Page 5 of Last Shot at Love

Tropical flora and plants were artfully arranged around the resort, their vibrant colors and exotic shapes adding to the sense of being in a secluded paradise. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, their fronds casting playful shadows on the ground. The air was filled with the scent of salt from the sea and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, creating an almost intoxicating aroma.

This definitely wasn’t the mountains.

There were no deafening noises from the heavy machinery or workers going about their responsibilities. It was all… peaceful. And welcoming.

The architecture of the resort was a blend of elegance and wilderness, making me feel as though I was a queen, about to enter her summer home—or perhaps, palace, due to the size of the all-inclusive resort.

Every detail, from the polished stone beneath my feet to the intricate carvings on the columns, screamed expense and exclusivity. I felt out of place, like a seasoned warrior suddenly crowned a princess in one of my smutty fantasy romance books.

Kael could be my prince, in an arranged marriage driven by fate.

Rolling my luggage behind me, there was a lightness in my step, fueled by the excitement of meeting my fated mate. This was a moment I had dreamed of—that had always felt unattainable—yet it felt surreal, as if I’d stepped into a fantasy.

And this lavish lobby was designed to fulfill its customers’ fantasies through their matchmaking service.

The Last Resort pulsed with life around me—with mostly other paranormal species, but a few humans were amongst the staff—and I felt the weight of their eyes on me, as if the workers and guests alike were fascinated with the freshly arrived female orc who dared to dream of finding her match through their program.

My heart pounded, not with fear, but with a mix of excitement and nerves that fluttered like wild birds in my chest.

A single thought circled in my mind—what if Kael doesn’t like me?

The doubt was irrational—I knew the lore of fated mates, how they were destined to love each other eternally, for exactly who they were… regardless of our physical appearances and species.

It was a life altering phenomenon—where two souls discover each other—that all paranormal species yearned for.

But still, the uncertainty gnawed at me.

The concierge’s eyes lit up as I approached the front desk, his smile as warm as the tropical sun outside. “Welcome to the Last Resort!” he greeted me, his hands gesturing grandly as if to embrace the entire lobby. “Where love stories aren’t just made, they’re destined.”

“I assume you’re not the one making the matches, though.” I returned the smile as I leaned against the polished marble counter.

“That’s right!” he exclaimed, his chest puffing with pride. “But oh, do I get to witness the magic of it all!”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Do tell.”

“Oh, I will!” His smile broadened, and he leaned forward, eager to share. “You see, just last week, we had a feisty half-blood vampire check in. And guess who she was matched with?”

“Who?”

“A blue octopus shifter!” he exclaimed, his hands gesturing with theatrical flair. “Now, if that isn’t a pairing straight out of a fantasy, I don’t know what is.”

“Did they create literal or figurative waves?” I laughed, the tension easing from my shoulders.

“Oh, he’s an octopus shifter, not a kraken!” He flicked his hand dismissively and laughed heartily. “But they were the talk of the resort, their chemistry undeniable. The kind of love story that makes you believe in the magic of fate mates.”

His enthusiasm was contagious, and for a moment, I felt a part of the fairy tale he described. “And you get to witness these matches all the time?”

“Every day,” he affirmed, his eyes sparkling. “And each one is as unique as the creatures themselves.”

“Well, I hope my story will be just as interesting.” Curiosity piqued, I pressed on. “Do you know who—or what—I’ve been matched with?”

The shift in his demeanor was immediate, his excitement giving way to a practiced seriousness. “No one but the matchmakers know,” he responded, his voice a low hum of confidentiality. “Even once we check you in, we aren’t permitted to tell you. It would destroy the experience. First impressions only happen once.”

I frowned slightly, unable to hide my disappointment. “You’re no fun,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“With P-Harmony’s track record, I’m certain you will be having fun soon enough.”

His smile returned instantly, winking at me as he leaned forward. “He’s waiting for you in room 369.” He slid the room key across the desk. “Welcome to the Last Resort, where your love story begins.”

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