Chapter 7

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the dense forest as they stepped out of the woodworking barn, leaving the scent of sawdust behind them.

A cool breeze blew past, rustling the blanket of leaves as the distant call of birds filled the air.

Monte breathed in the fresh forest air, his keen senses drinking in every detail of their surroundings as they walked side by side toward his cabin while long shadows danced along their path.

His heart sank as he watched Kiri struggle with her injured foot. She gripped the walking stick he had given her, using it to support her weight as she gingerly took each step. He stayed close by, ready to catch her if she stumbled or fell.

The thought of her being in even more pain under his care was unbearable, not when he could prevent it.

Monte didn't want to coddle her, sensing that she was an independent female by how she ventured out to Monster Island alone, with only her belongings as her companion. It was clear she didn't want to be dependent on another by how she kept apologizing to him and thanking him for things that anyone would've done.

He would've been a monster if he'd left her in the woods, if he didn't treat her wounds and care for her.

But he couldn't deny that a part of him enjoyed caring for her…

Her blonde hair glowed golden in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, their strands tickling him from his closeness. He noticed how her hazel eyes sparkled when she smiled at a butterfly flitting by, bouncing between the flowers littered along the path.

Monte's heart skipped a beat. There was something captivating about this human female, though he couldn't quite put a finger on it.

Something drew him to her—and even though she denied it, he still believed she'd bewitched him somehow.

"It's so beautiful and serene out here." Kiri peered over her shoulder, meeting his gaze. "I can see why you enjoy living in these woods, away from everything."

Monte shrugged and let out a huff. "It suits me. I've never been one for crowds or commotion… and humans and monsters-alike tend to fear my kind."

"I admit, I thought you were scary when we first met, but now I don't think you are." Pink highlighted her cheeks as a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she peered away, taking in the serene late afternoon beauty around her. "But I can see what you mean. Sometimes the hustle of city life can be… overwhelming. It's nice to get away from it all. Even though it's so different from what I'm used to… I find it incredibly calming."

"Speaking of calm, we should get you settled in for your stay," Monte said with a forced nonchalance, attempting to hide his nerves. He'd never hosted someone before—at least never overnight—and didn't know the first thing about the necessities of what a human—even more lost with a female at that—needed. "Where would you prefer to stay while you're with me? There's a guest bedroom if you'd like your own space to settle in. It has a private attached bathroom too, similar layout to the one you've used. Or you can keep your claim on my couch, if you'd prefer. Your choice."

She flicked her eyes to the cabin in front of them and then locked eyes with him. Her gaze searched his face for a moment before she nervously nibbled on her lower lip in a way that made Monte's pulse quicken, stirring up memories of their passionate moment together.

"The bedroom would be lovely, if you don't mind." She gave him an appreciative smile. "It would be nice to be able to unpack and have my own space. I don't want to invade yours, especially if you have any guests while I am with you."

"If that's what you want, then it'll be done," Monte replied with a nod as he gently gripped her shoulder in reassurance. "Whatever you need to feel comfortable. After you're done unpacking, let me know if I need to order something to be delivered from the village that you might be missing from your… unexpected arrival."

"Do you happen to have a hot tub? Or a Jacuzzi by chance?" She let out a soft chuckle. "It would be nice to be able to have a long soak. The heat would be good for my leg."

Monte's heart skipped a beat at the thought of Kiri soaking in a hot tub, her silky skin glistening with moisture, the steam rising around her alluring form. He swallowed hard, pushing the tantalizing image from his mind.

Now wasn't the time to allow his mind to fantasize about such things, not when the full moon was near. He couldn't lose himself, especially in her presence.

For now, he would focus on making her feel as comfortable as possible, even if it meant facing the feelings that were bubbling beneath the surface.

"I'm afraid not," he admitted, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "But I can arrange for a large tub to be brought in and filled with hot water. It may not be as fancy as a Jacuzzi, but it should do the trick."

"The large tub in the bathroom should be enough." She laughed, her dimpled smile reaching her sparkling eyes. "I'm not even half your size, so it would be like my personal pool. And then, when I'm able to walk without this stick, I can use your amazing shower and relax on the bench."

"Let's get you settled, then," Monte said, determination lacing his voice. "I want to make sure you have everything you need."

She dipped her head and gazed at the cabin's side door. "Lead the way."

He cursed himself for his fumbling behavior, acting like a youngling who'd never spoken to someone they were attracted to, regardless of the differences in their species.

He needed to focus on making her feel as comfortable as possible in his home, especially if she was going to have her leg completely heal as soon as possible.

