Page 29 of Bigfoot's Bride

“I tried to warn you…” I thump her on the back wishing I would have tried harder.

She's not listening. She's fanning herself between hiccups.

Ten minutes later, I really, really regret not trying harder to caution her about the Giir when she climbs up on the table and begins belting out what I can only assume is a popular human song as she squats and wiggles her ass back and forth.

I shake my head, chuckling. Until she starts to sway dangerously.

Scooping her up, I throw her over my shoulder. "Alright. I think it's time we get you to bed."

“Aww,” she pouts. Then she pounds on my back with her small fists, giggling uncontrollably. "Put me down, you big lug! I want to walk!"

Out in the corridor, I set her down gently, keeping a steadying hand on her as she weaves and bobs like a drunken bumblebee.

As we make our way from Taps to my cave, Kiki serenades the caverns with her off-key warbling. I can't keep the grin off my face. This ridiculous, adorable, infuriating woman has thoroughly bewitched me.

I walk a few paces behind her, ready to catch her should she stumble. As she rounds the corner, Kiki suddenly lets out a yelp before falling backward. I lunge to catch her, but she's already sprawled on the ground, blinking up at a scowling Wmffre.

His lip curls in disgust as he looms over Kiki, staring down his nose at her.

Red hot fury rushes through my veins. A feral growl slips from my throat.

Wmffre scowls, his fists clenched at his sides, but doesn’t back down.

I’ll wipe that look off his face. I’ll tear his head off his shoulders for daring to touch my mate, for scaring her and causing her to fall.

I lean forward, snarling ferociously and flashing my fangs menacingly. Wmffre does the same so we’re snarl to snarl.

Kiki's words from last night echo in my head. And the promise I made her—no killing.

“Sheran intome,“ Wmffre spits out, his eyes glowing red with the fires of anger.

The rage still runs red hot through my veins as well, but a promise is a promise,

“Keep your hands off my mate,” my words sound more like growls from a feral beast than a demand from a civilized creature.

For a moment, I think Wmffre might actually challenge me, push me further. Good I’m ready. But he must see something in my eyes, the willingness of a male to fight to the death for his mate, no doubt, because he merely scoffs and says, "Gladly."

He takes a step back, his eyes never leaving mine. “Look at you. Threatening me when we have always been friends, Gruffydd.” He shakes his head. “I warned you that humans in Grotto would lead to nothing but trouble.”

Anger still simmers in my gut as he sidesteps me and stalks off.

Kiki stares up from the ground, a dreamy smile plastered on her face. Crouching, I scoop her into my arms. She lays her head against my shoulder patting my chest, her eyelids drooping. "My hero," she mumbles into my fur.

The last of my desire to fight drains out of me as I look down at her sleepy, trusting face. "Let's get you to bed, sunshine. You've had quite a night."

I carry her to my cave and tuck her gently under the blankets. She's out like a light in seconds.

Climbing in beside her, I gather her close, marveling at how perfectly she fits against me.

As I hold her, listening to her loud snores fill the space, I know one thing for certain. I will move mountains to keep this woman safe and happy. I will care for her with every fiber of my being.

And I will love her forever.

Chapter 19

Kiki

“What do they put in this stuff? Crack?”