Left for Wild - Harloe Rae Page 0,62
while on this trip.”
“The rapids are getting worse.” Halder’s grip on the oars is tight and unyielding as he fights with the bumpy flow. “I’m betting the river will soon be too rocky for us to continue. We won’t be able to sneak by or take the risk, especially in this dinosaur.”
I pet the metal in front of me. “Skipper has been good to us.”
“Very, but a wide canoe won’t survive against these narrow passages. A new form of transportation will be required.”
“Such as?” Our options appear to be more limited than ever.
“Our feet. Unless we can wrangle a pack of huskies and a sled.” Halder winks at me.
“I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”
We stay on the turbulent water as the bends curve at harsher angles and the scenery opens into a breathtaking kaleidoscope fit for arctic paradise. A vast expanse of unpolished glory spreads out in front of us. Steep peaks topped with white caps provide a panoramic view wider than I can capture. The woodlands fade farther, making room for the sprawling range and potential landings in between.
Angry splashes and spouts begin erupting from all sides. Creaks and groans rumble from beneath me. My ears ring with the echo of trouble. I can’t stop the churning in my belly. Sloshes of frigid bursts spray at us on a continuous stream. I dip and dodge with little success. A slew of droplets pepper my face, getting a whimper out of me. There’s no protection against the freezing onslaught. I squint against the glare reflecting off the glittering surface. Large stones and boulders protrude from the frothy shallows, creating an obstacle course we’re sure to flunk.
“Should we bail?”
“Yep, already on it.” Halder’s response grinds out from clenching teeth. His jaw looks ready to snap in half as he manages to maneuver us toward a smooth expanse of land. The shore is a mix of snow and dirt sprouting with wild grass.
He scuttles us onto the shore, and I clamor onto safety, ready to kiss the snow under my boots. A quick peek at my companion confirms he’s joined me on solid ground. His jacket is stained with moisture. I’m sure mine is in the same condition. “We made it.”
“Over one hurdle.” With a grunt, he yanks our trusty vessel from the roaring stream. I’m most surprised that Skipper is still in one piece without a single hole.
“What’s next?”
“Find a place to set up camp that’s near a calm portion of the river for fishing.”
“Okay, great. That’s easy enough.” But what the hell do I know? We might have to backtrack two miles in order to find a decent strip.
“Fuck,” he spits. With another curse, Halder slams our bags to the ground.
I swing my gaze from left to right, back and forth, expecting who knows what to attack next. There’s probably a devious cliff waiting to release an avalanche. Only the babbling of rushing liquid greets me. “What’s wrong now?”
He thrusts an arm straight out. “We need to be on the other side. There’s no way we want to climb that incline.”
Ahead of us is a sharp and jagged slope. I track the nonexistent path up and farther until nothing but gleaming ice calls to us. “But the river is too wild. How will we cross?”
“Let’s hike a bit and see what we find.” Halder strides forward with purpose.
I glance behind us. “What about Skipper?”
He slashes through the air without looking back. “I don’t think we’ll be needing a boat.”
A sinking sensation tugs at my stomach. “Not even for shelter?”
“The mountains offer coverage greater than an ancient canoe on its last trek. We can always make a loop and fetch the thing later. If needed,” he adds as if an afterthought.
My sentimental heart skips a beat. “But we didn’t get to christen him. Or is Skipper a she?”
“Wasn’t that the purpose of naming it?”
“That was for tradition.” I want to stomp my foot at the injustice. “Skipper is a he. I’ve decided. We should have a parting ceremony, just in case we don’t return for him.”
Halder lifts a brow. “Why?”
I bite my lip and dig a foot into the mud. Is it ridiculously sappy that I want a kiss in every spot we’ve shared? “Um, so we don’t tempt further superstition?”
“Is that a legit concern? I’m more interested in what you’re planning.”
“I’ll show you.” On trembling legs, I step over to the space between our seats. “Come here.”
He humors my attempts by getting in and standing beside me. “Done.”
With a strangled gulp,