Page 43 of Gentle Giant

Nearly two daysafter our arrival at the cabin, a young Montikaan male appeared at the bottom of the porch steps, panting hard, still stinking of the elk dropping muck. I exited the house and most of the females and children followed. The Starblessed males who’d stayed behind to protect us approached him and they created a huddle as they whispered among themselves.

I tried to be patient as I waited for news. But I couldn’t help the worry that echoed in my thoughts. What if this young male was the sole survivor of the battle against the Volmatt tribe and the Feshhallian?

Finally, they broke the huddle, and the young male began to speak in Montikaan, and all the females around me broke into joyous laughter and started hugging one another. But as soon as the young male spotted me, he flushed a deep red and switched to English.

“Victory is ours,” he said. “The Starblessed have defeated the Volmatt tribe and also killed the dark alien beast.”

“Did any of our people get hurt?” Harmonn asked as she came to stand next to me. She put a comforting hand on my back, as though she understood the turmoil filling my heart. No doubt she was experiencing the same turmoil. Her lifemate, Axxon, was among those who’d fought the enemy.

“Only minor injuries,” the young male said. “No deaths. No mortal wounds.” His eyes gleamed with excitement. “It was a magnificent battle. The water caused the Feshhallian to melt while his bones shattered, just as Hailey said it would.” He stared at me. “I am not certain we would have been victorious without your help, human. Thank you.”

All eyes turned to me, and one by one, each of the Starblessed females gave me a deep nod. I still had a lot to learn about their customs, but I knew a deep nod, practically a bow, was a sign of respect. Some of the older children, the ones who understood what was going on, gave me a deep nod as well. My heart clenched.

My people. They were my people now.

And soon, I would mate with their chief and officially become a member of their tribe. I would belong to Brutus, and he would belong to me, until death parted us, though I hoped we would enjoy a lengthy mating union.

Harmonn patted my back and looked at the young male, the scout who’d come to deliver the good news. “Shall we begin our journey home to the cavern?” she asked.

“Yes, Chief Brutus has asked me lead you toward home, though he and the other males will meet us half-way.” He paled a bit. “They had to dispose of the bodies, and it took some time. They also need to rid themselves of the elk dropping stench.” He glanced down at his muck-covered body. “While you all preparefor the journey home, I think I will go clean myself in the nearby river.”

Several of the females laughed as the scout ran off into the trees.

Joy resounded through me.

We were going home.

BRUTUS

When I spottedthe group of Starblessed females in the forest headed our way, I let out a cheerful howl, and most of my tribesmen did the same. A happy reunion ensued.

I spotted Hailey amongst the females and rushed to her. I took the basket from her hands, set it down, then lifted her and swung her in a circle. She giggled and wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Brutus.” Her pretty dark gaze brimmed with delight. She kissed my cheek. “I’m so relieved to see you, and I feel as though my heart might burst, I’m so happy.”

A growl of contentment left me as I sank to the forest floor and cradled her to my chest, nuzzling my nose to hers as I took deep inhales of my sweet female’s familiar scent.

“I feel like my heart might burst as well,” I confessed. “I am overjoyed to have you in my arms again. It’s been too long.”

“It’s only been two days, but I know what you mean. Feels like a small eternity. Every second felt like an hour as we waited for news.” A sudden yawn overtook her face, and she covered her mouth and laughed again. “I didn’t get much sleep. I kept peering out the windows of the cabin in every direction, looking for signs of you.”

“We would’ve met you sooner in the forest, but we had some tasks to perform, including much-needed baths. I hope I no longer smell like elk droppings and other muck. I want to be clean and fresh when I mount you tonight.”

Her breath faltered and she blushed. “To-tonight? You think tonight will be the right time? After the worry and then the journey home, don’t you think your people will…”

“My people will be celebrating tonight regardless of how tired they are. We might as well mate tonight and give them something extra to rejoice over.” I kissed her forehead. “Have you decided where you would like to mate with me? The bathing alcove? Our bedroom? Somewhere in the forest? Or perhaps by the river underneath a canopy of stars?”

“The bedroom,” she said. “I’m partial to the soothing vibrance of the sun-moss that covers the cavern walls, and a bed is rather practical for what we’re planning, don’t you think? And then afterward, if we need to clean up, we can make a quick dash to the bathing alcove.”

“I think your idea is perfect.” I rubbed my nose to hers for a long moment, enjoying the feel of her in my arms. The two days we’d spent apart had felt like an eternity for me as well. For as long as we were mated, I hoped we would never be forced to part again.

All around us, my brethren were readying themselves to continue the journey north to the cavern. My tribesmen held the baskets containing supplies and food, lightening the burden for our females. Some of the males also held small children and infants, offspring who were happy to be reunited with their fathers. The sight filled me with longing and hope.

One day, I would hold my child in my arms. I peered into Hailey’s eyes.Ourchild. A child we would love and raise together. I found myself rubbing slow circles on her stomach.

Still holding her, I rose to my feet, then slowly set her down. I lifted her basket of supplies and jutted my chin north. “Follow me, sweet human. Follow me home.”

Chapter 33

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