Page 32 of Spooked
"Let me?" I growl playfully, backing her against the wall. "Woman, I'll carry you anywhere I please."
"Mmm…I love when my beast goes alpha," she murmurs, then yelps with laughter as I immediately sweep her up into my arms. "Wolfe! We have a meeting!"
"They can wait a sec." I capture her mouth in a kiss that's full of promise for what I plan to do to her later when we’re alone.
When we finally break apart, we need a moment to compose ourselves.
The library’s crowded when we arrive. Dev has spreadsheets ready, Howie's sketching zombie turkey designs, Ghost is reviewing security footage, and Lee's pretending to nap in his chair.
"Before we start," Ash announces, "I have news."
Everyone turns to look at her, and she suddenly seems nervous. My brave, fearless wife actually fidgets with her camera strap.
"I got a call from National Geographic," she says in a rush. "They want me to do a photo essay on 'American Gothic: The Art of Modern Horror Attractions.' They specifically requested Marsden Manor as the centerpiece."
The room erupts in congratulations, but I can't speak. I'm too busy staring at my wife in awe.
"When?" I finally manage.
"Next month. They want to capture us preparing for Christmas horror season." She bites her lip. "Is that okay? I know it's busy, and?—"
I cut her off with a kiss that has Ghost making exaggerated gagging noises.
"You're just jealous because your vampire fangs are scaring away potential dates."
"I'll have you know these fangs are very popular with the ladies," Ghost replies with a hiss.
"Hello! Hello!" Willa's voice comes from the doorway. "Are we interrupting?"
She and Dash stand there with little Brynn, who's dressed as a tiny witch and clutching a dragon-shaped candy bucket.
"Uncle Wolfie!" Brynn shrieks, running straight for me. I catch her and swing her up into my arms.
"And what are you supposed to be, little monster?" I ask.
"I'm a witch who turns beasts into princes!" she announces, tapping my mask with her plastic wand. "POOF! Now you're handsome!"
"He was already handsome," Ash protests, tickling Brynn and making her giggle.
"Now you're more handsome," she adds..
"Can't argue with that logic," Willa says with a shrug, as Dash claps me on the shoulder.
Dash and I have become friends over the past year, bonding over many things, including our shared appreciation for the women who changed our lives. He’s also introduced me to the thriving veteran community here in Deepwood, and I’ve even attended some events.
"The place looks fantastic," Willa tells Ash, hugging her tightly. "That photo you posted of the new Edgar Allan Poe room gave me literal chills."
"That's the point," Ash laughs. "Though Wolfe's talking about adding a whole Lovecraft wing next year."
"Budget permitting," Dev interjects. "Which brings us to our meeting?—"
"Meeting's canceled," I announce suddenly. Everyone turns to stare at me. "It's Halloween, we're with family, and the manor's running smoothly. We can talk business tomorrow."
"Who are you and what have you done with Wolfe?" Howie demands. "The real Wolfe would never cancel a meeting."
"The real Wolfe has learned there are more important things than business," I say, setting Brynn down. "Like watching his friends and family enjoy Halloween in the most haunted attraction in Montana."
"I like this Wolfe," Lee comments from his chair. "Less growling."
