HOTSHOT BROTHERS: Coyote Shifters

by Hunt, Sabrina

  My stomach clenched. Perhaps it somehow knew I was out here. But how?

  Dammit, if only my phone would work!

  What had happened in my absence? Was everyone okay?

  Back at the cabin, I shifted and stole across the lawn. Twilight was almost upon the mountains, the sun dipping behind a large peak to the west and throwing the woods into darkness. I was starving. All I wanted was a hot meal.

  Walking inside, I found Paige curled on the couch, a notebook on her lap, unopened, and her head pillowed on her arm as she dozed. Jerking awake, she gave me a sleepy look.

  “Glad to see you’re not lunch. Or dinner, I guess,” she said.

  “The woods are crawling with–” I paused and hastily finished, “trackers. I don’t know if they’re looking for us, but we have to take care to avoid them at all costs.”

  It cannot know I’m outside of the main house. Everything will go straight to hell.

  “Who…?” She shook her head. “Are they looking for us? Can they find us here?” Paige sat up straight and flicked her eyes to the windows. “Should we keep moving?”

  “No. So long as we don’t use the fireplace or make too much noise. There are…” I paused. I was about to explain how there were basic wards here, enough to misdirect those with ill intent, but not strong enough to shield evidence of life here. But those same trackers could wait on the edges and then pounce, so it was better to ensure they didn’t know we were here at all. Instead, I grunted, “Don’t worry about it.”

  My tone was clipped. I wasn’t going to bother explaining things to someone who didn’t want them explained. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Paige stiffen and open her mouth for some retort, but then she snapped her lips shut.

  “We’ll leave first thing in the morning. You may want to get some sleep,” I continued in the same abrupt tone. I had to keep up this distance, too. No matter what.

  Maybe it’s a good thing Paige isn’t inclined to be curious or ask me questions.

  She gave a stiff nod and stood up, moving towards the bedroom. In the doorway, Paige paused and gave me a hard look over her shoulder. “There’s only one bed.”

  I sat down in front of the door and leaned my head against it. “Really?” I asked, with a weary kind of sarcasm. “You don’t say?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want it? I’m small enough to fit on the couch.”

  “I’m sure,” I said, as Nim came over and put his head in my lap. “I’ll also go out with Nim one more time so he doesn’t have to wait till tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” Paige said softly as she turned away and then let out a sharp squeal. Her hand flew over her mouth as she stumbled back and I ran across the room. Her back crashed into me as I grabbed her shoulders and pushed her behind me.

  The room was empty. “What the hell? What is it?” I asked. Paige’s face was reddening and she muttered something I couldn’t hear. “What was that?”

  “Spider,” she whispered, looking abashed.

  “Paige,” I groaned. “Are you serious?” I walked in saw the black eight-legged culprit scurrying across the wall. In a flash, I carefully picked it up by one leg and tossed it out the window.

  When I turned back to Paige, her eyes were huge and her throat was working. “Ew ew ew, oh my god, you touched it.”

  “It’s was this big,” I said, holding up my index finger and thumb. I resisted the urge to wiggle them at her or pretend to throw it at her. Briefly, I thought of Sorvang and hid a grin. “You’re the one squealing about a spider when there’s goddamn lions and trackers roaming the woods.” Glancing around the room, I sighed. “I don’t see any more.” Then my eyes fell on the bed. “Oh no.”

  “What?” Paige’s voice rose an octave and she moved closer.

  “Calm down, it’s not a spider. I didn’t realize this place hadn’t been cleaned.” I groaned inwardly. That was right, this particular cabin was scheduled for this past weekend. Cree and Wes were supposed to come up here and take care of it with Kalin and Sky. “That means there might not be any linens.”

  “Linens?” Paige echoed as I moved towards the closet. Inside was a big cedar chest with blankets stacked inside of it. A pleasant, woodsy smell rose as I opened it.

  “Well, I guess I’ll help you clean up this room a bit,” I said, repressing a sigh.

  “Cedar. Very earthy-crunchy. So, what is this place, exactly?” Paige asked, “How do you know about it? How do you know it hasn’t been cleaned?”