Monte cleared his throat. "This way then."

He motioned for her to follow him up the cabin steps, and as he reached for the door handle, her small hand brushed his arm.

Electricity seemed to jolt through him at her touch. Monte tensed, barely suppressing a shudder. He glanced back to see Kiri looking up at him from beneath long lashes, her pink lips parted slightly.

"Monte, I..." She paused, as if searching for the right words. "I just wanted to say thank you again. For everything you've done for me already. I really appreciate your kindness and hospitality."

He swallowed hard, momentarily forgetting how to speak. Being this close to her, inhaling her floral scent, seeing the genuine warmth in her eyes—it stirred unfamiliar feelings in his chest. Longing. Yearning. Emotions he thought he'd long buried, never believing he would ever experience.

"It's nothing, Kiri," Monte responded gruffly, his cheeks warming beneath his thick fur. "I only want you to feel at home."

"You certainly are."

Blinking, Monte forced himself to respond. "I'm just glad I could help. Now, let's get you settled in, shall we?"

He pushed open the door, desperately trying to ignore the way his heart raced at the radiant smile she flashed him before stepping inside his home. His cabin. His sanctuary. Monte had a feeling nothing would ever be the same now that he'd invited this bewitching human woman into his life and space.

Monte led Kiri down the hallway opposite his own bedroom, his large hooves thudding softly against the hardwood floors. Sunlight filtered through the lush foliage, casting dappled shadows through the window.

He noticed how delicate and light her footsteps sounded in comparison—even with her walking stick—a reminder of their inherent differences.

"This is the guest room," he said gruffly, pushing open the door to reveal a cozy, well-appointed space. A queen-sized bed adorned with soft plush linens took up the center, flanked by two nightstands. Large windows framed a picturesque view of the surrounding forest, letting in plenty of natural light.

Kiri stepped inside, her hazel eyes widened in appreciation as she took in the room. "Wow, this is lovely, Monte." She walked slowly around the room, taking in the details of his handcrafted furniture and the various trinkets that adorned the shelves. "Did you make all of these?"

"Everything in the cabin," he rumbled, his chest swelling with pride at her approval. "At least, everything wooden. The rest, I traded with those in nearby lycan village or I bought and had delivered."

"It's so impressive…"

Clearing his throat, Monte gestured to the attached bathroom. "There's a full bath through there. Fresh towels under the sink." He shuffled his hooves, suddenly feeling awkward and out of place in his own home. "I'll, uh, bring your things so you can get settled."

Monte backed out of the room and walked back to the living room, gathering her things. Her light flora fragrance filled the space, blanketing the area with her unique scent. Now that she'd bathed, having the skunk scent washed away and the earthy smell from the medication faded, his living space smelt like he was standing in a field of flowers instead of in the middle of his rustic cabin.

Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply, absorbing it all. So intoxicating.

Shaking his head, he tried to clear his senses of the bewitching female, but had a feeling he was too far gone.

Stuffing everything onto the blanket she'd used on the couch, he tossed the makeshift bag over his shoulder and grabbed her large suitcase. He carried her belongings down the hall and knocked on the open door before entering her room—her dominion.

She stepped out of the bathroom with her walking stick in hand and gasped, a pretty blush staining her cheeks. "You didn't have to carry it all together!"

"Why not?" He placed the blanket bag filled with her things on the reading bench beside the large window and her suitcase on top of the desk so she could use her bed without needing to unpack all at once.

"Because you shouldn't be overworking yourself."

He let out a loud snort, his nostrils flaring as he spun around to face her. His tail swished back and forth to match his amusement, a playful flick of his ears. "Don't underestimate me. This was easy."

She shook her head, rolling her eyes. "Must be nice to be so strong."

"I may have my strength, but I still have weaknesses."

Kiri picked up her smaller bag and laptop case from the pile and set them at the foot of the bed, backing up into him. Too close.

Her scent surrounded him, sweet and intoxicating. It took every ounce of self-control not to lean in and bury his nose in her hair.

She peered over her shoulder, her golden flecked gaze scanning him. "And what is that?"

You.

He wanted to be bold—or perhaps foolish—enough to whisper that word to her, but he was afraid. Afraid that he was reading too much into their kiss and her actions. That she was just being friendly…

He was lost to what was the norm for humans, and if she was actually interested in being his mate.

"Helping those in need," he mumbled. "Especially small, injured birds who come across my land."

"And what would happen if a newly healed bird didn't want to leave..." she said softly, looking up at him through her lashes. "Would you kick them out?"

