Love Inspired Suspense: December 2022 Box Set 2 of 2 by Laura Scott

Author:Laura Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

In the close darkness, Sean kept his arms wrapped firmly but gently around Hayley’s shoulders. She leaned into him with her head against his chest. The compact space was growing steadily warmer, their body heat effectively combating the wintry chill. Her shivers subsided, as did his, and the earthy, piney aroma of the shelter teased his nostrils.

When was the last time he’d snuggled with anyone, much less a lovely woman of grace and courage? Not that her embrace meant anything other than the practicalities of surviving the storm, but a guy could pretend he’d found someone who wanted to be close to him.

No, he’d be wise not to indulge false hopes. Sean suppressed a sigh. If—when—they got out of this situation, Hayley and he would no doubt be going their separate ways.

He’d also have quite an after-action report to fill out, explaining how a civilian had become so integral to fulfilling his assignment. He didn’t know how he would have stopped the sale of the weapon without her, and she was key to their wilderness survival now. Frankly, she was the hero of the story. She might get some sort of citizen commendation.

An hour then two crept by with the snowfall swirling in front of their little hut’s opening. Judging by the limpness of her body and the steady depth of her breathing, Hayley must have dozed off. Sean didn’t blame her. She probably hadn’t slept much last night, what with watching over him and keeping the fire going.

At last, the snowfall began to wane and the howl of the wind diminished. Should he awaken Hayley? They should get on the move soon. Sean’s stomach growled. Maybe they should eat first. Their light breakfast and pine nut snack were long digested.

Abruptly, Mack’s head lifted from his paws, his ears perked up and his nostrils flared. Sean went stiff. What did the dog hear and smell? Surely, their pursuers couldn’t have caught up with them. For one thing, it would have been foolish for them to leave the cabin and travel during the storm. For another, Hayley and his tracks would have been obliterated by the snow, so Trooper Glenn would have had no trail to follow.

“What is it?” Hayley murmured, sitting up straight and leaving the shelter of his arms.

“Mack hears or smells something.”

Hayley leaned forward and laid a hand on her dog’s back. “What is it, boy?”

Snapping, popping sounds carried faintly in the wintry stillness.

“Something large is approaching through the trees,” Sean murmured.

“A bunch of large somethings.”

Sean’s gut twisted. Maybe he was wrong about their pursuers catching up with them. Schooling his breathing, he pulled his automatic weapon forward. A guttural chuffing began to accompany the snapping of dry branches. Hayley reached out and pressed the gun muzzle downward, and Sean did not resist. Whatever approached wasn’t human—not making those kinds of sounds.

“Some kind of deer?” he whispered.

“Caribou, I think.” Her voice was hardly louder than a breath. “As winter approaches, they leave the mountains and drift into the boreal forest.

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