Shiver

by Nancy Lee Badger

  Yes, Damn it. I want him back in my life and in my bed.

  If she survived this ordeal, they would go somewhere private and talk things over. She’d lay it all out for him, and insist he come clean about whatever was keeping him away.

  Erotic urges filled her nights and warmed her during this flight of terror. As she continued her careful trek up the mountain, she was surprised at a sudden surge of anger directed at Jacob Oliver. Why would memories of him cause her blood to boil? A madman chased her up a mountain, but why turn her rage toward Jacob? Nothing made sense, which suddenly scared her. Were her body and mind shutting down?

  “Redirect your anger,” a ghostly voice whispered.

  “Not again!” Did the voice mean Destiny should take the anger she held against Jacob and use it as a shield against this maniac? She wished she could see through the shadows of the night, but only swirls of blowing snow lightened the path, as if starlight reflected through the leafless trees. As she looked up through the branches to see if dawn was near, she stumbled. Her hand shot out to steady her, and a sudden pain made her scream. Raising her hand to her mouth, she tasted blood. Overwhelmed, she collapsed to the forest floor, and wept.

  CHAPTER 18

  Jacob glanced around the cabin, focusing on the kitchen’s vinyl floor. Splattered across the cool, usually spotless floor were several muddy prints.

  A man’s boot prints.

  He knelt down and looked closer. Were these made by hiking boots? The treads looked similar to his.

  Jacob spied a flashlight on top of her refrigerator. He grabbed it and ventured out the back door into the dark. Careful not to walk where the mysterious tracks furrowed into the snow, he followed them about twenty feet, until he noticed smaller tracks he was certain belonged to Destiny.

  Someone must have bashed in her door then chased her into the night. The light snowfall only covered the tracks with a very thin veil, so it had happened recently. Their footprints led in the direction of Opportunity Falls. He tried to remember the name of that trail as he ran back inside to call the police.

  “Wolf Rock Trail?” He tried out the name, and then nodded. “Yes, that’s it,” he said as he picked up the phone. A roar of frustration filled the cabin as he stood listening to the silent phone.

  No dial tone.

  He already knew from past experience that his cell phone would prove useless. How could he get help? If he took the time to drive back to town, Destiny might be attacked, or killed. He couldn’t chance it.

  Instead, Jacob searched through the kitchen drawers, found a pad of paper and pen, then jotted down a message telling whoever might find it what he had discovered and where he’d gone.

  Glancing around her cabin once more, he grabbed her ski hat and pulled it onto his head. The little feminine knit cap hugged him tightly, but he didn’t care how he looked. It was snowing, and he needed to stay warm, and he’d neglected to buy himself a hat. He’d put off many things over the last two months.

  Destiny had my heart the moment she kissed me in the shower.

  He pulled his gloves out of his pocket and headed for the back door, but stopped short. Destiny had joked with him about how often the power went out. Never wanting to feel helpless, she told him she had put together an emergency pack.

  “Where does she keep it?” Near a door for quick access made sense. He looked around the back door and kitchen area, but found nothing. Trotting back to the demolished front door, he spied a pink knapsack sticking out from behind a small pile of stacked firewood. This wasn’t the worn, leather daypack he’d seen her carry around campus. He looked inside and glimpsed a foil rescue blanket, rolled-up tent, waterproof matches, first aid supplies, and a compass.

  No time to go through this.

  He threw the pack over his shoulder, zipped his ski jacket, and grabbed the flashlight. He paused a few seconds when he stepped out the door, and prayed for guidance and strength.

  Memories of that rain slicked night in Boston flashed in front of his eyes. That fateful night had escalated into the worst night of his life. Until tonight. He’d been too late to help that woman. He prayed he wasn’t too late to save Destiny.

  ***

  “Real bright,” Destiny moaned, having run into a broken branch. The collision left her bleeding on the forest floor. Blood loss in addition to the bitter cold could kill her fast, so she unzipped her ski jacket and pulled her arm out of her coat sleeve. As she searched for something to use as a bandage, frigid air stung her skin.

