POPCORN,
VAMPIRES
AND
FORBIDDEN
SHENANIGANS
The Grimstone Island Series
Book Four
ROCHELLE PEARSON
Copyright © 2018 by Rochelle Pearson. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication nor any of the information herein may be quoted from, nor reproduced, in any form, including but not limited to: printing, scanning, photocopying or any other printed, digital, or audio formats, without prior express written consent of the copyright holder.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Due to sexual content and explicit language and dialogue, this book is recommended for readers 18+.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
Popcorn, Vampires and Forbidden Shenanigans (Grimstone Island, #4)
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
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Also By Rochelle Pearson
***
WELCOME BACK TO GRIMSTONE!
You must be ill ...
I'm going to be house-sitting for Gavin while he is away for a few days in his ginormous ass, cobweb infested mansion. A stereotypical dwelling for a vampire. It's a change of scenery from my beloved cabin.
No biggie, though. I got this.
Just water some dead plants, watch reruns of the Golden Girls on a theatre size tv and try not to wander up the forbidden staircase...
Easy peasy.
Yep...
Easy...(why do I feel like this creepy ass mansion contains secrets? And when is Adrian gonna quit circling the grounds like he's ready to break in and kidnap me?)........peasy.
Lemon fucking squeezy.
Adela
/Ad·dell·uh/
Noun
A magic enriched tree made entirely of obsidian rock, rooted in a moat of salt water; located near the east side edge on a supernaturally inhabited island called Grimstone. Created by six supernatural beings known as The Hallow Six, the tree’s power hides the island’s identity from mortals, and allows the walking dead to bask in sunlight without fear of turning into dust or in need of sunblock. Merfolk can shed their fins for adequate limbs to properly ride tandem bicycles. The tree is mainly known to represent the freedom of magic, the overabundance of preternatural life, and unity of any and all creatures, living or undead, among the Island of Grimstone.
...Although Adela’s alliance with the very place unites and encourages free lifestyles for the things that go bump in the night—chaos is always near to disrupt the order of peace. After all, it is the land of the monsters.
Chapter One
Cue harmonica and whistle tune from old western movies during a cowboy standoff.
It’s necessary for the showdown happening right now.
My stare narrows at Gavin.
He returns the glare.
I cock an eyebrow.
His left eye twitches.
I sneer.
He snarls.
I wrinkle my little nose.
He flares his, then crosses his tattoo covered arms.
I quickly flash my right boob.
He cracks.
“Dammit, Kokoa!” he growls. “What’s it gonna be already?”
“Fine, fine. I’ll do it.” I twirl and collapse on my squishy, worn couch. He crouches over me and kisses my forehead. His lips drill an electric shock into my brain, unleashing tingles down my spine.
“Thank you,” he says, softly.
“Why do I get the feeling there’s another reason you want me to house-sit your place?” I say, ignoring the effect he holds over me. “Don’t you have maids and crusty butlers who look after it?” It’s possible since he’s uber rich. Dealing in exquisite art all across the globe and selling his painting masterpieces can do that to a person.
“I don’t know what feeling you’re getting, unless it’s horniness?” He wiggles his dark brows.
“Gavin,” I say, sternly.
“How about you show me your tit again?” The ridiculously hot vampire invades my space, scooching close on the sofa.
“Gavin.”
“Seriously, I’d love that. Just a peek. It’s been awhile since I saw them.”
Lies. He last saw them a half an hour ago when he scared the bejeezus out of me when I was in the shower. Right before revealing he wants me to stay at his big ol’ scary mansion. And he knew it’d be a questioning sell so he came armed with tacos. My drug of choice. Those are long gone, by the way. I don’t even remember chewing. It’s all a blissful, meaty-cheesy blur. But his actual, true purpose for the set-up is still up for debate.
“Is this about Jonathan?” I wondered.
Gavin grimaces. “Johnboy The Doorknob? No. Maybe. Tit, please.” He smiles boyishly. Jonny isn’t my boyfriend, just a really close friend that I have occasional sex with.
Label it all you want, people!
The term fuck-buddy is too cliché for me and I’d like to think I’m more sophisticated than that.
Okay, you can snort and roll your eyes now.
“You know he’s gone.” Unfortunately. Jonathan Griff, a lion shifter, is still in Botswana at the moment, training to obtain a permanent position in Pride Elite. An organization that’s a military security force for supernaturals around the world. The slot he wants will have him based in Grimstone with the rest of his family—the other Griff men who rank high in the elite. Jonny is a strong alpha and I’m confident he’ll tear through the thirty days he’s there. When he returns, I don’t mind if our taboo relationship stays the same or fades out. I’m all for having chilled relationships with these guys. Whether it’s bumping parts with Jon or flashing my boob at Gav.
Or getting poked and licked by a dragon....
Currently, I’m not in the market, nor anytime soon for “Something More.”
Gavin clearly doesn’t mind locking me away in his home for all eternity. And Jonathan is in his prime and most lions his age—twenty-four—have already Blood Mated by now and are usually awaiting the birth of their fourth kid.
