Grounded By Love (The Giant Wars #2)(37)

“If this isn't your tent, then where is the rock giant sleeping who you took it from?” Claira asked, since this tent had already been set up when they arrived at the last camp.

“He is sharing with another warrior in the camp.”

“Must be nice being a commander, with the lower ranks giving you their supplies.” Claira commented.

“It has its advantages.” He winked at her.

“I bet it does.”

“I doubt you want to be spending time in a cramped tent with me.”

That was true. She was bound to spend most of her time in the tent, and the bigger the better.

“What will we be doing next?” She asked Kaeldar, hoping some food would be involved. Her stomach growled its agreement up at her.

“We will be joining the men for some food.”

“Please, lead the way.” She smiled up at him.

When he stood this close to her, she really had to tilt her head back to look up at him. Claira felt so small next to him, and for some strange reason it made her feel a little giddy inside.

Shouldn’t she hate him? He’d killed Robert, but he also thought he’d been protecting her. Then again, was she going to judge him for that one action? It had been a split second decision. He was trained to react and ask questions later.

Taking her mind off her thoughts, Kaeldar led the way through camp.

She followed quickly, not wanting to get too far behind. She never wanted to be left alone, while in a rock giant camp. Last night was still vivid in her memory, and she had no intention of repeating it with another rock giant warrior.

When they arrived at the campfire, the rocks giants stopped in their conversations to stare at the both of them. Most of the glances were cast in her specific direction.

A couple looks they gave her were more inviting then she would’ve hoped. Claira was, clearly, still an attractive bedmate, a human woman to be used and thrown away.




Claira wasn't the only one to notice the looks thrown her way. Kaeldar glared every single rock giant down. Claira was his, and he was determined to make it clear. If this was the card he had to play to make sure she was safe, then he would.

If he laid a clear claim to her body as his war prize, most of these men would enforce that rule, if he were to ever leave her alone in the camp. Which meant she would have many guardians within the camp without her even knowing about it. She had to be more than just a healer.

After they ate their fill, he was ready to begin his plan. He knew Claira was not going to like this, but it was necessary, even if it would cause a possible rift between them.




“Had your fill?” Kaeldar leaned over to ask in her ear. His breath tickling her face.

“Yes, thank you.” Claira said licking off her fingers.

“Then let us head back to the tent for some rest.”

Claira thought the night had gone well, compared to last night. She’d been able to eat dinner without being accosted by any of the warriors, and she thought that counted as a decent night.

As she turned to head in the direction of the tent, Kaeldar's strong arm wrapped around her slim waist, halting her progress. As she looked down at his arm, Kaeldar's other hand grabbed one of her breasts.

Her mouth popped open, as shock radiated through her body.

Someone else must have grabbed her, when she had risen from her seat. Kaeldar wasn't capable of this. He would never be capable of something like this.

A growl came from right behind her ear. When she looked up to see around her, she saw that every single rock giant was looking straight at her. Well, actually they were staring straight behind her.

None of the faces around her were Kaeldar's, which meant he had to be the one behind her. He was grabbing her breast! How could he be doing this to her?

“What are you doing?!” Claira gasped. She was stunned he would do something like this to her.

Instead of answering her, he ducked his head down to nuzzle her neck, in front of everyone.

“Kaeldar! Leave me alone!” Claira started to throw a fit. Had he too much to drink or was he just losing his mind?

Throwing her head back she tried to hit him, but missed.

His growling stopped, as he swung her up and into his arms. Her cheek was plastered to his shoulder, as she gaped up at him.

Kaeldar had fooled her. She thought he was her knight in shining armor, for the most part, but now he was a stranger to her.

“Kaeldar, put me back on my feet. Now!” She screeched in his ear, at full volume.

Growling down at her, he managed to maneuver her in his arms enough to wrap a hand around her mouth.

They entered the tent, and Kaeldar plopped her down on her feet. Backing away from him she got her bearings before suddenly coming forward with her arm raised.

The smack was so satisfying.

Her hand landed across his face so fast, he had no time to react. She could tell by his expression he hadn't expected her to react in this way. Eventually, a frown formed on his oh-so-handsome face, as he reached up to rub his jaw.

“I can't believe what you just did!” Claira burst out. “In front of all those men! Now what will they think of me?”

When he opened his mouth to talk to her, she quickly continued. “I'm not some whore you can just grope in front of the troops, and then stroll off with me like you’re getting something tonight.”