Men of Alaska 2: Sterling Sunshine (7 page)

“We share well and can work together most of the time.” Tony kissed her.

Ross leaned in close to Matt and whispered in his ear “Be yourself but don’t fuck this up.”

Matt tensed for a second and nodded. Ross knew Gretchen had no idea that Matt had been married before. Or that commitment spooked him. What worked for their group could expand to include Gretchen but coming out with all of their skeletons at once could scare her off.

* * * *

A couple of weeks of interesting dates and nonstop work later, Gretchen finally got her ride along with Tony! Dressed in comfortable clothes plus hair neatly pulled back, she knew she was just going to observe but couldn’t wait. Matt had stuck around too, so everyone was happy and enjoying the summer fun.

She’d been spending some nights at the guys’ place and some back with Mel just to not rush things. As much as she loved having three men all to herself, their dynamic stirred things up at times. It was overwhelming and arousing. One night away and she felt lonely even in a house full of people. Mel’s men weren’t always calm but there was a different feel among that group.

As she climbed in Tony’s SUV she reminded herself not to compare groups. She and Mel weren’t the same person either. Mel’s men were attractive, but Gretchen never would’ve fallen in bed with those three. Love or chemistry, whatever it was, worked in odd ways.

“You okay?” Tony asked.

“Sure. I hope I’m not intruding,” she said.

“No, not at all. Tiff doesn’t mind. She and I have ridden together for years.” He shrugged.

“That’s great but I meant at home. Staying over so much. I like it there but I don’t want you guys to feel like I’m pushing things too fast.” She stared out into the wilderness as Tony pulled the car behind the firehouse and parked with the others. Even in a stable town, you were only miles from raw wilderness at any moment in Alaska. How could she feel safe here?

“Why would we think you’re pushing us?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Matt’s still here. You and he bicker, but I don’t know what’s normal. Maybe you guys are on your best behavior, and I’m not seeing reality yet.” She smiled.

“We’re not great actors. If you’re over too much, we’ll let you know. If we’re annoying you, tell us. If you don’t speak up and fight, you don’t get what you want.”

“Very Alaskan,” she said

After clocking in and all the routine stuff, Gretchen finally met Tiff. The tall woman was in the same uniform as Tony. Gretchen might’ve met Tiff before, but she didn’t make much of an impression. Quiet, hair pulled back in a severe braid, no makeup, and barely a smile—Tiff didn’t scream welcome!

Not that Gretchen judged people on their appearance. However, if Alaska ever made Gretchen that focused on function where she never even cared about style at all, she’d walk back to the lower forty-eight.

As they rode along, Tiff didn’t say much. Tony gave Gretchen the basics as Tiff drove. Their first few calls were people passed out. Drugs and alcohol were likely involved. Gretchen watched as Tony and Tiff worked with police officers, firefighters, and residents. After two trips to the medical center to drop off people who needed stitches or rehydration, she realized it was like any other job. Somewhat dull but very important.

“Not too exciting?” Tiff asked.

Gretchen perked up. “I guess that’s a good day. Helping people but not major danger or death.”

“Don’t jinx it,” Tiff replied.

Tony chuckled. “Any day can go wild. That’s the fun. You never know what to expect.”

The next call came in when a woman had flipped her ATV and hurt herself. The police were there, but it was off-road a bit. The lights and sirens were a rush that Gretchen liked. Flying through red lights was a bit more unsettling, but she was very glad she’d done this in the summer and not in the ice and snow of winter.

When they pulled up, the police officer was flagging them down. They parked and pulled out the gurney and the medical case. Gretchen followed along, staying out of the way. The officer said it looked like the girl was drinking. He saw her driving on the road and she went off-road into the woods as soon as she saw him. He heard the crash.

They walked fast as he talked and arrived at a scene with enough blood to make her uneasy. The ATV had been moved aside by the officer and the woman held a rag to her leg.

“I can’t walk,” she moaned.

The duo went to work, and Gretchen watched them wrap the wound to stop the bleeding. They took her vitals and transferred her to the gurney. The haste over her blood loss made sense. Then Gretchen heard a growl.

Everyone froze, and the officer drew his gun. Gretchen looked around and spotted the big gray wolf.

“Get her to the ambulance.” The officer fired off a warning shot.

The wolf growled and stood its ground.

