Page 19 of Keeper of Talon Mountain
"You're thinking too loud," Gabe murmurs against my neck, his voice rough with sleep.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you."
"I wasn't really asleep." His hand splays across my stomach, warm and possessive. "Just... existing. Being here with you."
I turn in his arms so I can see his face. In the early morning light, the bruises look worse—purple and yellow blooming across his cheekbone, the cut on his temple angry red against his skin. But his eyes are clear, focused on me with an intensity that takes my breath away.
"How are you feeling?" I ask.
"Like I got hit by a truck." His smile is crooked, careful of his split lip. "But also like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. It's confusing."
"Welcome to my world." I trace the line of his jaw with my fingertips, gentle around the bruising. "I've been confused since the moment I found you in the snow."
"Any regrets?"
The question is light, but I can see the vulnerability underneath it. He's asking about more than just last night. He's asking about all of it—bringing him here, defending him to Zeke and Zara, standing with him yesterday when professional killers came calling.
"No," I say, and mean it. "No regrets."
He kisses me then, slow and thorough, making me forget about everything waiting outside. When we finally break apart, I'm breathless and warm and acutely aware that we should probably get up and face the day, but I don't want to move.
"We should...” I start.
A knock at the front door interrupts whatever I was going to say. We both freeze, and I feel Gabe's body tense against mine, ready for a threat.
"It's probably just Zeke," I say, though my heart is pounding. "He said he'd come back today. And if it were the bad guys, they wouldn't be knocking politely."
"Probably." But Gabe is already sliding out of bed, reaching for his borrowed jeans. "Stay here while I check."
"Gabe...”
"Please." He's pulling on his shirt, wincing as the movement pulls at his ribs. "Just... let me make sure it's safe first."
I want to argue, to remind him this is my house and I don't need protecting. But the memory of yesterday—the tranquilizer darts, the tactical team, the gray-haired man's cold assessment—stops me. So I nod and watch him slip out of my room, moving with that silent grace that's becoming familiar.
The knock comes again, more insistent this time. I hear Gabe's footsteps in the hallway, then the sound of the front door opening. Male voices, low and cautious. I can't make out words, but the tone doesn't sound threatening.
I dress quickly in jeans and a sweater, then make my way to the front room. Gabe is standing in the doorway, and beyond him I can see Finn—the supply driver who brings goods to Glacier Hollow once a week. He's holding a clipboard and looking uncomfortable.
"Mara," Finn says when he sees me, relief evident in his voice. "Sorry to bother you so early. I've got your regular delivery, but I wanted to check in. Word's going around town about what happened yesterday."
"Of course it is," I mutter. Glacier Hollow is small enough that everyone knows everyone's business within hours. "It's fine, Finn. We're fine."
"That's good. That's real good." He shifts his weight, glancing between Gabe and me. "Sheriff MacAllister asked me to mention something, though. Said there've been unfamiliar vehicles spotted near town. Black SUVs, like the ones that were here yesterday. Wanted you to know they might still be hanging around."
The news settles into my stomach like a stone. "How many vehicles?"
"He said two, maybe three. Parked up near the old logging road." Finn looks apologetic. "Could be nothing. Could be hunters or tourists. But Zeke figured you'd want to know."
"Thanks, Finn." I force a smile. "I appreciate you coming to tell us."
"No problem." He hands me the clipboard. "Sign here for the delivery, and I'll get it unloaded."
While I deal with the paperwork, Gabe helps Finn unload supplies from the truck. I watch them through the window—Gabe moving carefully but efficiently, Finn making awkward small talk that Gabe responds to with monosyllables. When they're done, Finn lingers for a moment, like he wants to say something else.
"Listen," he says finally, addressing both of us. "I don't know what you've got yourself mixed up in, but... people in town are worried. Not about you," he adds quickly, seeing my expression. "For you. Whatever's going on, you're not alone in this. Zeke's organizing people, making sure someone's always keeping an eye on the road. We take care of our own."
The words hit me harder than they should. We take care of our own. I've lived in Glacier Hollow for three years, running my bed and breakfast, serving on the town council, showing up to community events. I've been part of this town whether I always realized it or not.
