That’s right—I’d be a terrible last meal. Too chewy.
Mufasa turned and lumbered away, bored.
Wincing at the wounds he’d sustained, Owen dragged himself to his feet, stunned at mama elephant who, along with two other elephants—bulls it seemed—trumpeted their outrage, tusks swinging at the big cats. The lioness turned back with a hissing growl and took a belligerent swat at the elephant, who hustled four pounding steps, warning the cats to yield and slink off, chastised and food-less, into the night.
They saved me… Disbelief drowned Owen as he stared at the enormous beasts that had just saved his life.
Correction: God saved him through those amazing elephants. The conviction of that truth dug deep even as the sting of his injuries dug past his adrenaline-soaked muscles and mind, the open wounds screaming. Groaning as strength leeched from his limbs, he stumbled, went to a knee to steady himself, hand going over his abdomen, which had taken the worst of the damage.
“Owen!” Distraught, Leighton rushed and knelt beside him, cautiously touching him. “Are you okay? I thought they were going to kill you!”
“Me too.”
Her gaze traced his injuries. “What do I do?”
Only then did he notice the elephants behind them. In total, a herd of six surrounded them. Tails twitching and giant wedge-shaped feet stamping, they stood sentry, facing the threat, warning the cats with flashing movement of their large ears not to return. “Holy…” Shock held him fast. Had that really happened? He shook his head in awe. Knew he would’ve been Mufasa’s late-night snack if not for these amazing, gentle giants. “Un-freaking-believable.”
After considering the pachyderms, Leighton smiled at him. “It’s a circle of protection.”
He shook his head in awe. “Well, I prayed for a miracle…”
Her eyes brightened in the moonlight as she smiled. “So did I.” She nodded to the bleeding slices across his chest. “What do I do?”
“Nothing. I need to be stitched and bandaged, and unless you have those supplies on you…”
Cool fingers touched his jaw as she angled her head for a better view. “These don’t look as bad.”
“I was further away,” he said, then looked down. “They sting like crazy, but I don’t think they’re too deep.” At least, he hoped not. “The bigger problem is the blood. The wildlife in the reserve will smell it and come hunting the walking meat-stick.”
Concern lanced her pretty features. “We have to get back to camp.”
“Yeah. Help me up.” He braced as she threaded her arm under his, then looped it around his waist. With her help, he rose then hesitated. Looked at the bull, not two feet away.
A wide, blinking eye, glossy beneath the moon, took him in.
Owen reached out his hand and waited in respect.
The great bull flapped his ears, then tossed its trunk to him.
Touching it, Owen couldn’t deny the connection he suddenly felt to these amazing beasts and smiled. “Thank you. You saved my life.”
Somehow, he believed the bull understood, both that he was thanking them and the great kindness they had done by chasing off the pride. Mama lumbered in, insistent on getting some gratitude as well. Amused, Owen repeated the gesture. To all six.
When he turned to head out, Leighton stood there, hand over her mouth, sniffling.
Alarm speared him. “You okay? Did you get hurt?” He cursed himself for not checking sooner.
“No, I’m fine.” She waved him off, wiping her nose. “It’s just…beautiful. You—this big, handsome warrior, fierce in your own right—thanking elephants. I didn’t think I could like you any more…”
Heady warmth spilled through his gut, pulling Owen to her side. “Is that right?”
Her eyes widened. “I…I meant…”
When she tried to ease away, he set his hand on her waist. Drew her back to him. “No retreating now, Princess.”
A rather forceful thrust to his back—by the bull—shoved Owen into her. He grimaced at the daggers of pain that seared his chest, yet couldn’t help but laugh.
Leighton laughed and slipped free. “I think they’re telling us to get going.”
