“Welcome everyone to the 30th annual Graves Department Store Thanksgiving day Parade! I’m Zanku Kitty, here with my co-host Grief Abandon. How’s it hanging Grief?”
“It fell off, Kitty, but thanks for asking.”
“Oops, my bad. Well you can’t have everything, Grief.”
“I wasn’t going to mention your nose, Kitty.”
“Well I never!”
“Even if you did, I couldn’t do anything about it. Can we move on, please? I see the first float is heading our way.”
“Zombietown, Massachusetts is known for this spectacle on Thanksgiving Day every year, Grief The residents do their best to attract as many tourists as possible to share their Thanksgiving Feast.”
“A truly welcoming atmosphere here, Kitty, and this float received the Mayor’s Prize for epitomizing this year’s theme, “Lend a helping Hand.” That lovely young thing at the front is waving the mayor’s actual hand, loaned to us for this occasion. Don’t lose that hand, Wendy, the mayor needs it to sign the Parks Bill next week.”
“And coming up next is the High School Shuffling Band. You have to admire these young people for their determination. Most of the percussion section had their hands sewn on extra tight, just for today’s performance. Can’t have a repeat of last year, Grief!”
“That was quite a melee, Kitty, all those kids digging through that pile of limbs trying to match whose hands were whose. I’m glad they took precautions, be prepared, I always say!”
“That’s good advice, Grief. Maybe you should have taken it yourself last night.”
“Do we have to keep getting personal, Kitty?”
“Sorry, Grief. But if a certain body part were to show up, what would it be worth to you?”
“Kitty, you bitch! What do you... Our producer indicates it’s time for a message from our sponsor, Graves Department Store, the store that helps you keep it all together. We’ll be right back.”
***
“Welcome back to the parade, I’m Zanku Kitty.”
“And I am Grief Abandon. We are starting to see a few of the parade-watchers heading indoors now. With the icy wind, there have been a few wardrobe malfunctions, and some of the mama’s don’t want their little zombies to see anything fall off that they didn’t know was there to start with. But I’m sure we’ll see them all later at the big feast.”
“Along with all of our wonderful visitors, Grief. The city council has extended their usual gracious invitation to all the living to come join us and bring their brains, er, families. It’s sure to be a delicious spread.”
“Let’s talk about the float approaching us right now. It’s certainly unusual, Kitty.”
“Yes, it is, Grief. My notes tell me that it is the Merchant’s Prize winner, selected for its fine selection of Zombietown’s wares. The town is known for it’s outstanding prosthetic devices. The young people modeling these fine products are members of the local sports teams. As you can imagine, they are big fans of the artificial limbs produced here.”
“Yes they are, Kitty.”
“Perhaps you should stop by one of the shops after the parade, Grief.”
“Shut up, Kitty.”
“If you think I’m going back to the motel with you with that big gaping hole in your....”
“Kitty!”
“Look, Grief, here comes the Mayor himself, Bob N. Bob and his death-partner, Chompers. Hello, Mr. Mayor. Do you have a few words for our viewers at home?”
“Hello, Kitty, Grief. It’s a great day for the parade and for the town! I want to remind all of our visitors to be sure to come to the town hall after the parade for the big feed. It’s always an experience!”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”
“You’re welcome, Grief. And you’re looking very nice today, Kitty.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor. At least someone around here is a gentleman!”
“You’re very welcome, Kitty. After all, a nose isn’t everything. Many of our finest citizens are among the noseless.”
“Mr. Mayor, I think Kitty is overcome with emotion at your kind words. Perhaps you’d better rejoin the parade. NOW!”
“I see what you mean, Grief. Let’s go, Chompers. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.”
“Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Mayor. Keep up the good work, Chompers.”
“Grief, what does Chompers do again?”
“The mayor. Look, Kitty, here comes the Founders Float.”
“Zombietown, Massachusetts is the only town in all of North America featuring the actual founding fathers riding on a float.”
“Look at Zedediah Claw. No, Daddy Claw, no don’t wave! Shoot, somebody pick up Daddy Claw’s hand and tuck it in his jacket. These founding father’s get so enthusiastic, they forget how breakable they are.”
“He’s probably excited about the feast, Grief. Remember, all you tourists are invited to the feast immediately after the parade. Just come right on in, someone will take care of you.”
“Here comes Santa Claus!”
“The kiddies are getting really excited. This is the first year they could find anyone to fill out the suit. Hiya, Santa!”
“Hello Kitty! Have you been a good girl this year?”
“Why, Santa, you old devil, you tell me.”
“Him too, Kitty?”
“Don’t you look at me like that! I can’t be exclusive with someone who just falls apart at the least little thing.”
“What do you want for Christmas, Grief?”
“All I want for Christmas is my ...”
“I can tell you what he wants, Santa, can I sit in your lap?”
“Sure thing, little girl, whisper right here in old Santa’s ear.”
“Kitty, don’t you dare! Don’t be sharing our private business with that old rickety lech.”
“I see, Kitty, I see. That is a problem. Grief, you want to come up here on Santa’s lap and tell him what size you’d like?”
“Oh my God, Kitty!”
