Chapter 3
THREE
TESSA
The small plane's engines cut to silence, leaving Tessa surrounded by a vastness that stole her breath.
She stepped out onto the makeshift landing strip, and the Arctic cold hit her like a physical slap—sharp and so intense it made her lungs burn.
But it wasn't the temperature that made her pause mid-step.
It was the sheer, overwhelming beauty of Frosthaven.
Glaciers stretched in every direction, their surfaces catching the afternoon light and throwing it back in brilliant, crystalline flashes.
The research station looked like a child's toy against the sweep of ice and tundra, dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape.
Tessa pulled her parka hood tighter, the fur trim framing her face as she tried to process the magnitude of what surrounded her.
This is it, she thought, excitement warring with a flutter of uncertainty. This is what I've always dreamed of.
"Dr. Monroe!"
She turned toward the voice and saw a lean man approaching from the research station, his brown hair tousled by the wind and his face lighting up with relief.
Dr. Eli Varkov looked exactly as she'd imagined from their brief phone conversation—practical, weathered, and currently frazzled around the edges.
"Thank God you're here," he said, reaching for her luggage. "I was starting to think I'd have to clone myself to keep up with all this data."
"Happy to help," Tessa replied, following him toward the cluster of buildings that made up the station. "Though I have to admit, I couldn't find this place on any maps."
Eli's expression shifted slightly, becoming more guarded. "Frosthaven's... unique. The town prefers to keep a low profile. You'll understand why soon enough."
Cryptic, Tessa thought, filing away the comment for later examination. She'd always been good at reading between the lines, and something in Eli's tone suggested there were significant details he hadn't shared yet.
The research station's main building welcomed them with a rush of warm air that felt like salvation after the brutal cold outside.
Tessa pulled back her hood, shaking out her dark brown waves as she looked around the space.
It was cramped but efficiently organized—banks of monitoring equipment hummed quietly along one wall, while charts and printouts covered nearly every available surface.
"Coffee?" Eli asked, already moving toward an industrial-strength machine that looked like it had seen better days.
"Please." Tessa accepted the steaming mug gratefully, wrapping her fingers around the ceramic warmth. "So, tell me about these anomalies. Your preliminary data was fascinating, but I'd love to hear your firsthand observations."
Eli's eyes flicked toward the windows, where the sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon. The gesture was quick, nervous, as if he was checking for something—or someone.
"It's unlike anything I've documented in five years of Arctic research," he said, his voice carrying the weight of genuine concern. "Seismic shifts that don't follow any predictable patterns, glacier movements that defy basic physics, and weather systems that appear and disappear without warning."
Tessa moved to examine the readouts more closely, her scientific mind immediately engaging with the puzzle. The data was indeed strange—readings that suggested massive underground instability without corresponding surface evidence.
"These pressure variations," she murmured, tracing one particularly dramatic spike with her finger. "They're consistent with major fault activity, but your surface surveys don't show any significant fractures."
"Exactly. It's like the land is responding to forces we can't measure or identify."
As if he'd read her mind about the mysterious aspects of this assignment, Eli cleared his throat awkwardly. "There's something else you should know about Frosthaven. Something Gerri might have... overlooked in her briefing."
Tessa raised an eyebrow, sensing the approach of information that would explain some of the oddities she'd already noticed. "What kind of something?"
"The locals aren't exactly... typical small-town residents.
" Eli ran a hand through his dark hair, clearly struggling with how to phrase his explanation.
"They're polar bear shifters, Tessa. All of them.
This entire territory is controlled by four different clans, and their king—a man named Kaidan—is the only reason this research station exists. "
Polar bear shifters. The words hung in the air between them like an unexploded bomb.
Tessa blinked, certain she'd misheard. "Did you just say—"
"People who can transform into polar bears, yes." Eli's expression was deadly serious. "I know how it sounds, but you'll see for yourself soon enough. Kaidan's clan has been surprisingly supportive of our work, but the other clans... well, let's just say they view humans as trespassers at best."
