Page 32 of Mountain Protector

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Oh.

Why did I keep him at a distance for so long?

With a slightly watery smile, I lean forward and hug him. “You did. You always do.”

I’m jerkedout of sleep, my heart slamming hard against my chest.

At first, I can’t figure out why.

The house is quiet.

I’m snuggled under the covers, toasty warm against the faint chill of the room. My clock glows faintly on the bedside table, displaying a time I should usually be asleep. A quick glance out the window shows the snow still falling steadily, huge flakes glowing white in the moonlight.

It’s fine. Nothing to worry about.

I probably just heard a tree breaking outside. Or the ice clinking into the tray in the freezer.

Then I hear something.

A creak.

Or is it?

Then I hear it again. This time, I’m sure.

Definitely a creak.

My pulse rockets to triple speed.

But it could be nothing. Right? The house settling, whatever that is.

I sit up in bed, too rattled to lie still.

Should I check? Look around to see if there’s a rational explanation for this?

Maybe I should call the police.

But what would I say? I heard a creak in my log cabin? They’d laugh me off the phone.

Still. I start to push the covers off, gathering my courage to investigate. To prove I’m braver than simple bumps in the night.

Then.

A low chuckle.

My gaze jumps to the doorway.

Oh, God.

There’s a man. All in dark clothing. A mask covers his face. The whites of his eyes are terrifyingly bright in the darkness.

God.

I need to do something.

He raises his hand. In it, something shines dully.

Panic has me frozen.

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