Several months earlier, when the train slowly pulled into the station, Valentina stared out at the snow–covered mountains. She felt a mixture of awe and disbelief, like none of this was really happening.
The northern winds were every bit as brutal as she’d heard. The moment she stepped off the train, a gust of freezing air hit her and made her shiver involuntarily.
A few locals bundled in thick coats hurried across the platform, their breath forming white clouds in the frigid air. She grabbed her luggage and stepped down from the train. The bone- deep cold cut straight through her coat, making it hard to even walk.
The Forest Service reception office wasn’t far. It was a low brick building with white smoke curling from its chimney.
When Valentina pushed open the door, blessed warmth enveloped her. The man who greeted her was in his 50s with cheeks reddened by the bitter wind. He immediately rushed over with a welcoming smile.
“Ms. Frost! We’ve been waiting for you!”
He took her bags and gestured for her to sit down for some tea, chattering away about the forest station as he bustled around. Valentina listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously
tracing the rim of her cup.
The tea was strong and bitter, but the scalding heat slowly brought feeling back to her frozen
hands.
“It’s tough living up in the mountains, but the scenery is absolutely incredible!” Julian West said cheerfully.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got a reliable partner lined up for you. He knows these woods like the back of his hand, so you can ask him anything.”
Just then, the wooden door swung open and a blast of cold air swept in along with swirling snowflakes. Valentina looked up to see a tall man standing in the doorway, bundled from head
to toe.
A heavy knit hat was pulled low over his eyes, and a scarf wrapped up to his nose, leaving only
his
eyes visible. He walked with a slight limp in his right leg, but his stride was steady and sure.
“You’re finally here.” Julian clapped the man on the shoulder and turned to introduce him to Valentina.
“This is Chris, the one I mentioned to you. He’s new here too, but he’s incredibly reliable and
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hardworking. Even though he hasn’t been here long, he already knows these woods inside and
out.”
The man called Chris Kane gave a slight nod but didn’t speak. His face was mostly hidden, but there was something familiar about his eyes.
They were striking, framed by thick lashes and dark brows. A thin scar near the corner gave him a dangerous edge, like he might have a quick temper.
Valentina instinctively tensed up. Even though Julian assured her this man was trustworthy and dependable, he was still a complete stranger. Could she really feel safe spending weeks alone with him in the mountains?
The thought made her grip the small knife she kept in her pocket. Julian noticed her nervousness and chuckled reassuringly.
“Don’t worry. Chris might look intimidating, but he’s got a good heart and excellent skills.
“He mentioned this concern to me yesterday too. Having a young woman like you alone with him in the mountains isn’t ideal. But we’re really short–staffed right now, and I can’t find another partner for you at the moment.
“You could give it a try for a while, and as soon as we get more staff, I’ll send someone else to keep you company.
“Chris went to town yesterday and bought you a stun gun and an emergency alarm. They’re yours to keep for protection. What do you think?”
Valentina considered carefully, studying Julian’s sincere expression, then finally nodded.
Chris had remained silent the entire time. When he saw her nod, he looked at her questioningly to make sure she was okay with the arrangement, then quietly picked up her suitcase and headed for the door.
Chapter 15
