Page 2 of Fire in Cabin 27
Not in the mood to deal with the authorities.
I call bullshit on that one.
Harumph.
Yes, my dragon was equally as grouchy as I was.
The commotion at the front desk hushed him but the bear behind me groaned. I glanced over my shoulder at him. Must’ve had resting bitch face because he immediately apologized.
“Sorry, any idea what’s going on up there?” he asked me.
“Nope, but that’s the fifth unhappy guest I’ve seen cut in line.” I wondered if I’d made a mistake booking here. Too late to turn back now, I’d already paid in full to lock in my cabin. In the end, it took another thirty minutes before I finally made it to the front desk where a very frazzled associate greeted me.
“Good afternoon and welcome to Winter Wonderland Wilderness Lodge. My name is Branson. How may I assist you?” His words said one thing but the fear I smelled on the omega said another. Sometimes it was hard to remember my size and well, scowly face. I’ve been told I’m intimidating as hell, so I took it down a notch.
“Kyson Cinders checking in.” I handed him my license and credit card. He clicked away, then clicked some more and sighed.
“Excellent. Mr. Cinders, you are in cabin twenty-seven. Here’s a map of our property, you’re here right now,” he circled theoffice in red ink then drew a weaving line around the map. “This is the road that leads back to your cabin. There’s a binder inside your unit that lists all the amenities we offer, along with the local town, and the shops and restaurants they have. We hope you enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you, Branson.” I signed the receipt and grabbed the map. As I drove along the gravel road several no-so-happy guests passed me as they headed back toward the office. A few colorful curse words were thrown around, so I rolled up the window and pretended not to notice them. I wasn’t here to get involved in anyone else’s issues.
Nope, I was here avoiding mine.
It took about fifteen minutes to get to my cabin, and as promised, it was far away from the others. “Ah,” I got out and stretched after I parked in front of it. “Home sweet temporary home.” I grabbed my suitcase and bags of staple food items I had brought and headed inside.
“Whew,” I whistled, taking it all in. With these high vaulted ceilings and the furniture moved aside, my dragon could cozy right up to the hearth for naptime. There was pine as far as the eye could see. The furniture and blankets were kitted out in flannel. All the comforts of home were available, as far as I could tell. A king-sized bed and bathroom were behind the first door I opened, and another had a small coat closet and the third, which was a slider, led out to the rear of the cabin. The kitchen was behind the wall that divided it from the living room, and it had two windows with great views of the surrounding forest.
My dragon sighed.
Soon, dragon. Soon. Let’s get some food in us first.
On the dining table sat the binder Branson had mentioned. I located the map with directions into town and snagged it then headed out to grab a bite and get groceries. If all went well, Iwouldn’t have to leave the cabin again until the end of my two weeks, and I’d be back before dark.
As I drove past the front office, a new line had formed that ran out the door. Glad everything was good with my cabin. Given the remote location of it, though, it took me about forty minutes to hit the edge of town.
Decorated like Santa’s Village, the quaint shops that lined the road were in full on festive mode. Not normally my taste, but I’m sure the others staying in the cabins may partake in their Yuletide festivities. The snow had been freshly plowed and the piles lined the sides of the road and a couple of children were playing in them, their parents watching from nearby. Soon enough I came upon a diner and popped in for a quick bite and hopefully directions to the local grocer.
“Afternoon,” a seasoned waitress greeted me. “Table for one or would you rather sit at the bar?” Her beehive hairdo was as step back in time but oddly enough, fit the vintage décor of the place.
“One by the window if you have it.” I might as well do a bit of local watching while I eat.
“Follow me.”
She seated me in a corner booth with a great view. I gave her my drink order and asked for a few minutes to glance over the menu. A fine omega caught my eye as he passed by with one of those fancy, spiky, frou-frou haircuts where the sides were shaved and the top swirled almost like a sideways ice cream cone. Boy, what I wouldn’t give to lick that boy’s cone clean. Tight pants tapered to the ankle. Was he wearing... I’ll be damned, that snazzy boy had on heels. Brave on this icy terrain. He moved like the wind as he walked, swishing that fine behind of his.
Down, dragon.
It’s been too long since we claimed a sweet omega for a night of fun.
Too true, dragon. Too true.
But it wasn’t like him to clamp onto one this quickly. He usually just went along to appease my fixes. I don’t know what it was about taming snarky twinks, but that always got me riled up in the bedroom. I shook my head and focused on the menu, deciding on the turkey meal with all the trimmings ‘cause I sure as hell wasn’t cooking all that while I was here.
But damnit if I wouldn’t like to trim that twink too. I bet that boy was sparky as hell and a wild ride in the sack.
Enough, Kyson. Enough.
I took some time to breathe and savor the wonderful meal as opposed to shoveling it in while watching holiday shoppers as they passed by with their bags. Smiling faces, warm greetings and hugs were exchanged as they ran into friends. Honestly, I don’t remember a time I’d ever felt that free or been that cordial with anyone. Even as a youngling I was bristly and standoffish. No wonder I had no friends. It would take a hell of a lot to thaw my cold heart.
