Needing to put some distance between them before he did something foolish, Monte took a step back. “I’ll leave you to unpack,” he said, moving toward the door. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Kiri paused, considering his question for a moment. “No, I think this is perfect.”
“All right then,” he said, unable to tear his gaze away from her captivating eyes. “I’ll give you some time to settle in while I make dinner. Holler if you need anything.”
“I will,” Kiri promised, still smiling. “Thanks again, Monte.”
He nodded jerkily and fled the room, shutting the door gently behind him. Monte leaned against the wall, his heart pounding and his mind reeling.
What was this human female doing to him? He’d spent years building up walls, content in his solitude. But with just a few smiles and kind words, Kiri had him ready to tear them all down for her.
Monte shook his head, pushing off the wall. He couldn’t let himself get caught up in hopeless fantasies. Kiri was his guest, nothing more. He needed to remember that.
But as he walked down the hall, the lingering scent of a field of flowers clinging to his fur, Monte knew forgetting was going to be far easier said than done. Kiri had gotten under his skin, and he had a feeling she was there to stay.
Snorting, he shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts once more. Curse the full moon and those crumbling walls. He needed to distract himself, for he feared he would do something he would regret.
He needed to focus on something else. Dinner. Yes, dinner would be a good distraction.
Monte entered the kitchen, determined to focus his restless energy on preparing a delicious meal for Kiri. He gathered ingredients—fresh vegetables from his garden, herbs he’d dried himself, and a cut of prime venison he’d been saving for a special occasion.
The scent of roasting vegetables and sizzling herbs filled the cozy cabin as Monte busied himself in the kitchen. The sound of his knife tapping rhythmically against the cutting board accompanied the crackling of the firewood beneath the cast iron skillet. He meticulously diced onions, carrots, and potatoes to create a colorful medley for their meal.
But as he chopped and sautéed, his thoughts kept drifting to the fascinating female in his guest room. Kiri was unlike anyone he’d ever met. She was brilliant, brave, and stunningly beautiful, with a sharp wit and a smile that made his heart race.
What had brought someone like her to this remote island filled with monsters? She must have countless opportunities for her in the human world. Monte couldn’t imagine what had driven her to take a job here, so far from everything she knew.
He yearned to understand the choices and experiences that had shaped her, wanting to know everything about her—her hopes, her fears, her deepest desires.
And why sometimes there was a flicker of pain behind those jeweled eyes.
A hiss and a pop from the frying pan jolted Monte out of his reverie. Cursing, he quickly moved the pan off the heat before the garlic could burn.
“Get it together,” he chided himself sternly under his breath, wiping his brow with the back of his furry hand. He could already feel the heat from the stove warming his cheeks, yet it paled in comparison to the warmth that bloomed within him whenever Kiri was near.
As Monte stirred the contents of the skillet, he couldn’t quell the intense curiosity and fascination welling up inside him. Kiri had captivated him in a way no one else ever had. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, helpless to resist her pull—utterly ensnared by her.
He’d spent so long walling himself off, keeping the world at a safe distance. Now all it had taken was one whip-smart, hazel-eyed human to make him long to let her in.
He sighed, reaching for the crusty bread he’d baked that morning. Monte knew he was dancing on the edge of a dangerous precipice. If he let himself fall for Kiri, he’d be jeopardizing the careful balance he had created—risking his battered, stubborn heart.
And yet, as he inhaled the mouthwatering scents and anticipated sharing this meal with her...Monte couldn’t bring himself to regret it. Wherever this path with Kiri led, he was powerless to turn away now.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself before focusing on the task at hand. The savory aroma of the meal he prepared filled his nostrils, bolstering his confidence. If he could impress her with this dinner, perhaps she’d open up to him and reveal the secrets that lay beneath her enigmatic smile.
“Almost there,” he whispered, adding a final pinch of seasoning to the dish before plating it with care. The vibrant colors of the vegetables contrasted beautifully against sauteed venison on top of his rustic wooden table, creating a feast for them both to enjoy.
Satisfied that everything was as perfect as he could make it, Monte untied his apron and hung it on a hook on the kitchen wall.
“Kiri!” he called out. “Dinner is ready!”
Eight
Kiri
Kiri sat across from Monte at the dinner table, her hazel eyes locked with his dark, intense gaze. The candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows across his chiseled, fur-covered face. She took a deep breath, inhaling the savory aroma of the venison roast he had prepared.
“This smells incredible,” she said softly, cutting into the tender meat. “You could cook for me any day.” She took a bite, flavors exploding on her tongue. A small moan of pleasure escaped her lips.
