He pushed open the door, desperately trying to ignore the way his heart raced at the radiant smile she flashed him before stepping inside his home. His cabin. His sanctuary. Monte had a feeling nothing would ever be the same now that he’d invited this bewitching human woman into his life and space.
Monte led Kiri down the hallway opposite his own bedroom, his large hooves thudding softly against the hardwood floors. Sunlight filtered through the lush foliage, casting dappled shadows through the window.
He noticed how delicate and light her footsteps sounded in comparison—even with her walking stick—a reminder of their inherent differences.
“This is the guest room,” he said gruffly, pushing open the door to reveal a cozy, well-appointed space. A queen-sized bed adorned with soft plush linens took up the center, flanked by two nightstands. Large windows framed a picturesque view of the surrounding forest, letting in plenty of natural light.
Kiri stepped inside, her hazel eyes widened in appreciation as she took in the room. “Wow, this is lovely, Monte.” She walked slowly around the room, taking in the details of his handcraftedfurniture and the various trinkets that adorned the shelves. “Did you make all of these?”
“Everything in the cabin,” he rumbled, his chest swelling with pride at her approval. “At least, everything wooden. The rest, I traded with those in nearby lycan village or I bought and had delivered.”
“It’s so impressive…”
Clearing his throat, Monte gestured to the attached bathroom. “There’s a full bath through there. Fresh towels under the sink.” He shuffled his hooves, suddenly feeling awkward and out of place in his own home. “I’ll, uh, bring your things so you can get settled.”
Monte backed out of the room and walked back to the living room, gathering her things. Her light flora fragrance filled the space, blanketing the area with her unique scent. Now that she’d bathed, having the skunk scent washed away and the earthy smell from the medication faded, his living space smelt like he was standing in a field of flowers instead of in the middle of his rustic cabin.
Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply, absorbing it all. So intoxicating.
Shaking his head, he tried to clear his senses of the bewitching female, but had a feeling he was too far gone.
Stuffing everything onto the blanket she’d used on the couch, he tossed the makeshift bag over his shoulder and grabbed her large suitcase. He carried her belongings down the hall and knocked on the open door before entering her room—her dominion.
She stepped out of the bathroom with her walking stick in hand and gasped, a pretty blush staining her cheeks. “You didn’t have to carry it all together!”
“Why not?” He placed the blanket bag filled with her things on the reading bench beside the large window and her suitcaseon top of the desk so she could use her bed without needing to unpack all at once.
“Because you shouldn’t be overworking yourself.”
He let out a loud snort, his nostrils flaring as he spun around to face her. His tail swished back and forth to match his amusement, a playful flick of his ears. “Don’t underestimate me. This was easy.”
She shook her head, rolling her eyes. “Must be nice to be so strong.”
“I may have my strength, but I still have weaknesses.”
Kiri picked up her smaller bag and laptop case from the pile and set them at the foot of the bed, backing up into him. Too close.
Her scent surrounded him, sweet and intoxicating. It took every ounce of self-control not to lean in and bury his nose in her hair.
She peered over her shoulder, her golden flecked gaze scanning him. “And what is that?”
You.
He wanted to be bold—or perhaps foolish—enough to whisper that word to her, but he was afraid. Afraid that he was reading too much into their kiss and her actions. That she was just being friendly…
He was lost to what was the norm for humans, and if she was actually interested in being his mate.
“Helping those in need,” he mumbled. “Especially small, injured birds who come across my land.”
“And what would happen if a newly healed bird didn’t want to leave...” she said softly, looking up at him through her lashes. “Would you kick them out?”
Monte swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. “I’ve never had the problem before, so I don’t know what I would do,” he managed to say, his voice coming out rougher than intended.“But I know I would be sad if they ended up leaving after having them around for so long.”
Kiri smiled sadly at that, a genuine one that seemed to reach into his very soul and tug at something he’d long thought dormant. Monte felt something crack open in his chest, coming to life under the warmth of her gaze.
“I understand that too well.”
He knew he had to maintain control, but each passing moment spent in her presence made it increasingly difficult.
