Encounter With an Alpha

STORM

After a grueling two-day drive, they finally arrived at a sprawling resort on a Sunday afternoon. River and Storm climbed out of her truck, stretching their stiff bodies. The mountains were blanketed in snow, and the air was heavy with the scent of pine. They had taken a brief overnight break at a quaint motel just over the Canadian border, but now they were here, craving food and sleep.

They entered the resort and approached the reception desk where a young girl, probably seventeen or eighteen, welcomed them. Storm let River take the lead since he was the one who had made the arrangements.

“I’m River—”

“River!” a man’s voice echoed as he ran up to them. “Man, it’s good to see you.” He enveloped River in a hearty hug.

“Nial!” River responded warmly. “Good to see you too. Where’s Connor?”

“He’s off playing handyman at one of the cabins. A sink is acting up. He told me you were coming.”

Storm watched the exchange with a smile. It was a rare treat to see River interacting with his college friends.

Nial finally turned his attention to Storm. “You must be Storm.” He extended his hand to her. “This guy talks about you all the time. He’s pretty proud of you.” Nial grinned.

Storm blushed and smiled at her brother. “Trust me, the feeling is mutual. I think he’s pretty special too.”

Nial had a quick word with the receptionist before gesturing for Storm and River to follow him. “Come on, you guys, no need to check in. You’re staying in the family cabin. I’ll show you the way, and you can get settled.”

They followed Nial out to the parking lot where he hopped on a snowmobile. They trailed behind in the truck. He guided them higher into the trees along a rutted, snow-covered road.

Tucked away behind the main road, nestled among the trees, was a beautiful log cabin. It was two stories high, complete with a covered porch and smoke curling from the chimney. Storm thought its rustic charm was the perfect setting for her retreat.

They parked next to the snowmobile, and Nial unlocked the door before handing Storm the keys.

“Per your instructions, we stocked the fridge and pantry. Connor made sure there was enough firewood inside for a couple of days, but if you need more, there’s plenty in the woodshed out back. The beds were freshly made this morning, and the internet connection is strong.”

He handed Storm a piece of paper. “These are mine and Connor’s phone numbers and the internet password. Sorry about the lack of TV, but most of our guests are here to hunt and fish and don’t really watch it, so we didn’t bother installing them.”

“That’s fine. I don’t watch much TV unless it’s news. I prefer to read and listen to music. But thank you.” Storm grinned.

“Holy cow!” Nial gasped. “You have purple eyes. Are you a fairy?”

She burst into laughter. “I’ve been called many things, but never a fairy.”

River gave him a puzzled look. “Why would you ask that?”

Nial laughed. “It’s nothing, bro!” He gave a sheepish grin. “I’ve just never seen purple eyes before.”

“Mom had them too,” Storm added, “but I don’t remember much about her. She died when I was six. Dad married Bonny, River’s mom, when I was ten.”

“Oh, wow! Well, I’ll leave you guys to relax and grab something to eat. I’ll let Connor know you’re here. I’m sure he’ll want to catch up over a beer or two.”

“I’m gonna shower and relax,” River replied. “He has my number. Tell him I’ll meet him at the resort bar.”

He turned to Storm. “Want to check out the place?” She raced him up the stairs to explore the rooms. “I get the biggest!” she called out, laughing.

“Okay, okay,” he conceded. “But only 'cause you’re staying and I’ll be leaving in two days.”

After they claimed their rooms and brought in their luggage, they both took showers to wash off the road dust. Storm went downstairs and began rummaging through the pantry to prepare dinner.

She started peeling potatoes and chopping an onion. She added them to a ring of Italian sausage she found in the fridge, seasoned everything, and popped it in the oven.

River joined her in the kitchen just as the timer went off. “Something smells good,” he commented, taking a seat at the island.

“You’re just in time,” Storm said, serving him a plate and a glass of ice water. “Sorry, there’s no wine. I’ll have to figure out where to get that tomorrow.” She sat down next to him, and they began to eat.

“That’s fine. I’m heading down to the bar in a bit to meet up with Connor anyway. You want to come with?”

“No, I think I’ll just snuggle in and get some sleep. It’s been a long few days, and I need to rest up. Tomorrow I need to set up my client list and start editing their books. When do you fly home?”

“Day after tomorrow. Connor will give me a ride to Vancouver. You just rest, work, and stay safe. You hear? I’ll let you know when the court date is scheduled. You’ll need to be back in Seattle for that.”

“Hopefully it won’t be too far out. I want this over with.”

“I checked with Peter after I got out of the shower, and Lyle still refuses to sign off on the divorce paperwork, so I’m pretty sure he’s gonna try and stall it. I’ll know more when I get back.

“Don’t sweat it. I’ve got people on it. A pair of detectives are poking around his life, and I’ve got a tail on him too. I’m not taking his threats lightly. I’ve asked Peter to get a restraining order, but that’s just a piece of paper. If Lyle has it in his mind to hurt you, he’ll find a way.”