Chapter Ten

KAEL

Kael seethed with worry and barely contained anger. The once-peaceful atmosphere of their hidden sanctuary now crackled with tension. His keen senses picked up the nervous shuffling and hushed whispers of his clan members as they gathered around Maya while she explained why she had come to Whitehorse a few days ago and what happened on the trail before he carried her off.

As she spoke, Kael felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Pride in his mate's courage and quick thinking warred with an overwhelming urge to protect her, to whisk her away from the danger that threatened their world.

"We need to convince the hunters that this whole thing is an elaborate hoax," Maya explained, her gaze sweeping across the assembled Bigfoot. "If we can make them believe they've been fooled, they'll leave and never come back."

Kael's fists clenched at his sides as he thought of the hunters, and of Eric, the human male who had once claimed Maya as his own. A low growl rumbled in Kael's chest earned him a quick, concerned glance from Maya before she continued.

"I'll go back to the cabin," she said. "With any luck, Eric left the Bigfoot costume there. I can use it as evidence to convince the hunters that this was all just a prank gone too far."

The very idea of Maya putting herself in harm's way made Kael murderous. He wanted nothing more than to track down these intruders himself, to make them pay for threatening his family, for frightening his mate. In his mind's eye, he saw himself looming over Eric, teaching the arrogant human a lesson he'd never forget.

But even as these violent thoughts swirled in his head, another part of Kael felt a grudging gratitude towards Eric. If the human had treasured Maya as he should have, she might never have found her way back to Kael. He would have spent his life mateless, never feeling her love.

Kael was snapped out of his turbulent thoughts by the rising voices of his clan members. Some nodded in agreement with Maya's plan, while others voiced their doubts and fears.

"And if the suit isn't there?" Ranak asked, his deep voice rumbling through the clearing.

Maya met his father's gaze unflinchingly. "I've spent my whole life dealing with people who didn't believe in Bigfoot. I know how they think. They'll believe me."

Kael felt a swell of pride at her confidence, but fear still gnawed at him. "And if they don't believe you? If they decide to keep hunting?"

"That's why discrediting Eric is so important," Maya explained patiently. "Once the other hunters realize they've been made fools of, they'll want nothing to do with this expedition. And Eric's credibility will be shot. No one will believe him if he tries to continue the hunt."

As the debate raged on around them, Kael found his resolve wavering. Maya's plan had merit, he had to admit. It was clever, playing on human pride and skepticism. But the risks ...

"I'll go with you," he said suddenly, cutting through the clamor of voices.

Maya's eyes widened in surprise. "Kael, no. If they see you, the plan is ruined. They'll never believe it's a hoax if they spot a real Bigfoot."

Kael drew himself up to his full, imposing height. "They won't see me. I've spent my entire life avoiding human detection. I can keep you safe without being seen."

For a long moment, Maya held his gaze, a silent battle of wills playing out between them. Kael could feel through their mate bond her desire to protect him and the clan warring with her need for his support and protection.

Finally, she nodded. "All right," she conceded. "But you have to promise to stay hidden, no matter what happens. Even if you think I'm in danger. We can't risk exposing you or the clan."

The very idea of standing by while Maya faced danger made Kael's chest tighten with anxiety, but he nodded solemnly. "I promise," he said, though the words felt like ashes in his mouth.

With the plan decided, the clan burst into action. Asha approached, pressing a small pouch of healing herbs into Maya's hands. "Just in case," she murmured.

Kael and Maya prepared to leave. Just before they were set to depart, Ranak approached. The clan leader's face was stern as ever, but there was a glimmer of something — respect, perhaps? — in his eyes as he addressed Maya.

"You carry the fate of our people with you," he said gruffly. "Do not fail us."

Maya straightened, meeting the imposing Bigfoot's gaze steadily. "I won't," she promised.

They moved through the forest in near-silence, Kael's natural stealth matched by Maya's newly acquired skills from her trials. The familiar scents and sounds of the nighttime forest surrounded them, but Kael remained alert for any sign of human intrusion.

As they drew nearer to the cabin and the human world it represented, the tension in his body ratcheted up another notch. Every snapping twig, every rustle of leaves set his nerves on edge. He longed to gather Maya into his arms, to turn back and keep her safe in the heart of Bigfoot territory. But he knew she would never agree to abandon her plan, and a part of him admired her even more for it.

