But she could still smell him…like it was locked in her mind. There was a wildness about him. Over the last two days, she’d convinced herself he had some type of natural pheromone in his skin that made it so appealing. She’d found herself a bit aroused, too.
Which was extremely odd.
She hadn’t had a man in quite some time, but that was no excuse for the way her lower stomach ached when she would recall his scent.
Her little pole jerked in her hand and she set the hook, reeling in the beautiful trout. It was the perfect size for her, and she would be well fed by the time she was ready to turn in for the night.
The days were getting shorter, but there was still enough light for her to make the planned thirteen miles each day. She’d stopped to eat her lunch at the dry cabin on the trail at mile marker twenty-two and had taken a moment to walk around back to look for the foot trail Nash had mentioned. Sure enough, there had been a very small path leading into the forest.
She’d never been afraid to be alone in the woods, but having the knowledge there was another person close always made it easier. There were twelve more miles to hike before she reached the end of the trail, and she had two days to finish. The area she was in now was the perfect spot for photographs, and she’d spend half of the next day working on that instead of hiking. Plus, she was quickly falling in love with the little lake and mountain at her camp.
As her fish cooked over the second fire, she set out her dried fruit and added more water to her container to be filtered and ready for the next day. The sun had already set behind the mountain, but there was enough light for her to finish eating her dinner and clean up the smaller fire, covering it with the wet, blackened sand from the water’s edge to hopefully filter out any scent of the fish.
She hid a yawn behind her hand as she lay in her tent. The night was getting cold, but she was prepared, as always. The fire close to her tent would die down in a few hours, but she set an alarm on her phone to wake her every three hours to add logs to it. The sleeping bag she used would do the rest.
As she closed her eyes, she listened for sounds of any large animals, and when she found none, Isabell fell asleep under the stars, ready for the upcoming day. She couldn’t wait to explore.
At three, when her alarm sounded to add logs to her fire, she grabbed her flashlight and started to unzip her tent. A branch cracked, echoing off the face of the mountain. There was no need to panic, yet. Wild animals usually ran away from humans, but she wasn’t going to take any chances.
Grabbing her gun, she slipped out of the tent once it was secured with a sling over her body. She used her powerful flashlight to see into the dark. The noise had come from somewhere down the beach, and she cursed herself for not covering her cooking fire enough. Something must’ve smelled the fish.
The beam of light moved and her eyes scanned the landscape, paying attention to the shadows behind trees and rocks. One pass found nothing, but on the second, she froze, holding her light steady on the large, white wolf standing amongst a thatch of willow trees.
The animal didn’t move. It appeared to be frozen, too. It shifted to its right, widening its stance. She hated to kill anything she wasn’t going to consume, but if it charged her, she would. The last thing she needed to do was crawl out of the hike with rabies and an infection.
But there was something oddly familiar about the animal, which was just crazy. Its eyes looked almost human…like they were intelligent. Of course, wolves were smart creatures, but this one…she couldn’t even process the thought. It reminded her of Nash and his family.
She must have been losing her mind. His scent still registered with her, and she was half asleep. That had to be the reasoning for her early morning confusion.
“Go on! Get!” she called out, but the animal didn’t move.
Its golden eyes watched her, and she shivered. She wanted to get closer to it. There was a swirling around her head, making her dizzy with the need to touch the animal…comfort it and nurture it.
What the fuck is wrong with you, Isabell?
“I said, get! Please don’t make me shoot you,” she said, laughing at herself when she realized she was talking to the wolf like it could understand her. “You’re too pretty to kill, damn it!”
The wolf lowered its head, like it really had understood her, and backed away, blending in with the darkness beyond the beam of her flashlight. Isabell released a heavy breath and tried to calm her heart.
“Well, that was close,” she chuckled.
She climbed back in her tent after adding logs to the fire. It would stay hot enough to hopefully deter the wolf should it come back. By the time she woke up again, the sun would be coming up, and she could get some early morning photos of the lake and mountain. After that, she might explore the other side of the mountain lake.
Nash watched Isabell preparing her meal from the other side of the lake. She’d never left her spot from the night before, and he’d panicked when he didn’t find her closer to the south end of the trail. The night before had startled him. The last thing he expected was for her to wake at his arrival. His wolf had refused to run when she came out with the flashlight and a gun. The wolf held Nash in place so they could make sure she was safe and unharmed.
This time, he found a thick stand of trees to hide his white wolf’s body. Without snow on the ground, he would stick out like a bright beacon if he didn’t wiggle into the underbrush of dead limbs and vines. It was okay to be out in the open at night. During the day was a different story.
She took out a small rod and reel from her backpack, putting it together quickly. She baited the hook with a grub she’d found after only a few minutes of digging around on the forest edge. With an expert cast, she sat on a log at the water’s edge. A camera bag was to her left, and she leaned forward, resting her free hand on her tiny chin.
Nash worried she wasn’t eating enough, but from his enhanced vision, he could see she was healthy. There were no rings under her eyes, and she still appeared to be as strong as she’d been three days ago when he’d dropped her at the north end of the trail. Her brown hair was twisted up into a messy bun, and it appealed to him more than if she was standing there in an evening gown and a full face of makeup. No, Isabell didn’t need all of that. She was naturally beautiful.