Sorry, but my naive, wild twenty-three-year-old-self is only having food babies these days from all the burritos I devour.
“Well, now I have you to myself.” Gavin taps my nose.
See what I mean? Don’t get me started on the weird thing he and I have going. He’s my hot vamp bestie who does a successful job blurring the lines between us. He doesn’t hold back with the lustful looks, the lady-bit tingling comments or sinful touches. Now picture that coupled with an over six-foot muscular, black haired male, covered neck down in tattoos; plus bedroom ruby red eyes and fangs that peek from underneath soft lips.
You picturing it?
I must be stronger than I give myself credit for or have a broken brain because no normal person would fucking sit here, have a conversation with this guy and not want to ju
st ride him to the moon.
Question answered: I haven’t done the midnight boogie under the sheets with him...
Weird, how the universe works. It just hasn’t happened.
Would I mind if it did?
Gavin snaps his fingers in front of my face, bringing me back to the present... I totally blacked out and judging by his smirk, he knew what I was thinking... bastard.
“But you won’t be with me,” I point out. “You’ll be gone too—wait! It’s Adrian isn’t it?”
His red eyes grow dark.
Bingo.
So last night’s somewhat date slash disastrous interruption by all my friends with Adrian has Gavin worried.
Unnecessarily worried, let me add.
“Hey, I’m free to move about the cabin, buddy.” Single as can be, I do what I want.
He snorts then slaps his knee, laughing. “Yeah, and who is also doing such a fine job juggling three guys.” Always one to be blunt, he then adds—"That and food is all that your mind can handle.”
“You know me so well.” It comes out drolly.
“Mmhmm,” Gavin continues. “Seriously, I’d really like for you to stay at my place while I’m handling business.” Business that’s taking him to Monte Carlo for a few days. Thursday through Saturday. He’ll be back Sunday morning.
“I’m not really sure—” My backpedalling is instantly cut off.
“Don’t care. You’ve already agreed so you can’t take it back.” He smiles, victoriously. His shark-like grin sends chills down my spine.
“Now I’m starting to rethink this—”
“My chef will cook you anything at anytime.”
“Done.”
I’m weak. So sue me.
***
On Wednesday evening, I send a massive text to my siblings and cousins who work at our family restaurant, The Growling Grill, saying any shifts I’ve had over the weekend are now up for grabs. Immediately, my phone goes into shock from the back-to-back replies from whoever, wanting to fill in.
My final response—
Don’t care who takes it.
I resume tossing toiletries into a tote bag.
“Are you going to snoop in Gavin’s undies drawer?” Piper Elwood, my elf-fairy, best friend asks from against the bathroom doorway. The gleaming white marbled room was identical to hers in the wonderfully spacious cabin we share. Same with Lucas, my other best friend who was currently soaking in my tub behind me. Why he wasn’t in his own, I don’t tend to venture in his aquatic brain. He’s a merman with stellar spaghetti cooking skills. Now as he submerges in the dangerously high water that threatens to spill over, his silver and blue scaled fin slaps the tile wall. I had a towel ready for him to hide his man-jewels once he gets out and shifts back into two legs
“I’m appalled by your question.” I mock being shocked. “I thought you knew me enough to know that’s exactly what I’m gonna do once I step foot in his house.”
“Horrible. Besides being a bloodhound.” Lucas smirks at his own quip. Har, har, I’m a nosey werewolf. “What do you plan on doing the entire time?”
“Yeah, but you won’t be alone, right?” Piper adds in.
“He said, Jefferies, his butler will be on site in case I need anything,” I reply. I plan on doing my own thang—hence why I’ve packed copious amounts of caramel popcorn, all the seasons of the Golden Girls on DVD (thank the goddess, humans created that show) and fruit punch.
I’m all set!
“I figured I’d chill, have a quiet—” non-clubbing “—weekend. What are you guys up to?” I ask, zipping a pouch holding a mini manicure kit. I don’t really give two shits about the way my nails look, but the deal was to not leave the premises in Gavin’s absence so some self-pampering can occupy most of the time. Hours of it since he revealed he had several Jacuzzis.
Really, an over year long friendship, and that wasn’t ever mentioned before? I know, shame on me for not pressing to hang out at his place... at all. But Gavin would always say being at my home was better.
How? Uh, hello, I don’t own several fucking Jacuzzis.
“I’m visiting my parents,” Piper states. “I finally gave in since you’ll be gone and I won’t know what to do with my life, so I thought why the hell not?” She winks. I squeal, throwing my arms around her slender neck.
“Love you too, girlie,” I gush, then go on packing again. Piper’s whole family, except her businessman brother Keeland, live in the boreal forest of Canada. As well as her great times a million grandmother, Oakla, one of the founders of Grimstone, lives in the Elwood kingdom in the vibrant lands. Her parents remained in Grimstone to give birth to her, raising the new batch of Elwoods on the island till they were adults before migrating back to Canada. I had the honor to go to school and grow up with the feisty elf-fairy hybrid. It was a no brainer where she wanted to continue living.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m great person to be around.
