Drop Dead Single (Monstrana Paranormal Romance 1)

Their father had never been the same when their mother passed. They’d both witnessed the change. It was undeniable and crushing.

A thoughtful frown crossed Leo’s face. Slowly, his licked his lips and looked up at his brother. “Even at the end, I don’t think our parents would’ve chosen anything else. They were truly in love. Sometimes that happiness is fleeting. But it’s worth all the pain in the world to hold it in your hands, for even a second.”

Viktor considered his brother’s words as the room fell into silence. He’d been so consumed by the pain of his mother’s loss, he’d forgotten the wonderful moments of their life. His parents had been in love. Sturdy, unchangeable love that still permeated his life. A relationship like that didn’t come without the risk of heartache, but he had to admit that it was worth it.

“When did you become so wise?” he asked his brother with a grin.

Leo snatched the TV remote and began flipping through the channels again. A wicked gleam lit up his eyes. “Don’t get used to it. I’m afraid I’ve just about used up my wisdom quota for the next century.”

?

Cate was stuffing the last of her things into her suitcase when Miranda knocked at the door. Her friend looked weary, as if she’d been out partying all night. Her usually impeccable work clothes were replaced with a soft green t-shirt and yoga pants that clung to her curvy hips. She hadn’t bothered to hide the dark circles under her eyes with concealer.

Cate ushered her in quickly and locked the door behind her. “Where have you been?” she demanded in a hushed whisper. “I left you a message hours ago. What’s the good of lending me a track phone if you’re not going to answer when I call?”

Miranda sighed and sunk into a chair. “Last night was a special initiation event for my pack. I spent the whole night running through the mountains. You’ll have to forgive me for not answering. My werewolf form doesn’t come with pockets.”

Cate ignored her friend’s sass and zipped her suitcase shut. Glancing around the room, she was glad to see she hadn’t missed anything, except for a single blue box laying on the dresser. It had appeared late last night, during her walk in the gardens. The jewelry she’d picked out for the final ceremony tonight. The ceremony she would never attend.

“What’s going on?” Miranda demanded, perking up at the sight of the suitcase. “Did Prince Viktor finally eliminate you?”

“No, I’m being blackmailed,” she shot back bitterly. “Jezebel found out I’m a human. She threatened to reveal the truth to the Queen and King if I don’t leave before the ceremony tonight.”

Her friend ground her teeth and anger flashed in her dark eyes. “She can’t do that! What about Prince Viktor? He’ll stop her.”

“He can’t stop her,” she responded, sinking into the chair next to Miranda. “He’s a crown prince, but he’s not above supernatural law. You said it yourself. If they find out I’m human, you’ll be in trouble.”

“I don’t care.” Miranda lifted her chin and growled. “No one pushes my best friend around.”

Despite herself, a light smile came to Cate’s lips. She was glad to know her old best friend still existed in this messed up place. Miranda wasn’t someone who took things lying down. She was a fighter. She’d go to the ends of the Earth to defend Cate. Unfortunately, they were already there.

“It doesn’t matter.” She placed a hand on Miranda’s knee. “If they find out, I’ll be changed. And worse, I’ll be guilty of lying to the King. They’ll have to punish me.”

The hesitation in Miranda’s eyes told her she was right. There was no way out of this. She had to leave. And that meant leaving Viktor. The thought hurt like a knife to the gut.

“This is what you wanted, though, right?” Miranda grabbed her hand. “To go home? Surely, no one will suspect you now. You’ve been in the competition long enough.”

“Yes, it’s what I wanted.”

She sighed, unable to contain the disappointment. This was what she wanted just days ago. How quickly things changed.

Miranda watched her closely, squeezing her hand. “Why do I sense that’s not true anymore?”

Pushing up from the chair, Cate went to stare out the window. The sun had just begun to rise on the horizon. Yellow and orange streaks burst across the sky, building anticipation for the beautiful day to come. The sea blinked in the distance, the calmest she’d seen it since arriving. It was a deceitful scene, so unlike the emotions rolling through her at that moment.

“If someone would’ve told you five years ago that you would become a werewolf, what would you have said?” Cate asked, turning toward her best friend.

Miranda laughed and waved her hand. “I would’ve said they’d lost their mind. That monsters didn’t exist.”

“Monsters don’t exist.” She shook her head solemnly, little lines forming between her eyebrows. “But they do. Werewolves, and vampires, and according to you, all other sorts of paranormal creatures.”

People who turned into wolves. Creatures who survived on blood to exist. That was the very epitome of monsters. She should be running away from this place, grateful to be rid of it. Still, she lingered next to her suitcase, not quite ready to run. The few days she’d spent here had been amazing. After a year of feeling lost, she’d finally begun to find herself. Her old passions were resurfacing, along with a confidence she thought had perished with her mother.

And it was all because of one monster in particular. A monster with a gentle smile and a soft touch. She was attached to him, in some way. Like a string extending from her chest. If she left now, she was afraid it would snap and leave her paralyzed. But, what choice did she have?

“You know, it’s not such a bad thing to fall in love with a monster,” Miranda said in a hushed tone, coming to stand next to her.

Cate closed her eyes against a rush of emotion. “Fall in love?”