Just Another Paranormal Halloween

By Ashely Blade, Brigit Aine, D. McEntire and 5 more

A Pixie Holiday by Brigit Aine

On Halloween Kira is able to go out with no glamour on and allow others to see her true self, a pixie. As she is trying to avoid the man her father sent years ago to try and marry her, she runs into someone else, someone who makes her feel safe and protected. Although she isn't even aware that she needs protecting, yet.

Lance knows he needs to get Kira to like him, after all they are going to be married, but he has to keep her safe and get her to the conclave before any of that can happen. And it seems as if those who do not want to see an alliance between the Pixies and the Wolves would do whatever it takes to make sure his plans are foiled.


Darkest Knight by Ashley Blade

Julie asked herself the same question many times, especially after reading one of her favorite paranormal stories.

Now what seemed like a fantasy world captured in descriptive words becomes her reality and she has to figure out if it was all it was cracked up to be.


The Man in the Long Black Coat by Susan Gabriel

Mariah Bishop, the preacher's daughter, lives in a town where religion and superstition are so deeply entwined there's no telling where one ends and the other begins. But her father, the good Eldon Bishop fears there is something more than religious rapture stirring in the young Mariah.

When the mysterious man in the long black coat blows into town and holds an old-time revival on All Hallow's Eve, Mariah and the colorful characters who surround her are set on a course with consequences they couldn't possibly foresee.


Samhain's Visitor by Kiki Howell

When an uninvited visitor shows up during Sarah’s Samhain ritual, her Mute Supper is literally disrupted by cups and plates being tossed about. Soon, the shadow weighing on her and the voices with cryptic messages incite terror.

But help comes in various forms. And, one is sexy and full of surprises.


The Tiger's Masquerade by Savanna Kougar

Stacy wasn’t looking for a tiger-man to erotically and exotically fill her tank , then steal her heart. That is, until the Halloween ‘Call of the Wild Masquerade’ ball. But, what kind of tiger does she have by the tail?

Zyrru wasn’t looking for a human woman to un-tame his fiercest passions, and alter his royal life forever. After all, he’s only vacationing on Earth, and is almost engaged to The Princess. But her rosefire scent is irresistible.


A-Mazing Grace by D. McEntire

Halloween never meant anything special to Grace. That is until taking up an offer by her best friend for a night time trip through a local corn maze leaves her changing her tune—and her life. Coming face-to-face with a man sporting glowing red eyes and fangs, then rescued by a man who seemed just as unreal as the first makes for one hell-of-a wild night only she seems to remember.

Connell has hunted alongside his brothers for centuries, following a code to protect the secret of their race—vampires—by removing rogue vampires who refuse to blend in among society. That secret is threatened when wiping the memory of a feisty human female he saves from a rogue doesn’t take completely.

But it isn’t her recollection of him that leads her deeper into his world. Arriving moments too late on the scene of her second attack by a rogue leaves him facing the choice of converting her or leaving her to die.


Love, Lies & Zombie Cries by K.A. M'Lady

Jayda Oslynn knows what death feels like. She knows the solitude in the darkness’ silence. The lonely spaces between life’s last breath and the realm of the undead.

Like the women in her family before her, she’s had a life-long affinity with those that wander in the land between. Some call it black magick or necromancy, but to the Oslynn family it’s always been known as death dealing. And, whether a blessing or a curse, Jayda’s always been able to feel their feelings – their love and suffering, their happiness and sorrows. The truth, when shared through her eyes, always has a way of being felt and seen.

This Hal

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mojocastle Press
• Release date: Oct 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9781601801289

Book preview

http://www.mojocastle.com/

Group:

Just Another Paranormal Monday

Dedication:

To Destiny, Ann, the members of Just Another Paranormal Monday and all of the fans of things that go bump in the night.

