Page 101 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

Another man steps forward, a cocky grin on his face. "Damn, Ghost. You gonna let the woman breathe, or what?"

Everett's arms tighten around me. "Fuck you, Maverick," he growls, but there's no real heat in it.

I should feel awkward being held like this in front of all these strangers. But the steady thump of Everett's heart against my ear is too comforting to give up. I nestle closer, breathing in his familiar scent.

"Kenzie," Everett says softly. "I want you to meet my team. This is Raven V."

I look around at the men, noting their serious expressions and the way they carry themselves. These aren't just Everett's employees. This is something else entirely.

"Nice to meet you all," I manage, my voice still shaky. "Thanks for, uh... rescuing me."

The man Everett called Maverick winks at me. "Anytime, darlin'. Though next time, maybe we can skip the dramatic cabin raid, yeah?"

I can't help but laugh. The sound is watery but genuine. "Deal."

As if on cue, I hear sirens in the distance. The cavalry's arriving, but these men—Raven V—they got here first. They saved me.

I look up at Everett, taking in the worry lines etched around his eyes and the tension in his jaw.

"Thank you," I whisper, reaching up to touch his cheek. "For finding me. For not giving up."

His eyes soften, and he leans down to press a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Always," he murmurs. "I will always come for you, Kenzie. No matter what."

The sirens grow louder, and I can hear voices calling out. The town's here, searching for me. But wrapped in Everett's arms, surrounded by his team, I already know—I'm home.

I've found where I belong.

23

A NEW BEGINNING

KENZIE

I wake up wrapped in Everett's arms, his steady breathing a comforting rhythm against my back. Sunlight streams through the curtains, painting the room in a warm glow. For a moment, I bask in the peace of this moment, savoring the feeling of safety and love.

Then reality crashes in. My hand drifts to my stomach, holding our little secret. My heart races. How do I tell him? What if he freaks out?

"Mornin', beautiful," Everett's sleep-roughened voice rumbles against my ear. Then he kisses the back of my neck.

I turn in his arms, meeting those piercing blue eyes. "Hey there, handsome."

He leans in for a kiss, but I dodge, suddenly self-conscious about morning breath. He chuckles, pulling me closer.

"You okay?" he asks, brow furrowing. "You seem... tense."

I force a smile. "Just... processing everything, I guess."

It's not a lie, not really. But guilt gnaws at me for holding back the truth.

Everett nods, his expression softening. "Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."

My heart swells at his words, even as anxiety churns in my gut. I need to tell him. Soon.

We get up, falling into an easy morning routine. It's strange how quickly this has become normal—making coffee together, Everett setting out cereal for the girls while I pack their lunches. It feels like home in a way I never expected.

As we sit down to breakfast, waiting for the girls to come down, the words bubble up inside me, demanding to be spoken. I can't hold it in any longer.

"Everett, I..." I start, then falter. How do you drop a bombshell like this over Cheerios?

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