Chapter 1
Chapter 1
I was used to the cold shoulder. People ghosting me? Fine. I was used to it.
But getting iced out by a pilot? That was a first.
The plane slammed onto the tarmac. I gripped the armrest so hard my knuckles turned white, my stomach lurching into my throat. I ripped off my headset, gasping for air.
The pilot was already stalking around the side of the plane.
His shoulders were locked tight. His face was stone cold. He was definitely the type that would make girls back home lose their minds.
But me? Zero interest.
Actually, I kind of wanted to punch him.
When I boarded, I’d been polite. I said hello. And him? He looked right through me like I was a smudge on his pristine window, then turned away.
Three hours in the air. The guy was a statue with a pulse. Aside from a cold “Buckle up” at takeoff, he hadn’t said a word. When I finally asked how much longer, he shot me a look like I was speaking Alien,
Now, he hoisted my heavy suitcase Like it was an empty cardboard box.
I opened my mouth to say thanks, but he’d already grabbed my backpack with his other hand. He didn’t even look at me, Just marched toward the metal shed.
I ran after him. “Hey, you don’t have to p>
“Get the door p>
Chapter 1
Wow. Charming,
Heat flared in my chest.
I wasn’t helpless. I didn’t need him showing off. His “help” felt more like an insult. Who cares if he was hot? His personality was absolute trash.
But I bit my tongue and picked up the pace to kick the door open.
I was here for a fresh start. No point letting some frostbitten jerk ruin it.
Not worth it.
Inside, the heat hit me. A woman in a thick down jacket hurried over. Cynthia Morgan, the principal.
“You’re finally here!” She beamed, grabbing my hand. “I hope Declan didn’t talk your ear off p>
She winked at the ice block standing behind me.
Declan didn’t even look up. He dropped my luggage at my feet with a heavy thud.
“No, he was p>
Before I could finish, the door banged open. Cold wind swirled in, and just like that, he vanished into the snow.
Like a phantom,
…a rude, mute phantom,
“He’s a good pilot,” I lied.
Cynthia sighed. “He’s the best. Just colder than the permafrost. Anyway, welcome to Spruce
Chapter 1
Town, Tessa p>
“Thank you p>
“Let’s get you to the hotel. You look like you’re about to pass out p>
She wasn’t wrong. Lately, life felt like sleepwalking. My brain was foggy, and my feet felt heavy, like I was walking on cotton.
Cynthia’s beat-up SUV bumped along the snowy road.
At an intersection, she pointed to a small building across the street. “There’s your new battlefield-Tikkonnit Valley Middle School. One hundred and eighty-three people, total. Scared yet p>
She shot me a teasing look.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Cynthia, back in Chicago, I handled three thousand kids. This? This is a vacation p>
“Alright, city girl.” She turned the wheel. “Let’s get you settled. Here we are p>
The car stopped.
While Cynthia unloaded the bags, I stared at the ground. Suddenly, I froze.
There were boot prints in the snow.
But right next to them… massive paw prints,
They were huge.Nightmares with fur.Definitely not a dog, and way bigger than any wolf I’d seen in a zoo. The claws had punched deep into the packed ice. It looked dangerous.
That thing could rip a head off with one swipe.
Chapter 1
I gulped and pointed. “Cynthia… do you get a lot of wild animals out here p>
Her hand paused on the door handle.
“It’s winter. Bears, moose… sure.” Her eyes flickered with something I couldn’t place. “Oh, and wolves. They come around. Just don’t mess with them, and they won’t mess with you p>
She pulled the door open with a comforting smile.
Duh.
Who’s dumb enough to go poking a wolf a
(8)
BO
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.