The Haunting of the Mountain (Mountain Men of Whispering Winds #9)

Epilogue

Kyla - One year later

“Did you hear that?” I pause, listening for the soft tapping before gesturing. “I think it came from the stacks back there.”

Stone follows closely behind me as we investigate the unknown noise. A mouse, an air vent blowing paper, or possibly a spectral cat. I thought Stone was joking about that the first time he mentioned it, but the evidence I gathered last year is undeniable. There’s something strange going on here.

“Wait,” I pause, listening again but my attention is on Stone.

It’s hard to focus when he’s so close. He wasn’t supposed to be on this investigation, but once he heard that I planned on coming back on Halloween, he kicked our regular cameraman out and took his place.

Need to make sure that groundskeeper doesn’t try some funny business.

A shiver races through me as I remember the way he touched my belly and leaned in, whispering, I need to protect my wife and twins.

I’m still getting used to that. Wife. Twins?! We’ve been married for six months but it feels like I’ve known him my entire life. I love living with him in our cabin in the mountains. I love tagging along with him during all of his expeditions, guiding tourists looking for Bigfoot and other cryptids. And I love having him for my little ghost adventures, even though he’s the one giving me goosebumps and not ghosts.

I can’t think of a better man to have kids with or share a life with.

“Think it’s her?” Stone rasps. “Willow?”

After reviewing last year’s EVP session at Vernon’s grave, one in particular stood out. Willow… save Willow. We thought it was about a tree. There are many willows on site. But after a little research at the Historical Society, we found out that Vernon had a cat named Willow.

There’s no record of what happened to Willow, but Nell, Stone, and I were able to create a small headstone for her next to Vernon’s, hoping that gives his soul some rest.

Our audience has grown fond of the spectral kitten, so we’re back here tonight to see if our token has soothed their souls and allowed them to move on.

“Not sure. Could be Vernon.” I reach for the recorder on my hip.” Maybe we should try to capture another EVP.”

“Ovilus would be fun,” Stone suggests.

I can’t help but smile. My man has come around to the paranormal. I’ve changed my mind about ghosts over this past year too. There’s so much history in this town and the surrounding area too. There’s a haunted house in Cherry Ridge I’ve heard rumors about that I’d like to explore but the owner’s turned away everyone.

No matter. Nell and I have more than enough material for our podcast, which has been skyrocketing in popularity since we both moved here. Turns out there was some truth to the rumors after all. Single women can’t seem to escape this town’s clutches.

I glance at him. “We’ll get a session in.”

He’s in love with that thing, spitting out random words. I’m not sure how it works but it has led to some viral moments for our podcast over the last few months.

“Only one? You know I’m always up for multiple rounds.”

My eyes flare as goosebumps erupt all over my skin. Stone. I turn around, trying my best to glare at him, but I can’t. He knows where I stand on the matter. If we weren’t on an investigation… or if we hadn’t just a few hours ago… Well, maybe we could— no!

“ Ahem. ” I try to refocus. We’re here for ghosts. “Willow seems like a prime suspect. There have been other reports of feline activity. Scratching, phantom meowing. One girl said she saw a cat knock over a stack of books before disappearing.”

She was also four years old so not exactly the most reliable witness. I monologue for a few more minutes, recapping some of the rest of the paranormal activity in the library’s basement and discussing Vernon’s story until finally, we begin the EVP session. But after twenty minutes, we’re both distracted. It’s hard to focus when I’m stuck in a dark basement with my favorite person, his scent and all-consuming presence driving me wild.

“Turn it off,” Stone rasps, setting the camera down.“We don’t want another repeat.”

I snort. That was one EVP that Nell was not supposed to listen to. I stop the recording just as Stone wraps a hand around my neck and pulls me into a kiss, deepening it as he pushes me gently onto my back.

“Stone,” I rasp. “The investigation,” I plead, in between heavy breaths.

He pulls away. “We’ve been at it all night. Time for one of my own.” His beard roughs up my neck as he drags his tongue across it.

He won’t get a fight out of me. We’ve investigated every inch of this library, now I wouldn’t mind if he did the same with me.

“Yeah?” I moan.

He pulls my shirt over my head, kissing a line down my sternum to my pregnant belly. I swear he’s been even more insatiable since we learned we’re having twins. And then again when my belly became swollen.

“I’ll be thorough.”

I drag my fingers across his big arms. “You always are.”

Stone slips my leggings and underwear off, flinging them aside. He growls and it sends a shiver across my body. “Found the pussy I’ve been looking for all night.”

“Are you comparing my— ohfuck!”

I no longer care. I’m seeing fireworks, feeling them as Stone does what he does best. This man. This amazing man is mine. The Cryptid Cutie found her Sasquatch after all.

Thanks for reading!