Stories

A Pixie Holiday - Brigit Aine

Darkest Night - Ashley Blade

The Man in the Long Black Coat - Susan Gabriel

Samhain’s Visitors - Kiki Howell

The Tiger’s Masquerade - Savanna Kougar

A-Mazing Grace - D. McEntire

Love, Lies and Zombie Cries - K.A. M’Lady

His Girl - Sapphire Phelan

A Pixie Holiday

Brigit Aine

Turning about excitedly, Kira ran through the house. It was Halloween, the one night a year that she could be herself. Feeling her wings fluttering about her, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her skin sparkled like it had been brushed with gold dust and her wings were gossamer-like, floating behind her. Giggling, Kira spun in a circle. Pixie dust fluttered everywhere, landing on the floor and the hall table. Halloween was the only night the two-hundred-year-old pixie could go outside without her glamour on. Tonight she was going to fly the skies and no one would look twice.

Opening the door to a knock, Kira discovered some adorable little goblins on her porch. Trick or Treat, they said as a chorus. Laughing, Kira reached out and opened her fists, willing candy to appear.

Wow, said the one she pegged as a leader. That was a neat trick. I wish my daddy could do that. Running down the stairs to their patiently waiting parents, Kira could hear them. Daddy, she made candy appear out of nowhere.

Waving to the parents smiling in her direction, Kira stepped out and closed the door behind her. Waving her hand, she turned off the lights so no one would approach while she was gone. Always leery of being found out by humans, Kira also set a protection spell around the house.

As she began walking towards the forest near her home, Kira felt a sense of contentment. Even though she could only show her true self one night a year, she was happy with her life. She had no desire to go back under the hill and live in Gretston. There were too many politics, and she didn’t want to be at court all the time. Since her father was royalty, she would have no choice. Working and living topside gave her considerable freedom, even in her glamour.

Kira, a deep voice sounded behind her.

Sighing, Kira stopped. She knew it wouldn’t do any good for her not to. Kellan always got what he wanted. Right now he wanted her. Her father had sent him topside almost fifty years ago to bring Kira back. Kellan decided the best way to do that was to marry her. This would also give him considerable advantage in Gretston, marrying into royalty. Kira wanted nothing to do with the man. He was distasteful. For a pixie, he took atrocious care of himself. He rarely bathed, his pixie dust was turning black and he smelled foul. He had become pockmarked at some point since she had left Gretston, and it didn’t help his square jaw and beady eyes at all.

Kira, he said again.

Turning, Kira looked at him with an icy glaze. What? Her tone was no better than the look she was giving him. Kira didn’t care that he stopped short and glared back. He was dressed in a vampire costume, and looked ridiculous.

I have an invitation to a party and I thought you might like to accompany me, but I see you don’t have a costume. Disgust colored his tone.

I wear my pixie outfit on Halloween, and have the last three years. The children like it. Kira looked around her furtively; as he had said her natural state wasn’t a costume. Stupid man. Shaking her fist mentally at her father and vowing to contact him as soon as the night was over, Kira tried to be patient. I don’t want to go to the party with you, and I want you to go back and tell my father I am not coming home. I am old enough to make my own decisions.

Kira turned and began walking away, this time toward town. She did not want to get caught in the forest with Kellan. She didn’t trust him. Turning left instead of right at the corner, Kira found herself walking down the main street of the town. Stopping in front of a store that she hadn’t seen before, Kira pretended to be interested in the window display. She was really keeping her eye on Kellan as he stopped a few yards from her, watching but not approaching.

The street was busy but not crowded as the adults walked with their children to trick-or-treat in the stores. There were also those adults out just to see what the fuss was about and socialize. Kira loved the small town she lived in. Everyone was friendly and watched out for one another. That was why she knew it was safer to come into town with Kellan following her. Turning quickly and not paying attention, Kira bumped into a solid body.

So sorry, she began as she looked up, and then kept looking up. As a pixie, Kira was small-boned naturally, and even in her everyday human disguise she couldn’t change her height, a petite five-foot-one. The body she ran into was much bigger. Looking into startling grey eyes, Kira could sense the otherness about this man. Dark blonde hair cut shaggy and a square jaw spoke to shifter, probably wolf.

