Undercover Eagle

by Harmony Raines

  “But you’ve had all that. I’ve spent my life in one small town after another. My life is small.”

  “But love can make your life big. As big as you want it to be.”

  “Well, maybe if I left town, I might find that kind of love.” Beverly turned to walk away.

  “Or maybe it’s right here, under your nose,” Carter said pointedly.

  “If you mean my parents, they don’t have the kind of love I want. Or the kind of life I want.” Beverly stood still, looking at the ground. “I feel as if I’m at a crossroads. I’ve never made a decision about my life. It’s always been assumed I’d carry on running the store.”

  Carter closed the space between them, his voice filled with sympathy. “Isn’t that what you’re doing today, making a decision?”

  “Bear Creek Mountain Rescue?” She puffed her cheeks out. “Maybe this was a mistake.”

  “Or maybe it wasn’t.” Carter put his arm around her shoulder and guided her toward Jacob’s truck. “Maybe fate put you right where you needed to be.”

  She laughed. “I don’t believe in fate.”

  “Maybe you should try.” As Carter removed his arm, she looked up into the face of Liam and there she saw a burning desire, a fire that made his pale eyes flash red.

  Was he really just a small-town store owner? Or did he have a secret of his own? Maybe Carter was right. Maybe fate had brought her here. To this moment.

  “Come on, we have a mountain to climb.” Beverly climbed into the truck, her eyes bright with the thought of adventure, and the man who nestled beside her in the confined space of the truck.

  Excitement and adventure might be just around the corner.

  Chapter Four – Liam

  Get your hands off my mate! Liam just about managed to stop himself from yelling those words at Carter Eden, movie star. Just who the hell did he think he was?

  “Relax,” Jacob had told him. “Carter is no threat.”

  He was right, of course. Neither Jacob nor Carter would ever be interested in another woman again. Just as Liam would never be interested in another woman. He’d found his mate; the search was over.

  “How’s business, Liam?” Carter asked, as the silence in the truck stretched on into awkwardness now that the four of them were sandwiched in close proximity.

  “Good. The few tourists in town aren’t enough to survive on, so we’ve been focusing on our website and online presence.”

  “You employed Leona, didn’t you?” Beverly asked.

  “I did. I do. She’s great—punctual, organized, and conscientious.” Liam considered himself lucky to have snapped Leona up when she was desperate for a job. “I shouldn’t tell you that, you’ll be trying to poach her for the store.”

  “Goodness, your hiking store must be much more exciting work than the grocery store,” Beverly snorted.

  Carter laughed. “I thought you enjoyed the store, Beverly.”

  “Selling cabbages and bread is hardly the height of excitement.” Beverly clutched her backpack, which was on her lap, as they left the road and climbed along a dirt trail.

  “What about the gossip?” Jacob asked. “Avery tells me you are her go-to source for any local information.”

  “People like to talk, I like to listen.” Beverly shrugged.

  “It’s more than that,” Jacob told her. “You don’t see it, do you?” He glanced sideways at her.

  “See what? That people like to spill their lives on the counter when they buy their groceries?” Beverly asked.

  “How many people work at the store?” Jacob expertly handled the truck as they climbed higher along the trail. The trees thinned, and they were treated to an amazing view of the valley below.

  “Altogether? Maybe ten.”

  “Yet you are the go-to girl for gossip.” Jacob pulled the truck to a stop behind Brad’s.

  “I don’t get what you’re trying to say.” Beverly frowned, and Liam could sense her confusion.

  “They trust you.” Liam earned himself a stunned look from Beverly and a nod from Jacob.

  “Exactly. You might think you are the town gossip, but I bet you are very careful with what you share.” Carter opened the truck door and slid out, slipping the straps of his pack over his shoulders.

  Beverly’s eyes misted up, and she stared down at her own pack. “I never thought of it like that.”

  Liam climbed down from the truck and offered Beverly his hand. “If they didn’t trust you, they wouldn’t tell you about their lives.”

