Page 44 of Sweet Giant

I considered taking one of the dead soldier’s weapons, but as I studied one of the devices, I realized my large fingers wouldn’t be able to pull the small lever, so I tucked it under the snow.

Just as I dispatched the twenty-sixth soldier, I heard Mountain’s voice booming through a device that an approaching soldier wore strapped to his waistband. “Did you find him yet?”

The soldier retrieved the black device from his pants and held it to his mouth. “No sign of him, sir. But we haven’t found the remnants of the weapon yet either. He might’ve flown farther than we expected. I suggest we widen our search area.”

“Do it,” Mountain barked. “And once you find him, blast the fuck out of him. Hurry up! I want to depart soon. But I’m not leaving any loose ends behind.”

I took down three more pairs of soldiers in quick succession, buoyed by the news that the hovercrafts wouldn’t be taking off until I was killed. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about whatever hovercraft Liv was aboard taking off before I could reach her. I only prayed she was unharmed. I prayed that I would reach her before the evil man put his hands on her.

Mountain’s plan would fail.

His soldiers would be slain, and he would soon follow.

I stalked the remaining soldiers, slipping amongst the trees, as quiet on my feet as a fox hunting a rabbit.

Snapping a human male’s neck was easy. I hadn’t killed many human males in my time—I preferred to make them forget our encounter—but this time, I felt no guilt. They were working for the evil one—the man called Mountain who had spent years mistreating Liv. They were also trespassing on Starblessed lands while armed with dangerous weapons.

I recalled Liv’s story about the elderly men from town whose memories had resurfaced. If I allowed any of the soldiers to live, it might put my people in danger.

Once I killed the final pair, I left their bodies in the open, not bothering to conceal them with snow.

I rushed toward the nearest hovercraft and sniffed the air. I could smell Liv, but she wasn’t in this one. I moved from vessel to vessel until I found what I was seeking.This one. The hovercraft that was slightly larger than the others. Not only could I detect Liv’s sweet, floral aroma near the entrance, but I swore I sensed her presence as well.

The hatch was open, so I crept inside, careful to keep my footsteps light. I followed her scent, as well as the sound of muted voices, to a closed door. As I walked closer, searching for the door handle, the entrance zipped open upon my approach, revealing a scene that stole my breath.

Mountain circled Liv, a menacing grin on his face. Liv held a piece of broken glass and made a swiping motion whenever the evil man came near, attempting to cut him. Her bravery astounded me.

“Put that down, darling wife, or you’ll be sorry,” Mountain said. “The Sasquatch is dead so there’s no point in going outside. We’re leaving soon. I’m taking you home.”

“I want to see his body. I want to at least try to save him.” She swiped again and managed to nick his chin, drawing a small line of blood.

His eyes went wide, and he stepped back. He touched one hand to his wound and looked down at the red marring his fingers. “You’re going to regret that.”

He lunged at her but never made it. I’d managed to creep close without his notice, and I grasped him by the back of his neck and held him high. I gave him a violent shake.

Liv gasped and the makeshift knife tumbled from her hands. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at me. “Mastorr! You’re alive!” Her worried gaze fell to my bloodied chest, as well as the gash on my leg.

“Help!” Mountain screamed into a black device he held to his mouth. I’d watched him pull it from his pocket, but I hadn’t stopped him since I knew no one would answer. “Help! The beast is in my hovercraft! Attention, all soldiers! The beast is in my hovercraft!”

I shook the evil man until the black device fell from his hand and crashed to the floor. “Your comrades are all dead. You will join them soon.”

Chapter37

LIV

What was taking so long?I peered out the bay window, glad to be back inside the cabin, as I searched for signs of Mastorr. He’d taken Mountain into the forest, presumably to kill him. I hoped nothing had gone wrong. I hoped Mountain hadn’t had a secret weapon hidden somewhere on his body. He usually kept knives strapped to his ankles, which I’d already warned Mastorr about.

I was still wearing my jacket and other outdoor gear just in case I had to run outside quickly. I assumed Mastorr would still want to leave the cabin today, even if Mountain no longer posed a threat.

There was a good chance Mountain had shared the location of the cabin with government officials, especially since he’d arranged for me to start healing the military higher ups rather than anyone and everyone who needed mending among the rebels. Even with Mountain eliminated, it still wasn’t safe to stay here.

But I’d already made peace with the fact that I would live in the Starblessed cavern for the next couple of months. And perhaps for longer…

I couldn’t imagine parting with Mastorr. I cared for him deeply, and I no longer found the idea of spending the rest of my life with him terrifying. Warmth flowed through me, and my heart squeezed with tenderness at the prospect of belonging to him forever.

I was done fighting my feelings.

Finally, I spotted Mastorr in the clearing. He hurried toward the cabin, and I flung the door open so I could rush outside and greet him. He swept me up in his arms, heedless of his injuries—which he hadn’t allowed me to heal yet—and held me tightly to his chest. His familiar pine-mint scent surrounded me, and his arms felt like home.Thump thump thump.

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