Staking a Claim

by Devon McKay

  He chuckled. “I suppose you’d find a few if you were looking hard enough. I just like the area. It’s rough terrain. But it’s worth the trip. There’s a lot of history there.”

  “I’m sure there is. I would be fascinated to know some of it. Well, all of it. Even though I have a good tagline for my ad, I plan on doing more research. Since I don’t have internet access at the cabin, I guess I should hit the local library. Unless…oh no, please don’t tell me there isn’t one in Carlton Landing.”

  The smirk lining his face spoke her worst fears.

  “There isn’t one.” She nodded her head in quiet acceptance before nervously wringing her hands. This was it. No library to scour for old books and records, no source other than the internet…if she could even get the internet.

  “It’s just…I want my work to be perfect. I pride myself on it. It’s the only thing…” She paused, inhaling a deep breath. “The only thing I do right. My career…it’s all I’ve got,” she confessed with a dramatic sigh. “I have a knack for screwing everything else up. My life, relationships…oh, forget it…I’m not even going to go there. You, of all people, already know that.” Sam threw her hands up into the air. “For Pete’s sake, I even failed at seducing you if you thought I was only doing such a thing for…for information.” Her lower lip began to tremble, and she knew the onset of tears was certain to come. Where had this sudden bout of self-pity come from? Obviously, his rejection had done more damage than she was prepared to face.

  “Hell, Sam, when you opened the door half-dressed…” He ran his hand through his hair. “I couldn’t think straight,” Blake admitted with an even tone. “When I said those things…it was just a reaction. Not one I’m proud of. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I was frustrated.”

  The warmth of his hand wrapped around her fingers, and she gazed down in disbelief. He was frustrated?

  “As far as your work, don’t worry. I plan on showing you more of Alaska than you would ever read in a book or even on the internet. I can show you things you can’t find in the library. Just relax for once. Let me take the reins. You do remember what those are?”

  “Ha. Ha. Real funny. You are quite the comedian today.” She raised her head and caught a glimpse of his lopsided grin, and her stomach did flip flops. Why did he have to be so damn handsome?

  And unavailable.

  She wiggled her toes in the borrowed boots and snatched her hand out of his grip.

  During the rest of the drive, he pointed out points of interest and small details about Alaska’s rugged terrain. Sam took several pictures, putting the camera down only long enough to take notes.

  Before she knew it, they had reached their destination, and she had jotted down several facts, filling her pad with accurate details about the state.

  At the top of a small incline, Blake pulled over and backed the vehicle into a ditch.

  Following his lead, Sam hopped out of the truck and joined him by the tailgate he was unlatching. Checking her camera, she reloaded a new roll of film, and then snapped a few photos of the surrounding scenery before returning her attention back to Blake, now positioned on top of the large, green four wheeler.

  The man was the ideal picture of an Alaskan outdoorsman. Hell, he could’ve been the poster boy for Man Gone Wild or some other glossy covered magazine highlighting sexy, nature-loving men. Quickly, she captured him on film and was able to get several great shots before he glanced in her direction.

  Flashing a grin, he flicked his wrist and started the engine. The machine roared to life with a thunderous rumble. She jumped, nearly dropping the camera.

  “Have you ever ridden on a four wheeler before?”

  Searching for his eyes through the freshly donned pair of sunglasses he wore, she shook her head. “No, but I’m game,” she shouted over the steady bellow of the motor.

  Blake nodded and began backing the all-terrain vehicle off of the truck using the ditch as a ramp. He eased the ATV down with such surety and confidence, it quickened her pulse. Once on the ground, he revved the engine.

  In his element, the man was a force to be reckoned with. More at ease. Content. He twisted his torso and patted the seat in invitation to climb on.

  “How do I do this?” she asked hesitantly, broaching the large, daunting machine.

  “Just hop right on.” He held his arm out to guide her. “There, that’s a girl. Now you have to hold on to me, tight. Yeah. Good. Wrap your arms around me. Tighter.”

