Page 16 of Hunted

Once bundled up in thermal leggings, a thick sweater, and sturdy hiking boots, I return to the living room. Aksel stands by the door, looking every bit the rugged mountain man in his heavy coat and boots.

He gives me an approving once-over that has my cheeks flushing. "Ready?"

"Ready," I confirm, grabbing my pack and equipment and following him into the crisp mountain air. As we start down the trail, I can't help stealing glances at the powerful man leading the way.

This is going to be a long, torturous hike, but I can't deny the thrill of excitement that courses through me when I think about spending the day alone with Aksel in the wilderness.

"So, how long have you lived up here?" I ask, aiming for a breezy tone to cover my nerves.

Aksel remains silent, his boots crunching on the rocky path as we hike deeper into the forest. I press on undeterred, determined not to let his stoic demeanor get me down. "It's just so beautiful and peaceful. I can see why you'd want to escape it here."

He shoots me a sidelong glance, one dark brow raised as if amused by my rambling. I give him my sunniest smile, refusing to be intimidated.

"You know, when I was a little girl, I always dreamed of visiting Norway," I continue, stepping beside him. "My dad used to tell me stories about the Vikings and their adventures. I was fascinated by their fearlessness, their ability to conquer any challenge through sheer force of will."

I pause, gauging his reaction. His expression remains unreadable, but a glint in his eye makes me think he's listening intently despite his silence.

Emboldened, I go on. "Of course, those were just childhood fantasies. I never imagined seeing this incredible country with my own eyes one day. The reality is so much more breathtaking than I could have dreamed."

I stop, struck by the sheer majesty of the mountains looming ahead of us, the dense pines swaying gently in the breeze. A serene smile curves my lips as I take it all in. "Isn't it just magnificent?"

Aksel follows my gaze, his expression unreadable as ever. For a long moment, the only sound is the crunch of our boots on the trail. When I think he will remain stubbornly silent, he speaks in that deep, rumbly tone that sends shivers down my spine.

"Yes, little bird. The mountains hold a raw, untamed power that most people cannot comprehend." His eyes find mine, pinning me in place with their intensity. "It’s a force to be reckoned with that demands respect and complete submission."

A thrill runs through me at the word “submission”. Swallowing hard, I force a bright smile. "Well, I'm certainly looking forward to getting better acquainted with Norway's wild side," I tease, trying to downplay the tension between us.

Aksel's lips curve in a wolfish grin that has my heart stuttering. “I’ve no doubt you are, little bird. No doubt at all."

With that, he turns and continues along the trail, leaving me scurrying to catch up.

Once we get to a clearing, I clear my throat. "This spot is perfect," I announce, setting my pack down and unzipping it to retrieve my equipment.

Aksel watches me as I unpack the sensors and instruments I need to monitor atmospheric conditions. My hands are steady and sure, and the familiar routine calms my nerves after our hike's heated tension.

"I'll need to set up the anemometer to measure wind speed and direction," I explain, not caring if he's listening. Talking through my process is as much for my own benefit as his.

I move about the small clearing, carefully positioning the device and securing it to the ground with the metal stakes. Once calibrated, I make a few notes in my field book, recording the time and location.

Next, I pull out the digital thermometer and psychrometer to gauge air temperature and humidity levels. These require more maneuvering to properly elevate them off the ground and shield them from direct sunlight per protocol.

All the while, I can feel the weight of Aksel's stare boring into me. He hasn't said a word, but his presence is a tangible force, commanding my attention even as I focus on my work. I refuse to let him rattle me, keeping my movements professional.

Once the rest of my sensors are in place, I straighten and brush my hands on my thighs, surveying my setup with a satisfied nod. "Okay, I'll need to let these run for a while to get a solid data sample. Then we can move to the next site."

I turn to find him watching me with an inscrutable expression, his eyes gleaming like a predator studying its prey. A delicious shiver runs down my spine, and I hold his smoldering gaze, refusing to be the first to break it.

"Is there anything else I can help with while we wait?" His deep voice reverberates through me, awakening the simmering want I've been trying to ignore since I got here two days ago.

I open my mouth to reply, but my words catch in my throat as he stalks toward me with the lethal grace of a panther. My heart is pounding with every step he takes, closing the distance between us until his powerful form dwarfs mine completely.

"Or perhaps..." He reaches out to toy with a loose strand of my hair, his calloused fingers brushing my cheek ever so lightly. "You could use a break, little bird?"

His words are low and gravelly, laced with an undeniable heat that has arousal blooming between my thighs. I should pull away and remind him I’m here for research, not whatever this dangerous game is between us.

But I can't bring myself to move or tear my gaze away from the molten promise blazing in his eyes. I'm utterly enthralled, caught in the spell of his raw masculinity.

My lips part on a shaky exhale as he leans in closer, the faint scent of pine and musk surrounding me. This close, I can see the flecks of gray in his hooded eyes. My fingers itch with the urge to reach out and touch him, finally sate the growing ache inside me.

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