Just then, I hit a patch of ice and the car swerved from side to side. I fought to gain control and finally came to a sudden stop in the middle of the road. After taking a few deep breaths, I looked around and had no idea which direction I was facing. After a few moments, I chose to keep heading in the direction I was pointed and prayed it was taking me away from, and not back to, the hell I was fleeing. I drove as quickly as I felt I could, considering the treacherous conditions. I came to what I thought was a fork in the road and followed it to the right. The road seemed to have gotten narrower and I hadn’t seen a directional sign for a while, either. Had I somehow strayed off the highway onto a smaller road when I spun out?
Suddenly, the road took a sharp turn and I felt the car shudder as I tried to make the curve and stay on the slippery surface. But I was driving too fast and the back of the car fishtailed. I tried overcompensating, only to find myself in a complete skid heading swiftly for a tree. Desperately, I cranked the wheel but the car veered out of control and continued sliding. I felt the hard impact and a sudden sharp pain in my head, and then the world went black.
My eyes fluttered open; I wasn’t behind the wheel anymore. I could hear movement, which meant I wasn’t alone, either. I was so cold; so very, very cold, and I hurt…everywhere. I heard myself groan and my eyes shut again. Suddenly, there was a low, rugged voice somewhere close to my ear. “I’ve got you; you’re okay.” Although spoken quietly, the voice sounded displeased. I tried to speak, but all that came out was another small groan. Something wet was on my cheek. The sensation was rough, warm and wet. Something was licking me? I raised my hand and felt soft fur.
“Leave her alone, Bear!” the voice said in a sharp tone, now openly angry.
There was a funny hummphing noise and the licking stopped, but the fur came closer and I felt it settle beside my head, its warmth comforting. I tried raising my head, but the pain was too intense. There were more noises and the car felt like it had started to move at a slow pace, but I was unsure. Then the movement ceased and I felt arms come around me, lifting me. I gasped at the onslaught of pain, my eyes flying open as it tore through me. The last thing I saw before I passed out was a pair of intense ice-blue eyes staring at me, filled with confusion and resentment.
Chapter One
Joshua
Shutting the door behind me, I looked around. The wind was still fierce and now the heavy snow had joined in and I knew it was going to be an ugly night. Judging from what they said on the news, more ugly nights would follow. I slowly made my way to the barn to check on the generators, aware of the fact I would most likely lose power soon. Earlier, when the storm had started, I had opened the gates so I would be able to plow down the driveway to the road when the storm passed. Once I had built enough courage up, I would also plow out the road, so deliveries could get in. Then I would immediately shut the gates again. I was grateful I had a full delivery of groceries: supplies and liquor arrived only yesterday, so I wouldn’t have to worry about anything while the rest of the world coped with the aftermath of the huge storm. I was good for a few weeks. I’d been through this before and knew what to expect and how to be prepared.
Bear ran ahead of me, rolling in the snow and chuffing away as he chased the swirling flakes. I had to smile. Damn dog could find delight in anything around him. Entering the barn, I made sure the generators were ready to be fired up. My large 4x4 truck was already equipped with its plow and everything was prepared. A strange noise suddenly caught my attention and I saw Bear’s ears perk up as well. I walked to the door, recognizing the noise.
A car. On my property.
How the hell had someone found my driveway in this weather? Just as I was wondering, I heard a loud crash; and then there was silence. All of a sudden, Bear took off barking in the direction of the noise and I followed, yelling at him to return. He disappeared from sight, and I cursed as I followed as quickly as I was able. Last thing I needed was him getting lost in this fucking storm. I rounded the bend and froze in my tracks, looking in disbelief at the car that had crashed into the large oak tree by one of the trickier bends in the drive. I felt the stirrings of panic at the thought of who might be in the car. There were only a few I allowed on my property and it wasn’t a car I recognized. Part of me wanted to turn around and go lock myself in the house until whoever it was went away, but Bear was pawing and barking madly at the passenger door, which was swinging open in the wind. Taking in a deep, cold breath, I realized the driver must be hurt, and I knew I couldn’t walk away.
I made my way to the car and did a quick inspection of the situation. The engine was still running, and the extensive damage was on the passenger side where it had slammed into the tree. I could see a figure slumped over the wheel. The passenger door was hanging open from the impact, and I bent down and leaned into the car with nervous reluctance.