Page 84 of Your Masked Haunting

Not a second later, I hear a knock, which means it’s either Ledger or Ransom—because Kol or Bates would’ve been dicks and entered the code, letting themselves in.

“Open the door,” I say.

Her eyes widen with shock, like how dare I make such a suggestion. But she takes a quick breath and turns to face it, twisting the knob and pulling it open.

“Mona!” Ransom greets her with the biggest smile. “Gosh, you’re looking beautiful as ever.”

Mona’s smile is real and warm. “Thank you. You guys look great.”

Ledger smirks. “Thanks. I picked it out myself.”

“Holy shit,” Mona teases him. “Was that a … joke? I didn’t know you could make those.”

Ledger rolls his eyes and strolls inside, ignoring her and Ransom’s giggles. “Since when did these two become best friends?”

Knowing our handshake, I greet him with it, chuckling as Bates walks in behind Ransom, smacking his ass as hard as he physically can. He yipes and leans into Bates, giving him hell. Serena sneaks in behind him, ignoring the fight beside her.

She immediately greets Mona with a hug, and they share a few words I can’t hear. Her smile finds me, and I embrace her with a hug, after all, she’s my family now too. After a quick check-in, she returns to the storm in the entryway.

Chaos, typical of our group when we’re all together, ensues as the final member of the Sinners Craft Club arrives. Kol looks cheerier than normal. I’d love to prod into what that’s about, but I leave him be, turning my attention to Mona instead, who’s sauntering over to me.

“Hey,” I greet her, lifting my arm so she can tuck herself beneath it. “See? Not so bad.”

I think they softened their blow with the flowers, cards, and phone calls from this past week, easing her into their friendships versus this being the first real introduction.

Staring down into her stunning green eyes, I see no guards or walls between us, and it’s the most beautiful sight. Compared to the first time we met, when she basically shot me in the heart, she’s unrecognizable, relaxed and calm. I like to think that’s because I created a safe enough place for her to stow her swords and shields, and just be.

“Yeah, yeah,” she groans, rolling her eyes.

My fingers find her waist, tickling her aggressively, and she squeals, running from me and into the dining room, where dinner will be served soon by Lena, the chef that always cooks at Bates and Serena’s house.

I trail after her, the rest of the shit show following along with me.

Bates throws his arm over my shoulders. “Glad to see you found someone, Cas. You’re happy.”

If anyone in our group understands my and Mona’s relationship, it’s him and Serena. They walked so Mona and I could run. I stole his playbook, and he coached me through a few parts I was worried I was failing at. But it all worked out in the end.

And when the next psycho finds a need to order a custom-made and designed horror mask, we’ll be right here to help. That reminds me …

“Still good for Halloween?” I whisper, making sure that my voice won’t carry down the hallway and into the dining room. But given how loud Ransom, Kol, and Ledger are being, I’m not too worried.

He nods sharply. “All set. Ready for action.”

“Perfect,” I murmur, bumping his shoulder with mine. “Thanks, buddy.”

“Of course,” he hums.

We stride into the dining hall, immediately greeted with swirling scents of Mona’s favorites—baked ham, cheesy corn, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Complete with the most delicious buttered rolls.

Everyone takes their seats, and we dig in, the room filling with laughter and endearing stories, some embarrassing and others sweet. God, what a perfect night, as I’m surrounded by most of my favorite people and the love of my damn life.

After the whole gang leaves, including Lena, I finally have Mona all to myself again. I can see the fullness in her heart as she walks over to the couch and sits down beside me, curling up into my arm.

“Good night?” I ask, leaning over and kissing the top of her head.

She peers up at me, a big smile stretching across her face. “Really good.”

“Whoa,” I tease her, smirking. “Chill out there, Shakespeare.”