  Shaking her head in order to focus, she ripped off the lower sleeve of her flannel shirt. She wrapped the cloth around the cut. When she pulled it tight, she winced. After returning her arm to her sleeve, Destiny licked the blood off her skin.

  The cold air tempered the pain, at least. Her body was so frozen she had trouble feeling anything. Anything, that is, but the longing to lie on blue satin sheets under a downy white comforter, with Jacob’s arms tightly clasped around her. She’d even settle for lying on the soft white rug on his bedroom floor if it meant being near him.

  Even thoughts of the professor who’d stolen her heart were not enough to push hypothermia away. She was going to die, but she was strong, and would fight to survive. She still had too much to do. More angry than sad, she held back tears. Just as well. They would have frozen, blinding her.

  Rising from her knees, she glanced about. Filtered through the thinner vegetation, light appeared in the east. She must be nearing the mountain’s peak. If the ridgeline lay ahead and she hid, she had a chance to live another day.

  ***

  Jacob skirted the tracks as best he could, as he jogged up the trail. Every once in a while, he stopped and let the flashlight pierce the darkness to make sure he hadn’t lost them. His path joined a larger trail, which looked familiar.

  “I know this trail.”

  He’d hiked it about two months ago, the day he’d met a naked nymph named Destiny Blake.

  The same day she stole his heart.

  Thinking back, that September morning had started out wonderful. He enjoyed the slow hike, happy to be alone. He’d been pleased his leg worked perfectly, considering he’d suffered a previous injury. He’d spent years getting his body to work in a normal fashion. Then he fell, and Destiny Blake had saved his ass. That beautiful day ended with pain, mixed with exquisite pleasure.

  Jacob shook the memories from his mind, and kept his attention on the path. He couldn’t afford to injure his leg a third time. He needed his strength to save Destiny from whoever pursued her.

  “Lord, I’m so stupid.” Why hadn’t he snatched up a weapon of some kind? The plastic flashlight was useless. With his service revolver safely locked in his apartment, he’d have to bring down her pursuer with just his fists. Anger fueled his determination to save Destiny. A surge of confidence quickened his pace. He might just kill her assailant with his bare hands.

  ***

  Destiny lay on her back on a soft meadow of cool green grass, surrounded by fragrant white and yellow flowers. Daisies! She loved this simple flower because it went through life as she did; unpretentious, uplifting, and happy. The green-stemmed flowers swayed in the warm breeze. She stretched. Her body felt as if it awakened from a peaceful, dreamless sleep.

  When a hand cupped her breast, she sighed with content. Gentle fingers caressed her and caused her nipples to peak and strain against the cool fabric of her dress. Gasping with pleasure, she leaned into the warmth of his chest. He was here with her, and everything would be all right again.

  Without a word, he covered her body with his. A hard, male hand snaked its way down her naked leg under the gauzy, summer dress of periwinkle-blue cotton. Earlier, he’d complimented her, saying it brought out the color of her deep blue eyes.

  How sweet.

  And, how like him.

  The muscular hand gripped her firmly and caused her to squeak. Before she could object to his rough handling of her tender skin, his fingers slowly traveled up her thigh. She purred
shamelessly. He would never hurt her. He made her feel good.

  Bolder than she ever thought possible, she caressed his hair, then timidly slid her hand down his chest to his groin. He was hard beneath his zipper, and it was all because he loved her.

  Roughly rolling her to her stomach, he lifted her to her knees. She meant to protest, but then thought better of it. He was bigger and stronger. And, why couldn’t she see his face? Even before he turned her, his features had been fuzzy. Could the bright sunlight be playing tricks on her?

  Closing her eyes, she breathed in his scent and listened to his rapid breathing. He pulled up her dress. He gasped. She giggled at his shock at discovering she’d neglected to wear underwear, today.

  His trembling fingers found their way to her moist, feminine folds and she moved slowly against them. She was wet. His attentive caress was gentler, now. She opened her eyes, arched her back, and peered up at the sky. A small, fluffy cloud passed serenely over the peak of her mountain, taking its sweet time. The breeze cooled her sweaty brow.

