The Dark Land
Page 8
“Ulrik, let me take a look at that cut on your back,” she said, changing the subject.
“Not right now. I’m going to go down and talk to Edna and Dick,” he re-iterated. “I want to tell them all about what happened. See what they know about those—things. If they really are the Tailed-Ones, perhaps they know more about how to keep them away. They’ve lived out here their whole lives.”
“While you’re down there, ask them for their first aid kit. I want to clean that cut,” Rose said.
Ulrik let out his breath in a huff, then narrowed his eyes. “And I’ll get you some ice for your bruised ribs. Why don’t you start a fire and take a shower? Just relax. Don’t try to lift anything while I’m gone.”
She nodded and turned her attention to the stove. He took one long last look then closed the door behind him as he left. As he descended the staircase, Dick stood near the damaged sled, inspecting the bent ski and runner.
“What happened, kid?” Dick asked, the lamp light gleamed off his bald head. Edna watched from the doorway to the kitchen, brown hands lost in her voluminous flowered apron as she dried them.
“A birch tree fell across the trail, then we were attacked by something.” Ulrik glanced at Edna, and then to the desk where she’d stowed the shotgun. “The other night, when Rose skied out to Penny’s, something was hiding inside. I got there before it could attack her. I wounded it, but didn’t kill it. The creature was hairy, with a long tail, and claws. Smelled terrible, too. It ran out into the woods before I could get a second shot.
“At first, I thought it might have just been a deformed wolverine. We mushed out to Dan Creek yesterday and spent the night. The same things tried to sneak into the cabin after dark, but the dogs scared them away. When we got back to the lodge today, something had torn it to shreds. The same things came after us tonight, except there were more of them, watching from the forest. They made a birch fall across the trail. They didn’t seem to want to come too close to the dogs. I think they were trying to take out the dogs with the tree. They only attacked when Rose was thrown from the sled. One of them swiped me in the back. She shot it.”
Ulrik paused in his monologue, the scratches on his back burning as he thought back to how Rose had been tossed like a rag doll.
I should have been more careful. She could’ve been killed.
“Is she alright?” Edna asked, taking her hand away from her mouth. She remained glued to her spot in the doorway of the kitchen.
“She’s fine. Pretty bruised. I came down to get her some ice, and your first aid kit. I’ll need to fix my parka too,” he said, thinking of his back.
“But the thing that attacked you,” Dick said, adjusting his suspenders over his barrel chest. “You saw one? Up-close?”
“Yeah, too close. Rose shot the one that scratched me. Right in the head. I think it was one of those ‘Tailed-People’ my Nana used to talk about.”
“The Tailed-Men,” Dick said, lips in a hard line.
“You know about them?” Ulrik asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course, I know about them, kid. I’ve lived up here almost my whole life. I’ve had more than a few strange encounters in the back country, but they never come this close to us. They usually stay near the Headless Ravine.”
“The Headless Ravine? You mean up Chitistone Gorge? That’s just a legend.”
“Yeah, the Athabascans didn’t name it that for nothing, kid,” Dick said, sinister chuckle raising goose flesh on Ulrik’s skin. He chaffed his arms, and shuffled his feet as a shiver ran up his spine. “Don’t you remember the stories Millie used to tell? Some of them right here at this very fire?” Dick pointed a gnarled, brown finger at the fireplace against the wall in the lodge’s dining area.
“Of course,” Ulrik countered, “but she told us all kinds of stuff. A lot of it was nonsense. Talking animals and crap like that.”
“Sure, but some of it wasn’t,” Dick said, one corner of his mouth curled up in a crooked grin. “I remember when I was a kid, me and my dad and brothers—we saw lots of things we couldn’t explain. Then people would go missing. The Tailed-Men were blamed even then. I always make sure I have my gun and my animals if I have to go into the back country. And I never linger after dark without solid shelter.”
“Your animals? You mean your dogs?” Ulrik asked, thinking of his conversation with Rose back in the room and the howling of the wolves last night.
