Phantom Warriors: Arctos (4 page)

“If I were you, I’d make the best of it, even if it is
his
place. He’s yummy. I bet his got a big—”

“I’m not…It’s
not
like that,” Caitlin said, cutting Al ie off before she could finish that statement. Who knew how many people were standing around her, listening in. “Pul your brain out of the gutter. He’s not interested in me and I’m not interested in him. We’re just riding out the storm together.”

“You could always get him interested. With a body like that, I bet it wouldn’t take much,” Al ie said.

“I can’t,” she said.

Al ie snorted. “That’s a shame. Truly a waste a perfectly good man. Sometimes Cat, if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you were a nun in a past life. You need to try to loosen up and live a little. You can start by doing him.”

“Thanks for the advice, mom. I’l keep it in mind—for when I get back to town.”

A deep male voice interrupted before Al ie could respond. “Hey darlin’, want to dance?”

“Hey yourself,” Al ie purred.

“Sounds like Rob has found you,” Caitlin said, rol ing her eyes.

Despite her friend’s assertions, Caitlin wasn’t uptight.

She was choosy. There was a difference, even if it didn’t exist in Al ie’s world. Just because she didn’t jump every man who made a play for her didn’t mean that there was something
wrong
with her. She went out with plenty of men.

Just the other day she’d gone out for coffee with Michael.

Okay, so maybe Al ie had been there, too, but it had been pleasant.

So maybe it
had
been a while since Caitlin had dated someone steadily. And so what if she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a man spend the night. She had been busy working, trying to build her career. Dating didn’t pay the bil s. And neither did photography apparently.

Al ie should be grateful that she’d agreed to meet Mike for another date. It hadn’t exactly been on her list of priorities. He was a nice enough guy. Said al the right things and made al the right moves. Definitely more her type than Arctos, but there’d been something missing.

There wasn’t that indefinable spark that promised passion.

Since Caitlin wasn’t looking for any other promises from a man that spark was absolutely mandatory.

“Hon, I have to go,” Al ie said. Caitlin could hear Rob pouring on the charm in the background. “Sure you’re going to be okay?”

She glanced at Arctos. “Yeah, I’l be fine. Just remember to tel Mike that I’m sorry.”

“Here, I’l let you tel him yourself,” Al ie said, then giggled.

“No!” she shouted.

“Hel o?” Mike said.

Caitlin stared at the phone as if it had suddenly grown purple tentacles. How could Al ie do this to her? “Uh-hi Mike,” she said, plotting how to kil her friend.

“Where are you?” he asked. “I thought you’d be here by now. You didn’t forget did you?” Hurt colored his tone.

She tapped her forehead with the cel phone, then crossed her fingers. “No, I didn’t forget.” The lie slipped from her lips. Caitlin didn’t want to hurt his feelings anymore than she had to. “I’m stuck in the snow,” she said, glancing at Arctos.

No longer fascinated by the storm raging outside, he’d turned his attention to her, his expression unreadable.

“I was real y looking forward to seeing you again,” Mike said.

Caitlin walked across the smal space toward the kitchen. “Yeah, me, too. Sorry.”

“Where are you?” he asked.

Why did everyone want to know where she was? “I’m in a cabin. Had to get out of the storm.”

“Are you close? I could come pick you up. I have a snowmobile at the house,” he said, sounding hopeful.

“Um, that’s okay. It’s real y blowing out there. I don’t want you getting caught out in the storm, too” she said.

“Let’s just plan to get together when I get back to town.” Undeterred, he said, “I don’t mind. Just tel me where you are and give me an hour. I’l come get you.” A large hand closed over hers, disconnecting the cal before she could answer. “Hey! Why did you do that?” Caitlin turned to find a very unhappy looking Arctos glowering at her.

* * * * *

Arctos watched her beneath heavy lids, rage simmering below his calm surface. He’d listened careful y to the conversation. Partly to gain insight into the woman that he’d saved, but mainly to see if the partial bond had begun to take effect.

He hadn’t been prepared for Al ie’s hurtful al egations, but he understood why she’d made them. Caitlin was her friend. She wanted to protect her. Not surprising. He would’ve dismissed the whole conversation had it not been for Al ie next words.

