Page 20 of A Mate for Haax

“Hmm?” He says, but, this time, he keeps walking and doesn’t stop.

“How do you know where we’re going? How are you sure we’re heading in the right direction?”

He snorts. “Magic, my mate… and the help of a GPS.” I’m not entirely sure where he got the GPS from because I didn’t see him put it in his bag, but I won’t question it.

For the next few hours, we traverse in silence, making our way through the rough terrain and trees that surround us. As we walk, Haax points out berries, some that are good, but also ones I should stay away from. We haven’t had to cross any streams or rivers yet, and, for that, I am thankful since I’m not a great swimmer.

And just as I finish speaking the words, my ears prick up the sound of flowing and gurgling water against rocks. “We will stop here and fill up the water bottles. The ones I have will filter the water so we are able to drink it.”

I stop and sink to the ground. Putting my hands down on either side of me, I feel the softness of leaves and things below them.

As I look around, my jaw drops in awe as I take in the scene before me. True Alaskan wilderness; that’s what I’m currently admiring. A waterfall cascades down the side of the mountain in glitter-like silver shreds, acting as a water spout. The edges of the waterfall are hemmed in jagged white lines; plunging into the beautiful jade green pool below and producing bubbles. A babbling brook tingles as it seeps away, leaving behind a swoosh-plunk sound.

Water flows languidly over each rock with the honeyed sexuality of a sensual kiss; smooth, yet also fierce. At that precise moment, the sun peeks through the trees and dances its way across the water, leaving behind a glittering masterpiece.

Century old trees stand guard all around us as if keeping the secrets of the many who have gone before us. They blot out the sky from view, leaving us in a shady state. The bark of the tree has become thick and furrowed with age, while maintaining a gray-brown color.

In the dark corners of this forest, spiders spin webs of silvery steel, hoping to lure in their next meal. Somewhere, bears fish for their next meal from within the streams of the area; looking for the best slice of salmon. Through the trees, a mother elk takes care of the calf she’s brought into this tough world.

I’ve never spent this much time investigating and actually taking in the world around me. I used to go hiking with friends, but we were always too busy chatting to focus on the peacefulness of the nature surrounding us.

I take note of my shallow breathing even minutes after we stop for a water refill. It’s only been a little while, and my fat kid issues are catching up with me. I knew I should’ve worked out at the gym more as I prepared for my mate. Ugh, doesn’t it just figure.

The breeze blows, tossing around my hair and sending a shiver down my spine from the ticklish feeling I’m experiencing.

I gulp in one breath after the next as I watch him bend down to gather water, the muscles of his back and arms shifting with each movement. It’s impressive. Stop looking at him, I scold myself, or I’ll have wet panties all afternoon, and I do not need another rash. Thighs that meet in the middle give me enough issues already.

He’s so intoxicating; his scent, his sharp features, really… everything about him.

If I could fan myself right now, I totally would. A few more minutes is all it takes for him to complete filling our water packs. As he stands up, he walks back to me and drops down, holding himself up in a crouch before me. “Water?”

“Thank you.” I give him a big smile because, right now, I’m really happy. Despite the fact that we’re stuck in the middle of fucking nowhere. He hands over my water bag.

The water is cold and wet against my parched lips. I hadn’t realized until now that I was so thirsty. I suck down a refreshing sip and ahhh at the perfect taste of the water.

Haax grins at me and holds out his hand. “Shall we, my lady? We have plans this evening, and I would hate to miss them.”

My cheeks redden thinking about what is to come, but all I do is respond with a nod.

Our trip is silent as we make our way through the forest. Animals scurry away around us, rattling fallen leaves, and birds chirp their own little noises. I keep listening to the crunch of the spiky underbrush below me as we go.

Lush green vegetation surrounds us, allowing only a few patches of the sky to be seen above us. We’d been traveling for a while, and I was starting to wind down. I needed a break but didn’t want Haax to be disappointed, but, like always recently, he seemed to know exactly what I needed.

Turning to look at me, he smiles. “I think we should take a break for a little while. We’re making good time, and I suspect we will make it to the cave long before nighttime hits.”

“Thank you, Haax.” I am sincerely thankful for this amazing male standing before me.

I find two fallen logs and make ourselves a seat. He pulls two bars and the water pack from his bag and hands them over before pulling something else from his bag. I munch on the peanut butter and chocolate protein bar he’s given me as I look around at our surroundings.

The trees are less dense here and more wild flowers peek free from the ground below them. He pulls an orangish-brown tarp looking object from the bag. “Here, we shall rest under my portable tent for an hour before journeying on. I do not wish to tire you too much, little mate.”

Butterflies spiral in my stomach over his concern and words. He pulls the pop up tent over where I’m currently seated and secures it to the ground. I’m not entirely sure why we need it when the sun doesn’t peek through the trees and it’s not raining, but he is more of an outdoorsman than I am, so I remain silent.

“So, tell me about your friends from the loading dock. How long have you known them?” Haax says, attempting to make light conversation between us, and the corners of my lips tip on the ends that he wants to know about not just me, but also my friends.

I swallow quickly, my fingers twisting together at his question. “Anniston, Jacee, and I all went to school together from the time that we were little. We stuck to each other like glue.” I laugh thinking of all the fond memories of the troubles we would get into and the boys' hearts we broke along the way.

My friends are skinnier than I am, but not once have they ever shamed me for my size. I probably do that enough on my own.

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