Page 4 of Wanderlust With Wolves

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 lesswild.”

I’d tried explaining—again—that the Wild isn’tmeantto be tidy. That nature should be left to its own devices, that Avalon Vale’s beautyisin 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 thatisn’t even a road.It’s wedged at an awkward angle, its tires partially sunkinto 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 theypersonallyconspired against her.

Not a bad idea, actually. Maybe Lunahada 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 feelsbig.

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 couldbathein that scent.

Vanilla, sunshine, something bright and sweet that shouldn’t bethisaddictive.

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 somethingresemblinga path. I guide her out, jogging ahead to the lodge to meet her on the other side.

---