Page 20 of Emerald Treats
"Illusions," he assured me, his hand warm against the small of my back. "Expensive ones."
The space had been completely rearranged. Shelves of products had been pushed aside to create a winding maze. Where shelves didn’t form the walls of the maze, there were hanging black curtains embellished with glowing skulls that seemed to follow your movement with their empty eye sockets.
Ghostly laughter echoed through the space at random intervals, and somewhere deeper in the maze, I heard the distinct sound of chains rattling.
"How much did all this cost?" Sloane muttered, though I could sense his reluctant admiration.
Fischer whistled low. "The magical components alone must have been—"
"Worth every penny!" Rupert's voice called out before he emerged from behind a velvet curtain in a cloud of stage fog. He wore an elaborate vampire costume, complete with a high-collared cape and fangs that were definitely not store-bought plastic. His dark skin was enhanced with a silvery shimmer that caught the moonlight from above.
Faris gasped dramatically. "You look fabulous!”
Rupert winked. "Thanks, Faris, baby."
"How did you manage all this?" I asked, still trying to take it all in.
"Magic, money, and a very understanding business partner," Rupert said with a grin. "Plus, I've been planning this since April. Halloween only comes once a year, honey!"
"It's magnificent," I said sincerely.
Rupert beamed, then clapped his hands. "Now! Saige, darling, if you'll follow me. Your mates have arranged something special."
I glanced at my men, who were all studiously avoiding direct eye contact. Even Fischer, who normally couldn't hide anythingfrom me, was suddenly fascinated by a display of glow-in-the-dark condoms.
"What are you all up to?" I narrowed my eyes.
"Just a little Halloween surprise," Bram said smoothly.
"Trust us," Kai added, brushing his fingers against mine.
I sighed, but couldn't help smiling. "Fine. Lead the way, Rupert."
He guided me through a door marked "Staff Only" and into a plush changing room. Unlike the haunted atmosphere outside, this room was well-lit with a comfortable chaise lounge, a full-length mirror, and a small vanity table.
"Your outfit awaits," Rupert said with a flourish, gesturing to items laid out on the chaise. "I'll leave you to change. Oh—Faris wanted me to give you this."
He handed me a sealed black envelope and left, closing the door behind him with a theatrical wink.
I examined the items on the chaise: a short black sleeveless dress that would hug every curve, a pair of thigh-high fishnet stockings, delicate lacy underwear and bra in a deep emerald that matched my eyes, and a pair of practical black flats.
"At least someone was thinking about comfortable shoes," I muttered, grateful I wouldn't be navigating whatever they had planned in heels.
I opened the black envelope and pulled out a note written in Faris's dramatic handwriting:
My beautiful witch,
Tonight, you enter the realm of fear and desire. We'll be waiting in the shadows, hunting you through the darkness.
I hope you're ready to run, little witch. We certainly are ready to chase.
Don't leave this room until the clock strikes 9:00. Then, and only then, step into our web.
Your loving predator,
Baby Fang
P.S. We’re going to fuck you. In case that wasn’t clear.
