Chapter 15
15
RUBY
T he purr of Knox’s Range Rover fades as we pull into the parking lot. I can’t help but think this place looks like something out of those Hallmark movies I refuse to watch. Three stories of rustic wooden grandeur stretch before us, all perfect logs and gleaming windows, practically dripping with old money. What am I doing here?
“An Alpha will only hurt you, Ruby. They’re all the same in the end.” My mother’s words echo in my head, the same warning she’d whisper every time she covered another bruise with makeup. I push the thought away, focusing instead on how the snow catches the light from the wrought-iron lanterns lining the circular drive.
When Knox kills the engine, I watch, mesmerized, as he climbs out from the driver’s seat. The black suit transforms him from rugged mountain man to something far more dangerous—a predator in civilized clothing. The fabric stretches across his shoulders as he moves, and I catch myself wondering how someone can look even more untamed in formal wear than they did in climbing gear.
He didn’t bother with a tie, and the open collar of his white shirt reveals just enough skin to be distracting. A primal part of me wants to trace the strong column of his throat with my tongue.
Jesus , Ruby, get it together.
The cold mountain air hits my face as Knox opens my door, and I’m grateful for the shock of it against my heated skin. He offers his hand with an exaggerated flourish that should look ridiculous but somehow doesn’t.
“I never pictured you like this,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady as I step out. “All polished and going to fancy places. What happened to the guy who could start a fire with two sticks and his sheer stubbornness?”
His laugh is low and rich, sending shivers down my spine that have nothing to do with the temperature. “Oh, I haven’t even shown you my fire skills, but he’s still here. I just clean up well when properly motivated.”
The way his gaze rakes over me makes it clear exactly what that motivation is, and my inner self preens despite my best efforts to stay cool and detached.
“ Don’t fall for it ,” my mother’s voice warns. “ Once they know they affect you, it’s over.”
“My lady,” he continues sarcastically, and there’s also that growl underneath his playful tone that makes me weak. “I grew up in places like this with my parents. Couldn’t wait to escape them then, but they have their uses now.” His hand finds the small of my back, warm and steady. “I hope it’s okay? I wanted somewhere special.”
“It’s perfect.”
Around us, the mountain lodge is a winter wonderland dream. Massive pine trees drip with thousands of white lights, their branches heavy with fresh snow. Wooden sculptures flank the front steps, wolves mid-hunt, bears rearing up, eagles in flight. A long line of luxury cars are parked nearby, all spotless despite the snow-covered roads.
“I have no idea where we’re going,” I admit. “But I already love it...” The words catch in my throat as Knox’s hand slides lower on my back, pulling me against him with casual possession. Heat radiates from him, and his scent—chocolate, fresh snow, and thunderstorms—wraps around me like a physical touch.
“The only beautiful thing I see is you,” he says.
I want to roll my eyes at the line, but the raw honesty in his voice stops me. His fingers trace idle patterns on my back through the thin fabric of my dress, each touch sending sparks through my nervous system.
“You weren’t lying in your email about wearing something that will make me lose my breath.”
I fight the urge to fidget with my aunt’s necklace at his compliment. The red dress felt like a statement when I put it on or maybe a challenge. Long-sleeved but with a neckline that plunges deeper than anything I’d normally wear, the fabric clings to my body before falling to my ankles with a daring slit up one side. Lily had insisted I buy it months ago, declaring it made for a hot date, but it had hung untouched in my closet until tonight. Something about Knox made me want to be brave. Or reckless. Probably both.
“A dress like that,” Knox says, voice dropping to a rumble that I feel in my bones. “Makes a man think dangerous thoughts.” His fingers catch a loose curl of my hair, twirling it slowly. “You have no idea what you do to me, do you?”
“Maybe I do.” I try for sass, hoping he can’t hear my heart thundering.
His grin is sharp enough to cut. “Careful, pretty girl. I might take that as a challenge.”
