Page 75 of Cloudless
My breath catches in my chest as I all but stop breathing as a massive creature steps through the curtain of trees.
Moonlight reflects off the wide back of the creature as it lets out a chirping sound that doesn't fit with the size of the beast before me.
Answering chirps sound throughout the trees as footfalls grow closer. The giant creature's head swivels until it’s looking straight into my soul. My eyes adjust to the darkness to reveal intelligent eyes reflecting back at me.
Its head tilts to the side as it inspects us with an ear twitch that is surprisingly cute on such a large animal.
Kam’s hand falls away from my mouth as the beautiful creature blinks at me. My whispered voice holds a sense of awe I feel all the way to my toes. “What is it?”
I can hear the satisfaction in Kam’s voice as he whispers,“Sheis an elk.”
She shuffles on her feet as she lets out a sad sounding whine. Her head moves so she can look over her shoulder back to the tree line. My heart melts as a calf with faded white spots scurries from the trees to join her.
Their noses touch in greeting as more silhouettes emerge from the trees until we’re surrounded. Chirps and mews fill the air as they carry on a conversation we’re not meant to understand.
I relax back into Kam’s arms as we watch them in silence. His rhythmic breathing would lull me to sleep if I wasn’t so fascinated by our visitors.
They move around in the darkness on sure feet as they munch on the long grasses that seem short against their long legs.
They’re unbothered by the chill in the air or the way the crickets halt their song when they approach.
A sense of loss fills me as they slowly disappear back into the trees to carry on with their nightly routine without us.
The last mom sends her calf into the woods before looking over her shoulder. When my eyes connect with the gentle creature, all I feel is gratitude for her, allowing me a small glimpse into her life.
The darkness of the woods embraces her like a long-lost friend as she disappears from view.
I turn in Kam’s lap until we’re face to face. The memory of the moonlight reflecting in his eyes will stay with me for a lifetime. “Thank you.”
He pulls my legs until I’m straddling him. Our chests brush with every breath we take. “We just got lucky. Mace’s dad said there wasn’t a guarantee we would see them.”
I shake my head as I weave my fingers through his hair. “Not just for that, but for never giving up on me.” A gentle laugh escapes my lips to float in the scarce inches between us. “I didn’t exactly make things easy on you.”
The beauty of his smile rivals that of the stars. “You were worth the wait.”
The moon is our only witness as his lips connect with mine. The warmth of his lips chases away the chill of the night as he deepens the kiss. My gasp fuels his desire as his tongue runs over my lips in request of entry I gladly give.
He groans into my mouth, and his barely there scruff bites at my cheeks as my front molds to his.
Hands roam up my back to find purchase in my hair as a howl starts in the distance and glides over the hills. A shiver travels down my spine as an answering call sounds from the surrounding trees.
Our mouths break apart as our labored breaths fill the air between us. Concern clouds my voice as my arms fall from his hair to his shoulders. “What wasthat?”
His brows draw down in concern as he tries to catch his breath. “Probably a coyote.” My arms tighten around his neck as the howls pick up in the distance. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
There’s no doubt in my mind he means it.
CHAPTER 34
PERPETUITY
KAM
Lila’s eyes scan my laptop screen as I run my thumb over a notch on the edge of the dining room table.
A crease forms between her brows as her eyes turn to me. “And this came from a professional agent?”
I grimace as my chair shifts under my weight. “That bad, huh?”
