The Untold Forest by Elisa Menz (web ebook reader txt) 📗

She couldn’t even understand herself. Why was she sad about losing the opportunity for family life? Since when she cared about those things?

With enough time to shed some tears and no one around to bother her, Maeve wallowed in self-pity, and her sobbing somehow helped to unload her heavy heart. She hadn’t cried since her arrival.

After the tears washed away some of her anxiety, her mind wandered into a pair of very intense gray eyes. He was an odd one. She had told everyone in the village Regn saved her, and that was the truth. He protected her when they were in the water. But she kept for herself the fact he tried to push her first.

After he pulled them out of the river and passed out, she had to be cautious. Most half-breeds had accepted her and were friendly enough. A few others did not hide their displeasure, but no one had tried to hurt her. Not until now.

She was defenseless if he attacked her. Maeve could risk walking back to the village following the river, but they were far, and there were dangers along the road. Not like she wanted to leave him unconscious, either.

Maeve attended his wounds, lit a fire, and made him comfortable. She stood guard throughout the day. When it got dark and the temperatures fell, she curled up beside him to keep him warm.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. A piece of advice the old overseer once gave her. So she followed it. When he woke up, she jumped to his arms, acting as sweet and friendly as she could. “I’m so relieved! You were bleeding so much, and you wouldn’t wake up! You will be all right now. I will take care of you, I promise!”

It was clear he wouldn’t hurt her after her show. He looked so panicked she almost laughed. Maeve smirked in the dark, remembering how pale he became before reaching a magnificent tone of red. Hakken warned her about him, but Regn seemed like a nice boy, all things considered.

A rumbling noise came from the entrance when Hakken removed the stones. She remained still, her back turned. Her foul mood simmered down, but she would not let him off the hook so easily.

Soon after, she sensed Hakken sitting at the edge of the bed. “Maeve, are you still mad at me?”

She was! Hakken should acknowledge the impressive effort she made to ignore him.

He let out a long sigh, stuttering a little before speaking. “I-I’m sorry, beautiful, I shouldn’t have... this was... stupid. I promise you I won’t treat you like this again. It’s just that...”

He didn’t sound like his usual self. Maeve turned, surprised to find him so dejected.

“I thought I’d lost you. I was so scared I would never see you again and... I can’t go back to the way things were before you came.”

She sat in silence, careful not to interrupt him. All her anger vanished at the sight of Hakken looking so vulnerable, and now she wanted nothing more than to comfort him.

“I used to lie in bed every morning thinking. I didn’t want to live for another day. Now, I can’t wait to wake up only to listen to what you have to say.” He smiled sheepishly.

Maeve’s heart clenched as the need to reassure him became overwhelming. She jumped to his arms and held him tight, rubbing his back. “I’m sorry! I won’t be reckless, I swear!” Maeve fought against the lump in her throat when he hugged her back, rocking her body and letting out a shaky breath. “I’m here, Hakken. I don’t want you to feel like that ever again.” She planted a clumsy kiss on his cheek, making him chuckle.

They held each other for a moment, basking in their warmth. This was the first time she touched him without restraint, and her hug came out a little stiff but heartfelt. After the original emotion quelled, Maeve didn’t know what to do with her hands. Should I let go now? Nervousness gained on her. This is beyond improper. She thought, blushing and suppressing a nervous giggle.

What would lady Callum say if she caught her in the arms of a man? A half-naked man. Oh, the thoughts crossing her mind!

Before dying of embarrassment, Hakken stiffened and pulled away with a troubled look. “Maeve, how old are you?”

She stared back, blinking at the odd question. “I will be 19 in a month or so. Why?” Hakken’s lips tightened, which only caused her curiosity to increase after watching his reaction. What is it with all these men panicking around her?

Regn

He couldn’t be around anyone. What a mess!

After the matriarch recommended rest to heal his ribs, he left the village to have some peace. To clear his mind.

The human girl told everyone he saved her. His people thanked him, Hakken growled at him, but at least his head remained still above his shoulders. Kniv gave him an enigmatic look. Regn couldn’t keep a straight face, so—for his own safety—he left the village.

What the hell was she thinking? Luckily for him, she was stupid enough not to realize his murderous intent. But she was throwing herself at him like that! He tried hard not to think about her soft arms around his neck. Her warm body pressed against his chest. The golden locks framing her face. Her bright smile. Her plump lips. “Oh, come on!” Stupid, treacherous mind.

He slapped himself to focus. “You hate her! You hate her! Stop thinking about her!”

He should lie low for a while and worry about planning before trying to kill her again. He had to come up with something better. Today had been a ridiculous failure, and only he was to blame. Why did he react like that? She was as good as dead. Why did he take her hand?

It was getting dark, so Regn headed back to the village. On his way, he came across three half-breed men, whom he recognized as members of the Red Moon Valley