  Beverly slipped her hand into his and a shock of recognition passed between them. She scooted across the seats and slid down to stand in front of him. “You guys.”

  “What?” Jacob asked, coming around to stand with the others.

  “You’re fooling with me.” Beverly put her hands on her hips, and puffed out her breasts. Liam couldn’t resist glancing down. “Hey, up here, buddy.”

  Carter laughed. “He’s a red-blooded man. Single man, he can’t help himself.”

  Beverly stood firm and said, “Listen, I don’t need your flattery. I came here to be a member of the team. No special treatment, no keeping me sweet.”

  “Glad to hear that,” Brad said, coming over to speak to them. “That’s why I’ve decided, as a warm-up for our two new recruits, we’re going to hike over to the Western Plateau and you two are going to rescue Jacob here.” Brad thumped Jacob in the arm.

  “Ouch. Why me?” Jacob asked.

  “Because you look good in bandages. You will treat Jacob as if he has a broken leg. You both noted on the form that you have first aid training, so we’re going to put you to the test in a non-emergency capacity.” Brad backed away from them and raised his hand above his head. “This way, keep up.”

  Brad set off along a trail that wound down into a shallow valley before rising in a steady climb toward a wooded slope. The rest of the team followed; Beverly walked at his side, with Jacob and Carter bringing up the rear.

  “It’s good to get out of the store.” Liam surveyed the valley; it was sheltered with game trails crisscrossing the main trail they followed. Looking up, he studied the clouds, noting the breeze, and inside his head, his eagle stretched his wings with longing. They hadn’t flown for weeks, being too busy with the store and their online venture. He missed it, with an ache of longing that threaded through his veins.

  “It is. I haven’t been out much this winter.” Beverly studied him. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to just spread your wings and fly?”

  Liam looked at her sharply. “It would.”

  “To be able to escape this life and glide on the updrafts.” Beverly’s wistful tone was taken up by his eagle, who cried out for the wide-open skies and the freedom of life on the wing.

  “Do you know much about weather patterns?” Liam asked.

  “Only what I studied at school and have observed while out hiking. I can tell if there’s a storm coming—you know, the basic stuff. How about you? You run a mountain-wares store, you must have a lot of experience.”

  “Not so much. Not with the store, at least. I took it on when Mike got arrested. My mom loaned him the money, and I couldn’t see her lose it all. He’d promised her a return on her investment. I couldn’t see her lose everything.” Liam had been so mad at Mike. Not least because of the money, but because he’d broken the law in such a disrespectful way. It wasn’t just the drugs, it was more than that. How could he use his eagle to deal drugs?

  “That’s sweet.” Beverly kept pace with him as they walked. She was fit, her hiking gear worn in from hours spent on the mountain. “It must have been tough on your mom. And you. Did you have a life elsewhere?”

  “I did. I had a good life and a career.” Liam wasn’t ready to share details of his old life. No one in Bear Creek had any idea of his previous career, and he wanted it to stay that way, in case he ever went back to it. Although that looked less likely now. The business was thriving and now that he’d met Beverly, he doubted he would want to spend months away f
rom her. Scratch that, he knew he didn’t want to spend any time away from her.

  “Couldn’t you sell the store?” Beverly asked.

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  She smiled at him. “No. But small-town life must seem boring to you.”

  “I’m getting used to it.” He breathed in, puffing out his chest. “I’ve seen enough of the world to want a break from it.”

  “You sound like Carter.”

  “Is that what you two were talking about? Before?” It really wasn't any of his business, but he wanted to know.

  “Were you spying on me?” she teased.

  “Not exactly.” Liam wanted to tell her everything. He wanted her to know she was his mate. But perhaps baby steps were called for. If Beverly had no idea about shifters, she might not take the news that she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with him well.

  “We were only talking. Since he found Caroline…or she found him…Carter has never looked at another woman.” She sighed. “I don’t know what it is about the men of Bear Creek, but they find a woman and never leave.”

  “Is that a bad thing?” Liam asked.

  “No. But…” Beverly sighed. “Never mind.”

