Grounded By Love (The Giant Wars #2)(48)

If he had no power to stop the giants, she could only hope the villagers would be smart enough to abandon their homes when they heard a giant army was marching on them. The human armies barely made it out of the battles alive. The villagers would have no chance, if they decided to defend their homes.

Each side was committed, neither wanted to back down or draw up a truce.

There was nothing she could do to save lives that weren’t near her. She couldn’t stop anything, and she had other things to worry about like a castle full of rock giants.

Claira wasn't certain going to the rock giant castle would be such a great idea for her. Surely, none of the giants would be thrilled to have a human woman walking among them, even if she meant them absolutely no malicious intent. She was going to be presented to yet another group of people that wouldn't accept her.

Her back straightened, both with dread and determination. She wouldn't let them beat her down, but she also didn't want to rub them the wrong way. Claira wasn't keen on the idea of literally losing her head. If she went to the rock giant castle, she would always have her back pressed to a wall.

Her determination deflated a little, as she kept thinking about it.

Kaeldar was one rock giant she could trust, even if they were having a disagreement about innocents getting hurt during wars.

Kaeldar came over to put a finger under her chin and lifted her head up so she met his eyes. “I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, but I can’t save anyone else.”

She gave him a smile, but she was still twisted in knots. He might be willing to protect her, but he might not have enough power to keep her safe forever.

If anything, this was showing her there might be too many differences. She was a human healer, and he was a rock giant warrior. A worrisome thought for a little later, but Claira needed to focus on the present, not the unpredictable future.

The best thing for now was to hope Kaeldar did have enough influence to keep her safe among so many rock giants. So far he kept her safe from all the terrifying giant warriors currently around them.

Shaking her head, she pushed it from her mind.

After taking a few breaths, she was steady enough to go out and face the knowing stares of the rock giant warriors. If what Kaeldar said was correct, then the rock giant warriors knew she slept with him.

Putting back her shoulders she got ready to face them. If she couldn’t face down a few terrifying giant warriors, then she wouldn’t last in a castle full of them.

Kaeldar went out first, but held open the tent flap for her.

As she stepped through the threshold, the rock giants around them glanced over at her. Maybe it was just her imagination, but she felt like their gazes lingered on her and Kaeldar. She wasn't blind, she able to catch the winks thrown in Kaeldar’s direction.

Kaeldar was correct. They knew.

“Can’t they mind their own business?” Claira hissed over at him.

“They’re males, and there isn’t much to do around here.”

“Except kill innocents.” She whispered, under her breath.

As they walked through the camp, she wasn't able to understand the giants, but she knew their callouts to Kaeldar were more than just innocent morning greetings. Her mind raced. She didn't like being the only woman among so many large strong men.

Claira was so engrossed in her thoughts that when Kaeldar gave a cough she startled.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“Yes.” Her hand came up to push her hair behind her ear. “I was just absorbed in my thoughts.”

He gave a chuckle. “I could see that, since you were about to walk past my horse.”

A frown formed on her lips, as she glared at him. “Here I thought you might be concerned about me.”

Kaeldar mounted up on his horse, and then offered a hand down to her. “We need to get going.”

Her hand hovered above his, but she didn't grab it. Instead, she looked up at him and asked, “May I ask one favor of you?”

“If it is within my ability to fulfill.” He responded, still with his hand outstretched to her.

“Would you mind swinging me up to sit side saddle in front of you?”

“Of course.” He almost seemed surprised she thought that would have to be a favor. He took her hand into his own and gently swung her up in front of him.

“Doing alright?” Kaeldar asked her, once she settled in front of him.

“Yes, thank you so much.” She snapped. How could she be pleased with him, when he wasn’t going to at least try to save those villagers? She wanted to yell at him, but causing a scene wouldn’t be in her best interest. The rock giants would expect him to do something about her causing trouble.

If he noticed the tone of her voice, he didn’t give any indication.

A rock giant came up beside them and offered Kaeldar the tent, which had been wrapped up into a tight roll. Kaeldar accepted the tent roll and tied it down to the back of the saddle.

“How are my horses doing?” Claira asked, hoping Kaeldar would know.

“They’re doing fine and have already been readied to go. I made sure of that this morning, when I went to grab us some breakfast.”

“Thank you.”

“Again, your horses will be following at the end of the group.”

Claira kept her back rigid. There would be no resting against Kaeldar's chest, until she figured herself out. She liked him, but she wanted those villagers to be saved.