Chapter Two

T he crowd parted, revealing a man who looked like he'd just stepped out of a Gothic romance novel. Tall, lean, with skin as pale as moonlight and eyes that glowed with an inner fire. His dark hair was artfully tousled, as if he'd just rolled out of bed after a particularly passionate night. Not that Jenny was noticing things like that. Nope. Not at all.

The newcomer moved with inhuman grace, stepping between Jenny and the werewolf—Grayson, apparently. Despite being a good foot shorter than the furry behemoth, the handsome man exuded an aura of power that made even Grayson take a step back.

"This doesn't concern you, Rook," Grayson growled. "The human is mine."

The man—Rook—quirked an eyebrow. "Is she now? Funny, I don't recall hearing her agree to that arrangement. In fact, I distinctly remember her telling you, in no uncertain terms, to back off."

Jenny couldn't help but snort. "Yeah, what he said. Though I think my meaning was more along the lines of 'fuck off,' but potato, po-tah-to."

Rook's lips twitched in what might have been amusement. "Crude, but effective."

Grayson lunged forward with a snarl, but Rook was faster. In a blur of motion that Jenny's eyes could barely track, he had the werewolf pinned against the opposite lamppost, one hand around his throat. Rook bared his fangs—fangs? Okay. He was a vampire.

Jenny tried not to freak out.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Rook said, his voice deadly calm. "You know the rules, Grayson. No one is claimed without consent. The town may have brought her here, but the choice is hers to make."

"Or not make," a mournful voice in the crowd said.

Jenny watched, wide-eyed, as Grayson struggled against Rook's grip. It was like watching a freight train try to push through a brick wall. Despite Rook's lean frame, he held the massive werewolf in place effortlessly.

After a tense moment, Grayson slumped in defeat. "Fine," he growled. "But this isn't over."

Rook released him, smoothing down his shirt as if manhandling werewolves was just another Tuesday for him. "I should hope not. Eternity would be dreadfully dull without your periodic temper tantrums to liven things up."

As Grayson slunk away, the crowd began to disperse, their excited murmurs fading into the night. Jenny sagged against the lamppost, the adrenaline rush leaving her feeling shaky and off-balance.

"So," she said, aiming for nonchalance and missing by a mile, "does this town have a tourism board? Because let me tell you, they are doing a piss-poor job of making newcomers feel welcome."

Rook turned to her, his intense gaze making her breath catch in her throat. Up close, he was even more devastatingly sexy, all sharp cheekbones and full lips that practically begged to be kissed. Not that Jenny was thinking about kissing him. Definitely not.

"My apologies for the rather dramatic welcome," he said, his voice a rich, velvety baritone that sent shivers down Jenny's spine. But that was probably just because she was drenched from being out in the chilly night air after the storm. "We don't get a lot of newcomers here. Beastly Falls can be a bit overwhelming at first."

Jenny barked out a laugh. "Overwhelming? Yeah, that's one word for it. I was thinking more along the lines of 'batshit insane,' but sure, let's go with overwhelming."

Rook's lips curved into a smile that was equal parts amused and sympathetic. "I imagine you have questions."

"Oh, you think?" Jenny rolled her eyes. "Let's start with the basics. Who are you, where the hell am I, and what was all that mate nonsense about?"

"Ah, where are my manners?" Rook gave a small bow that should have looked ridiculous but somehow came off as charming. "Rook Mullein, at your service. Owner of The Midnight Brew and reluctant voice of reason in this madhouse of a town."

He held out his hand, and Jenny hesitated for only a moment before shaking it. His skin was cool to the touch, sending a jolt of electricity up her arm.

"Jenny Cortado," she replied, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened at his touch. "Mechanic, custom car builder, and apparently the newest attraction in this supernatural freak show."

Rook's eyebrows rose. "A mechanic? How fascinating. I must admit, I know very little about automobiles. They're a bit after my time, I'm afraid."

Jenny frowned. "What, did you grow up Amish or something?"

A shadow passed over Rook's face, there and gone so quickly Jenny wasn't sure she'd seen it at all. "Something like that," he said softly. Then, as if shaking off a dark mood, he gestured down the street. "Perhaps we could continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable? My tea shop is just around the corner, and I imagine you could use a hot drink after your eventful evening."

Jenny hesitated. On the one hand, following a stranger to a second location went against every true crime podcast warning she'd ever heard. On the other hand, said stranger had just saved her from becoming werewolf chow, and she was cold, wet, and in desperate need of caffeine.

"Fine," she said, falling into step beside him. "But just so we're clear, if this turns out to be some elaborate setup for a cult initiation or a multi-level marketing scheme, I'm out."

