While Nat and her friends were worried about Ezekiel Kane, they were willing to put those fears to rest. At least for a couple of days.
Caleb and his friends had returned from college, the Moreland family especially excited at the return of their eldest son. Spark now flitted from window to window, awaiting her partners return. "He's here," the fairy exclaimed. Connor and Spark now excitedly threw open the door as Caleb exited his jeep.
Caleb smiled, the college man waving as Spark sailed towards him. The fairy quickly transforming from fairy to teen as she embraced Caleb in a tight hug. "Hey Spark you miss me?"
"Uh yeah," Spark replied. "I mean someone had to hold the fort down while your busy going to keg parties. Guess this means I can relax now." Caleb chuckled, smiling at his little brother who now approached, exchanging a hug as the trio now went inside.
For the Morelands, Thanksgiving was a chance for the family to come together. Caleb finally getting an opportunity to spend time with his infant siblings, talk with his parents, and give advice to his little brother Connor and Spark. For Connor, as well as Spark, they would say it was one of the best Thanksgiving they had ever had.
As Thanksgiving ended, the Morelands now found themselves attending the annual North/West football game. As the Moreland Boys now pulled into the parking lot, Connor and Spark immediately noticed their friends. "Hey look," Spark exclaimed. "It's Miles, Miranda, and Amara."
"And there's Nat and Rei," Connor added. The teens now running over to their friends who smiled back at them. "Hey guys how was your Thanksgiving?"
As Miles, Nat, and Rei talked, Amara and Miranda now gaped at the Connors brother. "Is that Connors brother," Amara asked.
"I think so," Miranda replied.
"Did you know he was that hot?"
"Excuse me girls you mind not gawking at my boyfriend."
Amara and Miranda jumped, spinning around to see a very pretty college girl now smiling at them. "Hi," Gloria said. "I'm Gloria. I take it you're friends of Connors?"
"Yeah," Amara replied sheepishly. "I'm Amara and this is Miranda." Gloria nodded, rubbing her chin thoughtfully as she gazed at the pair of teens. "Heard you ran into my friend Naomi," she said. "And that you two are... a bit different."
"Um yeah," Amara blushed. "So how much did you hear?"
"Pretty much everything," Gloria shrugged. The pretty college girl now extending her hand. "Nice to have a demon and a magical girl on our side."
"Hey Nat look its Kari and the twins," Rei said excitedly. Nat now looked to where Rei was pointing, a small smile spreading across her face as the preschooler sprinted towards her. "Hi Kari," Nat said happily.
"Nat," Kari said happily. "You watch football too!" Nat nodded, waving politely to Claudia and Mika as they now approached. "Yes I do Kari," Nat smiled. And you know the best part? They have the best hot cocoa here." Kari squealed with joy, pleading with her mothers who now smiled.
"If Nat wants to get you some cocoa that's fine with us," Mika said.
"You want us to pay," Claudia asked.
"No that's okay Mrs. Harris," Nat stated. "I got this." Taking the young girls hand, the pair now made their way towards the refreshment stand. Kari now excitedly telling her babysitter about preschool and her Thanksgiving.
As everyone now settled in for the game, Nat and Rei now surveyed everyone they sat with. The Harris women chatted with Gloria's sister Katie and her wife Kellie. Nat noticing that although they were worried about the Davis family they appeared to be in high spirits, those spirits brightening even more as Ms. McKinnon now joined them.
Connor and Spark also appeared happy, chatting with Connors brother Caleb and his girlfriend Gloria. Nat recognized Calebs friends from last year. Diane, Naomi, and Sasha now speaking with the Morelands and introducing themselves to the Desoto twins and Amara. For a moment Nat wondered where Duke was, only for the dhamphir to sneak up behind the couple and surprise them. "Duke," Nat exclaimed. "Geez you scared me!"
"Sorry," Duke smirked. "How was your Thanksgiving you two?"
"Pretty good," Rei replied. "My aunt visited and we ended up eating a bunch."
"Same here," Nat added. "My dad takes alot of pride in his turkey cooking. Mom always raves about how good everything is. How about you Duke? How was your Thanksgiving?"
"Surprisingly good," Duke said happily. "Sasha tried cooking this year. It wasn't the best turkey but we had a great time cooking together."
"Any word on this Kane guy," Nat asked.
"Nothing yet," Duke sighed. "But I'm keeping my ears open. Just be careful, just from what I've been able to learn this guy is bad news."
"Nat told me you talked with the vampires," Rei said quietly. "Did they have anything to say?" Duke frowned, narrowing his eyes as Nat now squirmed in her seat. "That was supposed to be a secret," he grumbled.
"Sorry," Nat said meekly. "But I tell Rei everything! Besides she's the best at keeping secrets." Duke grumbled under his breath before answering. "What I talked about with my brother is personal. Don't worry though, we have nothing to fear from the vampires until this is over."
"Well thats a relief," Rei sighed.
"Look," Duke said. "Like I said just be careful. For now though, let's just enjoy the game."
"Okay," Nat said softly. Duke, sensing the teens apprehension now offered an olive branch to put the two at ease. "Tell you what why don't I get us some cocoa. My treat." At the mention of free cocoa the teens appeared to cheer up. Nat and Rei now smiled, perhaps things would be okay after all.
Unknown to all, a lone figure now sat perched on a hill. The cigar in the man's mouth smoldering as he gazed through a set of binoculars. The information he had tortured out of that vampire yesterday appeared to have paid off. This entire town was infested with the supernatural. After years of hunting, Kane had learned to recognize all manner if supernatural creatures.
"Dhamphirs, wizards, demons," he grumbled. "Hell, figures they'd all get along." Kane now grimaced as he gazed at Caleb and Connor Moreland. "And it looks like the Morelands popped out a couple of brats. Figures they'd hook with monsters instead doing their damn job."
Kane smirked, gazing out at the high school. He was going to have his hands full cleaning out this town. The only question for the disgraced hunter was where to start.