I have to make a split-second decision, and it’s either run for it or shelter in place. One look at Natalie, and I know I wouldn’t risk running, so I pull her so tight against me, her feet come off the floor as I go to the center of the inn where I see a small room that must be some kind of pantry or storage. Once inside, I put Natalie on the ground and lay my body on top of hers to protect her from any debris that might land.
The sound is closer now, and just when I wonder how much longer it’s going to be, that’s when it hits. The inn rumbles, and I hear wood groaning and glass breaking in the distance. Natalie screams, and I wrap my arms around her and kiss her temple.
“It’s okay, princess, I’ve got you. I’ve got you.” I say it over and over while she clings to me and the mountain of snow covers us.
It’s just a moment later that everything goes silent, and the sounds of the snow cease. It’s insane that we were kissing not long ago and now I’m protecting Natalie with my life. In the blink of an eye, I could have lost her, and all I can think about is never letting her go.
“Are you okay?” I ask as I look down at her. Her eyes are wide with worry, and she swallows hard before answering.
“I think so, are you okay?” It’s then I realize she’s gripped the front of my shirt so tightly that the material ripped in her nails. She must realize it at the same time and loosens her grip.
“Yeah. I’m not sure if there’s anyone else here. I didn’t hear anyone, did you?” She shakes her head. “Okay, let’s go see how bad it is and if we’re stuck.”
“Oh god, my family.” Her voice breaks, and I pull her close.
“We’ll go to the room and try my cell. Don’t worry; I’m sure everyone is okay.”
As we walk out of the small pantry, I see that the front door is covered in snow and one of the glass panes is broken. Glancing around at the windows, I see they’re all covered, but I’m surprised that there’s not more damage. Either this inn was built out of solid wood, or we have some guardian angels doing overtime.
“Holy shit,” I whisper as I look around and see snow out every window. The place should be dark, but weirdly, there’s still power.
“Look!” Natalie points to the chimney and walks over. “There’s light coming in.”
“Be careful,” I say holding her a little behind me. “Just in case.”
There’s a huge fireplace in the center of the lodge that Natalie and I could probably stand inside. But I don’t want to chance it because it’s most likely not stable, so I only peek up for a second. Sure enough, I can see the sky, with pink streaks from the setting sun.
“The inn isn’t completely covered.” I step back and feel a little more confident in being rescued. “It shouldn’t be too hard to either dig out or wait for a rescue crew.”
She nods, and I can still see the worry in her eyes.
“Hey,” I say, tilting her chin so she looks up at me. “We’re at the very end of town on the opposite side of your family's land. And they are at the tip top. If anything, they sent the snow down to us.” My little joke makes some of the worry around her eyes ease. “If it’s on this side of the mountain, it means we got the brunt of it, which I’m almost positive means that the entire town is coming to our rescue.”
“Okay,” she says, and she’s a little more confident this time.
“Let’s go see if there’s anyone else here. Mrs. Eliza said she was leaving for the night, so let’s hope she got out safely.”
“What if it’s just the two of us?” Natalie says as I tuck her against me.
“Then we’ll have to figure out the best way to pass the time while we wait.” When I wink at her, I finally see a ghost of a smile, and my heart begins to beat again.
I’m not sure what’s happened to me since I got to Bear Mountain, but it’s clear that when we’re finally rescued, my life is going to drastically change.
Chapter Nine
NATALIE
From the look of things, we’re the only ones here at the inn. All the other rooms are empty, and a few of them that face the mountain took a hit. The windows in those rooms gave out under the pressure, and some of the snow came flooding in before the window beams compacted. It makes me think that the inn has some structural defenses in place.
Thank goodness it’s only us inside. Who knows how long it might take to dig us out? I peek up at Walker, who still has his arm wrapped around me, and think maybe it’s not a good thing to be alone with this man.