Page 10 of Forever Theirs

“That goes for everyone in here.” Hudson scanned the room, lips pulling down in a frown. “Where is Caroline?”

“She mentioned being gone for a day or two,” I offered, remembering the odd conversation from yesterday. “Something about wanting to find a more challenging location for our more skilled rock-climbing clients.”

Hudson nodded but seemed hesitant. “Wish she would’ve come to me first, but nothing we can do about it now. Considering we believe women are the targets, we want you to be extra careful out there when female clients are involved. Even if they just booked a day hiking trip, Brandon and I want at least two of you out there with them.” He ran a hand over his short dark hair. “We don’t know how deep this goes yet. But we will. With my past experience as a detective and Oliver’s knowledge of the area and people, we will get this solved.”

I had no doubt he’d put all his energy into solving the mystery of what was going on in our town and along the trail, considering he had some skin in the game. When Brandon asked him to come help out, Hudson brought his wife and their young daughter up too. If women in Anchor Bay were in danger, so was his wife.

“Just wait until you meet her,” Aiden whispered after leaning in close. “You’ll see what I’m talking about. She’s different.”

“All right,” Juno said with a loud clap, gaining everyone’s attention. “Now that we’re all caught up on the creepy shit going on around here, let’s talk about this week’s schedule. It’s a fairly light week since we’re transitioning from the snow adventures and fewer rescues to the summer activities…”

As she went down the list of excursions and who would lead, I zoned out, considering I’d already memorized the schedule and where I was needed. Everyone had their own specialty, so anytime something was put on the books, we knew who would take that reservation. Aiden and I were responsible for the motorbike and snowmobile trips, along with any snow-related rescues. As a retired SEAL, being out in the wilderness, surviving on what little we brought or foraged for was second nature.

“And you’re never going to believe who she left behind in Seattle,” Aiden said out of the side of his mouth with a smirk.

“I’m not going to ask how you already know all this.” I chuckled. When he just kept staring at me, I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Fine. Who did she leave?”

“James fucking Peoples.”

I huffed a humorless laugh. “That pretend survivalist shithead?” Aiden nodded. “And why should I care about that? Or her, for that matter? Come on, Aiden, you know better?—”

A knowing grin tugged at his lips, cutting me off.

Fuck. That wasn’t good.

For me, at least.

“You should care about this new guest because she’s someone special… someone you’ve heard of.” I continued to glare at my friend, urging him to get to the fucking point. “Her photos, those pages you ripped out of magazines, are still somewhere in your room.”

I blinked at him, trying to catch up with the conversation, when suddenly it clicked.

“You’re telling me Aspen Carter is this guest you’re going on about?” Aiden gave me a smug nod and crossed both arms over his chest, leaning back in the metal chair until it rocked precariously on two legs. “Are you fucking with me?”

That smirk fell. “I wouldn’t do that to you, Moose.” My lip twitched at the nickname that came from my time as a SEAL. “I know what those pictures meant to you while you served, what they gave you.”

Hope.

That was what those amazing photos in the outdoor magazine my mom occasionally sent had given me. Some nights bunkered down in a foxhole, waiting until the perfect moment to strike our target, I’d stare at the glossy pages ripped from the spine. I’d smooth out the wrinkles on my thigh and stare at the breathtaking landscape she’d captured on film. It reminded me of what I was protecting, of what I was sacrificing years of my life for.

I’d never seen a picture of her, but I was already halfway in love with the unknown woman because of her talent and clear love and awe of nature.

Which was a huge fucking problem since she was now here. In Anchor Bay.

And I was going to have drinks with her and Aiden tonight.

“You can thank me later,” he murmured and then turned his attention back to Juno.

I continued to stare at his profile, debating whether he was right or not. Meeting her for drinks was one thing, but I knew Aiden had deeper intentions with the woman than just a few cocktails. Which was where the problem was in his plan.

I wasn’t sure I’d recover if the woman I almost idolized for her brilliant talent turned away in disgust when she saw my battle-scarred body. Ran away when she realized how broken I truly was—more on the inside than out.

So, no, this couldn’t happen, no matter what Aiden wanted.

I had to protect myself.

Because if that flicker of hope died inside… that would shred what was left of me.

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