Page 58 of Declan
“The snowmobile’s roar will keep predators at bay,” he said briskly, squatting in front of the hearth, and adding kindling. “I’ve spent dozens of winters here—”
“Don’t even try telling me you’ve never seen a wolf,” she interrupted.
“I’ve seen several,” he said, stacking pine logs on top of the kindling. He stood, lit a match and set the wood ablaze. “But I’m always on guard. Mostly for Tank’s sake. A full pack would try to take him down if they thought he was a food source.”
Her fingers curled into fists. “It’s terrifying. I know food’s scarce in winter, but to attack a dog—”
“In desperation, they hunt anything,” he replied, sliding another log into place. “Cows, horses… even a moose if they’re hungry enough.”
She frowned. “A moose is enormous.”
He exhaled slowly, recalling old warnings. “I told you about Noah Conway? His horse was in a snowy pasture with her foal when a pack struck. They circled her, but she defended the foal until she couldn’t stand. The wolves killed her, then turned onthe foal, until Noah arrived just in time. He rescued the colt and nursed him back to health. That colt, Smoke, is still marked by those attacks.”
Elise’s lips trembled. He drew her closer, his voice softer now. “They’re cunning. They spread out and converge. I’m not trying to frighten you, just want you to be aware.”
She glanced toward the frost-rimmed window. “What about us? If we were on horseback—”
“But we weren’t. Anytime I ride in the winter, I always carry my weapon. I won’t shoot one of them unless I have to, but one shot overhead usually scatters them.”
He turned to her, cupping her cheeks with rough, warm hands. “Elise, nothing in this world matters more to me than you. If danger ever came close, I’d protect you with my life, no question.” He brushed his lips against hers, and around them the cabin, smoke swirling up the stone chimney, logs crackling, felt like a sanctuary in the silent winter forest.
“We can’t stay here tonight though. We both work tomorrow,” Elise said, her voice tinged with reluctance.
“I know, but it’s still early. We’ll spend a little while here, then head back. Do you want to go to the diner for dinner before I take you home?” Declan asked.
“I’d like that,” she replied, wrapping her arms snugly around his waist. “I like you.”
Declan grinned, pressing a tender kiss to her lips before gazing into her eyes. “I more than like you.”
“You like me a lot?” she teased with a playful smirk.
“I’m on the verge of falling in love with you. You’re all I think about. I know we haven’t been together for long, but I’m sure of what I feel.”
“I feel the same way,” she admitted softly.
“I’m happy to hear that.” He kissed her again, deeply.
Elise pulled back slightly, her eyes scanning the small cabin. “Do you sleep on that cot?”
“Yep. It’s not the most comfortable, but I don’t have to sleep on it every night,” he said, shrugging.
“Too bad you don’t have a bed,” she said, a hint of mischief in her voice.
“I was right.” Declan chuckled.
“About what?”
“You’re going to kill me.” He laughed as she giggled in response.
“You have spoiled me for any other man, Declan.”
“Damn good thing, darlin’. I don’t want you with any other man. Just this one.”
“This one is the only one I need,” she affirmed, her voice soft but resolute.
“What is it?”
“What?”
