“You’ve got time until the party. Make sure you have everything ready. Ari and Paige are in charge of the decorations.”
I chuckle. “I’ve seen what Ari does for Christmas. I cannot imagine the number of decorations she’s going to put up for Halloween.”
I have quite a few friends I’m close with—my best friends. Ariane is one of them. She’s mated to Wake’s cousin, Orion. She’s one of the most special paranormals out there. Most shifters find out they are one as a child. Ari was eighteen when she first shifted into a wolf. Before that even happened, I had given her some of my powers. I also may have had a crush on her, but that’s no longer the case. I’m happily mated.
“I have to get back home,” Wake says, interrupting my thoughts. “Paige is deep in the planning phase with Ari, so I need to watch the girls. See ya.” He teleports out of the room.
Once again, I’m alone. My mate and Sol’s are down on the beach with Sol’s daughter. Our houses are oceanfront on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I first made my home here then Sol followed. We have houses all over the world, but this is my favorite spot. There’s nothing quite like hearing the waves lap at the shore to lull me to sleep. Even in the peak of tourist season, I love it here. It helps that I can teleport to leave the barrier islands and don’t have to sit in traffic if I want to go somewhere else.
Now, to think of my Halloween costume. I have no idea what I should dress as. Though Sienna would look amazing in leather. I’ve been trying to get her into some for a while now. After all, my signature look is a very soft leather, trench coat I’ve been known to wear, regardless of the season. I do dress in other things, however. Right now, for example, I have on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Very unassuming. At least in the trench I look badass. In this I look like everyone else. Sometimes it’s good to blend in.
Vampires can be out in sunlight. We’re not bound by myths, though my family is one of legend. We do as we please and have enough money to quell our every desire.
Maybe I can hire someone to design costumes for me and my mate. It’s not a bad idea. I can’t wait to cause some mayhem. My brother and I have been known to fight with anyone willing, especially each other, when there’s a party. I don’t think a gathering goes by without some sort of argument happening. Even if we aren’t the ones to start it, we’re ready to jump in and throw fists at whomever is there. Vampire strength does have its perks against shifters. They may be strong but we’re stronger.
The downstairs door opens, alerting me to the return of my mate. Sienna makes no noise as she climbs the stairs. Paranormals are soundless when we walk, especially shifters. My mate is a fox. I have loved her since I first laid eyes on her. Our journey to finally being together wasn’t an easy one, but it was well worth everything we went through to get here.
“Hey, honey,” I say as she enters. Her long, light blonde hair is pulled up into a high ponytail. When her fox rises up, her eyes change from their light green color to a brilliant shade of amethyst. I love seeing them. I love every part of her.
“I love you, too,” she says, reading my mind. She walks over and drops sideways onto my lap. Sand falls from her clothes onto my shirt and shorts.
“Were you rolling around on the beach?”
She smiles this gorgeous heart-stopping smile. It makes my heart speed up at just how beautiful she is. And I’m the lucky one who gets to spend eternity with her. “Lilah put Jupiter’s feet in the sand. She wasn’t a fan and kicked it all over us.” Sienna lifts her hands into her hair and shakes more of the tiny, gritty granules out.
“For the love of fate, you’re getting it everywhere,” I complain. “You’re going to have to ask Lilah to get over here and magic it away.”
“Or you could actually get off your old vampire butt and get the vacuum out of the closet to do it yourself.”
“You’re talking mad, female.” In truth, I don’t mind doing chores around the house. It makes me feel domesticated.
Sienna leans in and stops when her lips are a millimeter away from mine. “If you clean up the mess I just made, I’ll let you help me get the rest of this sand off me in the shower.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” I close the distance between us and take possession of her sweet lips.
2
Solomon
Excitement is rich in the air. I can feel it on my skin. It’s finally here. The night of the Halloween party.
“You need to get a grip,” my mate says from my side.
“How can you not be excited? I’m dressed to win. I have no idea what the prize is, but it will be mine.” I’m pretty confident I can win this thing. We’re supposed to be creative and it doesn’t get any better than this. Too bad Lilah wouldn’t use her magic to make my costume over the top.
“You know the rules,” she says, reading my mind. “The invitation said no magic.”
I roll my eyes. “How would anyone know?”
“Seriously? You’re going to a party where there will be a bunch of paranormals, who can read minds, and some who can break through that block of yours.”
“Pfffttt, maybe Kylest and his sister. That’s about it. Ford can’t get in my head.” The fae siblings are also royalty and the most powerful fae in existence.
“No, but your mother can.”
The blood drains from my face. “Is she going? Did someone invite her? I thought we’d be free of her for the evening. This changes everything. I don’t know if I’m in the mood to deal with her. You’re destroying my buzz, kitten!” I love my parents, I really do, but in small doses.
Eloise Verascue is a lot to take in, never mind at a party, which could last hours. She’s going to have something to say about how I’m dressed, I know it.
“I’d be surprised if she weren’t there,” Lilah states. “You know how much the pack enjoys it when your parents visit. Plus, they have the added benefit of keeping you and your brother in line. Outside of Sienna and me, no one else can do that besides your parents.”
“I don’t need to be kept in line. There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m a treat to be around. Entertainment follows me. There’s never a dull moment. How can you even think I need a disciplinarian?” I scoff. The nerve of this female.
“Oh, for fate’s sake. I’m not new, Sol. I know you better than you know yourself. I’ve actually gotten to the point where I can predict your moves before you make them.”
“That’s only because you can see inside my head.”
“You think so little of my power of observation? I see you.”
“What about now?”
“You’re about to take Jupiter and teleport to the party without me because you’re irritated I’m right.” Dammit! She is right. I don’t like that I’ve become predictable. I need to put a stop to it. Mix it up. Make sure no one has any inkling of what I’m going to do.
Lilah puts her arm around my waist and leans her head on my shoulder. “Stop pouting and don’t change anything. You know I love you and your quirks. Now put your arm around me and teleport us to the party.”