Caitlin had been promised to another male tonight.

And not just any male. One named Michael.

The anger over the news struck like a blow to the head, leaving him dizzy and more than a little confused. It had taken every fiber of Arctos’ being to control his shift, when his instincts demanded that he hunt this ‘Mike’ down and destroy him.

The urge was made worse by the fact that Caitlin had dismissed him outright, and then made plans to see the male upon her return. He could’ve handled al that, but then the male in question spoke. He planned to come and take Caitlin away. Arctos couldn’t al ow that to happen. Not now.

Not ever.

Arctos hadn’t realized that he’d moved until his hand closed over hers, effectively ending the cal . It shouldn’t matter that Caitlin wasn’t interested in him in that way, but it did. He wasn’t used to being dismissed by females. Quite the opposite in fact. Women found his appearance appealing and were quite eager to share his bed. Wel , al but one woman. The most important one. His mate. Arctos stared at Caitlin, hoping to read her thoughts.

Maybe she’s not yours
, the thought gave voice to his fear.

She shifted under his regard and crossed her arms over her chest. Her defensive posture only stoked his anger and sudden insecurity.

Arctos opened his mouth to tel her the truth about what had happened today. Guilt stil ed his tongue. How could he explain that he’d not only taken away her future by saving her life, but soon he’d be taking her away from this planet?

He couldn’t. Not yet.

He wandered over to the lone window at the front of the cabin. Snow fel in sheets, blotting out the growing darkness. Somewhere out there Michael was waiting for her. Did she love him? The thought lanced his hearts. How could he live with a mate that longed for another? Would fate be so cruel? Arctos sighed and glanced back at Caitlin. In the end, it would not matter for she was his now.

The bond could not be broken.

Arctos al owed himself to take one last long look at her. Huddled by the kitchen, she appeared so tiny and defenseless. Anger had brought color back to her face, giving her cheeks a rosy glow. Perhaps not so defenseless, he mused.

At some point, she’d pul ed her hat off. Her tangle of golden hair glistened in the firelight like the myriad of stars that surrounded Zaron. He longed to run his fingers through it. To feel its softness once more.

“If you wanted me off the phone, al you had to do was say so,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “Thanks to that little stunt, Michael is going to be worried sick. I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts together a search party to come find me.”

He could try, but there was no way Arctos would let the man anywhere near her. The Goddess might not have spoken, but his actions had sealed their fate. Something primal rose inside of him, snarling and growling, determined to fight to keep its claim. Arctos watched her closely, then quietly said, “He would be a fool to start a search in these conditions.” Though he knew that had their positions been reversed that he’d stop at nothing to find her.

“Mike’s not a fool. He’s a very smart man. In fact, he’s a teacher,” she said. “It was rude of you to hang up on him.”

“I didn’t,” he said. “You did.”

Her mouth dropped open. “I did no such thing.”

“He did not know of my existence. He wil believe that you acted of your own freewil .”

She snorted. “By now, he knows al about you, including what you look like. Al ie’s probably shown your picture to everyone at the party,” she said, her gray eyes melting into worry.

Good! Arctos was glad that Mike knew, but he made sure not to show it.

Caitlin glanced his way. “Maybe I should phone him back and try to explain.”

“And tel him what?” Arctos asked. “That you intend to spend the night with me? Perhaps the males here react differently than where I’m from, but I would not like to hear that my mate was staying with another man,” he said. “Even if it was a man that she has
no interest
in.” His voice dropped to dangerous levels, al but daring her to deny the truth.

So much for being stealth on the phone.
Yay me.

Her jaw opened and closed a few times as one excuse after another flitted through her mind. In the end, Caitlin groaned in frustration. “I liked you better when I was asleep,” she snapped.

Caitlin slipped off her mittens and unzipped her coat, revealing a pink, form-fitting long-sleeved shirt. She dropped the coat and gloves into a nearby chair, then unlaced her boots and toed them off, before shimming out of the bottom of her snowsuit. The movement so similar to the moment she’d made when he’d first come upon her.

