Page 10 of His Untamed Craving

"Holy hell..." she rasps, chest still heaving with each ragged breath.

Shifting onto my knees, I hover over her limp form with a wolfish grin. Daisy's eyes slit open, that rich gaze still glazed with lingering desire.

"I hate you."

My laughter rumbles low and deep from my chest as I lean in, lips brushing the damp hollow of her throat. "Liar."

Before she can fire back a breathy retort, a brilliant shaft of sunlight pierces the tent, bathing the cramped interior in its golden glow. Squinting against the glare, I glance over to find the dark clouds finally parting, the storm's fury ebbing.

Daisy follows my line of sight, brows lifting. "Damn. Way to try and throw me off my game before the big climb."

I shoot her a sidelong look, unable to resist the smirk tugging my lips. "I believe that whole thing was your idea."

She laughs—a bright, carefree sound that sends an unexpected tremor through my core. "Well played. But just remember..." Leaning up, she brushes her lips in a feather-light caress along the line of my jaw. "...this isn't over."

Rather than rising to the bait, I simply huff out a gruff chuckle and sit up, reaching for my shirt. "We should get moving if we want to make the summit before nightfall."

Daisy sits up and begins pulling on her layers. I can't resist sneaking sidelong glances as she dresses, taking in the graceful shift of those curves beneath the snug, moisture-wicking fabric. My fingers itch with the urge to reach out and tug her back against me, to lose myself in her intoxicating warmth once more.

But no—that's exactly the kind of distraction that'll get us both killed out on the Fang.

With a grim set to my jaw, I shoulder my pack, forcing my mind back into that razor-sharp focus I'll need to lead us through the hellish climb ahead. Daisy may have proven her skills getting up to the campsite, but that was just the opening act.

My gaze cuts over to Daisy as she secures her pack, eyes blazing with determination. Yeah, this wild, unpredictable woman will be put to the ultimate test out there.

And I'd be lying through my teeth if I said I'm not dying to see how she handles it.

With a resolute nod, I turn and unzip the tent flap, letting the crisp mountain air flood our tiny sanctuary. Daisy's right behind me as I step out into the dazzling morning sunlight now bathing our grassy ledge. Shielding my eyes against the glare, I take in the towering granite monolith stabbing the horizon.

A low chuckle rumbles up from my chest as Daisy comes to stand beside me, following my stare upward. "Last chance to back out, Delgado. Things are about to get real gnarly from here on out."

She shoots me a sidelong look, dark eyes glinting with defiance. Then, without a word, she simply shoulders past me and starts off down the narrow path leading toward the base of the climb, hips swaying.

My stare traces the sway of those lush curves for a few lingering beats before I shake my head, unable to stifle the grin tugging at my lips. This woman really is something else.

Shouldering my own pack, I set off after her, the morning sun already baking the granite ramparts with its relentless glare. The real test is about to begin—and something tells me we're both ready to face it head on.

Chapter 5

Daisy

My heart hammers in my chest as Wyatt leads the way up the first few pitches of the imposing Fang. Every muscle in my body strains to follow his precise movements, matching him hold for hold as we ascend the merciless granite face. Thankfully, the compact body cam in my shirt pocket captures every heart-pounding move, though I'm careful to keep it discreetly angled away from Wyatt's line of sight.

One misplaced foot or missed handhold could send us plummeting hundreds of feet in a sickening freefall. The stakes have never been higher, yet I can't seem to wipe the grin from my face. This is living—raw, primal, every fiber of my being hyper-focused on the present moment. Just me, this mountain, and the rugged man who's currently holding my life in his hands.

Wyatt pauses to scan the dizzying array of micro-holds and razor-thin ledges above, jaw set in an intense look of concentration. Even from down here, I can see the taut flex of those broad shoulders, the muscles along his sculpted back and arms.

Christ, I could watch this man move all day.

With a slight nod, Wyatt begins the next sequence, pulling himself up to latch onto a thin ledge. He makes it look effortless, like the human body was simply meant to defy gravity in such a way.

Swallowing hard, I force myself to focus, picking my way up to the same precarious stance. My fingers strain, calves quivering as I fight to hold that tenuous position.

"Easy, Delgado." Wyatt's deep rumble seems to reverberate through the rock itself. "Keep your weight centered and breathe."

I shoot him a sidelong look, fighting to keep my features relaxed despite my thundering pulse. "I've got this. No need to mother hen me."

One dark brow arches slightly in response. "Whatever you say. Just don't go crying for me to rescue you again when you bite it."

---