I nod, doing my best to act like I didn’t already know all of that. “Well, thanks for the heads-up,” I say, standing. “I should get going. Got deliveries to make.”
Dale’s hand shoots out to grab my wrist. “June, stay away from that area of the mountain until this is resolved. For your own safety.”
I pull my arm away. “I appreciate your concern, Deputy. But I know that mountain better than anyone.”
“Just be careful,” he calls out as I rush out the door and speed-walk to my truck, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my fingertips.
The moment I’m inside, I drop my forehead against the steering wheel and let out a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. I need to warn Riven. I can already imagine how he’ll react to officers showing up on his land—his territorial instincts will go haywire, and his history of human rejection will make him assume the worst.
This could end very, very badly.
I start the engine and pull out of the parking lot, heading straight for Riven’s place. My mind is racing faster than my truck as I navigate the familiar winding roads up the mountain.
The problem is, I know in my gut that Riven isn’t behind this. Everything I’ve learned points to him being a protector, not a destroyer. But if he’s not responsible, then who is? And how do I prove it before Dale comes knocking?
As I drive, I mentally review what Gus told me:Something ancient was disturbed.The logging operation from ten years ago had upset something that lived in that section of forest. Something older than Riven or Gus.
First, I need to warn Riven about Dale’s suspicions. Second, we need to figure out what’s actually causing the disturbances. Third, we have to somehow prove Riven’s innocence before anyone comes knocking at his door.
No pressure.
I take a curve too fast and my truck fishtails slightly before I regain control. The coffee in my cup holder sloshes dangerously close to the rim. Slowing down marginally, I remind myself that getting into an accident won’t help anyone.
My phone buzzes with a text, and I glance at it when I reach a straight stretch of road.
Dad: You forgot your lunch bag. Everything ok?
I smile despite everything.
Me: All good. Just running late. Love you.
The road steepens as I climb higher up the mountain. The morning sun filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the windshield. It’s a beautiful day, which seems almost offensive given the circumstances.
I round the final bend and Riven’s property comes into view. The sleek modern cabin nestled against the cliff face looks so normal from the outside. No one would guess that it connects toan elaborate cave system, or that its owner is a twelve-foot-tall arachnid with a penchant for bondage and reality TV.
I park, grab Riven’s latest online shopping impulse purchase, and approach the front porch. I raise my hand to knock, but the door swings open before my knuckles make contact. Riven fills the doorway, his massive frame blocking out the light. His eyes immediately focus on me with an intensity that still makes my breath catch.
“You’re upset,” he says. Not a question. “Your heartbeat is elevated, and you’re producing stress pheromones.”
I step past him into the house. “Yeah, so about that. We have a problem. A Deputy Dale Brennan-shaped problem.”
Riven closes the door and follows me into the living room, his many legs making soft clicking sounds against the hardwood floor.
“A human law enforcement officer,” he surmises. “What has he done?”
I set his package on the counter and turn to face him. “He thinks you caused the mudslide. He found claw marks above the slide area that he says match Vyder limbs, and he’s getting a warrant to investigate your property.”
Riven goes very still. It’s the kind of stillness that reminds me he’s a predator, capable of remaining motionless for hours while waiting for prey to cross his path.
“I see,” he finally says, his voice unnervingly calm. “And do you believe I caused this mudslide, June?”
The question stings. “Of course not. I’ve been gathering information, and you’re the last person anyone should suspect. Ethel told me about how you saved her in a blizzard years ago. Veronica mentioned how you helped with her gem collection. Gus said you’re the reason he felt safe enough to settle here, because you’re the mountain’s protector.”
Something in Riven’s posture softens almost imperceptibly. “You’ve been investigating me.”
“Not you specifically,” I clarify. “The mountain. Gus mentioned something about the logging operation ten years ago—said it disturbed something ancient that’s been lashing out ever since.”
Riven moves to the window, looking out at the forest. “Gus is more perceptive than I gave him credit for.”
