Page 45 of A Rebel's Shot

“Okay. I’ll do it.”

Merritt’s heart soared, relief washing over her in a dizzying wave. She squeezed his arm, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

She snagged a notepad and pen from the desk and scratched the address to the hangar Tiikâan parked his plane in, talking as she wrote.

“I’ll be heading back to Barrow in the morning. Ifyou’ll meet me here, we’ll get started fixing this right away.”

Dr. Erikson’s nod turned to a shake of his head. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“I never imagined I’d be here either.” Merritt headed back toward the surface.

Dr. Erikson huffed a humorless laugh from behind her, then muttered, “Let’s just hope it doesn’t get us both killed.”

EIGHTEEN

Tiikâan’s brother Magnus climbed up to sit next to Tiikâan on the picnic table where he watched his family and friends.

“Hey, man.” Magnus nudged Tiikâan’s shoulder before settling his arms on his knees. “How’s the Barrow Bachelor Bunk treating you?”

Tiikâan laughed, shaking his head. “I can’t believe Declan actually tells people that.”

“Dude, he couldn’t hold his excitement in when you agreed to stay there.” Magnus chuckled. “Something about reliving old times or some sentimental junk like that.”

“It’s been good, though I haven’t been around to hang out all that much.”

He kind of felt bad about ditching out on Declan to go to dinner so often with Merritt now. Not a very good friend. He’d have to do better after he got back north.

“So, who’s the kid?” Tiikâan pointed his red Solo cupat the blond boy hanging out with his sister Lena’s stepson, Carter.

Magnus’ sigh sounded like it came all the way from his toes. “He’s with me. That’s Oliver. He’s… a friend’s son.”

Since when did Magnus take on kids?

Must be serious.

“Just a friend?” Tiikâan couldn’t help asking.

“Yeah.” The hardness in his brother’s voice turned Tiikâan’s gaze to him. “Friend.”

Magnus’ muscle in his cheek popped as he clenched his teeth.

“Everything okay?” Tiikâan asked.

“Just peachy.” Magnus forced a smile as Oliver ran up.

“Carter said there are toads in the pond. Can we go see them?” The kid’s hands opened and closed beside him, his gaze widening before he looked at the dirt in front of his shoe.

“Absolutely.” Magnus climbed down from the picnic table.

Oliver’s mouth fell open as his head snapped up. “Really?”

“Of course.” Magnus clapped Tiikâan on the shoulder. “Catch you later.”

Tiikâan nodded, wondering just what Magnus’ deal was with Oliver. His life was wildfire fighting in the most dangerous situations.

Babysitting was the last thing Tiikâan imagined Magnus doing.

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