Branded by Frost

by Aliyah Burke

  “Son, you need to get on the chopper. I will bring the dog. You have my word. Come on. Let’s go. He’s on. Bring him up.”

  The buffeting winds made it more difficult but the helicopter handled it with ease. A different type of rumble could be heard and she gazed about, searching for its maker.

  Mason called out, “The other is on. Haul them up too.”

  She was glad both were down there and both lines were in use. With both down there, hopefully the rescue would go much quicker than if only one were in use. Scanning as much as she could, she tried again to find where the noise originated. No luck. Nothing on the gauges or screens read off to her.

  “You’re always the last one, Dex,” Mason’s voice had a hint of laughter.

  “I’m getting the dog, who isn’t exactly happy about me reaching for him.”

  She heard growling over the mike.

  “Okay,” he said. “I’ve got him. Bring us up.”

  Behind her she could hear the joyful reunion of boy and dog.

  “All good to go here, Frost,” he said.

  Thank God. She took them out of there and headed back to base. An ambulance waited and as she touched then down, she watched the EMTs dash in their direction.

  “Frost, we just got another call in about a ship in trouble. They’re sinking. You’re closer than the Coast Guard. How long until you get out there?”

  Teague’s question had her focusing on the terrain map. “Coordinates?”

  He passed them along and she noted them. “How many on the ship?”

  “They said they had thirteen people on board.”

  She calculated weight and distance along with rescue time to work out she had enough fuel or if she would need more. “We can leave right now. How are we on supplies, Sandra?”

  “We’re good.”

  “Good go.”

  “Welcome to the second flight of the day, ladies and gentlemen. If you would care to return your trays and seats to their upright position, we’ll already be airborne by the time you accomplish it.”

  Laughter trickled along. Movement at her shoulder had her turning to see Dex leaning in with a cup of coffee for her. “Got some when we let the others out.”

  “Thanks.”

  He covered the mouthpiece. “Is this another fumes trip?”

  She sipped her coffee and grinned. “Let’s hope not.”

  He blew her a kiss then stepped back. She couldn’t get over the beauty of the landscape as it flew by. The others talked among themselves as they traveled. She kept quiet for most part. On the large speakers, music played. Today was Mason’s pick and he had put in some Jimi Hendrix.

  As usual when she flew, she was always aware of the man who taught her to live behind the controls, not to mention the stories he had shared with her about ’Nam. Some days he’d not wanted to speak on it at all and some he’d shared a lot. She’d never pushed him.

  I suppose I’m fighting my own kind of war now. Not like he did, but a battle nonetheless. She reached over and turned down the music a little bit just so they knew she was about to tell them something. “Target spotted.”

  Chapter Nine

  Dex experienced a flurry of happiness at seeing Frost in town. She’d gone out with Roz and he’d spent time with Mason and Colton, drinking beer and shooting pool. Now as he walked up the street, he found her in a store window, looking at an outfit on a mannequin. She had her hands braced upon her hips and he slowed as he neared. Her lips moved but she was the only one he could see and assumed she spoke to Roz. When she tipped her head back in laughter, he struggled with the depth of his emotions for this woman.

  I don’t get why this one means so much to me. She laughed and waved at him before striking a pose in the window, mimicking the mannequin. He pulled his hands from within his jacket pockets and clapped. She did another and he laughed as he went to the door and ducked inside.

  “Thinking of giving up your day job, Frost?” he asked when he reached the duo.

  “Maybe. What do you think? Do I have a future in mannequining?” She frowned. “Mannequinesquing? Ah, hell, being one.”

  “I think,” he said, helping back to the floor of the shop. “You would miss flying. No matter how good you would look modeling clothing.”

  “That’s true. I would.”

  “You two women coming to the bar? The team’s meeting there for lunch.”

  They shared a look before shaking their heads. “No. There’s a new chopper in. I’m going to take her up for a test. See what shakes out.”

  He drew his brow in consternation.

  She patted his arm. “Go. Enjoy.”

  “This is about the one member who is after you, right?”

  They both shrugged. “Most likely.” Frost’s tone was without worry.

  “I’m going with.”

  She shook her head. “Not at all. If it’s nothing then you missed hanging with friends. If it’s something, I’d rather not have to worry about getting you down safe as well.”

  “I—”

  “Go, Dex. Go and have fun. I have work to do. We’ll see you later.”

  Just like that they left him there, standing alone in front of a woman in a ski suit—a bright pink ski suit.

  He watched her through the window until he couldn’t see her any longer. Then he departed the store and headed for the bar and grill where the rest of the team had gathered. Glancing at them all, he couldn’t help but wonder who was after her.

  “Frost coming?” Mason posed the question.

  “Nope. She said something about a new chopper being in and taking it out for a test flight.” He monitored each person’s expression at the news, searching for someone to give something away. Nothing popped.

  They ordered and began shooting the breeze. He participated but his mind was back with Frost and what she was doing.

  * * * *

  “Are you sure this thing is safe?” Roz cried out over the headset.

  Aminta laughed. “You’ve flown with me before. Were you not safe then?”

