Chapter 6
6
RUBY
I shouldn't be here in the mountains.
The thought pounds through my head with each step up the snow-covered trail, as persistent as the memories of Garrett's second kiss the other night—from my panties missing when I went back down to the basement to collect them to him sending me more flowers but not returning to visit me himself. I contemplated going to his brewery, but I worried it made me seem desperate. So, here I am, about to scale a local mountain often used for treks.
My body still tingles when I think about him bringing me to orgasm, which is another reason why I'm here—to stop thinking about him and clear my thoughts. Yet, in my mind, I keep seeing him smiling at me and heading out of the bar the other night, and I haven't been able to get him out of my head since. Then, there was his scent, which made me practically purr.
When do I purr?
So, I took a day off from the bar, unable to face anyone there, let alone Marcus if he returned. Not to mention Ash, with his smug teasing, well aware of what was happening in the basement.
The problem is, I want Garrett to come back.
Of course, I've thought about him being the one to help me with my Marcus problems, yet something inside of me stiffens when I remind myself of the commitment to mate and marry someone I barely know. What if he turns out to be exactly like my dad? An abusive Alpha?
Us Omegas, we're made to be at the mercy of Alphas, and that terrifies me.
I feel torn, broken, confused.
Nope, I need a break, and it helps that this morning, I found a flyer for Pine Peak Adventures stuffed under my bar's door. It seemed like divine intervention.
First Trip Free - Discover Your Mountain Spirit!
The walk to their office earlier today, across town, wasn't grueling. Now, here I am in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by snow and a small group of attendees in the group, along with our teacher, Knox Anderson. I've heard of him running ski tours from the town, but I've never had the time to explore the mountain area.
The air is crisp and clean, cutting through the fog of confusion that's never left my thoughts since I fell hard for Garrett in the basement. Later that night, I googled Omega suppressants on my phone out of curiosity, so I had a clear head when making decisions, rather than my hormones controlling me. The ads had promised freedom, control, and a way to silence these traitorous instincts that make me weak. To avoid being like my mother.
"Everyone keeping up okay?" Knox Anderson's deep voice carries easily over the group in a lazy drawl that somehow manages to be both commanding and comforting, seeing it drew me from my thoughts. Our tour guide looks like he just stepped off the Australian beach—all sun-bleached hair sticking out from under his hat, tanned, and ice-blue eyes so bright, I can't stop staring.
Of course, it doesn't help that the man is drop-dead gorgeous.
I adjust the straps of my borrowed backpack, glancing around at the rest of the group trudging through snow. Knox is leading us up an open, worn trail in the low snow, Mrs. Peterson keeps offering her homemade trail mix from a Ziploc bag, and Sarah and James can't keep their hands off each other. It would be cute if it didn't remind me of everything I'm worried about.
Then there's Mia and Kym, Omegas I've never seen in town, but that doesn't mean they don't live there. Whispering Grove is enormous.
I've been watching them hover around Knox all morning, giggling at his every word, finding excuses to need his help. He handles it professionally, but I catch their predatory glances, the way they position themselves to accidentally brush against him.
"And then last summer," Kym gushes. "I tried rock climbing for the first time. Maybe you could give me some private lessons?"
Knox's polite smile seems forced. "The guide office offers group courses?—"
"But you're the best instructor," Mia interrupts, batting her lashes. "Everyone says so."
I roll my eyes hard. Their desperation reeks stronger than their perfume, which is saying something. Who wears perfume on a mountain trek?
I glance over at Knox.
There is something about him that makes blending in impossible. Maybe it's the way he moves—silent and graceful despite his height. Maybe it's how his gaze finds mine, staring a bit too long, lowering his gaze to my lips. I'm confused about what's going on and why I can't look away. Or maybe it's his scent...
God, his scent. It's nothing like Garrett's, but equally intoxicating—chocolate and crisp snow and something wild that reminds me of thunderstorms. My Omega side perks up every time the wind shifts, bringing his scent to me in teasing waves. It makes my skin tingle, my body too warm despite the mountain chill.
Knox pauses at a switchback, pointing out a distant peak. The midday sun catches his profile, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw, the slight scruff that would feel rough against my skin if I?—
You're no better than other Omegas, my father's voice sneers in my memory. Another Omega slut, always begging for it.
The memory comes at me fast—my mother cowering in the kitchen, my father's alcohol-soaked rage filling the house with bitter pheromones. I was twelve, watching through the crack in my bedroom door as he grabbed her arm, leaving bruises.
"It's not his fault," she'd told me later, covering the marks with makeup. "Alphas can't help their instincts, baby. And we Omegas, we provoke them. It's our nature."
