Page 19 of Sweet Giant

“Would you like to return to the cabin?” he asked when I wrapped my arms around my center and shuddered.

“Not yet. It’s very pretty out here. I’d like to walk just a little farther. I’ll be fine.” Truth was, I was curious about whether there was another cabin this way. It was beautiful outside, and I was enjoying the scenery, but I was also trying to figure out which way I ought to run when I searched out another cabin.

I’d noticed a few overgrown paths along the main road nearby, paths that might be unkempt driveways, but I hadn’t traveled down any of them, so I couldn’t be certain. The nearest house I could recall seeing during my recent trip to town was a good thirty minutes away. By solar truck. I didn’t want to think about how difficult it would be to reach on foot. Especially in weather like this.

I nearly jumped for joy when I spotted a roof covered in solar panels amidst the snow-covered fir trees. The panels themselves weren’t covered in snow, as solar panels were usually coated with a material that repelled icy precipitation. There was also a flat area on the roof that I suspected was meant for landing hovercrafts, though it appeared no one was home—unless someone had been dropped off by a pilot.

Mastorr stopped and placed an arm in front of me, though he didn’t touch me. “I did not recall there being a cabin in this direction,” he said with a frown. “Let’s go the other way. I don’t detect the scent of a human nearby, but it is possible they are downwind somewhere.”

“Okay,” I said, hoping my interest in the newly discovered cabin didn’t show on my face.

Excitement rippled through me.

I’d thought I would have to travel for several hours on foot just to reach the nearest cabin. This one was only a thirty-minute walk from the general’s place. Talk about luck.

And it was modernized. If it had solar panels on the roof and a landing pad for hovercrafts, there had to be a video comm inside.

I mentally rehearsed what I would tell General Remington or whoever answered on the other end.

Mountain found me, but before he could really hurt me, a huge sexy Sasquatch (with a nice firm butt) emerged from the forest and scared him away.

Would anyone believe that story?

Doubtful.

Guess I would have to leave Mastorr out of it. That was probably for the best, anyway, because I had no wish to put him or his tribe in danger.

A howl suddenly reverberated over the mountainside, and I instinctively moved close to Mastorr, seeking his protection. He spun around and released a howl of his own, a deep howl that sounded like a warning. He also looked pissed off—he was wearing the same fierce expression as when he’d faced off with Mountain.

“What is it?” I whispered as I followed his gaze and stared into the forest. But I didn’t see anything amiss. Just trees and snow. Oh, and a cute little squirrel with a bushy tail.

“It’s my cousin, Axxon. He is in the forest nearby, likely on his way to Newhalem to spy on the humans. He caught our scent and howled a greeting. I responded with a threat of murder if he comes any closer to us.”

I gasped. “Why would you threaten your cousin? Is he… dangerous? Or do the two of you not get along?”

“We are very close, and I think of him like a brother,” Mastorr said, much to my surprise. “But the thought of another male approaching you before… before I claim you as my mate and put my scent on you, well, it makes me want to commit the vilest of atrocities.”

“Oh. I see.” I pressed my lips together to hold back a smile. I didn’t want him thinking I was laughing at him. Not when he’d just spoken in such a serious tone as he talked about murdering his own cousin—never mind that he didn’t truly mean it. At least, I didn’t think he meant it.

“Liv, may I please put my arm around you as I lead you back to the cabin? My closeness would help shield you from the wind, and my body heat will likely warm you up as well.”

How could I say no when he was asking so sweetly?

“Okay, Mastorr. I think that would be fine.” I swallowed past the sudden dryness in my throat, and I didn’t cringe as he draped his arm around me and pulled me snug against his brawny form.

Oh, he was wonderfully warm. He radiated as much heat as a woodstove. I leaned against him with a contented sigh.

Safe. I felt safe at his side. Safe and… treasuredas he kept me tucked under his arm. He was treating me as though I were precious to him, and the realization caused my throat to burn.

“Thank you for allowing me to hold you close,” he murmured, his voice a deep yet gentle rumble at my ear. He’d leaned down to speak to me, and his warm breath danced along my face and neck, eliciting goosebumps even though I was no longer cold.

“Thanks for keeping me warm.” I smiled up at him and when our eyes met, something shifted inside me. An odd sensation. Aknowing. It was almost like déjà vu. Like I’d met Mastorr once before and was just now remembering, yet none of the details would materialize.

I thought about that mating thing he referred to asthe calling. Was that what I was experiencing? Whatever it was, it kept growing. Getting stronger. Warmer. Urgent.

And damn if the same heated pulses from last night didn’t surge between my thighs. Only they were more intense this time. My stomach flipped. Would Mastorr be able to smell my arousal above all the perfume I’d sprayed?

We’d almost reached the cabin. I would find out soon.

---