30. Bella

30

BELLA

I wake with a start. My heart pounds with excitement in my chest. Today's the day. We're leaving the cave, our sanctuary, our home. I turn to see Jytos still sleeping beside me. His massive form rises and falls with each breath. Even in sleep, he exudes power and strength.

I slip out of our makeshift bed, careful not to wake him. The cave floor is cold beneath my feet as I pad towards the entrance. The sky outside is just beginning to lighten. The first hints of dawn peek over the horizon.

"Where you going?" Jytos's deep voice rumbles behind me, making me jump.

I turn to see him sitting up, his green eyes fixed on me. "Just wanted to watch the sunrise," I say, my voice but a whisper.

He's on his feet in an instant, moving with a grace that belies his size. "Then we'll watch it together," he says.

We stand at the cave entrance, his arm wrapped protectively around me. The sky slowly transforms, painting itself in hues of pink and gold. It's beautiful, but I can't shake the nervousness beginning to gnaw at my gut.

"You're tense," he observes, his tentacles twitching slightly against my skin.

I nod, unable to hide anything from him. "I'm scared," I admit. "What if we can't find a safe place? What if-"

"Stop," he cuts me off, his voice firm but not unkind. "We'll be fine. I'll keep you safe, no matter what."

I look up at him, at the determination etched into every line of his face. "I know you will," I say, meaning it with every fiber of my being.

He grins, showing off his sharp teeth. "Damn right I will. No waira, no human, no fucking creature on this earth is gonna harm you while I'm around."

His confidence is infectious, and I feel my fears start to melt away. This is Jytos, my protector, my lover, my everything. With him by my side, how can I be afraid?

The sun finally crests the horizon and bathes us in its warm light. I close my eyes and savor the moment. When I open them again, I catch Jytos staring at me, his gaze intense.

"What?" I ask, suddenly self-conscious.

He shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just thinking about how fucking lucky I am," he says. "Never thought I'd have this. A partner. Someone to protect."

My heart swells at his words. "I'm the lucky one," I insist. "You saved me, Jytos. In every way possible."

He pulls me closer, his tentacles wrapping around me in a gentle embrace.

We stand there for a while longer and watch as the world wakes up around us. Birds start to sing, their melodies carried on the cool morning breeze. In the distance, I can hear the faint rustling of animals in the underbrush.

"We should get ready," he says finally, reluctantly pulling away from me.

I nod, knowing he's right. We have a long journey ahead of us. As we turn back into the cave, I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. We're leaving behind everything we know, venturing into a world full of unknowns.

I breathe deeply and adjust the pack on my shoulders. The weight of our supplies, meager as they are, feels like nothing compared to the emotions swirling in me. Jytos stands beside me, his massive form blocking out the rising sun.

"Ready?" he asks, his deep voice rumbling through me.

I nod, unable to find words in this moment. We step out of the cave together and leave behind the only true home I've ever known. The crisp morning air nips at my cheeks, carrying with it the scent of pine and snow.

As we begin our journey south, I can't help but glance back at the distant silhouette of my old village. It's barely visible, a smudge on the horizon, but my heart clenches at the sight.

"Having second thoughts?" he growls, his green eyes narrowing slightly.

I shake my head quickly. "No, just... saying goodbye."

He grunts, his tentacles wrapping protectively around my waist. "Fuck 'em. They threw you away like trash. You don't owe them shit."

His words are harsh, but true. I lean into his embrace, grateful for his strength. "I know. It's just... that place made me who I am. For better or worse."

He stops, turning me to face him. His sharp teeth glint in the early morning light. "No, Bella. You made yourself who you are. Those weak humans didn't do shit except try to break you."

I stare up at him, my heart swelling with love and pride. He's right. The village might have shaped my past, but I chose my future. I chose Jytos.

"You're right," I say, standing on my tiptoes to kiss his rough cheek. "Let's go. Our future's waiting."

We continue our trek, the landscape slowly changing around us. The stark, snow-covered mountains give way to rolling hills dotted with evergreens. I breathe in deeply, savoring the scent of freedom.

