Yet, despite all her arguments and logic, she wanted him. She could feel the heat growing between them and how her excitement fizzed with the slightest brush of his skin, with the deep sound of his voice.

She shook her head. “I’ve decided that wandering around a forest where the foliage is more aggressive than I am isn’t my thing.” True enough, even if she’d be doing exactly that in a day or so. A chill ran through her. Alaska wilderness areas were fantastically beautiful…and very scary. And then there were the PZs…

His gaze narrowed slowly as if he could see the quiver deep in her bones. As if he knew how scared she was. Why did he have to be so good at reading people?

She shook her head. “I appreciate the offer, but no.”

They both knew she was turning down more than his offer to go hiking. Unfortunately, she had a feeling he would be keeping an eye on her. Which would be so very comforting—except she couldn’t afford that.

“All right.” His expression didn’t change, so why did it feel as if he was disappointed?

Chapter Nine

Try to look unimportant; the enemy may be low on ammo and not want to waste a bullet on you. ~ Murphy’s Laws of Combat

Bull led the way down an animal path, followed by a happy Gryff. Hawk brought up the rear. The still-damp trail was a bit rambling, but it’d get them to the PZ compound eventually, and he was in no hurry.

An Alaska forest in May was the best of times. The snow receded until only remnants remained in the shade. The weather was drier. The spring-green new birch leaves were bright against the black spruce. The underbrush of bearberry and currants was still sparse, making it easier to see the wildlife—like a skinny black bear emerging from hibernation with its odiferous, scruffy winter coat.

The trees were noisy with migratory birds, and over the leafy canopy, a trio of squawking ravens were dive-bombing a bald eagle out of their territory.

Laughing at the sight, Bull paused and glanced back at his brother. “Teamwork wins the war again, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Hawk watched the battle with a slight smile.

Bull decided to try for conversation. “You think Gabe is right? The PZs numbers are increasing?”

Hawk stepped over a fallen log, slick with rotting bark. “Why? Got more shootings out here?”

“Not recently. The locals have learned that anyone close to the compound is liable to get perforated. Drives Gabe nuts.” Bull started walking again. “The victims never see the shooter. They’re always fairly sure the gunfire comes from the compound—but the PZs insist the shots couldn’t have come from their area.”

“Without a witness, he can’t arrest anyone.” Hawk sounded disgusted.