“I was only trying to help, Grief. Santa understands that, don’t you stud?”
“We are almost out of time, here. Kitty and I would like to thank you for joining us for the Graves Department Store Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s time to head on down to the town hall for dinner. I hope to see you all there, with bells on.”
Pammy muttered to herself as she rifled through her cupboards looking for a missing can of cranberries. Thanksgiving dinner was T-minus fifty minutes away and she had a set schedule if things were going to be ready when her father arrived. Since her mother died, every Thanksgiving was the same. She opened the cans of corn, green beans, carrots and cranberries. Her father bought a cooked turkey from the deli along with mashed potatoes and a pumpkin pie. No matter what was happening in their lives, Thanksgiving was their thing and if she didn't have cranberries there would be hell to pay.
She reached to the very back and with a triumphant shout pulled out a dusty can of jellied berries. The date was barely good but definitely within use proving once again that she was smart to take advantage of the two for one offers. She shopped half as often and any time-saver was good. As a kindergarten teacher and demon slayer, her minutes were at a premium most days and waiting in line to buy toilet paper and cereal pissed her off.
The bowls of her offerings were set out and ready to nuke, the small kitchen table set with the finest in paper dishes and a glance at the clock said she'd made it with twenty minutes to spare. She dumped the cranberries and managed to keep them in their can-ribbed perfection and pulled out one of the long necks she'd bought for her father. They would, eat, drink and talk about killing demons. Happy Thanksgiving.
She was about to turn on the Stones when her trip wire rang. The fish line across her end of the hall was too low to be tripped over but it alerted her to everything outside her apartment door. It was never a good thing for a demon hunter to be taken by surprise. She checked her Blackberry for the instant feed recorder and scowled at the top of a brown head that wasn't her father. The stranger smelled human and knocked politely. Just what she needed, a Jehovah's Witness or magazine salesman to bug her before her father came. If Big Jim were here they'd terrorize the interloper together but since it was just her, she'd make it quick.
"Delivery for…hell."
"Wow, Bricker, still as charming as ever I see," Pammy said, eye to eye with a set of baby blues she hadn't seen since high school.
"Pamela Dickerson. How did I not put that together?" He held out a warm cardboard box. "Thanksgiving dinner from Jimmy Dickerson. Happy holidays."
"Huh?" She held the box in one arm and grabbed his surprisingly firm bicep with the other. "Did he say anything else?"
She watched him roll his eyes, the same ones that back in the day had always been below hers but sometime in the last ten years since he'd grown six inches and become shockingly good looking. He fished out a paper from his coat.
"There was a message," he admitted. "'Sorry honey, Uncle Ed's in town and we've got a hunting party by the light of the moon.' Huh, he shouldn't be hunting at night."
"I see," she said, undeniably disappointed but if her uncle was in town that meant he was chasing a dangerous demon and needed her dad's help. "Well, thanks for dropping this off. I suppose you'd better get back to work. Do I tip you? I've never had a grocery delivery before."
"I'm the owner so don't worry about the tip," he said magnanimously. "And you were my last delivery so I'm heading home to watch the game, drink beer and fall asleep in my chair."
Her surprise must have shown because he blushed a little and stepped back further into the hall. "Well that was too much information. It was nice seeing you Pammy, maybe we can do this again in another ten years."
"Wait," she said as he began down her hall. "Are you really just going home to do what you said? I mean, because if you are then you might as well stay and watch the game while you drink my beer and eat."
"Really?" Hesitantly he took a step toward her.
"Yeah, I mean, I've got a ton of food and like you said, it's been ten years. Why not catch up?"
---
Peter looked around the little apartment and wondered why the hell he wasn't home. The place was packed with things belonging to a woman he'd barely spoke with in high school. She'd been a freak and he'd been a loser. High school common law would have them bonding but she'd been a scary freak and he'd been a wimpy loser. The decorative knives and swords that didn't look so decorative hanging above plastic drawers full of craft supplies told him he was once again over his head.
"So are you still afraid of using public restrooms?" she asked, running the microwave like a pro while he looked at a picture of a bunch of scary looking women and one dog, wait that was just a really hairy woman. Yikes.
"Do you still give blow jobs in janitor closets?" he replied and winced.
She laughed out loud and he was relieved. His mouth had gotten him in trouble on more than one occasion and freak or not she'd invited him for Thanksgiving when he'd have spent it alone.
"Not nearly as often as I'd like," she said, still laughing. "Mostly I teach kindergarteners to read and help Dad with his company in the evenings. You?"
"I still prefer to use the bathroom at my house, which I bought last year. I took over Mr. Harrison's grocery a couple years ago and have sold my soul to the produce supplier," he replied and picked up a strange piece of hard, blue plastic. "What is this?"
"Ah, maybe put that down Bricker." He scowled at the stupid nickname. "No I'm serious, you don't want to touch that."
"What is it?" he asked, rubbing his hand over the smooth surface.
"It's a demon penis."
---
She watched him drop the demon tool like it was hot and bit back a laugh. He'd found her favorite trophy and now he was wiping his hands on his pants. Poor guy. She put the dishes on the table and handed him hand sanitizer.
"You are still weird as hell, aren't you?" he muttered, accepting a squirt.
