“A freshy?” I’m almost amused.
“Yeah, you know, a cute little tater tot that won’t try to wiggle out of my arms while kicking me in the face. Besides, I can hardly pick up the boys anymore. They’re getting too heavy.”
Mia nods. She looks so grown up. Hell, she is grown up in her little black dress, her face sculpted to that of a woman—to that of my own reflection ever so meticulously.
“Don’t worry, Melissa.” Mia gives her a wink. “Rev and I will get right on it.”
“No way.” I laugh. “Just finish up with school. Trust me, I haven’t finished myself yet, and it’s because the boys made it near impossible. Don’t be like me.”
Melissa’s nose twitches. “I’ve been thinking about going back, too. I mean, it’s not like my dad really hit the big leagues. And if that lawyer Demetri hired is right, my dad might serve some serious time. He says he can’t afford a better legal team, so whatever happens to him, happens. And that’s why I’ve decided to go to law school.”
“Melissa! I’m so proud of you.” I pull both of my sisters into a group hug. “Merry Christmas. I know I don’t say it enough, but I love you both.”
“Merry Christmas,” they chime in unison as they bolt downstairs.
The thick scent of turkey roasting in the oven permeates the air, and just beneath that the scent of my mother’s peppermint candles tickle my senses. How I hate that despite the fact Tad was nearly burned alive a few years back, my mother still insists on having miniature fires all over the house. Honestly, a part of me thinks my mother was rooting for the flames back then, and these are lit in an attempt to finish him off.
The foyer is thick with bodies, the party is well underway, and I’m about to hit the bottom of the stairs when an all too familiar face appears and grins up at me.
“Well, if it isn’t the sexiest man alive.” I latch onto Logan Oliver’s waist and land a mouthwatering kiss to his lips. Logan responds with a lusty exchange, lots of tongue and promises of what’s to come.
“All right,” a deep voice bellows. “Enough, you two.”
I pull back to see Marshall looking dashing in a dark suit and red silk tie. He tosses the Santa hat in his hand at Logan, and I quickly put it on my handsome husband.
“Marshall.” I swoop over and give him a warm embrace. Logan and I spent the last few days talking to him, trying to pull a motive out of him as to why my mother would allow Demetri to pull the wool over Gage’s eyes, but Marshall wouldn’t relent. It’s her story to tell, he insisted. And I guess he’s right. “Any hope of you and me ditching this party for a while and celebrating with the big guns in the heavenlies?”
Marshall bellows out a laugh. “I’m afraid a supernatural jaunt isn’t in the holiday cards. But I’ve a gift for the both of you I’ll deliver in just a bit.” He cranes his neck into the crowd. “I see he’s here.”
I follow his gaze, and sure enough, through the wall of people my mother has invited I spot Demetri talking to my mother, Tad, Emma, and Barron.
“Wonderful,” I flatline.
Ellis and Giselle burst through the door. Ellis has his blond wavy hair slicked back, his arms loaded with gifts—and each one of them is adorably wrapped with paper printed with cartoon characters.
“Gifts for the boys!” Giselle announces as she gives me a kiss. Honestly, with Giselle’s dark hair and shocking blue eyes, those dimples, it’s as if Emerson Kragger was destined to be Gage’s sibling all along. A part of me actually feels sorry for the Kraggers. They were a prominent Count family, right here on the island. Arson Kragger, or Big Daddy K, is a wealthy Count whose money and ego know no bounds. I’m not sure what happened to his wife, but they had three children about my age, Holden, Pierce, and Emerson. I killed Holden and Pierce. Chloe killed Emerson. Nevermore took over Pierce’s body. Holden took over Nevermore’sravenbody, and Big Daddy K has been none the wiser—for the most part. Emerson? She’s been in and out of paradise on a day pass from my mother. She was locked in the body of an owl for a time, and I kept her captive at the Landon house, but she’s since been freed from her feathered cage. Initially, I was hoping she was here to kill Chloe, but I think she’s here to help me for the greater good of my people. She’s been logging hours at the Gas Lab and staying with her father. She already let me know when her time comes—again, and my mother decides she needs to give up that faux body she’s parading around Paragon in, she wants to go home to paradise. No more feathered plumes for her.
Giselle waves at Logan. “I’d be careful kissing this imposter if I were you. Skyla is going to get really mad if she sees that lipstick on your mouth.”
Logan is quick to wipe it off just as Giselle heads toward the family room with a few of the gifts.
Ellis leans in. “Dude, nobody is sure who the hell you are anymore, Messenger. You need to fix this shit. Merry Christmas.” He lands a sweet kiss to my cheek before catching up with Giselle.
My mother calls for Marshall.
“Pardon me, Ms. Messenger. It seems the show is about to begin.” Marshall gives a wink as he takes off.
Logan wraps an arm around my waist. “Notice how he never asks me to pardon him? It’s always you.” His brows bounce. “Maybe I should take a cue from him and solely focus my attention on my bride.” He sneaks a kiss in just as an icy breeze comes from the door and we glance that way.
Logan takes a breath and looks irritated enough for the both of us as Chloe Bishop strides in wearing a tight silver sweater, black metallic jeans, and red high heels that make my feet hurt just looking at them.
She smears a wicked grin once she spots us. “Well, if it isn’t the ho, ho,ho. How’s Paragon’s favorite skank?” She gives a little wink. “I’d better get out there. I’ve got a show to put on. Wish me luck.” She heads off and tackles Brielle with a warm hug just the way I would.
“Skyla!” Bree squeals. “I thought you’d never get here.”
“Good Lord.” I knock my head into Logan’s chest. “Honest to God, Chloe has my mannerisms down pat,” I say. “And it’s not a wonder. I practically hardwired it into her brain.”
Cooper, Laken, and Wes walk through the door along with their adorable brood. Tobie, Mally, and Charlie all have on matching red velvet dresses, complete with matching red velvet bows and black patent leather Mary Janes. Coop holds little Wes, who is dressed snug in a red sweater and looks every bit a twin to Nathan and Barron.
