Chapter 8 Thea
THEA
Working the extra shifts was exactly what I needed especially after that day last week with my run ins with Ben and the mysterious alpha at the cabin.
It’s my first day off and I have no plans other than grocery shopping which I already did this morning.
I’ve been trying to read but I can’t seem to sit still.
Feeling restless, I get changed and decide to go for a walk.
From the little bit of driving around town that I’ve done, it seems like there’s little trails everywhere.
I also saw a sign for Ranger Station nearby.
They likely have some maps of the trails; that’s probably my best bet rather than blindly exploring and ending up on someone’s property like last time.
Thinking about that does make me smile. Parker was so different than any alpha I’d met before.
I then remember his scent, wondering what it is about the men in this town, specifically that pack.
I don’t know if that construction alpha is part of their pack but his scent affected me just as strongly.
I just need some fresh air and exercise to get this restless energy out of my system.
The drive to the station is quicker than I thought and not many cars are in the small lot.
Understandable for a random Tuesday. Walking into the small building, I find shelves full of various items, such as first aid kits, maps, rations, and even some clothing items. Guess it serves as a last stop in case people forget something.
There’s a forest ranger at the counter reading some outdoors magazine.
He glances up as the door closes behind me with a light chime, and I give a small smile in acknowledgement and start to browse.
I see out of the corner of my eye of him doing a double take.
Maybe they really don’t get many people during the week.
Looking through the maps I grab a few different ones for future exploration.
I didn’t bring anything with me other than a jacket.
Not the smartest decision, but I don’t plan on doing a multi-day hike.
Just a couple hours, then hopefully I’m tired enough to go home and sleep the rest of the day away.
As I approach the counter I dash over to the coolers and grab two waters.
The ranger stands up from his perch as I approach the counter.
His name tag says Officer Carter. His deep green uniform stands out against his tan skin that contrasts with his dark brown hair and deep blue eyes that haven’t moved from me.
Maybe he’s judging me for not having any gear.
It is dumb of me but I don’t care all that much today, I just needed out of that house.
Placing my items on the counter, he seems to snap out of his trance and begins ringing me up. Now that he’s standing I can see he’s tall, but nothing like the alpha at the cabin or even Connor’s height—no don’t go there Thea. Anyways, he’s probably around six foot, still taller than me.
“Miss?” he says, catching my attention.
“Yes, sorry.”
“It’ll be $28.50. Are you going out onto any of the trails?
” he asks as I get my cash out to pay. I notice a slight accent when he speaks but can’t place it, maybe New York?
You’re in New York, Thea, of course people will sound like they have an accent to you.
Though this seems different than the people I’ve met so far in town and at the lodge.
“Yes, I am. Do you have any you’d recommend to someone new to the area?”
He eyes me somewhat skeptically; I try not to take offense but the longer it goes on the more it bothers me.
He opens one of the maps and points out a trail.
“This one is good, usually about two to three hours round trip depending on what your experience level is with terrain like this. The trail head is out the door to the left.”
“That sounds perfect thank you, Officer Carter,” I say as I gather up the items.
“Are you visiting from out of town?” He surprises me with the question.
“No, just moved here. Only been a few weeks so just now getting a chance to explore some of the trails now.”
“Well welcome to Moonlight Valley. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to stop back here. Depending on the trails you go, you may come across our rangers making various rounds. They can help you if needed as well,” he says, more pleasantly than I expected.
“Thank you,” I say, this time a little more genuinely.
Taking my purchases, I leave the station.
I put the extra maps in my car and start towards the trail head.
I take a deep breath of fresh air and even with the slight chill it feels great on my skin.
And that restless feeling fades with each step I take.