by Alicia White
Taking a deep breath, Beth watched as the men slid into the booth. Beth wasn’t sure if the three big men would fit, but surprisingly they did. She waited for Emma to sit down before finally moving. The five of them sat in silence for a minute, until one of the twins broke the silence.
“That SUV is sure filled to the top. Are you planning on staying here?”
She knew that question would be asked sooner or later, but she hadn’t expected it to be one of the first questions asked. “Yeah, I’m looking for a clean start. I’m not asking to move in with you all.” She laughed and Emma grinned. “I guess I’m just hoping to move to a place with a friendly face. Maybe get an apartment and a job. I just got into town, but I’ll probably do a little exploring tonight and tomorrow.”
“I’m looking for a waitress here, if you’re interested.” An older man announced, breaking into their conversation. He stopped in front of their table and held out his hand. “I’m Mack and this is my place.”
“I saw the sign outside and was thinking about applying, but I wanted to talk to my cousin first.”
“You’re related to Emma. Well then, the job is yours if you want it. We’re a tight-knit community here and we help each other out.”
“Thank you. I need to find someplace to stay first, and then I can start working.” She needed to take one step at a time, not jump into something before she was prepared.
Mack took their drink and food orders before heading off to what Beth assumed was the kitchen. She was glad to be out of the car, but sitting down again wasn’t helping. Her body was turning into a cramped mess begging her to get up and take a long walk.
“We don’t have any motels or hotels in the National Park. I’m sorry to say that your options are limited. This is a small community, like Mack said,” Mahkah informed her, and Beth’s shoulders slumped.
“We are in the process of expanding right now, building more cabins and updating the older ones for the folks living here. There are a couple places that are empty. I can talk to our Alpha and see if you could rent one of them out,” Chayton added.
Only one word stuck out, and she wasn’t sure what he meant. “Alpha?”
“Alpha is the title for a couple of the leaders here. Consider the title a form of respect, like Doctor or Mister.” Emma nodded, as if that explained everything, and Beth assumed it did. What an interesting place.
“I would really appreciate anything you can do.” Beth started thinking about the average cost of rent in Seattle and what she could afford with utilities. “I can probably afford a maximum of one-thousand dollars a month.” If she didn’t get a job right away, she could at least afford to live for almost a year without worrying.
The men laughed loudly, and Beth wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Were they laughing at her? Did she say something utterly ridiculous? She was being honest with what she could afford right now.
“The cost of living is quite a bit lower than what you’re expecting. If you didn’t have a dime, we’d still make sure that you had a nice, warm bed. The food, that’s a bit more expensive, especially during the winter months. We do hunt here and share the meat. That way nobody goes without. We look after our own.”
She liked that idea. This place really did seem close-knit, especially if they made sure every person had food and shelter regardless of money. How wonderful would the world be if every community had the same philosophy?
“Thank you. I’m not expecting to live for free, and I do have every intention of getting a job and paying my way. I appreciate anything you can do to help me.” She meant every word.
Beth didn’t have a lot of experience with regular human kindness. She was from a place that had a tit-for-tat mentality. Most people didn’t give from the kindness in their heart. Most folks she’d encountered were of the “what will you do for me” variety. It was nice to be in a different sort of place. She understood Emma a bit more now. These men, in the short time she’d known them, seemed like “nice” guys. She’d never truly experienced that sort of man before.
“Why don’t you eat your food while I give the Alpha a call? We’ll find somewhere for you in no time.” Chayton slid out of the booth. He placed a chaste kiss on Emma’s lips before exiting the bar and grill to make his phone call.
Picking up her BLT, Beth took a bite and chewed slowly, savoring the flavors. Her stomach growled, letting everyone around her know how hungry she really was. They all ate in silence and Beth was glad she didn’t have to hold a conversation. She inhaled the rest of her food, barely even tasting the other bites.
When her plate was empty, she wiped her mouth on her napkin before taking a drink. As she swallowed her iced tea, she noticed that no one else had finished their food. Dang, how fast did I eat? Leaning back against the thick padding of the booth, Beth finally relaxed. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable. After only a couple of minutes, the exhaustion she felt came back tenfold, making it hard to keep her eyes open.
I really need a comfortable bed and a shower, not necessarily in that order. Beth hoped that Chayton would be able to find her a place to stay. He’d left a little while ago and hadn’t returned from his phone call. Maybe he was outside arguing her case?
“Beth?”
She jerked up, opening her eyes. Damn, when had I closed my eyes? Did I fall asleep at the table? Where was everyone? Beth pasted a smile on her face. “I was just resting my eyes.”
“Come on, I’m sure you’re ready to have a full night’s sleep. Chayton, Takoda, and Mahkah are waiting outside for us.” Emma held out her hand and Beth took the much needed support line.
They walked arm-in-arm toward the exit.
“Let me drive your car. We can follow Mahkah to the place you’ll be staying.”
Beth reached for her purse and realized that it wasn’t in its normal spot on her shoulder. “Oh, crud, I left my purse inside at the table.” Pulling her arm free, she turned around ready to head back inside when Emma tightened her hold.
“Nope, I’ve got it right here.”