  “This is one of many cabins that Aunt Sil has,” I explained. “This is on the very edge of her lands, but she has more. Places she keeps for travelers and hikers and the like.”

  “For rental?” Paige asked.

  “Sometimes,” I said, moving over to the bed. To my relief, it wasn’t too dusty and I slipped the coverlet off. “I’ll shake this out. There are some rags and cleaner in the bathroom. Just give everything a good wipe down so you can sleep somewhere clean.”

  Nim came with me as I went outside and shook out the dust. It wasn’t too bad. When we came back inside, Paige had wiped down the room and everything smelled far less musty.

  I wadded up the coverlet, tossing it in the corner and pulling out a new one for the bed. Within the cedar chest, I was dismayed to find mostly thin blankets and sheets. Nothing warm enough for a cold spring night in Montana.

  That’s right, I thought. Sil took the blankets to repair them and put new ones in. We were supposed to bring them along since no one was using this cabin for a few weeks.

  There weren’t even pillows. Rubbing my face as Paige went to put back the cleaning supplies, I used the sheets to make pillows and went to get my jacket. It was warmer than any blanket, at least, I thought as I spread it out across the bed.

  “What are you doing?” Paige asked from behind me.

  “Finishing touches,” I said, trying to grin, but my face was tight. “Listen, Paige, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize this cabin hadn’t been prepped for visitors. But my jacket should keep you warm.”

  “That’s what I meant, Rayner!” Paige stepped up next to me and folded her arms. “You can’t give me your jacket. You’ll freeze.”

  I snorted. “I won’t. Besides, I remember that you get cold easily.”

  “We met in the summer!” Paige stared me, nonplussed. “How do you know that?”

  Shoulders hunching of their own accord, I swallowed and said, “Oh, uh, you mentioned it.”

  Once, in passing. Right, sorry. I kind of never forget anything you tell me, Paige.

  For a moment Paige looked inclined to either hit me or hug me, but then it passed. “Whatever. I’m not taking your jacket.”

  I pinched the bridge of my nose and tried to stem the irritation building in me. “Paige.” She snatched it up off the bed and handed it to me. A crack of anger went through me and I grabbed it. “Fine, freeze. I don’t even know why I bother.”

  As I left the room, I heard Paige mutter, “Neither do I.”

  Chapter 8

  It was the dead of winter, where the nights were as sharp as glass and each star a sliver of cold flame. Hunching in front of the spluttering fire, I moved closer, hugging myself and trying to resist the lure of sleep. Cold nipped at me, invading my chest and singing a dark lullaby.

  Shaking, I leaned forward, poking at the fire and it went out.

  “No,” I breathed, trying not to cry. But I was starting to panic. I didn’t know what to do or if I’d survive the night out here. Part of me raged at myself for coming out here in the first place – a girl with a handful of survival skills trying to survive alone in the winter woods.

  I had to find him, though. He needed my help, even if he didn’t want to admit it…

  My eyes closed, heavy and dull, and I jerked them open. I had to…

  Fire leaped before my eyes and I jumped. Opening them wider, I watched the flames and sighed as the warmth fanned across my face. Then I realized I was being held in an even warmer embrace.

  “What were you t
hinking?” came a husky murmur in my ear. “You terrified me. Another hour and you would have succumbed to the cold. Are you trying to kill me?”

  I let my head fall back and snuggled closer. “No. I was looking for you.”

  “Stubborn, impatient woman.” He let out a rueful laugh. “I should’ve known. Give me your hands.”

  I offered them up and he blew on them, bringing feeling back into my hands and my entire body became a pool of liquid heat.

  “Mm, it was almost worth freezing to death to feel like this now,” I teased.

  “Please don’t do that again,” he grumbled, pulling me closer. “You’re taking years off my life.”

  “I make no promises.” I closed my eyes as my cheek pressed against his heart. It was rapid, belying the calm in his voice. “But I suppose I could try.”

  “I only ask because there may come a time where I won’t be able to find you.”

  “Then I’ll find you,” I said, an ache growing in my throat. “I do not expect you to always come running to my aid. Remember, I’ve saved you before, oh guardian of the wilderness.”

