Monsters in the Parlor

Damiana, a self-proclaimed monster with a dark sense of humor, lives with her three supernatural mates: Grim, the Angel of Death; Gunnar, a Berserker; and Calix, a shifter. Their domestic chaos is interrupted by news of a new threat—someone is killing Charmed beings and stealing their magic. The group's banter and sexual tension are ever-present, but beneath the teasing lies a deep bond. Damiana's sense of responsibility for her kind is awakened, and she's determined to hunt down the killer. The chapter sets the tone: irreverent, sensual, and fiercely loyal, with Damiana at the center, both loved and feared.

Rituals and Rivalries

The group's dynamic is a mix of rivalry and passion, with Grim's return sparking both jealousy and desire. Damiana's relationships with her mates are intense, blending affection with possessiveness. The threat of the ritual killings looms, and the group debates how to respond. Damiana's vulnerability surfaces as she worries about her mates' safety, especially Grim's. The chapter explores the complexity of their polyamorous bond, the push and pull of dominance and submission, and the ever-present danger that unites them. The emotional stakes rise as Damiana's need for control clashes with her fear of loss.

Road Trip to Savannah

The group embarks on a road trip to Savannah, hoping to track the killer. The journey is filled with playful bickering, music, and moments of insecurity—Damiana is hurt when her singing is mocked, revealing her hidden sensitivities. The drive becomes a microcosm of their relationship: moments of joy, irritation, and reconciliation. The monotony of travel is broken by supernatural means, as Grim teleports them to their destination. The chapter highlights the group's adaptability and the way humor and affection help them navigate both mundane and magical challenges.

Haunted Hotels and Pack Politics

Arriving in Savannah, the group checks into a haunted hotel, where Grim senses lingering spirits. The city's supernatural underbelly is revealed, and the group is drawn into local pack politics. Calix's shifter status brings new complications, as he's recognized by the local pack and pressured to mediate their internal disputes. Damiana's jealousy and protectiveness flare when confronted by a beautiful shifter woman. The chapter explores themes of belonging, loyalty, and the difficulty of balancing personal desires with communal responsibilities. The haunted setting mirrors the unresolved grief and tension within the group.

Shifter Tensions Unleashed

Calix is reluctantly drawn into the local pack's leadership crisis, forced to mediate between factions after the alpha's mate dies. Damiana's outsider status is challenged, and she must assert herself against shifter politics and rivalries. The group's unity is tested as Calix's obligations threaten to pull him away. Damiana's dark humor and willingness to use violence to protect her own are on full display. The chapter delves into the complexities of supernatural hierarchies, the burden of leadership, and the ways trauma and loss ripple through a community.

Secrets, Souls, and Sins

Damiana's struggle with her monstrous appetite intensifies—she's unable to consume sins as usual, plagued by nausea and unease. Grim helps her discover that she's been holding onto the souls of witches she killed, and she must learn to release them. The revelation of her lineage as the daughter of Lilith adds a new layer to her identity crisis. The group's support is unwavering, but Damiana's fear of being fundamentally different lingers. The chapter explores themes of self-acceptance, the weight of secrets, and the transformative power of love and friendship.

The Wolf's Grief

The group encounters Torin, the local alpha, who is paralyzed by grief after losing his mate and child. Damiana's empathy drives her to help, but she's confronted by the limits of her power—she can't force Torin to heal or lead. The pack's survival hangs in the balance, and the group must navigate the fine line between support and interference. The chapter is suffused with sorrow, exploring the ways loss can hollow out even the strongest leaders. Damiana's own fears of abandonment and inadequacy are mirrored in Torin's despair.

Feeding, Fears, and Family

Damiana's ability to eat normal food returns, signaling a mysterious change within her. The group's domestic life is punctuated by moments of intimacy and vulnerability—feeding becomes a shifter ritual, deepening her bond with Calix. Gunnar's fears of hurting Damiana are soothed by her trust and love. The group's polyamorous dynamic is explored in greater depth, with each mate's unique needs and insecurities coming to the fore. The chapter is a celebration of chosen family, the healing power of touch, and the ways love can transform even the most monstrous appetites.

The Alpha's Choice

Torin is forced to choose between leading his pack or succumbing to grief. The group's efforts to support him culminate in a tense gathering, where the future of the pack is decided. Damiana's role as both outsider and catalyst is highlighted—her presence forces the pack to confront uncomfortable truths. The chapter is a meditation on leadership, the burden of responsibility, and the ways communities must adapt to survive. Torin's decision to lead, even temporarily, is both a victory and a reminder of the ongoing cost of loss.

Witch Hunts and Wards

The group's hunt for the witch Antonio intensifies, leading them through a maze of magical wards and traps. The investigation reveals a deeper conspiracy—Antonio is using Charmed beings as fuel for his rituals, and his methods are growing more sophisticated. The group's skills are tested as they navigate deadly magic, relying on each other's strengths to survive. The Boogeyman, a figure from Damiana's past, emerges as a key player, blurring the line between ally and enemy. The chapter is a suspenseful blend of action, mystery, and supernatural intrigue.