Those softly rounded globes once again had his ful attention.

Arctos’ mouth went dry as he feasted upon the lush curves hidden beneath her protective clothing. He’d known they were there, but he’d greatly underestimated their scale and impact on his senses. His nostrils flared as he inhaled.

Her sweet musky scent had returned, banishing the sourness that had arose during her phone conversation.

The delicious aroma now permeated the smal space, leaving him hard and aching. Self-preservation made him retreat.

“I’l get us some food,” he said in a low rumble. He hoped the hint of anger disguised his true condition.

Caitlin flinched. “Do you want me to check the kitchen first?” she asked, pointing to the cabinets behind her.

“Could save you a trip.”

“I already have. There’s no meat,” he said. “It contains something cal ed beans, but there’s not enough to sustain us if the snow continues to fal .” Arctos rushed past her. “I’l be back as soon as I can.”

“Wait!” Caitlin grabbed his arm before he made it to the door.

His whole body tensed at her gentle touch and didn’t relax until she released him. Arctos forced his gaze to meet hers. Big grey eyes locked with his and something inside of him melted. “You have nothing to fear from me. I am not crazy,” he said, before he could stop himself.

“I know.” Caitlin’s cheeks bloomed with color. “Sorry that you heard that. Al ie can be pretty dramatic, but you didn’t have to hang up on Mike. It wasn’t his fault. He was only trying to help.”

He nodded and started to leave, but she stopped him again. Arctos swal owed hard and desperately tried to ignore the warmth from her fingers seeping into his arm.

“Be careful. Okay? You don’t want to have to tangle with another polar bear,” she said, glancing into the darkness. The sharp tang from her fear burned his nostrils.

Arctos grinned. He couldn’t help it. She may not want him, but she
was
worried about him. It was a start. He’d never had anyone worry about him. Not since he’d come of age.

Her concern was unwarranted, yet it stil warmed his two hearts. He brushed her face with the back of his knuckles. Arctos didn’t know why he’d done it, only that he couldn’t resist. He’d needed to touch her like he needed his next breath.

Caitlin quivered on contact, but made no move to get away.

Interesting…

Arctos slowly pul ed his hand back, his fingers tingling from where they’d touched. “Do not fear for my safety, Little Cat,” he said. “Any bear should know better than to tangle with me.”

* * * * *

Caitlin’s face glowed with the fire of a thousand suns as she watched him melt into the darkness. Even though the cabin was tiny, she had hoped that Arctos hadn’t heard her mainly whispered conversation with Al ie.

Sure her friend had brought up a lot of good points.

Caitlin didn’t know anything about Arctos, including his last name, but he wasn’t crazy. Rude maybe, but not crazy. Why had he hung up the phone on Michael? It didn’t make sense. Maybe he was just tired of listening to her talk about him. Okay, so maybe she
had
been the rude one.

The fact that he’d told her that she had nothing to fear only made her embarrassment worse. He’d looked so hurt when he said it. God, she sucked. Talk about ungrateful.

Caitlin covered her face with her hands and shook her head. Somehow she’d managed to hurt two men’s feelings in one day. First Mike and now Arctos. It had to be some kind of record. She stared at the cel phone and thought once more about phoning Michael back.

Arctos was right. What would she say to him if she did cal ?
Hey, I’m spending the night with a hot mountain man.

I’ll catch you later
. So not going to happen. She’d just have make it up to Mike once she got back to town. Her heart sank. Suddenly the idea of seeing him again didn’t seem as appealing as it had before. What was wrong with her?

She’d never been fickle in her life. It had to be the stress of the day. She’d worry about it, worry about him later.

She had more important matters to consider…like how she was going to apologize to Arctos. There had to be something she could do to make it up to him. He’d saved her life after al .

Caitlin glanced around the smal cabin. Her gaze locked on the two cupboards at the back of the room. He’d mentioned something about beans. She crossed the few steps it took to reach the kitchen and threw open the cupboard doors. One held plates, a few cups, a thermos, and silverware. The other had some coffee, a few cans of chili, beans and dried noodles. More than enough for a meal.