She’d made it two-thirds of the way already, and he knew she would be at the pickup location before dark the next evening. She’d told Aspen not to pick her up until the fourth day anyway, and he had to remember she was there to get images about the pass. When he’d arrived earlier and noticed she hadn’t moved any of her camp supplies, he figured she was using the area for the majority of her photographs. It was the most beautiful spot on the trail, and he didn’t blame her for staying a little longer.
As the sun dropped below the mountain behind him, Isabell ate her meal and hurried to put out her cooking fire up the beach from her camp. His human side was impressed. His wolf, however, was twitching with the need to hunt for her, laying food at her feet.
If things were different, he would do just that.
He stayed until the moon was high in the night’s sky, but he didn’t get close like he’d done the night before. She was safe, and after an hour of roaming the area, his wolf was content enough to return home. He would see her in less than twenty-four hours.
Chapter 4
Isabell smiled when she saw the van for Ward Air and Transportation idling in the parking lot at the end of the trail. She quickened her steps, a little sad at her exit from the peace and quiet of the forest.
When she approached, her breath caught in her throat. It wasn’t Aspen picking her up. It was Nash Ward; the man who’d starred in her dreams over the last four nights.
“How was the hike?” he asked with a bright smile. Isabell had to check herself for a moment, because she could’ve sworn Nash Ward wasn’t genuinely happy to see anyone.
“It was great,” she admitted, sliding the pack off her shoulders. She remembered his stat
ement about not touching people, and she wanted to respect it. “I think I got some amazing shots of a small lake and the mountains around mile marker twenty-six.”
“That’s my favorite part of the trail,” he agreed, waiting for her to step away so he could reach for her pack. “Jump in the van, and I will load this so we can be on our way. Aspen will have a hot meal for you when we get home.”
The thought of going back to their compound thrilled her even with her desire to stay in the mountains a little longer. She’d fallen in love with the small air terminal that doubled as a bed and breakfast for travelers. Isabell wanted to ask about their homes up the hill, but she didn’t want to seem too nosy.
“Are you staying with us another night?” Nash asked as soon as he got behind the wheel.
“I was planning on it,” she admitted and buckled her seatbelt. Nash put the van in drive and they were off for the short drive back. “I don’t like driving through the mountain pass when it’s dark.”
“I don’t blame you. They’re calling for snow between here and Anchorage tonight, anyway. It’ll be safer if you stay,” he said, tightening the hold he had on the steering wheel. Isabell had to look away. Jesus, he had veins for days, and the muscles in his forearms were thick. There was that scent again, too. “Aspen should have the same room ready for you when we arrive.”
“That would be great, thank you,” she replied, looking down at her feet. “I could use a hot shower.”
He nodded and continued to drive. Isabell wanted to watch him from the corner of her eye, but didn’t, because he kept glancing at her…not even trying to hide it. “So, what’s for dinner?”
She had to ask something. The awkward silence was eating at her. His scent was getting more and more pronounced as they drove, and she pushed her fist into her lower belly to try to calm the raging need to just come on to the guy and beg for a one-night stand.
Isabell! She scolded herself, because she wasn’t the kind of girl to do something like that even if the thought of taking Nash Ward back to her bed saturated her thoughts…and her panties.
“I think she’s making salmon and fresh vegetables,” he shrugged.
“I’m good with that,” she laughed as her stomach growled. “I was able to catch fish in one of the lakes. Fishing went to shit when the weather changed this afternoon. So, I’ve only had some dried fruit and nuts for lunch.” It’d turned cold the day before, and even the birds had calmed. She’d tried to fish again earlier at a small lake closer to the end of the trail, but it wasn’t happening. They just weren’t biting.
What sounded like a growl came from deep inside Nash’s chest. “You should eat as soon as we get back.”
“I’d like to shower if the food isn’t ready yet,” she admitted, pointing to her water-resistant pants. “I’m covered in mud.”
He started to argue, but she was saved when they pulled off the road and onto their gravel entrance. He ran his hand over his beard, and she had a feeling he did that when he was trying to hold his tongue.
“I’ll be right there.”
She hurried along after he took her pack out of the van. Aspen was waiting with a key, telling her she still had a good twenty minutes until dinner was served.
Isabell didn’t rush her shower, opting to towel dry her long, brown hair until it was able to be pulled up into another messy bun. She didn’t care much for dressing up, but it didn’t matter. She’d brought her hiking clothes, and the only things left were a pair of brown cargo pants, one undershirt for cold weather, and a beige sweatshirt.
When she finally dressed and left her room, the scent of smoked salmon made her stomach rumble even louder. The kitchen was occupied by Aspen, Nash, and their brother, Mason, but there was another couple present, and they both had the same color eyes as the Ward family. She assumed they were all related.
“Isabell,” Aspen called out. “This is my cousin Harper and her m…husband, Fury.”
Isabell started to shake the male’s hand but he just gave her a soft smile and a bow, taking Harper into his arms. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Isabell. How was your hike?”