"What's the first thing you want to do when we find a new home?" I ask, breaking the comfortable silence.

He chuckles, a sound that still sends shivers through me. "First thing? Claim every fucking inch of it as ours. Make sure every creature for miles knows not to fuck with us."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Always the territorial one, aren't you?"

"Damn straight," he growls playfully, pulling me closer. "Got to protect what's mine."

His possessiveness should worry me, but instead, it makes me feel safe. Wanted. Loved. I've never belonged anywhere like I belong with Jytos.

As we walk, I'm reminded of just how much I've grown in the past several months. The meek village girl who trembled at the sight of a monster is gone. In her place stands a woman who's faced down waira, who's fought alongside a fierce warrior, who's found love in the most unexpected place.

"What're you smiling about?" he asks, his eyes scanning the horizon for threats.

"Just thinking about how far we've come in such a short amount of time," I reply, squeezing his hand. "I never thought I'd be here, you know? Leaving everything behind and starting a new life."

He stops, pulling me into his arms, a cocoon of safety and warmth. He asks, "You regret it?"

I look up into his fierce green eyes, seeing the vulnerability hidden beneath the surface. "Never," I say firmly. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Jytos. I'd choose you every time."

His answering smile is predatory, full of sharp teeth and promise. "Good. 'Cause you're stuck with me. Forever."

As we continue our journey south, I take one last look at the distant mountains. Goodbye, I think silently. Thank you for everything - the pain, the fear, the sacrifice. It all led me here, to Jytos, to love. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

Soon, the air grows warmer, filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and fresh grass. My hand, still intertwined with Jytos's much larger one, feels warm and secure.

"Look," I breathe, pointing to a clearing nestled between two gentle slopes. A crystal-clear stream meanders through it, catching the sunlight and sparkling like diamonds. "It's beautiful."

He grunts, his green eyes scanning the area with predatory intensity. "Defensible position. Good water source. Plenty of game in those woods." His tentacles twitch, betraying his excitement despite his gruff tone. "It'll do."

I can't help but laugh. Trust Jytos to see our potential new home in terms of strategy and survival. But that's one of the things I love about him - his unwavering focus on keeping us safe.

"Is that your way of saying you like it?" I tease, bumping my hip against his thigh.

He grins, and says, "Fuck yeah, I like it. It's perfect for us, Bella."

My heart swells at the word 'us'. And I can't imagine my life without this fierce, protective monster by my side.

We make our way down to the clearing, and I can almost imagine our future here. A sturdy shelter to keep out the rain and cold. A garden full of herbs and vegetables. Maybe even...

"What's got you smiling like that?" he asks, his deep voice pulling me from my daydreams.

I blush, realizing I'd been grinning like an idiot. "Just thinking about our life here. All the possibilities."

He pulls me close. "Yeah? And what possibilities you got in mind?"

I look up at him, feeling slightly awkward. "Well... maybe someday...," I trail off.

For a moment, he goes very still. Then, a slow smile spreads across his face, more tender than I've ever seen. "You mean to tell me you really want little half-Umbraths running around? Bella, I never thought..."

He trails off, but I understand. Neither of us ever expected to find this kind of love, let alone dream of a family.

"We could have it all," I whisper, reaching up to touch his face. "A home, a family, a life together."

He leans down, pressing his forehead against mine. "Already got everything I need right here," he growls gently. Then he claims my lips in a passionate kiss that makes my knees weak.

When we finally end our kiss, I can see the future stretching out before us. It won't be easy - nothing worth having ever is. But with Jytos by my side, I know we can conquer anything.

"Come on," he says, tugging me towards the stream. "Let's check out our new kingdom."

I laugh, following him eagerly. "Kingdom, huh? Does that make you the king?"

He grins back at me, all fierce pride and possessive love. "Damn straight. And you're my queen, Bella. Always."

As we wade into the cool water, hand in hand, I know in my heart that we'll be okay. Whatever obstacles we may face, we'll overcome them together. Because we have each other, always and forever.

Copyright ? 2024 by Celeste King

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Sign up for my newsletter

Join my Facebook group here !