Page 66 of Seducing Sasquatch

“Blake? Look at me.”

I can’t. I don’t want to move. If I open my eyes, I’ll be back in that car.

“Baby. Look at me, please.” It’s Arden’s voice. “Let me see you.”

I want to see him again. One last time.

Carefully, I pull my eyes open, blinking against the sunlight that flickers through the trees. Long brown hair flows in the breeze and golden, worried eyes look down at me.

“Are you hurt?” he asks.

Is it him? Is he really holding me?

I shake my head, my throat too tight to speak. Arden touches my temple, pulling his thumb away revealing it to be covered in blood. My blood.

“Talk to me,” he commands.

Reality slams into me. He’s here. He’s holding me. I’m not alone.

I lunge, wrapping my arms around his neck, shoving my face into his chest. The sobs that wrack my body hurt. But I can’t stop crying. Arden’s arms tighten their hold on my waist. His body vibrates as a subtle purr erupts through us both.

“I thought I’d never see you again. I didn’t know what to do,” I cry.

Arden strokes my hair, hushing me gently. “I’ve got you. You were never going to be taken from me.”

I open my mouth to respond when my father’s groan fills the air. I turn my head, peeking out from my safe hold in Arden’s arms.

His hair is mused, his suit torn and a trickle of blood drips down his temple. But his eyes burn.

“Boy, you bet—” His words die on his tongue. Panic crosses his face as his gaze darts between Arden and I. Specifically Arden’s arms wrapped protectively around my waist.

“I’d be careful with what you say next, Mr. Lennox.” Arden’s growl has the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

My father gapes like a fish. It seems like for the first time in his life, he’s lost for words. So I fill the gaps.

“This is Arden Hart.” I unravel myself from Arden’s hold despite his warning grumble.

With my back pressed against his hip, I swallow the sour bubble of anxiety. This is it. This is my chance to get through to my father.

“I’ve been staying with Arden. I’m, uh…” I peer up at my mountain man, yet his gaze is focused on my father. “We’re together.”

My words hang heavy between us. The forest holds its breath. I hold mine too.

“What?” My father spits. “You… you’re with this beast?”

Arden snarls, flashing his canines, showing everyone just how much of a beast he can be.

I nod, reaching behind myself to clutch at Arden’s wrist. “He’s a…” I pause. This isn’t my place to tell my father anything about Arden. This is about me and my father.

“I’m gay.”

My father looks at me. Really looks at me. His eyes dance across my face, down my neck to where Arden’s shirt hangs off my shoulder. “Don’t be absurd. You’re not gay for this… this creature. Screw your head on, boy.”

Big hands pull me backwards and a thick, furry body blocks my view of my father.

“I warned you, Mr. Lennox⁠—”

“Doctor,” my father interjects. “You have no place to speak to me. Go back to whatever dark, wet cave you’ve come from.”