Page 60 of Mountain Impact

He raised his sleeve to reveal a long, angry cut. It looked deep―Isolde could see the muscle layers exposed underneath.

“This is good.”

“Is it?” she asked, swallowing hard.

“It’s almost stopped bleeding.” He picked up something from his pack and started spreading it liberally on the wound. His lips formed a tight, white line.

“Is that going to help?”

“Just some antibacterial ointment.”

Next, Drake dried the area with a clean gauze. He handed her the duct tape.

“Okay, this is what we’re going to do. I’ll bring the edges of the cut together. You’re going to tear off several strips of duct tape and place them perpendicular to the wound, okay? Like that, as tight as you can.”

She kneeled beside him and started working. Even though he didn’t make a sound, she could see in the lines of his jaw that he was hurting.

“So you’re one of those, huh,” she said to distract him.

Drake arched an eyebrow. “One of those?”

“You know, people who think duct tape can fix any problem.”

He laughed. “I guess I am one of those.”

“I’m starting to understand. I’ll get myself some duct tape when we’re home,” she promised.

“I’ve got lots of it at home. I’ll share it with you.” His eyes were full of promise.

She placed the last strip tightly on his arm. Drake flexed his arm, testing the tape. “This should work. Thanks, Isolde.”

“Do you have any painkillers?” she asked uncertainly.

He was on her in a second, his eyes roaming her from head to toe.

“Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “Not for me―for you.”

He sagged in relief. “God, you scared me. I’m fine. I told you before, I can handle pain.”

“But …”

“Sit down, Isolde. Before you drop.”

Drake guided her down onto his coat. “No,” she complained. “You’ll freeze.”

“Relax. I’m going to start a small fire at the overhang.”

“Is that safe?” she asked. She’d heard of people dying due to poor air circulation.

“Safe enough. The entrance is large, so air will still be able to circulate, but we’ll be warmer inside.”

Isolde watched as he set to the task. She was reminded once again how unprepared she was, both in terms of equipment and knowledge.

You came up here with little more than a water bottle.

What would you have done if Drake hadn’t shown up?