Teri Wilson - Alaskan Sanctuary

A Change of Heart

Piper Quinn is fighting for the future of her wolf sanctuary. A painful childhood has taught her to be more comfortable with animals than humans—especially the beautiful wolves of Aurora, Alaska. So when reporter Ethan Hale arrives to cover her struggling shelter—and deems the wolves a danger to the community—she’s ready to prove him wrong. A former park ranger, Ethan’s seen just enough tragedy to support his claim. Soon their difference of opinion is front-page news. And Piper and Ethan must reconcile their opposing views with their stubborn hearts that are quickly finding refuge in each other.

“Ethan, why are you here? You never told me.”

“I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d go for a drive. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay up here.”

“But the police are keeping an eye on things.” Her lips parted ever so slightly, and the ache in Ethan’s chest became an actual physical pain. “Tell me the real reason.”

Of course there was more to it than that. More than he could admit even to himself. More than he could articulate.

Time was running out. He needed to put a stop to this. Now, while he still could. “It’s late, and you can stop looking at me like that. I’m not one of your wolves, Piper.”

She flinched. His words had hit their mark with the desired effect. “I don’t… I mean…”

What was wrong with him? He was an idiot. Such an idiot that he kept talking when he should have shut his mouth. “I don’t need a champion, Piper. And I don’t need saving.”

TERI WILSON grew up as an only child and could often be found with her head in a book, lost in a world of heroes, heroines and exotic places. As an adult, her love of books has led her to her dream career—writing. Teri’s other passions include dance and travel. She lives in Texas, and loves to hear from readers. Teri can be contacted via her website, teriwilson.net.

Alaskan

Sanctuary

Teri Wilson

www.Harlequin.com

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“The wolf and the lamb will feed together…

they will neither harm nor destroy

on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.

—Isaiah 65:25

This book is dedicated to the people and wolves at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide, Colorado.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Epilogue Dear Reader Extract Copyright

Many thanks to the best agent in the world, Elizabeth Winick Rubinstein and her fabulous staff at McIntosh & Otis, Rachel Burkot, Melissa Endlich and the wonderful people at Love Inspired, my critique partner, Meg Benjamin, my writing bestie, Beckie Ugolini, and my family and friends for their unwavering support.

Thanks also to Sue Healey for naming Shasta the wolf and Chris Meager for naming the Pinnacle Hotel, where our hero Ethan Hale grew up.

And as always, I thank God for the gift of words, making my dreams come true and allowing me to write for a living.

This book could not have been written without the help from the staff of the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. If you love wolves, please visit them at wolfeducation.org. If I’ve made any mistakes in my depiction of these beautiful animals, please forgive me.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Change of Heart Piper Quinn is fighting for the future of her wolf sanctuary. A painful childhood has taught her to be more comfortable with animals than humans—especially the beautiful wolves of Aurora, Alaska. So when reporter Ethan Hale arrives to cover her struggling shelter—and deems the wolves a danger to the community—she’s ready to prove him wrong. A former park ranger, Ethan’s seen just enough tragedy to support his claim. Soon their difference of opinion is front-page news. And Piper and Ethan must reconcile their opposing views with their stubborn hearts that are quickly finding refuge in each other.

Introduction “Ethan, why are you here? You never told me.” “I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d go for a drive. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay up here.” “But the police are keeping an eye on things.” Her lips parted ever so slightly, and the ache in Ethan’s chest became an actual physical pain. “Tell me the real reason.” Of course there was more to it than that. More than he could admit even to himself. More than he could articulate. Time was running out. He needed to put a stop to this. Now, while he still could. “It’s late, and you can stop looking at me like that. I’m not one of your wolves, Piper.” She flinched. His words had hit their mark with the desired effect. “I don’t… I mean…” What was wrong with him? He was an idiot. Such an idiot that he kept talking when he should have shut his mouth. “I don’t need a champion, Piper. And I don’t need saving.”

About the Author TERI WILSON grew up as an only child and could often be found with her head in a book, lost in a world of heroes, heroines and exotic places. As an adult, her love of books has led her to her dream career—writing. Teri’s other passions include dance and travel. She lives in Texas, and loves to hear from readers. Teri can be contacted via her website, teriwilson.net .

Title Page Alaskan Sanctuary Teri Wilson www.Harlequin.com

Bible Verse “The wolf and the lamb will feed together… they will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord. —Isaiah 65:25

Dedication This book is dedicated to the people and wolves at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide, Colorado.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Epilogue Dear Reader Extract Copyright Many thanks to the best agent in the world, Elizabeth Winick Rubinstein and her fabulous staff at McIntosh & Otis, Rachel Burkot, Melissa Endlich and the wonderful people at Love Inspired, my critique partner, Meg Benjamin, my writing bestie, Beckie Ugolini, and my family and friends for their unwavering support. Thanks also to Sue Healey for naming Shasta the wolf and Chris Meager for naming the Pinnacle Hotel, where our hero Ethan Hale grew up. And as always, I thank God for the gift of words, making my dreams come true and allowing me to write for a living. This book could not have been written without the help from the staff of the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. If you love wolves, please visit them at wolfeducation.org. If I’ve made any mistakes in my depiction of these beautiful animals, please forgive me.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten