Page 3 of Wanderlust With Wolves

For now? Pie.

The Bluebird Dineris straight out of a cozy small-town fantasy—checkered floors, soft yellow lighting, the smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee thick in the air.

I slide into a booth, pulling out my journal as I wait for my order. I jot down a few notes—thoughts on the stretch ofmountains I passed earlier, how they felt like they werecallingto me.

It’s something I believe in. Energy, fate, the way the universe guides you exactly where you need to be—if you’re open to it.

A waitress with soft brown curls and a name tag that says Rita approaches with a warm smile. “Done with that, hon?” She nods at my empty plate.

I set my pen down. “Yeah, thanks. That was amazing. Best grilled cheese I’ve had all week.”

Rita’s expression turns sly. “Allweek, huh? You a traveler?”

I nod. “Van life. Just me, my cat, and the open road.”

That earns an approving nod. “You write about it?”

I grin. “Yeah. Sometimes fiction, sometimes essays. Mostly just chasing stories wherever I find them.”

“Well,” she says, leaning against the counter, “if you’re looking for arealstory, you should check out Avalon Vale.”

I blink. “Isn’t that place, like…impossibleto get into?”

“Not anymore.” Rita pulls out her phone and taps a few times before turning it toward me. “They just started doing online visitor applications. Only takes a few minutes. You should try it.”

I hesitate. “You think they’d approveme?”

Rita leans in conspiratorially. “They’re trying to bring in more humans. The town’s got agood thinggoing, but they need people who want to bepartof it. You’re a traveler, a writer, and from what I can tell, you’re open to adventure. Sounds like just their type.”

I glance at the screen. Avalon Vale Tourism & Visitor Integration.

The universe isdefinitelysending me breadcrumbs.

I type in my information—name, background, reason for visiting (I skip “because the vibes told me to” and go with “exploration and writing”). I hit submit just as Rita sets down a slice of chocolate pie and a fresh cup of coffee in front of me.

“On the house,” she says with a wink.

By the time I take my second bite, my phone vibrates.

Welcome to Avalon Vale. Your visitor access has been approved.

I skim the email—check-in instructions, lodging options, and a note about upcoming special events.

Huh. That wasfast.

“Well?” Rita prompts, grinning.

I slide her a generous tip before grabbing my keys. “Guess I’ve got a new stop on my trip.”

Avalon Vale, here I come.

Chapter Three

CLEARING THE WILD

Ronan

The thingabout having a sister like Luna? She could probably convince a bear to vacuum its cave if she thought it would make the forestmore inviting.

---