Page 4 of Her Vampire Hero

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.

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