Chloe’s New Beginning Read Online Free Page A

on a long car ride. Conner never approved, but she tried to hide her guilty pleasure from him.
    She pulled back onto the highway, heading for the Wrangell-St Elias National Park. How could there be someone there waiting for her? It made absolutely no sense. She let different scenarios play in her mind as she drove along the almost deserted road. She looked over at the urn next to her, and thought about Conner. Did he want her to spread his ashes here, near his family home, on their land? I’m not doing it, Conner. You are stuck with me forever.

Chapter 3

    The long drive had been brutal. She pulled over when she saw the sign to the North gate, and this was it. She stretched out her legs and arms, cracking her stiff back in the process. She pulled forward slowly, stopping when a man stepped out from a booth. He had a gun strapped to his upper thigh, and he was dressed all in black. He looked more like a military operative than a park ranger. She giggled to herself at that thought.
    She rolled down her window and watched his eyes roam over her, inspecting her. “We’ve been waiting for you. I hope you had a nice drive.” His voice was gruff, and Chloe blinked several times before answering him.
    “We’ve been waiting? Who…you and the other park rangers?” He threw his head back and laughed. She felt silly but at the same time a little lighthearted. She laughed a little to herself, waiting for an answer.
    “I’m not a park ranger, I’m a sentry. I’ve never been compared to a park ranger.” He shook his head and gave another silent laugh that shook his broad shoulders. “The clan has been waiting to meet you. Most everyone is gathered at the Alpha’s home.”
    “Okay. I didn’t understand half of what you just said.” She stared at him with a blank face until she noticed the truck that pulled up behind her and gave a beep of its horn. She squinted her eyes, trying to see through the windshield, but she couldn’t make out a face.
    “You’ll understand everything soon enough. Just continue forward on this road about five miles, and then take a right off the main street. That will lead you straight to the front door. Drive safe.” He stepped back and waved her through. Chloe drove slowly, not wanting to miss the turn. Were there any signs? Couldn’t he have at least provided a street name or something?
    She almost passed the street, but the vehicle behind her honked, and the driver put his hand out the window, gesturing her to turn. We must be going to the same place, she thought, and she turned the rental into a long driveway. The road curved back and forth. She enjoyed the magnificent view, and large trees lined the driveway, hiding the evening sky. It was breathtaking, and for the first time in a long time, she felt calm and content.
    Conner had been right. She needed this trip. Her mind felt clear, and she smiled, feeling a little lighter. When she finally reached the end of the driveway, it widened out. Small rocks covered the ground, leading her to a parking area. There were multiple cars, parked in straight lines. The largest wood cabin she had ever seen stood before her. Smoke bellowed from multiple places, showing her that there was a fireplace in every room. The place stood out amongst the trees, but it also looked like it belonged. She shut the engine off and stared at the cabin for a long time, unsure of what to do or say at this point.
    She had never met anyone in Conner’s family, had never even spoken to them over the phone. Her stomach cramped, and a nervous energy settled over her. She watched as a large man came out the front door. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved sweater. He stood on the porch looking at her. She cocked her head to the side, watching him closely, and then recognition set in. She opened the car door, stepped out and stared openly at him. It was Conner. He stood there, watching her, and then he slowly walked off the porch toward her.
    Chloe couldn’t contain