He shook off the thought and put his clothes back on. Some of the kids were crying, and he hurried over to see what he could do to help. Even though there were no serious injuries, the kids needed treatment, and soon.
“It isn’t far to the monastery,” Gripp said. “Only a mile from the bottom of this hill. Come on, kids, warm beds, good food, and safety. Just a little walk. Do you think you can make it?”
Some of them cheered. Others looked downright scared. Gripp felt bad. These poor kids had seen horrible things that no child should ever see. Instead of leading the way, he got the kids moving in a big group so they could support each other.
He and April carried those who were wounded the most, and some of the bigger kids helped. Even though progress was slow, they made it to the monastery’s outer wall before the moon reached its height.
A hooded figure appeared at the electronic gate. He nodded to them and peered out from under his hood.
“I am Brother Farryn. Please, let the children inside. There are brothers within who can care for them.”
Gripp felt too protective of the kids to just let them go, but he could sense no danger here. A couple of the kids ran inside. Some looked at Gripp as if they were unsure.
“We know of the mine, soldier,” Brother Farryn said. “You are not one of those men, are you? We take in any who escape. Have no fear. The children are safe. We have means to protect them once inside.”
Gripp nodded, gesturing for the other kids to go inside.
“I’m Gripp,” he said, extending a hand for the monk to shake. “This is April. I rescued her from the mine earlier today. Can we ask you for lodgings, Brother Farryn?”
The monk nodded and pointed to a side path.
“Around the back, you will find a small cabin that is well stocked. You are welcome to take refuge there in the guest house.”
“Thank you,” Gripp said, relieved beyond belief. He hadn’t wanted to be sent back into the forest.
“Yes, thank you,” April echoed. The brother bowed and hurried away.
“Seems a strange fellow,” April muttered.
Gripp laughed softly. “He might not have seen a woman for some time.”
“Oh,” April said, understanding.
“Come on,” Gripp laughed. “Let’s check out our quarters.”
ELEVEN
APRIL
The tiny shack was just one small room with a decent-sized bed. Instead of fighting over who got to sleep in it, April headed straight outside toward the enticing sound of running water.
She saw Gripp open the cupboards immediately and pull out food. She figured he must be starving after all the fighting, and she wondered if he would go out and hunt in his panther shape.
He can eat me.
April groaned as she approached the stream. The last thing she needed was to catch feelings for the shifter guy who had been sent in to rescue her. They were too different, and a relationship would never work.
He only cares about me because I’m his mission.
April took her clothes off slowly, testing the temperature of the water with one foot. He might be a tough guy, but she had seen a soft side to him while they were rescuing the kids. Maybe he cared about her more than he wanted to admit.
It also doesn’t keep him from being nonstop smoking hot.
She shook her head, grinning as she waded into the waist-deep water. April tried to turn her thoughts away from Gripp, but as she ran her hands over her skin, she couldn’t stop wishing they were his hands instead.
The stream whispered and sang as it rushed across the rocks at the bank, sweet music that relaxed her body and soothed her nerves. April dunked her head, sighing in pleasure as she rinsed out her hair.
The water wasn’t too cold, but she chilled quickly in the night air. April gathered up her clothes and wrapped herself in the rough blanket she’d taken from the cabin. She worried for a few minutes about walking inside almost completely naked, but April could feel the desire rising in her.