"Some things you don't outgrow," she agreed. "Let's eat."
Pammy couldn't believe how well Bricker had grown up. He had great manners and since her dad and most of the men in her life had horrible ones she recognized the thought he put into eating. He kept his mouth closed unless he was speaking and when he spoke he said things that were moderately intelligent and non-demon related. For the first time in her life she enjoyed a meal and didn't resent the fact that wasn't out hunting, discussing hunting or thinking about slamming the next demon that came across her path.
"What is that?" Peter asked when her alarm bell rang.
She caught demon stench and pounced to the door, palming her the knives she had attached at her back.
"Whoa," Peter said but she ignored him, launching out of her apartment door before the demon tried to enter.
"Hey bitch," she snarled at the little hunched over `woman' waiting in the hall.
"Hunter." The demon's eerie, toneless voice filled the hall but Pammy didn't flinch because she was trained not to. Peter, on the other hand was cursing from her kitchen floor.
"Don't you assholes ever learn?" she demanded and launched.
The demon didn't try to run, not that she would have let it. Mindful of the ordinary humans living down the hall Pammy wasted no time plunging her knives into the demon's throat even as the creature tried to bite. Blood poured over her arms, blue, smelly and thick and she loved it. There was nothing better than being elbow deep in demon guts. She cut off its head and stood back with a satisfied sigh.
"What the hell was that?" Peter demanded and she looked over, glad he was no longer withering in pain.
"Demon," she answered and pulled out her phone to text in the pickup. "Can you step back for a minute? I can't leave it in the hall."
She pulled it to just inside the kitchen and closed her door. The grin on her face had to be huge. Her dad said she never looked as happy as she did just after a kill. Even Peter, who looked a little shocked, pleased her because he wasn't freaking too badly.
"So?" she asked. "Questions? Comments?"
"That, that," he stuttered then she watched as he shook himself. "That was hot. Can I call you next weekend?"
"Next weekend?" she said, wiping a glob of blood from her cheek. "Works for me."
Thanksgiving always puts me in the mood for pie, so here's a little something to tide you over
WELCOME TO THE FIFTIETH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DAY BACHELOR AUCTION AND PIE BAKE-OFF read the sign outside the Town Hall in this little hamlet at the edge of nowhere. The travellers where surprised to see such an event in a small town, but curious, so they pulled into the little parking lot in front of the building.
“Do you think they mind strangers coming?” Cassandra slung her purse over her shoulder as she stepped out of the little red MG convertible.
“Oh, I doubt it, Cassie,” said Angela. “Or they wouldn’t have such a big sign up. Anyway, the worst they can do is tell us to go away.” The two women began to walk up to the big metal quonset hut that housed the Town Hall. There were quite a few pick-up trucks and some cars parked around the building, and the big double doors were open wide.
Inside, it was crowded, and nearly everyone looked like they came from the local farm areas, but there were a few people who also looked like tourists among them. They strolled around the edge of the room. The pie bake-off had already happened, apparently, and they were offered samples of the winning pies.
“Mmmm, did you taste this apple pie, Cassie? Lots of cinnamon, I love that.”
“I like the pumpkin with the crumbly topping, wow, can these country people bake pies. I just buy them at the bakery when I bring them for Thanksgiving at Mom’s.”
“Look,” said Angela, “I think it’s time for the auction to begin, everyone is going over to that end of the hall by the little podium. Let’s go watch.”
“Okay, but I’m taking another piece of this yummy pie. I didn’t even see the chocolate one. I really wish I knew how to bake. I’d bid on anyone who could bake like this. It’s a shame none of the bachelors is a pie baker.”
“You’d really bid on a guy just because he could bake a pie?” Angela could hardly control her giggles. “You really would? You swear?”
“Angie, I get tired of fast food and I can only burn water on a good day. I can’t live forever on microwave popcorn. So, yes, I swear, if there were a guy who could bake a silky, dark chocolate cream pie like this one, I’d not only bid on him, I’d marry him.”
Angela couldn’t control herself any longer, she clutched her stomach and bent over laughing, revealing what had been behind her on the wall. A poster that said,
COME ONE COME ALL
AND BID
ON THE HOTTEST PIE BAKING BACHELORS
IN THE COUNTY
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT
STYXTOWN FOOD BANK
Cassandra turned pale as her sister continued to convulse in helpless laughter. “It’s not funny, Angie. You set me up!”
“Like you haven’t set me up a hundred times! I wouldn’t be married to Sam now if you hadn’t set me up on that blind date. Looks like we’d better take a seat and see which of our handsome bachelors made that yummy chocolate pie.”
Cassie knew how much Angela loved Sam. He was with his platoon on maneuvers, and Angie missed him dreadfully. She was worried he’d be sent to Iraq next, and this trip was supposed to be a distraction. Home for Thanksgiving was just too lonely without Sam. “Okay, you know I never back out on bet. I guess this was a bet. I only hope he’s my type.”
A matronly woman in a floral dress and a flower-trimmed hat stepped up to the microphone, “Welcome to the auction! I know you’re all anxious to bid on a bunch of guys with such a crisp crust and well-spiced filling.” There was a polite smattering of applause and a few chuckles from the assembled audience. “Without any further ado, here is your Master of Ceremonies, Bianca Hatfield.”
