Grounded By Love (The Giant Wars #2)(85)

She’d uttered words he hadn't returned, though he felt love for her. It was the reason why he’d given her up, so he could make sure he could provide for her safety.

He hoped she would forgive him for what he’d done, making her feel as though she had no one by her side and for making her feel as though he might not return her feelings.

Now though, he was back, and he was here to take her away, assuming she would want to leave with him.

Kaeldar waited and watched, as Claira went from house to house, until she finally made a last stop which he assumed must be her own home.

It was enough for today. He would just have to be patient and wait for his opportunity to get her alone.




It took a few days, before she travelled outside of the village. The only downside? She had the company of a human male.

Kaeldar watched on, as they talked, but he trailed too far behind to hear what was said between them. It frustrated him like no other, but he didn’t want to blow his cover.

Claira carried what looked like a basket ladened with food, and the man carried a blanket.

Were they together? Had she moved on?

He tried to keep himself calm. He would know more soon, there was no need to rush to any conclusions. He hadn't wanted her to wait around, right?

Now he wasn't so sure. He must’ve thought she wouldn't get along with any villagers and hadn’t been worried about her falling in love.

How selfish of him, but she was his. Kaeldar wasn’t about to give up winning her back, if he could.

If they were together, that male would have quite the fight on his hands, because Kaeldar wasn't about to give up hope on having a future with Claira.

Eventually, the pair stopped in a small meadow, set out their blanket, and sat down. Claira spread out the food before them, as they talked. Kaeldar was able to get a little closer, but it was as if they were afraid of being overheard for they kept their voices at almost a whisper.

Claira turned her green eyes on the male and said something that caused the male’s smile to disappear.

Kaeldar smiled, good, he didn't want the male being happy. This scene already looked cozy enough.

But then the human male lifted Claira's hands and pressed a kiss onto the tops of her delicate skin, as a light blush creeped over her cheeks.

Rage poured through Kaeldar's body, until he saw crimson. Looking around he grabbed the closest branch off the ground and rushed in. He cracked the branch against the man's skull.

A scream pierced through the air, as Claira scrambled back.

Their eyes met, and her eyes widened, as she registered it was him. "Kaeldar?"

He growled down at her.

"How could you have done this? You didn't have to kill him!" She rushed over to the prone male's side, frustrating Kaeldar even more. He hated the fact she was worried for the other male.

"He isn't dead." Kaeldar muttered.

"I'll be the one to determine that, thank you." She reached over placing her fingers against the male's neck. A sigh of relief parted her lips, when she felt his pulse.

Fed up with waiting Kaeldar reached down and grabbed her wrist, jerked her up, and dragged her away from the picnic area.




Claira couldn't believe Kaeldar. She sat on his horse stunned, as he took them away. It had been so long since they’d seen each other that she would never have expected to see him again.

How could she possibly explain what had occurred to Christopher, when she got back? She couldn't think of any excuse for what had happened to knock out her suitor.

She had been so sure she would never see Kaeldar again.

Kaeldar soon stopped, swung her down to the ground, and then dismounted himself.

Claira gave him no moment to explain himself.

"How dare you!" She screamed. "How dare you come into my life and ruin what I made for myself! I told you I loved you, and you walked away from me! Thanks to you, I will have to settle some where new, because I have no way to explain what has just happened!"

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to shed them in front of Kaeldar.

It felt like it was just yesterday he had left her without saying so much as a goodbye, since her emotions were so pure and raw. She wasn't able to handle what was boiling under her skin.

"I realize all of that is true."

"Yet it didn't stop you from rushing in and ruining everything." The tears finally spilled over, and she wiped angrily at them. This was no time for tears. She wanted to be strong in front of him.

Kaeldar sighed heavily and even through her heated gaze she was able to realize he looked weary. There seemed to be something different about him, but she couldn’t place her finger on it.

Before she could react, he wrapped his strong arms around her, and she melted against him. It had been so long, and she’d craved his touch more than she realized.

"Why have you come back Kaeldar?"

"To bring you back."

"Bring me back?"

"Yes, Claira. I have come to bring you back with me."

"Were you ever going to ask if I wanted to come with you?"

"Yes, I was, my sweet, but I saw him kiss your hand. I’m not perfect, and a rage consumed me, and before I knew it I struck him down."

She remained quite, and then pushed away. Her eyes flashed, as she demanded, "And why would I ever go back with you to the rock giant castle?"