Noel is trying to escape her personal demons-turns out, the middle-of-nowhere mountain town she's hiding in is a magnet for the real thing. Noel has learned to keep her head down while slinging comfort food at Karyn's Diner. And sure, her feelings for her boss's husband, John, are complicated. He's sworn he'll do anything to protect her secret, even staying in his loveless marriage. Maybe that's for the best. Keeping everyone at arm's length means no more betrayal. When a fearsome hell beast charges out of the dense forest, Noel can no longer ignore what is lurking on the mountain that looms over their town. Noel forges her own path: first to follow, then to lead, and when she must, to go it alone. Can she fight the menace that endangers her safe haven? She has to-being a fighter is the only reason she's made it this far.