McCaffry nodded.
“Dad, no. I’m serious. Please don’t go in there.”
“Take her home, William.”
Sarah didn’t want to let go of her father, but he gently pushed her back. “I’ll be fine, honey. I’ll have four officers escort you back to your headquarters to get your car.”
“Tigg!” He turned hearing his name and was relieved to see Cork, Booker and Crack running toward them.
“Where you been?”
Crack said, “I just dropped Lacy off at a clinic to get her stitched up. We got ambushed in the Estates.”
“By who?”
Booker darted a look at Crack, and he nodded.
“By what is probably closer to the truth. Looked like a man. I pumped five rounds at his chest and he kept coming, so I pumped five more. The bastard is inhumanly fast. We barely got out of the Estates alive. Whatever it is, bullets don’t slow it down.”
Chapter Seven
Rachel’s veins constricted into thin lines. Pure terror froze her limbs. The creature huffed. Slowly, she kneeled. Based on dominance and submission, animals showed subjugation to the strongest in a pack. She bowed her head. Garrett mimicked her movements. With a fleeting glance, she saw he still gripped the weapon in one hand.
If Mary could communicate with the creature, maybe she could too. “We need your help.”
Harry’s humongous feet shuffled closer. He grunted, then touched the top of her head. He tapped twice and grunted again.
Slowly, she raised her gaze and swallowed thickly. Its language was indistinguishable. A series of grunts and low growls. The flashlight she’d dropped splayed light across his hairy feet and illuminated a few square feet of coarse ground. As she raised her head, she spied his thick, muscled legs. Terrified, but awestruck as well, her gaze traveled up his hairy thighs to his belly, across his torso to firm pectorals. She kept going until she met his dark brown eyes in a face caught in transition between human and ape. Leather-like dark skin covered his features and a low, jutting brow flexed as he looked down at her. Thick fingers similar to an ape, ended in sharp nails. He tapped on her head again.
“What’s he doing?” Garrett whispered.
“You think I know?” she hissed.
She reached out and touched his knee. Sasquatch tilted his head to watch her movement. Gently, she tapped his knee twice.
Inquisitive eyes locked onto the rifle, and his brow tightened.
“Drop the weapon,” she said.
Garrett placed the rifle on the ground and then grasped her left hand.
Another grunt.
Slowly, very slowly, she stretched her right arm to retrieve the flashlight. Harry watched her movement, but didn’t react.
She fingered the flashlight, rolling it into her palm and then turned the light toward the markings on the wall. “Help.”
Harry growled and thumped the slate rock with his fist, following the light as it moved over to a set of petroglyphs they’d missed.
“Help,” she said again.
Harry grunted.
She nodded. “We need help.”
Harry mimicked and bobbed his head, though he didn’t have much of a neck.
Suddenly, Harry’s gaze shot toward the entrance of the cave. A low growl rumbled in his chest. Rachel shined the flashlight toward the exit.
Harry struck his chest with a hard thump of his fist. She shined the light near him, and he slapped the wall with a hand three times larger than a man’s.
“What’s he doing?” she asked.
Garrett’s arm swept across her back and guided her hand, aiming the light toward the slate. “What is that? Looks like water…maybe a waterfall.”
“A waterfall. The Emerald Falls?” She met Harry`s gaze. “Emerald Falls?”
Harry only had to take one step, his stride was so long. He stood beside her and tapped her head. A low musical tone hummed from his throat. Outside the cave, a wolf howled. Harry answered. Loudly.
Garrett’s arm curled her into his chest and they covered their ears.
For several beats of her heart, she didn’t move, safe in the cocoon of Garrett’s arms.
He slowly released her. “He’s gone.”
His warm breath brushed against her ear. She directed the light ahead of them, looking for Harry.
“Let’s go.” Garrett helped her to her feet. “Did he look like a hoax to you?”
In Rachel’s heart, she knew the howl was a warning. They had to move quickly, but part of her wanted to run away from the park, not into it.