Boogeyman's Betrayal

The truth about Antonio is revealed—he is, in fact, the Boogeyman from Damiana's childhood, using his powers to manipulate and kill. The betrayal cuts deep, forcing Damiana to confront her past and the ways she's been shaped by fear and loneliness. The group's unity is tested as they grapple with the implications of Boogey's actions. The final confrontation is both physical and emotional, as Damiana must use all her strength and cunning to defeat a monster who knows her better than anyone. The chapter is a cathartic reckoning with childhood trauma and the power of self-definition.

The Final Confrontation

The group faces Boogey/Antonio in a climactic battle, using magic, strength, and strategy to overcome his traps and soulless minions. Gunnar is gravely injured, and the group's love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test. Damiana's monstrous nature becomes her greatest asset, allowing her to break the witch's wards and turn his own magic against him. The victory is hard-won, marked by loss, exhaustion, and relief. The chapter is a testament to the power of found family, the necessity of sacrifice, and the triumph of love over fear.

Birth of a Goddess

In the aftermath of battle, Damiana goes into labor, surrounded by her mates. The birth is both harrowing and joyful, a culmination of the group's journey from chaos to family. The hospital setting is a comedic contrast to their supernatural lives, with the staff bewildered by the unconventional family. The arrival of Nyx, Damiana's daughter, is a moment of profound transformation—she is both monster and miracle, a symbol of hope and renewal. The chapter is suffused with tenderness, humor, and the messy reality of new beginnings.

New Monsters, New Home

The group settles into life as a family, navigating the challenges of parenthood and the lingering scars of their battles. Damiana's home becomes a sanctuary for other monsters and misfits, a place where difference is celebrated rather than feared. The group's love deepens, shaped by shared trials and the daily joys of raising Nyx. The chapter is a celebration of resilience, the power of chosen family, and the beauty of embracing one's true nature. The monsters have become protectors, and their home a beacon for those in need.

Three Years Later

Three years have passed, and Damiana's family has grown—Nyx is a lively child, surrounded by love and supernatural guardians. The home is filled with laughter, chaos, and the constant presence of monsters, both old and new. Damiana reflects on her journey from loneliness to belonging, from fear to acceptance. The chapter is a joyful epilogue, affirming that monsters can find happiness, that love can heal even the deepest wounds, and that the future belongs to those brave enough to embrace their own kind of magic.

Characters

Damiana (Dami)

Damiana is the story's irreverent, sensual, and deeply loyal protagonist. Born of Lilith, she is a monster who feeds on sins, but her true hunger is for connection and acceptance. Her relationships with her three mates—Grim, Gunnar, and Calix—are the emotional core of the novel, blending passion, rivalry, and profound trust. Damiana's journey is one of self-acceptance: she learns to embrace her monstrous nature, confronts childhood traumas, and ultimately becomes a protector of both monsters and humans. Her humor masks vulnerability, and her willingness to fight for her loved ones is both her greatest strength and her deepest fear. As a mother, she channels her fierce love into creating a home where difference is celebrated.

Grim

Grim, the Angel of Death, is both terrifying and tender. His stoicism masks a deep well of emotion, revealed only to Damiana and their chosen family. As a supernatural being, he is accustomed to solitude and detachment, but Damiana's love draws out his humanity. Grim's power is both a blessing and a curse—he can end lives with a thought, but struggles with the weight of immortality and the fear of losing those he loves. His relationship with Damiana is marked by mutual respect, sensuality, and a willingness to yield control. As a father, Grim is protective and gentle, finding new purpose in the creation of life.

Gunnar

Gunnar is the group's muscle and heart, a Berserker whose rage is matched only by his capacity for love. Scarred by a violent past, he fears hurting those he cares for, but Damiana's trust helps him heal. Gunnar's possessiveness and jealousy are tempered by his willingness to be vulnerable, and his journey is one of learning to accept love without fear. His relationship with Damiana is both passionate and tender, marked by moments of raw honesty and deep connection. As a father, Gunnar is a gentle giant, fiercely protective and surprisingly nurturing.

Calix

Calix is the group's shifter, a mediator caught between worlds. His easygoing nature masks a deep sense of responsibility, especially when drawn into pack politics. Calix's humor and playfulness are a balm for the group's darker moments, but he is also capable of great ferocity when those he loves are threatened. His relationship with Damiana is marked by mutual teasing, sensuality, and a shared sense of mischief. Calix's journey is one of embracing leadership without losing his sense of self, and as a father, he is both playful and steadfast.

