by Lily Thomas
“We will be joining the men for some food.”
“Please, lead the way.” She smiled up at him.
When he stood this close to her, she really had to tilt her head back to look up at him. Claira felt so small next to him, and for some strange reason it made her feel a little giddy inside.
Shouldn’t she hate him? He’d killed Robert, but he also thought he’d been protecting her. Then again, was she going to judge him for that one action? It had been a split second decision. He was trained to react and ask questions later.
Taking her mind off her thoughts, Kaeldar led the way through camp.
She followed quickly, not wanting to get too far behind. She never wanted to be left alone, while in a rock giant camp. Last night was still vivid in her memory, and she had no intention of repeating it with another rock giant warrior.
When they arrived at the campfire, the rocks giants stopped in their conversations to stare at the both of them. Most of the glances were cast in her specific direction.
A couple looks they gave her were more inviting then she would’ve hoped. Claira was, clearly, still an attractive bedmate, a human woman to be used and thrown away.
Claira wasn't the only one to notice the looks thrown her way. Kaeldar glared every single rock giant down. Claira was his, and he was determined to make it clear. If this was the card he had to play to make sure she was safe, then he would.
If he laid a clear claim to her body as his war prize, most of these men would enforce that rule, if he were to ever leave her alone in the camp. Which meant she would have many guardians within the camp without her even knowing about it. She had to be more than just a healer.
After they ate their fill, he was ready to begin his plan. He knew Claira was not going to like this, but it was necessary, even if it would cause a possible rift between them.
“Had your fill?” Kaeldar leaned over to ask in her ear. His breath tickling her face.
“Yes, thank you.” Claira said licking off her fingers.
“Then let us head back to the tent for some rest.”
Claira thought the night had gone well, compared to last night. She’d been able to eat dinner without being accosted by any of the warriors, and she thought that counted as a decent night.
As she turned to head in the direction of the tent, Kaeldar's strong arm wrapped around her slim waist, halting her progress. As she looked down at his arm, Kaeldar's other hand grabbed one of her breasts.
Her mouth popped open, as shock radiated through her body.
Someone else must have grabbed her, when she had risen from her seat. Kaeldar wasn't capable of this. He would never be capable of something like this.
A growl came from right behind her ear. When she looked up to see around her, she saw that every single rock giant was looking straight at her. Well, actually they were staring straight behind her.
None of the faces around her were Kaeldar's, which meant he had to be the one behind her. He was grabbing her breast! How could he be doing this to her?
“What are you doing?!” Claira gasped. She was stunned he would do something like this to her.
Instead of answering her, he ducked his head down to nuzzle her neck, in front of everyone.
“Kaeldar! Leave me alone!” Claira started to throw a fit. Had he too much to drink or was he just losing his mind?
Throwing her head back she tried to hit him, but missed.
His growling stopped, as he swung her up and into his arms. Her cheek was plastered to his shoulder, as she gaped up at him.
Kaeldar had fooled her. She thought he was her knight in shining armor, for the most part, but now he was a stranger to her.
“Kaeldar, put me back on my feet. Now!” She screeched in his ear, at full volume.
Growling down at her, he managed to maneuver her in his arms enough to wrap a hand around her mouth.
They entered the tent, and Kaeldar plopped her down on her feet. Backing away from him she got her bearings before suddenly coming forward with her arm raised.
The smack was so satisfying.
Her hand landed across his face so fast, he had no time to react. She could tell by his expression he hadn't expected her to react in this way. Eventually, a frown formed on his oh-so-handsome face, as he reached up to rub his jaw.
“I can't believe what you just did!” Claira burst out. “In front of all those men! Now what will they think of me?”
When he opened his mouth to talk to her, she quickly continued. “I'm not some whore you can just grope in front of the troops, and then stroll off with me like you’re getting something tonight.”
His mouth opened, but then she decided she had something else to tell him. “That was embarrassing, and you better realize you aren't getting anything.”
Kaeldar's eyes narrowed on her. He wanted to take her up on her challenge.
He was sure he’d be able to get her whimpering below him, if he wanted. He never needed to press himself on a female. With some well-placed kisses, he wouldn’t have to force her. He knew how to handle a female body, just like he knew how to handle a sword.
Though he had to hand it to her, she had some spunk. At least, his Claira was able to roll with the punches without huddling into a ball on the ground. Most human females went screaming, whenever a rock giant was spotted. Instead, she’d come running to rescue a rock giant.
She dragged him up the side of a hill, with the help of a horse, but it was still impressive. He’d seen that lone cottage up on the hill, when he’d been in battle below. Never would he have guessed it would end up being his salvation.
Her spunk would come in handy for bed sport. A grin spread over his face, as his eyes lighted up, as he thought of her naked and spread before his eyes. His cock jumped to attention. Just the idea of having her set his blood on fire.
Kaeldar shook his head. What was he thinking? A rock giant and a human female would never be able to enjoy the same bed. He enjoyed playing a little rougher, and he didn't know if he would ever be able to take it slow enough for her.
