Page 17 of Alpha Geek

They introduced themselves as Belindy, Liam, and Michael.

Tripp had actually read articles about Belindy and Michael. They were both seasoned climbers, which gave him some relief. It was risky doing a climb like Everest with newbies.

“You guys are such a beautiful couple,” Keeran said as their food was brought out. “I’ve never had a couple come on a climb. That’s kind of romantic.”

Amelia laughed at her words, thanking her. Tripp placed his arm around her shoulders as they sat.

Warmth had settled in his chest as Amelia went along with Keeran’s words. Even though they weren’t actually a couple.

The food was good and warm, and it invigorated Tripp. But it couldn’t take away from the fact that he had been on a plane an entire day.

“Well, we’re off,” Liam said curtly as they finished their food. “We all have an early start. Keeran suggested earlier that we all get a good night’s sleep.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Tripp sighed with relief.

Finally, he could get to bed. With Amelia,he thought to himself as they pushed their chairs back.

Their room was on the third floor of the hotel, and they were shown up by the host. Several of the hotel staff stared at them unashamedly. It was clear that their climb had been spoken about among the locals.

As they were getting close to the room, Tripp realized that he had been walking hand-in-hand with Amelia. The thought sent warmth sparking through his chest.

He was so lucky to have her here.The thought crossed his mind almost idly.

“Are you ready for the climb?” he asked her as they settled in their room. “I’m sure you’re excited about this.”

“I’m just happy to be here to get you through this,” she said, smiling at him. “Why are you so eager to do this climb anyway?” Amelia asked as she unpacked some of their things.

Tripp gave a short laugh. He wasn’t sure how to answer the question. It was always a painful answer for him. “When my father was on his deathbed, he made me promise I wouldn’t waste my life. I’ve been out exploring the world and climbing ever since.”

“Oh.” Amelia’s voice was small.

“What is it?” he asked her. His voice was suddenly gentle.

“Your story reminds me of the reason I stopped climbing.”

“Why was that?” Tripp asked her, sitting next to her.

He placed his arm around her shoulders again.

“My father died on a climb. He had been a rescue worker of sorts. He went up Mount Denali to help a climber. And he never came back down.”

“I’m so sorry.” Tripp’s voice was thick. He couldn’t imagine the pain she felt right then. “I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks.” She gave a shaky laugh. “After that, I left Alaska and never climbed again. I’m glad that the first climb I’ll be doing is with you, Tripp.”

NINE

AMELIA

“Let’s set up camp,” Amelia called to the rest of the group. They had been hiking for about three days. There were seven more days until they reached base camp.

Amelia had already begun seeing signs of wear and tear on Tripp, even though he could keep up with the best of the group. His tight breathing and quickened breaths as they trekked from Kathmandu were a reminder of how frail he was.

Not by human standards but by her shifter standards.

It was hard not to compare. Mates tended to match each other. Balance one another out. Something in one soul recognized something in the other, and vice versa. But shifters were much more physically able in many ways.

If Tripp wasn’t so incredible in other ways, Amelia might have thought about rejecting the mating sign. As it stood, he was kind, gentle, and warm. He was caring and generous in bed and in every aspect of his life.

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