Nikki's Halloween Party - Part 6

"It's just a party."

"It's not just a party, moron. And I say that lovingly. This is where you go to be seen. These are some of the most important people in Waverly. And we are now among them. get it?"

Damian scanned the crowd. "They're all in masks, though."

"Thank goodness you're pretty," Aubrey sighed. "Just stand there for a minute and drink your drink."

"That I can do."

Aubrey watched the dancers watch her and plotted her next action. One must have a plan, she knew, whether her beefy boyfriend knew that or not.

Desteny had her arms around Elijah's neck, the two of them swaying with the music filling the hall. Bodies moved around them, masked guests engaged in the same sorts of pendulous rhythm.

"How long do we have to stay?" Elijah asked.

"Are you eager to pillage?" Desteny grinned, tugging the fake gold hoop in Elijah's ear.

"That's basic pirate behavior, baby. And you look amazing as a belly dancer."

"Harem girl," she corrected.

"I don't think I like the idea of you being part of a harem."

"No? Does my pirate want me all for himself?"

Elijah blushed. "I want to be alone with you so badly right now."

"Patience. Once we get home, how about we strip each other out of these costumes and see what happens?"

"I love that idea."

"For the record, I want to go, too. All these people in masks kinda freaks me out."

Elijah chuckled and nodded. "And they dance like old people. We have to be the youngest people in this place by about a million years."

"Maybe not Nikki," Desteny said. "She looks like she's in her thirties, but a young thirty."

"She probably had some work done."

Desteny gave him a playful smack and they held each other again, close, feeling a happy intimacy even among the strangers.

Their moment was ended abruptly by Nikki, striding through the center of the hall, dancers parting for her like the Red Sea. Desteny thought to chide Elijah for staying at their host's tick-tocking ass, but she realized she was staring, too. If Nikki hadn't had wok done, she was a rare specimen of natural feminine beauty.

She mounted the steps of the stage in her sharp heels and turned to face the crowd. The band ceased their playing.

"Good evening to all my guests. I have had the honor of speaking to most of you individually, but let me take another opportunity to welcome you again. Each and every one of you have attended my party before, with some exceptions."

A murmur of low laughter rippled through the room.

"As you know, a few new guests are essential to this masquerade. And a special greeting for Aubrey and Damian-"

A spotlight fell on the young couple sipping their drinks against the wall of the room. Aubrey raised her glass as if in toast to Nikki.

"-and Desteny and Elijah."

The light swam over the crowd to find them. Elijah blinked heavily and Desteny lifted a hand to block the light.

"The rest of you have been here before and have enjoyed the unique fruits of this special night. Your first parties were nights to remember, as it will be for these young people. But enough preamble. We cannot exist without their vitality, without their sacrifices."

Nikki's gaze fell on Desteny and Elijah. The smile that Desteny thought appeared predatory was now unmistakably hungry. Her tongue slid over her full red lips and her eyes twinkled in the shimmering lights of the party.

"And we have some business to conduct so that this party can go on for everyone here. Forever. Let's begin. Unmask! Unmask, everyone!"