Bony Bony

Picture a beautiful night at an outdoor concert to see one of your favorite bands. That’s what I expected when I left Salem–a fun night out with my hot wolf shifter mate and our quirky supernatural friends.

But a chance encounter with a goth vampire rockstar in the merch line brews a tempest. Suddenly, he's everywhere—showing up at my retro rock club with an invite to see his band, convincing me to sing with him on stage, even attempting to coax me to join them on tour.

Sure, I’m flattered. Who wouldn’t be tempted by the allure of escaping reality to live out a rockstar fantasy? But I have a business to run and a husband I adore. Besides, I'm a fan of fur, not fangs.

Mysterious gifts start to arrive at my club. First, a skeleton prop. Odd, yes, but it fits with the vibe. Then a gorgeous amethyst necklace. I’m enraptured by the gorgeous jewelry. But when I put it on, the mystery truly begins…

One of my regulars walked into my retro rock club holding a skeleton that stretched even taller than him.

"What the trembling toadstools are you bringing into my club, Eddie?" I stood and planted my hands on my hips in mock exasperation.

"Isn't he yours?" he asked, holding the bones out closer. "I found him leaning against the building."

"No, never seen him before."

"Then meet your new patron." Eddie chuckled and his eyes twinkled. He raised the fake skeleton's bony hand and waved it. "Hello, my name is Mr. Bones," Eddie added in a deeper voice.

I shook my head but grinned. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Bones." I extended my hand and shook the skeleton's. It was warmer than I expected. A strange vibe ran through my fingertips that lingered for a few seconds after I lowered my hand to my side. "Wow, that's a pretty good replica. It almost feels like the real thing."

"Have you shaken a real skeleton's hand before?" Eddie asked with raised brows.

"Ha." I cocked my head and studied this strange skeleton. Something about this seemed off.

"Where should I put it?"

I stepped backward. "Back outside where you found it."

Eddie squinted his eyes. "Somebody must have left it here for the club, thinking you'd like it."

Eddie was probably right. People often brought me stuff. I pointed in that direction with the faux tombstones and black iron gates. "I suppose we could put it in the graveyard."

Eddie grunted in acknowledgment. "Fitting."

I huffed. "People bring me the weirdest things." I carried the skeleton by its lanky limbs over to the other side of the club and grabbed a chair. Then I dragged the chair closer to the wall with the graveyard design and propped the skeleton onto the chair. Stepping a few feet away, I stared at the placement. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to bring it into the club...

No, I was just being wary. Kylie must have gotten into my head with her true crime podcasts.

I scanned the scene once more. The skeleton fit the vibe. I walked back to the bar. "It will be perfect for our next Halloween party."