Page 21 of Dying in Flames (Reborn 4)
Maya
“What should I be for Halloween?”I asked, watching a cold, almost sleet-like moisture hit the windshield as we drove down the highway at a fast speed. My gaze was moving all around, but Marco had both hands on the wheel, looking a bit tense at the sudden change of weather, and Ledger kept checking my seatbelt. It was really sweet, and I resisted telling them that I was far more worried about them than myself.
Luckily, the large truck we were in seemed extremely safe and secure, so I felt like I was able to relax just a bit. I hoped my question would allow them to refocus a bit as well, but I had a feeling it would take more than that to get Marco’s mind off the road conditions.
“Do you have any ideas so far?” Marco asked, seemingly distracted as he took an exit.
“A kitten,” I immediately answered, causing Ledger to chuckle. “What?”
“Sai would love that,” he pointed out, smirking. “I actually think you would be an adorable kitten.”
Well, that just confirmed that was the direction I should take with the costume.
We pulled up to a massive store labeled ‘Party City’ that was lit up with the word ‘Halloween’ in bright orange in the window, showing through the storm. Marco parked as close to the front as possible, the parking lot mostly empty. The storm felt so random and unnatural, it had me wondering if they thought it was odd as well.
“Go check.” Marco looked at Ledger, who was already hopping out from the back. I watched him jog through the rain into the store, and when I went to look back at my mate, I found him already in my space, his hand wrapping around my waist as he nuzzled my neck.
“Marco,” I said breathlessly as he nipped my neck.
“I need more alone time with you,” he grumbled.
“You can have alone time with me whenever you want,” I answered honestly, tilting my jaw up. “You know I always want to be with you.”
“When this bullshit is all over, I am stealing you away for a few days and we can go wherever the hell you want. I just want you to myself so I can explore every inch of you and appreciate that you’re here with me and still mine. That no one can take you away from us.” His voice was warm and fierce, causing my body to light up as his thumb ran over the ring on my finger once again.
Turning towards him, I leaned forward and nipped his bottom lip. He let out a growl and slid a hand to the back of my neck, meeting my lips, fully and demanding.
Man, he was a good kisser.
A knock on the window had me pulling away as Ledger stared at both of us with a freakin’ pout, absolutely soaked to the bone. I opened the door and he slid in easily, shaking off his wet hair. I giggled and climbed into Marco’s lap to avoid it, my blood dragon mate casting me a smirk.
“Anything?” Marco asked.
“Three groups, two families, and one that was further back in the store. Someone has magic for sure, but it didn’t seem threatening, just nature-based.” He shrugged.
Marco exhaled. “That sounds like witch magic.”
I looked up at the sky and let my own magic out. I did feel magic, but like Ledger said, it didn’t feel threatening. Nor did it feel like Pastor Malcolm’s type of witch magic. “Let’s just keep an eye out, but I really think we are good.”
I could see the protest in Marco’s gaze, but something in my own expression had him nodding sharply and turning off the car.
With that, we made our way across the parking lot, a smile on my face while running with my mates despite my hair getting soaked by the rain. I let out a giggle at the near pout on Marco’s face as he tried to pull me into a hug to get the water on me, making me squeak and throw myself against Ledger, who picked me up and carried me towards a row of costumes.
Holy cow. There were so many, and I found myself a bit overwhelmed at first, until I looked across the store and saw an entire section of far better options. Not only were they prettier, but they were the exact type of thing that would make my mates get all growly.
My lips tilted up, thinking about Croy’s words… Did I love teasing them? I think I did, and I really had a feeling that this would do it.
“Oh, be right back!” I called and slipped down an aisle before they could respond, Marco calling after me. I had a feeling they weren’t too worried because they didn’t chase right after me, but I also knew they wouldn’t stay away for long, which meant I had a very short window of opportunity to do what I planned to.
I looked back in their direction when turning a corner, and a squeak came from my throat as I slammed right into another body, a pair of hands shooting out to grab my biceps. My eyes widened, realizing I’d crashed into another woman.
She let out a laugh, stepping back almost immediately. “I am so sorry.” She winced.
Why was she apologizing? She really had no need to.
“Oh, you’re fine.” I waved my hand, a bit taken aback by how gorgeous she was. I mean, she was objectively beautiful, but more than that, this woman was like the lightning bolts outside. Instead of being a part of her, her magic seemed to radiate all around her. She was fascinating to look at, and I didn’t really know what exactly to make of her at first.
First of all, she was dressed in an oversized jacket like myself, but unlike me, her hair was so freakin’ cool. It was dark blue at the top and faded into a silver and then to bright blue on the ends. It was a bit wild-looking and laid around her shoulders, her dark brows only further showing off her intense eyes that were lighting-white in the center and navy on the edges, almost appearing reflective. They made me a bit uncomfortable, but she seemed so friendly that the feeling quickly faded.
