“What are you going to be?” Sol asks with a slight smile. He’s not really mad. Maybe he would have liked us to have matching costumes, but in the end, he’ll do what he wants and dress in whatever he thinks will make him look the best. After all, there’s a contest involved. The Verascues are highly competitive.
“The girls are into unicorns, so Paige found costumes for the family, horns and all. At first, I wasn’t sure about the idea but then she showed me the dress she’s going to wear and yeah, I was on board after that. It’s white and clings to her curves. Hits about mid-thigh. She bought this pink and purple wig. It’s going to be a good night.” He grins.
I snort. “Yeah, once you get the girls into bed after the party.”
“Screw that. I’m handing them off to someone in the pack and making use of the empty house we’ll have. Teleporting has many perks.”
“Dammit!” Sol stomps his foot. “Now I can’t be a unicorn.”
“Was that even in the running?” I ask.
“No, but now that I know I can’t be one, I’m disappointed.”
“You really are a child, brother.”
“I’m the reason you have fun, so stop giving me grief.”
Sol smiles wide all of a sudden.
“What’s that look for?” I ask.
“I just figured out what I’m going to be for Halloween. I’m going to make sure Lilah’s on board because, holy fate, she’d look amazing in what I have planned.”
“I don’t even want to know.” I shake my head. I could try to read his mind and find out; however, his blocking abilities are better than mine.
“Don’t worry, brother. It’s going to be a surprise.”
Just like that, Sol snaps and teleports out of the room. I shouldn’t be shocked with how often he comes and goes. He has a habit of disappearing whenever the mood strikes him, whether he’s mid-conversation or not.
“You’re going, right?” Wake asks me.
“Absolutely. I’m not going to miss a Halloween party. Especially one where my brother may make a huge fool of himself in front of the entire pack and extended family.” Everyone who is close friends with the pack members and their mates is considered part of their family. They don’t care what kind of paranormal you are or if you’re human. If you’re mated or friends with one of us, then you’re in.
“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
