Page 30 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

When we finally break apart,we're both breathing hard. Her eyes are wide and her lips swollen from the kiss.

"Jytos,"she whispers, her voice trembling slightly. "I... I didn't realize just how much you desired me."

I cupher face in my hands, my thumbs tracing her cheekbones. "How could I not? You're beautiful and amazing, Bella."

The word 'love'hovers on the tip of my tongue, but I can't bring myself to say it. Not yet. Instead, I pull her close again, burying my face in her hair and inhaling her scent.

"We should head back,"I mutter, reluctantly releasing her. "It's getting dark, and the waira will be out soon."

As we makeour way back to the cave, I keep her close, my tentacles wrapped protectively around her. The survival lesson may be over, but I have a feeling our real adventure is just beginning.

I pace the cave,my body twitching with restless energy. Bella's scent lingers in the air, driving me fucking crazy. It's been days since that kiss, and I can't get it out of my head. The taste of her lips, the softness of her skin under my rough hands – it haunts me.

"Jytos?"Her voice breaks through my thoughts. "Are you alright?"

I turn to face her,my eyes locking onto hers. She's standing there, all soft curves and gentle grace. It takes every ounce of my willpower not to grab her and claim her right then and there.

"I'm fine,"I growl, my voice harsher than I intend. "Just thinking."

She takes a step closer,and I can hear her heart rate pick up. "About what?"

I clench my fists,my nails digging into my palms. "About you, Bella. About us."

Her eyes widen,and I catch a whiff of... is that desire? Fuck, it's intoxicating.

"Oh,"she breathes, her cheeks flushing. "I've been thinking about that too."

I closethe distance between us in two long strides. My tentacles reach out, wrapping gently around her waist. "Yeah? And what have you been thinking?"

She bites her lip,and it takes all my self-control not to kiss her right then. "I... I'm not sure. This is all so new to me."

I grabher hands and look deep into her eyes. "It's new for me too. But I know what I want."

"What's that?"she asks, her voice soft.

"You,"I growl. "All of you. But only if you want me too."

She leans into my touch,her eyes fluttering closed. "I do, Jytos. I'm just... scared."

I pull her closer,my body enveloping hers. "You don't need to be scared with me, Bella. I'll protect you. Always."

She nods,burying her face in my chest. I stroke her hair, marveling at its softness. This feeling... it's more than just desire. It's something deeper, something I've never felt before.

But doesshe feel the same? The uncertainty gnaws at me, a feeling I'm not used to. I'm Jytos, the last of the Umbrath. I don't do uncertainty. I take what I want.

But Bella...she's different. She's not something to be taken. She's to be cherished, protected. Loved.

Fuck.Love. Is that what this is?

I look down at her,nestled against me, and I know. Yeah, this is love. And it's the most terrifying thing I've ever faced.

Later that day,I watch Bella from the cave entrance, my muscles tense as she wanders further into the forest. Every instinct screams at me to grab her, to drag her back to the safety of our den. But I force myself to stay put, my claws digging into the rocky outcrop.

"Don't go too far,"I growl, my voice carrying on the wind.

She turns, a smile playing on her lips. "I won't, Jytos. I promise."

Fuck,that smile does things to me. I grunt in response, my eyes never leaving her as she explores. The sunlight catches in her hair, making it shine like polished copper. She looks so small out there, so fragile. One swipe from a waira's claw could tear her apart.

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