"I'll tell you later," I say. "Ater you’ve rested and you're warm. Okay?”
She frowns, but nods. “Okay.”
So brave, my little warrior.
I’ve always been brave.Until now.
Now that I’ve found my mate, I’m terrified she’ll leave me before the bond takes hold. When it comes to the possibility of losing Ava, I’m a coward.
Chapter 3
Ava
Warmthhitsmeinwaves.
Relief. But something else layered under it. Something that coils low in my stomach every time I look at Garruk.
Ridiculous.I should be freaking out.
But sitting here wrapped in thick furs, ankle supported, heat licking at my cheeks, while a massive tusked stranger moves around the cabin like he's trying not to scare me?
It doesn't feel dangerous.
It feels safe.Too safe.
Garruk sets a steaming cup on the small table beside me. The tea smells like pine and something citrusy.
"This will warm you."
I take the cup. My fingers brush his—just barely—and it sends a jolt through me.
He goes still. So do I.
Then he steps back, jaw tight, forcing space between us.
I clear my throat, pretending I didn't just feel heat rush up my neck. "So, this is your cabin."
"Yes."
"And you live here alone?"
"Yes,” he says. “And you like to wander the mountain alone?”
"I'm a ranger,” I explain. “It's my job. And part of my job is to keep hikers safe. Even the ones with gigantic feet who travel up passes prone to avalanches.”
His brow lifts slightly.Is that amusement on this face?"Are you saying you followed my footprints?"
"You left tracks the size of serving platters. Hard to miss them."
He looks down at his boots, frowning like they betrayed him. "Didn't intend to draw attention."
"Please. You're seven feet tall. How could you not draw attention?”
His gaze flicks up. Holds mine. Heat sparks between us again—quick, sharp. I look away fast.
The tea is hot, but not as hot as my cheeks.
I take another sip. "Are you really not going to tell me what you are?"
