Page 89 of A Rebel's Shot

“Cabin and the girl? I must be dreaming,” he said against her lips.

She pulled him close, wrapping her arms around his neck to hold him to her. He broke from her lips, peppering kisses along her jaw to that sensitive spot he’dfound under her ear. His beard tickled her skin, and she inhaled through her nose, trying not to laugh.

Spruce and smoke mingled in a scent she never imagined would be enticing before that summer.

Wait a sec.

She pushed against Tiikâan’s shoulder.

Smoke?

“Do you smell that?”

Tiikâan leaned his forehead against hers and shook his head. “You’re killing me, Skeet.”

He straightened and inhaled. His gaze whipped to hers, and without a word, he grabbed her hand and rushed through the woods.

They broke through the trees to an overlook of the next valley. Down below, nestled beside a creek was a cabin with smoke curling from its chimney.

And a landing strip stretching out beside it.

Tears streamed down her face, but she couldn’t rip her gaze from their salvation. Tiikâan picked her up, twirled her around, then kissed her.

“You saved us,” she said against his lips.

“No. We did it together.” He grinned at her, then practically dragged her down the mountain.

They arrived at the cabin, chests heaving, and he banged on the door.

“What in tarnation.” A man yelled from inside a moment before the door swung open to reveal a man in faded blue coveralls with white hair and beard.

His gaze darted from Tiikâan to her and back again. “Who the heck are you?”

“We’re lost,” Tiikâan answered before introducing them. “Do you have a satellite phone?”

“Yeah, sure.” The man stepped back and motioned them into the cramped space. “Have a seat.”

He motioned to the table with two chairs.

“Name’s Toad.” He motioned to the wood cookstove against the wall. “Coffee’s on if you want. I’ll go grab the phone.”

He disappeared behind a curtain strung across the room, grunting as he bumped against something.

“Toad?” She whispered.

Tiikâan shrugged with a smile. “Coffee?”

She shook her head. There were so many emotions bubbling through her. Adding coffee to the mix might make her blow.

Toad came back out and handed Tiikâan the phone. He dialed, then bounced his knee as he waited.

“Astryde, it’s Tiikâan.”

He jerked the phone away from his ear as his sister screamed. He clicked the phone on speaker. Merritt covered her smile with her fingertips, tears blurring her vision.

“Are you safe? Where are you?” Worry was thick in Astryde’s voice.

“Yeah, we’re safe. We’re at…” Tiikâan looked at Toad with a raised eyebrow.

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