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I move closer without realizing it until my hand curls into his larger one. I’m not sure why I do—not entirely. But I want to. There’s something about Oren that makes me feel safe and heard.

And then he’s leaning down, impossibly large yet gentle, and pressing his mouth to mine. His lips are softer than they look, warm and tasting of honey. The kiss is tender and questioning, giving me every chance to pull away.

I don’t.

Instead, I reach up, standing on tiptoes, and wrap my arms as far around his neck as they’ll go, which isn’t far. His massive arms encircle me, lifting me off the ground until we’re face to face, and the kiss deepens.

“Wow,” I breathe against his mouth, feeling dizzy with sensations. Unlocking some part of me I didn’t know was caged.

“My forest flower,” he says, the word vibrating through his chest and into my own where we’re pressed together.

When he pulls back, his eyes glow brighter, and his pupils dilate. “Want more,” he says roughly. “Want all.”

God help me.

Five days ago, I was swearing off men, and now I’m making out with a forest troll in a sun-dappled clearing like some twisted fairy tale.

“This is…” I start, trying to think clearly despite my racing pulse and the heat pooling low in my belly. “I barely know you. I didn’t come here for this,” I say, though my body disagrees with that statement.

“No,” he agrees, finally setting me back on my feet, though his hands linger at my waist. “Came for healing. Can give healing. Different kind.”

I step back, needing space to clear my head. “I should get back to the cabin.”

“Will escort,” he says immediately.

“No, I… I need to think. Alone.” I touch my lips, still tingling from his kiss. “This is a lot to process.”

He nods, “Will wait. Patient. Trees teach patience.”

As I turn to go, he adds, “Others will smell me on you. Will know.”

The thought sends a forbidden thrill through me. “Is that a warning or a promise?”

“Both,” he rumbles, that almost-smile returning. “Come back to forest, soon.”

Walking back to the cabin, I feel like I’m floating, my lips still carrying his taste, my skin warm where he touched me.

This is insane.

And the craziest part? I’m already wondering when I can sneak away to the forest again.

6

Caspian

She reeks of him.

Forest and earth and growing things—Oren’s scent clings to her skin like a claim as she emerges from the treeline.

My tentacles writhe beneath the water’s surface, agitation making it impossible to maintain my usual composure.

I’ve been patrolling the lake’s perimeter since dawn, waiting for her to appear, to choose the water—to choose me—over my rivals.

Instead, she went to the forest.

To him.

The knowledge burns like fire in my veins, a sensation I haven’t felt in decades.