Page 30 of Hallowed & Haunted

“Ask.”

“Would you like to drink coffee with me?”

“Huh?”

“I’d like to buy you a coffee. Go on a date?”

Niillas rumbles deep in his belly. It’s an immensely pleased sound.

“I’d love that. But I have one condition.”

“A condition?”

“You have to promise me that you’ll take me with you if you ever plan to do something as dangerous as this dare again.”

“How would I ever get in such a situation again?”

“Easier than you think. Some of your assignments will take you to troll country, and if you plan to do the wilderness survival course, Svalbard is an especially dangerous place.”

“Are you suggesting we sign up for theArctic Nature Guideprogram together?”

“Would you?”

“Yeah, okay. But only if you let me share your tent. You have better camping equipment anyway.”

“Deal.”

The idea of traveling to Svalbard with Niillas by his side sounds heavenly. Because if he is honest with himself, he was afraid to journey alone into the realm of the polar bears. But with this special bear by his side, he feels safe.

Karo whines softly and, after a moment’s hesitation, crawls closer to join their safe little cocoon. With a soft sigh, way too cute for an almost-ghost dog, he nestles against Niillas’ side.

Outside the windows, the aurora lights up again against the star-scattered sky, painting the world in deep shades of green with a hint of yellow. Inside, the fire crackles comfortably and keeps the cold at bay, while Sander feels his eyes droop, finally letting himself relax, finally warm and safe and protected.

“Thank you,” he mumbles against Niillas’ fur.

It’s not sufficient, but it is a start.

“Get some rest,” Niillas rumbles. “I’ll watch over you until dawn.”

And Sander believes him.

Chapter 8

Niillas

The first day of November breaks with pale sunlight over the lake that transforms patches of early frost into sparkling diamonds. Niillas wakes to find himself in his human form again, the sleeping bag wrapped around himself and Sander both. The fire has burned down to embers, but Sander is warm against his chest, breathing deeply in exhausted sleep. And most importantly, Sander is alive and unharmed. The terrors of the night are gone for good.

Karo lifts his copper head from where he’s curled by the dying fire, tail wagging tentatively.

“Good morning,” Niillas whispers to the dog, who responds with a yawn and soft yip.

Sander stirs, making a small noise of protest and burrowing closer against Niillas before his eyes flutter open. For a moment, he looks confused, taking in the abandoned farmhouse in the watery morning light. Then his gaze finds Niillas, and his expression transforms into something soft and wondering.

“You turned back,” he mumbles, voice rough with sleep.

“Disappointed?”

Niillas tries for humor, but deep down, he’s scared. Will Sander be appalled by his bear spirit in daylight? Deny what happened? Or was there something about the power of the bear that drew Sander in, and now that Niillas is a mere human again, he’ll lose interest?