by Lia Davis
Mac. A sigh slipped from him as he climbed on the snowmobile and started it. Of course, he could fly to the village, but he didn’t want to give Mac or the others anything else to question him about. Besides, Mac would pester him about why he walked the three miles from his cabin to the village if he didn’t take the snowmobile.
She was too smart, and he considered the possibility she’d either figure out the truth or push him until he revealed it. If that happened before he was ready, she’d fear him, and then he’d never have the chance to claim her.
Not that he was thinking about making her his mate. But a rejection from her would hurt all the same. His dragon laughed at him.
You like her, it teased.
Of course I do. But I can’t have her…can I?
Pushing the sharpness of the latter thought to the back of his mind, he punched the accelerator on the snowmobile and took off toward the village. Evening was descending quickly over the tundra, and the night hunters were beginning to stir. He scented wolves nearby, hungry ones. A large brown hawk circled the forest to the west, calling for its mate.
A lot of things lived in the Alaskan wilderness, and few got to experience it close up. He breathed in a deep breath of cold air, letting it fill his lungs. His dragon begged to fly, and he promised him a later flight. Maybe after the dinner, when he was back home and away from prying eyes.
The snowmobile surged over a bump in the terrain and Luke held on, snow spraying up behind him like a cloud. He maneuvered around the next snowy lump, then kicked into high gear toward the village.
His team would touch down in Alaska soon, ready to hunt the rogue. As much as Luke enjoyed his solitude, he had to admit that it would be good to see them.
He reached the village an hour before the potluck was to begin. He parked his snowmobile alongside a large truck, noticing most people had walked—one of the benefits of living in a small village. The community center was busy with children playing and adults setting up for the party. He hadn’t expected so many people to be there so early.
The low hum of activity filled the space, and many kinds of delicious foods scented the air. Happiness and relaxation wafted through the food smells like golden ribbons wavering in the wind. Things were much different than the last time they’d all gathered in the community center to organize the search for Elisipie.
“Luke!”
He turned at the sound of his name and raised a brow at Angel limping toward him. Behind her was Kirima, her mom. Yutu must have been around somewhere. Luke took off his backpack and nodded at Angel. “Are you supposed to be on that ankle?”
Angel shrugged and her bottom lip poked out slightly. “It’s fine. It barely hurts anymore.”
Kirima tsked and stopped next to Luke. “It’s still swollen because you won’t stay off it.” Offering a smile, Kirima met Luke’s gaze. “Thank you for finding Elisipie. That makes you a hero twice.”
“I got lucky. I was searching like everyone else.” He unzipped his pack and pulled out the wrapped meat. “I’ll put these in the kitchen.”
Kirima’s features brightened, and she took the meat from him. “I’ll help. Thank you.”
“I can take it.”
“Nonsense.” Kirima waved him off. “Go talk with Elisipie’s parents. Her father has been asking for you.”
“Well, if you insist,” he teased and handed her the backpack, too. “There are two more packs of meat in there. You and your family are welcome to them. Please make sure Mac eats. I worry about her. She’s such a workaholic.”
“She sure is. But she comes over to eat at least once a week.” Kirima smiled wide. “Thank you so much for the meat. Yutu’s not had as much luck hunting this season. Not yet, anyway.”
“Maybe we’ll get a chance to hunt together soon, after all.” He stuck his hands in his pockets. “I’m sure we could fill your freezer.”
“That’d be great.” Kirima stuck the meat into the pack and zipped it. “I’m sure he’d enjoy that. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“I’ll be here.”
Angel turned on her heel and followed her mother toward the kitchen.
Luke scanned the open space of the community center and spotted Elisipie and her family near one of the larger tables. The girl was talking to her sister, then laughing at something the younger girl had said. A sense of pride and happiness filled his soul.
Although things could have ended differently, he was relieved Elisipie was home safe. If he hadn’t gone after her, she’d likely be dead now.
