Page 6 of Rescued By the Brooding Mountain Hero

I pause for a moment to catch my breath and take in the stunning vistas surrounding me. Jagged peaks stretch out as far as the eye can see, their snow-capped summits glinting in the sunlight. It's breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and a little bit terrifying all at once. I stop for a minute or two to take some photos and scribble some ideas in my notepad. Coming out here was risky, but it was by far the best decision for the story I need to write.

Just as I’m about to return my notepad to my backpack, a gust of icy wind whips through my hair, sending a chill down my spine. I glance up at the sky, noticing for the first time the dark clouds gathering on the horizon. They look ominous, heavy with the promise of rain.

Beau's warning echoes in my mind, but I stubbornly push it aside. I'm not some fragile flower who needs protecting. I can handle whatever nature throws my way.

With a deep breath, I adjust my backpack and continue my ascent, determined to conquer this mountain and prove everyone wrong.

6

BEAU

Istare at the topographical map spread across the table, my mind a million miles away from the mountain rescue headquarters. Jade's defiant expression flashes through my mind, her captivating eyes challenging me even now.

"Beau? You listening, man?" Liam's voice snaps me back to the present.

I blink, focusing on my second-in-command. "Sorry, what were you saying?"

Liam raises an eyebrow. "Where's your head at? I asked if you think we need extra supplies at the north outpost, given the storm rolling in."

I rub the back of my neck, trying to shake off thoughts of the headstrong novelist. "Right, um... Let me think about that for a sec. I need to make a quick call first - be right back."

Ignoring Liam's puzzled look, I step outside into the humid air. Thunder rumbles ominously in the distance, and the hairs on my arms stand on end, sensing the electricity crackling in the atmosphere. My heart pounding, I pull out my phone and dial the resort’s number.

"Heartwood Lakefront Resort, Ivy speaking!" My mom's cheery voice greets me.

"Hey, Mom, it's Beau. Listen, did that novelist—Jade—come back to the resort? She said she’d only be gone an hour.”

There's a pause on the other end of the line. "No, I haven't seen her since this morning. Oh, Beau, you don't think..."

Dread seizes my chest like a vice. I glance at the menacing storm clouds gathering over the peaks, a sick feeling settling in my gut. Jade has ignored my warnings, just like I'd feared. And now she’s out there alone, at the mercy of the elements.

"I've got to go, Mom. I'll find her." I abruptly end the call, already striding back inside to grab my gear.

Liam looks up as I burst through the door. "Beau, what the hell is going on?"

I grab my rescue gear, my hands trembling slightly. “A novelist is staying at the resort where my mom works - Jade. She went out hiking this morning despite my warnings. And now she's not back."

Jake and Ethan exchange worried glances. "Shit, Beau. Do you need us to come with you?" Ethan asks, already reaching for his gear.

I shake my head vehemently. "No, I've got this. Liam, I need you to take over here at the base. Keep coordinating the other teams."

Liam nods, his expression grim. "You got it, boss. But are you sure you don't want backup out there? This storm is no joke."

I pause, considering his words. Every instinct screams at me to accept their help, to not be a fool. But something deeper, more primal, overrides that logic. The thought of any other man near Jade, even my trusted colleagues, makes my blood boil.

"I appreciate it, but I can handle this alone," I say firmly, shouldering my pack. "I'll radio in when I find her."

Jake frowns. "Beau, man, don't be a hero. This storm-"

"I know the risks," I cut him off, my jaw clenched. "But I'm the best damn rescuer on this mountain. And I'm not letting anything happen to her. Besides, if I can find her before the rain starts-"

I’m out the door before waiting for a response.

Thunder cracks overhead as I throw my gear into the truck, the first fat raindrops splattering against my skin. Of course, the storm would hit right as I'm heading out. And, of course, that bullheaded, gorgeous woman just had to push aside all caution and charge headlong into danger.

I clench my jaw, swallowing the anger rising in my throat. Getting pissed at Jade's recklessness won't do either of us any good right now. My sole focus has to be on finding her and getting her to safety before this storm becomes a true monster.

Slamming the truck door, I rev the engine to life. The wipers struggle against the onslaught of rain as I peel out of the parking lot, my mind racing. Where would Jade have gone? She mentioned wanting authenticity for her novel... Authenticity that could get her killed in weather like this.

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