They paused at the edge of the clearing where the cabin stood. In the fading light, Kael could make out the boxy shape of the human dwelling, so alien and out of place in the wild beauty of the forest.

"Remember," she whispered, "no matter what happens, you can't let them see you. The whole plan depends on it."

Kael nodded, his throat tight with all the things he wanted to say but couldn't find the words for. Instead, he pulled Maya close, breathing in her scent, and pouring all the love he felt for her through their mate bond.

"I'll be careful," she promised. Maya stepped out of the shelter of the trees and made her way towards the cabin. Kael melted back into the shadows, as he watched his mate walk into potential danger.

As Maya reached the cabin door and disappeared inside, Kael settled in for what he knew would be an agonizing wait. Every instinct screamed at him to follow, to protect, to fight. The forest around him seemed to hold its breath, as if the very trees and stones understood the gravity of the moment. Kael's keen ears strained for any sound from the cabin, any hint of what Maya might be facing inside.

Nothing.

Just as the urge to break his promise and charge into the cabin was becoming almost overwhelming, Kael heard the crunch of approaching footsteps. His body tensed, ready for action, as he peered through the gathering darkness.

A figure emerged from the trees on the far side of the clearing — a human male with a rifle in his hand. Kael's nostrils flared as he caught the scent. It wasn't Eric, but one of the other hunters. He watched, barely breathing, as the man approached the cabin.

As the hunter reached for the cabin door, Kael's muscles coiled, ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of danger to Maya. The fate of two worlds hung in the balance, and the next few moments would determine everything.

The door swung open, and Kael heard Maya's voice, startled but quickly composing herself. "Oh! I didn't expect anyone to be here."

The hunter's gruff voice carried clearly in the still night air. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Kael's heart raced as he listened to Maya's response, marveling at the calm confidence in her tone. "I'm Maya. I came back to get my things. Look, I think there's been a huge misunderstanding. This whole Bigfoot thing? It's just an elaborate prank gone wrong."

The hunter's skepticism was palpable. "A prank? Lady, we've seen signs. Tracks, hair samples ..."

"All part of the set-up," Maya interrupted smoothly. "Look, I can prove it. See, this? It's just a costume. Really high-quality, but still a fake."

There was a long pause, and Kael strained to hear the hunter's reaction. Finally, the man spoke, his voice a mixture of anger and embarrassment. "So, this whole thing, it was all a hoax? Your boyfriend put us up to this for what? Some kind of sick joke?"

Maya's sigh was audible even from Kael's hiding spot. "I have a podcast, and I needed viewers. It was all Eric's idea. I warned him that it could get out of hand, but you can't tell him anything when he's got something in his head."

The conversation continued, Maya skillfully playing on the hunter's wounded pride, his growing anger at being duped. Kael marveled at her ability to navigate this human interaction, to turn a dangerous situation to their advantage.

As the minutes ticked by, Kael could sense the shift in the atmosphere. The hunter's initial suspicion gave way to embarrassment, then anger — not at Maya thankfully, but at Eric and the whole situation.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the hunter left the cabin, his face a storm cloud of emotions. He turned back to Maya, who stood in the doorway.

"This is bullshit."

Maya's voice was the perfect blend of apology and understanding. "I'm so sorry again. I'm sure Eric will reimburse you any costs you had for this adventure."

The hunter nodded curtly, then strode off into the forest, hopefully to gather up his companions and leave. As soon as he was out of sight, Maya's composed facade crumbled. She sagged against the doorframe, her body trembling with released tension.

Kael wanted nothing more than to rush to her, to gather her in his arms and carry her to safety. But he forced himself to wait, to ensure the hunter was truly gone. Only when he was certain there was no immediate danger did he finally emerge from his hiding place.

Maya's eyes lit up as she saw him, relief and love shining in her gaze. She stumbled towards him, and Kael closed the distance in two long strides, enveloping her in his strong arms.

"You did it," he rumbled, his voice thick with pride and residual fear. "You were amazing."

Maya buried her face in his chest, her words muffled but fervent. "I was so scared it wouldn't work. But I felt you watching over me. It gave me strength."

"We should go," he said softly, though he was loath to release her. "Before the others return."

Maya nodded, stepping back reluctantly. As they melted into the forest, leaving the cabin and the human world behind, Kael was glad his mate had chosen to stay with him and become a member of his clan. She was formidable.