  “Someone wasn’t trying to kill you then.”

  “Not true, not true. There have always been New Order freaks out to kill us. And the damn demons.”

  “Point taken. But also, our chopper isn’t this old.”

  “I love it,” she chortled. “Reminds me of the slick I learned on.”

  In her periphery, Roz smiled even as she shook her head. “You don’t miss not having all that fandangled technology at your fingertips?”

  Staring out of the windshield, she angled them to the right and skimmed along the treeline. “Honestly? No. I don’t. They are getting to where they are pretty much automatic now. Being a pilot in one isn’t as necessary. Like with the jets… All that auto-pilot. I love knowing I’m needed.”

  “You’d be happy flying a Wright brothers’ plane, wouldn’t you?”

  “That would be an experience for sure.” She lifted them in the sky and left the coast, heading out over the water. “Some days I wonder if I hadn’t been given the wrong sign. Surely there’s a bird of sorts I could have had—one that ties in to my love of flight. You know, like you and the horses.”

  “I’m not sure that’s how they all work.”

  “Why not? So far I think it has, except for myself and Dracen.” She lifted her hand and pointed. “Look, Roz. Orcas. They’re porpoising.”

  “Holy shit. Can we get closer?”

  “Sure, hang on.” She dropped them closer to the deck, not near enough to frighten the whales. “Odd to see them here around now. Maybe they’re in transit to somewhere else.”

  It wasn’t a super pod by any means but they spied around ten.

  “I love them,” she said. “Such a shame we don’t see as many around Oregon anymore.”

  “I know.” She pulled away from them and headed back. “They’re beautiful creatures.”

  There were two hiccups that had her landing the old chopper to check out. She put them on the top of a cliff overlooking
the ocean. Snow crept up to her ankles as she walked to the tail to take a look at the issues.

  Roz stood beside her, breath forming in the cold air. “What’s the problem?”

  She opened the hatch and looked in at the wiring. “Nothing I can’t fix. It’ll just take a few minutes.”

  “Cool.”

  She went back to the interior and grabbed her tools. “Check out the substance on the two wires on the left, Roz. What do you think it is?”

  “Looks and smells like demon blood.”

  She stood beside her fellow Guardian and nodded. “That’s what I was thinking. Problem is, I didn’t sense anything like that when I did the pre-flight.”

  Roz stepped back allowing her access. “And you didn’t leave it after you did. So, what? They now have something that hides their shit until a later time? Like a delayed reaction kind of thing?”

  She worked on removing the ruined fuel line and replacing it. “I don’t have a clue. All I know is had this been someone else flying who wasn’t familiar with slicks, they wouldn’t have stopped and they would have ended up crashing.”

  “Do you think they’re trying to kill you now or they are waiting for something larger—a big call—to come in then wipe out the entire team? You know that’s a possibility if you don’t get this person out.”

  She frowned and worked the wrench. “I know. I’m going to confront him today—after I drop you off.”

  Roz laughed. “You think I’m letting you go in there alone? You’re crazier than I ever thought.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  She crossed her arms. “I know. I’ll be there.” Roz held up a hand. “Don’t try to stop me, Mina. This is what we do.”

  “Okay,” she capitulated. “We’ll go there right now.”

  “So it’s not one of the ones Dex is hanging out with?”

  “I don’t know who all is there.” She backed out of the space, closed the door, and gazed around. “Actually, Roz. I am going to need you to do something else for me.”

  They climbed back in and she started the chopper, pleased when there were no hesitations. Once they were airborne, she told Roz what she needed and after getting her to agree, they returned to base.

  As she powered down the helicopter, she closed her eyes briefly and sent a heartfelt thank you to the man who’d taught her to fly. She missed him but to be honest, she felt Rick was always with her as her co-pilot.

  Snow had begun to fall again when they left to head back to the cabin. “This snow is pretty,” Roz commented offhand.

  Aminta sliced her gaze to her. “You’re still not staying.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “You said you would go check this out.”

  “Changed my mind. We’ve already had demons and a slew of New Order assholes show up here. I’m not letting you go confront a man who may very well be trying to kill you without any backup.”

  “How was the helicopter?” Teague asked as he pulled up beside them.

  “It was wonderful.”

  “You ladies care for a ride into town?”

  Sharing a look with Roz, Aminta accepted and they climbed into his truck. “Thanks, Teague.”

  “No problem. How are you enjoying your visit here, Roz?”

  She leaned forward and peered around Aminta. “Love it. Such a shame I can’t stay longer.”

  “It’s been fun getting to know you,” he replied. “We’re glad she agreed to come up here.”

  Roz poked her in the leg. “How many hot guys do you have after you?”

  Aminta couldn’t respond, not with Teague right beside her. The haze would be too blatant. Roz had gotten away with it because Aminta was between them and his eyes were on the road. So, she glared at her.

  They waved to Teague when he dropped them off on Main then drove away.

  “Seriously, Mina. That man is hot as well. Maybe he’s your mate.”

  “Can we not discuss this right…” She trailed off when she caught another sight of gold dust.

  “I see it too. Let’s go.”