He approached the family, and her father was the first to see him. Tarkik was about three inches taller than Luke’s six feet. A solid wall of muscle, he outweighed Luke by at least fifty pounds. With hair as thick as a polar bear’s, he likely intimidated everyone he met.
Instead of shaking Luke’s hand, Tarkik pulled him into a tight hug. Joy and gratitude rolled off him. “Thank you for bringing Elisipie back.”
There was a slight tremble in the other man’s body. Luke relaxed and hugged him.
After a moment, Tarkik released Luke and stepped back. “You truly don’t know what it means to have her home safe.”
Luke had an idea. There’d been many nights he’d lain awake hoping Jo would come home safe. But she didn’t. At least not alive. Loss was something that cut to the very soul, and he was painfully aware of how close they’d come to losing the man’s daughter.
A small child collided into his legs, throwing him off balance. He cupped the kid’s head and took a step to steady himself. Glancing down, he met the large brown eyes Elisipie’s sister. His heart melted.
She grinned at him before saying, “Thank you.” Then she ran off.
Tarkik laughed and clapped Luke on the back. “The girls are glad to be together.”
Nodding, Luke watched the children play with the other kids in the center of the room. Tarkik didn’t need to tell Luke how close the girls were or how unbearable it was for the youngest when Elisipie was gone. Luke felt it in their auras and smelled it in their scents.
Speaking of scents… Mac’s berry and mint aroma slammed into Luke like a physical slap. He didn’t dare turn around. He didn’t have to, to know she was heading in his direction. The closer she got, the more he smelled the annoyance coming from her.
His dragon leapt up, eager to be close to their mate, and Luke hushed him.
“Doc Mac,” Tarkik announced. “Thank you for taking care of Elisipie.”
“Just doing my job.” Mac was pulled into a tight hug by Tarkik, similar to the one Luke had been drawn into.
Elisipie’s dad might be as large and intimidating as a polar bear, but really, he was a teddy bear in disguise.
When Tarkik released her, both of them wiped their eyes.
Tarkik watched his daughters play. “We have to find that beast and kill it.”
“Yes.” Luke and Mac said at the same time. Their gazes locked.
“We cannot live under this threat.”
Luke patted Tarkik’s shoulder. “We’ll find him. Soon.”
Mac said she had questions. She obviously still did. He could tell in the way she searched his features before averting her gaze.
“Can we talk?” Mac’s voice caught on a whisper.
He nodded. “Lead the way.”
They pulled on their coats without speaking. Frowning, she turned and exited the front door of the community center. He followed her outside and fell into step with her as she walked along a path that circled the village. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft orange glow over the landscape. Soon, it would be dark, and the aurora would return.
“I don’t like to be lied to, Luke.” Her lips were set in a thin line and her brows drawn.
And I hate lying to you… There was no way he’d tell her about being able to shift into a dragon. Not yet. Maybe he could share a half truth and she’d be happy. “I went out to search for Elisipie on my own.” He held up a hand as a silent request to let him finish. “I know we were supposed
to go together, and I said no one should go out alone. However, I don’t want you anywhere close to that beast.”
She stopped walking and glared at him. “Oh, you were protecting me. How noble.”
The village was quiet, likely because everyone was at the community center. Silence circled them like the cold wind. The sarcasm in her voice didn’t go unnoticed.
He gazed into the sky as he thought about what to say. “My team, DSD… Well, we track down and…eliminate. That’s our job and we’re good at it. This beast is like nothing I’ve ever dealt with. Pure evil. There’s no reasoning with it.”
“No kidding!” She poked him in the chest. “It’s a freaking dragon! Fire-breathing, winged dragon. Big claws and sharp teeth. What the hell is it doing in Alaska? It’s supposed to live only in fairytales and legends, not here in my backyard.”
He stared into the sunset. If she only knew the extent of what they were dealing with.
