Page 23

“Slower,” I talk to myself again, hoping no one can hear me.

“What ya doing?”

A different voice from Alaska’s and Soren’s announces itself from a dark corner after I open the bedroom door. I jump, slamming my back against the wall.

I groan in pain, my bones yelling in protest for me to stop moving.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” He steps out of the shadows, dirt smudged on his cheek and hands. “I’m Glenn. The last person you’ll meet here on the ranch.”

“Leo.”

“I’d shake your hand but—” He lifts them in the air, showing how filthy he is.

“It’s alright. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too. Have a good night. Don’t bother Alaska too much. He doesn’t play well with others.”

A different warning from Soren’s. Great.

Is Alaska a good guy or will he kill me the moment I stand in front of him?

Glenn disappears into the room across the hall. I blow out a breath, thankful I don’t need to make conversation. I want to get some food, a hot drink, wind down, and go to bed.

I stare down the darkened hallway, the light at the end of the tunnel pulling me towards it. Once I smell coffee, I know I’m heading towards the kitchen.

No pictures, no art, nothing hangs on the walls. Everything is bare. I know this ranch has been here a while, even before it got renamed, so why do they live like they are waiting to leave?

The pads of my feet hit the cool hardwood floors when I step into the kitchen. I pause, taking in my new surroundings as I stand in a stranger’s home.

A stranger I’m interested in. A stranger who piques my interest more than anyone ever has. A stranger I want to get to know. I don’t care that he is a man. Granted, I don’t know the first thing about flirting with another guy. This is new territory for me.

“Could be all in your head,” I remind myself. “He did save you after all. Who wouldn’t have a little attraction towards the person who saved them from death?”

There’s a large window over the sink that looks out to the pasture. I make my way over, staring at one of the prettiest views I’ve ever seen. The mountains are in the background, the civil twilight allowing just enough natural light for me to see the snow on the peaks.

Rain pours, but Alaska is out there herding the cattle to another side of the property. I can’t tear my eyes off him. Every move he makes reminds me of how a god would move.

His horse lifts onto his hind legs, kicking his front legs out. Alaska stays on like a professional rider. I would have fallen off. I don’t know how to ride a horse. They scare me a little. They are giant and can kill you with one swift kick.

I’d rather not take my chances.

He must feel me spying on him because he jumps off his horse and stares right at me; the crimson gems of his eyes can be seen through the sheets of rain falling, burning brighter than the sunrise.

“Shit.” I spin around, hoping he didn’t see me.

Nerves get the best of me. My palms become sticky with sweat as my heart races. I keep myself busy, opening the cabinets to look for a mug.

The door opens, and Alaska steps in, the air immediately churning with power that makes it hard to breathe.

Who the fuck is this guy? Why does he have such control over me? I’ve never been this way with anyone.

“Need help?” His deep voice grumbles in a clipped question.

Even his tone sounds annoyed, but I don’t think he is, or he wouldn’t have asked at all. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to do something he doesn’t want to do.

“Just looking for the mugs. I’m hungry too.” I finally slide my gaze over to him, stealing more glances that I shouldn’t.

He points. “The cabinet above the coffee pot.”