Book 2 of 2, sequel to Alaska's Illicit.
In which Mikaere returns to Alaska, but upon arriving realizes that she has a new problem: Vaughn, Darren, or should she just stick with Jared?
Vaughn's past and life are revealed, and also a serial killer mi...
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CHAPTER TWO: SIARA
Tommy didn't tell him that Siara had moved, so Vaughn assumes she's at the family lodge.
And if she isn't there, his father certainly will be.
He walks to his storage unit, loads his things onto his old ATV, and then he's off to the Westergaard Alaskan Lodge.
This is going to be difficult for him, he knows that. But, he also knows that eight years is a long time to allow to pass between them.
He doesn't know if she will still be mad at him, or if she still blames him for what happened.
He knows he still blames himself, though.
As he arrives, he's made aware of several things.
One, the once two-story log lodge has been renovated into a larger, nicer vacation spot for tourists. Two, the place is quite busy, and several groups turn to watch as he pulls into the parking lot. Three, his father stands talking with the familiar gardener, Bryan, off to the side of the building's front entrance.
Vaughn parks his vehicle, grabbing the three duffle bags he's brought with him and starts to head towards the entrance.
His father's back is turned to him, but Bryan glances up for a split second before looking away again. And then his eyes widen almost comically, immediately looking back up, recognizing the man.
Vaughn nods to the man, wishing he could just get the reunion with his father over with, even though a small, more immature part of him wants to just dodge his father and run while he still can.
Before anything happens, though, his left arm is tapped, and he turns to see a woman who looks to be in her thirties.
Blonde hair, pale skin, thin lips, hazel eyes. Looks like his father's type.
"Hi, welcome to Westergaard Family Lodge!" She smiles, looking him over. "Would you like some help with your luggage?"
He's not really sure how she manages to make that sound so happy, but she does, holding out her hand as she smiles up at him. "I'm Katelynn Westergaard, the manager here."
Vaughn sucks in a deep breath. This is his father's new wife.
Why is she the manager, and not Siara?
He ignores her hand, choosing to fight against the fake facade his father taught him years ago. With a neutral tone that even surprises him, he replies, "I'm Vaughn Westergaard."
Her mouth and hand drop, eyes widening slightly, and she takes a step back. Her eyes flicker to the side and instantly Vaughn knows that his father is behind him.
So he straightens his back, lifts his head, and turns to face him.
His father is in his fifties now, still a tall man of 6'3, cold and hard after years of Alaskan winters and deaths in his family. Vaughn remembers that his father has always claimed to feel things deeper than most, but unfortunately for his children, he always failed to channel his emotions in a way that never harmed them.
