Page 42 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

"I don't wantanything bad to happen to you ever again," I growl, pulling her close. My tentacles wrap around her waist, holding her tight against my chest.

I suddenly crushmy lips against hers, pouring all my possessiveness and need into the kiss. When we break apart, we're both breathless.

"We should get back to work,"she says, her cheeks flushed.

I nod,reluctantly releasing her. "You're right. Those fuckers could show up any time."

We returnto our preparations with renewed vigor. As night falls, we've transformed the area around our cave into a deadly gauntlet. I survey our hard work with satisfaction, my tentacles twitching with anticipation.

"Now we wait,"I tell her, pulling her close once more. "And when those bastards come, we'll be ready for them."

The next morning,my eyes scan the dimly lit cave as I take in the sight of Bella eagerly making more preparations. Her brown curls catch the flicker of the morning light, and for a moment, the harsh reality of our situation fades into the background. She's become more than just a way to ease my loneliness – she's my confidant, my pupil, my everything.

I clear my throat,the sound echoing off the stone walls. "Bella," I say, my voice gruffer than I intend. "I need to teach you some more advanced fighting techniques. Those waira could be here any second and we may get separated."

She turns to face me,her brown eyes wide and earnest. "I'm ready, Jytos. Teach me what I need to know to survive any attack."

The determinationin her voice sends a surge of pride through me. I nod, gesturing for her to follow me deeper into the cave. "Good. First, we'll work on your reflexes."

We spend hours training.I throw objects at her – stones, bits of wood – and she dodges them with increasing agility. Her small size and quick movements are an asset, and she uses them to her full advantage.

"Faster,Bella. You can't hesitate, not even for a second," I instruct, my sharp gaze never leaving her.

She grunts with effort,her body twisting and turning in a dance of survival. "I won't let you down, Jytos," she promises between breaths.

As the hours wear on, her skills improve dramatically. She's a natural, and every successful dodge or swift counterattack makes my chest swell with approval. I find myself watching her more intently, not just as her protector and mentor, but as an admirer captivated by her resilience and strength.

The airaround us grows heavier as the night draws near. We're both sweaty and exhausted, but there's a spark in her eyes that ignites something deep within me. I can see her confidence growing with each passing moment, and it's a heady sight to behold.

"Enough for today,"I say finally, my voice low and weary. Even though I can't tear my eyes away from her.

My tentaclessoon coil restlessly at my sides as my exhaustion threatens to overtake me. We head towards our bed in the corner of the cave. It's simply a pile of furs and soft moss, but in this moment, it feels like the most luxurious palace.

She settles onto the bed,her eyes never leaving mine. "Thank you, Jytos," she says softly. "For teaching me how to protect myself, even though I know you could easily protect me."

I shake my head,moving to sit beside her. "You don't owe me any thanks, Bella. You mean the world to me. I want you to be safe, even if that means protecting yourself at times."

She smiles at that,a soft, genuine smile that lights up her entire face. "You mean the world to me too."

Her words piercethrough the armor I've built around my heart. I lean in, capturing her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss. My tentacles reach out, cradling her body against mine. The soft curves of her figure drive me wild with desire, and I deepen the kiss, claiming her mouth with an urgency that leaves us both breathless.

As we break apart,I can see the hunger in her eyes – a hunger that matches my own. "Bella," I growl, my voice barely recognizable. "You're driving me mad with want."

I pullher closer to me, our bodies entwined in a desperate embrace, but I manage to control myself…for now. We can't afford to be distracted in this moment with the waira so close to our sanctuary.

We lie tangledin each other's arms, and I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. This woman – this brave, beautiful, incredible woman – has come to mean more to me than I ever thought possible.

"Sleep now, my fierce little survivor,"I murmur into her hair, my tentacles draped protectively over her body. "Tomorrow, we face whatever comes our way. Together."

And as sleepfinally claims us both, I know that whatever the future holds, we'll face it head-on – side by side. Because Bella is mine, and I am hers, and nothing in this world will ever change that.

21

BELLA

The morning sun filters through the cave entrance, casting long shadows across the rocky floor. I push another heavy boulder into place and my muscles strain with the effort. Jytos moves beside me, his powerful form dwarfing mine as he effortlessly lifts stones twice my size.

"That should hold off those bastard waira," he growls, his deep voice laced with irritation.

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