Page 50 of Hunted

Zara squeezes my hand as we approach the table. Her parents are already sitting there, waiting.

“Mom, Dad,” Zara says warmly, “This is Aksel.”

I extend my hand, trying to remember the polite niceties that never came naturally to me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I manage, my voice gruffer than intended.

Zara’s father shakes my hand firmly, his gaze assessing. Her mother offers a tentative smile.

As we sit down, I’m hyper-aware of my posture, how I hold my hands, and even how I breathe. The waiter approaches with menus, and I realize immediately that I’ve got no idea how to navigate this world of fine dining.

I sit stiffly in my chair, acutely aware of Frank’s scrutinizing gaze. Zara’s hand finds mine under the table, her touch grounding me.

Jackie leans forward, her smile warm and genuine. “So, Aksel, Zara tells us you’re from Norway. How are you finding Minnesota?”

I clear my throat, grateful for the easy question. “It’s different. Flatter. But the people have been welcoming.”

Jackie nods enthusiastically. “Oh, we pride ourselves on our hospitality. Glad you’ve experienced it first hand.”

“I have,” I respond, my eyes flickering to Zara. She beams at me, and I forget my discomfort for a moment.

Frank’s voice cuts through the moment. “And what exactly do you do for a living, Aksel?”

I tense. “I– I’m self-employed. I do freelance work.”

Frank’s eyebrows raise slightly. “Freelance work? What kind?”

I can feel sweat beading on my forehead. “Mostly consulting. For outdoor expeditions and survival training.”

Zara jumps in, her voice bright. “Aksel’s an expert in wilderness survival, Dad. You should see his cabin in Norway. It’s incredible.”

Frank grunts, clearly not impressed. “And how exactly did you two meet? Zara was supposed to be doing research.”

I open my mouth to respond, but Jackie interjects. “Frank, don’t interrogate the poor man. I’m sure they have a lovely story.”

Zara squeezes my hand, taking over. “We met through my research. Aksel was kind enough to let me stay at his place while I conducted my studies.”

Frank’s eyes narrow. “And now you’ve quit your job out of the blue? That doesn’t sound like you, Zara.”

I can feel the tension rising, but before I can speak, the waiter arrives with our drinks. As he sets them down, I catch Frank’s gaze. His eyes are hard, protective. I recognize that look because it’s the same one I get when protecting what’s mine.

Zara’s clear and confident voice cuts through the tension. “Mom and Dad, I quit my job to move to Norway with Aksel.”

The silence that follows is deafening. I watch as Frank’s face turns a deep shade of red while Jackie’s eyes widen in shock. The pit in my stomach grows, and I resist the urge to bare my teeth defensively.

“You what?” Frank sputters, his knuckles white as he grips the table’s edge.

Jackie leans forward, her brow furrowed with concern. “Sweetheart, are you sure about this? What about your career? Your research?”

Zara’s hand tightens around mine under the table. Her voice remains steady as she responds, “I’ve given it thought. My work in Norway opened up new possibilities, and Aksel has connections that can help me continue my research independently.”

Frank’s eyes snap to me, blazing with fury. “Connections? What kind of connections could a wilderness consultant possibly have?”

I clench my jaw, fighting back the growl rising in my throat. Zara speaks before I can, her tone sharp. “Dad, Aksel has resources and knowledge invaluable to my work. This isn’t just about him. It’s also about what’s best for my career and happiness.”

Jackie reaches out, placing a hand on Zara’s arm. “But honey, Norway is so far away. We’ll hardly ever see you.”

It’s taking every ounce of self-control not to react, to show them exactly why their daughter is safer with me than anyone else. But I know that’s not what Zara needs right now.

Instead, I clear my throat and speak up, my voice low but firm. “Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll, I understand your concerns. Zara means everything to me, and I promise you, I’ll do whatever it takes to support her dreams and keep her safe.”

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