Page 69 of Tainted Hearts

But that will have to wait until later, because mymateis hungry.

“Right,” I breathe out. “Let’s go.”

Abby follows me back downstairs where I give her the new boots I bought her. “Noah!” she gasps. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I assumed you didn’t have any, and seeing how you will for sure need them here, I felt like I should.” I shrug.

“Good point.” She nods. “Well, thank you, I love them.”

“You’re welcome.” Her approval makes me so damn happy. “I’m glad you like them.”

She slips on her winter coat. “Do you think I’m going to need snow pants?” she asks, looking down at her legs.

“I don’t think so. It doesn’t get too cold here, just enough to keep the snow on the ground, but if you think you need some, we can pick some up.” I curse myself for remembering a coat but not the snow pants. “Oh!” I remember the other stuff I got her. “I did get you these, though.”

I grab the brown paper bag from one of my backpacks and pull out a pink hat and mittens set.

“Oh, they are so cute!” she laughs. “Thank you.”

Taking the hat, I pull it on over her head and kiss the tip of her nose. I almost pause to think about what I did, but let it go. This feels right; I shouldn’t be second guessing everything I’m doing with her.

I help her into her mitts before getting my own hat and gloves. With the keys to the snowmobile in my pocket, we head outside.

“So, we have a shed where we keep all the smaller things, like lawn mowers and leaf blowers, but there’s also a garage around back that houses the quads and sleds.”

“Wow. You have it all, don’t you?” She chuckles. “We should come back here when the snow is gone so we can experience the different things this place has to offer.”

“I agree with that.” I smile over at her. “I think that can be arranged.” Abby waits while I go in and grab the snowmobile. “Hop on,” I say, patting the seat behind me.

She excitedly rushes to me and swings her leg over the seat. Wrapping her arms around me, she snuggles close, and then we're off.

The whole way into town, Abby is so adorable as she points everything out, telling me to look each time. I can understand her excitement. It’s not just because she hasn’t seen much outside Hell and the Island. This place is a real work of beauty.

“Although Falerin allows people from other realms to visit, they have rules that must be met. It’s one of my favorite things about the fairy realm” I tell Abby as we start to walk down the main street in the little town we’re staying in. “No violence. The fae are peaceful and kind people. The crime rate is next to nothing here. No littering, either. The people of Falerin thrive on having a clean environment. Only certain things use power, and the ones that do run on solar panels or batteries. Even the snowmobile is run by a big battery. But the biggest rule is respect. Everyone here is friendly and open, so they expect the same treatment.”

“I knew I liked this place as soon as we went through that portal, now I know this is my new favorite place. I hope you like it here because I’ll be making you bring me back.”

“Anything you want, Hellcat.”

“Careful, Angel Boy, those are powerful words to a girl like me.” She winks.

We pick a cute little pub and as soon as we walk in, people turn to stare. But it’s only for a minute before everyone goes back to doing what they were seconds ago.

“Hello, welcome to Finnegan's! Table for two?”

“Yes, please.” I nod.

The waitress brings us over to a booth away from everyone else. Abby takes the spot across from me.

“Here are your menus. What can I get you to drink?”

“Just water for now, please,” I tell her. Abby looks at me like she wants to ask for something but the waitress leaves too quickly and the look on her face makes me chuckle. “I know you wanted to order a soda, but they don’t have that here.”

“What?!” Her eyes go so wide they almost bug out of her head. “Why the hell not?”

“One, it’s bad for you.” I smirk, and she rolls her eyes.

“Shit like that doesn’t kill us, Noah.”

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