Page 30 of A Rebel's Shot

He wasn’t sure exactly who could find out. If he said anything to the authorities, then the mine definitely would get shut down.

Maybe laying low and keeping his ears open was the better plan for now. His guard duty could be more of a reconnaissance spy mission. At least waiting would give Merritt time to find out more information.

Tiikâan dried the last dish and set it in the rack, his gaze drifting back to Merritt and Declan poring over the map on the coffee table. Declan’s brow was furrowed as he traced a finger along the coastline.

“The villages you’ll be visiting—they’re all small, tight-knit communities. The elders are highly respected, and the people have a deep connection to the land and the water.” Declan’s voice was laced with concern. “If there’s even a hint of pollution or environmental damage from the mine, they won’t take it lightly.”

Tiikâan’s stomach twisted. The more Declan spoke, the more his unease returned. These weren’t just faceless communities—they were people’s homes, their livelihoods. If the geologist’s warnings about acid mine drainage proved true, the consequences could be devastating.

Merritt’s brow furrowed as she studied the map. “I understand their concerns. My father was adamantabout environmental responsibility, but...” She glanced up at Tiikâan, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “What if the geologist is right?”

Tiikâan’s heart clenched at the vulnerability in her gaze. This wasn’t just about the mine’s bottom line or her family’s legacy—it was about the well-being of an entire region.

Declan leaned back, his expression grave. “Then you’d better be prepared for a fight. These people won’t go down without a battle. Their way of life is at stake.”

Tiikâan’s jaw tightened. Declan was right. The community meetings could easily turn ugly, and the fallout from the geologist’s findings could be catastrophic. But Merritt was determined to do the right thing.

As he watched her study the map, Tiikâan felt a surge of admiration. She was in way over her head, but she was willing to face it anyway. Tiikâan pulled up a chair next to the couch, his gaze shifting between Merritt and Declan.

Declan leaned forward, his expression earnest. “The key is to approach them with respect and humility. These communities have been on this land for generations. Listen to their concerns, acknowledge their expertise.”

“So… approach them just like the Syrian officials, the Bangladesh orphans, basically anyone in the world, with respect.” Merritt folded up the map while Declan’s eyes widened at her experience. “Thanks, Declan. I feel better going in knowing more about them.”

“No problem. If you have time, you should visit theIñupiat Heritage Center. It’s always good to know the history of people. Gives you a better understanding of where they are coming from.”

Declan paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Like our buddy Tiikâan here. Knowing his impressive history with porcupines could be useful.”

Tiikâan groaned, already anticipating the embarrassing story. “Declan, don’t you dare?—”

Declan’s grin widened as he launched into the story. “Okay, so we were out in the woods, right? Tiikâan was convinced he could track a porcupine, capture it with nothing but a leather strip, and prove he was the ultimate wilderness man.”

Tiikâan groaned, already feeling the heat rise to his cheeks, but Declan barreled on. “We’re creeping through the underbrush, and Tiikâan spots this porcupine up in a tree. Without a second thought, he starts climbing up after it.”

Merritt’s eyes went wide, a delighted smile spreading across her face as she listened intently. Tiikâan couldn’t help but be captivated by the way her eyes danced with mirth.

“So Tiikâan’s up there, trying to snag this porcupine around the leg, when suddenly it starts thrashing around. Next thing we know, Tiikâan’s raining down from the tree, his arm covered in quills.”

Tiikâan cringed, but Merritt’s laughter bubbled up, filling the small space with its warmth. He’d take a thousand embarrassing stories if it meant hearing that joyful sound.

“Oh my goodness, how horrible.” Merritt gaspedbetween giggles. “How on earth did you get them all out?”

Declan chuckled. “Well, let’s just say it took tweezers, a very patient mother, and a lot of salve.”

Tiikâan shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. At least I was out there trying to prove my wilderness skills, unlike someone who was content to just sit back and watch. I still can’t believe you put that into your book.”

Tiikâan motioned to the bookshelf full of Declan’s bestsellers. “It didn’t really fit in the story at all.”

“That’s why they call me a creative genius.” Declan wagged his eyebrows. “You’ve given me so much inspiration over the years that I’ve got ways to embarrass characters for at least fifty more books.”

Tiikâan snorted. “You’re a menace.”

Merritt’s laughter slowly subsided, and she fixed Tiikâan with a warm gaze. “Well, I’m glad you had Declan there to document your, uh, adventures.”

Tiikâan felt a cinch in his chest at the way she looked at him, and he knew in that moment that he’d willingly endure a thousand porcupine attacks if it meant seeing her smile like that again.

“How long have you known each other?” Merritt settled onto the couch with her water, curling her legs up like she planned on staying awhile.

He hadn’t seen her this relaxed since he’d met her.

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