From off to the side, up stepped a young woman dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a short black jacket, her long auburn hair pulled up in a tight ponytail. She raised her arms and said, “We begin! Gentlemen, this way please!” And at her call, a dozen men walked up in front of her and turned to face the waiting crowd. “Here they are, ladies, the finest pie bakers MinerCounty has to offer! Remember, when you bid all the money goes to charity, so be generous.”
The men lined up in front of the audience were all sizes and shapes and ranged in age from about twenty to maybe forty-five. They were all smiling, and a few of them were blushing at the catcalls that had begun with their arrival. The country crowd was getting rowdy and having fun with these men they had known all their lives.
“All right! We will begin with baker of the Crispy Apple Tart. Let me remind you ladies that you not only win the bachelor in question, but also a baking session in their own home kitchen to recreate their winning pie! What am I bid for the bachelor responsible for the Crispy Apple Tart?”
Cassie scanned the men to see who would step forward and take credit for the delicious apple tart she’d tasted. Not one of the men moved forward or stepped onto the podium. “Angie, do you think he’s not there? Why doesn’t one of them step forward?”
Angela craned her neck over the tall woman seated in front of her. “I don’t know, Cassie.”
The bidding had begun, starting at twenty dollars and climbing to over three hundred before the auctioneer called, “Going, going, gone! Sold for three hundred fifty dollars! Now, anyone have a guess who our winner, Mamie, bought to make her a pie?”
Cassie was amazed to observe that it had been a secret auction. Those who lived here obviously knew the rules and were good-naturedly calling out guesses, until the auctioneer said, “Pie-maker, show yourself!”
A man stepped forward, to cheers and whistles from his friends in the audience. “Never knew you could make apple pie, Ed!” yelled a masculine voice from toward the back. “Thought you were a pumpkin man!”
“Nope, apples have always been first in my heart and my pan!” said Ed as Mamie, an apple-cheeked woman about his age, led him away.”
“I have my doubts about whether there is total secrecy here,” Cassie whispered to Angie after watching three more happy couples wander off to the back of the hall.
“We’ll see, which one do you think made the chocolate?” She looked under her lashes at her sister, who had been staring at one corner of the line of guys the entire time the bidding had been going on.
“Oh, I don’t care,” she said. “I probably won’t win him anyway. I don’t have the kind of money it will take for the Best of Show pie.”
“But if you could? Which one?”
“The one with the white shirt, and the black boots.”
“Wow! He is pretty cute, but not your usual type, you usually go for the blonde, urban types.”
“I think I’m tired of the usual types. They haven’t worked out so far, have they? I think I’m ready for the cowboy type, with all that wavy black hair and those chocolate brown eyes. Think it’s a hint?”
“I don’t know, Cass. Let’s hope so, I like your new type.”
The bidding continued, and with each bid Cassie’s heart beat louder. Would he be the next one to go? The others were okay, but she was getting awfully set on that guy on the end. He was tall, she noticed, and his jeans hugged his hips in a way that she really liked. “Do you think they’ll turn around so we can see the other view?” she whispered to Angie then blushed furiously as she realized what she’d said.
Angie was lost in giggles once again, clutching her side. “I had no idea this little car trip would turn out to be so much fun! Maybe you should ask, no, I will!” and before Cassie could stop her, Angie called out, “We want to see the rear view!”
“All right, we have a request from the audience!” said Bianca, looking very serious. How about it, gentlemen? Let’s see if another angle will help loosen the purse strings.”
As one, the remaining six guys, the best looking of the original dozen, turned to face the stage. A line of jean-clad behinds faced the audience and the cat calls grew in volume.
There were even a few shrill whistles and masculine laughter was very audible.
“How is that? Everyone got a good look?” The guys turned back around, laughing themselves. Overall, the afternoon was fun for everyone present, and the hilarity was growing with each winning bid.
The next bachelor was the one who had baked a banana cream pie. Not only did that get the crowd going, but two ladies were very determined and managed to bid up to almost a thousand dollars before one waved to the other and said, “All yours, I don’t need banana cream pie that much.” If it got much wilder in there, someone was going to have to call the riot squad.
Cassie’s heart sank, though. If the bids were this high now, they were only going to get higher. She knew which guy she wanted, and she’d sworn to bid on the chocolate cream pie. Even if they were one and the same, it was bound to be more money than she had.
The next three bachelors were bid on and won, the ladies squealing with delight and the guys smiling and accepting the hugs and kisses and pats on the behind as they passed through the crowd. It was down to only two pies and two guys. Cassie held her breath. If the guy with the chocolate eyes had baked the Second Place autumn pear pie, she was done for.
“They’re both cute, Cass,” whispered Angie. “Either way, it should be fun.”
But Cassie had her heart set on the guy with the beautiful eyes (and cutest butt) and was prepared to be heartbroken if she didn’t get him. This is ridiculous! I don’t even know him, and I’m acting like we’re going to break up or something. She watched the bidding on the next-to-last pie rise to almost twelve hundred dollars and waited to see what would happen. When the auctioneer said, “Sold to Amber Conahee for twelve hundred dollars,” the two men looked at each other, then at the audience, and Cassie knew she wasn’t the only one holding her breath.
