Page 16 of In Love With the Leshy

“Coyotes.”

“Really?” I hug the make-shift blanket, as if that will make me invisible to a bloodthirsty animal that might be lurking in the shadows.

“No need to worry. They’ve been banished from this part of the forest.”

“Yeah, but when I go to my car—”

“That is why you’re resting that ankle.” He points to my foot. “I will take you as far as I can, and I’ll protect you for as long as you are in the forest. Once you step foot out of it, I won’t be much help.”

“Why not? Outside, you grew two or three feet taller. You claim to be the bear that befriended me.”

He nods. “I have enormous power in the confines of the forest. I can take the shape of any living thing that exists here. I can control it all here, too. Outside of my domain, my magic is weak, and I’ll be no taller than a blade of grass.”

“Really?” I’m tempted to ask him to show me because of how impossible it seems for someone so large to shrink into something so small.

“Yes.”

A thought pops into my mind. It’s the reason I’m here. He is the protector I’ve been looking for and the only one who can help me. Hopefully, he’ll have the information I need.

“Em, I need to find a woman named Masha. Can you help me?”

“What do you want with her?”

“Her grandmother gave me something for Masha and, before she died, made me promise to find her and give it to her. Can you help me?”

“Irina’s dead?” His face drops, and tears trickle down his cheeks. I scoot closer to him and climb up on my knees. I reach for his face and hold it in my hands as I wipe his tears with my thumbs.

“Aww, Em.” I want to press my lips against his. Against his neck. I want to distract him and take his mind off of his pain. “You knew Irina?”

“Of course. She created me.”

“Are you saying she’s your mother?”

“Not in the sense that you’re thinking. Back in the old country, her ancestors were Druids,” he speaks as if I’m supposed to know what he means. “They passed down magic and spells through the centuries. Soon after she came to this country, her daughter Tatiana went missing while Irina was caring for Masha. Tatiana had been killed by grifters in the area. Irina researched some of the spells and magic components her own mother left her and created this vessel for me. My purpose is to lord over and protect everything in the forest so that she and Masha always have a safe place to hide.”

“You know Masha?” A new wave of excitement surges through me. “You know where I can find her?”

“Of course. I’ve been waiting for you to ask.”

“Can we go to her now? I don’t want to waste time and risk her leaving.” I try to stand but wince as a jolt of pain spears through me, and I sway, hoping not to fall on the dirt floor. Strong, solid arms wrap around and steady me. Nervous about our proximity, my breath hitches. I lay my hands on his rock-like biceps. Not to push him away, but to explore the muscles.

“Shh.” With an arm around my shoulder, Em guides me back down on the bed. I feel his warm, minty breath brush over my lips as his chest and torso brush against mine, causing the tips of my breasts to tighten in response.

Every spot on my body that he touches tingles, like I’m wearing a full body TENS unit. Chest to chest, I feel the heavy thump of his heart. I clasp my hands behind his neck and pull him closer. We are dangerously close, staring into each other’s eyes.

“Rest,” he whispers, unable to hide the huskiness in his voice. He kisses the tip of my nose and pulls out of my embrace. “Tomorrow, I’ll bring you to her home.”

“Are you sure? I can’t believe she’s really here. I didn’t believe Irina. I thought she was crazy.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t worry. It’s human nature to doubt things such as magic and Leshies. It’s understandable to believe those are the ramblings of an old woman.”

“I guess. I feel like a heel. If Irina had told me the whole story, I could’ve brought her here. She could’ve been safe and might still be alive.” I stare at the gray and white fur beneath me, embarrassed that I didn’t find Irina’s claims plausible. Even a few minutes ago, sitting in the home of a Leshy, talking, I still had doubts.

“It’s. Okay.” Lifting my chin with his finger, he meets my stare. “She’s happy you’re fulfilling your promise. All she ever wanted was for Masha to be safe and have a good life.”

“Is that life with you?”

“With my protection, yes. But she is not my mate if that is what you’re asking.”

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