Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Miranda shifted in her seat, pressing her thighs together, her cheeks hot.
God. Am I still in that Second Heat he talked about? Is that why I can’t stop thinking about him?
The thought made her uneasy. She shoved it away, clamping down hard on the memories, forcing her mind back to Hanna. To the wedding. To what mattered.
“Enough,” she whispered under her breath. “You’re done with him and Hanna needs you now. Focus on her.”
But even as she said it, the phantom weight of Korrath lingered, curled around her like he had been in the night, refusing to let her go…
30
MIRANDA
The shuttle touched down with a soft thump in the private landing bay just outside the HKR building. Miranda pressed her palms to her knees, trying to steady herself as the hatch hissed open.
Warm, humid air rushed in, carrying the faint scent of salt from the Gulf. It should have been comforting and familiar—but instead it felt almost alien after the lush, perfumed air of the Monstrum Mother Ship.
Home, she reminded herself firmly. You’re home. Hanna needs you. That’s what matters now.
The Taurus Monstrum pilot escorted her down the ramp with surprising gentleness for someone so massive.
“Safe return, Lady,” he said gruffly, bowing his horned head before turning back to his craft.
And then Miranda was alone—until a familiar voice broke through.
“Mom!”
Hanna came flying across the lot, her dark hair streaming, her long skirt swishing around her legs. Miranda barely had time to open her arms before her daughter crashed into her, hugging her so hard it stole her breath.
“Oh thank God!” Hanna gasped against her shoulder. “You’re back! I was so scared you wouldn’t make it in time!”
Miranda hugged her tightly, swallowing the lump in her throat.
“I told you I’d be here for the wedding. And I am.”
Hanna pulled back, her blue eyes red-rimmed.
“But you missed the rehearsal dinner! Everyone was asking where you were. Aunt Susan had to cover for you, but still—Mom, I needed you. I wish you would have called me.”
“I know, honey,” Miranda said softly, guilt twisting inside her. “I’m so sorry—I lost track of time.”
That was a lie—she hadn’t lost track. She’d been wrapped in Korrath’s arms, losing herself in pleasure and forgetting the rest of the world existed. The memory seared through her now, unwanted and yet so vivid it made her nipples ache beneath her blouse.
She shook her head sharply, trying to banish the image of the huge Monstrum.
Stop it. Enough. Focus on Hanna.
Her daughter’s eyes searched hers.
“Are you okay, Mom? You look… different.”
Miranda forced a smile, smoothing a hand down Hanna’s hair.
“I’m fine. Just tired. It was a long trip—all the way to Mars and back.”
That, at least, was true. She felt wrung out, her body still humming faintly with need even though she ought to have been satisfied. She wondered uneasily if the Second Heat hadn’t quite finished burning through her system yet. She still felt so empty inside…
Not now, she told herself fiercely. You don’t have time for that. Hanna’s wedding comes first.
“Come on,” Hanna urged, tugging her hand. “We’ve got a million things to finish before the ceremony this evening. I’m so glad you’re here, Mom. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Miranda let herself be pulled along, her heart aching.
You won’t have to find out, she promised silently. Not again. No more distractions. No more Monstrum. It’s time to be the mother my daughter needs.
But even as she followed Hanna back to the waiting car, Korrath lingered in her mind…the heat of his touch…the sound of his growl…the feeling of him filling her so completely she’d never be the same again…
31
MIRANDA
The big old Victorian house where she lived with Hanna was a whirlwind of activity. It was the perfect place for a wedding, with the parlor all decorated for the ceremony itself and the reception set up outside.
Bridesmaids were adjusting curls while groomsmen were rushing around with missing cufflinks. Susan, Miranda’s older sister, was barking orders like a general. It was chaos—which was just what she needed to take her mind off the past twenty-four hours.
Miranda rolled up her sleeves and dove in, arranging bouquets, smoothing hems, and pinning boutonnieres with quick, practiced fingers.
Keep busy, she told herself. Focus on the wedding. This is Hanna’s day.
But every so often, she caught someone giving her a strange look—long… assessing…almost startled. Even Hanna frowned once, tugging her mother aside.
“Mom… are you sure you’re okay?” she asked softly.
“Yes, sweetheart.” Miranda forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just trying to help.”
Still, Hanna’s eyes lingered, thoughtful and a little wide, before she was whisked away again by her bridesmaids.
When the final rush was done, Miranda retreated upstairs to change herself. She opened the garment bag she’d brought home from the Monstrum Mother Ship, her fingers brushing the soft material the Spider Monstrum had woven for her.