Then, just as she thought she might turn blue, chocolate-eyes took a step back. He was still in the running. He was the only man standing, and she was about to take the chance of her life.
“Do you think they’ll take a check, Angie?”
“I saw one lady pay with one, Cassie, so yeah, they probably will. How much are you planning to bid?”
“I have two thousand three hundred twenty dollars in my checking account.”
“And?”
“All of it.”
Angie looked at her, big eyed. “All of it?”
“Yep, for once in my life I am going to do exactly what I want to do. I get paid next week, I’ll be okay.”
“Ladies,” began the auctioneer, “ I know how many of you had a piece of that delicious Dark Chocolate Dream pie. And I know you’ve probably guessed by now who the baker might be. Shall we open at five hundred dollars?”
The audience was much quieter for a moment. Then,“five hundred,” shouted a petite redhead, waving money over her head.
“Six!” shouted another and the bidding was fast and furious until it reached the two thousand dollar mark, when it began to slow. Cassie joined the bidding early on, and more and more women had dropped out until it was now between her and the redhead who had bid first.
“Two thousand three hundred!” the redhead yelled, and the crowd went wild.
“Two thousand three hundred twenty.” said Cassie, clutching her checkbook. She saw now that the object of her desire was looking straight at her. He was so handsome, and she saw kindness in his eyes and laugh lines by his mouth. She wanted him more than she had ever wanted anyone or anything in her life.
“Two thousand three hundred twenty-five,” screamed the redhead.
Cassie felt despair begin to gather around her like a dark cloak. She had no more money, none at all. It was over. She turned to congratulate the redhead and felt her sister press something into her hand. It was a fifty dollar bill.
“Get him, Cass! Sam and I owe you for helping us find each other.”
“Two thousand three hundred seventy!” Cassie shouted, voice hoarse with emotion.
She looked around, and the redhead looked back at her, then grinned and shook her head.
“Any other bids?” asked Bianca. “No? Okay then, going, going gone. Sold to the pretty blonde in row three. Thanks, honey, that money will do a lot of good.”
Cassie stood frozen by her seat. She had won him, what was she going to do now?
What was I thinking? He’s headed this way! I don’t even know him, what have I done?
Then he was standing right in front of her.
“I’m Bob Stone and you must have really liked that pie.” His eyes twinkled gold flecks in the dark brown reflecting the light.
“I did, and I understand you’re making me another one?”
“You bet, come with me and we’ll get started. What are you doing for dinner?”
Angie shook her head, “Don’t mind me, I’ll check into the motel. Going to do everything you said you’d do with the maker of that pie, Sis?”
Cassie smiled, “You never know.”
Angie watched her sister walk away, hand in hand with the tall cowboy in the tight jeans. She shook her head, it wasn’t like Cassie to fall this hard. But she was due, it was about time she let her heart lead her. As Cassie walked out the door, Angie felt someone standing close to her.
“That girl got lucky,” said Bianca, the afternoon’s auctioneer.
“He does seem nice,” said Angie.
Bianca smiled. She pointed to the window where they could see Cassie reaching on tiptoe as Bob bent to press his lips against hers. “They’ll be fine. They’ve both been waiting for each other. It works like that here sometimes, if you’re very lucky.”
Published Category: 1st place: Do You Want to Know a Secret by Wendi Zwaduk 2nd place: I Dare You by Valerie Mann 3rd place: Breakfast with a Zombie by Kerri Nelson
Unpublished Category: 1st place: Samhain Kiss by Tonya Callihan 2nd place: Tonight I Met a Vampire by Sky 3rd place: Angels and Vampires: A Freak Sorority Short by Stephanie Beck
Congratulations to our winners and to everyone for participating. Winners please contact mistressbellareviews@gmail.com to claim your prizes. FYI: I will be away for a few days so it will be next week before I get your prizes sent out.
