Page 22

FLYNN

I watched as Gunnar stepped through the portal and as soon as he was gone it felt like someone had stabbed a hot blade into my chest. “Agh,” I grunted and grabbed at it with my hand. “Fuck, Gunnar, you better come back to me.” It was still early in the day and the warm sun was comforting but then a feeling of having my chest torn open hit me. “What the fuck,” I groaned and rubbed at my chest. The pain subsided from the sharpness it had been but still I could feel it. Like a piece of me had been torn out. Gunnar. I didn’t know what it meant. I hoped it was from us being separated and not that he’d been killed. He said we were now connected and part of me was happy for that connection. But I hoped the pain I felt wasn’t from his death.

I lay back down and fell into a fitful sleep, the pain in my head nothing compared to the ache in my chest.

“Flynn,” someone said and shook my shoulder.

“Wha—Gunnar?” I said and sat straight up.

“No, sorry, it’s just me.” I managed to open my eyes and was shocked to see Gene Redmond sitting in front of me.

I shoved him back and shuffled away from him. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to make sure you were okay. Vince told me he was going to go through the portal today, and I know you and Gunnar have been trying to figure out what he’s been up to.”

“What do you mean?” I asked in a low voice.

“I know you think I’m involved with him but I’m not.” He dug in his pocket for something, and I got ready to be shot or stabbed or what other fate he would dole out to me. “Here.”

He handed me his wallet and just inside was a badge. “What’s this?”

“I’m a special agent working with the parks service and the research institute. We know there’s been someone in Elder Ridge selling monster parts on the black market for years. I’ve been undercover for two years here trying to find enough proof to convict Vince Drummond.”

“What?” I asked because what the fuck was happening.

“I know he’s your uncle but he’s also a vindictive asshole who has no problem killing anything that he can sell for a price. Before this portal was discovered he’d been using it for many years. He’s killed countless monsters, and I’m here to stop him.” I listened as he spoke and had a hard time not believing him but still, I held back.

“You tried to hurt Gunnar,” I said.

“I needed to make Vince believe I was on his side, and I knew that wouldn’t hurt Gunnar. But it did make me feel horrible. I don’t like violence, and this assignment has been filled with so many horrible things.”

“Vince has a blade that can kill Gunnar,” I blurted out, not meaning to say anything because I still wasn’t sure I could trust him.

“A troll killer?” he asked, and I nodded.

“Those have been outlawed for years. Fuck.”

“Is Gunnar in danger?” I asked, but I already knew the answer.

“All it takes is a small cut of that blade to end him. I’m really sorry I didn’t warn you two, but I had to keep up the charade and once Vince said it was obvious how much I hated you two—well I knew I’d convinced him.”

“Gunnar said he was going to ask the kappa for information on Vince.”

“How long ago did he go?” Gene asked and looked at his watch.

“I’m not sure. Vince hit me on the head before he left, and I’ve been asleep ever since. I’d guess a few hours.”

“Flynn, I’m going to call for help and get you out of here before I go in myself. It’s best you’re not here when he comes back through,” he said but I didn’t understand why.

“I won’t leave here until Gunnar walks back through.”

“What if he doesn’t return?” he asked.

“If his heart stops beating, I’ll know,” I said. Our connection grew stronger every day, and the pain I still felt proved it.

“You’re mated?” I nodded and looked away.

“That’s good, you’re connected deeply with him. Trolls do not mate often and when they do their lives are tied together with their mate. Everything he feels, you too will feel.”

“Gunnar is smart. He didn’t survive all these years being stupid. He hasn’t told me much about his old life, but I see the scars on his body and the way he is slow to trust. But he’s trying,” I said and saying those words gave me hope. “I think he’s afraid if he doesn’t stop Vince then he’ll hurt someone in Elder Ridge.”

“He might be worried for you. Imagine the pain if would cause him if his mate were to die.” Gene said what I’d tried not to think about, and it would be just like Gunnar to put himself in danger if it helped me avoid it.

“Dammit, I’m going with you.”

“Whoa, I wouldn’t suggest it. It’s very dangerous there for humans.”

“Gene, I don’t fucking care. If Gunnar is in trouble I want to help him. Now I’m going with or without you.” I stood and had to catch my balance before I could take a step.

“Flynn, you’re in no shape to go. Stay here and I’ll go get him,” Gene said.

“I want to trust you, but I just don’t.”

“I swear to you, I’ve been undercover. I’m not the bad guy.” His eyes begged me to believe him. “I only want to help. If I’m not back within an hour go to the institute and tell them what’s happening.” He handed me a card that had his information on it and an emergency contact number. “You can call that number.”

I read and reread the card before looking up at him with a nod. “Go get him,” I said and sat back down to wait for them.