“What the hell?” Gretchen said.

Tony and Tiff moved the patient and loaded her into the ambulance.

“Go on,” the officer said.

“Is there a pack?” She looked around as fear made her feet feel like lead. She tried to move but couldn’t.

Tony walked up and pulled her away. Finally she could move and piled into the front seat pressed to Tony.

Another shot went off and she shivered. They weren’t driving away. She looked at Tony, then out the window. The officer gave them a thumbs-up, and Tiff hit the lights and sirens.

After they stopped at the medical center, Tony and Tiff were talking. Gretchen felt like she failed a basic Alaskan test. But shouldn’t the wolf have run at the gunshot?

“We’re going to have Ross come and pick you up. You’re shaken up. You won’t get anything from the rest of the day,” Tony said.

“Sorry. Guess maybe I’m not like most Alaskan girls around here. I just couldn’t stop looking at it.” She tried to shake off the feel of those predator’s eyes on her.

“The police officer was right there. I’ve got a gun. Tony has a gun. No reason to panic,” Tiff said.

“You carry a gun?” she asked him.

“It’s Alaska. Assume that everyone is carrying a gun. A bear can turn up in your yard or you find a lone wolf on a hike. That wolf could’ve been overly aggressive because it’s injured or protecting pups. You never know what you’re walking up on. Good thing you’ve got three men to protect you.” Tiff walked away.

“Be nice,” Tony shot at his partner.

“She’s right. I choked and could’ve made it worse. All I had to do was walk away.” Gretchen shrugged.

Tony hugged her. “Most wolves would’ve run at the shot. This one might be educated to people and testing us. Some animals learn that a shot means hunters, and there might be something to go scavenge. Animals are smarter than we give them credit for. Lone wolves can be a little more aggressive when they’re trying to build their own pack. But he didn’t look right and they’ll take the body to the vet so he gets checked out.”

“He’s dead?” she asked.

“Yes, a wolf that’s sick or that aggressive this close to town is a danger. The officer probably put it down so it’s not our problem. We didn’t hear any pups. It could’ve been wounded after being attacked by another predator. It happens. Ross is better at talking about this stuff but we don’t get a lot of wolves around here.” Tony sighed.

“Why?” she asked.

“He’s part Native. It’s part of a natural cycle, and he explains it better. Using all the animal, taking what you need, and honoring animals. I deal with emergencies. I don’t overthink. Blood attracts predators so we have to be quick and on guard when you’re in the wilderness. If I had to shoot it, I would’ve. That’s a big animal and it can rip you to shreds in minutes. If you get surrounded by a pack, you better have a lot of ammo and be a quick shot. I know Michigan has wolves and bears, but I bet you don’t run into them daily.” Tony grinned.

“I lived in the city. The odd wolf report, but police and animal control went after them. You can go camping or into the woods to see bears. I know the drill. Keep garbage inside and tight lids when it’s out for pickup. But carrying a gun everywhere?” Her hands shook. “Can we go to Ross’s now? I want to get out of your way.”

“He’s coming to get you.” Tony nodded. “There he is now. And he has a gun as well. You’re not in any danger.”

She nodded. “Thanks. I’m sorry I freaked out.”

“You didn’t. It was your first wildlife encounter with something that could kill you. Honest reaction. If you want to stay, it won’t be the last time you spot a wolf.” Tony kissed her forehead.

“Tony, we got a call. Cuddle later,” Tiff shouted

Gretchen felt helpless. Ross walked up and she turned and headed for his car.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I might not be cut out for this,” she said as she closed herself up safely in his car.

Chapter Six

Small towns had their benefits. Matt always felt good when he was back in Sterling or Nome. He’d get the good scoop fast. Word of a wolf getting too close and Gretchen being there reached Matt shortly after lunch. He didn’t have any tours in the afternoon, so he headed home.

He made a favorite stew of his and tripled the batch. It was done and stored in the freezer before he pulled out the steaks for dinner tonight. He baked some bread. On the way home, he’d picked up fresh potatoes and corn. The vegetables were washed and ready to go on the grill when Ross came in with Gretchen.

“What smells so good?” she asked.

“Fresh bread.” Matt nodded to the big basket. “I heard you had a rough day.”

“It was my fault. I asked for the ride-along, then I froze up. Don’t give Tony a hard time,” she said.

