Page 24 of Trolling For Love

“That would be me, but we’ve been short staffed the past month,” the man explained.

“I’m one of the scientists working on this portal,” Ricky told him. “I haven’t been out to check it for a few weeks, but I was assured there would be a guard here at all times.”

“You’d have to check with the facility. I’m here by myself until Wednesday then someone else takes over,” he said.

Ricky, Jason, and the man continued to speak while my mind raced. If the portal was left unguarded, anyone could slip through. Gunnar’s eyes met mine and I knew he was thinking the same thing. Vince could be going into the monster realm and doing horrible things without anyone on this side knowing.

“Would it be okay if we camp nearby tonight?” I asked and the three of them stopped talking long enough to look at me.

“As long as you stay clear of the portal it shouldn’t be a problem,” the guard said.

“This portal should never be left unguarded,” Jason said.

The guard held his hands up in frustration. “Hey, I just work here, take it up with the higher ups. I do what I’m told to do thenI go home. I have a camp nearby where I have a clear view of the entrance.”

A look passed between Jason and Ricky as my hand found Gunnar’s. Something wasn’t right, but I didn’t know exactly what it was.

Chapter 21

GUNNAR

Flynn and I walked past the portal and chose a place to set up our camp. There were many scents around the portal, both human and monster, but nothing was fresh other than the guard and the two who had found us earlier. After speaking with the guard, they had left but promised to check back here in a few days. We would stay and see if there was anything strange that happened while we were here. The human and the young leshy wanted us to report anything strange to them, but until I knew what Vince Drummond was up to, I wasn’t doing anything for anyone else.

“Do you think this is the portal he’s been using?” Flynn asked. We’d both asked this question many times, but neither of us had an answer. As soon as we settled in Flynn once again made a ring of rocks for a small fire while I gathered wood. This partof the woods was different from where we worked. There was an energy that vibrated through everything, and I felt a closer connection to the monster realm.

“What was on the other side of the portal where you crossed?” Flynn asked.

I thought back to that day and described it as best I could. “There were many plants but nothing like what is here. They were all strange and colorful and some were more dangerous than just being poisonous. The kappa kingdom was also nearby.”

“The aquatic creatures?” Flynn asked and sat back from where he’d finished the ring of rocks.

“Yes, their world is quite beautiful with crystal structures that connect the many waterfalls and pools they call home,” I said as I thought back on the day I’d crossed through the portal. “At the time I didn’t pay much attention I was so focused on crossing.”

“I’m glad you came here,” Flynn said as his eyes met mine.

“I am too. I came here to find a mate, but I never really believed it was possible. You give me so much hope, Flynn.” I sat down next to him and took his hand.

“What do you mean?”

“My world has very little hope. No hope for anything more than finding food and a place to sleep at night, but even those things aren’t for certain. You give me hope that there is more in this world than I ever thought there could be. I found my heart because of you,” I whispered, and warmth flooded through me like it did every time Flynn and I were able to spend time together and show each other love.

“You have the biggest heart of anyone I know,” Flynn said. “And I don’t mean size. You might be a little possessive, but I can feel how much you love me. I would never doubt your feelings or our bond.”

“Well, isn’t this cozy,” someone said from behind us said.

“What the—” Flynn said before he was hit from behind.

“This is between you and me.” Vince Drummond stood there holding the branch he’d just hit Flynn with, not even concerned how badly he’d been hurt.

“Flynn!” I reached for him, but he’d slumped to the side, and as soon as I moved that way the human advanced on me. “Stay back,” I roared.

“He’ll be fine. If I wanted to kill him, I would have. Too bad I can’t say the same for you.” Drummond drew a blade I recognized and was shocked to see he had.

“Troll killer,” I growled.

“That’s right, I’m glad you recognize it.” He backed away toward the portal while holding the blade in front of him. I noticed then he wore a bag on his back. He was prepared to go through the portal. “Only now I know, it doesn’t only kill trolls.” He turned and ran before he jumped through the portal while I held Flynn.

“You will pay for hurting my mate,” I snarled even knowing he wouldn’t hear me. Then it hit me, as long as he was free, no monster would ever be safe here. Even if he didn’t kill us on this side of the portal, he could use this portal to enter our world and do whatever he wanted. We’d been right all along; he was doing exactly what we suspected but still we had no proof. “Flynn?”

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