“Are you even listening to anything I am saying?” Claira folded her arms in front of her chest, as she stuck a foot out tapping it against the ground.
He smirked, maybe too spunky for him. “I’ve been listening.”
“Have you now?”
“Yes, Claira I have.”
“What were you thinking about just now?” Claira inquired of him.
“I don't know what you’re talking about.” Kaeldar waved her off and went further inside the tent.
“Do not ignore me.” Then she sputtered as her cheeks heated. “You grabbed my… breast, I think I deserve some answers from you.”
The flush that crept into her cheeks had him smiling all over again. She looked so charming with that rosy tinge. Now if he cheeks flushed that way while he was bringing her pleasure, he would be a happy male.
He wasn’t about to tell her about his plan of how to keep her safe, since he needed to make sure her reactions appeared genuine for his men. He didn't know whether or not she was a good actor, and he didn't want to risk it.
Although he hadn't been trying to make advances, he had enjoyed the feel of her breast. It surprised him how sincere his deceleration had been to his fellow rock giants. She was his, and no one was to touch her.
As he stripped down for the night, he watched Claira out of the corner of his eye. She was still standing with her arms folded in front of her chest, looking frustrated that he wasn't going to answer her questions.
He knew she wouldn't be delighted with him, but it was for her benefit.
As he took off his pants, Claira faced away. He was amazed how shy she was about seeing him naked, when he knew she stripped him when she’d taken care of his wound.
Kaeldar slipped underneath the covers, not wanting to make her too uncomfortable with him, even if it was amusing.
“Come and get some rest, Claira.” Kaeldar called out to her.
When she turned ba
ck with her face framed by her loose golden strands of hair, his breath caught in his chest. Even when those sea green eyes shot daggers at him, he found her breathtaking.
“I don't think so.”
“Don’t make me get up from here, Claira.” Kaeldar threatened, as he lifted the covers and pretended to get up. “We can always finish what we started earlier by the fire.”
Claira's eyes widen. “Fine, I’m coming, but don’t you dare touch me.” She moved quickly, getting to the furs in record time.
He settled back down, as Claira made her way under the furs.
Kaeldar hated to be the bad guy, but if it would protect her, he would do it. He held his hands up. “I won't touch you.”
Claira eyed him, but settled down beside him.
Claira watched him wearily, as she slipped under the covers. She wanted to trust him, but she wasn't sure about him anymore. His behavior by the campfire appalled her. He’d now killed Robert and grabbed her inappropriately.
Though she was cross with what he’d done to her, she couldn’t deny the thrill that had flowed through her. He may be unpredictable, but he was definitely a man made of dreams.
The thrill was part of why she was so annoyed with him. The fact he had done it in front of all the other rock giants had embarrassed her to the core, yet she had also enjoyed it.
If he’d attempted something like that while they had been alone, she may have allowed him to go further. It was the fact he decided to be so brazen in front of his men that was bothering her. Now those men would be thinking she was his plaything. It was mortifying.
Before she fell asleep, she kept debating whether or not she’d want Kaeldar to touch her like that again.
When she rolled over, she found the bed empty, and instead of assuming the tent was vacant, she sat up and looked around to make sure.
Kaeldar was truly gone. She pursed her lips. Of course, he would just leave and not wake her.
It never even crossed her mind he might’ve been letting her sleep in. Instead, she thought he’d just left her, without even caring if she woke to find herself alone. Then again maybe alone was better. There was still some displeasure flowing through her, over what he’d done.
Claira rose from the fur covers and delicately lifted the tent flap with a couple fingers. She didn’t want the rock giants outside to see her spying on them. Seeing no sign of Kaeldar, she let the tent flap fall back into place.
Her eyes traveled around the inside of the tent, until she saw Kaeldar had left a few things behind.
She gave a quick glance over at the tent flap, and then hurried over to the things on the ground. She sifted through them, until she discovered a small dagger.
A few thoughts flitted through her mind. After the way Kaeldar had acted towards her, she was tempted to take the dagger for protection. Yet she was uncertain if she would even use it if presented an opportunity. She was a healer, not a killer, and she wouldn't know how to properly handle the dagger.
She warred with herself over whether or not she should take the dagger and arm herself. In the heat of the moment, she might use a dagger to defend herself. She just wouldn’t know until the moment arose, but she’d rather have the choice.
Bending down she wrapped her fingers around the hilt of the dagger. It was small, but it would be large enough to do some damage.
Frantically, she rushed to hide it within her clothing, making sure its outline didn’t show against her clothing. Once it was hidden to her satisfaction, she made her way back over to the tent flap to take another look for Kaeldar.
Before she was even able to make it a few feet, Kaeldar came striding back into the tent, and she came up short.
He eyed her for a second, and she held her breath tight in her lungs. Had he spotted the dagger? Then he handed her a biscuit and went to pack up everything inside the tent.
She hoped he wouldn’t notice the dagger had disappeared. When he finished packing and didn't show any signs of knowing, she finally let her breath out.
