Page 22 of Halloween With the Siren
Silas’s mouth twitches in an affectionate smile. “Yes. Every single creature on this island would love to be serenaded by you and your angelic voice.”
Bash nods vigorously in agreement. “We’ve listened to you over the past few weeks and we haven’t observed anyone who’s been affected by your voice. Not even Maisie or Tilly, who’d be most susceptible as humans and spending so much time around you.”
Killian squeezes my hand and sincerity shines from all of them. “Your voice is so beautiful. Ethereal. Magnetizing. It would be a gift to share it with everyone. If you want to.”
Maybe this is what I’ve been missing all my life. I’m so used to figuring things out by myself and denying myself certain joys. Having the pack here to encourage me and support me is like getting a glimpse at the possibility of what life with them will be like. Having partners by my side to help me grow, to help me take risks, and knowing they’re there to catch me whenever I need, it’s liberating.
Decision made and feeling confident to perform with them at my side, I narrow my eyes playfully at them. “But you said it’s a proposition. What’s the second part of this plan? Do I get something in return?”
The guys exchange a very heated look and Silas’s gaze takes on a feline quality as he stares down at me. “You know how there was one thing on our list we never got around to at Nesting Grounds?”
My nipples harden at the suggestion, knowing exactly what he’s talking about. “Tell me more.”
“We want you to be our prey,” Killian says, lowering his voice again to that delicious rumble that has goose bumps breaking out all over my skin. He reaches behind his back and hands me the most gorgeous rabbit mask, my blood heating as I imagine myself as a little bunny caught between them. “Be our pretty little rabbit tonight after the party, and let us predators do our job. Let us hunt you before we feast on you.”
“Oh,” I say shakily, crossing my legs in the hopes that my scent doesn’t betray me. “That sounds somewhat enticing.” Understatement of the century.
Bash inhales deeply through his nose and his eyes flash as he registers their effect on me. A sly smile pulls at his mouth and hisgaze travels up and down my body in an intangible caress and a promise of what’s waiting for me.
Silas licks his lips as he, too, scents me. “And since you’ve been such a good girl over the past couple of weeks, how about we take you into the storage room real quick and you can come on my fingers?”
“And mine,” Killian nearly growls, the outline of his thick cock looking utterly tempting.
“And my tongue, pretty please?” Bash asks, pressing his hands together in front of his chest.
Feeling utterly grateful for Pack Morgan’s impeccable devotion to teamwork, I start walking toward The Singing Seahorse’s front door. It’s not like I could ever say no to such a generous offer from these three tantalizing shifters.Myshifters.
“Let’s go.”
Chapter 12
Marisol
The Singing Seahorse is packed with creatures in all types of costumes, and everyone’s having a great time. It’s an even bigger turnout than we expected and I’ve never had so much fun. My pub looks spectacularly spooky, the music is hauntingly enticing, and the snacks are otherworldly. This was truly a community project and I’m already looking forward to the next event.
We all cheer as Doc Calla, Annamae, and Lucille climb up onto the stage in their matching ghost costumes, holding the white sheets carefully so they don’t trip going up the steps.
“And now for the finalists in our couples costume category,” Doc Calla calls. The group of tipsy zombies in the back, having come here directly after finishing up haunting Arran’s castle,shout the names of creatures who they think are deserving of the grand prize.
Beryl and Calixta are called up first, taking their place on the left of the stage in their pirate and parrot costumes. Calixta’s balanced on her wife’s shoulder and loving every minute in her colorful outfit, flapping her feathers gracefully as Beryl holds on to her thighs.
Ren and Maisie are next, dressed as a knight in shining armor with his damsel in distress in his arms. He carries Maisie up the stairs and blushes sweetly when she presses a kiss to his cheek, much to the delight of the crowd.
The final couple to be called is Viggo and Juniper, and they might be my favorite. Juniper is dressed as a kraken, with long purple tentacles extending from her waist. But what makes it even better is that Viggo looks like a treasure chest. His torso is wrapped in an antique-looking box, his head balanced on gold coins and precious gems. Juniper keeps acting all defensive around him, draping her tentacles over him, ready to fight off anyone who dares to come close.
Doc Calla calls for a drum roll and everyone in The Singing Seahorse joins in, hitting their thighs and banging on tables. “Our winners are… Juniper and Viggo.” The crowd applauds wildly as Juniper and Viggo accept their flower crowns from Annamae and shake hands with Lucille and Doc Calla.
The next category gets called and I stop listening, my nerves fluttering in my stomach for what I’m about to do. Attuned to every minor shift in my body, the guys close in around me. They’ve been by my side the entire night, helping me serve customers, bussing tables, doing dishes, and chatting with all the locals. It’s been wonderful to have them behind the bar with me, functioning all together as a team—no, as a pack.
Killian pulls me into his arms, and my fox and panther press closer from either side, all of them laying a comforting touch on some part of my body.
Gazing down at me through the eyes cut into his wolf mask, Killian says, “We just want to remind you that we love your voice, and we think Starry Hill will love it too. But nothing changes for us whether you sing or not. We’re not going anywhere, sweet siren. We’re here to support you, but the choice is always yours.”
I lift my chin to look at all three of them from underneath my rabbit mask. “I know. And honestly, if it weren’t for you guys, I don’t think I’d have the courage to do it. Thank you for being here for me.”
“Always,” Bash says without hesitation, adding a wink that’s visible even with his fox mask on.
Silas dips down to meet me at eye level, his green eyes blazing beneath his black panther mask. “As long as you want us, we’ll be here for you.”
