Page 36 of Gentle Giant

Deep male voices suddenly carried over the humming, voices coming from the end of the corridor. Everyone fell silent, and I soon jumped to my feet. Most of the males who’d remained behind were stationed outside the cavern, ready to defend the women and children should thepullshannassomehow make their way here. But I thought I heard a familiar rumbling voice headed this way.

Other women joined me as we followed the voices, and when I saw Brutus’s handsome face, I whooped with joy and rushed toward him. Likewise, he rushed for me, and he lifted me off my feet. My legs dangled as he swung me in a quick circle, his movements playful. My heart sang knowing he was in good spirits. That must mean he hadn’t gone to battle. Or if they’d been forced to fight, they hadn’t sustained any casualties.

Finally, he set me down and nuzzled my nose, then kissed my forehead as a happy growl vibrated from his chest. All aroundus, cheerful reunions were taking place, and as I scanned the gathering crowd, I spotted several males I didn’t recognize.

Following my gaze, Brutus said, “Thepullshannascame in peace. They need our help, and I believe we might need theirs as well. I fear war is coming, and we will need every able-bodied male to fight. Please do not worry, I will explain everything later. But I must address my people now and speak in Montikaan so thepullshannaswill understand.”

I fear war is coming. His words echoed in my mind.

War. Worry tightened in my gut. I prayed humans weren’t involved. God, I was so tired of the wars and the unrest. The lust for power and resources that led to violence and other unconscionable acts.

But as Brutus addressed his people, I didn’t hear him utter the Montikaan word for human even once.Reffon. He’d told it to me once, along with a few more words I’d been curious about.

I watched the reaction of his people and noticed some of them were inspecting large baskets filled with food that had suddenly appeared along the wall. I doubted Brutus and his men had foraged for food at a time like this. Had thepullshannas, who clearly wished to ally themselves with the Starblessed tribe, brought the food as a gift?

Some of Brutus’s tribesmen appeared angry, others worried. But I didn’t think any were angry at thepullshannaswho stood in a group together, since no one was shooting them furious looks. As Brutus spoke, he gestured to the strangers a few times, and one of them, a very old male, stepped forward and nodded deeply.

Brutus’s passionate voice rose to a crescendo, and suddenly the cavern erupted in cries of approval. Then people began to depart the large corridor, exiting the cave or venturing to their rooms, while some remained to speak with thepullshannasand inspect the contents of the baskets.

I waited patiently until Brutus finished conversing with his brothers and cousin. After about ten minutes, he headed my way, and I remembered the promise I’d made to myself.

I’d sworn that when he came back to me, I would offer myself to him for mating. But with the apparent danger the Starblessed were facing, would it be appropriate for us to join together tonight? I was starting to have my doubts, and my heart sank. But I forced a smile as Brutus reached me. I was thankful he’d returned unharmed. If we had to wait a while to mate, so be it.

His visage ever playful, he scooped me into his arms and carried me toward his rooms.Ourrooms. This was my home too. Somewhere along the way, I’d decided to stay. I’d realized I couldn’t imagine parting with Brutus. All my reasons for wanting to remain part of the human world no longer held as much importance as they once had.

I leaned my head to his chest and listened to the steady beating of his heart as he carried me into the bedroom. I could’ve sworn the sun-moss on the cavern walls pulsed brighter as he placed me on the mattress. He knelt beside me, brushing my hair from my face as he leveled a look filled with longing and affection upon me.

Just when I thought he meant to crawl into bed with me, he glanced at his feet and growled. I followed his gaze and realized his feet were muddy.

“I must bathe before I join you in bed,” he said. “I don’t want to get the mattress or the covers filthy. Axxon has told me that humans like to keep their living spaces free of dirt.” He backed toward the exit. “I will return soon, sweet human, and then we will talk.”

“Wait!” I stood up. “Can I come with you? I-I could use a bath myself.” Carnal images of sexy bath time with Brutus flashed in my mind, causing my breath to quicken. Heat thrummed in my core.

He inhaled a quivering breath, his nostrils flaring. A second later, his cock stood at full attention, jutting out from his muscular form. His gaze heated as he said, “You wish to bathe with me, Hailey?”

“Well, why not?” I asked. “I mean, we’ve already seen one another naked, so…” My voice trailed off.

He glanced down at himself. “You see me naked all the time, though I understand your point.” He reached out a hand to me. “Come. I will help you get extra clean, sweet human.”

Chapter 26

BRUTUS

When we reached the alcove,I smiled at the folded towels, bar soap, and othertoiletries(Hailey’s word for the different sorts of liquids she used in her hair and on her body) that rested on a shelf. I liked glimpsing the little reminders of her in my rooms and in our private bathing alcove. She was my female, and she was here to stay, never mind that we hadn’t officially mated yet. Soon, I hoped.

Savage hunger burned through me as I watched her undress. She pulled her shirt off first, then removed the contraption that contained her breasts. When her creamy white breasts spilled out, my growl of approval echoed in the alcove, and my gaze went to her hardened pink nipples.

I placed the soap and her toiletries near the edge of the hot spring, not taking my eyes off her as she removed her pants and the bit of fabric she calledpanties.

Beautiful. Perfect.

Mine.

My growl reverberated in the alcove as I approached her. Leaning down, I nuzzled her neck, taking deep inhales as I savored her scent. She shivered and her breath hitched. I wrapped my arms around her and settled my hands on her buttocks, taking a cheek in each hand and squeezing. This elicited a tiny gasp from her that made my cock even harder. I adored every little noise she made, the gasps, sighs, moans, and whimpers, among others. However, the shuddering breaths that escaped her lips when I licked her pussy were my favorite.

“I missed you, sweet human.” I trailed my tongue along her earlobe, and she shivered in my arms.

“I missed you, too, Brutus, and I’m so glad you returned to me. I-I was worried.” She laced her arms around my waist, drawing me closer. My erect shaft pressed against her lower stomach, and I groaned at the contact.

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