6. Chapter 6 Enzo

Chapter 6: Enzo

“Have a good day, sir.”

“Thank you, Ruby,” I say, as I pass the receptionist my key card. “It’s been a lovely stay, as always.”

There are several things I like about Gilmer Rock:

1. The small-town vibes. If anyone ever dreamed of living in a real-life Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls , then this is the next best thing, only instead of running into Lorelai and Rory, you’ll end up meeting some of the sweetest monsters one can imagine.

2. The monsterphobia is very minimal here. Sure, there might be a few townsfolk who turn up their nose whenever they see a monster who looks a little less humanoid, but you can bet those people are the same ones who would be clutching their pearls if I were to walk by holding hands with another man. Regardless, the town is very safe for both monsters and humans alike. It’s why I recommended it to my bestie when she was researching which monster town to live in.

3. The weather. Even though it’s a little humid, and said humidity causes the heavens to suddenly open and pour down on us on a whim, I can guarantee that the temperature will never be cold enough to snow. I hate snow. Give me beach weather all year, please.

Ideally, this is my dream town. If, by some miracle of miracles, I was able to select any of the monster towns to live in permanently, it would be Gilmer Rock. But the chances of me staying here are very unlikely. The next best case would be Rivenfield, since that town is safe as well.

I just pray that I’m not stuck in a dangerous town with daily riots. But I guess beggars can’t be choosers.

After making my way past the security guards and through the portal, I take a moment to steady myself by running my hands over my navy-blue suit jacket and smoothing out some imaginary wrinkles. Walking through a portal always feels like a rush; an extra jolt through your body, then nothing. One moment, I’m in the human world, and the next I’m just standing in an almost identical room, only on this side are two monsters as security guards rather than humans.

Since I know this particular base like the back of my hand, I walk down the bright white halls until I find the room I’m looking for. I’m shocked when I walk through the door, expecting to find a sterile-looking table and cold tile floors. Instead, I’m greeted with two tan, buttery-plush sofas that look as soft as a cloud, a large-screen TV mounted on the wall, a small area that opens up into a tiny kitchen, a four-seater dining table, and several stunning paintings of a forest that resembles a magical flea market.

It almost looks like I walked into someone’s home, rather than the intimidating conference rooms I’m used to on base.

“Oh, hello!” A young woman—maybe college-age—smiles at me before extending her hand. She’s wearing a trendy floral dress that flares out at her knees and red heels. Her dark brown hair is up in a messy bun, and her lipstick is a stunning bright red. “You must be Enzo Walker. I’m Emily, Dani’s intern. Would you like anything to drink?”

I reach for her hand and shake it. “Hi, Emily. It’s so nice to meet you. I’d love some water, thanks. I’m a little early, but I’m here for a seven AM meeting with Mr. Diaz.”

Considering how late I was out last night, I’m shocked I feel so refreshed.

“Yes. Please, make yourself at home,” she replies, bouncing over to the fridge. “Dani is still on track to arrive right on the dot.”

Walking toward the small dinette, I pull out a chair, only to have Emily point me toward the sofa instead. Emily hands me a cold water bottle and walks back toward the kitchen. She taps on her phone for a few seconds before lo-fi hip-hop music starts playing. Something about instrumental beats eases my nerves. Surely, the warm welcome and niceties mean this is potentially a good opportunity for me.

“Since you have some time, feel free to keep busy on your phone or just hang out. There are magazines on the end table if you get bored.”

“Thank you, Emily.”

With that, the young intern smiles, spins on her heel, and walks out the door, leaving me to my own devices. I pull out my phone and fire off a text.

Enzo: Rumor has it you put in the good word for me with a potential job?

Not really able to stay still, I stand up and walk over to one of the paintings, marveling at all the details. A lush, rich green covers the forest. Floating in the air in the middle of the forest are objects reminiscent of magic or fireflies, with colorful tents that seem to be crafted from silk. Listening to the whimsical music playing overhead, I feel as though I could magically step into the painting itself. All kinds of monsters of various species walk around the magical night market, picking up trinkets or mingling with those around them.

Suddenly, my phone rings with an incoming video call, startling me out of my trance.

