Chapter 28
Chapter 28
“Ready?” Declan asked.
I froze for a second before realizing he was talking to Daniel–Declan must be the uncle Daniel had mentioned.
Once again, I was reminded of how tightly connected everyone in the valley was.
“Yep.” Daniel stuffed the book into his backpack and turned to leave.
“Hey.” As Daniel walked out, Declan kicked the back of his heel.
Daniel stumbled and glared at Declan. Declan’s expression wasn’t much better. “What do you say?” He tilted his head toward me.
Daniel’s face flushed. “Thank you, Ms. Romano p>
“You’re welcome, Daniel. Keep it as long as you like p>
Declan looked at me over his nephew’s head, his expression
thoughtful–like he wanted to say something.
I looked back at him, trying not to let the warmth in my chest rise to
my face.
Daniel elbowed Declan. “Are you just gonna keep staring at my
English teacher, or can we go p>
A low growl rumbled in Declan’s throat.
Daniel immediately looked regretful and hurried out the door.
Declan pushed off the doorframe, nodded at me, and followed his
Chapter 28
nephew down the hallway. I watched their backs–had Declan just growled at his nephew?
I stayed at school until eight in the evening. By the time I came in through the back door of the Spruce dining room, the place was empty except for Natalia, who sat at the counter refilling salt shakers.
“Tessa.” She looked up at me, worry on her face. “Have you eaten p>
“I have.” I sat down on the stool next to her. “Natalia, do you ever feel like an outsider p>
She wasn’t from the valley. Wasn’t even from Alaska. Wasn’t even American. Did she know the secrets they were keeping from me? Did she know about the hereditary condition in Linnea and Caitlin’s family?
Natalia pressed her lips together and studied me for a moment. Then she went back to filling the salt shakers. “When I first came to Graytooth, everyone called me ‘Roger’s Polish girl.‘ Not my name. My English wasn’t as good then. Some people thought it was funny. Little things everyone here knew–I didn’t know them. They thought that was funny too. Roger’s parents ran the Spruce back then. I
helped in the kitchen. My cooking was good–but his mother was
never satisfied p>
A flicker of annoyance crossed her face. “But Roger always stood up for me. The locals slowly started treating me like one of their own.
Some faster than others. Now I’m part of this place. Even his mother
eventually admitted everyone loved my cooking p>
She looked up and smiled at me. “I wasn’t born in the valley–but
now this is my home.” She set down the last salt shaker. “Why are
you asking? Is someone giving you a hard time p>
“No,” I shrugged. “I just don’t know if I belong here. It feels like
everyone treats me like a guest–a guest they like well enough, but
Chapter 28
don’t trust. Don’t confide in p>
Natalia squeezed my arm. “You need to do what I did p>
“Marry a local p>
Natalia snorted. “No–though that wouldn’t hurt. But if you want people to treat you a certain way, you have to ask for it p>
I frowned. Demanding that people accept you–it felt contradictory.
If “acceptance” had value, it had to be voluntary. “Hmm p>
“You don’t believe me,” Natalia said with a smile. “But you’ll see. I’m
not wrong p>
“I’ll think about it.” I picked up my bag and stood. The day had been exhausting. It wasn’t even nine yet–but I wanted to sleep.
When I reached the top of the stairs, I ran into Declan just as he was leaving his room. After a moment’s hesitation, I walked toward him.
He strode down the hallway, filling the space as usual, not even
looking at me.
I remembered my earlier resolve not to give in to him anymore. Natalia’s words gave me courage. If he couldn’t be bothered to make room, neither would I. As we passed each other, I bumped his
shoulder with mine.
“Oh, sorry,” I said, drawing out the words. I walked to my door.
“Didn’t see you there p>
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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.