  The sound of his zipper, as he lowered it, joined with his groans of desire. Louder, now, he panted and trembled all because he wanted her.

  Her eyes focused on the blue sky above. She spotted a pair of falcons as they dipped and swerved. They seemed to float on the breeze without a care. Thoughts of this peaceful scene vanished the moment his rock-hard cock plunged into her with one sharp thrust. And then…

  ***

  Destiny awoke in pain, crouched on her knees in the muddy snow. Darkness shrouded her, and her body hurt all over. When she realized she was alone on her mountain, she fought the urge to burst into tears. The man and his luscious body were only a hallucination.

  “Pick yourself up out of this mud.” Soaked through, she felt consumed by a pain so raw she wanted to stop, lie down, and die. But, she was stronger than that. On her knees in the mud, her frozen hair pulling at her forehead, she felt so lost.

  Not logistically, at least. She knew this mountain, and verified her exact location, but that knowledge only brought on a feeling of doom. She now knew she had traveled miles straight up, far from anyone who might help her.

  The rocky bluff dropped sharply down the face of Garnet Cliffs. She’d search the rocks and bushes at the top for discarded climbing gear. Sometimes rock-climbers tossed aside frayed ropes and rusty carabiners. If escape via the cliffs proved not an option, she’d gather small rocks and branches with which to defend herself. She couldn’t sit on the ridge and wait to be attacked.

  Pushing to her feet, she lumbered forward until she reached the mountain’s apex. The wind howled and ice-encrusted snowflakes as sharp as slivers of glass brushed across her cheeks. She surveyed the area and knew she had to make a quick decision.

  The sudden sound of loud footsteps made her collapse onto her stomach. Through the howling wind, she detected a growl more human then animal and peered into the slowly lifting darkness. Who made the creepy noise? Was it him? Had he caught her already?

  Lying prone on the hard, wet earth was incredibly uncomfortable, but she didn’t want her silhouette giving her away. Spotting a bush to her left, she slithered behind it by grabbing roots and rocks with numb fingers.

  Both hands throbbed, and she rubbed her belly raw on an outcropping of granite. She lowered her head to take a few deep breaths. As dawn approached, the falling snow subsided. She raised her head and glanced down the trail, while she lay quiet as a field mouse. A dark, massive form headed across the plateau in her direction. Huffing from exertion, he grew close enough for her to smell the pungent odor of his sweat. Her stalker searched for her. He might have crept up on her at any time, and she was lucky to find a hiding place with seconds to spare.

  “Destiny Blake! I’m here, and I’m gonna kill you!”

  CHAPTER 19

  Jacob ran up the trail with an urgency he’d never experienced. It was strong and consuming. Relying once more on his former police training, he focused on the task at hand. Destiny was out there, and someone was chasing her. He hoped his instincts, and her flashlight following the scattered tracks, was leading him in the correct direction. Also, he prayed his knee held out until he found her. Her safety was priority.

  He rapidly covered the distance while his mind reeled, as he recalled the destruction back at her cabin. Someone had come to her door, but how? He saw no vehicle or tracks.

  “Wait! I did see tracks.” Tire tracks had veered off into the logging area. Someone parked there then must have walked the rest of the way.

  “But why?”

  The reason exploded inside his brain. His breath caught. Her mysterious assailant planned the attack. The man knew she lived alone. Could this be the same monster that killed Cindy Nelson? Last night, the police had reported she’d been brutally raped before being murdered. Did the same fate lie in store for Destiny?

  Jacob picked up the pace.

  “You idiot,” Jacob said, nearly breathless, “you let her go. If you hadn’t, she wouldn’t be…” Moaning as he raced up the trail, he didn’t care if she was barely a child. It no longer mattered that she was a student at the college where he taught. He didn’t care how many lovers she had. She was his world, and he had to tell her.

  After he saved her.

