Page 44 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

He catches my gaze, a question in his eyes. I answer with a smile, letting him see the truth in my heart. He may be a monster in the eyes of the world, but to me, he's everything. And I'll stand by him, no matter what.

My heart races as I watch him move around the cave making his final inspection of our fortifications. It's not fear this time that courses through my veins—it's a fierce, all-consuming love. And in this moment, I can't deny it any longer. I love him, this dark, terrifying beast who has become my protector, my confidant, my everything.

I step forward, my hand reaching out to him, my voice a whisper of need. "Jytos."

He turns to me, his eyes questioning. I don't need to say more; the look in my eyes must betray my thoughts. He moves towards me, a predatory grace in his step, and I'm reminded of the first time I saw him, a shadow among shadows. Now, he's the light in my darkness.

My hands tremble as they touch his chest, feeling the cool, slick texture of his black skin. He's watching me, giving me the space to explore, to take what I need. I rise on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his. The kiss is hesitant at first, but then he responds with a fervor that leaves me breathless. His tentacles wrap around me, pulling me flush against him. I can feel the evidence of his arousal, hard and insistent against my belly.

He growls into the kiss, a sound that vibrates through me, setting my nerves alight. "Bella," he murmurs against my lips, "you have no idea what you do to me."

I pull back slightly, looking up into his eyes. "I want all of you, Jytos. No holding back."

A flash of something—surprise, maybe—crosses his face before he crushes his mouth to mine once more. His kiss is demanding, dominating, and I yield to him, letting him take control. His hands roam my body, tugging at my clothing, impatient to claim what's his.

He breaks the kiss long enough to strip me of my gown, the cool air of the cave pebbling my skin. But I don't feel the cold; I'm burning up from the inside out. He lifts me effortlessly, his tentacles supporting my weight as I wrap my legs around his waist.

I can feel the rough texture of the cave wall against my back as he presses me against it. His mouth trails a path of fire down my neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin. I'm panting, moaning, my fingers tangling in his tentacles, holding on for dear life as he drives me wild with desire.

"Mine," he grunts, the word a primal claim that resonates deep within my soul.

I nod, beyond words, lost in the maelstrom of sensation. He enters me with one powerful thrust, and I cry out, the sound echoing off the cavernous walls. He stills, giving me a moment to adjust to his size, his eyes searching mine for any sign ofdiscomfort. But there's none; there's only a desperate need for more.

"Please, Jytos," I beg, my voice hoarse with longing.

With a growl of approval, he begins to move, each stroke stoking the fire that threatens to consume us both. His rhythm is relentless, driving us higher and higher, until I'm teetering on the brink of ecstasy.

"Come for me, Bella," he commands, his voice a harsh rasp in my ear.

And I do, my body shattering into a thousand pieces, my cries of release muffled by his kiss. He follows me over the edge, his own climax a guttural roar that seems to shake the very foundations of the cave.

We stay there, locked together, our bodies slick with sweat and the aftermath of our lovemaking. He gently sets me down, his tentacles caressing my skin in soothing strokes. I lean into his touch, feeling cherished, protected.

"I love you, Jytos," I murmur, the words feeling right, true.

He gazes down at me, and for a moment, I see vulnerability in his eyes, a softness that he reserves only for me. "I love you too, Bella. More than the darkness loves the night."

And in this moment, with the echoes of our passion still lingering in the air, I know that we'll face whatever comes our way—together.

22

JYTOS

Iwake with a start and my senses are instantly alert. The howls of the waira pierce the air, closer than ever before. Fuck. They're coming.

"Bella," I growl, shaking her gently. "Wake up. It's time."

Her eyes flutter open, confusion quickly replaced by understanding. She's on her feet in seconds, grabbing the makeshift bow and arrow we crafted yesterday.

"How close?" she asks, her voice steady despite the fear I can smell on her.

I cock my head, listening. "Too damn close. We need to move. Now."

We spring into action. Our plan soon unfolds with practiced precision. Bella heads to the cave entrance, ready to roll the boulder we'd positioned there. I stretch my tentacles and feel the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"Remember," I say, my voice low and commanding. "Stay behind me. No matter what happens."

She nods, her jaw set with determination. "I've got your back, Jytos."

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