He entwined his fingers with hers. “Not a hoax.”
She followed until they reached the entrance to the cave.
“This way,” he said.
Garrett cut a straight line into the brush, away from the howl. They reached the truck within fifteen minutes. He cut her off and stepped into the driver’s seat.
“What’re you doing?”
“Get in,” he said harshly.
A dirty look wouldn’t get her far in the dark, so she yanked the passenger’s door open and scrambled into the seat.
With a flick of his hand, he started the engine and backed out, making a quick two-point turn and racing down the narrow road.
“Turn right, here.”
He ignored her instructions and turned left.
“You missed the turn.”
Keeping his eyes on the road, his rugged, masculine profile fused with intent. “We’re leaving the park.”
“I’m not leaving,” she said sternly. She reached for the wheel, and he gripped her wrist to stop her.
“Listen to me, Rachel. This is too dangerous. You don’t belong here, and I’m taking you out of here, now.”
He didn’t understand what this park meant to her. Every tree, plant and creature was her responsibility. “If I don’t get rid of the threat, BC Forestry will close this park. For Good! With spending cuts by the government, they’ll use any reason they can to shut it down.”
The stiffening of his cut jaw was her only answer.
“This is my home, Garrett. And it’s being overrun by an invading species. I have to protect it.”
“If we fail, you’ll be given another park. I’ll find the Falls.”
Each second brought them closer to the gates as he navigated the winding pavement out of the park. “And how will you find them without me?”
“Every sign I’ve seen says ‘Falls’ and points south.”
“Wrong waterfall. That’s Ruby Falls. It`s easy for all the visitors to reach at the end of Beaver Trail.”
“Where’s Emerald Falls?”
“Watch out!”
Garrett hammered on the brakes, and she threw out a hand to stop from smashing into the dash.
Somebody didn’t want them to leave. Gazing at the enormous tree laying across the road, she thrust open the door, pulling her flashlight at the same time. Running to the end of the cedar, she shined the light across the jagged end. No human could break a cedar at the base. She stepped closer. The trunk had snapped from stress, the end splintered. Only something as large as a mining truck could force a trunk to crack, but not like this. It had split at the base where ground met wood.
Garrett remained in the pickup, which meant he was seriously pissed. She stepped into the headlights.
“Now it’s Plan B and it’s going to be my Plan B,” she shouted over the rumble of the truck.
The door squeaked open, and he joined her, his eyes glinting with anger. “There’s another way out of this park. There’s always a service road. Where is it?” he asked roughly.
Since she’d met him, Garrett kept his calm and had been a rock she could lean on. Suddenly, he’d turned dark and dangerous.
“I’m going back to headquarters.”
His fist came down on the hood of the truck. “If you don’t leave now, you will probably end up dead. I don’t want you dead.”
Her breath came in stuttered pants. Adrenaline spiking, she raised her gaze to the road tha
t sloped upward and would take them out of the park. Through the very tops of the trees she saw the flash of red lights. The cavalry had arrived.
“Walk up the road, Garrett. You have no reason to stay. Find your team and go home.”
He looked every ounce the warrior. Squared, broad shoulders and penetrating glare on an expression that refused to relent. “I’ll find my team, but you’re not going anywhere without me.”
Out of the darkness as if it bore wings, a man landed on the hood.
The thump startled both her and Garrett. He moved quickly and thrust her behind him. Like their summer fire alerts, extreme danger prickled the hairs on her neck.
A wrap made of animal skin, tied at his waist, concealed his male parts. Native markings covered his body. He looked feral with black, silky hair and eyes dark as pitch. She knew the wild men of the Squamish Band, and he wasn’t one of them. His arms bulged with taut muscle and his torso rippled in a hard plate covered with tawny skin. He looked strong, but not strong enough to push over a spiralling cedar.
“Leave the park,” he growled.
Garrett raised his hand. “We’re leaving.”
The wild man pointed at them. “You leave. She stays.”