No problem, ma’am, the body responded. Kira realized she hadn’t looked up far enough to see his mouth. His hands had gone around her upper arms when she had crashed into him, and he hadn’t let go yet. Kira realized he had lowered his head and was discreetly sniffing around her. Pixie, rumbled from his chest.

Stepping back, Kira was able to look up farther and found herself staring into beautiful grey eyes. Wolf, she said back.

Smiling at her, he sketched a bow. More commonly known as Lance.

Grinning, she pretended to curtsy. Kira.

What beautiful wings. Too bad you can’t show them off all the time.

Kira blushed. Very few people ever saw her wings, and the ones who did were usually family. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Pixie. He smiled down at her. She was about to say something when she saw him tense, a small growl beginning before he swallowed it. As she turned to see what he had spotted over her shoulder, he pulled her into his arms. As she wasn’t expecting it, Kira stumbled in with little resistance.

Kira, you didn’t tell me you had a friend, Kellan’s voice sounded snide.

Kira sighed. Kellan, she began, but realized her voice was muffled by the shirt of the wolf that still held her in his arms. When she tried to push away, he just closed his arms tighter.

Who are you, and why are you following Kira? Kira heard the questions rumble out of Lance’s chest. He wasn’t trying to hide the fact that he was wolf.

"I’m her father’s chosen betrothed, no matter to you, wolf," Kellan made wolf sound like a slur, and Kira’s anger surfaced.

Really. Well, he forgot to mention that to me. Kira wasn’t sure what game Lance was playing, but she wasn’t sure he really wanted to insinuate himself into Pixie politics. Pushing against his chest, she again tried to dislodge herself from his arms. He, however, was having none of that. Looking down at her, he said, Pixie, be still. There is no harm in telling this man that he is no longer of any consequence. I spoke with your father just this evening, before I came to town and he made no mention of anyone else.

Kira stopped moving at the gentle tone behind his words. He had to know what he was saying, and there was no way to lie about speaking to her father, because Kellan would surely check. That meant Lance was here for a purpose, and she would have to wait until this little pissing contest was over to find out what it was. She was also curious as to the way he phrased his words. How did he know her father, and what did he mean by ‘anyone else’?

"You what? Kira could hear the anger in Kellan’s voice. That is impossible. Her father is away, and unavailable to speak to anyone." Kira figured that Kellan had tried to speak to him, and that is why he was here now. Her father wasn’t around to intervene. Smiling, she realized he had sent Lance to help. Snuggling into the arms and chest that cradled her, she figured she should make the most out of feeling safe, since it wasn’t often.

Allowing for this, she turned in Lance’s arms, rather than trying to move from them. She could see that Kellan’s raised voice and tone had drawn something of a crowd. There were ghosts and pumpkins, witches and goblins, Power Rangers and Super Heroes all watching them. If she looked closely, Kira could tell those who truly had power from those who were dressed for Halloween. There were more with power gathered than she would have imagined.

Her father is meeting with the clans this evening. I have just come back from there to escort Kira to the meeting. Her father has requested her presence. Lance spoke in an even tone and ran a hand down Kira’s arm, showing possession and causing her to shiver. Even though she knew that it was too soon to feel anything but lust, she couldn’t help feeling a little bit cherished by his arms around her.

Well, I will accompany you to the meeting as well, since her father sent me here to escort her home. Kellan was becoming belligerent and pushy in his rage. Kira saw several members of the paranormal community step forward between him and the people of the town.

That will not be necessary, as she is not going home. She will be meeting with her father at the gathering of the clans, which is not in Gretston. And you are not invited to the meeting, Lance spoke with finality to his words, dismissing Kellan as if he were nothing more than noise on the air that he didn’t want to hear.