Melinda closed her eyes, grasped at the trailing ends of the ties which held her hands immobile behind her. "Bite the apple, Linny" "You can do it." She approached the apple, which hung suspended by a string and licked her lips. Turning her head one way, then the other, she tried to decide where to begin. Her corset kept her from bending too far in either direction, so she lifted her chin, coming at the apple from slightly beneath it. Her teeth bit into the flesh of the fruit, and elation filled her as the juices spurted into her mouth. "You did it, Linny." Her best friend Sara said, rushing to her side as she stepped back from the bitten apple. "You will be the first to marry!" Melinda smiled, chewing on the sweet morsel as Sara removed the bindings from her hands. "Shall we have some tea, and find out who your husband will be?" Sara asked. As Sara speculated about the possibilities, Melinda's eyes once again returned to the spot where Anthony stood. His eyebrows lifted as his gaze shifted meaningfully to where the apple still hung. He grinned, and she fought not to grin back. "I heard that Franny drank the tea, and it told her that she would marry a duke! And now, she is engaged to his grace, the Duke of Rochester." "Mmm," Melinda said, eyes never leaving Anthony. His head inclined slightly toward the entrance of the barn, indicating the open expanse of pastures beyond. Her breath caught, and she shifted her gaze to where Sara stood. "Why don't you go, Sara? You can tell me all about it later." When Sara protested, Melinda held up a hand. "Now I want to hear positively everything about your tea, but I… I promised my father I would be home early, and I wouldn't want you to have to leave on my account." Sara pouted and looked at the door. Melinda followed her eyes, seeing Anthony's back as he stepped through the doorway. Her heart lurched. Sara turned toward where the tea was being poured, then looked back over her shoulder toward the door again. "Look now, all the cups are nearly taken. I insist that you enjoy your tea." Melinda said, shoving her gently toward the table. "You can tell me everything tomorrow." "All right, but you go straight home." Sara said, giving her a quick hug before whirling to hurry toward the table. Adjusting her bodice and slapping at the wrinkles in her skirts, she started toward the door. Stepping across the threshold, she noted the darkening sky and empty expanse of land. Looking around, she fought the urge to call for him. She moved toward the far end of the barn, her pulse pounding in her throat. "Not frightened, are you?" A deep male voice came from beside the barn. "Not at all. I'm far too old to let a silly night frighten me." Smiling, she faced the obscure darkness. Anthony slipped from the abysmal world of shadow and into the moonlight. His dark hair was tousled, and she found herself itching to brush a wayward lock from his forehead. Her fingers clenched at her skirt to quell the impulse. "I'm glad you came out to walk with me. I never thought that Sara would let you out of her sight." Eyebrows raised, she tried to give him a reproving look, but her grin broke free. "She was very insistent tonight. I think she wishes to try new things, but is too afraid to try them alone." His hand came to her elbow, and he took it delicately in his fingertips as he helped her over a hole in the ground. Warmth spread through her from at the contact. "She's always been that way." He laughed, a rich sound that warmed her in the chilly night air. "I was told that you will be leaving to attend school in England soon," she said, speaking the words which had remained silent between them for months now. "It should be very exciting." She turned her head, blinking rapidly to keep the tears from coming. He grunted his agreement. They walked along a piece and soon came to the large white fence at the edge of the barn. Anthony jumped to the top of the fence effortlessly, extending a hand to her. She took it, and he lifted her as she placed her foot on the bottom post. When she held the top of the fence, he grasped her waist and lifted her over the fence and to the ground on the other side. The brief contact of his fingers at her waist sent a thrill of anticipation through her body. He had helped her over this very fence so many times in the past, but lately… "So, you bit the apple." He said, dropping to the ground alongside her. "You're next to marry then." She giggled, trying to sound lighthearted while her insides twisted. "Silly superstition." She waved her hand as she spoke. "Perhaps," he said, his fingers touching hers for the barest moment as they walked together. "And perhaps not. You are eighteen now. It is time to take a husband, is it not?" "I suppose it will be." Head down, she watched him in her from the corner of her vision as they passed the storage shed near the main plantation house. "And I am nearly nineteen. My father will be pressing me soon enough." "Parents are rather insistent on the matter." His fingers brushed hers, but this time he grasped them, holding them lightly in his own. She glanced up at him, and his face lit with a roguish smile. A thick lump had formed in her throat, and she fought to swallow past it. He pulled her toward the shed, and she went with him, leaning back against the draw of his hands, but not truly resisting. Reaching behind him, he pushed the shed door open and drew her inside. Her chest felt as though it would shatter into a million bits when her eyes met his. "I… We should--." "Shhh." He silenced her, placing a long finger over her lips. "It’s all right." The door shut behind them, and he sat on a small bench, drawing her onto his lap. "You and I have been friends a long time, Melinda." His eyes held hers so fully that she couldn't have looked away even if she had wished to. "Lately our friendship has changed. I know you have felt it too." Butterflies seemed to have taken up residence in her stomach, and they fluttered in crazy patterns as he took her hand in his and kissed it. "I love you, Linny," he said. "Say you love me too. Say you'll marry me and make me the happiest man who ever existed." A whimper left her throat, unbidden, and she leaned in, her palms gently holding his cheeks. Her lips met his, softly and tenderly. He moaned as she pulled back from the kiss, his hands running up and down over her arms. The fiery quality that his eyes had acquired made her insides turn to pudding. "Of course I'll marry you, you goose." Whooping, he slipped his arms around her, his lips finding hers. His mouth covered hers, not the sweet, tender kiss she had visited on him, but fiery and passionate. A kiss she would be content to stop time and live in for the rest of her life.