“Yeah, legend has it that wolves and wolverines are the natural enemies of the Tailed-Men—Well, other than the Athabascan. They don’t like dogs—too close to wolves. According to the stories, they’re terrified of them.”
“Do they ever try to break in?” Ulrik asked, eyes darted to the wooden bar across the front door, then to the window looking out on the darkness.
“Not that I’m aware of. Like I said, they never come this close to the lodge.” Dick followed Ulrik’s gaze. “Don’t worry kid, with our animals and yours inside, they won’t come in.” He clapped Ulrik on the shoulder. “What’s your plan for tomorrow?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Ulrik said with a sigh, examining the bent runner on his sled. “My only thought was to make it here as fast as we could. You wouldn’t believe the damage to Penny’s place. It was completely torn apart. Otherwise, we would have stayed there tonight. You have to see it.” He put hands over his face, letting out a deep sigh as his back spasmed.
At least I got us here safe, he thought.
“Maybe we’ll take the Snowcat there tomorrow and check it out. I need to get it ready. I promised Aaron he could borrow it this week.”
“Aaron?” Ulrik asked, dropping his hands and staring at Dick. The muscles on the back of his neck knotted.
“Yeah, he’s our only reservation this week. He’s been staying here the last couple of nights, but he told us he’d be out tonight, back tomorrow sometime.” Dick replied.
“I see.” Ulrik said. His temples throbbed as he clenched his teeth.
First, he lures Rose out here alone, then he comes out here too. It can’t be a coincidence. But what is he up to? Where is he tonight? Too bad he’s not here.
Ulrik picked up the blue re-usable shopping bag of supplies Edna had left on the counter for him. The bottle of wine shifted, clinking against the metal tin of the first aid kit and the patch kit for his parka as it swung in his hand. His knuckles ached, picturing gripping Aaron’s neck as he made him explain what was really going on.
Can’t wait to get my hands on the smug bastard and beat some answers out of him. He’s connected to this, but how?
“You kids will be safe here tonight. Tomorrow we’ll come up with a plan over breakfast,” Edna said, lights shining off the silver and black braid of hair coiled around her head like a coronet. “I’ll bring up dinner in an hour or so. Bread just went in the oven, and chowder is on the stove.”
“What time do you think you’ll shut the generator down tonight?” Ulrik asked.
“As soon as Edna’s finished cooking,” Dick said motioning to the kitchen as Edna walked away. “If you need extra heat, other than the wood stove, there’s a propane heater in the closet down the hall from your room.”
“Thanks, but I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Ulrik answered, scratching the cuts on his back absently.
Before heading back up to the room, Ulrik paused at the front window, eyes scanning the thick, snow covered stands of willow and spruce around the gravel clearing. Other than the occasional yellow shimmer in the darkness, all was still.
Dick clapped him on the shoulder once more, while his giant mutt, Juneau sniffed his leg then rubbed her head against it.
“Don’t worry kid. I’ll go check all the doors now. I’ll do it again before I shut the generator off for the night,” Dick assured him.
“Need my help?” Ulrik asked.
“Nah, I’ll take Hoonah and Juneau with me. You go take care of that cut on your back. Looks nasty.” Ulrik nodded. He glanced out the window one last time. Seein
g nothing, he turned back to the staircase and climbed to the second story.
ROSE AND ULRIK
When he opened the door, Rose jumped up from where she sat cross-legged on the bed, detangling her mass of damp hair in the firelight. He swallowed hard at the way her sweater and fleece pants clung to her long, toned curves.
“It’s just me. I brought you some ice,” he said, pulling a pack out of the bag.
“Thanks,” she replied as she tucked it against her side. Her lips parted, eyes raking over him in a way that set the blood in his veins on fire. “Ulrik, let me take care of that cut on your back.”
Ulrik’s heartbeat accelerated at the thought of her touching his skin. “Okay but you have to let me see your bruise afterward.”
“Deal,” she agreed, rising off the bed.
