Page 48 of Hunted

ZARA

Istare at my phone, my heart pounding as I see Mom flashing on the screen. Taking a deep breath, I brace myself for the barrage of questions. With a shaky hand, I answer the call.

"Zara? Sweetheart, is everything alright?" My mom's voice is laced with worry, and I can picture the crease between her brows as she frets over my well-being.

"I'm fine, Mom," I reassure her, trying to sound calm and collected. "What's going on?"

"David called us," she says. "He said you quit your job and that we need to pay for the equipment you took to Norway."

I close my eyes, angry at David for involving my parents in this mess. "I'm sorry, Mom," I begin, taking a deep breath. "David is overreacting."

"Zara, what's going on? Are you coming home?"

I pause, my mind racing as I consider my options. A part of me longs to return to the safety and familiarity of my life in Minnesota, but another part yearns to stay in this wild, untamed place with Aksel. His touch, intensity, and raw passion have become a drug that I can't shake.

"Yes, Mom," I finally say, making a decision. "I'll be on tomorrow's flight back home. I need to take care of a few things here first."

"Oh, thank goodness," my mom breathes a sigh of relief. "We were so worried, honey. Your father and I were ready to hop on a plane and come get you ourselves."

I manage a small chuckle, trying to ease her concerns. "That won't be necessary, Mom. I'll be home soon, and we can talk about everything then."

After a few more reassurances and promises to be careful, I hang up the phone and let out a long exhale. My eyes drift toward the window, where I can see Aksel, his powerful strokes easily splitting the logs. Seeing his rippling muscles and how his shirt clings to his sweat-dampened skin sends a bolt of desire through me.

Stepping outside into the pure mountain air, I feel invigorated as I approach him. Aksel pauses, his chest heaving, and turns to face me, a predatory gleam in his eyes.

"Littlefugl," he rumbles, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His touch is electric, and I fight the urge to lean into his embrace.

“Aksel, we need to talk," I begin, my voice steadier than expected. He arches an eyebrow but remains silent, waiting for me to continue.

"I need to go back to Minnesota for a little while," I say, watching his expression carefully. A flicker of anger flashes across his face, but it's gone as quickly as it appeared.

“And why would you need to do that?" he asks, his tone deceptively calm.

I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "I need to return the equipment I borrowed from the lab and explain to my parents that I'm moving to Norway to be with you.”

Aksel's eyes widen slightly, and momentarily, I see a glimmer of vulnerability. But then his features harden, and he steps closer, his imposing presence making me feel small and fragile.

“And what makes you think I'll let you leave?" he growls.

I swallow hard but hold his gaze, refusing to back down. “Aksel, I need to do this," I say. "I need to tie up those loose ends so I can be here with you without any distractions or obligations holding me back."

He regards me silently for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. Finally, he lets out a slow exhale and nods. "Very well, littlefugl. But I'll be coming with you."

Relief washes over me, and I can't help but smile. "Of course." I touch his corded arm. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Aksel pulls me into a searing kiss, his lips claiming mine with a possessive hunger that leaves me breathless. When we finally break apart, his eyes are dark with promise.

"You're mine, Zara Driscoll," he declares. “And after this little trip, there'll be no more distractions or obligations. Just you and me, together in this wilderness, forever."

As we break apart, I gaze at Aksel, my heart pounding with a rush of emotions I can no longer contain. "I love you, Aksel," I whisper, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.

His eyes widen, and for a moment, I fear I've said too much, pushed too far. But then his expression softens, and he pulls me close, enveloping me in his powerful embrace.

"Love is a strange concept for me, littlefugl," he murmurs. "For so long, I've lived in a world of darkness and primal instincts. But what I feel for you..." He trails off, his grip tightening as if afraid I might slip away.

I hold my breath, waiting for him to voice the feelings that have been simmering between us since we met.

"What I feel for you is like a raging fire," he finally says, his words laced with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. “A fire that burns away the shadows of my past, consuming everything in its path until only the purest of embers remain."

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