Sita's voice cuts through the tension, seething with a fury that matches the storm that has started raging around us, as if even the mountains are angry. She calls out, “How could you betray the Migoi who has guarded these mountains for centuries? To turn against him is to break your dharma and dishonor the balance of nature.”
“Greed,” I say, my voice cold as I pass judgement on the group in front of us. All guilty of the same sin.
My poor Eryon. Why must this be the price he pays over and over? Why is this his reward for centuries of watching over the mountains and forests, helping wherever he could? Another evil man coming to take what he has painstakingly recultivated?
Rage bubbles up inside me, scorching and relentless. I came here to show Eryon that he is worth saving too. And damn it, I’m going to do just that.
“Ben,” I call out, extending my hand toward him in a placating gesture. “I guess it’s my downfall, too. You’re right. There’s no way I can finish this without you. Can you at least get me back into the University? I know how much pull you have there.”
I take a few hesitant steps and say, “I’ll help you get the plant, but I need access to the future drug—and something to go home to. I know you could never forgive me, and I’m not asking you to. But please, throw me a bone here.”
Years of being with this narcissist have taught me how to play him like a fiddle. Pander to his pride, stroke his ego, makehim feel like the big man who's doing a favor for poor, helpless Dahlia.
Sita stands frozen, her eyes wide in disbelief at my sudden change of heart. I have to trust that she will sense my plan and not give me away.
I turn to her, pretend to dig in the pocket of my parka, and then place the soapberry in her hand. “Here, you might as well take the key to my room back since I won’t be needing it anymore.”
She cocks her head at me, brows furrowing in confusion as she looks down at what I’ve pressed into her hand. She hardens her voice and says, “I don’t want you back anyway if you’re going to join these men.”
I feel her fingers curl around mine, a subtle but telling signal that she understands.
“Oh, Dahlia,” Ben croons. “You always were a stupid girl. The men are already here. I don’t need you. And I don’t want you.”
He lets out a cruel laugh, but I lean into my facade and push the farce further.
“Ben,” I cry, pretending to be heartbroken. “You still need to navigate the cave system. You have no idea what that beast is like. I can help you.”
His eyes narrow as he considers my words. Thankfully, all of my field notes were strictly professional, no mention of my relationship with the Yeti, so as far as he knows, what I’m saying is true.
I hesitate, not wanting to overplay my hand but knowing I’m running out of time. I need him impulsive, not analytical. “Ben, I barely escaped with my life. Please, let me help you. I just want to make sure this plant gets turned into medicine. I am the one who needs it because I inherited the gene. You have the power to save my life.”
A smile spreads across his face at the crack in my voice, atmy desperate plea. I didn’t need to act that last part out. It’s my truth.
His chest swells with self-importance, and I see the gloating aura settle around him. “Dahlia, you know I’m a good man. Of course, I’ll save your life. The headlines will be incredible. Hell, the PR story will have investors scrambling to fast-track this drug and my payout. Fine. You lead the way. But make no mistake—I won’t hesitate to kill you. This plant is worth more to me than your life.”
“Of course, Ben. Thank you,” I say, eyes downcast to hide the victory that must be shining in them.
An inhuman roar echoes, small stones tumbling down the rock walls surrounding us. Ben’s team exchanges worried glances as the man with the wolf backs away, wisely disappearing.
The remaining men close ranks, flanking Ben. When their eyes go round, I don’t need to turn around to know Eryon is behind me. The very air shimmers with his presence, menace and danger radiating off him in waves to collide against my back.
My lizard brain screams at me to run. Fear licks through my veins like fire and pools low in my belly, bleeding into desire that pulses in my core as I recall the feel of him against my skin, the heat, the lust. To be this close to him again yet so far away is excruciating. I don’t ever want to be apart from him again.
“Sruhnar,” he growls.
I spin to face him, dragging my gaze up his terrifying form, awed at his presence even after we had explored every inch of each other’s bodies. He appears larger and more fearsome than ever. Chest heaving, luminous silver eyes snapping with ice cold fire.
When our eyes meet, I see his filled with exquisite pain and realize he must have heard my ruse.
“Er—” I start, but he cuts me off.
“Donotsay my name,” he snarls at me, lip curling to reveal his sharp teeth.
“He told you his name?” Sita asks, shocked into speaking.
When I glance at her questioningly, she whispers, “Migoi only tell their mates their names. They have great power. In all the centuries this Migoi has been here, no one knows his name. Except you.”
Her words knock the wind from my lungs. I fell in love with a Yeti. And it sounds like he had loved me, too. If the rage bleeding off him is anything to go by, I think he still does. I know he watched our journey here, leaving me breadcrumbs along the trail.