“Hey, you.” I smile at the screen as my cousin answers. His translucent body is visible, and if it wasn’t for the fact I can actually see through him, he would almost look normal.

Jeremiah grins back. “Did you meet with Dani yet?”

“No, I’m here now. I showed up a little early,” I reply. I spend the next few minutes catching up with my cousin. He describes his travels throughout the monster realm and the different places he saw. At one point, his friend, or maybe boyfriend—I’m not entirely sure of their relationship—appears on the screen next to Jeremiah.

“Hi, Silk. Thank you for taking care of my cousin.”

Silk offers me a shy smile and nods. “Trust me, little human—the honor is mine.”

My lips twitch. Silk is a very pretty, yet adorable-looking monster with large, round catlike eyes. He’s a good foot shorter than me, and looks as if he’s barely twenty, whereas I’m in my late thirties. Even so, Silk has an aura that makes him appear ageless.

“So.” I look at my cousin. “How exactly do you know Danilo Diaz?”

The screen flickers, and Jeremiah’s eyes suddenly flash red.

My heart races.

For a moment, I have to remember my cousin isn’t human anymore. Can a ghost be considered a monster?

“Dani is my human. I’ve spent the last several years haunting him,” he says simply.

A gasp leaves my mouth. Danilo recently had an interview during the launch of his second app, Monster Shield. He admitted that the true reason he came up with the Monster Match dating app was to try to find a monster who could protect him from the thing that haunted and stalked him. The ‘ thing ’ being my cousin.

My gaze snaps back up to the screen, and Jeremiah’s eyes are still glowing that creepy-as-fuck red.

I’m about to meet with one of the world’s most powerful men, one that my cousin terrified enough to seek protection.

“Oh fuck,” I whisper, suddenly wishing I hadn’t asked Jeremiah for the truth.

After ending my call with my cousin, I’m back to staring at the gorgeous paintings when the door clicks closed behind me. Turning around, I see Danilo Diaz, who looks as stunning as he always does in magazines and on billboards. His hair is an ombre of blue, purple, and pink, and he has a slight dusting of shimmer on his cheekbones. Danilo is wearing a stylish yellow jacket and skinny jeans.

Honestly, with his pretty Asian features, he looks like the next hottest singer in some K-pop band, not the brilliant mastermind behind the Monster Match app.

Danilo’s gaze trails over to the painting on the wall directly in front of me, and a small smile plays on his face. “My mate painted those.” He gestures at it. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

My eyes widen, and I turn back toward the painting with a new appreciation.

A little zing of jealousy hits me when I replay his words in my mind. My mate. The tale of Dani and Maddox, his Orc fiancé, and how they met on Monster Match last year, is well known. Especially after the media got hold of their story. Some people assumed it was just a big marketing ploy, but it turns out they are fated mates.

How romantic would it be to know you have someone fated to be with you? Your perfect match. No choosing required. Just fate.

I study the painting again, paying particular attention to the magic floating in the air. This clearly isn’t a place found in the Monster Realm. “Very,” I agree. “Is this place real?”

Danilo’s lips twitch. “Thank you for meeting me on your day off, Lorenzo.” He holds out his hand and I take it. “Pleased to meet you. Call me Dani.”

I can’t help but laugh. I don’t miss the way he didn’t answer my question. Dani’s eyes sparkle as if he knows something I don’t.

“Thank you, Dani. Please, call me Enzo.”

Dani picks up a tablet from the dining table and gestures toward the sofa. I’m shocked that this interview is in such a casual setting, but at least my nerves have settled. I give the friendly man a smile and sit down while he picks the other sofa and a seat closest to me.

Over the next twenty minutes, he asks me basic questions about myself and my previous job experience. I notice he seems to focus on my job with law enforcement rather than Monster Match, but I go along with it.

“I have an opening for you I think you might appreciate. Your current boss mentioned you were looking for something permanent with minimal travel. Is that right?”

I nod. “Yes, sir. I like the idea of settling down in one town and making a home for myself. I take my job seriously and love working for Monster Match, but if I’m being honest, I miss my friends.” I don’t mention missing my family because, dear lord, I still don’t know if my ghost of a cousin threatened Dani. Although going by Dani’s easygoing demeanor, I’m pretty sure I’m in the clear.