  “So, what do people do for fun in Bear Creek?” Liam took Beverly’s hint and changed the subject. Kind of. He wanted to ask her on a date, a date she would enjoy.

  “Wow. What do they do for fun?” Beverly looked perplexed. “The mountain is it. I mean, there are regular restaurants and stores in town, oh, and the movie theater. But nothing exciting.”

  “I haven’t watched a movie for years,” Liam confessed.

  “You haven’t? Then why don’t we go? I’ll see what’s showing.” Her eyes danced at the prospect.

  “I’d like that.” Had she asked him on a date?

  “Really? Because this is when guys usually turn me down.” A vulnerability in her voice made his heart wrench.

  “Beverly…I’m not going to turn you down. I’d love to go to the movies with you, and buy you dinner.” Her smile was the only answer he needed; it made his soul soar.

  “I sound desperate, sorry.” She turned away from him and carried on up the trail.

  “You don’t ever have to apologize to me.” Liam needed her to know he was never going to leave her, never going to hurt her.

  She gave a short laugh. “That’s a dangerous thing to say.”

  He laughed too. “You’re right.”

  “Thanks, though.” She nodded at him. “I’m glad we’re friends.”

  Wait, was that all she thought they were, friends? He was going to have to work on that. He wanted them to be lovers, lifelong partners. Mates.

  Give it time, his eagle told him.

  As they walked side by side along the trail, Liam realized he had time. The search was over, the rest of their lives were before them. He didn’t have to rush her into anything. They could date, fall in love, and then live happily ever after.

  As long as she doesn’t freak out about shifters, his eagle said.

  Yeah. He was going to have to figure out how to explain that one to her. Beverly freaking out was not an option.

  Chapter Five – Beverly

  Beverly hid her secret smile. She’d snagged a date with her very own sex-on-legs. Oh yeah, the more she saw of Liam, the more attractive she found him. She might even overlook his occupation as small-town store owner if he gave her anymore of those smoldering looks.

  “Right,” Brad began when they reached the cliff face below the Western Plateau. “This is a typical scenario the rescue team encounters each year on the mountain. Jacob, if you’ll lie down here, we’ll begin.” Brad pointed to the ground at his feet, and Jacob moved into position. “Jacob has fallen from the cliff face above. It’s our job to assess his injuries and move him down the mountain. If we can’t do it safely, then we call in the rescue helicopter. But for today’s training exercise, I want Beverly and Liam to assess Jacob, secure him to the stretcher, and get him back up the cliff face.”

  Carter took the special backpack he’d been carrying off his back and opened it up to reveal a folded-up stretcher. “That is so cool,” Beverly said.

  “Lightweight and secure.” Carter showed her how to open it out and make it safe. “I’ll check that everything is correct before you winch Jacob up the rock face.”

  “Thanks. I’d hate to drop him. Avery would arrest me.” Beverly’s stomach tingled with nerves. She couldn’t remember the last time she had to prove herself. Helping run the store was second nature: this was new, exciting, and a huge responsibility.

  “Liam, Beverly, let’s get started.” Brad stepped back, and Liam knelt beside Jacob, while Beverly laid the stretcher next to him.

  “Hello, my name is Liam, and this is Beverly. We’ve come to assist you.” Liam glanced up at Beverly, noting her nervous expression, and took the lead, assessing Jacob’s body. “Beverly, we need to splint the leg. Can you do that?”

  She nodded, and then found her voice. “Yes.” Beverly took out the traction splint and carefully treated Jacob; she moved quickly and efficiently, while talking to her patient and explaining step-by-step what she was doing. “I would normally have offered pain medication before treatment,” she told Brad, who nodded his approval.

  Working as a team, Beverly and Liam helped Jacob onto the stretcher and secured him with the straps. “Ready to move him?” Liam asked.

  “Ready.” She injected confidence into her voice. Beverly wanted to prove herself a match for any of the men here, and so far, she was certain she’d done just that. However, the next phase of the rescue needed strength and experience, two things she lacked compared to the others.