Oh man, he thought, do I want to do that, see her without her shirt? Wait? Is that a question? I’ve wanted to see her without her clothes since she was about 16. God! She knows I love her. I held her all night last night. Why do I suddenly feel so nervous?
He removed his Berretta, setting it on the nightstand next to the bed. Then he shoved his fingers into his belt loops to still their shaking while she went to the bathroom. She came back out holding up a white, wet washcloth.
“Ulrik, take off your shirt,” she said. Her gentle, sweet voice made his mouth go dry. His heart started to pound. In his wildest dreams he fantasized about her saying that, followed by her ordering him to remove the rest of his clothes. He gripped his sweater and undershirt and yanked it over his head swearing under his breath for his groin to behave.
“Oh!” she exclaimed.
He glanced over his shoulder, “How bad does it look?” His back itched and stung, but otherwise the scratches didn’t hurt that much.
“Not too bad. I guess. The cuts don’t look too deep—just long and kind of gross.” She brushed the hot, wet washcloth against the lacerations. He jerked, body responding as much to the searing pain as having her fingers caressing his skin.
“Sorry,” she whispered against his back, the heat of her breath traveling straight to his erection.
“I’m fine,” he groaned, more to himself than to her. He gripped the wall, bracing himself as she continued to dab at the wound.
“Maybe you should lie down on the bed,” she insisted. “That way you can’t squirm as much.”
He gulped another steadying breath, willing his body to calm down at the mention of the bed. His back muscles screamed in protest as he stretched across the mattress, cuts itching. It still wasn’t enough to drown out the desire fueled by the closeness of her body. Downy cotton leggings brushing his side, her heat seared him as she knelt beside him on the mattress. She leaned over him, swabbing at the cuts. He buried his face against the sheets, inhaling the clean scent of detergent as he clenched his jaw. He could bear the harsh sting, but her alluring feminine scent and soft hands against his skin drove him crazy. She stopped rubbing the wound, examining it closely.
“Why don’t you take a shower?” she suggested, putting her hand against his shoulder. “The warm water might help clean it better. I’ll open the wine. I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink.”
“Sounds good,” he replied as she turned away. He waited until she was occupied opening the bottle to push away from the mattress. He gritted his teeth, erection as stiff as a post as he tugged fresh clothes from his pack and stomped into the bathroom. The shower helped, hot water against the stinging cuts taking the edge off his ardor. But as soon as he toweled off, his body went back into overdrive. The mere thought of those soft fingers on his bare skin had him hard as steel again.
“Get a grip,” he mumbled to himself as he yanked on his pants. He wiped the condensation off the mirror and examined the scratches down his back. They still stung, but the long, jagged cuts looked better now that he’d showered.
At least it will make cleaning them easier, he thought. He left his shirt off as he emerged from the bathroom.
“Edna stopped by while you were showering. Dinner will be ready in another hour. She said she had some problems with the stove. If you lay back down, I’ll put stuff on your cuts.” Ulrik noted she kept her left arm close to her side, and she took shallow breaths. He shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest stepping closer to her.
“I can wait, Little Besiini. I want to see your ribs. Have you been icing it?” Her eyes widened, and she turned scarlet, but she nodded. Turning her left side toward him, she lifted her downy blue sweater. He sucked in his breath and pursed his lips. A vivid purple bruise marred her ivory skin, several inches above the dip of her narrow waist. Other smaller marks speckled the surface, but the larger contusion made his stomach hurt. Steeling himself, he ran his fingers over her ribs.
“How is your breathing? Can you take deep breath?” He asked, probing gently. She whimpered involuntarily putting one hand over her lips. It didn’t feel dislocated, but it could still be cracked.
“It hurts, but I can breathe,” she insisted, shaking her head.
“Show me. Breathe in,” he said. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.
“I’m fine, Ulrik. Trust me,” she retorted, raising her chin and wrinkling her nose. Her fair skin flushed in the dim light.
“I do trust you,” he answered, voice soft. He put his hands on her hips, turning her to face him. “I’m just worried. That was a nasty fall. Please? I’m not commanding you. I’m asking you because I care. I love you Rose. Show me you can take a deep breath,” he said, tracing the tips of his fingers along the contours of her face. His own heart pounded as he watched her huge eyes dilate in the firelight.
