She thought back. “I thought they were beautiful. They were rich and came in many shades, like the earth. Some light, some yellowish, some as dark as a bear’s. The blue eye color in my tribe didn’t have as much range—just the same dull shade.”
“Not dull,” he said, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. “Like two sapphires under the sun. And what do you think of my brown eyes? Do you find them desirable?”
She slapped his cheek and then held out her palm to him. “Mosquito.” After resuming her hike, she thought about Claude and all his stories. She knew just enough about Chitahs that she might be able to scare this guy off by becoming the antithesis of what he desired in a woman.
He jogged up beside her. “I’m grateful for your kindness. Many would have let the insect feast on my blood, but you have a thoughtful spirit,” he said, his voice laced with humor.
She stopped again and wrinkled her nose. “You smell like a feral hog.”
“Does it please you?” He tossed back his head and laughed. “Don’t worry, female. I’ll wash in your creek upon our return.”
Oh, this guy is a riot.
“Viktor’s only tolerating your presence because of the favor you did for us. Don’t count on it lasting.”
“Then I better work harder to win your affection.”
“You seem to have a habit of accepting jobs with little payment.”
His gaze fell to her lips. “The last payment received was the greatest of my life. I thought the kiss would satiate my broken heart, but all it did was make me hunger for you.”
“Those are sweet words you should save for a woman who has a heart to give. Did you really think I’d just ride off into the sunset with you? Live in a cabin in the woods?”
He leaned in, his eyes predatory and his mouth wanton. She remembered the taste of his lips. “I know your heart yearns for the wild. I see it in your eyes.”
“You’ll tire of this.”
“Men tire climbing mountains that reach the heavens. Some journeys are worth the uncertainty of success.”
“Exactly how old are you? You look fairly young, but I get the feeling you could be my grandfather.”
“I’m a young six hundred. In my time, we didn’t ask a person’s age. Do you think wisdom comes with youth?”
She patted his chest. “Apparently it doesn’t come with age. You’re chasing a mouse that can’t be caught.”
Before he could reply, Blue released her human form and let her animal take over. Clothes fell away from her body as she morphed into a winged creature. Matteo’s mouth fell open as she soared upward to the one place she truly belonged.
The world was much quieter from above. She didn’t have any clouds to ride, but the earth unfolded beneath her like a patchwork quilt. Land was divided between territories, farmland, and the wild. Small rivers and creeks carved through them, and the urge to hunt grew strong as her falcon scanned the open fields below. Late afternoon to early evening was the best time to catch wild rabbits, and even though it was too early for hunting, Blue decided to let her falcon take the helm. Through her animal’s eyes, she became a passenger on a spectacular flight.
Far from Matteo and his honeyed words. Far from obligations. Far from remembrances.
Chapter 10
Before going home, I drove by Crush’s trailer. I was curious how he was getting on with his new companion. Crush’s red truck was out front, but I didn’t see any sign of the dog in the yard. Had he gotten rid of him? I sped off before Crush heard my motor humming and came running out with his shotgun.
After gassing up my truck and driving it through the car wash, I went home. The sun had gone down by the time I got there. Judging by the lingering smell of pot roast and the empty dining room, I’d missed dinner. The burger had filled me up anyhow, so I ascended the wide staircase in search of Blue. The wall lanterns guided my way through the stone hallways. In the daytime, Keystone was a castle. But at night it was a place that could make children afraid of monsters.
Maybe I’d bitten off more than I could chew. Hunting murderers was more my speed, but detective work had too many moving parts. Hopefully those bears hadn’t gone back for Blue. She’d left her phone in my truck, so I had no way of getting in touch with her.
I poked my head inside Wyatt’s office. “Have you seen Blue?”
Wyatt—who was stretched over his desk, plugging something in—jumped. “You scared the ghost out of me! Don’t creep up on people like that.”
I leaned against the doorjamb, arms folded. “What’s got you so wired up?”
He scratched the back of his neck, his eyes darting around. “I put on a kids’ movie for Hunter earlier, and I’m creeped out by it.”
“Which one?”
