Page 8 of The Beast of the Mountain
“Have you lived in Whispering Winds all your life?” I ask, turning to Bear.
“Almost,” he says, readjusting his grip on the wheel. He glances at me, smiles, and then turns back to the road.
I don’t remember it being this long of a drive. Maybe Bear’s taking me on another detour. I’m still finding it hard to believe his reasoning. But I can’t deny that if it’s true, I like it. A lot.It’s too bad that we’re from different worlds. I’m only here for a short time, and I can’t see myself living in the mountains. And I can’t see Bear ever leaving the mountains.
We just wouldn’t work.
“Sounds like there’s a story.”
He snorts. “One you’ve written before?”
I smile. “No. I write thrillers, not biographies. But I’d like to hear your story. Maybe I can use you as a character if it’s interesting enough.”
“Sorry to disappoint, but I’m a simple man. Nothing all that interesting about me.”
“I find that hard to believe. Can’t say I know many people that live in the mountains all alone. Must be a lonely life. Something must be calling you to the mountains to make it all worth it.”
Silence hangs in the air but it isn’t uncomfortable. It’s contemplative—as though Bear is considering what I said, actually listening.
“I left once,” he says. “Went to college, got a fancy job, and made a lot of money. I did all the things I thought I was missing out on.”
Married?
The thought shoots out of me as a jealous pang lodges itself in my gut. I have no reason to be jealous. Possessive? Just my imagination going haywire again.
“I wasn’t happy. After nearly a decade away I came back. Some of my family had moved on too, but I have a brother in the area. He’s the fire watchman. Spends most of his time in a tower far up on the mountain.”
Wolf? I almost ask but I don’t want to joke. Bear’s opening up to me and I don’t want to take that for granted or ruin it with a silly joke.
“Wolfe,” he says and I bite my lip.
He’s messing with me again, right?
“I see there’s a trend in guy names in your family.”
He laughs. “Guess so. My parents wanted names as rugged as the mountains.”
“Do your parents still live in the mountains?”
“Not anymore. They’re still in the area, but they’re closer to civilization. It’s not easy to get medical attention on the mountain. Nothing’s easy on the mountain.”
“I found that out.”
Bear rests his hand on my leg. “Stick with me, and I’ll teach you all you need to know.”
My mouth dries. A pulse between my thighs. My belly clenches. Bear offered me a place to stay but I’m still hesitant. Everything about Bear calms my nerves, but there’s still a rational part of me screaming that I can’t stay in the mountains with someone I don’t know.
This is how you get killed. The nice ones are always the crazy ones. Get. Out. Now!
“Maybe I will,” I say, ignoring the voice in the back of my head.
I place my hand on his and we continue driving to Whispering Winds in companionable silence.
“Here we are,”Bear says, parking in front of a mechanic’s shop. “Not sure if Leo’s here. Last I heard his wife was pregnant, so it might be his nephew working now. Not the most reliable man I know, but he knows what he’s doing. He can set you up with a tow and get your car looked at.”
He leans back, eyes focused on mine.
“The Inn’s across the road. I’m sure they have a room, but if they’re full. My offer still stands. You’re welcome to stay with me as long as you like.”
