Love at the End of the World

by Christiana Miller

  “And no,” he finished, “I’m not a drug dealer. I don’t touch that shit.”

  Aurora nodded, realizing she’d somehow insulted him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it as an insult. I’m grasping at straws. I just spent the night with an amazing stranger. I suppose I wanted to get to know you a little bit better.”

  “I promise you’ll like me more if we keep the ‘getting to know each other’ strictly within the bedroom.” Lust filled his eyes, but Aurora wasn’t distracted by his statement.

  “There’s more to you than that, but if you prefer to be the strong, silent type, I can respect that. Just don’t lie to me.”

  For the first time, tension lingered in the air. Even when she’d had two guns trained on him, there hadn’t been tension like this. As they stared at each other, Aurora noticed his expression soften.

  “What I told you before, about how I think you’re unlike any other woman I’ve known, that was the truth.”

  So he was going to remain a mystery. An enigma that somehow managed to make her feel beautiful and desired…and safe.

  She glanced out the window. “Looks like it’s snowing again.”

  “I wasn’t planning on leaving yet anyway.”

  Surprise made her breath stop and she glanced back at him. “You weren’t?”

  He closed the distance between them. “Are you done with me so soon?”

  Just the nearness of his body caused a carnal reaction within her. She wiped her sweaty palms down her pant leg and hoped Caleb didn’t notice. She swallowed the lump of desire in her throat. “No?”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  Chapter 6

  The scent of pine and rain-soaked earth followed Caleb as Aurora led him through the dense forest. Despite the late hour, the darkness was eased by the bright white snow that still covered the ground and trees. The woods were completely quiet save for the crunching of their boots on top of the snow.

  Aurora had a certain grace as she navigated the uneven terrain, seeming to know just where to step on the snow so she didn’t fall through the soft parts and sink down like he had several times on the hike thus far. Aurora, on the other hand, moved like a woodland fairy through the forest, seeming to float ahead of him. Caleb didn’t mind the view one bit.

  When she’d suggested going for a short hike to show him one of her favorite places to relax, he’d been very interested to get another glimpse into her life. But now he was realizing that the journey to the top of the hill might offer him a view he preferred even more than a vista of the stars.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to carry that backpack?” Caleb still couldn’t believe he was trailing behind her empty-handed while she insisted on carrying her pack. In the past it had always driven him crazy when women expected him to carry everything like a burro, but now it irked him even more to watch Aurora burdened by the heavy bag.

  “Oh no, but thanks.” Aurora laughed, the joyful sound echoing through the forest. “I’m so used to it, I think if I didn’t have the backpack, it would throw off my equilibrium.”

  She continued up the hill with ease, proving that she was just fine without him. Caleb wasn’t sure why it bothered him so much. You want her to need you.

  Distracted by the ridiculous thought, he tripped over a tree trunk that had been hidden by snow. He swore, feeling heat rise in his cheeks, humiliated that he’d almost fallen on his ass. He wouldn’t normally describe himself as clumsy, but Aurora had a way of distracting him without even trying.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Never better,” Caleb gritted.

  Aurora chuckled. Although it was at his expense, Caleb found himself smiling too.

  “I don’t have much of a sense of humor, so I’m glad I can make you laugh somehow.”

  “Sorry.” Aurora held a hand over her mouth. “I shouldn’t laugh. You just seem like the kind of guy that’s good at everything, so it’s cute to see you struggle with the snow.”

  “It’s just because I’m used to carrying a backpack, so my equilibrium is off.” Caleb winked, surprising himself at the easy back-and-forth with Aurora.

  She slipped the straps off her shoulders and approached him. Even with the parka and snow boots, Aurora managed to look like a goddess of the forest as she closed the distance between them. “Well, I guess I could trust you with this.”

  She handed over the pack, and as she did so, leaned forward. It was all the offering he needed to take her lips to his, inhaling the scent of the firewood that had been burning in the cabin, which still lingered on her skin.

