Chapter 13

chapter

thirteen

Vigil metthem on the path back to their cabin, his face a blank mask, giving nothing away. "You can't be out here. These woods are dangerous at night."

"We're fine." Cal stepped in front of Ellie, blocking her from Vigil's view. She was still pale, and he could feel the tremors of fear under his hand on her back. She didn't need this muscled meathead frightening her more. "Just needed some fresh air after... whatever that was."

Vigil studied them for a moment, his gaze flicking between their faces before finally landing on Cal. "You saw her, didn't you? The girl."

Ellie sucked in a sharp breath. Cal pulled her closer to his side and gave her a gentle squeeze of warning. It probably wasn't the best plan going undercover with the world's worst poker player.

"What girl?"

Vigil's expression was stony. "Are you here to help her?"

Well, fuck. Their cover story had lasted all of twelve hours. He'd hoped they'd at least get a couple days before things started unraveling.

Cal kept his gaze steady, not letting Vigil see a flicker of surprise. He made a pretense of looking puzzled. "I'm sorry. I think you have the wrong idea."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ellie give him a sharp look. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze behind his back, silently telling her to trust in him.

Vigil crossed his arms over his chest, scrutinizing them. "The fuck I do," he finally said. "I know who you are. Who you both are. I'm the one who cleared you to come here." His stern demeanor melted into something more pleading. "She needs help. We all do."

Before Cal could respond, Serenity appeared on the path. "There you are. You had us all so worried."

Vigil's expression hardened back into the unreadable mask. "Go back to your cabin. We'll discuss this in the morning." He turned to Serenity, who was wringing her hands nervously. "Keep an eye on them," he ordered and disappeared into the darkness.

Once he was out of sight, Serenity turned to them with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry if Vigil scared you. He's very protective of all of us."

"It's fine," Cal said. "We're fine."

Her smile didn't waver, but something flashed in her eyes before she could hide it. "How did you like the ceremony?"

"It was…" He glanced at Ellie, not sure how to complete that sentence.

"A lot to take in," she finished for him, her voice stronger than he expected. "I needed a moment to process it."

Serenity nodded. "The energy can be overwhelming for newcomers. Shall I guide you back to your cabin?"

"Thank you."

Serenity took them both by the hands and led them to their cabin.

The wooden cabin was large and spacious with a small sitting area, a kitchenette, and a single king-sized bed draped in white linen. Someone had lit a fire in the fireplace in the corner and the flames crackled merrily, casting a warm glow around the room.

Serenity gestured toward the bed. "You're probably exhausted after your journey. Rest now. Tomorrow we begin at dawn with meditation."

"Thank you," Ellie said again.

She bowed and slipped out of the cabin as silently as she had come, leaving them alone.

Though, Cal suspected they were never completely alone within the commune's walls.

Wordlessly, he stripped off the green robe, the smell of the oil now nauseating in the small, enclosed space.

Ellie sat on the edge of the bed, her arms curled protectively around herself. "What just happened?"

Cal shook his head and pressed a finger to his lips, then crossed to bed and sat down close enough beside her that their thighs touched. He put his lips next to her ear. "I think they're listening."

Her eyes rounded behind her glasses, but she didn't panic like he half-expected her to. Instead, she leaned in until her exhale tickled his ear, sending a very inconvenient bolt of lust straight to his cock.

This is an act. Not real.

"Can we trust Vigil?" she whispered.

"We can't trust anyone." He pushed her glasses up and brushed a wayward curl behind her ear. His fingers lingered, tracing the freckles that sprinkled her porcelain skin. This was a dangerous place for them to be in so many ways.

He stood and turned away so she wouldn't see how her nearness was affecting him. "Serenity's right. We should sleep. I'll take the floor."

Ellie's voice was soft but firm in the dim, flickering light. "No, you won't."

He turned to find her staring at him, determination in her blue eyes. "We're supposed to be together, remember? We sleep in the same bed. It's plenty big enough for the both of us." She hesitated before adding, "And it'll be safer that way... in case something happens."

Their proximity would certainly not be safe for his sanity, or his heart, but he couldn't deny the practicality of her words.

"Okay." He nodded toward the small bathroom. "Do you want to clean up first?"

She nodded and stood, hesitating for only a beat before picking up the plain cotton nightgown the commune had provided. She disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind her.

While she was gone, he told his body to settle the fuck down, then studied his assigned pile of clothes. They reminded him of some of the costumes he'd seen when his cousin dragged him to a renaissance faire—long linen tunics and loose pants.

Ellie emerged from the bathroom, and, despite his mental pep talk, his body once again betrayed him. The nightgown was modest, shapeless even, reaching down to her ankles but the way it hugged her curves as she moved made his mouth go dry. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, and he found himself yearning to bury his fingers in those curls.

