Branded by Frost

by Aliyah Burke

  “Where are you?”

  “Heading to get her mate. They were both taken.”

  She snarled low in her throat. “Are you sure I don’t need to come home? Where’s Cale?”

  “He took a lot of pain from whatever Roz was going through. He’s still in recovery.”

  Fear poured over her. “If it did that to Cale…”

  “Have faith, sister.”

  “I have to go, Billy. Please, let me know the minute you locate her.”

  “Of course we will. Where are you?”

  “I was sent up to Alaska for a while. Taking the empty place on a team.”

  “Alaska?”

  “Yes. There are claims of curses and what not around here as well. I think it may be one of Them causing some problems—which could mean an artifact.”

  “You keep us informed as well.”

  “Always.”

  “Love to you.”

  “Give my love to everyone.”

  She severed the connection and swiped her jacket. Walking from the room, she located the bathroom then went to the living room. Dex sat on the couch, leafing through a magazine.

  He found her when she stepped in, pinning her with his eyes over the top of his read. She wasn’t sure what to do with the feeling that stare created within her. Not like he is sure what to do with me either.

  “Ready?”

  “Absolutely. Let’s do this.”

  He tossed the magazine and rose, an easy push of rippling muscle. She swallowed and averted her gaze. Sturdy furniture. Wonder how it would be to have him bend… Aminta shrugged into her jacket and waited for him to the same. No need to even allow her thoughts to go down that road.

  “Everything in the town is a bit away but the Jeep is for both of us to use. Most days we’ll be together anyway, training here, but if you need to head to town for groceries or anything else, the keys are kept here.”

  She noted the hook he pulled them from. “Sounds good.”

  “We’re meeting everyone else at the bar in town.” He looked at her.

  “I’m old enough to drink. Promise.” She led the way outside. “Let’s go.”

  “I know you’re old enough,” he muttered behind her.

  “What about the facility? Do I get to see that now or later?”

  “Now, if you’d like. We have some time.”

  She veered direction without hesitation. His long strides caught up with her and she had to focus on the walk ahead instead of the man beside her. He opened the door and waved her in before him.

  The hall was illuminated by dim lights, but she had no problems seeing. She waited for him to take the lead.

  “We have a training room down to the left. Rock climbing wall and all of that. There’s a pool on the right for us to work on water rescue.”

  She peeked in each room as they walked by. “The pool… Is it heated?”

  “Yes. Not as warm as some but we do have a smaller one that’s like a hot tub.”

  News that excited her. “And the chopper?”

  “Is that all you care about?” His tone was teasing.

  “Pretty much. I mean, you all are the ones who have to do this bit. I have to fly you in and get you out. I’d like to know what type of helo I’m using.”

  “Taggart said you had mad skills,” a new male voice entered the conversation.

  She looked to see a man who could have passed as Taggart’s twin. He laughed, shoved a hand through his long black hair, and stopped before them.

  “He didn’t tell you, I take it?”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to stare.”

  He waved it away. “No problem. I’m his older brother. The better looking one. Name’s Teague.”

  The resemblance was uncanny. She took his hand. “Aminta.”

  “I hear tell you go by the name Frost.”

  She nodded. “That works too.”

  “Wonderful. Once you’re done with your tour, swing by my office and we’ll take care of some paperwork then I’ll let you get to the bar to meet everyone else.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Teague. I don’t need you flustered because you didn’t say sir in the middle of a rescue.”

  “Teague.” She smiled.

  “Great meeting you, Frost. And thanks for coming.”

  “You got it.”

  Dex lingered against the wall, arms crossed as he waited for her. I wonder if he knows how expressive his eyes are. He wasn’t pleased currently. But when she gestured, he led the way once more and she eagerly followed. What was wrong with trailing a firm ass? Nothing in her mind.

  Chapter Three

  “Sweet. You have a Night Hawk.”

  Dex watched as Frost made her way around the bird. He had to stop thinking of her naked and in bed with him. It would make for a very strenuous working relationship.

  “You like them?” he asked, moving closer, unable to stay away—she drew him toward her.

  “I love anything that flies.” She ducked out of sight. “But yes, I’ve always been impressed with some of the extras they have. The night vision is always helpful, forward looking infra-red. I see this one has an in-flight retractable probe for extended operations time. The automatic flight control system. A retractable hoist system, nice. Nice.” She popped back into view. “Was this what he was flying?”

  “No, not this specific one, but one like it.”

  She grunted and vanished once more. He crossed his arms and waited. Sure enough, she returned. “One like it? Same designation or another variant?”

  “It was a HH-60.”

  “Ah, the Pave Hawk. Painted like this one? The MH designation or an actual HH? When do I get to test her out?” She walked toward him.

  For a moment, he just stared. In his vision, she was in a flight suit, greasy, and all kinds of sexy as she’d just finished working on the helicopter.

  “Dex?”

  He blinked and stepped back. “Um, not sure what it was. Tomorrow. This one isn’t mobile right now. The one you’re using is over here. When you’re ready, of course. You should go see Teague about the paperwork so we aren’t late to the bar. Perhaps he will know about the different designations.” He gestured to the hangar doors. “Yours is through there.”

