Page 18 of Wanderlust With Wolves

Hot stones? Perfection.

Lavender oil? Heavenly.

The sheer decadence of it all?Unmatched.

By the time I emerge, soft-limbed and dreamlike, I would agree to almostanything.

Which is probably why I find myself standing on a ladder, hanging ribbon garlands and adjusting floral bundles, humming under my breath as I work.

To my credit, I don’t mind. This is fun—hands-on, creative, the kind of physical task that lets my brain wander.

And my brain?

Is wandering straight to Ronan.

He’ll be back later.

I told him I’d see him, and I meant it.

A small, traitorous thrill runs through me at the thought.What is happening to me?

Maybe I’m just vibing with the romance of the season.

Maybe it’s the lingering euphoria of the massage.

Or maybe it’s a certain wulver who makes my pulse do weird, unreliable things.

I shake off the thought and refocus.

Business, Maya. Be productive.

I consider how I could pitch Avalon Vale’s glamper-grounds and spa—a luxury-meets-wilderness experience. I could easily whip up some copy for their website tonight.

My other freelance projects are simmering on the backburner anyway.

As I tie another flowing ribbon, I glance at Luna.

“So,” I say, voice casual. “Tell me more about the Sweetheart Wilds Festival.”

Luna grins, tying a delicate bow with practiced ease. “It’s asanitizedversion of an old tradition.”

I quirk a brow. “How sanitized?”

Luna tilts her head. “Well, inoldertimes, it was a full Lupercalia run—chasing, marking, claiming. These days, we just focus on the fun parts. Dancing, matchmaking, a bit of competitive partner tracking?—”

I pause mid-ribbon, brows furrowing. “Partner tracking?”

Luna points to the color-coded ribbons hanging across the lodge. “Each pair is given a tracking ribbon. You chase, you catch, you tie. Simple.”

I smirk. “And if you don’t have a partner?”

Luna doesn’t miss a beat. “There’salwaysa partner.”

That shouldn’t make my stomach flip.

And yet?—

I clear my throat, twirling a red ribbon between my fingers. “I’m guessing this event has anotablyhigh post-festival pregnancy rate?”

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