Page 34 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

When we finally break apart, we're both gasping. He rests his forehead against mine, his tentacles curling protectively around us.

"Mine," he says again, his voice rough with emotion.

I smile, feeling truly safe for the first time in my life. "Yours," I agree.

16

JYTOS

Icarry Bella back to the cave, her small form cradled against my chest. The scent of her blood fills my nostrils and ignites a primal rage within me. How dare that fucking waira touch what's mine?

"You're safe now," I rumble, my voice raw with emotion. "I won't let anything hurt you again."

Bella whimpers softly in pain, her fingers clutching at my skin. The sound sends a jolt through me awakening both protective and possessive instincts.

Inside the cave, I gently lay her down on the soft moss that serves as our bed. The sight of her torn clothing and the gashes on her arms and legs makes my blood boil. I want to go back out there and tear apart every waira in the vicinity.

"Stay still," I command, reaching for the healing supplies I keep nearby. "This might sting."

As I clean her wounds, I can't help but marvel at how fragile she is. Humans are such delicate creatures, yet Bella's strength continues to surprise me. She grits her teeth, only letting out small gasps of pain as I work.

"You did well out there," I tell her, my tentacles gently wrapping around her arm to hold it steady. "Fighting back like that. You're tougher than you look."

Her eyes meet mine, a mix of gratitude and something else I can't quite name shining in their depths. "Thank you for coming for me," she whispers.

The words send a surge of pride through me. Of course I came for her. She's mine to protect, mine to care for. The intensity of my feelings during the rescue catches me off guard. I've never felt this way about anyone or anything before.

"I'll always come for you," I say, my voice low and intense. "You're mine now, Bella. Nothing in this world will take you from me."

I finish tending to her wounds, my touch as gentle as I can make it. It's a stark contrast to the violence I unleashed on the waira earlier. The memory of tearing it apart, of feeling its blood on my hands, sends a thrill through me. I would do it again in a heartbeat to keep Bella safe.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, running a tentacle softly along her cheek.

She leans into the touch, her eyes fluttering closed. "Better now," she murmurs. "Thank you, Jytos."

The sound of my name on her lips does things to me I can't explain. I want to hear it again and again, preferably screamed in ecstasy. But right now isn't the time for that. She needs some rest and recovery.

"Sleep for a little while," I tell her, my voice gruff with suppressed desire. "I'll keep watch. Nothing will harm you while I'm here."

As she drifts off to sleep, I settle myself at the cave entrance, my senses on high alert. Let any creature try to come near. I'll tear them apart without hesitation. Bella is mine, and I'll protect what's mine with every ounce of strength I possess.

I pace the cave entrance, my tentacles twitching with restless energy. The memory of Bella's blood, her pain-filled cries, gnaws at me. Fuck. I should've been there sooner. Should've never let her out of my sight.

A soft rustling from inside the cave catches my attention. Bella's awake. I move to her side in an instant. I scan over her for any signs of distress.

"How're you feeling now?" I ask in a low voice.

She winces as she sits up but manages a small smile. "Better, thanks to you."

I shake my head and say in a rough voice, "I shouldn't have let you go out alone. It was careless."

"No, Jytos," she says, her voice firm despite her weakened state. "You trusted me. That means more than you know."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Trust. Such a foreign concept, yet here she is, grateful for it. I reach out, my tentacle gently brushing a stray curl from her face.

"Still," I mutter, "I should've been there sooner."

She catches my tentacle in her small hand, her touch sending a jolt through me. "You came when it mattered most. That waira would've..." She shudders, unable to finish.

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