Dani grins. “I have an opening with my new company, Monster Shield. After you came highly recommended, I looked into your field reports and noticed that even though you were technically hired to protect the humans, you protected monsters as well. I really appreciate that.”

I sit up straighter, feeling proud. “Ever since the government opened the portals and started letting monsters into our world, I’ve met so many lovely creatures who want to just live their lives in peace. From my understanding, the Monster Realm can be very dangerous. To educate these creatures and give them hope, only to be met with cruelty, is a tough pill to swallow. I want to protect every individual I’m assigned to as much as possible.”

Dani is beaming now. “This position is similar to the one you currently have. Only, you will be employed by Monster Shield instead of Monster Match. But don’t worry, all your benefits will start immediately, so you aren’t jumping through hoops. If you take the job, you’ll be assigned to cases in your own town and have your own office as well. You will be required to report to base at least once a week. That will be the majority of your travel.”

My heart races with excitement. This sounds almost too good to be true.

“Eventually, you’ll have a team working under you, but for the first month, it will only be you in your assigned town. Unless, of course, there’s a situation that requires a client who needs extra protection. You will be observing both Monster Shield and Monster Match cases. Most of them will be the usual check-ins you’re used to. Sometimes, you’ll be assigned to protect a human or a monster, and other times, you’ll be given a case to investigate.” Dani pauses, and I nod again.

“It’s why I asked so many questions about your previous employment. In the beginning, your job will require you to be adaptable since you’ll be wearing many hats. But your number one priority, no matter which case, is to make sure your assignment is safe.”

“Of course. It’s the same as my current position. There were times we would just be observing. There were other times my partner and I were required to take action and pull either a human or a monster out of a dangerous situation.”

Dani hands me the tablet and checks his watch. “That being said, please go ahead and look through the offer. I usually don’t rush people, but I actually have your first case waiting for you.”

Adrenaline pumps through me, and I feel a rush of excitement I haven’t felt in a long time. The fact Dani has been combing through my reports and looking into my work gives me a sense of confidence.

“If you want the job, it’s yours. Accept the offer and the transfer will be complete. If you’d like to pass, for whatever reason, I’ll understand. I’ll be disappointed, but I’ll understand.”

I glance down at the offer and my jaw falls open. My vacation time and PTO will be increased, my salary will have a hefty raise, and unless certain cases require me to protect the client, I’ll have weekends off as well. But the real thing listed on this offer that has me excited beyond belief is the location.

I grin. “You want me to settle in Gilmer Rock?”

Dani laughs, his whole face lighting up and making him look younger. “I’m assuming your smile means you’re happy with that?”

I nod eagerly. “Very. Thank you, Dani.” I sign the tablet and hand it back. “You won’t be disappointed.”

Dani jumps up and shakes my hand. “Welcome to Monster Shield, Enzo.”

Excited to get started, I glance over at Dani. “Now, you mentioned you already had my first case lined up?”

“I do. I’m hoping it will be an easy investigation, but a friend of mine had his store broken into last night. He’s safe, and as far as we can tell, there’s only one item missing. I’d like you to go to the bookstore and interview the owner. See if you can help him find his missing item.”

“I understand. Will he require protection? Does he have any enemies that you know of?”

He shakes his head. “That’s the thing, he doesn’t. And we don’t think he needs any protection, but if that changes, or you think his life is in danger, then report it immediately and please protect him. I asked him not to touch anything around the shop until you’re able to take photos. The cops stopped by last night, but since he didn’t notice the missing item until later, and there weren’t any signs of breaking and entering, they left.”

Dani hands me a business card. “I won’t usually interfere with your cases, but this is a dear friend of mine. Please text me any updates.”

“I understand.”

“There’s one more thing,” Dani says. “Since Gilmer Rock is a very popular town, housing is a little hard to come by, but we’re working on that. Will you be okay staying in the client’s guest room for two to three weeks? We could set up housing for you here on base instead, but it would actually make me feel better if he did have you there just in case he needs protection.”

I smile at Dani. “I don’t mind at all.”

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