As if that wasn’t enough of a gut punch, I started looking through the books after the funeral and was shocked to see just how broke we were.The sanctuary relies on donations and a few grants, but those have been drying up over the last decade.I needed to figure out a new way to keep this place running.I’ve tried social media, and it’s brought in a few donations and some attention, but it hasn’t really helped.I need more money, but it seems like the only way to get it is to sell this place.
I’ve gotten a few offers to sell the sanctuary, but I’ll never take them up on it.Or I thought I wouldn’t…
Times have gotten harder and I’m desperate.I need to come up with a plan and fast.
The stress of running this place is probably going to kill me, but watching the wolves calms me.They’ve always had that effect on me, even when I was a little girl.They’re so smart and loyal.
“Alright, be good.I need to run into town and grab food for myself now,” I tell the pack.
They ignore me, but I still smile as I head back to the four-wheeler and take off back towards the house.It’s quite a drive.The Sanctuary is close to a thousand acres, and my house is situated on the western side, closest to town.
I park the four-wheeler and climb off, picking up the empty food buckets and carrying them over to the barn.I stow everything there and rinse off in the sink in the barn before I head out to my car.
The drive into town isn’t long, and I park outside of the market.I grab my wallet and phone and head inside, pulling up my grocery list as I go.I guess that’s why I don’t notice the giant man as I run right into him.
“Whoa,” he says, his deep voice washing over me.My head jerks up and I look into a pair of dark green eyes.
We stare at each other for a moment, and I realize that I’m staring, but I can’t seem to look away.This man makes me feel… so many things.
Interest, attraction, and curiosity flare inside of me.All things that I’ve never felt for a man before.
I step back, trying to get myself under control.
“Hey,” the man says, and I shiver at his deep voice.
“Hi,” I answer lamely.
I should be asking him questions, trying to flirt with him or something.I’m not very good at any of this, and suddenly, I regret spending most of my time around wolves instead of people.
“Sorry about running into you,” I finally say, and he nods.
“It’s not a problem.Truly,” he insists, and I smile slightly.
“Are you visiting or a local?”He asks me, stepping out of the way of the grocery store doors.
“I’m a local.You must be a tourist though.”
“I must be?”
“Well, yeah.I mean, I’ve never seen you around before.”
He nods, opening his mouth to say something else when someone calls my name.
“Vera!”
I turn and smile as Cameron jogs my way.
“Hey, Cameron.How’s it going?”
“Good.Are you headed in?”She asks, pointing to the market, and I nod.
She pauses and her eyes finally dart over to the man standing next to me.Her mouth opens slightly, and I see her blush as she realizes that she interrupted us.
‘Sorry!’She mouths at me, and I smile, trying to reassure her.
“Uh, maybe I’ll see you around,” I say to the man as I turn back to him.
“You will,” he promises, and my body heats with a blush.
