her to the middle of nowhere. She couldn't even make out any roads. Questions filled her mind, too many to voice. Noah wouldn't answer them until he was damn good and ready, so she bit them back and focused on the view.
The helicopter dipped left and Max's voice filled her headset. "We're here."
She didn't see anything but mountains. "Where are we?"
"The northern Kuskokwim Mountains, on the western facing ridge." Noah leaned forward. "Circle in from the other side so she can see."
"Yes, sir."
They were way west of Fairbanks, then. Though she'd never ventured out this far, she knew the land was too rugged for roads and no major communities were within range. Was this why he chose the location? To make it near impossible for others to get to him? Or??is family? The family she knew nothing about.
The helicopter dipped right, and Noah tapped her hand, pointing to her window. "Welcome to Aubrey Castle."
The breath caught in her throat. Though the structure didn't look anything like a castle, it was just as massive. With the rear snug against the base of the mountain, it seemed to be an extension of the land. Resembling a log cabin in design, the color of the exterior indicated redwood. Nearly the entire front was glass. Three stories tall, she could make out a launch pad on one side of the roof, balconies on the south end, and a wraparound porch at the base. Thick forest with spruce and birch were directly north, and a small lake with a spring to the southwest. It was??reathtaking.
They said nothing as Max brought them down onto the roof, shifted some gears, and stepped out to get Noah's door. A crisp, biting wind shoved into the passenger hold, causing chaos with Noah's blond hair. The whirl of the propellers overhead slowed and stopped.
Instead of getting out, Noah turned to her. "No one but my security team knows about this place. You need to understand that. Once we're inside and settled, I'll tell you everything. Just??e patient."
His clear blue eyes held hers, more exposed than she could ever remember seeing them. He'd never brought anyone here before, never trusted them enough. Emotion clogged her throat. She'd passed some test in his mind if he was taking this leap.
He cupped her cheek and kissed her mouth. "Come on, baby. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
She nodded, fighting tears, and stepped out after him.
Taking her hand, they crossed a windy tarmac and entered a door. Warmth immediately enveloped them. Pine and wood polish filled her nose as she glanced around. Telescopes lined the wall with windows, all directed up to the glass dome ceiling. A desk and a drafting table rested in the opposite corner. Globes and models of the solar system filled the shelves and tables.
Before she could get her bearings, the interior door opened and a girl rushed through. Raven caught a glimpse of wavy strawberry blonde hair before the girl ran right past her and launched into Noah's arms.
Noah released Raven's hand to wrap his arms around the bundle clinging to his neck with skinny arms and his waist with her legs. "Easy, my love."
Raven stilled, hand at her throat. "My Love" was ten, maybe eleven years old, and had her face buried in Noah's shoulder. She was wearing a long nightgown as if she'd been preparing for bed before they'd intruded.
Raven's heart started to pound, dread swirling in her gut. What in the hell was going on?
"I missed you," the girl slurred.
Noah closed his eyes and kissed her head. "I missed you, too. So much." He ran his hand up and down her back. "I brought you a visitor."
She lifted her head, still not having seen Raven, and waved at Max. "Did you bring me something?"
Max shoved his hand in his pocket and held out his palm. On his outstretched hand was a penny. "1956. Don't think you have that year, Miss Aubrey."
Aubrey. As in Aubrey Castle? Just who was this girl and why had Noah named an entire mansion after her? Not only that, but so far away from civilization it required them to fly to its destination.
As if sensing her confusion, Noah glanced her way and carefully set the girl on her feet. With her back to Raven, Aubrey took the penny from Max and held it up, examining it.
With his gaze still on Raven, Noah cleared his throat. "What do you say, Aubrey?"
"Thanks, Maxie. It's awesome."
Maxie looked like he was biting the inside of