“Chili-mac it is,” she said, racing into the other room to retrieve the cast-iron pot.

Pot in hand, Caitlin stared at the door to the cabin as she slipped her boots back on. As much as she wanted to avoid going outside, there was no way around it. She needed snow. She forced herself to cross the room and open the door. Wind whipped her hair around, temporarily blinding her.

Caitlin pushed it aside and scanned the darkness for predators, but it was impossible to see in whiteout conditions. How would Arctos find his way back? Her heart leapt into her throat, choking off her air. What if he was lost in the blizzard? What if he was lying out there now, freezing to death?
Don’t think about it. He said he’d be fine.

She clung to that assurance as panic wrapped its vicious fingers around her neck. He’l be back. He has to come back. Caitlin forced her feet to move. She quickly fil ed the pot, packing it tight with snow, then slipped back inside, slamming the door behind her. Tears wel ed in her eyes. She scrubbed them away.

Get a hold of yourself.

She waddled under the weight of the big pot as she made her way to the fire. A smal hook inside the fireplace poked out of the brick. Caitlin hadn’t noticed it before, but there was no doubt what it was used for. She hooked the pot handle over the hook, added a couple of logs, and waited for the snow to melt.

Within an hour, she’d downed five cups of coffee and bitten al her nails to stumps. More time passed. Caitlin had never been good at waiting. She much preferred action to sitting around. The wait would’ve been bad enough, but coupled with worry, it became interminable. Caitlin couldn’t remember the last time she’d been
this
worried. Not even when Al ie had cal ed her and she’d thought there’d been an accident had she been this concerned.

Why?
Something was definitely wrong with her. She barely knew Arctos. In truth, she didn’t know him at al . Yes, he’d saved her life. And yes, she was grateful, but he was a stranger. So why al the fear and panic? Was this some kind of weird Stockholm syndrome? It just didn’t make sense.

The door handle giggled and her heart jumped. A second later the wooden door swung open. Arctos looked like a ghost coming in from out of the snow. Without his snowsuit, he would be impossible to spot…just like the polar bears. A shudder ran through her.

Arctos walked into the room and dropped two large rabbits onto the floor. Their eyes met briefly, then he looked at the table she’d set and frowned. Not exactly the reaction she’d been hoping for. It didn’t bode wel for the apology she had planned.

Caitlin looked down at the plate in front of her. The setting wasn’t fancy, but she’d taken care to make it as nice as possible. She had found a clean sheet in a trunk in the bedroom and some candles in the bathroom. Caitlin used the sheet as a tablecloth and lit one of the candles, placing it in a glass to create a pseudo-centerpiece. It was in no way fancy, but she’d thought it looked nice.

Arctos shut the door behind him, but otherwise hadn’t moved from the entryway. “What is this?” he asked, in obvious confusion.

“Dinner,” Caitlin said, her voice losing some of the confidence she’d felt earlier. “I wanted to apologize for earlier.”

“Apologize for what?” he asked.

He wasn’t making it easy. “The phone cal , Al ie, Michael, everything,” her voice trailed off.

His brow furrowed even more. “What is that smel ?”

“Chili-mac.” Maybe he wasn’t a fan of chili-mac. “If you don’t like it, I can try to cook one of the rabbits.” Caitlin had never cooked a rabbit in her life. Her culinary skil s were better suited to canned goods and microwaves, than fresh foods. The mold growing in her refrigerator at home could attest to that, but she’d give it a try if that’s what he wanted.

Why was she working so hard to please this man? He was a stranger. After tonight, she’d probably never see him again. For some reason, that made her feel even worse.

She had to be exhausted. There was no other logical explanation for why she was behaving this way.

Arctos looked at the pot over the fire, then back at her.

“I’l wash up and be right in,” he said, then walked back outside to scrub his hands in the snow.

Caitlin shivered as she watched. Arctos didn’t seem to notice the cold or if he did, he certainly didn’t seem to be in any hurry to get out of it. Which meant that the only reason he’d stopped earlier was because of her. Caitlin’s heart sank. She’d botched this day up and good. Before he walked back in, she planted a smile on her face and dished up the food.