“Run ,” my mother’s voice whispers, but for the first time in my life, I don’t want to.
Knox guides me toward the entrance, past a group of guests who look like they ordered their entire ski wardrobes from a magazine spread. One woman is tottering in stiletto heels that would be a death sentence outside, her white ski suit pristine and obviously never worn outdoors in the snow.
“What do you call a snowman with a six-pack?” Knox whispers in my ear, his breath warm against my skin.
I bite back a smile. “What?”
“An abdominal snowman.”
The laugh bursts out of me too quickly, gaining a few stares.
“That’s terrible! I can’t believe I’m actually laughing at that.”
“You love it,” he says with absolute certainty. “And I’m here to make you laugh.”
Instead of heading toward the main restaurant where most guests are gathering, Knox leads me past it, his hand never leaving my back. We move through hallways, where staff members nod at him and point us forward. I want to ask how often he comes here, what other women he’s brought to this clearly exclusive spot, but I bite my tongue.
We emerge onto a massive open balcony, and my breath catches at the sight before us—an enclosed cable car waiting just for us, its transparent walls promising an incredible view. It’s larger than I expected, more luxury transport than a typical ski lift, with comfortable benches facing each other and soft lighting.
“After you,” Knox says, steadying me as I step in, and it’s instantly warm inside. I’m grateful for the low heels I chose, especially when the cabin sways slightly. He follows and settles beside me, close enough that his thigh presses against mine, and the cabin begins its smooth ascent up the mountain.
The world opens up beneath us, a landscape of snow and lights. Ski slopes curve down the mountainside, their paths marked by twinkling lights. The main lodge grows smaller, and in the distance lies the explosion of lights from Whispering Grove. Above us, the sky is impossibly clear, stars beginning to peek through the deep blue.
“I used to hate Christmas lights,” I admit, pressing my hand against the glass. “Thought they were tacky. But from up here...” I trail off, watching my breath fog the transparent wall.
I’m acutely aware of how he’s shifted closer on the seat, one arm stretched along the back of the bench behind me.
“From up here, they’re kind of magical.” I wrinkle my nose. “God, that was cheesy. Please don’t tell anyone I said that. I have a reputation to maintain.”
His laugh rumbles through me. “Your secret’s safe with me.” His free hand finds my knee, his thumb tracing small circles that send heat spiraling through me. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since the mountain hike.”
I try to keep my breathing steady. “Because I could have died?” I joke, though it’s not really funny.
“Yes, and the way you got fought back up, how you never let it mess with your head.” His hand slides a fraction higher, and I bite my lip. “How I held you all night, keeping you warm. Sexy as hell.”
“I think the altitude’s affecting your judgment.”
“I think you don’t see yourself clearly.” Knox’s voice has dropped lower, edged with something that has me paying closer attention. “Do you know what I thought the first time I saw you?”
I twist in my seat to look at him and nearly drown in the intensity of his gaze. “What?”
“There she is. The one I’ve been waiting for.” His free hand comes up to cup my face, thumb brushing over my bottom lip.
“Knox...” My voice comes out embarrassingly breathy. “Just let me look at you for a minute.” There’s nothing gentle about the way he’s looking at me. “You’re so fucking beautiful it hurts.”
The cabin continues its slow ascent, and I’m caught between taking in the view and watching Knox staring at me. His gaze tracks every movement, every breath, as if he’s memorizing me. When I shift in my seat, his hand tightens on my knee.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” he says… no, commands.
“I’m thinking this is insane,” I admit. “I’m thinking my mother would be horrified, but I hate that I just mentioned her. I’m thinking...” I take a shaky breath. “I’m thinking I don’t care about her judgment anymore.”
Something dangerous flashes in his eyes. “Good girl.”
Those two words shouldn’t affect me the way they do or have a tingle down in the pit of my stomach slide to between my thighs. I want to blame it on my impending heat—it has to be close, given how I’m reacting—but I worry it’s more than that.