Lucas and I also have grand elder founders. His mer-folk colony inhabits west on the island, deep in Serpent Lagoon. Despite their fins vanishing on land, Lucas’s elder grandfather, Tide Shelborn, stays underwater due to his great age. Lucas just thinks the old geezer doesn’t want people to see his pale, knobby knees.
Carver, my great grandfather, doesn’t live on the island either.
I’m still touching upon the new abilities he unlocked within me whenever I let the she-wolf loose. Which reminds me, I need to see if Gavin has an easily accessible field or forest behind his home. There’s no way I’m running circles, chasing my tail, in the backyard.
Lucas clears his throat, looking all of a sudden down in the murky dumps.
“I guess I’ll be myself...” despite the fake sad act, mischief glinted in his pale aquarium eyes, “...here... all alone.”
“Cut the shit. You better not bring skanks into our cabin.” I fix a glare on him.
“I’d never!” He splashes in—once again, fake—frustration. Lucas is a very handsome man. It just sucks he uses his looks and charms to gain panty access to dozens of women without regard and continues to look more and more like a manwhore. Piper and I are waiting for the day he finally grows the hell up and comes to his senses that there’s only one tail he should go after with a mature attitude.
A certain tigress...
“Lucas,” Piper growls, needle point fangs dropping, her pale skin glowing green like her hair. As expected, our merman cowered underwater.
“Is it too late to install cameras?” She turns to me.
“And watch him defile every surface in our beautiful home?” I shudder and gather my bags. “No thank you.”
Chapter Two
“This all?” Gavin asks, taking my one suitcase and tote bag, placing it in the backseat of his gray Mercedes G wagon.
“Yessir.” I salute. He went for my purse that hung over my shoulder.
“I got this.” My snap and shiftiness had him narrowing his eyes—overloaded with suspicion.
“It can fit in the back.”
“I know... but I’d rather I hold it,” I say.
“What are you hiding?” he asks, in a lowered volume.
“Nothing!” Shit, that too came out quickly. “Nothing at all.” I shrug, nonchalantly. He steps closer.
“Weapons?”
“What, no, huh?” I sputter.
“I assure you you’ll be safe.” He softens, caressing my cheek. I squeeze his wrist, not resisting the bout of laughter.
“I know—”
“Then what’s in the bag?” Gavin circles me like I’m prey. Playfulness aside, I indeed am his easy prey. I say easy, because I unashamedly would drop the knickers and spread ’em for the delicious vamp. Or not. I really need to refrain from nibbling on the Temptation Taco.
“Dildos?”
I blanch.
“Because if it is, let me also assure you, you won’t ever want a buzz stick once you’ve been with me.” He cups my face, eyes glistening.
“You cocky son-
of-a-bitch.” I roll mine. Inside are my punch and popcorn. I thought it was stupid to pack them away when it’s better to have them on hand and at the ready.
“First of all, it’s not dildos.” Though it’s not too late to run inside and get one. “And second of all, who’s to say I won’t after being with you? You’re the ruiner of all dicks now?”
He smiles in full, awarding me the menacing view of his fangs.
I did so with my canines. Two can still play, buddy.
“Watch it, Little Wolf.” He sweeps me into what some would call a bone crushing hug. To me, it was everything I craved. Every inch of him pressed, matching perfectly against my body. I long accepted our “friendship” wasn’t conventional nor thought twice about these double take moments.
Bottom line: I wanted it.
What specifically? Is in the air.
Someone make me a t-shirt that says Indecisive Wackadoodle on the front.
Usually, I jump head first into situations without regard—yeah, how mature—but for once, the slight twinge of hesitation of whether or not to just fuck it out with Gavin, was something to listen to. Though, these thoughts, hands, and words were slutty—my Queen Puss, was certainly not.
Pause, to rethink that... hmm.
Anyway, for now, I’ll settle for dry humping him in the middle of my driveway and rubbing his—
“Dude! I need this!” Lucas says, peering inside Gavin’s expensive ride. “Man, she’s sexy.” He gazes lovingly at the all cream leather interior, inhaling its scent. His pleasure groans were making me uncomfortable, considering he only wore a towel around his waist.
And with that, concludes any and all fun time. I shudder.
***
Gavin and I navigate through the Forest of Vida’s dirt road towards Banshee Peak. Most of the population, including Piper, Lucas and I, live in Vida. The forest is littered with clearings that have homes—neighborhoods of cabins—one level to impressive multi-floor logged mansions. Our home is on private grounds in a quiet slab of the forest near Banshee Peak and perfectly accessible to an exit that leads to town. Most of the undead: vampires, demons, ghouls and phantoms, occupy large estates at the base of the mountain peak. I’ve never seen but heard a maze of tunnels were created inside and under the peak and that over thousands of year old undead creatures live there, the ones born still sadly assuming the sun can be harmful—thus they remain frightened of it even though the magic on the island prevents damage.
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