by Piper Stone
Grabbing her notebook, she jotted down a few notes. Might as well let the readers know every bit of the difficulties she had to deal with in order to bring them the story of a lifetime. This time, she rolled her eyes then snapped a few pictures.
Thirty minutes later, she was packed and ready to leave. The drive proved to be much more hazardous than she’d expected and several times she had to stop, dragging tree limbs out of the way. Three hours turned into four and she was exhausted, less prepared than she’d thought. After checking the map again, she could see a different type of trail marked maybe two miles ahead. If nothing else, maybe she could find another way off the damn mountain.
She was able to maneuver around a sharp curve, making good headway until a clanking sound came from underneath the truck. “No, no, baby. You’re old faithful.” Everything was quiet for a few hundred yards, but the clanking reappeared, turning into a clunking sound, the truck sputtering. “No. Please, God.” Tapping on the fuel gauge, she glared at it incredulously. There was a half a tank... Then the indicator slammed down to empty. “Mother of God.”
One final clunk and the truck stopped. After jamming the gear into park, she rested her head against the seat and kicked her feet on the floorboard, finally pounding her fists against the cheap vinyl. “No. No. No!” Karma was definitely not on her side.
The last thing she could do was sit where she was. No one was going to hunt for her and no hiker would attempt the path after the storm. She was a sitting duck, or fresh meat for lions, tigers, and bears. Perfect. This would be a true test to her resolve. She wasn’t supposed to be the actual story.
Packing what she could carry, she took off, determined to find the path and hopefully, the dirt trail would lead to nirvana. Whatever the hell that meant. She certainly didn’t want to die out here. With every step, every climb up and over a series of rocks, she grew more exhausted, but at least she made a certain amount of headway, securing a cozy and protected spot to rest for the night.
She camped out that night much the same as the day before, finally able to make a fire after several failed attempts. Another brief storm kept her huddled in the middle of the tent, praying she’d survive the night. Exhaustion had allowed her to get some sleep, although every sound, every crack of a twig had awakened her. At least the morning dawned with bright blue skies and the hope of finding some concept of civilization. She hiked the majority of the day, her tired legs finally slowing her down.
The trek was difficult, leaving her drained and cranky. She found the other trail from the map, but the severe storm had left the area a muddy mess, making walking difficult. While she was determined to continue as far as the light would allow, she tripped several times, on the last falling face first into a six-inch-deep pool of muck. Rolling over, she wiped mud from her eyes, staring up at the sky as she attempted to laugh. She’d even left her precious sticks in the truck. Some hiker and adventurer she’d turned out to be.
A shifting of the trees was all the impetus she needed to scramble to her feet, searching the woods surrounding her, scoping for wildlife. Another sound was followed by a slight growl, the kind that made her want to run far and fast. Every move slow and cautious, she lowered down, fumbling to unzip one of her duffle bags. The mud clogged her efforts and by the third try, she was beside herself, almost panicking. Breathe. Slow down and breathe. The words did little as a series of snapping noises moved closer. The beast was hungry.
When she finally managed to yank the bag open, her mind reeled as she searched for her handgun. “Come on,” she whispered, the sound ragged, throaty. She’d loaded the damn weapon at least and as soon as she clicked off the safety, jerking to her feet, she eyed the creature.
One big, black, mean, and no doubt very hungry bear.
Taking aim, she calmed her nerves, keeping her breathing light. The last thing she wanted to do was kill an animal but eat or be eaten was her motto and she was sticking to it. She willed the bear away, taking several gulping breaths as he inched closer, sniffing the ground, the foliage around her.
She knew he had really big teeth, canine teeth that would shred her skin and devour her intestines. After the thought settled, she snuffed. What would her father think of her ninny girl behavior? “This one’s for you, Daddy.” Holding out her arms straight, both hands on the barrel, she steadied her aim then squeezed the trigger.
* * *
Bam!
“What in the fuck was that?” Wolf exclaimed, jerking to his feet. He headed toward the cabin entrance, throwing open the door and storming outside.
Cane and Bronco followed, Danger waiting behind. They’d heard their share of gunshots during the few months, hunters or terrified and inexperienced hikers, unprepared for the wildlife. Still, he strolled outside, scoping the area. Inhaling, he detected a slight odor of gunpowder, which meant the shot was closer than he would have liked. He walked toward the tree line, listening for any sounds. Hearing nothing after a full two minutes, he headed back. “Nothing. A wayward camper shooting at shit.”
“After the recent storms we had?” Cane asked, snickering. “They’re lucky to be alive.”
Danger glared at him, cursing under his breath. His thoughts drifted back to the blonde but there was no way she was still on their trail. Although his gut had an inkling, his mind swirling with possibilities. “Gonna take a swim.”
“Whatever,” Wolf commented as the others moved back toward the cabin. “Your turn to cook tonight.”
“Need to double check some of your report numbers too,” Cane said absently.
Yeah, whatever was right.
They’d discovered some interesting information in their recent research and dig, and needed to find a way to send an email. They’d be tasked with doing that in a day or so, but for now, he could afford the time to explore the area, double checking that they were still very much alone. And if they weren’t? He had a lion’s share of ideas.
