Grounded By Love (The Giant Wars #2)(54)

“Claira?” Kaeldar's voice penetrated her thoughts.

Looking up she saw his brows drawn together.

“We are leaving soon so be sure you are ready.” He left her, so he could ready their horses.

She stared after him, until he left her sight. He definitely seemed to be excited about returning back to his people.

There was a small part of her that was also thrilled about getting on the road. After all, she would be the first human to lay eyes on the rock giant castle. What could possibly be more thrilling, even if it was just as terrifying?

Claira had no idea how they might receive her, but she decided to be on the optimistic side. She’d either live or be killed at the front gates.

Before she knew it, everything was readied, and she was tucked against Kaeldar's front on his impressive black stallion. He had all of his armor on, and his helmet covered his face, except for his dark eyes. She was able to see a steely glint there, like he was mentally preparing himself for a confrontation.

She knew what the confrontation would be about. Her. She’d probably be a sore spot with the other rock giants in the castle.

Which didn't make her feel any better. She didn't want to be a burden for Kaeldar, but at the same time she wanted to be with him. Either way, it didn’t matter. The chance to turn around was already long gone.

"Kaeldar?" Claira asked, as she twisted her bottom around to get a look at his helmeted face.

His black eyes glanced down at her, as his head held completely still. "Yes, Claira?"

She swallowed down a few twinges of uneasiness. "Are we getting close?"

"With every step we grow closer, but it will still be some time, before we reach the castle." He informed her, before turning his attention back to the area around them.

It seemed as though he was growing distant from her. It could all just be in her mind, but she really felt like he might be trying to put space between the both of them. Or maybe this was his warrior side coming through, and he had been showing her a glimpse of his lover's side.

She decided she liked that explanation best and was going to let it rest at that for now. No need to make a scene in public.

Turning back around she tried to keep her mind off arriving at the rock giant castle.




By the time the sun was hanging halfway in the sky, her nerves were shot. She wasn't able to stop chewing on her thumbnail, and there were butterflies zooming around in her stomach, as she thought about being surrounded by rock giants who were all taller and stronger than her.

What would the women be like? Would they accept her into their fold?

Human women thrived off of gossip and rumors, at least, from what Claira had experienced from being the brunt of most of them. She wondered if the giant women would at all be like that or if she might have a chance at befriending some.

"Claira?"

"Yes?"

"We are stopping for a break. Would you like to stretch your legs, before we head off again?" Kaeldar asked her.

He seemed so detached, like he could care less what she ended up deciding.

"Sure. I could use a walk around, my legs are sore from all this riding." Claira wished the helmet wasn’t blocking her view of his face, because she wasn’t able to read the emotions of metal plating.

Her lips turned down into a frown, when he offered his hand to her. She wasn’t enjoying this new side to him.

Once her feet met the ground Kaeldar asked, "Is there something amiss?"

Claira didn't even bother looking up to read the emotions in his dark eyes. "Nothing at all is amiss. I am just nervous about our upcoming arrival."

Before he had a chance to answer, she walked away briskly and made her way into the forest. She needed some time by herself, without all the snorting of the horses and the clanking of the armor. Claira wanted some silence to harness her feelings.

Finding a sturdy log Claira took a seat and admired the scene before her. Taking in a few deep breathes she settled her raging nerves. Soon she was able to hear the sound of leaves crunching under an armored foot. She let Kaeldar come around the log, instead of turning to acknowledge his presence.

"Claira, will you not tell me what is wrong?" Kaeldar asked, as he lifted his helmet off of his head.

She loved the way his hair flowed out from the confines of the helmet. It was one of his charms she adored about him. Shoulder length black hair that would disappear between her legs and bring her immense pleasure.

"There is nothing wrong." She just needed to figure herself out. Her mind and body weren’t aligned, and it was tearing at her.

Bending down on one knee, helmet between his body and arm, Kaeldar looked into her eyes. Then he lifted a hand to cup one side of her face, rubbing a thumb over her cheek bone.

“If something is wrong, I want you to tell me.” His gaze seemed to penetrate her very essence, like he was searching for something. What, she had no idea, but he was searching for it all the same.




Kaeldar glanced over the top of her golden head at the warriors who were still able to spot them through the trees. He gave each of them a stern glance, until they turned away, but they were right to be puzzled.

Even Kaeldar was bewildered by how enamored he was with Claira. She was a human female, he was a rock giant male. No two were more unsuited for each other than they were.

There should be nothing, no feelings between the two of them, yet there was something lingering. Something he wasn't sure he wanted to name, because it fell in the category of affection.