Standing in the foyer area at the party, Kiley was a little nervous. What should she do? Her girlfriends had dressed her in this fabulous costume, brought her to this Halloween party and then promptly dumped her leaving her all alone. She did look incredibly good though. Thankfully she had been spending a lot of time at the gym lately getting toned up. Tonight she was Catwoman and the outfit certainly didn’t leave room to hide anything. As she thought about her situation she started fuming. This always happens! Sarah and Jill are very spontaneous people and it seemed like she always got abandoned. Kiley was here to have fun but now she was wondering if she had enough nerve to cut loose like her friends. Catching sight of her reflection, she paused. Maybe she could transform just like Catwoman did in the movie. Her meek, mild, naïve self could become a bold, aggressive hellcat. No one here knew who she was so maybe it would be kind of fun to try it. Kiley left the front area entering the party. Spooky Halloween noises drifted from hidden speakers and several musical selections blasted from the dance floor. To her right was a large variety of edible ghoulish treats. Back in the corner was a wet bar with tables and chairs scattered throughout the room. The costumes ranged from simple to very elaborate. There was a multitude of different kinds of outfits drifting around the crowd. She moved further into the mass and started walking around absorbing the atmosphere. It was nice to be unknown, she felt she could do things and no one would be able to point a finger at her later saying she did it. She gathered food and drink moving around chatting to people gathered in small clusters. She even played at flirting with the men; really enjoying her anonymity. Intently trying to follow the rapid conversation coursing through the group, she heard a deep voice brush over her back. “Would you like to dance?” Standing very still she tried to figure out if she was imagining the voice. She held her breath for a few seconds and didn’t see anyone looking at her. Maybe the invitation wasn’t meant for her just something she had overheard. Kiley relaxed and concentrated on listening to the group conversation when she felt a finger graze around the top of her ear and heard the deep voice again. “I really would like to dance with you.” Kiley slowly turned around and came face to face with the devil. He was standing very close and she almost stepped back but stopped herself at the last second from giving up her space. He was tall and she had to tip her head back to look up at him. “Were you talking to me?” “Yes, let’s dance,” he reached for her hand. “I don’t know…” she started to protest as he captured her hand and pulled her to the dance floor. “I’ve been watching you all night and I haven’t seen you dance yet.” “I’m not that good at dancing.” “We won’t know until we do it,” he smiled. He wrapped his arms around her and started moving with her to the music. His hands gently caressed her back causing small shock waves to travel up and down her spine. These feelings were surprising but she decided it would be fine to enjoy them for a little while. Together they rocked and swayed brushing each other in extra sensitive erotic areas. Sexual tensions tightened around her chest sliding downward causing her breasts to tingle and tighten and a warm wet feeling to fill her most womanly spot. Her breath was getting heavy and she had lost all conscious thought of where she was. In this spell he was spinning around her, she became putty in his hands. He directed and she followed. A long way off she was aware of a fresh breeze but she was not able to untangle her thoughts to anything other than what he was doing to her. When she heard the zipper, she stiffened for a brief second until his lips consumed her dragging her deeper into his world binding her to his sexual desire. She was hot and cold, shivering and breathless, aroused and so far gone her eyes were glazed and unfocused. Her body burned and stretched toward him wanting more. He lightly pinched and stroked her skin drawing her closer and closer to her climax. She couldn’t take anymore and started whimpering and begging him. He pushed her further along the path until she screamed and tightened through her sexual eruption. In her daze, Kiley could hear his delighted chuckle. “Come for me again,” floated his intoxicating words. She felt the stirrings deep in her belly as they clawed and gathered again making her wither and grab at him. His hand was quickly replaced by his hard pulsating shaft. His tempo increased as he slammed in and out of her getting faster and faster. She was teetering on the edge trying to wait for him. His breathing was ragged and then she felt the growl rumbling deep in his chest as he tightened and tensed for his ejaculation. The feel of his climax tipped her over the edge causing her to shiver from her toes to her head and back again as the strength of her orgasm hit her again. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her drowning her in a sea of sensation. She was having trouble breathing and she couldn’t move she was so drained. Coolness fanned over her skin and she knew he was moving away from her. She was transfixed in this dream state and unable to move or talk. He stood towering over her depleted body sprawled on the ground. His eyes locked with hers sending a few more shivers through her body. Fog drifted in around them. His black cape whipped up as he turned around and was gone. Kiley pulled herself together slowly, her limbs felt like lead. Redressed she returned to the party. Searching the room, she wanted to find him. Her devilish delight was nowhere to be seen. Wandering around the crowd engaging in small talk, she was carefully looking everywhere trying to catch a glance of him. She felt eyes watching and following her but she was unsuccessful in locating the source. She had never acted as carefree as she had these last couple of hours. She decided she had had enough for one night. Quietly she left for home. Two weeks later the girls went out to the club for a girl’s night out. It was Kiley’s turn to get the drinks. Standing beside the table she reviewed the order requests with her friends. She heard a deep voice behind her. “Would you like to dance?” A shiver quivered up her spine as a ghost of a memory prickled her senses. Turning around she found a handsome tall man standing behind her wearing a devilish smile. “I might have that dance if I know who I am dancing with,” Kiley smiled back. They walked off talking together leaving her friends sitting alone staring after her in surprise.
Every Samhain he would visit, Shay knew it was only a matter of time. She counted down the minutes until midnight struck. For she knew her vampire would seek her out. For ten years, every since Shay had been 17, Drake would come to her on this night and after conversation he would kiss her and leave before sunrise.
“Why is it you can only come out of your coffin once a year? From legends vampires roam the nights, not just Halloween night.”
“Ah, yes. But you see, my dear, I am cursed.” Drake replied sitting across her in her darkened kitchen.