The air bristled when Garrett’s chin dropped like a dog about to attack. Rachel lay her hand on his broad back, his muscles tensing beneath her palm.
“She goes with me.”
“Need some help?” Booker asked from behind them.
Gunfire erupted and Garrett threw her to the ground, rolling them behind the felled tree for cover. Several weapons fired at the same time, but he kept her head tucked into his chest and wouldn’t let her look.
A roar of anger echoed in the forest. When all went silent, she peered over the tree, her fingertips digging into the bark to settle her popping nerves. She squinted as flashlights shined in her eyes.
“Good timing, men.” Garrett rose to his full, overbearing height and she scrambled to her feet.
With their rifle barrels resting across their left arms, Tigg, Cork, Booker and Crack looked like they walked straight out of a combat picture in the Middle East.
Tigg nodded. “Managed to convince Sarah’s father, who happens to be a sergeant in the RCMP, that we’ll handle this. If we fail, they’ll come in.” He reached over his shoulder and pulled another rifle out of a shoulder belt and tossed it through the air to Garrett. “Cops gave us some extra gear and weapons.”
Booker stepped forward. “Ranger Crossing, hear you have some trouble with the wildlife. We’re going to give you a hand.”
“She’s leaving,” Garrett said tersely. “Let’s walk her up to the gates.”
“Wrong again, Lieutenant. I’ll accept your help, but this is my park. Is that understood?”
The team, standing in a line, looked rather amused.
Garrett’s steely eyes came to rest on hers.
Before he replied with an argument, she had more to say. “Save the battle of the sexes for another day. You fight terrorism. This park is being terrorized. I’ll admit I can use your help, but I know the way to Emerald Falls. It’s not marked and it’s a dangerous trail. We’ll need climbing gear. You don’t have that. I do.”
Tigg and Crack wandered closer. “Time’s a wastin’, Lieutenant.”
Booker walked past and jumped into the back of the truck, Cork close behind.
She shook her head. “We need light. There’s no way to traverse the trail at night. It’s far too dangerous. You can sleep in the ranger’s accommodations.”
Garrett didn’t look happy, but he followed her without a word. She had no doubt, he had plenty.
****
Back at headquarters, she showed the team the men’s cabin. Garrett’s heart raced the entire time, tumbling between anger, concern, and something as primitive as man itself.
From the porch of a large cabin that could house the team, she said, “There’s a bathroom, shower, and the beds are already made. Get some rest.”
Rachel walked toward a cabin painted forest green with white trim fifty feet away.
He followed. Garrett wasn’t used to taking orders on a mission. He usually gave them.
Reaching the tiny porch, she turned. “Why are you following me?” She removed her ballcap and released her hair from its ponytail. His body tensed in response, seeing her thick locks unravel over her shoulder and down her chest. “I need a shower and sleep. So do you.”
When he didn’t speak, she took a step backwards, their gazes locked. She reached behind her for the doorknob. He took a step closer, and her beautiful eyes softened with a smoky glow. His heart hammered in his chest. With a twist of her wrist, she opened the door and backed into the dark room. When she reached for the light switch, he intercepted her hand.
“I don’t…I don’t need a guard.”
Without looking, he gripped the door and closed it behind them. The smell of leather and old wood assailed his senses. But neither of those scents overpowered her essence. Something about her drove him to distraction. Made him tremble trying to restrain himself.
“I’m not going to argue my decision.” She stood her ground, her chest lifting with deep breaths.
He stared into her eyes. “There’s only one decision to make, Rachel.”
He shifted to within an inch of her. She waited. Sliding his hand down her arm, he brushed the skin on her wrist, and found her elevated pulse. His had passed his running rate when he’d closed the door to a room where the world was locked outside and they were alone inside.
He was hungry. The type of hunger only she could satisfy. When her full lips parted, he had his answer. His hands crawled through the soft strands of her hair and his lips met her mouth, only to find her hunger turned him feral.
