Page 10 of The Maverick of the Mountain
I’m not sure what I’ll do if she tries to make a break for it. I don’t want to force her, but I’m not going to let her risk her life out here. Guess I’d better embellish a little.
“I don’t want to frighten you, but we should leave soon. Wolves are about.”
Somewhere. Likely in a cozy den and out of the rain, but that’s a small detail.
Her eyes widen. “Wolves?”
I suck at my teeth. “Afraid so. They’ve got a den not far from here. Hank scared one off not too long ago, didn’t you, boy?”
Hank stares at me before letting out a confused chitter. She doesn’t know the difference, though.
“So, how about it?”
She swallows, looking back and forth between Hank and me.
“I guess I don’t have much choice.”
“Not really.” I move toward her, helping her to her feet. “I wouldn’t risk it in this weather, or as beat up as you.”
She snort-cries, and it makes me feel awful. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.”
She sniffles, tries to wipe her nose on her sleeve, but it’s caked in mud.
“Pfffpflupm!” She swipes at her nose and face, trying to get the mud out of her nostrils.
Hank chitters, and I reach for her. “Here, take my arm.”
She doesn’t say anything, glancing at my arm hesitantly before rubbing her face all over it. And sweet Jesus, it does something to me. My arm and chest start tingling as my breathing quickens. I think Hank senses something because he gets a little anxious on my shoulder. This girl. I don’t even know her damn name, and I’m already feeling completely consumed by her.
“Thanks,” she mutters. “And I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“I think I made a real mess of your cabin.”
She has no idea the real mess she’s making is inside me. She has no clue she’s wrecking me.
“That’s alright. I’m used to a bit of a mess living with this guy.” I jerk my chin toward Hank. He turns his back on me andharrumphs.
“You live with him?”
“He’s got a spot in my workshop. Plush.”
Hank chitters in agreement.
“H-he’s got all his shots, right? No rabies?”
I snort. “He’s all up to date. Take him to the vet twice a year. Probably the most well-taken care of raccoon in the world, although he might disagree now that there’s a lock on the fridge.”
She smiles, but then her face pales. “I left the fridge open.”
“I know. Hank here made quick work of my cake. Luckily, I caught him before he got to my leftover curry. That would be another story.”
She smiles even bigger this time, and I can’t help but light up. Lordy, this girl has a hold on me.
“I take it that’s happened before.”
“And it wasn’t pretty. The cleanup or the…” I swallow. “Well, you get the picture.”