I dig my nails into my gloved palms. I'm nothing like her. I'm in control. And if that control is slipping lately... well, that's what the suppressants are for. The website had promised delivery within twenty-four hours, no questions asked. The price made me wince, but maybe it would be worth it to silence these urges, to stop my body from betraying me. Though I'm still not sure yet if I will order any.
"Watch your step here," Knox calls out, extending a hand to help Mrs. Peterson over a rocky section of trail. His thorn tattoo flexes on the side of his neck, and I imagine what it would be like to run my fingers over it.
I catch myself, sighing. What is wrong with me? Was Garrett right that my heat is coming? And now look at me, falling for all the Alphas. I'm no better than Mia and Kym, drooling all over Knox. Heats can come on anytime from eighteen to twenty-five, and I'm at the tail-end of that.
A perky laugh nearby pulls me from that dangerous train of thought. Sarah, the Omega from the young couple, is practically glowing as James helps her over the same rocky patch. She leans into his touch like she can't help herself, like his presence is gravity, and she's happily in orbit. He stares at her like she's the only person on the mountain, his hand protective at the small of her back. They move in perfect sync, lost in their own little world.
Something in my chest aches at the sight. For just a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to have that—to trust someone enough to let them in, to feel safe instead of trapped. To not flinch when an Alpha raises his voice, to not constantly fight my own biology...
"Beautiful view, isn't it?"
I startle at Knox's voice right beside me. When did he get so close? I can see the golden flecks in his blue eyes and the tiny scar above his left eyebrow. He's younger than I initially thought, maybe mid to late twenties.
"I suppose," I manage, stepping away to put some distance between us. My heart is racing, and I'm sure he can hear it. Can probably smell the confusion and want rolling off me in waves. "If you like that sort of thing."
His laugh is low and warm, stirring something primal in my chest. "Not a nature enthusiast?"
"More of an indoor cat." I gesture at my obviously new hiking boots, purchased in a panic at the sporting goods store this morning. "This is... an experiment."
"Trying to shake things up?" His nostrils flare slightly, and I watch his pupils dilate. "Or running from something?"
The question hits too close to home. I open my mouth to deflect, but a shout from ahead breaks the moment. We both turn to see James sprawled on the trail, clutching his ankle. His face is white with pain.
Knox moves instantly. I follow without thinking, my first-aid training from the bar kicking in.
"Everyone stay back. Give him some space," Knox orders, already kneeling beside James. The rest of the group hovers anxiously as Knox checks James’ vitals. "Can you tell me what happened?"
"Slipped on some loose gravel." James voice is tight with pain. "Tried to catch myself, but..."
I drop to my knees on James’ other side, hands already reaching for his ankle. "May I? I have some medical training."
Knox's eyebrows lift slightly, but he nods. Our hands brush as we both support James’ leg, and the contact sends electricity shooting up my arm. His gaze locks with mine for a heartbeat, and the intensity in them makes me shiver.
Focus . The ankle is already swelling, but when I carefully manipulate it, James winces, suggesting a sprain rather than a break. The skin is hot to the touch, but there's no obvious deformity.
"A sprain, I think," I murmur to Knox, fighting to keep my voice steady despite his proximity. "He needs elevation, compression, and ice, but it could have been worse."
"There's a first aid kit about a mile back," Knox states, then frowns at the murky sky. "The weather is coming in faster than anticipated. It shouldn't have reached our town until later tonight."
I follow his gaze to see dark clouds gathering ominously over the peaks. The temperature has dropped noticeably in the last few minutes, and the wind carries the sharp scent of approaching snow. We've got weather coming in.
The wind also brings Knox's scent, and this close, I catch something else in it—something familiar that tugs at my memory. Something that reminds me of old paper and faded ink, of freshly baked apples, and his masculine scent, which leaves me swooning.
"I know this group was supposed to go another three miles," Knox addresses everyone, switching seamlessly into serious mode. His voice carries that Alpha timbre, and I'm catching my breath at how much I enjoy hearing it. "But with James' injury and the weather, we need to evacuate. There's a cabin about a quarter mile ahead—we'll shelter there until the storm passes."
He pulls out his satellite phone, and immediately, Mia edges closer. "Will we be safe there, Knox?" She touches his arm, voice sugary sweet.
"The cabin's fully stocked for emergencies," he says, already making his call. "Let me notify base about our change in plans."
"I can help you with anything you need," Kym offers.
After his phone call, Knox sends Sarah ahead with Mrs. Peterson to prep the cabin while the Henderson couple takes charge of distributing emergency supplies from his pack.
"I'll help with James," Mia volunteers instantly, but Knox shakes his head.
"Ruby has medical training. Ruby, take his left side. I've got his right."
I move into position, catching the daggers Mia and Kym shoot my way. The group clusters together as the temperature plummets, and snow starts to fall more heavily now.
"I can carry the first aid kit," Kym announces, pressing close to Knox's free side. "It looks heavy."
