Page 28

“Elk too?” I muttered.

Jeremy’s hand found my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. The strength was grounding.

“Elk are generally less aggressive than moose,” Bernadette acknowledged, “but bulls can be territorial, especially during rut. Same rules apply if you see one. Give them space, don’t approach, and never get between a mother and her calf.”

“What’s a rut?” I whispered.

Jeremy did a little hip action. “Rutting. You know, bow chicka bow wow.”

“Noted. If I see elk, which I don’t even know what elk look like, and they’re getting it on, don’t interrupt.”

Jeremy chuckled.

“Number four: walrus.”

I actually laughed at that one. I knew I sounded slightly hysterical. Walrus. We were being warned about walrus. That had to be a joke.

“Now, walrus are primarily a coastal concern,” Bernadette said, “and we’re inland, so the likelihood of encountering one is low. But some of you may have excursions planned to the coast, so it’s worth mentioning. They’re massive, they’re fast in water, and they have tusks that can cause serious injury.”

“This is insane,” I whispered. “Everything here wants to kill us.”

Jeremy’s hand moved from my shoulder to my back, rubbing slow circles between my shoulder blades. “You’re fine,” he murmured. “Just breathe.”

“And that’s just on land,” Bernadette continued cheerfully. “The water presents its own challenges. Thin ice, hypothermia risks, and in coastal areas, you’ve got seals, sea lions, and the occasional orca.”

I dropped my head into my hands. “Why did I agree to this?”

Bernadette moved on to other hazards. Avalanche risks in certain areas. The importance of staying on marked trails. Frostbite and how quickly it could set in if you weren’t properly dressed. Hypothermia symptoms and what to do if someone showed signs. The buddy system and why no one should ever venture out alone.

With each new item on her list, I felt my anxiety ratchet up another notch. This wasn’t a photoshoot location. This was a death trap with pretty scenery.

Jeremy kept his hand on my back the entire time. Sometimes rubbing circles, sometimes just resting there. The steady pressure reminded me I wasn’t alone. Every time I groaned or shook my head, he’d lean in slightly, his shoulder pressing against mine.

It helped. Not because it dulled the panic. He noticed my distress and he was there for me. Present. Attentive. And I was pretty sure he would protect me from a horny elk.

I was so used to being the one who took care of him. My job was to notice when he was getting antsy. I redirected him when he was about to wander off. I smoothed over the messes he left in his wake. Having someone do that for me was unfamiliar territory.

It was nice. And honestly, unexpected.

Bernadette finally wrapped up her lecture with a summary of emergency procedures and the location of first-aid stations around the property. When she sat down, I let out a breath. It felt like I’d just been through a hurricane.

“Well,” Jeremy said lightly, “that was informative.”

“That was terrifying.”

Sebastian made his way over to us, Bernadette following close behind. I tried to look calm like encountering a grizzly was just another Tuesday.

“How are you two settling in?” Sebastian asked. “Cabins comfortable?”

“Very,” Jeremy said. “Way nicer than I expected.”

“The lodge takes good care of its guests.” Sebastian smiled. “We wanted everyone to be comfortable. Happy crew, better photos.”

Jeremy nodded and then looked at Bernadette. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“All those animals you mentioned, has anyone ever actually been attacked here? At the lodge, I mean?”