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We spent the next hour setting up our makeshift security system. The snare wire is run around the cabin’s perimeter, strung between trees, and staked into the ground. We tie the fishing bells to it at intervals, which jingle when the wire is disturbed. We hang the empty cans over the front door, forming a noisy curtain that no one can pass through silently.
The broken glass from the window is more complicated. Noah had an idea to spread it thinly on the ground around the cabin. Any footsteps would cause a crunching sound that would easily give away someone trying to approach, but the snow acted as a pillow. Instead, we put it on the tiny front porch, hoping the sound would alert us.
By the time the last trap is placed, night had fallen in earnest. The stars are out, clearly visible against the dark sky. The moon hangs low, casting shimmering shadows over the snow-covered ground. Thankfully, the clouds we saw earlier had rolled right on by. The forest is eerily quiet, as if the creatures that live there know something we don’t. The chill in the air deepens, and a shiver runs through me. We did what we could to protect ourselves, but would it be enough?
“I wish we had more time,” I say as we stand by the front door, examining our handiwork.
“So do I,” Noah replies quietly.
He takes my hand then, his touch warm and reassuring against the biting cold. “We’ve done all we can do,” he says firmly. “Now, we should try to get some sleep.”
I nod but don’t move. Instead, I stare at the sky, taking in the beautiful yet chilling sight of a winter’s night in full bloom. Part of me worries that this might be my last night on this earth. I want to appreciate the beauty—just in case this is the last chance I get.
Noah gently squeezes my hand and leads me back into the cabin. He locks the door, and we scoot the couch in front of it. We find ourselves back on the floor, close to the fire. We could sleep in the bed, but it just feels cozier here. I feel safe in the little nest we built. He doesn’t put his arms around me or cuddle with me. We both lie on our backs, wide awake. Sex crosses my mind, but I’m worried about letting my guard down.
I lie next to Noah and stare at the ceiling. I can’t help but think about the man beside me. He’s a mystery with a past that’s as shadowy as the forest outside. I pretty much put him on my ex’s hit list, and his first thought was taking care of me. Oddly enough, if I had to be in this situation, I am glad it’s him I’m stuck with.
The wind picks up, which is a little spooky. I can hear the distant howl of wolves. It is an eerie sound yet thrilling in its wildness. Eric was right. He said they would be back, and they are here. I am disappointed I won’t get the chance to photograph them. Eric’s research and the book he was writing will never be finished. He was going to use some of my pictures for his book—and now it will never happen. I glance at Noah; his eyes are closed, and if I didn’t know better, I would question whether he was even alive. Without thinking, I poke his chest, jolting him awake.
“Do you have a wife or girlfriend?” I blurt out.
He blinks, disoriented, then focuses on me. “No,” he says, his voice groggy. “Why?”
I prop myself up on one elbow, determined to dig deeper. “Why are you single? Have you ever been close to marriage?”
Noah sighs, clearly not thrilled about being interrogated in the middle of the night. “I’ve had my share of relationships, but nothing ever stuck. I guess I’m just not the settling-down type.”
“Why not?” I press. “What’s your story?”
He turns the tables on me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What about you? Why are you always on the go?”
I shrug, looking away. “I’ve never felt the need to stay in one place. I’m a nomad. Carter was the first man I dated for any length of time. Looking back, I realize that it wasn’t really by choice. I don’t count that as a relationship. I was an obsession.”
“Good point,” he says. “I’m glad you got away from him.”
The fire shifts, sending up a blaze of sparks before settling down again.
“Yeah,” I finally reply, heaving a sigh. “Me too.” My gaze flicks to the dwindling embers, not quite ready to meet Noah’s eyes. “But did I really get away from him? He’s still coming after me.”
“I’ll keep you safe, Mia.”
I turn to look at him. I see he believes that, and I think he wants to, but I’m just not sure it’s possible. I think Carter is a man on a mission.
“Where’s your home base?” he asks.
“Denver,” I reply. “I have a house there, but I live out of a suitcase most of the time.”
“Have you ever thought about settling down?” he asks, genuine curiosity in his voice. “Maybe not traveling so much?”
I think about it for a moment, then shake my head. “I love my job. I’ve never found anyone who made me consider giving it up. I love being able to grab my suitcase and go.”
“And Carter just always went with you?”
“Yes,” I nod, realizing now just how odd that was. “He would insist on traveling with me. When I did have to go into the forest or wilderness or wherever he would stay at the hotel or tent. So, I didn’t really see how clingy he was. I felt like I still had my freedom.”
“Until you didn’t,” Noah finishes, his tone falling flat with the raw truth of his words.
I nod, the knot in my stomach tightening. “It was really that fast. One day, I woke up, and I realized it was wrong. That I wasn’t truly loved. I was something to be possessed.”