  The smell reminded him of the time they spent in front of that fire, when she’d taken him into her mouth, and how much she seemed to enjoy it. Caleb hardened just thinking about it, and he felt Aurora’s lips curl into a grin as they kissed.

  She pulled back slightly. “You’re awfully excited about the backpack. Maybe I’ll let you carry it from now on.”

  Caleb laughed, amazed at how easily she made him smile. “Actually, I was thinking about how good you smell.” He pushed the hair away from her neck and leaned down to inhale the skin there, giving her a quick kiss before he retreated.

  “Don’t distract me with your sexiness.” Aurora grinned, backing away to continue up the hill. “We’re almost there.”

  Once more they moved up the dark path. Caleb noted the various animal tracks and thought about all the life teeming in the forest here in Alaska while the rest of the states were still struggling with breeding programs to increase the country’s fauna.

  A couple of minutes later, they reached the top of the hill, a clearing that offered them a view of the valley. “Look, there’s your plane.” Aurora pointed down the way. The aircraft looked tiny, but it was more visible that Caleb would like.

  “It’s such a clear night,” Caleb noted. A reminder that he should have left already.

  “That’s why I wanted to come up here. Nights like this where it’s cold and clear are perfect.” Aurora held out a hand. “Mind if I have the pack now?”

  He shrugged it off. “I think you’re the only woman to describe cold and clear as perfect.”

  She laughed, kneeling down to unzip the backpack. Aurora pulled out a shiny canister. “Coffee.”

  “Caffeine at midnight, I’m impressed. You trying to keep me awake all night?”

  “Maybe.” Her smile was dripping with sex, like years of desire had just been awoken and refused to be put to rest.

  “I like the way you think.”

  Caleb’s heart constricted in his chest and he struggled for air, as if his conscience was punishing his body for lying to such an amazing woman. The truth was, he’d never had a friend before, let alone a woman that intrigued him so. He couldn’t lie to himself any more. He wasn’t just intrigued. He was falling.

  “Aurora, I—”

  “Look!” she cut him off, pointing down the valley.

  Caleb tore his eyes away from her beautiful face only to see what had lit her face up with such an expression of happiness. High above the valley floor, colors danced in the sky, like neon paint thrown onto an easel, dripping down the night canvas. Greens and yellows blurred out the stars, demanding to be the center of attention. It was one of the most beautiful things he’d ever seen, and yet he turned his gaze to Aurora and watched the colors bounce off her skin. Her face was pure serenity, her smile constant as she watched the lights dance above. The borealis was incredible, but Aurora’s face was certainly the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

  “It’s breathtaking,” he said.

  His profession stole her attention, and she looked toward him, the colors of the lights still dancing in her eyes. “I’m glad you got to see them. My parents loved the lights so much, it’s how I got my name.” She reached for the backpack, taking out the tarp and blankets that had been rolled up within. “I usually come out here and sit for a while to watch.” She spread the tarp out before she laid down the blanket. “I’m sorry, I interrupted you when I saw the l
ights come out. What were you going to say?”

  Caleb had wanted to tell her the truth; she deserved it. But seeing her so happy being on the top of the mountain with him, he wanted to enjoy that moment.

  “I don’t remember.” Another of many lies he’d told her. “It probably wasn’t important.” He grabbed the canister of coffee and poured her a cup and sat down on the blanket beside her. He tipped his mug to hers. “Cheers! To staying awake all night.” And enjoying every moment I have left with you.

  * * * *

  Aurora didn’t miss the sad glint in Caleb’s dark eyes when he tipped his mug to hers. She was starting to feel confident that he liked her, so why did she sometimes get the feeling that he had one foot out the door? Her stomach dropped. Was he married?

  She shook her head. No, if he was married, there would at least be a tan line where a ring should be. Even in the winter time, she imagined there was sun in California.

  She sipped the hot coffee and welcomed the warmth it brought as she watched the northern lights dance across the night sky. The moon was waning, making the colors even more vivid. She pulled the blanket closer and wished that Caleb would put his arm around her. When he didn’t, she couldn’t help but feel crestfallen.