He headed for the lake, the mile hike allowing him to see various portions of the area. Nothing seemed out of place, including the normal wildlife, but his instinct remained in high gear.
As he passed through the forest, a quick glance and he noticed several dark spots. Hissing, he hunkered down, dragging the tip of his finger through the glob, and rubbing it between his fingers before taking a deep whiff. Blood. Just moving some of the underbrush allowed him to see more. Whatever or whoever had been shot at was injured. A human? Probably served them right. An animal? Could return for retaliation or to feast on the shooter.
He searched for another few hundred yards without finding a dead body. Still, an injured animal could charge the camp, searching for food. Tonight, there’d be little chance of sleep, not that he ever managed more than a couple of hours at a time.
He could hear the water lapping in the distance as he rounded the last corner, eager to cool off. The shock of seeing another person, a woman to be exact, was a trigger, his cock standing at full attention. Moving behind a tree, he trusted his silent approach couldn’t have been detected, but he remained cautious, peering out. He knew in seconds the girl sitting on the bank was indeed the same one from the store, the very one who’d followed them.
What a bad, bad girl.
His interest piqued, he inched closer, hunkering down. She was covered in mud, frustrated as she attempted to jerk off her boots, cussing like a sailor. My, my, she was a true handful. There was no doubt. Fleeting thoughts about his recent dream entered his mind. With a mouth like that, there was no doubt she required corrective discipline. Christ, who the hell was he, some master dominator?
Yanking the first boot off, she almost tumbled into the water from her efforts. “God. Damn. It!”
He’d always been an observer, preferring to study enemies or people from afar. His days in the military had given him a total appreciation of the methods people used in order to protect and defend themselves. She was doing neither, preparing to remove dirt and grime from the long hike. From where he was standing, he was unable t
o see any form of a weapon, but he had his suspicions. She could be a sitting duck, and especially without one. Maybe he should invite her back to the cabin. Oh, yeah. His brilliant idea might get him kicked in the balls. No, he’d bet she would refuse to come, no matter the danger on the table.
But he could be convincing. Commanding.
He had to give her kudos. For an experienced hiker, continuing up the mountain after the two brutal storms was difficult enough and he had no doubt she didn’t know the area. His sixth sense had kicked in, telling him that she was new to the city, if not Oregon, her desire to find them fueling her ridiculous decision. The intrigue was increasing, along with his cock size.
She didn’t seem to detect a presence as she purred and removed her muddy shirt, literally slamming the material onto a rock. Another string of curse words rushed from her mouth as she kicked the rock, snorting before brushing both hands through her hair. The slender shimmer of sun highlighted the copper strands in her hair, her unblemished skin and perky mouth. He clenched his fist, pulling his hand to his mouth. The things he wanted to do to this woman were far too kinky for the majority, bordering on sadistic. Why did he have the distinct feeling she’d not only appreciate his commands, but relish in his firm attention?
Her torn jeans were next followed by her underwear. Long legs accentuated by rounded hips, a slender waist, and breasts that would fit easily into his rugged hands. She was a gift from the Gods and he craved sipping on her nectar. At this point, he was holding his breath, his fingers itching to stroke his cock. Instead, he grabbed the tree, digging his fingers into the bark.
Standing at her full height, she tentatively walked into the water, visibly shuddering as soon as her feet hit the ripples. She almost slipped, catching herself at the last moment. Her laughter was enthralling, sexy. The water was no more than sixty some degrees, invigorating and allowing her nipples to stand at full attention. She held her hair as she walked carefully, gauging the rocks then dipping down. As she swam out into the middle of the lake, swirling her arms, and turning in a full circle, he shrank back.
What the hell was he doing invading her privacy? Had he spent so much time away from civilization that he’d returned to more primitive ways? Perhaps. However, he was no voyeur or some freak, no matter his level of hunger. Then again, she was doing her own hunting. His military skills kicked in. With their project so close to being finished, he couldn’t afford to take any chances that she was from another organization, sent here to spy on their activities. Wolf was right to be cautious. Many a soldier had been hijacked, even killed because of falling for the wiles of a counteragent. Time to figure out exactly who this pretty filly was.
He lingered for another few seconds, waiting until she swam further out before stalking toward her belongings. Hunkering down, he made careful moves as he surveyed her overstuffed backpack and duffle bag. Very slowly he unzipped the front flap of the smaller bag, peering inside. From what he could tell, there was nothing sinister about her items, but she was certainly carrying too much for her size. The compact sketchpad drew his attention. Darting another look toward the lake, he opened the pad, flipping through several pages. The majority were empty, but on a few were incredible drawings, sketches of the mountains with wildflowers, even a beautiful deer.
Then he flipped the page.
The charcoal drawing created a surge of electricity coursing through him. There was no doubting the subject matter. Him. She’d somehow managed to capture his features with one exception, she’d softened his eyes. Slamming the pad closed, he wasn’t certain what to make of the concept other than she was an artist. But that wasn’t the reason she was here. He’d bank his years in the military on that notion.