The sky lift carries us higher, and I’m caught between the breathtaking view and the equally breathtaking man beside me. Below, the world has transformed into a glittering wonderland of lights and shadows, but Knox’s eyes never leave my face.
“Not having second thoughts about coming out with me tonight?” he asks, voice teasing but with that underlying current of heat that leaves my skin tingling.
I snort, channeling snark to hide how affected I am. “Please. You saved me. If you wanted to hurt me, you had your chance.”
His answering grin is pure predator. Then his fingers trail up my arm, feather-light but leaving fire in their wake.
“Why is your pulse racing, pretty girl?”
“Altitude,” I manage to say, but we both know it’s a lie. The way his nostrils flare tells me he can smell exactly what he’s doing to me, and that shouldn’t be as hot as it is.
“They’ll use your own body against you ,” my mother’s voice whispers. “ That’s how they trap you.”
When Knox’s hand slides into my hair, gently tugging my head back to expose my neck, trapped is the last thing I feel. Instead, I feel... powerful. Wanted. His eyes are dark, flooded with need, but he’s waiting, letting me make the choice.
“The view up here really is spectacular,” I say.
“Mm.” His thumb traces my jawline. “I couldn’t tell you. Haven’t taken my eyes off you long enough to notice.”
I laugh, but it catches in my throat as his grip tightens slightly. “That was terrible. Do you practice these lines in the mirror?”
He chuckles, and I love the sound of his laugh. He’s closer now, so close I can see the hues of blue in his eyes.
The growl that rumbles through his chest is pure Alpha, then he leans closer, and I meet him halfway. His mouth is on mine. The kiss starts slow, but there’s nothing careful about the way his hand fists in my hair to hold me in place or how his other arm bands around my waist, dragging me closer.
He tastes like winter air and something spicier. His tongue swirls with mine, and I moan at the effect he has on me. Knox responds with another growl, deepening the kiss until I’m practically climbing into his lap, my hands fisted in his jacket.
“Fucking perfect,” he mutters against my lips before trailing kisses down my neck. When he finds my pulse point, he nips lightly, and my whole body jerks. “Been wanting to taste you since the moment I saw you.”
“Knox...” I’m burning up, everything too much and not enough.
“I know, pretty girl.” His voice is rough, wrecked. “I know exactly what you need.”
The sky lift begins to slow, and Knox pulls back just enough to rest his forehead against mine. We’re both breathing hard, and I must look thoroughly kissed—lips swollen, hair mussed, cheeks flushed.
“You’re gorgeous like this,” he says, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “All hot and bothered because of me.”
“You’re very sure of yourself,” I manage to say, trying to gather my scattered wits.
His laugh is dark honey. “I can smell how wet you are. No point trying to pretend.”
Heat floods my face, but before I can respond, the cabin doors slide open at the upper platform. Knox helps me to my feet, steadying me when my knees prove less than reliable. Another lodge awaits us, smaller than the first but no less impressive, its windows glowing with warm light.
Inside, a staff member appears to take my coat, and Knox guides me up a curved staircase to a restaurant that steals my breath. The entire space is encased in glass walls, offering a panoramic view of the mountains. Lights twinkle below us like fallen stars, and above… I gasp as the first ribbons of green and pink dance across the clear sky.
“Aurora,” I whisper, enchanted.
Knox’s hand is possessive at my waist. “I’d hoped we’d catch them tonight. But honestly?” He leans down, his breath hot against my ear. “Watching you is a better show.”
My toes are curling in my closed heels at the things he says.
Our table is by the window, intimate without being stuffy. A linear fireplace runs through the center of the room, flames dancing in a straight line. The whole place manages to be upscale while keeping that cozy lodge feeling, all warm woods and soft lighting, with only a handful of other diners scattered around.
“I got us a set menu,” Knox says as we settle in. “If that’s okay?”