“Dang, I must be half out of it. You should probably drive so we can make it there in one piece.” When the words slipped out of her mouth, Beth clamped her lips shut and hoped that Emma didn’t misunderstand. When it came to mentioning safe driving and car accidents, those words weren’t a joke, not after what they’d been through in the past.
“Don’t beat yourself up. I know what you meant. The past has been forgiven and forgotten.” Beth exhaled loudly, glad that she hadn’t ruined their “new” beginning with her big mouth.
Chapter 5
Emma stopped in front of a cute, rustic cabin. It was an actual cabin, nothing like she’d seen before. Just from looking at the place she could tell that it was built using giant trees. Being a city girl, she hadn’t seen anything like this place. The roof created a deep upside-down V. The only color besides the natural wood was a dark, forest green. The place was absolutely beautiful.
Opening the door, she inhaled the fresh air and closed her eyes as a feeling of utter peace washed over her. This is what home feels like. She slid out of her seat and walked over to where the men were waiting by the front door. Beth stepped up onto the small patio and grinned at the screen door.
“After you,” Chayton said.
She didn’t need to be told twice. The screen opened on a creak, proving that it was used often. The living room greeted her with one leather sofa and a well-loved fabric recliner. Due to the open floor plan, she saw a small kitchen that housed a table and four chairs. Down the short hallway were two doors that she assumed were a bedroom and bathroom.
“I know it’s small,” Mahkah started, but before he could finish, she rushed to cut him off.
“It’s perfect. I’m looking forward to emptying out my car and getting some sleep. Thank you. Thank you all for helping me out.” Turning around, Beth didn’t stop herself from hugging each man.
She didn’t linger, hoping Emma wouldn’t get the wrong idea. She wasn’t the type of woman t
o poach. She was only grateful that these practical strangers would help her at all. They could’ve told her that there were no motels and left it at that. Instead, they found her a place to stay. In one day, she had a home and a job. She couldn’t ask for more than that.
“Okay, now it’s time for us to go home. Beth, why don’t you get some rest? Tomorrow, you can move your things in. If you need anything, call me.” Emma ushered her men out.
Beth stood alone on her new porch, watching as her cousin got into a truck with her men. Each one brushed their lips against Emma’s, showing her gentle affection, and Beth envied that. Smiling, she waved good-bye to them as they drove down the dirt driveway. Her initial reaction wasn’t that positive when she thought of Emma with three men, but her thoughts changed quickly. What would it be like to feel loved the way Emma obviously was?
Rubbing her eyes, Beth shook off those romantic notions before heading back inside the cabin. She stood in the doorway for a minute, trying to figure out what her next move should be. She was just so tired, she could barely think straight. Her mind was a foggy mess. Instead of taking the shower she desperately needed, Beth went directly to the bedroom. She could take a shower later. Sleep was calling her name.
Without talking herself out of her initial decision to sleep, Beth went directly to the bedroom. She pushed the door open and saw a queen-sized bed with two small tables on either side of it. The only other thing in the room was the closet that would probably barely hold thirty hangers total. Unfortunately, the bed was stripped, the only thing remaining, a mattress. Sleep would have to wait. Her first job would be to unload her SUV.
* * * *
Beth collapsed on the bed. She’d managed to empty her entire SUV. Who would’ve guessed that she owned that many clothes, shoes, and accessories? How had she shoved so many things into her car? It took a lot longer to unload than she remembered it taking when she shoved everything inside. Groaning, Beth threw her forearm over her eyes and fell asleep.
Beth yawned and rubbed her eyes. She looked around and wondered how much time had elapsed. The room still glowed from the sunlight. Had she only taken a twenty minute power-nap? Groaning, Beth stood up and stretched her back. The crackle, pop, and snap of her back made her moan. I will never sit that long again, she vowed to herself.
Shuffling toward the kitchen, Beth looked in the fridge…empty. She opened each cupboard, hoping that she might find at least a coffeepot. Nothing. Beth felt slightly disappointed. She didn’t feel like leaving the house. She just wanted a day of rest. Stomping like a tantruming five-year-old, Beth grabbed her purse and left the house.
Beth started the engine and stared at the clock on the dash. She sat in shock for a minute, surprised that it read nine a.m. Oh, my Gosh…I slept through the night? Now that she knew the time, she felt a bit more rejuvenated. Now, she desperately needed coffee. Beth drove toward Mack’s, hoping that she would find a little store along the way. She hadn’t really been paying attention.
It took a while but she finally noticed an old wooden street sign, Novikov Way. It was nice to finally have something as a reference point. I wonder where the name Novikov came from. Is that Russian? Beth drove slow, not wanting to miss anything, but all she saw were huge trees everywhere. It was nice to feel enclosed in all the beauty that surrounded her.
When she spotted a small shopping center, her excitement level kicked up. Thank goodness! She wasn’t expecting a huge sprawling mall or even a Starbucks, not in the middle of a national forest in Alaska. Beth was just glad to have found a store and to be able to buy some food and of course, a coffee pot. She really needed her caffeine fix before a headache kicked in, which was a sign of a true addict. My name is Beth, and I am a coffee addict.