  “I’ll meet you at the car.” She was gone.

  He remained in the hangar, staring at the helo. This woman confused him. He had no problem working with women. They were the same as everyone else. So long as they could do their job, he was fine with them. He’d much rather have a woman on his team who did her job than a man who sluffed off. By the same token, he didn’t want a woman who sluffed either.

  I don’t get why I have such an attraction to her. He shook his head and rubbed the top. I have to get over this. Now!

  She was different—on so many levels. He saw it every time he looked into those brown eyes of hers. And now we’re sharing a roof. He shoved his hands in his pockets and headed for the door. He would wait for her in the lobby.

  He slowed as he passed the photos of the men and women they’d lost over the years since this rescue post had been here. He lingered over the most recent.

  Perhaps we are cursed.

  Things hadn’t been adding up lately—odd things happening and unexplainable phenomena. Were he a suspicious person, he would look into new people in the small town. He wasn’t, so he let it go. Accidents happened. Bad things occurred in spots of three.

  A bunch of old adages that mean shit to me right now. The door swung open and he tipped his head in time to see her stride into view. Each movement contained, yet highly sensual. She had purpose in her steps and the expression on her face was one of deep contemplation.

  “Everything squared away?”

  “Right-o. Except for the grumbling in my belly, I’m set.”

  “I can take care of that for you.” God, I sound pathetic.

  Her lips twitched and he had to leave or he would kiss her. Dex hadn’t a clue what was wrong with him but whatever
it was, he could—and would—ignore it.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” She moved by him and pushed out into the night.

  By the time he made it to the Jeep, she’d already buckled her belt and was sitting there waiting for him. He joined her inside and she smiled at him.

  “I’m sorry if I’m making you uncomfortable. I have three brothers who try to embarrass me all the time, so a lot of the time things wash over me that I probably shouldn’t have said.”

  He started the engine. “Three brothers?”

  “More, actually, but three who insist on pestering me to no end. But we don’t have to talk about siblings.”

  He stole a glance, pleased he didn’t see sympathy on her face, just proof she wouldn’t push him to discuss something that might make him uncomfortable. “I don’t mind talking about family. I like to think my sister would have wanted me to do so, not dwell on having lost her.”

  She propped her feet on the dash. The street lights reflected off the eyelets of her boots. “I’m sure she would.”

  “What about sisters?”

  “A few of those as well. It’s a big, noisy family.”

  “Your parents must be proud.”

  “Who knows? I grew up in a foster home. So I have a lot more siblings than many people have. I know the man who raised me is.”

  He didn’t detect any hint of anger for being brought up in the system. “How long were you in?”

  “My whole life, but I landed at the right place in my early teens. Lian is a wonderful father. He’s the one who encouraged me to take up flying.”

  “Really?”

  Her laughter filled the interior. “Yes. He’s a very intuitive man. Always seems to know what a child needs.” Affection drenched her words. “Once he found what I needed, he set it up for me to learn.”

  “As a teen?”

  “Lian lives by his own set of rules.” Another chuckle. “So, he called up a friend and had him and his slick brought to the vineyard.”

  “Wait, a vineyard? Slick?”

  She chuckled as they continued down the road. “Sorry, helicopter.”

  “I’ve never heard it called a slick before.”

  “It’s what they called them in ’Nam.”

  “And you use that term why?”

  “The man who taught me to fly had been a chopper pilot during the conflict.” A small shrug. “I picked up on his lingo.”

  “And the vineyard?”

  “My childhood is a long story. Let’s just say my father owns Tennesol Winery. We call it the vineyard. But, yes, that’s where I grew up. He didn’t make us work there or anything. It was the best childhood I could have hoped for.”

  “There are a lot of long nights. I’d enjoy hearing the stories.”

  “Sure thing.” She put her feet down as he pulled into the bar.

  He led the way in and on to the back where the rest of the team sat gathered at their usual spot. The appetizers had already been delivered, along with his drink.

  “There you are,” Sandra called out with a wave. “We got tired of waiting. This her?” She stood and offered her hand. “I’m Sandra.”

  “Aminta, but most call me Frost. Pleased to meet you.” They shook hands and Dex stood back while she introduced herself to everyone, not needing him to buffer. They sat beside one another and he listened to the group welcome her as they waited for food.

  Mason Hunt was on his other side and the man leaned close. “What do you think about her?”

  “She was the first person Teague’s brother recommended for the job. Her sheet is chock-full of impressive feats. But until I see her fly and actually handle the chopper, I’m reserving judgment.”

  Mason nodded. “Understand. Are we training tomorrow?”

  “Yes. Teague said not with her. She gets to take the chopper up and go from there.”

  The man flicked his blue eyes between them. “Are you going with her? Or us?”

  “Her.”

  “She looks so tiny.”

  He’d had the thought himself. “Tomorrow she gets to prove her worth.”

  “Where is she staying?”

  “Rob’s room.” He glanced at her quick when she laughed at something one of the other’s said.

  “How is it you get to room with her and I get to have Tubbs as my roomie?”

