He would’ve been amonsterif he’d left her in the woods, if he didn’t treat her wounds and care for her.
But he couldn’t deny that a part of him enjoyed caring for her…
Her blonde hair glowed golden in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, their strands tickling him from his closeness. He noticed how her hazel eyes sparkled when she smiled at a butterfly flitting by, bouncing between the flowers littered along the path.
Monte’s heart skipped a beat. There was something captivating about this human female, though he couldn’t quite put a finger on it.
Something drew him to her—and even though she denied it, he still believed she’d bewitched him somehow.
“It’s so beautiful and serene out here.” Kiri peered over her shoulder, meeting his gaze. “I can see why you enjoy living in these woods, away from everything.”
Monte shrugged and let out a huff. “It suits me. I’ve never been one for crowds or commotion… and humans and monsters-alike tend to fear my kind.”
“I admit, I thought you were scary when we first met, but now I don’t think you are.” Pink highlighted her cheeks as a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she peered away, taking in the serene late afternoon beauty around her. “But I can see what you mean. Sometimes the hustle of city life can be… overwhelming. It’s nice to get away from it all. Even though it’s so different from what I’m used to… I find it incredibly calming.”
“Speaking of calm, we should get you settled in for your stay,” Monte said with a forced nonchalance, attempting to hide his nerves. He’d never hosted someone before—at least neverovernight—and didn’t know the first thing about the necessities of what a human—even more lost with a female at that—needed. “Where would you prefer to stay while you’re with me? There’s a guest bedroom if you’d like your own space to settle in. It has a private attached bathroom too, similar layout to the one you’ve used. Or you can keep your claim on my couch, if you’d prefer. Your choice.”
She flicked her eyes to the cabin in front of them and then locked eyes with him. Her gaze searched his face for a moment before she nervously nibbled on her lower lip in a way that made Monte’s pulse quicken, stirring up memories of their passionate moment together.
“The bedroom would be lovely, if you don’t mind.” She gave him an appreciative smile. “It would be nice to be able to unpack and have my own space. I don’t want to invade yours, especially if you have any guests while I am with you.”
“If that’s what you want, then it’ll be done,” Monte replied with a nod as he gently gripped her shoulder in reassurance. “Whatever you need to feel comfortable. After you’re done unpacking, let me know if I need to order something to be delivered from the village that you might be missing from your… unexpected arrival.”
“Do you happen to have a hot tub? Or a Jacuzzi by chance?” She let out a soft chuckle. “It would be nice to be able to have a long soak. The heat would be good for my leg.”
Monte’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of Kiri soaking in a hot tub, her silky skin glistening with moisture, the steam rising around her alluring form. He swallowed hard, pushing the tantalizing image from his mind.
Now wasn’t the time to allow his mind to fantasize about such things, not when the full moon was near. He couldn’t lose himself, especially in her presence.
For now, he would focus on making her feel as comfortable as possible, even if it meant facing the feelings that were bubbling beneath the surface.
“I’m afraid not,” he admitted, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. “But I can arrange for a large tub to be brought in and filled with hot water. It may not be as fancy as a Jacuzzi, but it should do the trick.”
“The large tub in the bathroom should be enough.” She laughed, her dimpled smile reaching her sparkling eyes. “I’m not even half your size, so it would be like my personal pool. And then, when I’m able to walk without this stick, I can use your amazing shower and relax on the bench.”
“Let’s get you settled, then,” Monte said, determination lacing his voice. “I want to make sure you have everything you need.”
She dipped her head and gazed at the cabin’s side door. “Lead the way.”
He cursed himself for his fumbling behavior, acting like a youngling who’d never spoken to someone they were attracted to, regardless of the differences in their species.
He needed to focus on making her feel as comfortable as possible in his home, especially if she was going to have her leg completely heal as soon as possible.
Monte cleared his throat. “This way then.”
He motioned for her to follow him up the cabin steps, and as he reached for the door handle, her small hand brushed his arm.
Electricity seemed to jolt through him at her touch. Monte tensed, barely suppressing a shudder. He glanced back to see Kiri looking up at him from beneath long lashes, her pink lips parted slightly.
“Monte, I...” She paused, as if searching for the right words. “I just wanted to say thank you again. For everything you’vedone for me already. I really appreciate your kindness and hospitality.”
He swallowed hard, momentarily forgetting how to speak. Being this close to her, inhaling her floral scent, seeing the genuine warmth in her eyes—it stirred unfamiliar feelings in his chest. Longing. Yearning. Emotions he thought he’d long buried, never believing he would ever experience.
“It’s nothing, Kiri,” Monte responded gruffly, his cheeks warming beneath his thick fur. “I only want you to feel at home.”
“You certainly are.”
Blinking, Monte forced himself to respond. “I’m just glad I could help. Now, let’s get you settled in, shall we?”