Smiling, Beth jumped out of her SUV. She grabbed one of the six carts outside of the store and headed inside. There were only two check-out counters and about ten aisles total. Her choices would be limited, but at least she had some. Throwing her purse in the front of her cart, she took her time going down each aisle, throwing in a variety of boxes and bags. When she arrived at her favorite destination, the coffee section, she inhaled the wonderful aroma.
When she didn’t notice a coffee maker, she curled her lip in a pout. “Noooo!” She moaned overdramatically, shaking her fist at the coffee cans. She could practically see little cartoon faces appear, teasing her.
“Can I help you?” A voice broke her from her pretend little fit, and Beth cringed. She didn’t think anyone would have heard her.
“Um, I’m sorry.” Beth turned and faced an older woman, who appeared to be in her mid-sixties. “I was just looking for a coffee pot.”
“A fellow addict, I see.” Beth laughed and nodded. “Then you’re in luck, I have a pot brewing in the employee lounge where I might have a hidden coffee pot. If you plead your case, I’ll think about selling it to you.”
“I’m ready and willing. Lead the way.” Beth smiled at the woman. This is definitely my kind of place.
Beth abandoned her cart right there in the aisle and followed her coffee savior toward the back of the store. The smell of coffee filled her nose as they went through a door and she did a little happy dance behind the older woman’s back. The “employee lounge” was just a small room with a kitchenette, table, and four metal chairs.
“Take a seat.” Beth did as she was told, pulling out one of the chairs. “How do you take it?”
“Cream and sugar if you got it, if not, I’ll take it black.”
“I don’t have any of that fancy city stuff here, but I do have some powdered cream, if you’re interested.”
“That would be great, thanks.”
Beth’s superhero poured two cups before taking a seat across from her. She didn’t even have to push the cup across the table. Beth reached over and took a big gulp, the hot taste of ambrosia practically scalding her tongue, but that didn’t stop her.
“A girl after my own heart.” The woman smirked.
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll take it any way I can get it.” Beth picked up three packets of sugar, flicked them with her finger and tore them open. She dumped the contents into her coffee before taking another big gulp. At this rate, she’d need a couple more cups to satisfy her craving.
“So, you need a coffeepot, huh?” The woman taunted and Beth could only laugh.
The lady sitting across from her was going to be a tough bargainer, and damn, but she knew that Beth would pay practically anything.
“Yes, ma’am. I just moved here from Seattle, and the coffeepot is a housewarming gift, to me.”
“I only have one to sell.”
“I guess that makes me ‘the person in the right place, at the right time.’”
“Well, I did promise it to my son. His coffeepot took a dump.” She leaned back in her chair, looking Beth up and down, inspecting her.
“Whatever happened to first come, first serve?” Beth leaned forward, preparing for battle.
“I have selfish motives.” Beth raised a brow at the confession. “I go to my son’s house once a week. We chat over coffee. It’s become our thing.”
“Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition,” Beth challenged.
“Hmmm, maybe you’re right. What do you suggest?”
“Three words…maple sausage scones.”
“Family recipe?” she asked, obviously intrigued, and Beth knew she would get that damn coffee pot. Oh, yeah, it’s within my reach.
“No, ma’am, something I found and perfected over the years. There is nothing better than my scones.”
“I’ll need to be the judge of that.”
“Does that mean the coffee pot’s mine?”
“We’ll call it a trial period.”
“Yes, ma’am, you won’t be disappointed.” Finishing her cup of coffee, Beth smiled, feeling as if she’d just won the war.
“All right, you can have it, but those scones better be amazing.” She reached across the table. “I’m Diane.”
“Nice to meet you
, Diane, I’m Beth.”
Beth left the small grocery store feeling amazing. How was it possible that buying a simple coffeepot could actually feel good? It was her first purchase for the cabin. She couldn’t wait to see it on the counter, to sit at her table and share a cup with her new friend, Diane. To have anyone sitting with her would be amazing. It had been such a long time since she’d had a friend or even a companion.
No, I will not think of him. I will not let Kirk ruin the rest of my life. I’m starting over. Everything is going to be okay. I’ve got a place to stay, a coffeepot, groceries, and soon I’ll even have a job. I can take care of myself. I don’t need a man. Positive self-talk really made her feel better. No, everything wouldn’t be perfect overnight, but eventually all the pain and betrayal would melt away.
Chapter 6
One Week Later
This town really was the best place on earth. She couldn’t get over how genuine everyone was. If anyone would’ve told her years ago that Wrangell-St. Elias National Park was where she’d find some happiness, she would’ve laughed hysterically. The little cabin she called home was warm and comfortable. She loved relaxing there whenever she wasn’t working.
Beth had one visit from Diane, who raved about her scones and decided that the coffeepot was staying put. It was actually more of an order than a request. Diane had admitted that she really didn’t need coffee as an excuse to go see her sons, so Beth would officially be hosting a weekly caffeine party. It was nice to have a friend here other than her cousin, Emma.
As for her annoying cell phone, that little device met its end. The shrill ring tone would never be heard from again. Her SUV had helped it commit suicide, the tires crushing it. If she was lucky, she’d never hear from Kirk Maier again.