"Your turn," she said, sliding under the covers.

He nodded and quickly gathered his clothes, retreating into the cramped bathroom. He turned on the cold shower, hoping to shock his cock into behaving. It worked. Mostly.

When he returned, Ellie had already snuggled under the covers, her blonde curls fanned out on the pillow. She looked impossibly small and vulnerable against the crisp white linen.

He climbed into bed beside her, his every nerve ending aware of their shared warmth in the cool room. The mattress creaked softly under

his weight, and Ellie turned her head to look at him. Her glasses were off, leaving her vulnerable blue eyes wide open to him. They watched each other in the flickering light for a long, lingering moment.

"Cal?" Her voice was soft and uncertain.

"Yeah?" He forced his own voice to remain steady, despite the pounding of his heart that threatened to betray his feelings.

"Do you think Hope is really here?"

The question hung heavily in the air between them. He could see the hope flickering in her eyes, but also the fear. The fear of what finding her sister might mean.

"If she is, we'll find her."

She nodded and rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. He wanted to reach out and comfort her, but he didn't trust himself not to cross a boundary they couldn't afford to blur.

Instead, he lay on his side, watching her silhouette against the dim light.

"Goodnight, Cal," she murmured.

"Goodnight, Ellie."

Her breathing slowly evened out, indicating sleep had claimed her. But for Cal, sleep was elusive. He lay there in the darkness, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts about their current predicament and the woman beside him.

He waited a while longer before allowing himself to look at her again, studying her features in the glow of the fire. The faint frown line between her eyebrows as she slept, the gentle rise and fall of her chest beneath the blanket, her lips parted slightly as she breathed. He resisted the impulse to tuck that one rebellious curl behind her ear.

She was enchanting, even in sleep.

The longing was tangible, an ache deep in his bones. His hand twitched toward her, but he buried it under the pillow out of sight.

He closed his eyes and time slipped away, measured only by the soft rhythm of Ellie's breaths beside him. He was just drifting off when a noise snapped him back to alertness. His eyes shot open, scanning the dark room for any sign of danger.

It was a soft thump outside the cabin. An animal, maybe, or?—

His gaze landed on Ellie who stirred in her sleep, her brow furrowing before smoothing out again.

She was safe.

For now.

His entire body was tense, strung like a bow ready to snap into action at the slightest hint of danger. Ellie deserved as much. She deserved a knight in shining armor - a champion. Maybe that's what he was trying to be – her defender in this strange place.

Deciding he was done playing possum, Cal sat up and got out of bed. His eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, and he walked around the cabin inspecting each corner, each window. He knew the unease won't let him rest again tonight.

The noise came again, followed by a soft rustling as if someone was moving stealthily in the night. His heartbeat quickened, all his senses on high alert. His hand crept to the side of the bed where he'd left his clothes neatly folded, fingers closing around the solid weight of the small pocketknife he always carried.

He slid from under the covers and moved toward the cabin's flimsy door without making a sound, allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness. The fire had died down to embers but was enough for him to see vague shapes around the room. He tried to listen past his own heartbeat, every muscle in his body coiled and ready.

Taking a deep, grounding breath, he eased the door open, wincing as it creaked softly. A blanket of cold air washed over him as he stepped outside into the moonless night.

The commune was eerily silent, save for the occasional nocturnal rustling of leaves and chirping of crickets. He squinted into the shadows between cabins, trying to pick out any movement in the darkness.

Nothing.

He retreated back inside, only half convinced he was just being paranoid. Despite the restless energy humming under his skin, he laid back down. He listened to the crackling fire and the distant sounds of the night; his senses were on high alert. Every rustle of leaves, every creak of wood, singed his nerves, and he silently cursed their situation. They were trapped in a den of wolves, lying here vulnerable with no idea who was friend or foe.

His heart constricted at the thought of what could happen here, to both of them. Danger lurked around every corner of this place. He sensed it; it was in the air, a low buzzing undercurrent like the approach of a storm. It lay heavy on his chest with each breath he took.

A shadow flickered past the thin curtains covering the cabin's only window and he sat up.

Someone was out there.

He slipped from the bed and pressed his body against the wall next to the door and waited, every nerve ending screaming in tensed anticipation.

The handle of the door twitched, and Cal's grip tightened around the knife. He waited, every muscle in his body taut with anticipation. The handle moved again, a slow, deliberate turn.

He waited until the door was pushed open a crack. And then, he pounced. Grabbing the intruder by the collar, he slammed him back against the door frame.

"Who are you?" Cal demanded.

To his surprise, the man growled.

No, wait.

Not the man.

A dog.

He glanced down in shock at the mop of a dog. The ponytail of dreadlocks sprouting from its head was unmistakable.

"Razzy?"