Torin

Torin is the local alpha whose life is shattered by the loss of his mate and child. His journey from despair to reluctant leadership mirrors Damiana's own struggles with loss and responsibility. Torin's vulnerability and strength make him both a foil and a mirror for the main group. His eventual decision to lead his pack, despite his grief, is a testament to the power of community and the necessity of moving forward. Torin's presence is a reminder that healing is possible, even after unimaginable loss.

Aeson

Aeson is Damiana's best friend, a Brownie with a sharp tongue and a hidden heart of gold. Her loyalty is unwavering, and her presence brings levity and perspective to the group's darkest moments. Aeson's skills as an assassin are matched by her ability to see through bullshit and call out her friends when needed. She represents the importance of chosen family and the power of friendship to heal old wounds.

Kim

Kim is a shifter whose initial antagonism toward Damiana masks her own insecurities and grief. As Torin's second-in-command, she is fiercely loyal to her pack but struggles with change and loss. Kim's journey is one of learning to trust outsiders and accept help, even when it challenges her sense of order. Her rivalry with Damiana evolves into a grudging respect, highlighting the ways women can both compete and support each other.

Boogeyman (Antonio)

The Boogeyman, revealed to be Antonio, is the story's central antagonist—a monster who manipulates fear and uses his powers to kill and steal magic. His betrayal is deeply personal for Damiana, forcing her to confront the ways childhood trauma can shape adult identity. Boogey's motivations are rooted in loneliness and a desire for power, making him both pitiable and terrifying. His defeat is a cathartic reckoning with the past, and his character serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked fear and isolation.

Nyx

Nyx is Damiana's daughter, born of magic, love, and struggle. Though an infant for most of the story, she represents the possibility of healing, renewal, and the creation of a new kind of family. Her presence transforms the group, giving them purpose and grounding their love in something greater than themselves. Nyx is both monster and miracle, a living testament to the power of acceptance and the beauty of difference.

Uncle

Uncle is one of the many supernatural beings who frequent Damiana's home. His monstrous appearance and dark humor provide both guidance and comic relief. Uncle's presence is a reminder that monsters can be family, and that wisdom often comes from the most unexpected places. His relationship with Nyx and Damiana is one of gentle mentorship, helping them navigate the complexities of their supernatural world.

Plot Devices

Polyamorous Found Family

The story's emotional core is the polyamorous relationship between Damiana and her three mates. Their dynamic is a blend of passion, jealousy, and deep trust, challenging traditional notions of love and family. The found family trope is expanded to include not just lovers, but friends, supernatural allies, and even former rivals. This device allows for rich character development, as each member must confront their own insecurities and learn to share power, affection, and responsibility.

Supernatural Mystery and Ritual

The central plot is driven by the mystery of the ritual killings and the hunt for Antonio/Boogey. The use of magical wards, traps, and rituals creates a sense of constant danger and suspense. Foreshadowing is used effectively, with early hints about Damiana's lineage and the true nature of the killer paying off in later revelations. The supernatural elements are grounded in emotional stakes, making the mystery both thrilling and deeply personal.

Identity and Transformation

Damiana's journey is one of self-discovery and transformation. Her struggle to accept her monstrous nature, her lineage as Lilith's daughter, and her evolving appetites mirror the broader theme of embracing difference. The story uses magical hunger, soul consumption, and shifting abilities as metaphors for personal growth, trauma, and healing. The birth of Nyx is the ultimate symbol of transformation—a new life born from chaos and love.

Grief and Healing

Torin's storyline, and the group's own brushes with loss, provide a counterpoint to the story's humor and sensuality. The narrative structure allows for moments of deep sorrow, followed by gradual healing and the rebuilding of community. The haunted hotel, the pack's mourning rituals, and the birth scene all serve as narrative devices to explore the ways grief can both isolate and unite.

Humor and Irreverence

The story's tone is consistently irreverent, using humor to deflate tension, challenge authority, and build intimacy. Damiana's wit, the group's banter, and the absurdity of supernatural domestic life provide relief from the story's darker themes. This device keeps the narrative engaging and accessible, allowing readers to connect with the characters even in the midst of chaos.

Analysis

Some Kind of Monster is a bold, irreverent, and emotionally resonant reimagining of the monster romance genre. At its heart, the novel is about the transformative power of chosen family—how love, in all its messy, unconventional forms, can heal even the deepest wounds. Damiana's journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance is both a celebration of difference and a challenge to societal norms about love, gender, and power. The story's polyamorous dynamic is handled with nuance, exploring the complexities of jealousy, trust, and shared responsibility. The supernatural mystery provides a thrilling backdrop, but the true stakes are always emotional: the fear of loss, the longing for belonging, and the courage to embrace one's own kind of magic. The novel's humor, sensuality, and unapologetic embrace of monstrosity make it a standout in its genre, offering readers both escapist fantasy and a powerful meditation on what it means to be human—and more than human—in a world that fears what it cannot understand.

Last updated: January 7, 2026