She took a few bites of the biscuit, as she watched on. It was good to have something other than salted meat in the morning.
“If you would like another, I have one.” Kaeldar said, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrapped up biscuit.
“Is it yours? I wouldn't want to take your breakfast.”
“It is extra, don't worry about it.” He smiled and offered it to her.
Claira took it from him, since her stomach still felt empty. These rock giants were amazing with their camp cooking skills. She would’ve thought bland mash would be served day and night.
Kaeldar ushered her out of the tent, where she stood by the already tacked up horses. She ate her biscuit, as she watched Kaeldar take down the tent again. Someday she’d have to have him teach her, but for now she was happy to just look on.
The dagger under her clothing gave her a sense of protection. Now she’d be able to defend herself from Kaeldar, if he decided to make some more advances in front of his men. The knife was more to tell him she wouldn't be putting up with him doing things like that in front of other rock giants. After all, she was not some object to be used.
If he’d made those advances in their tent, then maybe she would’ve considered it. She’d been used by a man before, and she worried Kaeldar was just doing the same. It was a long time ago, and she’d moved past it. Men could be simple minded, when it came to lust.
As she watched him pack away the tent, she couldn't help but admire the flexing of his muscled arms. She could imagine running her hands up and over the muscles below his shirt. He was definitely a pleasant distraction.
Claira felt some disappointment for his previous actions. If only he’d made a move on her while she was in the tent and not in front of his men.
As he wrapped things up, she felt herself become jittery. Would Kaeldar end up finding the dagger she’d hidden, when they mounted up?
Her heart rate sped up, as he came over and tied the tent to the back of the horse. He mounted up, bent down, and grabbed Claira around the waist.
Her heart felt like it was in her throat. She didn't want Kaeldar to discover the knife. He sat her before him on the horse, and they went on their way. She let out the breath she’d been holding.
A sense of accomplishment flowed through her that she’d been able to hide the dagger from Kaeldar. Claira wanted to yell from a mountaintop. She had a weapon to protect herself with and no one was the wiser.
She might not even need it to defend herself from Kaeldar, but another rock giant could come after her.
Chapter 13
At mid-day, they stopped and Kaeldar told her the army of rock giants would make camp. She thought it was a little early in the day to make camp, but she was just along for the ride. The break was more than welcome, because she was starving. Food sounded like a fantastic idea to her.
An area was set up for them, but they set up no fire. Instead, they just passed around a bag full of dried meat and another bag full of biscuits.
Claira settled in with a biscuit and some dried meat, while Kaeldar and all the other rock giants basically ignored her, so she enjoyed her moment of peace and quiet.
Kaeldar observed Claira from a distance. She’d been tense, since they rode off this morning. His only guess was that she hadn't been comfortable riding next to him, after what he’d done.
As the rest continued, Kaeldar decided he should make yet another claim to her in front of all the rock giants. It would be good to ensure they knew he was serious about his claim on her.
Standing he yanked her arm, bringing her up beside him, wrapped an arm around her waist, and drew her sharply against him.
Kaeldar looked down into her wide jade eyes and growled down at her. He told her in his language that she was his, and there was a tone in his voice that made even him know there was an absolute truth to his words.
A twinge ached in his chest. She was his to protect. He wished human words had the same sincerity the words in hi
s language carried.
Within the blink of an eye, she jerked out of his grasp and whipped a danger into her hand. With a leap, she slashed out at him.
Kaeldar leaned back to dodge her slice.
Kaeldar and Claira now had the attention of all the rock giants who were standing nearby. Some of them made callouts, when she pulled the dagger, but none of them were concerned. She’d pulled a dagger on a larger and much more experienced opponent.
“You want to fight me?” He laughed. Even Kaeldar wasn't concerned, but he did dodge the next two lunges she made for his arms.
“You had best take me serious.” Claira warned him.
He had no intention at all to fight her, even though the other rock giants were yelling for him to show her place in the picking order.
Instead, he decided to pretend fight her. He pulled out his own dagger and let her lunge, and then he would play lunge at her. If he wanted to kill or harm her, she would be on the ground dead, but he didn't want to.
Kaeldar was actually curious if she knew how to use the dagger she was brandishing. It would be a great benefit, if she did.
After another lunge, he knew she had no idea what she was doing. She probably found it, at some point, in their travels and decided to arm herself. He was disappointed she had no idea how to use the dagger, but he was sure with some practice he could get her up to par.
On her next lunge, he turned swiftly and caught her in his arms, pressing her into his chest. Her hands were trapped next to her sides, so she couldn’t move them. He didn't want to take the risk that she would actually stab him, if he allowed her an opening.
Holding her tightly, he bent his head down and gripped her blonde hair in a fist. Then he came down to press his lips against her soft ones.
The cheering from his fellow men was deafening.
As he deepened the kiss, his heart stopped, and then beat rapidly. She tasted so sweet against his lips, like honey. He couldn't help but slip his tongue into her mouth, as she melted against him. Her body felt so right to him, he liked it, and he wanted her.
