7. Zara

7

ZARA

T he next morning, I glance down at the simple dress I just threw on, suddenly feeling self-conscious. The thin cotton clings to my curves, leaving little to the imagination. And I haven't even put on a bra, so my nipples are hard and taut against the fabric.

Should I wear something like this around Aksel?

Yesterday, I thought he was going to fuck me the moment he saw me in a similar dress, although it was maybe a bit more revealing. His intense gaze and desire were palpable, like a living force in the small cabin. I shiver, though not from the chill in the air.

My mind drifts to his powerful physique, those broad shoulders and chiseled features. He's all man—rugged, brooding, and utterly masculine. I've never met anyone like him. The way he moves, the confidence in his stride, the raw power simmering beneath the surface... it's intoxicating.

I can't deny the pull toward him, like a moth drawn to a flame.

What would it be like to finally experience a man's touch? To be claimed and possessed by someone like him?

His bedroom door is closed as I exit my room. After yesterday's tension, I'm a little freaked out, and if I'm honest a little intrigued too. Aksel is raw masculinity, and a part of me wants to explore our connection. Allow him to take control and show me depths of passion I've only ever dreamed about or imagined while I masturbated with my dildo.

At twenty-four years old, being a virgin is rather embarrassing. Still, I guess that's what happens when you spend your life obsessed with science and being a fucking nerd. Guys don't exactly love a woman who won't shut up about weather patterns.

I slip on my rain boots and lightweight jacket, needing to escape the confines of the cabin for a bit. The weight of Aksel's presence and the tension crackling between us is becoming stifling. A short walk may clear my head.

Quietly, I open the cabin door, not wanting to alert Aksel to my departure. The damp forest air caresses my face as I step outside, the drizzling rain leaving a dewy sheen on the surrounding foliage. I pull my hood over my head and head down the narrow dirt path leading away from the cabin.

With each step, I feel the knot in my chest loosening. The sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, distant birdcalls, the steady patter of raindrops—drown out the riot of thoughts swirling in my mind. I focus on the squish of mud beneath my boots, the earthy scent of damp earth.

Rounding a bend, I spot a small clearing up ahead. Sunlight filters through the clouds and canopy and illuminates the vibrant green of the mossy ground. I make my way over, my boots leaving imprints in the spongy terrain. Nestled in the center of the clearing is a large, moss-covered boulder. I clamber up and settle onto the flat surface, crossing my legs and letting the tranquility of this little haven wash over me.

I tilt my face, letting the gentle rainfall kiss my skin. Despite the solitude, I can't shake the feeling of being watched, as if the trees have eyes observing my every move. Is it my overactive imagination playing tricks, or is the forest holding its breath in anticipation?

The snap of a twig somewhere behind me shatters the stillness. I stiffen, my heart pounding as I strain to hear other sounds. Seconds tick by in heavy silence.

Then, another crack of branches, much closer this time. I whip my head around, my breath catching in my throat as I turn to see a wolf staring right at me.

Shit.

My scream pierces the stillness of the forest as the wolf's lips peel back, revealing razor-sharp fangs. A deep, menacing growl rumbles from its throat, raising the hairs on the back of my neck.

"N-Nice doggy," I stammer, sliding off the boulder. My boots hit the mossy ground with a squelch as I back away, hands raised before me.

The wolf steps forward, its piercing amber eyes locked on me. Another guttural snarl and I can't hold back the whimper that escapes my lips. Panic claws at my chest as the predator stalks closer, its powerful haunches rippling beneath its thick gray fur.

I spin on my heel and bolt, adrenaline propelling me forward. Branches whip at my face as I crash through the forest, not daring to look back. My lungs burn, my heart thunders in my ears, and I race blindly through the forest.

A twisted root catches my foot, and I pitch forward with a cry. The muddy ground rushes up, and I brace myself for the impact, throwing my hands out. Wet leaves and moss cushion my fall, but the wind is still knocked from me in a harsh wheeze.

Gasping, I scramble to get my feet under me, terror lending me strength. Where is the path? Which way is the cabin? My eyes dart frantically between the towering pines surrounding me. Goddamn it. Everything looks the same.

The wolf emerges from the trees, its muzzle wrinkled in a vicious snarl as a growl reverberates through its chest. This is it. I'm going to die here, torn apart by a wild animal in the middle of the Norwegian forest.

The wolf tenses, hind legs gathering beneath it, ready to pounce. I squeeze my eyes shut, bracing for the attack, when a deafening roar shatters the air around us.

My eyes fly open to see Aksel charging toward us, a terrifying sight. He's shirtless, his chiseled torso glistening with rain, tattooed arms bulging with corded muscle. An axe is gripped in one powerful fist.

The wolf falters, ears flattening against its skull as it turns its attention to the threat. Aksel is like a force of nature, power radiating from his imposing frame. He advances with deliberate steps, the axe swinging menacingly at his side.

A warning growl rumbles from the wolf's throat as it analyzes this new adversary. For a breathless moment, the two titans of the forest stare each other down, the air crackling with tension.

Aksel's chest heaves with each breath, raindrops glistening on his tanned skin. His eyes blaze with a primal intensity that makes my heart stutter. He raises the axe slightly, muscles coiling in readiness to strike.

The wolf's lips peel back over its fangs again, and I can't help the whimper that escapes. Please don't let them fight. I can't bear the thought of either one of them getting hurt.

Aksel's head snaps in my direction at the sound, and our eyes lock. His nostrils flare. A fleeting look of concern ghosts across his harsh features before that steely resolve slams back into place.