  Following the flashlight’s yellow beam, he ran with the wind at his back, Dawn approached as he got closer to the peak. As night surrendered to the light, he silently vowed he’d never let her out of his sight again. He’d marry her and take her off this mountain so she’d always be safe.

  My love for her is destined to survive as long as my heart still beats in my chest. Just let me find her in time, and I’ll prove my love every night in our bed…or under these glorious stars…

  Stars? Yes, I can see the sky.

  The storm had let up. Even now, the stars in a suddenly clear sky were fading as the sun rose in the east. Making better time, he flew up the trail and passed the spot where he’d met a beautiful vision with honey-gold hair, who had changed his life forever.

  ***

  “Answer me, you bitch!” the bastard screamed at her. He faced her hiding spot, and she prayed she was invisible. His rage continued as he bellowed and staggered around the clearing.

  Maybe he’ll stagger right off the edge.

  Destiny winced with regret. She normally would not wish anyone harm, but she feared for her life. She kept perfectly still as she struggled to breathe, even when he bent over and grabbed small bushes from the wet ground. He cursed as he flung them over the cliff. Like a demon possessed, he growled and snarled, and Destiny knew she was the cause of his rage.

  She watched as her ruthless pursuer picked up rocks and pitched them furiously in all directions. Bursts of flying snow filled the air with each throw, making it hard to see his face. One of those rocks could kill her, should it come her way. She’d better stay put, and wait him out. He looked sick. Or stoned. Maybe he’d pass-out. Would he grow tired of this chase and give up? The only problem with this waiting game was the simple fact she felt close to falling unconscious, too. Even now, she couldn’t focus on the current situation.

  Current situation!

  This wasn’t a story on the nightly newscast. This wasn’t a military operation on the streets of some faraway city. This was her life, which she felt draining out of her at a high rate of speed, because she lay on the cold, wet ground. Her eyes blurred and her body tensed from utter terror as a madman screamed her name into the wind.

  ***

  “I can’t believe this!” he grunted. He knew the bitch was near. He could smell her. He wanted her. Now. Her fragrance mingled with the scent of blood oozing from his torn hands. He couldn’t feel his fingers The cold had numbed all his extremities, but he grabbed another gnarled bush, and tossed it over the edge of the cliff.

  Hypothermia was closing in fast, but he ignored the obvious warning signs. His pants were soaked and his lightweight jacket did nothing to protect him from the bitter cold. He staggered toward a big rock and
when he attempted to lift it over his head, he grunted with exertion. He couldn’t budge it.

  So tired. How am I gonna bang her if I’m too exhausted to get it up?

  Maybe he should sit down and rest. If she was up here on the ridge, he had her trapped. No way could anyone get down those cliffs without gear, and he hadn’t passed her on the trail.

  A hot bolt of fire shot straight to his groin with anticipation. Maybe he could get hard. A grin pulled at the corner of his frozen mouth, and he hoped Destiny could see his face from wherever she was hiding. He turned, crept to the edge of the cliff, and peered over the side, pretending to search for her.

  “Dumb Bitch,” he shouted. “She must have jumped. Good riddance,” he lied aloud. Let her think he was giving up. Make her feel safe. Let Destiny think he was no longer a threat. Then he’d surprise her, throw her on the hard ground, and take her.

  He lurched back toward the start of the trailhead and crumpled to the ground. Pressing his back against a massive stump, he pretended he’d passed out. Grogginess fought to consume him, but he was awake enough to notice sounds swirling around him.

  Time passed at a snail’s pace. A rustling noise sprang from the far end of the ridge. Hadn’t he checked that area? If not, he had to keep still and act out his devious plan. A soft snore erupted from his motionless bulk. Both arms flopped to his side and his chin rested on his chest. Light snow blanketed the ridge, which is why a low crunching sound soon caught his attention. Someone walked toward him. Patience.

  She’ll be squirming under me any minute, now.

  His cock began to rise along with the desire inside him. Sweat pebbled on his icy forehead, while heat filled his groin and made him giddy. Out of the corner of his partially closed eye, he watched the object of his desire make her way in his direction.