Kira laughed softly, turning her face into Lance’s arm to keep from smirking openly at Kellan. She became distracted by the woodsy scent she inhaled. Shivering lightly at the feeling the scent gave her, Kira snuggled in even closer to Lance. Testing her theory, she laid a light kiss on the bare arm her face was tucked into. The arm tightened around her and tiny goosebumps appeared. So he wasn’t immune to her either. This also explained how he knew who her father was. Obviously he had been sent to find her.

Smiling, Kira turned back to Kellan. From the look on his face, he had seen her small test and didn’t like it. He was also turning an unattractive shade of purple from his rage and impotency against Lance.

I shall go wherever I see fit. And if that is where Kira is, so be it. The anger was so potent that it rippled off of his words and into the crowd. The other paranormals were able to absorb and contain most of it, but some of the anger hit the townspeople and Kira could see their reactions to the tension, becoming anxious and worried.

We need to stop this now, before those who do not know become filled with knowledge they do not need, Kira kept her voice low, knowing the wolf who held her would hear anyway. Sprinkling Pixie dust with a flick of her wings, Kira soothed the crowd.

Look, fairy dust, someone cried, causing Kira to grin wryly. Always the fairies. The crowd didn’t know why some of the tension they had felt began to ease as they traced the pixie dust through the night sky. Giving it a little magic with the wiggle of her fingers, Kira caused it to sparkle and glow through the air.

Hey, the town outdid themselves this Halloween.

Taking advantage of the distraction she provided, Lance maneuvered her away from Kellan.

Where are we going, really? Kira began questioning Lance as soon as they were far enough away to not be overheard, even by Kellan.

We are really going to the gathering of clans and before you ask, yes, I have really seen your father this night. He would like to speak to you at the gathering. However, before I take you there, I was wondering if we could talk, and maybe grab a bite to eat. As he spoke, Lance ran his hands up and down her arms. Kira could hardly focus on what he was saying from the sensations he was creating in her body. Beginning to shiver, and not with cold, for the night was mild, Kira leaned into Lance’s arms.

I would love to have a bite to eat and talk with you. After all, you have rescued me from Kellan, just like my own personal guard.

Lance smiled down at the pixie in his arms.

So where shall we go to talk and eat? Kira flitted her wings against Lance’s arm as she spoke to get his attention. She wasn’t sure where he had wandered off to in his thoughts but it didn’t look like a great place.

What about the diner over there? he pointed to the café across the street that was all decorated for Halloween.

As they began walking across the street, Kira enjoyed watching the children scurrying up and down the sidewalk of the town, running in and out of businesses collecting candy and small toys. Their parents followed at a leisurely pace, not worried that anything would happen to their children. Not in this town. Glancing at the diner as they got closer, Kira had to laugh. A hobgoblin named Fred owned it. Hobgoblins lived in Gretston with the pixies and he had decorated it to be a reflection of that world. There were guards posted at the door and the front had been altered to look like her father’s castle.

Permission to enter, kind sirs, Kira curtsied low to the guards, grinning at their costumes. They were dressed as castle guards. Green and yellow finery with pantaloons and leggings, curled toed shoes and a ridiculous hat. At her father’s castle, the hat was not part of the dress. This was obviously Fred’s way to poke fun on Halloween.

Permission granted, Princess Pixie, the head guard spoke, stumbling over his shoes and cursing under his breath as he opened the door for her and Lance.

Lance leaned down to whisper in her ear, That was priceless. It really was an excuse to get close to her again, but he couldn’t resist commenting. Having been to Gretston once, he knew what the castle was supposed to be.

Fred and my father had a falling out a few years ago. Fred was sure I was safe here and wanted my father to stop sending Kellan around to bother me. My father felt I needed to return to Gretston and ‘fulfill my duty’, Kira had lowered her voice in a great imitation of her father and used finger quotes to get her last point across. Fred told him to stay in Gretston where he was useful because he knew nothing about me, and obviously didn’t want to learn.