Raszta stopped growling and gave a tentative tail wag.

Cal stepped back and pulled the hood off his attacker's head.

A familiar face scowled back at him. Pierce St. James shook off his grip and signed, "I knew you were doing something really fucking stupid."

Cal glanced at Ellie as she stirred in bed and waited until she settled again before whispering, "You followed us?"

Pierce looked at him as if he were an idiot. "Of course I did."

"Why?"

"Ellie looked like she was going to the gallows when she dropped Puzzle off at the rescue. Knew something was up." His gaze strayed over Cal's shoulder to where Ellie was still sleeping. "How is she?"

"Worried. Scared." Cal crossed his arms over his chest. The half-veiled concern in Pierce's gaze was puzzling. It seemed that there was something more to his presence here than he admitted. Was it possible that he was worried about Ellie? A sharp sting of jealousy caught him off-guard, and he immediately squashed it down. "Why are you really here?"

The former soldier shrugged. "I was bored. Nothing much going on around the rescue."

"You were bored, so you followed Ellie up the mountain?"

Pierce didn't respond. Whatever his real reasoning, he didn't intend to share. The man was a vault when it came to his personal feelings.

Cal shook his head. "You need to leave."

Pierce's gaze strayed to Ellie again. "You shouldn't have dragged her here."

"If you think anyone can drag Ellie anywhere, you don't know her," Cal hissed, pausing when she shifted in bed. He waited until she settled again before continuing. "She wanted to come and was going to whether or not I agreed to go with her. What else was I supposed to do?"

Pierce gave him a dry look that clearly said he thought Cal's decision-making skills were questionable at best.

"Look, if you're just here to criticize, then leave."

"I'll leave when I know she's safe."

Cal shifted uneasily at this, a sick feeling coiling in his gut. "She's not your responsibility."

"No, she chose you for that."Pierce's signs were sharp, pointed. "But she's my friend, and I won't abandon her when she's in danger. Something's not right about this place. I can feel it in my gut."

He opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. He couldn't deny that this place was wrong, a twisted version of the peaceful commune they claimed to be. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of what could be lurking behind the faux tranquility, waiting to bare its teeth.

"You're not wrong," he finally admitted. "But she needs this closure."

Pierce exhaled a long slow breath and glanced at Ellie again. Then he signed, "This is about Hope?"

"Of course it's about Hope. What did you think it was about?"

Pierce didn't respond. But he didn't need to. Cal was starting to see the whole picture.

"You thought I was trying to win her back by… what? Bringing her to a cult to be brainwashed into loving me?"

Pierce merely grunted. Not confirming, but not denying it either.

"Wow. You really don't like me, do you?" And that realization strung. He'd thought they were friends.

Again, he got no response and let the silence stretch between them. As always, Pierce was a fortress of stoicism.

Razzy, unbothered by the tension between them, gave a soft whine and nudged against Pierce's leg. Cal glanced down, his annoyance softening at the sight of the faithful dog.

Realizing he wouldn't get any more from Pierce tonight, he sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "You can't go back down to the rescue and tell Zak we're here. Zak will tell Ash, and you know that grumpy bastard will find a way to shut this all down. Then, Ellie won't get the answers she needs. Her sister was here long enough to have a child. We know that for sure. The girl is here, and Hope could still be here somewhere, too."

"I'm not going anywhere,"Pierce finally signed.

"You can't stay here. It's dangerous."

Pierce scoffed and lifted his shoulder in a nonchalant gesture that confirmed the casual disregard he had for danger. "I lost my voice, not my balls."

Cal glared at him, but the edge of his anger had worn off. How could he stay mad at a man who was willing to risk his own safety for someone else's? Pierce was stubborn, infuriating, and probably more than a little bit insane because none of the members of Redwood Coast Rescue were the picture of mental health. But he was also as fiercely loyal as his dog. And right now, Cal needed all the loyalty he could get.

"If you stay, they can't know you're here."

"They'll never see me," Pierce signed. "And if you fail Ellie in any way— if you hurt her— hell, if you annoy her, then I'm stepping in and taking her home."

Now, that was a plan he could get behind. He hated to admit it, but knowing he had backup nearby, someone ready and able to whisk Ellie away from danger, eased some of the tension from his shoulders.

He extended his hand in a peace offering. "I can live with that."

For a moment, Pierce studied his hand as if it were a trap, then sighed and accepted the shake.

"I'll check back in with you tomorrow night,"he signed before slipping back into the darkness with the dog on his heels.

Cal turned to look at Ellie's sleeping figure bathed in the pale moonlight filtering through the window. Her face was serene in sleep, all lines of worry smoothed away. He couldn't protect her from everything—her panic attack at the bonfire tonight proved as much. But having Pierce lurking in the shadows made him feel better about her chances of escaping this unharmed.