She backed off and wrapped her arms around her middle. Before he could reply, she continued. “That thing is able to wipe out a whole village. Kill all of us.”
Shit.
Luke’s dragon paced. Neither of them liked that Mac was upset.
Luke grabbed Mac’s upper arms and tugged her to him, enveloping her in his embrace. “I’m not used to being questioned about my job. But a lot of what I do is classified, and I have orders not to reveal information to anyone. I set out to find Elisipie and I did. My guess is that the creature dropped her and left her when he heard me coming. I was lucky to find her at all.”
“I don’t understand.” She lay her head on his chest.
“None of it makes sense to me, either.” Luke hugged her. “I’m trying to focus on the outcome. Elisipie is safe.”
The dragon within hissed at Luke for adding fuel to the lie. Tracking rogue dragons was classified from humans, but it still felt wrong not telling Mac everything.
She sagged into him, sending a shudder of hope into his heart. After a moment, she lifted her head and stared into his eyes. “And how much of that is true? What aren’t you telling me?”
He rested his forehead to hers and sighed. “Most of it. I can’t tell you classified information, so you’re going to have to trust me. Look, the truth is I’m not sure what we’re dealing with or how my team will eliminate the problem.”
“I want to help.”
Not happening. “How we will kill it is still up in the air. And I’m not sure you’ll be a part of it.” He lifted his head and cupped her face. “If you don’t believe anything I’ve told you, please believe that I will never allow anything to happen to you or your people. Losing you would…”
Fuck. What was he going to say? His dragon salivated. The need to claim burned strong, and he wasn’t sure how to calm it. Fire filled his belly. Mate was in his arms. So close.
No.
He wasn’t going to claim her. Not now, not ever. He’d be betraying Jo.
“What?” Her features softened and she leaned in slightly. “Losing me would what?”
The pull to her was so strong. Her scent teased him, made him want to taste her. Glancing down at her mouth, he dipped his head. His lips were inches from hers when he heard footsteps in the snow heading toward them. Instantly, he released her and stepped away.
Fuck. His dragon stomped and complained.
It was for the best.
“There you two are,” Kirima called at as she approached. “It’s time to eat.”
The rapid thumping of Mac’s heart didn’t calm by the time they sat. Luke had been about to kiss her. And she had wanted it more than she’d realized. Ached for it.
Though she didn’t know him well, everything about him felt right. How could that be? She’d never been one to form quick attachments, but Luke made it easy.
She wondered if the villagers could tell what she was thinking. Of course, they didn’t know, but she couldn’t help but feel awkward, like a teenager in love. She was Doctor Mac, and she needed to get a hold of herself.
The potluck was set up as a buffet so everyone could serve themselves. There was so much food and everything looked and smelled amazing. Long, rectangular tables lined up along the walls, leaving the center of the room open for the kids to sit on blankets like they were picnicking.
“It’s hard to decide what to eat first.” Luke leaned into her.
Heat colored her cheeks, and she chastised herself for thinking about kissing Luke. She’d become hyperaware of how handsome he was and how good he smelled. She’d noticed his looks the night she’d met him at Kirima and Yutu’s house, but she’d dismissed it. Looks weren’t everything.
And denial was a girl’s best friend when seeing something she couldn’t have.
Mac spread the napkin across her lap. Luke sat beside her, close. His arm almost touched hers, and she swore she could feel the energy.
Stop it, Mac. You’re being ridiculous.
“Yes, everything looks and smells great.” She cut into a piece of meat and popped it into her mouth before she said anything she might regret later—like, “so do you.”
Oh great. A man showed her a little affection and almost kissed her, and now she was smitten. No, Mac. You don’t have time to entertain the idea of a relationship. Besides, Luke wouldn’t be in the Arctic for long. He was visiting. They both had careers that were important to them, and neither were in a position to be thinking about relationships.
