Grounded By Love (The Giant Wars #2)(39)

It never even crossed her mind he might’ve been letting her sleep in. Instead, she thought he’d just left her, without even caring if she woke to find herself alone. Then again maybe alone was better. There was still some displeasure flowing through her, over what he’d done.

Claira rose from the fur covers and delicately lifted the tent flap with a couple fingers. She didn’t want the rock giants outside to see her spying on them. Seeing no sign of Kaeldar, she let the tent flap fall back into place.

Her eyes traveled around the inside of the tent, until she saw Kaeldar had left a few things behind.

She gave a quick glance over at the tent flap, and then hurried over to the things on the ground. She sifted through them, until she discovered a small dagger.

A few thoughts flitted through her mind. After the way Kaeldar had acted towards her, she was tempted to take the dagger for protection. Yet she was uncertain if she would even use it if presented an opportunity. She was a healer, not a killer, and she wouldn't know how to properly handle the dagger.

She warred with herself over whether or not she should take the dagger and arm herself. In the heat of the moment, she might use a dagger to defend herself. She just wouldn’t know until the moment arose, but she’d rather have the choice.

Bending down she wrapped her fingers around the hilt of the dagger. It was small, but it would be large enough to do some damage.

Frantically, she rushed to hide it within her clothing, making sure its outline didn’t show against her clothing. Once it was hidden to her satisfaction, she made her way back over to the tent flap to take another look for Kaeldar.

Before she was even able to make it a few feet, Kaeldar came striding back into the tent, and she came up short.

He eyed her for a second, and she held her breath tight in her lungs. Had he spotted the dagger? Then he handed her a biscuit and went to pack up everything inside the tent.

She hoped he wouldn’t notice the dagger had disappeared. When he finished packing and didn't show any signs of knowing, she finally let her breath out.

She took a few bites of the biscuit, as she watched on. It was good to have something other than salted meat in the morning.

“If you would like another, I have one.” Kaeldar said, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrapped up biscuit.

“Is it yours? I wouldn't want to take your breakfast.”

“It is extra, don't worry about it.” He smiled and offered it to her.

Claira took it from him, since her stomach still felt empty. These rock giants were amazing with their camp cooking skills. She would’ve thought bland mash would be served day and night.

Kaeldar ushered her out of the tent, where she stood by the already tacked up horses. She ate her biscuit, as she watched Kaeldar take down the tent again. Someday she’d have to have him teach her, but for now she was happy to just look on.

The dagger under her clothing gave her a sense of protection. Now she’d be able to defend herself from Kaeldar, if he decided to make some more advances in front of his men. The knife was more to tell him she wouldn't be putting up with him doing things like that in front of other rock giants. After all, she was not some object to be used.

If he’d made those advances in their tent, then maybe she would’ve considered it. She’d been used by a man before, and she worried Kaeldar was just doing the same. It was a long time ago, and she’d moved past it. Men could be simple minded, when it came to lust.

As she watched him pack away the tent, she couldn't help but admire the flexing of his muscled arms. She could imagine running her hands up and over the muscles below his shirt. He was definitely a pleasant distraction.

Claira felt some disappointment for his previous actions. If only he’d made a move on her while she was in the tent and not in front of his men.

As he wrapped things up, she felt herself become jittery. Would Kaeldar end up finding the dagger she’d hidden, when they mounted up?

Her heart rate sped up, as he came over and tied the tent to the back of the horse. He mounted up, bent down, and grabbed Claira around the waist.

Her heart felt like it was in her throat. She didn't want Kaeldar to discover the knife. He sat her before him on the horse, and they went on their way. She let out the breath she’d been holding.

A sense of accomplishment flowed through her that she’d been able to hide the dagger from Kaeldar. Claira wanted to yell from a mountaintop. She had a weapon to protect herself with and no one was the wiser.

She might not even need it to defend herself from Kaeldar, but another rock giant could come after her.





Chapter 13


At mid-day, they stopped and Kaeldar told her the army of rock giants would make camp. She thought it was a little early in the day to make camp, but she was just along for the ride. The break was more than welcome, because she was starving. Food sounded like a fantastic idea to her.

An area was set up for them, but they set up no fire. Instead, they just passed around a bag full of dried meat and another bag full of biscuits.

Claira settled in with a biscuit and some dried meat, while Kaeldar and all the other rock giants basically ignored her, so she enjoyed her moment of peace and quiet.




Kaeldar observed Claira from a distance. She’d been tense, since they rode off this morning. His only guess was that she hadn't been comfortable riding next to him, after what he’d done.