Twisted Fate

Chapter 57

This story was put on the backburner for awhile due to crazy life changes. I'm sorry it took me so long to come back. Thank you reader for sticking around.

Astrid

"Where are MY GOLDEN SLIPPERS?"

My mind slips in and out of consciousness as I toss around in bed. It feels too early to even think about opening my eyes. I wouldn't mind sleeping a few extra hours today, but I'm almost certain there's a huge commotion going on outside my bedroom window.

Did I just hear Ms. Hattie screaming over some golden slippers? I don't think I'm dreaming.

When she hollers once more, I finally open my eyes. Groaning, Arlo sits up in bed, equally annoyed with the interruption. "Fuck," he hisses from across the room, and well, I'm not sleepy anymore. Something about the way he says fuck in a raspy voice makes me want to straddle his lap with my clothes off.

"What's today?"

I swing my arm over the bedside table without lifting my head from the pillow. It's 6:30 am and the harsh lighting from my phone nearly blinds me. "It's Saturday, October 1st."

Arlo instantly recoils and falls back, the small mattress creaking a complaint. He rubs his face and glares at the ceiling as if it's his worst enemy staring down at him.

"Let me be first to welcome you to your first day in hell," he deadpans.

Did I miss something?

The screaming continues, but this time it's not Ms. Hattie. "I already told you, I don't have your stupid slippers!" That raging bitch tone helps me put the pieces together. Ms. Hattie thinks Louisa stole her slippers.

"Louisa, you are the biggest liar! I know you borrowed my precious slippers last year for the festival and I want them back NOW."

I'm willing to buy Ms. Hattie a brand-new pair of slippers. Hell, she can upgrade to a nice, expensive pair of heels, any color of her choice for all I care. I just want them both to shut up.

"Can't she find another pair of slippers?" I fold the pillow up to my ears as Ms. Hattie unleashes another ear-splitting scream.

Arlo folds his arms over his stomach, a humorless chuckle. "Those golden slippers are very special to Ms. Hattie. If Louisa doesn't find them soon, then she might get her head chopped off." In that case, I hope Louisa dropped those slippers into the abyss.

A sharp whistle cuts through the bickering and I can hear Nicolas telling Louisa to go back inside the house to look for the slippers while he helps Ms. Hattie look back at the shop. Neither of them is pleased, but the screaming has stopped, so that's a good sign.

Finally, some peace and quiet. Maybe I can go back to sleep. I close my eyes, but sleep doesn't come. I change positions, fluff my pillow, count sheep on the ceiling. Nothing.

Screw it. I lift up on my side to look at Arlo who's lying wide-awake. Shirtless. God, I want to lick my way down his tattooed chest. I bet he'd look so sexy with his head thrown back while I-

"What's so important about October 1st?" I force the naughty thoughts out of my mind before he can catch the scent of my arousal. No point in torturing both of us if we can't mate.

Torture? You had his tongue down your throat last night, dumbass.

"Spooky season," Arlo answers simply. "Halloween is the busiest time of year for the coven. Tourists come from all over the world to see the festivals and visit the haunted museums. And of course, Ms. Hattie's famous gift shop is always at the top of list. That's why she was so upset over her golden slippers. She wears them every year with her costumes. She claims they bring her good luck."