Page 71 of Shadow Witch

Paige slid her eyes sideways as Dewey rambled on, wondering if he’d read the speech in a book.

“Now, if you ladies will all turn over your place cards, you’ll find a little bingo game to play while Paige is opening gifts.”

Dewey crossed to the table and fetched the first gift box, handing it off to Paige. She wrinkled her nose as she stared at the blood-red paper, then tugged off the bow and unwrapped it. Opening the box, she found two goblets, each with pointy fangs on the inside.

Her eyes narrowed as she pressed a finger against one, drawing a droplet of blood.

“They’re blood goblets,” a blonde woman said with a grin. “You know, for drinking blood once you join our ranks.”

Paige offered her a nervous laugh, a surprised grin plastered on her face. “Oh, that’s so nice. Thank you so much.”

Dewey whispered in her ear. “That’s Devon’s aunt, soooo…”

“Devon and I will really enjoy this. Thanks,” Paige answered as she handed them off to Dewey, still thoroughly disturbed by the gift, and moved on to another.

After ninety minutes of opening packages and finding vampire-related gifts, she was at her limit. She wondered how many more she could smile through. From downright disturbing to slightly sickening, her mind whirled at using any of them.

At least they’d gotten the toaster Devon wanted along with the china pattern he’d coveted.

Relief coursed through her as she waved the card in the air at the crowd when she opened the dishes. “Oh, thank you…Aunt Pam. Devon really loves this pattern.”

“You’re so welcome. Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”

Paige offered her another awkward smile before she opened the final gift.

“That’s from me,” Drucinda said with a wink.

“Thanks, Drucinda,” Paige said as she tore open the paper and pulled out a pair of emerald earrings. “Oh, earrings. How interesting.”

“Not just any earrings. Those are transformative earrings.”

Paige stared at her with a grin fixed to her face. “I have no idea what she’s saying,” she murmured to Dewey.

“You put them on and can change your appearance. Hair color, clothing, even look like another person for a bit. Very handy for keeping things fresh with Devon if you know what I mean.”

Color rose in Paige’s cheeks as she settled them back into the box with a shake of her head. “I do. I do, yeah. Well, thanks. I’ll be sure to…I don’t know. Well, that’s it for the gifts.”

“It is, indeed, but not for the party. Ladies, we’ve got cake,” Dewey said as he flung his paws to the side.

Applause broke out at his words.

“Want me to cut it, little man?” Drucinda asked.

“Oh, wait, wait. Get a picture. I had it decorated specially in a lovely fangs and blood pattern.”

Drucinda tugged her phone from her pocket as she approached the cake. “Oh, it is nice, yes.”

She snapped a few photos before she cut into it. Red filling oozed everywhere. Paige’s stomach turned over as she wondered what the filling was.

“First piece for the bride-to-be,” Dewey sang as he carried a plate and plastic fork over.

“Ummm, I’m full, but–“

“Nope. It’s bad luck not to eat it, there you go. Shove it down.” He dumped the plate in her hands before he returned to dole out more.

She stared at the blood-like substance congealing on her plate, her stomach turning.

“Mmm,” another woman exclaimed, “this raspberry filling is the best.”

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