Chapter 218

Evelyn's lips curved into a dry smile, deciding she'd had enough of Nathaniel's company.

She stepped past him, crouching beside the injured brown bear sprawled on the ground. Her eyes scanned its condition carefully.

The bear was battered, too weak to flee. When it noticed her approach, it bared its teeth in a feeble attempt to intimidate.

Evelyn tilted her head, studying its pitiful state. "Tsk. Big, but still just a cub. Trying so hard to be scary, but it's kind of adorable."

Nathaniel moved beside her, his gaze cold as he assessed the creature. He couldn't fathom what she found cute about it.

"Mister, this species doesn’t belong in this kind of terrain. Probably got lost, just like us." She shrugged. "No point in killing it when we're all stuck here. Let it go."

"Fine." Nathaniel didn’t argue. His expression remained indifferent as he spun the compact silver shotgun in his hand before tucking it into the back of his waistband.

Evelyn studied him, suspicion flickering in her eyes. His ease with firearms suggested there was more to him than just being the Grayson heir.

"Do you always carry a gun?"

"Not usually." His tone was flat. "But the ranch borders the wilderness. Better safe than sorry."

"Oh." She subtly shifted a step away.

Nathaniel noticed, his eyes narrowing. "Problem? Am I making you nervous?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Not you. Just the gun."

He reached out, flicking her forehead lightly. "Save the attitude for when we're not stranded."

She scowled, rubbing the spot he'd hit. What’s that supposed to mean? Calling me petty now?

"What about the rope you used to climb down? Can’t the guys up top pull us up one by one?"

Nathaniel tilted his chin upward, directing her attention to the frayed rope dangling far above them—completely out of reach.

Evelyn sighed. "Guess we're finding shelter instead. No telling how long it’ll take for them to locate us, and nights here are freezing."

"Agreed."

She started walking, only to feel the sudden weight of Nathaniel’s coat draping over her shoulders. The gesture caught her off guard.

"Thanks," she muttered, unsure how to react.

Nathaniel said nothing, falling into step beside her.

A soft whimper echoed behind them.

Evelyn paused, glancing back at the wounded bear. Its cries sounded almost like a child’s.

She arched a brow. "What if we take it with us?"