“That was fast,” I whispered.
Rhett shoved my arm with his nose again. This version of him was much more lighthearted, prancing around me in the snow before lifting his snout and stalking through the trees.
I followed as fast as I could, the heat from earlier seeping out of me as my feet grew clammy and cold. My boots were absorbing snow as it melted, and my entire face was numb. How long did it take to get frostbite?
Rhett circled back every few feet, checking to see I was behind him before charging ahead again.
I did my best not to complain, panting heavier with each step. It wasn’t like I really had another option.
Exhaustion tugged at my movement, slowing me down until I was worried I really wouldn’t make it. Walking several miles in the snow was nothing for a wolf, and I wasn’t sure he realized how tired I was.
Then the gray silhouette of a tiny A-frame appeared in a clearing ahead of us, and I almost cried out in relief. The wolf bounded up to me, and then arms were sweeping under my legs. I didn’t hesitate to press my cheek to Rhett’s chest, sighing as the warmth brought some life back into me.
“I’ve got you now.” His words rumbled against me. “You did so good.”
Rhett set me on a small covered porch, holding up a hand for me to wait as he entered the cabin. He emerged a moment later, taking my hand and leading me inside.
It was so dark I could barely make out the single room, and the air was cold enough that my breath fogged in front of me.
“Sorry, I had to make sure we were the only ones here. This place belongs to the pack, but Wildlings can be territorial.”
“S-so how do we keep from f-freezing to death in here?”
I realized I was still holding his clothes in my arms. A spark lit the room and revealed his naked form. More sparks flashed in front of a black stove, and then a tiny fire caught in a stack of logs. Rhett nurtured the flame until it was bright red, licking over the logs and lighting the room.
Standing, he beckoned me over with his hand. I followed automatically, forgetting the cold as firelight danced across his skin. He was pale and perfect, and the jolt in my chest kick-started like a motor, warming me from the inside out.
I almost whined when he took his jeans from me, sliding them over his legs. Then his hands were on my coat, undoing the zipper and the buttons and hanging it on a hook by the wood-burning stove. My hat and gloves were next, and all I could do was stand there as he fussed over me.
His fingers kept brushing mine, smoothing down my hair, and cupping the side of my neck. He dragged an Adirondack chair from the corner of the room, sitting me in it so close to the fire that it almost hurt. Blankets were procured from somewhere, and though they were icy cold, the weight of them felt wonderful on my legs as I curled into the chair.
“Thank you,” I whispered, not knowing how to respond to his selfless care.
Rhett wasn’t even bothered by the cold, too focused on searching through an old wooden cabinet. “These cabins are usually well stocked, but it’s harder to get supplies out to all of them at this time of year.” He smiled to himself, making a triumphant sound as he pulled out a box and showed it to me.
Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows.
In no time he had a kettle on top of the stove, fresh snow melting inside. Two cups with cocoa powder waiting on a small coffee table. There was also beef jerky, cups of instant noodles, and ingredients to make s’mores.
“This is actually amazing,” I said, snuggling deeper into my collection of blankets. “It’s like a backpacking adventure.”
“I’m glad you’re having a good time.” Rhett didn’t look as pleased, scowling at the cup of noodles like it personally offended him. He crouched beside my chair, readjusting my blankets. When he was done, his hand skimmed down my covered shoulder. The touch was natural, like he’d always done it.
“Aren’t you cold? You can have one of my blankets.”
“Don’t you dare take those blankets off.”
“What’s bothering you?”
“I can’t seem to get you a decent meal.” He was genuinely distraught over the noodles and jerky.
“You should see how I eat at home. I can’t cook anything, unless you count boiling pasta as cooking. Anyway, I’m not that hungry.”
“We could be here a while. I need to have enough to feed you.”
Why was he so hung up on this food thing—
Holy shit.
