Hearts of Alaska Prequel: Love & Alaska
Yazar
Mel C. Clair
Okur
362K
BölĂŒm
32
"Well, I can't say much about universities in Alaska, but I can introduce you to Noah," Ale offered, sliding a brochure my way.
"A local here in Homer, starting his own tourism business. That boy knows Alaska like the back of his hand. I bet he'd love to show you around."
Kiera Sutter, an ambitious vet student, ventures home to Alaska, eager to focus on her dream course. Noah Jones, a rugged tour guide, didn't foresee his mundane life taking a thrilling twist in the form of Kiera.
Together, they traverse Alaska's daunting wilderness, combating not only its harshness but their blossoming attraction and personal fears. Their Alaskan odyssey reveals more than just the untamed landscape, it unveils their untamed hearts.
Love and Alaska tells how the Hearts of Alaska story began.
Chapter 1
KIERA
The icy wind whips against my bare skin, making my nose feel numb. I watch as my warm breath mingles with the frosty air, like steam rising from a piping hot cup of tea.
Iâve never been bothered by the coldânot when I was growing up in Maine, not during the winters in New York, and certainly not now in Alaska.
As I look beyond my own breath, taking in the snow-dusted spruce trees, the distant mountains blanketed in white, and the still, icy waters of Kachemak Bay, Iâm reminded of why I love it here so much.
Ever since I was a child, Iâve been visiting Homer, Alaska during winter breaks with my parents, who are passionate skiers. Our log cabin has always been a home away from home, and with the ski club just a short drive away, Iâve never really had the chance to explore the rest of Alaska.
But thatâs about to change. My love for Alaska is deep, and my commitment to helping animals is unwavering. The call of the Alaskan wildlife is impossible to ignore.
I knew I wanted to spend more time in Alaska, and what better way than to attend grad school in the heart of the wilderness? With a bachelorâs degree in Animal Health and Christmas just a week away, I flew out to Alaska early to start looking at graduate schools and begin the application process for next year.
I can almost taste the icy, exciting opportunities that await me here.
âWell, well, well, if it isnât Kiera Sutter stirring up the slopes again.â
âHey Ale, how are you doing?â I approach the lodge in my snow-covered ski boots, greeting Ale, whoâs been working at the cafĂ© counter in the ski lodge for as long as I can remember.
âIâm as good as I always am. You in town again for the holidays? I havenât seen your folks yet.â
âTheyâre coming in a few days. I came early to check out some grad schools here.â
âIs that so? You like me so much, you lookinâ to stick around.â
I chuckle at his comment. âSorry Ale, I think youâre a little too old for me.â
âSuit yourself.â
I laugh again, amused by his mock offense. âPlus, I donât think there are any colleges here in Homer. Although Iâve never actually ventured outside of the ski resort to know for sure, Iâm hoping there is a school for me somewhere in Alaska.â
âWhat are you studying?â Ale asked.
I answered with pride, âI already have my bachelorâs degree in Animal Health. Iâm looking to be a veterinarian, preferably for wildlife. So I thought, what better place than Alaska.â
âWell, I canât say I know anything about universities here in Alaska, but I can give you this.â Ale handed me a brochure from under the counter. âNoah is a local here in Homer starting up his own tourism business. That boy knows every inch of Alaska and can probably show you places off the beaten path. Iâm sure he wouldnât mind showing you around.â
I smiled gratefully. Glancing at the brochure, I see a small float plane advertising a tourism service called Jones Adventure Tours with a number to call on the bottom.
âThanks, Ale. Iâm going to do one more run on the slopes before the sun disappears.â Ale nodded his goodbye as I made my way toward the ski lodge doors, tucking the brochure safely in my pocket before zipping up my coat, ready for the ice-cold weather to reawaken me.
***
âHey you!â I smiled, holding the phone to my ear as I briskly walked down the focal point of Homer the following morning.
âIâm surprised you found time to call me with all your crazed talk of skiing until you couldnât walk anymore.â
I rolled my eyes at my best friend Alexaâs dramatics. âHa, ha. Very funny. I got my fix yesterday and it was amazing. When are you going to come here and find out for yourself?â
âI may be from Maine, but you know skiing isnât my forte. The real question is when are you coming back? Iâm still super bummed youâre going to miss Tinaâs annual Christmas Eve dinner.â
My stomach started rumbling, thinking of Alexaâs boyfriendâs momâs homemade cooking. Alexa met Josh freshman year of college, leaving me as the third wheel.
I sighed heavily over the phone. âYou know I came here to look at schools, Alexa.â Alexa and I have been inseparable since we were little kids. From growing up in Maine together to going to college together. I knew our lives would take us down different paths eventually.
With Alexa pursuing a career in fashion design, and with her relationship with Josh, I knew New York would become her new home. But for me and my career, she and I both knew deep down Alaska had always been calling me.
âI know, I know,â Alexa pouted. âHowâs the search been going?â she asked sadly, but I knew she cared about me and my future too.
I stopped in my tracks before answering, looking up at the Homer storefront in front of me, admiring all the locally owned shops. My eyes landed on an awning above a business that read Jones Adventure Tours.
My memory jogged as I pulled out the brochure from my coat pocket Ale had given me yesterday. The crinkled-up brochure with the small float plane read the same company name as the awning that I was standing in front of: Jones Adventure Tours.
âKiera?â Alexaâs voice echoed in my ear.
âYeah? Sorry, what did you say?â
âI asked how the search for grad schools was going?â
âYeah, Iâm hoping to find some answers today. I actually have to get going.â
âOkay, well call me with any news. And donât forget about your best friend.â
I smiled again. âI wonât. I love you too. Bye.â I put my phone in my pocket and pulled the handle open, hearing a bell chime in my presence.
