The further they got away from the car, the more her fear rose. A shiver raced down her body when his hand slid up and down her leg, trying to soothe her.
“Don’t, mate. You have nothing to be afraid of.”
“How did you know I was scared?”
“I smelled it.”
“And you think I’m just supposed to trust you?” she asked.
“I know it’s hard right now, but I guarantee you will.”
They seemed to walk forever, and he never tired.
“I can walk.”
“No, I don’t want you tired or injured. It’s not far now.”
“Where are we going?”
“I already told you. I’m taking you home.”
She rolled her eyes.
They went up a rocky hill and then into a cave. The chill started to permeate through her clothing the deeper they went.
“We’re just about there, and then I’ll get you warm.”
He pushed what she guessed was a door and then shut it behind them before pulling off the plant net. He tossed it aside, and then set her on her feet. He held her shoulders to give her time to get her bearings back.
“How are you doing, mate?”
“I’m a little dizzy.”
“I’m sorry. You were upside down a long while.”
She exhaled and then nodded. “I think I’m good.”
“On the safe side, let’s sit you down. I’ll cover you up while I build the fire.”
He sat her on the sofa closest to the fireplace and pulled the blanket from the top down and around her. She cuddled under the blanket and watched him. He had to be six and a half feet tall. His hair and beard were long and black. His eyes were a dark green, blended in with the forest surrounding them. Simone wished she could see more of his face, but he’d let his hair grow until it passed his shoulders. He had a full beard and mustache, so all she saw was his upper cheeks, forehead, and eyes.
Simone watched as he lifted a log about three feet long and as round as her waist and placed it in the huge stone fireplace like a twig.
“Can I know what my kidnapper’s name is?” she asked.
He looked over his shoulder with a raised brow. “Really? Kidnapper?”
“What do you call it?”
“Claiming my mate.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what that means.”
“I’ll explain it, but first, I need to take care of you. Are you getting warmer?”
She nodded. She was actually toasty.
“Are you hungry?”