Page 44 of Savage Giant

I walked onto the porch and spotted him in a clearing near the hovercraft. He was kneeling on the ground with his hands pressed firmly to the damp soil. Over the wind, I heard him murmuring in his native tongue.

I opened my mouth, ready to call out to him, then pressed my lips together when I realized what he was doing. He was using his Montikaan healing energies to mend and bless the land before our departure. He’d spoken of the healing energies a few times, though I’d never seen him use them.

To my astonishment, some of the nearby patches of green that weren’t snow-covered became more vibrant, and in the distance, I swore I heard the river rushing faster, then slower, then faster, as though he were altering its current.

When Gorran finally rose to his feet, an eagle took flight and soared overhead. He looked to the sky and watched until the bird disappeared in the cloud cover of a distant mountaintop.

He turned and faced me as the wind ruffled his dark fur. Our eyes met and he gave me a gentle smile that warmed my heart.

“Let’s go home, pretty human.”

Chapter 32

GORRAN

We reachedthe Starblessed settlement as dusk claimed the land. I released a howl to alert my people of my arrival, alternating the rhythm of the howl to inform them that I wasn’t alone.

I’d brought my sweet human female home with me.

Males and females poured out of the cavern to greet us, and a few dashed out of the forest as well, those who usually preferred bedding down under the stars. Excitement rippled through the growing crowd, and I saw an older female with an amused gleam in her eye begin gathering sticks and large branches, obviously expecting there would be a great celebration later. A mating celebration.

Cari peered from face to face, and I sensed she was pleasantly overwhelmed by the greeting. I felt the same. Normally, when I returned to my people, I didn’t bother howling to alert anyone of my arrival. I tried to retreat to my alcove unnoticed, but aftersuch a long absence, I’d felt the need to announce my return, if only for my brothers’ sake.

I braced myself for the dark whispers, but they never came. Instead, joyous murmurs spread around the clearing outside the cavern.

He’s found his mate.

The Great Spirit has blessed him.

Brutus’s vision about human females must be true.

Mastorr will probably be next, and others will soon follow.

The murmurs blended until I couldn’t tell them apart, but I didn’t hear the usual comments about my beastliness or murderous ways. I also didn’t sense the wariness and judgment that typically emanated from my people as I returned home, though I’d taken extra care to cleanse Salax’s blood from my fur. I would tell my brothers and the other males who helped protect our settlement about Salax at a later time.

Mastorr approached us and clasped a hand on my shoulder. “Welcome back, brother.” His gaze landed on Cari. “Hello,” he said with a polite, very humanlike nod. “I am Mastorr, and I am pleased to meet you.”

“Hello. I’m Cari, and I’m happy to meet you as well.” Her eyes darted all around the clearing as she smiled at the many faces watching us.

Brutus and Hailey waylaid us next, while Mastorr moved aside and joined the crowd. I caught a few more murmurs.

Perhaps he’ll find peace.

The new human female appears at ease next to Gorran.

I’ll bet you ten fish that they mate tonight.

And I’ll bet you two baskets of pokklam berries that their moans will echo throughout the cavern until dawn breaks.

Hailey walked up to Cari and clasped her hand in greeting, while Brutus stood in front of me wearing a contented expression.

“Welcome to the Starblessed tribe,” Hailey said. “I was hoping Gorran would return with you soon. Brutus and Mastorr told me he was courting you. The storms made us worry a bit, but I’m glad you’ve arrived safe and sound. Oh! I’m Hailey by the way, in case Gorran never bothered to tell you my name.”

Cari grinned, and I sensed she was becoming more comfortable among my people. I appreciated Hailey’s efforts to make her feel welcome.

“I know who you are,” Cari said, “and I’m so pleased to meet you. I’m Cari.” She glanced at Hailey’s swollen stomach a few times and I felt her curiosity growing, along with a sense of wonder. “Congratulations. Gorran told me your name and a little bit about you, but he never told me…”

“That I was knocked up?” Hailey smiled and playfully elbowed Brutus, who wrapped an arm around her and stared down at her with tenderness reflecting in his gaze. “Oh yeah. This big guy can’t keep his hands off me. It was inevitable. But we couldn’t be happier. The healer thinks I’ll deliver in the early fall.” She placed a hand on her stomach, then glanced from Cari to me and back again. “I’m sure you guys will be next.”

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