41. Evalee

EVALEE

“ T his place is so cool,” I mumble, in awe of our surroundings.

The massive domed tents, the fire shows taking place, the dancing, the twinkly lights, the array of eccentric costumes everyone is dressed up in. Add all that to the night sky above me and the scene is absolutely perfect. If only I weren’t here to meet up with a crazy demon who’s stolen my zombie witch fake sister.

Le sigh. My life is getting really complicated.

“It is, isn’t it?” Peyton leads us through the crowd, and again, I’m in awe as people move out of the way to create a path for her.

“Why is everyone just moving out of your way?” I ask, inching closer to Hunter as a guy blows flames in my direction.

It’s all for show, of course. At least, I hope so.

“Because I’m a vampire.” She spans her arms out to the side and people rush to create more room for her. “And vampires are respected here.”

“Man, they really must be freaks then,” Hunter taunts, though even he seems dazed by all the dazzling lights and flashy costumes.

I lightly pinch him on the arm. “Hey, be nice.”

He rubs his arm, which is already welting.

“Sorry, I forgot about the whole vampire strength thingy.”

Honestly, I haven’t forgotten about it at all.

In fact, it’s all I’ve thought about from the moment I drank blood from Peyton’s arm, which is as disgusting as it sounds. But the power pumping through my veins right now, the coordination, the strength, the sight, it’s wonderful.

I’ve never been coordinated before. This is kind of awesome.

Just to test out my new powers, I spin around on one foot, and then leap through the air.

Hunter shoots me a quick warning look before redirecting his concentration on the crowd. “Don’t distract me while I’m keeping a lookout for demons.”

“How is this distracting you?” I repeat the spin then end it with a bow.

His gaze flicks to me again. “You’re crazy if you think doing that isn’t distracting every guy who can see you. Your dress barely covers your ass when you spin.” His gaze dips downward to my legs. “Not that it’s a bad view. I just don’t think the entire freak show should get to see it.”

I cast a glance at the mob of people crowding around us. “Newsflash, Hunter. If they’re staring at us, it’s probably because of Peyton. Either that, or I’m drawing in attention with my succubus powers.”

Hunter rolls his eyes. “You do realize succubus don’t use their powers all the time, right? They have to turn them on.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know how to control mine,” I point out. “So maybe I’m using them unintentionally.”

“You’re not,” Peyton chimes in, snatching a goblet of blood from a blood booth as we pass by. “The only power you can use right now is vampire power.” She moves the goblet underneath my nose. “Doesn’t that smell good?”

I waver. “It kind of does … Maybe I could have just a tiny sip.” I start to reach for the goblet.

Hunter smacks my hand away. “No more blood,” he warns. “It’ll just take that much longer for the powers to fade from your system.”

I heave a frustrated sigh. “You’re such a blood drinker pooper.”

He shakes his head, restraining a smile. “And you’re the most distracting girl I know.”

“Is that a bad thing?” I wonder as I move away and around a clown with neon pink hair.

Man, I am not a fan of clowns. Never have been. This one is extra creepy, with the come hither look she’s trying to give me.

Then she crooks her finger at me.

Um, yeah, no way am I going over there.

“It’s a bad thing when I’m trying to protect you,” Hunter carries on the conversation as I return to his side. “My attention should be on looking out for demons, but I’m distracted by your long legs in those knee-high socks. Seriously, why couldn’t you have just worn jeans?”

I throw him a sugary sweet smirk. “You know, those charming lines of flattery would work if I hadn’t witnessed you flirt with every pretty—beautiful,” I correct myself, and his lips quirk, “witch you crossed paths with.”

“You think I’m feeding you a line right now?” He takes my hand and presses it against his chest. “I think your legs are gorgeous, but extremely distracting.”

The truth of his words burns through our shared magic. I may have swooned myself into a state of ditzy dreamland, but the clown comes running up to me and ruins the moment.

“Beware of the clock,” she giggles hysterically. “Beware of the clock. Beware when the clock spins backward.” Giggles, giggles, followed by more giggles.

I’m about one step away from peeing my pants, when Hunter thankfully pulls me into his arms and steers me away from her.

We walk soundlessly for a while before he finally asks, “Are you okay?”

I nod. “Clowns just give me the creeps. That’s all.”

“I know they do.” He rubs his hand up and down my arm, erasing the goose bumps.

His words strike a chord in a way that I’m not sure if I love or hate. But he’s right. He does know me. He knows almost everything about me.

“I don’t really know much about you.” I frown at my own words.

He turns his head, his gaze snagging mine. “We can change that.”

I carry his gaze. “How?”

His lips part. “I?—”

“Don’t touch the bubbles,” Peyton shouts with panic in her eyes as she whirls around toward us right as a bubble pops in my face.