Page 93 of Forget Me Not

“I didn’t know that.” I’m kind of shocked, but I don’t know why.

“It’s true. My parents despised the idea of us marrying. The world was against us. But our hearts knew that being apart wasn’t an option, so we ran away and we got married. A year later, we returned to Lockhaven and showed the people in this town that love has no boundaries.”

I rest a hand over my heart, feeling its warmth. “That’s beautiful, Gladys.”

“Don’t let him go, darling. I see the way he looks at you, and I don’t think he has any plans of letting you go.”

I chuckle. “I don’t think he’d let me if I tried.” I stand up, my heart full of so much happiness. Before I leave, I lean down and give Gladys a soft hug. “Thank you for this little chat. I needed it.”

“Anytime.” She pats my arm. “Be safe out there. We’ve got a snowstorm on the way.”

I lift a foot in the air. “I’ve got my boots and my coat.”

As I approach the door, all I can see is the ghosting of fog on the glass. But when I pull the door open, I gasp at the sight. Gladys mentioned a snowstorm in the forecast, but I never expected to step outside in a foot of snow, and it’s still coming down. Thick snowflakes fall in abundance, coating everything in sight.

I can’t say that I’ve ever seen snow on Halloween. At least I’ll be warm inside Taryn’s for the masquerade party.

Alaric ended up taking longer than planned handling whatever it was he had to handle, so he’s meeting me next door with the masks we’ll be wearing to the party.

The sidewalk is lined with people waiting to get inside the tavern, and all I can think about is the tips I could be making.

I’m walking down the sidewalk when an odd feeling overcomes me. A chill runs down my spine and I look to my left, unknowingly, when I see someone in particular standing across the street.I stop walking, taking in his appearance. He’s dressed in all black, wearing a black ski mask—the same mask I saw at the first party I attended with Tyler.

I squint as snow coats my lashes, looking at him as he just stands there, watching me through the holes in his mask. Snowflakes fall down on him, glistening like diamonds on his black apparel.

Normally I’d be fearful, wondering who it was, but now I know it was Alaric at the party. He’s either messing with me now, or he’s still being a creep without making it known. He told me he’s always watching me, and even though we’ve gotten much closer, it appears he hasn’t made an exception.

I step onto the road, looking both ways before beginning to cross, but he turns around and heads down the narrow alley between a row of buildings.

“Alaric,” I call out, stopping in the middle of the road. He doesn't stop; instead, he picks up his pace until he disappears from my sight. I sigh heavily, then turn around and go back to the sidewalk.

One more glance over my shoulder proves he’s gone. Something in my gut tells me that wasn’t Alaric at all. It’s an unsettling feeling that I can’t shake.

Pushing it down, I go on with my plans and follow the line of people into Taryn’s.

I wasn’t prepared for the tavern to be even busier than it is on the weekends, which is surprising since it’s Sunday night. But it’s Halloween, so I guess I shouldn’t be that surprised.

Everyone is wearing masks of all shapes and sizes. From colorful to black and white. Some with intricate details, and some that are a simple cloth. There are even people wearing regular Halloween costumes—a witch, a skeleton, and a vampire. Then we have a handful who have found more creative ways to cover their faces, like ski masks.

I chuckle inwardly at myself. That probably wasn't even Alaric. More than likely it was someone leaving here. After all this time, I still get myself worked up for no reason.

“Rhea,” Taryn beams as she rushes toward me with a stick-held mask to her eyes. It’s silver and black with beautiful gems all over it.She takes hers away from her face and cocks a brow.“Girl, where is your mask?”

“It’s on its way.” I skim the crowd, seeing if Alaric is here yet, but even if he were, I probably wouldn’t find him. “I can’t believe how busy it is. It’s amazing, Taryn.”

“You have no idea. People eat up Halloween in this town, and I don’t mean the candy. It’s about to be a wild night.” She tips her head back. “I have to get behind the bar and serve customers. Have fun, okay?”

“I will, and holler if you need a hand.”

She vanishes into the crowd while I try to push my way to the bar for a drink. I’m halfway there when two hands land on my face, covering my eyes. Everything goes black and my first instinct is to panic—until I hear the voice behind the hands.

“Guess who?”

I peel his fingers away and spin around to see Alaric. One hand lands firmly on my waist, holding on to me like he’s never going to let go.

I run my hands down the sleeves of his jacket, keeping him at arm's length as I take him in.

He looks sexy as hell with his hair gelled back and he smells like a dream. Wearing a sleek black suit, he’s adorned with a black venetian mask strapped to his face. The details in it are stunning. Embossed vines running throughout with diamonds circling the left eye. But what’s even more appealing is the sultry blue eyes behind it, staring back at me like I’m the only person in the room.

---