The Accidental Troll by Dakota Cassidy

The Accidental Troll by Dakota Cassidy

Author:Dakota Cassidy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dakota Cassidy


Chapter 14

“To our new friends, Sten, Murphy, Bellamy, and Nova,” Wanda said, wine glass in hand as they all sat around Nina’s big dining room table before a beautifully prepared dinner, courtesy of Arch. “The circumstances are almost never pleasant when we bring someone new into our group, but know that once you’re in, there’s no getting out. Like ever.”

Everyone laughed—even Nina—as they held up their glasses.

“Anyway, welcome to the fold, new accidental friends. Here’s to a successful journey to find the answer to our troubles, and the promise of lifelong—and as you know, for us, that’s a long time—friendships when we reach the end!”

Murphy’s heart swelled with acceptance from these people they’d known only a couple of days, and as they began to pass the bowls and platters of the veritable feast Arch had prepared, she felt a sense of calm.

Yes. It was probably the calm before the storm of what was ahead of them, but for now, they were sharing a meal that had more substance than kale and seaweed juice, with people who truly enjoyed being in one another’s company as they chatted about the events of the day.

She took a bite of her stuffed chicken marsala and sighed with contentment. Even Nova, who ate carrot sticks and egg whites for most of her dinners, was enjoying the fluffy rice pilaf and crisp asparagus.

Looking across the table at Arch over the candlelight’s glow, she held up her wine glass in salute. “Arch, thank you. I haven’t had a meal like this since…I dunno. I can’t remember when. But I appreciate you. You’re amazing.”

He grinned and winked at her, tipping his glass toward her in acknowledgement. “It ’twas my pleasure, Miss Murphy. One must be well nourished for the battle that lie ahead. You can always count on me to ensure you are well fed.”

The battle that lie ahead. She was a nervous wreck about the battle that lie ahead.

“It’s pretty great, isn’t it?” Sten whispered in her ear before he shoveled a forkful of chicken into his mouth.

She giggled and found herself leaning back into him. “I’ll say. I don’t know what kind of cheese he used, but it’s buttery good. I’m trying to decide if it’s Havarti or maybe brie.”

“You know enough about cheese to hazard a guess?”

She ran her hand down along her body. “Look at me. Do I look like I’ve passed up much cheese in my life?”

Sten gave her a long glance before cutting up his asparagus. “I think you look great, and I’m impressed with your knowledge of food.”

“I actually love to cook. I just haven’t done much of it in the last few years, since I’ve been with Nova. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I had a meal with other people. A real meal that doesn’t consist of air and some leafy green.”

“You and Nova don’t eat together?” he said with a surprised frown. “I thought you guys did everything together?”

“We do, but we don’t eat anything worth talking about.



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