Page 11 of Alpha Rising (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

He huffed with derision, this time at his own expense.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“An old hunting cabin. It was abandoned a long time ago.”

That made sense. There were cobwebs on the three sets of antlers mounted on the wall. “How did I get here?”

“I carried you.”

“You found me in the woods.” My brain was still moving slowly, but I could picture what he was describing. Goosebumps skittered over my arms

“What I want to know,” he said, sounding harassed, “iswhyI found you in the woods.”

“The forest ranger called the lodge to report a mountain lion sighting.”

“There’s a male wandering around,” he confirmed. “Probably the same one from before, but that doesn’t explain why you were in the woods.”

“I thought the ranger had spotted you. I came looking for you.”

“You should have stayed at the lodge.”

His response didn’t surprise me based on what Toby said, but I was long past caring. I’d found Reese. That was all that mattered.

“I’d like to see you. Will you come out? If you’re feeling modest—”

He laughed. “I’m not modest. I’m trying to be respectful of you.”

Oh. Well, that was nice. Unnecessary, but nice. “If I give you one of my blankets, will you come out?”

“Are you warmed up? You were really cold.”

“Better now. Here.” I peeled the quilt off me, balled it up, and tossed it toward the end of the wall that extended halfway across the space and blocked off what I assumed was a bedroom area.

Reese’s hand reached out from around the end of the wall and snagged the quilt. A second later, he emerged with it wrapped around his waist. The muscles of his bare chest were flexed, the lines of his pecs and abs defined. His skin seemed to glow from within.

“A patchwork kilt,” I said with a small smile, trying to ease the tension of the moment.

“What?” He frowned at me from ten feet away.

“You’re wearing a patchworkkilt. It’s like patchworkquilt, except...” I let out a sigh. “Never mind.”

His frown deepened.

“Is there a reason you’re standing way over there?” I asked.

“Hell, yes.”

“Toby told me you might be unpredictable.”

Something dangerous flashed in Reese’s eyes. “He did, did he? Been spending a lot of time with Toby since I left?”

I drew my eyebrows together in reproach, not knowing if his accusatory tone was directed at me or at his brother. Either way, I didn't appreciate it.

Reese shook his head. “Forget it. Ignore me.”

I was happy to let it slide. “Everyone wants you to come home. If you’ve been staying away because of me, maybe I can...find lodging in town. I could work from a hotel room.”

“You aren’t going anywhere. This is my problem to deal with.”

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