Luke nodded and began eating. Mac welcomed the comfortable silence they fell into as they ate and watched the kids goof around on the blankets. The kids weren’t doing much eating.
Then again, this whole dinner was about celebrating and coming together. Being happy that Elisipie was safe. For the moment, the village was content. The low hum of conversation filled the room, and silverware clinked against plates as everyone ate. Occasionally, a laugh would punctuate the air.
It was so good to see everyone so happy. At least for the moment.
“What do you like to do when you’re not working?” Luke asked.
Startled out of her daydreaming, Mac stared at him. He didn’t look at her. Instead, he focused on his plate. Was he trying to get to know her? The way he pushed his food around with his fork told her he wasn’t used to small talk.
She dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. “This is the first time in a really long time I’m doing something other than taking care of others. I don’t get much downtime.”
Her father always complained that she kept herself busy so she wouldn’t have time to focus on how lonely her life was. He was right. It kept her from thinking about how she’d like to have a family of her own one day.
Luke lifted his gaze to hers. “Same. This is the first vacation I’ve taken since…I don’t know when.”
He chuckled and she nodded in return. “We’re a couple of workaholics.”
“All work, no play.” His smile widened, making his eyes spark. “Although I love what I do.”
“Same. Can’t imagine any other job.”
They talked about their work, her life in the village, snow, and Alaskan wildlife. She told him about her trips into even more remote parts of the state, and her campaign to make sure all the Inuit kids she treated received vaccinations and good health care, even if they couldn’t afford it.
She learned that Luke had made a few trips to Alaska, but she didn’t remember ever seeing him. He knew her father and many of the elders, though, and had gone hunting with some of the village men, including Yutu.
She also found out his favorite color was white, he loved the cold, and his best friend was also his boss. He was still secretive about work and his team, but she was able to get little details she figured he was allowed to share. His job sounded really intriguing.
And somewhat dangerous.
Picking up their plates, she stood. “I didn’t realize how late it has gotten.”
Most of the villagers had gone home, though there were a few people still sitting around, chatting.
Luke
stood, taking the dishes from her. “I’ll take care of these. Grab your coat. I’ll walk you home.”
He didn’t give her time to argue before he darted off to the kitchen. Sighing, she slipped on her coat and gloves and waited next to the door. A few minutes later, Luke returned with his own coat on. “Ready?” He smiled at her and offered his elbow.
She suppressed a giggle as she looped her arm with his. A million butterflies fluttered in her belly. She felt young and desired, and it was great.
He led them out of the building and down the dirt road toward her house. Cold air chilled her, and she fought not to shiver. She’d lived her whole life in Alaska—why did it feel so cold lately? They walked in silence for a few minutes with nothing but the sound of their footsteps in the snow echoing off the darkened houses. The night sky suddenly lit up, flickering with the warm glow of the aurora. Mac’s breath caught and she sighed. “The lights are so beautiful. It’s awful they are a reminder of the beast. I always loved them until my mother…” A sob rose in her throat.
Luke wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer as they walked. “We’ll stop him. Then the lights will be free of fear. They’ll be a reminder of what we overcame.”
“I hope you’re right.”
When they reached her front door, Luke released her and stepped back as if unsure about what to do next. She took a breath and discharged it on a sigh. “Would you like to come in?”
What the heck was she thinking?
Luke shook his head while closing the gap between them. He studied her intensely, and she swore his eyes lit up from within. Before she could question it, he dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers.
Heat rushed through her veins and made her ache. More. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him closer, taking in his woodsy scent, masculine and strong. She could lose herself in his kiss. She lifted up onto tiptoes to reach him better.
In response, Luke bent and deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue through the seam of her lips.
Desire ignited from deep within, starting a raging wildfire of need. Mac groaned softly.
Luke opened her door and walked them into her house without breaking the kiss. Once inside, he pressed her against the wall next to the door and ground his hips against her core. Dizzying pleasure mixed with the ache and need to feel him inside her.