I nod, still a bit dazed from the kiss and the view and everything. “Whatever you think is best. I don’t exactly have a lot of experience with fancy mountain restaurants.”
His foot finds mine under the table, and the simple contact shouldn’t make my breath catch, but it does.
“Trust me?”
The question feels weighted with meaning.
“I’m starting to.”
“Good.” His smile is slow and satisfied. “I have plans for you, Ruby.”
The way he says my name makes it sound like a promise—or maybe a threat.
“Now, let’s begin,” he says. “What do you call a mountain climber who’s really bad at knock-knock jokes?” Knox asks suddenly, eyes twinkling with mischief. He’s loosened up even more since we sat down, jacket open, radiating casual authority like it’s his natural state. Which, let’s be honest, it probably is.
I play along. “What?”
“A cliffhanger.”
“Oh my God.” I laugh despite myself, shaking my head. “That was worse than the last one. How do you even know these?”
“My dad was the king of dad jokes,” he says, something softening in his expression. “But I notice you’re still laughing.”
“Maybe I’m just being polite.”
“Pretty girl, you’re a terrible liar.” His foot slides higher up my calf under the table, and my breath catches.
Soon enough, the waiter arrives at our table, and Knox orders our drinks, and the food starts arriving soon after. Evidently, it’s an eight-course meal, which is new.
The first course arrives—something delicate involving scallops and foam. Knox watches me taste it, his eyes darkening when I can’t hold back a small moan of pleasure.
“Good?” he asks, voice rougher than before.
“Amazing.” I take another one, trying to ignore how his intense focus makes my skin tingle. “Though I have to say, this is a far cry from the mac and cheese you made us up on the mountain.”
“What can I say?” He chuckles. Leaning back in his seat, he reaches for his whiskey in a glass. “I contain multitudes. But speaking of the mountain... you never did tell me why you signed up for that hike.”
I focus on my wine glass, watching the light play through the red liquid.
“Would you believe me if I said it was for exercise?”
“Not a chance.”
“Fine.” I sigh, setting down my fork. “I had a shit few days, then I got this flyer for a free day in the mountains. I seriously needed to escape the town, get away from it all, so it was too good to resist. Though my best friend saw us strolling in town and grilled me recently for falling for a cute mountain guy.”
“And did you?” He leans forward against the table.
“Maybe.” I meet his gaze, surprised by my own boldness.
The next few courses arrive—something with venison and wild mushrooms that smells incredible, vegetables, and polenta cubes with truffle. His gaze never leaves me as we eat, and I find him comfortable to be with, loving the attention he pays me.
“Tell me more about your bar,” he asks, cutting into his meat.
I welcome the distraction, telling him about inheriting it from my aunt, about learning to brew beer in the tiny back room, about the regular customers who’ve become family. He listens intently, asking questions that show he’s actually interested, not just being polite.
“You light up when you talk about it,” he observes, voice soft. “It’s beautiful.”
“Now, who’s being cheesy?”
“Just honest. I like seeing you passionate.”
“What about you?” I ask, trying to ignore how that simple touch makes my skin buzz. “Always going to be a mountain guide when you’re in Whispering Grove?”
Something dark flashes across his face.
“Thinking about it. It gets me into the outdoors, and it’s a great way to meet new people. Besides, after my parents passed away...” He pauses, jaw tight. “It gave me some perspective on what really matters.”
I reach across the table without thinking, covering his hand with mine. He turns his palm up, interlacing our fingers. I remember him telling me about them back in the mountains, but it doesn’t make it just as sorrowful hearing it a second time.
The waiter arrives with our next course—perfectly seared duck breast with cherry reduction—and I welcome the distraction. As I eat, I’m increasingly aware of every little thing. The way Knox’s legs brush mine or his fingers graze against my hand when he reaches for his whiskey glass, how his gaze follows my movements. And the heat building under my skin that has nothing to do with the fireplace or the wine.