  “There’s a little bit left.” Caleb poured the remaining coffee into her mug.

  “Thank you.” Would this be their last night together? Maybe she should be a little brave and ask him to come back and visit some time. She took a deep breath, trying to gather her courage.

  “Everything okay?” He must have noticed her nerves.

  “Oh yeah,” she released the breath in a high-pitched cry. She took her vocals down a notch. “Just relaxing.” She took another drink of her coffee. “I know you’ll have to leave soon now that the weather has improved. But you know, you’re welcome to come back and visit some time.”

  Caleb nodded but remained quiet. Heat burned her cheeks when the deathly silence sounded like an obvious no, thank you.

  She tried to recover, doing her best to sound unaffected. “I mean, the bush is not for everyone, but you should see this place in the summer time. It’s gorgeous.”

  “It’s not that I don’t think this place is beautiful, Aurora. It’s…incredible.”

  Aurora’s breath stopped as she waited for his next words. She tried to read his expression, but it was placid, his jaw set in a hard line, his dark eyes as still as the night sky when the northern lights disappeared.

  “I can see that you like me, but I’m not the man for you.”

  “I told you before you took me to bed that I knew you would be leaving. I made that decision.”

  “I know that. I should have left, but I didn’t.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “Because you’re…captivating. I didn’t want to leave. I still don’t.

  Aurora was speechless. She’d been hoping to hear those words but didn’t think she would. Her heartbeat skipped in approval, but she knew it was dangerous to put expectations on the man that was still little more than a stranger. “You’re welcome to stay another night, or come back and visit some day. I would love that.”

  Every moment that Caleb remained silent, her heart broke a little. He threaded his fingers through her hair and guided her gaze to his. “I’m falling for you, Aurora, which is why I have to leave sooner rather than later.”

  The darkness in his eyes softened, and she realized he was telling the truth. He did have feelings for her. She wanted to ask why that meant he had to leave, but she had the feeling he wouldn’t answer. “Okay then, let’s make tonight count.”

  * * * *

  As they entered the clearing at the bottom of the hill, Aurora’s heartbeat quickened, anticipating the intimacy she knew awaited her once they were home. Caleb had told her that he was falling for her. Her first time with Caleb had felt amazing, but this time it would be even more special.

  When the cabin came into view, Aurora stopped short. “I didn’t leave the lights on.”

  Caleb immediately guided her behind a nearby tree. “Stay here. I’m going to make sure everything is okay.”

  “I’ll come with you.” Aurora walked out from behind the tree. “I’m sure everything is fine. If it wasn’t, the dogs would be barking like crazy.”

  Caleb stopped her. “Unless they’ve been harmed.” His suggestion caught her off guard, fear sending ice down her spine. “Promise me you’ll stay here while I go in.” He set down the backpack and retrieved the forty-five within. “Aurora, promise me.”

  “Sorry, I’m definitely not going to promise that, especially now that you think my dogs might be in danger.” Despite the pounding of her heart, Aurora was used to being afraid as there were many threats out in the bush. “I’ve dealt with thieves and bears before, I’m going with you.”

  Caleb didn’t look happy with her decision. His jaw was set in such a hard line that she was sure he was grinding his teeth down to dust. “Fine, but take the gun and stay behind me.” He placed the cold metal in her hand.

  The discreet path he carved toward the cabin made Aurora wonder if he was military of some sort. The way he crept through the night was the epitome of stealth. Aurora, a hunter by necessity, moved just as silently behind him.

  “I’m going in through your bedroom window,” he said. “Wait here by the front door. If anyone comes out, shoot.”

  She nodded, thinking it sounded like a solid plan. Still, she feared for Caleb’s safety. “Be careful. If they’re armed—”

  “Don’t worry.” Caleb silenced her with a gentle kiss. When he pulled away, he cupped her cheek. “I have plans tonight, and nothing will keep me from them.”