Wow, pretty good protector you have there. Speaking of, here he comes, I do believe. The creature coming towards them was a hobgoblin. About twenty-four inches tall and gliding gracefully even though he had clawed feet and was as wide as he was tall, he stopped right before them.

Bowing until the top of his pointed ears touched the floor he spoke regally, Princess Kira, we are blessed with your presence here in our fine eatery. May I have the pleasure of seating you and your companion?

Lance had to grin. While the words were formal, the once-over the hobgoblin had given him was not. It was clear that Fred had appointed himself Kira’s guardian and champion, whether she wanted him to be or not. And Lance had to pass muster.

Touching Kira’s arm, Lance took the lead. Princess Kira and I, her companion, Prince Lance of the Wolf Clans, would be honored if you would seat us. Kira started at his title, and the hobgoblin inclined his head in respect. Good, one obstacle down.

As they followed Fred to their booth, Kira looked around the diner. The entire place was a mockery of her father’s castle, from the wooden tables that gleamed like gold to the walls that had been painted a garish green and yellow and draped with silken scarves.

Fred, I think that tonight you have outdone yourself. And if I get to see my father before the turn of the clock to midnight, I will suggest he might feel right at home here for a meal before he heads back to Gretston.

Why, thank you, Princess. I did try to make this place feel, at least for an evening, as if I was back in his palace. When he bowed out Lance and Kira both saw the smirk on Fred’s face.

So how bad of an imitation is it?

Kira had to laugh out loud now that Fred was gone. Oh, my goodness. The tables at home are the same style, but they are wooden. He has made these gold to show he thinks my father wastes his money by continuing to send Kellan after me. While the walls are painted the royal colors, they are more muted then these are and they are not quite so obvious. Also, we haven’t had scarves at the hall since the middle ages. This is priceless, and my father would see the love and humor that Fred has put into this.

As she continued to peruse the restaurant, Kira could see the other diners all dressed in their costumes. Families with children who hoisted bags of goodies onto the tables before them. She loved living here. She didn’t want to go back to Gretston. This was a place she felt she could do good for everyone. Sighing, she reached for the water glass that had appeared in front of her.

Tell me, Pixie, why the sigh?

You say Pixie like a term of endearment, rather than a race. I like it. Blushing slightly, Kira couldn’t believe she said that.

Lance kept his smile to himself. I mean it as a term of endearment. Now tell me, why the sigh?

I love living here. I am afraid my father is going to make me go back to Gretston. I don’t want to be part of the politics and the court life that happens there. I made my escape so that I didn’t have to worry everyday about that kind of stuff. I know he is disappointed, but I wish he could understand.

Keeping the excitement from his voice, Lance questioned, What would you do if you could stay topside? He also wanted to tell her that her father was actually very proud of her. Feeling her denial of his wishes showed strength enough to be married off to the Prince of the Wolf Clan; however, Lance didn’t want to jinx the moment by mentioning their impending marriage.

I would keep working with the elderly patients at the hospital. My father pays my bills so I volunteer there, helping ease pain and keeping them company. I love doing that. It makes me feel as though I am giving back to the community that has taken me in. Someday I would love to marry someone I love and create a life with him. Kira kept her face towards the table on the last sentence. She had a feeling that if she looked up, some of what she was starting to feel for Lance would be in her eyes. No one had ever asked about what she wanted to do before. This man was wrapping her up and they had only just met.

Those are very worthwhile goals. I think that what you do definitely gives back. And from the way I saw the children approach you outside, I think that you might spend some time with them as well.

Thank you. Now tell me, why are you here? Why did my father send you for me? Kira decided it was time to get on with the issues at hand. Halloween was one of the only times that the paranormal leaders gathered, and if her father needed her they were going to have to be quick about it before the evening faded away.

Sighing, Lance leaned back in the booth. His wolf was on alert and that allowed him the opportunity to close his eyes and feel around