  “Rob’s was available.”

  Mason smirked. “I can kick Tubbs out and make his room available as well.”

  “This is a working relationship, Mason.

  “What about Sandra and Celia?”

  “We each have a room. She said she didn’t care one way or the other. If she wants to move in with the women, I will give her that option once we figure out how that would work.”

  “I wouldn’t mind that in my cabin with me—or she could have a place in town.”

  “Also something I’m sure Teague offered her. This was the simplest for right now. If she wants to move later, she can.” I’m not about to break down why her leaving doesn’t sit right with me.

  The rest of the evening went fast and smooth. He couldn’t claim he wasn’t unhappy when she rode back with Sandra and Celia, but his dislike of the situation was short lived when he recalled she was sleeping in his cabin.

  Way to go, Dex. Be possessive over a woman you’ve just met and have absolutely zero claim on.

  * * * *

  “How’d you all get such a nice chopper?” Aminta asked as they rose effortlessly in the air, the whirring blades elevating them to her requested height.

  “I haven’t a clue how to answer that. Not sure how Teague got a hold of them,” Dex replied.

  While she’d enjoyed looking over the HH-60D, the one she flew currently and would be flying during her time with this unit was an S-92. The thrum of power poured through her and she closed her eyes for a moment, just enjoying the sensation. “Color me impressed.” She slanted a peek at him. “You don’t get air sick, do you?”

  “Why?”

  She grinned and maneuvered the stick so they dropped like a rock.

  He hissed a curse.

  “No reason. Just about to put her through some paces, see what she can do.”

  “Is this an initiation sort of thing? Where you try to make me puke?”

  “Not at all. I don’t want to take a toothbrush to the instrument panel, nor do I have any desire to spend the rest of my morning smelling like your vomit.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. Are we planning on leveling out anytime soon?”

  “Leveling out? Sure, I need to see a few loops. I figured we’d try a double roll backwards, backwards circle, two-point roll, some inverted hovering. Even an inverted pirouette would be good. Some sideways loops and a three-sixty turn with roll.”

  She had to give him credit—he didn’t blanche or turn green. He angled his head slowly and met her gaze, the headset making him all the more attractive to her. Why? She hadn’t a clue.

  “Are those real maneuvers?”

  She put her hand on her chest. “Do you think I would make such things up?”

  His bow-shaped lips kicked up in a grin. “I think you’re trying to scare me.”

  “I’m not. I just need to get the feel for her. Yes though—in answer to your question—they are. How about we do something simple, like a backwards circle?”

  Unlike with Sean, she waited for him to nod then she executed one perfectly. “I will push her later—don’t want my rescuer to have cold feet about riding with me.” She touched the stick and they veered off to the right, skimming along in effortless motion. Life in her world rocked.

  * * * *

  She gripped the stick as the chopper around her shuddered with the buffeting winds. Snow swirled and pelted the glass in shards. Voices in her ear yelled as the team worked the hoist.

  This helicopter had been equipped with dual rescue hoists, each capable of lifting six hundred pounds. If she’d had more time with this bird, she would know all its secrets. As it was, she was incredibly impres
sed. Utilizing the auto-hover, she worked with it to keep them in place. The AFCS—Automatic Flight Control System—integrated weather radar with thermal imagers, and other search sensors, combined with the system she’d had created by Edmond, she was confident in her ability to do her part in the rescue effectively.

  Didn’t stop her from worrying about Dex being sent out in the horrible weather, though.

  “You okay, Dex?” Sandra posed the question.

  “Roger that. I see the victim. Frost, can you move us fifteen feet northwest?”

  “You got it.” She asked the chopper and it responded smoothly.

  “Perfect, thanks.”

  They were out after a couple who’d gone skiing. Another whirr indicated the second hoist going down. She knew it would be Mason in that harness.

  Her monitor indicated a changing wind flow and she flexed her fingers around the stick, ready to hold it steady. The cold air blew in from the back and she ignored the pins biting her skin, focusing instead on her panels and the field of view.

  This was a tight space she hovered them in, and she had to maintain the exact distance from the side of the mountain and the surrounding trees or someone would be sending a crew to find them.

  “Attached. Take up one.” The time passed, tense and nerve-racking as the litters rose. The tremors rocking the bird grew stronger and when she finally received the all-clear, Aminta got them out of there with no hesitation.

  She heard them working on the survivors as she pointed them back to base. Another scan of her panels then she gave her attention to the flight ahead. Celia had begun lowering the rear ramp even before she’d touched them down. The others departed and she slowly performed her post-flight check.

  Unpinning her hair, she cracked her neck as she patted the side of the helicopter. She pivoted around only to freeze. Dex stood before her, still in his gear.

  “Startled me,” she said. “How are you doing?”

  “Okay. You did some great flying out there.” He stepped nearer. “How did you manage to get it in that tight space?”

  “Practice. I could use a drink. Feel like joining me in town?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Meet you outside in a few.” She brushed by him, trying not to inhale his comforting scent—the one that lingered in the bathroom after his shower or when she sat in a chair he’d just vacated.