Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
"Of course, Kodi. We’ll handle it," Kolson replies with a determined nod.
I leave his office, and the cool air of the corridor does little to soothe the fire shooting through my veins. Whoever is haunting our client’s every step is about to find out what it means to be hunted by a bear shifter. And I am nothing if not thorough when it comes to the hunt.
As I drive out of town, I feel the pull of the magic lessen its hold on me. Fable Forest is a captivating and paradoxical place where the enchantment of fairy tales seamlessly intertwines with the vibrancy of the modern world. A spell cast over this unique forest has infused it with deep magic that causes the residents to live out beloved age-old stories while surrounded by contemporary comforts and technologies.
Visitors stepping into Fable Forest are greeted by an extraordinary sight. Cobblestone streets lined with quaint cottages and towering glass skyscrapers converge in a landscape that melds the historical with the futuristic. The mostly shifter town has cozy taverns offering age-old potions sitting next to modern cafes with Wi-Fi serving the latest coffee trends.
The residents of Fable Forest, whether human, creature, or something whimsically in between, live an existence comprised of their supernatural roles intertwined with the modern existences they lead.
The melding of worlds is not without its challenges. Conflicts arise, blending old-world quests and morals with modern dilemmas, which keeps Enchanted Security, Inc., busy.
The town harnesses both the charm of mystical, merry old woods and the bustling pace of a 21st-century metropolis. It's a place where magic and modern exist in harmony for the most part. The rest of the time, we work our asses off trying to keep things under control.
Chapter 2
Briella
“Are you sure about this?” Worry fills my sister’s light blue eyes as we walk up to the airport security checkpoint. “I’m going to miss you so much.” We might be identical twins and share the same curly dark hair and blue eyes, but our personalities couldn’t be more different.
I’m reserved and contemplative, preferring the edges of the room, and my idea of a great evening is being engrossed in a book. The few friends I had before this whole stalking situation seemed to disappear as I withdrew from social situations to protect myself.
On the other hand, Brenna is outgoing and vivacious. Her energy fills the room, and she draws people toward her with her charismatic charm. She enjoys social gatherings and thrives in the spotlight.
“Jared said Kodi Brute is the best security expert in the country,” I remind her, feeling tears forming in my eyes as I think of all I’m going to miss while I’m on the run from my stalker. “I’ll be back before you know it,” I insist, ignoring the little voice in the back of my mind that’s insisting my stay in Fable Forest will become permanent. “Give Alana a kiss for me when you get home.” I’m going to miss my niece so much. The active toddler keeps everyone on their toes, and I’m not sure how I’ll survive not seeing her every day.
“I will.” Brenna’s bottom lip quivers. “She’s going to miss you.”
“Not as much as I’ll miss her. And you.”
I wrap my arms around my twin and hug her tight. This whole nightmare situation came out of nowhere and turned all our lives upside down. “Okay, little love, you have to let Briella go so she can catch her flight.” Jared, my brother-in-law, interrupts our tearful goodbye.
When Brenna met the wolf shifter, I worried the overwhelming differences in their backgrounds would make their relationship impossible, but it didn’t take long for Jared to win me over. He’s the perfect match for my sister—strong, quiet, and always putting her first.
It takes five minutes and several more hugs before my sister will allow me to head through security. Once I’m at my gate, I pull out my phone and read through the emails I’ve received from Kodi Brute. I’m not sure why, but there’s something about the surly shifter that draws me in. Which is freaking crazy since I’ve never met him.
Standing by the bustling luggage carousel, I nervously twist a strand of hair around my finger. All around the crowded airport, I notice a chorus of greetings and goodbyes, but I keep my gaze low, watching suitcases tumble down the conveyor belt.
I spot my bag, an overstuffed, slightly battered, old, black suitcase. As it makes its way around the bend, I take a deep breath, preparing to wrestle it off the conveyor.
Just as I lean down to grab it, a sleek, silver suitcase topples off and lands on the belt in front of me, causing a slight jam. My inner clumsiness rears its ugly head, sending me toppling over to land on top of both suitcases.