Page 24 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

He turns to me, his green eyes glowing in the dim light. "For what?"

I take a slow, steady breath, gathering my thoughts. "For taking care of me. For being patient with me. I know I was terrified at first, but you've been... kind."

A rumble escapes him. "You are truly different, Bella. You stay with me. You speak kindly to me."

His words touch something deep inside of me. "I guess we're both a little different, aren't we?"

He nods and smiles. "Perhaps that is why we fit."

My heart skips a beat at his words. Do we fit? The thought should terrify me, but instead, it sends a thrill through my body.

"I've been thinking," I continue, emboldened by his openness. "About how you protect this territory. It's... care, in its own way."

His tentacles twitch, and I wonder if I've surprised him. "Yes," he says simply. "I protect what is mine."

The possessiveness in his voice should frighten me, but instead, it makes me feel... safe. Valued. I realize suddenly that no one has ever made me feel that way before.

His eyes lock onto mine, and the intensity in them takes my breath away. Slowly, so slowly, he raises one of his hands. I stay perfectly still as he gently, almost reverently, brushes a strand of hair from my face.

In that moment, something shifts between us. The fear and uncertainty that have clouded our interactions melts away replaced by a tender understanding. I lean into his touch, closing my eyes.

When I open my eyes again, he is looking at me with an expression I've never seen before. It's soft, almost vulnerable. In that moment, I don't see a monster or a beast. I see someone who, like me, has been alone for far too long.

Without thinking, I lean forward and rest my head against his chest. His arm wraps gently around me and pulls me closer. The steady beat of his heart echoes in my ear, a soothing rhythm that speaks of strength and protection.

"We fit," I murmur, echoing his earlier words. And as I feel his arm tighten around me, I know in my heart that it's true.

12

JYTOS

Ipull Bella closer, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. Her soft hair tickles my chin, and I breathe in her sweet scent. My tentacles twitch with excitement, but I keep them still. Don't want to scare her off now.

"Come on," I say in a low voice. "Let me show you around some more."

She nods, her eyes wide with curiosity. I lead her even deeper into the cavern, my hand on the small of her back. The rocky walls glisten with moisture, reflecting the soft glow of bioluminescent fungi.

"Watch your step," I warn as we navigate a narrow passage.

We emerge into a larger chamber, and I can't help but smirk at her gasp of wonder. An underground stream cuts through the center, its clear waters sparkling in the dim light.

"Fresh water," I explain, gesturing to the stream. "Essential for you humans, right? Drink up whenever you want. It's clean."

She kneels by the water's edge and cups her hands to take a sip. I watch her throat move as she swallows, a primal part of me stirring at the sight.

"It's delicious," she says, looking up at me with a smile that makes my chest tighten.

"Course it is," I reply, puffing out my chest. "Only the best in my territory."

I lead her to another section of the cave, where natural shelves in the rock form perfect storage spaces. "Here's where I keep my supplies. Food, furs, whatever else I need."

She runs her fingers along a soft pelt, and I imagine those same fingers tracing the contours of my body. I shake off the thought. Not yet.

"You've made quite a home here," she says softly.

"Damn right I have," I growl, pride swelling through me. "An Umbrath knows how to survive. And now, so will you."

I turn to face her, my green eyes boring into hers. "This is your home now, too, Bella. Everything here is yours to use. You're under my protection."

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