With a powerful swing of his arm, Aksel hurls the axe. It spins end over end before embedding itself in the ground mere inches from the wolf with a dull thud. The beast startles, letting out a yelp of surprise and dancing back a few paces.

"Leave," Aksel growls, his deep voice laced with quiet menace. "Now."

The wolf's eyes dart between Aksel and the axe. For a tense heartbeat, the great beast appears to weigh its options. Then, with a last look at the both of us, it turns and melts back into the shadowed forest.

The moment the wolf disappears from view, the fight goes out of Aksel. His massive shoulders slump, and he drags a hand down his rain-drenched face with an explosive sigh.

I can't tear my eyes away from Aksel as he strides toward me, the rain sluicing down his sculpted form. His expression is thunderous and his jaw is clenched so tightly the muscle is twitching. But there's also a glimmer of relief flickering in those stormy blue-gray depths.

"What the hell were you thinking wandering off alone like that?" he growls, stopping before me. Despite the anger lacing his words, his hands are remarkably gentle as he grasps my shoulders, giving me a slight shake. "You could've been killed."

I flinch at the intensity blazing in his eyes. The scent of rainwater, musk, and something unmistakably male surrounds me, making my head spin.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammer, feeling impossibly small beneath his smoldering gaze. "I needed some air. I didn't mean to worry you."

One dark brow arches skeptically. "Worry me?" He lets out a low, humorless chuckle, shaking his head. "littlefugl, you terrified me."

My eyes widen at the unexpected admission, and I search his face for any hint of deception. But Aksel's features are an unreadable mask, that tiny flicker of vulnerability already tucked away. Still, I can't ignore the way my heart stumbles over itself at his rare show of emotion.

Seeming to realize how close we're standing, Aksel drops his hands from my shoulders and steps back, raking a hand through his dripping wet hair. "Just don't wander off again without me, okay?" His tone is gruff but laced with an unmistakable undercurrent of concern. "These woods can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. If that wolf had been with a small pack, you'd be torn apart by now, and I wouldn't have been able to save you."

I nod mutely, unable to find my voice beneath the weight of his intense regard. My skin tingles from where his calloused palms gripped me, the memory of his solid warmth searing into me.

"Follow me," he growls, spinning on his heel and leading back toward the cabin.

I trail after him, my steps faltering as I see his broad, muscular back, each flex and ripple of muscle mesmerizing. He's so fucking beautiful.

By the time we reach the cabin door, I'm practically panting, desire and adrenaline swirling in a heady rush. Aksel pauses on the threshold, turning to face me.

"Get inside and dry off," he rumbles, holding my gaze captive with those piercing eyes. "We'll talk once you've warmed up."

I bite the inside of my cheek and don't move. "The storm seems to have cleared. Can't I do some research this afternoon?" I'm eager to get started. Sitting around in a tiny cabin with this man is driving me fucking insane.

I suck in a sharp breath as Aksel's eyes narrow at my request, his expression darkening like a thundercloud rolling in. Tension crackles between us, the air practically sizzling with it.

"You want to go traipsing around the woods again?" he growls, taking a slow, deliberate step toward me. I instinctively shrink back, my heart pounding as that predatory gaze rakes over me. "After nearly becoming a wolf's chew toy?"

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I bristle at his condescending tone. "I'm not a child who needs to be scolded," I snap, lifting my chin defiantly despite how my pulse races beneath his smoldering stare. "I made a mistake, but I'd like to start my research soon."

Aksel gives a low, rumbling chuckle. He closes the distance between us in two long strides, his imposing frame towering over mine. I track the rivulets of rainwater trailing the cords of muscle on his chest and abdomen.

"You think you can waltz back out there, and everything will be sunshine and wildflowers, littlefugl?" His deep voice is a velvet purr caressing my senses. "The forest is my domain, and I decide when it's safe for you to enter."

I swallow hard, my mouth is suddenly dry as cotton. Aksel's eyes have a gleam that makes me feel utterly exposed, like he can see straight through to the molten desire simmering beneath my skin.

"I-I need to start collecting data soon," I stammer. "If the storm has passed, there's no reason I can't head out for a few hours this afternoon with you as my guide."

Aksel cocks one dark brow, his lips curling into a slow, predatory smile that makes my knees go weak. "You're awfully eager to put yourself in harm's way again, aren't you?" He leans in closer, his woodsy scent surrounding me and making my head spin. "Are you intentionally trying to test me?"

I want to move away, to escape the searing intensity of his stare, but I'm utterly transfixed. Pinned like a butterfly to a board beneath his gaze.

After a long, heated moment, Aksel straightens with a shake of his head. "I'll check the forecast," he rumbles, stepping back and allowing me to draw in a breath. "If it looks clear, I'll decide if you can venture out today. But you'd be wise to prepare yourself for staying put until tomorrow."

My shoulders slump in disappointment, but I know better than to argue. Aksel's tone brooks no debate—he's not asking for my input, merely stating what will happen. A shiver skates down my spine, my core clenching with a strange mix of frustration and arousal.

He holds my gaze for another moment before turning on his heel and striding into the cabin, leaving me flushed and flustered on the porch. I'm mesmerized by the play of his powerful muscles shifting beneath the inked canvas of his back.

I feel that Aksel will keep me under his watchful eye no matter what the forecast says. The thought should terrify me that I'm at the mercy of this intense, unpredictable man.

But a reckless part of me wants nothing more than for him to lock me away in his cabin and have his way with me.