Nestled on the picturesque Georgia coastline, the sleepy little town in Sherbrooke County had become my home. Peace had returned to Venus Cove and I'd grown more attached to the place than ever. It was six months now since the ordeal with Jake Thorn and things couldn't have been better. 'It's a holiday, lighten up!'He was right. Why would anyone want to dress up as ghosts and zombies? It's like everyone's worst nightmares coming to life.''Beth.' Xavier stopped walking and took hold of my shoulders. 'Everyone around here takes it very seriously.'I knew he wasn't exaggerating jack-o'-lanterns and plaster headstones already adorned every front porch in town in honor of the occasion.'I know,' I said. I keep forgetting about Halloween.''You should try and get into the spirit of it,' Xavier said. 'I promised my kid sister I'd stay home and carve pumpkins.''Shoot. 'So are you coming?''Can't.' Xavier sighed. 'How come in all the paintings, angels are depicted guarding thrones in Heaven or taking out demons? I wonder why they're never shown in the kitchen making burritos.''Because we have a reputation to uphold,' I said, nudging him. 'Gabriel wants to try making burritos.'Xavier looked across at me and laughed.'What's funny?''I'm just thinking,' he said. Occasionally the watery sunlight broke through and fingers of light danced across the grounds, warming the back of my neck.'Are you coming over for dinner tonight?' I asked Xavier, linking my arm through his. The weather forecast had predicted a clear afternoon, but the sun was fighting an uphill battle and the sky remained a cheerless, gunmetal gray. 1 The Kids Are All RightWHEN the final bell sounded at Bryce Hamilton, Xavier and I gathered our things and headed out onto the south lawn.

Hades book alexandra adornetto