Rook chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "I assure you, Ms. Cortado, my intentions are purely hospitable. Though I'm afraid we don't have any powder-based nutrition shakes or plastic containers to offer you."

As they walked, Jenny snuck glances at her mysterious savior. He moved with an effortless grace that made her feel clumsy in comparison, like a rusty old jalopy next to a sleek sports car. And speaking of cars...

"So, about that whole 'can't leave' thing," Jenny said, trying to keep her voice casual. "That's not actually a thing, right? Because I've got a pretty important interview in a few days, and I really can't afford to miss it."

Rook's expression turned serious. "I'm afraid it's very much 'a thing,' as you put it. Beastly Falls has a way of keeping those it wants for at least a week."

Jenny stopped in her tracks. "Excuse me? Are you telling me this town is what, sentient? And it's decided to keep me here against my will? Because let me tell you, buddy, that is some grade-A bullshit right there."

Rook sighed, running a hand through his hair in a gesture that was surprisingly human. "I know how it sounds, believe me. But I promise you, I'll explain everything once we're somewhere more private."

Jenny wanted to argue, to demand answers right then and there. But something in Rook's eyes—a mixture of sympathy and resignation—made her hold her tongue. Instead, she nodded stiffly and followed him to a quaint storefront with a sign that read, "The Midnight Brew," in flowing script.

As Rook unlocked the door, Jenny pointed out the pentagram etched into the window. "Interesting decor choice," she muttered.

Rook's lips twitched. "A necessary precaution, I'm afraid. It keeps out some of our less savory residents."

Inside, The Midnight Brew was a study in cozy elegance. Plush armchairs were scattered around low tables, and the walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of tea canisters. The air was heavy with the scent of herbs and spices, and Jenny felt some of the tension leave her shoulders despite herself.

Rook moved behind the counter with practiced ease, his hands a blur as he prepared two steaming cups of tea. "Please, make yourself comfortable," he said, gesturing to one of the armchairs.

Jenny watched him in fascination. His movements were graceful, almost hypnotic. She was drawn to the strong line of his jaw, the way his dark hair fell across his forehead.

"Like what you see?" Rook asked when he caught her staring.

Jenny blushed furiously. "I was just admiring your tea-making technique."

"Of course," Rook chuckled, handing her a steaming cup. "Drink this. It will help you process everything you've learned tonight."

Jenny took a sip and gasped. The tea shimmered on her tongue, as warmth spreading through her body. "What is this?"

"Moonlight Serenade," Rook explained. "It's a special blend of chamomile, lavender, and a few secret ingredients."

Jenny's eyes narrowed. "When you say, 'unique ingredients,' you don't mean, like, eye of newt or virgin's blood or something, right? Because I've got to tell you, I draw the line at cannibalism."

Rook laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "Nothing so dramatic, I assure you. Though I must say, your imagination is quite vivid."

"Yeah, well, when you find yourself trapped in a town full of monsters, a vivid imagination seems like a pretty reasonable response," Jenny muttered into her tea.

As the tea worked its magic, Jenny felt her anxiety melting away. She settled onto a plush armchair, ready to hear more about this strange town and the even stranger man before her.

"What exactly have I walked into here?" she asked.

Rook took a deep breath, as if steeling himself. "Beastly Falls exists in a sort of limbo, cut off from the outside world. The town itself is sentient, in a way. It draws people here—people who belong, whether they know it or not."

Jenny set down her cup, her head spinning. "Okay, back up. You're telling me that this town is alive? And it what, decided I needed to be here? Why?"

Rook's gaze was steady. "Because you're someone's mate, Jenny. The town sensed it, and it brought you here to find them."

Jenny laughed, the sound bordering on hysterical. "Right, because that makes total sense. A magic town decided to play matchmaker and kidnap me. Totally normal Tuesday night."

"I know it's hard to believe—"

"Hard to believe?" Jenny cut him off, jumping to her feet. "It's impossible to believe. Things like this don't happen in real life." She strode to the door, yanking it open. "I'm leaving. Now. And if you try to stop me, I swear to God, I'll—"

Her words died in her throat as she stepped outside. The street was gone. In its place was an impenetrable wall of mist, swirling and pulsing with an eerie light.

"What the hell?" she whispered, reaching out to touch the mist. Her hand met solid resistance, as if she were pressing against a window.

Rook appeared behind her, his expression grim. "I'm sorry, Jenny. But as I said, the town won't let you leave. Not until the week is up and you've made your choice."

Jenny whirled on him, anger and fear warring for dominance. "What choice? I didn't ask for any of this."

"The choice to accept your mate or not," Rook said. "You have seven days to find them and accept the bond. If you don't..." He trailed off, his eyes darkening with something that looked suspiciously like pain.

"If I don't, what?" Jenny demanded.