"Actually," Knox says. "Could you and Mia help Mrs. Peterson? The trail gets tricky here."
They retreat, whispering furiously, while James groans between Knox and me. The weather's deteriorating rapidly, the wind whipping snow into our faces.
"Nearly there," Knox murmurs, but all I can see around us are trees. "You're doing great, Ruby."
Behind us, I hear Kym's stage whisper to Mia. "Could she be any more desperate?"
I shake my head and ignore them.
With the storm closing in, I have bigger problems than two jealous Omegas.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, but I have no hands to check it, so it'll have to wait. Finally, we reach the huge wooden cabin which is larger than I anticipated. It's nestled in a clearing of trees covered in snow.
Inside, the main room has couches positioned in front of a fireplace. There's a basic kitchenette and what looks like sleeping quarters and a bathroom through a side door. And another hallway to more rooms. While Knox and I get James settled, I notice Mia and Kym whispering, shooting me venomous looks. I ignore them and recheck James' ankles while Knox grabs the first aid kit and compresses the area with a bandage, while I grab several cushions to elevate his foot.
"Everyone, I'm going to update the base on our arrival," Knox announces. "They will know we're waiting out the storm here. No need to risk rescue teams in this weather for a minor sprain."
James is nodding like he agrees, while Sarah is kneeling at his side, grasping his hand.
I use that moment to check my phone to find three missed calls from my bestie, Lily, and a text that makes my blood run cold.
Marcus was just here asking about you. Said something about making sure you're taken care of. Ruby, what's going on?
The words blur as my vision swims. What the hell does he want now? I quickly message her back that I'm fine and will speak with her later.
Stuffing the phone into my pocket, I glance around to find James lying across one of the couches facing the fireplace, his leg propped up. Knox is throwing more logs into the growing flames, trying to get it to build up.
Being up here in the mountains was my getaway from Marcus, yet seeing Lily's message leaves me feeling cold all over.
"Hey, you okay?" Knox's tone carries genuine concern as he steps closer. "You look a little pale."
While I attempt to focus, everything feels too intense—the cabin's warmth, feeling trapped, and, most of all, Knox's presence getting stronger with each step he takes toward me.
"I'm fine, just..." I sway slightly, and his hand catches my elbow. Even through my jacket, his touch is a tempting fire.
"Come on." His voice drops lower, meant just for me. "Let me make you some hot chocolate. James is resting, and we can't do anything but wait out this storm."
I follow him to the small kitchenette at the rear of the room, watching as he shrugs off his winter gear. Without his bulky jacket and hat, I stare at this hunk. Where Garrett is all broad shoulders and powerful, Knox is athletic and captivating. His dirty blonde hair falls in his eyes as he rummages through cupboards, and the long-sleeved thick t-shirt he's wearing shows off strong arms. A thin leather cord around his neck disappears beneath his collar, and I find myself wondering what hangs on it.
"You're watching me closely," he says without turning around, amusement filling his voice.
"Just trying to picture how you got so tanned in a town like Whispering Grove, where it's snowing more often than not."
"I just got back recently from a surfing competition in Hawaii."
"Seems a long way from mountain guide. How was it?"
He chuckles, and I stare at the dimple in his chin.
"We were up on the north shore of Oahu at Banzai Pipeline. Man, the waves were just beasts… perfect overhead barrels, glassy conditions until the wind picked up." He runs a hand through his salt-bleached hair. "Then these hammerheads decided to crash the party… came in way too close to the lineup. Had to call everyone in."
The way he talks about surfing transforms him—there's this wild freedom in his voice that makes something in me ache—as though he's most alive when he's challenging nature itself.
"Sounds terrifying," I admit.
"Nah, that's the rush of it. Same as climbing, really, just you against the elements."
"And sharks weren't impressed with your skills?"
He grins, and my insides soften at the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.
"I came in fourth." He shrugs, but I catch the disappointment in his voice. "The competition was intense this year."
"Fourth place is incredible. So, you travel often, then?" I watch him measure cocoa into a mug.
"Here and there." Steam rises as he adds hot water to the cup. "But nothing feels quite like being home in Whispering Grove." Something shadows his expression. "Grew up here. My parents have passed now, but..."
"I'm so sorry." The pain in his voice is hard to ignore.
"Traffic accident." He shrugs, turning to grab marshmallows from the cupboard on the wall. "Ten years ago now." The words are clipped, holding back emotions it feels. I can't blame him. "Marshmallows? I'm a two-minimum kind of guy."
"Two sounds perfect."
The mug warms my cold hands as he guides me to a window seat. The beige cushions look well-loved, clearly a favorite spot. Through the glass, the storm intensifies, snow swirling in angry patterns while tree branches shake violently.
