Familiar or Not

By Pelaam

Julen might be a witch, but Halloween is too commercial for his tastes these days. When his Aunt Cassandra learns that Julen likes their new neighbour Aleck, she can't resist trying to bring them together, and invites Aleck to a Halloween soiree. But she interferes a little too much.

To Julen's delight, he and Aleck seem made for one another. Until he discovers his Aunt's involement. Heartbroken to think what he shared with Aleck isn't real, Julen runs away to a mountain cabin to get over the hurt.

When the truth comes out, can Cassandra and her familiar Wiley get Julen and Aleck back together before it's too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Jun 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685501532

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Strolling around his gallery, Julen paused to glance out of the window. A rather tattered mummy shuffled past, waving jovially as he noticed Julen’s attention. Rolling his eyes, Julen turned away. It was the same every year. Halloween was still several weeks away, but the stores were stuffed full of fake cobwebs and plastic spiders, orange and black was de rigueur, and people were already holding parties complete with tatty mummies, ratty werewolves, and batty vampires.

Stopping in front of a mirror near the door, Julen patted his hair. Thick, long, and gloriously lavender, he smirked. Halloween. Meh! On the positive side, living in New Zealand meant that Halloween was a harbinger of summer.

The melodic chimes heralded a customer, but when Julen looked around, it was only his Aunt Cassandra.

How are you, dear? Just wanted to pop in and say hello.

Hello, Auntie. Julen dutifully kissed her on each cheek. It wasn’t as if he didn’t see Cassandra regularly. They lived in the same apartment block. He raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. And what else?

Oh, nothing in particular. Cassandra waved a hand around. You know, these masks are perfect for this time of year. Perhaps you should get more in.

Shaking his head, Julen stood with his hands on his hips. My shop sells native and primitive art, as well as my more modern stuff upstairs. The masks, and the other art works, sell well all year round. You know I dislike Halloween. Far too commercial now.

You really should enter more into the spirit of things, dear. Cassandra wagged a finger at him. I mean, look at you. Lilac. What kind of colour is lilac for any self-respecting witch? Not content with that ridiculous jumpsuit, you’ve even dyed your hair.

With a laugh, Julen twirled around. Actually, it’s lavender. I suppose you want me in black.

Julen! That suit looks sprayed on. There’s nothing wrong with black. But you can always wear something red, or orange to add colour. Just like me.

His aunt’s scandalised tone only made Julen laugh harder. While the suit wasn’t sprayed on, it didn’t leave much to the imagination either, and you certainly didn’t wear undies unless you wanted unsightly lines. He’d left his boots with his coat. His shop had glorious underfloor heating, and he loved to walk around in bare feet. The freedom fitted his more bohemian attitude.

Cassandra was by contrast, and as always, immaculately dressed. Her black, above the knee skirt was teamed with a black cashmere sweater, and her crimson pashmina matched the elegant red wool hat tilted at the perfect angle. The splash of colour was further accented by the red stripe down her black boots.

Immaculate. And dull. Not at all the look that Julen enjoyed.

So, what do you think of our new neighbour? I believe he works just across the road from you?

Cassandra’s artificially casual tone didn’t fool Julen for a minute. I’ve met him, chatted a few times, and that’s it, Auntie. He’s a human.

So? He’s a very attractive human. There’s nothing wrong with them, you know.

Yes, I do know. Julen sighed. Look, I know my lack of a love life worries you. I just haven’t met my Mr Right.

"You need to let yourself go a little. You won’t find Mr Right squirreling yourself away and not going out. I thought Aleck a very charming man. Perhaps we could have a