“Tell me about the bar’s regulars,” Knox says, cutting into his duck. “I bet you have some characters.”
I launch into stories about Old Joe, who claims he once wrestled a bear, and Martha, who knits beer cozies for everyone at Christmas. Every time he leans forward, his scent covers me, and I’m buzzing with the excitement of being out to dinner with him.
By the time dessert arrives—some elaborate chocolate creation with gold leaf—I’m having trouble focusing on anything but him. How his hands dwarf the delicate dessert fork. The slight stubble darkening his jaw that I desperately want to feel against my skin.
“You’ve gone quiet,” he observes, his voice low and intimate. His foot finds mine under the table again, and the simple contact sends sparks up my leg.
“Just... thinking.” I take another sip of my wine, trying to cool down, but it’s not helping. My dress feels too tight, the room too warm, every nerve ending hypersensitive.
“About?” His thumb strokes over my knuckles, and I realize he’s been holding my hand across the table. When did that happen?
“About how this doesn’t feel real.” The words tumble out. “About how you look at me like... like...”
“Like you’re mine?” The possessiveness in his voice makes me shiver. “Like I’ve been waiting for you without even knowing it?” He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses my pulse point. “Like I’m falling for you while still getting to know you?”
The words wrap around me, and a smile tugs at my lips at hearing his confession. At the acknowledgment that I’m not too far from feeling the same way.
Combined with his touch, his scent, and the way he’s looking at me like he wants to devour me whole—it’s too much. My skin feels like it’s on fire, every breath carrying his scent deeper into my lungs until I’m dizzy with it.
“I need air,” I gasp, pushing back from the table. “Please, I just… I need to get outside.”
The concern in Knox’s eyes is immediate. He’s on his feet in seconds, throwing down what has to be an obscene amount of money, his hand steady at my back as he guides me toward the door. Outside, the cold air covers like a blessing. I kick off my shoes without thinking, letting my feet sink into the snow.
“Anything I can do to help?” he asks, but his tone says he knows exactly what’s wrong.
“You have no idea,” I gasp, my cheeks burning. My heat has to be close. There’s no other explanation for how intensely I’m reacting to him.
“Oh, I think I know exactly what you need, pretty girl.” He takes my hand, along with picking up my shoes, and walks me to our sky lift as it arrives. The moment we’re inside and moving, he pulls me against him. “Let me help you.”
His mouth finds mine, and this time, there’s nothing gentle about it. It’s all possession and need, his hands roaming my body like he owns it. Maybe he does. Maybe he always has.
“Once an Alpha claims you, you’re lost,” my mother’s voice whispers .
For the first time in my life, I think… fucking good.
His mouth claims mine with barely any control, his body pressed against mine. One hand cradles my face while the other spans my lower back, pulling me closer. The sky lift sways gently as it descends, but all I can focus on is Knox’s touch, the way his thumb traces my jawline, how his fingers flex against my spine.
“Do you want to slow down?” he whispers against my lips, but his actions betray his words as he pulls me even closer.
“Don’t,” I murmur, surprising myself. “Please don’t stop.”
A growl rumbles through his chest, and his kisses grow deeper, more demanding. His hand slides into my hair, tugging gently to angle my head just how he wants it as his mouth finds the tenderness of skin beneath my ear.
Those lips. That tongue. I moan, losing my mind.
“You don’t know what you’re asking for,” he says, voice rough.
“I think I do.” The words come out breathy, desperate. “I want this. I want you.”
His response is a kiss that makes my toes curl, passionate yet still somehow tender. He kisses me like I’m precious, as if I’m his, as though he’s been waiting his whole life to find me.
“You’ll regret this ,” my mother’s voice whispers in my head.
As Knox’s arms tighten around me and his mouth moves to that sensitive spot across my collarbone, I know with absolute certainty that she’s wrong. For the first time in my life, something feels completely, perfectly right.