Her Troll Defender (Beastly Falls)

Chapter 5

Jasmine

“N ow, Beastly Falls, despite whatever images the name may conjure for you, is a very safe, friendly town. We welcome humans and beasts of all kinds. That said, we are cursed. Many moons ago, like two decades, or so, two lovers were torn apart by their families due to their differences. She was human. He was “a monster.” They were killed because of their love. After that, the town put up boundary walls to protect Her people. Because of this, it appears that only a beast’s fated mate is allowed through the boundary wall. And if my story is correct, you came through and immediately met Lothario, our resident naturalist and troll? I think he might be your fated mate. What do you think? Any butterflies?” Sylvia smiles at me so sweetly, and yet her words are meddlesome. Reminds me of my Aunt Nahla. The emotional rollercoaster of that story has me whirling.

“You’re saying that the only reason I’m here is because I’m the mate of a monster here? And that maybe Loth is my mate?” I clear my throat to get my voice to come back down from the squeak it reached at the word mate .

“That’s right. You’re a quick study.” She winks at me, then continues. “You have one week to make your decision. If you decide to leave, you are welcome to. But know that there are consequences to your choices.”

“That sounds ominous.”

“Well, the town has a peculiar sense of justice. If you stay with your mate, you’ll be loved and protected here. If you leave, you’re resigned to be alone without meaningful romantic love for the rest of your life. And Loth…well, let’s just say his fate is tied to yours.”

“What do you mean?” She’s awfully cryptic, and I’m not entirely convinced that she is the town, or acting for it.

“Here we are! Mortal Threads. Orla will get you comfortable in some…better clothes.” When I don’t walk up the sidewalk with her to the shop, she pauses, turns to look at me. Everything in me says she’s telling the truth. But how can that be? And what is the truth about Loth?

“Look, I’m here to help. I know this has been a lot. You get some rest at Red’s B so much homier than my apartment. I let out a deep breath and sit on the edge of the bed, unsure what to do with myself.

“Did you get here this morning? What pulled you to Beastly Falls?” Esme asks as she pulls out fresh towels for me and sets them on the chest of drawers.

“I was working in the forest yesterday,” I point to my shirt. Esme makes a face. “And I somehow ended up over the boundary. I didn’t know this place existed. It wasn’t on the map the Grimm Axe gave me. Loth showed up, angry that I was marking the trees. When I tried to run away, I ran into an invisible wall, then woke up in his house.”

Esme’s eyes are wide with wonder as I finish my story. “That’s quite the meet cute! If you stayed with him last night, then why are you here at my place? Lover’s quarrel?” She wags her eyebrows at me, like I’m going to confess something juicy to her.

I shake my head no. “No, nothing like that. By the time I woke up it was dark out. He said he thought someone in town could help me get home. That’s why I’m here.”

“Well, I’ll let you settle in. I’ve got a fresh peach pie that’s just out of the oven if you want some. And just so you know, dear, there have been a few women through Beastly Falls lately. They’ve all ended up with their own version of happily ever after.” She pats my knee, then leaves me to myself.