He guides me to the window seat, and I catch Mia whispering something to Kym that makes them both glance in my direction. I ignore them.
"Knox?" Kym interrupts us, standing a few feet away. "Can you please help? I think I have a splinter..."
"You're still wearing gloves," he points out without looking away from me, but I notice her scowl as she slips away.
"I don't mind if you help her. She's your girlfriend, right?" Part of me is playing dumb, but I need to hear it from his lips.
"Fuck no!" he answers abruptly, his brow furrowing as if it hurts him just thinking about such a notion. "I don't have a girlfriend right now. Anyway, you should come trekking more often," he says to me, settling down near.
Not too close, but close enough that his scent wraps around me, leaving me buzzing all over. Especially with hearing he's a free man.
"Amazing how you can find yourself in the wilderness," he continues.
I laugh, but it comes out shakier than intended. "I would love that more than you can imagine."
"Tell me about you. What makes you buzz?" His tone is so casual.
"My brewery is my life." I go on to explain my creations in detail and end up speaking more than expected, then pause to take a sip of my drink. He's watching me closely, with more interest than just being polite. "But more recently, life has been a bit of a bitch."
His laugh is unexpected and rich. "You sound like me. When I lost my parents, I went dark. Really dark. Hated fucking everything." He runs a hand through his hair again, and the gesture is so endearing, it makes my chest ache. "That's actually how I found out about trekking in the mountains. Needed something to pull me out of the darkness."
"Did it work?"
"Not at first." He glances outside, then back at me. "First few trips, I just walked until I couldn't anymore. Then I collapsed wherever I ended up. Probably lucky I didn't freeze to death."
"What changed?"
"Met this old guide. Complete asshole, but he saw something in me. Made me learn proper survival skills, navigation, and first aid. Said if I was going to be stupid enough to walk into the wilderness, I should at least be smart enough to walk back out."
I find myself smiling. "Sounds like Eve." He gives me a questioning look. "My aunt. She had this way of helping people by pretending she wasn't helping at all."
"The best ones do." His smiles, his piercing eyes never leaving me, and something in my stomach flips. "Anyway, he got me into proper training. Then, I discovered surfing on a trip to California. Something about catching waves... it's like time stops. Nothing exists except you and the water."
I know very little about surfing except that those who do it are super brave to ride those huge waves.
"Is that why you compete?"
"Partly." He shifts, and his arm brushes mine. Tingles zip through me at the contact, and there's something so comforting just chatting with him. "Mostly it gives me purpose. Something to work toward, you know?"
The question hits deeper than he probably intended. What is my purpose? The bar, obviously. Eve's legacy. But is that enough? Is that why I'm fighting so hard to keep it?
"Sorry." His voice brings me back. "Got philosophical there. Want to hear a really bad joke instead?"
"Hit me." I recline, adoring the way he smiles at me.
"What did the buffalo say to his kid when he dropped him off at school?"
I frown. "I'm afraid to ask."
"Bison!" His grin is ridiculous and perfect.
I groan but can't help laughing. "That's terrible."
"I've got worse. What do you call a bear with no teeth?"
"Please, no."
"A gummy bear!"
"Stop!" I'm giggling now, and the way he looks at me makes my heart stutter.
This is dangerous. I shouldn't feel this pull toward him, not when Garrett's kiss still burns on my lips. Not when my body responds to both of them in ways I've never experienced with other Alphas.
"Knox?" Mia appears beside us suddenly, frowning. "Could you check the weather updates? I'm worried about my family back in town with this storm…"
He sighs. "Sure. Ruby, stay put. I've got more terrible jokes when I get back."
The moment he leaves and heads to the back of the room with Mia, Kym materializes at my side. "Having fun?"
"Loads." I sip my cocoa. "Your splinter feeling better?"
"Listen carefully," she hisses. "We've been working on Knox for weeks. He's ours. Back off, or you'll regret it."
I laugh, which clearly isn't the response she expected. "He's not a project to work on . He's a person."
"You have no idea who you're dealing with." Her sweet smile is crooked. "We've seen how he looks at you. It stops now."
"Everything okay here?" Sarah asks, joining us.
"Just explaining to Ruby how things work," Kym says brightly. "About respect and territory."
"And I was just leaving." I stand, but Mia blocks my path.
"You know what happens to homewreckers in these mountains?" she asks. "Such dangerous terrain. Accidents happen all the time."
Her threat sits heavily on me.
Before I can respond, Knox returns. "Storm's getting worse. Looks like we're here for the night. Settle in and get cozy."
Through the window, the storm intensifies. Snow whips past in white sheets, and the wind sounds almost alive. Something about it raises the hair on my neck.
Or maybe that's just the knowledge that I'm trapped in a cabin with two Omegas who stare at me like I'm their arch-enemy.
This should be fun.