The coffee mug grew heavier in Tessa's hands as the implications sank in. Shapeshifters. She'd heard rumors, of course—whispered stories about supernatural communities existing on the fringes of human society. But she'd never imagined she'd find herself in the middle of one.
"Gerri definitely left that detail out of our conversation," she said dryly, surprised by how steady her voice sounded.
"She has a talent for strategic omissions." Eli's smile was rueful. "But before you start questioning your sanity, let me show you around. You'll want to get settled before the real work begins tomorrow."
He led her through the station's various rooms—equipment storage, lab spaces, a compact but well-stocked kitchen, and finally a small dormitory area with two simple bedrooms.
"This one's yours," Eli said, opening a door to reveal a space that was surprisingly inviting. "Generator keeps this place powered, and the heating system is more reliable than it looks. Just... be aware that I've had some security issues lately."
"Security issues?"
Eli's expression darkened. "Equipment tampered with, data mysteriously corrupted, and supplies going missing. I never catch anyone in the act, but it's clear someone wants this research station gone."
A chill that had nothing to do with the Arctic temperature ran down Tessa's spine. "One of the other clans?"
"Most likely Magnus Rake's people. He's been vocal about his opposition to human presence in the territory." Eli checked the window again, that same nervous gesture. "Kaidan keeps patrol units near the station, but they can't be everywhere at once."
Tessa set down her coffee mug, the weight of her situation beginning to settle around her like a heavy cloak. She'd come here expecting challenging environmental research, not to find herself caught between supernatural political factions and human discrimination.
What exactly have I gotten myself into?
But even as the question formed, she felt a familiar spark of determination ignite in her chest. She'd faced hostile academic environments, dismissive male colleagues, and career setbacks that would have broken lesser scientists.
A few territorial shapeshifters weren't going to scare her away from the opportunity of a lifetime.
"Well," she said, meeting Eli's concerned gaze with a grin that felt more confident than she actually felt. "I came here to solve your problems. Looks like I'll just have to solve a few more than I bargained for."
The sound of approaching snowmobiles suddenly cut through the Arctic silence like a knife, their engines growing louder until they stopped just outside the research station. Tessa exchanged a glance with Eli.
"That would be Gerri," Eli said, moving toward the window.
The door burst open with the force of a small hurricane, bringing with it a swirl of snow and the unmistakable energy of Gerri Wilder.
She stood in the doorway wearing what could only be described as designer Arctic couture—a sleek white coat with silver trim that probably cost more than Tessa's monthly salary, paired with boots that somehow managed to look both practical and impossibly stylish.
"Tessa, darling!" Gerri's voice rang out with characteristic warmth as she swept into the station, her blue eyes already gleaming with that familiar golden glint. "How are you settling in? Getting used to this little slice of paradise?"
"It's certainly not what I expected," Tessa replied. "Though I have to say, the beauty of this place is—"
Her words died in her throat as a second figure filled the doorway.
The man who entered behind Gerri was... devastating.
There was no other word for it. He towered over everyone in the room at what had to be six-foot-three, his broad shoulders and muscular frame filling out a jacket that seemed impossibly thin for the brutal cold outside.
His golden blonde hair caught the light from the overhead fixtures, and his rugged beard framed a face that belonged in ancient Norse legends.
But it was his eyes that stopped her cold—piercing ice-blue and so intense they seemed to see straight through her.
Holy hell, Tessa thought, her pulse suddenly racing. Who is this man?
He moved with the fluid confidence of someone accustomed to command, every gesture radiating authority and barely contained power. There was something almost predatory about the way he surveyed the room, as if cataloging every detail for potential threats.
"Tessa," Gerri said, her voice practically bubbling with barely suppressed delight, "I'd like you to meet Kaidan Veyr. King of Frosthaven."
King. The title settled over him like a mantle, explaining the commanding presence that seemed to fill the entire room. Tessa tried to gather her scattered wits, reminding herself that she was a respected scientist, not some swooning damsel.