  “I would never forget.” A pause. “But you know what I mean.”

  My eyes squeezed shut even tighter. “Why do you insist on speaking of such things?”

  “Such is my burden.”

  Sucking in a hard breath, I opened my eyes and pulled away. Glaring at the fire, I wrapped the cloak even tighter around my shoulders. His fur-lined cloak, filled with his scent.

  “Perhaps you should leave, then,” I spat into the silence. “Don’t want to add to your burdens.”

  Another longer silence. I’d expected a laughing rejoinder. Turning around, I saw I was alone and I stood up. “No, Rayner, I didn’t mean it!” I shouted into the night. “Come back. Stay!”

  All I could hear was the soft hiss of wind across the snow and my pounding heart.

  “Rayner!” I cried and it echoed back, mocking me. “Please! Rayner! Stay with me!”

  “Rayner!” I gasped, sitting up in bed and clutching the blankets closer. I wasn’t cold but my cheeks were wet and I touched them in surprise. “Was I crying?” I murmured. “Over a dream?”

  A shudder went through me and I went to lay back down when my fingers spread across the material of the blanket and something tickled in my brain. I looked down to see I wasn’t clutching a blanket, but Rayner’s jacket, which cocooned me like a warm embrace.

  Eyes widening, I stared at it and then at the closed door. When had he snuck back in here? Had I been talking in my sleep? Did I call for him?

  For a moment, I watched the door, almost expecting it to open. With a huff, I lay back down and rolled over. That was silly. I was imagining things.

  Then my entire body went rigid as the door softly creaked open and I heard Rayner pad into the room. “Paige?” he whispered. “Are you…” He stopped and sighed. “Asleep.”

  With another sigh, I heard him turn around and softly close the door behind him.

  Inexplicably, more tears tracked down my face and I clutched his jacket tighter, breathing in his scent and willing myself to a sleep without any dreams.

  When I awoke the next morning, the day before seemed as though it had happened a thousand years ago. My brain was disoriented with time and space as I stumbled into the living room, heading for the bathroom. All I wanted was a nice long warm shower.

  “Clean towels in the chest in the closet,” an amused voice said, pulling me up short.

  For a second, I thought I was dreaming again and pushed a hand to my galloping chest. “Excuse me?” I asked and looked over to my right.

  Rayner was sitting on the couch, sipping something and looking far too cheerful. “Closet. Chest. Has clean towels.” One was draped around his neck and his gold hair was dripping and damp around his temples. I swallowed hard. “Not a morning person, huh?”

  “Need coffee,” I grumbled. “Probably not possible.”

  “You could always ask,” Rayner said, his eyes glinting with that challenge again.

  I made a face. “As though that would work. Fine, please, may I have an enormous cup of hot coffee? And something that isn’t in the form of a rectangle for breakfast? Thanks.”

  With that, I went into the bathroom and shut the door behind me quickly. My tiredness had evaporated but what was left in its place was a swirl of thoughts about Rayner and shifters and everything else that was going on.

  In a state of distraction, I got undressed and hopped in the shower. Then I yelped as freezing cold water hit my skin and I twisted into the corner away from it.

  “What the hell?” I barked out, hugging myself. From beyond the curtain, I heard the bathroom door open and I glared at the thick pink plastic. “Dammit, Rayner!”

  “You okay in there?” Rayner asked, a chuckle beneath his words.

  “You could have warned me, idiot!” I snarled, trying to edge around to the nozzle and change the temperature. “It was like ice pouring over me.”

  “Guess you don’t need coffee now.” The door clicked shut.

  “Wait!” I called. “Can the water get hot?”

  No answer.

  Teeth chattering, I managed to get to the nozzle, sacrificing my calf to the freezing water as I twisted it around to a warmer temperature. I had no idea how I accomplished it. Sighing in relief as steam rose up, I now stepped into the water. Water I could enjoy and luxuriate in.

  Glancing down, I saw someone had thoughtfully laid out small organic soaps, shampoos and a bottle of deep conditioner. Dammit, Rayner.

