Page 29 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

I pace the cave entrance.Every sense in my body is on high alert. The sound of Bella's soft breathing from deeper within only fuels my rage. She's mine to protect. Mine to keep safe.

"Jytos?" Bella's voice echoes off the stone walls. "Is everything okay?"

I turnand see her silhouette in the dim light. My heart races, a mix of desire and protective instinct surging through me. "No, not really," I growl.

She takes a hesitant step forward."What's happening?"

"Waira,"I spit the word like venom. "Getting bolder. Closer."

Her eyes widen,fear etching across her delicate features. It makes my blood boil. No one, nothing, should ever make her afraid again.

"What are we going to do?"she asks, her voice trembling.

I baremy teeth in a feral grin. "I'm going to rip them apart if they dare come near."

I stepout of the cave and scan the rocky terrain. The waira stench is stronger now, carried on the cold mountain wind. Let them come. I'll paint these rocks red with their blood. Nothing threatens what's mine and lives to tell about it.

The next morning,I lead Bella out of the cave, my tentacles twitching with anticipation. The mountain air is crisp and carries the scent of pine and distant snow. Perfect for a lesson in survival.

"Listen up,"I say firmly, my eyes locked on hers. "Out here, it's kill or be killed. You need to learn how to defend yourself."

She nods,her curls bouncing slightly. "I'm ready to learn, Jytos."

Fuck,she's beautiful. I push the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. "First, we're gonna work on your awareness. Close your eyes."

She obeys without hesitation, and I circle her slowly. My tentacles brush against her arms, causing her to shiver.

"Tell me what you hear,"I demand.

Her brow furrows in concentration."I hear... the wind in the trees. A bird calling in the distance. And... your footsteps?"

"Good,"I grunt, pleased. "Now, what do you smell?"

She inhales deeply."Pine, definitely. And... something musky. Is that you?"

I can't helpbut chuckle. "Yeah, that's me. You've got a keen nose."

Her eyes flutter open,a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Is that good?"

"Damn right it is,"I say, moving closer. "A strong sense of smell can save your life out here."

I reachout my hand and cup her face. Her skin is so soft under my rough palm. "You're doing well, Bella. But there's more to learn."

I showher how to move silently through the underbrush, how to spot signs of predators, how to find water. She's a quick study, her eyes bright with interest. It stirs something in me seeing her so eager to learn my ways.

As the lesson progresses,I find myself watching her more intently. The way she moves, the sound of her voice, the curve of her lips when she smiles. It's driving me fucking crazy.

"Jytos?"her voice snaps me back to reality. "Is everything okay?"

I realizeI've been staring. "Yeah, everything's fine. You're just... you're doing good, that's all."

She beams at the praise,and I can't take it anymore. In two quick strides, I'm right in front of her. My tentacles coil around her waist, pulling her close.

"Bella,"I growl, my voice low and rough. "I can't help myself anymore."

Before she can respond,I crash my lips against hers. It's fierce and hungry, filled with all the pent-up desire I've been holding back.

To my surprise and delight,she doesn't pull away. Instead, she melts into the kiss, her small hands gripping my arms.

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