  Sam, a little intimidated by the big machine, held firm to the muscled man as the wheeler vibrated beneath her. A bit anxious, but she wasn’t unnerved enough to forgo the adventure. The burning excitement of adrenaline grew inside as she leaned into his back and wrapped a taut grip around his mid-section.

  She indulged a moment by inhaling a deep breath of his earthy scent and allowed her fingers to wander, trailing the hard, defined muscles of his stomach under his flannel shirt. Her mind drifted to the kisses they had shared, and a flash of naked, intertwined bodies entered her thoughts.

  Her body responded, and she tried to ignore the warm dampness between her legs where her thighs cradled his hips. Her brain became fuzzy with conflicting thoughts, and though Sam tried to regain control, she lost the will as need pressed her body closer to his.

  Of course, it didn’t help having her breasts rubbing against his back. Why hadn’t she thrown on a bra? The answer came swiftly. The man had made her so mad, she’d just tossed on her shirt over the tank without thinking things through. And now she was paying for it.

  “Where will we pick cranberries?” she questioned, attempting to think about anything other than the annoying longing between her thighs.

  She searched the landscape. Besides the surrounding mountains, there seemed to be little more than thick grassland for miles.

  Blake’s muscles tightened beneath her hands. Assuming it was because she was clinging so securely to his backside, Sam loosened her grasp and hooked her fingers into his belt loop.

  He pointed to a treacherous incline, and she heard herself gasp. He was joking, right? A nervous giggle escaped her lips.

  Twenty minutes later, she realized just how serious he had been. Clamping her eyes shut, she clenched her arms tautly around his middle. Blake tensed again, but she wasn’t going to allow his reaction to affect her judgment. To hell with him, she scoffed as the four wheeler climbed effortlessly up the steep slope. Sam didn’t care if he was repulsed by her touch. She’d be damned if she tumbled to her death because of not being able to keep seated on the four wheeler.

  Slowly, the ATV crept up the hillside, and Sam kept her eyes closed. Holding her breath, she wondered how long before they reached the summit. After several minutes, the machine lurched to a stop, and was shut off. The air stilled.

  Surrounded by the abrupt silence, she cautiously peeked from beneath lowered lids. Another loud gasp escaped her lips as she took in the beauty below. Immediately, she was lost in its vast, untouched glory, and a calming tranquility overcame her.

  No wonder Blake was so at peace in the wilderness. Here they were, miles away from civilization, no human inflicted noise, only the undisturbed quietude of nature.

  She suddenly became aware of how misled she’d been all of her life. Everything she thought important didn’t hold much value. The material things…her car…fancy office…even the expensive high-rise condo. None of it seemed important. In fact, none of those things had made her as happy, as full of life, as embracing the serenity below her did right now.

  “Do you know what to do in case we come across a bear?” Blake asked, breaking the silence and shattering the peaceful moment.

  Bear.

  Just saying the word brought her greatest fear to life, and she tightened her death grip, refusing to let go.

  He attempted to get off the machine, but was stopped by her hold on his pants. A low chuckle escaped Blake, and he softly pried her fingers from his belt loop before jumping off the vehicle.

  Embarrassed,
she gazed over the scenery and then back to him. Sam was rewarded with a crooked grin. In the back of her mind, she questioned such a reaction from him. The man sent mixed signals. She glanced down at the boots she wore. Not that it mattered much at this point.

  He walked to the front of the machine, unzipped a large, black duffle bag, and pulled out an ominous gun and holster. He inspected, loaded, and checked the weapon before snapping the gun and holster snuggly through his belt loop on his right side.

  The gun flushed firmly against his hip. She had to admit, the black steel did seem dangerously menacing. Other than the day they’d spent hiking, Sam had never seen a gun this close up before and eyed the weapon warily. Was this some kind of omen? A premonition? She scanned their surroundings again with a keen stare.

  At the moment, they were in an open landing, but there was a wall of four foot high grass encircling them. They could be sitting ducks. She shuddered, unable to see through the panel of jade and brown. Just about anything could be lurking in those fields.