"Your Majesty," she managed, stepping forward and extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
When his large hand enveloped hers, the contact sent what felt like an electric shock racing up her arm. His skin was warm despite the cold environment, and in that moment, his ice-blue eyes widened slightly, as if he'd felt the same jolt of... something.
What the hell was that? Tessa wondered, trying to ignore the way her breath had caught in her throat.
"Dr. Monroe," Kaidan's voice was deep with an edge of formality that didn't quite mask something more intense underneath. "Welcome to Frosthaven. We're grateful for your willingness to assist with our... environmental challenges."
He held her hand perhaps a moment longer than strictly necessary before releasing it, and Tessa had to resist the urge to flex her fingers to chase away the tingling sensation his touch had left behind.
"And I can ensure your protection during your stay," he continued, his tone becoming more businesslike. "If you need anything—assistance, resources, security—don't hesitate to reach out."
Tessa blinked, surprised by the offer. "That's very gracious of you. I imagine a king has more pressing matters to attend to than babysitting visiting scientists."
Something that might have been amusement flickered across his features. "Your safety is hardly babysitting, Dr. Monroe."
"Well, aren't you just the perfect gentleman," Gerri interjected with a grin that was pure mischief. "Though I should mention, Tessa, that this is one of those mysterious men with ice in their veins I told you about last night."
Kaidan's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, and he shot Gerri a look that could have frozen the entire Arctic Ocean. "I prefer 'focused on duty' to 'ice in veins,' Gerri."
"Same thing," Gerri waved dismissively. "All work and no play, this one. But don't worry, dear, underneath all that kingly responsibility beats the heart of a man who just needs the right woman to thaw him out."
Tessa nearly choked on her own breath, heat flooding her face as she scrambled for something to say that wouldn't make this incredibly awkward situation worse. "I'm sure His Majesty has his hands full with running a kingdom. I understand completely about demanding careers."
"See?" Gerri clapped her hands together delightedly. "You two already understand each other. And Kaidan, surely the mighty king of the Arctic can spare some time to show our guest around? A personal tour from royalty—how exciting would that be?"
Kaidan's expression grew even more rigid, if that was possible. He looked like a man trapped between duty and desire, uncertain how to navigate the treacherous waters Gerri had just thrown him into. "I... have patrol reports to review. Border security to coordinate."
"Of course," Tessa said quickly, desperate to give him an escape route and herself time to process whatever the hell had just happened between them. "I'm sure we'll both be far too busy to socialize much. I have mountains of data to analyze."
"Exactly," Kaidan agreed, perhaps a bit too readily. "Though... I will check in periodically. To ensure you have everything you need."
"I appreciate that," Tessa replied, proud that her voice sounded steady despite the way her heart was still hammering against her ribs.
Kaidan gave a curt nod to Eli, another unreadable look to Tessa, and then strode toward the door with the same predatory grace he'd entered with. "Gerri."
"Always a pleasure, Your Majesty," Gerri called after him, her tone innocent as fresh snow.
As soon as the door closed behind him, the station seemed to exhale, as if his commanding presence had been holding the very air hostage.
Through the walls, Tessa could hear the distant groaning of glaciers and the sudden gust of wind against the windows—the Arctic itself seemed restless, matching the tension that had just filled the small space.
"Well," Gerri said, turning to Tessa with eyes that were now fully golden with satisfaction, "wasn't that interesting?"
"I should... get settled," Tessa managed, her mind reeling from the encounter. "Lots to unpack."
She escaped to her small bedroom in the dormitory area, closing the door behind her and leaning against it as if it could somehow block out the memory of his ice-blue eyes and the electric shock of his skin against hers.
Her luggage sat on the narrow bed, but she ignored it in favor of the small window that looked out over the Arctic landscape.
The view was breathtaking—endless expanses of ice and snow stretching toward a horizon painted in shades of silver and blue.
The research station felt impossibly small against the vastness, a tiny human outpost in a world that belonged to forces far older and more powerful than anything she'd ever studied.
And ruled by the most attractive man I've ever met, she thought, touching her palm where she could still feel the phantom warmth of his hand.