Page 61 of Grounded By Love
But if she hadn't been there, he might never have received her expert healing care. Then they would never have encountered each other, and he wouldn’t be in such a situation.
Two days later Claira couldn't help but feel apprehensive of what the day would hold for her. Kaeldar was acting distant, and they were about to go to a rock giant castle. She didn’t want his protection to suddenly stop.
“Are you doing alright?” His deep voice washed over her.
Looking up at Kaeldar she gave a curt nod. “Yes.”
“I was concerned you might be worrying about what is to come.”
Tight lipped she gave a shake of her head. Right now she was feeling a mix of emotions, and she hadn't completely sorted them out quite yet. So there was no way she was going to be able to discuss them with him.
She was having an internal fight, to hate him or not. He could have at least tried to prevent the other rock giants from going to human villages, and he could cuddle with her after they had sex.
They were just finishing up breakfast, and she could feel the excitement in the air, it was so tangible. She knew these rock giants were ready to get back to their castle, but she had the jitters.
Right now she was the only female among a group of rock giant warriors, so Kaeldar had no choice to sleep with her, but when they arrived at the rock giant castle he would have more than just one choice, when it came to a bed companion.
Her heart gave her a major pinch, as she thought of his attention changing to another woman. Then she shook her head. She shouldn’t worry about such things. She was in a situation she couldn’t back out of, so she’d just have to see it through.
“Claira?” Kaeldar's voice penetrated her thoughts.
Looking up she saw his brows drawn together.
“We are leaving soon so be sure you are ready.” He left her, so he could ready their horses.
She stared after him, until he left her sight. He definitely seemed to be excited about returning back to his people.
There was a small part of her that was also thrilled about getting on the road. After all, she would be the first human to lay eyes on the rock giant castle. What could possibly be more thrilling, even if it was just as terrifying?
Claira had no idea how they might receive her, but she decided to be on the optimistic side. She’d either live or be killed at the front gates.
Before she knew it, everything was readied, and she was tucked against Kaeldar's front on his impressive black stallion. He had all of his armor on, and his helmet covered his face, except for his dark eyes. She was able to see a steely glint there, like he was mentally preparing himself for a confrontation.
She knew what the confrontation would be about. Her. She’d probably be a sore spot with the other rock giants in the castle.
Which didn't make her feel any better. She didn't want to be a burden for Kaeldar, but at the same time she wanted to be with him. Either way, it didn’t matter. The chance to turn around was already long gone.
"Kaeldar?" Claira asked, as she twisted her bottom around to get a look at his helmeted face.
His black eyes glanced down at her, as his head held completely still. "Yes, Claira?"
She swallowed down a few twinges of uneasiness. "Are we getting close?"
"With every step we grow closer, but it will still be some time, before we reach the castle." He informed her, before turning his attention back to the area around them.
It seemed as though he was growing distant from her. It could all just be in her mind, but she really felt like he might be trying to put space between the both of them. Or maybe this was his warrior side coming through, and he had been showing her a glimpse of his lover's side.
She decided she liked that explanation best and was going to let it rest at that for now. No need to make a scene in public.
Turning back around she tried to keep her mind off arriving at the rock giant castle.
By the time the sun was hanging halfway in the sky, her nerves were shot. She wasn't able to stop chewing on her thumbnail, and there were butterflies zooming around in her stomach, as she thought about being surrounded by rock giants who were all taller and stronger than her.
What would the women be like? Would they accept her into their fold?
Human women thrived off of gossip and rumors, at least, from what Claira had experienced from being the brunt of most of them. She wondered if the giant women would at all be like that or if she might have a chance at befriending some.
"Claira?"