  Apparently, this wasn’t as daunting to Blake, who continued unpacking, nonchalantly pulling out a couple of gallon sized plastic bags. He handed her one, then zipped and unstrapped the bag from the wheeler and slung it with little effort over his left shoulder. Without a word, he began walking toward the grass.

  Sam followed close on his heels, scared to be left behind without his protection. Suddenly, the gun didn’t seem so sinister. The curtain of weeds closed in, surrounding them completely in its green veil. Every step became a chore as the marshy ground pulled at her boots like a vast suction cup, but she shadowed without complaint as they descended downhill.

  “Hey, bear…coming through,” Blake shouted into the fields.

  Forging their way through the weeds, a small open valley appeared at the bottom of the hill.

  In her quest to keep up with him, she stumbled on some uneven terrain, causing her ankle to fold beneath her. Pain shot up her leg, and Sam landed in an ungraceful heap on top of the spongy tundra.

  “Are you okay?” Blake kneeled beside her.

  “Yeah, I just twisted my ankle,” she said, rubbing the throbbing appendage.

  She attempted to stand, trying unsteadily to get to her feet. He stretched out his hand, and Sam accepted the help, but as soon as she put weight on the ankle, the affliction was unbearable.

  “Oh! Maybe I need to sit down for a minute,” she confessed, angry at herself for being so careless. In an instant, she was encompassed by his arms and carried to a clearing surrounded by clusters of low bush, red berries.

  “Nuuni Pass?” she asked, attempting to brush off the pain as he gently set her on the ground.

  Blake answered with a curt nod, placing the black duffle down beside her. He unzipped the bag and retrieved a large blanket. Spreading the covering on the ground, he moved her onto the soft quilt. Gently, he grabbed a hold of her boot and began to unlace it. Blake eased it off her foot along with her sock and rolled her jeans up to her knee as he inspected her injury.

  Her ankle was red and tender even under his ginger touch. There was already a promise of bruising along with a little swelling, but he reassured her if she was careful and didn’t push it, she’d be fine.

  Sam felt anything but fine as his fingers danced lightly across her skin, causing a fire to spark inside her. Strange how easily his stroke took away the pain. Nimbly, his caress moved up and down her leg, massaging her calf muscles, and she had to force back a moan of pleasure.

  Internally, she warred against an out of control yearning to have those confident hands touch more than just her calves as a heat smoldered inside her. Needing to get a hold of herself, she searched for a distraction and noted a claw hung loosely around his neck. She reached for the necklace and lightly skimmed the ominous talon with her fingers. The claw was smooth, cool to her touch. A distinct opposite of the warmth his skin radiated.

  She raised her gaze and was locked in his stare. A blatant desire burned in the hazel depths. The hunger fueled Sam’s internal fire and tormented her beyond measure. She leaned in, teasing him with a silent dare, close enough his breath brushed her lips.

  His mouth crashed down on hers, the kiss insatiable.

  Oblivious to the pain of her ankle, she surrendered the remainder of her reserves to his demanding lips. How was he able to do this? How could he make her forget everything with just a kiss?

  The kiss deepened, and her world twisted and spun out of control as the chiseled hardness of his chest firmly pressed against hers. She struggled with an intake of air, aware she’d lost all control. Longing to feel his bare skin against hers, she pulled him close.

  What about his girlfriend?

  The thought shook her out of the desire-enhanced stupor. Damn it, she cursed inwardly. Guilt scored her insides, and she placed her palms against his muscled pecks. Pushing him away, Sam condemned herself for betraying another woman’s trust.

  “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing Blake Langford…Wolf,” she sneered, catching her breath. “But I am nobody’s idea of a good time.” Sam held him at bay as her words repeated themselves in her head. Had she actually just said something so stupid? Frustrated, she sputtered, “I am not a home-wrecker.” The expression of shock he wore spurred her anger. “Don’t act so surprised. Do you think city girls are without morals? Or do you think I’m so stupid I couldn’t figure out you have a girlfriend?” she questioned, poking him with her index finger.

