Page 27 of Grounded By Love
Though he looked like a nightmare when he’d killed Robert, and the expression in his eyes sent shivers down her spine, she enjoyed his solid presence.
She watched on, as he prepped the bird he’d caught for their dinner.
A smile formed on her lips, as she watched him tend to the cooking bird. Never before had another taken care of her. For once, she was sitting back and getting provided for. It felt wonderful to hand over the reins, now that he wasn’t pestering her like a mother hen.
Once the bird finished cooking, he came over to the tent to present her with a leg. He came to sit down beside her, as they enjoyed the fresh cooked meal.
She had no problem with digging in. The leg of the bird looked so good, and her stomach wouldn't stop growling up at her. It also allowed her some time to stew in her thoughts. She was still figuring out how she felt about Kaeldar. Robert’s death had been unnecessary in her mind, but this rock giant seemed to be an uncontrollable force.
A force she’d hitched her wagon to.
After they finished their meal, they sat at the opening of the tent and watched the fire crackle happily.
“You must miss your people.” Claira broke the silence. It’d probably be wise to learn a little about him.
“I haven’t been gone long enough to miss anything. I’m sure they think me dead, since I didn’t return to an encampment after the battle.”
“Hopefully, it will be a welcome homecoming then.” Perhaps he was anxious to get back to his family. She might very well be the only human about to get an inside view of the life giants led.
If she were to guess what he was in his life, she might guess a commander of some sort. The way he carried himself struck her as more than just a soldier. He seemed to have a confidence like he knew his place in life.
As the night aged on, she and Kaeldar closed the tent flap and settled in for the night.
The night air chilled quickly, and Claira soon scooted over to place her back against the rock giant. His warmth soaked into her skin, and a little sigh escaped her.
She was sure he was fast asleep, and he would never notice her closeness. She didn’t want to give him the wrong impression, but she had been growing chilly on her side of the tent.
He was still in her bad book for what he’d done, and now she had to fight the images of Robert’s death that tried to float behind her closed eyelids.
Chapter 10
Claira let out a piercing shriek, as she bolted into a sitting position.
Kaeldar jolted awake expecting to find an enemy of some sort in their tent. He reached for a dagger, but then saw Claira was the only other person inside.
She was staring off into the distance with terror shining bright in her jade eyes. The beads of sweat on her brow caused concern to flush through him.
Kaeldar gathered her small frame into his arms. “What is wrong?” Kaeldar almost expected her to bring up the death of the human male.
“I had a nightmare that I was being burned at a stake. There were people standing around and laughing, while I cried out in pain.” Tears built up in the corners of her eyes.
He could feel her heart pounding away in her chest. He still had nightmares from the war, but he had been trained to deal with the stress. Claira wasn’t a soldier though. Kaeldar had no idea of how to soothe her, other than to hold her, stroke her hair, and talk to her in a soothing voice.
“You were spared from that fate. Nothing will harm you, while I’m here.” He promised her, but he wondered if he could honor such a promise. He was about to take her to his people. People who would have a hard time accepting what she was.
He wanted to bite his tongue for giving her false promises, but now wasn’t the time to bring up her safety with his people. Right now, she just needed some comforting words.
With her head huddled against his chest, he found her sweet scent coming up to flood his senses. His hands moved over her stomach, and he had to resist the urge to allow his hand to slip under her clothing.
Claira was clouding his mind, and all her could think about was her closeness, her kindness, and the need know her better.
Claira found support from his strong arms. His promise warmed her to the core and made her feel a little better. She could imagine him tearing through anyone who wanted to harm her. So far, he’d kept her safe by any means necessary.
The dream had really shaken her to the core. She hated the thought of being burned alive. The pain her feet had endured gave her a taste of the agony she could’ve gone through. Thankfully, Kaeldar had stepped in to save her.
She truly owed him her life. Or maybe they were even now. She’d saved his, and he’d returned the favor.
Gently, he laid her back down with him, but never removed his arms from around her waist. His warmth and strong presence relaxed her from the terror she’d relived in her dreams.
