Page 1 of Beast of Misty Mountain

CHAPTER 1

MARILEE

For someone who showed up without any experience, you’re doing a damn good job, Marilee,” my boss comments as I wipe down the bar, his hands tucked into the pockets of his worn denim apron. He works a toothpick between his teeth as he watches me like I haven’t been doing this for the past two months.

I smile and shrug, then reach for a glass on the bar and put it in the dishwasher. “Thanks, Hank. I know I’ve told you this a million times before, but thank you for taking a chance on me.”

Hank reaches behind me to grab a clean glass and pull a fresh beer for a customer. “You’ve done well with the tourists. They’re rowdier than the locals and drink more. And everyone thinks they’re your friend after two beers.”

“I thought that was universal in all bars. I’ve certainly heard more stories than I can even remember now.” I grin and run my rag over the hardwood counter.

This job is so much different from my officejob back in Jefferson. I knew applying for this was a shot in the dark, but Igot lucky. Another woman was already hired but then dropped out for some reason. It’s probably why Hank took a chance on me, and I’m thankful. I couldn’t have stayed in Jefferson any longer, not after the breakup with Mark. If it wasn’t Misty Mountain, I would have gone somewhere else.

The tavern hums behind us—low music, chairs scraping, and conversations blending into a background chatter that makes me smile. I never expected a bar to feel comforting, but this one does. I actually look forward to coming to work.

Hank leans on the back counter like he’s settling in. “How’s the cabin working out?”

“The cabin?” I repeat, pouring a new order of beers. “It’s awesome. I still can’t get over how quiet it is! I’ve been sleeping like the dead. Thank you so much for helping me find a place. I needed an escape from home, and you helped make that happen.”

“Oh, you don’t have to say all that,” he says, waving me off. “You needed a job, and the other girl fell through. Plus, the guy I’m looking after the cabin for won’t return until after you’re finished here, so everything works out. I’m happy to help people when I can, and you’ve been a damn good employee.” He gives me a look that makes me think there’s a lot he’snotsaying. “You’re not getting too used to it, are you?”

I pause as I place a tip into the pitcher behind the counter. “Too used to what?”

“Misty Mountain. I’ve seen it happen before. Folks come for the summer and forget to leave. I know it’s busy now because of tourist season, but this is a pretty sleepy place the rest of the year.”

“I could do worse,” I say with a little laugh. “I never thought I’d feel as comfortable here as I do… I guess I’m more of a mountain girl than I realized.”

Hank chuckles and smiles broadly. “Told you Misty Mountain grows on folks. You stay much longer, and one of these men will make an honest woman of you.”

I stop wiping the counter and roll my eyes. “Hank, please. I’ve told you. I’m fresh out of a bad relationship, and I’m certainly not looking for another. Men are a complication I don’t need in my life.”

Hank lifts an eyebrow like he doesn’t believe me, but he doesn’t get a chance to argue because another tourist comes up to the bar to order a fresh round of drinks and order some food.

I work on his order, and a familiar flicker passes through me—a memory that won’t let go. Mark, with his charming smile and critical eyes. The way he’d call me “intense” when I had opinions, then thoroughly yell at me to tell me I was wrong and stupid. He hated it when my opinions didn’t align with his own. How we veered between getting into intense verbal fights to him treating me like an afterthought in his life. Trying to act the way he wanted was a constant struggle, instead of him doing any work to support our relationship. It was watching my friend Hanna fall in love with her now-fiancé, Jordan, that finally inspired me to stand up for myself and leave Mark. It’s the best decision I’ve made.

A chill runs through me at the memory. I came here to get away from my ex-boyfriend, not have his ghost haunt me. I can’t believe I gave that asshole ten years of my life.

I’m not going back to that. Ever. Sometimes I miss having a man in my life, but I wouldn’t admit it to anyone. It’s weird not going on dates or telling someone about my day, but following my own schedule and keeping to myself has been freeing. It wasn’t until I’d been here a few weeks that I realized how much I’d been walking on eggshells back home, even before the breakup. In only a few weeks, I’d been so calm that it took me by surprise.

Right now, my life is perfect.

A sharp,loud sound makes me bolt upright in bed. My heart races as my mind tries to catch up.What was that?!I grab my phone, which says it’s past 3 a.m.

My breath is caught somewhere in my throat as my mind leaps straight to wild speculations. Is it an animal? A robbery? I pull the blanket tightly around me when I hear the unmistakable sound of boots on wood—slow, heavy steps—and a distinctly human curse being muttered.

My pulse spikes as I grab for the lamp, fingers fumbling with the switch. When light spills across the room, it lands on a towering figure in the doorway, framed in shadow. He’s massive, with powerful shoulders and arms, broad and braced like he’s ready to fight. His jaw is locked tight, and stormy blueeyes pin me in place.

“What the hell?” I manage to say, trying to hide how terrified I am. I don’t know whether to try to run or surrender.

He doesn’t flinch. “Who the fuck are you,” he growls, “and why are you in my bed?”

The words don’t register at first. I blink rapidly.What does he mean,hisbed?

My heart thunders as my mind races. I clutch the blanket tighter around myself as I inch toward the foot of the bed, feet bare on the cool wood floor.

“Your cabin?” I repeat, blinking. “What are you talking about? This is my cabin. I paid for it.”

He takes another step into the room, every inch of him radiating tension. He doesn’t look confused or apologetic—just furious.

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