My Shifter Showmance (Shifting Reality 1)

“About fifteen minutes. Chi said what you told her to, that we wouldn’t arrive until dinnertime. It should allow them a few hours to settle in, and us a little more surveillance.”

The door to their impromptu control center, opened, and Thomas turned to face the newcomer. “Are you ready for phase one, Esther?”

“Master Mac informed me of my duties quite thoroughly, Master Lyons. I will not fail. I am having what you might call, reservations, however.”

Thomas tilted his head. “Oh?”

The pale figure floated into the room, her hands folded against the apron at her waist. “I was of the understanding that we were not to be photographed or seen. That isolation was a requirement for our security. For the Master’s security and privacy.”

He grinned in a way that had always charmed her in the past. “Esther, my love. You have been the housekeeper of this castle for more years than Saint or I have been alive. You’ve taken care of Mac, taken care of everyone who dwells within the walls of this Keep. I think it’s about time you had some fun. There are no actual rules about showing yourself are there?”

She shook her head doubtfully. “None set in stone, sir. But it’s an unwritten kind of thing. It just isn’t done, you ken. Even if we wish it.”

“Well for the next week, it is. Pass it on to your friends still wandering the village. For the next few days, ghosts rule the roost.” He paused for a moment, before adding, “However, I would appreciate it if you spread the word that Margo Sheffield is not to be bothered.” He didn’t want her leaving the castle before he was ready.

Esther’s lips curved, obviously pleased. “I’ll be letting them know, Master Lyons. Now. The guests are arriving. I suppose I should be there to welcome them. Make a good first impression.” With a rush of cool air and a slamming of the door, she was gone.

“I hope we’re not making a mistake.”

Thomas groaned as he turned to face his roommate. “Not you too. I already have to deal with Mac. I thought you were on my side.”

“I was. I am.” Saint sighed. “I just didn’t take into account people like Esther, Liam, Chi and all the others who came out to help. You do understand we’re outing everyone close to us for an online show, Thomas. I guess I’m just wondering about the fallout.”

“The conscience of a demon.” Saint flinched, and Thomas felt like an ass. “I’m sorry, man. That wasn’t called for. You’re right. But it’s only nine humans. After this is over they could shout it from the mountaintops, and the majority of the world would label them nutcases.”

“Which begs the question… If you already know that, then why are we really doing this? I’m all for experiments. But I don’t know if you’re ready for the results.”

Thomas rubbed his jaw, having a sinking feeling that he knew exactly what, or rather who, Saint was talking about. “You’re fairly astute for a computer-bound hermit, you know that?”

“We demons usually are.” Saint shrugged. “It’s part of our charm.”

He heard the bus turning down the narrow, winding road that led to the castle. She was here. They. They were here. It was getting harder and harder to pretend he had gone to all this trouble for the show, or to get under Mac’s skin. To pretend it wasn’t all about Margo, and his new and swiftly growing obsession with her sweet ass.

Here, kitty, kitty.

Chapter Three

Joseph took her hand as she stepped off the bus, and Margo stilled, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Did you hear that?”

He looked around. “I don’t think so. What did it sound like?”

A menacing growl. “Nothing. Nothing but my pounding heart. This castle is right out of a Bela Lugosi double feature.” It was also the size of a luxury hotel. And the mist that seemed to hover around it like a cloak was not helping with the creep factor.

The things she did for her job. A little voice inside her head cackled at that. Are you sure it’s not for him?

Shut up, little voice. La la la. I can’t hear you.

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Chi walked toward the door ahead of them, and Joseph took a deep breath. “I stand corrected. The second most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“There is no end to attractive and interesting characters here is there? I may get a complex.”

Stan came up behind her, his large black satchel on his shoulder. “No worries on that score, my dear. You fit right in with the beautiful people. In fact, you surpass them.”

Chi returned, camera in hand, her exotically tilted eyes on Stan and Joseph. “Why don’t you both head inside? I need to speak with Ms. Sheffield. Alone.”

Stan raised his perfectly groomed eyebrows, but nodded, leaving Margo with a friendly smile. Joseph continued to stand there without a word. Long moments passed. Chi began to blush. Finally, Margo did the only thing she could think to do.

He inhaled sharply as she dug her elbow into his ribs. “Hey!”