Page 26 of Sweet Giant

I suited up and walked onto the porch, wincing at the chill. I’d covered my face with a ski mask I’d found hanging near the snow pants, but it did little to keep the frigid air from stinging my skin. And I hadn’t even walked into the wide open yet where the cabin wouldn’t block some of the wind.

I hurriedly gathered the firewood from the porch, carrying it in batches of five at a time. I berated myself for not having brought some inside weeks ago before the weather had gotten colder, but at least the wood outside was kept under a tarp, so it was plenty dry.

My teeth chattered as I carried the last batch of wood inside. I slipped off my boots and removed my wet outerwear, then searched the cabin for some paper to use as kindling, as well matches or a lighter. After finding what I needed, I felt like a pioneer woman as I got the fire going.

It wasn’t long before the woodstove was radiating warmth that spread all over the house, thanks to the numerous vents. Even the upstairs was getting warmer. I moved from room to room, waving a hand in front of the vents. I also paused to stare out each window I passed, still hoping for a sign of Mastorr.

Oh, how I hoped he was safe. And warm.

Maybe worrying about him was foolish. After all, he’d lived in these mountains his whole life. But I couldn’t help it. I wanted him inside and out of the elements. I wanted him at my side.

Satisfied that the cabin wouldn’t turn into an icebox, I put my layers back on and suited up. I had to search for him. I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. I promised myself I wouldn’t do anything stupid—I wouldn’t go far from the cabin. And I would pay attention to how many steps I took in each direction so I would be able to retrace my path.

To my great shock, just as I opened the front door, inviting a blast of snowy wind into the house, Mastorr appeared at the bottom of the steps holding a large, blue storage bin in his hands. There was snow caked on his fur, making him blend in with the storm. He stepped under the porch roof and shook the snow from his head and shoulders.

His eyes grew wide with surprise when he noticed me standing in the doorway. “Sweet one, what are you doing? Go back in the cabin and close the door so you don’t get too cold. I’ll be inside soon.”

I opened my mouth to protest, only for him to give me a scolding look. Since he didn’t appear any worse for the wear, I shot him a displeased look of my own and placed my hands on my hips. I probably looked ridiculous with the oversized snow pants and the ski mask, but I didn’t care. I’d spend the last two hours worried sick about him.

“I was about to come looking for you!” I yelled over the wind. “Where have you been?”

He held up the storage bin, then lowered his face to brace himself against a sudden rush of wind. It looked like one of those old-fashioned bins made of plastic. I vaguely remembered Nana keeping a few in the attic that she’d filled with old blankets, photos, and mementoes.

Mastorr climbed the steps and set the bin down, using his foot to push it close to the door. “I went on a cabin raid,” he said with a nod at the bin. “I have come bearing gifts for you, sweet one.”

Chapter21

MASTORR

“A cabin raid?”Liv asked as she grabbed my arm and pulled me into the warmth of her abode, not seeming to mind that I was covered in snow. She tore her strange hat-mask off and tossed it aside. “You went on acabin raid? Mastorr, if you were going to be gone for so long, it would’ve been nice to know. You should’ve told me where you were going.” She peered up at me, her eyes narrowed as fury radiated from her petite form.

Not taking my gaze off her, I reached back to close the door, shutting out the chill. I stared at her in confusion, taken aback by her anger. “Your food stores are low, Liv, and I wanted to bring you gifts. During the courting, a male must regularly bring his female gifts.” Would she reject the items I’d brought back? My heart sank at the prospect. I’d put great thought into the gifts I’d selected, since I could only fit so much in the container.

The fury gradually faded from her eyes, and she released a long breath. “You were gone for a long time, Mastorr,” she said in a soft voice, “and I-I was worried about you. I feared you were lost in the blizzard, or perhaps injured. I was about to go look for you, that’s how worried I was.”

Despite the tension between us, I was touched by her concern for my wellbeing. I’d assumed she would think I’d gone out foraging, and it hadn’t occurred to me that she might worry. It wasn’t uncommon for the males of my tribe to disappear for hours at a time, even during bad weather, to go looking for food. Especially males who were in the process of courting a female… we were driven by an innate need to provide our future mates with gifts. Driven by a need to impress them.

“I am sorry I caused you to worry, Liv.” I reached for her, cupping her face between my hands. Leaning down, I pressed my nose to hers, nuzzling her gently. She sighed, placed her hands on my chest, and nuzzled me back.

“Next time, please tell me where you’re going. Even if I’m sleeping, please wake me up. I know you rise earlier than me, but I can always fall back asleep after you tell me.”

“I promise, and again, I am sorry. It pains me to know I caused you worry.” I straightened and met her eyes. “I hope you do not feel as though I left you unprotected. While I doubt anyone would come here during the storm, I didn’t travel beyond the cabin we spotted yesterday. If I would’ve heard the hum of a land vehicle or a metallic air vessel, or if I would’ve detected the scent of a human or a Montikaan, I would’ve run back to your side immediately.”

She nodded and swallowed hard, her eyes gleaming with an emotion I couldn’t place. “I didn’t feel like you left me unprotected, Mastorr. In fact, the thought never occurred to me. I just worried about you. That’s all. I’m glad you’ve returned.” She stepped back and looked me up and down. “You need to get warm and dry. The woodstove is blazing hot right now. Follow me.”

* * *

LIV

Mastorr stoodin front of the woodstove, moving his fingers through his fur as he turned in slow circles. Relief filled me at having him home. Never mind that this wasn’t really my home, and I probably wouldn’t be able to stay here for much longer. But I was thankful he was safe and at my side.

I pushed a mug of tea into his hands. “Here you go. This ought to help you warm up faster.”

The smile he gave me as he accepted the mug caused the last of my annoyance to fade. He’d gone out in the nasty weather in search of gifts for me, all because he wanted to court me properly. He wanted to win me over so I would accept him as my mate. So I would get in the mating position and offer myself to him.

Why did the idea of mating with him scare me less today than it had yesterday? Why did the idea of leaving this cabin and never seeing him again cause a pang of grief in my chest?

“The tea is delicious, sweet one.” He shot me another smile. “Thank you.”

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