  After the shower had restored me, I stepped out with the resolve that I’d be nicer today. I’d stop baiting Rayner and maybe even talk.

  Once I was dressed, I went into the living room and glanced around. Did he take off on me?! Alarmed and irritated, I wrenched open the front door and almost walked right into him, lounging on the steps, his face tilted back at me with an infuriating grin.

  “Enjoy that shower?” he asked lightly. “Water heat up?”

  “Yes,” I said and plopped next to him. A green metal thermos was thrust at me, along with something wrapped in butcher paper. “How did that happen, by the way?”

  “Magic,” Rayner replied as I unwrapped the paper and revealed a bagel sandwich within. “I got that in a little mountain town we’re going to. It’s about a two-day hike.”

  I bristled. “How can that be if you went there this morning?”

  His eyes lidded. “I run a lot faster than you.”

  “Oh,” I said, biting into it. Egg and bacon oozed between a crispy sesame bagel and I sighed. “Damn, this is good. Wait, did you run to get this while I was in the shower?”

  “No, I got it before you woke up. I figured dawn would be the best time to scout out a route.”

  Sipping at the thermos, I sighed in content at the hot coffee. “Did you get the coffee too?”

  “No, I made that,” Rayner replied.

  “How?” I gasped.

  “You know, hot water, filter, and coffee beans.” Rayner closed his eyes and leaned back. A smirk was playing around his mouth.

  “That’s impossible,” I said flatly. “You need a coffee maker.”

  “You mean like the portable one in my bag?” Rayner asked.

  “And the hot water? From the shower?”

  “Well, the filtered pump.”

  “Why are you being obtuse?” I growled, screwing the cap back on with more force than necessary. “And laconic? It’s annoying.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Rayner!”

  He sat up and looked over at me. “What? I thought you preferred to figure out the answers on your own, Paige. You’ll have to forgive me if suddenly you want details. I didn’t realize. Is that the case though, now? Do you want actual answers?”

  Rayner had seen right through me. I felt like a petulant child who’d been humored to a point and then roundly put in their place. A flush crept up my neck. “Oh, um…” Damn, I was such an ass, wasn’t I? “I’m sorry.
I thought it was easier this way.”

  “I get that – but you don’t have to worry about prying into my life–”

  “I meant for me!” I interrupted, clenching my fingers around the coffee pot. “I don’t know how to act or even what to ask. It scares me a little bit, you know? I bet no one else fainted, either.” I paused. “When I was a little girl, I used to dream of adventures and stories like this. Of being part of it. But then I got older and realized I was only a bookworm. Someone who reads great stories, but doesn’t take part in them.” I flinched, realizing I’d said more than I meant. “I’m just not sure what you want from me. Or what I’m supposed to do.”

  Rayner shifted next to me and then his hand ruffled the top of my head. “You’re hopeless.”

  I jerked away from him, glaring. “Excuse me? That’s what I get in return for being honest?”

  He leaned in, grinning. “I only meant that you’re hopeless because that’s clearly not true. It sounds to me like you’ve been so impatient to go on a ‘great adventure’ you convinced yourself you’re never going to get it.

  “But you make every day an adventure, Paige. No matter what that stubborn streak is telling you about settling down into your role as a bookworm.” He glanced up at the sky. “Besides, of anyone, wouldn’t a bookworm be the most inclined to partake in a great story? I would know, I’ve been a bookworm my whole life. Ask my little sister.”

  I was speechless. This was the Rayner who’d sat on the porch next to me and peeled the stems off of strawberries, handing them over with a soft smile.

  “A stubborn, impatient woman,” Rayner suddenly said, almost to himself.

  An electric shock went through me and the dream from last night burst into my mind. Biting at my thumb, I glanced at Rayner and asked casually, “Anything I should know about nighttime?”

  “Huh?” He raised an eyebrow at me. “Are you asking a question you want a full answer to? You’ll have to be more specific.”

  “Dreams?” I burst out. “I mean, is there anything with dreams?”

  His eyes went wide and I thought I saw a flicker of unease cross his face. “What about dreams?” Rayner’s voice was low and controlled, but his fists clenched.