  She nodded, and before she was ready, he pulled away and disappeared around the side of the cabin. Gun in hand, Aurora huddled against the side of her home and tried to listen for any sign of a disturbance within. The quiet ticked by slowly. Aurora’s lungs started to ache, and she realized she’d been holding her breath.

  When more silence hung in the air, the tension in her body eased. Maybe she’d just left the light on after all. Prying her focus away from the front door where she’d had her gun aimed, Aurora noticed a sled near the kennel. Oh no!

  A loud boom echoed from within the cabin. Aurora rushed up the steps and threw open the door. Caleb had Kallum against the wall, his hand wrapped around her friend’s neck tight enough that Kallum’s face had started turning blue.

  “Which company sent you?” Caleb’s low voice sounded lethal.

  “Let him go,” Aurora screamed, running to part them. “He’s a friend.”

  Caleb’s head snapped toward her, and he released Kallum from his grip. Her friend fell to the floor, gasping for air.

  Aurora knelt by Kallum, checking him for further damage. “Kallum, are you okay? What can I do to help?”

  “He just needs to catch his breath,” Caleb answered curtly. The short words drew Aurora’s attention, and she noticed his brown eyes had darkened, like a night sky casting shadows onto a sea shore. In that moment, Aurora believed Caleb would’ve killed Kallum.

  Kallum crawled to his knees, shrugging off Aurora’s attentions. When he finally stood he glared at Caleb. “Who the hell is this asshole, Aurora?”

  “Kallum, this is Caleb. Caleb, Kallum,” Aurora muttered awkwardly.

  “I didn’t mean introduce us, I meant what the hell is he doing here?” Kallum’s hands were fisted at his sides.

  “Don’t speak to her that way.” Caleb’s low voice scared Aurora. It almost sounded like he was a burning fuse about to ignite.

  “She’s my—”

  “Kallum is a long-time friend from the village.” She turned her attention to her friend. “Caleb is…staying with me until the storm passes.”

  “It’s passed,” Kallum said dryly, still not backing down from Caleb’s stare. “That’s how I made it here.” Kallum finally broke the stare, but the worrisome look he sent Aurora made her feel guilty. “I came to check on you as soon as I could. I w
anted to make sure you made it okay.”

  “I’m good. Thank you for coming. You should stay in my parents’ cabin tonight and return in the daylight.”

  Kallum nodded toward the fire. “I noticed the woodpile is low. I figured I could stay the weekend and help you get some chores done before the next storm hits.”

  “I have it covered,” Caleb gritted.

  “Actually,” Aurora interrupted, “I have it covered. Both you guys are acting crazy. Let’s take the testosterone down a notch.”

  Caleb turned and walked out the front door without a word. Aurora fought the urge to run after him and instead met Kallum’s shocked look.

  “What the hell, Aurora? You taking in strange, violent men these days?”

  “He’s not strange or—”

  “Don’t even try to tell me he’s not violent. You should’ve seen him. He came out of nowhere and had me pinned and probably would’ve killed me. He’s gotta be military or something’.” Kallum lowered his voice so that it was barely more than a whisper. “He was interrogating me, Aurora. He kept asking me which company sent me.” Kallum pushed some hair away from her face, causing Aurora to back away from the overly intimate gesture. He heaved a sigh in defeat. “How well do you really know this guy and why he’s way the hell out here in the bush?”

  “When that storm rolled in, he had to land his plane and wait it out,” Aurora defended Caleb, trying to ignore the other strange aspects of Kallum’s story.

  “You know better than most that a pilot would’ve known the weather in advance. A real pilot never would have taken off that day.”

  She didn’t want to, but Aurora had to think about everything Kallum brought up. The strangest thing was the claim that Caleb had been interrogating Kallum, asking which company had sent him. What does that mean?

  “I’m going to have a quick conversation with Caleb, then I’ll go with you to my parents’ cabin.”

  “Be careful. I have a really bad feeling about him.” Kallum’s blue eyes were like steel instead of the usual bright hue that normally made him appear boyish. Instead, a man stood before her.