“It was beautiful,” she admitted truthfully. “I am going to come back in the spring and do it for fun. I feel like I rushed through it.”
“You are always welcome here,” Nash blurted and stood from his seat. “Would you like a glass of wine? Water?”
“I don’t drink,” she answered with a shake of her head. “Water would be fine.”
“Water it is, then,” Nash said as he found a fresh bottle in the refrigerator. Instead of handing it over, he placed it on the table in front of an empty seat Isabell assumed was hers. When she sat, she waited for Aspen to serve. Harper took to her right and Aspen to her left. Nash sat at the head of the table, and they all dug in to their food.
“This is great, Aspen,” she praised after she took the first bite.
“Thank you,” the young sister smiled, but her face fell after a thought. “It’s an old family recipe.”
Isabell wasn’t going to ask her to elaborate. Instead, she ate more of the meal that’d been prepared, thinking about her trip home the next day. The article needed to be written and photos had to be edited before sending it off to the magazine’s editor.
A shrill sound echoed from the check in desk. Nash cursed and pushed his chair back when the crackled voice came over the radio.
Winter storm advisory for this evening. Severe winter weather is expected within the next twelve hours. Winds sustained at thirty miles per hour, gusting up to fifty. Snow accumulation is expected up to nine inches. The area between Anchorage and Harper’s Pass could be impassable until cleared by state authorities. Travel is not advised.
“Well, great,” Isabell sighed.
Nash Ward, and his wolf, secretly cheered because of the warning. They knew there was going to be a little bit of snow, but it looked like the weather had taken a turn quickly. It would’ve been really bad for Isabell if she’d tried to return home instead of staying another night.
“You can stay here for as long as you’d like,” Nash promised her. Forever if she wants, his wolf grumbled inside his human mind.
“I appreciate it,” she said, dropping her fork beside her plate. She hadn’t finished her meal, and he could scent her worry. He didn’t like it, because it changed her natural scent. “I need to call my boss.”
“Finish eating,” he ordered, pushing out his alpha powers. When his brother, sister, cousin, and her husband all stopped what they were doing to give him a strange look, Nash realized he couldn’t order her around.
She was human.
They all averted their eyes, focusing on their meal. He knew Aspen would have something to say about it later, but he wasn’t in the mood. He just wanted to get to know Isabell better even though he knew it was a bad idea.
“I really need to call my boss,” she fretted, biting her bottom lip while she folded her napkin and dropped it on her plate. “Thank you for dinner. It was amazing.”
“You’re welcome,” Aspen replied as she leaned back in her seat.
They all watched as she left the kitchen, returning to her room. Mason immediately came to Nash’s side the moment they heard the door to her room close. “What are you planning?”
“Nothing.” Nash’s words were final, and he gave his brother a little push of power to back up his words.
“Fine, but be cautious with her. She’s human,” he pointed out. Mason was right. Humans were fragile. And they didn’t handle shocking information like finding out the family they were staying with were secretly shape shifting wolves.
“She’s his mate,” Aspen reminded them, narrowing her eyes on Mason when he started to reply. “Leave them alone, Mason.”
“We can’t mate humans,” Mason blurted. “They can’t bear our young.”
“We don’t know if we can or can’t mate a human,” Harper interrupted, a tear welling up in the corner of her eye. Fury rushed over to take her into his arms. “We
were never told.”
“There are a lot of unknowns with us,” Nash stated, taking his seat again. “It’s too risky to reach out to other shifters.”
“Humans and shifters can mate,” Fury spoke up. “I don’t know a lot about it, but I remember my father talking about it once. One of my great aunts found a human male dying in the woods. She touched him and found out they were mates. She changed him to save his life.”
“We can’t be the only ones out there,” Aspen announced. “There has to be more of us, Nash. Maybe they can tell us more about our kind and mixing with humans.”
“There very well may be other shifters, wolves even, but how would we find them? How would we search without revealing ourselves?” Nash knew they were stuck. There was no way to reach out to other shifters without them coming to kill them.
“There has to be a way,” Harper said, tightening the hold she had on her mate’s coat.
“For now, we stay hidden,” Nash reminded them. “We live the way we have lived for years. And as far as I’m concerned, I have no plans on touching the human.”
“Regardless,” Fury interrupted. “We should try to search the internet for answers.”
“No,” Nash barked, slashing his hand through the air. His words were final. “It’s too dangerous.”
Fury nodded and gathered Harper and their coats, wishing everyone a good night. Harper exchanged a look with Aspen, but Nash didn’t need to ask.
His wolf didn’t care what, or who, she was. All it wanted was for Nash to touch her. It wanted to know for sure if she was his mate. But how would it work, if he touched her, without her even knowing about what he really was?
The first touch was all it took to know your mate. If his fingers grazed her skin and she was truly his mate, the animal inside him would make itself known when it went into a mating frenzy; extending his canines so he could bite her…mark her.
He didn’t know anything about mating a human. It wasn’t something they had ever experienced. All they had to go on were myths and stories from their memories, and he didn’t even trust them to be accurate. It’d been a while, and every single one of them had been under the age of twenty when it’d happened.
His Lost Mate (The Ward Wolf Pack Novella Series, Book 1) Page 3