We approached, and I smiled nervously at Willa, who was dressed in a flowing red gown with a lace cape and hood draped over her head. I had to do a double take when I saw what was in the wicker basket she carried. Fun-sized dildos and buttplugs, a cat-o’-nine-tails, and travel-sized bottles of flavored lube.
“I didn’t know it was that kind of party.” I glanced at Mosavi, who eerily wore the same collar and leash I dreamt about earlier. He also wore a black cloak and held a scythe. This was quite the odd take on Little Red Riding Hood.
“I had to make a little detour with the wolf on the way to grandmother’s house,” Willa said, holding up the basket before looking me over. “I am genuinely impressed.” She ran her fingers over the thong. “Careful with that. It could make a beast out of you.”
“What?” My eyes widened. “Is it dangerous? Should I take it off?”
“Maybe later, when the party really starts.” She licked her lips, but her expression turned to concern when she looked up at Darryl. “Oh, you’re new.”
“You must be the witch,” he said, extending his hand, but Mosavi snarled, slapping it away.
“I thought I smelled weed and failure,” Mosavi said threateningly.
“Relax dear,” she said, grabbing Darryl’s hand. “You are absolutely adorable.”
“I’m just here to spend Halloween with my friends,” Darryl said, further examining them. “I’m only staying a few days, so don’t get any ideas.”
“You should make your stay shorter,” Mosavi growled out, now visibly shaken. The only other time I’d seen him like that had been in the vision of Willa’s mirror.
“That’s not a very gentlemanly way to welcome a guest. I thought you were all about not being a beast,” Darryl said, patting the mayor on the shoulder. His touch had an immediate effect of causing Mosavi’s hackles to stick straight out. We all filed in behind Darryl, but Willa caught my hand.
“I hoped we could talk a bit in a more relaxed atmosphere.” She watched on as Darryl made his way to the bar.
“I thought drinking was illegal.”
“All rules are suspended on Halloween,” Mosavi said calmly, his disturbed demeanor returning to normal. “Humans know the risks, but if they join us, that’s their choice. We’ve never had too much of an incident at these events.”
“You guys really like Halloween.” I looked around the room, and if I hadn’t known we’d stepped into a building, I’d have sworn we were still outside. Humans, werewolves, and a few half-turns danced together in the middle of the room, their bodies gyrating and rubbing against one another.
“It’s a night of magic,” Willa said, weaving her fingers through the air, leaving behind a winding trail of glittering blue light. “The town-wide Halloween party in Norwich is a fairly new tradition that came along with the new leadership.”
I turned to Mosavi. “I really didn’t expect to see you here as a werewolf. Aren’t you afraid of being found out?”
“No human will recognize me.” He seemed a lot warmer than usual. “This is one of the few nights I get to be myself in public.”
“How is Austin?” Willa asked.
“He’s doing okay. I think.” We turned toward the dance floor, and the bear suit stuck out in the most hilarious way. Adam guided Austin’s arms around him as they danced to the steady rhythm of the Halloween-themed house music pounding through the speakers. “I hope you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right,” she said, tracing her icy fingers along my bare back. “You’re always so tense. I’m beginning to think Austin’s not the only one in need of therapy.”
“My dungeon is always open,” Mosavi said with a grunt.
“I’ll pass onthatkind of therapy, thanks.”
“I’m gentler with half-turns.” He reached into the basket and pulled out a darker, small bottle of what I thought was lube. “If you change your mind, bring this along. You’ll need it.” He pressed the bottle into my hand.
“What is it?”
“I have a hard time believing you’re gay sometimes,” Willa said, slipping her arm around my waist before leading me to the middle of the room. “You’re like an innocent little boy. Little Red Riding Whore is going to corrupt the shit out of you.”
Chapter 27
Halloween — Part Two
Iwatched from the corner as Willa pressed against Mosavi, her arms wrapped in red lace as she held his hands to her plump, pale breasts. This was the first time I’d seen her dance, and everything about her body language screamed confidence. She flowed like water over the floor.
“She’s showing real emotion,” Darryl said, sliding into the seat next to me. “Didn’t expect that.”
