Page 43 of Grounded By Love
He eyed her for a second, and she held her breath tight in her lungs. Had he spotted the dagger? Then he handed her a biscuit and went to pack up everything inside the tent.
She hoped he wouldn’t notice the dagger had disappeared. When he finished packing and didn't show any signs of knowing, she finally let her breath out.
She took a few bites of the biscuit, as she watched on. It was good to have something other than salted meat in the morning.
“If you would like another, I have one.” Kaeldar said, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrapped up biscuit.
“Is it yours? I wouldn't want to take your breakfast.”
“It is extra, don't worry about it.” He smiled and offered it to her.
Claira took it from him, since her stomach still felt empty. These rock giants were amazing with their camp cooking skills. She would’ve thought bland mash would be served day and night.
Kaeldar ushered her out of the tent, where she stood by the already tacked up horses. She ate her biscuit, as she watched Kaeldar take down the tent again. Someday she’d have to have him teach her, but for now she was happy to just look on.
The dagger under her clothing gave her a sense of protection. Now she’d be able to defend herself from Kaeldar, if he decided to make some more advances in front of his men. The knife was more to tell him she wouldn't be putting up with him doing things like that in front of other rock giants. After all, she was not some object to be used.
If he’d made those advances in their tent, then maybe she would’ve considered it. She’d been used by a man before, and she worried Kaeldar was just doing the same. It was a long time ago, and she’d moved past it. Men could be simple minded, when it came to lust.
As she watched him pack away the tent, she couldn't help but admire the flexing of his muscled arms. She could imagine running her hands up and over the muscles below his shirt. He was definitely a pleasant distraction.
Claira felt some disappointment for his previous actions. If only he’d made a move on her while she was in the tent and not in front of his men.
As he wrapped things up, she felt herself become jittery. Would Kaeldar end up finding the dagger she’d hidden, when they mounted up?
Her heart rate sped up, as he came over and tied the tent to the back of the horse. He mounted up, bent down, and grabbed Claira around the waist.
Her heart felt like it was in her throat. She didn't want Kaeldar to discover the knife. He sat her before him on the horse, and they went on their way. She let out the breath she’d been holding.
A sense of accomplishment flowed through her that she’d been able to hide the dagger from Kaeldar. Claira wanted to yell from a mountaintop. She had a weapon to protect herself with and no one was the wiser.
She might not even need it to defend herself from Kaeldar, but another rock giant could come after her.
Chapter 13
At mid-day, they stopped and Kaeldar told her the army of rock giants would make camp. She thought it was a little early in the day to make camp, but she was just along for the ride. The break was more than welcome, because she was starving. Food sounded like a fantastic idea to her.
An area was set up for them, but they set up no fire. Instead, they just passed around a bag full of dried meat and another bag full of biscuits.
Claira settled in with a biscuit and some dried meat, while Kaeldar and all the other rock giants basically ignored her, so she enjoyed her moment of peace and quiet.
Kaeldar observed Claira from a distance. She’d been tense, since they rode off this morning. His only guess was that she hadn't been comfortable riding next to him, after what he’d done.
As the rest continued, Kaeldar decided he should make yet another claim to her in front of all the rock giants. It would be good to ensure they knew he was serious about his claim on her.
Standing he yanked her arm, bringing her up beside him, wrapped an arm around her waist, and drew her sharply against him.
Kaeldar looked down into her wide jade eyes and growled down at her. He told her in his language that she was his, and there was a tone in his voice that made even him know there was an absolute truth to his words.
A twinge ached in his chest. She was his to protect. He wished human words had the same sincerity the words in his language carried.
Within the blink of an eye, she jerked out of his grasp and whipped a danger into her hand. With a leap, she slashed out at him.
Kaeldar leaned back to dodge her slice.
Kaeldar and Claira now had the attention of all the rock giants who were standing nearby. Some of them made callouts, when she pulled the dagger, but none of them were concerned. She’d pulled a dagger on a larger and much more experienced opponent.
“You want to fight me?” He laughed. Even Kaeldar wasn't concerned, but he did dodge the next two lunges she made for his arms.
