Chapter 5
DARA
I've been rescued. By a giant, burly, broad mountain man who barely speaks and jumped off a cliff with me in his arms.
My head is spinning, but at least it's not because I've been breathing in smoke. My waterproof camera bag is still secure enough, I hope, but that's the least of my worries. I know I'm safe, even though the shivers of cold and the shock I was warned against starting to take over.
At least with the reflective blanket, I'm starting to warm up. I lean my head against the rock face behind me, looking up at the sky. The setting sun is a bloody red with the tint of fire and smoke hanging in the air, and it feels ominous.
A far cry from the beautiful day I walked out into this morning.
My eyes drift closed as exhaustion overtakes me. For just a moment, I think I'll let myself rest. A chance to reset and refresh my energy so I can face whatever comes next.
When I jolt awake, it's to the feeling of strong arms around me and the feeling of a muscled chest beneath my head. Definitely more comfortable than the rocky surface I was originally leaning against.
"Feeling better?" His voice is still rough, low enough that I have to really listen to decipher what he's saying. "You were shivering a lot, so I thought sharing body heat would be a good idea."
I nod, soaking in the warmth and strength he exudes. I try for a joke. "If we're going to be this close, I should at least know your name."
He pauses, checking our surroundings with a narrowed gaze before grunting. "Aiden."
I twist in his lap, getting a good look at him for the first time. He's ditched the face covering he was wearing when he first appeared. A tidy, well-kept beard covers the lower half of his face, but it doesn't soften the shape of his jaw. In fact, it adds to the intensity of everything about him.
"You ate?" His voice is so gravelly that it sounds almost strained. Maybe it's the smoke exposure. My throat is sore, my own voice raspy and rough when I finally answer.
"Yes. Thank you for that. I wasn't hungry, but I feel much better now."
He nods, once more turning his attention to the river and the shore we're sheltering on. It's still somewhat clear of smoke and I can breathe easier than before. Aiden's grip is gentle, anchoring me and making me feel secure, but not restrained or trapped.
"When you're ready, we'll head out. Won't be able to get you back to the resort right now, but I know a place where we can stay. It's out of the path of the fire, and that should give the crews enough time to gain control."
With the situation I'm in, I can't be anything but grateful. "Is it like a cave or something?" I don't know why I'm picturing that. Maybe it's the mountain terrain or the rock outcropping we're sitting on.
"Hunter's cabin. They're basic, but well stocked. People take care of their own up here. We'll be all right."
"Do you live up here?" The conversation keeps me calm, and even though his answers are short and to the point, it's better than sitting in silence.
"Up the mountain a bit. But we can't make it there now."
The idea that the fire might ruin his home makes me even sadder than I already was. "I'm sorry."
He shrugs, and passes me the canteen of fresh water, silently urging me to take a drink.
"We'll leave soon."
That's all I get from him for the time being, and I do my best to fill the silence with a stream of one way conversation, details about my family, my favorite books, the meal I'll be most excited to eat when this is all over. It helps keep the panic lurking in my mind as quiet as possible.
At least until he tells me it's time to go.
We have to face the fire all over again.
And I'm not sure I can.