Page 15 of His Rescued Mate

Max leaned over to read the article, his brow furrowing in concentration. "This is from more than a quarter of a century ago," he said. "It talks about a woman named Evelyn Renner who disappeared while exploring the island. That’s my great aunt. The article said they never found her."

"Why would she disappear?” asked Alexa. “What do you think happened to her?"

“No idea. All I know is one day she was gone and my family acted like she’d never existed.”

Alexa's mind raced with possibilities. "Maybe she was looking for something. Or someone. The letter mentioned treasures and secrets. Maybe she and this Nathaniel were looking for them."

Max nodded, his expression determined. "I need to find out what happened to her. If they were looking for something, it might still be out there."

They spent the next week trying to trace Evelyn’s last movements, visiting the places mentioned in the letters and the article. They hiked through dense forests, explored hidden coves, and searched for any clues that might lead them to the answers they sought.

One evening, as they were exploring a remote part of the shoreline, Alexa noticed something sticking up out of the sand in the fading light. She crouched down, brushing sand and rock away to uncover a small packet of oiled leather wrapped around a box tied with twine. When she removed the leather and opened the box, she discovered a small, rusted key.

"Max, look at this," she called out, holding up the key. It looks old, like it could have belonged to Evelyn."

Max nodded. "Obviously it has to unlock something. Maybe it's the key to whatever it was they were trying to uncover."

“Secrets seem to be kind of a thing in your family,” she said, regretting the words the minute they left her lips. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.”

He smiled wryly. “Yes, you did, and you have every right to feel that way. We need to talk. There are things I have to tell you, things you need to know…”

“Just answer me one question.” She took his hands in hers. “Do you love me?”

“From the very first moment I saw you and every moment since.”

“Then that’s all I really need to know.”

“But it isn’t…”

“It is until you want to tell me the rest. I love you, Max. I wonder now if I ever loved my ex. If I did, it was nothing compared to what I feel for you. So, knowing you feel the same way is all I need to know for now.”

He shook his head. “I believe you’re right about destiny bringing us together. We’ll figure this whole thing about my family history out, you can write your article, and then…”

“We’ll live happily ever after,” she said, reaching forward to kiss him.

They spent the next few days searching for anything that the key might fit, exploring old, deserted dwellings and hidden caves. Finally, they came across a rickety, abandoned cabin deep in the woods. The door was locked, but the key fit perfectly into the rusty lock. They exchanged a look of excitement as Max turned the key. With a creak, the door swung open, revealing a dusty, dimly lit interior. Alexa took Max’s hand as they stepped inside, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

Inside, they found a treasure trove of old documents, photographs, and journals.

“Max, look, some of these are in Evelyn’s handwriting.”

It was clear that Evelyn and Nathaniel had been using the cabin as a base for their search, but the exact nature of what they were looking for and why remained a mystery. As they sifted through the documents, they found detailed notes about a hidden treasure that was said to be buried somewhere on the island. It appeared they’d narrowed it down to somewhere close to the lake.

Max looked at Alexa, his eyes filled with determination. "We need to find the treasure.”

“Do you think it will tell you why your family turned on her?

“Unknown, but it sure wouldn’t hurt to have it,” he said, laughing.

Alexa nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement. "I’m game if you are."

Gathering all the things they’d found and putting them in an ancient rucksack, Max took her hand in his, kissing her fingers. “Then let’s get to it.”

CHAPTER 8

SECRETS REVEALED

Over the next few days, Alexa and Max devoted themselves to following the clues left behind by Evelyn. The documents and journals they found in the cabin provided valuable insights into her search for the hidden treasure. With each new discovery, they felt themselves getting closer to the truth.

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