  Liam used his expertise to attach the stretcher to the ropes and pulleys that would take the weight of the stretcher. Beverly watched carefully and checked to ensure all parts were secure. “I think we’re ready.”

  Carter and Brad stepped forward and double-checked everything. “Well done,” the sheriff said. “Once you winch him to the top, we’ll call it a day.”

  “I’m going to hike on to visit Wyatt,” Jacob said.

  “We’ll come with you,” Carter added. “If it’s OK with Liam and Beverly.”

  “Sure.” Beverly took her safety helmet from her pack and fitted it securely on her head. “See you up there.”

  Liam secured his safety helmet too, and with a curt nod to Brad, they set about getting their patient safely up the cliff face. They worked well together, developing a natural rhythm and working to each other’s strengths.

  “You OK there, Jacob?” Beverly asked as she kept the stretcher level and prevented it from snagging on an outcrop of rock, while above her Liam climbed over the edge of the cliff. They were nearly there.

  “I am, I’ve never been the patient before. We should all try it. Gives you a certain perspective.” He lifted his head and looked out across the mountainside. “I’m not sure I like not being in control.”

  Beverly laughed, and wiped the sweat from her forehead. “I’ll trade places with you.”

  “Hey, you’ve done an amazing job. You know your stuff,” Jacob assured her.

  She glanced down at Jacob; he wasn’t joking. “I know I put on a certain face. But if I’m going to do something, I give it my all.”

  “You are a complicated woman, Beverly.”

  She looked down at Jacob and laughed. “No, most of the time I’m a simple creature, I want to be happy. And I want other people to be happy too.”

  “Freeing, isn’t it?” Jacob held onto the sides of the stretcher as it rocked from side to side.

  “What is?” Beverly asked, her concentration homed in on getting the stretcher over the edge of the cliff and on to solid ground.

  “Coming up here, doing this kind of volunteer work. It gives you space to think, to look deep into yourself and finally see who you really are.” Jacob’s eyes widened as the stretcher lurched sideways. “Wow.”

  “Nearly there.” Beverly gave the
stretcher one final shove, and it came free of the overhang to slide freely over the edge of the cliff.

  As she dragged her tired body onto the springy mountain grass, she looked up to see Liam’s concerned face. Their eyes met. She could easily look deep into herself and find a connection with Liam. A sneaking suspicion told her he felt the same way, but after chasing so many men before, with nothing to show but a dented ego, she couldn’t let herself believe. Not yet.

  “Good job!” Brad yelled from the foot of the cliff face. “I’ll see you all back at the station later.”

  Beverly waved, her breasts heaving as she fought to control her breath. “See you later.” Below them, everyone but Carter gathered their packs and set off home. “OK, Carter is on his way up. I need to rest.”

  “Hey, what about me?” Jacob asked from the stretcher.

  “Pretend you’re Houdini and get yourself out,” Beverly replied, taking off her backpack and flopping down on her back on the springy mountain grass.

  Liam chuckled but began to undo the straps holding Jacob in place. “There.” After he released Jacob, he folded the stretcher back up and set it to one side, while they waited for Carter. “Water?”

  Beverly rolled onto her front and unzipped her own pack. “I have some. And an energy bar if anyone wants one?”

  “Thanks.” Jacob took one and chewed on it. “It’s hard work being a patient.”

  Beverly rolled her eyes at Liam. “Have you been on a mountain rescue team before?”

  He shook his head. “No, why?”

  “You were so self-assured. As if this was not your first rodeo.” Beverly sat up and crossed her legs, studying Liam as he accepted an energy bar.

  “Thanks.” He tore open the wrapper. “I’ve trained extensively in CPR and rescue and recovery. The same skill set, different circumstances.”

  “I’m intrigued.” She leaned forward, her hands on her chin. “Tell me more.”

  “A different lifetime.” Liam clammed up, his openness gone.

  “A man of mystery.” Beverly’s eyes danced with mischief.

  “Here’s Carter.” Liam mentally pushed her away, and she exchanged a look with Jacob that told her he had no clue as to Liam’s past either.