Chapter Fifteen Rex
Chapter Fifteen
Rex
I take another sip of pine nettle tea while pretending I’m not freaking out. I’m fine. Totally fine. My heart is definitely not thundering in my chest like Bob the Thunderbird’s wake-up call at dawn, and I for sure aren’t about to keel over from excitement.
He said yes.
I have a date for the solstice, first time ever.
Not only that, but I’m with someone I truly care about, someone who has made my world brighter and every new day one to celebrate.
I’ve fallen hardcore for Darien, and I’m certain he feels the same about me.
Otherwise, it’ll be freakin’ awkward when I say ‘I love you’.
I should’ve told him last night, as soon as he agreed to move in with me.
But I was so caught up in the moment I wasn’t thinking about anything other than having my way with him.
Then after an enthusiastic bout of frotting, we both passed out in each other’s arms. Considering how long and exhausting the day had been, it was no wonder.
My gaze lands on Darien speaking animatedly with Elias, Boone’s squeeze. Whereas I’ve been Mr. Judgey Pants about humans before, now I’m grateful that so many of my kind have led by example. And this year, even more of my Monster Network bros have found love with humans.
Calder ambles over to me. “I’m going to assume you’re not up for an introduction to my buddy who’s traveling solo?”
I quirk a smile. “The only person I’m up for is Darien.”
Calder rolls his eyes. “That was terrible.” He pats my shoulder. “But I’m happy for you, dude. We were all taking bets whether you’d only date your right hand for the rest of your life, or whether you’d open your heart to other possibilities.”
“My right hand and I agreed to see other people.”
Calder groans. “Please stop.”
We share an easy laugh, then Calder smiles as his own human approaches. He turns to me. “Catch you later. I’ve got plans of my own.”
I give him a nod and wink, then let out a happy sigh. My phone buzzes, the Network cell tower we use allowing us to receive a signal behind the veil. I note it’s a message on the board from Henley, wondering who’s at the festival. No one else responds, and I don’t want to leave him hanging.
Howl4U: You on your way?
BigTraveler: Can’t. Just trying to get a feel for when we can have a group chat after the solstice.
I frown at the screen. Odd.
Howl4U: Not sure. What’s up?
BigTraveler: Can’t get into it now. But need to talk with you guys when everyone’s free.
Howl4U: We’ll probably be doing the wrap-up in a couple weeks. Can it wait until then? Lots of attendees might still be traveling.
MothAkai: What’s going on?
BigTraveler: Just want to catch up with you guys after the solstice.
MothAkai: Gotcha. Whatever works for everyone is fine.
BigTraveler: OK. I’ll wait for the wrap-up then.
Howl4U: Sounds good. TTYL.
I sign off and glance around the crowd to see if I can spot Akai. I don’t see him anywhere, but he might be resting. I heard someone say his wing had been injured, so I tuck my phone into my vest pocket.
Plenty of the monsters roam around as nature intended, but I carry stuff. One time I had my phone and lip balm in a pouch that hung from my horns, and I still haven’t lived that one down. A fierce, maneating beast such as myself—or so the legends go—doesn’t appreciate being made fun of.
As I return my attention to Darien, my heart skips, the twinge in my chest a comfort.
Tonight is the night. When we get back to the cave, I intend to tell him how much I love him.
I realize I’ve been holding back on my feelings, terrified that once he was introduced to the reality of my world, he’d run screaming.
Instead, he’s happily embraced it. His response to meeting everyone has been such a wonderful relief.
And now he wants us to build a life together.
Boone jostles me out of my reverie. “Stare any harder, and your eyeballs will fall out.”
I regard him with a smirk. “Charming.” I lean in. “So? What do you think?”
Boone arches his eyebrows. “Who gives a shit what I think? It’s your heart on the line.” He gives me a poke in the arm. “Darien seems like a nice kid, and I’m sure you’ve done due diligence. But if you sense he’s about to go rogue, be sure to let the network know.”
My jaw goes slack. “You don’t mean…?” I swallow hard. “You guys wouldn’t do anything permanent to him, would you?”
This time Boone punches my arm. “Pur-lease. You’re so dramatic. We just want a heads up so we can make ourselves scarce in case anyone takes him seriously.” He snorts. “Which I doubt. But the last thing we need is another stupid reality TV series. The last one was a huge pain in my hairy ass.”
I nod, grateful that no one has taken a particular interest in Howlers. I’d be a nervous wreck otherwise. As I regard Boone, I note how much more relaxed he seems overall. My guess is that Elias has him pretty loved up. It looks good on him.
“Yeah, I bet.” I smile. But I’m not worried. He’s not that kind of person. Plus, he’s moving in with me after Solstice.”
Boone’s eyebrows shoot up. “No shit? Wow. You don’t let any moss grow under your paws.” He gives me a hearty pat on the back. “Congrats. I’m happy for you.” He peers past me. “It would seem someone’s looking for you.”
I peek over my shoulder. A few more humans have gathered around the fire, but Darien's attention is now focused on me. I regard Boone again.
“Hey, would it be cool if we ducked out early? I kinda need to spend some time alone with Darien.”
The corner of Boone’s mouth twitches. “Yeah, I bet you do.” He gives me a shooing motion. “Get outta here. This is a celebration. No one’s holding you hostage.”
“Awesome.” I grin. “I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.” Right as I’m turning, I pause. “Oh, and don’t forget. I have the squirrel tree ready for you to pick up at any time. I think you’ll love it.”
I can’t wait for him to see my masterpiece. I constructed an eight-foot-tall realistic indoor tree with interactive toys and cubbies where Gremlin can hide his nuts.
Boone narrows his eyes. “I’m sure Elias and his bushy-tailed rodent will adore your creation.” He grunts. “I’ll send someone over to collect it before the party.”