Matt looked at Ross. “I just made dinner. All ready to throw on the grill. I picked up some of Mrs. Andrews fresh berry sorbet for dessert.”

“You didn’t have to go to any trouble.” She sat down. “Thank you though.”

“Anything for you. If you wanted a look at the real Alaska, you got a start today.” Matt glanced at the clock. “I’ll throw those on the grill now. Tony should be here soon. Get her some wine.”

Ross nodded. “I’ll slice up the bread too.”

Matt went out onto the back porch and fired up the grill. He didn’t want to fight with Tony, but they did it so well. Making up was even more fun, but Tony was fixated on Gretchen. All of them were. They wanted her to stay with them and in Alaska. She seemed happy here until today. Newcomers took time to adjust, and she wasn’t some survivalist.

When the grill was hot, Matt tossed on the meat. He heard Tony pull up but stayed put and kept his eyes on the food. Sometimes he felt like no one listened to him still. As the youngest in his family and the only boy, he’d rarely gotten his way.

Even when Matt’s dad was around, he spoiled his girls and pushed his son to be tougher. Ladies’ choice was great but he just wanted a turn. A vote. You had to be tough in Alaska, but Gretchen had wanted to go. Still, Matt felt like Tony could’ve let her stay in the ambulance until he was sure it was a case she should see up close. Sure, the wolf might’ve come up during the case, but Matt couldn’t shake the protective urge and frustration.

Removing the food from the heat, he took a deep breath. He flipped off the grill but left the lid up so it’d cool. A nice dinner without fighting was what Gretchen and everyone wanted. He slid the door open and carried the tray inside.

Ross closed the door behind Matt. “Beer on the table for you. We’re ready to eat.”

“Thanks for cooking,” Tony said.

“Sure. I can be domestically useful.” He served up the food.

Gretchen sipped her wine. “I feel bad. I made today weird.”

“You’re overthinking this. We all get spooked by a predator now and then. You have to be ready. You’ll learn. It takes time. We’ve all lived here our whole lives. It’s not the same for you.” Ross set the sliced bread and some honey butter on the table.

They settled in and dinner was quiet. Matt dug in and watched Gretchen finally eat. She nodded at him.

“It’s really good,” she said.

“Thanks! Alaskans have to be able to do everything. Cook, repair things, shoot, and build a fire.” Matt smiled.

Tony rolled his eyes. “We’re not mountain men out in the bush living in a shack with no one else for miles. We’re in a town with jobs and paychecks. Except for you.”

“Tony, don’t,” Gretchen said.

“No, it’s okay. I don’t have a regular job. I make more than you do in a year doing my odd jobs. I help people too, but I’m not quite conformist enough.” Matt shrugged.

“I never said you didn’t help people. The ride-along was good for Gretchen. She’s going to have those encounters at some point. Better that one of us was with her. Or Mel’s guys. We can’t be there twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week,” Tony said.

“That doesn’t mean she has to be ready to take on a grizzly bear tonight. If she’s ready, we can help train her with a gun and target practice. Take her out on some wolf and bear watches to desensitize the fear so she doesn’t freeze up. Nature hikes can be educational. She has to be ready for it,” Matt said.

Ross nodded. “I agree. It’s up to her when she’s ready to take on those things. But that doesn’t mean wildlife encounters won’t happen.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I just didn’t think with five people there a wolf would even get that close and growl. He stood his ground. It’s not like what you imagine,” she said.

“You’ll get the hang of it. Just have to be prepared for whatever. An injured animal will be far more aggressive. Or a mother, she’ll go after you to scare you off,” Ross said.

“Just don’t go out into the wilderness alone. Until you’re more comfortable with a weapon and your surroundings, you have plenty of people to help whenever you need it. Except for Matt,” Tony said.

“Really?” Matt shot back. He noticed that she’d eaten well even if she was still a bit uneasy.

“What? You may not be around tomorrow. We know it. So we have to plan around you. That’s nothing new.” Tony cleared his place

Matt stood up and squared off with Tony. “Quit dumping your guilt off on me.”

“Guilt? No one got hurt. We all did our jobs. She’s fine. My patient is fine. The officer made the call, not us. If you want a guarantee of safety and an easy life, you don’t move here. If she can’t handle it, she might as well know it now.” Tony glared at Matt.