Chapter Eight
The beat of drums in the distance were slow and labored compared to Garrett’s pulse. He watched Rachel roll from his arms and step to her bedroom window. The moonlight draped her beautiful body with a glow and his desire sizzled, wanting her again.
“You know a lot about the First Nations people, don’t you?” he asked.
“The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Squ-HO-o-meesh remember their ancient ways through song and stories.”
Garrett sat up against the pine headboard, resting his elbow on a bent knee. “Elijah and Mary both referred to you as Young Raven.”
She turned a look over her shoulder at him. Her face eclipsed in nightshade and her dark hair cascading down her back reminded him of a mystical creature able to lure a man, especially him, to follow her to the ends of the Earth.
“Are you asking if I have native blood in my veins?”
He cocked his head and smiled. “To be honest, I don’t have a reputation for asking much after spending time with a woman in bed.”
“Ah. The love ‘em and leave ‘em type.” She nodded and put her attention back on the forest.
She didn’t question him further. What they’d just experienced was earth shattering. Maybe she didn’t care what they’d shared, but it resonated with him. “Are you?”
“The love ‘em and leave ‘em type?”
Garrett chuckled. “No. First Nations?”
“My grandmother belonged to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh tribe.” She paused, listening to the drums. “They’re calling for the spirits to give them courage. Help them defeat the threat in the forest.”
“We can use as much help as we can get. Spiritual or otherwise, but I wish you would reconsider showing us the way to Emerald Falls. Point my team in the right direction, and we’ll find it.”
Rachel turned and leaned against the low windowsill, her hands palming the edge. “I’m sure you would.”
A swell of desire swept through him. She wasn’t shy exposing her curvaceous body, and his eyes appreciated every square inch of her skin. It heated him to the core. Excited him more than the start of a dangerous mission. Ignited his need to explore who she was. A sense of possessiveness made him ask, “Why do you think the skinwalker wanted you to stay?”
She slowly shook her head. “No idea.”
“I have one.” Garrett willed her to come closer. “He wants what I want.” When she pushed herself up from the sill, her body arched, and he was prepared to beg her to return to bed.
“To mate?” she asked, surprise rippling across her features.
“A mate,” correcting the small word which meant a world of difference. He leaned forward when she came close enough and threaded his fingers through hers, drawing her gently toward him. “You underestimate your mystical powers, Young Raven.” He snaked his arm around her waist and drew her onto the bed. Rolling over, he hovered above her. “Finding the answer to what is terrorizing us in these woods will come second to protecting you.”
“I’m not your mission,” she said, gazing into his eyes.
“You’re wrong about that.” He kissed her pillowy lips with a gentle sweep of his. When her hands slid around his waist and strayed up his back, he put his worries aside and cupped her firm ass, concentrating on pleasuring the beautiful creature who tempted him away from his duty to country and closer to a lifetime of adventure with her.
****
“Rachel. Get your sweet ass back to the cabin. Tigg says the coffee is ready,” Garrett called out, entering the visitor centre.
“Equipment room,” she shouted back.
Rachel stood at a tool bench, climbing gear cluttering the space. Two large backpacks leaned against the right corner of the table.
“Just about finished,” she said over her shoulder.
For some reason he didn’t feel the morning after tension with her. Zero six hundred hours and she was showered and back in uniform. He stepped to her side as she kneeled and clipped a length of rope to a ring at the bottom of each pack. Systematically, she shoved carabiners, chalk, quickdraws and rappel devices inside. Enough equipment for all of them.
If his men weren’t hovering around the coffee down the hall, he’d have her naked with her hands gripping the edge of the bench and lick his way up one lithe leg until he found her sweet spot, but instead, he asked, “How long have you climbed?”
She shrugged. “Started climbing in my teens. Eventually, it became a requirement of the job.” She closed the flap on the nylon packs and secured the toggles. “You mentioned coffee?”
Legend of Spiralling Cedars Page 6