  * * * *

  Dex stood in the store, staring at the knick-knacks again. He held a crystal globe in his hand, and the continents had been etched in. Something about it called to him. He wasn’t sure what, but he’d been unable to get it out of his head since he’d passed it last time.

  “What are you doing here?”

  He turned to find Frost there with Roz. “Ladies. Oh, was just here picking something up. Why?” He glanced between the two of them. “How was the flight?”

  “Great.” She held out her hand. “Can I see that?”

  “Sure,” he handed it over.

  Both women had expectant looks on their faces that soon fell.

  “Something you expected to happen?”

  “Expected? More like hoped.” Frost’s expression was crestfallen. “Are you purchasing this?”

  “Did you want it? I was thinking about it but I’m just fine with getting a different one.”

  “Thanks,” she said. She and Roz walked away, Roz turning back to give him a smile and wave.

  He lifted another globe but it didn’t feel the same to him. He wanted that one. Lifting his head, he watched the women as they paid for it and left. The light sparkled off the gold dust following them.

  Is that why she wanted it? That’s her artifact? It explained why she didn’t mention it out loud in the store. He returned the other globe to the shelf and headed after the women.

  “Hang on,” he called out to them.

  “What’s up?” Frost’s tone was full of forced cheer. He knew her well enough to understand that.

  “I’m heading back to the cabin. Can I take you?”

  Roz nodded. “Please. I will make some dinner for us when we get back.”

  The ride back was silent and the women were out as soon as he’d parked. Aminta had let Roz take the passenger seat. He didn’t mind. He had no problem utilizing the rear view to stare at Frost. He did have a problem with the lack of joy in her expression.

  Inside the cabin, he cornered her in the small space out of view of the kitchen while Roz started the meal. “What’s going on with you? You were so happy before.”

  “I’m fine. Just a lot on my mind.”

  She tried to duck under his arm but he didn’t allow it. He pressed into her with his lower body as he nuzzled the side of her neck. “Not buying it, Frost. What’s going on?”

  She trembled. “A lot on my mind, is all. How was your time with the team?”

  “Fine,” he mumbled. “I wish you’d tell me who this person is though.”

  “I’m going to take care of that real soon.”

  He tipped up her chin and kissed her, loving the way she opened so fully to him, sinking into him. She drew back and placed her hands on his chest.

  Dex cupped her face. “You’re sad, Frost. What happened today?”

  “Please don’t ask. I don’t want to lie to you but I’m not ready to talk about it right now.”

  “Okay, I’ll let it go for now.”

  “Thank you.”

  He put music on while they talked in the kitchen. Dex picked up her purchase and experienced the thrum. He skimmed his fingers over the globe again and frowned. There was something on it. Holding it up to the light, he took a closer look.

  * * * *

  “That was wonderful, Roz,” he said two hours later as he put his fork down on his empty plate.

  “Pasta is always good to indulge in. To me, spaghetti is one of the best of those.” Roz wiped the final bit of sauce from her plate with the last bite of her garlic bread.

  Frost had been more subdued over the entirety of the meal but Roz had easily taken up her slack so there was no drop of conversation. He pushed away from the table.

  “I forgot,” he said, walking to the living room and picking up her globe. “Here.”

  Frost sat forward to take it from him. “What are you giving this to me for? I already bought it.”

  He rol
led his eyes. “Just take it.”

  She leaned forward and touched it. The small kitchen exploded in pale blue, white and sparkly particles. The only way he could describe it was if someone had ground up diamonds into dust, filled a bag and popped it.

  He gazed around, eyes finding Frost, who had the same confused look on her face. Roz however clapped and squealed in glee.

  “What the fuck?” He released his hold on the globe, allowing Frost to take the entire thing. “What is that?”

  Roz slid her chair back. “I’m not needed for this part. I will see you later. Don’t worry about the dishes, I’ll get them later.” She made herself scarce.

  “I don’t understand,” Frost was saying.

  He drew his chair closer to hers where he touched the globe again, adding more dust to billow out and fall around them. It landed on her hair, skin, eyelashes… He’d never seen anyone more beautiful.

  “What is this?”

  “It didn’t happen the first time we both touched it.”

  “There was some sort of coating on it. I noticed it after we got back and cleaned it off.” He touched the dusting along her left cheekbone. “Gonna let me in on what this is and where it all came from?” The material landed on his skin, offering him a warmth he never would have assumed with diamond dust.

  “It happens when a Guardian and their mate touch the artifact.”

  It took him a minute for her words to register. “Mate?” He released the globe and closed his hand around her wrist. Her pulse thrummed beneath his touch.

  “Yes.”

  “So, that story you told me earlier about needing to find your mate…”

  She met his eyes, roiling emotion flowing in them. “It’s you.”

  Dex settled his hands upon both sides of her face, skimming his thumbs below her eyes. She didn’t blink or back away as he sought the answer he needed. She wasn’t lying to him. Her simple two-worded statement had been the complete and utter truth.

  Is there something I’m supposed to say right now? I don’t know what to say. He leaned in closer to kiss her, this woman—according to her own words—who was now his for the rest of his time on this world.