Uriel quickly pulled on the rest of the costume and followed his mate into the living room. Joe stood at the front door, holding it open for Uriel’s cousins.
“Frosted gingersnaps. Joe, I’m not doing another shift.”
York burst out laughing the moment he looked at Uriel. Gabriel, on the other hand, looked horrified. He turned to Joe, his face paler than could possibly be healthy.
“Um, Joe…are…those…does everyone have to wear….”
“Yep,” Joe said. He patted York on the shoulder. “Laugh it up, hot stuff. Gabriel signed the two of you up for shifts next weekend.”
York began to choke.
Joe smirked and crossed the room to Uriel. He fussed with the collar of Uriel’s elf shirt, then smiled up at him. “Soedgy.”
“You signed us up for multiple shifts, didn’t you?”
“We will be working multiple shifts, yes.”
Uriel growled. “Eldon! I should have known he was to blame. I’m going to—”
“Prank him so bad over the next few weeks that he’ll receive retribution at your hands. No need to get your tights in a twist.”
“Not funny.”
“Oh come on,” Joe said. “It was pretty funny.”
“These things absolutely bite.”
“That’s because you didn’t stretch them out. Rookie mistake.”
“Wait, when have you worn—”
“Gotta go! Don’t want to be late, do we?”
Joe grabbed Uriel’s arm and dragged him to the door. His cousins jumped out of his way. At least someone around here still respected his death glare. His mate was immune to it.
“So when is the…you know…gonna go down?”
Uriel’s frown turned upside down. “Oh sweet summer child….”
“Uriel! You’re not going to keep this a secret from me.”
“Pretty sure I am.”
“Mates don’t keep secrets from each other.”
“Oh really? Exactly how many shifts are we signed up to work, Joe?”
“Uh…no comment. Wow, isn’t the weather lovely this evening?”
“That’s what I thought.”
Joe huffed. “Should be right of mate-age…mate-dom…oh, mating! Simple and effective. It should be a rite of mating to know the plan.”
“But it’s not. You know, this edging the elf game is fun. I’m getting the hang of it.”
Joe growled. “I’ll show you—Eldon! Hi! Hello! Howareyou? You look amazing in your elf costume. Wait, why isn’t Tate wearing one? I know I saw his name on the sign-up sheet.”
“Tate doesn’t wear the costume. Only Santa’s Helpers, the official parade staff, wear them.”
