Page 74 of Mountain Boss

There’s just a sliver of a moon, and even though I feel like I can see a billion stars, they do little to light my way.

I left my phone charging in my cabin, and as I start down the path back home, I vow to never do that again.

The flashlight on my phone might not be that powerful, but it’s better than nothing.

The evening chill seeps through my cotton pants, and even though I pulled a sweatshirt on over my sleep top, I have to fight a shiver.

Winter comes early this high up in the mountains.

As my foot lowers on my next step, I hear a branch break.

I stop, looking down.

There is no stick beneath my foot.

I hold my breath.

The silence is deafening as I listen for movement, making my heartbeat feel like a drumline.

I lift my foot.

Another crunch.

My chest starts to burn.

I suck in air.

A large form lumbers into view a dozen feet in front of me.

My feet pedal backward.

I exhale my breath in a scream.

And my heel catches on something.

I drop my clothes.

My body tips backward.

And the big-as-hell bear turns her head to look at me.

My butt hits the hard earth, knocking the rest of the oxygen out of my lungs.

She takes a step toward me.

Looking at me.

Fear twists around me like a wire.

“H-hi,” I whisper, the word cracking.

She tilts her head.

“You’re a pretty girl, aren’t you?”

I don’t know how I know she’s a she. But I can feel it. The mama bear energy.

She takes another step toward me. Her eyes glinting in the dark.

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