I amble over to Darien, my cheeks aching from grinning like a lunatic ever since we’ve arrived at the festivities. Considering I usually either hang back and play with the forest creatures or blab about the intricacies of caring for wildlife as pets—this is quite the improvement.
As I perch on a rock next to Darien, our eyes meet. His wide smile is probably as giddy as my own, and I lick my lips.
I point to a carved wood cup he’s gripping between his hands. From what I remember, Garth gives them to customers at his drink stand whenever they purchase an extra-large.
“Is that from Chupa’s Chilltastic Chalice?”
Darien regards his cup. “I think that’s the name.” He chuckles. “Say that five times fast.”
I draw my eyebrows together. Seems like a weird thing to do. Maybe it’s a human game. “I don’t think I can.”
Darien snorts. “Uh, me neither.” He clears his throat. “Not gonna lie. This is a super cool event. But no way I’ll be able to remember the names of everything and everyone.” He ducks his head. “I’ll get better at it, though. I promise.”
I clasp his wrist. “Hey, don’t you go beating yourself up about that.
It has to be strange encountering so many beings and things you’ve never known existed until now.
It’s a lot to take in all at once.” I shrug.
“That’s the big reason I was worried it might be too soon to bring you. Did I screw up?”
Darien jerks up his head. “No! Not at all. This is definitely the coolest event I’ve ever been to. Thank you so much for trusting me. It means a lot.”
I swallow past a lump in my throat. “It means so much that you accepted my invite.”
I note the curious stares, and a couple of those around are leaning in to hear better, so I steer us away from personal revelations. They can all mind their own damn business.
“So, what drink did you order?”
“That I can answer,” he says. “I made a note of it in my phone. You know, so I can remember for next time.”
Next time. I resist the urge to jump up and down and fist-pump the air like a deranged maniac.
“Ooh, here it is.” His features light up. “It’s a Lemon Squeezy Scream.”
I bark out a laugh. “What did you think of that scream when he poured?”
“Truthfully, I could’ve done without the shrieking. I almost pissed my pants. But the taste is amazing. Little exploding sugary crystals popping on my tongue mixed with a slightly sour, icy lemonade.” Darien makes an air kiss gesture with his fingers. “Perfection.”
“Well, now that you have the cup, you can go back and get half-price refills. For something sugary sweet, I suggest a Honey Bubble Fluff.” I rub my chin. “Or if you want something that packs more of a kick, then you can’t go wrong with a Phoenix Fireball.”
Darien types furiously on his phone. “Wait, Honey Bubble what?”
“Fluff.” His eagerness is intoxicating. Seeing my world through someone else’s eyes for the first time is a treat.
“Is it like syrupy sweet? I’m not a huge fan of really rich foods. Nothing too creamy.”
A vulgar joke forms in my mind, but I keep it to myself. “I’m not sure how to describe it according to human specifications.”
Darien tilts his head. “How so? When we’re out in the real—” He clears his throat. “Sorry. I mean, when we’re in the other world, you eat and drink human stuff.”
I nod. “Yes, but I don’t experience them in the same way.
The basics are there. Salty and sweet. Bitter and sour.
Spicy and rich. However, the nuances are vastly different.
I’m not sure I can convey to you what a Honey Bubble Fluff tastes like, other than to recommend one if you enjoy sweet drinks. ”
“Try?”
His eyes implore me, and I’m determined to come up with a description he can understand.
“Okay, let’s see…” I focus on the flavor in my mind, move my tongue through my mouth as if I’m tasting it in the moment. “I’d say it’s a combination of surreal visions of joy, giggling kittens, and possibly marshmallows.”
Darien stares at me, blinking rapidly. “Uh… I’ve never heard a kitten giggle, let alone tasted one while they were mid-giggle.”
My shoulders slump. I thought I’d really nailed the flavor with that description. I guess humans don’t process sensation the same way we do.
“Don’t worry. I’ve never literally tasted a kitten either.” I wince. “I don’t want you thinking that’s the kind of monster I am.”
He shakes his head vigorously. “Of course not, I know how you are with animals. I’ve never seen anyone connect so deeply with them.”
“Phew.” I chuckle a bit uneasily. “Don’t want to scare you off. What I mean is that it’s the feeling you get when a kitten giggles rather than how they themselves taste.”
He scoots closer to me and entwines his fingers with mine. “And I’m not scared of you,” he whispers. “It would be weird to move in with you if I was.”
“Point taken.”
Our gazes lock, and I remember my plan of getting us out of there early. I want to spend some time with him in my arms. Tomorrow will be a long day working at the booth, catching up with everyone, plus whatever secretarial duties I need to fulfill. I want tonight to be for us.
Right as I’m leaning in for a kiss, Darien frowns. “So, kittens actually giggle for real?”
I almost respond with a big “duh”, but catch myself. Darien exists in human form all the time. He has no clue about kittens who giggle or eagles that make raspberries when they’re telling you to fuck off.
“They do. You might not be able to tell, but the next time we’re around one that’s laughing, I’ll let you know.”
“Cool.”
He’s staring at my mouth, and I can’t hold back any longer. I press a firm kiss to his lips, teasing past the seam to taste him. No one or anything tastes like Darien. He’s sweeter than any drink could ever be.
The world falls away, and the only thing that matters is the beautiful man in my arms. I wrap my palm around the back of his head, holding him in place as I plunder his mouth, stealing his breath as he steals mine.
A cacophony of whistles, grunts, and howls pull me from my lust-addled stupor. We both abruptly break the kiss at the same time, Darien burying his face in my chest. Nothing like a chorus of catcalls to ruin the moment.
Fred calls out, “Get a cave!”
You know what? He’s right.