Page 12 of The Party

Naomi swallowed a snort behind a fist.

The Sphinx’s shoulders quivered slightly.

“The bow tie and the socks stay,” he managed in a strangled voice.

John sagged. “But I’m going to look like a complete twerp, father!” he wailed.

“You were born a twerp,” Oliver said in a matter of fact voice.

John stuck his tongue out at his younger brother.

“There’s nothing wrong with looking like a twerp, son,” the Sphinx said graciously once he’d swallowed his laughter. “Why, look at Otis here?—”

“Hey!” Otis protested.

Mila narrowed her eyes at the Sphinx. “You better take that back.”

Haruki was studying Mae and Nikolai curiously. “By the way, aren’t they?—?”

“About time the rest of you noticed,” Naomi said wryly.

Mae and Nikolai found themselves the focus of a roomful of inquisitive eyes.

“Hi,” Mae said steadily. Nikolai bobbed his head guardedly.

Their hosts welcomed them affably, the kids’ stares burning holes into their faces.

Conrad’s gaze landed on Hellreaver. He came over, interest sparking in his eyes. “Is that the demonic weapon we’ve heard so much about?”

Leah and Haruki followed the Immortal, equally curious.

“Yes.” Mae looked down at Hellreaver. “Go on, say hi.”

Hellreaver hesitated before detaching himself from her neck.

The kids gasped when he transformed.

“Hi.” The voices of the thousand fiends inside Hellreaver rumbled awkwardly around the foyer.

“So cool!” Bow Boy croaked.

Even Oliver looked impressed.

Hellreaver startled when he found himself surrounded by children.

“My witch?” he quavered uncertainly.

“Play nice,” Mae told him firmly as she and Nikolai followed Mila.

“What’s that, Lola?” Ethan was saying as they exited the foyer. “Your sister is doing what—?” A scandalized sound left the Immortal. “Amelia Storm, get your butt out here right now!” he roared.

“Uh-oh, Uncle Ethan’s about to lose his mind,” Pig Tails said gleefully.

Conrad sighed. “Don’t provoke your uncle.”

“Sorry, Dad,” Pig Tails said, her enthusiasm unwavering.

“Is it bad that those kids are already growing on me?” Nikolai muttered to Mae.

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