back to demonizing me as a degenerate monster who only cares for my urges.
It’s too early to rejoice.
“May I have a word with you?” I clear my throat, glancing in Winona’s direction. “We need to discuss how to receive the nobles.”
“Yes, my lord.” She bows, clasping her hands in front of her and following me out of the kitchen. “Are they not here yet?”
“Most of them are already here,” I reply when we’re out of the other servants’ earshot.
“I greeted them upon arrival and they’re now enjoying the appetizers in the grand ballroom while they croon over Grandor.
However, the star attraction of the night is you.
I want to show them your face as soon as possible.
Change into the clothing we prepared and accompany me, my lady. ”
Winona obediently slinks away into her room. The outfit that I had specially tailored for her was a marvelous red velvet gown. With a necklace of rubies shimmering at her throat, she’ll look richer than the queen.
My soul weeps in pleasure when she strides out in her new attire. Her ample bosom peeks out of the low-cut neckline. It was a deliberate choice on my part. Her protruding stomach and wide, baby-bearing hips are hidden under thick layers of fabric. The skirt is rich and shows off my wealth.
“It’s more comfortable than I imagined,” she replies, tugging at the neckline. I see a vague outline of her big areolas and it sets off my hunger to wrap my tongue around her thick nipples and tug them until she drips cream into my mouth.
My cock twitches eagerly. I gnash my teeth, pulling myself back to the earth.
I have to fight the magnetic attraction between us.
I have to be patient. The other gargoyles are curious about her.
If they meet her, they’ll realize how amazing she is.
While I don’t need social approval to claim her as mine, I will not tolerate her becoming a pariah in a noble society simply because she’s human.
“I can’t wait for everyone to meet you,” I say.
“I’ll make you proud, my lord,” she promises.
“You’ve already given me more than pride. You’ve given me the world.”
Winona slides her hand into my palm. I shiver as my senses are filled with the texture of her velvety skin.
Her pheromones, sweet and enchanting, swirl around me, threatening to rip my civilized nature apart to reveal the monster underneath.
There’s something subtly different about them today, an extra hint of vanilla and joy that I can’t fathom the reason for.
I tense my muscles when she presses her breasts against my chest. My cock can’t help but cater to her needs. Surrender to my mate’s delicious scent that’s calling out for pleasure.
But tonight’s about showing people that our love’s real.
Tonight is about basking in the glory of the divine connection that we’ve found.
I can’t destroy it by doubting myself.
“Come, my lady.” I kiss her knuckles, loving the hard ridges under her creamy skin. “It’s time to introduce the nobility to my mate.”