“How are you cursed?” Shay stood of her bed and walked to him.
“Back in 1692, during the Salem Witch Trials. Abigail, she was the love of my life, but she was a witch. She knew she would die so she cursed me. She didn’t want to share me with anyone else.”
“But she allowed you to be free one night a year.”
“Yes, she wanted me to live and suffer without her, because I would turn her into a vampire. She allows me this one night to feed.”
“That must be an awful way to live.”
“It’s not so bad,” Drake ran a cool finger down her arm. “It allows me to see you.”
Blushing Shay turned from him. If only he wanted more than a few minutes conversation and a kiss to do him for a year. If only he wanted her the way she craved him.
“What could break the curse?”
Drake crossed his arms and stared out her bedroom window. The moon was bright and full, with his hearing he could hear parties going on all over Salem.
“Drake please, I would like to know. I want to help you.”
“There is nothing you can do to help me.”
“You mean there is nothing at all to lift this curse from you?” Shay begged grabbing his arm. “There has to be something, anything.”
“Shay, let’s enjoy our time together. I want to make the most of the few hours I have with you each year. Someday you may not want me to return.”
Standing on her tiptoes she brushed her lips across his cool cheek. “That will never happen.” Shay promised before closing her mouth over his. Gasping she clung tighter to his body when his tongue entered her mouth. She could feel his cock pressing against her stomach. For ten years she had wanted him. “Please Drake, I need you.”
“You must know that if we make love it will be one step to breaking the curse.”
“What would be the next step?”
“For me to take your life.”
Gasping Shay pushed him away from her. “You have to kill me?” She trembled. “But I don’t want to die. I have a career and a family. I have obligations. I want to live.”
“Relax my love. You will become a vampire like me. You are my lifemate. We would be free to roam the nights together for all of eternity.”
Drake slowly brought her back into his arms and just held her for a few minutes to calm her nerves. After ten years she had to know he would never hurt her.
“You smell like peaches,” his thumb slowly traced the outside of her breasts before lowering his lips to hers. The kiss was slow and sweet.
“All you need is some whip cream then.” Shay spoke her mind still fuzzy from the kiss. She heard him groan then opened her eyes just in time to see his lips take hers again.
Shay wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her body tightly against his. His hands rubbed up her stomach over her breasts to frame her face, tilting her head to the left for a deeper kiss. “I’m sorry sugar,” Drake apologized. “But tonight, being her with you, I have no strength left.”
He whirled her up against her back door Shay quickly removed his jacket and shirt licking her lips as she ran her hands over his hard chest and stomach to the button on his jeans.
“Not so fast sugar, I want to taste you.” He pushed her hands above her head and began his assault again, this time kissing down her neck, her collarbone, then lowering her dress until it feel to the floor. Stepping back he let out a groan at the small red lace thong she was wearing. Then his mouth was on her breast again, while his free hand slid over her other breast, pulling on her nipple before lowering over her stomach to trace her belly button then the top of her thong. Shay’s breath shuddered, the door a hard pillow as she laid her head against it. He was so close to seeing how wet he made her and hot ready she was for him. “Please,” she begged when his hand found it’s way back to her breast.
He let go of her hands and smiled at her before kneeling in front of her and running kisses down her stomach. He quickly tore her thong off before running his tongue over the inside of her thigh. Her body quivered and burned for his touch. Her hand rested on his baldhead and urged him to taste her. “Please,” she begged again.
His gaze met hers as he slid a finger inside her, she bit her lip and closed her eyes. It had been too long since she had been touched.
“Mmm, sugar, you are so tight, so wet.” He said, his breath blowing against her aching body.
She squirmed as his lips closed over her. Drake raised her right leg on her shoulder to gain better access to her. His tongue slid between her pink folds as his fingers pumped in and out of her. His mouth closed over her clit and began to suck greedily. Shay let out a loud moan moving her hips with his fingers. Her body became tight, with one last pump of fingers Shay shuddered. She imagined she only remained standing because of Drake. Before she could get her breathing under control he had lifted her up and placed her on a small, round table and pressed his erection against her sensitive center.
“See what you do to me,” he grabbed her hand and placed it over the bulge in his pants. “I can’t wait to bury myself inside you.” He kissed her lips. “I want you screaming and begging for more.” He kissed the side of her neck.
“I want you inside me, please.” Shay squeezed his erection before unsnapping his jeans and pulling down the zipper. In one swift move, Drake had his jeans around his ankles and her legs resting on his shoulders.
“What do you want Shay?” He asked rubbing the head of his dick against her clit.
“You. Inside. Me!” She begged. “Now!”
In one thrust Drake was buried inside Shay. “Now what do you want?”
“I want you to make me come.”
Drake groaned and then began to pump in and out of her. Shay could feel the tension start to build with each pump from Drake. She saw Drake’s eyes grow dark and bit her bottom lip. She felt his dick twitch inside her, he then placed his thumb over her clit and began to massage it. His rasping cry of pleasure was all it took for Shay to throw her head back and cry out with her own orgasm.
Moments later when she could breathe Shay asked the underlining question, “when and how do you turn me?”
“Next Samhain, my love. Only one more year and we will be together for all of eternity.”
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