Monte swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "I've never had the problem before, so I don't know what I would do," he managed to say, his voice coming out rougher than intended. "But I know I would be sad if they ended up leaving after having them around for so long."

Kiri smiled sadly at that, a genuine one that seemed to reach into his very soul and tug at something he'd long thought dormant. Monte felt something crack open in his chest, coming to life under the warmth of her gaze.

"I understand that too well."

He knew he had to maintain control, but each passing moment spent in her presence made it increasingly difficult.

Needing to put some distance between them before he did something foolish, Monte took a step back. "I'll leave you to unpack," he said, moving toward the door. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Kiri paused, considering his question for a moment. "No, I think this is perfect."

"All right then," he said, unable to tear his gaze away from her captivating eyes. "I'll give you some time to settle in while I make dinner. Holler if you need anything."

"I will," Kiri promised, still smiling. "Thanks again, Monte."

He nodded jerkily and fled the room, shutting the door gently behind him. Monte leaned against the wall, his heart pounding and his mind reeling.

What was this human female doing to him? He'd spent years building up walls, content in his solitude. But with just a few smiles and kind words, Kiri had him ready to tear them all down for her.

Monte shook his head, pushing off the wall. He couldn't let himself get caught up in hopeless fantasies. Kiri was his guest, nothing more. He needed to remember that.

But as he walked down the hall, the lingering scent of a field of flowers clinging to his fur, Monte knew forgetting was going to be far easier said than done. Kiri had gotten under his skin, and he had a feeling she was there to stay.

Snorting, he shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts once more. Curse the full moon and those crumbling walls. He needed to distract himself, for he feared he would do something he would regret.

He needed to focus on something else. Dinner. Yes, dinner would be a good distraction.

Monte entered the kitchen, determined to focus his restless energy on preparing a delicious meal for Kiri. He gathered ingredients—fresh vegetables from his garden, herbs he'd dried himself, and a cut of prime venison he'd been saving for a special occasion.

The scent of roasting vegetables and sizzling herbs filled the cozy cabin as Monte busied himself in the kitchen. The sound of his knife tapping rhythmically against the cutting board accompanied the crackling of the firewood beneath the cast iron skillet. He meticulously diced onions, carrots, and potatoes to create a colorful medley for their meal.

But as he chopped and sautéed, his thoughts kept drifting to the fascinating female in his guest room. Kiri was unlike anyone he'd ever met. She was brilliant, brave, and stunningly beautiful, with a sharp wit and a smile that made his heart race.

What had brought someone like her to this remote island filled with monsters? She must have countless opportunities for her in the human world. Monte couldn't imagine what had driven her to take a job here, so far from everything she knew.

He yearned to understand the choices and experiences that had shaped her, wanting to know everything about her—her hopes, her fears, her deepest desires.

And why sometimes there was a flicker of pain behind those jeweled eyes.

A hiss and a pop from the frying pan jolted Monte out of his reverie. Cursing, he quickly moved the pan off the heat before the garlic could burn.

"Get it together," he chided himself sternly under his breath, wiping his brow with the back of his furry hand. He could already feel the heat from the stove warming his cheeks, yet it paled in comparison to the warmth that bloomed within him whenever Kiri was near.

As Monte stirred the contents of the skillet, he couldn't quell the intense curiosity and fascination welling up inside him. Kiri had captivated him in a way no one else ever had. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, helpless to resist her pull—utterly ensnared by her.

He'd spent so long walling himself off, keeping the world at a safe distance. Now all it had taken was one whip-smart, hazel-eyed human to make him long to let her in.

He sighed, reaching for the crusty bread he'd baked that morning. Monte knew he was dancing on the edge of a dangerous precipice. If he let himself fall for Kiri, he'd be jeopardizing the careful balance he had created—risking his battered, stubborn heart.

And yet, as he inhaled the mouthwatering scents and anticipated sharing this meal with her...Monte couldn't bring himself to regret it. Wherever this path with Kiri led, he was powerless to turn away now.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself before focusing on the task at hand. The savory aroma of the meal he prepared filled his nostrils, bolstering his confidence. If he could impress her with this dinner, perhaps she'd open up to him and reveal the secrets that lay beneath her enigmatic smile.

"Almost there," he whispered, adding a final pinch of seasoning to the dish before plating it with care. The vibrant colors of the vegetables contrasted beautifully against sauteed venison on top of his rustic wooden table, creating a feast for them both to enjoy.

Satisfied that everything was as perfect as he could make it, Monte untied his apron and hung it on a hook on the kitchen wall.

"Kiri!" he called out. "Dinner is ready!"