Yeah. Sixty bear shifters.
I straightened. “The terrain around here can be dangerous, especially this time of year.” I pointed toward the mountains soaring over the clearing. “Weather changes fast, and it’s easy to get turned around when the snow starts. Avalanches are common.”
Charlotte squared her shoulders, the defensive posture instantly recognizable. She was probably accustomed to being underestimated and dismissed by men twice her age with half her intelligence.
“I appreciate your concern,” she said, “but I’m an experienced wilderness camper. I’ve done field work in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.”
“Alaska is different,” I said gently. “I’ve lived here my whole life. I know these woods, and I know the weather and what to look for. Things that don’t show up in forecasts.” I held her stare, willing her to understand I wasn’t dismissing her abilities. “If you’re serious about your research, you need someone who cankeep you safe while you focus on your work. I did search and rescue before I became—” I stopped before I could sayalpha. “Before I took over the bed and breakfast,” I finished.
She studied me for a long moment, her big brown eyes searching my face. “Are you offering to guide me?”
“If you’ll have me.” I shuffled backward, taking my shadow with me, and I rubbed a hand over my nape. “You might have noticed my business isn’t exactly booming right now. Maybe it’s bad to admit that I’m bored, but…” Lowering my hand, I shrugged.
Something shifted in her expression. Her lips curved, a mischievous light dancing in her eyes. “And you think I’m not boring?”
Heat flared under my skin. My groin tightened.Not a damn thing about you is boring.
I waved a hand toward her equipment. “That gear is heavy. I found out the hard way when I carried it upstairs.” I kept my tone light. “I’m happy to help you move it around. And I make good coffee. I’ll throw it in for free.”
She laughed, the sound musical in the crisp air. “All right, Mr. Antonovich. You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Beck,” I said, my heart thumping faster. “Remember?”
Her smile faded, but it stayed in her eyes. “Sorry. I won’t forget again, Beck.” She extended her hand.
I stared at it a second too long. Then I took it. Electricity shot up my arm, the spark like a rubber band snapping against my skin.
Charlotte yelped as she jerked her hand away. “Ow!” She gave a startled laugh. “Did you feel that, too?”
My heart raced. “Static electricity,” I said, hearing the rasp in my voice. “It’s common in the winter.”
“Yes,” she said, shaking her hand like she meant to banish the sting. “You said that before.” The vein in her neck flutteredunder her skin, which was a creamy contrast to her black, fitted shirt. Faint pink stained her cheeks as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The little golden studs caught the sunlight.
My bear shoved against its bonds.Mine.The beast’s declaration wasn’t anything I could hear, but I didn’t need to. It wanted Charlotte Mills, and it didn’t give a damn that she was way too young to even contemplate pursuing.
Turning away, I stalked toward the trees.
“You’re leaving?” Charlotte called, uncertainty in her tone. Probably because I’d spun and fled like my ass was on fire.
“We’ll start tomorrow,” I called without slowing. “Dress in layers.”
“What time?” she asked, raising her voice.
“Six.” The trees loomed. I risked a look over my shoulder. “I’ll have breakfast ready.”
Charlotte stood by the stump, her hands on her slim hips and a confused look on her face. That damn ponytail curled over her shoulder, the tip following the curve of one firm-looking breast.
“Okay,” she said. “See you then.”
I grunted as I turned and headed into the trees. My bear shifted restlessly, threatening to break its bonds. Damn, this was going to be harder than I thought. Keeping Charlotte away from the heart of clan territory was one thing.
Keeping her out of my thoughts was entirely another.
Chapter
Three
CHARLOTTE
