Page 11 of Wanderlust With Wolves

Maya

Everything is officially set up.

The van is hooked up to water and power, my gear is organized, and I’m settling in nicely. It feels good to have both the luxurious cabin and my trusty home-on-wheels at my disposal—kind of like having a penthouse suite and a getaway car all in one.

The only thing missing?

My cat.

“Belvedere!” I call out, scanning the area for a flash of fluffy ragdoll fur. “C’mon, buddy. You’ve had your stretch.”

Silence.

I sigh. Typical.

He’s probably off exploring, pretending to be a wild mountain beast before returning to demand food and attention onhisterms.

Fine. He’ll come back when he’s good and ready.

For now, I turn my focus to arranging my outdoor space. The alpine chairs I brought with me need positioning, and I want everything cozy but functional—a little personal oasis where I can sip tea, journal, and take in the gorgeous mountain view.

I’m shifting a chair when a shadow moves at the edge of my vision.

“Need a hand?”

I turn, and there he is.

Ronan Silverpelt.

All towering fur and golden eyes, his deep voice like a warm, crackling fire against the cool air.

I blink, startled for half a second before offering him a smile. “I’d love one, actually.”

He steps forward, his movements effortless and fluid, picking up the other chair like it weighs nothing.

Itprobably doesn’t—not to him.

I’m grateful for the help, and as we set up, I realize I don’t want him to leave just yet.

“Would you like some tea?” I offer. “I just need a minute to get things ready.”

Ronan tilts his head slightly, considering. Then, smoothly, he asks, “And will Mr. Belvedere be joining us?”

I blink. “You know about my cat?”

“You mentioned him,” Ronan says. His ears twitch slightly, betraying amusement. “Lynn Aloysius Belvedere, was it?”

I groan. “Only when he’s being naughty, which he isright now.”

Ronan lets out a soft, huffing chuckle, and something about that sound warms me all the way through.

I run back inside, excited.

I’d wanted to spend more time with him, and now? Here he is.

As I prepare the tea—choosing my favorite cinnamon-spiced black blend, because itfeelslike a Ronan sort of tea—I let my thoughts tumble over themselves.

He’s so…intense. In a solid, grounding kind of way. The complete opposite of me—free-spirited, always moving, always chasing the next adventure.

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