Wanderlust With Wolves (Greetings from Monster Town)

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

CLEARING THE WILD

Ronan

The thing about having a sister like Luna? She could probably convince a bear to vacuum its cave if she thought it would make the forest more inviting .

Which is why I’m out here, chopping and clearing brush like a damn groundskeeper.

“If you’re already patrolling,” she’d said sweetly, “you might as well clean things up a little. Make it look less wild .”

I’d tried explaining—again—that the Wild isn’t meant to be tidy. That nature should be left to its own devices, that Avalon Vale’s beauty is in its untamed edges.

But arguing with Luna? Waste of time.

So here I am, hacking away at overgrown brambles, making the paths more accessible, and keeping an eye out for anything that shouldn’t be here.

And that’s when I spot it.

A van, of all things, at the far end of a path that isn’t even a road. It’s wedged at an awkward angle, its tires partially sunk into the soft earth, the driver’s side door swinging open as someone climbs out.

I jog over, just in time to see a woman standing next to the van, hands on her hips, looking at the trees like they personally conspired against her.

Not a bad idea, actually. Maybe Luna had a point about clearing things up.

The woman sighs, shading her eyes against the sunlight filtering through the branches. The breeze lifts her dark, rippling black hair, catching the light like silk ribbon. She’s petite—probably comes up to my chest—but everything about her feels big .

Her expression, shifting between frustration and awe.

Her huge, expressive eyes, scanning the woods like she’s seeing magic in the chaos.

Her scent?—

My body reacts before my brain catches up.

A growl rumbles in my chest.

She jumps, spinning around, one hand clutched to her chest.

Shit.

I school my features, lifting my hands in apology. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

Her fear fades quickly, shifting into curiosity…and something else. Something that makes the air between us feel heavier.

She word vomits immediately, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I’m, uh—I was looking for the main lodge. I have an invitation?” She yanks out her phone like a golden ticket, as if proving she belongs will keep me from dragging her back to civilization.

Amused, I step closer, glancing at her screen.

Mostly just to get another sniff.

Holy hell. I could bathe in that scent.

Vanilla, sunshine, something bright and sweet that shouldn’t be this addictive.

I clear my throat, refocusing. “You’re close, but this isn’t a road.”

She winces. “Yeah, I figured.”

I point to the winding path ahead. “Go around this loop. I’ll meet you on the other side and guide you into the parking lot.”

Her shoulders sag with relief. “You’re my hero.”

I bite back a smirk. “Just doing my job.”

She reverses, tires kicking up dirt as she maneuvers the van back onto something resembling a path. I guide her out, jogging ahead to the lodge to meet her on the other side.

When she finally pulls up, I wait by the entrance and open the door for her.

She steps out, brushing road dust off her jeans before looking up at me with a sheepish smile. “Okay, maybe I should’ve looked at the map first.”

I chuckle. “ Maybe .”

Inside, Luna is already waiting. The second she spots Maya, her face lights up.

“Oh, you’re one of our special invitees!” Luna clasps her hands together, beaming. “That means you get to stay in our glamper-grounds—the best luxury cabins in Avalon Vale.”

Maya’s eyes go wide. “Oh, hell yes .”

I smirk as Luna loops an arm through hers and starts leading her toward the front desk, already launching into a full rundown of the resort’s amenities.

“Ronan, go check on the lakefront cottages,” Luna says over her shoulder, effectively dismissing me.

Maya follows her, excitement practically radiating from her.

I linger.

I tell myself that if she doesn’t turn around, I’ll leave her alone.

If she does …

Maya reaches the front desk, still half-listening to Luna—then she stops. Turns.

Our eyes meet.

She smiles. “Thanks again.”

And just like that, I know.

She’s sealed her fate.

She’s mine.