Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 43689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
I stepped out of the Bronco. My cats continued their symphony of displeasure from their carriers, probably plotting my demise for subjecting them to this travel nightmare. The compound looked even more impressive up close. The place might as well have been a fortress. Police or not, there was no one getting in this place they didn’t want to let in. There were several men and women about the area. Most of them wore leather vests like Knuckles and Hawk had on. The women were a mix of those with vests and those without.
“Holy crap, you guys have your own little city,” I murmured, craning my neck to take it all in.
Carrie laughed. “It’s the most wonderful place in the world.”
Before I could respond, the door to the main building swung open and a woman with a bright smile bounded down the steps toward us. Her blonde hair was pulled into a messy bun, and despite the tough-looking environment, she wore a floral sundress that somehow didn’t look out of place.
“You must be Ellie!” She grabbed my hands in hers, squeezing them warmly. “I’m Pippa! Carrie texted that you were on your way. We’ve got everything ready for you!”
I blinked, taken aback by her enthusiasm. “Um, thanks. That’s really nice of you.”
“Pippa’s our welcome wagon,” Carrie explained with a grin. “She makes sure everyone feels at home.”
“Which you absolutely will,” Pippa assured me, releasing my hands only to loop her arm through mine. “I heard about your little potion accident. Don’t worry, we’ve all had disasters. Though maybe not quite so” -- she sniffed delicately, her nose wrinkling --”aromatic.”
I felt my face flush. “Yeah, sorry about that. I’ll shower as soon as possible.”
Pippa and Carrie both grinned at me. “Don’t be sorry. What kind of witches’ brew isn’t smelly?”
“I was just practicing for Halloween. I like to make a bubbling cauldron and dress up and decorate. I just mixed up a couple things. I do it every year. It’s why I practice before I do it.” I grinned. If they didn’t like my Halloween spirit, they could all kiss my whole entire ass. “The kids in the park love it.”
“Wait a second.” Pippa’s eyes widened. “That’s you? You do that every year, don’t you?”
“I do.” I couldn’t help but smile and bounce a little with enthusiasm. “Halloween is my favorite holiday. I go all out.”
“I always love the festival in the park. Your area is always the best. Especially your witches’ brew! It seems to make the whole place smell like autumn.”
“It’s just dry ice and some spices. And it’s not like it’s anything to eat. I just like the smoke and fragrance. I string up lights and have cookies and cupcakes out. And hot chocolate.” I smiled. “Nothing like a Halloween sugar high!”
We shared the laugh while the men unloaded my meager possessions from the Bronco. Hawk carefully extracted two of the cat carriers, holding them at arm’s length as if they might explode. Knuckles rolled his eyes and took the other. The cats still hadn’t shut up.
“This way!” Pippa tugged me toward the main building. “The girls are dying to meet you!”
“The girls?” I found myself relieved to know there were other women in the place. Not that I thought these people would hurt me, but it was self-preservation. So far, they’d shown me nothing but kindness and acceptance.
“The other old ladies. That’s what they call the women who are with members of the club,” Carrie explained as we entered the building.
Inside, the main floor opened into a large common area that looked like a cross between a sports bar and someone’s living room. Pool tables, leather couches, a massive TV, and a well-stocked bar filled the space. Five women smiled as we entered, moving forward to meet us as the guys took my stuff on to wherever I was staying. I was kind of anxious to get my cats settled, but I wasn’t going to say anything to seem ungrateful to these people. I owed them. A lot.
“Everyone, this is Ellie!” Pippa announced. “She’s staying with us for a while.”
I expected cold stares or, at best, polite indifference. Instead, they all took my hand or gave me a hug of greeting as they introduced themselves. They didn’t falter even when they got a whiff of the stink.
“Hey. If it helps get the show right Halloween night, you do whatever you need to, honey.” Violet smiled. “If you’re interested in expanding, I know for a fact Caleb will volunteer.”
“Caleb… Harrington?” I looked around like I might see the young man.
“You know my son?” Violet eyed me curiously.
“Well, yeah. He’s been hanging out around my stand since I started helping with it, before it was all mine.”
“I mean, I knew he loved going to the park every day the week before Halloween, but I didn’t realize he was around enough for you to know his name.” Then she frowned. “He didn’t prank you or anything, did he?”