Grounded By Love (The Giant Wars #2)(10)

She came back into the cottage, grabbed a bowl of warm soup. and walked over to the bed. Looking down at the rock giant she couldn't help but smile. Whether or not he realized it, she’d worked a miracle here. If she hadn’t noticed him moving on the battlefield, he would be a rotting corpse.

She wished the rock giant had more time to rest. He would still be sore and exhausted. The blood loss had been almost impossible. Unfortunately, time was running short for them.

She woke him, hoping he would take the spoon from her. Then she might believe he had a chance at riding a horse away from her cottage without falling off in the woods.




It felt like there was sand in his head, scratching his brain and eyes. Whatever drug she had given him, it was starting to wear off. Thank the gods.

He could feel her sitting next to him on the bed, his head cradled in the crook of her arm. A warm spoon was placed against his lips, and the scent gripped his stomach in hunger. At this point, he could care less what it was she was offering him, because all he wanted was to gulp it down in ravenous bites. He hoped his appetite meant he was on the mend.

Strangely enough that meant he had the human female to thank. He was still bewildered why she was healing him in the first place. Why wasn’t she blinded by rage? Every other human could barely stand the sight of a giant, yet here she was.

But he was thankful she was helping him, whatever her reason. He would’ve been dead by now, if he’d been left out in the woods. Kaeldar also wondered at her strength, both body and mind. She must have struggled with bringing him to her cottage.

What a feat for a female with such a small frame. He knew her horse had dragged him up the hill, and he’d been conscious long enough to know the work she’d put into him. He wished there was a way for him to thank her. Other than verbally, he had nothing to offer in payment.

There was still a nagging darkness in the back of his mind, he could feel it calling to him. Kaeldar pushed the shadows away. He wanted, no, he needed to be awake.

Opening his eyes, he looked up into green pools. Never before had he seen such piercing eyes. Every rock giant had coal black eyes.

The human female gave a gasp, when she noticed he’d awoken. Then promptly dropped his head onto the pillow, as she got up from the bed backing away with the bowl of soup in her hand.

Letting out a groan he grimaced in her direction, so much for her taking care of him. She’d just given him whiplash.

Her small hand came up to cover her mouth, as she uttered something that sounded like an apology.

Now he had a ringing in his head to add to all his other symptoms.

But he did feel better, and he wondered if his wound was still all that bad or if he would be well enough to leave. He was sure he was making her life more difficult by being around. After all she had done for him, he didn't want to over stay his welcome any more than he had to.




Claira stared, as the rock giant groaned. She was sure she’d hurt him by dropping his head so quickly, but he startled her. The thought never crossed her mind, he would wake, while she was so close to him.

She should have expected it though. She hadn't given him another dose of the tea, and by now it's effects should’ve worn off. If anything she should rejoice from this positive sign.

Mumbling an apology, she tried to get her heart rate down with some deep breathing.

Now that he was awake she wasn't sure she wanted him to stay that way. She saved his life, but she didn't know whom this rock giant was. There was no telling if he’d randomly decide to kill her.

Hoping to find out she ventured, “I hope you can understand me, but we need to get you out of here, when you are able to ride.” Claira looked at him hopefully, but he didn't respond. He only kept his steely gaze pinned on her.

Clearing her throat, she continued on. “The villagers know about you.” She frowned. “Someone I thought I could trust has given you, my secret, away. They will come, and they will want to torture you. We can both be sure of that.”

He continued to just stare at her blankly.

Putting her hands on her hips she continued on. “I personally would like to help you, but I’ll need you to assist me or to at least understand what I’m saying to you. After all I have done, I don’t want to see you burned at the stake.”

Finally, she got a response from him as he nodded and demanded, “More soup.” His voice was gravelly and harsh.

Smiling she hastened to grab some more soup for him. He hadn't actually answered her, but it was a start. Maybe after she fed him, he would be willing to talk to her some more.

Claira needed to know if he felt well enough to ride. After he spoke in her language the first time, she figured he would know more.

After filling the bowl with soup she added some chunks of meat. The rock giant would need the extra protein. As she came over to the edge of the bed, she stretched her hand out. Now that he was awake she was going keep her distance, just in case. She still didn't know who he was, or what he would do with her if he were able to grab her.

Instead of taking the bowl of soup from her hand, he attempted to sit up. Unfortunately, his arm buckled under him, and he landed right back where he’d started.

“Oh my! Let me help you!” Claira stepped up to the bed to offer him an arm. The rock giant said nothing, but accepted her help as she assisted him into a sitting position.

Now that he was settled against the headboard, she handed the soup bowl over to him. He nodded, which she took to be a thank you. Smiling she leaned against the wall of the cottage and watched him from a slight distance. Claira shouldn’t have rushed over to help him, but he hadn’t harmed her. Maybe she could trust him.