She’d brought far too much with her, as if expecting to be here for a long while. One thing was certain, the weight would bog her down. He jerked open the second bag, finding the gun. “Interesting.” After pulling the cold steel into his hands, he was able to tell it had recently been fired.
Danger watched her floating in the water, ready to take matters into his own hands. She didn’t seem to have a clue that she’d managed to shoot an animal, one that wouldn’t mind tracking her down. He placed the weapon back in its position, continuing his search. There was absolutely no identification that he could find. Traveling alone with no ID and a hunting knife and a gun that had seen better days was worse than foolish.
She was no expert at anything but trying to get herself killed. That made her even more exciting in his wacked mind. He darted his heated gaze toward the water, a smile curling on his lips. A grip of raging desire grasped his mind. He was longing for more than just a taste of her. Reaching into the bag, he discovered a thin tee-shirt, vibrant purple in color. He curled his fingers around the soft material, pulling the shirt to his face, inhaling. The scent of her was sweet with an exotic musk, filling his nostrils and swelling his balls. Several sinful thoughts entered his mind as he rubbed the material down his arms and across his face, marking it.
A rumble came from his stomach, the kind of animalistic growl befitting the kind of hunger he was experiencing. He didn’t bother zipping the bag or folding the shirt. He merely took another deep whiff, leaving the evidence in plain sight.
Danger had the distinct feeling she had a very private hidden agenda, almost like a game. Well, if this was cat and mouse, he was the tiger and she would become his prey. In fact, within two days, she would belong to him—her body, her sex, and her submission. And you bet he was going to make certain the trap was set, just in case.
Danger moved further into the trees, taking one last look before hiking back toward the compound they’d established. Yes, his actions could lead her straight to the cabin. She could discover their operation, and even threatening their prize money. He chuckled at the thought, finally adjusting his throbbing cock. They knew how to deal with intruders and could capture and keep one alluring young woman.
Pain before pleasure, his father had once told him on the day he turned eighteen. He’d never really thought about the statement, but now he gathered what the man he most respected was talking about. Pain in life, pain in a career, and pain in a relationship. Anything that mattered should be difficult to obtain or it wasn’t worth the strife in obtaining it. The meaning of true discipline.
A philosopher he wasn’t. A dominating man? Hell, yes.
He was well trained at capturing, and also had far too much experience being captured. His plan? Keep a close eye on the luscious blonde. One way or the other, she would become ensnared in their trap, heeding to their every desire.
No matter what he had to do.
* * *
The swim had been amazing, leaving Dani refreshed and at least feeling less than filthy. She shook out her hair as she walked up the craggy bank, sharp rocks biting into her feet. The wind chill was more significant, chilling her to the core, and she rushed toward her pack, immediately noticing the shirt positioned on top, in a just-so manner. As if someone had wanted her to notice her things had been riffled through.
As if a person had wanted to make certain she was aware she wasn’t alone. As if four cavemen wanted her to know that she was theirs for the taking. “Oh, God.” Covering her breasts, she crouched down, scanning the horizon. There was no one in sight, no overt sounds leading her to believe that she wasn’t alone. Only the wind whipping through the trees. Swallowing, she fingered her favorite shirt, pulling the material to her face. There was a distinct scent, but it was decidedly male.
He’d been here. He’d watched her. He wanted her.
Her mind played tricks on her during the next several seconds, a crack from the forest making her moan, a snap of a tree branch driving her into a heightened level of anxiety. She fumbled, trying desperately to throw on some clothes before racing back to grab her boots, panting every step of the way. To be this frightened in the middle of the late afternoon meant she’d never get any sleep. This was a flat out crazy ass idea, one she now regretted. Story or no story.
After donning the shirt, the odor of this person lingered, covering her chest and arms. There was a slight stench, as if a working man had wallowed in the material, exacting his scent on purpose. “Where are you?” she asked, moving to a standing position. “Where the hell are you?” she demanded, the sound echoing in the trees.
The only answer? A flutter of bird wings.
She had every intention of staying the night at the same spot, creating a massive fire, indulging in a fabulous meal. Now, she was angry, infuriated that her space and what little she’d been able to carry had been compromised.
By him.
She finished dressing, shoving her feet into the muddy boots, and throwing everything into her bag. After filling her empty water bottles with lake water, she headed off. There was still enough light that she could manage another couple of miles before collapsing. She was going to do this. More determined than ever, she scanned the ground, looking for any sign of boots, a vehicle. Something. Twenty feet away, she noticed what had to be a set of man’s boots, the thick sole carved into the bare dirt. Hunkering down, she fingered the outline, able to notice that whoever the visitor had been, he was large in size.
At least his foot certainly was.
Wasn’t there some adage about large feet and... She grimaced at her continued lurid thoughts. He’d invaded her privacy. He certainly didn’t deserve any concept of positive thoughts.
The blond? The odds were in her favor and if she was a gambling woman, she’d bet he’d been intrigued enough to see if she’d followed. She trekked on, finding no additional footprints, only her gut to tell her she was moving in the right direction. As the light began to fade, along with her energy level, she was forced to rest against a tree, pulling out a bottle of water and catching her breath. She closed her eyes, telling herself that it would only be for a few minutes.