Why do you care? Chad asked curiously.
You know, the other day you asked me how I was able to keep my emotions in check when it came to good cops dying on the streets. Remember my answer? Trevor ran his fingers through his hair feeling remorse over what hed said that day.
Chad frowned, Yeah, you said that after a while you just grew immune to it or something like that.
Trevor looked him straight in the eye, I lied.
You what, Chad asked remembering the fact that hed punched Trevor in the face over that statement. He suddenly had the urge to do it again but thought harder on it this time. He blinked at his friends confession and remained there for a few seconds after Trevor had walked around him to head inside.
You coming, or are you just gonna stand there all day? Trevor asked over his shoulder feeling a lot better now that he had dumped some of the weight hed been carrying.
Yeah, Im coming, Chad mumbled feeling like a complete ass for acting like a spoiled brat all day.
Trevor stopped him before they went inside wanting to lighten the mood, I have a reputation to keep so if you dont mind.
Chad waved his hand, Yeah, yeah, I know no making you look like a girly-man regardless of how tempting it is.
Trevor raised his fist and growled, making Chad laugh and quickly dart around him to run inside. It was good to see Chad at least making an attempt to smile again. The man really hated being center of attention but thats what he gets for getting himself killed and scaring the hell out of everybody.
When Trevor heard Envy cry out and Chad groan loudly, he opened the door curiously and entered the building. A smirk appeared on his face when he saw Chad sprawled against the bar with an ecstatic Envy clinging to him like a dryer sheet.
So good to see you, Envy squealed.
Chads eyes went wide at the amount of force she was using to hug him. Envy, he rasped playfully, cant breathe.
There were a few snorts and chuckles at Envys display to her recently resurrected brother, not that they blamed her.
Sorry, Envy said with a giggle and let go of Chad to smile at Trevor. He quickly looked away and she knew why the moment she felt Devons arm come around her.
Trevor looked around at all the preparations for Halloween. The club had already passed out flyers announcing the grand re-opening and everything had to be ready. They had changed their minds from having a private Halloween party, to making it the kickoff of their bigger, better club.
So, whats going on? Envy asked.
Chad won't stay at the castle and he refuses to live at Night Light, Trevor answered earning a heated glare from Chad.
Envy frowned showing her worry, Why not? You cant stay by yourself anymore.
Chads expression became brooding as he turned to his sister, Im a grown man Envy but Im not ready for a rest home just yet. It shouldnt matter if I live alone or not. If whatever attacked me wants to find me, then nothing is going to stop him or her.
Or it, Devon injected into the conversation and extended his hand, Welcome back to the world of the living.
Chad shook his hand, Yeah, Id just like to be able to live that life with a sense of freedom. He sighed when he noted Trevor and Devon giving each other the cold shoulder.
Envy frowned, But why cant you live at Night Light? Its the perfect place. No one is getting through those doors without a couple dozen wolves pouncing on them.
I wouldnt feel comfortable there, Chad answered truthfully. If I have to, Ill set up a sleeping space in one of the more private jail cells at the station.
Do you mean in the Hole, Trevor demanded making a face.
Chad shrugged, At least Ill be safe and under constant surveillance which seems to be what all of you want.
Its not like that Chad, Envy said sadly. Were your family your friends. We just want to make sure nothing comes after you again.
Trevor ran a hand through his blonde hair as Envys sadness hit him like a brick wall, Okay, Ive had it with this crap. Chad, you can move into my place I got more than enough room and Im rarely there. Youll basically be on your own with the exception of me popping in every now and then. The alarm system is one of the best available and its a lot nicer than the Hole.
Chad looked over at him with a startled frown on his face. He never even thought of that and the fact that Trevor had offered wasnt to be taken lightly since they all knew how much Trevor liked his privacy.
All right, Chad said softly, actually liking the idea. Well go get my stuff and Ill move in with you later today. But, he continued, I keep my apartment. That way when I want some time to myself I actually have a place to go.
Too late, Envy said guiltlessly. I cancelled the contract on the apartment yesterday and all of our stuff is now stored. She shrugged at the look Chad gave her and tilted her chin defiantly, What? My name was on that lease too.
Whatever, Chad gave up deciding to drop the subject.
Trevor nodded and clapped a hand on Chads shoulder, Well, look at it this way thats better than her burning the place down and you having to arrest her for it. Id take what I can get if I were you. He glanced at Envy just in time to see the relieved light in her eyes and knew hed just made her a very happy girl.
Come on, Envy said excitedly, you gotta see what weve done to the club so far. Its a lot bigger than what it was.
Chad gave Envy a patient smile and let her drag him from one end of the club to the other. Trevor followed a few feet behind them taking in the new decorations and grinning at the numerous glow-in-the-dark Jack-O-Lanterns that were being set against the walls on the floor.
Warren was on the scaffolding, hanging upside down next to the mirror ball putting something on the faceted surfaces of it.
Run it, Warren called out after hed pulled himself upright.
The lights went out and the mirror ball came to life. Trevor raised an eyebrow as the ball reflected light back across the floor and walls. Hundreds of witches, skeletons, and black cats with their backs arched high in the air were giving the appearance of running from shadow to shadow.
Looks awesome bro, Devon called up.
Did you remember to order the fog fluid from The Witchs Brew? Warren asked him.
Devon gave him a thumb up, Itll be in tomorrow morning. Nick offered to pick it up for us.
Hes Alive!
Chad yelped when he was suddenly grabbed from behind and spun around. When his feet found the floor again, he had to grab onto the railing to steady himself. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Nick standing there.
Nick, Envy admonished. Dont do that.
Why not? Nick asked with a smirk. Tis the season to get the crap scared out of you. Besides, its not every day I get to see someone who cheated death. I gotta get my hug too.
Chad had regained enough of himself to bat his eyelashes at Nick. Why Mr. Wilder, he said in a sticky sweet voice, I didnt know you cared.
Nick paused and slowly looked back over at Chad who was grinning stupidly.
Damn, Nick said when he realized Chad was joking with him. As long as you dont EVER do that again well be fine.