  “Girlfriend?” Blake chuckled. The mocking laughter rumbled low in his chest as he reached for her hand. “I don’t have a girlfriend. What I have…is this strong urge to kiss you. And a whole lot more…” He gently eased her back on the blanket, kissing her neck and making a trail to her ear lobe. “So much more.”

  “No, we can’t…” she contested in a feeble attempt to shake free of the strong desire his kisses provoked. The feat proved difficult as his lips continued to distract her. Somehow, his words filtered and cleared her head. “You don’t have a girlfriend?” A warm heat spread across her cheeks as his confession started to sink in. “But, the boots…and all those horrible things you said?”

  “Those boots belong to Denali’s younger sister, McKinley. I had to borrow them because the nearest store is over an hour away,” he whispered huskily before his lips returned to set fire again on the sensitive skin of her neck. “She’s like a sister to me, not a girlfriend. And all those things I said? I meant them. You are a city girl, a know-it-all, and an admitted workaholic, who would probably do anything to make a damn brochure. As far as the seducing part…go ahead, seduce me. I dare you.”

  She pushed against his shoulders trying to regain her composure. An impossible chore as his mouth continued to scorch a heated trail down to the side of her breast. A moan escaped her as his hot breath teased and tempted her through the thin cotton tank top.

  “I don’t trust you,” he said, gently gripping her hands and placing them above her head. “But I’m giving it a good shot.”

  Before his words had time to register, his mouth completely enveloped hers. The kiss intensified, causing the slow burn inside to magnify into an inferno. Yielding, she melted into him. Whether he believed she toyed with him or not, Sam couldn’t resist the passion in his kiss.

  “Then why do you do this to me? This is your…” She broke free, searching for the right words. The task deemed difficult with every one of her senses heightened and her thoughts dizzily surrounded by his earthy scent. “This is your fault. You can’t kiss me and just stop.”

  “I’m way past the point of stopping, Sam,” he confessed as his mouth found hers again.

  Taunting her, he returned to her breasts, nipping lightly at the thin fabric until she could take no more. She longed to feel him, skin against skin, and struggled to shed her clothed confinement.

  He tightened his grip on her hands, silently letting her know he was in control.

  “I swear I can’t take much more,” she declared, trembling with desire.
The concept was bittersweet, pure torture, knowing she was at his mercy as he continued to torment her body.

  Sam squirmed against the restraint, grinding her pelvis against his leg positioned between her thighs as she searched for release from the intense pressure building inside.

  The moment his hand slipped beneath the confinement of her jeans and touched her flesh, her body quivered in wanton appreciation. His adept fingers circled the velvet skin until the pressure rose to an intolerable level and pushed her over the edge, almost to the brink.

  Abruptly, he stopped and was on his feet, peering into the field surrounding them. He sniffed the air. “Damn it, Sam. We have to go. Now.” His words, loud and stern, left little room for argument.

  “What? We have to go?” Dazed, she didn’t understand. Her body didn’t understand, longing for the missing warmth of his fingers. She’d been so close.

  “Yeah, we have company.”

  His statement didn’t make any sense. Company? She attempted to clear her fuzzy head, still trying to understand the meaning of his statement through her heightened state of desire.

  “Put on your boot, and no matter what, don’t make a sound like you are in pain.”

  She placed her foot in her boot and laced it tightly, biting her bottom lip to hold back a scream the act inspired.

  “Now, get up. Slowly. No sudden moves, okay?” He extended a hand down to help her to her feet.

  Accepting his aid, she stood and tried not to put any weight on her injured ankle. She followed his gaze. Squinting, she saw no movement. “Porcupines?”

  He stepped in front of her with his gun drawn. “No, it’s a bear,” Blake said softly. “Smell it?”

  She noted a musky odor of wet grass and clover in the air. The scent, not unlike the surrounding tundra, was slightly stronger, but definitely not something to fear. It couldn’t be further from the smell of a wild animal, especially a bear. They smelled like fish. Not wet grass. Certainly, the man was trying to scare her? Perhaps teach her some kind of lesson on how to stay alert in the woods or something. A heated flush warmed her neck, and she realized she was the brunt of a joke.