Rook sighed. "If you don't, you can go."

"A whole week? I'll miss my interview." Jenny's knees went weak, and she stumbled back into the shop. Rook caught her arm, steadying her, and she was too shaken to even protest the contact. "This can't be happening," she muttered, collapsing back into the armchair. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I burned all my bridges to get it. I don't have anything to go back to if this fails."

Rook knelt beside her, his cool hand covering hers. "I'm truly sorry, Jenny. I know this isn't fair. But I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to help you navigate this."

Jenny looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of deception. But all she saw was sincerity and a depth of emotion that took her breath away.

"Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why would you help me?"

Rook's thumb traced small circles on the back of her hand, sending shivers up her arm. "Because I know what it's like to feel lost and alone in this town."

Jenny's heart skipped a beat, and she swayed closer to him. Rook's gaze dropped to her lips, and for a moment, she thought he might kiss her. Part of her—a larger part than she cared to admit—wanted him to.

But then reality came crashing back in, and Jenny jerked away. "I can't do this," she said, standing abruptly. "This is all too much. I need time to think."

Rook nodded, rising gracefully to his feet. "Of course. I understand." He paused, then added, "There's a bed and breakfast just down the street. Esme Red's place. She's a kind woman—a werewolf, but don't let that put you off. She makes an excellent breakfast."

Jenny laughed weakly. "Right, because that's the weirdest part of all this. A werewolf running a B&B."

Rook's lips quirked in a small smile. "You'd be surprised how mundane some aspects of supernatural life can be. Immortality doesn't exempt one from the need to pay bills, after all."

Jenny shook her head, a hysterical giggle bubbling up in her throat. "God, this is insane. I'm standing in a vampire's tea shop, discussing werewolf bed and breakfasts. What even is my life right now?"

Rook's expression softened. "I know it's overwhelming. But I promise you, Jenny, you're not alone in this. Whatever you decide, whatever happens in the next seven days, I'll be here to help you through it."

Something in his tone made Jenny's heart flutter, and she found herself believing him despite her better judgment. She took a deep breath, centering herself. "Okay. Okay. I can do this. It's just seven days, right? I've rebuilt engines in less time than that. How hard can finding a supernatural soulmate be?"

Rook's lips twitched. "That's the spirit. Though I would caution against approaching it like a mechanical problem. Matters of the heart tend to be a bit more unpredictable."

Jenny snorted. "Please. Give me a complicated engine over feelings any day. At least with an engine, I know where all the parts go."

She headed for the door, then paused, turning back to Rook. "Thank you," she said softly. "For saving me from Cujo back there. And for... well, for not being a total creep about all this."

Rook bowed slightly. "It was my pleasure. I look forward to getting to know you better over the next week."

As Jenny stepped out into the night, she couldn't help but feel a little thrill at his words. Which was ridiculous, of course. She was here for seven days, not to find her soulmate, no matter what this weird sentient town wanted. And even if she did find him, she wasn't about to fall for the first pretty face that showed her kindness. Even if that face belonged to quite possibly the most attractive man she'd ever seen.

The street looked different now that she knew the truth. The quirky shop names and impossible architecture took on a new significance. This wasn't just a theme park or an elaborate prank. This was real. All of it.

Jenny hugged herself, suddenly feeling very small and very alone. But then she remembered Rook's words, his promise to help her, and she felt a spark of something that couldn't possibly be the beginnings of a romance.

She spotted the B&B Rook had mentioned—a charming Victorian-style house with white wooden siding and red trim. A sign on the manicured lawn read, "Red's Bed & Breakfast," in cheerful cursive.

As Jenny approached, the front door swung open, revealing a plump, grandmotherly woman with silver hair and warm brown eyes. Despite knowing she was a werewolf, Jenny was comforted by her presence.

"There you are, dear. I'm Esme Red," the woman said with a smile. "I've been expecting you. Come in, come in. You look like you could use a hot bath and a good night's sleep."

Jenny blinked, surprised. "You were expecting me? How did you—"

Esme waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, news travels fast in Beastly Falls, especially when it comes to new arrivals. Now, don't you worry about a thing. We'll get you warm and dry, and in the morning, everything will look brighter. It always does."

As Jenny followed Esme into the house, she thought that Esme's optimism was misplaced. How could anything look brighter when she was trapped in a supernatural town for seven days?

But then she remembered Rook's eyes, his gentle touch, and his promise to help her navigate this bizarre situation. Excitement fluttered in her chest and she felt tingles in places that hadn't tingled in a long while.

Seven days. She had seven days to figure out how to get to her interview and navigate a town full of supernatural creatures. It was impossible, insane, and absolutely terrifying. She fell asleep that night dreaming of glowing eyes and the taste of spiced tea on her lips.