Page 8

NOVA

Riding with my arms clasped tightly around Kole’s trunk-like abdomen usually gives me a thrill. Tonight, I rest my cheek on his back and focus on the feel of his breathing. I am trying not to think ten steps ahead. Trying and failing.

When we arrive back at the cabin, we head straight for the jetty. Luther is still there. He’s lit a fire and is crouched beside it. Snow hasn’t moved. Luther’s standing to squeeze Kole’s shoulder when we hear Tanner’s truck rumbling through the trees toward us. It comes to a stop just out of sight. Doors open and close, and muffled voices float toward me on the breeze.

I tune into them. Tanner, Sam, and… “Mack?”

I glance at Luther and Kole, frowning. When I look back, three silhouettes emerge. Positioned either side of Mack, Tanner and Sam are attempting to help him walk, but he is resisting. When he sees Snow, he stops dead in his tracks. This time, he does reach out. Bracing his hands on Sam and Tanner’s shoulders, he sucks in a deep breath.

Illuminated by pale strands of moonlight, the expression on his face sends a shiver of fear through my bones. His lips move and, although I can’t make out the word, I know what he’s saying.

“Snow…”

Beside Luther, Snow grumbles and his eyes flutter open. I crouch beside him and stroke the top of his head. “Did you hear Mack? He’s here. He’s come to check on you, silly bear. So, you better wake up now.”

Snow doesn’t wake, but he does grumble again. Deep in the back of his throat. And his breathing changes. Less shallow. More full.

“He heard you.” I call to Mack, smiling. “I think he might be waking up.”

Still unsteady, Mack lets go of Tanner and Sam. He straightens himself up and smiles as he approaches us. While Mack kneels down beside me, the boys all step back, watching.

I put my hand on Mack’s thigh and let it rest there. He glances at me and, in a whisper, asks what happened.

“We’re not sure. But it seems like whatever hurt you is hurting him, too.”

As Mack smoothes his hand over Snow’s shoulder, leaning in to press his forehead to Snow’s, the big white bear sighs deeply. A sound that I’ve always likened to a purr escapes his lips and – finally – he opens his eyes.

“There you are, buddy.” Mack’s voice cracks as he speaks. He sighs too, tension melting from his shoulders. I can almost see the strength returning to them both. Their bodies, in sync, become fuller and stronger and Snow rolls onto his stomach, taking up a position that reminds me of a dog preparing for a good stretch after a long sleep.

Yawning, Snow releases a low growl. Mack hooks an arm around his neck and shakes his head. “I don’t know. But we’ll figure it out,” he says softly.

“Mack?” Tanner hesitantly puts a hand on Mack’s shoulder. “You look better. Do you feel better?”

Clearly struggling to take his eyes off Snow, Mack answers without turning around. “As soon as I saw him, I felt… different.” His forehead creases into a frown. This time, he does turn to look at Tanner. “Before I saw him it was like every nerve in my body was on fire, but ice-cold too. Not pain but…” He rubs his palm over his face as he searches for the words. “The anticipation of pain. Like I was on the edge of something that would break me.”

“And now?” I ask quietly.

Looking from me to Tanner, Mack says, “It’s still there, but the closer I got to Snow the more diluted it became.”

As if he agrees, Snow grumbles then heaves himself to his feet. Shaking his head, he nudges Mack with his snout and looks toward the cabin.

“He wants to go inside. He’s hungry.” Mack stands up, a smile playing on his lips.

“No fish inside,” Luther says gruffly. “I don’t care if you’re sick.”

Snow narrows his eyes and huffs.

* * *

Inside the cabin, we gather in the main room. Luther throws fire into the grate, and it casts a warm glow over the room. Even though he and I don’t really need the extra warmth – we run hotter than most – the others gather around it. Mack and Snow settle on the floor near the flames. Snow licks his front paws but shoots Luther a grumpy glance; he’s still annoyed he wasn’t allowed to eat inside.

Sam, always the curious one, finally breaks the silence. “So, any theories about what’s happening with these two?” He accepts a beer from Luther and takes a deep swig.

Having all my guys in the same room makes me almost giddy with contentment. With them close to me, I’m at peace. And I wonder if that’s how Mack feels about Snow, except magnified tenfold because Snow is – was – part of him.

Sinking onto the couch, Kole grunts, “Shifters aren’t meant to be separated from their animal selves. It’s not natural. I’m not sure it’s ever happened before. So, we’re in un-chartered territory here.” He looks at Mack for confirmation.

“Not that I’ve heard of,” the professor replies.