She closed her eyes and braced her hands against his bare chest. The heat of her touch setting his body on fire, groin surging. Her soft lips parted and her downy sweater tickled his skin as her firm, high breasts rose. She drew in a constant, slow breath, her golden eyebrows drawn together, forehead scrunched as she expelled it carefully. He gripped her waist, holding her steady as she trembled.
She opened her eyes, “There, believe me now?” she asked, sweet, warm breath tickling his face as she looked up at him. Instead of letting go, she moved her hands higher, wrapping one around his neck, stroking the bristle of beard along his chin with the other. Instinctively he tightened his grip, pulling her closer, heart hammering as she molded to him.
“Thank you,” he said. “I want to know you’re okay. And thank you for killing that thing. You probably saved my life tonight. You’re an amazing woman, Rose,” he said, staring at her, entranced.
Her eyes sparkled as she pressed against him. “We’re even, I suppose,” she said.
Giving into the pull of her velvety lips, he lowered his mouth to hers. She gasped, and parted her lips, opening herself to his kiss. He ran his hands through her damp tresses. She clung to him in return as he deepened his kiss. Her slender fingers dug into his bare shoulders as she whimpered softly. Sliding over her silky skin, he worked his hands under her fleecy sweater. Pert breasts brushed his chest with every accelerated breath as he moved his hand upward. She moaned against his lips as he cupped a full peak. He tongued her deeper in response, erection throbbing as she arched into his palm.
He tugged at the downy sweater, eager to access her lovely body. Raising her arms slowly, face contorting with pain, she helped him divest her of the garment. Leaning over, he kissed the dark bruise on her side, tracing his tongue around the edges while she sighed. He grasped her hips once more, pressing her body to his as he stood upright. Delighting in the feel of her full breasts brushing his skin, he groaned as her hardened nipples grazed his chest. The ivory skin of her neck and collar bone tasted both sweet and salty as he flicked his tongue along the smooth surface. She kissed his shoulder and neck, nibbling gently with her satiny lips.
Stretching the thin black fabric, he pushed his hands down the back of her fleece leggings, gripping her firm cheeks. Moving his lips back up to hers, he captured her mouth once more. He ease
d the material down her hips in a slow, smooth motion. She lowered her hands, helping him undress her. As they slid down her legs, she stepped out of them, kicking them to the side. She continued to kiss and caress him, worshipping his body with her mouth and hands.
Careful of her injuries, he lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck, nibbling his ear as he carried her the short distance to the bed. The mattress emitted a muffled sigh as he laid her down on it and knelt beside her.
The firelight cast a luminous glow on her fair skin, like a ripe peach, as she smiled up at him. He frowned at the dark purple mark, the only blemish on the otherwise flawless surface. He paused for a long moment, taking in every inch of her. Perfectly peaked breasts, just big enough to fit his hand, rose and fell with her rapid breathing. His hands itched to caress those, along with the curves of her narrow waist and full hips. His mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the triangle of dark golden curls between the long, toned legs that stretched out on the bed.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, hazel eyes blinking as she gazed up as him, fingers stroking his arms as he leaned over her.
“Nothing,” he replied, breaking into a broader smile as his erection ratcheted a notch harder. He drew a breath to steady himself. “You’re only the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Her gaze softened and her lips parted as she panted.
“Do—do you want me Ulrik?” she stammered. The tips of her fingers grazed the bristle of dark beard on his chin. Her eyes dilated further, reflecting the flames behind the grate.
Instead of answering in words, he leaned closer. First, he kissed her lovely mouth, savoring her silky lips. He growled against her neck as she wrapped her legs around him, squeezing with her thighs. The unrestrained moan of desire that issued from her throat as she continued to grind against him almost undid him. His erection throbbed beneath the frail cotton of his pants, desperate to be inside her. Her heat and wetness seared him as he ordered himself to maintain control.